Eschatology The Day of the Lord

The Day of the Lord It is very important to maintain the overall panorama of the prophetic picture while pursuing details from careful study of prophetic texts. There are significant unifying themes, which run throughout the Word of God that help to identify prophetic passages as well as recognize the dispensational framework of the entirety of prophetic truth. The “day of the Lord” theme certainly qualifies as one of those significant themes.

A Distinction Similar expressions must not be confused for each other. The Day of the Lord represents an aspect of prophecy different from the Day of Christ. There are seven New Testament references to the Day of Christ. (1 Cor. 1:8; 5:5; 2 Cor. 1:14; Phil. 1:6; 1:10; 2:16; 2 Th. 2:2) In each context, it is apparent that Paul is addressing believers with respect to a future event.

Since God has not appointed believers “to wrath” (1 Thess Since God has not appointed believers “to wrath” (1 Thess. 5:9), it is obvious that that expressions “the day of Christ,” “the day of our Lord Jesus Christ,” “the day of the Lord Jesus Christ,” and “the day of Jesus Christ” all refer to the same event. That event is the Rapture of the Church, the next great event on the prophetic calendar. This event clearly precedes the time call “the day of the Lord.”

The Day of the Lord Eternity* The Rapture Calvary The Millennium The Tribulation Eternity* Old Testament Economy Looking Forward to Christ The Revelation Final Rebellion & Great White Throne Judgment Church Age * The Saints are on Earth and Sinners are in the Lake of Fire

A Description The primary characteristic of this period is overwhelming judgment from God. In fact, everywhere the term “day of the Lord” appears there is reference to judgment. (Isa. 2:12; 13:6; 13:9; Jer. 46:10; Ezek. 13:5; 30:3; Joel 1:15; 2:1; 2:11; 2:31; 3:14; Amos 5:18,20; Obad. 15; Zeph. 1:7,14; Zech. 14:1; Mal. 4:5; Acts 2:20; 1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Pet. 3:10-12; Rev. 16:14) Judgment is the unmistakable characteristics of the “day of the Lord” passages.

Judgments in the Day of the Lord On Babylon – Isa. 13:6,9 Egypt – Jer. 46:10 In Defense of Israel – Joel 1;15; 2:1; 2:11; 2:31; 3:14 On the Jewish People – Amos 5:18; Zech. 1:7,14 At Armageddon – Rev. 16:14 On this Material World – 2 Pet. 3;10-12