Revealing Eschatology.
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Page 18.
The Power and Glory of God's Creation.
The Covenants relating to God's Salvation Plan for Mankind.
When our understanding of the Bibical Covenants is in place, we are better able to put the other pieces together without forcing them to fit. When we speak of the bibical covenants as being important to our understanding of prophecy, we are referring to the Abrahamic Covenant, the Davidic Covenant, the New Covenant, and the Palestine (Canaan) Covenant; that being the return of the Jews as a nation in Palestine promised in scripture. Other covenants are found in scripture, but these here are the ones important to understanding end-time prophecy.
There were three basic areas of provision made in the Abrahamic Covenant. First, there were "personal" blessings for Abraham, 2nd, there were blessings for Abraham's descendants, "national" blessings for the Jews. Third, there were "universal" blessings, which would include all people. In these ways God promised to bless Abraham and to make his name great. The most significant issue related to the Abrahamic covenant has to do with its "nature." Is it a conditional covenant or an unconditional covenant? How one answers that question determines the framework of one's prophetic studies of God's Plan for Mankind.
Gen. 12-1-6 contains only the first of several conditions given to Abraham. Scripture states that during his lifetime, Abraham did fulfill all the conditions given by God, so God ratified the covenant by His oath in Genesis chapters 15 and 22; making the covenant "unconditional" from that point onward. Thus God's covenant promises to Abraham are unconditional and certain of fulfillment. Though the covenant was unconditional, there was a condition attached to the "participants." If any involved in the covenant chose not to "walk before the Lord," they would lose out on the benefits and blessings of the covenant. This is a critical distinction to keep in mind. Sin and disobedience would cause the loss of the covenant blessings but would never cancel "the covenant." The blessings of the covenant were conditional on the obedience of an individual or individuals. But the complete fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant depends on God alone. And he intends to fulfill this covenant even if his people Israel are not faithful and obedient.
Scripture makes clear that the Abrahamic covenant remained in effect even though Israel failed badly. The failure and disobedience of Israel did not set aside the covenant promises. God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah and guaranteed that as long as the sun, moon, and stars existed the nation would continue before him. (Jer.31-35-37) "--a nation before me forever." Several times God declared that this Abrahamic covenant was an everlasting covenant. And several times he stated that "the land of Canaan" (Palestine proper) would be an everlasting possession of Israel's. No time limit was placed on this covenant provision, which indicates that Israel was to remain "a nation" forever. These promises are constantly referred to throughout the Old Testament, with the nature of these promises confirming the continuance of Israel as "a nation." So "says the Lord, who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night---. If this fixed order departs from me, declares the Lord, then the offspring of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me forever" (Jer. 31-35-36).
Galatians 3-6-9 states that believers are "sons of Abraham." True believers in the church both Jew and Gentile, are seen as the ones to whom the covenant blessings come. It is clear that many of the promises will not be fulfilled by the natural seed; Israelites also had to be a people of faith-a spiritual seed. Gentiles as the spiritual seed of Abraham means that they are "heirs of the promise" given "to all the families of the earth" (Gen. 12-3). Now what must be noted is that Gentile believers are not said to fulfill the promises that were given concerning "their land," and they being restored as a nation kingdom in Palestine (Canaan proper). This promise belongs to the physical descendants of Abraham, the Jewish people. To understand the fulfilling of the Abrahamic covenant we must keep these three provisions given in the covenant to the "seed of Abraham" in mind. There are promises that have to do with "national Israel" and there are promises that go beyond national Israel and include all the nations of the earth.
The Mosiac covenant was a "conditional" covenant, and was not a covenant agreement that included Gentiles. But it was Israel's constitution giving them laws and ordinances to guide all aspects of national life. The Palestine land covenant is another provision of the Abrahamic covenant. In the original covenant, God promised a land area to Abraham (Gen. 12-1;13-14-17;15-7;17-7-8). The Palestine covenant, where they would be restored and made a nation again in Canaan (Palestine) was also an unconditional covenant promise. That promise, where Israel would eventually return and live in the land as a nation again where their forefathers had dwelt. Scripture states that "this promise" given them would be fulfilled in the final times, and given as an "unconditional promise."
