the end time Prophecy A sequence of future events first edition M. A. JACOB

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the end time Prophecy A sequence of future events first edition M. A. JACOB

Book of Contents i. Dedication...7 ii. Preface...9 1. Introduction...11 2. Rapture of the Church...15 3. Daniel s 70 Weeks Prophecy...23 4. The 7 Year Tribulation...27 5. The Anti Christ...31 6. Battle of Armageddon...35 7. Judgement Of The Gentiles...39 8. Millennium Rule Of Christ...41 9. Satan s Final Rebellion...43 10. Great White Throne Judgement...45 11. The All New Heaven & Earth...47 12. Summary Of Events...50 4 5

This Book is dedicated to the memory of Pastor Christopher Johnsingh, my co-pastor, who encouraged me to write about the future events. However, before I could complete it, he entered into eternal rest on 16th August 2011 to experience the bliss. M. A. Jacob 7

Preface Is the World coming to an end? This is a question that troubles every mind. In the past, many wise men of the world have made false predictions and even today there are many who make predictions of an imminent end. But none of them were accurate nor they will ever be. Though there are many wise men in this world, their knowledge is limited. Only the Omniscient God knows everything. The Creator of the universe knows the future of it and He holds its future. He alone can reveal it to us. God has revealed His plans to us and His Word is true. All His prophecies are being fulfilled accurately. The Bible is the only true and infallible Word of God, which reveals the destiny of the world and that of every person. It also tells us what happens to a person after death. The Holy Bible is the only complete book which gives an account from eternity past to eternity future - from the creation of the heavens and the earth to the creation of a New heaven and a New earth. The heaven and the earth will pass away, but My word will never ever pass away says the Lord. This booklet will help you to understand God s future plans that have been revealed in His word. 8 9

The whole world is getting ready for a great event that will change the shape of the whole world. The Lord Jesus Christ will descend from heaven and the church will be caught up in the clouds to meet Him in the air, and then God s wrath will fall on the earth and its inhabitants. Jesus, in his last Olivet discourse, (Matthew 24 & 25) answers some of the questions the disciples asked about the end times. As Jesus left the temple, the disciples called his attention to the magnificent structure. Jesus said, I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another, every one will be thrown down. (Matt.24:2) When Jesus told them that the temple would be destroyed, they wanted to know (1) when this would happen, (2) what would be the sign of his return and (3) what would be the sign of the end of age. The answer to their first question is recorded in Luke 21:20-24. Luke s account refers to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in AD 70 by Titus and the Roman Army just forty years from that time. This was literally fulfilled when the Roman army led by Titus destroyed the city and set the temple on fire. As Jesus predicted not one stone of the temple was left on another. Stones were pried apart to collect the gold leaf that melted from the roof, when the temple was set on fire. This terrible event was in many respects a glimpse of what will happen to Israel during the last half of the Tribulation. (Please read tribulation) 10 11

