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.

SIGN POSTS ALONG THE WAY

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3, NKJV)

In the Jewish Scriptures before the birth of the Lord Jesus (our Old Testament), there were many prophecies about the coming Messiah (i.e., Jesus, the Christ). Some of those prophecies described the Messiah as coming to rid the earth of those who do not serve God. These prophecies described a kingly Messiah who was coming to conquer and reign. Other prophecies of the Messiah described His death in payment for our sins. These prophecies described a servant Messiah who would suffer at the hands of men.

Before the birth of the Lord Jesus, the Jewish people studied the messianic prophecies to understand what God would do. Many of these people often did not understand that the prophecies were talking about two separate comings of the Messiah. His first coming would be in a servant role to redeem man to God by suffering death on a cross (Isaiah 52:13-15; 53:1-12). The second would be in a kingly role as a conqueror of all evil and the deliverer of God’s people (Jeremiah 23:5-6; Daniel 7:13-14). Unfortunately, many people only looked for the kingly Messiah who would deliver the Jewish people from the tyranny of Roman rule (Acts 1:6). Since the servant prophecies did not seem to fit this view of the Messiah, those prophecies were often ignored or misapplied.

As a result, when the Lord Jesus came, the people thought that He was the kingly Messiah who would set up God’s kingdom in Jerusalem. A few days before Passover, these people spread palm branches and clothes in the road to welcome their coming king (John 12:12-13). When the Lord Jesus failed to fulfill their understanding of the prophecies, these same people turned against Him, demanding His death (John 19:14-15).

The Jewish people made a common mistake when it comes to biblical prophecy. They thought that the primary purpose of prophecy was to describe what would happen in the future. They also added too many assumptions based upon their limited understanding of the prophecies. Even though the prophecies were fulfilled (to that point) exactly as given, many of the Jewish people did not recognize it because they were not fulfilled the way they expected. We must be careful to not make a similar mistake when studying end-time prophecies.

Throughout the Bible, God has provided many end-time prophecies for us. These prophecies serve two major purposes. First, when they come to pass, they assure us that God has everything under control (John 13:19; 14:29: 16:4). He is not surprised by the events taking place.

The second major purpose of these prophecies is to show us where we are in God’s plan. In this sense, prophecies are similar to city limit signs. When you reach the city limit sign for your destination, then you know where you are. Bible prophecies are not always intended to function as mileage signs. That is, they do not often tell us how far we have to go before we arrive. Instead, Bible prophecies often show us when we arrive at certain points in history.

For example, the Abomination of Desolation is a type of sign post that tells Christians when we are entering the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:15,21). Some will probably not know ahead of time when the Great Tribulation will start. However, when we see the Abomination of Desolation, we will know that the Great Tribulation has started. Therefore, the Gospel writer tells us that it is important to understand the prophecy about the Abomination of Desolation (Matthew 24:15). Besides serving to show us when we reach a certain point in history, this prophecy about the Abomination of Desolation also serves to assure us that God is not caught off guard by the works of the enemy.

When studying end-time prophecies, avoid the temptation to be too specific about how the prophecies will be fulfilled. Primarily, seek to understand enough about the prophecies to recognize them when they come to pass. If you do that, you will be least likely to miss these important sign posts provided by God.

END TIMES - INTRODUCCTION

There are quite a few strange people running around with all kinds of theories about what will happen during the End Times. These people love to talk about end-time events with anyone who will listen. Since we devote here to this subject, some people will probably think we are just other bunch of those persons with an unnatural interest in weird prophecies and theories. Actually, we are somewhat conservative Christians who have largely tended to avoid the more spectacular and controversial teachings in the Bible. After all, there is plenty to keep us busy learning to love others as the Lord Jesus loves us.

As we have grown to love the Lord Jesus more, we have also grown to love and care for the people He died for (that's all of us). As a result, we feel a responsibility and desire to share those things that we have learned in the hope that it will help others avoid the efforts of the enemy to deceive and destroy them and their loved ones.

