Hope of Israel Ministries (Ecclesia of YEHOVAH):

by HOIM Staff

Yeshua the Messiah did tell his disciples, very bluntly: "I will come again" (John 14:3). Unfortunately, 90 percent of the Christian world today denies Yeshua's words, and does not believe he is coming again -- let alone believe that YEHOVAH God Himself is going to return also. But I say to you, look around you -- consider the condition of this modern world: IF YEHOVAH God and the Messiah do not come again soon, this world is DOOMED!

Mankind's rope is just about to run out! With the proliferation of nuclear weapons to more and more nations, with the U.S. and Russia each still able to blast all life from the face of the earth, with the growing threat of world pollution, overpopulation and famine leading to food wars; with the rapid escalation of international tensions, and the threat of "holy wars" and international terrorism, the countdown to the ultimate Doomsday has ticked closer and closer to the reality of Armageddon.

Leading scientists suggest Doomsday is only twenty or thirty years away, now, and counting. So we need to keep our eyes and ears open and be aware of trends that are taking place around us!

People have speculated for generations as to when Yeshua the Messiah would return. Those who lived around the year 1,000 A.D. thought the Messiah would come back in their time. Europe was panic stricken with fear, worried about the end of civilization at that time.

In 1844 William Miller thought the Messiah would return then. Thousands heeded his words of prophecy, and waited upon the tops of hills, climbing trees, and watching the heavens for any sign of the Messiah's return. While waiting, one person actually fell out of a tree and broke a leg!

Why did Miller think that the Messiah would return in 1844? He simply made a mistake in his calculations (which shows how dangerous it is to try to "calculate" prophecy!). Frankly, prophecy is not something you can calculate, or figure out mathematically, or by using a computer. The Messiah inspired Peter to write: "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy ghost" (II Peter 1:20-21).

William Miller made several errors in judgment. First, he interpreted Daniel's vision of Daniel 8 incorrectly. In verses 13-14 we read:

"Then I heard one saint speaking and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed."

Miller assumed that this prophetic period began in 457 B.C. with the decree of Artaxerxes. He counted 2300 years from that time (a day for a year), and came to 1844, when he assumed "the sanctuary would be cleansed" by the return of the Messiah. When the Messiah did not return in 1844, his group got together and figured out an alternative explanation. Rather than simply admit they had been wrong, they said the Messiah did return to the sanctuary in heaven, and cleansed it and the prophecy did not refer to his coming to earth at all. Rather, they said, he began looking over the books -- he began the "investigative judgment" in heaven at that time, and when he finishes, then he will return to earth!

Miller made a fundamental error. He assumed the prophecy began in 457 B.C. But the Scripture nowhere says any such thing. That was his private, personal belief. Secondly, the prophecy in Daniel 8 does not even mention the "return of the Messiah." It rather deals with the subject of the "cleansing of the Temple." It was an assumption on Miller's part that this marked the return of the Messiah, and that it would occur 2300 years after 457 B.C. Two assumptions -- two fundamental errors -- and one big prophetic blunder resulted!

When, then, will the Messiah return?

Before discussing the prophetic indications in the Bible and supplying dates, let's remember the words of the Messiah. He warned: "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only" (Matthew 24:36). He added: "Watch therefore: for ye KNOW NOT what hour your Lord doth come" (verse 42).

Notice! In this prophetic chapter, the Messiah gave his disciples a point by point sequence of events which must take place BEFORE his future appearance. Read the entire chapter very carefully.

The Messiah's disciples wondered about his appearance and the end of the world. "And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?" (Matthew 24:3). The Greek word translated "world" in this verse is aion and actually means "age." They were referring to the end of this present evil age, not the end of planet Earth itself, but the end of this present evil civilization under the sway of Satan the devil.

What did the Messiah tell them?

"And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ; and shall deceive many' (verses 4-5).

Can you imagine that? The very first thing the Messiah warned his followers was to beware of deceivers -- false prophets -- who would deceive MANY! How true his words were! Millions are deceived, confused, today, even about the future coming of Yeshua the Messiah! His words have been misinterpreted, misunderstood, misconstrued, and manhandled by many who simply refuse to believe he meant exactly what he said!