Before we look at the future events, it is important to understand that the Church and Israel are two distinct groups and God has different plans for both. The church was a mystery, which was not revealed in the Old Testament. This mystery age intervenes with the program of God for Israel because of their rejection of the Messiah at His first advent. The present age, dating from the rejection of the Messiah by Israel unto the coming reception at His second advent, is viewed as a mystery. Paul says, I do not want you to be ignorant of the mystery, brothers so that you may not be conceited; Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. (Rom.11:25) Israel was blinded so that Gentiles might be brought into relation with God, was a mystery. This mystery program of church must be completed before God resumes His program for Israel. The Jews considered the gentiles as enemies. On the cross Jesus abolished the law and destroyed the enmity between the two. He then made one new man out of the two, the church. (Eph.2:14-16) All those who believe in Jesus, the Jews and the gentiles both form the church. The church is the bride of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ is going to come mainly for the church and for Israel. Israel rejected the Messiah when he came to his own and is still waiting for the King. God will not disappoint them. The Lord Jesus Christ will come again for Israel as the King. as soon as the full number of the Gentiles has come in and then for Israel as King to establish His kingdom. The second coming of Jesus will be in two phases. In the first phase He will come for the church in midair. The church is the bride and the Lord will come for her as the bridegroom. When He will come down from heaven for the bride with a loud command, the church will be caught up in the air to be with Him forever. (1 Thes.4:13-18) This event is known as the rapture of the church or the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ. In the second phase, He will descend to earth with all the saints to establish the kingdom for Israel. There is a gap of 7 years between these two events. Israel does not form part of the bride and is called an unfaithful wife. As soon as the church is caught up, the antichrist will take control of the world. Then there will be a period of peace and safety, followed by a time of terrible suffering. His rule will last for seven years. At the end of seven years, the Lord Jesus Christ will return to the earth as the King to establish His kingdom for Israel. This is the second phase of His second coming. After defeating the antichrist, Jesus will establish the promised kingdom. The church will be with Him when He returns to the earth and she will rule and reign with Him. Before His ascension into heaven, the disciples asked Jesus Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom of Israel? (Acts 1:7) Jesus answered It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts.1:8) With the power of the Holy Spirit, the kingdom is being expanded because He does not want anyone to perish. The church, as the bride of Christ, is waiting for His return as the bridegroom. He will first return for the church as the bridegroom; 12 13

14 15 RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH The first great event in God s program is the return of Christ for the church. This great event will change the shape of the whole world. Currently, there are no more prophecies to be fulfilled before this event takes place. The return of Jesus for the church is imminent and can happen any moment. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Pet. 3:9) Do not be deceived with the statements like, Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as testimony to all nations and then the end will come. (Matt.24:14) Do not be under the wrong impression that Jesus cannot come now because the Word has not reached to the ends of the earth. Here, Jesus is talking about the end of the age and not His return for the church. The church is waiting for His glorious appearing and if you are not a part of it, you will be left to face God s wrath on earth. When Jesus appears, the dead in Christ will rise first and after that we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. (1 Thes.4:16-17) This event is known as the rapture of the church. This would happen in the twinkling of an eye. Listen, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable and we will be changed. (1 Cor.15:51-53) They will be resurrected in glorified bodies like that of the risen Christ. This glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ is to receive the Church in glory. The term Church is used not to refer to any denomination but to the body of Christ. It is the Lord who adds believers into His Church. And the Lord added to the Church daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47) Only true Christians, who are born again and trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the

Cross of Calvary for their salvation, will form part of the Church. Jesus declared I tell you the truth, no one will see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. (John 3:3) All others who only profess to be Christians, are not part of the church. They will be excluded when the Lord comes to receive His bride. The Holy Bible is very emphatic when it declares, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that none can boast. (Eph.2:8,9) Salvation is a free gift from God and is available to everyone who believes. We neither deserve it nor can we earn it by our good works. Salvation is received by repenting and believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. Forgiveness of sin is received only on the basis of Calvary, where the Lord Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins. He is the propitiation for the sins of the whole world. At the cross all the sins of the whole world have been paid for, whether past, present or future. The only sin that now remains is the sin of unbelief; not believing in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. Jesus says, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (Rev.3:20) Do you hear Him knock at the door of your heart? Open it and invite Jesus in. He wants to give you eternal life! At the rapture, the dead in Christ will be raised and the believers, who are still alive, will be transformed. They will together be caught up in the air to be with the Lord. Only those who are dead in Christ will be raised in the first resurrection. The rest of the people will be raised only in the second resurrection. The second resurrection is after 1000 years and for condemnation. Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them. (Rev.20:6) The second death is Hell. Death is the destiny of every man. (Eccl.7:2) Man is made from the dust of the earth and he will return to dust. This is physical death, which is inevitable. But there is life beyond the grave. There are only two places a person can go after death - heaven or hell. A man s fate is sealed at physical death. People cannot shift from one place to the other because their destination is fixed. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus made it very clear that once the rich man landed in hell, he could not escape. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us. (Lk.16:26) Nothing can be done by anyone to change a man s spiritual status once he dies. But one can choose while he is still alive and it should be done now. A person cannot be saved by any ritual or religious works performed before or after his death. Don t be deceived! Satan is a liar. Do not believe in the lie of the devil. Believe what the Bible says. Listen to what God says so that you won t be deceived. Death basically means separation. Bible talks about three kinds of death - spiritual death, physical death and eternal death. Physical death is separation of soul from the body. Spiritualdeath is separation of man from God. Eternal death is eternal separation from God. When the first man Adam sinned, he was separated from God. As a result of Adam s sin, every human being is born spiritually dead. Sin separated man from God and a spiritually dead person cannot have fellowship with God. Man s relationship with God was broken. Unless the broken relationship is restored, he has no hope. None of our righteous works can achive that restoration. God is a Holy God and man is a sinner. His eyes are too pure to look at sin. Though the Holy God hates sin, He loves a sinner. The scripture says, He does not take pleasure in the death of a sinner. If a sinner dies in his sins, it is eternal death and nothing can save him. God alone can save a sinner from eternal death. The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom.6:23) 16 17

Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man, the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. (Rom.5:18-19) If the trespass of one man (Adam) brought death for all men, the righteous act of one man (Jesus) brings life. If the disobedience of Adam made us sinners, the obedience of Jesus will make us righteous. Jesus Christ, by His obedience, has made restoration of our broken relationship with God possible. A spiritually dead person has hope as long as he is alive. If he dies without restoring his relationship with God, he faces eternal death. Nothing can save him after death and he will have to wait for the second resurrection. The second resurrection is for condemnation. The Bible tells us that a person can either die in his sins (Jn.8:24) or die in Christ. (1 Thes.4:16) It is sin that separated man from God. But the blood of Jesus Christ has brought reconciliation between man and God. By believing and trusting in Jesus, he can be reconciled to God. If a person dies after he believed in Jesus, he dies in Christ. Those who die in Christ are blessed; they will be kings and priests in His kingdom. If a person dies without being reconciled to God, he dies in his sins and is lost forever. Jesus warned those who did not believe in Him, I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins. (John 8:24) Jesus claimed, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6) He is the only mediator between man and God. (1 Tim.2:5) rejecting His Son. Revelation Chapter 4 to 19 speaks of the 7 year Tribulation on earth. (i) Judgment of the Believers: Man is destined to die once and after that to face judgment. (Heb.9:27) No one can escape God s judgment. God has gifted each one a life and no second chance is given. After death, he will have to give an account of his life to his Creator. Each of us will have to give an account of himself to God. (Rom.14:12) Irrespective of their status; young or old, rich or poor, believer or unbeliever, everyone will have to stand before God one day. Each one will be asked to give an account of his own life, and for the gifts and talents he received from God. But the Bible gives us this assurance; a believer will not be condemned with the world. (1 Cor.11:32) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Cor.5:10) This is the judgement of believers. The resurrected believers (the church) will be made to stand before the judgment seat of Christ. The judgment seat of Christ comes from the Greek word Bema which is a place where awards are given out to winners in the Olympic Games. This should not be confused with the Great White Throne judgment, (Rev.20:11-15) where Christ will judge the unbelievers. The judgment seat of Christ (Bema) will be a place of revelation. At Bema, a believer s work will be judged and not his sins. His sins have already been judged and Christ has paid the penalty on the cross. It is not a judgment of sins but a judgment of works. It is a judgment for rewards and not for condemnation. Salvation is a free gift; and not a reward for good works. The great event we are now waiting for is the return of Jesus for the Church, His bride. After the rapture, Jesus will present His bride to His Father in Heaven. Two things will happen in heaven after the rapture; (i) the Judgment of believers and (ii) the Marriage of the Lamb.It will be a time of great celebration in heaven. At that very moment the wrath of God will be revealed on the earth for 18 19 Jesus says I tell you the truth; whoever hears my word and believes in him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. (Jn.5:24) A believer has eternal life by virtue of his faith in Christ and he will not face condemnation. When Jesus died on the cross, He paid for the sins of the whole world;

