An equally effective way to calculate this is to use our starting date, the year of Israel's autonomy under Persian lordship, 457 B.C. Using negative numbers to express the years before Christ,  2,300 years is added, leaving 1843 A.D., and adding one transitional year totals 1844 ( - 457 + 2,300 + 1 = 1844 A.D.).

The prediction in Daniel 8:14 says: "For two thousand and three hundred days, then the sanctuary shall be cleansed."
The word "cleansed" is the Hebrew word tsadaq. This word literally means: to be made righteous, be just, justified, or vindicated.
It is only by revealing everything that happened in the rebellion in heaven and on earth that God's name can be cleared of Satan's accusations. Therefore, the judgment that started in heaven, in addition to determining everyone's eternal destiny, is really a process of vindicating God before the entire universe; His sanctuary is cleansed of sins that have been transferred there by our prayers.
And by looking at the evidence of the first part of this history (490 years) that fulfilled at the time of Christ by His baptism and crucifixion, then trusting in God's faithfulness, we can know for certain that judgment started in heaven in the year 1844.
This event will continue until the books are closed, humanity's probation closes, and the decree from heaven is made: "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still... (Revelation 22: 11).

These figures do not set a date for Christ's coming. They only tell us that we are living in the time of history when heaven determines who will participate in the resurrection of righteousness or be left behind to perish.
This judging is of those who call on the name of Jesus: "For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begins] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:17).
And of course, as surely as Lucifer deceived God's noble angels, there will be false teachers who discredit these facts with simple words like "fatalist, doomsayer, and alarmist." When they cannot refute the Biblical truths presented, they often belittle or defame the character of those bearing God's last-day message of warning.
And know for a certain that "there will come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, 'Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation'" (Peter 3:3,4).
But Bible chronology has accurately fulfilled, and we are certainly living near the close of humanities probation.

Perhaps the following chart will help you understand these important dates. The 490 years end in A.D. 34, and the 2,300 days reach to A.D. 1844.

49 years	|434 years	3½ years	Calvary	3½ years	1810-years
457 B.C. The Decree to Restore Jerusalem	408 B.C. Restoration  of  Jerusalem	A.D. 27 Baptism of Jesus  Christ	A.D. 31 The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.	A.D. 34 The Stoning of Steven, Paul chosen as  Disciple, and the Gospel to the Gentiles.	Remaining Years to the beginning of God's Judgment in  A.D. 1844.

As the chart above shows, Israel's last chance, the 490 years of probation, terminated with the martyrdom of Stephen. Saul was then chosen as the Apostle to the Gentiles. Add the remaining 1810 years to this date of 34 A.D. and you have 1844, the time for judgment to begin.

IRRATIONAL APPLICATIONS

A young Christian, who we will call Jerry, was excited about his newly found faith and with great zeal studied the scriptures. "I've been reading the Bible, Charles," Jerry enthusiastically said, "and I think California will have a prominent part in the closing events of history."
I knew that Jerry was making a mistake that has been unfortunately repeated by others. Not knowing history, or trusting in publications by charismatic authors, people make erroneous applications to prophecy. I did not ask Jerry where he got his theory from. And Jerry's face was somewhat embarrassed as I explained that just because California or Russia have a bear imprinted on their flags, it does not mean that the bear in Daniel (chapter 7:5) applies to them.
Then I explained to Jerry that to enforce truths and prevent erroneous applications, God repeatedly used different symbols throughout the Bible to describe the same nation, and the bear was actually the ancient nation of Persia that overthrew the Babylonian kingdom. California and Russia have enough internal problems without assuming Israel's "real estate" conflict.
Although Jerry was wrong about California, "Christians" must share their responsibility in causing Armageddon.

