Mrs Ford's KJV 1611 Bible printed 1837.

My wife was given this Bible by her parents sometime last year, it was handed down to them through the family. If you look at the third photo you will see a commentary on the 4th chapter of 1 Thessalonians. It is the 16th verse of this book that our pre tribulation brethren use to teach an "any moment rapture".
If we read the commentary on the 15th verse; I think we can safely conclude that this chapter is teaching the Second Advent will happen after the great tribulation!

Above is a commentary from 2 Thessalonians 2.3; this is clearly teaching that the apostasy will come first, and then the Antichrist. Is that not what the plain and simple reading of the text teaches? Not unless you believe that the Church and Israel have two separate destinies according to Dispensationalism!

On another note, what saddens me; flicking through the pages of this wonderful old copy of the 1611 KJV, is that the pages inside are like brand new. They look like they have never been turned, or even read. From what I can deduce, this Bible was only used as a diary to record dates of family births, deaths, marriages and Christenings etc; these were recorded on the inside covers where you can see for yourself the old English handwriting style and of course where the sunlight has aged the paper.

Mr B.W.Newton's Comments on Revelation 17 & 18

Revelation 17.

Babylon viewed morally, i.e. the moral system of ANTICHRISTIANISM.
Babylon has always been that in which men have combined against God, e.g.
 Genesis 11:1-9. The building of the tower of Babel.
 Joshua 7. The Babylonish garment ensnared Achan. Babylon's flattery allured Hezekiah to his city's destruction and his people's captivity, though he had been enabled to overcome it in war. Compare Isaiah 39 with Daniel 1:1,2.
 A "woman" is the symbol of a moral system. There are three "women" in Scripture representative of systems.

 1. False Christianity in Matthew 13.33; where a woman (mother church) is seen mixing leaven with meal: corrupting the Word of God with false doctrines and tradition.
 2.True Christianity in God's estimate in Revelation 12.1.
 3.The "harlot" of this chapter or "Babylonianism", a concentration of the world's seductive attractiveness centred in Babylon. This influence of worldly glory and splendour will extend over the ten Roman nations (compare v.1 with v.15) principally through commercial agencies (Zechariah 5:5-11).
 v.2. "It will also be a delusive intoxicating system which will attract the ten kingdoms-a reign of wealth that will minister to every tendency of human nature, to all the senses in display, power, taste, luxury-a delirium of pleasure throughout the civilized nations!"
 v.3. The "wilderness"; for the separate place will be the only one from which to view it rightly-outside or apart from it-for it will be the "Vine of the Earth"; and if we sip the cup of its wine, it will unfit us for a right judgment concerning it.
 It will be an infidel system, and will at first rule over Antichrist. The woman is seen "sitting on the Beast"; i.e.,controlling it! This is an earlier event in Antichrist's life than chapter 13. vv. 4,5. See Isaiah 47:8, for what Babylon will be in the sight of GOD, and what she will arrogate to herself. "That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God."
 v.6. Persecution of those who oppose or testify against it; oppression behind the scenes of worldliness!
 v.8. This refers to a KING OF BABYLON. There was one in the past (Nebuchadnezzar). When John wrote, the Chaldean power had disappeared and there was not one ; but Antichrist will be King of Babylon when Babylon revives, and all in the ten kingdoms but the elect remnant will worship him!
 Nebuchadnezzar was the first king of Babylon;
 Antichrist will be the last.
 Nebuchadnezzar set up his image to be worshipped;
 Antichrist will do the same, so that he will reappear as the revived HEAD OF BABYLON, VIZ. "the beast that was, yet is not (when John wrote), but is yet to be".
 v.9. The "seven mountains" are what the "seven heads" are to the beast in chapter 13-all the ruling systems of the world -the sources of authority.
 vv. 10,11. A parenthetical passage, giving information as to the various modes in which power has been exercised during the world's history. These will be closed by Antichrist. See his doom in chapter 19:20.
 "The five fallen"-Nimrod's native monarchy.
Israel's theocracy. Babylon's autocracy. Persia's aristocratic monarchy. Greece's military oligarchy. "One is"-Rome's democracy. "The other not yet come"-Plutocracy or Babylonianism. "The eighth"-Antichrist.
 v.12. These ten kings are not existent yet, but they will be when Antichrist arises, for they will reign concurrently at the same hour with him (Daniel 7:8).
 v.13. This will be the final step taken by these kings. They will come to an agreement to give their armies and support to Antichrist and will elect him as their leader, thus cutting themselves off from Salvation (chapter       14:11)! "Be wise now therefore, O ye kings ", is the exhortation to such (Psalm 2:10-12).
 v.14. See Daniel 8 :11, 25. They will accompany Antichrist in his last attempt to overthrow Jerusalem, and they will with him meet with judgment from the Lord Himself Who, accompanied by the risen saints (many of whom having refused to worship Antichrist will have been killed by him), will prevail and prove His title to the Name that Antichrist will have assumed of King of Kings (chapter 19:16)!
 v.15. See v.1 and Jeremiah 51:13.
 v.16. Read "The ten horns which thou sawest and the beast" (Dr Tregelles). This is the time when Antichrist, having destroyed Babylonianism, becomes supreme. Chapter 13 follows here as to time.
 v.17. See Isaiah 55:11, 10:5,6, 23. Daniel 9:27.
[At present this Babylonian system is restrained (2 Thessalonians 2:6,7); the great restraining influences being  Ecclesiasticism and Popery; but that which is helping most towards bringing it in is the Broad Church principle of Latitudinarianism, with no distinction of creed and an ignoring of definite Truth as revealed in Scripture.]

