The Eschatological Dilemma

By Dr Joseph Kinyanjui Karanja

The Eschatological Dilemma expores diverse opinions, positions, views and schools of thought in a discourse that has always posed a dilemma to the world and its scholars. These diverse perspectives regarding "eschatology" can easily confuse those studying the subject, either for academic purposes or with an aim to enrich, equip and establish their faith as members of the body of christ. The eschatological discourse is intensely captured in the book of Revelation which this explicit exposition aims to unravel.

 

The Eschatological Dilemma offers great insights andf revelations to some mysteries that emanate from the eschatological discourse based on the Book of Revelation. This book will help dispel the myth that the book of Revelation is a difficult book to understand.

 

Dr Joseph Kinyanjui is the senior paster of The FBCC, Ruiru, Kenya. He holds a Doctorate in Counseling, a Doctorate in Chiristian Theology, a Master in Counseling Phychology and a Bachelor's degree in Education (Art) among others.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dr Joseph Kinyanjui Karanja
• Release date: Jan 13, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224690558

Dr Joseph Kinyanjui Karanja

Dr Joseph Kinyanjui Karanja is the senior pastor of The FBCC, Ruiru, Kenya. He holds a Doctorate in Counseling, a Doctorate in Christian Theology, a Masters in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor's degree in Education (Arts) among others.

Book preview

Preface

A study I conducted to test the contextual grasping of fallacious and factual aspect of the eschatological phenomenon among Christian believers in some selected churches in Kiambu County, Kenya (Kinyanjui 2019), revealed disturbing results. The eschatological phenomenon seemed to be the least understood subject among the Christian believers. For instance, the majority of the respondents at 42.2 percent and who ranged between agree and strongly agree stated that the battle of Armageddon will be fought between America and her allies versus Russia and her allies.

In the same study, 33.4 percent of the respondents and who ranged between strongly agree and agree believed that Satan through Antichrist shall finally succeed in exterminating the Jewish nation, meaning they believed that Israel will be wiped out, 23.8 percent neither agreed nor disagreed, meaning, they would fall on either way.  This is quite a significant proportion.

The results were an indicator that a significant proportion of church members are not well versed with the subject of eschatology. The study revealed that a majority of Christian believers rarely read the Book of Revelation. Similarly, a majority of the church leaders do not teach this subject to their flock.

Renald Showers writing in IMG (2015:11/12) quotes a pastor who told him of a seminary professor who advised his students that no one can understand the Book of Revelation.  Such a remark coming from a theological scholar raises a serious concern. If Bible scholars would view prophetic books from such a perspective, what about the ordinary flock in the church?

The position of this professor corroborates with results of my study which concluded that the prophetic books, particularly the Book of Revelation, are least read or studied by Christian believers. This is a major handicap in the Christian faith.

Eschatology or the study of end time events is a very fundamental subject in Christian faith. It is the core nerve in which Christian faith is founded. It describes the destiny of man, Satan and God’s creation.  Any church minister who fails to take this subject seriously by teaching the flock, does great injustice to the Body of Christ. The flock has a desperate urge to know about the end time occurrences, and the buck stops with the pastor.

The subject of eschatology is quite complex and intriguing. Due to hermeneutical diversity, scholars view some eschatological issues from different viewpoints. Such issues include: The timing of the Rapture, the millennial factor, the mark of the beast, mystery Babylon, the two witnesses, and the 144,000 witnesses among others. Any time a subject draws more than one view, it creates a dilemma to the reader. This backdrop of dilemma on one hand, and the deficiency in eschatology literacy among Christian believers, as evidenced in the cited study prompted the writing of this book.

Joseph Kinyanjui Karanja

Ruiru, Kenya. January 2024

Foreword

Dr. Joseph Kinyanjui Karanja has written a simple yet profound piece of work for any serious student of eschatology. In this book you will find a smooth flow of the Church, the people of God, in line with the vision of Prophet Daniel, not only to Jesus but indeed to the present age and beyond.

The book gives a great exposition and discussion of many different biblical schools of thought and a spectacular balancing of the same before any logical conclusions are suggested or made. This piece of work will soon find its place in libraries and theological discussion groups of great universities and seminaries.

