THE RAPTURE

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, cf. Matthew 24:29-31).

Christians the world over are looking forward to a time when, interrupting their ordinary lives, they will be suddenly raptured into heaven with Jesus Christ. This sudden event won’t just take them away from their daily lives, it will also take them away from the coming of the Great Tribulation and massive trouble and destruction for earth.

Everyone left behind will go through this trauma, wondering what happened to the others who were raptured.

It’s a popular idea—one that’s been turned into movies and best-selling books picturing suddenly driverless cars crashing into one another and pilotless airplanes falling from the sky. The images are striking and the lesson strong: Be a good Christian, and you will be raptured and saved from the Great Tribulation.

But is it true?

Regrettably, we live in a time when most are content to get their knowledge of religion secondhand, preferably through dramatic presentations— including stage, screen, movies and novels.

But you can’t afford to neglect your responsibility to prove the truth!

Those willing to take a careful look at the Bible will see that the popular rapture theory doesn’t stand up to the scrutiny of God’s Word.

The rapture teaching was popularized in the 1970s by Hal Lindsey’s writings (The Late Great Planet Earth, etc.) and more recently by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins in their Left Behind fictional books and films. But where did this concept of the rapture originate?

Credit for the idea generally goes to John Darby, a 19th-century theologian who labored to correct common false teaching related to the second coming of Christ.

Darby correctly believed that Jesus Christ would return to the earth to establish the Kingdom of God and literally rule the world for 1,000 years. In his zeal for countering error, Darby promoted the idea that Christ would come to catch away (or rapture) believers prior to the period of end-time calamities leading up to His final coming.

Rapture is not a biblical term, therefore it is important that people clearly understand what is meant by it.

A study of the topic needs to begin in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. Paul writes in verse 16 that when Christ returns, those believers who’ve already died will be resurrected. He goes on to say: “Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord”.

The original Greek phrase “shall be caught up”, “combines the ideas of force and suddenness seen in the irresistible power of God” (Leon Morris, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, 1984, p. 94). It’s from the Latin translations that we derive the English words “rapt”, “raptor”, “rapture” and “enraptured.” To be raptured in English literally means to be suddenly caught up.

Technically speaking, there is a “rapture” of sorts, in the sense of a sudden catching up of Christ’s followers at His return. The Bible calls it the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:51-56). The debate is over the nature of this event and when it occurs. The common rapture teaching places it years before the world will witness Christ’s triumphant coming, which is definitely not biblical.

It seems that one of the most frequently asked questions concerning End-Times is, “When does the Rapture occur?” The following Scriptures show that the rapture occurs when Christ comes (see also 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; James 5:7-9; and 1 John 2:28). [Emphasis added to the following passages.]

“For 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 by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17).

“Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Christ Christ and our gathering together to Him...” (2 Thessalonians 2:1).

“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (Matthew 24:30-31).

“…and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Christ is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord Christ Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8).

“In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3).

This coming of the Lord is His promised return (John 14:3). Since the promise was given after His first coming to earth as a child born in Bethlehem, this coming of Christ will be His second time. Therefore, some people refer to this as the Second Coming of Christ. However, other people call the start of Christ’s millennial reign His second coming. (The Millennium occurs at least seven months after Christ comes). Some theories about the End Times incorrectly teach that the gathering of Christians (i.e., the Rapture) will occur sometime before (typically 3½ or 7 years before) the second coming of Christ. However, as shown in the Scriptures quoted above, the Rapture takes place at the coming of Christ (which is technically His second coming). The Bible does not use the term second coming. For more information see The Coming of the Lord.

Matthew 24:23-31 says that the coming of Christ and the gathering of His people (the elect) will take place immediately after the Great Tribulation. (See The elect of Matthew 24 for information about them.) It is extremely important to understand the difference between the Great Tribulation and the Wrath of God before attempting to understand the correct timing for the Rapture (see Tribulation or Wrath?). Much of the confusion about whether the Rapture occurs before, after, or in the middle of the Great Tribulation stems from confusion about which events occur as part of the Great Tribulation. It is also important to understand that the Rapture takes place when Christ comes to judge the earth.

The Rapture is described in several passages in the Bible. Probably the most familiar to Christians is that in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 (quoted above). This passage explains that when Christ comes, those Christians who have died (those who are asleep in Christ) will be resurrected and rise first to meet the Lord. Then those Christians who are still alive will rise up to join the others and Christ in the clouds. (According to Acts 1:9-11, these are literal clouds.) This passage also shows that the coming of Christ will be a very dramatic event with a shout, the voice of the archangel and the trumpet of God. Matthew 24 also describes the Rapture of the Church as follows.

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (Matthew 24:29-31).

This passage clearly explains that the Rapture will occur immediately after the Great Tribulation (compare verse 21 with 29). The Rapture also occurs after certain signs in the sun, moon, and stars (vs. 29). Christ will come on the clouds of heaven and send His angels to gather His people from all the earth (vv. 30-31). Christians will rise into the air (i.e., the heaven) and then be gathered.