Revelation 18-19:10.

BABYLON, the great City and the Metropolis of Antichrist's kingdom viewed literally and Physically; i.e., in it's outward aspect; the position it will occupy among men as the great emporium of COMMERCE. It's inner workings and moral principles we find in Zechariah 5:5-11 under the emblem of an Ephah or measure denoting commerce, in which a "woman" is working secretly and evilly. That godlessness will be developed manifestly in "the land of Shinar", and this chapter 18 describes it's manifestation.
vv. 1,2 shew what it's End will be first, that we may contemplate its greatness in the light of these words. What God purposes is in His sight already done. He can speak of the future as if it were past.
 v.3. It will be a great commercial city, which Rome never was; a proof that it does not mean Rome. It will allure and intoxicate with its attractions.
 v.4. God's call to such as have "ears to hear"; conscience to feel; faith to believe what God has said of its doom while yet it is in all its attractive glory; and wisdom and grace to discern the signs and obey Christ's command to leave the place of judgment before being driven out by force, as Lot out of Sodom. "Behold I have told you before". Believers who heed not Prophecy or this caution will share in these earthly judgments, even though their souls be saved. Babylon will be during the Millennium what the "cities of the plain" are in this Dispensation-a monument of God's justice.
 v.7. To them it might be said "Your joy shall be turned into sorrow". Costliness, refinement, luxurious enjoyment will characterise Babylon. These will ensnare the godly; intoxicate the nations; and the ten kings (whose metropolis it will be) will be entangled with its splendour and luxuries. These and its sudden fall are here detailed.
 vv. 10-14. It will be the emporium of the luxuries of the earth. The list of its merchandise contains little that is useful or sinful in itself, but merely what is for man's gratification.
 v.15. The "market" of the world being destroyed, the merchants and manufacturers of these things (whose depots are there) will be ruined, having expended capital in material and labour with no prospect of sale for them then! But the destruction will occur just before the Coming of the Lord; and it is to this doubtless that Christ refers in Luke 21:34,35, when cautioning Christians whose worldly all may have been suddenly lost in Babylonian loans, Euphrates valley shares, etc.; against their hearts being "overcharged with cares of this life". He urges them not to be anxious (excited), as there will be no further need of it, for this utter destruction of Babylon will immediately precede the Coming of the Lord. In reference to this, how seasonable the injunction "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth".
 vv.16-19. The universal cry in the leading cities of the ten kingdoms on the announcement of Babylon's fall! Jeremiah 1:9-16 and 51.27-32 shew the agents in its destruction will be nations from the East. See chapter 16:12.
 v.20. Heaven's estimate of it.
 vv.21-23. It will be consigned to everlasting oblivion.
 v.24. It's system will have honoured all evil ones in its Latitudinarianism godlessness and will therefore be responsible for all the persecutions of those systems!
 Chapter 19:1-10. The first "Hallelujah" in Heaven will be over Babylon's fall!
 vv.7-9. The subject of the book of the Revelation is not CHRISTENDOM, so there is no description of the gathering of the saints here.
From other Scriptures we may find they are raised, to to come with the Lord (17:14).

      

The Sons of God.

The subject of the Nephilim is one which there are two different view points. Obviously one is true, the other false. There are many today believing doctrines that are not grounded in Scripture. These teachings, some call 'Jewish fables' others, downright lies. The Bible interprets itself and we should ever follow this principle. There is nothing wrong with the study of extra canonical writings, but we should never try to formulate Biblical doctrines from such sources. There are Bible teachers and pastors that are teaching things that are now in the realms of science fiction, they have no place for God's people, only in that cesspit known as Hollywood. How long will it be before film makers start to call on these teachers?

