By COGwriter
Many who profess Christ do not even believe in a coming Great Tribulation.
Yet, there will be one. Jesus' disciples specifically asked Him how to know when this would happen (Matthew 24:3; Mark 13:4; Luke 21:7)--and He responded with details.
(Note: This article was originally written in early 2014, which is after Protestants made blood moon claims for 2015 and BEFORE the dates were past.)
(More on Protestant issues can be found in the free online book: Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differs from Protestantism.)
Ignoring what Jesus taught, some have claimed that blood moons in 2014 and the expected ones in 2015 may mark the beginning of the Great Tribulation. Well, blood moons did not mark the start in 2014 nor will they mark the start in 2015.
The only ‘moons’ that Jesus referred to in the New Testament, were in Matthew 24:29, Mark 13:24, and Luke 21:25. And these were taught by Jesus to occur after the Great Tribulation.
While some type of a blood moon is prophesied to precede the final Day of the Lord (Acts 2:20), the one prophesied does not happen until a couple of years AFTER the Great Tribulation will begin.
(That being said, it is possible that the deal of Daniel 9:26 could be confirmed near the time of a regular blood moon, but that is not a biblical requirement. See also The 'Peace Deal' of Daniel 9:27.)
Here is a link to a related article Blood Moons and Prophecy and related YouTube video Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015.
Many in the evangelical/fundamentalist Protestant world the “great tribulation” will come 3 ½ years or immediately after what they call the ‘rapture.’
Millions have been improperly taught that Jesus will return prior to the start of the Great Tribulation and the last trumpet blast and they will be raptured into heaven. This ‘rapture’ belief is contrary to Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:29-31 and the Apostle Paul’s in 1 Corinthians 15:50-52, which show that Jesus returns at the last trumpet. The last trumpet comes years AFTER the start of the Great Tribulation.
I saw one promoter of this view say, years ago, that the next prophetic event that would be fulfilled would be this ‘rapture.’ Thus, he discouraged people from heeding the words of Jesus to watch many other signs (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, Daniel 9, Daniel 11). Those who believe in a pre-tribulation ‘rapture’ will not possibly know when the Great Tribulation will begin as they are not expecting to possibly be part of it.
What the Bible teaches is the abomination of desolation will be standing in the holy place (Matthew 24:15) and then a decree will be issued (Zephaniah 2:1-3), so the faithful will flee to the wilderness (Revelation 12:14-16). As heaven is not a wilderness, there is not pre-tribulation rapture.
Additionally it may come as surprise to people who have actually studied the Book of Revelation, but pre-tribulation “rapture” proponents tend to falsely claim that the church is not mentioned in Revelation from chapter 4 through chapter 18, because it had been raptured away. Yet, the Bible is clear that Satan makes war on the Christians who do not go to the place in the wilderness (Revelation 12:17; 13:7-10) and the saints who go through it have a certain patience (Revelation 14:12), thus the church is clearly involved in the Great Tribulation.
Here is a link to a related article Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected and related YouTube video Did Jesus Teach a Pre-tribulation Rapture?
Some well known Protestant proponents of the pre-tribulation rapture view also believe that the physical city of ancient Babylon is destined to become the Babylon the great of the Book of Revelation.
The ancient city of Babylon, which is in the Iraqi region, has not had any religious prominence for millennia.
Geography itself eliminates ancient Babylon from being the prophesied one. Ancient Babylon was built on a plain. Yet, the “Babylon the great” of Revelation is related to the city of seven mountains/hills (Revelation 17:9). It is also shown to have a history of persecuting true Christians, which simply has not been the case (in any major way) from ancient Babylon.
All should understand that the Book of Revelation specifically does refer to cities with titles other than the original ones (e.g. Revelation 11:8) and that it often adds a descriptive word (like Mystery) before the term Babylon (e.g. 17:5), that none should insist that ancient Babylon is the logical location. Furthermore, the Old Testament refers to a northern power as “the daughter of Babylon” (cf. Jeremiah 50:41-43; Zechariah 2:6-7) that resembles the Babylon of Revelation—thus a different type of Babylon is prophesied to exist in the end times.
