Richard F. Ames | Tomorrow's World

Richard F. Ames

Five Prophecies for the Middle East

Israel is a major focal point of Bible prophecy. How many endtime prophecies about the Middle East do you know? Watch this video as Richard Ames outlines five prophecies that must occur before the return of Jesus Christ.

[The text below represents an edited transcript of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

Prophetic Focal Point of the World

The world has focused on war between Russia and Ukraine, and Europe’s renewed concern about war right at its doorstep. So, many are not paying attention to the beleaguered Middle Eastern nation of Israel. Yet Israel is at the heart of end-time prophecies! And events now beginning to unfold in Europe are laying the foundation for the fulfillment of those prophecies.

My friends, you need to know the future of the Middle East—and of the world!

As our regular viewers know, Jerusalem will become the capital of the world when Jesus Christ returns. But what will happen before then? God calls Jerusalem’s end-time spiritual condition “Sodom and Egypt” in Revelation 11:8. Because of its sins, Jerusalem will be trampled down by a foreign power for forty-two months, or three and one-half years as it states in Revelation 11:2: “But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city [that’s Jerusalem], underfoot for forty-two months.”

That is just one of the signs prophesied in your Bible concerning the Middle East. Will you be prepared for the future? Join us on today’s program: “Five Prophecies for the Middle East.”

A War of Biblical Proportions Predicted in the Middle East

Warm greetings to all our friends around the world!

My friends, we are living in a dangerous nuclear age. Russia has threatened to use nuclear weapons in its attack of the Ukraine. India, Pakistan, and Israel all possess nuclear weapons, with Iran producing close to weapon-grade uranium. The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists last year moved the hands of its Doomsday Clock forward sounding the alarm of unprecedented world danger. They stated on January 24, 2023,

The Clock now stands at 90 seconds to midnight—the closest to global catastrophe it has ever been” (“A time of unprecedented danger: It is 90 seconds to midnight,” TheBulletin.org, January 24, 2023).

In fact, this past January, the Doomsday clock reaffirmed its 90 seconds to midnight—the closest to total cosmocide it has ever been.

Germany, which after World War II resolved to keep its military force to a bare minimum, has responded to the war in Ukraine with an unprecedented increase in its military budget, which rose to more than 50 billion euros in 2023. Observers call it the biggest rearmament offensive since the end of World War II, as Germany resolved to procure new fighter aircraft, helicopters, tanks, ships and ammunition. And, as more than one observer has noted, “all this is just the beginning” (“German government increases military spending for war against Russia,” World Socialist Website, WSWS.org, November 17, 2022).

A re-armed Germany is now poised, more than ever before, to become a major military actor on the world scene, by itself or with NATO allies.

Your Bible warns of a great war outside of Europe. You have heard of the biblical climactic end-time war often called Armageddon. The greatest prophet who ever lived gave this warning to all of us in Matthew the 24th chapter:

For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened (Matthew 24:21–22).

How will Europe be involved in that war? My friends, you need to be prepared for the future.

On today’s program we’ll discuss five prophecies to watch for in the Middle East.

Geopolitical conditions continually change as world powers seek new alliances and military advantage. But there is an ancient source that can help us make sense of it all, if we know what to look for. Your Bible is a book of prophecy, and it reveals many signs of what is to come, particularly involving the Middle East, the most important region for end-time prophecy.

Our first prophecy for the Middle East is: Military alliances forming east of the Euphrates River. Turn in your Bible to Revelation 9:13:

Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to KILL A THIRD OF MANKIND. Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them (Revelation 9:13–16).

This is describing another world war! And this phase of World War III will kill not just millions, but even BILLIONS of human beings! Jesus Christ said that unless those days were shortened no flesh would be saved—all life on earth would be destroyed. That’s in Matthew 24:21–22. Now, what nations lie east of the Euphrates River? Look on any map and you’ll see that those nations east of the Euphrates include Iran, India, China, and Russia. An army of 200 million will form in this area and march to the Euphrates. Prophecy Number One for the Middle East is: Military alliances forming east of the Euphrates River.

Israel and Jerusalem Beset by Enemies

Our second prophecy is: Greatly increased unity among Israel’s traditional longtime enemies.

Some of you older viewers may remember the Six-Day War of June 1967. Israel fought the combined forces of Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. Israel captured the Sinai Peninsula, the Golan Heights, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Now Israel had access to the holy places, including the Western Wall or Wailing Wall at the Temple Mount.

Six years later, in the Yom Kippur War, Israel repelled invasions by Egypt and Syria. Israel, Egypt, and Jordan later agreed on a United Nations cease-fire. In 1978, Israel and Egypt signed the Camp David Accords, returning to Egypt most of the captured Sinai Peninsula, except for the Gaza Strip. In 1980, Israel annexed East Jerusalem and declared the unified city part of Israel, against the protests of Arab forces and their allies. After ongoing violence known as the first intifada, Israel put large portions of the West Bank under Palestine Authority control in December 1994.

Israel’s borders have remained consistent since then, but violence continues. Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip and West Bank face tight restrictions on movement in and out of Israel, creating international outrage. Facing international opposition, what enemies will Israel face in the future? Listen to this description of a historic and prophetic alliance. Turn in your Bible to Psalm 83:1:

Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, and do not be still, O God! For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; and those who hate You have lifted up their head. They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, and consulted together against Your sheltered ones. They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” For they have consulted together with one consent; they form a confederacy against You: the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites; Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assyria also has joined with them; they have helped the children of Lot. Selah (Psalm 83:1–8).

That is not just an ancient prophecy. Let’s take another look at Psalm 83 as a prophecy in the end-times. Have we seen, in our time, which Arab nations are determined to destroy the tiny nation of Israel today?

Listen to this, on page 13 of the study guide we’re offering you today, The Middle East in Prophecy:

What nations have continuously committed themselves to destroying the name of Israel? In July of 1968, Palestinian leaders signed the “Palestinian National Charter,” which called for the destruction of the State of Israel…. As Psalm 83 indicates, Assyria (identified as modern-day Germany) will be joined by an end-time “confederacy” of Arab nations. Look on a Bible map for the ancient location of Moab, Ammon, and Edom, nations mentioned in Psalm 83 that are also prominently mentioned in Daniel’s end-time prophecy. These are the Muslim peoples of the Middle East!

As regular viewers of this program know, Bible prophecy is often dual. And here in Psalm 83 we see the end-time enemies of Israel listed in detail. Watch for these nations to overcome their disputes with each other and unite more strongly than ever against Israel!

Our second prophecy is: Greatly increased unity among Israel’s traditional longtime enemies. Our third prophecy for the Middle East is: International attempts to control Jerusalem.

