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Dennis1209

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Dennis1209 last won the day on February 2 2018

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  1. I appreciate your thoughts, the work that went into your book, and your interpretation of Daniel. Not to be argumentative, I do not interpret it that way. I consider that thinking to be reformed from the original. I am sure you know church history, and I side with the early church fathers and their theology. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 A.D.) was probably the first major Reformed influencer and theologian. His views drastically differed from those of the early church fathers and anti-Nicene fathers (mainstream). For brevity, here are only two of dozens of examples of non-Reformed theology from the early church beliefs in the Book of Daniel. I will not cite Polycarp, Justin Martyr, and Ignatius. So Daniel has spoken of two abominations. The first is of destruction. The other is of desolation. What is the abomination of destruction, but that which Antiochus established there at the time? And what is the abomination of desolation, but that which will be universal when the Antichrist comes? Hippolytus (c. 205, W), 5.184; extended discussion: 1.553–1.555, 3.158–3.160, 5.177–5.191, 5.208–5.210, 5.178–5.191.[1] Once this Antichrist has devastated everything in this world, he will reign for three years and six months, and sit in the temple at Jerusalem. And then the Lord will come from heaven in the clouds. Irenaeus (c. 180, E/W), 1.560.[2] There were centuries of Catholic suppression during the Dark Ages when owning a personal copy of the Bible was punishable by death. The only scripture allowed came from a Catholic priest, read in Latin, that the pew did not know the language, and was interpreted by the pulpit. Then came the Reformation, shortly followed by the invention of the printing press. The Bible was the first book ever mass-produced. The Reformation produced “reformed theology” and splits in the church over doctrine and theology, forming the many interpretations, denominations, and sub-denominations we see today. Reformed thinking of what and who? Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (2 Peter 1:20) In preterist thinking, when did this occur? But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (Daniel 12:4) [1] Bercot, David W., ed. 1998. “Daniel, Book Of.” In A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs: A Reference Guide to More than 700 Topics Discussed by the Early Church Fathers, 189. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers. [2] Bercot, David W., ed. 1998. “Antichrist.” In A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs: A Reference Guide to More than 700 Topics Discussed by the Early Church Fathers, 23. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.
  2. But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (Daniel 12:4) Many would agree we are living in the time of the end, and this book is now unsealing. Sealing the book can imply either not giving any more information or it will not be understood until the appropriate time; I prefer the latter. The question is, is this knowledge secular technology or Biblical knowledge? But I digress. Numbers (1,260, 1290, and 1335) are being discussed, all related to the official starting point of the seven-year tribulation. The time clock begins with Israel signing a seven-year peace treaty with Death and Hell, Antichrist confirms. The Jewish lunar calendar is a bit more complex than our Gregorian calendar, and the Bible uses the lunar 360-day year. The Jewish Calendar Year - Chabad.org The Tribulation is divided into two halves: Daniel's 70th Week (seven 360-day years) and the time of Jacob’s trouble (Time, times, and half a time). 1,260 + 1,260 = seven years. With that observation, what is the reason for these extensions or markers past the seven-year Tribulation? One way I have looked at those extensions is to bring in the millennium and who will be allowed to enter the kingdom of Heaven, When will the Sheep and Goat Judgments occur, and how long will that take? Before the kingdom commences, appointments, responsibilities, and assignments must be made (kingdom government). The glorious land must be cleansed, and the Image of the Beast-Temple and all that it entails must be dealt with. The Antichrist and False Prophet will not see the Great White Throne judgment; they are pre-judged and will be the first residents of the Lake of Fire. Satan will be chained and bound for a thousand years. I propose a view of these seven-year extensions for establishing the kingdom of Christ. @Revelation Man mentioned Daniel 2:43, the seed of men. That word is unusual; why not the children of men, prodigies, descendants, etc.? Old Testament They will mix with one another in marriage; the last two words are literally ‘by the seed of men’ (bizraʿ ʾănāšāʾ), an unusual expression, reminiscent of the prohibition to mix seed in the field (Lev. 19:19).[1] zeraʿ (זֶרַע) 2233 (2446) 229×, n., seed; semen; descendants, offspring. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (Genesis 3:15) Whichever word one chooses (sperm, descendant, prodigy), there is a seed war from the beginning to the end. And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. (Daniel 2:43) I think of the possibility of sexual overtones in the above verse. Whomever “they” are, they are mingling with the seed of men (to be mixed—to mix—to be changed). This word occurs only twice: Daniel 2:41 and 43. Jesus’ birth was supernatural, and the whole Bible is supernatural. Satan mimics everything our Lord does. Satan will have his satanic trinity, Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet. Satan will spawn his seed (children of darkness) literally. He knows he is vastly outnumbered 2-1. Every culture after the Table of Nations (independently) had their belief in a global flood, demi-gods, and Titians; how did that come about? In every myth, there is at least a kernel of truth. At any rate, it is exciting to see prophecy align and unfold in our lifetime. [1] Baldwin, Joyce G. 1978. Daniel: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 23. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
