The End Appoints The Motionless View

At the end of July, the Air Force held a press conference explaining that, although some of these reports remained unexplained, there was no evidence they were alien craft. Within the classified world, matters were not so serene. “In the end, the train stood 2 hours motionless in the middle of nowhere. Every minute seemed like an eternity. Time felt crept by slowly, with clear malice towards me.

Though the title of this study is the Time of the of The End, I want to assure you this has no relationship to the present state of the earthquake situation in California. There are predictions of great earthquakes in the Bible and some of them will be tremendous, but none of them, to my knowledge, specify California. Some of you are breathing much easier that we have made it through April. There are a great many people still holding their breath waiting for the great earthquake, but of course those who hold their breath long enough will not have to worry about it anyhow.Setting aside earthquake predictions let us turn to the great prophecy given to Daniel by the angel Gabriel, contained in the eleventh chapter of the book of Daniel. This is a long chapter, and you will have to roll up your sleeves and pitch in with me as we look at it together. We shall not read it all, but will try to grasp the full import of this amazing section.

It is a remarkable passage. As I pointed out before, Chapters 10, 11, and 12 are all one great vision. Up to that point in Daniel the chapter divisions represent separate prophetic foresights, but the last three chapters are one great vision.

It would be ideal if we could take them all at once, for the chapter divisions only confuse the issue. But to take them at once is impossible for it would be attempting one chapter of seventy-nine verses! So we shall observe the chapter divisions if you will understand that it is one great vision we are considering.The background of this vision is Chapter 10, where we are told that Daniel was allowed to see behind the scenes in the ministry of prayer.

The curtain was dropped and he suddenly saw a most shattering, dazzling sight, the Lord Jesus in the fullness of his majesty and glory, the very same One whom John describes in the opening verses of Revelation. It is the same one who arrested Paul on the road to Damascus and who appeared in light that was brighter than the sun. You can imagine the effect of all this upon the prophet Daniel. He is drained of energy and falls on his face to the ground. But an angel is sent to help him and to give him the most detailed vision of the events of human history before they occur that is contained in the Bible.The angel begins to unfold, in Chapter 11, the history of the future from Daniel's day on. The chapter falls into four rather unequal parts. The first part includes Verses 2-4.

In these verses we have the immediate future from Daniel's day on, covering approximately ninety-five years. The angel said to Daniel,'And now I will show you the truth. Behold three more kings shall arise in Persia; and a fourth shall be far richer than all of them; and when he has become strong through his riches he shall stir up all against the kingdom of Greece.

Then a mighty king shall arise who shall rule with great dominion and do according to his will. And when he has arisen his kingdom shall be broken and divided toward the four winds of heaven but not to his posterity not according to the dominion with which he ruled; for his kingdom shall be plucked up and go to others besides these.' (Daniel 11:2-4 RSV)Did you recognize any of the historic personalities that are predicted there? Daniel is told that there will be three more kings following Cyrus, the king of Media-Persia at the time the prophet writes.

These three are known to history. The first one was Cambyses, the son of Cyrus. He was overthrown by a usurper who took the name of Cambyses' son, Smerdis, and is called in history Pseudo-Smerdis (false-Smerdis). Then the third king was Darius Hystaspes. Any of you who have studied ancient Persian history will recognize this name immediately. Then a fourth king was to follow.

That did not mean that he would be the last of the kings of Persia but it meant he was to be the fourth one from Daniel's day, and he would be an especially notable one.This was Xerxes the Great, king of Persia, who was indeed fabulously rich as the prophet was told, and became strong through his riches, stirring up the kingdom of Greece. It was the raids which the Persians made against the Greeks under Xerxes which inflamed Greece and created an immediate response to the call of Alexander the Great for war against the Persians.

The 'mighty king' which was to arise is clearly identifiable as Alexander the Great, the young man who became first king of Macedon and then king of Greece, and finally led the Grecian armies against the Persian empire, overthrew the might of Persia, and swept on to conquer the then known civilized world. According to the prophecy here he was to be 'broken.' Alexander died when he was only thirty-three years old, and his kingdom was divided but not to his posterity. He had an unborn son at the time of his death who, when he was born, did briefly inherit the kingdom of Alexander. Ultimately the empire was divided among his four generals, according to what is said here, it would be 'divided towards the four winds of heaven.'

