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QUESTION LIST #2:

1. What does 'the rapture of the church' mean, and is it sound doctrine?

2. The World Trade Organization, is it part of the first beast of Revelation Chapter 13?

3. The timing and nature of the deadly wound to the beast of Revelation chapter 13.

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Question #4
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The timing and nature of the deadly wound to the beast
of Revelation chapter 13.

Under revision.

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Question #3
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The World Trade Organization, is it part of the first
beast of Revelation Chapter 13?

DAN WRITES:

I kinda see what you are saying on your site about much of the larger powers in the world uniting toward common goals and peace. I'm not so sure that that is a bad thing. I mean if it would end the horrors of war then I say it's a good thing. Look at the Viet Nam war that was a stupid war over nothing that caused a lot of death and destruction. I also think that the demonstrations in Seattle Washington are a shame. These people are embarrassing our country in front of the world by fighting against the World trade organization. The WTO is just trying to make this a more prosperous world for all countries. What do you think about the WTO?
God bless: Dan

ANSWER:

Hello Dan: In regards to your question as to what we think of the World Trade Organization, lets take a deeper look into it. First of all, the WTO does come bearing the promise of prosperity, but that is one of the main ruses in the one-world political/religious system that is called the 'first beast' in [Revelation 13:1-10]. In the book of Daniel, the antichrist is prophesied to come in peacefully and prosperously, that is what is gonna throw a lot of people off. They will reason within themselves that something peaceful and that brings prosperity to the world could certainly not be of the devil.

But let's look at some Bible verses that pre-warn us as to the method of satan's operation. We see that satan (the antichrist) doesn't come to earth as an evil looking monster starving and killing people, but rather he comes promising peace and safety. It is a lie however, satan only causes peace and prosperity to come about until he has successfully seduced the world. You remember what satan (as the serpent) in the Garden of Eden promised Eve:

Gen 3:1-6 (the first lie recorded in the Bible)
1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. (KJV)

Well Dan, we know that Adam and Eve did not become as gods, they became mortal, for had they not disobeyed God they would have never died. Satan lied and we have been dying ever since. But God has not left us - God forbid!

Rom 5:12
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (KJV)

1 Cor 15:20-22
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (KJV)

Let's go to the Word for God's warning and prophecy regarding how satan will deceive the world into following him as the false christ, the antichrist. And I hope you know that the word 'antichrist' in the Greek language of the New Testament means instead-of Christ. (anti = Greek word #473) And from the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (click to read review) and the Thayer's Greek Lexicon (click to read review) we see the definition below:

ANTI: Greek word #473 anti (an-tee'); a primary particle; opposite, i.e. instead or because of (rarely in addition to): KJV-- for, in the room of. Often used in composition to denote contrast, requital, substitution, correspondence, etc.
1) over against, opposite to, before
2) for, instead of, in place of (something)

Here are just a few of the many many warnings to us from our Heavenly Father, as to how the antichrist will come to deceive the world:

Jer 6:13-15 (speaking of the great apostasy of the world worshiping the false christ)
13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD. (KJV)

Micah 3:5 (the false peace from the false prophets of the one-world system)
5 Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him. (KJV)

1Thes 5:1-3 (events PRIOR to the Second Advent of Christ)
1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. (KJV)

Dan 8:22-25 (the antichrist's {the king of fierce countenance} rise to power)
22 Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.
23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. (KJV)

Dan 11:31-39 (god {lowercase 'g'} is satan the antichrist. The first beast of Rev Ch.13 {one-world system} assist him into power)
31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.
32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.
34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.
35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.
36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
39 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain. (KJV)

In regards to one-worldism, there is an interesting development in the news - or rather several interesting developments. On the AOL news service we find several current protest stories regarding the implementation of the WTO (World Trade Organization's) plans for liquid international trade exchanges via world-wide trade pacts and treaties. Below is an excerpt from one such story that pretty much points the finger as to why global unification is nothing more that a willing relinquishment of Sovereign Powers and personal freedom to 'mystery people' that we do not know and whom do not answer to anyone.

Excerpted from: AOL news service

What Do the WTO's Critics Want?
By DAVID FOSTER of The Associated Press

High on the list is the fear that the WTO has too much power to advance globalization of the world economy at the expense of local citizens' right to rule themselves.

The Geneva-based WTO operates on the theory that if countries can trade freely, without competition-stifling import tariffs or other restrictions, then the world economy will grow and everyone will benefit. The 135 nations in the WTO agree to abide by detailed trade pacts worked out at meetings such as this week's ministerial in Seattle.

Critics complain that WTO pacts can overrule laws enacted by member nations to protect health, human rights and the environment. They also complain that disputes between nations are settled behind closed doors by a panel of trade lawyers, with no opportunity for appeal by outside groups.

For activists accustomed to fighting battles in the public arena, the WTO's lack of access and accountability are hard to swallow.

``The WTO is a totally non-transparent organization, by design,'' said Phil Bereano, a professor in the University of Washington's Department of Technical Communication.

He monitors governmental policies on genetically modified organisms, which he fears may disrupt ecosystems unless tightly controlled. Bereano believes such concerns are given short shrift by the commerce-minded WTO.

``It's not a democracy,'' he said. ``I can't participate. I can't get credentials to go into one of their meetings. There's no public participation or notice as to what's happening.''

(End of excerpt)

And if you think that we overreact, bear in mind that this is only the beginning of this type of one-worldism. Dan, you have also made the statement that you felt that Globalization might not be such a bad thing as it would end all wars - I say to you, at what price peace?

