Saturday, December 2, 2023

One Bible Two Readers

Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. (Hosea 14:9 NIV)

The Jews knew from the scriptures that the Anointed One would come 69 weeks or 483 years (Daniel 9:25-26) after the command to rebuild Jerusalem was given. Some Jews identified Jesus as the Anointed One that fulfils the prophecy. Others failed to do so. Not only did the Anointed One not come, but their temple was destroyed, and the daily sacrifice ceased. But they dared not to call God a liar. Instead, they created a new religion that replace the temple sacrifice.

Today all Christians know that the Anointed One will come again (Acts 1:11) after His ascension at the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:12). Since He ascended from the Mount of Olives, will He come back to the Mount of Olives as predicted by the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 14:4)? What will the circumstances be around the Mount of Olives? Will there be a city of Jerusalem? Will there be a temple at Jerusalem? Is the state of Israel in existence when the Anointed One return?

As the Jews at the first coming of the Anointed One were, so are the Christians at the second coming of the Anointed One today. We read the same scriptures, and we know that He will come. But when, where and how will He come? Are the prophecies clear on this? Do we even know if we have been enlightened or stumbled by the prophecies of the second coming of the Anointed One?

For this reason God sends them a strong delusion so that they will believe the lie, so that all will be condemned - those who did not believe the truth but delighted in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 CSB)

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