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"the Rapture in March of the 2000"
-- Ephraim
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How the Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ relate
Posted on Saturday, December 22 @ 09:34:40 PST by Virgil |
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twospirits submitted: " An article was just recently posted on PP concerning the birth date of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. These were also my sentiments and thoughts recently of posting an article I had through the years put together in researching the historical and biblical evidence concerning the birth date of Jesus Christ.
From the article presented on Dec. 11,07, "Was Jesus born on December 25th or early September?"; and this article (if posted) would give the readers who visit PP much food for thought as to when our Lord, the Savior of the world, was really born; and what better food for thought to receive?
The historical and Biblical evidence.
We know that Herod the Great was king in Judea when Jesus was born (Matt. 2-1). Josephus the Jewish historian writes that there was an eclipse of the moon shortly before the death of Herod. This could refer to any of three eclipses that occurred in 5 and 4 B.C. But since Josephus records that this eclipse occurred shortly before his death, the most likely is the eclipse that occurred on March 12th of 4 B.C. Furthermore Josephus states that Herod died just before Passover. At that time Passover occurred on the evening of April 11th in 4 B.C. So from this evidence it must be concluded that Herod died in the early part of April before the Passover of that year.
Before that time, Herod had held council with wise men from he East who had come to worship God's Messiah Jesus Christ. On the pretense that Herod also wanted to worship Jesus, he asked the wise men to report back to him as to where he could be found. But after a time when they did not report back to him, he became furious and ordered his soldiers to kill all children in Bethlehem two years and under (Matt. 2-16). Scripture reveals the order given was “in accordance with the time he had learned from the magi.” Herod was a madman who wanted to keep his throne, so this needs to be taken into account. Its difficult to believe that Herod would go “strictly” by the time given him by the magi which he alone had learned from them as the scripture declares. In all probability he would have allowed ample time to make sure that the Messiah child Jesus would be killed. Remembering that Herod was furious that the magi had betrayed him by not reporting back to him. He would have felt and thought the same way concerning “the time” that the magi had given him of those events that had transpired.
This evidence indicates that Jesus most probably was born sometime in 6 or 5 B.C., when going by the order to kill the children two years and under. Given that Herod was a madman and betrayed by the magi, the evidence that shall be presented leans more to the year 5 B.C. As being the time of Jesus' birth. This is indicated in Matt. 2-8 where Herod tells the magi: “Go and search diligently for the young child*;---.” And Matt. 2-11 tells us, “And when they were come into the house (not the stable) they saw the young child*----and fell down and worshiped him---.” We see in these verses that Jesus is said as being “a young child” and not an infant as when the shepherds saw him. So we can see that Herod going by the time the magi gave him realized Jesus was then a young child as it states in Matt. 2-8. Where shortly after the magi found “the young child” and worshiped him (Matt. 2-11).
As to “the time of year” of Jesus' birth, Luke 2-1-40 indicates that it was not in the cold and winter months as tradition holds to today. At the time that Mary was about to give birth to Jesus, Caesar Augustus (verses 1-2) “decreed that all should be taxed (registered). And this registering was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.” In those days traveling was extremely difficult in the winter months so that the people could travel and be able to register in their own city (V.3). It was at that time that Mary gave birth to Jesus and the angels appeared to the shepherds in the field (Luke 2-8-21). The weather in the winter months would not permit shepherds to field their flocks, they would be sheltered for the winter as Jewish history reveals. So taking all this historical-biblical evidence into account thus far, it points to the time of Jesus' birth as being the spring or fall of 5 B.C.
The New Testament tells us much concerning Jesus' ministry in public. John the Baptist crossed the careers of several historical figures (Luke 3-1). The most important was Tiberius Caesar. Luke tells us there that he had been in office four years when John began his ministry. Josephus records that Tiberius became Emperor at the death of Augustus in 14 A.D. Therefore his 15th year would have been 28 or 29 A.D. Depending on whether he used an accession or a non-accession scheme in dating which was common for that time.