Over the years, we have compiled some of that information to share with others. Recently, we have felt a desire to organize as much of that information as possible into a resource book that may be helpful to others who love our Lord Jesus.

The information in this book is compiled with four types of people in mind.

For those people who desire only an overall view of the End Times, a chronological chart of end-time events is provided. Charts are used in the book to help explain relationships between the various events.

For those people who want general information on each of the end-time events, a general description of end-time events is provided at the beginning of most chapters.

For people who want an end-time reference book that is easy and fast to use, an event summary is included at the end of many chapters.

Finally, for those who desire to study the End Times in detail, Scripture references are supplied throughout and detailed information on several topics is provided in the appendices. (Numbers used in word definitions refer to the Strong's Concordance numbering system.)

While the material in this book can be read straight through, it is primarily designed as a handy reference that provides easy and nearly complete access to end-time information. This book is divided into several major sections as follows.

Introduction and General Information 

This section includes chapters one, two, and three. The information in these chapters provide background and other information that is helpful when studying end-time events.

Major End-Time Events 

This section includes chapters four through twelve. Each chapter in this section provides detailed information on one of the major aspects of the End Times. The chapters are placed in chronological order based on the material covered.

Miscellaneous Information 

This section (chapter thirteen) is a collection of information on various end-time issues. Specific details of some end-time issues and questions are explained in this chapter. The beginning of the chapter has a topical list of the issues covered - to be used to locate desired information.

Preparing for the End Times 

This chapter addresses some basic issues necessary for preparing for the possibly soon beginning of the End Times.

Appendices 

The appendices contain supporting details for several premises in this book. References are provided throughout the book directing you to these appendices where applicable.

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING END TIMES

Why is it important to understand end-time events?

Probably the most significant indication of the importance of understanding end-time events is simply that they are included in the Bible. If God did not consider them important, they would not be included in the Bible. Second, our Lord Jesus told us to watch for certain events related to the End Times and the apostle Matthew cautioned us specifically to understand the prophecy concerning the Abomination of Desolation (Matthew 24:15-27). Finally, failure to correctly understand end-time events can cause a Christian to be shaken in mind or troubled unnecessarily (2 Thessalonians 2:2-5). Some have even had their faith overthrown by incorrect teachings concerning end-time events (2 Timothy 2:17-18). A proper understanding of end-time events seems to be important for effective Christian living and service. Fortunately, as explained in this book, end-time events are not nearly as difficult to understand as some people think.

On the other hand, correct understanding of end-time events is not a requirement for salvation (Romans 10:9-10). When the Lord returns for His people, He will gather them whether or not they think it is the correct time. If God‘s people go through the Great Tribulation, then He will go with them and comfort them (Hebrew 13:5-6; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Psalm 23:4). As God was encouraging and strengthening the early Christians under Roman persecution, he will also strengthen and encourage each of us in persecutions we may suffer for His name.

Pieces to a Puzzle

Descriptions of various end-time events are scattered throughout the Bible. These descriptions provide significant, but incomplete information if they are viewed individually. The effect is similar to that of a box full of puzzle pieces. Individually, they convey important, but incomplete information. When assembled in the proper order, the overall picture becomes very clear.

Passages describing end-time events are similar to puzzle pieces scattered throughout the Bible. When an individual passage (i.e., piece of the puzzle) is studied, it is obviously important. However, it is sometimes difficult to understand how the pieces fit together.

With picture puzzles, the manufacturer provides clues called interlocking pieces. These clues must be studied along with the picture on the puzzle piece to determine which piece connects to which other pieces. As more pieces are linked together, the overall picture becomes clear and it begins to get easier to put the remaining pieces in their proper location. The Bible descriptions of end-time events are similar to a puzzle in this sense.

Too often, not enough end-time events are interlocked together to get a clear overall understanding of the End Times. That is part of the reason why there are so many theories about when the Lord Jesus will return to gather His people. Like the picture puzzle, as events are interlocked together it becomes easier to connect other pieces. As proper relationships between the individual pieces are established, the overall view becomes more clear.

