Future Prophecy Overview, compiled by David Brewer, revised on August 13, 2021

Knowledge of Bible Prophecy Can Remind Us That God is Sovereign and That He is Indeed in Control

Sovereignty

            Ownership – All things are God’s

Authority – God has an absolute right to impose His will on all His

creatures in harmony with His righteousness, justice, and love. 

            Control – God is the master of the universe.

In a world that seems so chaotic and so completely in the grip of wickedness, we need to remember that our God sovereignly controls it all. 

See Psalm 2:1-12; Isaiah 40:12-16; 46:9-11; Daniel 9:27; Acts 2:23; 4:25-29.

The Bible tells us God is all-powerful and sovereign and reminds us that His sure purposes for the future will come to pass/occur.

Knowledge of Bible Prophecy Produces Spiritual Stability

Amid uncertain and troubled times, the church needs spiritual stability. Knowledge of Bible prophecy can provide this.  Prophecy can have a stabilizing effect as we see current events and circumstances from God’s perspective — 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Thessalonians 2:2. 

Knowledge of Bible Prophecy Is a Proof of the Truthfulness of Scripture

Throughout the time of the Bible, God has used prophecy as the means to authenticate His truth.

In Isaiah 41:25; 44:28-45:4, the Persian ruler Cyrus is called by name 150 years before his birth.  Also, in these verses, the place of his birth is described, his future military campaigns, the conquest of Babylon, and his treatment of the Israelites. 

In 1 Kings 13:1-3, an unnamed prophet gives one of the most remarkable prophecies in Scripture. The reason it is so incredible is that he predicted the name and actions of a king (Josiah) who would not appear on the world scene for 290 years. 

Also, see 2 Peter 3:4-13.

Knowledge of Bible Prophecy Presents a Proper View of Our Age

By studying prophecy, we can discern where we are now and where God plans to take His world and us in the future. It is impossible to relate our current activities to His ultimate realities unless we understand His overall plan. Compare 1 Corinthians 7:31; Ephesians 5:16; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 1 John 2:18. 

Knowledge of Bible Prophecy Can Remind Us That God is Good

The goodness of God means God is the final standard of good, and all God is and does is worthy of approval. 

Life can be very painful.

But it is very encouraging to realize that God has written the final chapter of our history and the ending of this story is good for the children of God.

Taking us home is the ultimate good. 

Knowledge of Bible Prophecy Can Motivate Us To Holy Living and Can Help Us To Establish Biblical Priorities

1 John 2:28 — Jesus’ sudden return for His children will result in either joy to some believers or shame to others.[1]

The reality of future things sheds significant light on the great issues of life and helps us see what is most important. 

2 Peter 3:10-13 – the coming judgments give ample reason for godly living. This type of piety will manifest itself by continual anticipation of a desire for Jesus’s second coming and the new heavens and new earth. 

Living our life with conscious thought and a continual awareness of future realities.

This thought should change what we do with our time, money, and resources.

The knowledge of future events can greatly help us in making better choices/decisions in the present as it reminds us of things that have eternal value. 

Knowledge of Bible Prophecy Can Give Us Hope and Comfort in Our Sorrow

In this world, it is very difficult amid injustice, crimes unpunished, and sin running rampant.  God’s prophetic promise of victory can comfort our sorrows and gives us incredible and lasting hope. 

How encouraging to know that someday our troubles will end and we will be reunited with those believing loved ones who have died.

If there is anyone who ought to live with positive confidence in this world, it is the child of God.  See Titus 2:13.

If there is anyone who ought not to live constantly under a blanket of defeat, fear, and depression, it is the child of God.

God will accomplish everything that He has promised!

God wants us to change the way we think, behave, and the way we view Him as a result of what we know will happen in the future. 

See 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Peter 1:7-9. 

Knowledge of Prophecy Promotes Evangelism and Can Be a Stimulus to Service

This kind of knowledge can be a great stimulus to service – see Matthew 24:45-51; Luke 19:13; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10f.

In the early days of the church, thousands came to salvation in Christ as they listened to the first two sermons that were mainly prophetic– see Acts 2:16-36 and 3:18-26.

Bible Prophecy Is Important in Biblical Revelation

25% of the Bible was prophecy when written; 20% of Paul’s writings is prophecy.

In his classic study, Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy, J. Barton Payne identifies some 1239 predictions in the OT involving some 6,641 verses or 28.5% of the OT text. In the NT he finds 578 predictions in 1,711 verses or 21.5% of the text.  So, for the entire Bible’s 31,124 verses, 8,352 contain predictive material or 27% of the whole Bible.

The image below is from Hampson 204.

How to Interpret Symbolism in the Book of Revelation

I believe that Revelation should be interpreted from a literal base but with comparative language wording that points ultimately to a literal meaning.

Avoiding Two Extremes

We need to avoid two extremes. On the other hand, since Revelation is so tough to understand, it must be interpreted in very general terms (as a conflict between good and evil or God and Satan). On the other hand, the symbols are used for unchecked speculation and sensationalism, as they are explained in terms of current events.

We need to find a balance between these two extremes. The Bible is consistent in its usage of symbols. A specific symbol will mean the same thing throughout the Old and New Testaments in the vast majority, though not all, cases. For example, whenever the word stone is used symbolically, it stands for the Messiah; whenever the word mountain is used symbolically, it stands for a king, a kingdom, or throne; whenever the word cloud is used symbolically, it stands for God’s glory; whenever the figure of a flood is used symbolically, it stands for a military invasion. Other examples can be given as well. Only in a minority of cases is a specific symbol used in more than one way.

The Apostle John Meant for Us to Understand Revelation

Read the blessing given in Rev 1:3. The fact God chose to mention this blessing seems to anticipate that the subject of Bible prophecy— especially in connection with the book of Revelation— would be ignored and neglected by many.

Symbols are Explained Elsewhere

I will proceed on the premise that all the symbols in the Book of Revelation are explained elsewhere—either in Revelation itself or in some other part of the Bible.

Two words give us comparative language indicators. They are the words hos (ως) and homoios (ομοις).The first word is used 68x in Revelation and the 2nd word is used 22x in Revelation.Both are two distinct words of comparison and should be translated: “Like, as, like as, it seemed to be, something like, etc.”

It’s clear many times in Revelation that John was struggling to describe the bizarre things he was seeing. 8:8-9 is a good example of this:

The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, ⁹ a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.

So, what did John see? Was he seeing an atomic cloud that boiled up into the atmosphere but then disintegrated into hot ash, rock, and dust as a massive gaseous fallout? Who knows!!

I believe that common sense unless otherwise indicated, would dictate literal interpretation coupled with an acceptance of descriptive, comparative language. In other words, the first meaning, with comparative language, must be given a chance unless there are other indicators to read the verses some other way.

When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense; therefore, take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning unless the facts of the immediate text, studied in the light of related passages and axiomatic and fundamental truths, clearly indicate otherwise. This rule provides basic guidelines for properly interpreting the many signs and symbols in Revelation.

The Law of First Mention

To understand the doctrines or symbols used in Revelation, you must find the first place in Scripture that doctrine or symbol is mentioned. The first instance of a teaching or symbol in Scripture often provides tremendous insight into how it is to be understood later. Cross-referencing all the uses of a key word or term will help you to build upon the doctrine or symbol’s first mention. This approach helps us interpret Scripture with Scripture, instead of interpreting Scripture based on outside sources or our own thoughts and ideas (Hampson 18).

Comparative vs. Symbolic Language

Most Bible scholars understand that embedded within the literal framework of Revelation, there is room for (1) Comparative language (“it seemed to be,” “it appeared as”) and (2) Symbolic language. For example, the scorpions in Revelation 9 represent something very real. We would all admit we’re not exactly sure what they are; these won’t be clear until it happens.

So, what I do is begin with the literal base and work forward, admitting to signs, symbols, figures of speech, and comparative language that may convey the prophetic and historical intention of the words!

Unsealed Truth

In the Old Testament, Daniel was told that some of the prophecies he was given were to be sealed or hidden until the time of the end. Daniel saw some amazing visions about the tribulation that he didn’t understand. He wanted to know more but was told in Daniel 12:9 that the “words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end.”

By contrast, we find here in the opening verse of Revelation that God will unseal the prophecies about end-time events. This is the revelation or the apocalypse (from the Greek word translated “unveiling”) from Jesus Christ (Hampson 26).

Interpret by Comparing Prophecy with Prophecy

We gain a more complete picture of a prophetic subject to compare prophecy with prophecy. See 2 Peter 1:20. Peter’s point includes the idea that no prophecy found in Scripture is to be interpreted by itself but, rather, in reference to everything God has said on the subject (Benware 26).

Future Events Will Occur in Quick Succession

The first verse of Revelation 1 can quite often confuses people up when they read that the future events spoken of in this book will “soon/shortly/quickly/at once/without delay” take place.

The Greek word used here is tachos. This word refers to the speed at which events occur once they start, not the closeness or proximity of an event. In other words, the end-time events—once they start—will take place in rapid succession. 

The bulk of Revelation describes the events that will take place during the seven-year tribulation period. Once set in motion by the rapture and the enforcing of a seven-year agreement by the antichrist, all the judgments described in Revelation will occur in increasingly rapid succession (Hampson 27-28).

What brought about the great departure from a literal, millennial position? Did something specific happen in philosophical terms that could have brought on allegory, mystical and nonliteral interpretation?

The Jewish Rabbis of Alexandria, Egypt, to stop Gentile criticism of the Old Testament, also began teaching with allegory. This softened the harshness of the literal Law and made it more palatable to swallow. It is in this context that the great Church Father Origen enters. Origen (ca. 185- ca. 254), raised in Alexandria, could not help but absorb the cultural literary patterns around him.

Origin did not seek interpretation. Though not directly denying prophecy, by rewriting the script and ignoring future prophesied events, he destroyed the truth intended by the passage. Note that many still held the prophetic “expectations” which were part of the belief of the early church and Origen made the “church feel distinctly more at home in the world.” Premillennialists should not and do not, as often accused by Amillennialists, ignore passages meant for present-day living. Likewise, Amillennialists should not ignore the great prophetic truths that tell us not to be comfortable in this world because God is bringing it to a definite conclusion.

What is the Primary Difference Between the Premillennial and Amillennial Interpretation of Revelation?

