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Prophecy and the Sixth-Century Axial Period

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The Axial Period, occurring between 800 and 200 BC, marks a significant era that encompasses the writings of the prophets from Isaiah to Malachi. During this time, fundamental categories of thought and the beginnings of world religions were created, taking a step into universality. This period is considered by some as a miracle, lacking a fully adequate human explanation within current knowledge, yet it is clear that God was involved, leaving a record in the Bible. Jeremiah, described as the Axial Man, was prepared by God to prophesy not only to Israel and Judah but to many nations, with a commission to root out, pull down, destroy, throw down, build, and plant. The Axial Period ushered in a new world, the times of the Gentiles, with the Babylonian image influencing cultures since the sixth century BC, embedding its ways in nations even to the present day. God's prophets trumpeted its birth long before and as it occurred. As the end time approaches, a parallel to this Axial Period may emerge, marked by tumultuous worldwide events, leading to a new world order devised by God, culminating in the return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Kingdom of God.

The Sixth Century Axial Period (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The Sixth Century BC, known as the Axial Period, marks a pivotal era in history where the world underwent a profound transformation. This period, spanning roughly from 620 BC to 500 BC, is characterized as an axis on which history turned, resulting in a dramatically different world compared to the preceding centuries. During this time, ancient civilizations such as the Assyrians, Egyptians, Hittites, Midianites, Phoenicians, Ammonites, and Moabites dissolved from prominence, while new powers like Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, China, and India began their ascent. This era of simultaneous destruction and creation saw the rise of mighty empires and the emergence of technological and organizational planning as the ancient order collapsed. Significant figures across various cultures, including Pythagoras, Confucius, Lao-Tze, Buddha, Zoroaster, Numa in Rome, and Thales the Greek astronomer, appeared almost concurrently, reforming national religions and laying the groundwork for fundamental categories of thought and world religions that persist today. The Axial Period took the first steps toward universality, setting the stage for the development of what would later be recognized as a precursor to global systems. Babylon emerged as the head of gold, the fountainhead of new civilizations, influencing the social, political, economic, philosophical, and theological structures of the present world. God's prophets, including Jeremiah, Habakkuk, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Haggai, were deeply involved during this tumultuous century, pronouncing judgments and shaping the course of history. Jeremiah, in particular, was set over nations to tear down, build, and plant, embodying the axial shift as God's spokesman to the Western world. Understanding this period provides critical insight into historical patterns and prophecies, revealing a duality where past events typify future fulfillments. As history anticipates another Axial Period, God is poised to reverse the order established in the Sixth Century BC, ushering in the Kingdom of God amidst unprecedented tumult, far surpassing the upheavals of that earlier time. Yet, through this, God remains with His people, providing for them as they navigate the coming transformation.

The Sixth Century Axial Period (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

During a significant period in mankind's history, known as the Axial Period, some of the foremost prophets delivered messages of profound importance. This era, marked by critical spiritual and moral developments, holds great relevance for understanding God's purpose and strengthening our faith. The prophets of this time not only foretold events but also provided guidance and warnings to God's people, often just before a crisis, urging them to repent and turn from their ways. Their messages, though initially fulfilled in smaller ways shortly after they spoke, are anticipated to have a much larger impact at the end time. Through their work, these prophets revealed God's will, offering both moral and doctrinal teachings alongside predictive insights, shaping the course of history in alignment with God's overarching plan.

The Symmetry of History (Part One)

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

A survey of history reveals patterns of human and national behaviors that tend to repeat themselves at certain intervals.

The Symmetry of History (Part Two)

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

There can be no doubt that the past five centuries or so have been markedly different from the Medieval and Classical periods of Western history.

Don't Be Indifferent

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The frightful Trumpet Plagues are coming on the world because of the breaking of covenants on the part of people who should have known better.

Baruch's Complaint (Part One)

'Prophecy Watch' by Charles Whitaker

The situation that faced God's prophet, Jeremiah, and his scribe, Baruch, in the last days of Judah's monarchy was one of depravity and despair.

Prophets and Prophecy (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy of the 'Elijah to come.' We must apply duality of prophecy carefully and cautiously rather than indiscriminately.

Don't Be Indifferent (1995)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We cannot allow ourselves to become surfeited with the world's distractions, being lulled off to sleep as the foolish virgins, wasting our precious time.

Searching for Israel (Part Eight): The Scattering of Ten-Tribed Israel

Article by Charles Whitaker

What happened to the northern tribes of Israel after their captivity by Assyria? The Bible tells us where they were driven — and from where they will return.

Islam: Dark Beginnings

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

Relatively few in the Western world know the origin of Islam and the Koran, and fewer still understand the implications. What is the source of this spring?

Don't Be Indifferent (2010)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Labor-saving technology seems to have had the effect of separating us from each other and making us indifferent to things that should be important to us.

Zephaniah (Part Two): God's Wrath on the Whole World

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Even though the Gentiles will be punished, only Israelites had a special relationship with God, and consequently were more accountable for their failure.

Baruch's Discontent

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)

God was going to uproot the civilization that Baruch knew, but he was not to attempt to take advantage of the calamity for personal gain.

Servant of God, Act One: Going Around, Coming Around

Article by Charles Whitaker

A little-known character from the book of Jeremiah shares the stage with more well-known figures and teaches them a lesson we can learn from today.

Zephaniah (Part One): The Day of the Lord Is Near!

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Zephaniah's prophecy is sharply focused on Judah and Jerusalem because they should have known better. They are ordered to keep silent and consider their sins.