past, present and future. The only sin that remains now is the sin of unbelief; viz. not believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. Whoever believes in him (Jesus) is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God s one and only Son. (Jn.3:18) The scripture also assures that There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Rom. 8:1) At the Bema, the character of each man s work and motives will be revealed and judged. Every work done for fame, name or for financial gain will be exposed. His work will be shown for what it is, because the day will bring it to light. It will be revealed by fire and the fire will test the quality of each man s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. (1 Cor.3:13-15) At the Bema, a believer s work will be tested by fire. The result of this judgment is either reward or loss. A believer will not lose his salvation, but he may lose his reward. Salvation is not earned by good works and hence cannot be lost by bad works. It will be a day of honor for some and a day of shame for others. 5. Imperishable crown (1 Cor.9:24-25) For those who live victorious life of holiness. We are God s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works (Eph.2:10) We are a new creation in Christ Jesus and the purpose God has created us new in Him is to do good works. The purpose of our doing good works should never be for salvation, for we cannot earn it anyway. It should also not be to receive the rewards (crowns), but because of our gratitude for Christ. Paul says, the love of Christ constraints me. (2 Cor.5:14). We receive salvation as a free gift from God. What can we give our Savior in return for this great gift? We can carry nothing from here when we go to meet Him. We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. (1 Tim.6:7) We can only give what is received from Him. The crowns received at Bema will be laid at the feet of Jesus saying, You are worthy to receive honour, glory and praise. All the rewards are received by His power and by His grace alone. Hence He alone is worthy to receive it. The faithful servants will be rewarded at the judgment seat of Christ. The rewards are given in the form of crowns. There are at least five crowns mentioned in the Bible. A person can receive one or more crowns. The crowns mentioned in the Bible are : 1. Crown of righteousness (2 Tim.4:8) For those who love His appearance. 2. Crown of life (Highest reward) (James 1:12) To those who endure trials/temptations. To those who are faithful unto death. (Rev.2:10) 3. Crown of glory (1 Pet.5:2-4) For faithful servants/shepherds. 4. Crown of rejoicing (1 Thes.2:19) For those who win souls. 20 21 An unfaithful servant will have nothing to offer to his Savior because all his works will be burnt up and he will stand ashamed before Him. Do you want to offer a return gift to Lord Jesus Christ for the gift of salvation you have received? Then, be faithful and invest your gifts wisely. (ii) Marriage of the Lamb: Another important event that would take place in heaven, in the presence of the Father, is the marriage of the Lamb. Jesus is the bridegroom and the Church is His bride. The Lord Jesus is self existent and He does not need a bride. But the church is the love gift from His Father, as Jesus Christ is a love gift of the Father to the church. The marriage of the Lamb will be a great event and will surpass all other marriages that ever took place. This will be followed by the Marriage Supper. It will be attended by many invitees that will include all the Old Testament saints. It will be a time of great celebration and rejoicing in heaven.

Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the lamb. (Rev.19:9) All those who are of God s family, excluding the bride, will be the invitees. The church is the bride, and hence will not be an invitee to the wedding supper. Being the bride, she will be the most important person after the bridegroom. The invitees will include the Old Testament saints, the tribulation saints and the angels. Tribulation saints are those who are martyred for their faith during the seven year tribulation. (Rev.20:4) They will be resurrected in glorified bodies immediately after death. The Old Testament Saints and Tribulation saints along with the church have part in the First Resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them. (Rev.20:6) These events will last for seven years, till the tribulation period on earth is complete. Between the two events - Return of Jesus as the bridegroom for the church and as the King for Israel - there will be a gap of seven years. It will be a time of God s wrath and the antichrist will rule the earth. It is known as the day of the Lord. It is also called the time of Jacob s trouble because it would be a time of God s judgment of the Jews. The church will not go through the tribulation. Revelation chapters 4 to 19 speak of the tribulation on earth and there is no mention of the church here. The reason is that the church is absent here and is present with the Lord. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thes.5:9) The church is safe in Jesus, the Rock of ages cleft for us. DANIEL S 70 WEEKS PROPHECY Please read Daniel.9:24-27 carefully and note some very important points from this passage. Daniel 9: (24) Seventy sevens are decreed for your people and your holy city for finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and anoint the most holy. (25) Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven sevens, and sixty-two sevens. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. (26) After the sixtytwo sevens, the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood; War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. (27) He will confirm a covenant with many for one seven. In the middle of the seven he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. Now note the following points. Go my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by. (Isa.26:20) The church will be in the room while the wrath is on earth. She will be safe with the Lord in heaven till the wrath of God on earth is complete, after which the Lord will come down with her to rule and reign on earth. In order to understand clearly the time elements in the tribulation period, it is necessary to understand the 70 weeks prophecy of Daniel. 22 23 1. The entire prophecy has to do with Daniel s people and his city the Nation of Israel and the city of Jerusalem. For your people and your holy city. (v.24) 2. Two princes are mentioned here the Anointed One, the ruler or Messiah the prince (v.25) and the ruler who will come or the prince that shall come (v.26) 3. The entire time period is mentioned as Seventy sevens or Seventy weeks (v.24) and those 70 weeks are further

divided into 3 parts: (a) a period of 7 weeks; (b) a period of 62 weeks; (v.25) and (c) a period of one week. (v.27) 4. The beginning of the 70 weeks is fixed at from the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. (v.25) 5. The end of 7 weeks and 62 weeks (total 69 weeks) will be marked by the appearance of the Anointed One (Messiah as the prince). (v.25) 6. After 69 weeks, two important things happen; (v.26 the Messiah will be cut off and Jerusalem will be destroyed by the people of the prince that shall come. (Note: Jerusalem will be destroyed not by the prince but by the people of the prince. The prince will come later in the 70th week.) 7. After this comes the last week (70th week). This will be marked by the establishment of a covenant between the coming ruler and the Jewish Nation for a period of one week. (seven years) He (the ruler who will come) will confirm a covenant with many for one seven. (v.27) 8. In the middle of the 70th week, he will break the covenant; he will suddenly cause the sacrifice in the temple to cease resulting in wrath and desolation lasting the full end of the week (v.27) 9. There will be a time of great blessings for the nation of Israel (v.24) These blessings are (1) Finish transgressions (2) Put an end to sin (3) atone for wickedness (4) bring everlasting righteousness (5) seal up the vision and prophecy and (6) anoint the Most Holy. Some of these blessings have already been accomplished on the Cross. When the Messiah will reign in glory, the Nation will enjoy full blessings. Everlasting righteousness will be established in the millennial kingdom. Now let s look at the time period of the 70 weeks. 70 weeks speak of 24 25 a period of 490 years. (A week = 7 years) So this prophecy is for a period of 490 years. Out of the 70 weeks, 69 weeks have already been fulfilled very accurately. And now only the last week (70th week) remains to be fulfilled. Daniel was told that this 490 year period would start from a specific date; from the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. (Dan.9:25) In the Bible, we see many decrees issued for restoration of Jews after Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the city and the temple. But all these were for rebuilding of the temple and not of the city. However, in Nehemiah 2:1-8, we see for the first time permission was granted to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. This is the beginning of the 490 years of Daniel s prophecy. The decree was made in his 20th year by Artaxerxes (445 BC). Immediately after 69 weeks (483 years) the Messiah was cut off. A prophetic year is 360 days (30 days x 12 months). From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed one, the ruler comes, there will be 7 sevens and 62 sevens. (Dan.9:25) 7 sevens and 62 sevens means (7 + 62 = 69 x 7 = 483 years). History tells us that it took 49 years (7 sevens) for Nehemiah and Ezra to rebuild Jerusalem. And after 434 years, (62 x 7) Jesus Christ rode into Jerusalem and presented himself as the King. Thus 69 weeks began with the decree to rebuild Jerusalem and terminated at the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. 69 weeks were accurately fulfilled on that day. But the people of God did not understand the day. Jesus said If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace but now it is hidden from your eyes. (Luke 19:42) Two major events should take place after the 69th week and before the 70th week starts the cutting off of the Messiah and the destruction of the city and the temple in Jerusalem. This happened after 69th week. Jesus Christ was crucified immediately after the 69th week and the temple was destroyed 40 years later in 70 AD. The prophecy says the Messiah will be cut off after 69 weeks and not during the 70th week. There is an indefinite time period that separates 69th week from the 70th week. This is the mystery period of the church.

