Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: End Times Preview
Chapter 2: Sheep and Nations
Chapter 3: Loose Threads of Doctrine
Chapter 4: Return of the King
Chapter 5: The Millennial Life
Chapter 6: The New Creation

Introduction

This book is a journey. Together, we will peer over the horizon into the near and distant future from the highest viewpoint we can have access to—the Holy Bible. We will examine, postulate, and even speculate as to the actual meaning and essence of the glimpses offered by God into our fate as a collective and as individuals. We will do this without fear or blind acceptance of dogma, and with an unwavering appreciation and acceptance of the Word of God as given to us already. 

As you read through this presentation, know that I have the absolute highest respect and awe of the truth as given in scripture. I pledge to not waver from the truth as given to us over the ages past, even if I share some of my own musings that might seem fantastic. 

I do not promise to adhere to any particular doctrine, dogma, or creed as we progress. In fact, I offer the opposite: an unwavering adherence to truth, without regard to what others have postulated previously. This is because I do not view truth through the eyes or ideas of others, but through the lens of biblical insight and instruction. I will let the Holy Writing guide me in every detail, from the highest to the lowest of expectations. 

Join me, as we learn a new way of seeing what our Lord has declared from the earliest days of antiquity. Let us open our minds to the possibilities of truths that have been hiding in plain sight, right before our eyes but missed by generations of expositors. After all, the Lord has hinted at opening our minds in the last days, and we very well might be in that era already. 

Come, see what awaits and what may have been missed all these long centuries by our beloved ancestors and contemporaries. But first, take a moment to prepare your mind for inevitable expansion into new territory. Be ready to have your mind blown. 

Method

It’s important to lay some ground rules for Bible interpretation and a couple of theological concepts. Therefore, I’ll share how my own biblical hermeneutic works (how I interpret the Bible) and then drive a couple of quick stakes into doctrinal ground so you’ll know where I’m rooted. 

Bible Interpretation

Since writing an earlier book, End Times Made Easy, which is also about the future as presented in the Bible, my views on interpretation have not changed. So I’ll save myself some time and copy some from that introduction here. I’ve only made a couple of adjustments to match the message of this work. 

You may notice as we proceed that I am using a method of Bible interpretation (hermeneutics) that is known as the “Plain Meaning” method. With it, we don’t exactly take everything literally, but we don’t allow everything to be symbolic either. Biblical authors use all kinds of methods for getting their story told: Metaphors, colloquialisms or figures of speech, poetry, societal references, juxtapositions, similes, historical references, and so forth. The list is long and it is up to us to try to understand what the author was trying to convey. Quite often, the words are to be taken literally. Our approach is to go for the most obvious meaning, however difficult to swallow. We do this by keeping everything in context with the rest of scripture.

So, as we go through this study, we are going to follow these simple guidelines:

1. The Bible is true and does not contradict itself.
2. The difficult, vague or unclear verses are interpreted or understood in light of the clear ones. 
3. A “Plain Meaning” interpretation is favorable over all other approaches. 
4. Exegesis over eisegesis, which just means that we are going to take the Bible for what it says, rather than try to force our preconceptions or desires onto it. 

All of the events that we study will be future events. This is known as the futurist model, or futurism. This just means that these things have not happened yet. For example: the destruction of the 2^nd temple in 70 AD could not have been done by the antichrist (since Jesus will kill him when Jesus returns) and there must be another temple constructed in the End Times in which the antichrist reveals himself (see 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4). 

Another example would be that ALL of the events described in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 21) are also future events – not events that have been occurring over the centuries since the first advent (appearing) of Jesus.

Also, my view does not see a distinction between Israel and the Church as believers. While I embrace that the Church is no longer Jew or Gentile (Galatians 3:28), I also acknowledge that the covenants made to Israel will be fulfilled as prophesied (see Romans 11, especially verse 16: “And since Abraham and the other patriarchs were holy, their descendants will also be holy—just as the entire batch of dough is holy because the portion given as an offering is holy. For if the roots of the tree are holy, the branches will be, too.”). 

I agree that the Church has been grafted-in to Judaism (Romans 11:17), but reject the notion of replacement theology, which claims the Church has replaced Israel as God’s people. 

The problem with many of these categories of doctrinal thought is that there is much confusion or obfuscation throughout most (if not all) of them. For this reason, one should know the positions in total before jumping onto their respective bandwagons. It may be that you only agree with part of a view, and not the whole thing.

