{"id":38,"date":"2015-05-25T20:50:20","date_gmt":"2015-05-25T20:50:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/christskingdom.org\/staging\/8402\/?page_id=38"},"modified":"2022-10-13T18:24:25","modified_gmt":"2022-10-13T22:24:25","slug":"key-terms","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/christskingdom.org\/staging\/8402\/key-terms\/","title":{"rendered":"Key Terms"},"content":{"rendered":"

BIBLE PROPHECY TERMS RELATING TO THE END TIMES<\/strong><\/p>\n

By Steven J. Hogan<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Terms are necessary to understand particular subjects. Whether it is math, music, sports or the economy, you need a glossary, an alphabetical list of definitions, to help you understand the terms, the special words used in that particular subject. And so too, a glossary is needed to help you understand this most important subject of end times\u2019 prophecy. By no means is the following a complete list of Bible terms used in this subject. As for the definitions themselves, I believe they are good ones, though not perfect. Yet I believe they will be a good start for you, helping you to gain a true and Biblical understanding of the great future that God has for all believers. I encourage you to read through them, to learn from them, to refer back to them as needed, and to share them with others. Finally, there are Bible verses listed at the end of each definition, but this is not a complete list. In your own study you will probably find more verses that relate to the particular terms used. Write these down. Learn from them. Compare them with the ones listed here. For it is the Bible, the Word of God, that must be the source of truth, the foundation and fountain of all that is godly, of life itself, and a clear guide to what God has planned for us, for the church, for the Jews, for this world, for the world to come, and for the Kingdom of God. In all this, to God be all the glory!<\/p>\n

Key Terms<\/strong><\/p>\n

A-E<\/a> \/ F-J<\/a> \/ K-O<\/a> \/ P-T<\/a> \/ U-Z<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>
\nAbomination of Desolation<\/strong><\/span> – This is speaking of the antichrist taking his stand in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, displaying himself as God, thereby committing great blasphemy, and thereby desecrating the temple. In the 2nd<\/sup> century BC, this event was foreshadowed when Antiochus Epiphanes, king of Syria, also desecrated the Jewish temple. This revealing of the antichrist for who he really is, as the beast, the man of lawlessness, is still future, and will occur at the midpoint of Daniel\u2019s 70th<\/sup> week. At this time the antichrist will desire to be worshiped by all the people in the world. But discerning Jews and Christians will know with certainty that this is the antichrist. This most wicked man ever to exist in this world then begins great tribulation against both the Jews and the Christians. Matthew 24:15, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8, Daniel 9:27 – \u201cOn a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Abrahamic Covenant<\/strong><\/span> – This is an extremely important promise that God made to Abraham. This promise, this covenant, stipulated that God would greatly bless Abraham, and use him to be a blessing to the world, that He would make Abraham\u2019s descendants into a great nation, that he and his descendants would inherit a large area of land, and that he would have a great multitude of descendants, both physical and spiritual in nature. This eternal and unconditional covenant is repeated many times in the Bible. Some aspects of these promises have already come true, but their complete fulfillment is still in the future. These promises have not been nullified during this church age, only suspended. A clearly prophesied event that shows us that God is still planning on fulfilling this promise to Abraham is that the Jews, over the last century, have been gathering back to Israel. Genesis 12:1-3, 13:14-17, 15:18-21, 17:1-21; Joshua 1:4-6; Psalm 37:18, 29; Ezekiel 36-37; Micah 2:12-13, 4:1-5, 5:2-5; Luke 1:54-55, 1:70-75, 21:20-24; Psalm 105:8-9 – \u201cHe remembers His covenant forever, the word He commanded, for a thousand generations, the covenant He made with Abraham.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Antichrist<\/strong><\/span> – See “Beast”.<\/p>\n

