Planet Earth Under Divine Judgment: God's Kingdom Prevails

By Shawki Hanna

Earthquakes, floods, forest fires, famine, pestilence, disease, volcanos, tsunamis, terrorism, violence, economic uncertainty, racial and ethnic turmoil, war - What does it all mean? What is the earth coming to? People are afraid and wondering what the future might hold. It seems there is no security anymore. Upon finishing this book, the reader will have the inside story regarding what the future really holds for mankind. Some of life's most pressing questions will be answered such as: "What happens when you die?" "Will the inhabitants of this earth annihilate themselves?" "Will the earth end with a bang or a whimper?" "Is there any hope for a brighter future?" This book is written from a unique perspective - the perspective of a layman who has been fascinated with Biblical prophecy for years. All the points made are amply supported from Scripture alone. His desire is to share a different viewpoint which will awaken readers to study and think for themselves. In years gone by many people put their hope and confidence in God, but it seems now in the public square no one even thinks or cares about God. But, awake! God is still in control and He knows the end from the beginning! He created this earth, and He has not just left it to run on its own. He is intimately concerned about everything that happens, and He has grand plans for it. Read this book and find out what they are! The book recounts the great themes of the Bible - themes of faith, the nature of God and the Trinity, Christ in the Old Testament, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection bringing the promise of salvation to all mankind. Difficult subjects are addressed such as what happens when a person dies and the Antichrist, as well as the signs of the end of the world, the final judgments of God on unrepentant humanity as vividly portrayed in Revelation, and the last great battle when Jesus Christ is victorious over the Devil. See how the prophecies of Daniel, Ezekiel, Joel and Zechariah in the Old Testament dovetail perfectly with what Christ foretold and what John was shown in Revelation. The prophecies of the end of the age are more exciting than any thriller developed for TV or movies! Extremely difficult times are coming! This book will teach the reader how to survive the times of tribulation. Learn how a loving God will bring destruction upon the inhabitants of the earth. He has been pleading for millennia for His creatures to commit themselves to Him but they would not. Evil has increased to the point where God, in His mercy must also display His justice and vengeance and bring an end to it all. It is a "strange act" for this God of love, but He has no choice. The inhabitants of earth have not only been destroying themselves, but they have destroyed the earth. God must intervene according to His appointed time which is coming soon! He can no longer bear to see His creation suffering. The destruction on earth is not the end of the story. The world will not just be destroyed and forgotten. There is wonderful hope and good news! Evil will not have the last word! God will have it! King Jesus, the Messiah, is coming back to this earth again, not as a tiny, helpless baby, but as a warrior King. He will rule and His believers will reign with Him for eternity. There will be new heavens and a new earth more glorious than anyone could ever imagine. There will be no more death, sorrow, pain or crying. Are you prepared for His coming?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outskirts Press
• Release date: Oct 30, 2018
• ISBN: 9781977205988

Shawki Hanna

Shawki Hanna is a layman, first an educator and then an engineer by profession, who deeply loves God and His Son Jesus Christ. Since he was a young man he has been passionate about studying Biblical prophecy. After years of personal study, he has felt compelled to share his perspectives on the great themes of the Bible and end-time events. It is his fervent desire that the reader come into a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ before it is too late.

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Planet Earth Under Divine Judgment

God’s Kingdom Prevails

All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2018 Shawki Hanna

v4.0

The opinions expressed in this manuscript are solely the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinions or thoughts of the publisher. The author has represented and warranted full ownership and/or legal

right to publish all the materials in this book. Unless otherwise noted, Scriptures are taken from The King James Version (KJV).

This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Outskirts Press, Inc.