It needs to be understood that since the people of God are specifically warned to flee from “the daughter of Babylon” in the North (Zechariah 2:6-7) as well as the Babylon of Revelation (18:2-4), it makes sense that it is not necessary for Babylon in Revelation it to be the ancient Babylon location (ancient Babylon is also almost directly due east, and only to the slightest degree north, of Jerusalem). Thus, any Protestants who teach that the ancient city of Babylon must be the Babylon of the Beast of Revelation appear to be in error.
Those who believe that ancient Babylon must be rebuilt for biblical prophecies to be fulfilled will be waiting for something that is not biblically required.
A related post would be: WND: Mecca is Mystery Babylon.
Many Protestant prophecy preachers have claimed that while the Beast is likely European, that the final King of the North is Russian.
Yet, because the sea of the ten-horned Beast of the Sea in Revelation 13:1-10 is the Mediterranean Sea (cf. Daniel 2:1-3; Joshua 9:1; 23:4; Ezekiel 47:13-16), the King of the North (Daniel 11:40) must be European. This European King of the North will be disturbed by a power in the direction of Russia (Daniel 11:44-45) that includes Russia (Jeremiah 50:41-43), hence that is another reason why the King of the North is not Russian.
Jesus taught that it would be time to flee prior to the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21) when the abomination of desolation spoken by Daniel appeared in the holy place (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14). As this is related to actions by the King of the North (cf. Daniel 9:27; 11:31), those who think this King of the North is Russia will not understand this key event.
It should also be mentioned that some Protestants have taught that the ten-horned beast is only a system, not a person and that the two-horned beast is a only system of two kingdoms and is not a person. Those not looking for individuals will not believe the individuals are fulfilling end time prophesies.
Two related written articles would be Who is the King of the North? and Is Russia the King of the North?:
Two related videos would be The Future King of the North and Is Russia the King of the North?.
A common Greco-Roman prophetic misunderstanding is the teaching that the King of the North, the ten-horned Beast, is the final Antichrist.
While that leader is opposed to Christ, since he is primarily a political-military leader (Revelation 13:1-10) he is not THE Antichrist.
Now the two-horned Beast of Revelation 13:11-16, is primarily a religious leader, who is further described as the False Prophet (Revelation 16:13; 19:20; 20:10). As all the verses in the Bible that use the term "antichrist" are referring to religious leaders including false prophets (1 John 2:18-22; 4:1-3; 2 John 7), it is the two-horned Beast who is the Antichrist.
In the Continuing Church of God, we believe that all false ministers are “antichrist.” However, we also believe that in the end, one individual will arise to be the final Antichrist. This is consistent with the position of some possibly affiliated with the Church of God in the Middle Ages as well, and that the final Antichrist is the False Prophet/the two-horned beast of Revelation 13.
A related written article would be Some Doctrines of Antichrist and a realted video would be What Does the Bible teach about the Antichrist?.
Some Protestants have contended that the final Antichrist will be Islamic with ancient Babylon as his capital. While the Bible tells of a leader rising up in the Arabic, Nubian, and Turkish lands that will rule a confederation, that leader is referred to as the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43).
The final Antichrist is associated with the great city of “seven mountains” (Revelation 17:9) “which reigns over the kings of the earth” (Revelation 17:18). Many Catholic, Protestant, and Church of God scholars have properly identified that city as Rome. The final Antichrist will support the European King of the North (Daniel 11:39-40) Beast power (Revelation 13) who will defeat the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43).
While Islam is anti-Christ's divinity, etc., the final Antichrist will not be a Muslim leader. He will feign a more compromised form of Roman Catholicism, but eventually will allow it to be betrayed (Revelation 17:15-17).
Two related written articles would be Is There an Islamic Antichrist? and Is the Future King of the South Rising Up?
A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
One current televangelist has claimed that the next prophetic event is that the Euphrates river would dry up. However, since that does not happen until after the start of the Great Tribulation (Revelation 16:12), those that believe him will not know when the Great Tribulation will begin. The focus of this particular televangelist’s program is end time prophetic matters, but he is teaching many things contrary to the Bible.
This is mentioned in the article When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?
Many Protestants do not have any real idea where the USA is mentioned in biblical prophecy, nor its Anglo-Saxon descended allies. Because of that, they do not see how many end time events are going to turn out. Also, because of that, they will not realize that they should flee away from the USA, etc. just prior to the start of the Great Tribulation (cf. Revelation 12:14-16).
