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There is NO 7 Year Tribulation!

~ Dave Mudra ~ Leave a comment

The idea of a seven-year tribulation, commonly taught in some Christian circles, is largely based on only one verse—Daniel 9:27. This interpretation holds that the Antichrist will make a covenant with Israel for seven years, breaking it halfway through. However, a closer look suggests that this interpretation shifts the focus away from the true subject of the passage—Jesus Christ, not the Antichrist.

Daniel 9:24-27 outlines seventy “weeks” (or sets of seven years, equaling 490 years) that God has determined for His people. After 69 of these weeks, the Messiah is “cut off,” which refers to Jesus’ death in the 70th week, meaning this final week began with His ministry. The key question is: what happens during this last week?

Daniel 9:27 states, “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease.” While some believe the “he” refers to the Antichrist, the context of the previous verse points to the Messiah (Jesus). Thus, the “he” who confirms the covenant with “many” refers to Jesus, not the Antichrist. Jesus did, in fact, confirm the covenant during His ministry. At the Last Supper, He said, “This is my blood of the new covenant, shed for many” (Matthew 26:28). His ministry lasted exactly 3 1/2 years—half of the final seven-year period.

In the middle of the 70th week, Jesus was crucified, fulfilling the prophecy that He would “cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease.” His death on the cross ended the need for animal sacrifices because His sacrifice was the final, perfect atonement for sin. Hebrews 10:10-12 reinforces this, stating that Christ’s offering sanctified us “once for all,” and no further sacrifices are necessary. This event fulfilled Daniel’s prophecy in a spiritual sense, as it made the temple sacrifices obsolete.

This leaves the final 3 1/2 years, which many believe correspond to the tribulation described in the Book of Revelation. Revelation frequently mentions periods of 3 1/2 years (42 months, 1,260 days, or “a time, times, and half a time”) connected to the Great Tribulation. However, it’s important to note that Revelation never mentions a seven-year tribulation period. The idea of a seven-year tribulation wasn’t introduced until the 19th century, when John Darby popularized it. His interpretation added a seven-year framework that is not explicitly stated in Scripture, especially not in Revelation.

In conclusion, the idea of a seven-year tribulation is based on a narrow interpretation of Daniel 9:27 and a relatively recent theological development. A more careful reading shows that Daniel’s prophecy is centered on Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the first half of the 70th week through His ministry and crucifixion. The remaining 3 1/2 years likely refer to future events described in Revelation. This Christ-centered interpretation offers a clearer, more consistent understanding of both Daniel and Revelation, keeping Jesus—not the Antichrist—at the center of biblical prophecy.

Understanding the Blueprint of Reality

~ Dave Mudra ~ Leave a comment

God’s commands and warnings against sin are often misunderstood as restrictive rules meant to limit human freedom. However, a deeper look reveals that these guidelines are rooted in love, designed to protect us from the negative effects of violating the natural order God has set in place. Just as the physical laws govern the universe, the spiritual realm has its own laws, which ultimately give birth to and shape the physical reality we live in. Sin, then, is more than just breaking moral rules—it’s a disruption of the harmony between the spiritual and physical realms.

When God gives commands, He is not arbitrarily issuing decrees but is warning us out of love. 1 John 5:3 (KJV) says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” God’s laws function as the framework for our well-being, both spiritually and physically. Just as defying the law of gravity has natural consequences in the physical world, disregarding God’s spiritual and moral laws results in emotional, relational, and spiritual damage. For example, the consequences of greed, lust, or dishonesty spill over into relationships, mental health, and even physical well-being. In Proverbs 14:12 (KJV), it warns, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” God’s warnings steer us away from these consequences, much like a parent’s warnings protect a child from harm.

At the heart of our decisions about sin and obedience lies a single question: Do we believe God’s plans for us are good? In Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV), God promises, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you… thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” The reality of sin often comes down to whether we trust this truth. Do we believe God’s word? When we choose to sin, it reflects a decision to believe that our way might bring more fulfillment than God’s way, even though He assures us that His plans lead to life. Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV) affirms this: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Obeying God’s laws is a matter of faith—believing that His design leads to true joy, fulfillment, and protection, while sin only leads to destruction.

The spiritual realm is the source of all things physical; everything we see and experience is birthed from the spiritual realities God has established. In Hebrews 11:3 (KJV), it says, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” This verse emphasizes that the physical world is an expression of spiritual forces. When we sin, we are not just rebelling against a moral law—we are rejecting the divine blueprint that holds all things together. This rejection causes a breakdown not only in our relationship with God but in the physical outcomes that flow from spiritual realities. Galatians 6:7 (KJV) warns, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” The consequences we experience in life—whether in relationships, mental health, or physical conditions—are often the result of spiritual laws being ignored or violated.

Therefore, each time we face a decision, it comes down to a choice of belief: Do we trust that God’s design is truly for our benefit? Do we believe His word, which says His plans for us are good, or do we rely on our limited understanding? Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” God’s commands are not meant to restrict our freedom but to enable true freedom—freedom that comes from living within the laws He established to bless us, both spiritually and physically. The key is faith: believing in His goodness and aligning our choices with His perfect will.