Another description of the signs in the sun, moon, and stars is provided in Revelation 6:12-14. Soon after these signs occur, a very large number of people appear before the throne of God (Revelation 7:9-10). These people went through the Great Tribulation (Revelation 7:14). This passage in Revelation shows that the Rapture occurs after the Great Tribulation, but before the Wrath of God (see Revelation 6:17, chapter 8 and following passages). Christians will be in Heaven (before the throne of God) during the plagues of the Wrath of God. (Some people teach that Christians do not go to Heaven at the Rapture. Instead, when they meet the Lord in the air, the Lord and the Christians return to reign on earth. This passage in Revelation 7:9-14 shows that this teaching is incorrect since people are in Heaven after the Rapture.) Following is another passage that describes the Rapture or gathering of the Church.

“Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe. So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped” (Revelation 14:14-16).

This passage describes Christ (“one like the Son of Man”) sitting on a cloud wearing a golden crown and carrying a sharp sickle. The harvest is ripe indicating that it is time to gather the people of God from the earth. This reaping or gathering (the Rapture) is described using the illustration of a harvester (Christ) who uses a sickle to gather the grain (the people who belong to God).

Evidence that this passage is describing the Rapture rather than some other event is provided by comparing the surrounding verses with parallel descriptions provided in Revelation 6:12 through 11:19. First, this gathering of the harvest occurs after the Great Tribulation (Revelation 14:9-13). Immediately after this harvest, those who remain on the earth (the grapes) are gathered and thrown into the winepress of the wrath of God (Revelation 14:17-20; 15:1). Next, a great multitude of people who obtained victory over the Beast are shown worshipping God before the throne in Heaven (Revelation 15:2-4). This is describing the same scene shown in Revelation 7:9-17 where a great multitude is shown who came out of the Great Tribulation. Finally, events of the Wrath of God are described following this great multitude’s appearance before the throne (Revelation 15:1, 5-8, 16:1-21).

As mentioned earlier, it is extremely important to understand the difference between the events of the Great Tribulation and those of the Wrath of God. Failure to understand the differences can lead to three of the more common erroneous theories about when the Rapture occurs. These three theories are sometimes called the pre-trib, mid-trib, and post-trib rapture theories.

These three rapture theories appear to have their roots in a failure to correctly distinguish the difference between the Great Tribulation and the Wrath of God. While the following explanations are over-simplified, they can help show how each theory can be derived by mistakenly mixing the events of the Great Tribulation and Wrath of God.

Pre-Trib Rapture. This theory teaches that Christians will be raptured before the Great Tribulation. The following two Scriptures are sometimes used to support this popular theory.

“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Christ Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:9). 

“And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Christ, which delivered us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

The problem is a failure to distinguish the difference between the Great Tribulation and the Wrath of God. Those who hold this theory typically include the seven plagues (of the Wrath of God) in with the Great Tribulation. Then they reason that since we are not destined for wrath, we must not be here during the Great Tribulation. It is true that Christians will not suffer the Wrath of God. However, the plagues of the Wrath of God are not part of the Great Tribulation (see Tribulation or Wrath?).

Mid-Trib Rapture. This theory teaches that Christians will go through the first half of the Great Tribulation. They will be raptured to avoid what is taught as the more severe second half of the Great Tribulation. Often, the total length of the Great Tribulation is given as seven years with the Christians going through three and one-half years of it. Some people call the first 3½ years the Tribulation and the last 3½ years the Great Tribulation.

The problem in this theory is also caused by a failure to distinguish the difference between the Great Tribulation and the Wrath of God. In this case, the plagues of the Wrath of God are included as the last half of the Great Tribulation. This rapture theory teaches that Christians will be taken out of the earth before the plagues, but they will suffer some under the Beast. This theory is correct in its teaching that Christians will suffer under the Beast. It is also correct in teaching that Christians will not suffer during the seven plagues. However, it is incorrect in claiming that the Great Tribulation is seven years long and that the seven plagues are part of the Great Tribulation.

Post-Trib Rapture. This theory teaches that Christians will be raptured after all of the so-called Great Tribulation is completed. The events of the Great Tribulation and Wrath of God are incorrectly lumped together and called the Great Tribulation. This theory is incorrect when it teaches that Christians will go through the seven plagues of the Wrath of God. (Note: Many who consider themselves post-trib also correctly believe in a pre-wrath Rapture. This can be confusing at times.)

Each of these three incorrect theories about the rapture can be logically traced to a failure to distinguish the difference between the Great Tribulation and Wrath of God. (Even though there are probably other factors that contribute to the confusion.) Therefore, it is vitally important that a clear distinction is made between the Great Tribulation and Wrath of God.

