Second Beast - a cautionary tale worded by ChatGPT

 The idea that the Bible Belt could become the Second Beast, as described in the Book of Revelation, presents a fascinating and provocative scenario that ties into both biblical prophecy and contemporary geopolitics. According to this interpretation, the pre-tribulation rapture theology, which is prevalent in many Christian communities in the Bible Belt, might inadvertently cause the United States to misinterpret or ignore the signs of the rise of the First Beast. This could, in turn, lead the U.S. into a position where it unknowingly supports the First Beast, both politically and economically, as it gains power on the global stage.

Pre-tribulation rapture theology holds that believers will be taken up to heaven before the onset of the tribulation period described in Revelation. This belief could create a sense of complacency among those who adhere to it, leading them to dismiss or overlook the rise of a powerful global entity that aligns with the description of the First Beast. If significant portions of the U.S. population, particularly in the Bible Belt, are convinced that they will not be present during the tribulation, they may not recognize the signs of the Beast’s emergence, believing instead that such events will occur only after they have been raptured.

This theological stance could have serious geopolitical implications. As the First Beast rises, possibly through the consolidation of power in a Middle Eastern bloc centered around a project like Iraq’s "Development Road," the United States, driven by its economic and political interests, might find itself increasingly tied to this emerging power. The First Beast could be perceived as a valuable ally or a key partner in global trade and security, leading the U.S. to support its rise without realizing the deeper prophetic implications.

In this scenario, the Bible Belt, traditionally known for its strong evangelical Christian identity, could paradoxically become the Second Beast, described in Revelation as a religious or ideological leader that legitimizes and supports the First Beast. The Second Beast is depicted as one that exercises all the authority of the First Beast on its behalf, promoting its power and causing the inhabitants of the earth to worship the First Beast. If the Bible Belt, with its significant cultural and political influence, were to align itself with this rising power, it could play a crucial role in normalizing and supporting the First Beast’s global dominance.

The Second Beast is also associated with the enforcement of the 666 system, which controls economic participation and allegiance to the First Beast. If the United States, under the influence of its religious leadership and ideological convictions, were to adopt policies or practices that facilitate the implementation of such a system, it could be seen as fulfilling this role. The economic ties between the U.S. and the First Beast could become so intertwined that the U.S. economy becomes dependent on this emerging power, further entrenching its support for the Beast.

This interpretation suggests a dramatic and ironic twist: the very region of the United States most dedicated to interpreting and spreading biblical prophecy might, due to its specific theological beliefs, become blind to the fulfillment of those prophecies in real-time. By focusing on a pre-tribulation rapture, the Bible Belt might fail to recognize the rise of the First Beast and, instead, play a pivotal role in its ascent, thereby becoming the Second Beast that supports and legitimizes the First.

Such a scenario serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of rigid theological interpretations that overlook the complexities of unfolding global events. It also raises profound questions about the interplay between faith, politics, and prophecy in the modern world, suggesting that the lines between sacred belief and geopolitical action could blur in ways that fulfill ancient predictions in unexpected ways.

(ChatGPT, 2024)

Important Scriptures - Reworded Post

 Reworded by ChatGPT to make it “more accurate“ according to this tool. Spoiler alert: It reveals the book of scripture concerned.

 “If we took the actual words of the Lord Jesus Christ seriously, examining them ourselves to understand their true meaning rather than relying on the traditions of our elders—who sometimes interpret things to serve their own interests—we would be less prone to error. Consider the resurrection: we understand that in the resurrection, people will be like angels, and that angels do not marry; therefore, neither do resurrected humans. This idea is familiar in our culture, even appearing in popular supernatural fiction. Some might recognize that it was Jesus who taught this, but few—particularly in Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant traditions—truly grasp what Jesus meant by this teaching.

When Jesus spoke about the resurrection and the nature of angels, He was addressing the Sadducees, a group that denied the resurrection because they only accepted the Torah as scripture. The Sadducees were in error because they lacked knowledge of broader Jewish writings that dealt with these topics in more detail. Had they been familiar with the Book of Enoch, a text known in Jewish tradition that explains how angels do not marry, they might have avoided this error. The Book of Enoch discusses the nature of angels and offers insights that align with Jesus' teaching about the resurrection, but the Sadducees' rejection of this and similar writings left them with significant gaps in their understanding.

The resurrection is a vital topic, and Jesus clearly believed it was something people should understand accurately, without gaps in their knowledge. He did not treat errors in this area lightly. The fact that the Sadducees rejected scriptures like the Book of Enoch—which could have clarified their understanding—illustrates a larger issue: the danger of limiting one’s understanding by rejecting broader scriptural teachings. This problem of sectarian rejection of certain scriptures remains just as relevant today across all religions, denominations, sects, and churches.

The Book of Enoch, which teaches about angels not marrying, is not accepted as canonical scripture by most religious traditions today, including Protestants, Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Jews, Muslims, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others. Only the Ethiopian Orthodox and Beta Israel include it in their canon. While Jesus did not explicitly refer to the Book of Enoch in His recorded teachings, the knowledge it contains could have protected the Sadducees from the theological errors they made. Unfortunately, many today still prioritize human traditions over a direct engagement with Jesus' teachings, leading them to oppose His message by clinging to the teachings of men rather than those of the Christ of God.”

