by Simon Muya Kasanda
(Durban, South Africa)
I am meditating about some scriptures mainly used to advocate Pre-trib. I follow your comments on Rev 3:10, but what about Luke 21:36 where Jesus explains that the is a way to "be accounted worthy to escape all these things". Talking about "These things", are they only the day of the Lord or even tribulation?
Please bear with me. I am not an expert, but only trying to get a clear understanding. Thanks.
Regards,
Reply from Watchman Bob: Simon, I am thankful for your question.
What most Bible expositors do not understand is that in these "end of the age" prophetic passages (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21) Yahushua ("Jesus") was prophesying concerning both His physical people, Israel, and His followers (the "Church"). So, when He speaks of escaping the "things that shall come to pass," He is speaking of two kinds of escapes.
His chosen people Israel, who believe in the coming Messiah but who do not recognize that He is Yahushua, will be protected physically from the wrath of Satan (the "great tribulation") when they flee into the wilderness and are protected there for three and one-half years (cf. Rev 12:6, 14). But, since the believers in and followers of the Messiah are already safe in Him spiritually, He does not need to protect us physically, and we will have the privilege and joy of suffering persecution and martyrdom for our faithful witness that He is the Messiah. Although our bodies will be killed, our souls will escape to dwell with him forever. Halleluyah!
Common English translations of Hebrew and Messianic terms used in this commentary:
Yehovah - the LORD or GOD
Yah - I Am (the short form of Yehovah)
Elohim - God
El - God (the short form of Elohim)
Adonai - my Lord or Master
Yeshua - Jesus
Followers of Yeshua -
Christians
Messiah - Christ
Assembly of Followers of
Yeshua - the Church
Antimessiah - Antichrist
BBM - Before the Birth of
the Messiah (rather than
BC or BCE)
ABM - After the Birth of the Messiah (rather than AD
or CE)
For a complete explanation of Hebrew terms used, go to Important Terms and Concepts.