The Bible Code and Tribulation

By George C. Stewart

Introduction

Every time there is a new development relating to national Israel, one can expect to see a lot of activity among those who consider Israel as God's special people. The recent (July 2006) conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and Hamas among the Palestinians, has provided these “soothsayers” a fertile field for frenzy.

Before I critique some of the position statements of these dispensationalists, I need to be sure I am not misunderstood. First of all, the nation of Israel was established in 1948 by the United Nations. As such they have every right to be a nation living in security and peace.

Secondly, the terrorist organizations of Hamas and Hezbollah are the primary aggressors and need to be held accountable. Hamas and the Palestinians could have been living in peace with Israel for many years if Yassar Arafat had not wanted to continue the terrorism for his own personal gain. And Lebanon would also be at peace with Israel if not for the fomenting of terror from Syria and Iran. Even more fundamental to all the world's crises—Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Europe, Indonesia, and New York 9/11/01—is the basic nature of Islam. For further study on this subject see one of my special studies in my book: Ancient Corinth and Our Current Culture.

Finally, the nation of Israel is no longer God's “chosen people.” The Israel of God is the church (Galatians 6:16). See my book entitled: Our Reigning King and Returning Lord.

Discussion

The following is a critique of an article entitled, “Could The Tribulation Start September 23, 2006?” This is taken from the web site of Harry Walther (www.satansrapture.com), of the “Church of Philadelphia—Internet” on July 31, 2006. Since the author of this article calls himself “Harry,” I will refer to him as such.

Harry is a dispensationalist who believes in two “raptures” and strongly condemns his fellow sensationalists who believe in only one. He believes the Baptists are headed for Hell. Harry writes: “I do not claim to be a 'Prophet of God' as I do not believe there are any prophets today. There will not be any Prophets until The Great Tribulation starts, soon after The First Rapture Happens and Antichrist declares himself on world television.” At the same time Harry must believe he is very close to being a “prophet,” for he says:

My claim is that God has given me "wisdom and understanding", so I can correctly interpret Bible Prophecy and Revelation and reveal this to whoever will listen, to all who have "ears to hear". Thru (sic) this divine Wisdom and Understanding, ON JUNE 6 2006, I will reveal who Antichrist is, (as we read in Rev:13:18), unless of course, prophetic events supercede (sic).

It is interesting how modern day “prophets”--unlike God's genuine prophets—make categorical statements and then add a disclaimer. They believe (correctly) that many will accept their “prophecies” and overlook the disclaimers—as well as their failures.

Actually, Harry believes he has a special  insight into God's plans for the near future. He writes:

Back in 1982, the Lord revealed to me who Antichrist (the Beast) is. For the next 24 years, I watched his following grow into a global cult and I realized this person truly is the Antichrist, the Son of Satan, the “awaited one” and many are being deceived. I believe God has led me to wait until the right time to reveal this information and June 6 2006 (6.6.06) is this right time and day.

But Harry does not limit his “research” to the Bible. He also searches for “prophecies” in the so-called “Bible Code.” He says,"The BIBLE CODE says 2006 AD (5766 Hebrew Calender) is the YEAR OF THE BEAST and I believe this will be proven true.” He asks: “If YHWH God encoded all life within DNA codes, why could He not encode the five books of Moses, His own book given unto us?” But then here is the qualifier:

Note: All Bible Codes posted on this site are suggestive, possible futures and not the absolute future, not absolute truth. We are just starting to understand and unlock the mysteries of The Bible Code. Just as with the discovery of The DNA Code, today scientists have learned alot (sic) but this is only about two-percent of all there is to be known.

However, Harry has figured out most of the details. He writes:

For the Antichrist to be revealed on 6606, that means that between 27 MAY 06 and JUNE 1, The Dome of The Rock Mosque (Jerusalem) will be blown up, triggering the start of an Islamic Holy War against Israel and  2) The Rapture of The Worthy Christians will happen, say on JUN 1 06 to JUNE 2 06 which is the Hebrew High Holiday of SHAVUOT or "First fruits", when the first fruits of The Harvest are taken into the barn.

Further, Harry says: “The following is a possible scenario showing The Great Tribulation (of seven years) starting in 2006 AD and ending in 2013 AD. It is developed from many Bible codes paralleled with Revelation and some very coincidental dates that will occur between 2006 and 2013 AD.” After relating some events from January 15, 2006 to April-May 2006—when the Dome of the Rock was supposed to be blown up by terrorists—Harry raises the probability that the Antichrist would be revealed on June 6, 2006 TO 1,000 PERCENT. Despite that high percentage of probability, Harry says if the event does not take place on June 6, 2006 it will happen “possibly” in September of 2006. (Always a good idea to hedge your bets.) Then Harry gives another scenario that would move the date to September 23, 2006.

In fact, Harry is personally involved in God's plan. He says: “On June 6 2006 AD, either Antichrist will reveal himself on global television (as the First Rapture will have already occured [sic]) or I will reveal his true Name and Identity on this site and on our radio show, DOOMSDAY TALK RADIO.”

Harry even sees himself in the “Bible Code.” He says: “When I did research into this 6/6/06 theory in The Bible Code, I found 2006 encoded with 'Year of the Beast'.. also the month of JUNE..? I also found GOD HAS DELAYED? and my name, 'Harry REVEALED?' What did all this mean? What am I supposed to do?”