Written during a time when the world was in a state of panic – in the middle of a Pandemic of the greatest proportion and a world bedeviled between hundreds of conspiracy theories – this book provides a sober consideration of facts and a noble ground to consider facts as opposed to fiction.

Whether you read this book as an accomplished theologian or as a saint of God interested in the last days or whether you are a casual reader, this book contains great and troubling truths for our days and times. I found it very hard to keep this material aside during my reading and review. Welcome to the study of this great work.

Dr. Fred Maina Macharia

Salt lake Bible College Kenya.

Acknowledgement

First and foremost, my acknowledgement goes to the Almighty God for granting me sufficient grace to write this book. Glory and honour to Him. I highly appreciate every Bible scholar, who has dedicated time to research and write on this important subject – Eschatology. I have been extremely inspired and enriched by your great works borne of sacrifice and dedication on your part. To you great scholars, your contribution is not in vain.

Table of Contents

Preface

Foreword

Acknowledgement

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1

DANIEL’S 70 WEEKS CONCEPT

CHAPTER 2

THE SEVEN CHURCHES

CHAPTER 3

THE BIRTH OF A JEWISH NATION

CHAPTER 4

THE ROMAN EMPIRE

CHAPTER 5

THE ROLE OF AMERICA IN THE END-TIME PROGRAMME

CHAPTER 6

RUSSIA IN THE END-TIME PROGRAMME

CHAPTER 7

ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR

CHAPTER 8

THE BUILDING OF THE THIRD TEMPLE

CHAPTER 9

THE RAPTURE

CHAPTER 10

THE ANTICHRIST

CHAPTER 11

THE MARK OF THE BEAST

CHAPTER 12

THE AFTERMATH OF A PANDEMIC

CHAPTER 13

THE GREAT TRIBULATION

CHAPTER 14

THE CHURCH AFTER RAPTURE

CHAPTER 15

JERUSALEM: PAST AND FUTURE

CHAPTER 16

ISRAEL’S REVIVAL

CHAPTER 17

THE 144,000 JEWISH EVANGELISTS

CHAPTER 18

THE TWO WITNESSES IN REVELATION

CHAPTER 19

THREE SETS OF JUDGEMENTS

CHAPTER 20

THE FALL OF BABYLON

CHAPTER 21

THE ENOCH FACTOR

CHAPTER 22

THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON

CHAPTER 23

CHRIST’S SECOND COMING

CHAPTER 24

THE MILLENIAL KINGDOM

CHAPTER 25

JUDGEMENTS

CHAPTER 26

HELL

CHAPTER 27

HEAVEN

CHAPTER 28

THE NEW HEAVEN AND THE NEW EARTH

CLOSING REMARKS

NOTES

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Index

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

T

V

W

Y

Z

INTRODUCTION

Eschatology is the study of the last things to happen on this earth present age. It covers the study of events such as the second coming of Christ, judgment of the world, resurrection of the dead, and creation of new heaven and earth. 

"Eschatology comes from the Greek word eskatos, meaning last and this makes sense given that this branch of theology is preoccupied with the study of the past of life or death. More specifically, eschatology involves four elements of the ultimate destiny of mankind." ²

The bottom line is, eschatology is anchored on the phrase, last things to happen. This brings us to the question, when does the eschatological calendar begin? Some scholars see this timeline beginning from the time of Daniel’s vision on end-time (Daniel 9:24-27). Other scholars see the end-time calendar beginning at Christ’s ascension.

The end-time events are like a thrilling movie comprising several scenes with breaks and interludes. This great play has a big cast. Among the major characters are Israel, Rome, Russia, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, China, the European Community, the US, the False Prophet and the Antichrist. The field of activities is mainly in the Middle East, Israel and Jerusalem in particular.

Bible scholars differ on some eschatological views based on their perspectives and scriptural interpretation. Such divergent worldviews cause a dilemma. This scenario can be understood from the example of a person heading to a certain direction, then coming to a three-road junction: right, left and ahead. The person will definitely be confused which road to take. This is exactly what happens to somebody reading various authorities on end-time matters, hence, necessitating the title, the eschatological dilemma.