There are many deceivers on earth today -- many false prophets -- and many of them even come "in my name." The Messiah said that they are claiming to be his ministers, his servants, his prophets. They claim to worship him. The apostle Paul warned about such Christians leaders who preach the Messiah while they deny his true teaching, his true message: "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their words" (II Corinthians 11:13-15).

The Messiah himself had severe words for those ministers who claim to represent him, but in truth deny him. He warned: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:15-16). He added: "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matthew 7:22-23). Consider these weighty warnings of the Messiah. Let us then read very carefully his own words in the first part of Matthew 24, about his future appearance, and not listen to the pied pipers of modern religion!

The Messiah clearly indicated that YEHOVAH God has not told us the day or precise hour of His or the Messiah's coming! If anyone claims to know the day or hour, then, I would conclude he is a false prophet. The Messiah meant what he said! Guessing games with prophecy will do us no good. Speculation will not help.

But, notice what the Messiah did NOT say. He did NOT say we couldn't know the approximate time of his future appearance and that of YEHOVAH God. In fact, he gave us signs to watch for. He said: "So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors" (verse 33).

There is one school of thought which believes that the Messiah may appear at any moment -- even this very night. Those who suggest this, believe the Messiah is returning to rapture away his saints to heaven, first, and then will come a third time after a few years to punish the Antichrist and the rebellious earth.

Is there any truth to this popular view?

If popularity is any criteria, then it must be true, because -- most Christians sincerely believe it. Bumper stickers on automobiles announce: "IF I AM RAPTURED, TAKE THE WHEEL." Others read: "JESUS IS COMING SOON, AND IS HE SORE." But popularity is no basis of knowing what is right or wrong; we must search the Scriptures to find out truth (John 17:17).

What does the Bible reveal?

The Messiah warned first of all to beware of false prophets and ministers disguised as ministers of the Messiah. Then he said: "And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

"For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:6-8).

We certainly live in an age where the fear of war, even World War III, is a breathtaking reality. The terrors of modem warfare are unimaginable, causing the mind to reel in a state of shock. How many wars, rebellions, revolutions, invasions, threats and rumours of war, can you count on your fingers right now? How many since World War II? Since Korea? Since Vietnam? We are always hearing of wars and revolts in Africa, eastern Europe, Asia, central America, and the Middle East!

The Messiah's words have been fulfilled to the very letter.

And famine? Never was the threat of world hunger ever any worse than right now -- and growing worse daily. World population is burgeoning, because few if any nations really practice birth control, and the food supply is beginning to show signs of strain, faltering, and failing. Millions are soon destined to die from famine and starvation.

Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions -- these too are increasing. The Messiah said these signs would. be the "beginning" of sorrows or tribulation. Next he prophesied increased persecution upon his true Church, his dedicated followers. Whereas the Ecclesia of YEHOVAH God has enjoyed relative peace and harmony with the neighbors around us for several decades, times are beginning to change. Anti-Christian sentiment is spreading.

The tax favored treatment of religious non-profit institutions is being severely threatened. The secular government and society is becoming increasingly hostile toward religion! Ever since that false prophet Jim Jones led his fanatical followers in Guayana into a mass suicide orgy, and a bizarre sect of Sabbath keepers were cremated at Waco, Texas, by Federal "storm troopers," the world has become suspect of any and all who claim to be Christian!

The Messiah told us it would happen. He said: "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many" (Matthew 24:9-11).

Did you ever think of this? Did you realize YOU could become a martyr for the Messiah's sake?

The early apostles were beaten, whipped, bludgeoned, run out of city after city, for preaching the gospel of Yeshua the Messiah! They were harried, harassed, and hounded by religious infidels and the Establishment of their period of time! All of the original apostles were killed -- with the possible exception of John.

Has human nature changed?

Is the Israelite world really welcoming the gospel of Yeshua the Messiah any more today than it did then?

Many have forgotten the words of the Messiah, or perhaps thought his words were meant for some other generation. But the Messiah says to all of us of Israel:

"Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

"And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 10:16-22).