A Premillennialist will argue for a systematic, hermeneutical approach to unlocking Revelation. Signs, symbols, and figures of speech have literal concepts behind them. Because Revelation is very symbolic (though not totally), there are still literal events embedded behind the figure. The typical Amillennialist comes with a symbolical bias. The Premillennialist reasons forward to the fact that the symbols are struggling to explain something difficult to comprehend in normal language. This approach gives consistent patterns for understanding Revelation.

One example to see this difference is in 11:8. The “great city” then is literal Jerusalem. But the city is described in a negative, illustrative spiritual way by being called Sodom and Egypt! But being spiritual is not spiritualizing! Premillennialists have no problem seeing a spiritual description attached to something distinctly literal. Yet to do this is not allegorical interpretation. For allegory implies there is a hidden, mystical meaning buried beneath the surface. To Premillennialists, Sodom and Egypt give vivid descriptions of what Jerusalem will be like when these events transpire; ungodly, pagan, sensual, idolatrous, and hedonistic.

Interpret in Light of Possible Time Intervals

When the prophets taught God’s message, they often were unaware that there was going to be an interval of time between prophetic fulfillments.  As the prophets in the Tanakh peered into the future, they were only able to see the “mountain peaks” of the two comings of the Messiah, but they could not see the valley in between. Some examples of “prophetic skips” are Isaiah 9:6-7; 61:1-2 (see Luke 4:16-21); Joel 2:28-32; Zechariah 9:9-10; Malachi 3:1-2. It is only in the progress of God’s revelation that we can see such intervals of time between prophetic fulfillments (Benware 28-29).

A Built-In Outline for Revelation

Revelation 1 reveals a critical detail in verse 19 since it contains a built-in outline for this vital book. This is very helpful in understanding the book. This fact shows us that most of Revelation is future prophecy that there is an intentional structure to Revelation. Chapter 1 is “what you have seen,” chapters 2-3 is “what is now” and chapters 4-22 is “what will take place later.” So, we have three tenses in this verse: past, present, and future (Hampson 34).

Letters to the Seven Churches in Revelation 2-3

Structure of Letters

The seven letters each following a similar structure, which includes a title or description of Jesus, a commendation, a correction, an instruction, and a reward. There are a few significant deviations from this structure. For example, the Lord had nothing negative to say about the churches in Smyrna and Philadelphia (the persecuted church and the missionary church), and he had nothing good to say about the churches in Sardis and Laodicea (the denominational and lukewarm churches) (Hampson 41)

The following chart is from Hampson 41.

The following image is from Hampson 207.

Overview of Revelation[2]

The Jewishness of Revelation[3]

A Description of the Rapture of the Church (Showers, 11-12)

• Christ will descend with a shout and a blast of a trumpet from the Father’s house in heaven to the air above the earth (Jn. 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:16-17)

• The souls of dead church saints will descend from heaven with Christ at this coming (1 Thess. 4:14). When these church saints died, their souls left their bodies and went to be with the Lord in heaven (2 Cor. 5:6-8; Phil. 1:21-23).

• The bodies of dead church saints will be raised as immortal, incorruptible bodies and will be reunited with their returning souls (1 Cor. 15:42-44, 52-53; 1 Thess. 4:14-16).

• The bodies of church saints who have not died before this coming of Christ will be changed instantly into immortal, incorruptible bodies (1 Cor. 15:51-53).

• Both the resurrected and changed church saints will be caught up together to meet Christ in the air (1 Thess. 4:17; John 14:3).

• The church saints will return with Christ to His Father’s house in heaven to dwell with Him in indescribable living accommodations He has prepared there for them (Jn. 14:2-3). 

The Rapture and Our Priorities

Renald Showers in his superb book, Maranatha: Our Lord, Come!” (p. 148), has an excellent comment on what kind of impact the knowledge of the rapture should have on our lives when he writes, “The fact that the glorified, holy Son of God could step through the door of heaven at any moment is intended by God to be the most pressing, incessant motivation for holy living and aggressive ministry (including missions, evangelism, and Bible teaching) and the greatest cure for lethargy and apathy. It should make a difference in every Christian’s values, actions, priorities, and goals.”

Prophetic Overview – From Now To Eternity Future – Getting The Big Picture

Events Before The Seven-Year Tribulation

The following is a list of the major passages that discuss the last days (this term in the context of 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:1; James 5:3; 2 Peter 3:3; Jude 18 refers to the time between the writing of the NT letters up through Jesus’ 2^nd coming; these days are “last” in comparison to OT days) of the church:  1 Timothy 4:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 4:3-4; James 5:1-8; 2 Peter 2:1-22; 3:3-6; Jude 1-25.

Presently believers are waiting for the imminent coming (i.e., an event that is always hanging overhead, is constantly ready to take place) of the Lord Jesus Christ. At any time, the door of heaven or the sky/heavens could open (for this image, see Ezekiel 1:1; Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:21; Acts 7:56; 10:11; Revelation 4:1; 19:11). Something may happen before an imminent event occurs but nothing must take place before it happens. The Church is not to watch for SIGNS (like in the case of the Second Coming) but the SAVIOR.  See 1 Corinthians 1:7; 16:22; Philippians 3:20; 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:28; James 5:7-9; 1 Peter 1:13; Jude 21; Revelation 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20.   

During the Church’s “last days” there will be an increasing spiritual apostasy and deception regarding the prophetic truth promising Christ’s return – 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:3-4.

The Church Raptured[4] – John 14:1-3; Romans 8:19; 1 Corinthians 1:7-8; 15:51-53; 16:22; Philippians 3:20-21; 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2:19; 4:13-18; 5:9, 23; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:28; James 5:7-9; 1 Peter 1:7, 13; 5:4; 1 John 2:28-3:2; Revelation 2:25; 3:11; 22:7, 12, 20. Also see Rev 3:10 (this verse is not just to the church in Philadelphia [in Asia Minor/W. Turkey about 75 miles inland from the Aegean Sea, not in PA], but to the “churches,” see Revelation 3:13). The aforementioned verses naturally fit into four categories: (1) those verses that directly refer to the rapture, (2) those that indirectly refer to the rapture, (3) those that are subtle references to the rapture, and (4) those that probably refers to the rapture.  Please note that “divine deliverance is a pattern often exercised by God preceding His judgment. This is clearly illustrated in the cases of Enoch, Noah, Lot, Rahab, and others (2 Peter 2:5-9).[5] 

Jewish Wedding Tradition and the Rapture[6]

Some Side Notes

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, five aspects to the “rapture”: (1) Jesus Return (v. 16), (2) Resurrection (v. 16), (3) Rapture (v. 17), (4) Reunion (v. 17), (5) Reassurance (v. 18). 

MATTHEW 24:40-41 AND LUKE 17:34-37 DO NOT REFER TO THE RAPTURE. The ones who are “taken” are taken to judgment (cf. Matt 24:39) after Jesus’ Second Coming, the ones who remain, enter into the Millennial Kingdom in their physical and unglorified bodies to propagate (Zechariah 14:11). 

 

Beware of people setting dates for the Lord’s return

See Matthew 24:36, 42, 44; 25:13; Acts 1:7 to learn what Jesus thought about date-setting (these references refer to the Second Coming, not the Rapture).

Before World War I, Jehovah’s Witnesses predicted Armageddon would occur in 1914. When this did not happen, Charles T. Russell’s followers assumed He had returned secretly, revealing Himself only to Jehovah’s Witnesses, thinking they were the 144,000 faithful witnesses in the book of Revelation. Later, they predicted Armageddon for September 1975. 

Others predicted Christ’s return in 1982 because of the so-called “Jupiter Effect” (at that time the positioning of the planets in relation to the sun was said to cause cosmic disturbances). 

Edgar Whisenant specified September 11, 12, or 13, 1988, for the 2^nd Coming.[7] 

Harold Camping came out with a book in 1992 called “1994?”In his book, he stated, “the month of September of the year 1994 is to be the time for the end of history.”[8] If that was not enough, he more specifically stated September 6 (pp. 516-7), September 15 (pp. 518, 521), September 27 (p. 525), or “any time between September 15 and September 27, 1994” (p. 525). He does say that there was a very remote possibility that he was wrong.[9] 

Judgment Seat[10] of Christ in heaven for the good and bad (i.e., “worthless” – 2 Corinthians 5:10[11]) deeds we did since becoming believers, resulting in rewards or deprivation of rewards – Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 4:1-5; 9:24-27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:2-4; 2 John 8; Revelation 2:10; 3:11; 4:4, 10; 22:12. There are three different crowns mentioned in the NT that are reserved for believers who are faithful to do God’s work: (1) crown of life – Revelation 2:10; (2) crown of glory – 1 Peter 5:2-4, (3) and the crown of righteousness – 2 Timothy 4:8.

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb – Revelation 19:6-8 (cf. Ephesians 5:25-27; 2 Corinthians 11:2).

The 70 Weeks of Daniel 9:24-27[12]

A Mysterious Gap in Daniel’s 70 Weeks[13]

After the 60 weeks (of years) we observe an indefinite period of time passing by before the final “week” of  seven years. In verse 26 the temple will be destroyed (which was literally fulfilled in AD 70 when Roman solders tore down the temple), but in verse 27 we read that a future ruler will “put an end to sacrifice and “offering” and set up an abomination that desolates the temple. We now know that the indefinite period of time between verses 26 and 27 is the “church age.”

Daniel’s 70 weeks explains how God is working out his plan for the Jewish people. When Jesus came at his first advent, the Jewish prophetic clock paused for the church age. At some future date, the church will be taken out of the picture via the rapture. Soon after, the tribulation period will begin. It will begin with the signing or enforcing of a treaty between Israel and the antichrist. This event will cause the Jewish prophetic clock to start again so it can complete the last set of 7 years—which is also the duration of the future seven-year tribulation period. During this time, God’s attention will focus back on the Jews and Israel (Hampson 56-57).