It is also stated that 'it would be plucked up and go to others besides these.' This is the first hint we have of the coming in of the Romans from the West. They are the 'others' who got a part of Alexander's empire when it was divided.The next division of the vision encompasses Verses 5-20. We shall not read these, though if you are interested in this part of history it would be fascinating to trace these events through.

In this section beginning with Verse 5, the angel traces the course of two empires, one to the south and one to the north of Israel. The king of the south is Egypt under Ptolemy, who was one of the generals of Alexander, and his successors.

The king of the north is Syria. That domain was under the rule of the Seleucids (Seleucus was another of the generals under Alexander). These two kingdoms, Egypt and Syria, fought back and forth over the course of about 130 years. Poor Israel was caught in between the two, and became the battlefield of these armies as they moved back and forth. Jerusalem was captured by both sides from time to time through the conflict and was sacked and ravaged a number of times - ground like wheat between two millstones.The account of these kingdoms is given to us because of Israel's involvement.

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God's primary concern is for Israel and for her sake he gives us this marvelously detailed account which history has confirmed in every detail. It would be really fascinating, if we had the time, to see how remarkably history records the fulfillment of every single prediction here, but we must move on.Coming to the third section, from (Verses) 21-35 we find the career of a single king the king of the north, whose name was Antiochus Epiphanes. We have met him before in the book of Daniel. He is the 'little horn' of Chapter 8, who persecuted Israel and ultimately set up the first 'abomination of desolation' in the temple at Jerusalem. He is called 'the Antichrist of the Old Testament,' a most despicable character, and yet a remarkable man in many ways. He reigned from 175 to 164 B.C. There are certain highlights of this section to which I will call your attention because they have real bearing on our own day.

The opening verses, 21 throigh 28, are the story of how this treacherous man came to power, gaining influence through flattery. He launched a campaign against Egypt, which he won and thus established his power more thoroughly. Then, in Verses 29-30, a very interesting thing is recorded:'At the time appointed he shall return and come into the southi.e., Egypt; but it shall not be this time as it as it was before.' (Daniel 11:29 RSV)Antiochus made a second invasion of Egypt but this time he met with difficulty.' For ships of Kittim shall come against him, and he shall be afraid and withdraw, and shall turn back and be enraged and take action against the holy covenant.' (Daniel 11:30a RSV)We know from history how this occurred, Antiochus Epiphanes (he called himself Epiphanes which means 'The Illustrious One, The Magnificent One' - it was his own appraisal of himself - but his courtiers called him Antiochus Epimanes, the Madman).

He led his army into Egypt, but this time the Egyptians had sent for help from the Romans. The Roman Senate sent a general named Popilius, who led a legion against Antiochus. They arrived in Roman galleys which are referred to here as 'ships of Kittim.'

Popilius insisted that Antiochus return to his own land, keep the peace, and acknowledge the authority of Rome. Antiochus asked for time to consider these terms, but Popilius drew a circle around him with his sword and told him to decide before he stepped out of that circle. So Antiochus gave in and agreed to keep the peace, but returned to Jerusalem to take out his spite on the Jews. Instead of keeping peace, he did what is recorded in verse 31.' Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the continual burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate.'

(Daniel 11:31 RSV)Antiochus went up to Jerusalem, entered the temple, and, as we have learned before, erected there a pagan altar. He offered a pig, an unclean animal to the Jews, upon the altar, taking the broth of the pig and sprinkled it around the sanctuary, thus defiling it.

Then he set up a statue of Jupiter and insisted that the temple be dedicated to that pagan god. This is what is called 'the abomination that makes desolate.' All this is extremely important because it was a preview of another abomination of desolation that is yet to come.In Verses 32-35 we have the career of a very remarkable people described, a people known to history as the Maccabees. They were the sons of an old man named Mathias, who rebelled against the desecrations of Antiochus and led a revolt against the authority of the king.

His sons were successful in this revolt and finally recaptured the temple, cleansed the sanctuary, and restored the Jewish offerings. If any of you are at all acquainted with the history of the Jews you know that this is an important event in their calendar. They celebrate it at the same time that we celebrate Christmas, because the temple was cleansed on December 25, 164 B.C.