Reading through the 4th and 5th chapters of Genesis, we see clearly the genealogies of the Sethites and Cainites. They did not intermingle until Genesis 6.2. There was a 'fatal attraction'; the 'Son's of God' 'saw the daughters of men that they were fair'. That the lineage of the 'Son's of God' sprang from Seth, is verified by Scripture; Genesis 4.25: 'God hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew'. And what of the lineage of Cain, the worlds first murderer? Is he not 'of that wicked one'? 1 John 3.12. Which wicked one?

Undoubtedly the 'Sons of God' is clearly referring to angels in Job 1.6 and 2.1. But this does not follow that this term has the same meaning in Genesis 6.2. John 1.12 teaches; 'as many as received him, to them he gave the power to become the son's of God, even to them that believe on his name'. God undoubtedly created humankind and the angelic host, they have both been termed as 'Son's' in these respective passages.
One may ask, 'How could the intermarriage of the seed of Seth and the seed of Cain produce giants?' To which our reply would be, 'How could the  intermarriage of angels and men produce giants?' In the Bible, when angels have assumed the form of man, no superior physical stature has ever been mentioned, read Genesis 18.2 and 19.5 for example. The Lord Jesus said that angels are not 'given in marriage'; Matthew 22.30, Mark 12.25. The Lord says   that angels do not procreate, they do not have children. Is this not the contextual teaching of these two Bible verses?
The inter mixture of Sethites and Cainites however was very likely to produce a race of superior bodily constitution  These two races continued separately for long ages, and they intermarried with near kindred, so they must have degenerated greatly; and therefore the inter mixture of the two would have given rise to a stronger race.
We read that giants were after the flood when Israel intermarried with the Moabites. If inter marriage with angels was required to produce giants in the time of Noah, it must have been needed again afterwards to produce them in the time of Israel. Anak must have married an angel and his sons Ahiman, Sheshai and Talmai, who are called Nephilim, must have been semi-angels. Then, some of Anak's ancestors must have also married angels, seeing that it is said that the 'Nephilim' were sons of Anak (Numbers 13.33), but he himself was of the same race, being half an angel and half a man. With this in mind Anak's wife must have been a female angel, whereas in Noah's day the angels that descended to earth must have been male. And these created beings are asexual, if the teachings of the Lord Jesus are to be understood aright?
Throughout the 6th of Genesis we are informed that it was man's sin that was so great in the earth; that it was on account of man's sin that the deluge came. But if as many today would have us believe the old 'Jewish fables' then it was not man's sin that wrought the evil but the sin of angels. To to any right thinking person it is clear that they are the guilty parties in this transaction, if they were parties at all! If the 'Sons of God' were angels then is mankind to be judged for the sin of angels? If on the other hand the 'Sons of God' were the Sethites, the representatives of the patriarchal Church how natural is the whole scenario! The Sethites were the 'salt of the earth' (Matthew 5.13), and once the salt had lost it's savour, then was the world ripe for God's judgment?
An old time writer asked 'What sort of creatures could the offspring of men and angels be?' 'Would they be men or would they be angels?' And could they produce offspring? From my very limited knowledge of science, I understand that different genera cannot breed offspring. If when it does happen as in the case of horses and donkeys which produce mules, the offspring becomes sterile.
Where exactly would these 'half angels' stand in relation to Christ as regards salvation? Being semi man and semi demons? Could they believe on Him who took not on Him the nature of angels, but who took on Him the seed of Abraham? Hebrews 2.16. Could they be washed in His blood? Could they be condemned for rejecting Noah's message about the promised seed of the woman? What was the seed of the woman to those who did not belong to the human race?

The ramifications of this horrid doctrine end I know not where. The Saviour when speaking of the 'days of Noah' said 'they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage', so He said it will be in the days of the 'coming of the Son of man'. There is wholesale and ever increasing widespread apostasy in our age.
As believers we should warn the ungodly of the wrath to come, of the eternal burning that awaits those who reject the gospel. As Noah a preacher of righteousness proclaimed salvation to the then lost world, kept himself separate and undefiled from the world, we should do likewise.

The first resurrection of Revelation 20.5.

To many, the book of Revelation is a big turn off. It is seen by them as mysterious, and beyond comprehension. Indeed this would be the case if it were not for the sixty five books that precede it.