These 70 weeks have six goals (stated in Daniel 9:24. The first three have to do with sin and the last three are positive blessings that God will bestow at Jesus’s second coming (1) and (2)  “to finish the transgression” and “make an end of sin” — Israel’s transgression or willful rebellion will be brought to an end by the future seven-year Tribulation and she will place her faith in the Messiah at His second coming. (3) “to make atonement for iniquity” — the basis for Israel’s cleansing from sin is what Jesus did on the cross, but in the future this provision of the cross will be applied to her (Zech 12:10; Is 59:20-21; Ezek 36:25-27; Jer 31:31-34). (4) “to bring in everlasting righteousness” — righteousness will be applied to individual Jewish people at Jesus’s second coming when they place their faith in Him (Is 53:11) and His righteous kingdom will be established (Is 11:2-5; 60:21; Jer 23:5-6). (5) “to seal up vision and prophecy” — future prophecy will be completely fulfilled and there isn’t any need for additional prophecy in the future. “to anoint the most holy” — the most holy place (the temple) will be anointed at Jesus’s future coming (Benware 327-328).  

This goal indicates a complete fulfillment of prophecy coupled with the idea that there will be no additional prophetic information given.

tribulation vs. Tribulation

Christians will endure persecution! There is no reason to believe that Christians will escape persecution (see John 15:18-20; 1 Thessalonians 3:3; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-16). But this kind of tribulation and persecution is not the future wrath of God. After saying this though, it is important not to misunderstand the nature and purpose of the Tribulation.

In Revelation 3:10 John wrote to the church of Philadelphia (and to all of the churches, see 2:7, 11, 17, 2:29; 3:6, 13, 22), “Because you have kept/guarded my command to endure/persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing/trial, that which is about to come upon the entire inhabited earth to put to the test those who permanently dwell upon the earth” (my translation). The phrase “those who dwell upon the earth” (a moral classification not a geographical description) is used 11 times in the book of Revelation and it refers to those who completely oppose God and His rule – see Rev. 6:10; 8:13; 11:10; 13:8, 12, 14; 17:2, 8. These are the individuals who have completely identified themselves with the earth’s commerce and religion.  In light of what we know from Revelation 3:10 and the usage of the phrase “those who dwell on the earth” in the book of Revelation, God’s purpose in the Tribulation is to test those who dwell on the earth and to expose them as the kind of people who are so adamantly opposed to Him that they will never repent, no matter what is done to them. Through this exposure, God will show very clearly that these people deserve His eternal judgment (cf. Romans 1:18-32) (Showers 216).

God promised the church of Jesus Christ exemption, not from persecution and suffering, but God’s future wrath. What is meant by God’s wrath is “God’s controlled, passionate feeling against the sin and rebellion of His creatures. It is the settled indignation of God that focuses on the sinner sometime in the future” (Hiebert, as mentioned by Benware, 243). See 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; 5:9-10.

God promised the church of Jesus Christ exemption, not from persecution and suffering, but God’s future wrath. What is meant by God’s wrath is “God’s controlled, passionate feeling against the sin and rebellion of His creatures. It is the settled indignation of God that focuses on the sinner sometime in the future” (Hiebert, as mentioned by Benware, 243). See 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; 5:9-10.

The image below is from Benware 331.

Events At The Beginning of the Seven-Year Tribulation

The Antichrist makes a covenant with Israel (this event probably begins the Tribulation, i.e., the 70^th week of Daniel) – Daniel 9:27.

The Middle East ruler rises to power as the 11^th ruler within the already-formed ten-division confederation that will constitute the revived Roman Empire – Daniel 7:7-8, 20, 23-24.

As the Middle East ruler rises to power, he will overthrow three of the original ten rulers of the revived Roman Empire — Daniel 7:8, 20, 24.

The image below is from Hampson 133.

After overthrowing the three rulers, the Middle East ruler becomes the dominant ruler of the revived Roman Empire and unites them into a ten-nation confederacy – Daniel 7:7, 20, 24, 26; Revelation 17:3, 12-13, 16-17.

The Middle East ruler has a fatal wound, but the wound is healed. This results in worldwide influence and acceptance for the Middle East ruler and the false prophet — Revelation 13:3-4.

After the formation of the ten-nation confederacy, Israel is pressured into signing a covenant with the Middle East ruler. This covenant will result in a false sense of security and pseudo-peace – 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3.

Events During The First Half of the Tribulation

Israel living in “peace” in their land – Ezekiel 38:8, 11, 14.

The sacrifices of the future third Temple are instituted and the third Jewish temple is rebuilt in Jerusalem. This rebuilding could be part of the provisions of the covenant the Middle East ruler makes with Israel – cf. Daniel 9:27.

Main Purposes of God’s Judgment during the Future Tribulation

• To make an end of wickedness and wicked ones and in the process of this judging to take back the earth from Satan and from those who do his will. God will finally punish a God-rejecting and Christ-rejecting world after a long period of grace. God will also reveal the degradation and need of the unregenerate heart; the world’s unbelief will be exposed to demonstrate the need for them to be judged – Ps. 2:5; Is. 13:9; 26:20-21; Jer. 25:30-32; Zech. 12:3; 2 Thess. 2:12; cf. Gen. 18:23; 19:12-25.

In three series of judgments, close to 80% of the world’s population will perish, and life on this planet will be chaotic. If God had not limited the length of the Tribulation to 7 years, no human being would make it through this time alive (see Matt. 24:22). 

In 2 Peter 2:9 he used the incident from Gen. 19 to prove that “the Lord knows how to rescue to godly from trial and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment.”  Cf. 1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9.

• Matt. 24:14. Compare Deut. 4:27-30

• – Ezek. 20:33-38; Dan. 12:5-7. In Dan. 11:36-12:4 we see a vision of what conditions will be like for Israel during the Tribulation. Also, see Deut. 4:39; Is. 59:20-21; Jer. 30:7; Ezek. 20:34-38; 36:25-27; Zech. 12:9-13:2, 8-9; Mal. 4:5-6.

      God will use the Antichrist’s persecution of Israel as means of backing her so tightly into a corner that it will have no means of escaping total annihilation unless it believes in Messiah Jesus (Showers 108-109).

• (see Rev. 19:11-20:3) (Showers 109).  

• To usher in the return of Christ to earth to set up the millennial kingdom.

Creation’s Three-Part Redemption, the Kinsman-Redeemer Reclaims the Earth, and the Seals of the Title Deed are Opened

There is a three-part process of God’s plan for redemption. First, God secured our spiritual redemption on the cross through faith in His Son. Second, our future physical redemption will occur at the moment of the Rapture. Third, the earth will be redeemed and restored to its original state when God creates a new heaven and earth after the future millennial kingdom. But first, Christ has to reclaim the earth.

In Revelation 5 John was weeping because when a search was made, it seemed that no one was found worthy to redeem the earth until one of the 24 elders from the church age reminded the heavenly council that Jesus the Lamb from the tribe of Judah has already triumphed and since He is the victor, He will possess the rightful authority to reclaim the earth. John was shedding tears because if no none was found worthy enough to open the scroll, the earth would remain under Satan’s curse and dominion and God would then be breaking His promise, evil would win, and many promises about Israel’s redemption would not be fulfilled.

In the future, Christ will act like a Kinsman-Redeemer to reclaim the earth. In the Old Testament (Leviticus 25 and the book of Ruth), God set up a system whereby a relative could marry a widowed woman, free a relative who became a debt-slave and buy back land that was lost due to debt. This “kinsman-redeemer” had to be a close relative from the same tribe, possess the means to pay off the debt that was owed, and be willing to pay off the debt and be the kinsman-redeemer. All three elements of being a kinsman-redeemer were ultimately tied to land ownership.

When someone had to turn over his land to repay a debt, the judge wrote the terms on a scroll, the scroll was rolled up and sealed with hot wax. At that time, the property was officially transferred to the creditor. The contract would remain in the judge’s possession and sealed until the debt could be paid by the debtor or kinsman-redeemer.

When mankind fell into sin, the title deed to the earth was temporarily given to Satan. We’re thankful that Jesus the Kinsman-Redeemer paid our debt and we are no longer slaves to sin through faith in Him. He fulfilled the expensive requirements of the mohar (or dowry) for the church (His bride) at His death and resurrection and some day He will finish this redemptive act when He snatches His bride (the universal church) at the Rapture.

Right after the Rapture, Jesus (the Kinsman-Redeemer) will take the title deed to the earth from the judge’s hand and officially reclaim the rights to the earth. One key problem is Satan is a greedy landowner and he will not willingly give up his territory, so Jesus will reclaim it by force. This is one of the key purposes for the future seven-year Tribulation.

Praise the Lord that we have a worthy Kinsman-Redeemer who is able, worthy, and willing to redeem the bride and the land. The remainder of Revelation 5 shows an ever-expanding and contagious cacophony of praise praising this fact (Hampson 63-65).

The First Four Seal Judgments

Another significant debate is whether Matthew 24:4-14 refers to general signs in the present Church age or the first half of the Tribulation.  

Scholars also debate about which verse in Matthew 24 begins the description of the Great Tribulation (i.e., the last half of the Tribulation, “the time of Jacob’s trouble”). Some scholars see verse 9 of Matthew 24 as the beginning of the description of the Great Tribulation and others see verse 15 as the beginning (this writer leans toward the latter view).

The first four seal judgments can be connected to “the beginning of birth pains/pangs” in Matthew 24:8. The rabbis spoke of “birth pains” as sufferings that would come before the coming of the Messiah. These birth pangs will occur during the entire 70^th week. The beginning of these pangs will be during the first half while the more severe pangs of hard labor will occur in the second half of this seven-year time of tribulation.[14]

It is important to note that Christ is the One who will break the seals of the scroll deed of purchase since He alone is worthy to do this as the kinsman-redeemer. He is the One who will instigate the events that will occur when these seven seals are broken. These events are “irrefutable evidence that He is the true Kinsman-Redeemer with the right, authority, and power to evict Satan and his forces and take tenant possession of the earth.”[15]    

The seven seal judgments (Revelation 6 and 8) (the first four seals are considered a unit):

1^st Seal (6:1-2; The White Horse) (cf. Matthew 24:4-5) — The Middle East ruler becomes a world ruler (cf. Matthew 24:5), he has a bow without arrows possibly showing that he will set up a world government by peaceful diplomacy rather than by military might (cf. Revelation 13:4). He will be so charismatic and persuasive that he will quickly achieve global power.

2^nd Seal (6:3-4; The Red Horse) (cf. Matthew 24:6-7a) – a rider on a red horse (possibly representing war, blood, and death) takes peace from the earth. This is equal to the wars and rumors of wars, nation rising against nation, and kingdom against kingdom in Christ’s Matthew 24:6-8 statement regarding the beginning of birth pangs. Possibly the Antichrist will take place from the earth as he begins to defeat it by military force.