Scripture also declares, which we believe and hold, that the land promises given to Abraham's physical seed were literally fulfilled in the Old Testament. The time of this literal fulfillment can be placed either at the time of the conquest under Joshua or in the days of King Solomon. We could summerize these promises concerning the land inherited by Israel as follows: The land was promised through Abraham (the promised boundaries and areas of the land), the promise was renewed to Isaac, Jacob and Moses. It was fulfilled literally through Joshua. Some Bible scholars find the actual fulfillment in Solomon's day. Compare 1 Kings 4-21 and 5-4 with Gen. 15-18. Yet much of the futurist belief rests on the "assumption" that God has never given Israel all the land promised through Abraham.
The scriptures confirm that the Lord indeed kept the covenant promise that Abraham's physical seed would receive the land boundary areas given Abraham. But it does not "annul the covenant promise" given the prophets and David of their returning to their forefather's land (Canaan proper), and becoming a nation again in the end times. Where in those times they would return to the land and become a nation again. Though, they would not receive the "boundaries" of the Abrahamic land covenant promise given in the Old Testament. For God fulfilled those promises in the kingdoms of David and Solomon, if not in the days of Joshua.
Therefore when looking to the number of prophecies seen concerning the dispersion, regathering and conversion of Israel to their "land" and they being made a nation again; it is to be seen in the light of a "provision promise" of the prophecy's fulfillment for the physical seed of Israel. Some of these promises are seen in Isa. 11-11-12;14-1-2; Jer. 16-14-15;23-7-8;30-3;31-36-40;32-37-44; Ezek. 20-42; and etc. In these scriptures and others that could be given, we see in the plainest of language God saying he would return Israel as a nation in the land of Israel in spite of their sins.
When looking to these many scriptures that speak of Israel's return to their land in the end times, no scripture is given concerning "the areas or boundaries of this land" that would be given them. The many scriptures of this final return promise simply states; "I will bring you back to "the land" where your forefathers had dwelt, and there I will make you a nation again." If the boundaries of the Abrahamic covenant were to be given them in their final return to their land, why did not the Lord relate this to his prophets and David? There is no scripture that speaks of this final return, where for example it would state: "I will bring you back to the land where your forefathers dwelt, the land they possessed from the Euphrates to the River Egypt." We see no scripture that speaks of Israel's return to the land in that way.
If this final return to the land were to be, as many believe, to be fulfilled "from the Euphrates to the River Egypt", why didn't the Lord reveal these words to the prophets? It is clear through the scriptures he did not, for the simple reason that this promise of the Abrahamic covenant was fulfilled at its latest through David and Solomon's reign. This fulfilled "that" provision promise given them by the Lord to the physical seed of the nation of Israel. The provision of the "future restoration" of Israel's physical seed, as seen in scripture is the promise that they would be regathered and made a nation again "in the land", in the general land areas surrounding the land of Palestine proper. In those areas where their forefathers originally dwelt, period. And not in the outer areas they at one time held.
This provision or "unconditional covenant promise" of Israel's restoration nationally was fulfilled by the Lord in the 20th century. Israel began returning to their land and they later became a nation again in 1948. This promise of fulfillment is seen in the Davidic covenant. David was promised that he would have a "house" that would last forever. The word "house" has reference to David's physical line (seed). God guaranteed that the line of David would endure forever, and never be cut off. David's "throne" would also be established forever. The "throne" speaks of ruling authority. This is a guarantee or promise that the right to rule would always belong to the physical seed of David as a nation or kingdom. Even though there would be times because of disobedience where they would lose that right of remaining a nation.