The debate on eschatology mainly emanates from scriptural interpretation, breeding many paradigms to accommodate the diverse eschatological issues. The biggest debate and mix of views from the scholars is on the timing of the Rapture of the Church. One such view is the pre-tribulation view which posits that the Church will not undergo any Tribulation, but that it will be spared these afflictions. According to this view, the Church will be taken prior to Tribulation and the Reign of the Antichrist.

The other view is the Partial Rapture of the Church. Those holding onto this view argue that some Christians will be left while others will be taken in the Rapture, depending on the believer’s faithfulness to Christ. Those left according to this view, will be raptured throughout the Tribulation as they set their lives in order. Then there is the Midtribulation Rapture view. According to this view, the Church will be raptured at the mid-point of the seven-year Tribulation period. It means therefore, that the Church will go through Tribulation in the first three and half years. Immediately after these afflictions, the Church will be taken away and spared the second part of the Tribulation which will be more severe. There is also the post-tribulation view which holds that the Church will go through the entire seven-year Tribulation period. It is after the seven-year Tribulation that the Church will be raptured.

Another area with diverse opinions besides the Rapture is the Millennial Reign of Christ. One of the millennial views is Premillennialism. Those who hold to this view argue that Christ will rule the Earth for a period of one thousand years after His second coming. That is, Christ’s return will precede the Millennial Era. Another millennial view is that of Postmillennialism. According to this view, the entire world will be brought to Christ and surrender to the gospel prior to His second coming. In other words, Christ will come back after the Millennium. There is also the Amillennialism view which holds that the kingdom of God was installed during Christ’s resurrection, during which He triumphed over Satan and curse. They believe that Christ’s rule commenced after His Resurrection, continuing into the present and future.

The Mark of the Beast has also elicited eschatological scholarly debate. Some scholars view the mark, in Revelation 13:14-18, as an actual physical mark to be put on the forehead or right hand. Without this mark, one will not be able to buy or sell. Other scholars view the mark as spiritual but associated with worship.

The interpretation of Mystery Babylon has also drawn diverse opinions. To some scholars, Mystery Babylon is the historical Babylon, the renowned city in ancient Mesopotamia built by Hammurabi. Others view the mystery Babylon, also known as Mother of Harlots, as referring to

United States of America. They narrow it down to the city of New York. Some scholars opine that Mystery Babylon is the papacy and the Roman Catholic Church. There are still others who argue that Mystery Babylon is the city of Jerusalem. Others viewing Mystery Babylon as Islam and the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

The issue of the two witnesses in Revelation 11:3-12 has equally drawn diverse opinions. There are some scholars who describe the two witnesses as Moses and Elijah. Others claim its Enoch and Elijah, while others argue that it could be two unknown believers, whom God may raise in the end time. The diversity in opinions about various eschatological issues has not augured well for the Church as it has caused divisions within the Body of Christ.

Christianity is anchored on the eschatological phenomenon as without it there would be no Christianity. Any pastor who ignores to teach about it, commits a major omission because it is eschatology that unveils Christ’s return and spells out our destiny. Our Christian faith revolves around eschatology. It is the most important subject in the Bible.

God used His prophets to reveal the end times. However, among the Old Testament prophets, it is to Daniel that God revealed greatly about the end time events. Although the apostles in the New Testament also discussed the subject, God revealed the mysteries of the end time more to John than to any other apostle. That is why the books of Daniel and Revelation are very key in the subject of eschatology.

It is quite unfortunate that many Christian believers do not study or read these books. Whereas the pastors are supposed to lead the way in their exposition, every Christian believer should take the initiative of studying these books during their personal devotion. According to some skeptics, the book of Revelation is all about symbolism. They see this prophetic book as one filled with somewhat colourful imagery such as scary monsters, plagues and pestilences, among other issues. Therefore, they are quick to suggest that these images are symbolic and figurative representations of end times. To them, the book of Revelation is an example of end time writings. ³

One skeptic of end time prophecies describes how he deliberately avoids the book of Revelation. This observer could be talking on behalf of the silent majority. According to this observer, he was scared by the information he got in the book.  Others consider the book as very difficult to comprehend. This is a premise that builds a strong veil on people’s eyes, Christians notwithstanding.