So when does the Rapture occur? The Rapture takes place after the Great Tribulation but before the Wrath of God. This teaching is sometimes called the Pre-Wrath Rapture to prevent confusion between it and the Post-Trib Rapture theory. As established in the early part of this chapter, the Rapture takes place at the coming of Christ. The coming of Christ takes place immediately after the Great Tribulation and before the Wrath of God (see The Coming of the Lord  and Chronological Relationships). Therefore, the Rapture must take place after the Great Tribulation and before the Wrath of God.

Christ will come to gather (rapture) God’s people and to bring judgment (i.e., wrath) on the other people like what occurred in the days of Noah (Matthew 24:36-39). Noah and his family in the ark rose above the waters of judgment. When the judgment was completed, Noah and his family returned to the earth’s surface. In a similar manner, Christians will rise above God’s wrath in the Rapture. They will return to the earth’s surface after the judgment is completed—at the beginning of the Millennium.

When Christ comes, it will also be like the days of Lot (Luke 17:26-29). As soon as Lot was safely outside the city, God’s judgment rained down from heaven destroying Sodom and Gomorrah with all their inhabitants (Luke 17:29; Genesis 19:12-29). In a similar manner, as soon as Christians are removed from the earth, God’s wrath will fall on all the earth’s inhabitants (Revelation 14:14-20; Revelation 15:1-8; Revelation 16:1-21).

SUMMARY

Term Definition:

The Rapture is a non-biblical, but commonly used term that refers to the gathering of Christians from the earth when Christ comes.

Significance of the Rapture:

The Rapture is very significant in that it marks the end of suffering for Christians during the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:29-31; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10). It also marks the end of mortal life for Christians (1 Corinthians 15:50-52). For the Beast and non-Christians, the Rapture marks the beginning of the judgment poured out on them during the Wrath of God (Revelation 14:14-20).

Source of the Rapture:

Christ is the one who sends His angels to gather the Christians (Matthew 24:30-31).

Length of the Rapture:

The exact length of the Rapture is not given in Scripture. However, it appears to occur in a very short time, possibly less than a second (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). However, its effects will last through eternity (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Events Prior to the Rapture:

The Rapture occurs at the coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; 1:7-8; Matthew 24:30-31; John 14:2-3). The Rapture will not occur until after there is a major falling away of believers (see Matthew 24:12; 1 Timothy 4:1-3). The Beast is also revealed before the Rapture (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4). The Beast is exposed for who he is when he establishes the Abomination of Desolation (see page 7). Therefore, the Rapture will not occur until after the Abomination of Desolation. Scriptures demonstrate that the Rapture occurs between the Great Tribulation and Wrath of God (see beginning of this chapter and The Coming of the Lord  and Chronological Relationships).

Events of the Rapture:

Dead Christians will be resurrected, and living Christians will be given new bodies at the Rapture (1 Corinthians 15:50-52). Both groups will rise up to meet Christ in the clouds (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

God During the Rapture:

Christ will be very active as He returns to gather His Church (Matthew 24:29-31; Revelation 14:14-16).

Christians During the Rapture:

Christians are removed from the earth and taken to Heaven (i.e., before the throne, Revelation 7:9-17; Matthew 24:29-31). There will be 144,000 people sealed to protect them from the plagues of God‘s Wrath (Revelation 7:1-8). Apparently, these 144,000 people will participate in the outpouring of the Wrath of God (Revelation 14:1,4,7; 19:13-15).

Satan During the Rapture:

Scripture does not indicate what Satan is doing during the Rapture.

Beast During the Rapture:

Scripture does not indicate what the Beast is doing during the Rapture.

Non-Christians During the Rapture:

When Christ comes back to gather the Christians, His return will be as visible as the lightning that lights up the entire sky (Matthew 24:27). The non-Christians will see Christ and great fear will come upon them. They will seek to hide from the anger of the Lord (Matthew 24:30; Revelation 6:15-17).

Events Following the Rapture:

Following the removal of God’s people from the earth, they show up in Heaven (Revelation 7:9-17). Also, 144,000 people from the twelve tribes of Israel are sealed to protect them from the plagues of the Wrath of God (Revelation 7:1-8). After these events, the seven plagues of the Wrath of God are poured out on the Beast and those people who were not removed from the earth (i.e., the non-Christians, see in The Wrath of God).

Scripture references for Rapture:

Matthew 24:23-31; Matthew 13:36-43; Matthew 13:47-50; Matthew 24:42-51; Matthew 25:13; Mark 13:21-27; Mark 13:32-33; Luke 17:22-24; Luke 21:25-28; Luke 21:34-35; John 14:2-3; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 8:11, 23; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 15:50-56; Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9, 23; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, 8; James 5:7-9; 2 Peter 3:4, 7, 10-13; 1 John 2:28; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 3:3; Revelation 6:12-17; Revelation 7:9-17; Revelation 14:14-20; Revelation 15:1-4; Revelation 16:15; Isaiah 27:12-13; Daniel 12:1-3; Joel 3:13-16; Zechariah 14:4-5.

THE COMING OF THE LORD

“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7).