Although the Reformation advanced some truths like justification by faith, today "believers" have stagnated in this era of doctrinal complacency while blindly claiming the blessings God only promises the obedient.
Ignorant of the holiness and perfection of heaven, they have adopted customs of the world in an attempt to bring converts to the church and appease the unsanctified.
Like the past coalition between bishops and kings or Pharisees and Romans, they have also formed an alliance with legislators to enforce church tradition while living in transgression; the majority of Christendom still does not exalt all of God's law, and violating one commandment incurs the guilt of breaking all ten (James 2: 10).
Uniting on the few doctrines they hold in common, not many Protestant churches "protest" Rome's fallacies and may apologetically call themselves "evangelical."
Church leaders, who have never ascended to the third heaven, make void the testimony of the prophets who have. They presumptuously abandon God's patriarchal system by allowing their helper and servant, to occupy church positions reserved for men (Genesis 2:18,20; 3:16).
Although the Apostle Paul reminds us of God's original injunction, that women must remain subordinate because they "sinned first", females often usurp the authority of bishops, sit at the head of church councils, baptize, and serve the implements of communion (1 Timothy 2:9-14; 1 Corinthians 14:34,35).
Under the false banner of love, the "Saints" do not think God condemns their fornication and sexual perversion; and some "shepherds" often beg money from the impoverished "flock" that they may live extravagantly.
Abuse of tobacco and alcohol is often endorsed by the saints and men encourage women by smiling in admiration at their exposed cleavage, thighs, and gem studded abdomens that declare these ladies immodest.
Jewelry, tattoos, body piercing, paint, and other implements of exhibitism, are excused. Emotionalism is considered evidence of sanctification as "baptized" gutter-music excites congregations in gyrations of ecstasy. Media addicts, with distorted morals, find church boring and expect entertainment in the holy sanctuary.
Supernatural tenants of spiritualism are attributed to God, and the Sabbath, explicitly blessed by Elohim, is defamed.  These "instruments of unrighteousness" twist the epistles, "as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction" (Romans 6:13; 2 Peter 3:16).
And, while claiming the Holy Spirit's presence and "the love of Jesus", the deluded again "crucify their Savior" by slandering the humble minority who perceive the sacredness of heaven and voice alarm against church corruption.

Regardless of their noble intention, enthusiasm, or sincerity, God does not accept their offerings of "strange fire": "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams; for rebellion is like the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry"; yes, "Babylon has fallen... and is become the habitation of devils..." (Leviticus 10:1,2;1  Samuel 15:22,23; Revelation 14:8; 18:2).

Such blasphemies surpass the corruptions of the medieval church and God will by "no means, clear the guilty"; were heaven inhabited with such professors of godliness, it would not be heavenly (Exodus 34:7; Hebrews 10:26-31).
Similar to Israel's scribes and priests of old, Christianity has "fallen" and the world does not listen to the truth.
Couple these facts with latter-day predictions to see that the world cannot be saved and peace will never be within the grasp of world leaders because sin is excused, even enforced, by the very organizations that should illuminate the world with God's righteousness.
Other than a brief pause in military conflict under false promises of peace and tranquility during Satan's attempted rule, the Bible indicates that friction between Eastern Mediterranean nations will climax in the world-destroying battle of Armageddon; and the unconverted, calling themselves Christians, must also suffer the consequences of God's final judgments upon the world.

ARMAGEDDON IS SUICIDAL SELF-DESTRUCTION

Armageddon may be interpreted as "the mountain of Gideon." And the battle of Gideon in Judges 7:20-22 symbolizes the final battle where the enemies of God’s people destroy themselves: "And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout the entire host..." (ibid. 22).
Observe this point: Gideon was fighting Midianites, who were Ishmaelites, the ancestors of Arabian nations and Mohammed (Judges. 8:26,24).

Since September 11, 2001, the world has focused attention on a global dilemma, apparently caused by independent groups working for a common goal against Israel and Christian countries.
Although their devastating attacks contaminate food supplies and depopulate civilizations with biological, chemical, nuclear, and other fearsome weapons, the forceful conversion of the world to their extreme religious views will not be achieved.
Therefore, an alliance of governments will cause Armageddon--Ezekiel 38 plainly identifies collaborating nations surrounding the eastern half of the Mediterranean Sea, not terrorists acting independently, as the assembly in the final conflict centering in Israel.
Many times, as recorded in the Old Testament, God has used nearby nations to punish the unfaithfulness of Israel.
For example, the prophet Elijah anointed Hazael to be king over Syria: "And it shall come to pass that him who escapes the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay" (1 Kings 19:15-17).
Some Bibles contain maps showing the original names of ancient territories occupied by Noah's descendants and several of these are mentioned in Ezekiel 38. One may compare those tribal names with modern maps to identify their location today.
They cluster about Turkey and include Iran and Palestine, circling around the Mediterranean Sea and ending at Somalia and Libya in North Africa.
Although once predominately Christian nations, because of church compromises they have, one might say, gone into Babylonian captivity.
Today these Islamic countries oppose Israel's solvency such that it is only by the restraining hand of God that we have not already experienced the suicidal self-destruction of Armageddon, when humanity destroys the earth (Revelation 7:3; 11:18). These predictions have a very literal applications, and "the powers [leaders] of earth will marshal their forces for the last great battle"--the battle of Armageddon" (Revelation 16:16).