3^rd Seal (6:5-6; The Black Horse) – severe famine (cf. Matthew 24:7b) will come as a result of war[16] since crops will be destroyed. The famine is so severe that money will buy only one-eighth of the normal quantity of food.[17] Prices skyrocket due to the food shortage. This is equal to Christ’s statement about famines in Matthew 24:7-8. It is likely at this time that food distribution systems will break down, riots will shut down cities, electronic systems will fail, and crops and factories will be destroyed by war. Oil and wine are not staples for survival but they are luxury items. As we have seen before, the ruling elite will have plenty of food but most of the population will starve with no possible way out of these famine conditions.

4^th Seal (6:7-8; The Pale Horse) (cf. Matthew 24:7) – a pale green horse comes on the scene resulting in war, famine, death, and plague. The most severe of the seal judgments. The result is that ¼ of the earth’s population will be killed.

The Remainder of the Seal Judgments

5^th Seal (6:9-11; Martyrdom) (Matthew 24:9-10) — converted multitudes from every nation are martyred because of their faithful witness and declaration of God’s Word (cf. Revelation 7:9-12). They are wondering how long it will be before God takes revenge on those who killed them. Their prayer of vengeance is answered in Revelation 16:4-7 during the 3^rd bowl judgment. 

6^th Seal (6:12-17; Global Megaquake) — natural disturbances, catastrophic judgment, and universal fear of divine wrath (cf. Revelation 6:12-14 with Matthew 24:29 and Revelation 6:15-17 with Matthew 24:32-25:26). The catastrophic judgment includes: a great earthquake, the sun turning black (cf. Joel 2:2, 10, 30-31), the moon becoming as blood, the stars of heaven falling like ripe figs, the heavens appear like a scroll rolled up (cf. Isaiah 34:4), and every mountain and island on the earth moving because of the earthquake.

Volcanologists and seismologists tell us that one megaquake can trigger others,[18] and geologists tell us that the earth’s crust sits on a plastic-like mantle, in turn, sits on a liquid outer core.[19]

Possibly at this time during this judgment, all of the earth’s fault lines will fracture in such a manner that leads to a devastating global earthquake, which will then trigger volcanos to erupt. These worldwide eruptions will blacken the sky. At the same time, a huge meteor or asteroid event will occur.

What’s interesting about people trying to hide among the rocks of the mountains is the fact that underground bunkers are in demand today. There has been an enormous spike in private, military, and secret bunker construction projects in recent years. CNN even featured an online article entitled, “Billionaire buyers: How the 1% are preparing for the apocalypse.”[20]

7^th Seal (8:1) – this seal contains/introduces the trumpet judgments, so it is a conclusion to the seal judgments and preparation for the seven trumpets. After this seal is opened there is silence in heaven for about half an hour (contrast this with 4:8). This ominous silence is an indication of the horrible events to follow (an eerie silence before the terrible upcoming terrible storm) and this silence might allow the prayers of the saints to be heard. So, the silence could indicate the world has reached a point of no return, and that something of major significance is about to occur. “It’s as if God will be saying, “Enough is enough. I have done everything possible to offer grace, but your time is up. I will now judge the evil that my children have so often cried out for me to avenge” (Hampson 78-79).

 

Events Possibly Just Before the Middle of the Tribulation

Gog of the land of Magog and his allies[21] attack Israel from the uttermost north (the timing of this event has been debated by scholars) for several reasons: (1) because of greed – to take the wealth of Israel, the “spoil” (gold, silver, livestock, and goods) from the land – Ezekiel 38:2, 5-6, 12-13; (2) during this time, Israel will be a strategic country to control since it is the land bridge and the nerve center of communication between the three continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe.  Israel’s location is indeed very strategic;[22] (3) this evil coalition of nations will need access to the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean seaports year-round for trade to improve their economies;[23] (4) the Dead Sea is one of the richest chemical beds in the world. It contains large quantities of potash,[24] bromine,[25] magnesium,[26] and other treasures; (5) and Israeli scientists discovered in the water and salt flats of the Dead Sea the halophilic alga Dunaliella, which can be converted into petroleum. As Edgar James explains, “it is possible that huge ‘oil farms’ may develop in areas south of the Dead Sea where the water could be channeled into saltwater ponds for the growing Dunaliella.[27]  

 

Notes

Magog is the ancient Scythia, near the Black Sea or the Caspian Sea; today this area is made up of former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan.[28] There are more than 70 million people who live in that area today.

“Gomer” and “Togarmah” were in what is today eastern Turkey. In Ezek 38:5 three additional nations are listed: Persia, Cush, and Put.  Ancient Persia is modern-day Iran. The empire of ancient Persia extended into the area that is now Pakistan. In Ezekiel’s time, Cush was the nation to the south of Egypt (Sudan today). Put was the land to the west of Egypt (Libya today).  “Sheba” and “Dedan” in Ezek 38:13 seem to be a reference to Saudi Arabia. 

There are at least six different views within premillennialism on the timing of this event. Right before the middle of the Tribulation for this event makes the most sense (when the Middle East ruler’s covenant is still in effect). 

Gog and company destroyed by God – Ezekiel 38:17-23.

The image below is from Hampson 134.

 

 

Events At the Middle of the Tribulation

Satan is thrown out of heaven (he fought God and unsurprisingly lost), he empowers the Antichrist (Revelation 12:7-11) and intensifies his persecution of the saints (Revelation 12:12-17). God will protect the Jewish people who flee to a place of asylum (Revelation 12:13-16), but the ones who do not flee will suffer (Revelation 12:14-17).

Hampson does a good job of explaining how Satan has access to God before he gets kicked out when he writes “He had his citizenship revoked when he first rebelled against God, but he still has had access to the council of God in heaven (see Job 1:6-12), using whatever opportunities he can to accuse God’s people. Imagine this council as a cosmic United Nations meeting where formal proceedings allow all members time to address the assembly. It is somewhat neutral ground designed for a specific purpose” (116).

The Middle East ruler is now identified as the Antichrist.[29] He becomes a world dictator.

The Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel (Dan 9:27).

The 144,000 Israelites are sealed (i.e., a guarantee of ownership, protection, and security) – Rev 7:1-8. These individuals will be protected and kept secure from God’s future 19 judgments that will fall on the world and from Satan’s wrath (Benware 334-335). Also, see Rev 14:1-5 in which passage this group is described after their work of testimony has been completed.

Some Side Notes

God’s wrath extends throughout THE ENTIRE seven-year Tribulation (not just a part of it); it begins at the 1^st seal. The term “wrath” does not appear in the book of Revelation until 6:16-17 but the concept of God’s wrath is there from the beginning (see Rev 5:9, 6:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12; 8:1 – Jesus breaks all the seven seals, which begins God’s wrath). Christ – NOT Satan, the Antichrist, or rebellious mankind – will institute the terrible things that occur when all seven seals are broken. 

It is important to remember that many times in the book of Revelation God uses human instruments and activity through war to carry out His sovereign purpose against His enemies (see Rev 17:17). Many times in the OT God did this very thing: He raised Assyria to judge the northern kingdom of Israel in the 700s B.C. (Amos 5:18, 20), Babylon to judge the southern kingdom of Judah in the 600s/500s B.C. (Lam 1:12; 2:1, 21-22; Ezek 7:19; 13:5; Zeph 2:2-3), and Medo-Persia to judge Babylon in the 500s B.C. (Is 13:6, 9).

So, in other words, God’s wrath includes those types of judgments that are direct supernatural acts (i.e., great disturbances in the heavens and 100-pound hailstones) as well as those forces, elements & individuals that God uses in an indirect way (such as war, famine, the Antichrist, and Satan).

Events During The Second Half Of The Tribulation[30]

The seven trumpet judgments occur which increase the devastation to the earth – Rev 8:1-9:21; 11:15-19

The first four trumpets are considered a unit

1^st Trumpet (8:6-7; Hail, Fire, and Blood from the Sky) – 1/3 of the earth, trees, and green grass burned up by hail and fire mixed with blood thrown down upon the earth (cf. Gen 18:16-19:28; Ex 9:22-26).

2^nd Trumpet (8:8-9; Flaming “Mountain” Landing in the Ocean) – 1/3 of the sea turned into blood, death of 1/3 of sea creatures, destruction of 1/3 of ships (cf. Ex 7:16-21).This could be an asteroid or giant meteor.

3^rd Trumpet (8:10-11; A Great Falling Star Poisons Water Sources) – a large meteor, asteroid, or a nuclear weapon (“star”)[31] falls on the earth from heaven. Whatever Wormwood is, it will poison one-third of the world’s drinking supply, causing many people to die. It’s possible that the falling object itself will be poisonous or it will release toxic fumes or materials upon hitting the earth (Hampson 82).

4^th Trumpet (8:12-13; Sun, Moon, and Stars Dimmed by One-Third) – the light of the sun, moon, and sky reduced by 1/3 (cf. Ex 10:21-23). I agree with Hampson that “The logical result of fiery meteor showers, a giant asteroid, and nuclear weapons striking the earth in quick succession would be a massive partial blackout. In addition to these direct calamities, it’s also possible that more earthquakes and volcanoes will be triggered by these high-powered events. As smoke and destruction rise in the air, the heavenly lights created by God to guide mankind will be dimmed to a mere two-thirds of their normal brightness. The landscape and atmosphere will take on an increasingly apocalyptic appearance (82).

The Remainder of the Trumpet Judgments

5^th Trumpet (1^st Woe; Demonic Locusts from the Abyss) (9:1-11) – Satan is given a key to the shaft of the Abyss and uses this key to let the demons in it out to afflict/torture the earth for five months. Another word for “woe” is “terror.” Hampson vividly explains the force of this word. “Look out! Y’all are in big trouble! God is about to bring it. Nowhere to run. Nowhere to hide. If you thought things were bad already, wait until you see the next three judgments! Turn to him while you can—or be destroyed” (83).

6^th Trumpet (2^nd Woe; Four Killer Angels and the Demonic 200-Million-Man Army) (9:12-21) – an angel is instructed to release the four demons bound at the Euphrates River and they kill 1/3 of the world’s population. This releasing of the demons results in a releasing of a 200 million army (human beings, demons, or demon-possessed human beings from the East).[32] By the end of this judgment, more than half of the world’s population will have been killed. John describes the members of this army as riding horse-like creatures with lion-like heads that launch fire, weaponized snake-like tails, and bright, colorful armor of red, blue, and yellow.

