Eschatology and Ecclesiology The Tribulation

Tribulation Terminology Tribulation – a time of trouble or difficulty. Tribulation – a time of trouble or difficulty. The Tribulation – usually used to refer to the period of 7 years (aka Daniel’s 70 th week or the Day of the Lord) of great difficulty on the earth just prior to the return of Christ. The Tribulation – usually used to refer to the period of 7 years (aka Daniel’s 70 th week or the Day of the Lord) of great difficulty on the earth just prior to the return of Christ. The Great Tribulation – usually refers to the last half of the 7 year period; note multiple references to 3.5 years, 42 months, 1260 days, or “time, times, and half a time.” The Great Tribulation – usually refers to the last half of the 7 year period; note multiple references to 3.5 years, 42 months, 1260 days, or “time, times, and half a time.” Day of the Lord – a technical phrase in the Bible used for special interventions of God in human history. Day of the Lord – a technical phrase in the Bible used for special interventions of God in human history. Past – center around God’s judgments on Israel and the nations (e.g. Joel 1:15). Past – center around God’s judgments on Israel and the nations (e.g. Joel 1:15). Future – a supernatural intervention in which God will judge both Israel and the nations, establish His kingdom, and eventually create a new heavens and new earth (Jer 30:7-9; 1 Thess 5:2,3; 2 Pet 3:10). Future – a supernatural intervention in which God will judge both Israel and the nations, establish His kingdom, and eventually create a new heavens and new earth (Jer 30:7-9; 1 Thess 5:2,3; 2 Pet 3:10). This time of tribulation is a result of God’s wrath being poured out on an unbelieving world. This time of tribulation is a result of God’s wrath being poured out on an unbelieving world.

7 weeks = 49 years Artaxerxes decree to re-build Jerusalem, 445 or 444 B.C. (Neh 2:1-8) 62 weeks = 434 years Completion of rebuilding of Jerusalem. Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, A.D. 32 or 33 (Luke 19:28-38). After the 69 weeks (Dan 9:26): (1)Messiah is cut- off. (2)Jerusalem is destroyed in A.D week = 7 years The prince of the people to come (i.e. Antichrist) makes a firm covenant with the many for one week, but puts a stop to sacrifice and offering halfway through the week (Dan 9:27). 69 weeks = 483 years 70 th week Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks – Dan 9:24-27 "Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy place. So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress. Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined. And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate."

Key Personalities in the Tribulation The Antichrist – Opposes the true God and proclaims himself to be Christ; rules the world for the 3.5 years just prior to Christ’s return (Dan 9:26-27; 2 Thess 2:3-4; Rev 13). The Antichrist – Opposes the true God and proclaims himself to be Christ; rules the world for the 3.5 years just prior to Christ’s return (Dan 9:26-27; 2 Thess 2:3-4; Rev 13). The False Prophet – the second beast (Rev 13:11-18) who counterfeits the Holy Spirit, causes people to worship the Antichrist. The False Prophet – the second beast (Rev 13:11-18) who counterfeits the Holy Spirit, causes people to worship the Antichrist. Satan – along with the two beasts, makes up a counterfeit trinity. Works through both the false christ and the false prophet. Satan – along with the two beasts, makes up a counterfeit trinity. Works through both the false christ and the false prophet. 144,000 – a group of Jews who will be redeemed and protected from God’s wrath during the Great Tribulation; they remain faithful to Christ during this time (Rev 7:1- 8; 14:1-5). 144,000 – a group of Jews who will be redeemed and protected from God’s wrath during the Great Tribulation; they remain faithful to Christ during this time (Rev 7:1- 8; 14:1-5). The Two Witnesses – Two prophets who will have special ministries (very much like Moses and Elijah) in Jerusalem during the Great Tribulation (Rev 11:3-13). The Two Witnesses – Two prophets who will have special ministries (very much like Moses and Elijah) in Jerusalem during the Great Tribulation (Rev 11:3-13).

The Judgments of the Tribulation 3.5 Years Beginning of Birth Pangs The Great Tribulation Abomination of Desolation Rapture of the Church Return of Christ Antichrist as leader of revived Roman Empire Antichrist as dictator of the world

The Seventh Seal

The First Six Seals Spirit of Antichrist WarfareFamineDeath to ¼ of the earth by sword, famine, pestilence, and wild beasts. Prayers for vengeance by the martyrs. Great earthquake and cosmic disorders.

The First Six Trumpets of the Seventh Seal 1/3 of earth and trees burned; all green grass burned. 1/3 of sea turned to blood; 1/3 of sea life and 1/3 of ships destroyed. 1/3 of seas and springs made bitter 1/3 of sun, moon, and stars darkened. Locusts sting 5 Months 1/3 of people killed

The Seven Bowls of the Seventh Trumpet Malignant sores Sea into blood Fresh water into blood Men scorched DarknessArmies gathered for battle Babylon judged

Salvation During the Tribulation 144,000 from the twelve tribes of Israel (Rev 7:1-10). 144,000 from the twelve tribes of Israel (Rev 7:1-10). Peoples from every nation and tribe and people and tongue (Rev 7:9). Peoples from every nation and tribe and people and tongue (Rev 7:9). A protected remnant of Israel (Rev 12:6). A protected remnant of Israel (Rev 12:6). Others who survive the Great Tribulation and are Christ’s sheep at His return (Matt 25:31-32). Others who survive the Great Tribulation and are Christ’s sheep at His return (Matt 25:31-32).

Next Time: Rapture Systems – Part I Syllabus pp Benware pp