  3. The Topic: Every time I read through threads in the Prophecy/Eschatology forum, the members seem to express themselves with total authority, as if what they are saying is factual, rather than speculation. And yet they differ sharply point by point of view. The Claim: If you don't claim that your views are correct, are you admitting or maybe just comfortable with the possibility of being wrong?? Having been on numerous forums for over 2 decades, I thought everyone who posted were convinced that they were right. The Answer: Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit. (Proverbs 26:5) The topic and my address is not about Salvation. In my defense of the accusations, I practice hermeneutic hygiene, a.k.a. being a Berean. I present a view of what I think is Biblically correct. I highlight and take pains not to take my word for anything but study it for yourself (a Berean). A conviction is a personal belief, not necessarily the correct exegesis. Submit any of your convictions or things you are convinced of, and I will reply with two or more different views by godly men, theologians, scholars, and men with initials behind their names that disagree with you. I take it as you go from the milk of the word to the meat, you never learned anything that changed your view or conviction. I am not puffed up or arrogant enough to claim to be a know-it-all. Love, growth, learning, and change are continual processes.
  4. Thus, the core of the OP thread. Quote: Every time I read through threads in the Prophecy/Eschatology forum, the members seem to express themselves with total authority, as if what they are saying is factual, rather than speculation. And yet they differ sharply point by point of view. Quote: We all have different views of theology and eschatology, and I never claim my views are correct. As plainly stated in scripture, we are brothers and sisters in Christ, family. We have all things in common. We are to edify, uplift, get along with each other, prefer one another, and assemble ourselves (be it in church, Bible study, snail mail, Christian forums, etc.).
  5. A pretribulation view: Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Matthew 25:13) The above is an imperative: What and where are we commanded to watch? The Jews had plenty of scripture and signs to watch for with their Messiah’s first advent and missed it. The Jews should have at least known the season of their visitation. How I view prophetic scripture: It is world history documented in advance. To know there is One True God in control, the Alpha-Omega, knowing the beginning from the end and directing human affairs. All to the praise and glory of the One True living God in three Persons. The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed; the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. In other words, the mysteries (the plan of God) hidden from the foundation of the world are brought to light for His glory. We are not to be ignorant of the nearness of our Lord’s coming for His Bride, always prepared, looking, and not ashamed of ourselves at His arrival. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25) I think the preceding verse may have a dual application, as many other prophecies. Given the context and what was to follow, the sacking of Jerusalem and not one stone upon another with the Second Temple, courtesy of Titus and his legions. Whether Hebrews 10:25 is directed explicitly to Israel circa 70 A.D. or not, there is an application to the Day of the Lord: watch, look for, assemble yourselves as you see the day approaching. Are we seeing that day approach? Although prophecy is best understood after fulfillment, it can be directly compared to scripture. However, we have many things to watch for as the Tribulation nears. Never in history has everything prophetic (Matt. 24; Eze. 28;29; 2 Tim. 3) and everywhere else jumped off the pages of God’s word, telling us we are in the season of the Lord’s second coming for His church. With the doctrine of imminence, there are no signs or events preceding Christ’s return. He could have, and can, return at any moment. All prophecy for our day (end time) reflects the nearness of the coming Tribulation. We all have different views of theology and eschatology, and I never claim my views are correct. As plainly stated in scripture, we are brothers and sisters in Christ, family. We have all things in common. We are to edify, uplift, get along with each other, prefer one another, and assemble ourselves (be it in church, Bible study, snail mail, Christian forums, etc.). We must be mature believers growing in patience and faith, not squabbling with each other over secondary hermeneutics and exegesis. We are to put those childish things away, get off the milk, and get to the meat and potatoes of scripture, faith and understanding.