Here is the description of the Maccabees in the prophecy.' He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant; but the people who know their God shall stand and take action. And those among the people who are wise shall make many understand, though they shall fall by sword and name, by captivity and plunder, for some days. When they fall, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery; and some of those who are wise shall fall, to refine and to cleanse them and to make them white, until the time of the end, for it is yet for the time appointed.'

(Daniel 11:32-35 RSV)This remarkable section of the prophecy predicts the rise of a people who would know their God, would do exploits, and who are strong. Though they receive a little help they are ultimately overcome. The Maccabees had to appeal to the Romans for help and it was this appeal which was ultimately responsible for the fact that the Roman government was in control of Palestine at the time our Lord was born. But they did great things, were a godly people, and did succeed in cleansing the sanctuary and restoring the offerings of the Jews. As predicted they did mighty things in the name of God against tremendous persecution, 'falling by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder, for some days.' Now notice the last words of Verse 35.

They seem to suggest a leap of time that will carry us from these days in the past, to the 'last days,' to the time in the future when this shall again be fulfilled in a greater way. It shall be 'until the time of the end, for it is yet for the time appointed,' we are told. Then, beginning with Verse 36, we have the last section of this chapter. There we have a clear picture of the false prophet, the false Messiah, who is accepted by the Jews as a Messiah and who erects the abomination of desolation for the last and final time in a temple that is yet to be rebuilt in the city of Jerusalem.But before we leave this section on Antiochus Epiphanes, let me point out that many Bible scholars (and I feel there is great justification for this) regard this whole section, from Verse 21 on, as a preview to be repeated in the last days. These same events would be fulfilled in a larger and greater way than in the past.

This is very significant, for if it is true then it indicates that the present relationship between Egypt and Syria in the Middle East must be broken and these two countries shall become enemies again instead of allies as they are now. If you have been watching the events of the Middle East of the last few years you know that these two nations are drawing apart from each other. They once were one nation, the United Arab Republic. But that did not last long, and they have since been drawing further apart. They are united only by their antipathy toward Israel, but they disagree in their views as to how warfare against Israel should be carried forward.

According to this prediction, it will ultimately result in these two nations becoming enemies once again. We shall watch that scene with great interest.Let us look at Verses 36-45. The first section of it gives us the character of the last king of the north, the final one who appears as the false prophet and who erects in the temple, as we have seen before, an image of the Western political leader, the first beast of Revelation 13, which will be the ultimate abomination of desolation.

To confirm the fact that the passage is dealing with the last days, look at the first verse of Chapter 12, remembering that this is all one great vision. The prophet there is told,'At that timethe time of the events of the closing part of Chapter 11 shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time.' (Daniel 12:1a RSV)That 'time of trouble' is clearly the great tribulation which our Lord mentions in Matthew 24. So there is no question about the fact that we are dealing with the last days. Also in Chapter 12, notice Verse 11, which says,'And from the time that the continual burnt offering is taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate is set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.' (Daniel 12:11 RSV)That is referring to the last desecration of the temple that is to occur, but the only reference to it in this vision is clear back in Chapter 11, Verse 31, which describes the desecration under Antiochus Epiphanes,'Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the continual burnt offering.

And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate.' (Daniel 11:31 RSV)That is why many scholars feel that this whole section, from Verse 21 on, is to be repeated in the last days.Now let us look at this last great personality.' And the king shall do according to his will; he shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is determined shall be done.

He shall give no heed to the gods of his fathers, or to the one beloved by women; he shall not give heed to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all. He shall honor the god of fortresses instead of these; a god whom his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. He shall deal with the strongest fortresses by the help of a foreign god; those who acknowledge him he shall magnify with honor. He shall make them rulers over many and shall divide the land for a price.' (Daniel 11:36-39 RSV)There are several very important things to note:First, this king blasphemes God.

That is always the mark of the Antichrist. Also he magnifies himself. In Chapter 8 we learned that he does this 'in his own mind,' he does not do it openly, and we will see the reason for that in a moment.Then we are told 'he shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished.' The 'indignation' is another term for the great tribulation.