I agree with Hampson that “evil will be so rampant and deception so thorough that man will rage against God like an ant that thinks it could take on a silverback gorilla” (91; the following image is from the same source).

7^th Trumpet (11:15-19) – this trumpet introduces and includes the seven bowls judgments of God’s wrath (see Rev 16). This trumpet’s main purpose will be to usher in the final phase of the tribulation.

The bowl judgments (the most severe and intense series of judgments) begin; it seems like these judgments will occur in quick succession near the end of the Tribulation – Rev 16.

1^st Bowl (16:1-2) – people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped him receive painful and malignant sores (cf. Ex 9:9-11); in a sense, this is a fulfillment of Rev 14:9-11.

2^nd Bowl (16:3) – every living sea creature left alive from previous judgments dies (cf. 8:8; Ex 7:17-21)

3^rd Bowl (16:4-7) – rivers and springs become blood (cf. 8:10-11)

4^th Bowl (16:8-9) – the sun becomes very intense; people curse God and refuse to repent (cf. 8:12; 13:5-6)

5^th Bowl (16:10-11) – judgment against the beast’s throne (cf. 2:13), darkness on the earth, and more painful sores on people (cf. Ex 10:21-23).

6^th Bowl (16:12-16) – the river Euphrates is dried up (cf. 9:14-16; Is 11:15) to prepare the way for the kings or rulers from the East/the Orient who will participate in the final world war. Satan gathers all the human kings to vainly resist the Lord’s soon coming with the saints and angels (in 19:11-21). 

7^th Bowl (16:17-21) – a bowl is poured into the air, resulting in lightning flashes, thunder, and a very severe earthquake; hailstones of about 75-100 pounds fall on people; people cursed God because of the plague of hail. 

The Antichrist desecrates the third temple in Jerusalem by setting up his image in it (i.e., the abomination [an image or an idol] that causes desolation) and puts an end to her sacrifices (Dan 9:27; Matt 24:15; Mk 13:14; 2 Thess 2:4; Rev 13:6-8, 14-15). This setting up of the image will begin the second half of the Tribulation (the Great Tribulation). 

It is interesting that at this moment, the Temple Institute in Israel currently has produced all the utensils, priestly garments, construction plans, and a groundswell of support to build a third temple. They are fully ready to reinstitute animal sacrifices and all the functions needed for the temple to operate again (Hampson 108).

The image below is from Hampson 107.

The beast (the Antichrist) and the 10 horns (10 kings) will kill the prostitute (Babylon) as a result of their hatred for her (Rev 17:16-18) and “as has often been the case historically, when a tyrant reaches his goal of total political control, he destroys those who helped him reach that point.”[33]

The Antichrist will demand that his subjects worship him (this will be promoted by the false prophet) and he will wage war against the saints of that time – Dan 7:8, 11, 20, 25; 9:27; 11:36-37; Matt 24:15; Mark 13:14; 2 Thess 2:3-4, 11; Rev 13:4-8, 11-17.

Many Gentile and Jewish believers are martyred since they refuse to worship the Antichrist (Rev 7:9-17; 13:15)

The Jews flee Jerusalem when the Antichrist breaks his covenant with them and sets up his image in the third temple – Matt 24:16-22; Mark 13:14-20.

The ministry of the two witnesses who are empowered by God to serve as prophets for 1,260 days or 42 months – Rev 11:3-6 (see 11:7-10 – their death, 11:11-12 – their resurrection, and 11:13-14 – the resulting judgment of God on Jerusalem) (compare Zech 4:11-14). The prophecy of the two witnesses continues during the same period (the second half of the future seven-year tribulation) that the world ruler possesses the temple, turns it into a religious center, and causes people to worship his image (see below). Also, during this same period, thousands of Jewish people will die as martyrs. 

The image below is from Hampson 109.

The Protection of the Jewish remnant – halfway through the seven-year Tribulation the Jewish remnant will flee when the Antichrist sets up his image in the Temple (i.e., the abomination that causes desolation) (Matt 24:16; Rev 12:6, 14). Some say that they will flee to the Jordanian village of Bozrah.[34] See Mic 2:12 — the words translated “sheep in the fold” in the NASB are literally in the Hebrew “Bozrah.” It is debatable whether this refers to a geographical location or just “sheep in the fold”.

The Antichrist will start to force people to receive his mark (some type of identification as a sign of unbelievers’ slavery and subjection to the Antichrist). This mark is used to promote his worship — Rev 13:16-18. It is (on people’s foreheads or right hands) intended to counterfeit the seal of God on the foreheads of the saints in Rev 7:2-4. People will need this mark to buy or sell (Rev 13:16-17).

The value John gave in this prophecy will enable believers who live during this time, when combined with the many other clues throughout the Scriptures, to positively identify the Antichrist.[35]

The symbol of the Antichrist will be “666” (Rev 13:18). My personal belief is that people miss the intended meaning by speculating and conjecturing (by using “Gematria,” deriving mystical meanings by assigning letters numerical values) to whom this number refers. More than likely only those people who are alive during the Tribulation when the Antichrist is active will understand the intended meaning and significance of this number. The number “6” is one less than the number “7,” which is the number of perfection and completeness. No matter how hard the Antichrist will try to imitate Christ who is God, he will still fall far short of perfection. No matter how powerful a man he is, he is still a man and not God. This idea of incompleteness and imperfection is intensified by the three 6s. This is in harmony with the statement of v. 18 that this number is the “number of a man.” The three 6s could also be a reference to the unholy trinity (Satan, the Antichrist, and the false prophet); all three fall short of the perfect Godhead.

Parenthetical Units in the book of Revelation

There are many parenthetical units in the book of Revelation that do not advance the narrative chronologically but pertain to prophetic revelation relating to individuals and situations – 7:1-17; 10:1-11:14; 12-14; 17:1-19:10.[36] 

The following image is from Hampson 104.

Jerusalem overrun by Gentiles* – Lk 21:24; Rev 11:2

*Between 586 B.C. and 1967 A.D., more than 20 conquerors have ruled over Jerusalem. It has been the stage for 36 wars, has endured 27 sieges and blockades, has been reduced to rubble 17 times, and has been rebuilt 18 times.[37] 

The Antichrist persecutes Israel – Jer 30:5-7; Dan 12:1; Zech 13:8; Matt 24:21-22.

The image below is from Hampson 152.

Events Toward The End of the Seven-Year Tribulation

Babylon is destroyed – Rev 16:19-21; 18:1-24

14 contrasts between the Rapture and the Second Coming

Rapture – Christ comes for His own, His bride – Jn. 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:17; 2 Thess. 2:1

Second Coming – Christ comes with His own (believers and angels) – Zech. 14:5; Matt. 25:31; 1 Thess. 3:13; 2 Thess. 1:7; Jude 14; Rev. 19:7, 8 with 19:14.

Rapture — He comes and meets believers in the air (in five of its seven occurrences in the NT it means the atmosphere – Acts 22:23; 1 Cor. 9:26; 14:9; Rev. 9:2; 16:17; Hiebert, 202) – 1 Thess. 4:17.

Second Coming – He comes to the earth and sets foot on the Mount of Olives – Zech. 14:4; Acts 1:11.

Rapture – He claims His bride (2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:25-27; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 19:7-8)

Second Coming – He comes with His bride (1 Thess. 3:13; Col. 3:4; Rev. 19:7, 8 with 19:14)

Rapture – Removal of believers – Jn. 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:17

Second Coming – Manifestation of Christ (2 Thess. 1:7) and removal of unbelievers (Matt. 24:40-41; 25:41, 46; Luke 17:34-35)

Rapture – Only believers will see Christ – it is private – Heb. 9:28; Acts 1:11.

Second Coming – Every eye will see Him – it is public – Rev. 1:7.

Rapture – there is no timetable for this event.

Second Coming – this event ends the seven-year tribulation – Matt. 24:29-30.

Rapture – believers are rewarded – 1 Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 22:12

Second Coming – unbelievers are judged – Matt. 25:41, 46; 2 Thess. 1:8-9

Rapture – this event is a source of comfort and hope to the believer – 1 Thess. 4:18; Titus 2:13.

Second Coming – this event is a source of terror for the unbeliever; this message is accompanied by a message of judgment – cf. Is. 2:19-21; Rev. 6:15-17.

Rapture – there are no changes in nature associated with this event

Second Coming – there are many changes in nature associated with this event – Zech. 14:4-8

Rapture – this event is a mystery of the Church Age – 1 Cor. 15:51.

Second Coming – this event is the subject of extensive prophecy in the OT and NT.

Rapture – the unconditional (but the blessings associated with the covenants are conditional) covenants like those with Abraham and David are not fulfilled at this time.

Second Coming – the covenants are fulfilled at this event and during the Millennium – Israel inherits her possessions – cf. Rom. 11:28-32.

Rapture – there is no dealing with Satan or demons at this event.

Second Coming – at this event the Antichrist and the False Prophet are thrown into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 19:20) and Satan is bound for a thousand years (Rev. 20:1-3). 

Rapture – Saved are delivered from wrath – 1 Thess. 1:10; 5:9

Second Coming – Unsaved experience the wrath of God (2 Thess. 1:6-10)

Rapture – no signs precede rapture; it is imminent

Second Coming – a multitude of signs and events preceding this event – Luke 21:11

Seven purposes of the Second Coming

To reveal Himself and His own – Joel 3:11; Zech. 12:10; 14:5; Matt. 24:30; Col. 3:4; Heb. 9:24-28; 1 Thess. 3:13; 2 Thess. 1:7; Jude 14; Rev. 1:7. 