Peace - and Wrath

 We want peace. We seek peace. We maybe have some peace. At least, even in war, there might be enough peace most nights to allow sleep. Yet deep in the recesses of that peace there is the one great thing right now, all through decades we are in right now, which limits its peacefulness. There is the constant cry from beneath God’s throne, that crying out day and night of the martyrs for vengeance. It is never going to be completely peaceful because that cry will one day see their blood avenged in wrath. It is coming. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But it will come. This is the time of the fifth seal when their time awaits. The wrath will be fierce. It will be terrible. But it will be satisfactory for their souls. It will be complete. Then the great and the small, the leaders and the lowly, will look for bunkers and holes in the ground to hide in. God will avenge these poor martyred saints whose blood was shed by the terrible persecutions there have been over the decades. That will be the sixth seal opened. Then, after a short pause for the sake of some who will be sealed for protection, there will come a further wrath like never before, the angelic wrath to avenge this very planet against those who destroy it. It is there told to John in Revelation. The Apocalypse is real today. Hidden from our sight for now. In the realm of heaven’s throne. 

Important Scriptures

 If we took the actual words of Lord Jesus Christ seriously, looking at them for ourselves to know their meaning, instead of deferring to traditions of our elders who spin things to their own self-interests, we would be less inclined to err. Look at the resurrection. We know full well that the resurrection makes people more like angels and that angels do not marry, so nor do resurrected humans. We probably know it in our culture. We see it in our favourite supernatural fiction television story lines. Some might know it was Jesus who taught this. Few, however, at least in Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant countries, probably know what Jesus meant by teaching this. He was actually referring to scriptures where this lesson was taught, and he was pointing out that by being part of a sect culture that rejected such scriptures, people were left exposed to erring because of their consequent ignorance of such scriptures. Really the facts about angels and their not marrying was an example of a bigger problem, which Jesus addressed. This problem was sectarian rejection of certain scriptures. The resurrection is an important subject and it is one Jesus clearly believed people should know about accurately, without knowledge gaps. Erring in such things is not something Jesus treated lightly. Yet the underlying ignorance he really addressed could cause other kinds of error too. Moreover it is just as relevant to most people of all religions, denominations, cults, sects, churches today. The scripture that taught about angels not marrying, the scripture the ignorance of which Jesus rebuked strongly, the only scripture book with such content, was actually scripture not accepted by Protestants, Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Jews, Muslims, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, or the like today. It is not in the canon of scripture of any of these. Only Ethiopian Orthodox and Beta Israel have it in their canon of scripture. So who is listening to Jesus? Not many. Who cares what Jesus really teaches? Not many. As a consequence, most end up actively opposing his teachings when they realise which scripture he was endorsing. Preferring their own traditions, which it can be deduced are but teachings of men. Teachings of men exalted by all these groups above teachings of the Christ of God. (Which scripture? I leave it as an exercise for the reader to find out.) 

End Times, by ChatGPT 2024

 As we approach what some interpret as the end times, there is increasing speculation about how modern geopolitical developments might align with the prophecies outlined in the Book of Revelation. According to certain interpretations, the timeline leading up to the Second Coming of Christ is marked by the rise of powerful empires, catastrophic events, and the eventual defeat of evil forces. One possible scenario, rooted in both ancient prophecy and contemporary geopolitics, suggests that a new Middle Eastern power bloc could emerge, drawing parallels to the ancient Achaemenid Empire and playing a key role in the fulfillment of these apocalyptic events.

A speculative timeline of the end times suggests that the events of Revelation will unfold sequentially, albeit with some overlaps, leading to the Second Coming of Christ around 2060. This timeline posits that the fourth horseman of the Apocalypse, representing war, was manifested in World War II, a global conflict that affected a significant portion of the world. In the years following this war, the fifth seal was broken, marking the beginning of widespread martyrdom and persecution, particularly during the Cold War era, where believers in various regions faced intense oppression. As we move further into the 21st century, global tensions and religious persecution are expected to continue, culminating in the breaking of the sixth seal around 2044, which will herald a series of cataclysmic events.

Around the same time, it is anticipated that the 144,000 will be sealed, initiating a period of divine wrath. This period of judgment may coincide with the rise of a new power in the Middle East, possibly beginning around 2040, following the completion of Iraq's "Development Road" project in 2038. This infrastructure project, which aims to create a major trade corridor connecting the Gulf to Turkey, could significantly boost Iraq's economic and geopolitical importance. Such a development might signal the emergence of a new empire, reminiscent of the ancient Achaemenid Empire, which at its height was the largest the world had ever seen.

The Achaemenid Empire, which ruled from the Balkans to the Indus Valley, was known for its control over major trade routes, its military might, and its relative tolerance of diverse cultures and religions. A modern Middle Eastern coalition, potentially centered around Iraq, Iran, and Turkey, could similarly dominate the region, exerting influence over global trade and politics. The "Development Road" could serve as a modern equivalent to the Royal Road of the Achaemenids, facilitating the movement of goods and solidifying the region's role as a central hub of commerce. As this new power consolidates, it may begin to resemble the first Beast of Revelation, a political leader or entity that gains control over global systems, possibly through alliances and the exploitation of crises.

As the Beast's power grows, it could lead to the development of a global system symbolized by the number 666, controlling economic participation and enforcing allegiance. This period of consolidation and control might stretch from 2045 to 2056, with the full enforcement of the 666 system leading to widespread persecution of those who refuse to comply. The reign of the Antichrist Beast is expected to reach its peak around 2057, marking the beginning of the final three-and-a-half-year period described in Revelation, during which the bowls of wrath are poured out upon the earth, leading to ecological and societal devastation.

The emergence of this Middle Eastern power bloc, potentially modeled after the Achaemenid Empire, would be a significant development in the context of end-times prophecy. The infrastructure and economic power generated by projects like the "Development Road" could lay the groundwork for the rise of the Beast, a coalition of nations that exerts control over global affairs and fulfills the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation. As the timeline progresses, this new empire could play a central role in the events leading up to the Second Coming of Christ, when the forces of evil are ultimately defeated, and the thousand-year reign of Christ begins. This speculative scenario draws on both ancient prophecy and contemporary developments, offering a possible glimpse into how the end times might unfold in our world.