It indicates this man is going to have power over the whole Middle East and perhaps over much of the world in conjunction with the great Western ruler during the whole time of Daniel's seventieth week, and especially through the last half of it, the time of the great tribulation. 'He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished.' Then we learn he shall rule by military power. That is what is meant by, 'He shall honor the god fortresses' and, though he himself is primarily a religious leader, he shall have a great military power backing him. Revelation 13 shows us that this military power is the leader of the Western world, the Roman Empire restored, which will be dominant in these last days. The Syrian king shall be in league with a foreign god and this foreign god is the Western leader, the first beast of Revelation 13, whom he will cause the whole world to worship. The dominant religion of the world in that day will be the worship of man, exemplified in one man, who will be the great Antichrist of the last days.

But this man, this king of Daniel 11:36, is the one who will lead the world in the worship of that Western leader.' He shall be in league with a foreign god, and shall divide the land for a price.' That latter phrase suggests the possibility that here is the one who will finally settle the quarrel of Jew and Arab over ownership of the land of Israel. Someone must come ultimately to settle this great difficulty, because it is now dividing the Middle East, and much of the world. Until the problem is settled there can be no hope for any kind of peace in the Middle East.

But there is coming a man who will succeed for awhile in bringing peace to this area, and this is the man who is before us now.The action of the last days is recorded in the closing section.' At the time of the endthat places it at the beginning of the great tribulation, the middle of Daniel's seventieth week the king of the south shall attack himEgypt shall come against him; but the king of the norththe king we have just been considering shall rush upon him like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall come into countries and shall overflow and pass through. He shall come into the glorious landIsrael. And tens of thousands shall fall, but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonitesthe present territory, largely, of Jordan. He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. He shall become ruler of the treasures of gold and of silver, and all the precious things of Egypt; and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall follow in his trainhe is in North Africa, now. But tidings from the east and the north shall alarm him, and he shall go forth with great fury to exterminate and utterly destroy many.

And he shall pitch his palatial tents between the sea and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end with none to help him.' (Daniel 11:40-45 RSV)What a remarkable account! Here we have traced the final conflict, which is called, in the book of Revelation, the campaign of Armageddon. You have heard about Armageddon, and here is the record of a great part of it. We learn that it begins with an attack against Syria from Egypt, the king of the south attacking the king of the north. Their ancient enmity is restored and Israel once again becomes a convenient battlefield for them.

Undoubtedly this attack occurs because Syria has made a covenant with the Jews, and this angers the Egyptians. Because Syria has made a covenant with the Jews to allow the restoration of Jewish worship in the temple at Jerusalem, the Egyptians attack. But the king of the north shall strike back, and shall 'rush upon like a whirlwind, with chariots and horseman, and with many ships.' Many Bible scholars feel that this suggests strongly that he has at his disposal far greater forces than would be possible for the small country of Syria. They link with Syria the power of Soviet Russia. As you know, Russia has a very strong hand in that area at this present time and is backing Syria in rearming against the Jews.We are next told that he conquers Egypt and North Africa. The king of the north comes down through Palestine, perhaps at this time erects the abomination of desolation in the temple, and then moves down into Egypt, conquering Egypt and North Africa.

PrayerOur Father, we give thanks for this word of truth which the angel gave to the prophet Daniel, so long ago. It is absolutely amazing to us that after all these hundreds of years since then these events are now being fulfilled, and not one word or one syllable needs to be changed in these ancient prophecies. Surely this ought to make us realize that we have to do with the God of history, the God who is utterly faithful, with whom is no shadow of turning. So, Lord, we pray that you will strengthen our faith. Increase our love and devotion, our openness and fairness and honesty, as we ought to live in these days. In Jesus' name, Amen. 1 And in the first year of Darius the Mede, I took my stand to support and protect him.)2 'Now then, I tell you the truth: Three more kings will appear in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others.

When he has gained power by his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece. 3 Then a mighty king will appear, who will rule with great power and do as he pleases. 4 After he has appeared, his empire will be broken up and parceled out toward the four winds of heaven. It will not go to his descendants, nor will it have the power he exercised, because his empire will be uprooted and given to others.5 'The king of the South will become strong, but one of his commanders will become even stronger than he and will rule his own kingdom with great power. 6 After some years, they will become allies. The daughter of the king of the South will go to the king of the North to make an alliance, but she will not retain her power, and he and his power will not last. In those days she will be handed over, together with her royal escort and her father and the one who supported her.7 'One from her family line will arise to take her place.