The consequences of Christian believers failing to study eschatology are dire. First and foremost, such Christian believers live under ignorance without knowing what awaits them. This ignorance leads to complacency, a situation that would spell doom to such a Christian believer. The devil takes advantage of such ignorance and hits the Christian believer below the belt. Knowledge is power, as Hosea warned in Hosea 4:6 ‘My people perish because of lack of knowledge’. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

CHAPTER 1

DANIEL’S 70 WEEKS CONCEPT

When Daniel the prophet prophesied about the end time, the Bible records in Daniel 9:24-27,

Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put on end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand that from the going out of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and moat, but in a troubled time. And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed. And he shall make strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decree end is poured out of the desolator. (ESV)

Many Bible scholars argue that week’s refer to years in this context. Thus, seventy-seven would refer to weeks of years that add up to 490 years. The prophecy separates these into smaller parts, that is, one part of 49 years, another part of 434 years, and the other part of 7 years. This last part of 7 years according to this prophecy is again divided into two equal parts of 3 ½ years each. According to the prophecy, from the time of the release of the prophecy to when Jerusalem shall be restored and the anointed one comes, shall be sevens and sixty-two years. In other words, seven sevens brings us to 49 years, while sixty-two sevens is 434 years. If the two sets are added together, i.e. 49 years plus 434 years, they add up to 483 years. ¹

Some Bible scholars view the seventy weeks of Daniel’s prophecy to concern the Jews. According to this school of thought, the Church currently abides as people of God simply because Israel was detached by God due to unbelief, as we see it echoed by Apostle Paul in Romans 11:15. According to this scripture, this action by God is a temporary one, since Israel will be restored to faith and favour when our Lord Jesus comes back the second time.

Earlier in the chapter (Daniel 9:2), Daniel explains how he understood through studying books about this prophecy given to Jeremiah. He studied thoroughly so as to have the knowledge of the number of years. Besides studying, he devoted the matter to serious prayers. In verse 3, he writes that he set his face unto the Lord, and sought Him in prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sack cloth and ashes. He repented the sins of his people – Israel. After such a serious devotion and confession, God sent angel Gabriel to Daniel to reveal to Him deep revelations about the end times. ²

Daniel’s expectation was immediate and full restoration of the capacity, because he had received this prophecy near the end of Israel’s captivity in Babylon. However, as Randall Price explains, He learnt differently. The angel Gabriel arrived and revealed that complete fulfilment of the restoration programme would be yet future and progressive. Gabriel revealed this by describing specific divisions of time, each involving specific events designed to prepare Israel for the final fulfilment of God’s restoration programme.

April 6, 32 AD is therefore put as the conclusion of the year of the first 69 weeks. Considering that the 69 weeks of seven years, with each year having 360 days, then the equation would be as follows: 69×7×360=173,880 days. If we began from 14th March of 445 BC, the total sum would lead us to April 6th, 33 AD which occurred before our Lord Jesus Christ’s death on 14th Nisan 33 AD³. Chuck Smith (1984) affirms. He writes, Exactly 173,880 days later on 6th April, 32 A.D, Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem amidst the shouts of His disciples who were quoting from Psalm 118 which is one of Messianic Psalms.⁴ The actual fulfilment of this prophecy is evidence and proof to show the accuracy of Daniel on one hand, and by intimation of the inspiration of the Holy Scripture as the truth of Christian faith.

One significant point to note is that in Daniel 9:26-27; there are two distinct princes stated. The first, Messiah the King, and the second, The Prince that shall come. The latter cannot suggest to be the Messiah because it is the people belonging to the prince who will come, who are to cause destruction to the city of Jerusalem following the death of the Messiah.

Because this is a historical fact, Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman people in 70 AD. It means therefore, that the prince that shall come cannot be the Jewish Messiah. Rather, the Prince mentioned here shall arise out of the Roman Empire. This is what Daniel chapter seven refers to as little horn who emerges swiftly from amidst the ten kings of the revived Roman Empire towards the end.