Now, let me repeat an earlier statement: Ignorance of a fulfilled prediction promotes irrational applications. Because the previous prediction of Israel's 490 years of probation very accurately fulfilled three and one-half years after the crucifixion of Jesus, as well as the Gospel commission being given to the Gentiles, there is no validity in the popular application of that prediction to the future resurrection (rapture), tribulation, antichrist, or millennium of peace.
Furthermore, there is no substance to the theory that Israel will accept the Gospel commission at this time and convert the world to obey the New Testament, including all ten of God's commandments.
Jesus DID NOT say that Israel would have another chance. Instead, He predicted:

And they [Israel] will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem will be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. And there will be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of man coming in clouds with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption [resurrection] draws near. (Luke 21:24-28)

While this planet is convulsing, at that instant, Jesus is awakening the dead saints for their journey to heaven: "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed" (1 Corinthians 15:52).
This does not sound like Israel has preached the gospel and saved the world for Christ's literal 1,000-year reign; and to teach otherwise will prove fatal for many, with eternal consequences.

THE COMING OF ANTICHRIST

The resurrection to heaven will have been preceded by Lucifer's infamous counterfeit of Christ's expected rule. If any religious organization, "an angel from heaven", or anyone claiming divine knowledge, declares the arrival of the Messiah, they are wrong--it is actually Satan (Galatians 1;8).
Immediately after the fall of the Roman System and before Satan's arrival and his destruction in the battle of Armageddon, we have read that "three unclean spirits" will suddenly appear--just "like frogs" awakened from hibernation (Revelation 16:13).
With lying wonders they will deceive humanity by preparing the way for Satan's arrival--this is his greatest hoax. Do not believe them! We need to be concerned! Lucifer's coming is an overwhelming delusion that will "deceive the very elect, were it so possible" (Matthew 24:24).

A description of Lucifer is found in Ezekiel 28: "Every precious stone is your covering" [nine different beautiful gem stones are described in verse 13]. Lucifer's "coat of many colors" exceeds the brilliance of the most dazzling Hollywood superstar or Disneyland's electric light parade.
"The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created" (Ibid.). Notice the plural description; Lucifer has multiple voice boxes and wind pipes. This allows him to speak and sing in a multi-toned melodious manner.
And counterfeiting Christ, he will match the description found in Revelation: "His head and His hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and his voice as the sound of many waters" (Ibid. 1:13, 14). Lucifer will probably display counterfeit pierce marks--do not be fooled!

If earth was visited by a majestic creature with these properties, and he proclaimed himself the long awaited messiah and assumed the throne of David in Israel, would not the majority of Israel proclaim him their savior, especially after a global calamity?
And Christians, atheists; in fact, the entire world, would fall at Lucifer's feet and proclaim: "Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation?" (Isaiah 25:9). This deception will occur even though he is advocating a change in God's eternal ten-commandment law.
With words sweeter than honey, Satan is attempting to persuade all humanity to sin and that is how you will know he is the long-expected impostor.