Appearing of Jesus Christ<\/strong><\/span> – The word \u201cappearing\u201d<\/em> means manifestation, shining forth, or becoming evident. Jesus Christ appeared on earth about 2000 years ago at which time He died for our sins, rose from the dead, and then ascended into heaven. He will appear again at His second coming to rapture the believers, to pour out His wrath on this wicked world, and to then begin His 1000 year rule on earth. Psalm 21:8-13; Colossians 3:4; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 1:10, 4:8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:28; 2 Timothy 4:1-2 – \u201cIn view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word.\u201d <\/em>1 John 2:28, 3:2 – \u201cNow dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Apostasy<\/strong><\/span> – This is referring to the turning away of so-called Christians and Jews from the true faith in the end times. These people, who were never true believers, will in many cases then turn against the true Christians and Jews, and turn them into the authorities. They will not worship Jesus Christ, but will worship the antichrist. It is during Daniel\u2019s 70th<\/sup> week that this apostasy takes place, before the rapture, and before the Day of the Lord. Matthew 24:9-10, 1 John 2:18-19, 2 Thessalonians 2:3 – \u201cLet no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Armageddon<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>– This major and decisive battle between Jesus Christ and the antichrist will occur at the end of the Day of the Lord in the valley of Megiddo in Israel. This climactic event will bring to a close God\u2019s wrath on earth, resulting in the destruction of Babylon, the devil\u2019s system that controls the world. After Christ\u2019s quick and decisive victory, He will cast the antichrist and the false prophet into the lake of fire. Revelation 16:12-16, 19:11-21 – \u201cFrom His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty\u2026 But the beast was captured and with him the false prophet\u2026 The two of them were thrown alive into the lake of fire.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Babylon<\/strong><\/span> – This word metaphorically speaks of the devil\u2019s system that has been controlling the world during this evil age. First, there is the mother of prostitutes, which refers to false religions and philosophies used by the devil to deceive people and lead them away from the true God and true gospel. It is during the 70th<\/sup> week that Satan, having no more need of religion, will destroy this mother of prostitutes, and then people will worship the antichrist, Satan\u2019s man on earth. Second, there is the great city, symbolizing Satan\u2019s economic system ruling over the merchants of the earth, which entices people to be lovers of the world and lovers of money. This world system will quickly and completely be destroyed by God at the battle of Armageddon. Revelation 16, Revelation 17:1-6, Revelation 18:2 – \u201cFallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Beast<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>– This is the evil antichrist who rules over the 8th<\/sup> beast empire (comprised of ten nations), and the entire world during the last half of the 70th<\/sup> week. He is also called the little horn, the man of lawlessness and the son of destruction. At the midpoint of the 70th<\/sup> week of Daniel he will be revealed to the world. Empowered by Satan, he will possess great wisdom, power and ability, and as an incredible speaker, he will deceive billions of people, with the result that the unbelieving world will worship and follow him. This Beast, this antichrist, will greatly oppose Jesus Christ, exalting himself above every so-called god, and persecuting both Jews and Christians during the time period called the great tribulation. Assisted by the false prophet, he will force people to worship his image and take his mark. But in the end he will suddenly and soundly be defeated and then cast into the lake of fire. Daniel 7:8, 11, 24-25; Daniel 8:23-25; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-9; 1 John 2:18; Revelation 13:4 – \u201cHe gave His authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, \u2018Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war against the beast?\u2019\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Beast Empires<\/strong><\/span> – These are the kingdoms, the empires used by the devil with a purpose of destroying the Woman (the Jews), and her offspring (the Christians). There are eight empires, with the seven heads referring to the first seven empires, which were Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and either the Ottoman Turks or Germany (Hitler\u2019s 3rd<\/sup> Reich). The ten horns refer to the 8th<\/sup> beast empire, which is still yet to come. This last one, the strongest, the most wicked and ruthless empire ever in history, will be comprised of 10 nations, and will be the antichrist\u2019s power base from which he will rule over the world, and will then persecute both Jews and Christians. This eighth empire will be ruling during Daniel\u2019s 70th<\/sup> week. Daniel 7:7-8, 20; Revelation 12:3, 13-17; 17:3, 17:9-14; Revelation 13:1 – \u201cI saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his head were blasphemous names.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Birth Pains<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>– These are major events that are taking place now (or will soon start) on the earth in the end times, signaling that Christ\u2019s return is getting very close. These will be false christs, wars, famines, earthquakes, plagues and economic problems. Matthew makes it clear that we will be hearing about these events, and that they will be taking place in various parts of the world, which means that they are not affecting every sector, every population center in the world. Yet, they will be devastating, and will be getting people\u2019s attention. These calamitous events will be taking place in increasing frequency and intensity (like the birth pains of a mother), leading up to the coming of Jesus Christ. The first four seals (Revelation 6 is a parallel passage to Matthew 24:4-8) are also speaking of these birth pains. Finally, these \u201cbirth pains\u201d<\/em> are completely distinct from and are not a part of the Day of the Lord, that is, God\u2019s wrath. Luke 21:7-11, Revelation 6:1-8, Matthew 24:4-8 – \u201cBut you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen but the end is still to come.\u2026There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Bowls<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 The bowls are speaking of the second part of the Day of the Lord, and is the rapid and final outpouring of God\u2019s wrath upon the world in the end times. (The first part of the Day of the Lord is known as the trumpet judgments.) The seven bowls consist of seven specific judgments and events, including painful sores, water turning to blood, scorching heat, darkness, nations gathering for battle, a great earthquake and 100 pound hailstones. It begins at the end of Daniel\u2019s 70th<\/sup> week and lasts for 30 days, the battle of Armageddon, and the defeat of the antichrist being the last events to take place during this time. Daniel 12:11, Revelation 15:5-7, Revelation 19:17-21, Revelation 16:1 – \u201cGo and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of God\u2019s wrath.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Church Age<\/strong><\/span> – This period of time begins on the day of Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and ends with the sign of the end of the age, which consists of cosmic disturbances resulting in the world going dark. During this church age the gospel is being preached, disciples are being made, and Jesus Christ is building His spiritual kingdom on earth. This age, also called the last days, is the last part of the present evil age, an age that began with the sin of Adam and Eve. At the end of this church age Christ returns, first resurrecting the believers who have physically died, and second, rapturing the believers who are still on earth, gathering them all to Himself. Acts 2:17-21; Galatians 1:4, Matthew 24:3, 24:14, 24:9, 28:19-20; Luke 21:12-19, Romans 11:25; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Revelation 2-3, 7:9-14; Matthew 28:19-20 – \u201cGo therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Covenant with Death<\/strong><\/span> – The antichrist makes or confirms a covenant (treaty) with Israel at the beginning of Daniel\u2019s 70th<\/sup> week. The hope of the Jews is that this treaty will ensure them peace and safety in Israel. But at the midpoint of the 70th<\/sup> week, the 3\u00bd year mark, the antichrist will reveal his true identity and break this covenant. Then the antichrist will cause there to be great persecution upon both the Jews and Christians. Matthew 24:15-28; Revelation 12:12, 13:7; Daniel 9:27 – \u201cHe will make a firm covenant with the many for one week.\u201d <\/em>Isaiah 28:15 – \u201cWe have entered into a covenant with death.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Davidic Covenant<\/span> – <\/strong>This is referring to the promise from God to David that one of his descendants would be a great King, with a great Kingdom, and would rule over the world forever. This descendant is none other than Jesus Christ. The 1st<\/sup> century Jews had hoped Jesus would fulfill this promise at His 1st<\/sup> coming, but now we know that it will be fulfilled at Christ\u2019s 2nd<\/sup> coming, after the resurrection and rapture of the believers, and the redemption of a remnant of Jews. The Bible in many ways, particularly the Old Testament, vividly describes the character and nature of Christ\u2019s future kingdom and reign over this world. Psalms 47, 67, 72, 89; Daniel 7:13-14, 27; Micah 5:4; Luke 1:31-33; 2 Samuel 7:8-16 – \u201cI will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish His kingdom. He will build a house for My name and I will establish the throne of His kingdom forever.\u201d <\/em>Zechariah 14:9 \u2013 \u201cAnd the Lord will be King over all the earth; in that day the Lord will be the only One.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Day of the Lord<\/span> – <\/strong>This phrase refers to various times of God\u2019s wrath, His righteous judgment and punishment against man. It was used by some Old Testament prophets to speak of God\u2019s judgment upon man\u2019s sin in their day (Amos 5:18-20, Obadiah), but there is a specific reference to it regarding God\u2019s judgment upon man in the end times. This particular cataclysmic and devastating judgment of the earth is vividly described in the book of Revelation, and includes both the trumpet and bowl judgments (Revelation 8-9, 16). It begins at the breaking of the 7th<\/sup> seal, sometime during the last half of Daniel\u2019s 70th<\/sup> week. Great and ominous celestial signs will wake up the world to the fact of the end of the age, and that the Day of the Lord has come. But immediately after this heavenly sign is the rapture of the believers into heaven, and they will be delivered from the Day of the Lord, God\u2019s wrath on earth. Isaiah 24, Zephaniah 1:1-3, 14-18, Joel 2:1-11, Matthew 24:29, Acts 2:17-21, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9, 2 Peter 3:3-9, Revelation 8:1, Isaiah 13:6-13 – \u201cBehold, the day of the Lord is coming, cruel and with fury and burning anger, to make the land a desolation; and He will exterminate its sinners from it. For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not flash forth their light; the sun will be dark and the moon will not shed its light. Thus I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

