Ask Jack: Q&A With Pastor Jack Hibbs
This summary provides an expert overview of key theological and prophetic discussions from the provided Q&A session, focusing on the authority of scripture, the timing of the Rapture, Israel’s role in prophecy, and navigating end-times deception.
The Foundation: Biblical Authority and Discernment
The central tenet of the discourse is the unwavering authority of the Bible. The ministry adapted its approach during the COVID shutdown to increase the delivery of the Word of God, emphasizing the importance of discipleship.
A key concern raised is the prevalent lie that the Church needs permission from the world to conduct its business for God. The world attempts to dictate definitions of foundational issues, such as marriage and the value of life (abortion, even up to birth). Satan uses the realm of politics to manipulate people, drawing parallels to historical events like those involving Adolf Hitler and the Lutheran church during the World War II era.
Believers are urged to rely on God’s Word over worldly opinion, which leads people astray. Discernment, described as the Holy Spirit’s working in a believer’s life, uses the Word of God as the plumb line to differentiate truth from observation. When Christians depart from scripture, they become susceptible to deception, fear, and loss of faith. Spending more time on secular media (like Facebook or Netflix) than in the Bible sets a believer up for deception.
Prophetic Timelines: The Rapture and Tribulation
A major theological focus is the Rapture of the Church, which is considered a fundamental teaching of Jesus and the Apostles.
Imminence of the Rapture
The Rapture is viewed as a “mystery” that has been revealed at the appropriate time. It has no prerequisite Bible prophecies that must be fulfilled before it occurs. Every day brings believers closer to this event, necessitating a moral focus and readiness. Current global events—such as global issues affecting everyone simultaneously (like the COVID pandemic) and widespread violent rioting—indicate that the Lord’s return must be close. The Church’s existence alongside the existence of Israel as a nation signals proximity to the time when God will work with Israel again in the last days.
The Pre-Tribulation Stance
The sources strongly adhere to a Pre-Tribulation Rapture. This position is based on several arguments:
- Exemption from God’s Wrath: God has predetermined and announced that the Church will not see the wrath of God. The seven-year Tribulation Period is a time of God’s indignation and punishment brought against the Christ-rejecting world.
- Focus on Israel: The Tribulation is specifically promised to Israel—seven years of special dispensation—to fulfill prophecies in Daniel 9:24-27. The seven years are divided into two 42-month segments.
- Absence of the Church: The Church is not mentioned in the Tribulation period prophecies. In Revelation 4:1, John (representing the Church) is seen in heaven and is never seen again on Earth during the judgment period, reappearing only in Revelation 19 in heaven.
- Misapplied Scripture: Passages like Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, which describe fleeing from housetops or praying to avoid running on the Sabbath or in winter, are addressed not to Gentiles or the Church, but to future Jews who believe in Jesus during the Tribulation.
- The Hinderer: The Antichrist cannot be revealed until the Hinderer (the Holy Spirit working through the Church) is taken out of the way. The Church must be gone before the Antichrist signs his treaty with Israel, which starts the Tribulation.
The Strong Delusion and Post-Rapture Judgment
After the Church is removed, evil will be released. The strong delusion prophesied in 2 Thessalonians 2 will not happen until the Church is removed. God will send this strong delusion to those who refused to believe the love of the truth while they had the chance. This judgment applies specifically to those today who know the Bible and have heard the gospel but did not love it enough to believe.
Israel, Global Conflict, and the End of Days
Prophetic events centered on Israel are crucial indicators of the end times.
The Ezekiel 38 Battle
The Ezekiel 38 battle is distinct from the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19). Ezekiel 38 involves a coalition led by Russia and handful of Muslim nations (including Libya, Turkey, and Persia) coming against Israel. Syria (Damascus) is thought to be obliterated before this battle. God intervenes, allowing Israel to know that God acted.
The result of this battle is debated: some scholars suggest it might open the door for the Antichrist to sign a peace treaty with Israel, allowing the rebuilding of the Temple. The Tribulation period begins when the Antichrist signs a seven-year treaty (covenant) with Israel.
Judgment of the Nations (Sheep and Goats)
The judgment of the nations (the sheep and goats separation) described in Matthew 25 occurs after the Second Coming of Jesus (Revelation 19). Jesus will sit on David’s throne in Jerusalem. This judgment focuses on how individual Gentiles treated Jewish brethren (Israel) during the Tribulation period.
- Sheep Nations/People: Those who were kind to Israel inherit the Millennial Kingdom (the restored earth).
- Goat Nations/People: Those who were not kind are judged and potentially cast into Gehenna (Valley of Hinnom).
Mystery Babylon
Revelation 17 and 18 describe two intertwined aspects of Babylon: Spiritual Babylon (representing all false cults, pagan worship, and idolatry) and Commercial Babylon (the economic entity). Commercial Babylon is depicted as a great city controlling trade, sounding like a global economic hub (e.g., New York City). It is speculated that the Antichrist will rebuild the ancient geographical area of Babylon (off the Euphrates River) as part of his efforts to “swoon the world” during the Tribulation. The Antichrist may operate from headquarters in Babylon, Jerusalem, and Rome.