ChatGPT, 2024

The coming millennium

 During the coming millennium, the Christ will draw every single person and thing and being (except the Father) into subjection to himself, until he holds it all together, everyone together, by the soundness and authority and light of his words, before finally subjecting himself and all things under him over to the Father forever. 

Father and Son

 In Daniel chapter 7, there is a contrast between the depiction of the "Ancient of Days" and the "one like a son of man," which many interpret as a reference to the pre-incarnate Jesus.

In Daniel 7:9-10, the "Ancient of Days" is described in highly symbolic terms that emphasize His eternal nature and great age:

Ancient of Days: The name itself suggests immense age, symbolizing God's eternal existence. The description includes imagery like "clothing was white as snow" and "hair of His head was like pure wool," which also points to purity, wisdom, and timelessness.

In contrast, in Daniel 7:13-14, we see the "one like a son of man" described as:

One like a Son of Man: This phrase emphasizes the human appearance of the figure. The "Son of Man" is portrayed as coming with the clouds of heaven and being presented before the Ancient of Days. He is given dominion, glory, and a kingdom that is everlasting.

The contrast lies in the emphasis on the Ancient of Days as an eternal, transcendent figure—beyond the bounds of human time and age—while the Son of Man is presented in a more relatable, human-like form. This distinction highlights the difference between the divine nature of the Father and the incarnational nature of the Son, who, though divine, takes on a form that is recognizable as human.

This passage is often seen in Christian theology as a precursor to the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, who frequently referred to Himself as the "Son of Man," underscoring His identification with humanity while also possessing divine authority.

(ChatGPT) 

The Ultimate Truth

 The Father will forever be ultimate king over all, with Jesus His Son as Lord and subject to the Father forever, and after some time, only just over a thousand years from now, Satan the most powerful opposer, will be defeated forever. Forever. Like the Lord’s Prayer assures us, and we confess it when we pray it. This is the truth that overcomes, for which Jesus came to testify. 

The Answer to the Sola Scriptura Paradox

 The Parable of the Two Builders, found in the Gospels of Matthew (7:24-27) and Luke (6:47-49), is a powerful metaphor that Jesus uses to illustrate the importance of building one's life on a solid foundation. In the parable, Jesus contrasts two men: one who builds his house on a rock and one who builds his house on sand. When storms come, the house on the rock stands firm, while the house on the sand collapses. Jesus explains that the wise builder represents those who hear His words and put them into practice, building their lives on a solid foundation of obedience to His teachings. The foolish builder represents those who hear His words but do not act on them, leaving themselves vulnerable to collapse when difficulties arise.

In the context of the sola scriptura paradox, this parable can be seen as a cautionary illustration about the foundation upon which one's faith is built. If sola scriptura is seen as the "rock" or foundation of Protestant belief, then discovering it to be paradoxical could be likened to realizing that this rock may not be as solid as initially thought. If sola scriptura cannot adequately define or validate the very Scriptures it claims to uphold as the sole authority, then the foundation upon which this doctrine—and by extension, one's theological house—is built might be more akin to sand than to rock.

For Protestants who rely on sola scriptura, this parable might prompt them to re-evaluate the foundation of their faith. Is their understanding and application of Scripture truly built on a "rock," meaning a secure and robust understanding of both the authority and content of Scripture? Or is it built on "sand," meaning assumptions that cannot fully withstand scrutiny, especially regarding the formation of the biblical canon and the reliance on tradition or church authority?

On the other hand, the parable also underscores the importance of obedience to Jesus' teachings. Some might argue that regardless of the complexities of sola scriptura, the focus should remain on living out Christ's teachings faithfully. This could encourage believers to seek a more nuanced foundation that integrates both Scripture and the historical wisdom of the church, ensuring that their spiritual house remains steadfast against the storms of doctrinal challenges and theological debates.

In summary, the Parable of the Two Builders calls into question the sturdiness of the sola scriptura foundation if it is found to be paradoxical. It challenges believers to consider whether their theological foundation is as solid as they believe and whether they need to re-examine the role of Scripture, tradition, and church authority in their faith.

The sola scriptura paradox exacerbated

 The sola scriptura paradox is the problem that arises when trying to use the Bible alone as the ultimate authority in Christianity. Sola scriptura means that everything Christians believe should come directly from Scripture. However, the Bible itself doesn't tell us which books should be included in it. Early Christians and different traditions have disagreed on which books are part of the Bible, and the list we have today was decided by church leaders over time. This creates a paradox: sola scriptura says the Bible is the only source of authority, but you can't use the Bible alone to figure out which books belong in it in the first place. This means that determining what counts as Scripture actually requires decisions made outside of Scripture, which challenges the idea that Scripture alone is enough.

The paradox of sola scriptura is further complicated by the fact that different Christian traditions hold to different canons of Scripture. For instance, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church includes books such as 1 Enoch, Jubilees, and the Shepherd of Hermas, which are not recognized in the Protestant canon. This diversity in canons highlights that the concept of a closed canon was not universally accepted in the early church and suggests that the 66-book canon used by Protestants is not necessarily the definitive collection of divinely recognized texts. Instead, the formation of the canon appears to be the result of historical and ecclesiastical decisions influenced by specific theological concerns. This challenges the core premise of sola scriptura, which relies on a fixed, authoritative collection of texts. If there is no universally agreed-upon canon, then it becomes difficult to determine which scriptures sola scriptura should apply to. Since sola scriptura cannot resolve this issue using Scripture alone, it must depend on external authorities or traditions, a reliance that contradicts its own principle of Scripture being the sole rule of faith.