End of the Age<\/strong><\/span> – This refers to the conclusion of this present evil age, with the church age as part of this evil age also then ending at this same time. Once the gospel has been preached to the entire world, then this age will end. It will take place sometime during the last half of Daniel\u2019s 70th<\/sup> week, but God has not told us the exact day or hour. At the opening of the 6th<\/sup> seal there will be great signs in the heavens and a great earthquake on earth, marking the end of this age. Then believers will be resurrected and raptured, and gathered to be with Jesus Christ. The 6th<\/sup> seal marks the end of this age, and the breaking of the 7th<\/sup> seal marks the beginning of the Day of the Lord. Galatians 1:4, Matthew 13:39; Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 21:25-28; 1 Corinthians 1:8; Matthew 24:6, 13, 14, 29, 31 – \u201cWhat will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age\u2026 the one who endures to the end will be saved.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

End Times<\/strong><\/span> – This is the time period at the end of the church age right before Christ\u2019s return, that time when it is clear that God is actively and progressively carrying out His plan for the resurrection and rapture of the believers, His wrath on the earth, the redemption of the Jews and Christ\u2019s reign over the world. The re-gathering of the Jews to Israel over the past 100 years is the particular prophesied event that most clearly signifies that we are now living in the end times. Many other events and signs have also been taking place corroborating that we are now in the end times. The next specific prophesied event to occur will be the signing or confirming of the covenant of peace (\u201ccovenant of death\u201d)<\/em> which takes place at the beginning of Daniel\u2019s 70th<\/sup> week. Ezekiel 36-37, Daniel 12:4, 9 – \u201c\u2018Go your way Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed until the end time.\u2019\u201d \u00a0<\/em>1 Peter 1:5 speaks of the \u201ccoming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/a> False Prophet<\/strong><\/span> – This is the second of two beasts, and is the Antichrist\u2019s partner, the mastermind of the Antichrist\u2019s plan for world domination in the end times. This second beast, this false prophet, exercises all the authority of the Antichrist, and performs great miraculous signs, and orders the people in the world to worship an image of the beast (the Antichrist), and to take the mark of the beast. At the end of the battle of Armageddon, this second beast, along with the first beast, is captured by Jesus Christ, and is then thrown into the lake of fire, where they will forever and greatly be punished. 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12, Revelation 19:19-20, Revelation 13:11-18 – \u201cThen I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon. He exercises all the authority of the first beast.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Glory of God<\/strong><\/span> – God is the living God, the eternal and true King, the all holy, just, wise, loving, powerful, good, immutable, omniscient, omnipresent, perfect, sovereign, patient, merciful and faithful One. Therefore, He deserves all glory, all praise and honor, from eternity past to eternity future, from every being and every thing that He has ever created. God purposes and plans are continually being carried out so that He is glorified, worshiped and exalted. God has always been glorified, during the days of Adam and Eve, during the days of Noah, during the days of the Old Testament Jews, and now during this church age. God is most glorified in the salvation of souls, and in their love, worship and obedience of Him. And in the end times He will continue to be glorified, and particularly in the return of His Son, in the resurrection and rapture of the saints, His wrath on earth, the redemption of the Jews, and in the reign of His Son Jesus Christ on earth. In the coming ages, in both millennial and eternal kingdoms, God will continue and increasingly so, along with His Son, be greatly glorified. 1 Chronicles 29:10-13, Psalm 145, Psalm 150, Isaiah 42:8, Jeremiah 10:10, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Ephesians 3:20-21, 1 Timothy 1:17, Hebrews 13:20-21, Jude 24-25, 1 Peter 4:11, Revelation 4:11, Revelation 5:12-13 – \u201cWorthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise\u2026 To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Gospel<\/span> – <\/strong>The main message in the Bible is the gospel, the good news that through Jesus Christ we can be forgiven of all our sins, that we can receive eternal life, and that we can be with God and Jesus Christ and all the other believers forever and ever. It was at Christ\u2019s first coming, when He lived a perfect life, and then suffered, died and rose again, that He made payment to God for our sins, so that all those who repent of their sins and place their faith in Christ alone can be redeemed, forgiven, and given eternal life. The gospel during this entire church age, from the 1st<\/sup> coming to the 2nd<\/sup> coming, is our main message. In these end times, as we get closer to Christ\u2019s return, and as we are persecuted for our faith, we are to continue to joyfully and boldly proclaim to all people the good news of Jesus Christ, and then the end of the age will come, Christ will return, and we will be Him forever. Matthew 28:19-20, Luke 21:12-19, Acts 2:14-41, Romans 3:21-26, John 3:16-21, Ephesians 2:1-9, 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10, Matthew 24:14 – \u201cThis gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end shall come.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Great Tribulation<\/strong><\/span> – The word tribulation, from the Greek \u201cthlipsis\u201d,<\/em> means affliction, pressure, trouble, persecution or distress. In the New Testament it most commonly refers to the trouble and persecution that Christians experience. (John 16:33, Acts 14:22, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Romans 8:35). Throughout church history and even today, Christians are going through tribulation; and this will continue right on up to the return of Christ and the rapture of the church. The Bible speaks of a time period call great tribulation, and some Christians mistakenly say that this is God\u2019s wrath. But great tribulation is not God\u2019s wrath, but rather Satan\u2019s wrath. Great tribulation is not speaking of God punishing unbelievers on earth, but rather it is that time when the antichrist is persecuting both Jews and Christians. This great tribulation begins at the midpoint of the 70th<\/sup> week, but is then cut short by God at some unknown time during the last half of that seven year period, evidenced by the sign of the end of the age, the great cosmic disturbances. Believers then are given relief from this tribulation and are immediately resurrected and raptured, and are taken to Jesus Christ. Mark 13:19; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; Revelation 6:9-11, 7:14, 13:7; Matthew 24:9-10, 21, 29 – \u201cThen they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name\u2026 then there will be a great tribulation.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Great White Throne Judgment<\/strong><\/span> – This great, global, most sobering and final judgment occurs at the conclusion of Jesus Christ\u2019s millennial kingdom. At that time, all unbelievers from all ages will stand before Jesus Christ, and will be judged according to every single one of their unrighteous deeds, deeds that are written in the \u201cbooks.\u201d <\/em>These unbelievers will be righteously condemned by Christ, and then immediately cast into the lake of fire, where they will be righteously punished forever. Daniel 7:9-10; John \u00a05:26-30; Acts 17:31; 2 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 14:9-11, 20:11-15 – \u201cThen I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away\u2026 and I saw the dead, the great and the small before the throne\u2026 and the dead were judged.