Did you ever think that could happen to YOU?

It is time we began to think about it. These words of Yeshua the Messiah are going to come to pass in our generation!

It seems incredible -- parents betraying their own children, children pressured by the state into tattling on their own parents, brothers accusing brothers -- "He is a member of that Church!" "She is a supporter of that Church!" "Those people over there -- they are Christians -- lock 'em up and throw away the key!"

Persecution -- affliction -- even martyrdom -- some will be killed for the Messiah's sake! It can happen -- even in America! Don't kid yourself!

The milk of human kindness is fast eroding and disappearing from the earth. Have you noticed how blatantly impatient people are becoming? It is as if there is a spirit in the air. Teenage gangs are proliferating, murdering and killing. Teachers are afraid of being raped, assaulted, or killed in their own schools. People are afraid to walk the streets at night in major cities due to muggers. People cut in and out of traffic with no show of concern. Police officials are tempted, take bribes, become corrupt. Prostitution and pornography are growing into multi-multi billion dollar industries, preying on the weak and lonely in society! Drug abuse is everywhere -- rampant -- a trillion-dollar a year industry!

The Messiah foretold it: "And because INIQUITY [lawlessness, sin] shall abound, the love [natural affection for neighbor, for others, as well as love for YEHOVAH God] of many shall wax COLD" (Matthew 24:12).

The Messiah said that during this time of world engulfing woe, travail, and persecution, the Ecclesia of YEHOVAH God would continue preaching. In fact, the Messiah was adamant: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in ALL THE WORLD [of Israel] for a witness unto all nations [of Israel]; and then shall the end come" (verse 14).

That gospel is going forth now as it never has in the past! The entire Israelite world is beginning to hear it, and although few are doing anything about it, few are changing their lives, nevertheless, as the Messiah said, it is a "witness" against them and their evil deeds! When this commission is fulfilled, the Messiah said, "then shall the end come."

That "end" is probably much closer than we dare think!

Notice I Corinthians 15, the famous "resurrection chapter." The apostle Paul tells us plainly, speaking of Christian Israelites:

"Behold, I shew you a mystery: We [of Israel] shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, AT THE LAST TRUMP: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we [the still living] shall be changed" (verses 51-52).

The time the trumpet sounds, the time the elect of Israel are "gathered," is the same time as the trumpet blast, and the resurrection of the saints of Israel from the dead!

Further light is shed on this "mystery," as Paul calls it, in I Thessalonians 4. Here, Paul says:

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them [of Israel] also which sleep in Jesus will [YEHOVAH] God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord [the Messiah], that we [of Israel] which are alive and remain unto the COMING OF THE LORD [YEHOVAH God] shall not prevent [precede] them which are asleep.

"For the LORD [YEHOVAH God] Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with THE TRUMP OF GOD: and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD [YEHOVAH God] in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord [the Messiah]" (I Thessalonians 4:13-17).

Compare carefully these verses with I Corinthians 15. It is obviously speaking of the same, identical time and event! In both places the "elect" of YEHOVAH God, true Christian Israelites, are gathered up from the four winds, from around the world, to meet the returning YEHOVAH God "in the clouds," and in both accounts this event is accompanied by a "great sound of a trumpet," or "the last trumpet," or "the trump(et) of YEHOVAH God."

Does this sound like a secretive, clandestine event, which the whole world will scarcely even be aware of -- a secret, quiet, mysterious, ghost-like event, where many people disappear suddenly, without any noise of any kind? Is this trumpet blast a "silent" trumpet? Is the voice of the archangel a "silent" voice? That is what believers in the theory of the SECRET RAPTURE would have you to believe!

If we go to Revelation 19 we will see another example of the return of YEHOVAH God --

"Then I heard what sounded like the roar of a huge crowd, like the sound of rushing waters, like loud peals of thunder, saying, 'Halleluyah! ADONAI [YEHOVAH, YHVH], GOD OF HEAVEN'S ARMIES, HAS BEGUN HIS REIGN!'....Then I saw heaven opened, and there before me was a white horse. Sitting on it was the one called FAITHFUL AND TRUE, and it is in righteousness that he passes judgment and goes to battle. His eyes were like a fiery flame, and on his head were MANY ROYAL CROWNS.

