A MESSAGE OF HOPE FROM DR JACK VAN IMPE

Revelation 20: 7 – 15

Verse 7: And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,

Verse 8: And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

Verse 9: And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.

This portion of Scripture has caused many people great concern. They ask, “Why should Satan be loosed for a short season? What purpose could God have in unchaining this monster after one thousand years of blessed peace?” The answer is, “The free will of man.”

All persons who enter the Millennium are redeemed people (Isaiah 60:21 and Joel 2:28). However, one must remember that procreation still takes place during this era of time because those who survived the Tribulation hour enter the Millennium with human bodies. The believers upon the thrones possess resurrected bodies and do not bear children, but the others do. Consequently, the children born during this one-thousand-year period are born with the old Adamic, or sin, nature which has been an inherent part of man ever since the fall of Adam and Eve. Many of them, of course, accept Christ as their personal Saviour, but many do not! In addition, since Satan is bound, there is little to tempt them. They simply do not face the problems and trials which have confronted mankind in past ages. Satan’s release, then, is to determine whether or not Christ is real to these children of the Millennium, or whether they have been submissive simply because He ruled with a rod of iron (chapter 19, verse 15).

The truth is revealed as millions follow the devil. Yes, even after living with the Lord Jesus Christ for ten centuries, much of mankind rebels. Verses 8 and 9 inform us that Satan deceives the nations internationally (pictured by the four corners of the earth), and gathers them together for one last battle. The army is gigantic in number…as the sand of the sea. Once again the camp of God’s people-the beloved city of Jerusalem-is surrounded, just as the armies of the Tribulation hour gathered against Jerusalem to battle (see Zechariah 14:1). Then, in an instant, God destroys them all with a devouring fire from heaven.

To whom do the names Gog and Magog refer? In Ezekiel 38 and 39, they identify Russia. Not so in verse 8. Instead, they most likely indicate the memory of past brutality-much like the names Pearl Harbor, Hiroshima, and Iraq do today. As Gog and Magog (Russia) invades Israel and comes against Jerusalem during the Tribulation hour, such an indelible impression is left upon all the world that now-one thousand years later-the details are still vivid. Thus, this past war, fought in the same area, is brought to mind as Satan once again attempts to destroy Israel.

Verse 10: And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

This is the end for the deceiver of the ages. He is cast into the place prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). Many centuries were required for this slanderous culprit to reach his final destination. Now that he has arrived, he will experience nothing but continual torment-day and night-for ever and ever. Amen!

We need to digress for a moment at this point, because many persons-Christians included-harbor a misconception about hell. Whenever they see or hear the term, they picture a place where a little red-suited gremlin stokes the fires and torments his victims with a pitchfork. Satan is neither the stoker nor does he torment his followers-and, as we have observed, he does not enter hell until after the Millennium. As we have already learned, Satan is the god of this world [system] (2 Corinthians 4:4), the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2), and the ruler of heavens one and two-the aerial and stellar heavens. He retains this position until he is cast out of heaven (see chapter 12, verses 7-9). He then reigns on earth for the final forty-two months of the Tribulation period. Upon Christ’s return to earth, Satan is bound in the bottomless pit, and then, following the Millennium, is released for a short season. Finally, he is cast into hell, or the lake of fire and brimstone, where he is tormented for all eternity. An understanding of these truths is essential to both victorious living and correct interpretation of the Book of Revelation.

We now come to the most awesome portion of Scripture in the entire Bible-the judgment of the wicked.

Verse 11: And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

Verse 12: And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Verse 13: And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

Verse 14: And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Verse 15: And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Again John says, I saw. The term is found thirty seven times in this book. What a privilege was his! This time he views the gloomiest hour of history-the judgment of the wicked-as well as Christ sitting upon a white throne. White is the symbol of purity, justice, and holiness in Scripture. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white (chapter 19, verses 7 and 8).

Since “white” stands for all that is honorable and right, what does it symbolize? Integrity-for Christ, who is the truth (John 14:6), is himself the Judge. Notice that the term is Great White Throne. This pictures a great judgment that is about to fall on those who have rejected the “so great salvation” question (see Hebrews 2:3).

How does one know that the tender, loving Jesus is the One who sits upon the throne as Judge? The answer is found in John 5:22: For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son. Again, the Father hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man (John 5:27). The One raised from the dead-the Lord Jesus Christ-is the Judge, according to Acts. 17:31: [For] he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. That moment is now before us!