In the various passages, Israel's restoration back to the land and its rebuilding are connected to the New Covenant. These scriptures point with certainty to the fact that the New Covenant will be made between the Lord, the nation of Israel, as well as with the Gentile nations. The nature of the New Covenant is like the other covenants that develop the Abrahamic covenant, it is both eternal and unconditional. The unconditional aspect of the New Covenant is seen that no conditions are placed on Israel in any of the scriptures that deal with this covenant. The promises of the New Covenant are primarily spiritual in nature, though some material blessings related to the land are also included. In the New Covenant, besides the Gentiles, God provides for the salvation of Israel. Though not every member of Israel and Judah will be saved. Of course, neither the spiritual nor physical restoration could take place until the necessary sacrifice for sin was made.
The blessings for the church however are "unrelated to the national land covenant promise given Israel. That being the promises having to do with the Jews returning to their land and that restoration. These promises given them by the Lord were "unconditional", and these promises have been fulfilled when Israel was made a nation in 1948. Concerning the spiritual blessings given us by the Lord's New Covenant of salvation, they apply to the Jews as well as the Gentiles, because of the blood of Christ shed on the Cross 2000 years ago.
Concerning the covenant promises "given Israel" in the Abrahamic, Davidic, Palestine land covenant and New Covenant, all the provisions and promises of these covenants were fulfilled by God in past history to our current history. That being the Abrahamic land covenant they would possess from the Euphrates to the River Egypt. Fulfilled with certainty in David or Solomon's reigns, if not in Joshua's time. The spiritual blessings given Israel as well as the Gentiles, began their fulfillment by the New Covenant brought in through Christ our Lord. The national blessings for Israel being restored as a nation kingdom again was fulfilled in our time. This fulfilled the Davidic covenant promises given to David's "house" (Jer. 31-35-36). The Lord began fulfilling these promises concerning the physical seed of the patriarchs in 1948 when Israel became a nation kingdom again.
The spiritual blessings given in the covenants of the Old and New Testaments, included both Jew and Gentile. These blessings were brought in through Christ our Lord 2000 years ago. That which we call the church or kingdom age on earth. This kingdom of God on earth has two aspects. In the spiritual kingdom aspect of God on earth, this is the rule of God over all those who are believers; those who have experienced the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit. Anyone from Adam until now who has been born again is part of this phase of God's kingdom (Col. 1-13). When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about entering into the kingdom by the new birth, this is the aspect of the kingdom Jesus was referring to (John 3-1-10). The true church of Jesus Christ is equivalent to this aspect of the kingdom of God.
The mystery form of the kingdom of God on earth. This aspect of the kingdom of God on earth exists between the two advents of Christ. In this mystery form of the kingdom the ruler is God. The ruled are people on the earth who relate themselves in a positive, neutral or negative way to Christianity. This time is the period between his first and second coming. Unlike the spiritual kingdom, unbelievers are a part of this aspect of God's kingdom. Thus it is called the church age or age of salvation and grace.
Then comes the eternal kingdom of God on the new earth. Dan. 2-44 declares that the "God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed---.It will itself endure forever." This kingdom comes into existence only after "all the kingdoms of man are totally removed from the earth." For this kingdom of God does not and "cannot coexist" with human kingdoms and sinful flesh. Contrary to those who believe in a millennium with Christ on earth co-existing with sinful flesh, scripture speaks otherwise. The kingdom of God cannot co-exist with sinful flesh and sinful kingdoms; all sin must be removed, thus removing the curse forever.
In 1 Cor. 15-23-28, the apostle Paul teaches us that at that time Jesus "delivers up the kingdom to the God and Father" (Verse 24). Jesus does this after he has made inoperative every enemy, including angels and death (verses 25-26). All of Jesus' enemies will be put "under his feet" (verse 25). The dominion over the earth will be recovered by Christ. When this occurs Christ will turn over the kingdom of the saints to the Father for the eternal reign over a new heaven and new earth. The eternal kingdom of God is the final phase of the kingdom of God that he brought in through His Son Jesus Christ.
