Frequently asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a generation and is this the final generation?
We are told, in Matthew, that there are 14 generations between Abraham and David, between David and captivity to Babylon, and between Babylon and Christ. This equals 42 generations between Abraham and Christ. It is suggested that there are about 2,160 years between Abraham and Christ. 2,160 divided by 42 equals 51.4 years per generation.
Other speculations about the length of a generation include 70 years, 100 years or even 40 years because that is how long the Israelites wandered in the wilderness. Some say the “final generation” began when Israel became a nation. Others contend that, while Israel becoming a nation was extremely important, it wasn’t until 1967, when it reclaimed Jerusalem, that it could be considered to have “bloomed.” It is clear that we cannot know for sure the timing of the Lord’s return. But it is obvious that we are close--close enough to count the days!

Is the 1948 establishment of the nation of Israel the blossoming fig tree?
There is little doubt among Bible scholars that the establishment of the State of Israel, on May 14, 1948, is the fulfillment of the prophecy of the fig tree. Throughout the Bible, Israel is referred to as the fig tree. Hosea 9:10 says, “When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your fathers, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.”
After describing His return, in Matthew 24:32-34, Jesus says this: “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass away until all theses things have happened.” Most agree that this says that the generation of people who witness the fig tree bearing leaves (Israel becoming a nation) will not pass away until the Son of Man returns.

Is the European Union the revived Roman Empire?
On October 29, 2002 this article appeared in the news, www.independent.co.uk:
"The blueprint for a new constitution for Europe, unveiled yesterday, paves the way for sweeping changes to the EU but provoked instant British opposition by suggesting the bloc could be renamed ‘United States of Europe’.
Published by Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, the former French president who is chairing an inquiry into the future of Europe, the document raises the prospect of a massive overhaul of the EU to accommodate up to 10 new countries due to join in 2004. It lists three possible titles besides the European Union. They are: European Community, the United States of Europe, and United Europe.
The outline document also suggests that all Europeans should be given the right to citizenship of the EU as well as their member states." All current events seem to suggest pretty clearly that the European Union is the revived Roman Empire and that it will usher in the tribulation period and the end of the church age.

Where did the EU get its start?

The idea for forming the European Union was originally proposed on September 19, 1946, by Winston Churchill in a speech at Zurich University during which he called for a "kind of United States of Europe." December 17 of that year, the European Federalists Union was set into place in Paris, France. The early United Europe Movement was created in 1947, and was in favor of intergovernmental cooperation as opposed to supranational control.
In 1948, the Western Union Treaty was signed by Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom and the Organization for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) was created. In May of 1948, the Europe Congress met in The Hague, The Netherlands, chaired by Winston Churchill. The participants (800 delegates) recommended that councils be created to prepare political and economic integration of European countries. They also advised the adoption of a human rights charter and the creation of a court of justice to ensure respect for the charter.
In 1950, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Italy, The Netherlands and Germany agreed to pool their coal and steel resources. In September, the European Union of Payments was created.
In 1952, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands sign the European Defense Community Treaty in Paris.
In 1955, The European Community flag was created, a blue field with 12 gold stars arranged in a circle. (This later became the EU flag.)
In 1958, the parliamentary assembly adopted its internal regulation. In October, the European Court of Justice was set up in Luxembourg.
In 1961, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands voiced their wish to set up a political union. Ireland, the UK and Denmark formally applied to join the European Communities.
There were many political, trade and other dealings going on concurrently with the above events and for the next 20+ years. Too much happened to be able to summarize it all here.
On May 29, 1986, the European flag was raised up for the first time, in front of the Berlaymont building, to the European anthem (Ode to Joy from Beethoven's 9th).
This union evolves into tighter political alignment, eventually becoming the "European Union" in the 90's and creating the euro and so on.
--For complete history, see the official site of the European Union: Main website: http://europa.eu.int History: http://europa.eu.int/abc/history/index_en.htm

Will the revived Roman Empire become a military superpower?
I don't see a requirement in Scripture for the European confederation that will form the Antichrist's kingdom to achieve super military status. According to Daniel's vision of the five empires, the kingdom of the Antichrist will be of the weakest quality.
"And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. And [as] the toes of the feet [were] part of iron, and part of clay, [so] the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken." (Dan. 2:41-42).
It also says in the Book of Daniel that peace will be the Antichrist's greatest weapon.
"And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand" (Dan. 8:25).
The revived Roman Empire will have one advantage over all the other kingdoms: It will be in control of weapons of mass destruction. King Nebuchadnezzar was history's most powerful ruler in that his word was law. His orders were carried out by men with swords and spears. The Antichrist may at first have to deal with a legislature, but once he makes a decision, he will have the power to destroy nations.