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Heaven<\/span> – <\/strong>This is the \u201choly dwelling place\u201d<\/em> of God, where Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of the Father, where reside a great multitude of angels, and all the believers who have ever lived on earth. We speak of \u201cthe heavens\u201d<\/em> as all the stars and galaxies, but this is different, for this is the \u201chouse of my God.\u201d<\/em> It is a holy and perfect place, a place where God is worshiped, where He receives glory, honor and praise. It is a place that is always characterized by love, joy, peace, goodness, and kindness, where the will of God is continually and completely carried out. It is a place where we have fellowship with believers, where we will be with loved ones we knew on earth. And in the future, at the end of the millennial kingdom, the heavenly city, the holy city, the new Jerusalem, will come down out of heaven and join with the new earth. \u201cNow the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them.\u201d<\/em> This a most amazing truth that our present hope will be finally and fully realized, that God will be with us, that He will be our God, and we will be His children, and we will live with Them forever and ever. We will actually be with Jesus Christ, seeing His face and hearing His voice, worshiping and serving Him, reigning with Him forever and ever. 2 Chronicles 30:27; Psalm 16:11, Psalm 23:6, Psalm 73:23-26, Psalm 84; John 14:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:18; Hebrews 11:10, 16; Revelation 4-5, Revelation 21, Revelation 22:1-6; Hebrews 12:12-24 – \u201cYou have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands and thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Hope<\/strong><\/span> – This word speaks of the incredible future that God has for every Christian. As we live on this earth we can\u2019t make it without hope. We need hope, we need to be looking forward to the realization of this hope, of all that God has planned for us after our earthly life is over. This hope is true, for it is based on the promises of God. This hope is encouraging, motivating us to live all out for God on earth. This hope is great, for it is no small thing what God will do for us in the future. This hope is necessary, for you can only rightly and courageously live for God if you know you have this hope, this wonderful future. This hope will be realized soon, for we know that we now live in the end times. There are six specific aspects of this hope:\u00a0 1) We will be with Jesus Christ, the greatest person ever. John 17:24, 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Titus 1:2.\u00a0 2) We will be with our loved ones, and all the other believers from all time. 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, 4:13-14.\u00a0 3) We will be in heaven, in our beautiful new home. John 14:1-3, Hebrews 12:22-24.\u00a0 4) We will receive a perfect, immortal and glorified body. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, Philippians 3:21. 5) We will literally be reigning with Jesus Christ on earth. Revelation 2:6, 5:10, 20:6.\u00a0 6) We will have an eternal inheritance, eternal blessings, joys and rewards. Psalm 16:11, Ephesians 1:14. 1 Peter 1:4, 13 – \u201cSet your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Image of the Beast<\/strong><\/span> – This is a designation or picture of the antichrist, the wicked one who wants to and will be worshiped by the whole unbelieving world in the end times. Either right before or soon after the midpoint of Daniel\u2019s 70th<\/sup> week, the false prophet will set up a system by which people all over the world will be able to, and will in fact be forced to, worship the beast, the antichrist. This image may very well be a computer generated image, and will have the ability to speak and cause those who do not worship this image of the beast to be persecuted and even killed. Revelation 14:9-11, 13:14-15 – \u201cIt was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Imminency <\/strong><\/span>– This is a falsely held belief that no signs or Biblically prophesied events need to occur before the rapture of the Christians on earth. Therefore, proponents of this notion say that Christ\u2019s return is imminent, that He can return at any time, with no advance notice whatsoever. This is a key position of pre-tribulational rapturists. But it is an erroneous view. The Bible makes it very clear that specific events need to take place before Christ\u2019s return. For example, Israel needs to be back in her land; the Covenant of Peace needs to be signed; birth pains need to occur; the temple needs to be built; the apostasy needs to take place; the antichrist needs to be revealed; and there needs to be great tribulation. These signs and events are given to us by God so that we can know the general time of Christ\u2019s return, but we will never know the specific time, the day or hour of His return. Therefore, Christ\u2019s return to earth and the rapture of the church is not imminent. Luke 21:8-33, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-9, Revelation 6:1-7:14, Matthew 24:4-41 – \u201cWhat will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?\u201d <\/em>Hebrews 10:24-25 – \u201cnot forsaking our own assembling together,\u2026 but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Jesus Christ<\/strong><\/span> – \u201cThe Son (of God) is the radiance of God\u2019s glory and the exact representation of His being.\u201d<\/em> Hebrews 1:3. Jesus Christ<\/strong> is both God and man, and is the central figure, the One who plays the primary and most important role in all of human history. Jesus Christ<\/strong> is the Creator of the world, the Sustainer of the world, the King of the world, the Judge of the world, and the Savior of the world, particularly for those who repent of their sins and trust in Him for forgiveness of all their sins. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, \u201cGod made Christ who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.\u201d\u00a0<\/em>Let me share some important aspects of Jesus Christ\u2019s<\/strong> role as it relates to the future. Jesus Christ<\/strong> will purify His church before His return (Revelation 2-3). Jesus Christ<\/strong> will be revealed, and will appear at His 2nd<\/sup> coming (1 John 2:28). Jesus Christ<\/strong> will break the seals, initiating the end time events (Revelation 5-6). Jesus Christ<\/strong> will resurrect and rapture the believers (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17). Jesus Christ<\/strong> will pour out His wrath upon the earth (Revelation 8-9, 16). Jesus Christ<\/strong> will save a great number of Jews at the end of Daniel\u2019s 70th<\/sup> week. (Romans 11:26). Jesus Christ<\/strong> will defeat the antichrist and destroy all His enemies (Revelation 19:20-21). Jesus Christ<\/strong> will reign over the earth for 1000 years (Revelation 11:15-17, 20). Jesus Christ, <\/strong>during His reign on earth, will be worshiped by all people for every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord (Philippians 1:17). Jesus Christ<\/strong> will righteously judge all the unbelievers at the end of the millennial kingdom. (Revelation 20). Jesus Christ<\/strong> will hand over the kingdom to God the Father at that time. (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). Jesus Christ<\/strong> will forever be with His holy and heavenly bride, with all the believers, in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21-22). “I saw One like the Son of Man, clothed in a robe reaching to His feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun, shining in all its brilliance.\u201d\u00a0<\/em>Revelation 1:13-18<\/p>\n