We are given these truths seen in the Old Testament by the apostles, called and led by the Holy Spirit. What Paul calls the "mystery" or hidden truth kept secret since the world began. In these New Testament texts given us, it reveals God's salvation plan for mankind hidden in the Old Testament, until the Lord determined to reveal it. (see Romans 16-25-26;1Cor. 2-7,10). Paul gives us further revelation of this mystery revealed to him and the apostles in Ephe. 3-3-6. Paul makes clear here that the mystery or hidden truth given the prophets in the Old Testament has now been given to the apostles and prophets of the New Testament, and now being revealed "unto the sons of men." Part of the mystery being revealed in this text is "that the Gentiles are to be fellow heirs and of the same body." They are to be seen as not only "a part" of the house of Israel, but are to be considered as "the house of Israel." The Gentiles are "heirs" and of "the same body". And they, Jew and Gentile, are also "partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel." In 1 Cor. 1-26 it tells us that we receive "(even) the mystery (the hidden truth) which had been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints" (see also 2 Tim. 1-10).
As was noted concerning the covenant promises given Israel, and the "seed of Abraham, the Gentiles," in the Abrahamic, Davidic, Palestine land covenant and New Covenant, all provisions and promises of these covenants were fulfilled by God in past history to our current history. God fulfilled the Abrahamic land covenant that they would possess the land "from the Euphrates to the River Egypt." If not in Joshua's time, fulfilled in the kingdom of Solomon. The Davidic covenant, the spiritual and national blessings given to Israel as well as the Gentiles, began their fulfillment by the New Covenant brought in through Christ our Lord 2000 years ago. The "national" blessings for Israel being restored as a nation and kingdom again in Palestine, was fulfilled in our time. That is the provision of the Davidic covenant promise given concerning David's "house" (Jer. 31-35-36). The Lord began fulfilling this promise concerning the physical seed of the Patriarchs in 1948 when Israel became a nation and kingdom again in Palestine (land of Canaan).
Concerning the Gentiles of "the house of Israel", scripture states that we are "fellow heirs and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel" (Ephe. 3-3-6). We are heirs and partakers of the same promises given Israel seen in the covenants of the Old and New Testament. Thus we too would receive the promises given in these covenants that speak of receiving a land and a kingdom, to receive the promises of "national blessings". God began fulfilling that promise in 1776 when we became a nation, and since then the Lord has showered us such national blessings that we became the greatest and most powerful nation in the world. But since our birth as a nation, in the past generation or so, we have turned our backs to God, and our sins have piled up to heaven.
In scripture we see that God did not put up with sinful mankind for many thousands of years, as many believe today. From Adam we see he destroyed mankind after only several thousand years, and not after many thousands of years. And we are told why he destroyed them, it was because of their "great sinfulness." Every inclination of their hearts was bent on evil all the time. Their sins had piled up to heaven. Yet the view of many people today, Christians alike, is that the Lord will not come to destroy this sinful world for hundreds or thousands of years, and some believe not at all. Even though it cannot be denied and is clear in our time that our sins have certainly reached the Lord of heaven. It is seen throughout scripture that God only puts up with sinful man for so long. Scripture shows us how he destroyed them and their nations, even his chosen ones, Israel.
The Lord shows us through scripture from Genesis to Revelation, that he will put up with mankind for only so long. Only in order to fulfill his salvation plan for mankind. When that time be fulfilled, he will come and destroy sinful mankind as scripture declares. He also gives us in scripture a great sign of his coming. It is this, as the prophecies unfold and become fulfilled in man's history, the clock continues to run down for mankind and the world. Thus we see that God has given us, his saints, his greatest sign of all of the general time of his coming. Today that sign is the great "absence" of yet unfulfilled prophecies he gave us in his word. For the vast majority of his prophecies have now been fulfilled in the history of Israel and the Gentile nations that were to be involved in God's salvation plan for mankind. Leaving now only the end of the age prophecies to come to fulfillment for the earth and mankind. Where then what remains in scripture of the prophecies to come, relate to the eternal state fulfilling all prophecy and promises given in his word. These scriptural fulfillments and facts alone should strike the body of Christ today to its surroundings, to a great concern and awareness, and to proclaim that message to the lost of the world.