Not all wars are bad. Without wars this would not be a free country, the world would be a dictatorship (as it will become through the one- worldism type peace initiatives, under the antichrist) interesting paradox no?

You also mentioned that Viet Nam was a "stupid war." But think about it, The Korean and Viet Nam wars helped to break the back of Communism (though it is down, and not out, of course), but the Berlin wall is down and Germany is unified - which that in-and-of-itself was a significant milestone.

Another interesting recent development in the present day unification endeavors is the establishment of the joint Catholic and Protestant new government in Northern Ireland. Parliament in London has signed a bill that transfers substantial powers to the Belfast Cabinet, from the British government, which has exercised sole authority in Northern Ireland since abolishing a Protestant- dominated government in 1972. This is significant in that it demonstrates the current ability that the political and religious powers that be, can unite in rule and authority. This is necessary for the one world political/religious system to come into being, which is the first beast of Revelation chapter thirteen. This event however is only a precursor for such on a global scale.

We have just posted a new study on the website titled THE ANTICHRIST that covers the significance of one-worldism. However, the protesters in the above news story are not crusaders against the antichrist's one-world system, they are ignorant to it. They protest because of sea-turtle rights, and tree rights. They are fringe nut-cases that have united under the many different pet causes against something they do not understand. I could point out that God gave us dominion over the fish and the plants, to use as we will [Gen 1:27-30], but that wouldn't mean anything to the heathen that would place the life of an animal or a plant over the life of one of God's children. These people are just another example of something that outwardly appears good, but inside are empty and ugly.

Anyway, take care and I hope you understand what we are trying to point out. While we know from God's Word that we can not alter or change the course of events that are written of in the Bible, we can however chose which side we are on, God's or satan's. You can't pick a side if you do not know that there sides being drawn up. This is what this website is dedicated to: teaching God's truth and observing the signs as they come about while we cascade toward the end of this age and looking forward to the promise of the eternity. In this generation, it is a wise thing to do to keep a wary eye on any organization that incorporates into their title the words: global, world, earth, planet, unification, confederacy, united . . . . For Jesus said that He wasn't coming to bring peace, but rather to bring division; division between the good and the evil, the false from the true, and the living from the dead - eternally.

Luke 12:49-51 (Jesus speaking)
49 I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: (KJV)

Matt 10:34 (Jesus speaking)
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. (KJV)

A sword is used to divide not unite. So, if the powers that be in our present world are bringing peace and unity, who do you think is pulling their strings? It is not Christ, but rather it is the antichrist that they are serving, though most do it in ignorance of the warnings in God's Word - for they are much too busy saving the world to read the Bible. (Sarcasm noted)

NOTE: To see expositions on current events that are leading us up to the emergence of the first beast of Revelation chapter 13, see the studies on our page: Exposing The Emergence Of The First Beast Of Revelation Chapter 13

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Question #2
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What does 'the rapture of the church' mean, and is it sound doctrine?

Chandra writes:

What is your perspective on the rapture of the church?
Thank you - Chandra

Answer:

EDITORS NOTE: This answer is not complete, and this is the short answer sent to Chandra via e-mail:

Hello Chandra: We have received your question at Watchmen Bible study Group, and it a good one, in fact we have been meaning to address that subject more directly in a study on our site. We will post a complete answer on the site after the weekend, as we are finishing up our long awaited in-depth study titled 'antichrist.' Your question will be addressed and posted following the posting of that study.

We have an automatic notification system on our site, by entering your e-mail address you then receive regular electronic e-mail notification whenever we add to the site. I have entered you e-mail address for you, if this is against your wishes, then I will remove it. No-one has access to our list and it is not transferred to anyone for advertising purposes.

Several of our topical in-depth bible studies do mention the subject of rapture, you can find them by utilizing our WEBSITE SEARCH ENGINE which will find every study using the word 'rapture ' on our site by typing in the word 'rapture' in our search engine on our home page at www.biblestudysite.com

But I will give you the 'short answer' to your question now: The pre-tribulation rapture of the church is a fantasy birthed in the year 1830 A.D. by an sick 15 year old girl named Margaret McDonald in Scotland. The rapture theory is a means by which many many Christians will be unknowingly led to follow the false christ (antichrist) in the end times. The Rapturist' has been conditioned to follow the first supernatural being that comes to earth claiming to be the Savior of mankind. But there is a problem - the first one who comes is satan as the antichrist (the instead-of christ).

The Rapturist Christians are not the only ones who will be deceived by this false savior, every major religion on the planet who has been teaching of the coming "Savior" has not been teaching that the false one comes first. Even religions that teach of regeneration of the being (reincarnation) have not been warned, and thus will themselves also pledge allegiance to this false savior. This false one is satan, or whatever name the wicked one carries in the different religions of the world. He is still one-in-the-same satan. The true Christ returns after the false one sets up himself as messiah/savior. The true Christ comes and casts the wicked impostor into the pit as the prophecies of the book of Revelation transpire.

We offer two very good books on the subject of the rapture called: The Rapture Plot (click to read review) and Incredible Cover Up (click to read review).

I hope that suffices for now, and I am sorry that we are backed up with work were-by we could not give a timely and complete answer presently. It will be posted as soon as it is ready. Thank-you for your patience.

P.S. I notice that you signed your name 'Chandra' is this in reference to the Hindu Spiritual Leaders title? It really doesn't matter, all are welcome to study God's Word with us.

May God continue to bless your study of His Word!

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