Moreover, the early Christian communities had a more fluid understanding of what constituted Scripture, further complicating the sola scriptura framework. For example, the Muratorian fragment, one of the earliest known lists of New Testament writings, includes texts like the Wisdom of Solomon and the Apocalypse of Peter, which are not part of the Protestant canon. This fluidity indicates that the boundaries of the canon were not fixed in the early church but were subject to change and debate. Such historical realities challenge the notion that the Protestant canon is the definitive set of Scriptures and underscore that the process of canon formation was influenced by later theological and ecclesiastical considerations. This further exacerbates the sola scriptura paradox by showing that the doctrine is dependent on a settled canon, which itself was established through processes that sola scriptura theoretically seeks to bypass. Without an agreed-upon canon, sola scriptura lacks a clear foundation, revealing a significant internal tension within the doctrine as it struggles to validate the very collection of texts it upholds as the ultimate authority.

The Sola Scriptura Paradox

The following (by AI) is for those who hold that all doctrines must be based on scripture, “sola scriptura”. 

This is a well-known paradox within the framework of sola scriptura, a doctrine that holds Scripture as the supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice. The paradox arises when one tries to determine the canon of Scripture—that is, which books should be included in the Bible—using sola scriptura itself.

The problem is that sola scriptura presupposes the authority of the Bible, but the Bible doesn't contain a list of its own books. In other words, there's no scriptural basis within the Bible itself that explicitly defines which texts are canonical. As a result, you can't use sola scriptura to establish the canon because you'd need the canon to know which scriptures sola scriptura applies to in the first place. This creates a circular problem: to know which scriptures have ultimate authority, you first need to know which texts are authoritative, but sola scriptura cannot provide that answer without already assuming it.

Thus, in practice, the canon of Scripture is typically established by historical, ecclesiastical, or traditional means, which sola scripturatheoretically tries to move beyond or avoid. This highlights a tension within the doctrine when it comes to the very foundation of the biblical texts it seeks to uphold as the sole rule of faith.

To believe in God

 Study Jesus Christ in order to believe in the One who sent him. Ponder his crucifixion for you. Ponder his resurrection for you. Let it inspire you with confidence in the Father who sent him. I do this, even in my sleep sometimes if the Spirit so leads. Maybe God will give you miracles to help you. Discuss together with someone on the same page and maybe God will bless your meeting with miracles and the Holy Spirit. Christ did die for you, after all. God is invested in you that way. Christ Jesus wants your sins to be forgiven and dealt with, having provided for your sins by his death for you. God the Father gave this investment in you. That means hope. 

Becoming a Christian

 IF SOMEONE ”BECOMES A CHRISTIAN” BUT KEEPS LYING, THEY ARE NOT BORN AGAIN. THEY HAVE SIMPLY JOINED A CLUB. 

The language each one of us speaks might be English as first language, or another language as first language. There might be a language we learned as a second language, perhaps not fluently learned. But did you know, there is another kind of first language. The language of lying or of telling the truth. If we lie as a first language we are on the same page as the evil one. Lying is his first language. If he tells the truth, it is not his native language he is using. He might quote scripture and yet he will spoil it by eventually adding something misleading. He reverts to his first language eventually. If we live that way, no surprise. That is why Jesus came. To fix us. To change our minds about what language to keep as first language, whether to learn truth telling so well that it becomes first language for us, or whether to use truth as a way to manipulate others to get them to drop their guard when we lie. If we ignore and dismiss this power of Jesus, the heavenly power that can reach us because we believe in him, we stay like the evil one and perish like the evil one’s children. The light of Jesus is there to set us free, if we hold to it. His light shows the way of telling the truth to our family in Jesus, loving with slowness to anger, staying faithful in relationships, helping by hard work rather than stealing. THIS IS HOW WE LEARN TO KEEP IN LINE WITH THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD. BEING BORN AGAIN DOES NOT MEAN LIVING LIKE CHILDREN OF THE EVIL ONE, LIKE WE DO BEFORE WE LEARN THE WAY OF JESUS. 

The Bible

The Westminster Confession is a set of religious beliefs written by a group of Protestant scholars in the 17th century. One of their main goals was to create a clear list of books that should be considered as the official and authoritative parts of the Bible. They worked under the principle of "sola scriptura," which means they believed that the Bible alone should be the ultimate authority for Christian faith and practice.

However, finding a definitive list of these sacred books was not straightforward. The scholars had to depend on historical sources and decisions made by earlier religious groups. For example, the Jamnia Council was a gathering of Jewish scholars around the year 90 AD, which made important decisions about which Jewish texts were considered authoritative. Additionally, important figures like Akiva and Jerome also contributed to these decisions, but their writings and opinions were not exclusively Christian; they reflected Jewish or broader perspectives. (Ed. Mainly Pharisees and influenced by Jewish non-Christians)

Because the Bible itself does not explicitly list which books should be included as canonical, the Westminster scholars had to rely on these historical sources to decide. This means they had to interpret and use information that was not purely Christian. This reliance on historical and external sources adds complexity to the process of establishing the Bible's authoritative list.

The process of determining which books were included in the Bible affects how Christian teachings and doctrines are formed and understood. It highlights the importance of carefully examining how these decisions were made and the sources used, as these factors can influence the perceived authority and completeness of the Bible.