He will attack the forces of the king of the North and enter his fortress; he will fight against them and be victorious. 8 He will also seize their gods, their metal images and their valuable articles of silver and gold and carry them off to Egypt. For some years he will leave the king of the North alone. 9 Then the king of the North will invade the realm of the king of the South but will retreat to his own country. 10 His sons will prepare for war and assemble a great army, which will sweep on like an irresistible flood and carry the battle as far as his fortress.11 'Then the king of the South will march out in a rage and fight against the king of the North, who will raise a large army, but it will be defeated. 12 When the army is carried off, the king of the South will be filled with pride and will slaughter many thousands, yet he will not remain triumphant. 13 For the king of the North will muster another army, larger than the first; and after several years, he will advance with a huge army fully equipped.14 'In those times many will rise against the king of the South.

The violent men among your own people will rebel in fulfillment of the vision, but without success. 15 Then the king of the North will come and build up siege ramps and will capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will be powerless to resist; even their best troops will not have the strength to stand. 16 The invader will do as he pleases; no one will be able to stand against him.

He will establish himself in the Beautiful Land and will have the power to destroy it. 17 He will determine to come with the might of his entire kingdom and will make an alliance with the king of the South. And he will give him a daughter in marriage in order to overthrow the kingdom, but his plans will not succeed or help him. 18 Then he will turn his attention to the coastlands and will take many of them, but a commander will put an end to his insolence and will turn his insolence back upon him. 19 After this, he will turn back toward the fortresses of his own country but will stumble and fall, to be seen no more.20 'His successor will send out a tax collector to maintain the royal splendor. In a few years, however, he will be destroyed, yet not in anger or in battle.21 'He will be succeeded by a contemptible person who has not been given the honor of royalty. He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue.

22 Then an overwhelming army will be swept away before him; both it and a prince of the covenant will be destroyed. 23 After coming to an agreement with him, he will act deceitfully, and with only a few people he will rise to power. 24 When the richest provinces feel secure, he will invade them and will achieve what neither his fathers nor his forefathers did. He will distribute plunder, loot and wealth among his followers. He will plot the overthrow of fortresses—but only for a time.25 'With a large army he will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South.

The king of the South will wage war with a large and very powerful army, but he will not be able to stand because of the plots devised against him. 26 Those who eat from the king's provisions will try to destroy him; his army will be swept away, and many will fall in battle.

27 The two kings, with their hearts bent on evil, will sit at the same table and lie to each other, but to no avail, because an end will still come at the appointed time. 28 The king of the North will return to his own country with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant. He will take action against it and then return to his own country.29 'At the appointed time he will invade the South again, but this time the outcome will be different from what it was before. 30 Ships of the western coastlands will oppose him, and he will lose heart.

Then he will turn back and vent his fury against the holy covenant. He will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant.31 'His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.

32 With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.33 'Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. 34 When they fall, they will receive a little help, and many who are not sincere will join them. 35 Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.36 'The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. 37 He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the one desired by women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt himself above them all. 38 Instead of them, he will honor a god of fortresses; a god unknown to his fathers he will honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts.

39 He will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price.40 'At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood. 41 He will also invade the Beautiful Land.

Many countries will fall, but Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his hand. 42 He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape.

43 He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and Nubians in submission. 44 But reports from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many. 45 He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.New International Version.

Four Views of End Times Prophecy(One of many Bible articles on the 'Wielding the Sword of the Spirit' web site at www.matthewmcgee.org).Four Views of End Times Prophecy Matthew McGeeIn this article, we will examine four common sets of beliefs regarding end times prophecy in the Bible, including amillennial and three different pre-millennial beliefs including post-tribulational rapture, mid-tribulational rapture, and pre-tribulational rapture. We will define all of these terms in a moment. But first, since some readers may not know about the rapture at all, we will take a moment here to look at the scriptures in which the apostle Paul explains the rapture.In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Paul writes, ' But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.'

This catching up of all Christians into the clouds that Paul mentions in verse 17 is the event that is commonly referred to as 'the rapture'. The word 'rapture' itself never occurs in the Bible, but since the New Testament was written in Greek, neither does any other English word.

So whether you call it the rapture, the catching away, or the great snatch, the message is still the same.Paul provides further insight on the rapture in 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, ' Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?' So at some future time which only God knows, the trumpet will sound that signals our catching away.