The Lord Jesus promised that He will come again for us (John 14:2-3). The first time that the Lord came, He was born as a child in Bethlehem (Matthew2:1). After He died the death we deserved on a cross, He was raised from the dead and returned to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; John 14:28). Christ’s first coming was as a servant to die for mankind (Isaiah 52:13-15; 53:1-12; Philippians 2:5-8; Romans 5:8). When He comes again, it will be as King and Judge (Jeremiah 23:5-6; Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 19:11-16).

Sometimes, people call this return (as King and Judge) the second coming of Christ. However, there is some confusion about what that term means. Some people use second coming to refer to the promised coming of Christ when He gathers the Church (i.e., the Rapture). However, others use second coming to refer to the time when the Lord begins to reign on earth from Jerusalem during the Millennium. Apparently, they reason that this is when He actually comes to earth while the passages referring to the Rapture do not show Christ coming all the way to the earth. (This is a questionable conclusion since the Lord comes to earth to wage war with the Beast and his armies during the Wrath of God at least seven months before He begins His millennial reign, see The Forty-five day Restoration Period.)

Some definitions of the second coming are obviously inaccurate. For example, according to The Random House College Dictionary (Revised Edition, 1980, p. 1188), Second Coming is defined as, “the coming of Christ on Judgment Day. Also called Second Advent”. The Judgment Day is defined as, “the day of the Last Judgment; doomsday”. From these definitions, the second coming of Christ would take place at the Great White Throne Judgment . That would place Christ’s second coming after the Millennium. This is not an acceptable definition since the Bible clearly shows that Jesus comes back long before the Great White Throne Judgment.

Since the term second coming is not used in the Bible, there is no authoritative definition to clarify what this term means. However, since the Bible does say Jesus will come at the Rapture of the Church and this will technically be the second time He comes, it is probably more accurate to use the term second coming when referring to the coming of Christ for His people. This will also be the time when He comes in judgment against the Beast and his followers (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10). However, to avoid potential confusion, we will refrain from using second coming in this book when referring to end-time events.

Scripturally, the coming of Christ precipitates several events. First, non-Christians will see Him and will mourn because of the coming punishment (Matthew 24:29-30; Revelation 6:12-17). Next, He will gather His people from all the earth (Matthew24:31; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). Finally, He will bring an end to the reign of the Beast and a beginning of punishment upon the Beast and those who worship him (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; 2:8; Revelation 14:9-11; 14:14-20). This punishment is called The Wrath of God in the Bible.

The coming of Christ takes place immediately after the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21,29-30). This means that the Rapture will also take place immediately after the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:31). The coming of Christ also takes place before the Wrath of God (Revelation 14:14-20).

When the Lord comes, He will bring God’s judgment (i.e., wrath) on the people as in the days of Noah (Matthew 24:36-39). When the flood waters came, all who were outside Noah’s ark died (Genesis 7:21-23). Once the ark door was closed, all opportunity for salvation was lost to those outside. When the Lord Jesus comes, all opportunity for the salvation of those who do not belong to Him will be lost (Revelation 9:20-21; 16:9, 11).

SUMMARY

Term Definition:

The Coming of Christ refers to the time when He comes to gather His people and begin the Wrath of God (Matthew 24:30-31; Revelation 14:14-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

Significance of the Coming of Christ:

The coming of Christ is very significant in that it marks the end of suffering for Christians during the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:29-31; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10). It also marks the end of mortal life for all Christians (1 Corinthians 15:50-52). For the Beast and non-Christians, the coming of Christ marks the end of their reign on earth and the beginning of the judgment poured out on them during the Wrath of God (2 Thessalonians 2:8; Revelation 14:17-20).

Source of the Coming of Christ:

The Lord Jesus is the One who comes.

Length of the Coming of Christ:

The exact length of the coming of Christ is not given in Scripture. However, it appears to occur in a very short time, possibly less than a second (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). The results of His coming will last for eternity.

Events Prior to the Coming of Christ:

The coming of Christ (and the Rapture) will not occur until after there is a major falling away of believers (see Matthew 24:12; 1 Timothy 4:1-3) and the Beast is revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4). The Beast is revealed for who he is when he establishes the Abomination of Desolation. Therefore, the Coming of Christ will not occur until sometime after the Abomination of Desolation is established. Scriptures demonstrate that the coming of Christ occurs after the 3½ year Great Tribulation and before the Wrath of God (see beginning of this chapter, the Appendix A, and How long is the Great Tribulation).

Events of the Coming of Christ:

Christians will be raptured and the Wrath of God will begin when Christ comes (Matthew 24:30-31; Revelation 14:14-20; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

God During the Coming of Christ:

The Lord Jesus will be very active as He returns to gather His Church and punish the Beast and those who followed the Beast (Matthew 24:29-31; Revelation 14:14-20; 19:11-21).

Christians During the Coming of Christ:

Christians are removed from the earth and taken to Heaven (i.e., before the throne, Revelation 7:9-17; Matthew 24:29-31). There will be 144,000 people sealed to protect them from the plagues of God’s Wrath (Revelation 7:1-8).