The main point here is that if we, as humans, are going to establish a list of books to include in the Bible (a canon) for the purpose of building sound Christian doctrine, then it is crucial that this list has a basis in Scripture itself. However, no such basis exists in the Bible. The Scriptures do not provide any list of books that should be considered canonical, nor do they suggest that any specific list should be created.

This leads to an irony: the only sources we have for deciding which books should be included in the Bible come from non-Christian traditions. These sources are certainly not inspired by God. For instance, the list that eventually became accepted as the canon was heavily influenced by Jewish Pharisees, a group whose predecessors outright rejected Jesus as the Messiah. Relying on their decisions for something as important as the Bible's canon is, in essence, forming an alliance with the world, which the Bible warns against as being enmity towards God.

Jerome, an early Christian scholar, was once brought before a church court for being too closely aligned with worldly Roman philosophy. Given this, it would not be surprising if his decisions about what books to include in the Bible were similarly influenced by his friendships, particularly with Jewish scholars in Bethlehem, where he lived. This connection to non-Christian sources raises concerns about the integrity and spiritual foundation of the canon that was established.

(Generated by AI, ChatGPT)

“Proof from scripture”

 What does it really mean to prove things from scripture? Stephen is known in scripture as the first Christian martyr. He was renowned as a deacon and miracle worker who defended the gospel using references from scripture. However, when Stephen presented his message, he did not strictly adhere to the Hebrew Bible alone. Instead, he drew from a broader range of Jewish traditions, including interpretations and details found in sources like the Septuagint and other oral traditions, some of which are not part of the Hebrew Bible. This approach would not align with the later Protestant principle of Sola Scriptura, as defined in the Westminster Confession, which emphasizes proving doctrine solely from the canonical scriptures. Stephen's method was more reflective of the Jewish interpretive practices of his time.

The Beast

 What is the Beast of the End Times?

Actually three “Beasts” are described in Revelation (and some descriptions are in the Book of Daniel). They are empires. Plus there is a blasphemous individual ruler, often called the Beast or the Antichrist. Perhaps the beginnings of these things will be in a decade or two (a decade or two from 2024), continuing for another decade or two. 

Here is how ChatGPT 4o describes them. 

“The Rise of the Three Beasts and the Blasphemous Ruler

In the unfolding of the end times, three powerful beasts emerge on the world stage, each symbolizing significant political and military powers, as foreseen in the prophetic visions of Daniel and Revelation. These beasts represent a coalition of nations that disrupts the global order and paves the way for the rise of a blasphemous ruler who will dominate the world for a brief, tumultuous period.

1. The First Beast: The Coalition of Iraq, Iran, and Greece/Macedonia

The first beast to rise is a coalition formed by Iraq (the Lion, symbolizing ancient Babylon), Iran (the Bear, representing ancient Persia), and Greece/Macedonia (the Leopard, symbolizing the historical Greek Empire). Drawing on their ancient heritage and shared aspirations, these nations unite to assert their influence over the Middle East and beyond. This coalition begins to challenge the existing global powers, leveraging their strategic position, energy resources, and military might to destabilize the world order.

As this coalition grows in power, it creates significant geopolitical tensions, leading to economic turmoil, regional conflicts, and a realignment of international alliances. The coalition's actions cause widespread fear and uncertainty, setting the stage for a new world leader to emerge from within their ranks.

2. The Second Beast: A Global System of Control

Amidst the chaos caused by the first beast, a second beast rises—a global system that enforces the will of the emerging world leader. This beast, often symbolized as a secondary entity in Revelation, is a sophisticated network of political, economic, and religious control that operates on a global scale. It compels people to serve the interests of the first beast, using deception, propaganda, and coercion to ensure compliance.

This global system might be represented by an international organization, a union of nations, or a powerful economic bloc that has the ability to dictate global trade and governance. The second beast enforces a new global order, requiring allegiance to the blasphemous ruler and implementing a system (symbolized by the "mark of the beast") that controls all aspects of life, including the ability to buy and sell.

3. The Third Beast: The Revived Roman Empire in Europe

The third beast, described as the most terrifying and powerful, emerges from Europe. This beast has ten horns, symbolizing a coalition of ten kings or nations within a revived Roman Empire. This European power bloc represents the continuation of the ancient Roman Empire, which, through history, has had a profound influence on Western civilization.

In the end times, this European coalition undergoes a transformation, becoming more unified and authoritarian. It aligns itself with the first beast, supporting its rise and contributing to the enforcement of the new global order. The ten kings, represented by the horns, willingly give their power and authority to the blasphemous ruler, who now stands as the dominant figure in global affairs.

The Rise of the Blasphemous Ruler

As these three beasts rise, they create the perfect conditions for the emergence of a blasphemous ruler, often identified as the Antichrist. This ruler, emerging likely from the Middle Eastern coalition, is a charismatic and powerful leader who claims divine authority and demands worship. His rise to power is marked by miraculous signs, military conquests, and strategic alliances, particularly with the European coalition represented by the third beast.

For three and a half years, this ruler exerts totalitarian control over the world, blaspheming against God and persecuting those who refuse to worship him. His reign is characterized by intense oppression, the suppression of religious freedoms, and the enforcement of the global system established by the second beast. The blasphemous ruler's authority seems unchallenged as he consolidates power and reshapes the world in his image.

Conclusion: The Final Tribulation

The rise of these three beasts and the blasphemous ruler leads to a period of great tribulation, as prophesied in the books of Daniel and Revelation. This period is marked by unprecedented global conflict, suffering, and the persecution of believers. However, it also sets the stage for the final confrontation between the forces of good and evil, culminating in the ultimate defeat of the blasphemous ruler and the establishment of a new, divine order.