<\/a>
\nKingdom of God<\/strong><\/span> – God is the King, and He has always reigned, since eternity past and throughout eternity future, thereby establishing His eternal kingdom. He reigns over all His creation, over the heavens and the earth, and all things and beings in His creation, visible and invisible. He purposes and He plans, and He specifically and completely carries out His plans, so that He is pleased and is glorified forever. All beings in this kingdom are created to fear Him, love Him, and serve Him, even though many have rebelled and will rebel against Him and His authority. God delegates authority and responsibility to His created beings but He still remains completely sovereign over them and therefore over His entire kingdom.<\/p>\n

God\u2019s kingdom on earth can be divided into four parts (1 Corinthians 15:22-28):<\/p>\n

Part 1 is past, when man (Adam and Eve) was perfect and ruled over a perfect earth. (Genesis 1-2).<\/p>\n

Part 2 is present, the time from the sin of Adam and Eve to the end of this present evil age, when Satan, a wicked and terribly imperfect angel rules over an imperfect earth. (Genesis 3 – Revelation 19).<\/p>\n

Part 3, the millennial kingdom age, is future, when Jesus Christ, as God-man, will perfectly rule over an imperfect world. (Revelation 20).<\/p>\n

Part 4, the eternal kingdom age, is future, when God, with Jesus Christ, will rule over perfect heavens and earth. (Revelation 21-22)<\/p>\n

God has always been and always will be sovereign over everything. In His kingdom His eternal purposes and plans will be accomplished. Everything is moving towards that time when God\u2019s reign over His kingdom will be clearly visible to all, and He will rule perfectly over a perfect world and over perfect people. During this part of God\u2019s kingdom, we are to pray, \u201cOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.\u201d<\/em> Matthew 6:9-10; Psalm 145:1, 13; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28; Ephesians 1:10-11; Daniel 4:34-35 – \u201cGod\u2019s dominion is an eternal dominion; His kingdom endures from generation to generation. <\/em><\/p>\n

Mark of the Beast<\/strong><\/span> – This is an identifying symbol of the antichrist, and is that which the false prophet will force unbelievers to take, either on their right hand or forehead. This mark, which could be an external stamp or impression, or even an embedded chip, will show and prove the unbeliever\u2019s association with and loyalty to the antichrist. Given to people right after the midpoint of Daniel\u2019s 70th<\/sup> week, this is one of the antichrist\u2019s ways by which he will control the world in the end times, for it will be the only means by which unbelievers can openly buy or sell. Those who take the mark forfeit their chance to be saved, to receive eternal life, and will therefore be deservedly damned and punished forever. Revelation 14:9-11, Revelation 13:16-\u00a0 18 – \u201cHe causes all\u2026 to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Millennium<\/strong><\/span> – This is a literal thousand year period of time beginning after the great day of the Lord, during which Jesus Christ the King is perfectly, powerfully and wonderfully ruling over the entire earth. He will bring world peace. At this time the world will be greatly influenced by believing Jews who are worshiping Christ and serving Him on this earth, as well as by glorified Christians who will be reigning with Christ. Satan will be locked up during this time, and therefore completely out of the picture, having absolutely no influence on the earth. At the end of this 1000 year period Satan will be released for a short time and will deceive and gather unbelievers, but then be seized by Christ and thrown into the lake of fire. Hundreds of Old Testament verses describe the character and nature of this millennial period. Here are some: Isaiah 2:1-5, 4:2-6, 11, 12, 54, 60, 61, 65:17-25; Psalms 22, 45, 47, 48, 65, 67, 72, 102, 117, 132; Daniel 7:27; Zephaniah 3:14-20; Haggai 2:6-9; Zechariah 1:16-17, 2:10-13, 8:20-23, 9:10, 14:9-11; Micah 3:12-13, 4:1-5, 5:4. Revelation 20:6 – \u201cBlessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Millennial Positions: <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Amillennial<\/span> – This word refers to an incorrect allegorical system of interpretation that says there will be no literal 1000 year reign of Jesus Christ on earth. Proponents of this position correctly say that Christ rules over a spiritual kingdom in the hearts of believers between His first and second comings, and then there is the eternal kingdom age, but incorrectly say that there is no millennial kingdom in between.<\/p>\n

Premillennial<\/span> – This word refers to the correct belief that the millennium is a literal 1000 years, and that the end of this age, the resurrection and rapture of the saints, and the Day of the Lord all occur before this 1000 year period begins. (Pre-tribulational, Mid-tribulational, Post-tribulational and Pre-wrath rapture positions are all Pre-millennial positions.)<\/p>\n

Postmillennial<\/span> – This word refers to the incorrect belief that there will be an actual period of time that will occur prior to Christ\u2019s return, during which time the Christians will bring in the kingdom through the spread of the gospel, and the world will be getting spiritually and morally better. Proponents of this position say that it is only after (post) the gospel\u2019s universal acceptance on earth that Jesus Christ will return to sit on His throne.<\/p>\n