Satan During the Coming of Christ:

Scripture does not indicate what Satan is doing during the coming of Christ.

Beast During the Coming of Christ:

Scripture does not indicate what the Beast is doing during the coming of Christ. The coming of Christ marks the beginning of God’s judgment on the Beast (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9; 2:8; Revelation 14:7-11; Revelation 19:11-21).

Non-Christians During the Coming of Christ:

When Christ comes back to gather the Christians, His return will be as visible as the lightning that lights up the entire sky (Matthew 24:27). The non-Christians will see the Lord and great fear will come upon them. They will seek to hide from the anger of the Lord (Matthew 24: 30; Revelation 6:15-17).

Events Following the Coming of Christ:

When Christ comes, 144,000 israelites are sealed to protect them from the Wrath of God (Revelation 7:1-8). Christians are removed from the earth and appear before Gods throne in Heaven (Matthew 24:30-31; Revelation 7:9-17). After these events, the plagues of the Wrath of God are poured out on the Beast and those people who were not removed from the earth (i.e., the non-Christians) (Revelation 8:1 through 11:19).

Scripture references for Coming of Christ:

Matthew 24:12, 23-31; Matthew 13:36-43; Matthew 13:47-50; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 24:36-51; Matthew 25:13, 31; Matthew 26:64; Mark 13:21-27; Mark 13:32-33; Mark 14:62; Luke 9:25; Luke 17:22-37; Luke 21:25-28; Luke 21:34-35; John 14:2-3, 18, 28; Acts 1:9-11; Romans 8:11, 23; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 15:23, 50-56; Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9, 23; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, 8; 1 Timothy 4:1-3; Hebrews 9:28; James 5:4; 1 Peter 5:4; 2 Peter 1:16; 2 Peter 3:4, 7, 10-13; 1 John 2:28; Jude 14-15; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 3:3, 11; Revelation 6:12-17; Revelation 14:9-11, 14-20; Revelation 16:15; Revelation 19:11-21; Revelation 22:12, 20; Job 19:25; Isaiah 27:12-13; Daniel 12:1-3; Joel 3:13-16; Zechariah 14:4-5.

THE BEAST AND THE FALSE PROPHET

“Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads   and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority” (Revelation 13:1-2).

The Beast and False Prophet are the two primary causes of persecution during The Great Tribulation. The Beast is sometimes called the Antichrist. In the Book of Daniel, he is referred to as a little horn. The Beast is both an individual and the coalition of 10 kings or rulers that will be under his authority. Daniel 7:7-11 describes a beastly kingdom in which several rulers are depicted as horns. One of these rulers (horns) excels the others and becomes the Beast. The False Prophet is an associate of the Beast.

The Great Tribulation begins when the Beast establishes The Abomination of Desolation. Prior to this time, the Beast will be advancing in position and power in preparation for his activities during the Great Tribulation. The Beast’s power and authority is granted to him by Satan (the dragon, Revelation 13:2-4).

Until the Abomination of Desolation, the Beast may not be readily identified for who he is. But when he sets up the Abomination of Desolation, his identity and purpose will be exposed to those who heed the Lord’s words warning to understand Daniel’s prophecy (Matthew. 24:15). At that time he will blaspheme the true God and declare that he (the Beast) is God. He will intensely persecute and kill those who oppose him fulfilling the prophesied Great Tribulation. During the reign of the Beast during the Great Tribulation, the False Prophet will perform signs and wonders to deceive

people (Revelation 13:13-14). He will also make an image of the Beast which he will bring to life. Those who refuse to worship the image of the Beast will be killed (Revelation 13:15).

The False Prophet will also institute a special mark often called the mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:16-18). People will not be able to buy or sell in the economies controlled by the Beast without the identifying mark in their hand or forehead. Apparently, this mark is only given to those who are willing to worship the Beast or his image. All who take the mark will suffer severe punishment during The Wrath of God (Revelation 14:9-11).

Some Christians and possibly some non-Christian nations will oppose the Beast (Daniel 11:32-35). Some who oppose him will be killed. Many nations, including Israel and Egypt, will be conquered by the Beast. Some, including Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon, will escape his efforts (Daniel 11:41-43).

The main purpose of the Beast will be the same as Satan’s—to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). His rantings and ravings against the true God and God’s people will be particularly intense during most of the Great Tribulation.

For the entire 3½ years of the Great Tribulation, things will seem to go well for the Beast. Many will believe that the Beast and Satan are unconquerable (Revelation 13:3-4). Suddenly, his reign will be brought to an end by the coming of the Lord Jesus (2 Thessalonians 2:8). At that time, the people of God will be gathered from the earth and the people left behind (i.e., those who do not belong to God) will mourn because of the coming Wrath of God (Matthew. 24:30-31; Revelation 6:15-17).