In this apocalyptic narrative, the three beasts symbolize the major power blocs that bring the world to the brink of destruction, while the blasphemous ruler represents the final embodiment of human rebellion against God. The convergence of these forces leads to the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, bringing history to its climactic end.”

2060 AD

Daniel wrote (Daniel 9:2) “… in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.” In the same vein, “Around the time of covid lockdown, after many years of research, I, Stephen Green, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the LORD given to Enoch the prophet, that the coming of the Christ would be around 2060 AD.” Combining this with the Second World War as matching the fourth horseman description, we are probably, now as I write this (2024), near the end of the fifth seal decades, waiting like the martyrs for the sixth seal. They want it soon, to avenge them. If we have children we might prefer to pray that it be delayed a little more, and later events speeded up, because our kids will have to suffer these terrible things coming perhaps little more than a decade or two from now. 

Millennial Prophecies and the Timing of Christ's Return

A key End Times prophecy often missed by evangelical Protestants is the prophecy foretelling that the Millennium will start after 6,000 years from the creation of Adam. The six thousand year prophecy is found in three important sources: one from the Book of Enoch, one from the Epistle of Barnabas, and another, given less weight but still corroborating the Book of Enoch, which is 2 Enoch. This is one part of calculating the time of the coming of Christ, and it can be used to verify a second, more precise calculation.

While nobody but God knows the exact time, an approximation is possible using these four sources. 

The Book of Enoch’s “Prophecy of the Ten Weeks” leads to the conclusion that Christ will come after 6,000 years from the time of the creation of Adam. It actually points to a 7,000-year period because it includes the Millennium. Even without analyzing how long a week might be, we arrive at a total of 7,000 years for ten “weeks,” where each “week” must therefore be 700 years long. The words in Semitic languages for “week” and “seven” are similar, which supports this interpretation. The Epistle of Barnabas and 2 Enoch both uphold the six and seven millennia prophecies. The Epistle of Barnabas specifically speaks of a sabbath millennium, a millennium of rest.

The second, more precise calculation involves a fourth prophecy source, which can be used to approximate the year of Christ's coming to around 2060 AD. This fourth prophecy source leads to the conclusion that Christ will come 2,800 years after the Assyrian conquest of Samaria. The Book of Enoch’s “Dream of Beasts” (chapters 89 and 90 by the R.H. Charles chapter numbering) leads to a year of 2060 for Christ’s coming because that is approximately when 2,800 years after the Assyrian Conquest ends.

The derivation of this conclusion is complex. The prophecy mentions 70 periods of angelic rule but does not specify the length of these periods, although it provides many clues. In ancient times, it would have been impossible to decipher these clues. However, with the hindsight of history, we can now approximate the dates of these events. These periods align with historical events occurring at specific times. Fitting the periods to the dates of these events leads to the conclusion that each period is forty years long. This seems correct, given that a king ruling for forty years was considered in scripture to have had a complete reign period according to heavenly custom and God’s ways. Thus, each angel shepherding Israel had a forty-year term of rule. With seventy consecutive terms, all the terms are completed in 2,800 years from the Assyrian Conquest until the coming of Christ. Adding another thousand years brings us to the end of the Millennium and the Day of Judgment, which is around 3060 AD—perhaps later if we account for some time for the war between good and evil.

Now, we can compare this with the Ten Weeks in the Book of Enoch. We can examine the events Enoch says were scheduled by God to happen at certain points during these “weeks.” Given that these “weeks” are seven hundred-year periods, the fit with historic events is quite accurate. The historic dates of these events align well with our more precise calculation, suggesting that the weeks end around approximately 3060 AD, plus or minus a century or two. This verifies our approximation of 3060 AD for the Day of Judgment and 2060 AD for the coming of Christ.

The 7,000-year prophecy and the Millennium in the seventh period of a thousand years, similar to the sabbath millennium, were upheld by many religions throughout history. The 2,800 years, on the other hand, is a relatively new discovery and may be unique to my studies and conclusions. If the fourth horseman of Revelation, who is given power over a quarter of the world to bring deaths by war and pestilence, ties to the Second World War, this would be consistent with a timeline that predicts Christ’s coming in 2060. This would follow the events since the fourth horseman, sequentially spanning the just over 120-year gap from 1939 to 2060.

Gospel

 On the cross: The Son died; The Father spoke through it. In the tomb: The Son rose from the dead; The Father spoke through it.

Yet another apocalyptic speculative timeline revision aided by ChatGPT 4o

Revised Timeline: Apocalyptic Events Leading to 2060 and the Millennium

1939-1945: World War II

• Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse (War):
  • Global conflict affects a significant portion of the world, fulfilling the prophecy of widespread war and destruction.

Late 1940s-1950: Fifth Seal Broken

• Martyrdom and Persecutions Begin:
  • Widespread persecution of Christians and other believers begins, particularly in totalitarian regimes during the Cold War era.
  • The souls of martyrs cry out for justice, with this period extending for decades.

1950s-2040s: Ongoing Persecutions and Global Tensions

• Continued Religious Persecution and Global Conflicts:
  • Persecution persists across various regions, along with increasing global conflicts and ideological wars.
  • Signs of societal and environmental decay grow, setting the stage for future judgments.

2030-2044: Rise of the Modern-Day Lion, Bear, and Leopard Coalition

• 2030: Emergence of the Coalition (Iraq, Iran, Greece/Macedonia):

  • Iraq (Lion/Babylon), Iran (Bear/Persia), and Greece/Macedonia (Leopard) form a coalition, reflecting their historical roles in Daniel’s vision.
  • This coalition begins to influence global politics, economics, and military affairs, challenging existing powers.