What is the "rapture" and when will it happen?
The rapture is an event that will take place sometime in the near future. Jesus will come in the air, catch up the Church from the earth, and then return to Heaven with the Church. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, we are given a clear description of the rapture: "the dead in Christ will rise, then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord."

When will the Russian (Gog) invasion of Israel take place?
I believe it will take place shortly after the rapture. If it occurred before the rapture, Christians would know the Lord is coming soon. The Bible predicts that the rapture will be a surprise event. Ezekiel's claim that Israel will be burning the weapons of war for seven years is the main reason I believe that the Gog war will take place at or near the beginning of the tribulation.
Ezekiel 39:9, KJV: "And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years."

What is "Babylon" in the Book of Revelation?

The term "Babylon" is controversial among prophecy students. Babylon, as used in Revelation, refers to two things, primarily: 1) It is a religious system; and 2) it is a political and commercial system. The religious Babylon is found mainly in Revelation, Chapter 17. Commercial Babylon is found mainly in Revelation, Chapter 18.
The controversy comes when the questions arise: Will a city called Babylon be rebuilt on the site of ancient Babylon, to become the greatest city on earth during the tribulation? Or, is Babylon symbolic of a great commercial center or another great city on earth that will be destroyed?
Many good prophecy scholars have different answers to these questions. Some hold to both sides of the controversy simultaneously. One thing is sure, God's Word considers Babylon a humanistic, rebellious, anti-God entity on the world stage as human history draws to a conclusion.

Can people repent and be saved after the rapture?

Yes. Millions will repent and come to Christ for salvation during the time following the rapture of the church.
We know this because John, who was given a vision of that era, saw millions of people wearing dazzlingly white robes stand before the throne of God. There were so many that they couldn’t be counted by a man. A heavenly “elder” asked John who these people were. John didn’t know, but knew that the one asking did know. The conversation went like this, according to John, who recorded it in Revelation 7: 14:
“And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
So, obviously, people can repent and be saved after the rapture occurs. However, the issue becomes somewhat more problematic when we ask whether those who, during this present era, the Church Age, have heard the Gospel, understood that Jesus is the only way to salvation, yet refused God’s grace gift for redemption, will have another chance during the tribulation. God himself will send those people who have rejected His Son “strong delusion.” The Scripture says:
“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thess. 2: 11-12).
While many believe that this means people who had a chance to be saved before the Rapture, but rejected Christ, won’t have any hope of salvation after the rapture, the 2 Thessalonians 2 account doesn’t actually say that this will be the case. These words indicate that all who reject God’s call to salvation and choose to stay in their sin will be given over to Satan and his man of the tribulation hour, Antichrist. They will fall for his lies, and be damned forever. They will be damned, without hope of redemption, when they take Antichrist’s mark. (See Revelation Chapter 13.)
Antichrist’s lies will be powerful and alluring, much like Lucifer’s lies were almost irresistible to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. One’s chances for coming to a belief in Jesus Christ for salvation will be greatly hindered during the tribulation. Today is the day of salvation!

Why are you trying to scare people with this rapture nonsense?
The pre-trib rapture is not something you should fear. The rapture is a way to escape the terrible things that will come after it.
"For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be" (Mat. 24:21).
Let's be honest: If you truly thought the rapture was a bunch of nonsense, it would be of no concern to you. So, then, what is it you are afraid of? If you are afraid of missing the rapture, then you must believe it could be true. That belief would require you to take action and get your life right with God. The rapture need not be something that you fear. It could be your greatest hope.
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Tim. 1:7).
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Lk. 2:10-11).
"And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death" (Rev. 1:17-18).

Will some Christians miss the rapture?
I fear a special category of Christians may miss the rapture due to their lack of faith in God's ability to remove His people ahead of the tribulation. The Bible says we need to pray that we're accounted worthy to escape the tribulation.
"Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man" (Luke 21:36).
Those who lacked faith in the pre-trib rapture run the risk of blocking this blessing. When Jesus was on His healing mission, He said that He could not heal people in some towns because of their lack of faith.
"And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief" (Matt. 13:58). "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Heb. 11:6). Because Israel refused to trust God, the whole nation was made to wander in the desert for 40 years.
I think Satan fully knows the destruction that doubt causes. This is probably why he's tricked so many Christians into opposing the pre-trib rapture. A day hardly goes by when Rapture Ready doesn't receive some email that attacks the rapture doctrine. Many of these letters are filled with hatred, and, amazingly, many are from people who claim to be members of the Body of Christ.
The Word of God does not give us solid proof that Christians who oppose the pre-trib rapture will miss out on the blessed event; however, it is my understanding that the devil doesn't do anything for nothing. If you are someone in hostility to the pre-trib rapture doctrine, I would caution you to reexamine your end-time view.