During the Wrath of God, the Beast will suffer along with the other people on earth (Revelation 16:10-11). Between the sixth and seventh trumpets, the Beast will attack and kill the two witnesses of God (Revelation 11:7-14). There will be much rejoicing over the death of the two witnesses. The people probably will think that the death of these two witnesses will bring an end to the severe plagues of God‘s wrath. Three and a half days after the two witnesses are killed, they will be brought back to life and called up to Heaven.

Also prior to the last plague of the Wrath of God, the Beast will gather the people of the earth together at Armageddon for battle against God (Revelation 16:14-21; 19:17-21; see When is the Battle of Armageddon). Apparently, it will not be much of a battle. After this, the final plague of the Wrath of God will fall (Revelation 11:14-19; 16:13-21). The Beast and False Prophet will be thrown into the lake of fire where they will remain forever (Revelation 19:20).

SUMMARY

Term Definition:

The Beast refers to the individual, to the spirit that will come out of the bottomless pit (Revelation 11:7; 13:1) and to the government that is empowered by Satan during the Great Tribulation (Revelation 13:1-8). The Beast (the individual) is also called the Antichrist (1 John 2:18; 4:3), the little horn (Daniel 7:8; 8:9-11), the lawless one, and the son of perdition (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 8).

The False Prophet refers to an individual who assists the Beast, performs false signs, and demands that people worship an image he makes of the Beast (Revelation 13:11-17; 20:20). He is also called a beast and is demon possessed (Revelation 13:11; 16:13-14).

Significance of the Beast:

The Beast is the earthly source of the persecutions and problems of the Great Tribulation. His activities will produce great problems for God’s people on the earth.

Source of the Beast:

The Beast that comes out of the bottomless pit is the evil spirit that will indwell the man that is also called the Beast (Revelation 11:7; 13:1). His source of power is Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13:2, 4; Revelation 16:13-14).

Length of the Beast’s Activity:

The Beast has authority to act with blasphemy for 42 months during the Great Tribulation (i.e., 3½ years, Revelation 13:5). The Beast is active before the beginning of the Great Tribulation as he maneuvers himself into a position of power and authority, but the total length of time is not specified (Daniel 11:21-31). He also suffers punishment after the Great Tribulation during the plagues of the Wrath of God (Revelation 16:10-11). Finally, the Beast and the False Prophet gather the people against the Lord for battle at Armageddon where they are defeated and cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 16:13-16; 19:19-20).

Events Prior to the Beast’s Activity:

Since the Beast’s primary activity occurs during the Great Tribulation, all events that precede the Great Tribulation also precede his primary activity. Before the start of the Great Tribulation, the Beast will work to obtain a position of authority and power (Daniel 11:21-31). When the time is right, he will set up The Abomination of Desolation. This is the primary identifying event for the Beast and the start of the Great Tribulation (Matthew. 24:15, 21).

Events Associated with the Beast:

The Great Tribulation is primarily a result of the persecutions, blasphemies, and wars of the Beast. A few events are associated with him during the Wrath of God, but that is a time when he is suffering from the plagues of God’s wrath rather than functioning from a position of power.

God During the Beast’s Activity:

God is not the source of the troubles during the Beast’s reign and the Great Tribulation. He will provide some assistance to those who are persecuted by the Beast during that time (Daniel 11:33-34; Revelation 12:6, 13-16). The Lord Jesus will rescue His people from the Beast and bring an end to the Beast’s reign when He cuts the Great Tribulation short by gathering His people (Matthew. 24:21-22, 29-31; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8; 2:8).

Christians During the Beast’s Activity:

Christians will oppose the Beast and explain to many other people the meaning of certain end-time events (Daniel 11:32-35). Christians will suffer the worst persecution that has ever been launched against God’s people (Matthew 24:15-22; Daniel 7:25; Revelation 13:7). Some will lose their lives (Daniel 11:33-35; Revelation 13:7-8), yet many will find a place of protection provided by the Lord (Daniel 11:34; Revelation 12:6, 13-16).

Satan During the Beast’s Activity:

Satan is the primary source of power for the Beast (Revelation 13:2-4).

Non-Christians During the Beast’s Activity:

Some non-Christians will apparently falsely claim to be Christians in an attempt to join with the people of God (Daniel 11:34). Many people will worship Satan (the dragon) because of the great authority he gives the Beast (Revelation 13:4). They will be required to worship an image of the Beast and to take a mark in their hand or forehead (Revelation 13:15-18). Because of their lack of love for the truth they will be easily deceived by the Beast and False Prophet (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; Revelation 13:14). The people of Edom, Moab, and Ammon will escape the attacks of the Beast (Daniel 11:41).

Events Following the Beast’s Activity:

Since the Beast’s primary activity occurs during the Great Tribulation, all events that follow the Great Tribulation also follow his primary activity. After the Great Tribulation, certain signs will be seen in the sun, moon, and stars (see Appendix D) and Jesus will return to gather the church (see The Coming of the Lord). After those events, the Wrath of God will be poured out on the Beast and all who followed him (Revelation 14:9-11; 16:10). Eventually, the Beast and False Prophet will be thrown alive into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20).