Some items of related interest include the following:
Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? Spain wants Gibraltar and Argentina wants the Falklands (also known as the Malvinas). Does the Bible give clues as to what will happen with these 'sea gates'? A related video would be Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? A version in Spanish ¿Perderá el Reino Unido a Gibraltar y las Islas Falkland (Malvinas)? Here is a version in Mandarin Chinese 英国将失去直布罗陀和福克兰群岛.
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. There is also a video available: Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
Various Protestant prophecy teachers believe that Ezekiel 38 and 39 involve Russia. That is true. Yet, many totally misunderstand the timing of those chapters. They expect events to take place prior to the Great Tribulation which do not take place until many, many years later (cf. Revelation 20:7-9).
For more details, please check out Russia and Ukraine: Their Origins and Prophesied Future.
Some in and out of the Church of God believe that a Jewish temple must be built before the Great Tribulation can begin, despite the fact that the Philadelphia era of the COG did not hold that view.
This rebuilt Jewish Temple view is based upon the two faulty beliefs.
One is that since animal sacrifices must begin in order to be stopped (cf. Daniel 9:27; 11:31) that a Jewish temple is necessary for those sacrifices to be made. The reason this view is faulty is that the Bible is clear that a physical temple is not necessary for sacrifices to be made. Ezra 3:2-6 shows that sacrifices were made simply on an altar before the foundation of the second Jewish temple was laid. Additionally, I have communicated personally with representatives of the reconstituted Sanhedrin and the Temple Institute who confirmed that the Jews are willing to sacrifice on an altar only and do not believe that they must have a temple built first.
The other faulty belief has to do with the definition of the ‘temple of God’ in the New Testament. Even though the Apostle Paul repeatedly tells Christians that they are the ‘temple of God’ (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 6:16), many have concluded that a Jewish temple is the ‘temple of God’ in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4. The New Testament is clear that the priesthood was changed after Jesus came, and hence that is not a reference to a future Jewish temple. It would have to be a reference to a group of Christians and/or a building once used by Christians (the Church of God on Jerusalem’s Western Hill, also called Mt. Zion, was built upon the foundation stones used in the last Jewish temple by Christians in the first century and this is a possible location).
Those who insist that a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem must be built prior to the start of the Great Tribulation will not believe it will begin before then. Since such a Jewish Temple is not biblically-required, it is not likely to be built, hence those that hold that view as subject to being deceived.
Further details are in the article Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?
One of the steps that triggers the end has to do with proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom:
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)
Various Catholics, Protestants, and even many in the COGs believe this has happened, but that is not the case. Few seem to realize that it is partially because of the reach of proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom that the King of the North will become angry and begin persecution (cf. Daniel 11:29-25; Matthew 24:15-20) that lead to the start of the opening of the fifth seal of Revelation 6:9-11 and the start of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21).
Further details are in the article The Final Phase of the Work.
Many in the world believe that there is no future Great Tribulation and that the events of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and events through the end of the first century fulfilled those prophecies. This is known as a preterist view. The term preterist comes from the Latin term praeter, which conveys that something is past or beyond. Preterists view many future prophecies as fulfilled in the past.
Here is a quote from a famous Protestant scholar, the late Alfred Edersheim concerning what he felt happened in 70 A.D.:
[The] tribulation to Israel [was] unparalleled in the terrible past of its history, and unequalled even in its bloody future. Nay, so dreadful would be the persecution of that, if Divine mercy had not been interposed for the sake of the followers of Christ, the whole Jewish race that inhabited the land would have been swept away.
The above is certainly an inaccurate and twisted view of what happened compared to what Jesus taught in Matthew 24. Preterists tend to overlook the fact that Jesus said that the sun and the moon would be darkened immediately after the tribulation and that He would return (Matthew 24:29-31). Since Jesus has not yet returned, there is no possible way that the Great Tribulation was over nearly 2000 years ago.
Despite the obvious errors, certain Protestants and modern Catholics take the preterist view.