Like puzzle manufacturers, God provided some interlocking pieces for establishing relationships between individual end-time events. These interlocking pieces are certain events that serve as reference points to other events. These interlocking events provide the keys necessary for putting the individual parts of the end-time picture together correctly.

As with assembling a puzzle, anyone who desires to understand End Times must concentrate first on putting the interlocking portions of the pieces together. These provide the information necessary to snap the pieces together in the proper order. After as many pieces as possible are snapped together, the overall picture is much clearer. This makes it easier to place the other pieces in their proper positions. So what are the interlocking parts that help make sense of end-time events?

Interlocking Pieces in the End-Time Puzzle

One of the more obvious and important interlocking pieces in the end-time puzzle involves certain signs in the sun, moon, and stars. According to Matthew 24:29-30, these signs occur immediately after the end of the Great Tribulation. In Isaiah 13:9-13, these signs occur immediately prior to the Wrath of God. In Revelation 6:12-17, these signs occur just before the 144,000 are sealed, a great multitude appears before the throne of God, and the Wrath of God begins. Since the signs in the sun, moon, and stars signal the end of the Great Tribulation, any events following those same signs must also occur after the Great Tribulation. This means that the sealing of the 144,000, the appearance of the great multitude in Heaven, and the Wrath of God must all occur after the end of the Great Tribulation.

The Great Tribulation precedes the signs in the sun, moon, and stars which occur before the Wrath of God. All events that are part of the Great Tribulation occur before the signs in the sun, moon, and stars. All events that are part of the Wrath of God occur after the signs in the sun, moon, and stars. Therefore, all events of the Great Tribulation must occur before any events of the Wrath of God. Unfortunately, some who teach about end-time events list the plagues of the Wrath of God as part of the Great Tribulation. This error has led to much confusion about the End Times. To clear this up, a definite distinction must be made between the events that occur during the Great Tribulation and those that occur during the Wrath of God. The following chapters in this book will cover each of these events in detail to help clarify the different events associated with each of the two time periods.

Literal or Figurative?

When studying end-time events, it is important to make a distinction between descriptions that appear to be literal and those that are obviously figurative. Literal prophecies will occur exactly as described. Figurative prophecies will also occur, but they may not be obvious on the surface. As a general guideline when studying end-time events, assume that all descriptions are literal unless the context insists upon a figurative understanding.

It is also important to distinguish between two types of literal descriptions. The first type of literal event includes descriptions of what will be observable on earth. For example, the Abomination of Desolation (Matthew 24:14), the signs in the sun, moon, and stars (Matthew 24:29), and the set up of an image of the Beast (Revelation 13: 14-15) are all literal events. All of these will be observable from an earthly vantage point.

The second type of literal event includes those that take place in the spiritual or heavenly realm. On the surface, these may appear to be symbolic since they describe strange events and creatures. Even though these are literal events, they will not necessarily be observed on earth exactly as described. Examples of these types of descriptions include the four creatures around the throne of God (Revelation 4:6-8) and the angels pouring out the bowls containing plagues (Revelation 15:6-8; 16:1). People on earth will not see the angels as they pour out the bowls, but they will see the results.

Examples of descriptions that appear to be figurative include: the harlot (representing all kind of false religious teachers, Revelation 17:1-6) and the wine and winepress representing God‘s punishment of the ungodly during the Wrath of God (Revelation 14:9-10; 19:15). The exact interpretation of a figurative description is sometimes difficult to determine.

The Beast will be a literal person. In Daniel, the organization or kingdom from which he comes is also figuratively described as a beast (Daniel 7:7-11). In this description, the Beast (i.e., the Antichrist) is described figuratively as a little horn that is part of this beast kingdom.

Problems develop when too many end-time events are thought to be symbolic. Problems also occur if all end-time descriptions are taken as literal. Generally, it is best to consider end-time descriptions as literal (either spiritual or observable on earth) unless the context definitely indicates that a figurative understanding is necessary.