"And he had a name written which no one knew but himself. He was wearing a robe that had been soaked in blood, and the name by which he is called is, 'THE WORD OF GOD.' The ARMIES OF HEAVEN, clothed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. And out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down nations -- 'He will rule them with a staff of iron.' It is he who treads the winepress from which flows the wine of the furious rage of ADONAI [YEHOVAH, YHVH], GOD OF HEAVEN'S ARMIES. And on his robe and on his thigh he has a name written: 'KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS'" (Verses 6, 11-16, Jewish New Testament).

Once again, this is definitely not a quiet event!

Think carefully, honestly. Does this sound like a quiet, off-in-a-corner clandestine, surreptitious, secret affair? Will YEHOVAH God come quietly, mysteriously, secretly to spirit away the saints of Israel?

No, not at all!

YEHOVAH God's return will be very noisy -- there will be the loud voice of an archangel, as well as the loud trumpet blast rending the heavens! YEHOVAH God will be seen by the nations as He comes. He will not be invisible.

The Messiah's Appearance

When the Bible speaks of the Messiah's coming "as a thief, " it is speaking of a thief coming at night, when you least expect it and at night so that he will not be seen! The Messiah compared his coming to that of a thief. He said: "But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch [or hour] the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh" (Matthew 24:43-44). Does this sound like the Messiah coming with blaring trumpets and the whole world witnessing the event?

With this in mind, did the Messiah leave this earth quietly after his resurrection? What does the Bible say? Notice Acts chapter 1:

"And having said these things, as they were looking on he was lifted up; and a cloud carried him away from their sight. And while they were fixedly gazing towards the heavens, as he was going up, behold, two men were standing by them in white raiment; who also said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking towards the heavens? This Jesus, who is taken up from you into the heavens, shall so come in the manner in which you saw him go into the heavens'" (The Emphatic Diaglott Containing the Original Greek Text).

When the Messiah left, were there blasts from heavenly trumpets? Did the entire world see him ascend into the heavens? No -- only those surrounding him there on the Mount of Olives saw him disappear into the heavens. Was he on a white horse? No! Did he have the armies of heaven with him? No! Was his robe soaked in blood and was he wearing MANY crowns? No! The simple truth is that "a cloud carried him away from their sight" as he was lifted up into the sky, and Revelation 10:1-7 shows him RETURNING THE EXACT SAME WAY with one difference -- this time he is wearing the crown of rulership! No one in the city saw the event, nor did anyone else in the surrounding areas or nations! If it had been observed over a wide area the Roman records would have been full of it!

So, then, when will the Messiah himself appear -- and where, in the Bible, is this recorded? If Revelation 19 depicts YEHOVAH God returning to this earth, do the Scriptures elsewhere record the future event of the Messiah's appearance? They surely do -- in Revelation 10:1-7. Notice!  

"Then I saw another mighty angel [messenger] coming down from heaven. HE WAS DRESSED IN A CLOUD, with a RAINBOW over his head; his face was LIKE THE SUN, his legs like columns of fire; and he had a little scroll lying open in his hand. He planted his right foot ON THE SEA and his left foot ON THE LAND, and shouted in a voice as loud as THE ROAR OF A LION; and when he shouted, seven thunderclaps sounded with voices that spoke. When the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, 

 "Seal up the things the seven thunders said,
do not write them down! 

"Then the angel [messenger] I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted his right hand toward heaven and swore by the One who lives forever and ever [YEHOVAH God], who created heaven and what is in it, earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it: THERE WILL BE NO MORE DELAY; on the contrary, in the days of the sound from the seventh angel when he sounds his shofar [trumpet], THE HIDDEN PLAN OF GOD WILL BE BROUGHT TO COMPLETION, the Good News as he proclaimed it to his servants the prophets." 