It should also be pointed out that the “End Times” or “Last Days” began when the Lord ascended into heaven and will end when He triumphantly returns with His angel armies (Matthew 25:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7–8; Revelation 19:14; Zechariah 14:5, Acts 1:9–11, etc.). This is the time called by some “The Church Age” or “The New Covenant Era”. Some believe it began at Pentecost, with the giving of the Holy Spirit, while others, like me, say it began with the ascension of Jesus (or end of the First Advent). At this point, some two thousand years later, it makes no difference which beginning marker we use. And whether we pin it to the presence and ministry of the Holy Spirit or Christ’s two advents, the end of this time will be the same – when the Lord returns and establishes His millennial kingdom. (However, I do not buy into the concept of a “Church Age”, since the term implies an end to it. The Church will never end. So it does not have an “Age”, per se. What I do say is that His Church is completed at His return.)

While the apostles may not have known that this age (End Times) would be as long lasting as it has been, they must have understood that it would end with the Lord taking His rightful place on the throne of earth. I say this because of their question to Him on the Mount of Olives, “… what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3) His answer seems to confirm this interpretation, as He ties His Olivet Discourse with the Second Advent and the gathering together of His elect.

The Three-Fold Nature of the Jews

I think it may be helpful to understand the different ways to look at the Jews, Israelites, or Israelis (however you wish to refer to them). 

1. The Jews are a RACE. They are descended from their father, Jacob, also known as Israel.
2. The Jews are a NATION with geographical borders, now called Israel.
3. The Jews have their own RELIGION. Judaism is arguably the only religion established by God (with Christianity being a relationship, not a religion, and as an addendum to Judaism).  God first offered a relationship to Abraham through faith (and by extension to all others who believe), and later introduced religion, through the Law of Moses, to show how much we need the relationship. Paul discusses this in Romans 4 and Galatians 3.

As we go through this study, it will become important to distinguish between these three natures of the Jews and how each is treated by God in the Bible, specifically regarding prophecy.

For instance, as a race, the Jews still retain the covenants established between their forefathers (the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and God. They will continue to be “His People” on into the millennium.  

Ezekiel 39:²⁵ “So now, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will end the captivity of my people; I will have mercy on all Israel, for I jealously guard my holy reputation! ²⁶ They will accept responsibility for their past shame and unfaithfulness after they come home to live in peace in their own land, with no one to bother them. ²⁷ When I bring them home from the lands of their enemies, I will display my holiness among them for all the nations to see. ²⁸ Then my people will know that I am the Lord their God, because I sent them away to exile and brought them home again. I will leave none of my people behind. ²⁹ And I will never again turn my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit upon the people of Israel. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!” (NLT)

As a nation, certain events will come upon them, which will affect all inhabitants of their land. 

Ezekiel 38: ⁸ “A long time from now you will be called into action. In the distant future you will swoop down on the land of Israel, which will be enjoying peace after recovering from war and after its people have returned from many lands to the mountains of Israel. ⁹ You and all your allies—a vast and awesome army—will roll down on them like a storm and cover the land like a cloud. (NLT)

As a religious body, the Christians have been grafted-in to their number, though we do not use the sacrificial system nor depend on the Law of Moses for atonement. 

Romans 11:¹⁷ But some of these branches from Abraham’s tree—some of the people of Israel—have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing God has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment from the root of God’s special olive tree. ¹⁸ But you must not brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. You are just a branch, not the root.

¹⁹ “Well,” you may say, “those branches were broken off to make room for me.” ²⁰ Yes, but remember—those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen. ²¹ For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t spare you either. (NLT)

Also important to their religion is how it was profoundly changed by Christ and His cross. The Law of Moses is no longer viewed as effective for the atonement of sin (making us “right” with God) by God’s elect; only the cross of Christ is sufficient for entry into sainthood. Therefore, the current true Judaism is Christian, insofar as salvation is concerned. We gentile (non-Jewish) believers may not follow the law of Moses, but it still shows us why we are unable to earn glorification through observing it (or through any other “good” works).  No religion can make you a saint, not even Judaism. Only accepting the cross of Christ as a substitutionary atonement for your sinful standing before God can bring you into Christ’s glory. And this must come with repentance and surrender to Jesus.

Religion vs Faith

Perhaps the most impactful contrast that will come out of this study is the difference between a religious approach to God and one of faith. In fact, this is foundational to the heart of this presentation. I’ll not dive into it yet in this introduction—it will have its own section. Just know that the distinction is paramount to understanding the crux of this message. 

About the Author

Whether you think that academic achievement is important or not, you should know that I have never attended a university—only a few community college courses for self-improvement. 

For some, this is seen as a detriment or disqualifier. For others, it shows that my views have not been sculpted or molded to fit a particular established paradigm. For me, it gives the freedom to see things as they are given in scripture and elsewhere, without coloration. It has allowed me to be a clean slate, ready to be imprinted by God’s Word and little else. Therefore, I walk alone as a one-man-band, without climbing onto anyone else’s bandwagon. Or if you like dog and cat metaphors, I have no specific breed to call my pedigree. Like sports metaphors? I’m a free agent. C.S. Lewis would have called me a “mere Christian”. 