Notice the following from a bishop-approved Catholic priest:
THE GREAT TRIBULATION. The definite article used refers to something which had been mentioned before and was presumed to be known. In chapter I. 9 and II. 10, St. John states it and warns the Christians in Asia of its coming. He calls it the "hour of temptation" in II. 10. It is bloody persecution. In this verse, the stress placed on "the great one" points to the imperial persecutions, especially to the last one under Diocletian. This scene is then in the fourth century, when the Roman persecutions had been abolished. "The great tribulation" had passed away to return no more, and since then the Church had grown to grand proportions. (Kramer H.B.L. The Book of Destiny. Imprimatur: +Joseph M. Mueller, January 26, 1956. Reprint TAN Books, pp.181-182)
Although some modern Catholics consider that the Great Tribulation was finished by the fourth centuries, this was not the position of many that they call saints. Of course, those who believe that the Great Tribulation has occurred are not expecting it to come.
Martin Luther wrote:
About this book of the Revelation...I miss more than one thing in this book, and it makes me consider it to be neither apostolic nor prophetic…I can in no way detect that the Holy Spirit produced it. (Luther, M. Preface to the Revelation, 1522)
The Lutheran Church takes the position that the Book of Revelation is not prophetic, which is also consistent with the preterist view. Lutherans are not expecting the Great Tribulation to start.
Those who hold to a preterist view also do not seem to think that they need to heed Jesus' words to:
36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man. (Luke 21:36)
To a major degree, the preterist position is now the view of the Church of God, Seventh day (CG7), the group that the late Herbert Armstrong considered as part of the Sardis era. Jesus warned that era “if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you” (Revelation 3:3). This will happen to all preterists, whether part of any claimed Church of God or not.
An article of related interest would be The Dangerous Rise of Preterists.
The Apostle Paul warned that in the last days, perilous times would come:
3:1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
We seem to be in those perilous times.
With all of the natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, related food shortages, recessions, and emerging pestilences in the past few years, perhaps this would be a good time to show people that these are to start PRIOR to the “great tribulation.”
The disciples asked Jesus the sequence of end-time events:
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3)
Notice what Jesus taught in response:
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
15 "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:4-21).
Thus, recent items such as earthquakes, economic turmoils, and food shortages should, at most, be considered as related to “the beginning of sorrows” (which may or may not yet have started in their final intensity) and not the “great tribulation” itself. The “great tribulation” does NOT begin until verse 21. And while “tribulation” is involved in verse 9, this seems to be referring the persecuting tribulation that true Philadelphia Christians will face just prior to the great tribulation. But when the sacrifices stop and the abomination is set up (Daniel 9:27; 11:31), it will be time for the faithful to flee.
A big problem, even among Protestants and Catholics who believe in a coming Great Tribulation, is that certain Greco-Roman leaders believe that Matthew 24 is directed mainly towards Jews and not true Christians, hence, they are quite confused about how they themselves could be affected. Actually, one of the problems among the Protestants is that since many have rejected the Ten Commandments and seventh-day Sabbath, they assign prophetic verses that must clearly apply to Christians, such as Revelation 12:17;14:12 and Matthew 24:20 to Jews (or sometimes to “Jewish Christians”) as it does not seem to occur to them that Jesus’ followers would imitate Him (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1) and keep the seventh-day Sabbath.
Since the "time of Jacob's trouble" (Jeremiah 30:7) first affects the descendants of Jacob (particularly, Ephraim and Manasseh) and the Laodiceans (Revelation 12:17), it would be expected that the USA and some of its Anglo-allies may well be first weakened during the "beginning of sorrows."
More details on what to expect are in the article When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? Here is a link to a sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
One reason that the Great Tribulation will not begin yet is that one known as the final King of the North needs to rise up.
In Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14, Jesus specifically referred to an event in the writings from the Prophet Daniel as the SIGN to know when to flee.
The sign had to do with actions of a prince (Daniel 9:27) who will become the King of the North (Daniel 11). Here is that sign:
31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. (Daniel 11:31)
The “him” is the final King of the North. He also makes a deal in several verses prior with the King of the South of Daniel 11:27.
This helps prove that the Great Tribulation cannot start before there is an actual King of the South and an actual final King of the North.