New Jerusalem<\/strong><\/span> – This is the city of the living God, the city of the Great King, Mount Zion, a literal dwelling of God, the tabernacle of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. Prepared by Jesus Christ for Himself and His bride, the true believers, this brand new home will be the most important place in the New Heavens and New Earth, for it is here that Jesus Christ will live with His bride. This holy city, this very large city, is in the shape of a perfect cube, about 1380 miles on each side, and it will sit right above, and connected to the earth. Psalms 46:4-5, 48:1-3; John 14:1-3; Hebrews 12:22-23; Revelation 21:2-4 – \u201cI saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband\u2026 Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Present Evil Age<\/strong><\/span> – We now live in a present evil age, an age that began with the sin of Adam and Eve. At that time Satan took control of the world, but yet, this evil age and Satan himself, are still and continually under the sovereign rule of God. During this time God has primarily worked through His people, the Jews and the church. The most significant event of this age occurred at Christ\u2019s 1st<\/sup> coming, when He died for our sins and was raised from the dead. This evil age will end at Christ\u2019s 2nd<\/sup> coming, during which time He will rapture the church, judge the world, save a remnant of Jews, and defeat the antichrist. Then the next age will begin, the millennial kingdom age, when Jesus Christ will personally, powerfully and visibly reign over this world. 1 Corinthians 1:20; Ephesians 1:9-11, 19-21, 2:6-7; 1 John 5:19; Galatians 1:3-4 – \u201cGrace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Prophets<\/span> – <\/strong>The Old Testament prophets, holy men of God, spoke of a holy and just God, of One to be feared, loved and obeyed. They spoke of sin, man\u2019s rebellion against God. They spoke of judgment and punishment, and the need for people to repent of their sins and turn back to God. They spoke of salvation and mercy through the Messiah, the Christ, and of hope, the future God has for all believers. The message from these Old Testament prophets was given to the people of their day (from 850BC – 430BC), and some of their prophecies came true during and right after their lives on earth, and others during Christ\u2019s 1st<\/sup> coming, and yet others are coming true and will come true in our day, the end times, and during Christ\u2019s 2nd<\/sup> coming. The prophets were speaking to the Jews, but also to us, the Christians living in these days. We are then to learn from them, and discern what passages are specifically relevant to us at this time in history. Through the New Testament, we see that God\u2019s working with the Jews in the end times is in conjunction and in concert with His working with the church. The end times\u2019 message for the Jews and the church is only complete and understandable, as we study the words of the prophets in the Old Testament, and as we study the words of Jesus in the New Testament. Isaiah 2:1-5, 4, 9:6-7, 52, 53, 54, 60, 61; Jeremiah 31:31-37; Ezekiel 36-39; Daniel 2, 7-12; Zechariah 9-14; Acts 2:29-33, 3:19-26; Matthew 24:3-27; Luke 21:10-28; 1 Peter 1:10-12 – \u201cConcerning this, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the suffering of Christ and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Purpose of God<\/strong><\/span> –\u00a0<\/strong>God has His purposes, His will, His desires, and they are eternal, comprehensive and glorious. He has purposes for the Jews and the Gentiles, for the church, for the saved and the unsaved, for this country and every country, for every person who has ever lived or whoever will live on earth. God has specific plans to bring about these purposes, and these plans will be perfectly and sovereignly carried out; for no activity of the devil, and no work of man will ever counter or defeat the plans of God. God knows His \u201cend game\u201d,<\/em> and knows exactly what He is doing, exactly what people need to do, where things are going, how to specifically make things happen, and precisely when things need to take place. He chooses, He works, and He precisely brings about every single one of His plans. These purposes and plans of God are carried out by Jesus Christ, by the Holy Spirit, by His angels, by the devil and his demons, by rulers, by the church, by individual believers, and by unbelievers. It is by God\u2019s character and Word that these purposes are carried out \u2013 by His holiness, power, grace, knowledge, omnipresence, wisdom, sovereignty, goodness, patience, mercy and faithfulness. God\u2019s Word tells the Christian everything he needs to know about God\u2019s general purposes for this earth, and for the specific details in his own life. In these days, at this time of HisStory, God too has His purposes, and is bringing this church age to an end. In the near future we will see the rapture of the saints, the wrath of God on the unbelievers, the redemption of the Jews, and then the reign of Christ on this earth. All these things have been predicted and planned by God, and will certainly and soon take place. The fulfilling and fulfillment of God\u2019s plans gives Him great and increasing glory, resulting in Him being recognized, honored, exalted and worshiped now and forevermore. Psalm 33:9-12; Proverbs 16:9, 19:21; Isaiah 25:1, 46:8-11; Jeremiah 1:12, 29:11-12; Romans 8:28-30, 9:14-19, 11; Ephesians 1:9-12, 2:10; Philippians 2:11-12<\/p>\n

Rapture<\/strong><\/span> – This word refers to the gathering together of the church in the end time by the angels from \u201cthe four winds, from the ends of the earth\u201d<\/em> to Jesus Christ. The word rapture is from the Latin \u201crapere\u201d<\/em> meaning rapid, and from the Greek \u201charpazo\u201d<\/em> meaning to snatch or catch away by force. The rapture is the initial event at Christ\u2019s 2nd<\/sup> coming. The resurrection of the believers who have fallen asleep (physically died) will occur immediately before the rapture. These two events, the resurrection and the rapture, are preceded by a shout from the Lord, the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet of God. We do not know the specific time of the rapture but we do know the general time, for God\u2019s Word tell us that it takes place between the 6th<\/sup> and 7th<\/sup> seals, after the great tribulation is cut short, before God\u2019s wrath is poured out on earth, and sometime during the last half of Daniel\u2019s 70th<\/sup> week. Matthew 24:31; Mark 13:27; Luke 21:28; 1 Corinthians 1:7-9, 15:50-54; Colossians 3:4; 1 Peter 1:13; Revelation 7:9-14; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 – \u201cThen we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Rapture Positions:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Pre-tribulation Rapture<\/span> – This erroneous view says that believers are taken to heaven at the beginning of the 70th<\/sup> week of Daniel. People who hold this view believe that the rapture is imminent, that the entire 70th<\/sup> week is the tribulation period, and that this tribulation is God\u2019s wrath on earth. But the Bible never says God\u2019s end time wrath is tribulation. They also say that the rapture is separate from the coming of Christ, but the rapture is in fact, the initial event of Christ\u2019s coming.<\/p>\n

Mid-tribulation Rapture<\/span> – This erroneous view says Christ will rapture believers at the middle of the 70th<\/sup> week. Those who hold this position say that Christians go through the tribulation period, which they believe occurs during the first half of the 70th<\/sup> week, but do not go through the great tribulation period which they say occurs during the second half of the 70th<\/sup> week. They believe the great tribulation is God\u2019s wrath on earth at that time and is directed towards unbelievers.<\/p>\n