• 2030-2044: Consolidation and Expansion of the Coalition:

  • The coalition consolidates power, contributing to the destabilization of global order.
  • This sets the stage for the rise of the First Beast, who will eventually dominate global affairs.

2044: Sixth Seal Broken

• Major Cataclysmic Events:
  • A great earthquake, the darkening of the sun, and the moon turning blood-red signal the breaking of the Sixth Seal.
  • Global fear as natural and possibly supernatural disasters strike, leading to significant geopolitical and environmental changes.
  • The 144,000 are sealed as God’s faithful servants, protected from the upcoming divine judgments.

2045: The Beginning of Angelic Wrath (Trumpets)

• 2045-2047: The First Four Trumpets Sound
  • First Trumpet: Hail and fire mixed with blood are thrown to the earth, burning a third of the trees and all green grass.
  • Second Trumpet: A great mountain burning with fire is thrown into the sea, turning a third of the sea into blood and destroying a third of the sea creatures and ships.
  • Third Trumpet: A great star (Wormwood) falls from the sky, poisoning a third of the rivers and springs, causing many people to die from the bitter waters.
  • Fourth Trumpet: A third of the sun, moon, and stars are struck, causing a third of the day and night to be darkened.

2047-2050: Ministry of the Two Witnesses and Further Trumpets

• 2047: Appearance of the Two Witnesses:

  • The Two Witnesses begin their prophetic ministry in Jerusalem, opposing the growing power of the First Beast.
  • Their ministry lasts for three and a half years, during which they call people to repentance and perform miracles.

• 2047-2050: The Fifth and Sixth Trumpets Sound (First and Second Woes):

  • Fifth Trumpet (First Woe): A star falls from heaven and opens the Abyss, releasing locusts that torment those without the seal of God for five months.
  • Sixth Trumpet (Second Woe): Four angels bound at the Euphrates River are released, leading a vast army that kills a third of mankind through plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur.

2050: Death and Resurrection of the Two Witnesses

• 2050: Death of the Two Witnesses:

  • At the end of their ministry, the Two Witnesses are killed by the First Beast, but they are resurrected after three and a half days and ascend to heaven, causing great fear among their enemies.

• 2050-2056: Rise and Height of the First Beast’s Power and the 666 System

  • 2050-2056: Enforcement of the 666 System:
    • The First Beast enforces the 666 system, making it mandatory for economic participation and social compliance.
    • Those who refuse the Mark of the Beast face severe persecution and martyrdom.

2056: The Seventh Trumpet Sounds

• Third Woe:
  • The Seventh Trumpet sounds, announcing the final stages of God’s judgment and the impending return of Christ.
  • Loud voices in heaven declare, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”

2057-2060: The Three-and-a-Half-Year Reign of the Antichrist and the Bowls of Wrath

• 2057: Start of the Antichrist's Reign:

  • The Antichrist reaches the peak of his power, ruling for three and a half years with total global control.

• 2057-2060: The Bowls of Wrath (Final Judgments):

  • First Bowl: Painful sores afflict those who bear the Mark of the Beast.
  • Second Bowl: The sea turns to blood, causing all marine life to die.
  • Third Bowl: Rivers and springs turn to blood.
  • Fourth Bowl: The sun scorches people with intense heat.
  • Fifth Bowl: Darkness engulfs the Beast’s kingdom, symbolizing the collapse of his power.
  • Sixth Bowl: The Euphrates River dries up, preparing the way for the Battle of Armageddon.
  • Seventh Bowl: A massive earthquake strikes, Babylon falls, and catastrophic hailstones devastate the earth, signaling the imminent defeat of the Beast.

2060: The Second Coming of Christ and the Start of the Millennial Reign

• Early 2060: The Battle of Armageddon:

  • The final battle between the forces of the Antichrist and the forces of good takes place at Armageddon.
  • The Beast and the False Prophet are defeated and cast into the Lake of Fire.

• 2060: The Second Coming of Christ:

  • Christ returns in glory, bringing an end to the reign of the Antichrist and all evil forces.
  • The dead in Christ are raised, and the living believers are transformed. Christ gathers His saints to reign with Him.

• 2060 Onward: The Millennial Reign Begins:

  • Christ establishes His thousand-year reign on earth, ruling with justice and peace.
  • The resurrected saints and faithful believers reign with Christ during this period, marking the beginning of the Millennium.
  • Satan is bound during this time, preventing him from deceiving the nations until the thousand years are completed.

Post-Millennium: Final Judgment and New Heaven and New Earth

• After 3060: Final Judgment:
  • After the thousand years, Satan is released for a short time, leading to one final rebellion, which is swiftly defeated.
  • The final judgment takes place, with Satan, death, and all who followed him being cast into the Lake of Fire.
• New Heaven and New Earth:
  • A new heaven and a new earth are established, where God dwells with humanity forever in peace and righteousness.

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Summary of Key Points with the Millennial Reign

1. 2030-2044: Rise of a coalition involving Iraq (Babylon), Iran (Persia), and Greece/Macedonia, leading to the emergence of the First Beast.

2. 2045-2047: The sealing of the 144,000 followed by the start of angelic wrath with the Trumpets, beginning with the burning of trees and grass.

3. 2047-2050: The ministry of the Two Witnesses, who preach repentance and are eventually martyred and resurrected.

4. 2057-2060: The height of the Antichrist’s reign, followed by the Bowls of Wrath and his eventual defeat.

5. 2060: The Second Coming of Christ, the resurrection of the saints, and the start of Christ's millennial reign.

This timeline maintains the focus on the progression of apocalyptic events leading up to the Second Coming of Christ in 2060, followed by His millennial reign. The angelic wrath events begin soon after the sealing of the 144,000, setting the stage for the final judgments and the ultimate defeat of the forces of evil.