This mighty angel or messenger is a symbolic representation of Yeshua the Messiah himself, for everything that is said to characterize this angel could only pertain to the Messiah. Not only that, but the very actions of the angel belong only to the Messiah. Notes Dr. Hengstenberg: "The planting of the right foot on the sea, and the other on the earth, as certainly belongs to Christ alone, as it is to him and not to any angel that God has put in subjection the world to come (Hebrews 2:5)." 

Author Vitringa asks: "Does the hope of God's people [Israel] rest on the oath of a created angel? Is it the part of a created angel to swear that the words of prophecy and promise shall be fulfilled? Surely if their hope is to stand unmoved, it can be sustained only by the faithfulness and oath of that very person [the Messiah] to whose nature failure is not an incident [due to the fact of his death and resurrection]." 

The first item of description of this mighty angel is that he is "dressed in a cloud." "He is," records the book Then is Finished the Mystery of God, "here described as being 'arrayed with a cloud,' wrapped in a cloud. Cloud is a feature associated with the glorified Jesus Christ..." This we saw in the passages dealing with his ascension from the Mount of Olives.

Now let's see one final scripture which spells out very clearly the return of YEHOVAH God. Paul wrote that the saints of Israel would be resurrected at the "LAST TRUMPET" (I Corinthians 15:51-52). This is the trumpet which is blown when YEHOVAH God returns for His saints. Does this trumpet announce a secret rapture?

Which trumpet is the "last" trumpet blast?

In the book of Revelation (which means a revealing, not a concealing of information), we read a prophetic outline of the future. According to this outline, the future is sealed with seven seals which will be opened consecutively (Revelation 5:1-9). Notice that the seventh seal will consist of "seven angels which stood before YEHOVAH God; and to them were given seven trumpets" (Revelation 8:1-2). When each of these trumpets are sounded, various events will take place on the earth. The first angel sounds his trumpet, and plagues are poured on the earth. So it is for the next three angelic plagues, accompanied by trumpet blasts (Revelation 8). When the fifth angel blows his trumpet, another plague -- a terrible war -- erupts on the earth (Revelation 9:1-12). This is followed by the sixth angelic trumpet blast, and an army of 200,000,000 men from Asian nations attacks westward, killing one third of mankind (Revelation 9:13-21).

But notice, now -- notice what happens when the SEVENTH, or LAST, trumpet will sound!

"And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, THE KINGDOMS OF THIS WORLD ARE BECOME THE KINGDOMS OF OUR LORD, AND OF HIS CHRIST; and He [YEHOVAH God] shall reign for ever and ever. And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O LORD God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

"And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the TIME OF THE DEAD, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give REWARD unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints [of Israel], and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth" (Revelation 11:15-19).

Here again, in more detail, is what will happen when the last trumpet blasts forth its shrill clarion call. YEHOVAH God will return; the dead in the Messiah shall be raised; the saints of Israel will be judged and rewarded, every man according to his works; and, the wrath of YEHOVAH God will be poured out upon a rebellious, defiant world.

How clear it is!

The theory or belief in a secret rapture, to rapture away the saints of Israel before the so-called Great Tribulation, is unbiblical, unscriptural, and unsound! It is unthinkable! The Messiah did not prophesy it. The apostles did not teach it.

We have seen that the Messiah pinpointed many specific events which MUST occur first, before his future appearance and that of his Father. If we will believe his simple, straight-forward words, then it is obvious that the Messiah will not and cannot come tonight, or tomorrow night, or any other night, until these signals -- these prophesied events -- these signs which point to his future appearance -- are first fulfilled!

Many of them are in the process of being fulfilled right now. Others still remain to be fulfilled. And the way world events have speeded up, with attention focused on the Middle East, those prophecies still to be fulfilled could begin to be fulfilled very rapidly.

Therefore, as the Messiah said, we need to heed his admonition:

"Watch ye, therefore, for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning; lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you, I say unto all, WATCH" (Mark 13:35-37).

"And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For like a snare shall it come on all of them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to ESCAPE all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man" (Luke 21:34-36).

Hope of Israel Ministries -- Preparing the Way for the Return of YEHOVAH God and His Messiah!

Hope of Israel Ministries P.O. Box 853 Azusa, CA 91702, U.S.A. www.hope-of-israel.org

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