John and Jesus began their ministry about the same time. From the evidence gathered we know that Jesus had a ministry of three and a half years. When he began his ministry Luke 3-23 says that “Jesus was about 30 years of age.” Here a problem emerges for Josephus' date for Tiberius' reign being 28-29 A.D. It would require us to place the death of Jesus in 32-33 A.D. Which would move his birth date from 5 to 2 B.C., which by the biblical evidence given us is to late. For that time would also be “after Herod's death.” So it would have to come at an earlier time. Luke confirms this for us in Luke 3-1 where he tells us that Tiberius Caesar had been in office four years when John the Baptist's ministry began.
We know from evidence that Tiberius ruled with Augustus Caesar for about three years before Augustus died. This means he would have begun his official duties in about 11 A.D. Which agrees with Luke's statement that he had been in office for four years. Therefore his 15th year of his rulership would have come in 26 A.D., the beginning of John and Jesus' ministry. This date also agrees with Luke 3-23 when he began his ministry “Jesus was about 30 years of age.” If indeed Jesus was born in the year 5 B.C. And his ministry began as indicated here, the fall of 26 A.D.; he would at that time have been “about 30 years of age”, which confirms Luke's statement. Adding this time of 5 B.C. To the fall of 26 A.D., they equal to 30 years (for there is no 0 B.C.).
The evidence tells us that Jesus began his ministry before the first of the four Passovers given us in scripture, making the length of his ministry three and a half years. Making the beginning of his ministry sometime in the fall of 26 A.D., and concluding in the spring Passover season of 30 A.D. The Jewish calendar shows that the Passover came on the evening of April 7 A.D. 30. That would put the beginning of the Passover on Thursday evening, though tradition teaches that Jesus was crucified on Friday. Jewish time was reckoned from “evening to evening,” and Jesus was crucified and died several hours before Passover began. Thus in Jewish time, Jesus was crucified, died and was buried late afternoon “Wednesday,” several hours prior to the beginning of the Passover, the Jewish new day being Thursday evening, April 7, A.D. 30.
Now continuing with historical-biblical evidence rather than tradition we see the scriptures confirm this date as well, that being Jesus' resurrection seen in John 20-1. “Early in the first day of the week (Sunday)---.” Here John shows us that Jesus fulfilled the prophecy given in John 2-19, and confirms the evidence that the Jewish calendar shows that the Passover of April 7, A.D. 30 occurred beginning on Thursday evening, and not on Friday evening as tradition holds to.
In Luke 2-41-42, he states that during the Passover time when Jesus was at the temple he was “12 years old.” The Jewish Passover then was on April 29 of A.D. 9. Note that Luke does not state here that Jesus was “about” 12 years old, as he stated in Luke 3-23 of Jesus being “about” 30 years of age. Rather here he is implicit that he “was” 12 years old. So this passage in Luke 2-41-42 confirms the actual age of Jesus, and the age of Jesus when he began his ministry in the fall of A.D. 26.
Now given that it was the spring Passover where Jesus is 12 years old, in going back we can possibly come to a closer time of his birth. This can be done by going back to the spring Passover time of 5 B.C. In counting from the Passover time of 5 B.C. To the Passover time of April 29, 9 A.D., we see it equals to “13 full years” and not 12 years. Therefore Jesus could not have been born in the spring time of 5 B.C. He would have had to be born later in the year. And this is where Luke 3-23 helps us in finding that time of year of his birth. For it is there that Luke states that Jesus was “about 30 years of age.” Indicating that Jesus' 30th birthday was “very close” when he began his ministry in the fall of that year. So here we have further evidence that Jesus' birth occurred sometime in the fall, Sept.-Oct. (Jewish calendar) of 5 B.C.
The Jewish Feast of Tabernacles (Succot) occurs in the fall, in Sept.-Oct. Of the Jewish calendar. John 1-14 gives us an indication that Jesus' birth did occur during that time. “And the word was made flesh (lit., became flesh), and dwelt* among us,---.”eek word “dwelt” that John used is “skenoo” which means to “tent” or “tabernacle” as God did in the Tabernacle of old. Though this by itself is not evidence, but given with all te other evidence presented, this passage helps varify that evidence that he came and “dwelt” among us in Sept.-Oct. Of 5 B.C. Sometime during the Feasts of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur or the Feast of Tabernacles. Also Luke 2-7 records that at the time of Jesus' birth “there was no room in the inn,” indicating feast gathering times for Jews.