Post-tribulation Rapture<\/span> – This erroneous view of the rapture says believers are taken to heaven right at or near the end of the 70th<\/sup> week of Daniel. Some proponents of this view believe that the great tribulation period is God\u2019s wrath, but others believe that God\u2019s wrath begins right at the end of the great tribulation period, and right before the end of the 70th<\/sup> week of Daniel.<\/p>\n

Prewrath Rapture<\/span> – This is the correct view, and says that Jesus Christ returns to rapture the Christians right before God\u2019s wrath is poured out on the earth, sometime during the last half of Daniel\u2019s 70th<\/sup> week. Christians will be alive on earth when the antichrist is revealed, will go through great tribulation and persecution, but then are given relief from tribulation, rescued from the wrath to come, and raptured into heaven. Matthew 24:31; Mark 13:27; Luke 21:28; Acts 14:22; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10, 4:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10, 2:1-2; Revelation 6:17-19, 7:9-14, 8-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:9 – \u201cGod has not destined us for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Redemption<\/strong><\/span> – This is the physical deliverance of the Christian from this world and from his mortal body at the time he is raptured at Christ\u2019s 2nd<\/sup> coming. Vines Dictionary defines it this way – \u201cRedemption is the deliverance of the believer from the presence and power of sin, and of his body, from bondage to corruption, at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.\u201d <\/em>This redemption of the believer takes place after the 6th<\/sup> seal, the cosmic disturbances in the heavens, and before the 7th<\/sup> seal, which initiates God\u2019s wrath on earth. Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54; Ephesians 1:14, 4:30; Luke 21:25-28 – \u201cThere will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among nations, and perplexity at the roaring of the sea and the waves\u2026but when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Revealing of Christ<\/strong><\/span> – This is the unveiling, the uncovering of Jesus Christ, in that He is suddenly, obviously and clearly seen by the believers at His 2nd<\/sup> coming. At Christ\u2019s 1st<\/sup> coming He was obscure and hidden, quietly born in Bethlehem, but at His 2nd<\/sup> coming He will be visibly and noticeably revealed, \u201cwith the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God\u201d,<\/em> to the entire earth. At Christ\u2019s revealing or revelation, the church is given relief from tribulation, rescued from the wrath to come, raptured into heaven, and redeemed from the earth. Matthew 24:30-31; Luke 17:30-36; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 1 Peter 1:7, 1:13, 4:13; Revelation 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:7-9 – \u201cawaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will keep you strong to the end, blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Restrainer<\/strong><\/span> – Michael, the archangel stands guard over Israel while she is on earth, and is responsible for restraining the activities of Satan, thereby protecting Israel from him. At the midpoint of the 70th<\/sup> week, Michael defeats Satan and casts him to the earth. Michael then is taken out of the way in that he will not at this time restrain Satan. It is at this time that the antichrist will be revealed to the entire world, and then bring great tribulation to both Jews and Christians. Yes, the antichrist will have more freedom to persecute the Jews, but yet he is still sovereignly controlled by God. Daniel 12:1-2, Revelation 12:7-12, 2 Thessalonians 2:5-8 – \u201cThe mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Salvation of the <\/strong><\/span>Jews<\/span> – <\/strong>God has spiritually saved many ethnic Jews since the time of Abraham, but at the end of Daniel\u2019s 70th<\/sup> week, a great number of ethnic Jews will be saved, fulfilling many Old Testament promises to the Jews. Shortly after their salvation, Jesus Christ will begin His reign over the world, ruling with these Jews, and also with glorified believers. Genesis 12:1-3; Psalm 98:1-3; Isaiah 45:17, Isaiah 53, 59:20-21; Daniel 9:24; Zechariah 13:1; Matthew 23:37-39; Luke 21:20-24; Revelation 14:1-5; Romans 11:25-27 – \u201ca partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, \u2018the Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.\u2019 This is My covenant with them when I take away their sins.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Seals<\/strong><\/span> – These seven seals of a scroll, when broken by Jesus Christ, will initiate a series of events that will take place on the earth in the end times. The 1st<\/sup> four seals speak of false christs, wars, famines, economic problems and death affecting various parts of the earth. The 5th<\/sup> seal refers to great persecution brought on by the antichrist and directed towards Jews and Christians. The 6th<\/sup> seal refers to signs in the heavens and a great earthquake on earth, events which signal the end of this age. After that there will be the sign of the Son of Man, and the resurrection of believers who have died and are in heaven, and the rapture of the church that is still on earth. Then the 7th<\/sup> seal will be broken, resulting in the trumpet judgments, which when blown bring forth the Day of the Lord, God\u2019s devastating and deserved wrath on earth. A parallel and significant passage to Revelation 6 and the seals is Matthew 24:4-9. Mark 13:3-13; Luke 21:8-11; Revelation 8:1, 6:1-8 – \u201cI watched as the Lamb opened the first of seven seals\u2026 When the Lamb broke the second seal\u2026 When the Lamb broke the third seal\u2026\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Second Coming<\/strong><\/span> – This is speaking of the presence of Jesus Christ on the earth in the end times and thereafter. This word, \u201ccoming,\u201d<\/em> the most common word referring to Christ\u2019s return, is used 22 times in the New Testament, 18 times in a prophetic way. It is defined as Christ\u2019s arrival and continuing presence. It is a singular noun which means there is only one second coming. The rapture of the church then is not distinct and separate from Christ\u2019s second coming, but rather is the initial event at His coming, at which time Christ gathers all believers from all time to be with Himself. The rapture is immediately followed by the Day of the Lord, the salvation of the Jews, and then Christ\u2019s millennial kingdom on earth. True Christians will not know the specific day or hour of Christ\u2019s coming, but they will know the general time of His coming, occurring sometime during the second half of Daniel\u2019s 70th<\/sup> week. Matthew 24:3, 27, 37; 1 Corinthians 15:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8; James 5:7; 1 John 2:28; 2 Peter 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:23, 4:15-17 – \u201cFor this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who fall asleep\u2026 then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Seventieth Week of Daniel<\/strong><\/span> – This is a seven year period of time, still future, when many significant end time prophetic events occur. It begins when the antichrist makes a covenant of peace with Israel. At the midpoint of this week the antichrist is revealed, at which time he breaks this covenant, displaying himself as God in the temple. He then begins great and worldwide persecution against Jews and Christians, but is worshiped by unbelievers in the world. Then, sometime during the last half of Daniel\u2019s 70th<\/sup> week, at a time unknown to man, God stops Satan\u2019s great persecution, raptures the believers into heaven, and begins what is called the Day of the Lord, His wrath on earth. The 70th<\/sup> week ends with Christ returning to earth, at which time He saves a great remnant of Jews, and \u201cthe kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.\u201d<\/em> Shortly thereafter, Christ begins His 1000 year reign on earth. Isaiah 28:15, Matthew 24:9-36, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-9, Romans 11:26-27, Revelation 11:15, Revelation 12:6-17, Daniel 9:24-27 – \u201cHe will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering, and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Seventy Weeks<\/strong><\/span> – This is a period of 490 years that begins with the decree to rebuild Israel in 444BC and ends with Jesus Christ\u2019s return to earth at the end of the 70th<\/sup> week. The purpose of this time is for Israel to make atonement for her sin of rebellion against God and her rejection of the Messiah. Back in the 1st<\/sup> century at the end of the 69th<\/sup> week, after exactly 483 years, Messiah, Jesus Christ was cut off, that is, He was crucified. Then the church age began, which comprises a long gap, an unknown period of time, and a suspension of God\u2019s plans for the Jews. But for over 100 years now, the Jews have been regathering back to their homeland, signaling to us that we are now in the end times, and that the 70th<\/sup> week will soon begin. The 1st<\/sup> event of the 70th<\/sup> week will be the antichrist\u2019s covenant of death with the Jews, and the last event will be Christ\u2019s return to earth, and the salvation of the Jews. Luke 21:24, Revelation 12, Daniel 9:24-27 – \u201cSeventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Sign of the Coming of Christ<\/strong><\/span> – This is the Shekinah glory of Jesus Christ, brightly and brilliantly lighting up the skies, occurring right after the \u201csign of the end of the age\u201d, <\/em>the darkening of the skies, and right before the revelation and coming of Christ to gather all believers to Himself. After this global gathering of believers, the day of the Lord begins, and Christ will then righteously judge and punish the unbelievers still living on earth. Matthew 24:3, 27-31 – \u201cThe sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky\u2026and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n