What a solemn scene as unregenerate mankind comes face to face with God for the investigation of all their evil deeds. Every transgressor is present: presidents and paupers, high society snobs and skid row derelicts. Yes, this group includes every Christ-rejecter of the ages, small and great, rich and poor, free and bond. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life [the first resurrection]; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation [the resurrection for judgment] (John 5:28,29). Make no mistake about it, there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust (Acts 24:15).

As the unsaved stand before a holy God, the books are opened. Yes, He has record of every wicked deed sinners have ever committed. Nothing remains hidden. Adultery, abortion, drunkenness, drug addiction, harlotry, hatred, lawlessness, murder, rebellion, sexual promiscuity, wife-swapping, and every other abominable practice is then exposed in detail.

How is all this possible? God is both omniscient (all knowing) and omnipotent (all-powerful). The psalmist said in chapter 139, verses 1 and 2, O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising. God knows everything about every member of the human race. God adds, I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them (Ezekiel 11:5). I know when you have eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin (2 Peter 2:14). I know when your tongue is about to curse, For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether(Psalm 139:4). I the Lord search the heart (Jeremiah 17:10). This statement is extremely important, For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornication, thefts, false witness, blasphemies (Matthew 15:19).

God’s books will be totally accurate because He sees every move humans make: The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth (2 Chronicles 16:9). All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do (Hebrews 4: 13). That aborted fetus flushed into oblivion, that sex act in a parked car or motel room; that crooked deal for illegal gain-everything is indelibly inscribed in the journal of the Almighty bookkeeper. One cannot hide from God, whoever He may be! Furthermore, no mistakes will be made, for the dead will be judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. We also see that every unbeliever will be present, for the bodies come forth from land and sea and the souls come from Hades (or hell). Then, body, soul, and spirit are reunited to stand before God.

Many have never realized that there is a time when the wicked are released from hell. This is not a new doctrine or man-made theory. However, for the moment, let’s examine a few facts regarding this teaching.

The New Testament contains two Greek words-Hades and Gehenna-both of which are translated hell in our English Bible. The Lord Jesus Christ used both words repeatedly. Why two words? Are there two places? Yes! A simple illustration will help us understand.

Everyone knows the difference between a local jail and a penitentiary. When an individual is arrested for a crime, he is not placed in the penitentiary until he has had a trial. Instead, he is locked up in the local jail (city or county), where he awaits his trail. Then, upon being found guilty, he is transferred to the penitentiary, where he serves his sentence. The next statement is of extreme importance. Get it! When Jesus used the word Hades, He referred to the local jail-the place where the sinner is bound until the judgment morning. Then, on Judgment Day, the sinner comes out of the local jail (Hades), stands before the Judge (the Lord Jesus himself), is found guilty, and is subsequently transferred to the final penitentiary of souls (Gehenna). The lake of fire is usually synonymous with Gehenna.

The eleven instances where Christ mentioned Hades are as follows: Matthew 11:23; 16:18; Luke 10:15; 16:22, 23; Acts 2:27; 2:3 1; 1 Corinthians 15:55; Revelation 1:18; 6:8; 20:13; and Revelation 20:14.

Gehenna is mentioned twelve times by the Saviour: Matthew 5:22; 5:29; 5:30; 10:28; 18:9; 23:15; 23:33; Mark 9:43; 9:45; 9:47; Luke 12:5; and James 3:6.

After studying the twenty-three texts, one observes that verses 13 and 14 of our present study now make perfect sense: Death [the grave] and hell [Hades] delivered up the dead which were in them. The plural pronoun “them” indicates two places: the grave and Hades-one for the body and the other for the soul. Next they were judged every man according to his works (that’s the trial). Then death and hell [Hades-Greek] were cast into the lake of fire [Gehenna-the final penitentiary].

Why are they transferred? Gehenna differs from Hades in that Gehenna is a place where there are degrees of suffering. After one has been examined and judged as to how much light he had (how often he heard the message of salvation and rejected it), he is assigned to this place called Gehenna, where there are degrees of suffering according to one’s light and works. Thus, the final hell will differ for all, depending on one’s evil deeds and the number of times he rejected Christ’s offer of love.

Now we understand Romans 2:5 a little better: But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up [storest up, savest up] unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath. This is why it shall be more tolerable [more bearable, more endurable] for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for [Capernaum] (Matthew 11:24). What was Capernaum’s sin? Capernaum had greater light since Christ visited the city and preached to her citizens. This is also why the Pharisees receive the greater damnation (Matthew 23:14).

