Getting started

Shalom to all readers.
I've always been taught that one should start a communication by defining a few terms; so, let's get started with a few basic definitions:

First of all, what is eschatology? Simply put, it's a fancy term that comes from the Greek word "eschatos" which means "last things." So, "eschatology" is "the study of last things," in particular the final events predicted by the prophecies provided by God, who transcends time, through His messengers the prophets.

That being said, I hope to provide for all who read along with this daily prophecy blog some basics in Greek and Hebrew, a realistic look at the prophecies, and a unique view that doesn't necessarily follow any traditional viewpoint. The Scriptures are more important to me than following any particular, theological viewpoint. Thus, adherence to the truth of God's word is paramount.

Now, I'm not the sort who finds fulfillment of prophecy in every little hiccup of current events; so, if you've come here for sensationalism, you won't find it. However, if you've come for the truth (as best I see it), you've come to the right place.

Eschatology is considered a branch of theology and as such is susceptible to the same foibles as theology proper is. Let's face it; sometimes theology, in all of its variants, veers significantly away from the Scriptures for the sake of consistency. However, if theology veers from the Scriptures, the Scriptures are correct and the theological conclusions are possibly in error.

Also, when I said "a realistic look at the prophecies," please understand that it IS realistic for God to be a God who works miracles. Thus, I intend never to suggest that Scriptures that talk about the miracle-working power of God need to be understood otherwise.

Quickly, here are some other basic definitions:

"Christ" is an English transliteration of the Greek word "Christos," which is a translation of the Hebrew word "Mashiach." "Mashiach," itself transliterated into Greek as "Messias" and into English as "Messiah," means "anointed (one)." However, even that needs to be better understood: "To anoint" means "to rub" or "to paint," particularly with the Holy Anointing Oil as described in Exodus 30:22-33.

Did you know that there are MANY "messiahs" in Scripture? Therefore, there are MANY "christs!" This is important to understand because a great many people think that "Christ" is Jesus' last name! (It's not!) It is a TITLE! It is used in the ancient Jewish culture to identify a person who was selected by God for a particular purpose or occupation. Priests were "anointed"; prophets were "anointed"; judges were "anointed"; and kings were "anointed." These people were so "anointed" as an indicator of their selection by God. Thus, Aaron was "anointed" by God for the priesthood and so was a "messiah of God." Therefore, Aaron was a "christ of God!" That may be difficult to accept, but it is important in some prophecies to understand that "messiah" or "anointed" is a title.

David the King, too, was "anointed by God" to be king of Israel. Therefore, David was a "messiah of God" or a "christ of God!"

Isaiah was "anointed by God" to be His prophet. Therefore, Isaiah, too, was a "messiah of God" or a "christ of God!"

We do know, however, that the prophecies of the Old Testament speak about a FINAL King of Israel that will be THE Messiah of God, whose Kingdom will last forever. This is why Jesus was called "the Christ." He was and is and will always be that FINAL King of Israel, the Messiah of God, the Christ.

"Lord" means "master," as in the owner of a slave. In our culture today, we look down on slavery, but the Apostle Paul frequently called himself a "doulos." This is a Greek word meaning "slave." So, it is not out of character to think of God as our Master.

Will type more soon.

In the Messiah's love,
Retrobyter