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ISBN: 978-1-9772-0598-8

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PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

1. Faith

2. Christ in the Old Testament

3. The Trinity

4. Names of Jesus in the New Testament

5. The Lamb

6. The Cross and the Resurrection

7. Repentance

8. Salvation

9. Parables Reveal Two Groups

10. The Remnant and the Elect

11. The State of the Dead

12. The Overcomer

13. Christians’ Light

14. The Church

15. The Antichrist

16. Lucifer

17. The Signs of the Times and End of the Age

18. God’s Throne

19. The Tribulation

20. The Day of the Lord

21. The Great White Throne Judgment

22. The Transformation to Heaven

23. All Things Made New

Author’s Note: My Personal Heavenly Dreams

Acknowledgments

As the author of this book, I would like to seize the opportunity to thank my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave me the breath of life and knew me before I was born. Further, I thank my mother who gave her life to the Lord and from whom I received my faith through watching her ways of praying, fasting and supplication. Her entire life was an outstanding example of faith, devotion, righteousness, and forgiveness. I also want to acknowledge my beloved wife, who offered me constant encouragement and support for the promotion of any idea that may genuinely spread the gospel to those who do not know or believe the truth as it is found in the Bible. As we are ambassadors for or of Christ, it is our duty to spread the gospel in different forms and means for the purpose of saving souls from perishing.

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

(Matthew 24:14)

Introduction

When I was a teenager, I had little knowledge of the Bible, but considered myself a faithful Christian. As time went by, I met a friend of the family who for the first time talked to me about the power of the Bible. Consequently, I started reading the Bible and joined a more Bible-based church, which perfected my understanding of the mission of Christ and the knowledge of Scripture and strengthened my relationship with Him. Since then my faith became stronger and firmer.

The first part of my life I lived in a predominately non-Christian country where Christianity is a minority religion. Every time I saw a cross on a flag or on a picture it refreshed and uplifted my soul. Because America is the land of freedom of speech and religious expression, I had a strong desire to immigrate. In my late twenties, I left my home country and came to the United States as a foreign student. In America I worked hard to go to school and sustain my living. Eventually I was able to find a good job and earn a decent income. During all the hardship and success, l never lost my faith. I went through bumps and dips but did not blame God for things that went wrong in my life. I knew that unwise decisions could bring bad results. As I grew older I learned that good decisions and judgment are the product of seeking God’s wisdom through Bible study and fervent prayers.

During my career, I sometimes commuted between 120 to 160 (round trip) miles a day through hazardous conditions such as tornados, heavy rains, deep snow, icy roads, scary accidents and traffic delays. The commute was also very hard because it deprived me of time with family and for leisure. However, in all the difficult times, I felt that God was with me always. He delivered me from every road hazard and trouble that I faced during the daily commute. Actually, whatever hardships I went through were faith-strengthening experiences. My driving time was utilized by listening to the Bible on tape and later CDs. The Lord confined me in the car daily so as to listen to His Word, which increased my faith, spiritual wisdom and understanding of the Bible. As time went by, I became more knowledgeable and familiar with the Bible. The daily commute became a spiritual benefit. It gave me the ability to understand the spiritual aspects of life and our purpose in this world. As the Bible says,

So, then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).

What saddens me is there are millions of people who say they are Christians and attend church but do not really understand Christianity. They are not equipped with the full knowledge and truth of the Gospel and can be easily defeated by Satan, especially in moments of trial and temptation that can cause denial of faith. The strength of our faith is shielded and defended by our deep knowledge of Biblical truth. Vague and fuzzy knowledge can impair the ability to withstand spiritual trials and differentiate between truth and error.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works

(2 Timothy 3:16-17).

As a believing Christian, I have regularly read the Bible diligently hoping to understand it with discernment from the Holy Spirit and without the intention of debating the Word of God. I have noticed there is great spiritual hunger for the Word of God when I speak with Christians and non-Christians alike. This lack of Biblical knowledge has triggered my deepest concerns to help my fellow men. The Bible tells us that, For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required (Luke 12:48). Listening to a sermon once a week at your favorite church without constantly reading the Word of God is not enough to understand God’s plan for mankind. Christianity is well known for being the only religion that demonstrates God’s love, mercy, and grace. Christ has given man a free choice of eternal salvation or condemnation. He loved the crowd who followed Him and gave them hope for life and salvation. Jesus demonstrated His genuine and deepest love as a good shepherd who cares for His sheep and leads them to safe pasture.