Out of 70 weeks, 69 weeks have accurately been fulfilled and the 70th week or the last seven years of the prophecy remains to be fulfilled. God has placed the 70th week at the end of the age. Between the 69th and 70th week there is a big gap and we are now in the gap. This gap is the time of the gentiles (Lk.21:24) or the church age which was a mystery for the Old Testament saints and this was not revealed to Daniel. THE 7 YEAR TRIBULATION The 70th week of Daniel is the time of God s wrath on earth, known as the Tribulation period, when God will deal with the Nation Israel. 70 weeks are totally in reference to Israel. Remember, this prophecy is for Daniel s people and his city (Dan.9:24) which means, the people of Israel and the city of Jerusalem and not the church. Church will be caught up before God s program for Israel begins. This period is also called the time of Jacob s trouble. (Jer.30:7) This wrath is from God for rejecting His Son. They invited it upon themselves when they said let His blood be upon us and our children. 26 27 In Matt.24:1-44, Jesus talks about the events that will take place during the time of Tribulation. This is concerning Israel and not the church. He talks about Judea, the Sabbath and the prophecies of Daniel; all these are concerning the Jewish people. The full truth of the church and the rapture had not yet been revealed, and was a mystery. The main purpose of the tribulation is to prepare the nation Israel for her Messiah; to bring about a conversion of the multitude of Jews. In Rev.11, we see God sending two witnesses to proclaim the gospel. I will give power to my two witnesses and they will prophesy for 1260 days. These are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands that stand before the Lord on earth. If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. (Rev.11:3-5) We read further These men have power to shut up the sky so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want. (Rev.11:6) These powers are identical to God s dealing with Israel during the times