Bible prophecy reveals that Jerusalem will be a focus of major international conflicts.

Jerusalem is considered holy to three of the world’s major religions. Jews today revere Jerusalem as the city of the great prophets, and the capital of the Kingdom of Israel and Judah under King David and his son King Solomon. The first and second temples were the center of worship until the destruction of the city by the Romans in 70 AD. Jerusalem is also the third most holy city of Islam, after the cities of Mecca and Medina. Today the Islamic Mosque of Omar, or the Dome of the Rock, dominates the Temple Mount. The Arabic term for the holy place is “al-Haram al-Sharif,” which means “The Noble Sanctuary.” It is believed that the prophet Muhammad ascended to Heaven from that site. Christians revere the city as the place where their Savior was crucified, and where He taught in the Temple. Christians believe Jesus will return to establish His Kingdom with Jerusalem as world capital.

Many in the international community are very concerned about the status of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Roman Catholic Pope Francis, in July of 2018, stated: “Only a negotiated solution between Israelis and Palestinians, firmly desired and favored by the Community of Nations, can lead to a stable and lasting peace, and ensure the coexistence of two states for two peoples” (“Jerusalem: A City for All,” Vatican News, March 30, 2019).

Yes, Jerusalem will soon be controlled NOT by Israel, but by other governmental powers. Turn in your Bible to Revelation, chapter 11. The Apostle John wrote in Revelation 11:1,

Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been GIVEN TO THE GENTILES. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for FORTY-TWO MONTHS” (Revelation 11:1–2).

This period of three and one-half years precedes the return of Christ. As we’ve pointed out on previous programs, two prophets of God will witness with great power during that same period of three and one-half years. You can read about that in verses 3 through 15 of Revelation 11. God Almighty states in verse 3,

And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.

For three and one-half years, these two witnesses will contend with the Gentile force which will dominate the Middle East at that time. This will be a time of great tribulation for the whole world, especially for those who are true Christians. Billions will be killed. Many who accept Christ during that time will be persecuted terribly, even martyred.

Our third prophecy for the Middle East is: International attempts to control Jerusalem.

Restoration of “Temple Worship” in Israel—And European Intervention…

Our fourth prophecy to watch for is: Animal sacrifices restored in Jerusalem.

Turn in your Bible to Daniel the 11th chapter. Historically, the Greek ruler Antiochus Epiphanes issued a decree in 167 BC that prohibited further sacrifices in the Jerusalem Temple. Daniel 11:31,

And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall TAKE AWAY the daily sacrifices, and place there the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION.

In addition to stopping the daily sacrifices, Antiochus erected a statue of Jupiter Olympus in the temple and directed everyone to worship it. This abomination, also referred to in chapter 8 of Daniel, is a type of a similar END-TIME event. Notice also, that the END-TIME sacrifices are cut off 1,290 days before the return of Christ. Daniel 12:11,

And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.

Jesus told us to be alert to this key prophecy, which will take place in the Middle East. He said in Matthew 24:15,

“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (Matthew 24:15–16).

The Apostle Paul warns of a great false prophet who will stand in the holy place. Let’s read that in 2 Thessalonians 2. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, the Apostle Paul writes,

Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4).

This end-time false prophet will cause the sacrifices to cease! Let’s realize that the Jews have not offered animal sacrifices since 70 AD when the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem. In order for the end-time sacrifices to be STOPPED eventually, they need to BEGIN!

Some believe that the Temple must be rebuilt first in order to conduct animal sacrifices. Many Jews believe that only the Messiah will be able to rebuild the Temple. However, some Jewish groups are hoping to see today’s Jewish people take the initiative themselves. They believe that there can be no peace in the Middle East until the Temple is rebuilt.

Rabbi Chaim Richman, international director of the Temple Institute, has said,

It’s time to vote with our feet and send a clear message to the world that we truly believe that the Temple Mount is ours and we truly hope and pray for a time of unparalleled world peace and harmony with the rebuilding of the Third Temple (“Temple Institute Encourages Jews To Hope for Third Temple In New Video,” Jerusalem Post, August 7, 2019).

It is important to remember that an altar is needed for sacrifices, not necessarily a full temple building. Just read the third chapter of Ezra. The returning exiles to Babylon had only a holy place, not a temple. Ezra refers to the location of the holy place, as the HOUSE OF GOD, when the temple had NOT YET been built. Ezra 3:8,

Now in the second month of the second year of their coming to the HOUSE OF GOD at Jerusalem….

This was around 536 BC. But there was no building yet. The returning Jewish exiles referred to the Holy Place as “the House of God,” even though no temple existed.

The holiest place under the control of the Jewish religious authorities today, is the Western Wall, or the Wailing Wall. It is the western retaining wall to the Temple Mount. Jews are not allowed to publicly worship on the Temple Mount, only Muslims.

So, it remains to be seen where and when the Jews will begin sacrificing.

Listen, when animal sacrifices begin once again in Jerusalem, YOU WILL KNOW that the prophecies Jesus spoke about are heading for a grand-smash climax!

The fourth prophecy to watch for is: Animal sacrifices restored in Jerusalem. The fifth prophecy to watch for is: A superpower united Europe turning against Israel.

The European Union is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. It is developing as a political, economic, and military entity, just like the King of the North prophesied in your Bible. Will it become that prophesied superpower? The EU is beginning to assert itself as a military force independent of the United States.

The coming Beast power prophesied in Revelation will exercise great military power. Revelation 13:1:

Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:1–4).

My friends, we need to watch the military resurgence of Germany, along with the other prophecies. As we near the Great Tribulation, your Bible instructs us to watch key developments surrounding Jerusalem. Luke 21:19–20:

By your patience possess your souls. But when you see JERUSALEM SURROUNDED BY ARMIES, then know that its desolation is near.

Revelation 11:2 tells us that Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles for forty-two months, about three and one-half years. At the end of that time, during the Day of the Lord, the armies of Europe and Asia will combine to bring about the great climax of World War III, referred to as “Armageddon.” Yes, we need to watch for developments leading to an invasion of the Middle East from the powerful military King of the North, as it states in Daniel 11:40–41.

My friends, we are approaching the time of the end.

Daniel, Revelation, and the Resurrection

In today’s program we’ve outlined five prophecies for these end times.

  1. Military alliances forming east of the Euphrates River
  2. Greatly increased unity among Israel’s traditional longtime enemies
  3. International attempts to control Jerusalem
  4. Animal sacrifices restored in Jerusalem
  5. A superpower united Europe turning against Israel

My friends, we are approaching the time of the end. The book of Daniel emphasizes “the time of the end” four times in chapters eleven and twelve. He even gives a key time-period for the great resurrection. We’ve focused on the Abomination of Desolation, which is yet to occur and may happen soon—in your lifetime. Notice Daniel 12:11,

And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.