Clearly, sinners are raised from death and Hades, judged by Christ at the Great White Throne, and then transferred to Gehenna. The “good news,” however, is that none of this happens to those who are trusting in the merits of the shed blood of Jesus. When one trusts Christ, his name is written in the book of life. The judgment just discussed is only for those whose names are not found inscribed in the book (see verse 15). If one is saved, he need never be concerned about hell as his eternal destiny, for he that believeth on [Christ] is not condemned (John 3:18). He is also passed from death unto life (John 5:24). Thus, there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Amen.

The great judgment is only for those who participate in the final resurrection which occurs after the 1,000-year or millennial reign of Christ upon earth. Those who were raised prior to the Millennium are eternally secure, for blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power (verse 6).

FROM THE HEART OF DR. REXELLA VAN IMPE

HE’S COMING THROUGH THAT DOOR!

Jack’s parents were extremely proud and grateful to live in the United States, but always kept strong ties with their homeland and all of their relatives over the years. Consequently, after Jack and I were married, it was my joy to accompany him to Belgium to visit his family and celebrate his European heritage. We had large dinner parties for the extended family, with lots of music, laughter, and fun-both Jack and his father were talented, world-class accordionists. We also enjoyed visiting the humble but charming homes of uncles and aunts and other relatives.

During our trips, I learned to love the warmth and strong character of the people there, and had the opportunity to learn a good deal about the culture and history of Belgium. The last time we were there, I was so impressed with the beauty of Brussels that I tried to capture a few glimpses in photographs.

A city of beauty, culture, and history

The old world architecture of historic Brussels is absolutely gorgeous, with buildings dating back to the 1300s. Amazingly, they are just as magnificent and impressive today as they must have been when they were originally built. And scattered throughout the city are neighborhood parks with statues and monuments to historic leaders and events. People still gather there, particularly at midday and in the early evening, to relax in the shade of the trees and converse with friends and passersby.

During this spectacular visit we were happy to celebrate the biannual flower festival. I watched a beehive of workers scurrying about to place one million gloriously beautiful blossoms into an ornate design that turned the entire marketplace into a floral extravaganza-a million red and white petals glowing in the soft sunlight. I could hardly believe what I was seeing.

The next day I took Jack with me back to the marketplace to see the completed exhibition. It was breathtakingly beautiful, and I could only exclaim, “This is something I wish everybody could see!” And, indeed, it seemed that people from all over Europe had come to see Brussels’s fabulous Flower Festival on the Grand Place Square. I shall never forget that awesome spectacle!

There are amazing restaurants in Belgium-the country is famous for its wonderful cuisine, mainly French and Dutch. During our last visit, we were celebrating an anniversary, and couldn’t resist indulging in the wonderful Belgian cooking. We decided to splurge and have dinner at a restaurant called Comme Chez Soi, which means “just like home.” Considered by some food experts to be one of the five best restaurants in the world, this extraordinary inn serves exquisite French specialties with added Belgian zest. The food was simply scrumptious! We also discovered several other more economical places to eat-even the simple sidewalk cafes are enjoyable.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention the world-famous chocolate that is practically part of Belgium’s national identity. Jack has always insisted that Belgian chocolate is the finest in all the world-and I think he might be right. Every time we visit Brussels, invariably our walks through the city take us by some shops with a window display of the most delectable candies you’ve ever seen. And we usually go in! There are chocolate shops simply everywhere, ranging from small boutiques to large factory stores. Most Americans have probably heard of companies like Neuhaus or Godiva, but there are probably at least a half-dozen other Belgian chocolate makers with international reputations for excellence. Jack especially loves Leonidas Chocolates.

A city of prophetic destiny

There is another reason I wanted to share with you some facts about Belgium in this newsletter. This small European country is becoming more and more renowned, the setting for almost daily international news reports. Why is so much world attention focused here?

It all started around 1948 with the establishment of the Benelux (Belgium-Netherlands-Luxembourg) Economic Union, which gradually evolved into the European Union. Beginning with ten key nations, then thirteen, then expanding to the current confederation of twenty-five countries, the European Union (EU) has its headquarters in Brussels.

The EU’s stated purpose and concern is related to trade and commerce among member nations as well as international trading partners. Increasingly, it has begun flexing its muscles around the world to influence or control virtually all aspects of life for its member nations. The EU has implemented a new currency, the euro, and forged numerous treaties and edicts dealing with such far-reaching issues as immigration, transportation, shipping, employment opportunities, legal and judicial standards, the environment, and a host of other concerns.