According to Daniel, God has six goals that He has divided into two sets. However, the Messiah was cut-off before accomplishing the task. The first set of three are: to finish transgression, to put an end to sin and to atone for wickedness were accomplished in His atonement. The second set: to bring everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy, shall be fulfilled at His second coming, when the Jewish nation shall be restored. ⁵

The prophecy was certain, that the Messiah was to come sixty-nine sevens, which as we saw above added up to 483. Exactly 173,880 days, on 6th April 32 AD, Jesus made triumphant entry to Jerusalem. It was at this very day that He was to establish His kingdom among His people, but they rejected Him. He was cut off and had nothing. Chuck Smith (1984) puts it more plainly, This was the day God promised the Messiah would come, and God kept His promise. However, as the Holy Spirit had predicted through prophet Isaiah in chapter 53:

He was despised and rejected by men and, as the angel said to Daniel, The Messiah will be cut off, so was Jesus rejected, crucified and cut off without receiving the kingdom." ⁶

There are some Bible scholars who argue that the whole set of six messianic goals were fulfilled at Christ’s first advent. Randall Prince (2000:2/3) views the entire seventy weeks as having been fulfilled consecutively without interruption, within the first century.⁷ This argument that the Messiah fulfilled all the promises when He came in His first advent, is weak. The fulfilment of the second set of promises should be seen from a future perspective. These goals ought to be interpreted literally that the Messiah is yet to bring an everlasting righteousness. He shall accomplish that goal during His Millennial Rule.

According to Randall (2000:2/3), the first three goals relate to the sins of the nation of Israel; while the final three regard her salvation. Thus, the period for the fulfilment of all the goals must be seen in conjunction with Messiah’s mission to Israel which historically encompasses both advents.⁸ Sin was dealt with during the atonement. However, the Messiah was cut off before accomplishing all the goals. This scenario reversed Israel’s prophetic plan for their redemption, hence, deferring it to a future date. Israel is still waiting for this to happen. That is why Israel will be easily tricked by the prince that shall come, in the hope that he is the Messiah. They lost an opportunity, which was a blessing to the Gentiles. As we read in John 1:11-12:

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.

After the Messiah has been cut off, the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city, and the sanctuary. And the end therefore shall be with flood. This indeed happened in 70 AD.

As John Gill explains, the Romans, under Vespasian their Prince, emperor and general, a little while after the cutting off of the Messiah, they entered into the land of Judea, and destroyed the city of Jerusalem and the temple that stood in it. The city and the nation were under the Roman army, who like a flood, overspread the land, and carried all before it. ⁹

Take note of the phrase, and the end therefore shall be with flood. This is a horrific statement describing a disastrous effect. David Green (2012:9) points at this horrific state. He writes, In 70 CE, the Roman siege of Jerusalem was the climax of the Great Revolt which had been four years earlier. Titus began his assault on Jerusalem in March 70 CE, with the help of four legions who trapped between 600,000 – 1 million people (estimate of Josephus) in the city. The resident’s situation was worsened by the fact that the Jewish extremist group, the Sicarii, burned the Jewish population stock of food as part of a strategy meant to force them to fight the Romans rather than negotiate surrender. Following destruction of the third wall and the Antonia Fortress, the Romans set in to conquer the Temple. The Temple was razed to the ground. ¹⁰

The reason behind Jerusalem’s invasion was Israel’s revolt against the Roman rule. Although they managed to put the Roman authority in check for four years, finally Jerusalem had to bow, to fulfil Daniel’s prophecy. The failure of the revolt had serious consequences to the Jews. According to Christianity Today, the Jewish Revolution had a two-fold effect. One, it marked the end of the Jewish state until modern times. And two, the destruction of the temple signified a change in Jewish worship (although that change had begun as Jews had been scattered throughout the world for at least six hundred years).

Josephus Flavious, the renowned Jewish historian gives a first-hand experience of the horrific Roman assault on the Temple during the Jerusalem invasion in AD 70. He writes:

A Roman soldier hurled a flaming brand through a window unto the sanctuary. As the flames shot up, the Jews flocked to the rescue of their sacred structure that they had constantly guarded with such devotion. They watched it vanishing before their very eyes. No exhortation or threat could now restrain the impetuosity of the legions; for passion was in supreme.