The 1,290 days end with the resurrection of Daniel and all faithful Christians. Daniel is told in chapter 12, verse 13,

But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.

Yes, Daniel will arise to his inheritance at the “end of days,” which is the sounding of the seventh trumpet in Revelation 11:15,

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”

Yes, that’s the last trumpet proclaimed in 1 Corinthians 15:52, describing the Great Resurrection of faithful Christians!

My friends, we need to be spiritually awake and watchful. We need to be prepared for the Second Coming. Christ will be King over all the earth, ruling from the new world capital, Jerusalem. Notice that in Zechariah 14:8:

And in that day it shall be that living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and half of them toward the western sea; in both summer and winter it shall occur. And the LORD shall be King over all the earth (Zechariah 14:8–9).

Thank God, His Kingdom is coming soon. May we all pray with our hearts, YOUR KINGDOM COME!

Thank you for watching!

We, here at Tomorrow’s World, make these videos to help you understand your world through the pages of the Bible. So if you found this helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss another video.

And if you want to learn more, you can request our free Bible study guide The Middle East in Prophecy—just click the link in the description or order online at TWTV.ORG/East.

See you next time!



The “Good News” Gospel



Bible seven seals

What vital elements are needed to prove where Jesus Christ’s true Gospel is being preached today? Who is teaching the true Gospel of Christ in our time?

The New Jerusalem

Bible prophecy describes a new heaven, new earth, and New Jerusalem. When will this be? What will the holy city look like? Find out in this video as Richard Ames examines Revelation 21:1-4, Ezekiel 47 and other verses.

[The text below represents an edited transcript of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

A New City and a New World

Your Bible reveals the future of the world and the future of the universe. There is coming a time when this planet Earth will be purified with fire. It will become a new earth. The earth will then host a heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from heaven to planet Earth! The mysterious book of Revelation tells us in Revelation 21:1, “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.”

But will YOU be alive to enjoy that new earth and the New Jerusalem? My friends, God has planned a glorious future for those who love Him and have surrendered their lives to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

What can you do to enjoy the New Jerusalem and the reality of a glorious future? Join us on today’s program: The New Jerusalem.

Jerusalem in Revelation: Holy City at Last

Warm greetings to all our friends around the world!

Most of us who are tuned in to world news, can see that the world is headed for World War III and Armageddon. But we also know that God has promised a time of world peace under the soon-coming Kingdom of God. That’s the good news! In fact, the word gospel means “good news.” And how do we know our destiny with total knowledge and confidence? Because Jesus Christ has revealed the future in His Olivet prophecy recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. He has also revealed amazing details of the world beyond World War III in the last book of the Bible. It’s called The Revelation of Jesus Christ. The old King James Version wrongly called it the Revelation of St. John the Divine. Of course, John was told to write down the inspired words of Revelation for you and me.

The book of Revelation is a mysterious book.

What is the ultimate future of the world and of the universe? What will your life be like after you die and are resurrected? We’ll answer those questions on today’s program. One of the major events that will affect your life and the lives of your family will be the establishment of the city of Jerusalem as capital of the world. Then there will ultimately appear on earth the heavenly city called the New Jerusalem. That city will become the capital of the new earth and the entire universe. You need to study and learn more about your future and the future of all human beings who have ever lived!

Jerusalem today is the focus of three major religions: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Its many historic and biblical sites draw millions of visitors every year. Before COVID, as many as 4 million visitors would visit in a year. Israel’s Tourism Ministry reported that, in 2022, 2.67 million tourists visited Jerusalem (“Tourism Ministry: 2.67 million tourists visited Israel in 2022,” IL.gov, January 4, 2023).

Jerusalem today is a bustling modern city with a vibrant historical Old City sector. But when Christ returns, the city will reflect a new landscape. Ezekiel the 48th chapter describes the various districts and borders of the city. The millennial temple will be the center of the city and streams of flowing and healing waters will flow out from it, as described in Ezekiel chapter 47.

My friends, Jerusalem will finally live up to the very meaning of its name, “City of Peace.” We all yearn for world peace. Thank God He has guaranteed peace and prosperity for all nations that will serve Him in the coming Kingdom. When Jesus returns, He will rule all nations on earth, as it tells us in Zechariah 14:9, “And the LORD shall be King over all the earth.” All nations will worship the King and send representatives to Jerusalem, Zechariah 14:16, “And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.”

In spite of today’s conflicts surrounding the Middle East and the city of Jerusalem, Jerusalem will be the capital of the world! Turn in your Bible to Zechariah 8:3, “Thus says the LORD: ‘I will return to Zion, and dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth, the Mountain of the LORD of hosts, the Holy Mountain.’”

Jesus Christ will dwell in Jerusalem. He says, “I will return to Zion, and dwell in the midst of Jerusalem.” In fact, the city will have another name. The very last verse in the book of Ezekiel, Ezekiel 48:35, states, “the name of the city from that day shall be: The LORD Is There.” The name of the city in Hebrew is Yahweh Shammah.

But what does this mean for you as a Christian today? When you are resurrected, will you go to heaven for eternity, or will you inherit the earth? What did Jesus say in the famous sermon on the Mount in Matthew the fifth chapter? Matthew 5:1: “And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth’” (Matthew 5:1–5).

Notice: Did Jesus say the poor in spirit would go to heaven for eternity, while the meek would inherit the earth? No. What Jesus DID SAY, was that the poor in spirit would be blessed with the Kingdom OF heaven. Let’s understand, my friends, the Kingdom OF Heaven is coming to earth when Christ returns! THAT is when the saved inherit the Kingdom. That’s the time when Christ will tell His faithful servants, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” That’s in Matthew 25:34.

Let’s read another reference that reveals our inheritance. Turn in your Bible to Revelation 5:10 referring to faithful Christians, “And have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign [WHERE?] ON THE EARTH.”

What an awe-inspiring verse!

Notice two points. One: faithful Christians are called to become kings and priests! They will assist the King OF kings in ushering in lasting peace. And WHERE WILL THEY REIGN? IN HEAVEN? No, on earth. “We shall reign on the earth!” Yes, my friends, the MEEK shall inherit the EARTH. The Kingdom OF Heaven, or the Kingdom of God, will reign on earth! That’s why we pray, “Your Kingdom come.”

Yes, if you are a truly faithful Christian, as a future Spirit-being serving Christ in God’s coming Kingdom, you will serve the cities and nations of planet Earth, assisting the King of kings in teaching them the way to world peace as it tells us in Isaiah 2:4. How long will faithful Christians serve as kings and priests in the future world ruling government and kingdom? Turn in your Bible to Revelation 20:6.

“Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.”

Resurrection, Judgment, and a New Era

Regular viewers of Tomorrow’s World know that God has a plan of salvation for ALL of humanity, not just the relative few who in this age have heard the name of Christ and His true message. Revelation the 20th chapter reveals what we call the SECOND GENERAL RESURRECTION.

We already read in verse 6 that faithful Christians will reign with Christ a thousand years. But notice, that the others, “the rest of dead,” do not live, are not resurrected, until the thousand years is over. Revelation 20:4, “And they [faithful Christians] lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” Then we read a parenthetical statement, verse five: “But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished.” Who are “the rest of the dead”? Mainly those not in the first general resurrection. Billions of human beings who never converted to Christianity will be physically resurrected to face the judgment seat of Christ. You may be familiar with the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel the 37th chapter and the resurrection of ancient Israelites to physical life. That resurrection is typical for all peoples and nations. And what will the judgment be like? This is a resurrection to a lifetime of judgment, and it’s a resurrection to physical life.

Now turn to Revelation 20:11,

“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the DEAD, small and great, STANDING before God [This is the SECOND general resurrection, a resurrection to physical life, NOT immortal life], and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books” (Revelation 20:11–12).

The Greek word for “books” is “biblia.” The good news is, that the books, or the Bible, will be opened to the understanding of the masses for the first time. The Book of Life is finally opened to those resurrected in the White Throne Judgment, as we see in Revelation 20:12. This will be their FIRST opportunity to properly learn the truth. This is NOT a SECOND chance as some may like to call it. All human beings will be held accountable for their actions and thoughts.

But this will be the first time for many to SEE their sins. They’ll have the opportunity to REPENT of their sins and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Evangelist John Ogwyn describes this event in our free study guide, page 42: “At this point the billions who have lived and died without ever having a genuine opportunity to know God will finally receive that opportunity. This is the time that Jesus spoke of when the men of Nineveh will rise in the judgment along with the generation of Jesus’ own day (Matthew 12:41). It is the time that Ezekiel described in Ezekiel 37, a time when people who thought their hope was lost (v. 11) will be restored to physical life (v. 6) and finally given an opportunity to know God and receive His Spirit (vv. 13–14).”

After the White Throne Judgment, God’s glorious plan will move on to the next phase, the removal of all evil and wicked humans forever. They will be thrown into the lake of fire and be destroyed forever. It’s called the “second death” from which there is no resurrection: Revelation 20:14, “Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:14–15).

The lake of fire will then expand to purify the entire earth. 2 Peter 3:10, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” The purified earth has no more oceans and is prepared for the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:1, “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.”

Now, what happens next? Revelation 21:2, “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.’”

My friends, God wants you to be a part of His immortal family as His sons and daughters. 2 Corinthians 6:18, “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” Faithful Christians will inherit “all things.” Revelation 21:7, “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.”

What Will the New Jerusalem Be Like?

My friends, we need to remember the parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25. Faithful Christians become the wife of Christ: “[T]he bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut” (Matthew 25:10). We also know of the wedding supper for that bride: “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” (Revelation 19:9). The relationship of Christ and the true Church of God is powerfully explained in Ephesians 5:25–27. Yes, the New Jerusalem is called the Lamb’s wife, the wife of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. An angel reveals a vision of the city to the Apostle John in Revelation 21:9, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife…. the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God” (Revelation 21:9–11).

What are the characteristics and dimensions of that great city? Revelation 21:11, “… Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel… Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (Revelation 21:11–12, 14).

The Apostle John is told the measurements of the city: “The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal” (v. 16).

These dimensions describe either the shape of a cube or of a pyramid. However, the Holy of Holies or the “inner sanctuary” symbolizing the presence of God in the ancient King Solomon’s temple that contained the ark of the covenant was cubical shaped (1 Kings 6:20). This would indicate the form and shape of the Holy City!

This spiritual city has dimensions for the spiritual family of God, not on a human scale. How long is twelve thousand furlongs? 1,500 miles! Let’s continue with the description of the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:17, “Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits (or 216 feet high), according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass” (Revelation 21:17–18).

The New Jerusalem will consist of glorious materials. Listen to this variety of exquisite jewels: Revelation 21:19, “The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.”

What materials constitute the gates and the street of the city? Verse 21, “The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.”

Inside the city, a river of life flows from the throne of God and the Lamb, Jesus Christ. The Apostle John writes in Revelation 22:1–2, “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing (or health) of the nations.”

Evangelist John Ogwyn, author of our free study guide, gives us this inspiring summary:

“Near the end of the book of Revelation, John describes the glory of this great city with its twelve foundations and twelve gates. The streets are of gold and the gates are each made of a single pearl. There is brilliant color and light pervading everywhere because of the presence of the Father and Christ. Those who are part of Christ’s bride will actually dwell in the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1–3)…” (p. 43).

Those in the first general resurrection will dwell in the New Jerusalem city. Where will all the other saved Christians dwell who come out of the White Throne Judgment? Mr. Ogwyn continues:

“Those who are part of Christ’s bride will actually dwell in the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1–3), while those who came later—during the Millennium and Great White Throne Judgment—will inhabit the remainder of the new earth. The rest of God’s glorified family—‘the nations of those who are saved’—will have unfettered access to the Father and Christ, as the gates of the city will remain open by day and there will be no night there (vv. 23–26). They will have complete access to the tree of life that grows in the city and to the river of the water of life (22:1–2)” (p. 43).

Jerusalem, the Eternal Capitol

We look forward to the new heavens and new earth. The two trillion known magnificent galaxies in today’s heavens will be renewed and continue to magnify the glory of God. Even today, “The heavens declare the glory of God” as it tells us in Psalm 19.

Thank God that He has revealed to us through the Holy Scriptures and particularly the last book of the Bible, the book of Revelation, the good news of His coming kingdom and the warnings to save us from the troubling times ahead. Our free study guide, Revelation: The Mystery Unveiled! will give you insight and vital knowledge for the future as well as encouragement and inspiration. Be sure to order your free copy.

Every day that passes brings us one day closer to the greatest event in history, the return of Jesus Christ to rule all nations on earth. After the thousand years, Christ will conduct the White Throne Judgment for the benefit of billions of human beings who will have their first opportunity for salvation. Those who repent will finally join the family of God as spirit beings. Those who do not repent and seal their character in evil rebellion will be thrown into the lake of fire and destroyed forever, as the fire expands and completely purifies the earth. Then the New Jerusalem will come down from heaven as the new center and capital of the universe. Christ affirms that awesome event to members of “the Faithful Church,” the Philadelphia church. Revelation 3:12, “I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God.”

