Bible Numbers:
The Writing on the Wall
Purpose and Scope
(Part 2 of Introduction)
The PURPOSE of writing this book is not for entertaining the careless, nor for predicting the future. God痴 purpose in explaining these prophetic numbers or time-periods at this time is to, demonstrate Jesus of Nazareth as the one and only Messiah; to give an answer to the age-old martyrs cry of "How long?" (Rev. 6:9-11); and to supply that final end-time-people (whenever that will be) with the skills necessary to understand "How long?" their trial could be, as foretold by all the prophets.
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Just as the timing and nature of the first coming of Christ was misunderstood by the people of that day (John 7), so it shall be again before His Second Coming, to the likely bewilderment of that future end-time people.For this cause, enlightenment is given
at this time末so as to supply that future end-time-tribulation-people with a thorough understanding of the many complex time-frames possible, destined to emerge at that time, so that they may have faith and hope to endure it. For by recognizing the various time-periods and patterns in history, this future end-time people will be better equipped to correctly (but never perfectly) apply that knowledge to their own unfolding trial.}And as for we who are alive now at this present time, by super-abundantly exalting the SCOPE and magnitude of these numeric patterns, the Spirit has deliberately placed them far out of the reach of honest men who might otherwise innocently attempt to predict the future with them. For honest men must conclude, "His paths are past finding out" (Rom.11:33).
In an effort to keep things simple and on topic, large amounts of important information are relegated to endnotes, appendixes, and hyperlinks. Although most individual patterns are quite simple to understand, nevertheless, your entire concentration is needed to grasp the interrelationship of these individual patterns. It is the unity and interconnection of the individual parts (patterns) that radiates the highest glory末"Like a bride adorned for her husband" (Rev. 21:2).
It is also important that you read the chapters in sequence since there is a building of one brick upon another with increasing glory. For the revelation in the numbers is also indirectly the dimensions of the spiritual-temple of God, which is the Church末both corporately and individually末in that the numeric patterns exhibit both our limited, but His transcendent, handiwork (John 2:21; 1Cor. 3:16; 2Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:21; 1Pet. 2:5; Rev. 3:12; 11:1; 21).
In short, it is a revelation of the dimensions of "both the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22)末its "breadth, and length, and depth, and height" (Eph. 3:18).
Color Code:
or numbers that are colored are for easy grouping or contrasting purposes.
Hyperlinks are underlined in this blue condensed script.
Large {bracketed} areas are in this color teal.
All other words
Endnotes:
{1} A gradual increase of light has come concerning the numbers ever since they were first given. The difference now is in the sudden detailing of these same numbers (Dan. 12:4).
{2} The revelation of this "time-of-the-end" mystery comes in advance of its full and final fulfillment, otherwise how can they be prepared if the knowledge of it has not been shed abroad in advance? Nevertheless, the full and final application of this revelation awaits that specific people who will live "at the time of the end." For the climax of all things occurs "at the time of the end," in sweeping culmination of all that went before it. (see Dan. 7:3-7 with Rev. 13:1-2). The importance of the revelation in the numbers is that it traces the various lines of culmination therefore aiding interpretation.
However, the fact that the first of this great mystery has just been opened is itself a token of that which "must shortly come to pass" (Rev. 1:1; 22:6)末but how "shortly" is anyone痴 guess末10 years, 100 years, 1000 years?