  6. I generally avoid giving an opinion on these vaccinations as I am no expert. From the start of this COVID fiasco to the present, there have been multiple red flags. It would be too long and boring to detail them all. Does anyone believe what O’Biden, government alphabet agencies, and the World Health Organization tell us? Do they have the public's best interest or enormous pharmakeia contributions, lobbyists, money, and an agenda? What they are doing, banning coal, banning fossil fuel independence, forcing electric cars that will not work in cold weather, opening borders, crashing our economy with trillions in debt, etc., makes no logical sense unless there is an agenda behind it. The frivolous and unconstitutional all-out political war and prosecutions against a rival political opponent are treasonous, and most know it. It is not hard to identify our socialist global masters in government, religion, and the United Nations. I have harped on this before, it is written, planned, and initiated, just read U.N. Agenda 2030 that is openly published. Their objective is to reduce the earth’s population to 500,000,000 people for sustainability. Can no one see how they are initiating this? Their latest initiative is outlawing private home gardens, as they significantly contribute CO2 compared to commercial farming. We all know where they stand on cows and their flatulence, destroying the world. They are trying to force bugs down our gullets. I see those in my community who have been vaccinated or fully vaccinated compared to those who declined the jab. I will only say I made a good choice not to receive it. We are witnessing the reemergence of diseases we thought were eradicated. New strains of Avian and other diseases with rapid mutations are developing. I see this coming on like birth pains: And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: (Revelation 9:20) NCDAS: Substance Abuse and Addiction Statistics [2023] (drugabusestatistics.org)
  7. I was going to cite some examples, like how many Muslims view Christians, Jews, and Infidels, but Mr. Webster well sums it up. There is a close, but not the same relationship between enemy and enmity. EN´EMY, n. [Fr. ennemi; Sp. enemigo; It. nemico; Ir. namha; from L. inimicus; in neg. and amicus, friend.] 1. A foe; an adversary. A private enemy is one who hates another and wishes him injury or attempts to do him injury to gratify his own malice or ill will. A public enemy or foe, is one who belongs to a nation or party, at war with another. I say to you, love your enemies. Matt. 5. Enemies in war; in peace friends. Declaration of Independence. 2. One who hates or dislikes; as an enemy to truth or falsehood. 3. In theology, and by way of eminence, the enemy is the Devil; the archfiend. 4. In military affairs, the opposing army or naval force in war, is called the enemy.[1] EN´MITY, a. [Fr. inimitié; in and amitié, friendship, amity. See Enemy.] 1. The quality of being an enemy; the opposite of friendship; ill will; hatred; unfriendly dispositions; malevolence. It expresses more than aversion and less than malice, and differs from displeasure in denoting a fixed or rooted hatred, whereas displeasure is more transient. I will put enmity between thee and the woman. Gen. 3. The carnal mind is enmity against God. Rom. 8. 2. A state of opposition. The friendship of the world is enmity with God. James 4.[2] [1] Webster, Noah. 2006. In Noah Webster’s First Edition of An American Dictionary of the English Language. Anaheim, CA: Foundation for American Christian Education. [2] Webster, Noah. 2006. In Noah Webster’s First Edition of An American Dictionary of the English Language. Anaheim, CA: Foundation for American Christian Education.
  8. We all have our thoughts. How do you suppose angels, princes, and powers of the air get from point A to point B? How was the angel sent to Daniel physically delayed for twenty-one days? The Bible indicates spiritual technology. Reading Ezekiel chapter one, what would that transport vehicle be called today? Elijah was transported in a fiery chariot witnessed by many; God opened Elisha’s companion’s eyes and saw chariots and the supernatural realm. How do people today see these “chariots” described in the recent vernacular, UFOs? After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. (Revelation 4:1) And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. (Genesis 28:12) In today’s parlance, we would probably say a portal or gate was opened to another dimension. Could we call what is seen, documented, and videoed signs and wonders? If these are supernatural vehicles from another dimension, for what purpose or reason do they materialize? A plan for a coming great deception, possibly to deceive the whole world? For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (Matthew 24:24) Notice the plurality above, yet future, never seen before in history, showing great signs and wonders that would deceive Christians if it were possible. The great deception is one earmark of our end times (Matt. 24:). Could this be the spiritual setup and explanation of millions of people suddenly disappearing at the Rapture? Many are amending their theories of evolution to panspermia. Advanced extraterrestrials seeded our planet-universe in hopes of conditions to seed life. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (Genesis 3:15) The first prophecy in the Bible tells us the Devil has seed. We go up; they come down and offer believable deception and explanation. I do not know, but it seems to be becoming more plausible by the year. This has become too long, but I also tie in the 1917 Fatima, witnessed by thousands with this deception and connection with the Catholic Church. We live in exciting times.