In the New Testament the prophecies that relate to the end time are generally given in a spiritual, symbolic manner, but literal fulfillment of what the "nature" of secular man's spirit, soul, heart and actions would be in those times; including many in the church that makes up the body of Christ. Much of the New Testament concerning these things to come in the end time are given there.
These major prophecies are seen in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. In Luke 21-20-24, this prophecy speaks of when Jerusalem would be surrounded by armies. This was fulfilled by the Roman armies in 70 A.D. Other major prophecies are seen in 2 Thess. 2-1-7; 2 Tim. 3-9;2 Peter 2-1-22;3-3-14; and in the book of Revelation, which speaks entirely of the end times to their fulfillment. Which then brings in the eternal state for the saints, and judgment on the ungodly. Until then Christ must remain in heaven until that time of restoration is fulfilled. This is seen in Acts 3-11-26. Then at the prophecy's fulfillment the church will be taken up to the heavens; 1 Thess. 4-13-18; 1 Cor. 15-51-52; 1 John 3-2-3; and Jude 14-15.
If one can realize that the chief truth seen in the scriptures that speak of the final tribulation period is that it would come and be the time when the work of the church to evangelize the world is coming to a close. Where at that time the end of the work of the church would also coincide with an apostasy in the churches of Christ. Also coinciding with the prophecies given concerning the tribulation, Israel, the beast, and etc. This would be the time or beginning phases prophesied of God's coming judgments upon the whole world. This is the chief truth given us in scripture concerning those times. The chief focus of the tribulation is a judgment upon the churches and congregations because they have fallen away from the truth. This falling away coincides with God's timetable of history. When God's salvation plan comes to an end, mankind and history also comes to an end. And the church age ends at the same time the world ends as we know it.
Therefore, the great need for the church to hear the footsteps of the Bridegroom's Coming, to awaken her so she can proclaim to the world, all are welcome to come to the marriage supper as well, before the Bridegroom comes and shuts the door (Matt. 24-7-13). The church needs to realize and repent, that it is this very present time "thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this."
I pray that the Lord's Holy Spirit will awaken the body of Christ powerfully from their slumber, so as to become united as one voice, and proclaim to the world of our Lord's Glorious Coming; so that all can recieve His Salvation and Great Mercy. Glory be to our Lord Jesus Christ, now and forever, Amen!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Fulfilled and Unfulfilled Prophecies of Scripture.
When reading the prophecies seen in Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, and Job, we see them as having been fulfilled in one way or another in history. Fulfilled by God and Christ in various times of man's history. Other prophecies fulfilled in part and to be fulfilled are seen in: Psalms 14-7;105-5-11;132-11 is Israel's restoration, nationally and spiritually. For the most part fulfilled and being fulfilled to its end of the church age.
In Psalms 2-9;8-5;9-1-20;16-1-10;22-1-31;31-3-5;34-20;41-9;68-18;69-20-21;72-7-11;72-15-20;78-2;89-1-4;89-19-37;
96-1-13;97-1-12;98-1-9;99-1-9;102-16;102-25-28;103-19-20;110-1-7;118-22;145-13-14; these prophecies are seen in scripture as being fulfilled in christ at his first coming. With the complete fulfillment of these promises coming at the second coming of Christ and into the eternal state.
96-1-13;97-1-12;98-1-9;99-1-9;102-16;102-25-28;103-19-20;110-1-7;118-22;145-13-14; these prophecies are seen in scripture as being fulfilled in christ at his first coming. With the complete fulfillment of these promises coming at the second coming of Christ and into the eternal state.