Already the EU is exerting economic and political control over other countries in the world-including the United States-on selected issues. Essentially the European Union can simply say, “The countries we buy from will provide products that meet our specific standards,” or “Our suppliers must not threaten or damage the environment in producing the products they sell to us.”

Scholars of Bible prophecy like my husband, Jack, have long recognized that there will be a revived Roman Empire that will be the last political empire to reign on this earth before Jesus comes back. Jack and other prophecy experts are sure that the European Union is that end-time empire, which will become the strongest economic and political power that has ever existed.

The Book of Daniel describes a great image, with different parts made of various materials: from a head of gold, breast and arms of silver, belly and thighs of brass, legs of iron, to feet and toes partly of iron and partly of clay. The ten toes, scholars say, refer prophetically to the original ten countries that formed the European Union!

A new world leader for the last days

The Bible further reveals that out of this supreme political juggernaut will step forth the strongest and most cunning political leader ever to live. This world diplomat, whom the Word of God calls the Antichrist, will be brilliant, incredibly charming, and powerfully persuasive. As head of the greatest economic system in the world, perhaps with control of computer technology that could keep track of the daily activities of every person on earth; he would claim to have answers for mankind’s greatest problems and concerns.

So when Jack and I were last in Brussels, we walked across the historic city to a vantage point across the street from an enormous, modernistic steel-and-glass structure that houses the headquarters of the European Union. A huge semicircular row of flagpoles was outside the entrance, with the EU’s huge flag-royal blue with a circle of twelve gold stars- fluttering in the breeze, along with the national flags of many member countries.

As I stood there, I suddenly realized that I was seeing with my own eyes the actual, physical location from which the ultimate world dictator will surely come. I involuntarily shivered to think that the final events of world history were about to unfold! And I exclaimed, “He’s coming through that door!”

Even now, it is almost overwhelming to think that perhaps this great world leader has an office on the sixth floor, and is being very vocal with his votes on policies to control the world. It literally could happen at any moment…perhaps today!

When he steps forward, this new leader of the world may advance an economic plan that will eradicate famine and homelessness, providing food, shelter, and medical care for every person in the world-if they join his universal system. Simply accepting an identification implant-a mark-gives them access. We have all heard of the mark 666.

What’s more, no doubt, this leader of the new world order will advance a solution to the wars and conflicts that have raged virtually out of control for centuries. The peace platform he presents on that day will be a seven-year peace program for the Middle East that will work-and even Israel will accept it!

In the excitement and euphoria that follows such momentous events, even a majority of the remaining skeptics will be won over by Antichrist’s charming deception. Impressed by his genius as a mediator, his skill at international diplomacy, and his persuasive charm, they will be defenseless when he flexes his muscles and declares, “Not only am I the leader of the European Union and the savior of the world-I AM GOD! I have the solution…no, I am the answer for every remaining problem!”

Setting the stage for the end

Do you think such a thing could not happen? The problems of the world are getting bigger and more complex. Before one conflict is resolved, two more break out. No matter where you look in the world today there is turmoil and tumult.

More and more voices are calling for world summit conferences and new multi-nation alliances. Despite protests to the contrary, expect to see future plans and proposals seeking to pass the “world test!” All the nations of the world seem as confused and troubled. Is this not the perfect setting for the emergence of a new World Leader who can deliver peace and provide solutions for every crisis?

The Bible says that in the middle of the great world dictator’s seven-year peace plan, the contract is broken and everything falls apart. The rage of the world breaks out anew, and the nations of the world align themselves for battle. This is the fearsome battle of Armageddon that will take place in the valley of Megiddo in Israel.

Another Hitler Rising!

There is not enough time or space for me to say much more except that the beginning of the end is so very close at hand. If you would like to know more, turn to the Book of Daniel in your Bible, especially chapters seven through nine. This man will come through that door in Brussels pretending to be the greatest friend of Israel and the world. In fact, he is the enemy-“Another Hitler Rising.”

Hear this important word, my friend. One reason our “Jack Van Impe Presents” telecast is so widely accepted is that it is not a fear program but a program of comfort and hope. Jack certainly talks frankly about current events and the important issues of our day. He does not shy away from pointing out the peril of the last days in which we live. But more emphatically, he spotlights the victory and deliverance that are ours in Jesus Christ, our triumphant Lord and Savior.