Scripture references for the Beast and the False Prophet:

Matthew 24:15, 21; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 1 John 2:18, 22; 1 John 4:3; 2 John 1:7; Revelation 13:1-8, 11-18; Revelation 16:10-11; Revelation 17:3-14; Revelation 19:19-20; Revelation 20:20; Revelation 14:9-11; Revelation 11:7-14; Revelation 16:13-21; Daniel 7:7-8, 11, 19-27; Daniel 8:9-14, 23-26; Daniel 11:21-45.

THE GREAT TRIBULATION

“He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads” (Revelation 13:15-16).

In chapter 24 of Matthew, the Lord Jesus described the Great Tribulation. He said it will be a time of deception with false christs and false prophets (Matthew 24:4-5, 11,23-24). It will also be a time when believers will be persecuted severely and hated (Matthew 24:9-11). Lawlessness will increase. As a result, many people's love for the Lord will grow cold, leading them to fall away from the faith (Matthew 24:12-13). Satan will do his best to deceive people during the Great Tribulation and will empower the Beast to persecute and deceive people. There will be many false signs and wonders which will be used in an attempt to deceive the elect (i.e. Christians—The Elect of Matthew 24:24).

This time of great tribulation will be characterized by greatly increased demonic activity led by the one called the Antichrist or the Beast. The word antichrist is found in only four Scripture verses and refers to one of many antichrists in the world (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; and 2 John 1: 7). It refers to an individual or spirit who is against Christ or one who denies the Father and the Son (1 John 2:22).

During the time of the Great Tribulation there will be one particular individual who will attempt to take the place of Jesus as King on this earth. This individual is called the man of lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:3-10) and the Beast (Revelation 13:1, 4, 12-14). As the antichrist of all antichrists, the Beast is the Antichrist. According to chapter 13 in Revelation, the Beast and his forces will be the major cause of persecution during the Great Tribulation (see The Beast & The False Prophet). The Great Tribulation will begin when the Beast sets up The Abomination of Desolation.

The important thing to understand is that the Great Tribulation is a time of intense persecution and trouble instigated by the Beast and his forces. The ultimate source of the trouble is Satan (Revelation 13:2, 4). A major purpose of the persecutions and trouble is to cause people to fall away from the Lord Jesus. (Revelation 13:4, 17). It will be an intensification of Satan’s continuing efforts to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). God is not the cause of any of the persecutions arising during the Great Tribulation.

The Beast will be assisted by the False Prophet (see The Beast &The False Prophet). The False Prophet will make an image of the Beast (Revelation 13:14). To deceive people into worshipping the Beast and his image, the False Prophet will perform signs and miracles and even cause the image to come to life. He will even be able to call down fire from heaven (i.e., the sky) (Revelation 13:13). This is something that Satan’s servants could not do in the past (1 Kings 18:22-29). Anyone who refuses to worship the Beast or his image will be killed (Revelation 13:15).

Many people will be killed during the Great Tribulation. This includes some of those who belong to God (Daniel 11:32-35; Revelation 13:8). However, those who know God and understand what is going on will oppose the Beast and teach others the truth (Daniel 11:32-33). Some protection will be provided by God for at least some of His people (Daniel 11:34; Revelation 12: 6, 13-17). However, many will pay the ultimate price in their service to God (Daniel 11:35). Historically, Christianity is always purified and strengthened by persecution (Daniel 12:10).

The reign of the Beast (and thus the length of the Great Tribulation) is limited to 3½ years. At the end of the Great Tribulation, the reign of the Beast will be brought to a sudden end by the return of our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:29-31; 2 Thessalonians 2:8). At that time, the Lord will gather His people from the earth (i.e., the Rapture, Matthew 24:31). The Beast, False Prophet, and those who followed them will be left on the earth to suffer during the seven last plagues of the Wrath of God that follow the Great Tribulation (see TheWrath of God).

As in the past, the intensity of persecution will probably vary with geographic areas. For example, during the first century, Christians in Rome suffered greater persecution than those in more remote areas. Persecution during the Great Tribulation will probably be the most severe in those locations most tightly controlled by the Beast. Persecution will probably be less severe in areas where the Beast has less control. Possibly that is why our Lord said to leave the cities (Matthew 24:15-21).

It is also probable that the persecution will increase as the Great Tribulation progresses and the Beast’s influence spreads. Those Christians who are physically near the Abomination of Desolation when it is established will have to flee immediately (Matthew 24:15-16). Those who are in other parts of the world may have a little more time to react to the Beast’s actions. However, intense persecution may begin immediately after the Abomination of Desolation in all regions—so Christians must always be alert and ready to take necessary action.