In Isa. 2-1-3;4-2-6, we see here the beginning fulfillment coming through Christ, "the word of the Lord (going forth) from Jerusalem." Where then the mountain of the Lord who would teach the Lord's ways would come from "the house of Israel." The "mountain" (the U.S.), the Lord would give them to proclaim his word to the world. Isa. 2-11-18 is in its fulfillment. Going to Isa. 4-2-6;7-14-16;9-6-7;28-16;32-1-20;40-1-31;42-1-13;49-1-26;50-1-11;52-13-53 to 53-12;59-20-21;61-1-3;63-1-3;65-17-25;66-1-24; these were fulfilled for the most part at Christ's first coming. The complete fulfillment comes after the church age of grace ends and occurs at Christ's second coming.
These seen in Isa. 11-1 to 12-6;14-1-8;14-12-17;24-1-23;25-1-12; to 27-13;34-1-17;35-1-10;43-14-28;47-1-15;52-1-12;54-1-17;55-1-13;61-4-11;62-1-12;63-4-19; for the most part were to be fulfilled during the church age to its fulfillment bringing in the end of the age and Christ's second coming. Most of these prophecies have all but been fulfilled, with only the remaining prophecies of the end time to be completely fulfilled.
In Jer. 3-11-18 and 23-5-6, this fulfillment began with the Lord's first coming. Then to be fulfilled through the church age to its final fulfillment. The texts of Jer. 23-7-8;30-1-11;30-16-24;31-31-40;33-6-26; have been fulfilled for the most part in Israel's return to their land, where there they were made a nation again in 1948. The spiritual promises that came through Christ at his first coming will come to fulfillment at his second coming. At the end of the church age when the prophecies are all but fulfilled. The fall of Babylon occurs as we are told in Jer. 51-6-8, and verses 25-33,64; that "mystery Babylon" that is to be punished is seen also in the book of Revelation.
In Ezek. 20-39-44;28-25-26;34-11-31;36-1-38;37-1-28; these prophecies of promises and fulfillment relate to both Jew and Gentile, which make up the whole house of Israel. They began their fulfillment through Christ, the church age, and meet their fulfillment at the end of the age. Where then the end time prophecies are brought in to be fulfilled, in order to complete the rest of the restoration promises given in these and other texts.
In Ezek. 38-1 to 48-35, these scriptures speak of the fulfillment of the prophecies that were to come in the end time. The prophecies to come at the end of the age for Israel, the Gentile nations and the church at large. These prophecies for the most part began their fulfillment in our recent history; and will soon come to their complete fulfillment. The same can be said of Dan. 2-33-35,41-45;7-7-14,19-27;8-9-14,24-26;9-27;11-31-45;12-1-13; these texts all speak of the final kingdom's actions of what was prophesied to come in the end time, which are well into their fulfillment now.
Hosea 2-14;3-5;6-1-3;11-1; speak of the final restoration to come for Israel through Christ. The church age of grace and salvation and fulfillment of the promises given both to Israel and the Gentiles who would turn to Christ. The other texts of Hosea are seen as being fulfilled in history.
Joel 2-28-32;3-1-2,9,21; here these promises and judgments speak mainly of those fulfillments coming to pass in the end time. The texts in Amos are seen as having been fulfilled in history with the exception of Amos 9-11-15. This future restoration for Israel being brought back to their land as a nation and their rebuilding began in 1948. These texts also apply to the spiritual promises of salvation they also can recieve if they turn to Christ their Messiah.
The books of Obadiah and Jonah are seen as having been fulfilled in history. Micah 2-12, applies to Israel's restoration in the last days, and has been fulfilled in this century. Micah 4-1-8 applies to the whole house of Israel whom the Lord would use to establish "the mountain of the house of the Lord, who would teach the nations to walk in his ways." This fulfillment began with the church age, and to the birth of the U.S., and continues to its fulfillment. Micah 5-1-4 predicts the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. Micah 7-11-20 predicts the final restoration and blessings to be given his people Israel, where is seen in this century the restoration back to their land that has been fulfilled.