The Bible also shows that a prince, who will later become that King of the North will first confirm a deal (probably a peace deal) with Israel in Daniel 9:27 three and one half years before it is broken:
26… And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate. (Daniel 9:26-27)
The latter sentences in Daniel 9:27 are referring to the same event as Daniel 11:31. Because the deal in Daniel 9:27 has still not been confirmed, the Great Tribulation, which begins in Daniel 11:39 and Matthew 24:21 cannot start for at least 3 ½ years from now. It should also be noted that for sacrifices to stop, they must first start. The Jews currently have a suspended legal right to sacrifice and are ready to begin when the courts in Israel allow them to—but the courts have declared that the currently political situation does not allow it. Yet, a peace deal may be what the courts will partially rely on to grant the legal right for animal sacrifices to resume.
It may take a regional or other war in the Middle East to trigger this deal. Thus, watching events in the Middle East may give us clues as to when the deal of Daniel 9:27 will be produced and/or confirmed.
Here is a related written article The 'Peace Deal' of Daniel 9:27 and here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
There are many other Protestant prophetic errors that were not covered in this article (e.g. Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy), but those covered hopefully will convince some to check their beliefs closer with the Bible.
The Great Tribulation cannot happen until various events take place.
What are some specific events to look for which occur prior to the Great Tribulation?
The basic sequence is that certain sorrows and troubles will continue (Mark 13:7-8).
The 'peace' deal of Daniel 9:27 will be confirmed. A King of the North and a King of the South (Daniel 11:27) will arise.
Animal sacrifices will begin (cf. Daniel 9:27). (Note: It is possible that the King of the South could arise up prior to Daniel 9:27 or even after the sacrifices resume as could the King of the North).
The gospel then will have been preached enough to the world as a witness for the end to come (Matthew 24:14). This seems to be related to the ‘short work’ of Romans 9:28.
Jewish sacrifices will be stopped (Daniel 9:27).
The abomination of desolation will then be set up (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14) because of actions of the King of the North (Daniel 9:27; 11:31). The most faithful expect to continue to tell what is happening until they are somehow stopped (cf. Amos 8:11-12).
A decree is to be issued (Zephaniah 2:1-3) and then the most faithful Philadelphians will flee per Jesus' statements in Matthew 24:15-19 and Mark 13:15-18 (see also There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra).
Bolstered by the Antichrist, then the Great Tribulation will begin (Matthew 24:21-22; Mark 13:19-20; Daniel 11:39, 12:1b).
About a month or so less than 2 ½ years later, the sixth seal will be opened, there will be a 'blood moon' and a darkened sun (Revelation
6:12; Joel 2:30-31), then the 144,000 of Revelation 7:1-8 will be sealed.
Shortly thereafter, the seventh seal will be opened (Revelation 8:1-6) and year long Day of the Lord (Isaiah 34:8) will begin with trumpet blasts, plagues, etc. (Revelation 8-7-13; 9:1-21; 11”13-14). Then at the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11:15) Jesus will return to establish the millennial kingdom.
Yet, because of a variety of errors, various Protestants (and Catholics, as well as Eastern Orthodox) will not understand what is happening until it is too late.
Thiel B. Dangerous Protestant Prophetic Errors. http://www.cogwriter.com/protestant-prophetic-errors.htm COGwriter (c) 2014 2020 0427
Some items of further related interest may include:
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differs from Protestantism How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background. As far as some changes affecting Protestantism, watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware! [Português: Esperança do salvação: Como a igreja do deus difere da maioria de protestantes]. Several related sermon are also available: Protestant, Baptist, and CCOG History; The First Protestant, God’s Command, Grace, & Character; The New Testament, Martin Luther, and the Canon; Eucharist, Passover, and Easter; Views of Jews, Lost Tribes, Warfare, & Baptism; and How Does the Church of God Differ from Protestantism? These sermons also cover materials not in the book.
Blood Moons and Prophecy There are four 'blood moons' expected in 2014 and 2015. Do they signal the Day of the Lord or the return of Jesus Christ? A related YouTube video is also available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015.
Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected? What does the Bible really teach? Does the Church flee or is it taken up just prior to the great tribulation? Who really is left behind? There is also a YouTube video with information Did Jesus Teach a Pre-tribulation Rapture?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Is Russia the King of the North? Some claim it is. But what does the Bible teach? Here is a link to a video, also titled Is Russia the King of the North?
Some Doctrines of Antichrist Are there any doctrines taught outside the Churches of God which can be considered as doctrines of antichrist? This article suggests at least three. It also provides information on 666 and the identity of "the false prophet." Plus it shows that several Catholic writers seem to warn about an ecumenical antipope that will support heresy. You can also watch a video titled What Does the Bible teach about the Antichrist?