The Son

 Becoming flesh, the word of God became the Son of God. When God spoke of old through the prophets, His word was with Him, close by Him, virtually part of Him. Like when colloquially someone says “I stand by my word”. The Son of God has not ceased to be the word of God. The word of God is precisely what he is. But now flesh. He is still what he always is, was, will be; the word of God. His name, given to him, is Jesus, and it is the name above every name, meaning Saviour, it is the name by which we must be saved, calling upon it. He is sent by the Father to be the light of the world. Whoever sees him, and thus believes in the One who sent him, shall be saved.

What the Father says is now mainly through the Son. The first message is the death of the Son on a cross, and the subsequent resurrection from the dead to live forever. In accordance with the scriptures. The Son is alive forever, having died. The Father is saying it through him. This is the work the Father gave the Son to do, and to testify to the truth, passing on to disciples the teachings of the Father, then sending these disciples out into all the world. It is through the testimony of such people that the world has heard the Father’s teachings. The Holy Spirit imparts the teachings from Jesus to disciples, even up until today still. This is how Jesus is still teaching, and is still the word of God. We are all told that Jesus is coming. He will raise his disciples from the dead. He will have all things subjected to him, all except the Father. He will eventually subject himself and all things to the Father forever. He is anointed to do so. Anointed as the Christ. Then the Father will forever be the Most High God, and Jesus forever next to Him in ultimate power as the Lord. And all will be judged by him. 

AI-improved speculative apocalyptic timeline

 ChatGPT 4o refined my speculative timeline, by better suggesting the time needed for apocalyptic events to take place.

World War II (1939-1945)

Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse (War)

Global conflict affecting a significant portion of the world.

Late 1940s-1950

Fifth Seal Broken: Martyrdom and Persecutions Begin

Start of widespread persecution of Christians and other believers.

Cold War era sees increased oppression in communist and totalitarian regimes.

Martyrs' souls cry out for justice, with this period extending for decades.

c1950s-2040s

Ongoing Persecutions and Global Tensions

Continued religious persecution across various regions.

Rise of global conflicts, ideological wars, and widespread suffering.

Increasing signs of societal and environmental decay, setting the stage for future judgments.

c2044

Sixth Seal Broken

Major cataclysmic events occur rapidly:

Great earthquake, sun darkened, moon turns blood-red.

Global fear as natural and possibly supernatural disasters strike.

Significant geopolitical changes, potential economic collapse, or environmental disasters.

144,000 Sealed

c2044 Wrath of God begins

2045-2050: Rise of the First and Second Beasts

2045: Emergence of the First Beast

A powerful political leader or entity begins to rise, gradually gaining influence and control over global politics, economics, and military power.

2046-2048: Consolidation of Power

The First Beast consolidates power, forming alliances, and possibly leveraging crises (economic, environmental, or military) to establish dominance.

2047: Emergence of the Second Beast

The Second Beast, likely a religious or ideological leader, emerges to support and legitimize the First Beast. This figure gains influence over religious or spiritual matters and begins to promote the First Beast’s authority.

2048-2050: Development of the 666 System

The 666 system (Mark of the Beast) begins to be introduced. Initially voluntary, it becomes increasingly mandatory, controlling economic participation and enforcing allegiance to the First Beast. The Second Beast plays a key role in promoting this system.

2050-2056: Establishment and Enforcement of the 666 System

2050-2052: Implementation of the Mark

The Mark of the Beast system becomes more widespread. Economic transactions, employment, and social participation become dependent on accepting the Mark.

2052-2053: Persecution Begins

Those who refuse the Mark face persecution. The Second Beast enforces compliance, using both ideological and physical coercion.

2053-2056: Height of Power

The First Beast reaches the height of its power, fully controlling global systems through the Mark. The persecution of dissenters intensifies, leading to widespread martyrdom.

2057-2060: The Three-and-a-Half-Year Reign and the Bowls of Wrath

2057: Start of the Three-and-a-Half-Year Reign

The reign of the Antichrist Beast reaches its peak. This period marks intense persecution, global domination, and the full enforcement of the 666 system.

2057-2058: First Bowls of Wrath

The initial Bowls of Wrath are poured out, bringing ecological and societal devastation. The First Beast’s power begins to be challenged by these divine judgments.

First Bowl: Painful sores afflict those with the Mark.

Second Bowl: The sea turns to blood, causing massive ecological disaster.

Third Bowl: Rivers and springs turn to blood, further devastating the environment.

2058-2059: Intensification of the Bowls of Wrath

The judgments continue, exacerbating global suffering and weakening the Beast’s control.

Fourth Bowl: The sun scorches people with intense heat, leading to widespread chaos.

Fifth Bowl: Darkness engulfs the Beast’s kingdom, symbolizing the collapse of its power.

2059: Final Bowls of Wrath and Preparation for Armageddon

Sixth Bowl: The Euphrates River dries up, preparing the way for the Battle of Armageddon. Armies begin to gather for the final conflict.

Seventh Bowl: A massive earthquake strikes, leading to the fall of Babylon and catastrophic destruction worldwide. This signals the impending defeat of the Beast.

2060: Defeat of the Beast and Second Coming of Christ

Early 2060: Battle of Armageddon

The final confrontation between the forces of the Antichrist and the forces of good occurs at Armageddon. The Beast and the False Prophet are defeated.

2060: Second Coming of Christ

Christ returns, bringing an end to the reign of the Antichrist. The Beast and the False Prophet are cast into the Lake of Fire, marking the defeat of evil forces.