  9. I spouted my thoughts on UFOs as a conspiracy theorist for many years. I am no longer a conspiracy theorist since global governments confirm the phenomenon, citing threats to national security and aviation. After millions of sightings over millennia, secret investigations, coverups, and now congressional investigations, why some soft disclosure and acknowledgement at this point in history? Can we logically conclude that this will lead to further disclosure? Yes. What is the likelihood that this will not be related to evolution, specifically panspermia?
  10. You are going to need a pot of coffee to stay awake for this one Marilyn. 😊 Many things are not possible for me to understand fully, such as the Trinity and Jesus being 100% God, and 100% human. The following is only how my feeble brain thinks, and is not theology, but thoughts. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (Hebrews 2:9) In the flesh, Jesus ultimately knew His destiny and fate on the cross. How? He is “made a little lower than the angels.” Angels are not omnipotent, omnipresent, or omniscience. We all know the reason our Father sent His Son, and I think His Godhead was restricted for the Father’s will and purpose in His flesh. I think Jesus’ supernatural abilities in the flesh to see into the hearts of men came from the Father. His ability to heal all manner of sickness, disease, and mental illness, and cast out demons, came from the decent, landing, and indwelling of the dove on Him (Holy Spirit). Jesus was in constant communication with the Father, as the apostles were, and we should be, through prayer. With that backdrop of my thoughts, now the crux of more thoughts. Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. (John 12:13) The Bible is clear (to me anyway) that had Israel accepted Jesus as their Messiah (as the forerunner John had preached, and Jesus Himself for a time) on that triumphal Day on the unridden donkey, the kingdom of Heaven would have been brought forth. I think when the Father revealed to Jesus (when he shifted to speaking in parables) He would be rejected as Israel’s Messiah. Can or will an omniscient God, knowing the beginning from the end, impose judgment and punishment before an event transpires? This leads me to the questions that continue to perplex me on a believer’s death: But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (1 Corinthians 15:20) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8) And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: (Hebrews 9:27) And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; (Luke 16:22) I have been taught, and still believe, that at a Christian’s death, our mortal bodies decay and return to the dirt from which they came. With Lazarus as an example and prototype, immediately upon physical death, angels carry our spirit and soul immediately to the presence of God. Some believe the paradise side of Abraham’s Bosom in Hades remains. But if we immediately go into the presence of the Lord, carried by angels at death, is Christ in the paradise side of Hades? No, He at seated at the right hand of God the Father. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7) To my knowledge, except for the Firstfruits (Jesus), no one gets their glorified bodies until Jesus comes for His bride at the Resurrection / Rapture. This raises a myriad of questions. What happened to Lazarus, those made alive again by Jesus and the apostles? Those many that walked the streets of Jerusalem directly after the Firstfruits of the dead. And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, (Matthew 27:52) And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. (Matthew 27:53) Logically I would think all those made alive again would have to have died twice, but that seems to violate Hebrews 9:27. Was this an actual resurrection, and angels returned their spirits and souls to them from heaven (Luke 16:22)? Nothing is mentioned about them being translated or receiving glorified bodies. For being such a significant event, it is a mystery to me why only Matthew records the many raised to life again walking the streets in Jerusalem seen by many and does not supply any additional information at all. How long did all those made alive again walk the earth, and their final destination and status when they departed for the final time? Right or wrong, I have thoughts of these examples as being a foreshadowing or type of the coming Resurrection and Rapture. Our glorification will happen in a moment (ἄτομος átomos) -time cannot be broken down any further, in a twinkling of an eye. The time it takes for the speed of light to pass through an eyeball. Scripture does not say or indicate our harpazo (snatching away into the clouds) will be instantaneous. Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1:11) Who were these who witnessed Jesus ascend to heaven? Will unbelievers see Jesus coming for His bride in like manner? Many also witnessed Elijah ascend into heaven by a whirlwind and chariot, and today it would be called a UFO or UAP. Speaking of the widespread official investigations, videos, congressional hearings, concerns, media coverage, conditioning, etc. on UFOs… That is another scenario I believe has end-time implications.