Having said this, there are many interpretations on God's final Word to His people. God is not the author of confusion. The Lord said; 'My sheep hear my voice', John 10.27.

Many professing Christians are actively encouraged by their pastors not to study this book. Indeed the writer received a similar admonishment as a new believer. And this, in spite of the blessing recorded in the 3rd verse of the first chapter!? It is a book with many names, words and phrases contained within that are bandied about by the unbelieving and mocking world: Such as Armageddon, pearly gates, the number of the beast (666), the Alpha and Omega, Gog and Magog, etc. It is a book that contains the final events of the history of mankind and the old adversary the Devil, or Satan,  and confirms the coming fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies regarding the messianic kingdom, the new Jerusalem, and the resurrection of the just and the unjust.

It is our privilege as believers, to possess a knowledge of how all things pertaining to this present world will end. Moreover, unbelievers, throughout the world, especially in the west have knowledge that the Revelation does indeed contain information regarding the end times. It is a bizarre situation in many ways because the Bible is the worlds best selling book and is so easily available, not only in print, but online too. And yet this information is 'veiled' it cannot be believed or acted upon unless one is 'born again'. Did not the Lord say to Nicodemus 'Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'?  John 3.3. Isaiah prophesied regarding this blindness: The Saviour recited the prophet's words (Isaiah 6.9) in the gospels (Matthew 13.14, Mark 4.12, Luke 8.10), He said that though they had eyes, ears and a brain, that they would not see, hear and understand! It is a very sobering thought that men who have been to Bible schools, Seminaries and such establishments, and have been 'trained' to teach God's Word, are guilty of doing Satan's work. The false ministers of God's Word are perhaps more guilty than all the eastern mystics and soothsayers? They indeed 'hold the truth in unrighteousness', Romans 1.18? The spirit that was in Ahab keeps men from the prophecies of the Bible: 'And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, there is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.' 1 Kings 22.8.

Conversely, where the study of Bible prophecy and the Revelation is actively encouraged it is possible to study and teach it amiss. Some would use stronger language and call these men false teachers. Chapter 20, verse 5 speaks of the 'first resurrection', in fact the words in my King James Version are affirmative: 'This is the first resurrection.', emphasis mine. What then does the Bible reveal as to the first resurrection? Who are to partake in it? And when does it take place? 

If plain words mean anything, first means first; so it is impossible that there can be a resurrection that precedes the first resurrection, otherwise it would not be a first resurrection? Verses 5 and 6 clearly teach that an actual resurrection is taught, that is an actual bodily resurrection. This resurrection then will include every saved person that has ever died up to this point. The Scripture also teaches that the first resurrection cannot possibly take place until after the development of Antichrist and his reign, 2 Thessalonians 2.3. This first resurrection also takes place when the Lord Jesus Christ comes again in manifest glory, Matthew 24.30.

It is surely a great mistake to believe a doctrine that teaches Revelation 20.5 should be interpreted in such a way to plainly contradict other Scriptures? What is revealed in the Revelation is Holy Spirit inspired; shining further light on the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament writings, it is in harmonious accord, it is surely not opposed to what went before?

It is the writer's firm conviction that many professing believers are indeed blinded, they cannot see because they won't see. They have been blinded by Dispensational teachers who claim to be 'rightly dividing the word of truth', 2 Timothy 2.15. The words 'rightly dividing' has in it's meaning to 'handle aright', this is what the AV is conveying! This is confirmed by the margin in the Revised Version. Many Dispensational theologians use this Scripture in order to divide time into dispensations. The reality is that there are two dispensations of time, before and after the cross, indeed this would agree with the OT prophets as they understood it to be, the present age, and the messianic kingdom age. Indeed this can be confirmed by the secular world's dating system, though there is a Satanic attack on that!

For a 'believer' to hold to an 'any moment secret' coming or 'first resurrection' (for this is what it amounts to) before the Antichrist is revealed is believing in a doctrine that Scripture plainly does not teach. 

S.P.Tregelles that most notable of Bible scholars (Hebrew and Greek) speaking of the pre tribulation rapture theorists said; 

They have the scripture; they borrow it's phrases, applying them to their own cherished fancies, they take truths from it, but they apply them in connections not only false in themselves, but even in direct contradiction of what the word of God distinctly states. How can any learn from Scripture, if they maintain that events shall come to pass at a different time and in a manner directly contradicting what the Scripture says? Is a man a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ because he uses His name, while denying every material truth as to His very Godhead and very manhood, and the true substitutional sacrifice of His death? What, then, in a similar manner, should be said of those who hold a first resurrection differing in time, manner and circumstances, from THE first resurrection of which the Scripture makes mention? who expect a coming of Christ (such as He Himself said should never take place) without publicity, without manifested glory, without His taking vengeance on any, without His so taking the kingdom into his own hands that thenceforth anti christian blasphemy and persecution should be impossible? Must it not be said that Scripture terms have been applied to the opposite of Scripture truths? 

