I realize my views are probably different than most but appreciate John Tng for allowing me to post once a month or so. May the LORD continue to bless him!
The LORD JESUS CHRIST said in John 16.33, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Keep in mind the LORD said these comforting words to His people, just moments before He prayed the greatest prayer ever recorded upon this earth in chapter 17! Anyone who has the Holy Spirit dwelling within and carefully studies John 17, must conclude there is a "world" the LORD loved and died for, and a "world" He did not. As C.H. Spurgeon and others have taught for generations, there are at least 7 different "worlds" in the New Testament. The same goes for the little words, "all" and "every". Someone will ask, what about those not chosen by GOD'S merciful and sovereign grace? None of us deserve eternal life, that's why it a gift of unmerited favor! (Eph.1-2, Rom.8-9 etc.) The non-elect believe they go to heaven by their works and the LORD will judge them "according to their works". Some will be punished by many stripes and some few. You can contact me and tell me where I'm wrong, especially if you've read through the old AV English Bible at least 10 times. Anyway, I came up with this little acronym for the word "world" as used in the N.T. UPRAISE
U-universal worldP-planet earthR-reprobate worldA-adamic worldS-social worldI-IsraelE-Elect world
Now back to tribulation, the Bible teaches the LORD'S people will go through tribulation, and yes that includes great tribulation. Matthew 24. 29-35 plainly teaches that the Second Coming of our risen Saviour is "immediately AFTER the tribulation of those days!" Also, please study 2 Thessalonians 2.1-5. The inspired of God, Apostle Paul writes the "day of Christ" is NOT at hand until some predestined events happen FIRST. And yet because of man's fallen nature, the TRUTH is never popular. If one does not proclaim the pre-tribulation and 'free-will, I did it my way' theories, he will not be welcome in most churches, radio stations etc.
Back in the early 1980s my good friend, the late Mr. Mullet invited me to go hear Marvin Rosenthal teach in Akron, Ohio. At the time he was director of "Friends of Israel". Having an interest of Bible prophecy, I quickly signed up for tapes and reading material. Rosenthal was a great speaker and teacher but even 40 years ago I had trouble with the secret any moment rapture theory. Later the LORD led Mr. Rosenthal out of that same imminent rapture teaching, and he lost status and friends. It takes a man of God to admit he was wrong on an important Biblical doctrine. You can read about his conversion to the Pre-wrath position in his book, "The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church" [1990]. A few years before he passed away, I had the pleasure of talking with Mr. Rosenthal over the phone and although we differed slightly about Gog and Magog, he was very gracious and now by God's mercy, he is resting with the LORD.
Another great resource on the same subject is, "The Rapture Question Answered, Plain and Simple" [1997] by Robert Van Kampen. I bought both books when they first came out, and being a 73-year-old preacher who has studied the Scriptures for many years, [and I'm still learning] the eschatological Pre-wrath position by far makes the most Biblical sense to me. Both of these men have passed on to glory, but their works do follow them. "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good". [1Thess.5.21] Not being an author of books, I would much rather talk or preach than write. These two prophetic positions are not Eternal Life issues, one of my mentors was a gifted Sovereign Grace preacher and also taught Pre-trib.
We are living in strange yet interesting times. Tiny Israel is in the news almost hourly, and the world media hates Netanyahu even more than they hate Trump, if that is possible. And as America, Israel is divided by Conservatives and Neo-Marxists. Her villages were unwalled and Israel thought she was dwelling securely last year, and then ungodly terrorism hit. And still continues to this day.
Did the Gog invasion slowly begin on October 7, 2023, Putin's Birthday?? Has he been practicing against poor Ukraine for the last few years as he consolidates the prophesied coalition?? When will the LORD GOD turn back Gog and put hooks into his jaws toward Israel?? [Eze.38.4]
We first wrote about Gog and Magog almost 20 years ago and the article was later published in a Texas church paper. If someone wants a copy, please contact me. I'm not a date setter but believe the Gog prophecy is different than Armageddon.One thing we do know, God's Word will be fulfilled. The LORD JESUS said in three of the four gospels, "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but My Words shall not pass away."
E.S.Gingerich