Then all of the souls of the Christians who have died will return to their dead bodies, which will be instantly changed to immortal, incorruptible, eternal bodies and come out of their graves. Then the bodies of all Christians who are left alive will be instantly changed into immortal, incorruptible, eternal bodies.

We will be caught up into the clouds to meet our fellow Christians who have died and our Lord Jesus Christ in the air. Then we all shall be with our Lord forever.Definitions:Now let us look at some of the different viewpoints about the rapture and end times prophecy.1.

Amillennialists believe that God's promises regarding the end times are figurative andwill not be literally fulfilled, particularly the 1000 year reign of Jesus Christ on the earth.Pre-millennialists believe that Jesus Christ will return to the earth prior to His literal reign on theearth for 1000 years. Three groups of pre-millennialists include the following:2. Post-tribulationists believe that the rapture will not occur until the endof the seven year tribulation, just prior to the beginning of the millennial kingdom.3. Mid-tribulationists believe that the rapture will occur three and one halfyears into the tribulation, at beginning of the three and one half year great tribulation.4. Pre-tribulationists believe that the rapture will occur prior to the sevenyear tribulation, but not necessarily immediately before the tribulation.Why not amillennial?1. There will be a literal seven-year tribulation.

The last half of it will be the greattribulation. History has shown that God reveals His prophecies literally.

Examples ofliterally fulfilled prophecies include the rise and fall of the Medo-Persian and Greekempires, the destruction of the city of Tyre, the temple being destroyed and rebuilt severaltimes, dozens of events in the life of Jesus Christ, and many other prophecies. There will also be aliteral tribulation of seven years on earth. In Daniel 9:24-27, the angel Gabriel told Daniel that69 weeks of years after the commandment to rebuild Jerusalem is given, theMessiah would be crucified.

Since God expressed this prophecy in years of 360days, this is 69 times 7, or 483 years of 360 days each. The commandmentGabriel spoke of was given by King Artaxerxes about 100 years later in 445 BC(Nehemiah 2:1-8). Moving forward 69 weeks of 360-day years from the 445 BC date, this brings us to the early spring of 32 AD, when Jesus Christwas crucified. For further detail on this and other prophecies, see.This prophecy also reveals that the 70th week will begin when theAntichrist makes his seven-year treaty with Israel and the surrounding nations, and that the Antichrist would break thetreaty at the midpoint of the seven years. The last three and one half years are calledthe great tribulation.

Its length is one half of a seven year period (Daniel 9:27), and ' atime, times, and an half' (Daniel 12:7). Taking a 'time' to be a year and 'times' to be twoyears, this gives three and one half years. Revelation further describes the length of thesecond half of the tribulation week as 1260 days (Revelation 12:6) and 42 months (Revelation 13:5). Since God gave usthe duration in four different units of time (days, months, years, and weeks of years), can there beany doubt how long it will last? Also, since God fulfilled the first 69 weeks of years literally,we know that He will do the same with the 70th week of years.2. There will be a literal 1000-year kingdom of Christ on the earth. Isaiah 65:20-25tells us that in God's kingdom on the earth, life spans will be greatly increased, just likebefore the flood.

People will have children, build houses, and plant crops. There will alsobe physical death. We know from this that the kingdom must last a long time (in humanterms), but the Old Testament does not tell us just how long it will last. In Revelation 20:2-7we are told that it will last 1000 years. Jesus Christ, as if wanting to make it abundantly clear,tells us six times that it will last 1000 years. After this, the heaven and earth aredestroyed, the last judgments are given, and the new heaven and earth are created. Someamillennialists try to support their belief with 2 Peter 3:10 which says, ' But the day of theLord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away withgreat noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the worksthat are therein shall be burned up.'

They say the earth is destroyed immediately afterthe rapture in one day. However, they fail to check the context of the passage. Just twoverses before, Peter said, ' But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day iswith the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day' (2 Peter 3:8).Therefore, Peter does not contradict Revelation's description of the thousand yearkingdom or Isaiah's prophecies. For a detailed scriptural study of what the 1000-year kingdomwill be like, see the article on the main page called.Why not post-tribulational?1. The conquered saints: In 1 Thessalonians 5:9, Paul writes ' For God hath notappointed us to wrath.' But at the midpoint of the tribulation, Revelation 12:12 says'.

