We are not saying that the harlot is strictly synonymous with Jerusalem. On the contrary, it is very clear that the harlot represents something much more expansive in power and influence (Rev 17:15). Still, Jerusalem is nonetheless contemplated as ‘that great city,’ which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt. How can this be? In her apostasy, the ‘faithful city” is described as belonging in spirit and practice to the “city of confusion,” the symbol of world rebellion. The contradiction of the faithful city’s conformity to the spirit and practices of the surrounding nations was a constant lament of the prophets.
Zion’s Travail
Observe how the later prophets build on the former, expanding on many of the same themes. One of those themes is ‘Zion’s travail,’ as the last day’s transition into the golden age of permanent peace in the land, as the end of the covenant (“shall lie down in safety, none […]
Times of Gentiles in ’67? On What Does Israel’s Return Depend?
I don’t believe so. Here’s why: In the larger context, it appears that the end of the treading down of Jerusalem must continue to the “redemption” of verse 28 (Luke 21:28), which is Christ’s return in glory. This would extend the “times of the gentiles” to include the final 42 months during which time Jerusalem is once again “trodden down by the gentiles” during the time of Antichrist.
Daniel 9:27 and the Confirmation of a Covenant
What if one or more of the nations currently opposed to Israel come to find themselves in a position where it is better strategy to “confirm” Israel’s right to dwell in the Land than continue to oppose it, while at the very same time hating their presence there and looking for the first opportunity to recapture Jerusalem? That’s exactly where we are, and though now, it may seem remote, that’s where I see things headed.
Let Us Labor Therefore to Enter into That Rest
Illogical as it may sound, I believe it is biblical to say that God has chosen some, not all, to eternal life. Paradoxically, and at the very same time, there is not one word of scripture that says that the other side of this affirmation has got to be that He has elected all the rest to hell. That is a human deduction. It is not the product of divine revelation. I realize it’s attractive and may seem logically unavoidable, but it’s not ‘revealed’ truth!