  11. I agree, but I do have a comment and a couple of questions. But, time to get ready for evening service, so as Arnold would say, "I'll be bock." [tomorrow].
  12. Your inquiry also parallels the final Kingdom. These questions are tough to answer with brief answers. D, Adrien mentions something I think is critical for our time: oligarchies. Since religion has been addressed, I will try to touch on your post's economic and political aspects. Jesus being 100% human and 100% God, Satan was tempting Jesus through His human side at His weakest point. Pride, hunger, and worship, to name three. Satan tried to deceive the Lord by deception and misquoting scripture (propaganda), but his offer was legally legitimate. As you rightly point out, there are three aspects to any successful earthly empire or kingdom: religious, economic, and political. To control the masses against rebellion, when has this never been the case in history? Earthly kingdoms and the kingdom of Heaven are structured with a hierarchy of rank and power, from the supreme leader to generals to soldiers. I cannot think of one historical or future example where the supreme leader handles that kingdom's management alone. Every earthly example has the king, generals, captains, lieutenants, ministers of propaganda (brainwashing), ministers of finance, etc. Every earthly kingdom has expansionist ideals in one way or another. Daniel chapter seven shows that the final kingdom will be politically and economically different from the four previous kingdoms. How so? This brings us to political and economic control, which we witness today. The generation closest to prophetic fulfillment will understand the prophecy the best. But it is best understood after fulfillment, comparing it to scripture. No previous kingdom was ever totally global, controlling all barter, buying, selling, or worship. This was not possible until the formation of the current technology and the merging we are witnessing today. For decades, I believed the Ten Horns (Ten Kings) were ten European nations; they still could be. They could be the ten global trading economic zones the Club of Rome divided the globe into. Whatever they turn out to be, the Antichrist needs them for global control. Except for three who rebelled, the other seven voluntarily gave A/C control over them. They have no kingdom; one needs subjects, a nation, and borders to have a kingdom. Suppose one reads the numerous TOS changes you receive from your banks, Amazon, and everywhere else. The policies have changed from customer service and conveniences to you work for and obey them. Think not; just read them. I will refrain from detailing the COVID-19 test run other than to say that businesses implemented directive enforcement, not the government. If an organization stated its goal and objective was to reduce the earth's population to 500,000,000 for sustainability, what would be the most effective means to do so and protect themselves and their families? Oligarchies have formed and are being consolidated as I speak. Global central banks, the IMF, and the World Bank are converting to a cashless economic system under the control of the United Nations alphabet agencies, which will lead to the monitoring and control of all financial transactions, public and private. The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) is about to administer global healthcare and decisions, including who gets what and when for their healthcare (socialism). The consolidation of the ministers of deceit and propaganda-brainwashing (CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, public education, universities, etc.). Restrictions of free thought, opinion, critical thinking, censoring, retaliation, and thought police (YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) Governments do not produce one barrel of oil or one bushel of wheat; the private sector does. The globe is being covered by a constellation of satellites, not by NASA or any other government entity, but by the private sector, namely Elon Musk‘s Space X. I could go on and on… Oligarchies have been formed for the one-world political and economic systems, which will be implemented under the United Nations Agenda 2030 shortly. I have posted links to the official sites in the past detailing their nefarious, wicked plans. As time passes, it becomes more likely that the horns and kings are private oligarchies. The A/C needs to cement its dictatorship to control the globe, politically and economically. We are living in exciting times, indeed. Our Lord’s second coming is close at hand. Watching O’Biden’s State of the Circus ramble the other night on economics and politics sent chills down my spine about where our nation is at and headed.
  13. Does anyone have these theological and exegetical exchanges and discussions from the pulpit or Sunday school? Our former Wednesday evening Bible study is now another sermon. I am not a know-it-all, but I like following the Berean pattern and discussing our hermeneutics, iron sharpening iron. Other than my unchangeable core values, I benefit from trying to understand others’ views and interpretations of scripture. It forces me to reevaluate any preconceived notions and further study the subject or topic which I like. One recent topic of several on the forum I gained knowledge from discussing, debating, and studying the kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven, and the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Are they synonymous or different? As everywhere else, I see a handful of individuals who claim apostolic authority in their views, no “TH” initials behind their names, vehemently berating those with different views. Imagine how many converts to Christ would be gained if the apostles (or us) copped an attitude like some here on this forum.