Crowded together around the entrance, many were trampled down by their companions, others stumbling on the smoldering and smoke-filled ruins of the porticoes, died miserably. The rebels were powerless to help; carnage and flight spread throughout. Most of the slain were peaceful citizens, weak and unarmed, and they were butchered where they were caught. The heap of corpses mounted higher and higher about the altar. A stream of blood flowed down the Temple’s steps, and the bodies of those slain at the top slipped to the bottom. While the temple was ablaze, the attackers plundered it, and countless people who were caught by them were slaughtered. There was no pity for age and no regard was accorded rank; children and old men, laymen and priests, alike were butchered. Every class was pursued and crushed in the grip of war, whether they cried out for mercy or offered resistance. The yells of the rebels encircled by fire and sword, the panic of the people who, cut off above, fled into the arms of the enemy, and their shrieks as they met their fate. The cries on the hills blended with those of the multitudes in the city below; and now many people who were exhausted and tongue-tied as a result of hunger, when they beheld the temple on fire, found strength once more to lament and wail. The Temple Mount, everywhere enveloped in flames, seemed to be boiling over from its base, yet the blood seemed more abundant than them, the flames and the numbers of the slain, greater than those of the slayers. The soldiers climbed over heaps of bodies as they chased the fugitives. [ ¹²] [¹³ ]

Josephus was a former leader of the Jewish Revolt who surrendered to the Romans and won favour from Vespasian.¹⁴ This narration depicts how horrific Jerusalem invasion was, and in particular the Temple. Jesus in Luke 19:41-44 wept for the city of Jerusalem. He knew the devastation that was awaiting the city in less than three decades to follow would have been severe. The Bible records:

And when he was to come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! But now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side. And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

In Luke 13:34, Jesus further expresses similar feelings and sympathy over the city of Jerusalem. We read:

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

In this verse we can hear the heartbreak of God! We cannot read it without seeing God’s tears and hearing God’s love for this city. The great Mother heart of God is there especially in the words, "as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings! ¹⁵

Thomas Hale (2000) further explains, From the Mount of Olives, Jesus would see the whole city laid out before Him. He knew that the Jewish leaders had rejected Him. He knew that the people of Jerusalem would soon cry out for His death (Matt. 15:12-15). And He also knew that a great disaster would soon come upon the city and its people because they had killed the Son of God. Therefore, He wept over the city. He said, If you...had only known on this day what would bring your peace. If only the people of Jerusalem had repented and welcomed Christ, the city would have been spared. There would have been peace for the people of Jerusalem. But now peace is hidden from your eyes", said Jesus. The chance to repent was lost. Their hearts were hardened, their eyes were shut. They did not recognize the time of God’s coming, that is, the coming of His son Jesus. Then Jesus prophesied that, instead of peace, a sword would come to Jerusalem. The enemy’s army would surround the city and destroy it completely and kill all the inhabitants (Jer. 6:6; Luke 21:6; 20-24). This prophecy was fulfilled forty years later in 70 AD, when the Roman army came and utterly destroyed Jerusalem. ¹⁶

The identity of the prince in Daniel 9:27 has been controversial. Some argue that this cannot be the Antichrist because the prince is a Roman while the latter happens to be a Jew. The maker of the firm covenant mentioned in Daniel 9:27 cannot be the Messiah prince. This is because his covenants with his chosen people are permanent and to last, with no limit or specific time of seven years. They affirm that the he in Daniel 9:27 is the Antichrist. ¹⁷

Others view the he in Daniel 9:27 to refer to the Messiah and not the Antichrist. According to this proponent, the he must be Jesus because in Matthew. 26:28, Jesus says, For this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sin. It is Christ who makes the firm covenant and not the Antichrist. ¹⁸

Geoff Wright (2015) argues that Daniel’s 70th week started in 63 AD and ended in 70 AD. According to him, Daniel’s 70th week had to end in AD 70 because that was when the temple and Jerusalem were destroyed. This is because one of the events that was to happen was that the people of the coming prince would destroy the city and the sanctuary. ¹⁹ The firm covenant involving the Roman Prince and Jewish people will usher in a moment with unequal devastation towards the Jews. The peak of this seven-year period shall lead to its end, the whole process of the seventieth week, hence, bring about the great promises and blessings of Israel as described in Daniel 9:24, ushering in the time of Jacob’s trouble. ²⁰

Yet, there are those who view the seventieth week as coming at the beginning of the tribulation period. They argue that the leader related to the people, that is, the Romans, who are expected to destroy the temple will confirm a covenant with the many (Israel) as seen in Daniel 9:27. They believe that this covenant is related to the Temple.