LUCIFER'S GREATEST DECEPTION

What an overwhelming deception. Jesus warned us of this with these words recorded in Matthew 24: 24: "For there will arise false Christs, and false prophets, and will show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they will deceive the very elect." And how much greater the deception when "He himself [Satan] sits in the temple of God, showing himself to be God" (2 Thessalonians. 2:4).
No matter how beautiful and soft spoken Lucifer is, his true nature will eventually show through.
How long he deceives the nations is not known for certain. We obviously cannot use the numeric prophecies of Daniel 9:24 to apply to Satan because they have already fulfilled in Christ. But one thing is indisputable: Satan's hatred for God's law and of those who keep His commandments--this was his overruling passion with the twelve disciples, Jesus, and the early church that faithfully respected and kept God's law. Just offering a pinch of incense to Caesar could have saved many from public execution in the Coliseum but God’s faithful saints chose martyrdom over transgression.
Now Lucifer focuses his attention on the remnant that remains loyal to God's law: "Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time." "And the dragon [Satan] was wroth with the woman [the church], and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev. 12:12, 17).
Then Lucifer will heal those he has previously afflicted with disease. He does not have the power to create live cells so he deludes with illusions and by withdrawing his hellish power; meanwhile, he promises his unwary subjects something even he does not possess--eternal life--"You shall not surely die", he says to transgressors (Genesis 3:4).
Because many have believed his lies about a premature resurrection or rapture and return of the dead from heaven, his fallen angels will openly do what they have done in séances--impersonate friends, relatives and statesmen, resurrected from the grave or returned from heaven. Only a few saints will withstand his extreme deceptions (Revelation 12:9).
Satan has invested much effort in promoting the idea that God's law is changeable. For nearly 2,000 years he has successfully used Christians to exalt Sunday, his counterfeit Sabbath.
Satan will announce himself as the risen Savior and ask mankind to worship him every Sunday, a weekly reminder of his alleged sacrifice for humanity.
How easy it will be for those who have lightly regarded the binding claims of God's law to accept Lucifer's great lie and honor his substitution. Satan's vain promise to Jesus is repeated: "If you therefore will worship me, all shall be yours" (Luke 4:7).
He who desired the highest position in heaven will establish himself as supreme monarch of the world government--economic stability and world peace is promised and widely welcomed (Isaiah 14: 13).
"Jesus is beginning His millennial reign," the multitudes will proclaim, as Satan pronounces blessings upon transgressors who have received the mark of the beast. These are the very ones that scripture declares will soon perish with him in the seventh plague of Armageddon (Revelation 14:9-11).
Meanwhile, laws protecting religious freedom will be annulled and the compulsory worship of Lucifer mandated. Does this sound like Israel will preach the Gospel and save the world, or is it the greatest deception ever?
There is sufficient evidence in the Bible to keep every sincere Christian from being deceived. To be saved, we must place a complete trust in God's Word and reply: "Get behind me, Satan: for it is written..." (Luke 4:4, 8, 10).

WE ARE DESTROYED IN ARMAGEDDON BY OUR OWN WRONG CHOICES

Lucifer cannot help himself and will eventually act like the devil. With indescribable horror, the inhabitants of the world realize they were misled into believing Israel's endorsement of Satan but humanities probation has closed and it is too late to repent.
Knowing they have lost eternal life, truly "the nations were angry..." and the wicked are destroyed in the final great battle of Armageddon while attempting to eliminate this blight from the world (Revelation 11:18).
This is Satan's first death, and is mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2: 8: "And then will that Wicked be revealed, who the Lord will consume with the spirit of his mouth, and will destroy with the brightness of his coming."  

From similar texts, one should understand that Christ's coming is a rescue mission and that he does not actively destroy the wicked until the second resurrection of the wicked 1,000 years later. To understand this, let us consider the words "consume with the spirit of His mouth, and will destroy with the brightness of His coming" (2 Thessalonians 2:8).
What actually proceeds from His mouth? In Revelation we are told that a sharp sword is proceeding from His mouth and smites the nations. This two-edged sword is nothing other than the Word of God, the Old and New Testaments, the standard that cannot be broken (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12).
And His righteous commandments are also likened to a light: "For the commandment [is] a lamp; and the law [is] light" (Proverbs 6:23 ). "His brightness was like the light; He had rays flashing from His hand [from pierce marks--John 20:27] And there His power was Hidden." "You went forth for the salvation of your people, For salvation with your anointed" (Habakkuk 3:4, 13).
By rejecting God's standard of righteousness, His law, and not availing themselves to His salvation, the wicked are self-condemned. Through their own neglect they have, one might say, destroyed themselves (Hosea 3:9) and are abandoned to suffer destruction in the final holocaust.
Christ says: "He that rejects me, and receives not my words, has one that judges him: the Word that I have spoken, the same [the Word] will judge him in the last day" (John 12:48).
These people are justly condemned who received the Mark of the Beast and did not receive a love of the truth that they might be saved (2 Thessalonians. 2:12). Therefore, "the same will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb" (Revelation 14:10).
When the nations are angry (the battle of Armageddon) and Jesus and all the host of heaven come to harvest this planet, only those who have received a "love of the truth" can be rescued.
The wicked are abandoned to suffer the consequences of rejecting God's righteous commandments which they could have fulfilled through the indwelling love of God.