Why is Israel important to Bible prophecy?
From a secular standpoint it would probably be a mystery why Israel is always in the news. It is a tiny nation that is about the same size as the State of New Jersey and it has no major natural resources.
Israel is important, however, because God made promises to Israel that will be fulfilled. One of the Bible's greatest predictions about Israel has already come to pass. In 1948, Israel was reborn as a nation. The rebirth of the Jewish state should have put aside any doubts that God had abandoned the apple of His eye.
He said, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, 'Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.' Therefore prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: O My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, My people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put My Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it,' declares the Lord" (Eze. 37:11-14).
"Fear not, for I am with you. I will bring your seed from the east, and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back; bring My sons from far, and My daughters from the ends of the earth..." (Is. 43:5-6).
"In that day, the Lord will reach out His hand a second time to reclaim the remnant that is left of His people, who will be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the coastlands of the sea. And He will set up an ensign for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth" (Is. 11:11-12).
What makes Israel important to end-time prophecy are the many Scriptures that indicate that Israel will be the main setting for key tribulation events.
"And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it" (Zech. 12:3).
"And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified" (Rev. 11:7-8).
"When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains" (Mat. 24: 15-16).

Will the Antichrist be of Jewish descent?
The Antichrist will likely be Jewish because the Jews will not receive a Gentile as their promised Messiah.
Jesus predicted that Israel will someday foolishly receive the Antichrist as their saviour. "I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive"(John 5:43).
The Bible does hint that the Antichrist might have a Jewish background. In Dan 11:37 it says "Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers." Although the verse could mean any deity, the wording strongly matches Jewish heritage of faith in God.

Does Bible prophecy require that the Dome of the Rock be destroyed?
It is very likely that the Dome of the Rock will still be standing in Jerusalem when the Tribulation Temple is built. One of the biggest obstacles to a Jewish Temple is the unlikelihood that the Muslims would surrender their claim to the area where the Dome of the Rock now stands. Even if by some remote chance the Dome is destroyed, Islamic law requires that all damaged mosques be rebuilt.
According to some leading archaeologists, the Holy of Holies of the First and Second Temples was not located on the spot where the Dome of the Rock now stands. They believe it once stood about 70 yards to the north at a location called the Dome of the Spirits.
Paul's prophecy of the Antichrist sitting in the Temple and claiming to be God proves that there will be a rebuilt Temple: "...so that he [the antichrist] takes his seat in the Temple of God, displaying himself as being God" (2 Thessalonians 2:4).
There is a strong indication that some sort of compromise will be reached between the Arabs and Jews. In Revelation 11, John the Revelator is given a rod and told to measure the Temple of God. He is told not include the outer court because it is given to the Gentiles.
"And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months" (Rev. 11:1-2).

Will the Antichrist come out of the European Union?
"And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast" (Rev: 17:10).
"For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled" (Rev 17:17).
The Bible predicts that someday a world leader will emerge from a revived Roman Empire. The European Union is clearly the fulfillment of this prophetic event. At some point, ten leaders will come to rule the EU. The likely reason for the ten political bosses is the need to streamline the decision making process. When the EU grows to 25 nations, it will become quite clear that a central governing body will be necessary. The book of Revelation tells us that the ten kings and the Beast (Antichrist) will rule at the same time. It looks like the current timeline and the prophetic timeline are about to join up with each other.
At this time, the leadership of the European Union rotates among its member nations, shifting to a new EU president every six months. I see it as a kind of musical chairs game: Who will get that last, all important chair when the music stops playing?

Who are the "two witnesses" in Revelation 11?
Moses, Elijah and Enoch are the most likely candidates for Revelation’s two witnesses, with most scholars believing the two witnesses are Moses and Elijah. In Matthew 17, when Jesus took Peter, James, and John to the mount and was transfigured in front of them, Moses and Elijah appeared with Him. Enoch was not there. The transfiguration can be seen as a picture of the coming of the two witnesses—Moses and Elijah.
Malachi 4:5 predicts that Elijah will come as one of the two witnesses: “See I will send you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.” Elijah was taken up into heaven by a whirlwind and chariot of fire (see 2 Kings 2:9-11); he did not physically die. Likewise, Moses, did not die a normal death. The Bible tells us that God preserved Moses' body (see Deuteronomy 34:5,6; Jude 9). The accounts of their deaths further corroborate the selection of Moses and Elijah as the two witnesses.