So in bringing this all forward from the time of the fall of 5 B.C. to the fall of 1 B.C. Equals to 4 years. And from the fall of 1 B.C. To the following fall, would be A.D. 1. For there is no “0 B.C.”
---The birth of Jesus Christ; the fall of Sept.-Oct. Of 5 B.C. Most probably during the Feasts of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur or the Feast of Tabernacles.
---The death of Herod; early April of 4 B.C. Shortly before Passover on April 11 of 4 B.C.
---During Passover time on April 29, 9 A.D., as recorded in Luke 2-41-42 Jesus was 12 years old.
---The beginning of Jesus' ministry when he was about 30 years of age in the fall of Sept.-Oct. Of 26 A.D.
---Jesus crucified, died and was buried Wednesday afternoon several hours before the Passover. The Passover began that evening, beginning the Jewish new day, Thursday of April 7 A.D. 30.
---The time of Pentecost occurred on May 27, A.D. 30. The pouring out of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of the church age.
---Rosh Hashanah occurred on Sept. 17 of A.D. 30. Yom Kippur on Sept. 26 A.D. 30. The Feast of Tabernacles on Oct. 1 A.D. 30.
The evidence given meets all the historical-biblical evidence found except one that becomes a problem on finding “beyond a doubt” the timing of Christ's birth and here needs to be discussed. It is the scripture of Luke 2-1-2 that poses a problem in finding the time of Christ's birth. Luke 2-1-2 records the time of Jesus' birth. We read, “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census that took place when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.” The problem arises from Archaeological evidence found concerning this governor Cyrenius. Several hundred years ago, evidence was found that this governor of Syria who administered the taxing seen in Luke 2-1-3 ruled in that position from 7 to 4 B.C. Which agrees with the scriptural evidence given. But according to some information given us in certain books today, it is said that there has been recent archaeological evidence stating that Cyrenius was twice governor of Syria. But his first period of rule is given as beginning “from 4 B.C. To 1 B.C.” and not 7 to 4 B.C. But if this “evidence” be true, it would mean that Christ's birth came “after the death of Herod,” and the evidence of scripture clearly reveals otherwise. Therefore, the word of God or this “new evidence” must be rejected as being false. The answer is obvious that this “new evidence” being proclaimed by certain authorities and authors are to be rejected as being incorrect in their findings. It is totally contrary to all the historical-biblical facts presented. Therefore in keeping with the timing of Christ's birth with the evidence found that Cyrenius was first governor in 7 to 4 B.C., which agrees with God's word, is the evidence we present and follow.
Some have given another solution to this problem. That is the word “first” (Greek, prote-proto). This Greek word “first” (prote) can also be used to mean “before.” For example in John 15-18 we read, “---keep in mind that it hated me first* (before;prote, proto). Taken in this way Luke 2-2 would then read, “This was the census that took place before* (prote) Cyrenius was governor of Syria.” In any case there are several views given on the timing of Christ's birth, ministry, crucifixion and resurrection. But here we have presented for the sake of space only the view that holds the strongest evidence found to date. That being most probably Christ was born sometime in the fall of Sept.-Oct. Of the Jewish Feast times in 5 B.C.
Now can we find through the prophetic events of the birth of John the Baptist, the confirmation time of Jesus Christ's birth, ministry, crucifixion and resurrection, and the “prophetic time” of chapter 20 called “the 1000 year reign”? ( By the translation of the scholars, why I emphasized it as we shall see). Where when that time would expire, the releasing of Satan would occur to deceive the nations to fulfill the prophecies of the end time?
