davidbowerkingwood

What, if Anything, is about to Happen?

A search of the internet for information on any of several variations of September 23, 2017 will produce many results relating to prophecy and the end times. What is going on that has drawn so much attention? The short answer seems to be a perceived special alignment of the sun, moon, stars and planets and a growing concern over the times in which we live.

There seems to be an abundance of discord and strife all over the world; the Bible has foretold that in the end times things would get worse. Paul’s warnings in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and Romans 1:18-32 are being played out in life all around us.

Whether or not these are the times referenced by Paul the descriptions seem to be a good fit with what is being observed today. It is becoming ever more difficult to simply watch network television as subject matter, both nationally and locally, tends toward the disgusting and distasteful almost without exception.

There are also other signs that have been foretold that seem to be proliferating all around us; the question that comes up is September 23rd one of those signs?

What is Being Considered for September 23rd?

Revelation 12

Much of the information circulating on the internet involves astrology regarding the stars, constellations, planets, sun and moon and their alignment on the 23rd. I respectfully disagree with their conclusions.

The Bible condemns astrology. In several places astrology is described as false and unreliable. I see it as very unlikely that Revelation 12 has an astrological basis that involves the stars and the planets. Speculation includes the date of the Rapture; the date the Tribulation begins and the date of the Second Advent which ends the Tribulation. I will not honor that speculation by repeating those dates here.

The traditional interpretation of Revelation 12 sees the reference to the sun, moon and stars as symbolism based on Biblical references to Genesis 37:9-11. I’m inclined to agree with that interpretation.

The Feast of Trumpets/Rosh Hashanah

In addition to the Revelation 12 component there is the Jewish Feast component. It so happens that the Jewish civil new year observance, Rosh Hashanah, starts on September 20th at sundown; this will signal the beginning of the Jewish year, 5778. This is often referred to as “The Feast of Trumpets” and is one of the last three Jewish Fall Feasts awaiting fulfillment. It is the first day of the 10 “Days of Awe” which conclude at Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

Is this a Feast of the Church or a Feast of Israel? Pentecost had a direct application to the Church as that was the day the Holy Spirit indwelt believers for the first time and the church came into existence.

Now the question is will this Feast of Trumpets be the time the church is taken out of the world by the Rapture, something else related to Israel or simply another Feast Day? The Bible does not specify therefore speculation is running wild as to whether or not the Church will be raptured at this particular Feast of Trumpets and I don’t know.

The Rapture

One thing I feel confident about is no prophecy remains that must be fulfilled before the Church can be called home. This means the rapture could happen at any time. I have previously prepared a timeline which I still believe to be the best information I have been able to find. It includes some speculation that is based on Scripture and I show it below.

Nothing that I have seen recently compels me to change any of this timeline. I’m of the opinion that October will arrive on schedule and without any life changing events; we certainly don’t have long to wait to find out what the Lord may or may not have planned for the 2017 Feast of Trumpets. (Click on the timeline to enlarge.)