All this means is that I speak for myself with what God has given to me personally for understanding and you cannot put me in a prepackaged box. I have no denomination, sect, or creed that I adhere to. I don’t even claim to be a “Nondenom”, Protestant, or Evangelical. I’m just a disciple of my Big Brother, Yeshua (Jesus), and I follow Him and Him alone. And though I am neither a Pentecostal nor Charismatic, I know that I have the gift of knowledge (words of knowledge for you who split hairs). I have received visions and understanding directly from my Lord about many things. 

Please read on, as I unpack what has been hiding in plain sight in the same scriptures that you read on a regular basis (hopefully).  I very much doubt that you have ever received this doctrine as it is about to be revealed.  I know that I have never been taught in church what I am about to share. I received this understanding while reading His Word and then having an epiphany about it. 

No matter what your background is, it is quite likely that you may have some degree of skepticism over at least something that I share here. So I will try my best to show the biblical references for how this all came together for me. Hopefully, that will ease any tension that springs up within you. 

The Gospel

Through all of this, please know that I am not changing one thing about the Gospel of Christ. As far as I am concerned, that is written in stone and cannot be altered one bit. As we go through this study, you will see how I view both salvation for the saints and recovery for those without faith in Jesus. 

Romans 1:17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in His sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” (NLT) 

I pledge to you that I am not altering this message one iota.  What I say is that the message of the cross is for salvation into sainthood. But I am going to show you how the Bible presents another way to enter into God’s kingdom. A lower form of recovery from eternal death. It does not bring the righteousness that faith does. For true righteousness is by faith (Romans 3:22). And that is what we should be striving for. But there are those in the world who anyone would call “good people”. They are kind and gentle and care for others, but they just lack the faith in Christ that is needed for sainthood. Well, I am about to offer hope to you for those who do not have the same faith that you do. This may be a close friend or a relative whom you have prayed and worried for due to their inability to believe. Hold onto that hope and care that you have for the lost. Encourage them to be as good toward others as they can be. Not that being “good” will save them as you, fellow saint, are saved, but that the Good Lord will extend His grace to them as well for the way that they have treated you and your brethren in the faith. For it is by grace that anyone enters the Holy Kingdom.  

Why This Matters

If you’re a believer in Jesus and saved into sainthood through faith, the main concept presented here will have very little impact on your life, and zero effect on your walk with God. The actual effect of this new doctrine is for others who are not saved by faith in the cross. 

However, if you are one who knows people who are not believers and who completely shun the gospel message, such as some Jews or those in other religions, then you might find it possible to lessen your worry over their eternal souls. This concept, drawn from Scripture, is something like the safety net beneath a trapeze—never the goal, but mercifully there for those who miss the catch. I’ll not spoil the impact of it with any more detail yet but this will highlight the grace and mercy of our beloved Lord. 

I would recommend that you allow the Bible’s message here to soften your sharp edges when witnessing to others. Realize that very little in the Bible is purely black or white and that there is much nuance given in the message from God. In fact, over the centuries, the net effect of man’s doctrinal classifications and expositions has been mostly a simplification where complexity exists, or complication where simplicity should persist. If you agree with the analyses that are drawn out from the Holy Bible here, then you very well might look differently on other faiths—perhaps with a bit more understanding and compassion. 

For me, personally, I have found this to ease my own pain over my loved ones or others who are loving and kind but unable to grasp the faith they need. 

The Flow

Since my own studies have led me from mainstream End Times views into more traditional and historic views (I’m camped nearby historic premillennialism), I feel it would help to start off the study with an overview of the traditional interpretation of these prophetic times. So that’s what we will do. Feel free to jump past the first chapter, if you feel bogged down by it. You can always circle back to it if you feel lost later. The “meat” of the study begins in chapter two.

Introduction Discussion and Reflection

At the end of each chapter, there will be a page for facilitating reflection and group discussion. Here is one for practice:

Questions:

1. What form of Bible interpretation, called hermeneutics, is used by the author?
2. What are the three ways to categorize the Jews?
3. What is the Gospel message?

Answers:

1. Plain Meaning—It considers all forms of interpretation, while seeking the most obvious message of the text, however difficult to accept. 
2. As a race—They have a common ancestor (unless converts to Judaism)
   As a nation—They have national borders, history, and other distinctions that all nations have.
   As a religious group—Judaism is their religion and is arguably the only one started by God. 
3. We are saved by faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ for our atonement with God, coupled with our repentance. 

Reflection: Are believing Jews and gentile (non-Jewish) believers in the same body of Christ?  (See Romans 11)

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