It is important to remain open to other possible interpretations of end-time descriptions. Many of these events may occur in several different ways while still meeting the prophetic requirements. Often, prophecy is used to show us when we reach a certain point rather than to inform us of what to expect next. For example, the Abomination of Desolation is used to signal that the Great Tribulation has started rather than providing much information about what will happen (Matthew 24:15, 21). In Daniel's day, these prophecies were sealed so that he could not understand them (Daniel 12:8-9). However, as we get nearer to the time of the end, more will be opened to our understanding.

USING THIS BOOK TO STUDY END TIMES 

Much of the information in the following chapters is presented in a consistent format to aid research and study of end-time events. A chapter will usually begin with an overall description of the covered event to aid in obtaining an overall understanding of the activity and significance of the event. Following the description, specific information related to the event is provided in the summary format shown below. This is most helpful when attempting to determine specific information about the event such as how long it lasts and what occurs prior to it. Several appendices are included in this book to provide additional details on certain aspects of End Times for those who desire more details.

The information format used to summarize the chapters covering major end-time events is as follows.

SUMMARY

Term Definition:

Provides a definition of the term or event.

Significance:

Explains the major importance of this event.

Source:

Explains who is behind the event or the cause of it.

Length:

Explains the length of the event or period.

Events Prior:

Lists events immediately preceding this event or time period.

Events:

Explains the major events that take place as part of the event.

God During:

Lists God‘s activities during the event.

Christians During:

Lists the activities and conditions of Christians during this event.

Satan During:

Lists Satan‘s activities during the event.

Beast During:

Lists the Beast‘s activities during the event.

Non-Christians During:

Lists activities and conditions of non-Christians during the event.

Events Following:

Lists events immediately following this event or time period.

Scripture references:

Bible passages related to this person, time, or event.

~ end of introduction ~

ESCHATOLOGY

TOPIC ONE: THE DISPENSATIONS

The dealings of God with man vary according to different dispensations. In each dispensation God has a distinctive way. He treats people one way in one dispensation and another way in another dispensation. His demand on people’s conduct in one period is also unlike that of another period. The way to salvation in one dispensation likewise varies from that of the other dispensation. If we are not clear on dispensational truth, we may feel confused as to the word of the Bible. Once we are able to plainly identify the dispensations, we will no longer be perplexed.

NOTE: With respect to the demarcation of these periods, some commentators divide the time into seven dispensations, though according to the Bible itself it falls naturally into just four periods.

1. The first dispensation is that of the fathers.

When does it commence? It begins with Adam, since there is the clear statement in Romans 5.14: “From Adam until Moses”. Though there are many deviations, these are all rather minor; hence it is still “from Adam until Moses”.

2. The second is the dispensation of law.

It extends from Moses until Christ. Why does it extend until Christ? Because the Lord Jesus had declared: “All the prophets and the law prophesied until John [Baptist]” (Matthew 11:13; see also Luke 16:16).

3. The third is the dispensation of grace which stretches from the first coming of Christ to His second coming (see Acts 15:14-18).

Although the Lord is still mindful of the Jews, the center of His attention has shifted to the Gentiles, for the dispensation of grace has already begun.

4. The fourth is the dispensation of the kingdom.

It covers the period from the second coming of Christ until the end of the kingdom (see Revelation 20).

NOTE: Let us notice in each dispensation the original place of man, his responsibility, his failure, and God’s dealing with him. By studying these matters carefully, we will solve all the apparent contradictions in the Bible.

TOPIC TWO: THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST

1. Its Place in Scripture.

a. The Second Coming is mentioned eight times as often as the first.

b. It is the theme of several whole books, e. g., Thessalonians, and of certain chapters, Matthew 24; Luke 21.

c. The Old Testament prophets bear witness to it: Isaiah 45:23; Ezekiel 21:5-27; Zechariah 14:16.

d. The angels know of it: Acts 1:11.

e. The apostles preached it: Acts 3:19; I Thessalonians 4:16; I John 2:28; Jude 14.

f. Jesus Himself frequently mentions it.