REMAIN FAITHFUL TO THE END

The nation of Israel will probably become knowledgeable of Jesus' great sacrifice, but they will ultimately introduce Satan as the savior of our world.
Through tangible evidence of Christ's existence by scriptural discoveries, like the SIX-day code we found in Genesis and God's fourth commandment, or archaeological evidence, they may come to an intellectual belief in Jesus as the Messiah and His atoning sacrifice but, like the Roman System, they are presently disqualified from God's plan to bless our world.
As the history of earth closes, Israel will not be used by God to fulfill the true Gospel commission and if anything, they will introduce Satan as the world’s savior and falsely proclaim the anticipated millennium of peace on earth.

In order to be found among the faithful, you must make right choices to trust and serve Jesus unflinchingly, regardless of intimidation by peers or society.
God imparted necessary strength to the ancient martyrs and, although you may be a doubting Thomas or a cursing Peter today, that same power will be given as needed. Others have trodden the narrow path of rejection and affliction that our Savior walked--we can too!
God is ready to give His faithful followers unflinching vitality and 20/20 perception, just for the asking, so you will be prepared and not falter or be caught unaware at His coming.

Therefore, my friends let us be careful to not irrationally apply fulfilled scriptures to unfulfilled conjecture. The great deceiver has power to twist the Bible to suit His purpose.
Let us reply with the same words of our Example when tempted by Satan: "It is written, Man will not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God'" (Matthew 4:4).

Isaiah speaks of the redeemed with the following words:

Who among us will dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walks righteously, and speaks uprightly; he that despises the gain of oppressions, that shakes his hands from holding of bribes, that stops his ears from hearing of blood [fictional dramas, debasing video games...?], and shuts his eyes from seeing evil [obscenity, worldly television...?], He will dwell on high: his place of defense will be the munitions of rocks: bread will be given him; his waters will be sure…. “Your eyes will SEE THE KING IN HIS BEAUTY: THEY WILL BEHOLD THE LAND [heaven] THAT IS VERY FAR [light years] AWAY. (Isaiah 33: 14-17)

Be very patient! The Israel of God and Palestine are not to be restored for another 1,000 years. When Jesus returns in the near future, it is to take us to those mansions on high (John 14:1-4).
Jesus is very close to each of us, and is well able to deliver as He has promised. Place you weakness in His strength, and trust Him unflinchingly. Blessed is he that WAITS and attains to the "8010" [80th century from creation--1,000 years in the future]" (Daniel 12:12).
It does not appear that the nation of Israel will save the world at this time of history.

And I will sow [bind] her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people [not Israelites], You are my people; and they will say, You are my God. (Hosea 2:23)

What Happens When Christ Returns
Chapter 5

THE KING IS COMING!

Maranatha! Maranatha! echo throughout the world by many who sense that we are living near the end of history.
The word "maranatha" was spoken by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:22. This Greek word conveys the excitement that enveloped a village upon learning that their king was approaching. It was loudly shouted throughout the city as people happily prepared by cleaning the street of debris and smoothing its surface. Then they positioned themselves alongside the streets to greet their king.
Yes, today multitudes are excited about the coming of Christ but much confusion arises from a misunderstanding of the events pertinent to His arrival. Just how is He coming? And what happens when Christ arrives? Let us study Christ's words that convey this exciting hope of His imminent return.
Jesus knew His disciples would be confused and discouraged at His crucifixion--His kingdom was not to be established in Judea as they anticipated. So, at the last supper Christ comforted them with these words:

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:2, 3)

This is the great hope of Christendom, the second coming of Christ; He has promised: "I will come again."