My friends, for those who are faithful Christians, the future is even more glorious than we can imagine. God, in His love, has revealed His plan for the future, and His plan for you and me, IF we are faithful servants of Jesus Christ.

Let’s look forward to the coming Kingdom of God and the glory of the New Jerusalem. We can rejoice in God’s awesome promise of the time when: “… God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

We invite you to join us every week on Tomorrow’s World. In this world of growing chaos and confusion, you need the solid guidance that comes from your Bible. Gerald Weston, Wallace Smith, Rod McNair, and I will continue to share with you the teachings of Jesus Christ, the good news of the coming Kingdom of God, and the exciting end-time prophecies and their meaning. So, be sure to join us again next week, right here, at this same time!

Thank you for watching!

We, here at Tomorrow’s World, make these videos to help you understand your world through the pages of the Bible.

So if you found this helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss another video.

And if you want to learn more you can request our free Bible Study Guide—Revelation: The Mystery Unveiled—just click the link in the description or order online at TWTV.ORG/Revelation.

See you next time!


Keys to Understanding Bible Prophecy

Are we in the last days? Learn to understand Bible prophecy in this video, as Richard Ames explains signs of the end times and Bible symbols in the prophecies of Daniel, Isaiah, Matthew 24, and the book of Revelation.

[The text below represents an edited transcript of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

The Importance of Prophecy

Is the end of the world coming soon? Will Russia’s military aggression—in Ukraine, lead to World War III? Will China’s powerful increase in military strength set the stage for Armageddon? My friends, Bible prophecy reveals the future of the world. You can know the answers to these questions, IF you understand Bible prophecy!

Bible prophecy’s many amazing messages from God’s prophets can be challenging even to Bible scholars.

What is symbolized by the grand image described by the prophet Daniel? What meaning can we learn from the beasts and the harlot of Revelation—and other mysterious symbols?

Proven principles of Bible prophecy will open your understanding to the ultimate future of the world, of humanity, and of the glorious Kingdom to come.

Between 25 and 30 percent of your Bible is prophecy. If you understand Bible prophecy, you can find hope for the future, and for your own life. You need to know the keys to understanding Bible prophecy!

Stay tuned!

Prophetic Symbols and the Biblical Timeline

Bible prophecy reveals the future of the world, and frankly, the future of the universe. Your Bible has proven the power of prophecy.

I hope you’ve seen our telecast “Amazing Prophecies Fulfilled!” From Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a statue in the Old Testament book of Daniel, to John’s New Testament visions in the book of Revelation, your Bible reveals major end-time events, with mysterious prophetic symbols such as the Beast of Revelation 13 with seven heads and ten horns rising up out of the sea; and the harlot woman of Revelation 17 sitting on scarlet beast with seven heads and ten horns.

How can you understand the meaning of these symbols?

On today’s program, we’ll discuss seven keys to understanding Bible prophecy. My friends, these seven keys to understanding prophecy will help you understand the most amazing future and events that relatively few people on earth even come close to understanding. Key Number One to Understanding Bible Prophecy is: Learn God’s Prophetic Framework.

Some have wrong ideas about prophecy because they wrongly believe that Jesus Christ will return AFTER the prophesied Millennium. But your Bible shows clearly that Christ will return to set up a literal kingdom here on earth for a literal period of one thousand years.

The book of Revelation describes a period of 3 and a half years leading up to the return of Christ. The fifth seal of Revelation, described in chapter six, covers a period of two-and-a-half years of the Great Tribulation Jesus spoke about in Matthew 24. The SIXTH seal is the heavenly signs, which puts whole world will be put on notice announcing the final one year “Day of the Lord.”

Let’s read about that sixth seal in Revelation 6:12:

“I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, [Listen to this] and every mountain and island was moved out of its place” (Revelation 6:12–14).

The whole world will be shocked and terrorized. The world will then realize that the time of God’s judgment has come as Jesus returns to establish God’s Kingdom here on the earth, a new world order ruled by the King of kings, Jesus Christ.

Key Number One to Understanding Bible Prophecy is: Learn God’s Prophetic Framework.

Key Number Two to Understanding Bible Prophecy is: The Bible Interprets Its Own Symbols. The book of Revelation contains symbolic language which confuses many casual readers. If you have your Bible, turn to Jeremiah 51:24 for one example. Your Bible probably has a heading to chapter 51 such as “God’s judgment (or vengeance) upon Babylon.” God is declaring his punishment on the great empire of Babylon.

Jeremiah 51:24,

“‘And I will repay Babylon and all the inhabitants of Chaldea for all the evil they have done in Zion in your sight,’ says the LORD. ‘Behold, I am against you, O DESTROYING MOUNTAIN, who destroys all the earth,’ says the LORD. ‘And I will stretch out My hand against you, roll you down from the rocks, and make you a burnt MOUNTAIN’” (Jeremiah 51:24–25).

Yes, God will judge rebellious nations, symbolized here as mountains. What mountain or kingdom will rule the whole earth? As so many prophecies explain, that Kingdom will be the Kingdom of God ruled by the King of kings, the Savior, Jesus Christ! Bible students are familiar with the prophecy in Isaiah 2.

Isaiah 2:2,

“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. Many people shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:2–4).

A mountain in Bible prophecy can symbolize a Kingdom, empire, or nation. Here we see the good news of God’s Kingdom, which will establish world peace! We’ve explored an example of prophetic symbolism: a mountain can be symbolic of a kingdom or a government. So, Key Number Two to Understanding Bible Prophecy is The Bible Interprets Its Own Symbols.

The THIRD key to understanding biblical prophecy is the proof of fulfilled prophecy.

Fulfilled Prophecy Throughout the AgesWhere and When?

Dozens of Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in the New Testament in the person of Jesus Christ. Another example of fulfilled prophecy, and there are many, is the dream God gave ancient king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Turn to the Book of Daniel, chapter two. Here the prophet Daniel tells the king his dream.

Nebuchadnezzar’s famous image reveals four world-ruling empires. King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him. Daniel was called before the king, and proceeded to describe the great image in the king’s dream.

Daniel 2:31,

“You, O king, were watching; and behold, a great image! This great image, whose splendor was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome. This image’s head was of fine gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces” (Daniel 2:31–34).

Daniel told King Nebuchadnezzar that he was the head of gold represented in the image. Daniel said in verse 38, “YOU are this head of gold.” History CONFIRMS Daniel’s prophecy of the subsequent empires symbolized by the statue. What world ruling empires followed after Nebuchadnezzar?