2. What It Is Not.

a. It is not death.

The dead rise when Christ comes: I Thessalonians 4:16, 17. At death we go to Him.

At the rapture He comes for us: John 14:3. Certain verses have no meaning unless we distinguish death from His coming: John 21:23; Philippians 3:20.

Death is an enemy. At the Second Coming we overcome death: I Corinthians 15:50-57. We are nowhere commanded to watch for death, but we are repeatedly enjoined to look for His coming.

b. It is not the descent of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is a distinct person and His coming is not the Coming of Christ. Again many of the passages referring to the coming of Christ were given after Pentecost: Philippians 3:21; II Timothy 4:8; I Thessalonians 4:16, etc.

c. It is not Universal Christianity apart from the person of Christ: I Thessalonians 4:16.

d. It is not the destruction of Jerusalem. John 21: 21; Revelation 22:20, were written after the destruction of Jerusalem.

The Coming of Christ is a comfort; the destruction of Jerusalem is a judgment.

3. The Signs of the Lord’s Coming.

(1) The last days will be full of peril: II Timothy 3:1.

a. Physically—from pestilence, earthquake, famine, etc.: Matthew 24.

b. Socially—anarchy and socialism, lawlessness.

c. Nationally—wars and rumors of wars.

d. Religiously—seducing spirits and doctrines of devils: I Timothy 4:1.

(2) There will be apostasy of the Church: II Thessalonians 2:3.

(3) Satan’s counterfeits will be circulated: Spiritualism, Christian Science, etc.: I Timothy 4:1.

(4) The Gospel will be preached in all the world: Matthew 24:14.

(5) Knowledge will be increased, and facilities for travel will be enlarged: Daniel 12:4.

(6) Riches will be multiplied: James 5:1, 8.

(7) Israel will be revived as a nation: Ezekiel 36137; Acts 15:16; Mark 11:13, 14, 28.

NOTE: While Jesus warns us that we are not in darkness that that day should overtake us as a thief, yet we are to be on our guard about naming days and hours. 

4. The Various Aspects of the Second Coming of the Lord.

The Second Coming (parousia) is not a simple (instantaneous) event. The Second Coming is a complex-whole event containing various purposes of God, beginning with the Revelation of Christ in the sky displaying His Shekinah glory and power to the whole world, and resurrecting and rapturing God’s people, followed by the day of the Lord’s judgments upon the ungodly and Antichrist’s kingdom, restoring Israel to salvation, and culminating in Christ’s earthly reign.

a. The Rapture.

Just as the First Coming of the Lord extended over a period of thirty years, so the Second Coming includes different events. At the First Coming He was revealed as a babe in Bethlehem, later as the Lamb of God at His Baptism, and as the Redeemer at Calvary. At the Second Coming He will first appear to catch away His own to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb “immediately after the tribulation of those days” (Matthew 24:29, 40-41).

This appearance is called the Rapture or the Parousia.

NOTE: On the same day the rapture happens, the onset of the day of the Lord’s wrath takes place, just as it was in the days of Noah and Lot (Luke 17:22–37; cf. II Thessalonians 1:5–10).

b. The Revelation.

Although Armageddon is an element within the complex-whole Second Coming, Armageddon does not initiate the Second Coming; instead, the Second Coming begins between the sixth and seventh seals of the book of Revelation. The resurrection and rapture happens between the opening of the sixth seal and the seventh seal. The first six seals are not part of the day of the Lord’s wrath. The first six seals are conditional events that must happen before Christ’s return. The sixth seal signals the impending day of the Lord’s wrath as recorded in Joel 2:30–31; Matthew 24:29; Luke 21:25–26; Mark 13:23–25; and Revelation 6:12–17. The seventh seal pronounces the day of the Lord’s wrath. The trumpets, bowls, and Armageddon contain and execute the day of the Lord’s wrath. The trumpets, bowls, and Armageddon will not occur before the seventh seal is opened.

NOTE: 1. Paul’s “last trumpet” (1 Cor. 15:52) is not identified as the seventh trumpet judgment in the book of Revelation.