There is much more I could write at the present moment, but for the sake of brevity will close after these last few sentences.

Earlier I mentioned that great blessing in the beginning of Revelation; 1.3, I must therefore speak of the opposite, right at the end of Revelation; 22.18-19. I find it hard to put into words, that is, the awful curse that men would find themselves under for adding to, or taking away from 'the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life.'

We are living in prophetic times, in an age of exponential technology and knowledge that has never existed before. With the internet and other media there is a seemingly endless rise of self appointed false teachers that plainly go beyond what God's Word plainly teaches.

'My brethren be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.' James 3.1. Wise counsel indeed.

The Theory of the Trumpets According To E.W. Bullinger (and so say all the other Dispensationalists).

'The Apocalypse Or The Day Of The Lord' Pages 370-372.

Revelation 11.15. "And the seventh angel sounded his trumpet; and there were loud voices in heaven"; Each seventh seal, trumpet and vial is marked of from the preceding six by unmistakable signs, sufficient to show us that they are resumptive rather than continuous. Each going over the same ground to give particulars not contained in the others, bringing us up to a crisis; and giving the other events in the corresponding period, but from a different point of view.
This is called the "seventh" trumpet, and it is the "last" of this special series . But it does not follow that there will be none after: or, that a trumpet sounding before it may not also be called the "last" relatively to another subject. In 1 Corinthians 15. 51,52 we read of  "the last trumpet: for a trumpet shall sound." In 1 Thessalonians 4.16, we read that "the Lord shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel's voice , and with the trump of God." This is the last trumpet as regards the church of God, but not the last absolutely. It will be sounded long before these judgments begin, in order to raise His sleeping saints, and take them up with the living saints, to be with Himself forever. There will be another great trumpet after the great tribulation, immediately connected with the Lord's Apocalypse. See Matthew 24.31. This is subsequent to this "seventh Trumpet," for that Apocalypse is recorded in Revelation 19. So that the seventh Trumpet in Revelation 11.15 is not the "last Trump," absolutely, but only relatively; for it is only the last of this series of seven. Moreover, this is neither called the "last"; nor is it necessary for us so to call it. The Trump in 1 Corinthians 15.51,52, is called "the last" with reference to the church of God. It is the Trump which shall close our connection with the earth; it will end up all longing expectation, and therefore there is a true sense that it is our last Trump.
The Trump of 1 Corinthians 15.51,52, is the same that is mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4.16. We have had so many positive proofs that these "Seven Trumpets" belong to another Dispensation altogether, that we cannot confuse the Trump which shall summon the church of God to its ascension with the trumpet which shall bring on the last of God's plagues and end up His judgment of the earth.

I first read Bullinger's "Apocalypse" about five years ago. I have since read it through twice. It is a chapter and verse commentary on the whole of the Revelation, some 700 pages long.
Upon first reading, from memory, I just accepted Mr Bullinger's interpretation, because he was a noted Bible scholar.

As I started to examine the pre trib rapture theory in greater depth, needless to say, I was much perplexed at trying to decipher the above! However, I sincerely believe that most Christians who hold to the pre trib rapture, would accept Mr Bullinger's theory. Though, having said that, can any seriously, and honestly believe and understand such Scriptural perversion?
Mr Bullinger, as indeed many who went before, and after him, should, if they were honest enquirers of the truth, have rejected the pre trib rapture theory on the trumpets alone. Sadly, such men are more loyal to the theory than the simple plain truth. So great is this deception.
Bullinger, it must be stressed, was known as a "Hyper" or "Ultra" Dispensationalist, as opposed to a "Moderate" Dispensationalist. He believed that water baptism and the Lord's supper were not church, or Christian ordinances. He also held to the view that the church was born after the close of the book of Acts, whereas mainstream,or moderate (so-called) Dispensationalists tell us it was in Acts 2. The Word of God says it started with Jesus and His disciples in the gospels.
Harry Ironside (moderate Dispensationalist) referred to many of Bullinger's theories as an "absolutely Satanic perversion of the truth".

I say that the whole system, is a perversion of the truth, and it needs an axe laid into it's deepest roots, going right back to about 1830.

Dispensationalism: Another gospel?