Nahum and Habakkuk in general has been fulfilled in history. As with Zephaniah, except for 3-8,13-20 which speaks of the final restoration, spiritual blessings and judgment on the ungodly. These are quickly being fulfilled in our time. Haggai in general has been fulfilled in history with the exception of 2-6-7 and 2-21-22, which speaks of the end time judgements and the Lord's second coming.
Zechariah 2-1-13;3-1-10 is now in its fulfillment. 4-1-10 has been fulfilled in history. 4-11-14 was prophesied for the end time, and is now in its fulfillment. 5-1-11 is an ongoing prophecy until its complete fulfillment at the time of the end. The same is seen in Zech. 6-1-8. In 6-9-15, this speaks synbolically of the coming of Christ, the priest King, to come, in order to build the temple of the Lord. This fulfillment began at his first coming bringing in the church age until its final fulfillment known only by the Lord.
Zech. 8-1-23 for the most part has been fulfilled in this century of the church age, and will be ultimately fulfilled by Christ. Zech. 9-9-17 began its fulfillment through Christ and will continue until its complete fulfillment. Zech. 11-1-17 was fulfilled when Israel rejected Christ as their Messiah at his first coming. 12-1-14 speaks of judgments upon those who come up against Jerusalem, and blessings and restoration for Judah and the house of David, the "whole house of Israel that is in Christ." And "the house of David shall be as (figurative-"like") God (Christ), as the angel of the Lord before them." And "in that day, I will seek to destroy all the nations that come up against Jerusalem." Zech. 12-10-14 speaks of blessings and great mourning that will occur at the time of Christ's second coming. Zech. 13-1-9 speaks in general from the time of Christ's first coming to his second coming, and of tribulation at the end of the age. The same is seen in Zech. 14-1-21. It begins with Christ's first coming (verses 1-4, Jerusalem's destruction in 70 A.D.), to the time of the end in verses 5-21, shortly before his second coming.
Malachi for the most part has been fulfilled in history. Fulfilled by John the Baptist and Christ, except for the prophecy that in the end time, the Lord would send the Spirit of Elijah to proclaim the second coming of Christ to warn the church and the world to repent and prepare themselves for his coming.
In general the New Testament speaks of Christ's first coming and he being the Messiah that was to come for Israel and the Gentile world. This testimony is given with many confirmations and miracles that what the Old Testament prophets spoke about was fulfilled through Christ, the Son of God. The New Testament also gives us a general history of the early church, and reveals the "mystery" hidden in the Old Testament, that spoke of the coming church age, and of the blessings and promises that would be given her. The coming kingdom of God on earth in its mystery form, until its completion and fulfillment bringing in the eternal state for the Lord's saints. The New Testament also reveals end time prophecy, and those prophecies seen there all relate to one another. They also relate to the book of Revelation and the prophecies seen as being unfulfilled in the books of the Old Testament, which has been given here to refer to.
Here it can be said that we have gone through the entire Old and New Testament, and have seen that the vast majority of the prophecies given us in the Lord's scriptures has been fulfilled in history. Leaving only the end time prophecies that were to come to be fulfilled at that time of the end stated in scripture. As noted, the Lord shows us through scripture from Genesis to Revelation, that he will put up with mankind only so long as to fulfill his salvation plan for mankind. When that time be fulfilled, he will come to destroy sinful mankind. And he shows us in scripture that "great sign" of his coming, among other signs he gave us to look to. As the prophecies unfold and become fulfilled in man's history, the clock continues to run down for mankind and the world. And the vast majority of his prophecies have now been fulfilled, with only a few of these prophecies to come to fulfillment. Showing us that the clock has now all but run out for mankind and the world.
In 2 Peter 3-3-7, Peter reminds us of these truths. "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts. And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as (they were) from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water; Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished. But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. (Verse 9), "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness (time); but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." This verse shows us God's salvation plan for mankind till his word (his prophecies) be fulfilled; "not willing that any should perish." But also by his word, "The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (V.10). "Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (V.13).
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