By seeing God’s commands as expressions of spiritual truths that give rise to physical realities, we begin to understand that the consequences of sin are not arbitrary but woven into the very fabric of creation. In Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (KJV), God says, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life.” To live outside of God’s design is to invite disorder into our lives, but when we trust Him, we align with the order He intended and experience the full blessing He has promised. This shift in perspective helps us see that the question isn’t just about obeying rules, but about trusting the One who established the laws that sustain both our spiritual and physical lives.

Understanding the Distinction Between Israel and Jews

~ Dave Mudra ~ Leave a comment

One of the most overlooked aspects of how end-time prophecy is taught is the distinction between Israel and the Jews, which is often misunderstood. This differentiation is crucial for understanding biblical history and prophecy, as the northern tribes of Israel are distinct from the Jewish people who come from the tribe of Judah. While all Jews are descendants of Israel, the northern tribes of Israel were not considered Jewish, as the term “Jew” specifically refers to those from the tribe of Judah. This distinction dates back to the division of the united kingdom of Israel after the reign of King Solomon. Following his death, a civil war split the nation into two separate kingdoms: the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah

The northern Kingdom of Israel was composed of ten of the twelve tribes of Israel, while the southern Kingdom of Judah included the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, along with the priestly tribe of Levi. These two distinct kingdoms coexisted side-by-side for over 200 years, during which time a new term emerged that further differentiated these groups. During this period, they were often at odds and even engaged in warfare against each other on at least five different occasions.

It was during one of these conflicts that the term “Jew” first appeared in the Bible, referring specifically to those from the tribe of Judah. Therefore, “Jews” are descendants of the tribe of Judah and not from the northern Kingdom of Israel. There were no Jews in ancient Israel after the split, as the term applies only to those from the tribe of Judah in the southern kingdom.

Why is this distinction important? Because God gave specific promises to Abraham—worldly promises that were destined to be fulfilled through the northern Kingdom of Israel, and spiritual promises that were to be fulfilled through the southern Kingdom of Judah. This distinction between the promises is key to interpreting end-time prophecies correctly, as conflating the two can lead to misunderstanding God’s specific plans for each kingdom. However, most Bible prophecy teachers don’t make this distinction, and as a result, they often allocate promises made to the northern tribes of Israel to the Jewish people, which leads to confusion in understanding biblical prophecy.

The southern tribe of Judah holds a unique and significant place in biblical prophecy, as it was through this tribe that the Messiah would come. After the Babylonian exile, it was the people of Judah who returned to the Promised Land, rebuilding Jerusalem and reestablishing their presence. By the time of Jesus’ first coming, it was this same tribe that was present in Galilee and Judea. Additionally, in 1948, it was the descendants of the tribe of Judah who returned to the land and reestablished themselves as a nation, choosing the name Israel, even though they are specifically Jews, descendants of the tribe of Judah, not of the northern tribes of Israel. It’s important to recognize that the modern-day nation of Israel (Judah) represents only one of the 12 tribes of ancient Israel, leaving the promises and prophecies concerning the other tribes still distinct. This distinction is important for understanding both biblical history and modern prophetic interpretations.

The northern Kingdom of Israel, consisting of ten tribes, was given distinct promises from God through Abraham that focused on their future worldly influence and power. These tribes were promised to become a “commonwealth of nations” and to have a prominent role in the world. The blessings of Abraham to the northern tribes included becoming a multitude of people and possessing great wealth, land, and military strength. In prophecy, these tribes were foretold to rise as the most powerful nations in the end times, playingthe critical role in world affairs.

God declared through the prophets that if the Northern Kingdom of Israel turned to disobedience, they would face a lengthy and severe punishment. This punishment would involve being scattered among the nations and forgetting their identity. However, despite this judgment, God would remain faithful to His promises, ensuring that these ten tribes would re-emerge in the last days as the most prominent nations in the world.

in Amos 9:9, God says, “For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.” Though scattered, God assured that not one of His people would be permanently lost. Hosea 9:17confirms, “My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations.” Moreover, in Deuteronomy 32:26, God warned, “I said, I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men.” These verses emphasize the loss of identity as part of the long punishment.

Importantly, Leviticus 26:18-28discusses how, if Israel continued in disobedience, their punishment would be extended “seven times “over, meaning their exile would be lengthened beyond its initial period. This suggests a prolonged and compounded punishment before their eventual restoration.

God also promised that, after this extended period of punishment, the scattered tribes would re-emerge in the last days as a powerful group of nations, fulfilling the covenant made with Abraham. Hosea 1:10declares, “Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.” Not only will Israel be restored, but they will emerge with global influence, fulfilling their destiny and demonstrating God’s faithfulness to His covenant with His people.