We have written on Revelation chapter 20, “the 1000 years” on our website: www.twospiritshendora.com seen on page 16 and also seen under articles. It was also posted in short on Planetpreterist.com titled; “An Apologetic on Dispensationalism, posted on Nov. 16, 06 for those who may wish further information on these topics. ( The timing of Satan's release is given on page 9, 13 and 16 of our website). “The so-called 1000 years” called “the 1st resurrection” consists of not only two separate groups being resurrected, but the resurrections are spaced 1000 years apart from one another, when following the text and the translation of the scholar's “1000 years.” Therefore the total reign in heaven cannot be a 1000 years, but a reign of 2000 years that Rev. 20-4-6 speaks of. And this is called in the texts “the first resurrection” and the “1000 years” (by the scholars). And it is after that time expires we read: “And when the thousand* years are completed, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison (loosed from his “restriction”)”. (V.17). And then “shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them to battle;---.” (Rev. 20-8; The events are seen in Rev. 16-12-14,16).
So these passages indicate to us that after the 2000 year reign in heaven, not a 1000 years as we assert, comes to completion, Satan is to be released in order to “deceive the nations” to fulfill the remaining end time prophecies seen in Daniel, Ezekiel (chapters 38-39, Gog and Magog, and on through chapters 48), Revelation and other scriptures relating to the prophecy. So the questions now arise, “when” did this 2000 year reign end to bring forth the release of Satan to fulfill prophecy, to bring in the coming of Christ our Lord and the eternal state? And are we correct in asserting that its not a 1000 but a 2000 year reign in heaven? This shall be seen as we go along. We know through scripture the heavenly kingdom always existed, and before the New Covenant only Old Covenant saints could enter. Therefore “when” did God bind Satan in order that his salvation plan for mankind, the church age, be fulfilled? This is of the greatest and upmost importance to know, for it relates to the expiration time of these 2000 years (which we maintain) where Satan would then be released to deceive the nations worldwide fulfilling the prophecy.
Numerous scriptures in the New Testament indicate that this 2000 year reign began, prophetically speaking, before the birth of Christ. That being the time we read in Rev. 20-1-3. “---having the key* of the bottomless pit and a great chain* in his hand. And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal* upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more,---and after that (time) he must be loosed a little season.” It must be understood here that this passage is not to be taken “literally” concerning his “binding,” but is figurative and symbolic in meaning. For obviously he, then and now, is still allowed to “roam about” to tempt and deceive. The classic example of this is seen in the temptation of Jesus Christ at the very beginning of Christ's ministry, in order to prevent God's prophetic plan. The meaning of the passage is that he was “limited and restricted” by God in the use of his power. Scripturally the “key” represents and means “authority,” the “chain” means “restriction of movement.” For example, when an animal is chained, the shorter the chain the more he becomes restricted, the longer the chain, the less restricted he becomes. But nonetheless, he still becomes restricted and contained from having his full freedom. And this passage tells us that the angel held “a great chain” in his hand. Indicating that though Satan was restricted, he still held much power and movement at his command. The meaning of this “binding” is given us in the passage, it is so he could not “deceive the nations” in order to “gather them together” as is seen in Rev. 16-12-14,16 and 20-8. The “seal” represents God's authority and guarantee that Satan could not fulfill this prophecy until that time had come to pass.
We read of this binding of Satan in the parables of Jesus (Matt. 12-29; Luke 11-21-23). We know some of the Old Testament saints were reigning on thrones in the heavenly Kingdom when looking to Matt. 17-1-8 and Mark 9-2-8 where it records “the transfiguration of Jesus” speaking with Moses and Elijah. And in Luke 10-18 Jesus said “I saw Satan fall from heaven” (past tense). In John 18-36 Jesus states, “My kingdom is not of this world---. (V.37) “Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born and for this cause (reason) came I into the world.” For this very reason was Jesus born, to destroy the works of the devil, and bring salvation to mankind. 1 John 3-8 states, “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested (sent in flesh), that he might destroy the works of the devil.” We read in 1 John 4-14, “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son (to be) Savior of the world.” Luke 2-11 states, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” And in Luke 2-31-32, “---which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” These are just some of other scriptures that could be given that indicates the time of Satan's “binding” that would begin the time of the 2000 year heavenly reign and the salvation of mankind, the church age.