The head of gold represented the Babylonian Empire from 625 to 539 BC. It was replaced by the Medo-Persian Empire from 558 to 330 BC, represented by the chest and arms of silver. The belly and thighs of bronze represented the Greco-Macedonian Empire of Alexander the Great from 333 to 31 BC. The two legs of Iron represent the Roman Empire from 31 BC to 476 AD. And, finally, the ten toes on two feet of Iron mixed with ceramic clay represent a future revival of the Roman Empire.

The prophecies of Daniel are genuine. The predictions of these four empires did come to pass.

Key Number THREE to Understanding Bible Prophecy was: The Proof of Fulfilled Prophecy. Key Number FOUR to Understanding Bible Prophecy is: Understand Prophetic Time Gaps. Let’s look at Luke 4:16. Jesus was visiting his hometown of Nazareth and was invited to read from the scriptures on the Sabbath. He was given the scroll of Isaiah.

Luke 4:16,

“So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah [Luke 4:17]. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.’ [Now notice this] Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, ‘Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing’” (Luke 4:16–21).

Yes, the Messiah had come to preach the gospel to the poor, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, and to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD. Jesus told them that this very prophecy of Isaiah was now being fulfilled through Him. But was that ALL of the prophecy? Turn back to the prophecy Jesus read. Notice the two mission statements here, in Isaiah 61:2: “To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God.” Jesus closed the book He was reading, right in the middle of a verse. He omitted the second part of the verse referring to the day of vengeance. Why? Because the remainder of Isaiah’s prophecy applies to Jesus’ SECOND COMING—when the Day of the Lord, the day of God’s vengeance and wrath, takes place. There is a TIME GAP of about 2,000 years between the fulfillment of the first part of the verse and the second part of the verse.

Key Number FOUR to Understanding Bible Prophecy is: Understand Prophetic Time Gaps. Key Number FIVE to Understanding Bible Prophecy is: Recognize Prophetic Duality.

Turn in your Bible to 1 Corinthians 15:45, for example. “And so it is written, ‘The FIRST man Adam became a living being.’ The LAST Adam became a life-giving spirit.” Who was the last Adam? Verse 47 gives us the answer, “The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven.” Yes, the second Adam was Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ Olivet prophecy in Matthew 24 is also an example of duality. Some of the terrible conditions Jesus described DID take place when Jerusalem was destroyed. But that was just a type or forerunner of the final climactic fulfillment. Jesus warned us in Matthew 24:21,

“For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” (Matthew 24:21–22).

Yes, prophecy is dual—and we ought to learn the lessons of history. The destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman armies in 70 AD was just a type of the Great Tribulation that lies just ahead. Key Number FIVE to Understanding Bible Prophecy is: Recognize Prophetic Duality.

God’s Prophetic Purpose and the Role of Nations

The simple knowledge of the origin of nations in the Bible gives us a clearer understanding of Bible prophecy. We call the next key, the MASTER Key to understanding prophecy. Key Number SIX to Understanding Bible Prophecy is: Know the Biblical Origins of Nations.

My friends, CAN YOU find the United States, Canada, Great Britain and the other English-speaking nations in Bible prophecy? If you can, you will understand major parts of VITAL prophecies that very few today can even begin to comprehend. The Bible mentions by name such nations as Egypt, Libya, and Ethiopia. And it may surprise you that Assyria will eventually be one of the prominent nations in tomorrow’s world along with Egypt and Israel. You can read about that in Isaiah 19:23. Also read the 10th and 11th chapters of Isaiah. But who is modern Assyria? In our Tomorrow’s World magazine, we previously published a full article on this subject entitled, “A Fourth Reich?” Here is what Dr. Douglas Winnail wrote in the article: “While most historians are reluctant, or fail, to make any connection between the disappearance of the Assyrians and the appearance of the Germanic tribes, the fact remains that no other nation’s history and national character resembles Germany more than does that of Assyria.”

Key Number SIX to Understanding Bible Prophecy is: Know the Biblical Origins of Nations. So, can you find THE UNITED STATES in end-time prophecy? It’s there if you know where to look. To learn more about the identity of the United States and Britain in your Bible, please view our inspiring program, “Jeremiah’s Message for the British and American Peoples.” Just type that title in the search bar on [the] Tomorrow’s World website to view the program. Key Number SIX to Understanding Bible Prophecy is: Know the Biblical Origins of Nations.

Key Number SEVEN to Understanding Bible Prophecy is: Understand the Purposes for Bible Prophecy. My friends, Bible prophecy can sustain hope and inspire confidence. But it ALSO warns people and nations to REPENT. John the Baptist was baptizing massive crowds of people who were moved by his preaching. The Gospel writer Matthew describes what happened.

Matthew 3:1,

“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’” (Matthew 3:1–2).

Later, Jesus Christ preached the same message. You can read that in Mark 1:14–15. And what was the response to John’s preaching? Verse 5,

“Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins” (Matthew 3:5–6).

In the book of Revelation, Christ promises protection for those who repent and are faithful. In the letter to the Church at Philadelphia, the Apostle John records this message.

In the book of Revelation 3:10,

“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”

The hour of trial is that unique period of time in all history, called the Great Tribulation and leading into the Day of the Lord. God will protect His faithful people in the trying years ahead. In Verse 11, Christ gives us this instruction: “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown” (Revelation 3:11). Bible prophecy warns people to repent and avoid the great punishments to come!

Another purpose of prophecy is to give opportunity to those in future captivity to repent and come under God’s deliverance as God promises in Deuteronomy 4:27–31. My friends, are you preparing for the Second Coming of Christ? Understanding Bible prophecy and facing reality, will help you prepare! On the day of Pentecost, in 31 AD, the Apostle Peter exhorted the thousands in his audience to repent and be baptized. You can read that in Acts 2:38. Peter motivated the crowd to change their lives. He said in Acts 2:40, “‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:40–41). My friends, if you have studied biblical baptism, and if you have come to the place in your life where you have repented and have accepted Christ’s sacrifice and His authority over your life, we invite you to counsel with one of our ministers. We have representatives in many regions around the world.

Key Number SEVEN to Understanding Bible Prophecy is: Understand the Purposes for Bible Prophecy. Bible prophecy also demonstrates the awesome sovereignty of God as it tells us in Isaiah 46:9–10.

The Prophesied Savior of the World

I hope you saw our recent program titled “Are You Saved or Lost?” Be sure to view it on our website if you missed it. Bible prophecy reveals the awesome future of your salvation. The framework of prophecy, as we discussed today, reveals the coming judgments on the nations during the Day of the Lord and the ultimate glory of the coming kingdom.

At the beginning of the program, I asked the question[s]: Is the end of the world coming soon? Will Russia’s aggression in Ukraine lead to World War III? Will China’s powerful increase in military strength set the stage for Armageddon? The framework for Bible prophecy answers those questions. But what will save the planet and all humanity from total extinction and annihilation? The greatest event in all human history is coming soon. The return of the Savior, Jesus Christ, will save planet earth and establish world peace.