Those who are not really grounded in the Bible have caused me a lot of worries, and my soul has been troubled so much that I felt compelled to contribute my Biblical knowledge in order to make Bible truth simply understood for others. After many years of work, I am now retired. Recently I said in my heart, Lord, what do You want me to do for You? Currently I am not working, and I have plenty of time. You have blessed me and saved me, and I want to do something for You in return. At one time, I started writing a Christian novel, but I came to a point of wondering if it was better to write a novel or to write something for the Lord utilizing Scripture. Weeks later, I really felt in my spirit that I should research a certain topic in the Bible, and then I was inspired to do more and more in order to cover a variety of subjects and events. As I progressed I felt this is what the Lord wanted me to do.

In this phase of my life, I have ample time to serve my Lord by writing this book. My goal from the beginning was to make the Bible understood by readers who lack knowledge of Biblical truth and to create a thirst for a relationship with Jesus. I prayed that the Lord would inspire me with the approach and ability to assemble the material in the proper manner. My intensive search of the Bible was mainly to further my spiritual knowledge of the truth and to master it so I could use it for the benefit of others. However, when I had finalized my research I realized that I had acquired and compiled a tremendous wealth of Biblical topics which inspired and led me to consider the idea of publishing this book. Our Lord used simple and plain language via parables to deliver His message of love to the common people, and then added His interpretation for clarity. He told stories and parables to demonstrate the kingdom of God.

But without a parable spoke He not unto them: and when they were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples. (Mark 4:34)

For this reason, I decided to categorize all related verses for subjects, events, and topics in a manner that would provide simplicity and clarity for the reader.

In writing this book, I have found inspiration comes easier when I pray for the selection of a Biblical subject that I want to include. I always pray quietly to the Lord of heaven to grant me skillful insight and guidance to understand and know how to put my thoughts together according to His wishes and wisdom. We all have read many different Christian books obtained from either the church or bookstores. Each book has its own unique approach from the perspective of its writer even if the same subject or topic is addressed and information is taken from the same source. Likewise, if two or ten ministers preach a sermon about the Good Shepherd, they will each use a different approach and style with perhaps the same conclusion depending on their knowledge and understanding of the Bible, discernment, skill, imagination, background, education, and ability. They pick and choose, but the Bible is one, and Jesus is one, and all have the same God and Father: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all (Ephesians 4:4-6). Paul calls Christians to walk in unity with lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:1-3).

This book does not reflect the teachings of any denomination and is strictly the perspective of the author. It is clear and simple Biblical information without any filling from psychology and sociology so as to be easily understood by ordinary people. The Bible says that people will be destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). When a Christian is not fortified with the truth of the Bible, he can be easily deceived by false doctrine because of his lack of a Biblical understanding of Christ. The god of this age is materialism, sports, movies, electronic games, sorcery, and spiritualism. The devil is seeking to devour God’s children: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Noah preached the message of the coming destructive flood from God for a hundred and twenty years, but the immoral, mockers and violent men of that age were resistant to the word of God, and then sudden destruction came upon them. The present time is similar to that of Noah’s day in which the fear of God is diminishing and all forms of immorality and unrighteousness abound.

What saddens me is when I speak with many people concerning the prophecies of the end time, they strongly disapprove or discredit the Biblical predictions of what might happen in the latter days. Ever since I was a believer in my early teenage years, Biblical stories and specifically prophecies have been the most fascinating and exciting things in my life. Prophecies of the end time are very captivating and enthralling to my soul, especially the second coming of Jesus Christ. Regretfully, I always remember some of my friends who chose to reject the truth and Satan blinded them to not accept Christ’s plan of salvation. The prophecies which predict what will happen at the end time cannot be ignored. Because of their trustworthiness and truthfulness, the warnings of the inevitability of God’s judgment that will come upon the earth must be seriously considered.

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the

Holy Ghost."