In continuing and correcting first our calendar time to the birth of Christ. The fall of Sept.-Oct. Of 5 B.C. Would become Jan. 1,A.D. 1 as being “the year of our Lord.” So from Jan. 1, A.D. 1 (Sept.-Oct. 5 B.C.) to Sept.-Oct. Of 1995 A.D. Equals to 2000 years. Whereas the calendar we follow to this day would show the time to be Sept.-Oct. Of 2000 A.D. So in following Christ's birth date as being 5 B.C., we see the 2000 years actually expiring in Sept.-Oct. Of 1995 where Satan would be released to deceive the nations and fulfill prophecy. Now if one were to look at our writings (on our website), they would read that Satan would be released to deceive the nations in Sept.-Oct. Of 1993. The time that Satan gave his throne and authority to the beast of the sea and the earth. But all authority would be given to the beast of the sea, the political beast, in order to deceive the nations called “Gog and Magog, that are in the four corners of the earth” (Rev. 20-8).
So here we have a two year difference as to when the 2000 years is said to be ended when following the time “from the birth of Christ.” But if we take into account the “prophetic events necessary” that are “a part” of the overall prophetic fulfillment of the 2000 year reign and binding of Satan to fulfill God's salvation plan; then we would need to first go back to the time of the birth of John the Baptist. For he was prophesied to be the “forerunner” to “make straight the path (coming) of the Lord” (Mark 1-1-3; Luke 1-17; John 1-15). And it is there in those texts concerning the birth of John and Jesus would we find the time that agrees to the time stated as being Sept.-Oct. Of 1993, the end of the 2000 years and the conceiving of Jesus to Mary by the Holy Spirit.
Luke chapter 1 records the events concerning John the Baptist's birth. There the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah a priest, while he was servicing in the temple of God, and was told that “in time” his wife would bear him a son, and he was to be called John. Where then we read in Luke 1-23-24, that after “the days of his ministration were finished, he departed to his own house.” And “after those days (a short time after his return) his wife Elizabeth conceived, and “hid herself for five months.” Luke 1-26-27 then tells us that “in the sixth month” of Elizabeth's pregnancy, Gabriel appeared to Mary who was “betrothed” to Joseph at that time. Gabriel tells Mary that she “shall conceive” in time Jesus, the Son of God by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1-35).
In verse 36 Gabriel tells her that Elizabeth, Mary's relative, has also conceived a son and that “this is the sixth month with her.” This tells us that when Gabriel appeared to Mary, Elizabeth was “beginning” her 6th month of conception. It is at this time (v.39) that Mary “went out with haste” to the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Then in verse 45, “Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit proclaims that there “shall be” a fulfillment of the things which were told to Mary from the Lord. This indicates that Mary “was yet” to conceive. Then Luke 1-56 tells us that “Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.”
Luke 1-26-27 tells us that when Mary went to visit Elizabeth she was “betrothed” to Joseph at that time. Matt. 1-18-19 gives a strong indication that Mary conceived Jesus during her three month visit with Elizabeth, before returning to her home. “---When as his mother Mary was espoused (betrothed) to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.” Here it seems that when she returned to her hometown, “she was found to be with child.” Though there's no way to know how far along she was, we can know that when she returned home “she was with child.”
So here we have Mary betrothed to Joseph when she visited Elizabeth who was in the beginning of her 6th month. Therefore this would mean that John was conceived 5 months prior to this time, and Mary was betrothed to Joseph. Matt. 1-18 tells us, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on tis wise (as follows); When as his mother Mary was espoused ( betrothed) to Joseph, before they came together (consummated the marriage), she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.” Among the Jewish custom, marriage vows were said at the time of the “betrothal.” The custom required an interval of “one year” of betrothal before the bride could actually take residence in her husband's house and consummate their union. It is during this interval that Mary was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.