The world and all its attractions are doomed. Everything, everyone outside of Jesus Christ is doomed . The unbelieving world is not aware of this veritable fact. The Word of God declares it to be so. When one surveys the spiritual condition of the so-called professing Church, we cannot but wonder to what depths she will sink, before the Antichrist is revealed. The incipient apostasy is widespread and the cankered branches are about to be broken off. Deception is rife, so rife that it almost beggars belief. Professing Christians are those who are supposed to be 'people of the Book', yet they venture into strange and fanciful doctrines. In this fast moving age we find ourselves in; many forget the Rock! The Rock of ages; 1 Corinthians 10.4. That Rock is Christ! Immovable, immutable, and eternal, He never changes; we do. He is the same 'yesterday, today, and forever', Hebrews 13.8. An oft quoted Scripture, yet many never quote the next verse; 'Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines.'

What happened on Pentecost in Acts 2 is God's truth, penned by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Yet is it not true, that today, the worst excesses of scriptural error are to be found in the Church that bears that very name? Many falsely believe the Church was born on Pentecost, this adds fuel to the Dispensational error. Many professing Christians instead of clinging to the Saviour, and His mediator ship have made a cult out of the Holy Spirit. They even call or Command Him to come down at their beckoning. 

Apostasy can be likened to a runaway train; out of control; if this were not so, I would not think my Bible were true: The New Testament is replete with warnings about the 'latter days'. 'Perilous times shall come' says the Apostle in 2 Timothy 3.1, not; ' might come'. The Bible warns us that 'narrow is the way to life, and few find it'; Matthew 7.14. In this very same chapter,in verses 21- 23, the Lord tells us that many who prophesied, cast out devils, and did many wonderful works in His name, will not enter the kingdom of heaven. The Lord called these professors, 'workers of iniquity'. They never did the will of His Father in heaven. This is very solemn reading indeed. I can only believe that this is the direct result of the error of Dispensational theology, which separates law from grace. This is the springboard that has inspired many into greater error. Of course not every Church, or individual believer that holds to Dispensationalism has sunk to such depths, and many, no doubt would strongly oppose the worst excesses of such behaviour. But what they fail to realise, is that the theological root is the same. Dispensationalism has therefore given rise to many false doctrines, including, sadly, salvation. This false theology needs to severed at it's very root. A corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit; Matthew 7.18. 

2 Thessalonians 2.3 tells us that a 'falling away' ( Gk. apostasia) will come before the Antichrist is revealed onto the world stage. We are currently alerted and exposed to error on every front, and I believe  that this will increase exponentially. It is the writer's deeply held conviction that the pre trib rapture doctrine will lead many astray, and cause much confusion as the window of opportunity for this manifestation, ever closes.

The Bible clearly reveals that the Lord will come after the 'tribulation of those days', Matthew 24.29.
However, to those whom the Lord has revealed it to, this 'Coming' is not preceded by a separate coming for the Church. This 'any moment coming' is a result of the Dispensational error propagated by John Nelson Darby around 1830. Most Christians who make any effort to study the 'Last Things' are not aware that Dispensational theology brings with it much other error apart from a separate pre tribulational coming. When I first became convicted that the pre trib rapture was not Scriptural, then plainly it must be a lie? There is no other way of describing it. I came to this position about 18 months ago on the basis of much Bible study, and of course, prayer. At this point I thought that the pre trib rapture doctrine was just a 'stand alone' teaching. Sadly it is altogether another gospel. This new gospel teaches that the Old Testament saints have no part with the believing Church; it condemns them to a salvation by the 'blood of bulls and goats'. That they were saved by their obedience to the law! It teaches that these OT saints have a separate destiny. That they are under law and we, the New Testament saints are under grace! (I cringe at making such a lofty comparison!).
The Bible teaches no such thing. Salvation has always been by grace. There is no other salvation apart from Christ. The New Testament is explicit about this salvation. Read the words of the apostle to the gentile Church in Ephesians 2.11-12, 'Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.' What is the Scripture saying? We are told that unless we are incorporated through faith into the Commonwealth of Israel, we are lost. We have no part with Christ. What does the Lord Jesus say? Speaking to some who belonged to the Jewish flock, He said 'Other sheep I have which are not of this (Jewish) fold (but are Gentiles): them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice: and there shall be one flock , and one Shepherd.' John 10.16. I will quote Mr B.W. Newton; 'Shall we then contradict this, and say that there are two flocks, two Shepherds, two Commonwealths, and two Olive-trees? Is there a greater sin than altering God's Holy Word?