Jesus is building mansions in heaven for the redeemed to live in--for you and me. We can easily accept that thought, but for the Jews this concept was perplexing. Abandon Israel and go to heaven? How about Jerusalem and the promises of its restoration?
Jesus' disciples just could not fathom the thought that their nation would perish. Even after His death and resurrection they asked Him this question: "Lord, will you at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6).
Jesus replied, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father has set by His own power" (Ibid., verse 7). Then while they were looking, "He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight" (verse 9).
Were they to be abandoned? No! Jesus had just spoken of the promised gift of the Holy Spirit, but God realized they would need additional words of encouragement. He sent two messengers from heaven to give them this assurance:
"You men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen Him go into heaven" (Ibid., verse 11).

DISHARMONY IN BELIEFS

Christians are just as confused today as were His disciples. The majority of believers divide His coming into two events. At the first coming they say that Jesus takes a special group to heaven for a short time leaving a confused world behind--meanwhile the Antichrist reigns and the Jews preach the Gospel. Then Christ again returns a few years later with the "raptured" saints to establish a "New World Order"--and we live happily ever after. Variations of this scenario are also embraced by Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons, and Messianic Jews. All project that Christ is to soon reign on this planet.
The Messianics are often of Jewish descent and believe that Jesus is the Messiah; they look at the many prophecies of Yahweh establishing Israel as the capitol of earth; yes, almost everyone hopes and anticipates that King Jesus will soon return to begin this earthly reign.
To hold solidly to these scenarios requires avoidance of other prophecies that embellish this vital topic. One must exercise caution; by neglecting scriptural counsel we will certainly find ourselves deluded by Satan, the great impostor.
One area of misunderstanding is that we forget the "conditionality" of Scripture. In Deuteronomy 28, God sets before His people two great streams of prophecy--two roads to travel.
Upon obedience, Israel would serve as a model nation for the world--God's plan was that they would be a blessing to humanity and the world would become devout followers of the great I AM.  All the prophecies of prosperity and the visible Messianic reign promised in the Bible would occur if Israel obeyed God: And this shall come to pass, if you will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God  (Zechariah 6: 15).
The second stream of prophecy are the "curses." These must fulfill because Israel lost their original commission through transgression. The nation that should have welcomed the birth of Jesus and declared Him King of Kings, instead, crucified the Majesty of heaven and earth.
Therefore, the great nation that could have saved the world from destruction by transgressors will, like the mighty Samson, perish with the wicked--it could have been different.

There are certain risks associated with expecting Christ's literal reign on earth for the coming millennium. If we are looking for a utopia in our day, especially after a rapture that allegedly causes us to disappear from our vehicles, beds, grinding mill, or elsewhere, then we will become careless and not properly prepare for important events that precede His coming.
Jesus warned His followers that He is coming like a thief in the night: "Therefore be also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes" (Matthew 24: 44). With this thought, let us study those verses that are so troublesome.

JUST WHO IS TAKEN?

Today we ask the same question: "Lord, will you at this time restore again the kingdom..." (Acts 1:6).
The one greatest reason for confusion results from childhood "conditioning"-- indoctrination to the fact that when we die, we go immediately to heaven. Therefore, when we read the biblical truths of the resurrection to heaven of the living and dead at Christ's return, we use our conditioned beliefs to misapply important texts to the resurrection.
Let us read Christ's description of His coming. Pretend for a moment that you were not so conditioned, that we are Christ's Jewish disciples and, like them, we have never been taught of heaven.
Instead, think that you always believed that the Messiah will establish Israel's earthly reign when He returns. Realize that Jesus is trying to teach you that transgressors are to be destroyed like those in Sodom and the world before the flood.

Follow closely as Christ attempts to correct their error. Instead of telling them that Israel will be saved, He likens His coming to the destruction of the wicked: "For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and [the unbelievers] knew not until the flood came, and took them all away... (Matthew 24: 38,39).