Asteroid Impact

Scientific Lunacy or
Bible Prophecy?
(Page 6)

• Futurism and Historicism

There are several schools of thought on Bible prophecy and naturally, the two most popular views, futurism and historicism, are diametrically opposed. They are very well defined and enthusiastically defended by scholars on both sides. Futurism has the most followers and its origin can be traced back to the late 1500’s. The two most prominent teachings of futurism are variations on the rapture and the restoration of the state of Israel. Even though futurism generates a lot of excitement and discussion, its significance will disappear the day God sends the meteoric showers of burning hail and two asteroid impacts.

Futurism misses the prophetic mark in several areas, but especially in two important ones. First, there is no biblical support for a pre-tribulation or mid-tribulation rapture. There are many Bible texts to support the claim of a pre/mid-trib rapture. But, the context of Scripture does not support the claim – especially within the sequence of apocalyptic prophecy. Consequently, many sincere people will be overwhelmed when the Great Tribulation begins and they discover they are still on Earth. Many will be bitterly disappointed because they were erroneously led to believe that they would escape the tribulation. Millions will abandon faith in God because they will be overwhelmed with disappointment and disillusioned with their church, their leaders, and their prophetic faith. This, of course, will make the devil very happy. When God’s judgments begin, people will not know what or whom to believe.

Second, futurism does not recognize the supreme deception of all ages that is about to take place. The Bible states that the devil himself will appear in a physical body in various places around the world. In other words, futurists do not emphasize the brilliant appearing of the devil masquerading as Jesus Christ since they believe they will be raptured. In the radiant form of a god-man, Satan will work mighty miracles in the presence of everyone, including Christians. He will even call fire down out of heaven in full view of enormous crowds. Billions will believe he is Almighty God when, in reality, he is nothing less than that ancient serpent, the predicted Antichrist. This is a very serious flaw with futurism.

• Historicism is No Better

Historicism, on the other hand, is the older and less accepted school of prophetic thought. This school teaches that the papacy is the great Antichrist power of Daniel and Revelation. This doctrine traces its origin to England during the 1300’s when John Wycliff began to call for reformation within the Roman Catholic Church. His clarion call for the exaltation of Bible truth and for the elimination of man-made doctrines angered prelates and popes for years. Wycliff did not know that his call for fidelity to Bible truth would culminate with the Protestant Reformation in the 18th century. The problem with historicism today is that it is still bashing the pope and the Roman Catholic Church as though the Protestant reformation was still going on.

Historicists fail to recognize that the world is made up of other religious systems comprising billions of people. Admittedly, no religious system on Earth has as much power in the political arena as the Roman Catholic Church. However, there are other religious systems that deviate from Bible truth just as much as papal doctrine and two of these religious systems have even larger numbers of devoted subjects!

The historical view of Revelation is deficient for several reasons, but here are two: First, historicism claims that the bulk of Revelation has been fulfilled. Yet, a careful investigation of what historicists teach reveals that many of their claims cannot be defended in light of historical records and what the Bible says. But, the real problem is that those who believe this doctrine do not anticipate the soon fulfillment of Revelation’s predicted events, especially that meteorites and asteroids are coming. Since historicists believe that Revelation, for the most part, has been fulfilled, they will experience the same shock that futurists experience when end-time events occur differently than expected!

The second problem with the historical position is that it teaches that the seven-headed, ten-horned beast of Revelation 13 is the Roman Catholic Church, and its partner, the lamb-like beast, is the United States of America. Historicists teach that these two powers will rule over all the inhabitants of the Earth and set up the mark of the beast. Yes, for awhile, the papacy and the United States will have key roles during the tribulation, but they will not be the only players nor will they be the ultimate players! This world is made up of many political and religious systems, and Revelation’s story not only identifies many of them, it also includes all six billion people on Earth.

• Opposite Views Produce the Same Effect

Although futurism and historicism are diametrically opposed to each other, they produce the same erroneous conclusion. Futurists plan to be in Heaven while Revelation is being fulfilled, and historicists are convinced that most of the events in Revelation have already happened! The bottom line from both schools is that understanding Revelation and its predicted events are not essential to their Christian experience! But this will change the day that God breaks His silence with human beings.

• God’s Silence

God appears to be silent because He has not openly interfered with the actions of man for many centuries. However, God is going to break His long-standing silence with our planet by sending His judgments. These judgments will come from the heavens as well as from deep within the Earth. When they begin, all sinners will know that "The Great Day of the Lord" has come. It will be clear to all that God is dealing with the sinfulness of Earth and everyone will come to experience the fear of Almighty God. When that day arrives, the leaders and people of Earth will unwittingly begin to fulfill prophecies that were written more than two thousand years ago.

This writer is excited about the nearness of these events because the stage is now set. The end-time players are in place. World leaders are ostensibly seeking peace and unity – a one-world coalition of nations governed by international law. Global leaders say they want peace and safety for all peoples, but progress is slow and illusive. The basic problem is this: The heart of man is selfish. Greed, arrogance and pride are at the root of madness, war and unrest. But, the coming judgments of God will change the political structures of the world overnight. God is about to grant control of the world to seven religious systems, the Antichrist and ten political leaders – eighteen players total. They don’t know it yet, but God has planned these events for thousands of years.

• A Completely Free Offer

If you would like more information on the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, or would like to consider a concept that identifies the Mark of the Beast literally, just as the Bible reads, please contact us. A free book will be sent to you – no strings attached – no requests for money – no hook to make you a member of any church.   Just click the Free Book Button on the left.

One day very soon, mortals on a tiny speck of a planet called Earth will know that Almighty God, Owner of the Universe, has summoned man to rendezvous before His everlasting throne of righteousness. Science will confirm all that the Bible predicts. Will you and I be prepared? I hope so.

Larry Wilson

 

   

 

© Wake Up America Seminars, Inc., 1999