Woe to the inhabitors of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you,having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.' Revelation 13:7says of the Antichrist, ' And it was given unto him to make war with the saints and toovercome them.' His authority lasts for 42 months (Revelation 13:5). Also, Daniel 7:25 saysthe Antichrist '. Shall wear out (oppress) the saints of the most High, and think to changetimes and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and thedividing of time (3 and 1/2 years).'

He shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper,and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.' (Daniel 8:24). When he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these thingsshall be finished.'

(Daniel 12:7). The Antichrist can only ' destroy. The holy people'if the tribulation saints are not members of the true Christian Church of this present dispensation.

Thesaints in the tribulation are people who become believers after the rapture of the Church.2. Sheep and Goats: We know from Matthew 25 that Jesus Christ will divide the sheepon His right hand and the goats on His left after he returns.

Matthew 25:31-34 says, ' When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.' Then in Matthew 25:41, ' Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.' Now if all the believers wereraptured just before Jesus Christ returned, there would be no sheep left on earth to divide, onlygoats.3.

Who would populate the millennial kingdom? We know that mortal believers willlive in the kingdom. But if all the believers would have been raptured, thus immortal, andall the unbelievers would have been killed. There would be no more mortal believers leftto populate the kingdom.4.

Resurrection of tribulation saints: After Jesus Christ's return in Revelation 19:11-16,Revelation 20:4 tells us about the resurrection of martyred tribulation saints who did notreceive the mark of the beast, '. They lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.' Ifthe rapture had occurred just before Christ's return, they would have already beenresurrected, and could not be resurrected again.More reasons why the rapture cannot occur at the end of the tribulation are provided in thepre-tribulational section later in this article.Why not mid-tribulational?Mid-tribulationists have no problem with the dividing of the sheep and the goats, thepopulating of the millennial kingdom, or the resurrection of tribulation saints. And byclaiming that most of the worst plagues occur in the second half of the tribulation, theysay their view is not in conflict with 1 Thessalonians 5:9 ' For God hath not appointed us towrath.' But they are hard-pressed to defend their position against the followingargument.Upon whom will the Antichrist wage war?

As explained under 'The conquered saints' discussionabove, the Antichrist will wage war on the believers immediately after the second half ofthe tribulation (the great tribulation) begins. If all the believers had just been raptured,there would be no saints left upon which to wage war.More reasons why the rapture cannot occur in the middle of the tribulation are provided in thepre-tribulational section below.Why pre-tribulational?Merely by process of elimination?

There are many reasons why the true Christians of this dispensationcannot be on the earth during the tribulation.1. Israel is the focus of the end times, not the present church: During the Church age thereare three classes of people: Jews, Gentiles, and theChurch (1 Corinthians 10:32). Within the Church, there is no distinction betweenJew and Gentile. During the tribulation however, God's focus will be on the nation of Israel.God will deal with Israel as Gabriel said inDaniel 9:24 ' Seventy weeks (of years) are determined upon thy people.' That is,Daniel's people, Israel. As discussed under the amillennial topic, the first 69 weekshave passed and one remains. In Revelation chapter 7, the 144,000 are all chosen from the peopleof Israel, and their tribes are listed.

In chapter 11:7-8 the two witnesses are martyred inJerusalem. In Revelation 12:6, the woman that flees into the wilderness for 1260 daysrepresents Israel in the great tribulation. These are just some of the reasons we knowIsrael is at the center of God's plan. For a detailed study which explains how the last week of Daniel's 70 weekswill be a continuation of the old kingdom program, see.

The present, predominantly Gentile churchand the doctrines concerning it were a mystery unknown to the Jews throughout the first 69 weeks. We therefore must be removed prior to the beginning of the 70th week, which is determined upon the nation of Israel (Daniel 9:24).2. Make way for the gospel of the kingdom: Jesus Christ said in Matthew 24:14 ' And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in allthe world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.' The gospel of thekingdom was '.

Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand' (Matthew 4:17). But, Paulpreached thegospel of grace which is: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, freely gave His life as asacrifice for our sins. He was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead on the third day(1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

Paul wrote in Galatians 1:8 that if anyone '. Preach any othergospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.' Thuswe know that this present predominantly Gentile church must be removed to allow the worldwide preaching of the gospelof the kingdom that Paul did not preach to us.3. The tabernacle of David: Referring to Peter's visit to the house of Cornelius, James said, '. God at the first didvisit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the wordsof the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again thetabernacle of David, which is fallen down.'