To judge the Beast, the False Prophet, and their armies – see Zech. 12:1-9; 13:8-14:2; Rev. 16:12-16; 19:11-16.  Also see Ps. 2:3-9; 2 Thess. 2:8; Rev. 19:19-21

To bind Satan – Rev. 20:1-3

To save Israel/the remnant physically and spiritually – see Jer. 30:7; Zech. 12:10-13:1; 14:1-3; Rom. 11:26

To judge the nations – Joel 3:11-17; Matt. 25:31-46; 2 Thess. 1:7-10

To deliver and bless creation – Is. 35:1-10; Rom. 8:19-22. To read about various physical changes to take place on the earth, see Is. 2:2; Ezek. 47:1-12; Zech. 14:4-8

To set up His kingdom – Dan. 2:44-45; 7:13-14; Luke 1:31-33; 19:12, 15-19; cf. Rev. 11:15

The Campaign (i.e., “a series of battles,” “an extended war or campaign,” in the Greek polemos) of Armageddon begins – see Dan 11:40-45; Joel 3:9-17; Zech 14:1-3; Rev 16:14-16

The image below is from Hampson 172.

The following[38] is a summary of this complex campaign:

• The Antichrist’s Allies Assemble (at the same time as the 6^th bowl judgment) at the “Mountain of Megiddo” (i.e., Armageddon), in northern Israel.[39] The counterfeit trinity (Satan, The Antichrist, and the False Prophet) summons these forces – Rev 16:12-16.[40] 

• Babylon Destroyed – at this point, the Antichrist hears that his capital city was attacked and destroyed by his enemies, which are an alliance of forces from north of Babylon (Jer 50-51; Zech 5:5-11). Jer 50-51 looks beyond its destruction by the Medo-Persian Empire on Oct 12 [16^th of Tishri] 539 B.C. to this time period at the end of the Tribulation (Rev 18).

• Jerusalem Falls – the Antichrist will move southward against Jerusalem instead of eastward to protect his capital – Zech 12:1-3; 14:1-2.[41] The Antichrist will initially prevail but will soon be destroyed by Christ. 

• The Antichrist Moves South Against the Jewish Remnant. The Antichrist moves down to the desert and mountains, probably to a place about 80 miles south of Jerusalem; 25 miles SE of the lower end of the Salt/Dead Sea (Bozrah/Petra) – Micah 2:12[42] (God’s gathering and protection of this remnant). Petra was built into the desert mountains and it had been abandoned and was unknown to the world until it was rediscovered in 1812. It would make an ideal protective hiding place for a large number of people.

• The National Regeneration of Israel — “All Israel” (i.e., the remnant; the third that are left from the original number of Jewish people living at the beginning of the Tribulation – see Zech 13:7-9) turn to the Lord and are forgiven and cleansed – Lev 26:40-42; Deut 4:29-31; 30:6-8; Is 53:1-9; 59:20-21; Jer 3:11-18; Ezek 36:25-27; 37:1-14; Joel 2:28-32; Zech 12:10-13:2; Matt 24:30; Rom 11:26-27;[43] Rev 1:7.[44] This cleansing is a “prerequisite” for Christ’s Second Coming (cf. Matt 23:37-39). This precondition must be met before Jesus will return to set up His Messianic Kingdom. Jesus will not return (Second Coming) until the Jewish people ask Him to return.   

Zech. 12:10 – Israel has to first of all look unto Jesus, whom they have pierced, and plead for His return before she will receive cleansing of her sin and before Jesus will return to set up His kingdom.

Matt. 23:37-39 (in this context Jesus was denouncing the scribes & Pharisees for leading the nation in the rejection of His Messiahship). Verse 37 – Jesus’ original desire to gather them if they would accept Him. Verse 38 – they would be scattered and the Jewish temple would be destroyed. Verse 39 – a messianic greeting; their acceptance of Jesus’ Messiahship leading to His return (i.e., Second Coming).

• The Second Coming of Jesus Christ with the armies of heaven (angels and the church – see Dan 2:44-45; 7:9-14; Zech 12:10; 14:1-15; Matt 13:41; 24:15ff.; 26:64; Mk 13:16; 14:62; Lk 21:25-28; Acts 1:9-11; 3:19-21; Col 3:4; 1 Thess 3:13; 2 Thess 1:6-10; 2:8; 1 Pet 4:12-13; 2 Pet 3:1-14; Jude 14-15; Rev 1:7; 19:8 with 14) – Zech 14:4-5; Matt 24:27-31; Rev 19:11-16.  This coming will be accompanied by the appearance of signs in the earth and sky – Is 13:10; Joel 2:10, 30-31; 3:15; Matt 24:29.

• The Final Battle from Bozrah to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.  Earthly armies in Israel unite against Christ and the armies of heaven – Psalm 2:1-3; Joel 3:9-16; Zech 12:2-9; 14:1-6, 12-14; Rev 16:16; 19:17-19.[45]

• The victory ascent upon the Mount of Olives — Zech 14:3-5.[46]

Earthly armies destroyed by Christ and the armies of heaven – Rev 19:19, 21.  For other passages referring to the Christ’s Second Coming, see: Is 63:1-6; Dan 2:44-45; 7:9-14; Zech 14:1-15; Matt 13:41; 26:64; Mk 13:24-27; 14:62; Lk 21:25-28; Acts 1:9-11; 3:19-21; 2 Thess 2:8; Rev 1:7; 22:7, 12, 20.

The nations that attack Jerusalem will be severely judged by God for coming against Jerusalem – Zech 12:9; 14:3, 12; Dan 2:44; 2 Thess 1:7-9; Rev 19: 11-13, 15, 17-18; cf. Gen 12:3; 27:29; Num 24:9. These nations will be judged because when you touch (i.e., to produce harm) Israel, you touch the “apple of God’s eye”, i.e., “the pupil, a delicate part of the eye that is essential for vision and must be protected at all costs” (Zech 2:8; cf. Deut 32:10).[47] The pupil is “the part of the eye most easily injured” and is “the most demanding of protection”.[48] This is a figure of speech and God does not have eyes, but the message is clear and it shows how extremely important Israel is to God!

• The Ascent to the Mount of Olives – Zech 14:3-4. “With the destruction of the Antichrist and his forces complete, the campaign will be over. Jesus will go and stand on the Mount of Olives in a symbolic victory ascent”.[49] 

God will destroy the armies of the nations gathered toward the end of the campaign of Armageddon for several reasons: (1) these nations are determined to destroy Israel, the apple of God’s eye (cf. Joel 3:2), (2) these nations have refused to repent of their sins (cf. Rev 16:9), and (3) God will judge these nations for their total abuse of the Earth and its resources (cf. Rev 11:18) (Jeffrey 1991, 280-1).

The “times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24) (the time beginning in 586 B.C. when Jerusalem was dominated and controlled by Gentiles) comes to an end at Christ’s return

An earthquake will split Jerusalem into two sections (Zech 14:4-5)

Jews fleeing Jerusalem is made easier by changes in its topography – Zech 14:5

Events occurring right before or at the time of Jesus’ Second Coming

Final regathering* of Israel – Deut 4:29-31; 30:1-10; Is 11:11-12; 27:12-13; 43:5-7; Jer 16:14-15; 23:3-4, 7-8; 30:3; 31:7-10; Ezek 11:16-18; 20:33-38; 36:22-24; 37:21; Amos 9:14-15; Micah 4:6-7; Zeph 3:18-20; Zech 8:7-8; 10:8-12; Matt 24:31; Mark 13:27

*The Jewish people will return to their land in stages, initially in unbelief (see Ezek 36:24ff.; 37:1-14). The first stage of this return will be to the Land (geographical; by man) (before the Tribulation in unbelief) and then to the Lord (spiritual; by God) (before the Millennium in belief.[50]

*1^st stage – Ezek 11:17; 36:22-24; 37:21; also see Ezek 20:33-38

 2^nd stage – Ezek 11:14-19; 36:25-27; 37:23; also see Deut 4:29-31; 30:1-10; Is 27:12-13; 43:5-7; Jer 16:14-15; 31:7-10; Amos 9:14-15; Zech 10:8-12; Matt 24:31.[51]

In general, this 75-day interval seems to be a time of preparation for the kingdom; the Lord will seemingly take some time to renovate His creation in preparation for his 1000-year reign.

The Gentiles who survived the seven-year Tribulation will be judged at Jesus’s 2^nd Coming. They will be judged based on how they treated Jewish people. My opinion is that “my brethren” in Matt 25:40 is a reference to Jewish people who are true believers and who lived during the Tribulation) – Matt 25:31-46; also see Joel 3:1-3, 11-17; 2 Thess 1:7-10; Rev 19:11-21.

The despicable image, which the Antichrist set up in the Tribulation Temple, will be removed after 30 days (1290 days) – Dan 12:11. There are three different number of days used in the Bible that all begin in the middle of the Tribulation (the 70^th week of Daniel):

1260 days – the time from the middle of the Tribulation (when the Antichrist will end the regular sacrifices at the Temple and will set up his image in the Temple) to the 2^nd Coming.  

1290 days (Dan 12:11) – the time from the middle of the Tribulation to 30 days after the 2^nd Coming; as mentioned above, during the 30 days after the 2^nd Coming, the Gentiles who survive the horrors of the Tribulation will be judged (Matt 25:31-46). The purpose of this judgment will be to separate the believers (who will enter the Millennium in their physical bodies) from the unbelievers (who be removed from the earth in judgment). During these 30 days, the Millennial Temple (Ezek 40:5-43:27) also might be set up and prepared for use.[52]

1335 days – the time from the middle of the Tribulation to 75 days after the 2^nd Coming, probably on the day the Millennium begins (Dan 12:12). After Jesus is finished with judging the Gentiles, it seems like it will take another 45 days to form the government structure needed to run the kingdom. We know from Rev 20:4-6 that the saints will reign with Messiah Jesus in the Millennial Kingdom. After the believers have been separated from the unbelievers, it will take time (45 days) to give various government positions to saints and to let them know what their responsibilities will entail.

The Antichrist and the False Prophet will be thrown into the Lake of Fire – Rev 19:20.

Satan is thrown into the abyss and bound for 1000 years (for the duration of Christ’s millennial reign) – Rev 20:1-3.

OT saints resurrected – Is 26:19; Dan 12:2; cf. Job 19:25-26.

Tribulation saints resurrected – Rev 20:4-6.

The image below is from Hampson 143.

The following image is from Hampson 177.

Characteristics And Events Of The Millennium

Environmental and Geographical Characteristics

A Side Note — The Millennium will last for 1,000 years (six times in Rev 20:2-7 this is stated). 

Topography and geography of the earth changed – Is 2:2; Ezek 47:1-12; 48:8-20; Zech 14:4, 8, 10.