For a deeper dive into these distinctions and promises, all the key points discussed here are thoroughly explained in the video linked below. This crucial distinction between Israel and the Jews carries significant implications for how we interpret Bible prophecy, especially in these last days. The video traces these biblical promises from scripture to their fulfillment, shedding light on how this understanding can transform the way we perceive God’s plan for Israel, Judah, and the nations. Be sure to watch it for a complete perspective on this vital topic.

Fulfillment of the Revelation 12 Sign!

~ Dave Mudra ~ Leave a comment

On September 23, 2017, many prophecy scholars and Christians identified a rare celestial alignment that appeared to fulfill the vision described in Revelation 12:1-2 (KJV):

               “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.”

The astronomical alignment consisted of the constellation Virgo (“the woman”), clothed with the sun, with the moon at her feet. Above Virgo’s head were twelve stars, made up of the Leo constellation (nine stars) and the planets Mercury, Venus, and Mars, forming a “crown.” In Virgo’s womb was the planet Jupiter, which remained there for approximately nine months due to its retrograde motion, symbolizing the birth of a male child. This extraordinary alignment led many to believe that the prophecy had been fulfilled and that it signaled the beginning of significant end-time events.  Watch a five minute video here:  https://youtu.be/ZSqPiR2EK2s?si=MkJbsmEIt-uU8JLs

The Red Dragon and the Casting Down of One-Third of the Stars

The second part of the Revelation 12 prophecy introduces the figure of a great red dragon:

               “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth…” (Revelation 12:3-4, KJV).

The red dragon is commonly understood to represent Satan, and the “stars” cast down by his tail are believed to be fallen angels. Many prophecy interpreters believe that this act, which may have been triggered by the celestial events of 2017, initiated a period of increased demonic activity on Earth. Over the past seven years, there has been growing evidence of spiritual and worldly upheaval that may be directly linked to this casting down of demonic forces in preparation to the birth of the firstborn son.

Signs of Increased Demonic Activity Over the Last Seven Years

  1. Widespread Spiritual Deception: Since 2017, there has been a marked increase in spiritual deception across the globe. New age beliefs, occult practices, and moral relativism have gained widespread acceptance, leading people away from the truth of the gospel. Social media and global connectivity have accelerated the spread of false teachings and ideologies, causing mass confusion.

 2.           Global Chaos and Violence: The world has seen an increase in war, terrorism, and civil unrest. Conflicts in places like Syria, Ukraine, and the Middle East, alongside large-scale protests and riots in countries like the U.S., Hong Kong, and France, have contributed to a sense of escalating global instability. These events could be seen as part of the spiritual chaos brought about by increased demonic influence.

3.           Moral Degradation: Over the past seven years, societies worldwide have embraced moral degradation at unprecedented levels. The rise in sexual immorality, gender confusion, and the erosion of family values have coincided with a rejection of biblical morality. This cultural shift has been rapid and pervasive, further evidence of demonic forces working to distort truth and moral principles.

4.           Persecution of the Church: Christians worldwide have experienced increasing persecution. In places like China, India, and Nigeria, Christians face imprisonment, violence, and death for their faith. Even in the West, Christian beliefs are increasingly marginalized, with legal pressures to conform to secular standards.

Looking for the Birth of the Male Child

The prophecy in Revelation 12 continues after the casting down of the stars:

               “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne” (Revelation 12:5, KJV).

The male child in this passage is often interpreted as representing the body of believers (the Church), as the child is destined to “rule all nations with a rod of iron.” The significant moment described here is when the child is “caught up” to God and His throne. The Greek word used for “caught up” is “harpazo”, which is the same word used in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 for the rapture of the Church. This word describes a sudden, forceful snatching away, which many scholars and Christians believe refers to the rapture of believers.

As we observe the events that have unfolded since 2017, we are left anticipating the next part of this prophecy—the rapture of the firstborn son. Many believe that at any moment, the male child, symbolizing believers or the remnant faithful to Christ, will be “caught up” to heaven in the rapture, fulfilling the next phase of the Revelation 12 prophecy.

The Impending Fulfillment: The Birth and the Rapture

The birth of the male child is a pivotal moment in the Revelation 12 narrative, representing the emergence of God’s people in the midst of tribulation and spiritual warfare. As the dragon (Satan) prepares to devour the child, the rapture will occur, symbolizing God’s protection and deliverance of His people before the most intense period of tribulation begins.

Given the heightened spiritual warfare, moral decay, and global instability seen over the past seven years along with numerous Biblical patterns, many believe that we are nearing the moment when the male child will be born and subsequently caught up to God. The rapture will signal the end of this age and the beginning of the final stages of God’s prophetic timeline.

Conclusion: The Time is Now

The celestial alignment of 2017 may have marked the beginning of the Revelation 12 prophecy, and since then, the world has witnessed a dramatic increase in the signs of demonic activity, deception, chaos, and moral decay. As we look forward, we anticipate the fulfillment of Revelation 12:5, where the male child (believers) is caught up to God in the rapture. With the stars cast down to Earth and the stage set for the final chapters of prophecy, the world stands on the precipice of the culmination of God’s plan, and the Church must remain vigilant, knowing that at any moment, the Lord may return for His people.