Indeed, to those with eyes to see, Gentile Christianity has been wise in its own conceits.
Every single man, woman and child who shall ever be saved from righteous Abel to the last Millennial saint, can, and only will be saved by the 'Lamb slain from the foundation of the world', Revelation 13.8. The Old Testament believers looked to the Atonement, we look back to it. The prophets of old 'inquired and searched diligently' for the coming Saviour; 1 Peter 1.10-12, Matthew 13.17. The Saviour, the Coming One is the promised Redeemer recorded so long ago on the pages of Holy Writ in Genesis 3.15.
The coming of Christ to suffer (Luke 24.25-26) for our redemption was the focus of Old Testament prophecy as depicted most graphically in Isaiah 53.

  

A Brief History of Dispensationalism.

Dispensationalism is without doubt the most widely held system of theology among Bible believers today.

In the vast majority of cases, most believers would be unaware that their beliefs have been shaped by this relatively new theological system. Dispensationalism's conservative history leads many to believe that it is a Biblical doctrine, and thus it's adherents view any other system with skepticism. The labels men give systems of theology are one thing, the only thing we should be concerned with, is whether or not it is founded upon, and agreeable to the Word of God.

Most Dispensational leaders would reject such an early history of Dispensationalism with so recent a figure as J.N.Darby. They have fought hard to convince Christians that its doctrine can be traced right back to the early Church. Without doubt there have been various dispensations in history relative to God's dealings with the human race, such as the 'Mosaic' and 'Church' dispensations. I deliberately use a small 'd' in these two examples as opposed to a capital 'D' as I am not enunciating a theological system.

There have been many throughout history that have marked off various dispensations of periods of time. But something altogether new happened when Darby arrived on the pages of Church history around 1830. Darby taught that the Church and Israel had two entirely different destinies. It was this new doctrine which departed from the historic faith of the Church, which had faithfully held to a common salvation, as taught in the Bible. Thus it was at this juncture in time that the new teaching began to take hold and gain rapid popularity.

Shortly after Darby left the Church of England, he began meeting with the Plymouth Brethren. The Brethren were a group of believers who removed themselves from the established Church and met together without an ordained ministry. They were to all intents and purposes a community of equals. There was no leadership.

However in this vacuum of scriptural leadership, the Brethren movement began to be influenced by those members with the strongest personalities. There followed much strife and fragmentation and Darby soon established himself into a position of strong leadership. He even insisted that the Brethren separate from any who opposed his views. Though starting with a noble and ideological foundation of equality and unity, it was not long before the movement morphed into an organisation which demanded allegiance from it's leader. Darby soon, therefore, became the spokesman for this influential movement.

Darby travelled widely abroad, and made lengthy visits to America, where his views had great influence. Leaders from various denominations began to embrace Darby's teachings.
In America, as Darby's views continued to spread in the years after his death (1882). The Bible Conference movement began to take shape. This movement became known as Fundamentalism; it was born through the efforts of the believing Church to answer the attacks of Liberalism within the Church around the end of the nineteenth century. This was a period of significant trial for the Church, many and various Bible conferences were established to bring preachers and laity together in order to study the Scriptures. Prophecy was the main theme of these conferences, dominated by the Dispensational, pre tribulational prophetic scheme. Dispensationalism gained a large grass roots hearing, and the movement of Fundamentalism found its sounding board. Fundamentalism became, then, largely a Dispensational movement, and Dispensationalism must be credited with being a conservative system. But it does not follow that a modern believer must be Dispensationalist to be a conservative, or a separatist.
In the process of time some of the leaders of the prophetic conference movement began to question the pre tribulation rapture doctrine. Though a large number of men in the movement continued to work together under the banner of premillennialism, two more or less distinct groups formed, with C.I. Scofield and A.C. Gaebelin as the champions of Dispensationalism.
As the prophetic conference movement continued to grow many leaders refused to have those who were not pre millennial and pre tribulational appear on the platform.
The Dispensationalists had won the day so completely that for the next hundred years friend and foe alike largely identified Dispensationalism with pre millennialism.
We should remember that all Dispensationalists are Pre millennialists, but not all pre millennialists are Dispensationalists.