The rebuilding of the Temple is quite significant to the Jewish nation, particularly when viewed from a rebellious perspective. It will provide room for worship and offering of sacrifices. However, though important to Judaism, it will mark the beginning of the times of Jacob’s trouble if viewed from a pre-tribulation perspective.

At the mid-point of the seventieth week, the temple will be desecrated by the Antichrist. In Mathew 24:15; Jesus said:

When ye therefore shall see abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth let him understand).

Apostle Paul referred to this desecration as a pointer for the rise of the man of sin, and commencement of the judgment of God (2 Thess. 2:412). The Messiah will eventually return and destroy the Antichrist with his armies (Rev. 19:20). At this point in time, Israel as a nation will repent. We read in Romans 11:26-27:

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written. There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.

Chuck Smith (1984) explains, The Antichrist will make a covenant with the nation of Israel. He will grant them the right to rebuild their temple in Jerusalem and will promise to bring them peace. Then, after three and one-half years, the Antichrist will violate the covenant and cause the daily sacrifices and oblations in Jerusalem to cease. He will stand in the holy place of the rebuilt temple and declare that he alone is God. His demand to be worshipped as God is the abomination that causes the desolations. At this point, the eyes of the Jews will be opened and they will see that they have been deceived. ²¹

As seen earlier, the first three goals accomplished by the Messiah relate to the sins of Israel, while the final three regard her salvation. The fulfilment of the last three goals awaits the time of the end. The phrase, to bring in everlasting righteousness refers to the predicted millennial restoration or age of righteousness that will reverse Israel’s national rejection of her Messiah (Isaiah 1:26; 11:2-5; 32:17; Jer.23:5-6; 33:15-18). This future restoration may also seal the vision and prophecy. The final goal, to anoint the most Holy, must also look to the future, specifically, to a future dedicated to the Temple’s Holy of holies, explains Randall Price (2000:2/3)²².  The fulfilment of these last goals will be culmination of the prophetic plan of Israel.

In view of Daniel’s Messianic Mission, Randall adds, the Messiah’s mission to Israel begins with His crucifixion as Israel’s saviour and culminates with His reign as Israel’s King. Thus, Daniel’s prayer for an end to exile can only be fulfilled when all the elements of his petition will be realized, and this can only be accomplished in the coming age of Messiah’s reign. ²³

CHAPTER 2

THE SEVEN CHURCHES

The churches described in Revelation allude to seven actual churches mentioned in Revelation 2 and 3. These initial Christian faith churches were situated in Asia Minor at the reign of the Roman Empire. Whereas the churches stopped to flourish during the centuries of Muslim domination that followed the Romans, the remnants of the excavation of these said seven locations do exist in today’s Turkey.

These seven churches were situated in the western part of Asia Minor, which is today’s Turkey. Because of diverse reasons like commercial, military and pleasure, these cities ended up becoming renowned cultural centers throughout history. At the period of the first few centuries, shortly after the Ministry of Jesus Christ, these cities also happened to have been essential in early Christianity. ¹

It is worth to note that these seven Churches got a letter from the Lord. In the letters, the Lord Jesus commended and castigated each church and offered counsel to each on the way they could get back on the fold. The major part of the counsel is aimed at the church leaders concerning the manner at which the truth ought to have been taught or not. Apostle Paul is the one who founded and grounded these Churches with the lead church being Ephesus. Even though these letters were written targeting the seven churches in Asia Minor then, there is a significant correlation of the message to the present Church. The contents of the letters actually came from Jesus Christ. John was only acting as a messenger through his authorship. ²

These letters have been a centre of interest in today’s Church. However, to try and comprehend them is startling. These seven Churches that have been identified geographically did not comprise the entire Christian congregation of the first century. Besides the seven, there were other Churches like the Church in Philippi and Colossae, among others. One then wonders why God chose these seven flocks to offer all-time guidelines for His own people throughout centuries. ³

When facing these Churches, God affirmed that He understood their works. In other words, He understood what they were going through and the way they reacted to each challenge. He advised them to repent of their misdeeds and