You may know the awesome prophecy of Isaiah 9:6,

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:6–7).

I hope you are praying as Jesus instructed in Matthew 6:10, “Your Kingdom come.” We all look forward to the good news announcement at the seventh trumpet in Revelation 11:15, “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’”

May God bless you as you prepare for the coming of the Savior Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God on earth.

Thank you for watching!

We, here at Tomorrow’s World, produce these videos to help you understand your world through the pages of the Bible.

So if you found this helpful, please like, share, and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss another video.

And if you want to learn more you can request our free Bible Study Guide—Understanding Bible Prophecy—just click the link in the description or order online at TWTV.ORG/UNDERSTAND.

See you next time!



Are You Saved or Lost?

How are you doing in your Christian walk? Do you know what and how to overcome? What did Jesus mean by “he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13)? Learn the Bible’s answers about God’s plan of salvation.

[The text below represents an edited transcript of this Tomorrow’s World program.]

Who Can Be Saved?

Most religious people believe God is trying to SAVE everyone on earth NOW! Millions wrongly believe this is the only day of salvation for all humanity. And if one doesn’t become a Christian before he dies, he will go to a burning hellfire at death. Is that what ACTUALLY happens? If that’s true, billions of non-Christians are suffering unjustly in hell. Masses of humans who have lived and died have never heard the true gospel. How could they have been saved?

My friends, God is not an unjust God. He WILL give those masses of people their FIRST opportunity for salvation in the WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT. And what about you? Are you saved? Or are you lost? Or will you have an opportunity beyond death? 

God has an awesome plan for all human beings. His desire is that “all men be saved” as it tells us in 1 Timothy 2:4. Some of you, to put it bluntly, have made a mess of your life. Is there any hope for you or your loved ones beyond death? Are you saved, or lost? Stay tuned for the surprising answer!

What Steps Do YOU Have to Take?

Warm greetings to all our friends around the world!

Two thirds of all people on earth do not even claim to be Christian. Most have never heard true Christianity preached. When they die, are they lost forever? Is God losing the battle to “save” the world from sin and evil? The encouraging truth is that the Bible offers HOPE for your so-called “lost” family and friends. It’s called the WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT in your Bible. Just what is the White Throne Judgment? You need to know!

Let’s understand, your Bible plainly reveals a successful and abundant way of life. Jesus Himself stated in John 10:10, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

The common religious appeal you may hear is: “Just accept Jesus into your heart and you will be saved!” But most people neglect the action that Jesus Himself asked of us. What action is that? What is missing in those messages? The word “repent” is what’s missing in so many false appeals. My friends, you cannot be saved unless you repent! Jesus Himself stated in Mark 1:15, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

God wants every human being on earth to repent—to change from the selfish way of life and to seek the true God. Turn in your Bible to Acts the second chapter. This was the historic day when the New Testament Church of God began. God poured out His Holy Spirit as Christ’s disciples were meeting in the Jerusalem temple. Turn in your Bible to Acts the second chapter. The Apostle Peter convicted the people of their sinful support for crucifying the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Acts 2:38, “… Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

My friends, one of the first steps towards being saved is to do exactly as the Apostle Peter instructed. To repent and be baptized. Have you been baptized? Totally immersed in water? Romans 6:1–4 describes the phenomenon and the symbolism. For more information, view our program, “Why Baptism?” Just type that program title into the TomorrowsWorld.org search bar to view the program on our website.

The world has unusual ideas about being saved. Perhaps you have heard the expression “Once saved, always saved.” But what does your Bible say? The New Testament confirms three stages of being saved: past, present, and future. Once you have genuinely repented and been baptized, you have been saved from the penalty of your past sins by the blood of Jesus Christ. But that is not the end of our salvation. Notice that the Apostle Paul uses the present progressive tense in 1 Corinthians 1:18: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Converted Christians must continually grow spiritually, as we read in 2 Peter 3:18, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” They must overcome human nature with the promise of God’s divine nature, as it states in 2 Peter 1:2–4. Some of you may be familiar with the old hymn with the words, “overcoming daily with the spirit’s sword, standing on the promises of God.” Jesus Himself admonishes His seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, to “overcome.” The ultimate blessing of salvation is given to overcomers in Revelation 21:7, “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.”

Genuine Christianity includes a commitment to seek God’s Kingdom above all else in life, as Jesus stated in Matthew 6:33. The future stage of salvation is shown in several scriptures and promises. Here are just two: Romans 5:10, “… if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Yes, we shall ultimately be saved by His life! Matthew 24:13 also gives the life-long commitment: “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”

The Vital Purpose of the Resurrections

We saw that your Bible requires us to repent of our sins, as Jesus stated in Mark 1:15. We also saw that salvation is an ongoing process, and that newly baptized Christians must grow spiritually over a lifetime. “[B]ut grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). We also saw the awesome promise in Romans 5:10, “[I]f when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”

That’s God’s wonderful promise to you! But what happens to the billions who never even heard the name of Christ? Scripture tells us in Acts 4:12, “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Masses of humans have lived and died and have never heard the true gospel. How could they have been saved? My friends, God is not an unjust God. He WILL give those masses of people their FIRST genuine opportunity for salvation in the WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT.

Turn in your Bible, if you have one available, to Revelation 20:11. As we’ll see later, this great judgment takes place after the Millennium, the thousand-year reign of Christ on this earth. Revelation 20:11, “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, [here, billions of humans stand before God in a great resurrection!] and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books” (Revelation 20:11–12). Here are masses of dead people resurrected to judgment. They will have genuine hope. They will have a new physical lifetime and an opportunity to repent and accept God’s salvation through Christ.

What happens when you die? Shocking as it may seem, the Bible teaches that NO ONE goes to HEAVEN or a BURNING HELLFIRE immediately after death. The TRUTH IS, no one will even live again, until the RESURRECTION. The dead remain dead until one of the THREE GENERAL RESURRECTIONS. My friends, you need to know what the Bible teaches about the three resurrections. The SECOND RESURRECTION takes place at the White Throne Judgment, and it gives hope to billions of humans who have never converted to Christianity. They will have their FIRST OPPORTUNITY for Salvation! They will have their FIRST complete opportunity to become true Christians.

Let’s review what happens to every person who dies. If you have your Bible, open it to the 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians. 1 Corinthians the 15th chapter is referred to as the resurrection chapter. 1 Corinthians 15:12. Here, the Apostle Paul is testifying to the truth of the resurrection. Some in the Corinthian congregation believed there was no resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:12, “Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.”