Sign of the End of the Age<\/strong><\/span> – This sign takes place at the breaking of the sixth seal, signaling the end of this present age. The sun, moon and stars will be darkened, and a great earthquake will occur on earth. This \u201csign of the end of the age\u201d<\/em> will appear immediately after the great tribulation is cut short, and immediately before the \u201csign of the Son of Man\u201d.<\/em> After these two signs, then the believers on earth will be raptured into heaven, and the Day of the Lord, God\u2019s wrath on earth, will commence. Isaiah 13:9-10, Luke 21:24-28, Acts 2:19-20, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9, Revelation 6:12-14, Matthew 24:29 – \u201cImmediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light and the stars will fall from the sky, and <\/em>the powers of the heaven will be shaken.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Ten Horns<\/strong><\/span> – This refers to the 8th<\/sup> beast empire, the last and worst of Satanically and demonically controlled kingdoms on this earth. It will be led by the antichrist during the 70th<\/sup> week of Daniel, and used by him to help conquer, control and rule the world. This empire, comprised of ten nations and ten kings, is said to be a mix of iron and clay, meaning that part of his kingdom will be strong and part will be weak or brittle. Many suggest that this empire, said to have come from the old Roman empire (6th<\/sup> beast empire) will be comprised of present day European and Mideast nations. Time will tell. This empire will come to an end when Jesus Christ returns to earth and defeats the antichrist. Daniel 2:40-43, Daniel 2:40-43, Daniel 7:7-8, 19-20, Revelation 17:11-17, 19:20-21, Revelation 13:1 – \u201cThen I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Time of the Gentiles<\/strong><\/span> – During this time period no divinely appointed Jewish king rules over Israel, but rather, it will be Gentile leaders who rule over them. This period started in 586BC, nearly 2600 years ago, and will extend to the end of the 70th<\/sup> week of Daniel. Then the time of the Gentiles will come to an end, for Jesus Christ will save a large remnant of Jews, and begin His 1000 year rule over them and over the entire world, resulting in a time of great peace and blessing. Zechariah 14:9; Romans 11:25-27; Revelation 11:1-2, 15-17; Psalm 47, Psalm 67; Luke 21:24 – \u201cThey will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Trumpets<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 The trumpets, spoken of in Revelation 8-9, refer to God\u2019s judgment on the earth during the first part of the Day of the Lord, His deserved and devastating wrath upon the earth in the end times. This wrath of God, starting exactly 30 minutes after the rapture of the saints, sometime during the 2nd<\/sup> half of the 70th<\/sup> week, continues to the end of the 70th<\/sup> week. The first six trumpet judgments result in a third of the earth burning up, a third of the sea turning to blood, a third of the waters turning bitter, and a third of the day and night turning dark. There will also be torturing and demonized locusts; and finally one third of mankind will be killed. The final and 7th<\/sup> trumpet signals the end of the 70th<\/sup> week, the salvation of a remnant of Jews, and the soon to come reign of Jesus Christ on this earth. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9; Revelation 11:15-17; Revelation 8-9 – \u201cAnd I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/a> Woman<\/strong><\/span> – This is a reference to the twelve tribes of Jacob, to the Jews. It is not a specific reference to Mary, the mother of Jesus, but a general reference to the Jews, the people who brought forth Jesus into the world. Revelation 12:1-5 refers to the Jews of the Old Testament, and in particular, the ancestral line of Christ. The woman, the Jews, gave birth to Jesus Christ, who was taken to heaven, awaiting that time when He will rule all the nations, which takes place after the defeat of the antichrist, the devil\u2019s man on earth. Revelation 12:6-17 refers to the woman as the faithful Jews in the end times who will flee from antichrist\u2019s wrath, be protected during the Day of the Lord, and then saved by Christ at the end of the 70th<\/sup> week. The rest of the offspring of the woman (verse 17) refers to Christians. Daniel 9:24, 12:1- 3; Romans 11:25-27; Revelation 12:1-7 – \u201cThe woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1260 days.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

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