NOTE: 2. Christ’s return to resurrect and rapture God’s people is not imminent (“any moment”), since discernible prophesied events must happen first (e.g., the Antichrist’s revelation and his ensuing great tribulation; the apostasy; and a cluster of discernible celestial events). Christ can return in any generation of the Church.

TOPIC THREE: THE MILLENNIUM

1. The Restoration of Israel.

It was prophesied that Israel was to return to the Promised Land and become a nation again: Genesis 12:1-3; Deuteronomy 4:30, 31; Deuteronomy 30: 1-6; II Samuel 7:10; Amos 9:11-15; Isaiah 27:12, 13; Isaiah 60:1-22; Jeremiah 16:14-16; Ezekiel 20:36-44; Romans 11:11-27; Acts 15:13-16.

2. The Cleansing of Israel: Ezekiel 36:24-28.

God promises to cleanse Israel finally from all filthiness and idols, to renew them inwardly and cause them to keep His statutes and judgments.

At the Second Coming of Christ when He shall stand upon Mount Olivet, Israel, a remnant of the  nation, will believe upon Him and will accept Jesus, the crucified Saviour, as their Messiah and Lord: Zechariah 12:10-14; Jeremiah 31:9; Jeremiah 23:3-6.

3. The Reorganization of Nations.

The governments of the earth will be overthrown and all peoples will be subservient to the King of kings: Daniel 2:44; Micah 4:1, 2; Isaiah 49:22, 23; Jeremiah 23:5; Luke 1:32; Zechariah 14:9; Isaiah 24:23; Psalm 90:11; Psalm 22:8; Revelation 11:15.

4. The Reestablishing of the Kingdom of David.

All the Old Testament prophecies that remain unfulfilled of the future glory of Israel find their consummation in the Millennium: Jeremiah 22:14; Ezekiel 37:22-28; Zechariah 12:8; Acts 15:16. Jerusalem shall become a world center and David’s Greater Son shall rule not only over His own patrimony, but shall be Suzerain over the whole earth.

5. The Lifting of the Curse.

The curse which sin brought upon the whole creation of God will be finally lifted. The effects of the great catastrophe of man’s fall will be eliminated from the earth. The whole earth will be filled with beauty, peace, and plenty: Isaiah 32115, 35; 51 3; Ezekiel 36:33-36; Isaiah 11:6-9.

“No more let sin and sorrow grow

Nor thorns infest the ground,

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found”.

TOPIC FOUR: THE RESURRECTION

1. The Certainty of the Resurrection.

(1) Witnesses from the Old Testament. Abraham: Genesis 22:5; Hebrews 11:19. Job: Job 19:25-27. Isaiah: Isaiah 26:19. Daniel: Daniel 12:2, 13. Hosea: Hosea 13:14.

(2) Instances of the dead being revived.

NOTE: This is different, from the resurrection; but is corroborative evidence.

a. Elisha raised the son of the Shunammite: II Kings 4:18-37.

b. The man who was raised by touching Elisha’s bones: I Kings 13:21.

c. The raising of Jairus’ daughter: Matthew 9 -:25.

d. The raising of the widow’s son: Luke 7:15.

e. Lazarus: John 11:43, 44.

f. Dorcas: Acts 9:41.

(3) Our strongest ground for believing in the resurrection is found in the rising of Christ from the dead. No fact in history is better attested than this. Jesus Himself told of His death and resurrection during His life: John 10:18; Luke 24:1-8.

2. The Nature of the Resurrection.

The believer’s new body is related to his present one: I Corinthians 15. It is also like unto Christ’s glorious body. It is spiritual not natural, incorruptible not corruptible, literal not figurative. This is the redemption of the body: Romans 8123.

3. The Time of the Resurrection.

(1) The Resurrection of the righteous, or the Resurrection of life, will occur when Christ comes again, at the end of this age: I Corinthians 15:22, 23; I Thessalonians 4:14-17; John 5:28; Revelation 20:4.