(2 Peter 1: 20-21)

This book is written for everyone: believers, unbelievers, professionals, novices. It is intended to be inspirational, but also a warning of what the future holds for this earth. Judgment is coming, and all are required to be ready for Christ’s coming. The world is reaching the maximum level of immorality, ungodliness, lawlessness, disobedience, unfaithfulness, unrighteousness and persistent denial of the truth, just as in Noah’s time. Those who disregarded his warning message finally found the door of the ark shut, and they perished. The five foolish virgins who came to meet the bridegroom, and had no extra oil, found the door shut and they were excluded. Those who are ready, sober, watchful and faithful will have their full reward according to God’s plan. This book is about repentance and readiness and endurance to the end in order to escape God’s wrath on the ungodly. Indeed, Jesus is coming to render to each according to his faith and work. It is written to help everyone understand God’s plan of salvation and His judgment on those who do not believe. It is a warning of all sorts of calamities that will come upon the earth.

God is our Father. He is loving and merciful, slow to anger, faithful to His children. He chastises whom He loves, but He is not a God who takes pleasure in the death of the wicked. Therefore, it must be understood that the book of Revelation reveals Christ’s unveiling of the character and plan of God and includes revelations that center around visions and symbols of the resurrected Christ, who has the authority to judge the earth, to remake it, and to rule it in righteousness. Christ is coming to rule this world for a thousand years. The saints will rule and judge the world with Him. This book will explain what will befall the wicked and unrepentant planet earth whose condition will be ripe for its harvest.

Many are called but few are chosen (Matthew 20:16), many will seek to enter the kingdom of God but few will be able to do so. Jesus said:

• For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil (John 3:16-19).

• Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in there at. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it (Matthew 7:13-14).

• Then said one unto him, ‘Lord, are there few that be saved?’ And He said unto them, ‘Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able’ (Luke 13:23-24).

Only a remnant will be saved because they remain faithful and endure to the end. Only those whose faith is deeply rooted in the truth and the love of God will be the faithful servants. There will be everlasting life but also condemnation which will lead many to everlasting death. The door for repentance is still open for those who are alive, but when the Master has shut the door, and people are outside knocking saying, Lord, Lord, open to us, He will answer, I do not know you (Matthew 25:11-12).

Life is uncertain. No one knows the time of death. Today is the only chance to surrender to Jesus who has the keys of life and death. No one on earth can give the promise and the assurance of eternal life. Jesus Christ is the only One who can guarantee this hope -- a hope of life after death, a hope of a permanent residency with God and His Son Jesus Christ.

When the signs of the times appear, will the unbelievers perceive and understand the last call for repentance so they will not perish in everlasting condemnation? The Lord is definitely coming shortly to separate the believers from the unbelievers and those who are found unworthy of the kingdom of God shall be cast into the lake of fire.

I hope this book will bring insightful faith and blessing to those who read it and believe. Then the angels will sound the trumpets in heaven and there will be rejoicing over one saved soul.

May this book bring enlightenment to the readers so they may fully understand the Bible that has been given freely for their salvation and eternal life. May their faith be enriched, their relationship with Christ strengthened, and may the book spiritually prosper their souls and spirits.

CHAPTER 1

Faith

THE DICTIONARY DEFINITION of faith is complete trust or confidence in someone or something and as it relates to God, it is a strong belief based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof. The Bible defines it in Hebrews thusly:

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

(Hebrews 11:1)

It is impossible to know God and come to Him without faith. God has given us the breath of life and adopted us as His children. We must come to Him and acknowledge our weaknesses and surrender to Him as a loving Father and sovereign God. It is He who gives us faith (God has dealt to each one a measure of faith Romans 12:3). Sometimes we may feel we don’t have much faith, but with God, even a tiny measure of faith makes all things possible. If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, ‘Remove hence to yonder place’; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you (Matthew 17:20).

It is through faith we are saved (For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Further, Paul says: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus (Romans 3:23-26).

Our faith in God makes us new creatures filled with the Holy Spirit. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). It is faith itself that makes us unique people belonging to the family of God. It is our faith that drives us to care for one another and show compassion for the needy and the underprivileged.

Reading and hearing the Bible strengthens our faith, which brings grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ’s salvation to our souls. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). The Bible gives us many accounts of people who obtained salvation by faith in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 11).

Faith in Jesus Christ saves us from sin, eliminates fear and disbelief, brings healing, joy and security with inner peace. The only way to have this kind of life is to have faith. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draws back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him (Hebrews 10:38) Unfortunately, in the latter days the world is becoming morally and spiritually bankrupt, and lawlessness and unfaithfulness are deteriorating the spiritual state of many believers who are drifting away from the faith as foretold by Jesus: Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, shall He find faith on the earth (Luke 18:8)? The apostle Paul indicated: Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron (1Timothy 4:1-2).