Jerusalem is at the center of the government (Is 2:3), is exalted (Zech 14:10), and is a place of great glory (Is 24:23).

Jerusalem as center of world’s worship – Is 2:2-3; Mic 4:1-2; 7:12; Zech 8:3, 20-23; 14:16-21.

Jerusalem made the world’s capital – Jer 3:17; Ezek 48:30-35; Joel 3:16-17; Mic 4:1, 6-8; Zech 8:2-3.

Israel united as a nation — Jer 3:18; Ezek 37:15-23.

Israel exalted above the Gentiles and becomes the center of their attention – Is 4:3; 11:9; 49:22-23; 60:14-17; Zech 8:23; 14:20-21.

Jerusalem is enlarged – Ezek 48:35.

Abrahamic Covenant land-grant boundaries established – Gen 12:7; 13:15, 17; 15:7, 18; 17:8; 24:7; 26:3; 28:13-14; 35:12; 48:4; 50:24; Ezek 47:13-48:8, 23-27.

Israel at peace in their land – Deut 30:1-10; Is 2:4; 19:23-25; 26:1-4; 32:18; Jer 23:4; 30:10b; Ezek 28:26; Amos 9:14-15; Mic 4:4; Zech 3:10; 8:4-5; 14:11.

A fountain or river of life will flow out of the Jerusalem Temple – Ezek 47:1-12; Joel 3:18b; Zech 14:8; the Dead Sea will become fresh – Ezek 47:8-12.

Wild animals tamed/the animal kingdom will be transformed (Is 11:6-9; 35:9; Ezek 34:25), crops are abundant, and the earth becomes increasingly productive (Is 27:6; 35:1-2, 6-7; Ezek 36:29-30; Joel 3:18; Amos 9:13).

Political and Social Characteristics

Universal language (Zeph 3:9) and unimpaired labor (Is 62:8-9; 65:21-23; Ezek 48:18-19).

Human longevity increased (Is 65:20-25) and children are born (Is 65:20, 23; Ezek 47:22).

Worldwide knowledge of God – Is 2:2-3; 11:9; 54:13; Jer 31:34; Mic 4:5; Hab 2:14.

Jesus Christ personally and visibly reigns on earth in righteousness over the affairs of all mankind; Davidic Covenant fulfilled (Christ on David’s throne) – 2 Sam 7:8-17; Ps 2:6-8; 72:8; 89:3-4, 19-37; 110:2; 132:11-18; 146:10; Is 2:2-4; 9:6-7; 11:1-5; 24:23; 32:1; Jer 23:5-6; 33:14-17, 20-21; Dan 2:35, 44-45; 7:13-14; Amos 9:11-12; Mic 4:7-8; Zeph 3:15; Zech 2:11; 9:10; 14:9; Lk 1:31-33; Rev 11:15; 20:4.

The 12 Apostles have authority over the 12 tribes of Israel – Matt 19:28; Lk 22:28-30.

The church has a part in governing the earth and will reign with Christ – 2 Tim 2:12; Rev 5:10; 20:4, 6; 22:5.

Resurrected saints reign with Christ – Matt 19:28; Lk 22:30; 2 Tim 2:12; Rev 5:10; 20:6.

Spiritual

Unparalleled filling of and empowerment by the Holy Spirit on Israel – Is 32:15; 44:3; Ezek 36:24-29; 39:29; Joel 2:28-29.

Millennial temple built – Ezek 40:5-43:27 (cf. 37:26-28); Zech 6:12-15. Gentile nations will assist in this project – Is 60:10-12; Zech 6:15.

New Covenant with Israel fulfilled – Jer 31:31-34; 32:35-39; Ezek 11:18-20; 16:60-63; 36:25-28; 37:26; Rom 11:26.

The glory of the Lord/the Shekinah glory returns to the Temple – Ezek 43:1-7; cf. 48:35 (cf. 11:23 when the Shekinah left the first temple).

The Shekinah glory will serve as Jerusalem’s independent light source – Is 24:23; 60:19-20; Rev 21:23.

Feasts of the New Year, Passover & Tabernacles reinstituted – Ezek 45:18-25; Zech 14:16-21.

Animal sacrifices offered – Jer 33:17-18; Ezek 43:18-27; 45:13-25; Mal 3:3-4. Many debate why there is a need for animal sacrifices in the Millennium. In Ezekiel 40-48, we see a vision of a future temple during the millennial kingdom with the resident glory of God. During this time, many will have glorified bodies, but many people will have non glorified bodies (those who survive the seven-year Tribulation and who pass the judgment of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25:31-46). Therefore, because of the presence of these non-glorified individuals who can be a source of communicable contamination, there is a need for sacrifices to protect the purity of Yahweh’s presence. Yahweh refuses to dwell among people if uncleanness remains untreated.

In conclusion, because of Yahweh’s promise to dwell on earth during the Millennium (as stated in the New Covenant), He must protect His presence through sacrifice. Also, this sacrificial system will be a temporary one in that the Millennium (with its partial population of unglorified humanity) will last only one thousand years. During the eternal state, all inhabitants of the New Jerusalem will be glorified and will therefore not be a source of contagious impurities to defile the holiness of Yahweh.

The journal articles below expand on this:

Hullinger, Jerry M. “The Compatibility of the New Covenant and Future Animal Sacrifices.” Journal of Dispensational Theology 17:50 (Spring 2013): 47-64.

_____. “The Divine Presence, Uncleanness, and Ezekiel’s Millennial Sacrifices.” Bibliotheca Sacra 163:652 (October-December 2006): 405-422.

_____. “The Function of the Millennial Sacrifices in Ezekiel’s Temple, Part 1.” Bibliotheca Sacra 167:665 (January-March 2010): 40-57.

_____. “The Function of the Millennial Sacrifices in Ezekiel’s Temple, Part 2,” Bibliotheca Sacra 167:666 (April-June 2010): 166-179.

_____. “The Problem of Animal Sacrifices in Ezekiel 40—48.” Bibliotheca Sacra 152:607 (July-September 1995): 279-289.

Satan confined in the abyss – Rev 20:1-3.

Events Toward the End or Following The Millennium

Satan is released from the abyss (from bondage) as “a demonstration of the incurable wickedness of Satan and the fact that even a thousand years’ confinement has not changed his rebellion against God”[53] – Rev 20:7.

Satan deceives the nations – Rev 20:8.

Global armies besiege Jerusalem (Rev 20:9a) and are destroyed by fire (Rev 20:9b).

Satan cast into the Lake of Fire – Rev 20:10.

Evil angels judged – 1 Cor 6:3; also see 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6. Believers will be involved in some capacity in this judgment.

The wicked dead resurrected – Rev 20:5, 13; cf. Dan 12:2b; John 5:29b.

The wicked dead judged at The Great White Throne by Christ the Judge – John 5:22, 27, 29; Rev 20:11-15. The books of works are opened to prove that all who are being judged deserve eternal condemnation (see Psalm 19:1-6; Rom 1:18-20 – God’s general revelation).

The wicked cast into The Lake of Fire for eternal torment and extreme agony – Rev 20:14-15; 21:8; cf. Matt 5:22; 8:12; 10:28; 13:42, 50; 18:8-9; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30, 41, 46; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 13:28; 16:24; Jude 7; Rev 19:20.

The following image is from Hampson 196.

Eternity Future

Christ delivers the mediatorial/millennial kingdom to God the Father – 1 Cor 15:24

Present heavens and earth destroyed – Rev 21:1

New heavens and earth created – 2 Pet 3:10-13; Rev 21:1f.; also see Is 65:17 and 66:22. 

New Jerusalem[54] descends to the new earth – Rev 21:2, 10-27

Christ rules forever in the eternal kingdom – Is 9:6-7; Ezek 37:24-28; Dan 7:13-14; Lk 1:32-33; Rev 11:15

Sources Used

Ankerberg, John, John Weldon, Dave Breese, & Dave Hunt. One World: Bible Prophecy and The New World Order. Chicago: Moody, 1991.

Armerding, Carl E. & W. Ward Gasque (editors). Handbook of Biblical Prophecy. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1977.

Barker, Kenneth (General Editor). The NIV Study Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1985.

Benson, John L. Who is The Antichrist.  Schaumburg, IL: Regular Baptist Press, 1978.

Benware, Paul N. Understanding End Times Prophecy: A Comprehensive Approach. Revised and Expanded. Chicago: Moody, 2006.

Campbell, Donald K. (editor). Walvoord: A Tribute. Chicago: Moody, 1982.

Chafer, Lewis Sperry, revised by John F. Walvoord.  Major Bible Themes. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1974, 1979.

________.  Chafer Systematic Theology, volume 4 of an 8-volume set. Dallas: Dallas Seminary Press, 1948.

Couch, Mal (general editor). Dictionary of Premillennial Theology. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1996.

________. “Introductory Thoughts on Allegorical Interpretation and the Book of Revelation.” Conservative Theological Journal Volume 1, 1:13-30, 93-106.

Dyer, Charles H., et al. Prophecy In Light of Today. Chicago: Moody, 2002.

Dyer, Charles H., general editor. Storm Clouds on the Horizon. Chicago: Moody, 2001.

Elwell, Walter A. (editor). Evangelical Dictionary of Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1985.

Enns, Paul. The Moody Handbook of Theology. Chicago: Moody, 1989.

Erickson, Millard J.  Christian Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998.

Famighetti, Robert (Editorial Director).  The 1998 World Almanac and Book of Facts.

Feinberg, Charles L.  Israel:  At the Center of History & Revelation.  Portland: Multnomah, 1980.

Ferguson, Sinclair B.,  David F. Wright, & J. I. Packer (editors). New Dictionary of Theology.  Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1988.

Fruchtenbaum, Arnold G. The Footsteps of the Messiah: A Study of the Sequence of Prophetic Events.  Tustin, CA: Ariel Press, 1982.

________.  Israelology: The Missing Link in Systematic Theology. Tustin, CA: Ariel Press, 1993.

________. “The Use of the Old Testament in the Book of Revelation.” Chafer Theological Seminary Journal Volume 13.1 (2008): 27-28.

Gromacki, Robert G. New Testament Survey. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1974.

Grudem, Wayne (Grudem is a premillennial, post-Tribulational scholar). Systematic Theology:  An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.

Hampson, Todd. The Non-Prophet’s Guide To the Book of Revelation: Bible Prophecy for Everyone. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2019.