God will provide some form of supernatural protection for some of His people (Revelation 12:6, 13-17; Daniel 11:34). This protection may be that described in Psalm 91. The length of the Great Tribulation has also been shortened for the benefit of Christians (Matthew 24:21-22). However, not all of God’s people are protected from the persecutions during the Great Tribulation (Revelation 12:17; 13:7). No matter what comes against you, be assured that nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:35-39; Heb. 13:5-6; Matthew 28:20).

SUMMARY

Term Definition:

The term great tribulation is used in only three Scriptures (Matthew 24:21, Revelation 2:22, and 7:14). In Matthew 24:21, the Lord warns that “there will be a great tribulation”. In Revelation 2:22 there is a warning that those who commit fornication with “Jezebel” will be cast “into great tribulation”. In Revelation 7:9-14 the great multitude from all nations who are standing before the throne of God are those who have come “out of the great tribulation”.

The Greek word for tribulation (Strong’s #2347, thlipsis) means “pressure”, either literally or figuratively. This word has been translated in various Bible passages as “affliction”, “anguish”, “burdened”, “persecution”, “tribulation”, and “trouble”. From the meaning of the word it is evident that the Great Tribulation will be a time of great persecution, affliction, and trouble.

Significance of the Great Tribulation:

The Great Tribulation is a time when Satan will do his worst to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). For people of the world, it will seem to be a time of victory against God and against those who serve Him.

Source of the Great Tribulation:

Satan is the source of the Great Tribulation. Primarily, he uses the Beast (the Antichrist) as his instrument of deception and destruction (Revelation 13:2-4). God is not the cause of the Great Tribulation. (However, God may release authority for Satan to do his worst in a similar manner to that described in Job 1:8-12 and 2:3-6. This may be alluded to in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8, Revelation 6:1-8, Revelation 13:5-8, Matthew 24:21-22, and Daniel 8:12-13.)

Length of the Great Tribulation:

The Great Tribulation lasts 3½ years. This 3½ year length is specified as 42 months, 1260 days, and as a “time, times, and half a time” (see How Long is the Great Tribulation).

Events Prior to the Great Tribulation:

Immediately prior to the start of the Great Tribulation, the Abomination of Desolation will be set up (see The Abomination of Desolation). The Lord instructs Christians that the Abomination of Desolation is the primary indication that the Great Tribulation has started (Matthew 24:15, 21).

Events of the Great Tribulation:

The Great Tribulation is primarily characterized by the reign of the Beast. It will be a time of intense persecution of all people, especially those who belong to God. All that is evil will be unleashed in one last dying effort to strike out at God and the people He loves. People cannot buy or sell in the Beast controlled markets without obtaining the mark of the Beast (i.e., 666, Revelation 13:16-18; see The Mark of the Beast).

God During the Great Tribulation:

God will send a strong delusion upon those that do not love the truth causing them to believe the lies of Satan and the Beast (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). God will be caring for His people as always, even though many will be martyred for their faith (Daniel 11:33-35). He will provide a place of protection in the wilderness for those who heed the Lord’s instructions to flee from the cities (Revelation 12:6, 13-16; Mat 24:15-21). At the end of the Great Tribulation, the Lord will return to cut off the persecutions by gathering His people from the earth (Matthew 24:21-22, 29-31; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8; 2 Thessalonians 2:8).

Christians During the Great Tribulation:

The people who know their God will strongly oppose the Beast and do great exploits (Daniel 11:32). Some Christians will be killed during the Great Tribulation (Daniel 11:33-35). However, many will flee to the protection of the place in the wilderness that God has prepared for them (Revelation 12:6, 13-16).

Satan During the Great Tribulation:

Satan (the dragon) will give the Antichrist (the Beast) great authority during the Great Tribulation (Revelation 13:4-5).

Beast During the Great Tribulation:

The Beast will exalt himself and claim to be God (Daniel 11:36; 2 Thessalonians 2:4). He will blaspheme the true God (Revelation 13:6). He will also make war with the people of God (Revelation 13:7).

Non-Christians During the Great Tribulation:

Non-Christians will be corrupted with the Beast’s flatteries and be deceived (Daniel 11:32; Revelation 13:14). They will join with him in his persecution of those who desire to serve the true God (Daniel 11:32; Revelation 13:14). These people will be awed by the power of the Beast and Satan and will worship both of them (Revelation 13:3-4). All people who do not belong to God will worship the Beast (Revelation 13:8).

Events Following the Great Tribulation:

At the end of the Great Tribulation, certain signs will be seen in the sun, moon, and stars. The Lord will return to gather the Christians (i.e., the Rapture) and The Wrath of God will be poured out on the Beast and those who served him (see Matthew 24:29-31 and Revelation 6:12-17).

Scripture references for the Great Tribulation:

Matthew 24:4-5, 9-24, 29-31; Mark 13:14-20; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12; 1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 1:7; Revelation 7:14; Revelation 12:6, 13-17; Revelation 13:1-18; Daniel 7:25; Daniel 8:11-14; Daniel 11:28-36; Daniel 12:6-7, 11-12.