With the rise of the prophetic conference movement popularising Dispensationalism, another chapter in the movement was opening. C.I. Scofield produced the very successful Scofield Reference Bible in 1909. This proved to be a very popular tool, guiding the common man in his study of the Scriptures.
Scofield implied to his readers however that his Reference Bible reflected the major doctrines of the Bible, which a wide range of believers held in common. But this was not the case. In his introduction Scofield relates to his readers how in recent years vast progress had been made in Biblical interpretation. He then cites several eminent Bible scholars, such as Sayce and Margoliouth of Oxford, whom he consulted in preparing his volume. Scofield, however gives his readers little warning that the notes under the scriptures to follow represent the views of one little sect, derived from one man who originated them scarcely eighty years before Scofield published his Bible.
One could hardly exaggerate the influence that the Scofield Reference Bible enjoyed in the continued growth of Dispensationalism. This Bible became by far the most prominent copy of the Scriptures that American Evangelicals carried to both the pulpit and the pew. This tool put the distinctives of the new theology of Dispensationalism into the very hands of a new generation of Bible believers.

The rapid rise of new and independent churches indeed solidified Dispensationalisms dominance in American Evangelicalism. The major denominations at this time were infected by liberalism, and believers began to separate from these now apostate bodies.As a result many of these separatist churches left off their former denominational identity, and came to be known simply as Bible churches. The lack of denominational affiliation created the need for new doctrinal statements to govern these infant churches. Dispensational distinctives figured prominently in the creeds of this new generation of churches. Also evident was a dangerous brevity. This brevity, particularly on the subject of soteriology, paved the way for the controversies over the doctrine of salvation that to this day rage in Dispensational circles.


For the sake of infringement of copyright purposes, I must give credit to Reginald C Kimbro for the inspiration of this article. I have heavily condensed and edited his work, and pray that visitors to my blog would be alerted to the false system of theology known as Dispensationalism. And I heartily recommend visitors to obtain this book, available from the Sovereign Grace Advent Testimony.

Kimbro, does indeed in his book, give credit to others who were wise to the errors of Dispensational theology, and would no doubt desire that many would reject it altogether.

B.W. Newton however, from my limited knowledge of this vast subject was the first to teach against this false gospel, in fact, in his appendix, he compares its doctrine to that of Marcion's heretical teachings!
I will, God willing, write about that another time.

Recommended reading:

The Gospel According To Dispensationalism     Reginald C Kimbro

The Old Testament Saints Not To Be excluded From The Church In Glory B.W. Newton

Like most things in life. If we build on an incorrect foundation then everything that is built thereupon will not stand. The Saviour addressed this in Matthew 7.26 as regards the 'foolish man, which built his house upon the sand'.
I think most would agree with me, that if we build on faulty theology then everything that flows from that teaching cannot be true?
The Christian Church is one of the most divided institutions standing today. This ought not be so. Why is this? To those outside of professing Christianity, we must certainly look farcical and hypocritical. Truth is singular, error is plural. There is a faith 'Once delivered to the saints'. What is this faith? Where is this faith?
The writer has been in diverse types of Christian fellowships in the last 12 years or so since coming to faith. They all profess to worship Jesus, but are they worshipping the true Jesus? The Saviour said in no uncertain terms that it is possible to have a false profession, Matthew 7.21; 'Not everyone that says unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven'.
There is a battle raging at this present time. The Arch deceiver himself, Satan wants to drag as many souls as he can down to hell with him. The parable of 'The Wheat and the Tares' in Matthew 13 teach that there are false Christians growing together with the true.
The Old Paths, have been steadily eroded over the years to the point that it is almost not possible to walk them anymore. The way of truth is ill thought of. The Doctrines of Grace, have been superseded by a movement which has gathered apace, this last 170 years or so, bringing with it lawlessness, false assurance of salvation and an 'any moment' coming of Jesus Christ.
What is this movement? It is called Dispensationalism.

Dispensationalism is a false teaching which rips the heart out of the gospel; and to add to lawlessness, and a false assurance of salvation, it teaches two ways of salvation, divides Israel and the Church into two separate entities, and that law is opposed to grace, when in fact the Scriptures reveal they complement each other.
Of course the rank and file of professing Christianity are ignorant to much of what I have just said. Most are not prepared to dig and search for the truth. They just accept the status quo and will believe what they have been taught. Indeed the blind will lead the blind into a ditch, Matthew 15.14.
The days in which we live are replete with ungodliness, apostasy and confusion. There is so much teaching, writings and preaching today which is false and leading many astray. From my own observations locally and what I can see further afield; those that preach the true gospel have a very small congregation, and those that teach error have large numbers in attendance. The bible tells us that people love to hear false teachers;'For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.' 2 Timothy 4.3-4. This echoes what is said in Jeremiah 5.31; 'My people love to have it so'.
If the Lord permits I shall, in the near future, be adding articles and commentaries to expound what I have just written.