Hiebert, D. Edmond. The Thessalonian Epistles. Chicago: Moody, 1971.

Hindson, Ed.  End Times, The Middle East & The New World Order. Wheaton: Victor, 1991.

Hitchcock, Mark. 101 Answers to Questions About the Book of Revelation. Harvest House Publishers p. 26. 

House, H. Wayne (General Editor). Israel: The Land and the People. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1998.

Hoyt, Herman A. The End Times. Chicago: Moody, 1969.

Ice, Thomas, and Timothy Demy. Prophecy Watch: What to Expect in the Days to Come.  Eugene, OR: Harvest, 1998.

________(editors). When the Trumpet Sounds: Today’s Foremost Authorities Speak Out on End-Time Controversies. Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 1995.

Ice, Thomas, and Randall Price, Ready to Rebuild: The Imminent Plan to Rebuild the Last Days Temple. Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 1992.

James, Edgar C. Understanding the Prophecies of the Millennium. Chicago: Moody, 2000.

Jeffrey, Grant R.  Messiah: War in the Middle East & The Road to Armageddon. Toronto: Frontier Research Publications, 1991.

Kaiser, Walter C., Jr.  Back Toward the Future: Hints for Interpreting Biblical Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1989.

Karleen, Paul S. The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church:  Is It Biblical?  Langhorne, PA: BF Press, 1991.

LaHaye, Tim No Fear of the Storm. Sisters, OR: Multnomah, 1992.

LaHaye, Tim, and Thomas Ice. Charting the End Times: A Visual Guide to Understanding Bible Prophecy. Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 2001.

Larsen, David.  Jews, Gentiles & The Church: A new perspective on history and prophecy.  Grand Rapids: Discovery House, 1995.

Lewis, Gordon R. & Bruce A. Demarest.  Integrative Theology: Historical, Biblical, Systematic, Apologetic, and Practical. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.

Payne, J. Barton.  Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy: The Complete Guide to Scriptural Predictions and Their Fulfillment.  New York: Harper & Row, 1973.

Pentecost, J. Dwight.  Things To Come: A Study in Biblical Eschatology. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1958, 1980.

Price, Randall.  Jerusalem in Prophecy. Eugene, OR: Harvest, 1998.

Radmacher, Earl D. (General Editor). The Nelson Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997.

Rasmussen, Carl G.  Zondervan NIV Atlas of the Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1989.

Ryrie, Charles C.  Basic Theology: A Popular Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth.  Wheaton: Victor, 1996.

________.  Come Quickly, Lord Jesus:  What You Need To Know About The Rapture.  Eugene, OR: Harvest, 1981, 1996.

________ (consulting editor), Joe Jordan and Tom Davis (general editors).  Countdown to Armageddon.  Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 1999.

________.  The Ryrie Study Bible.  Chicago: Moody, 1976, 1978. 

Showers, Renald E.  Maranatha:  Our Lord, Come!  A Definitive Study of the Rapture of the Church.  Bellmawr, NJ: Friends of Israel, 1995.

________.  The Most High God: A Commentary on the Book of Daniel.  Bellmawr, NJ: The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Inc., 1982.

________. The Pre-Wrath Rapture View. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2001.

________.  There Really is a Difference:  A Comparison of Covenant and Dispensational Theology.  Bellmawr, NJ: Friends of Israel, 1991.

Stanton, Gerald B.  Kept From the Hour.  Miami Springs: Schoettle, 1991.

Swindoll, Charles R., John F. Walvoord, & J. Dwight Pentecost.  The Road to Armageddon.  Nashville: Word, 1999.

Thiessen, Henry Clarence (revised by Vernon D. Doerksen).  Lectures in Systematic Theology.  Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979, 1987.

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck (editors).  The Bible Knowledge Commentary, OT, and NT volumes.  Wheaton: Victor, 1983 (NT), 1985 (OT).

Walvoord, John F.  Armageddon: Oil and the Middle East Crisis.  Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1974. 

________.  Every Prophecy of the Bible (formerly titled, The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook).  Colorado Springs, Chariot Victor Publishing, 1999

________. The Rapture Question, revised and enlarged edition.  Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1957, 1979.

Willis, Wesley R., and John R. Master (editors).  Issues In Dispensationalism.  Chicago: Moody, 1994.

Willis, Wesley & Elaine, John & Janet Master (editors).  Basic Theology Applied.  Wheaton: Victor, 1995.

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[1] See Matt 25:6f.; Phil 4:5; 1 Thess 3:13; 5:23; Tit 2:12-13; James 5:7-9; 1 Pet 1:3-7; 1 Jn 3:3.

[2] The following chart is from Hampson 48.

[3] The following chart is from Hampson 54.

[4] The word “rapture” is the Latin translation of the phrase “caught up” in 1 Thess 4:17.

[5]  Ice & Demy 1998, 112.

[6] The following chart is from Hampson 51.

[7] In his book, 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988.

[8] Page 532; also see Camping’s book, Are You Ready,?pp. 314-6.

[9] Page xv in his introduction.

[10] The believer will not be condemned regarding his/her sins (Jn 5:24; Rom 8:1). During this life believers are chastened/disciplined for the sins he/ he commits (1 Cor 5:5; 11:32; Heb 12:7); this judgment has to do with the gaining or loss of rewards for service. 

[11] These are works done with the wrong motives, for example with the intention of impressing men (see Matt 6:2).

[12] The following charts are from Hampson 54 and Dr. J. Paul Tanner’s website respectively (http://paultanner.org). Based on Harold Hoehner’s work in Chronological Aspects of the Life of Christ, “Palm Sunday” actually took place on a Monday.

[13] The following chart is from Hampson 57.

[14] For more detail, see Showers 1995, 21-29.

[15] Showers 2001, 53.

[16] Famines commonly followed military conflicts, as seen in previous two seal judgments.

[17] Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, vol. III, pp. 52-53, as mentioned in Showers 1995, 113.

[18] Charles Q. Choi, “Can big earthquakes trigger a domino effect?” Science on NBC News (May 25, 2008), http://www.nbcnews.com/id/24820044/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/can-big-earthquakes-trigger-domino-effect/#.WywMDC-ZMW8.

[19] Trevor Nace, “Layers of the Earth: What Lies Beneath the Earth’s Crust,” Forbes (January 16, 2016), https://www.forbes.com/sites/trevornace/2016/01/16/layers-of-the-earth-lies-beneath-earths-crust/#64f17931441d. The graphic below is from Hampson 72.

[20] Billionaire bunkers: How the 1% are preparing for the apocalypse,” CNN (October 17, 2017), https://www.cnn.com/style/article/doomsday-luxury-bunkers/index.html. The following chart is from Hampson 73.

[21] This coalition is made up of countries which today include Turkey, the former Soviet Muslim Republics, Iran, Sudan, and Libya.

[22] James 2000, 38.

[23] Ibid., 39.

[24] A nourishing fertilizer that Russia will need since it imports much grain.

[25] Important in pharmaceuticals and gasoline

[26] Used in aluminum alloys, important in aircraft construction; also used in the making of explosives.

[27] James 2000, 40.

[28] Price 1998, 165.

[29] Regarding the term “Antichrist,” the Greek preposition anti means that not only is the Antichrist opposed to Christ but he also will try to imitate Christ.

[30] That is, “The Great Tribulation,” which lasts for 3 ½ years, 42 months, or 1260 days; compare Dan 9:27 with Matt 24:15-21; also see Dan 7:25; 12:7; Rev 11:2, 3; 12:6, 14; 13:5.  The ancient world of the Bible considered a month 30 days; cf. Gen 7:11, 24; 8:4.

[31] Called “Wormwood,” a plant found in the Middle East with a strong bitter taste, see Lam 3:19.

[32] This event seems to be the same as Dan 11:40-45 and Rev 16:12-16).

[33] Ice & Demy 1998, 163.

[34] City in north Edom located along caravan routes.  An early king of Edom was from this city (Gen 36:33; 1 Chr 1:44).  It is the focus of prophecies of judgment (Is 34:6; 63:1; Jer 49:13, 22; Amos 1:12).  It is 25 miles SE of the southern tip of the Dead / Salt Sea in the mountains of Edom.  There was also a Bozrah in Moab (see Jer 48:24), this latter Bozrah is possibly the same as Bezer (Rasmussen 1989, 230; see Ice & Demy 1998, 168). 

[35] Tony Garland, Revelation commentary (13:18).

[36] Walvoord 1999, 593

[37] Price 1998, 160.

[38] In my opinion the best explanation for the events of the Campaign of Armageddon is in Fruchtenbaum 1982, 216-53 and in Ice & Demy 1998, 187-97.

[39] About 20 miles S-SE of Haifa and 50 miles north of Jerusalem.  Megiddo has a very strategic location; generals in the past knew that if they controlled Megiddo, they could control the whole northern half of the country (James 2000, 53).

[40] See Ps 2:1-6; Joel 3:9-11.

[41] Aloso see Mic 4:11-5:1.

[42] Also see Jer 49:13-14.

[43] I believe the “all” in Romans 11:26 means TRUE Israel as defined by Paul. He defined “true” Israel as those who not only had Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as their fathers, but also God as their father (see Romans 9:6). In other words, these are ethnic Israelites who have put their faith in Jesus Christ and become a child of God, a son of Abraham by faith (see Galatians 3:7). All of these will be “saved” …meaning delivered into the Millennial Kingdom on earth (Pastor John Clark; PowerPoint on Romans 11:25-27).

[44] Cf. Ps 79:1-13; 80:1-19; Is 64:1-12; Hos 6:1-13.

[45] Also see Jer 49:20-22.

[46] Also cf. Joel 3:14-17; Matt 24:29-31; Rev 16:17-21; 19:11-21.

[47] The NIV Study Bible, 283; see Feinberg 1980, 39-44.

[48] Walvoord and Zuck 1985, 1553.

[49] IArtice & j Demy 1998, 196.

[50] Price, 1998, 207; Ice & Demy 1998,62-4.

[51] Price, 1998, 209-11; Ice & Demy 1998,62-4.

[52] Notice that the context of Dan 12:11 is the Temple sacrifice and the “abomination of desolation.”

[53] Walvoord 1999, 405, as quoted in Ice & Demy 1998, 235.

[54] The dimensions of New Jerusalem are 1,500 miles equally in every direction (Price 1998, 312).