Now following the evidence of Jesus' birth as being correct, that being Sept.-Oct. Of 5 B.C., and Mary being “with child” when Joseph married her “after” the betrothal time of one year; it seems reasonable to suggest that Mary was about 3 months along when Joseph married her. Therefore if this be correct, then the year betrothal time ended sometime in March-April of 5 B.C., and Mary was about 3 months along when the marriage took place. This is seen in Matt. 1-19, “Then Joseph her husband*----was minded to put her away privily” (divorce her). This also agrees with the time she spent visiting Elizabeth, where during that time she conceived by the Holy Spirit before returning home to marry Joseph. Therefore the “betrothal time” would have begun sometime in March-April of 6 B.C. The time when Gabriel appeared to Mary, and Elizabeth was in the beginning of her “6th month” as the texts reveal. This then tells us that 5 months prior was the time that Zechariah and Elizabeth conceived John the Baptist. Now 5 months prior to March-April of 6 B.C. Brings us to Sept.-Oct. Of 7 B.C., in following the Jewish calendar as to the time that John was conceived. So at this time to gain a clearer perspective of these events and dates, we give them here below.
---Zechariah's revelation in the temple and the conceiving time of John the Baptist “in those days.” Aug.-Sept. Of 7 B.C.
---Elizabeth conceives John the Baptist. Sept.-Oct. Of 7 B.C. This time being the beginning of God's salvation plan for mankind, Satan's “binding” and the beginning of the 2000 year heavenly reign.
---Elizabeth's hiding for 5 months. Sept.-Oct. of 7 B.C. to Feb.-March of 6 B.C.
---Mary visits Elizabeth in the beginning of her 6th month, and in the beginning “betrothal time” of Mary and Joseph. March-April of 6 B.C.
---The betrothal time ends and Joseph marries Mary. At that time Mary about 3 months along. March-April of 5 B.C.
---The birth of Jesus Christ the Messiah and Savior of the world. Sept.-Oct. Of 5 B.C.*
---The death of Herod, early April of 4 B.C., shortly before Passover on April 11 of 4 B.C.
---Jesus at the temple at Passover time when he was 12 years old. April 29, A.D. 9, time of Passover.
---Beginning of Jesus' ministry when he was about 30 years of age. Sept.-Oct. Of A.D. 26.
---Jesus crucified, died and buried Wednesday afternoon shortly before Passover, beginning Thursday evening on April 7, A.D. 30.
---Pentecost; the pouring out of the Holy Spirit beginning the church age. May 27, A.D. 30.
---The beginning and end of God's salvation plan to bring in the final times prophesied in scripture. This time relates to the heavenly reign, and the binding and loosing of Satan “for a little while” (Rev. 20-3). From Sept.-Oct. Of 7 B.C. To Sept.-Oct. Of 1993 A.D.*
Here we now need to confirm that the “1000 years” was wrongly translated by the scholars, where in reality the heavenly reign, before Satan's release is (and was) to be a 2000 year reign.
We read in Rev. 20-4, "And I saw thrones and they sat upon them; and those that were beheaded on account of the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God." This here refers us to Luke 22-30 and Matt. 19-28 where we read; "And Jesus said unto them, verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory (in heaven), ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." The thrones and those who sat upon them are the apostles and others seen here that died in the Lord. This is part of the first group resurrected while Satan is restricted and bound for a duration of time. The next group resurrected is given in the following words of Rev. 20-4. "And whosoever did not worship the beast nor YET his image (at this resurrection the beast "was not as yet"), and did not receive the mark on their foreheads and on their hands, BOTH (both groups resurrected seen here) lived again and reigned with Christ a thousand years." Verse 5 explains this reign with Christ for a thousand years while Satan is "bound up." But we see that "the rest of the dead (or group to be resurrected) lived not again (were not raised) UNTIL the thousand years be finished," (according to the translation of the “thousand years” given us by the scholars). And it is said that "this is the first resurrection." So we see that what consists of this "1st resurrection" is the first group of whom some would sit on thrones to judge, but all would reign with Christ for a thousand years. Where then after that time, the 2nd group, "the rest of the dead," would be resurrected. As the verse reads, "until the thousand years should be finished." And this is called "the first resurrection." The last part of verse 6 tells us what their station would be; "They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who hath part in the (this) first resurrection; over these the second death hath not power---." So we see here that there are two resurrections, or groups resurrected in what is called "the first resurrection." Yet, more importantly we see here that they are spaced "a thousand years apart from each other." (following the scholar's translation of the word). We see the 1st group in this "1st resurrection" where some were given thrones and authority reigned with Christ a thousand years. Where the rest of the dead were not resurrected until the “thousand years had ended.” When that time "had ended," they were resurrected to be priests of God and Christ. And they also would reign with Christ for a thousand years. So the text indicates that the first group were given a reign with Christ for a thousand years.