One has to listen up when hearing from one who has such a direct communication with God. But did you catch the “delayed” part? Harry is hedging again. For, he continues:

2006 is clearly encoded with "Year of The Beast". However the phrase " YAHWEH DELAYED" is also encoded as is RESPITE & WORTHINESS. The word RESPITE means a temporary dely (sic) or reprive (sic) before judgment or a death sentence.

If the “Bible Code”  already told Harry that God's plans were to be delayed, why did Harry go ahead and report that the first rapture would take place on June 6, 2006? Harry seems to be a bit (?) confused. He says:

If 6/6/06 comes and nothing has happened, 1) Dome of the Rock is untouched 2) No Rapture (of the worthy Christians) 3) No Antichrist on world television, then I believe (from The Bible Code) that GOD wants me to reveal this information on June 6 2006. (so this date will always be linked to The Identity of The Antichrist).

In other words if God does not perform His duties as Harry determines from the “Bible Code” then God wants Harry to reveal the name of the Antichrist on June 6, 2006. Harry says:

Here is my original page, posted March 01 2006 as I wondered if Antichrist would be here on 6.6.06 or if I was to reveal him on this date?

On June 6 2006 (6606) if the first of two raptures has not happened and Antichrist has not declared himself on world simulcast television, then I (Pastor Harry) will reveal the true name and identity of the Antichrist at 11:05 pm est on this site and on doomsday talk radio, our Internet radio broadcast.

But Harry doesn't think the delay of the rapture is for long. He says: “This means the 'delay' of Antichrist may only be short lived, until Sept 23 2006 as a respite for those who will make their walk with God 'accounted worthy' of heaven.” In fact Harry sees the delay as a good thing because it will allow him time to take more believers in the rapture. He writes:

This does seem to place a heavy burden on Harry, to convert many in such a short time. But who am I to question Harry's formidable abilities? President Bush would be wise to consult with Harry about coming events. Here is how it is all going to take place—according to Harry: “This would also mean the war between Israel and Hezbollah (Iran) will escalate into a nuclear war against Syria, Iran and N. Korea that will trigger the first of two raptures and Antichrist here before 23 Sept 2006.” Secretary of State Condolesa Rice could save a lot of jet fuel by first talking to Harry.

Now back to Harry's promise to reveal the name of the Antichrist. Harry says, “Contrary to popular myth, Antichrist does not come onto the world scene as The 'Pope,' Politician or a Muslim. This would limit his appeal to one faith or group rather than the majority of humanity.” Instead, Harry says:

Antichrist comes as the savior of all faiths & creeds: as Maitreya to the Buddhists, Iman Madhi to The Moslems, Messiah to the Jews, Krishna to the Hindus, Christ to Christians, The Great White Brother to The Hopi Indians, The "Dark Lord" to satanists and witches and The Return of Quezacoatal to ancient Mayan Cosmology.

Harry says, “My study into the occult world tells us that Antichrist will use his Buddha name, as his personal name and that is, Maitreya.” He says, “Maitreya is the 5^th and coming Buddha, the Buddha of compassion. Maitreya in the Hebrew alphabet calculates to six hundred and sixty six (666).” Obviously Harry is referring to the number “six hundred and sixty-six” of Revelation 13:18, although he claims to have found it in the “Bible Code.” But this presents a problem for Harry—which he fails to address. He says  he used the Hebrew to calculate the name of the Antichrist, but—as we all know—the book of Revelation is written in Greek. Modern “prophets” are not too careful about truth.

Harry says, “Maitreya will be revealed soon after the first rapture happens and the Lord takes his true followers, His faithful remnant to heaven.” On March 1, 2006 Harry predicted the first rapture on June 6, 2006. That didn't happen. Now Harry predicts the rapture for September 23, 2006. Don't be surprised when Harry sets another date.

    Harry presents his prediction of the Antichrist as original with him, but a search of the Internet shows many sites with information on the Maitreya. Below is one from www.shareintl.org.

Who is Maitreya?

He has been expected for generations by all of the major religions. Christians know him as the Christ, and expect his imminent return. Jews await him as the Messiah; Hindus look for the coming of Krishna; Buddhists expect him as Maitreya Buddha; and Muslims anticipate the Imam Mahdi or Messiah.

Although the names are different, many believe that they all refer to the same individual: the World Teacher, whose personal name is Maitreya (pronounced my-tray-ah).                 

Preferring to be known simply as the Teacher, Maitreya has not come as a religious leader, or to found a new religion, but as a teacher and guide for people of every religion and those of no religion.

At this time of great political, economic and social crisis Maitreya will inspire humanity to see itself as one family, and create a civilization based on sharing, economic and social justice, and global cooperation.

He will launch a call to action to save the millions of people who starve to death every year in a world of plenty. Among Maitreya's recommendations will be a shift in social priorities so that adequate food, housing, clothing, education, and medical care become universal rights.

Under Maitreya's inspiration, humanity itself will make the required changes and create a saner and more just world for all.

Conclusion

There are many web sites concerning Maitreya, some believing he already is on earth and will in fact bring unity and peace. Others claim he is the Antichrist, just as Harry does. See www.redmoonrising.com.

While Harry is somewhat humorous, he is not alone in making ridiculous claims about special knowledge concerning “end times” and Christ's return. All of these prognostics either ignore or attempt to explain away Jesus' words recorded by Matthew (“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone” (Matthew 24:36).

Even among “us” (Christian Churches/Churches of Christ) there have been—and still are—those who always see current events as evidence of Christ's return. Then they twist Scriptures to fit their observations of events.

May we identify these false prophets and expose them as Christ did, and has told us to do (“Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15-20).