In other words, the resurrection is the HOPE of a Christian. If there’s NO resurrection, we absolutely have NO hope! Paul repeats this important point in verse 16, “For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished” (1 Corinthians 15:16–18).

Paul is saying IF THERE IS NO RESURRECTION, then even faithful Christians would be dead forever. They would have perished, as Paul wrote. But the good news is: THERE IS A RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD. Now notice another important point. How does scripture refer to Christians who have died? 1 Corinthians 15:18. Paul refers to the dead as “those who have FALLEN ASLEEP IN CHRIST.”

The dead are dead, as it tells us in Ecclesiastes 9:5, “For the living know that they will die; But the DEAD KNOW NOTHING….” The dead are totally unconscious—they do not experience pain—they do not experience the passing of time. Even the faithful saints, genuine Christians, remain in the grave until the resurrection at the return of Christ. In the White Throne Judgment, as we’ll see later, billions will also be resurrected from the dead to live out their natural, physical lives. That will be the second resurrection.

But the FIRST resurrection is for faithful Christians. It is a resurrection to immortality, not to physical life. That resurrection is the hope of a Christian. Let’s understand, if one already went to heaven at death, there would be NO NEED for a resurrection. One is NOT born with immortality or eternal life. Believe it or not, the Bible teaches that the SOUL can die. The SOUL is NOT immortal. Let’s briefly review what will be shocking to many. Turn again [in] your Bible to Ezekiel 18:4. Ezekiel 18:4, “The SOUL WHO SINS SHALL DIE!” This is repeated in verse 20, “The SOUL WHO SINS SHALL DIE!” The Hebrew word for Soul is “Nephesh” which means physical or natural life. Souls can die. No human has an immortal soul. In 1 Corinthians 15:53 we learn that, at the RESURRECTION, “this MORTAL must put on immortality.”

A Resurrection for Those Who Never Knew Christ

But WHEN does the first general resurrection take place? 1 Corinthians 15:21, “For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all DIE, even so in Christ all shall be MADE alive. But each one in his OWN ORDER: Christ the firstfruits, AFTERWARD those who are Christ’s AT HIS COMING” (1 Corinthians 15:21–23).

So, the first resurrection takes place at the Second Coming of Christ. That hasn’t happened yet! Will you be in that resurrection? If you GENUINELY belong to Jesus Christ at that time, you will be in the FIRST RESURRECTION. It’s called a “better resurrection” in Hebrews 11:35. WHY? Because it’s a resurrection to ETERNAL LIFE and IMMORTALITY.

Yes, faithful saints and Christians who died are waiting in their graves for the first resurrection, and the return of Christ. But what happens to the billions of humans who never converted to Christianity? Are they burning in hell right now? No! As we have seen, everyone who has died, with the exception of Jesus Christ, is still dead. These people who never had their minds opened to true Christianity will be in the White Throne Judgment! They will be in the SECOND RESURRECTION.

This second great resurrection is to judgment. Those resurrected to physical life will stand before God in the White Throne Judgment. These are the “rest of the dead” who lived not again “until the thousand years were finished” (Revelation 20:5). Now notice this in John the FIFTH chapter. Jesus spoke about this resurrection to judgment. John 5:28: “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which ALL who are in THE GRAVES will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” or judgment, as other translations have it.

So, is there hope for the BILLIONS of humans who never converted to Christianity? Yes, there is hope! Revelation 20:11, “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the DEAD, small and great, STANDING before God [This is the SECOND resurrection.], and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.”

The Greek word for “books” is “biblia.” The good news is that the books, or the Bible, are opened to the understanding of the masses of people for the first time. Remember the Valley of Dry Bones described by the prophet Ezekiel? This resurrection described in the 37th chapter of Ezekiel, also takes place at the SECOND RESURRECTION. Turn in your Bible to Ezekiel 37:5. The Creator God resurrects the dead to physical life. Those who never knew the true God, will now become very acquainted with Him. Ezekiel 37:5, “Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: ‘Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.’” These resurrected humans will now have renewed physical life in the White Throne Judgment. The SECOND RESURRECTION is a resurrection to physical life. This resurrection includes not only the House of Israel, as identified here in Ezekiel, but gentiles as well.

The Book of Life is finally opened to those resurrected in the White Throne Judgment, as we saw in Revelation 20:12. This will be their FIRST opportunity to really learn the truth. This is NOT a SECOND chance as some would like to call it. All human beings will be held accountable for their actions and thoughts. But this will be their first time for many to SEE their sins, to the extent they’ll have the opportunity to REPENT of their sins, and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. Others in the resurrection will include those who were victims of accidents, oppression, and genocide. They will be healed and given a chance for a peaceful and prosperous life—and a genuine opportunity for eternal life in glory. Yes, today is not the only day of salvation!

The Final Judgment—AFTER a Chance to Live in God’s Kingdom!

“Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:6–7).

It’s God’s purpose to give everyone who has ever lived a GENUINE, FAIR OPPORTUNITY to be a part of His Divine Family for all eternity. Sadly, some individuals will reject God’s grace and salvation. They’ll REFUSE to repent of their sins and accept Jesus’ sacrifice. But God will not allow human beings to suffer for all eternity in a state of bitterness, hate, and rebellion. He’ll destroy them in the lake of fire. Notice this sobering statement in Revelation 21:7: “He who overcomes shall inherit ALL THINGS, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:7–8).

The THIRD RESURRECTION is to eternal punishment and destruction in the lake of fire. [GRAPHIC: The THIRD RESURRECTION = Just punishment and eternal DEATH in the lake of fire] God is just. He states in Hebrews 10:30, “‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” All the unrepentant, evil rebels will feel the wrath of God. They’ll receive the ultimate punishment.

Finally, let’s turn to Revelation 20:14. Let’s see what happens at the end of the White Throne Judgment. Revelation 20:14, “Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:14–15). The second death is the death from which there is NO resurrection. It is the ultimate penalty.

The wicked will be tormented as they stand before the lake of fire. Then all the wicked will be cast into the lake of fire and burned up. They will LIVE NO LONGER. As it tells us in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death [eternal death], but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

God has an awesome plan for all humanity. His plan is sure and wonderful. Everyone, including billions of non-Christians, will have their first genuine opportunity to respond to the true gospel, to surrender to their Savior, Jesus Christ, and to be a part of God’s family for all eternity.

The truth about the White Throne Judgment is an awesome part of God’s plan for billions of human beings. The REAL HOPE of all humans is the resurrection.

My friends, you do not want to be among those who are spiritually lost! As the Apostle Peter stated in Acts 2:40, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” You need to take the first steps toward salvation. You need to seek God as it tells us in Isaiah 55:6–7; you need to get down on your knees if you physically can, and confess your sins. God will bless you as you seek repentance and baptism.

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