(Acts 15:14-16). After Godtakes out of the Gentiles ' a people for his name' (Christians). Of course a there are someJews mixed in, for there is no difference within the present Church.

Thus, the filling of theChurch must be completed prior to the rebuilding of the temple, which is prior tothe midpoint of the tribulation (Daniel 9:27 and 2 Thessalonians 2:4). Also, we see that once God isthrough calling out a people for His name from among the Gentiles, He will return His attention back to Israel,rebuilding the temple. Prior to this, the believers in this age must be removed from the scene, being caught up into heaven.4.

The fulness of the Gentiles: After discussing the analogy of the good olive tree and the wild olive tree, Paul revealsthe mystery in Romans 11:25-26, ' For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of thismystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until thefulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved.' Once again we see that it is not until after the last Gentile becomes a Christian that Godresumes his program with the nation of Israel.5. We do not know the day of the rapture.

We will not know the date, but we are toldto watch (1 Thessalonians 5:2 and 6) and know the general time of the end. There is no warning for therapture. It could literally happen at any time. However, Daniel 9:27 tells us that the secondcoming is seven years after the Antichrist makes his covenant with Israel and three and a halfyears after he breaks the covenant. Christians cannot be left on earth during the wholetribulation or even the first half, because we would know the exact date of the rapture,contradicting scripture.

If the post-tribulationists or mid-tribulationists were correct, wewould have a seven year or three and one half year notification before the rapture.6. The wrath of God: All three pre-millennial views, post-tribulationists, mid-tribulationists, and pre-tribulationists agree that Christians will not suffer the wrath ofGod as explained in 1 Thessalonians 5:9.However, the plagues of the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls are on a global scale.Also, remember the verses about the conquered saints previously mentioned in the post-tribulationaldiscussion. Since the church is not appointed to wrath, it cannot be present when these global plaguescome upon all those that dwell on the earth.

Evidence of the tribulation being the wrath of God can be seen inRevelation 6:16-17 which says, ' And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?' Other passages on the wrath of God include Revelation 11:16-18, 14:10, 14:19, 15:1, 15:7, 16:1, 16:19, and 19:15.7. The Holy Spirit: Paul told the Thessalonians, ' And now ye know what withholdeththat he might be revealed in his time.

For themystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let (hinder), untilhe be taken out of the way' (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7). Who do the Thessalonians know that ispowerful enough to hold back Satan? This has to be the Holy Spirit.

Before the tribulation,God will catch away all Christians (in whom the Holy Spirit dwells) and He will also remove Hishand from the powers of evil in this world, making way for the great deception and the kingdomof the AntiChrist. The Holy Spirit will begin operating in a manner that is more like OldTestament times, unlike the manner in which He operates today. He will not indwell believersagain until Jesus Christ returns at the end of the tribulation, with these two exceptions: Hewill be the seal on the 144,000 young men of Israel (Revelation 7:1-8), who will be preaching thegospel of the kingdom throughout the world, and He will fill the two witnesses in (Revelation11:3-4).8. Believers pleading for vengeance: The slain saints of the tribulation plead forvengeance in Revelation 6:10, ' And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, OLord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on theearth?' Contrast this with the martyr Stephen's last words: '.

Lord, lay not this sin to theircharge.' This attitude of vengeance is not a characteristic of those indweltby the Holy Spirit. Unlike the believers today, these Revelation 6 believers are not indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Besides,Christians who have studied God's Word would not have to ask 'How long?' They would alreadyknow, as was described in the 'We do not know the day of the rapture' discussion above.One Closing Point:Perhaps you disagree with some of the points that I have made in this article. In most cases,the disagreement on end times prophecy is only a symptom.

The real source of the differingviews is a disagreement over how to rightly divide the Word of God. Understanding thedifference between the 'kingdom' program for Israel and the 'grace' program for us is the key.Whether you agree with me in this article or not, please seeand.Learning the truths explained in these articles really opened up the scriptures for me. Rightly dividingthe Word is of utmost importance in understanding not only end times prophecy, but many otherareas of Christian doctrine as well.Copyright © 1997 Matthew McGee.

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