Be comforted and encouraged in the words of Jesus-

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God,
believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many
mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.
I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare
a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto
myself; that where I am, there ye may be also…I am
the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto
the Father but by me (John 14:1-3, 6).

Oh yes, any day now a great and powerful World Leader is coming through the door of the European Union to trigger the last events of the last days. Watch and be ready.

But Jesus Christ, who is Almighty God, will soon be stepping through the door of the heavens, and he is all powerful! He is coming to set everything straight-forever! Praise the Lord, we can say, “Even so come quickly, Lord Jesus!”

That’s why we are on the air week after week. We believe every telecast and radio broadcast presents blessed hope to the world. Without Christ, there’s not much good news to tell. But with the Lord, we can joyfully proclaim a message of encouragement. He is coming soon!

I encourage you to be of good cheer and to go about the Master’s business. Oh, and keep looking up into the eastern sky because our Lord will soon appear.

HE’S COMING THROUGH THAT (HEAVENLY) DOOR!

CHANGED LIVES-one at a time

Dear Dr. Jack and Rexella Impe:

I wanted to email you to let you know what a blessing it is to see your broadcast up here in Canada. So many churches in my area and throughout the country avoid the topic of Jesus return, sin, and choose rather to embrace tolerance and cater to the masses. I’m glad you both stick close to the Word of God for your message and are not afraid to say things like they are. Atheism, Homosexuality, the removal of Christ’s authority from the Word, are all signs of the decline of our society into sin.

Thank you for being one of the few ministries that does not cater to the masses but rather exposes sin for what it really is and does not let compromise dilute the Word of God through Christ Jesus. Your work is invaluable, and your salvation message is always important.

I just wanted to say to keep up the good work. May the Lord Jesus Christ and God the Father bless you for what you do and may you continue to fight the good fight.

D. S.

I have learned so much and have come to have more of an understanding of what is going on around us through your teaching. I watch you every Friday night as much as I can and just love you both you tell it like it is no sugar coating as a lot of preachers do now days because they are afraid of stepping on many toes in the church. My church has a very small congregation 25 to 30 may be less at times but my pastor preaches like you do pastor Van Impe maybe that is why we are witnessing the falling away of the church Jesus said this would happen before his return. I thank God for you and Rexella I know when I watch you on TV and read your newsletter that I am being told the truth may God richly bless you both in everything you do. I am like one of the ladies who said at times she is alone going through her hard times I can certainly relate to that but we know we are really never alone Jesus is with us all through our struggles.

May God Richly Bless You Both.

A. H.

HIGHLIGHTED PRODUCT OFFERS

The Jesus of Judaism, Christianity, & Islam

At this precarious time in history, Drs. Jack and Rexella Van Impe want you and your loved ones to know the Truth!

Amidst the lies, hatred, and destruction of Islam and liberal’s message to the world, Jesus’ message of love and redemption shines throughout history, on the pages of Scripture.

You’ll feel Christ’s love for His chosen people and for you, as Drs. Jack and Rexella expertly reveal the answers to questions like:

• Is the Jesus of the Koran the same as the Jesus of the Bible?
• Who is the Messiah of Islam?
• Did the Jews know Jesus would be crucified?
• That He would rise again?
• What is the future of the Jewish people?
• What are the differences between Christianity and Islam?
• What are the five fundamentals of the Christian faith?
• Is Obama a Christian?
• Does Israel becoming a nation in 1948, and taking Jerusalem in 1967, prove that Jesus is coming back very soon?
• What is jihad really about?
• Does Islam fuel Christian persecution?
• And many more!

Armageddon’s 4 Horsemen Mounting

And I looked, and behold a pale horse; and his name that set on him was Death, and Hell followed with him Revelation 6:8

Death and Hell about to be unleashed on our world? Revelation 6 gives a horrifying description of the ‘Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’ and now Drs. Jack and Rexella Van Impe show you that those riders could be mounting their devastating steeds right now!

This video teaching uses Bible prophecy and today’s headlines to show you the startling truth – and help you answer critical questions such as:

• Who are the four horsemen?
• What does former Pope Benedict’s conflict with Islamists reveal?
• What prophecy says Francis will be the last pope before the Antichrist arises?
• What stands in the way of a one world religion?
• When will there be peace in the Middle East?
• What role does Russia play in Armageddon?
• Has the horseman of terrorism already been unleashed?
• Could Shariah Law come to the USA?
• And many more!