  14. Another view from the bunker: Daniel 2:34 talks about the Gentile image and history being toppled by striking the feet, becoming residue, and ending Gentile empires and kingdoms. It all applies and centers around Israel. The British and Ottoman empires are not explicitly mentioned, even though they impacted Israel positively and negatively. The rock-cut without human hands is the Lord Jesus, and yet future in Daniel’s and our time. It strikes the feet (a mediocre, short-lived empire), turning all the previous and successive Gentile empires to dust and have dominion no more. It is permanently replaced with the everlasting kingdom of heaven. We all observe the materials used in the colossus of Nebuchadnezzar as degrading in value, density, and malleability from top to bottom. Historically, we know the empires represented by gold, silver, brass, and iron, but what about the feet and toes, a mixture of iron and miry clay, partially strong and partially weak? The metals symbolize empires or kingdoms, as do trees, animals, lead (a toxic metal), and clay if we identify the symbolic iron with the traditional historical view of the empire of Rome in the two legs, possibly representing the two legs of the Roman empire. The eastern leg of the Roman Empire outlasted the western leg by 1,000 years, which turned into the Ottoman Empire, primarily Islam. The western leg in the 4th century A.D. under Constantine turned Christianity into a mixture of church-state, still with us today, passed down through the centuries in the form of the ROMAN Catholic Church, with paganism and idol worship. I submit all the different materials symbolized in the colossus represent global empires (nations), including the clay as an independent empire associated with and mixed with the iron. Clay is mainly an impure metal composed of iron oxide and silvery aluminum. The clay mixed with iron represents the final Gentile world empire to be dashed to pieces and blown away as chaff, in my fallible opinion.
  15. An interesting conversation; I’ll share my views; we all have differing interpretations. Legal rights, laws, and government (jurisprudence): Our Lord is the Law Giver and a legalist. He has a heavenly structured government and council and ordained human government (a pattern of heaven) to contain and punish evil. I believe the seven-sealed scroll in Revelation is a legal document that can only be legally opened by the One who is entitled to, paid for, and owns something. The Bible is clear to me: there is a spiritual hierarchy of subordinate heavenly beings in rank and power. Lucifer is the most powerful, beautiful, and perfect creature ever created. Lucifer was the covering Cherib and led heavenly worship as I understand it. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. (Ezekiel 28:15) This heavenly hierarchy of power and responsibility as I see it at present: Satan, Cherubim, Seraphim, Archangels, Beasts, Angels, and demons, some not necessarily in order. We cannot even phantom the might of one single angel. In his holiness, power, and might, the archangel Michael could not contend with his superior, Satan; thus, he requested the Lord to rebuke Satan. Part of this puzzle rests upon defining a single word: dominion. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:26) Dominion ~ kuriotes (κυριότης, 2963) denotes “lordship” (kurios, “a lord”), “power, dominion,” whether angelic or human, Eph. 1:21; Col. 1:16; 2 Pet. 2:10 (rv, for kjv, “government”); Jude 8. In Eph. and Col. it indicates a grade in the angelic orders, in which it stands second.¶[1] God appointed Adam dominion (kingship-head) over the earth to subdue it. Subdue it from what or who? Because of the fall, Satan usurped Adam’s authority. Legally, how was Satan now entitled to take dominion (ownership) over the entire planet? Did force take it, or did he previously have dominion, and the dominion reverted to the previous one that initially had dominion? Jesus did not rebuke or correct Satan with his offer of all the kingdoms of the earth. It implies Satan’s legal ownership and dominion to do as he will. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. (2 Thessalonians 2:7) The demonic realm does have dominion over the planet at present, with Satan as its head, until the Lord returns and legally reclaims it. The Holy Spirit (church) is presently the restraining force of evil, and human government is supposed to judge, punish, and restrain evil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12) If the Lord withheld all His blessings on the just and unjust, that would sound like the definition of Hell, Hell on earth. Just another view from the bunker. 😊 [1] Vine, W. E., Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr. 1996. In Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, 2:180. Nashville, TN:
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