of Moses and Elijah. Hence many have reasons to believe that these two witnesses are Moses and Elijah. Let us not be worried about their identity. Understand this - they are two witnesses sent from heaven to preach the good news that the King is about to return. See I will send you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. (Mal.4:5) Before the first Advent of Jesus, John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah to prepare the way for the Lord and announced the coming of the Messiah. The gospel of the kingdom announced by John the Baptist will be announced again. This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations and then the end will come. (Matt.24:14) The first announcement of the kingdom was restricted to Israel. But before the coming of the Messiah in the Second Advent, the gospel of the kingdom will be announced to the whole world. We understand from 2 Peter 2:4 that some of the fallen angels, who are most wicked, are confined to hell (Abyss) chained in pits of darkness, awaiting the final judgement. These demons will be released for a time to torment the inhabitants of the earth during the latter part of the tribulation. We can only imagine the terror they can bring on mankind, because they are not only more wicked than other demons, but also they have been kept locked for a long time. When they are released, they will go out with vengeance. John saw this incident happening in Rev.9:1-12. Satan will be given the key of the Abyss (Bottomless pit). Jesus holds the keys of hell and death. (Rev.1:18) When he gets the key, the pit will be opened and out of the smoke an army of demons, compared to locust will come out. This demonic army is given the assignment of tormenting all who do not have the seal of God. They will sting people and thus create such pain that their victims will actually want to die, but death will flee from them. Another incident happening in heaven towards the middle of 7 year tribulation is war in heaven. As the church will be present there, we hope to witness this event. In Revelation 12, we see that there is war in heaven and Satan and his angels lose their place in heaven forever. And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough and they lost their place in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, who deceives the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels with him. (Rev. 12:7-9) The dragon here refers to Satan. In the war between good and evil, Michael and His angels will show Satan and his angels the door. Though Satan has lost his place in heaven after his rebellion, he still has access into the presence of God. That is the reason why he is able to accuse the brethren before God. After the war, Satan will lose access into heaven for ever. His movement will be restricted to earth. His (dragon s) tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. (Rev.12:4) The stars here refer to the fallen angels. Along with Satan, his angels (the fallen angels) will be cast out into the earth. 28 29 Satan will now show his wrath on the woman. (Rev.12) The woman is identified as the Nation Israel. He will make war against the rest of her offspring. (Rev.12:17) Though the persecution is by Satan who is cast down, it will be carried out by an unholy trinity; Satan, antichrist and the false prophet united. The dragon (Satan) gave the beast (antichrist) his power and his throne and great authority. (Rev.13:2) This makes the latter half of tribulation miserable and hence called the great tribulation. In Revelation 13, we read about the abomination spoken of by Daniel. The antichrist will sit in the holy place and claim himself to be God. He will also make an idol of himself and demand worship. The idol will receive life and power to speak and order killing of people who do not worship him. He will insist that people have his mark (666) on their body, without which they will not be able to conduct any transaction. (Please read The antichrist ) Now the unholy trinity of Satan, antichrist and the false prophet will be ruling the earth. This will be the rule of man keeping God away. 7 is a perfect number which is identified with God. 6 is the number of imperfect man for he was created on the 6th day. There will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the

world until now and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. (Matt.24:21-22) God in His mercy, for the sake of His people has shortened the days of great tribulation to 1260 days. Immediately after this, the Lord Jesus will come with power and glory to restore the kingdom for Israel. The nation will be refined. (Zech.13:8-9) The people of Israel are like gold and silver to God that they needed to be refined in the furnace of afflictions. This had been their experience in Egypt and in Babylon, but the time of Jacob s trouble will be their most difficult furnace experience. The tribulation days will accomplish that purpose for Israel. THE ANTI CHRIST The appearing of Anti-Christ is seen in 2 Thes.2:8-12. His coming is in accordance with the work of Satan, with counterfeit miracles and with signs and wonders, to deceive those who are perishing. Satan is a deceiver and his agents too can do miracles. Jesus had already warned his disciples of the schemes of Satan to deceive people. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect if that were possible. See I have told you ahead of time. (Matt.24:24-25) Do not be deceived. All miracles, signs and wonders are not from God. Beware! Paul says For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed (2 Thes.2:7-8) The lawless one is the antichrist. He is identified as the little horn (Dan. 8:9) the king who exalts himself (Dan.11) and the beast that comes out the sea (Rev.13) He is at work even now. The one who restrains him now is the Holy Spirit. The restrainer will be taken out of the way, and then the lawless one will be revealed. As long as the Holy Spirit is residing within the Church, the restraining work will continue and the man of lawlessness cannot be revealed. The ministry of the Restrainer will continue as long as the church is on earth. Once the church is caught up, the Holy Spirit will be taken out of the way and the antichrist will be revealed. The antichrist will come as a messenger of peace. He will promise peace between Israel and the Arab nations. He will deceive Israel to believe that he is the Messiah, whom they have been waiting for. Jesus predicted this when he said. I have come in my Father s name, but you do not accept me, but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. (Jn.5:43) After the destruction of temple, the Jews have no temple and no sacrifice. Israel as a nation 30 31