So also would the 2nd group be given a thousand years to reign with Christ in heaven. And this is called "the first resurrection." Yet the translators include both groups resurrected “within” this time period of a “thousand years.”Though in fact there are two groups resurrected, the second group being “after” the period of the “thousand years” that they translated the wording to be. And this time period is called "the first resurrection” by God's inspired Word which indicates a total reign in heaven of not a thousand years, but a reign of two thousand years,and this is called "the thousand years." (by the translators),the first resurrection, the “ thousand years.” (again by the translators of scripture who translated the words “the thousand years”).
The word “thousand” given in Rev. 20-2,3,4,5,6, and 7 is the Greek word “chilioi” which is “ plural.” The “singular” for “thousand” is the Greek word “chilias.” Now if one believes that every word in scripture is the inspired word of God, then there's a very good reason why this plural Greek word “chilioi” are given in these verses, and not “bad Greek” given us by John as some have suggested. This is confirmed by the passages given us, why John used that plural word. The passages clearly show that there are two groups resurrected, where the resurrection “between” each group is spaced far apart from one another. Thus, we see the “thousand “ was wrongly translated by the scholars. The word translated properly should read “thousands years.” Now since the time text given there tell us that there were“ two groups” to be resurrected in this prophetic time sequence, and that the resurrections of these two groups would be spaced far apart between the two, we can know the time given “thousands” (chilioi) is to equal to “two thousand years,” and not “one thousand years.” This wrong belief came about due to improper translation by the scholars.
In Rev. 20-1-2, we see the angel having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand; and bound him (Satan) “a thousand years.” Which should rightly read “a thousands (chilioi) (of) years.” In verse 3 Satan is shut up in the bottomless pit, “and set a seal (God's will, control and authority) upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more,(to gather them for battle; Rev. 16-13-14), till the thousands (chilioi) years should be fulfilled; and after that he must be loosed a little season” (Rev. 9-1). In verse 4, we see in this first group resurrected that some were given thrones to judge, and others that died for “the witness of Jesus and for the word of God.” They had not worshiped the beast, his image, nor received the mark, “and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousands (chilioi) (of those) years.” We read in verse 5, “But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousands (chilioi) (of those) years were finished. This (is called) the first
resurrection.” Those that have part of this “first resurrection” (V.6) “shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousands (chilioi) (of those) years.”
So we see in these verses that these groups resurrected “during the course of these two thousand years,” for only God knows when they occurred, is considered blessed and holy. (Rev. 20-6), “Blessed and holy (is) he that hath part in the first resurrection (time of 2000 years); on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousands (chilioi) (of those) years.”
It is after that time we read, "And when the thousands (chilioi) (of those) years are completed, Satan shall be LOOSED out of his prison---."(Rev. 9-1). Here John and we are brought back to that time when he would be loosed and how he would be loosed. John was given that revelation in Rev. 9-1-12, where we see that this occurred in the sounding of the 5th trumpet. "And the fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star from heaven fallen to the earth; and there was given to him the key (the authority; key represents authority in scripture) of the pit of the Abyss." The key that the angel held in his hand seen in Rev. 20-1-3 when he had bound Satan up for that duration of time. And here he is to allow Satan to be loosed by giving him the key to unlock the Abyss. To be loosed for a little season. From chapter 9 on, we are told in this book why he must be loosed for a short season, which we know to be the fulfillment of God's will, in order to bring in the coming of his Son Christ, and to destroy all evil, dominion and authority. Rev. 20-7-9 give a short history of the events that we have seen in the prior chapters, then brings us forward again beginning in Rev. 20-10 to 22. "And when the thousands (chilioi) (of those) years are completed, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the battle ------.” (Rev. 16-16;19-19-21).