Is the Second Coming as near as some people are predicting?
The timing of the Second Coming of Jesus has been described as being much like a woman in labor. Just like a birth follows a very precise set of events, and a woman has many warnings that her baby is on the way, so it is with the return of the Lord. We have been given very precise signs to watch for that will signify Christ’s return. This web site covers those specific signs in great detail.
There has never been a time in history when the return of the Lord has been so near. It is undeniable that we are seeing prophecy fulfilled at an astonishing rate. It is important to live as though we will not have another chance to get our hearts right with God. We need to act as though there never will be another opportunity to witness to our loved ones. And we need to hold the things of this world—money, homes, ambitions—with an open hand, ready to drop it all at the beckoning of our Lord. But, we also need to realize that we will never fully understand God’s timing or His perfect plan. And the Bible says that "with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day" (2 Pet. 3:8). So we cannot place God within the framework of our limited understanding. Because of that, we continue to go to work, we continue to get educated; basically, we continue wait patiently for His return.
Jesus said, "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matt. 24:36). What is important about the timing of the rapture is not wishing that we would know when it is coming so we can get ready, but being ready at every moment. "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (Matt. 25:13). Read also 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 and 2 Peter 3:3-15.

What exactly is the tribulation?
The word "tribulation", used as a prophetic term, comes from Jesus' Olivet discourse, during which He laid out the future course of human history all the way to its climax at His Second Coming. The Lord said, in response to His disciples question, "What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"
"For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be" (Matthew 24: 21).
"Tribulation" is the term for the general era of God's judgment on a rebellious world of earth-dwellers. It is a time which will begin with Antichrist signing a seven year covenant guaranteeing Israel's peace and security (Daniel 9: 27). This era is kicked off, symbolically, beginning with the first horseman of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6: 1).
"Great Tribulation" is considered to be the last three and one-half years of that seven year period known as "Daniel's seventieth week". The last three and one-half years is called "the time of Jacob's trouble" in Jeremiah 30: 7, when God's most horrific, but totally righteous wrath is poured directly upon the rebels of planet Earth. These judgments are portrayed and precisely outlined in Revelation, chapters 6 through 19.
The Tribulation will end when Christ returns from Heaven to defeat God's enemies and set up His Millennial Kingdom on earth (Revelation 19: 11-16).

During the tribulation, what will make-up the one-world church?
All people who have not given their lives to Jesus Christ will be a part of the one-world church. They will be deceived into worshipping the Antichrist until it is too late to turn back. These people will think that they are worshipping the Messiah and will do so gladly and blindly because they did not know the true Messiah. Unfortunately, many of these people will have called themselves Christians.
Do you know the true Messiah as your personal Savior and Lord? Do you know Him intimately? Would you recognize a slick impostor? If you have any doubt, then your salvation is in question. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you and to draw you unto Him. Ask Him to forgive your sins, especially the pride that has kept you from surrendering to Him until now.

When will the tribulation begin?
The tribulation will start when the Antichrist signs the seven year peace agreement with Israel. Because there have been several major peace treaties signed between Israel and her Arab neighbors, it's important to look for one that will allow Israel to rebuild the Temple which was destroy in 70 A.D.
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. (Dan 9:27)

Can the Mark of the Beast be accepted by mistake?
The Bible does plainly say that anyone who receives the Mark of the Beast will be condemned to hell fire forever, however, I do think that even this strongly worded statement can allow for some exceptions. I don't believe the mark can be forced on people. Anyone receiving the Antichrist's number will have to choose of his own freewill to take it.
If some muscular thugs dragged an individual into a voting both and forced his hand to pull the lever for a Communist political candidate, he obviously wouldn't be responsible fot the vote. If that same person was simply told to cast a vote for a Communist candidate, and he obeyed, the responsibility would be his own.
"And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six" (Rev 13:16-18).
"And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name" (Rev 14:11).
"And I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years" (Rev 20:4).

So does the Bible say that there will be a nuclear war during the tribulation?
Both the Old and New Testaments describe an event that seems to be a nuclear war. “A third part of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur” (Revelation 9:18). This verse describes the precise effects of a nuclear blast. In Revelation 8:7 we see that, “A third of trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.” In the Old Testament, Joel 2:30 says, “I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood, and fire, and billows of smoke.” From these verses we clearly see a judgment of fire sent to earth. This could very easily be a nuclear war.

What is the battle of Armageddon?
The battle of Armageddon is a great, future war that will be fought at Mount Megiddo. This will be the most terrifying and destructive of all wars mankind will experience. The main difference between this and other wars is that the outcome is sure: we know who the winner is! This battle will be fought by men and by spiritual forces. Jesus Christ will return in the midst of this war to prove His power and might. He wins! He will judge the nations of the world and establish His kingdom.
See Revelation, chapter 16, where the preparation for the battle is described in verses 12-16. Read also, chapters 17-20. This “battle” is the final world war and it is more than just a physical war. All of the forces of good and evil will be fighting for power. Jesus wins, and then establishes His reign on earth for one thousand years.