(2) The Resurrection of the wicked will occur at the end of the Millennium: Revelation 20:13.

TOPIC FIVE: JUDGMENTS

1. The Judgment of believers for their sins at Calvary: John 5:24; Romans 6:8; 7:4, showing His estimation of its character by the terrible penalty inflicted on His Son. God judged all sin at Calvary.

We are identified with Christ in His crucifixion. We take our place under condemnation as worthy of death before ever we can claim forgiveness and the privilege of rising in Him to newness of life.

2. The Judgment of Rewards for Believers: II Timothy 4:8; Revelation 11:18. Believers do not earn their salvation, for it is a free gift of God, but after they are saved they earn their crowns and rewards by faithful service through the Spirit.

There are at least five crowns spoken of in the New Testament that are bestowed upon the believer.

a. The incorruptible crown: I Corinthians 9:25.

b. The crown of righteousness: II Timothy 4:8.

c. The crown of life: James 1:12; Revelation 2:1o.

d. The crown of glory: I Peter 5 4.

e. The crown of gold: Revelation 4 -:4.

Rewards are according to the works that are built upon the foundation of Christ. It is possible to be “saved yet so as by fire” (I Corinthians 3:15) and be ashamed before Christ at His appearing.

On the other hand, one may build gold, silver and precious stones which will abide the testing day and bring additional reward.

3. The Judgment of the living nations.

Since nations have their existence in this world only, it is necessary that they be judged here.

In a sense God is always judging the nations by ordaining great calamities or blessings in accordance with their national deserts. But there is to be a final judgment of the nations before the judgment seat of Christ: Matthew 25.

4. The Judgment of the wicked dead.

This is the great day of judgment that is spoken of most frequently in Scripture and that occurs after the Millennium. It is called the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God: Romans 2:5; the day of destruction, etc.

The saints will sit with Christ, who will administer this judgment: John 5:22. All men will be gathered together, both small and great, the quick and the dead: Revelation 20:12; II Timothy 4:1. God’s books will be opened: Daniel 7:10, and He will judge in righteousness the actions, words, and thoughts of men: Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 12:36, 37; Jude 15; I Corinthians 4:5.

NOTE: To the above are often added the judgment upon the race in Adam, the judgment of self by believers, the judgment of angels by the saints, and the judgment of Satan by God.

TOPIC SIX: THE CLOSING SCENES OF TIME

1. Satan is loosed for a little season.

After the Millennium, there is a final uprising of the forces of evil against God and His Christ. Satan is overthrown and cast into the lake of fire. Then follows the last resurrection, that of the wicked dead; the judgment of the great white throne; and the casting of death and hell into the lake of fire: Revelation 20:11-15.

2. The New Jerusalem.

The old order of creation has been destroyed by fire, and God has already fulfilled His promise of making all things new: II Peter 3:12, 13.

The New Jerusalem comes down from God out of Heaven and becomes the tabernacle of God with men: Revelation 21:2, 3.

3. God’s revelation to men of His plan for the ages is nearing its close.

We know that in ages to come He will shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus: Ephesians 2:7.

In I Corinthians 15:24 we see the ringing down of the curtain upon the great drama of the world’s history and then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father, when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power, and the Son also Himself shall be subject unto Him that put all things under Him, that God may be all and in all: I Corinthians 15:24-28.

Thus our Bibles begin with “In the beginning God”, and the verse that looks farthest into the dim future closes with “God all and in all”.

“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent mat ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless”: II Peter 3:14.

QUESTIONS FOR STUDY

1. Name the different dispensations according to the Bible.

2. Show the position of the Second Coming of Christ in Scripture.

3. Give the erroneous explanations of the Second Coming of Christ.

4. Enumerate the signs of the Lord’s Coming.

5. Is there any difference between the Rapture and the Revelation of Christ?

6. Give the prominent characteristics of the Millennium.

7. Describe the two resurrections.

8. Name and describe the four principal judgments.

9. Mention the events that follow the Millennium.

~ end of book one ~