At that time it would bring in the final times prophesied in scripture to their fulfillment. Then, at a day and hour known only to the Lord, His glorious coming, the cleansing and restitution of all things in order to bring in the eternal state; the new heaven and the new earth.
Here we have presented and brought forth all the historical-biblical evidence which can be seen meets with what we have recorded concerning the prophetic texts that have been given here.
God Bless, Twospirits.
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Re: How the Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ relate (Score: 1)
 by watton on Saturday, December 22 @ 14:48:32 PST
(User Info | Send a Message) | Rereading some books and articles on chronology I found some interesting things that make attempts to be exact based on astronomy and the Jewish calendar an even more difficult task. Consider this from _A Marginal Jew_, Vol 1, John P. Meier, 1991, pg. 401-402:
"... the use of science to solve this problem of biblical chronology looks very promising; but there is more than one obstacle to a clear scientific solution.
(1)In the official lunar calendar, the new month (e.g., Nisan) was declared on the evening of the twenty-ninth day of the old month if two trustworthy witnesses could attest to the calendar commission in Jerusalem that they had seen the new light of the new moon after sunset...This difficulty was mitigated somewhat by the rule that months could be neither shorter than twenty-nine days nor longer than thirty. Hence the delay was only one day at most.
(2)To adjust the lunar calendar to the actual solar year, every now and then a leap year would have to be added to the Jewish calendar...We cannot be sure whether a leap year fell between A.D. 29 and 34."
The bottom line is that MAYBE the 14th of Nisan, and Passover fell on a Friday in A.D. 30 and 33. I prefer a somewhat different chronology. Birth 3 B.C., death of Herod 1 B.C., the cross A.D. 33, the millenium = 10+10+10 (30 year binding), release of Satan and start of Tribulation 63, rapture 66, and parousia 66-70. But I could be wrong!
--JDW |
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Re: How the Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ relate (Score: 1)
 by JL (j.l.preterist@gmail.com) on Saturday, December 22 @ 17:36:11 PST
(User Info | Send a Message) | Two,
Some things to consider about the age of the boys put to death.
1) They had no zero, so new borns were counted as one year old. It would be more accurate to translate it, "in their second year or younger."
2) Herod certainly considered the possibility that their mothers would lie about their age to protect them.
3) Herod might have considered that the Messiah would be "advanced" for his age.
4) Herod might have given orders to kill all infants, and the soldiers erred on the side of older to be certain they followed Herod's orders.
5) Herod might have given a command like, kill all infants who can't walk yet. This would have made absolutely sure he got all 2 month olds, but would have gotten a few 14 month olds (age 2 by ancient reconing) as well.
6) I didn't see any mention of the fact that Josephus claimed Herod left Jerusalem for his winter palace in the fall of 5 BC and never returned.
Blessings,
JL
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- by twospirits on Sunday, December 23 @ 08:05:46 PST
- by JL on Sunday, December 23 @ 09:06:24 PST
- by twospirits on Monday, December 24 @ 07:27:27 PST
- by JL on Monday, December 24 @ 17:11:32 PST
- by twospirits on Tuesday, December 25 @ 07:37:41 PST
- by JL on Tuesday, December 25 @ 12:01:21 PST
Re: How the Births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ relate (Score: 1)
 by tom-g on Monday, December 24 @ 08:55:35 PST
(User Info | Send a Message) | To all at Planet Preterist,
Whether we celebrate our Lord's birth on December 25, or on some other day, matters little as long as what we do we do in faith all to the honor and glory of Our Lord.
That Jesus the Christ came into the world as a flesh and blood man is irrevocably true. That Jesus the Christ is the Lord to those of faith is also irrevocably true.
To all of those of faith I wish to join in wishing our Lord a happy birthday on December 25, 2007. To all others of like faith, I join with you in wishing a happy birthday to our Lord on what ever day you by faith choose to recognize.
To all others I wish a merry Christmas,
Tom |
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- by Virgil on Monday, December 24 @ 10:54:34 PST
- by tom-g on Monday, December 24 @ 12:02:41 PST
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