When we have strong faith in Christ, we are spiritually strong enough, through Him, to avoid false doctrine and interpretations. Science is one reason some people are leaving the church due to knowledge that contradicts the Word of God. Creation is a good example that often comes under attack by the scientific community. When we look around us, we see the beautiful nature that was wonderfully made by our invisible God who made it visible to our eyes. By faith we believe in the Bible which tells us the invisible God has created the heavens and the earth and has made us in His image to enjoy the creation He has made (Genesis 1:26). Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (Hebrews 11:3). Further, the Bible says: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made (John 1:1-3). Modern science and evolution, however, discredit any Biblical account due to the requirements of proof and evidence, but the theory of evolution itself has no evidence or any scientific facts or proof that can justify it.

We live in a world governed by our senses. We feel, we taste, we see, we enjoy our surroundings and the things that are manufactured for our pleasure. Materialism and pleasure have become the gods of this world. Man has drifted away from faith in the true God and has started believing in the created rather than the Creator.

In our modern time, we have great trust in science and technology. We drive on the road and fly in the air without any hesitation due to our trust in our machines that have been made and tested to meet the purposes for which they were made. The Bible says in the end of time knowledge shall increase (Daniel 12:4), and it certainly has. As it has increased, faith in God has decreased.

When people abandon their faith in God, they lose their sense of security and open the door to all sorts of uncertainty because they no longer have God in their lives. Lack of faith means an invitation to spiritual darkness, which can bring destruction of the soul. Without faith, you cannot experience the love of God, which draws you to Christ. Our faith is a precious gift given to us by our Lord. By this faith, we can conquer the darkness of this world; we can witness and preach the gospel of Christ and can carry the torch to ignite a desire for God in unsaved souls. By faith we can resist the wicked devices of the devil and his demons. By faith we can change and shape the nations. By faith we are compelled to challenge the emergence of false teachers (wolves in sheep’s clothing) whose intent is to create apostasy and to destroy the church and the gospel of grace. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ (Jude 1:3-4).

We should disregard those who deny and attack our faith and should always stand up and defend our faith and acknowledge God and Jesus Christ openly and boldly. In Ephesians 6:10-18 Paul calls us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. We are counseled to put on God’s armor so we can stand against the wiles of the devil. Only by wearing God’s armor can we stand in the evil day. God’s armor includes being girded with His truth, wearing Christ’s righteousness as a breastplate, His peace for shoes, and His salvation as a helmet. In addition, we are called to take the shield of faith so we can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one and instructed to wield the sword of the Holy Spirit which is the word of God. Only as we are thus covered in God’s armor and use His weapons can we be victorious over the evil in the world today.

Unfortunately, mockery of faith in religion has become a popular trend, and it is a useful tool to silence the believers who remain faithful to the end. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; how that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit (Jude 1:17-19). We must remember, if we lose our faith we lose our souls.

Faith in Christ is the only living hope that will secure our salvation and eternal life through Him. Keep the faith, cling to Jesus and remain faithful to the end and you will receive the white garment of His righteousness. By faith we understand what hope is; we understand how the worlds were framed by the word of God; we understand how the prophets of God became trustworthy to bear witness of the divine messages of God; and we understand the way of salvation through Christ. Faith is paramount if we want to please our God and enjoy eternity with Him. 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 (Hebrews 11:6).

CHAPTER 2

Christ in the Old Testament

THE BIBLE IS composed of two parts: The Old Testament and the New Testament. Many people believe the Old Testament is no longer relevant or valid in Christianity because Christ is the end of the law and has fulfilled all the prophecies that referred or pointed to Him. Therefore, the Old Testament is no longer significant. However, the Old Testament was the only Scriptures that Jesus had when He was on earth, and He quoted from it frequently. The Old Testament books were written by holy men, inspired by the Holy Spirit and chosen by God as prophets to convey God’s messages to His own people. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:19-21). Christ revealed Himself as