Is There an Islamic Antichrist? Is Joel Richardson correct that the final Antichrist will be Islamic and not European? Find out.
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the "beginning of sorrows"? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: ¿Puede comenzar la Gran Tribulación en 2013 o 2014? ¿Es el Tiempo de los Gentiles? You can also see the English language sermon video: The Great Tribulation from the Mount of Olives.
Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required? Although people like Timothy LaHaye teach a third Jewish temple is required, who is 'the temple of God" in the New Testament? Does the Bible require a rebuilt Jewish Temple? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Por qué no se requiere un templo judío en Jerusalén?
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.
The Dangerous Rise of Preterists Has the Great Tribulation finished? What was the view of early Christians? Why is the preterist view dangerous?
The 'Peace Deal' of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical 'place of safety' and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject--thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. There is also a video on the subject: Might Petra be the Place of Safety? Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, English, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Saxon (non-Dutch) Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? What will happen to Jerusalem and the Jews in Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo-Saxon nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first? Here is a link to the Spanish version of this article: Anglo-América & las Tribus Perdidas de Israel. Information is also in the YouTube sermons titled Where are the Ten Lost Tribes? Why does it matter? and British are the Covenant People. A short YouTube of prophetic interest may be Barack Obama and the State of the Apocalypse.
Will the Anglo-Saxon Nations be Divided and Have People Taken as Slaves? Will the lands of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand be divided? What about Jerusalem? What does Bible prophecy teach? Are there non-biblical prophecies that support this idea? Who will divide those lands? Who will end up with the lands and the people? Here is a link to a video titled Will the USA and other Anglo-nations be Divided and Their People Made Slaves? Here is a related item in the Spanish language ¿Serán divididas las naciones anglosajonas?
British are the Covenant People What do ‘British’ and ‘Britain’ mean in Hebrew? Are the descendants of the Anglo-Saxons people of the covenant? Does the British royal family connect to the throne of David? What does the Bible teach? What does history show us? Is there any DNA evidence related to British-Israelism? When did Christianity make it to the British Isles? Could Jeremiah have made it to the British Isles? What type of Christians made it to the British Isles? Did the last King of England believe in British Israelism?
Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? Spain wants Gibraltar and Argentina wants the Falklands (also known as the Malvinas). Does the Bible give clues as to what will happen with these 'sea gates'? A related video would be Will the UK Lose Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands? A version in Spanish ¿Perderá el Reino Unido a Gibraltar y las Islas Falkland (Malvinas)? Here is a version in Mandarin Chinese 英国将失去直布罗陀和福克兰群岛.
Canada in Prophecy: What Does Bible Prophecy, Catholic Prophecy, and other Predictions Suggest About the Future of Canada? There are prophecies that suggest involvement with Canada. And many are not positive about its future.
Protestant and Church of God views of the United States in Bible Prophecy Is the USA mentioned in Bible prophecy? Some Protestants say yes, while others say no. What does the Bible really teach? Learn the truth about this. There is also a video available: Is The United States Mentioned In Bible Prophecy?
Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God differ from most Protestants How the real Church of God differs from mainstream/traditional Protestants, is perhaps the question I am asked most by those without a Church of God background. As far as some changes affecting Protestantism, watch the video Charismatic Kenneth Copeland and Anglican Tony Palmer: Protestants Beware! [Português: Esperança do salvação: Como a igreja do deus difere da maioria de protestantes]
The Similarities and Dissimilarities between Martin Luther and Herbert W. Armstrong This article clearly shows some of the doctrinal differences between in the two. At this time of doctrinal variety and a tendency by many to accept certain aspects of Protestantism, the article should help clarify why the genuine Church of God is NOT Protestant. Do you really know what the Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught and should you follow his doctrinal example? Here is a related sermon video: Martin Luther and Herbert Armstrong: Reformers with Differences.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Continuing Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions. [Português: Qual é fiel: A igreja católica romana ou a igreja do deus?]
Some Similarities and Differences Between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Continuing Church of God Both groups claim to be the original church, but both groups have differing ways to claim it. Both groups have some amazing similarities and some major differences. Do you know what they are?