is waiting for the Messiah to come and restore the kingdom. They do not believe that the one they crucified was the Messiah. When the antichrist comes with all the promises, Israel will readily accept him. The temple will be rebuilt and sacrifice will be restored. According to Daniel s prophecy, the anti-christ will confirm a covenant for 7 years with Israel. In the middle of the 7 years, (after 3½ years) he will suddenly break the covenant and put an end to sacrifice. (Dan.9:27) The breaking of the covenant will begin the great tribulation. Satan and his angels will also be here on the earth as they would have been cast down. (Rev.12:7-9) Satan will go out in vengeance on the people who live on the earth. This divides the tribulation period into two parts of 3½ years each. The great tribulation will last for 3½ years (Dan.12:7) or 42 months (Rev.11:2, 13:5) or 1260 days (Rev.12:13). will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. (Matt.24:29-30) The Lord Jesus Christ speaks here about His coming to earth to restore the kingdom to Israel. The disciples asked the resurrected Jesus Lord are you at this time going to restore the kingdom of Israel? (Act.1:6) Jesus then refused to reveal the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. When Jesus will come with power and glory, He will restore the kingdom for Israel. This is the second phase of His second coming. Thus the Lord has placed the 70th week immediately before his second advent to earth to establish His kingdom. In the middle of the seven years, when Satan is cast down to earth, he will give his power and authority to the antichrist. (Rev.13:2) The antichrist will be supported by a false prophet. (Rev.13:11-17) He (the false prophet) performed great and miraculous signs; even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in full view of men. (Rev.13:13) He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard of things against God of gods (Dan.11:36-37) He will exalt himself over everything that is called God is worshipped, so that he sets himself up in God s temple proclaiming himself to be God. (2Thes.2:4) He (false prophet) ordered them to set up an image of the beast (antichrist). (Rev.13:14) The false prophet is given power to give life to the image of the antichrist which will speak and causes all who refuse to worship him to be killed. (Rev.13:15, 16) Men worshipped the dragon (Satan) because he had given authority to the beast (antichrist). (Rev.13:4) Satan wanted worship from the beginning. He even told Jesus to worship him when he tempted Him. Now he will receive worship from the people who will live on earth. Jesus Christ has mentioned in Matt.24:15 the abomination that causes desolation spoken of by Daniel is a sign that the great tribulation has arrived. Immediately after the distress of those days (tribulation), the sun 32 33

BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON When the people of Israel see the abomination that causes desolation spoken of by Daniel standing in the holy place they will realize that the antichrist is a false Messiah, and they will refuse him. Since the Jews will not bow down to the image set up by the antichrist in the temple of Jerusalem, it is natural that the holy city should be the object of attack. He will then go all out to persecute the people of Israel. He will gather all the nations of the world to fight the final war against the people of God. But the Nation of Israel will receive God s grace and they will cry out to God for help. The outcome of the battle is recorded in Rev.19. The Lord will return with power and glory and defeat His enemies. He will judge Satan, the antichrist and the false prophet and then will establish His kingdom. Jerusalem will be attacked (Zech.12:1-3, 14:1-2) The attack will involve armies of the whole world. (Also please read Joel 3:9-16) Histroy shows that every nation that ever tried to destroy the Jews has itself been destroyed. It will be no different when the nations collectively attack God s chosen people. Some of the enemy soldiers will enter the city and abuse women, and take some inhabitants captive. But their hopes of destroying the city and the nation will be disappointed, for the Lord will make Jerusalem like an immovable rock. I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced and they will mourn for him (Zech.12:10) They will repent for rejecting the Messiah and cry out to God for help. They will look to Jesus, the one whom they pierced. Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. (Rev.16:16) The satanic trinity will influence the nations and cause the rulers to assemble their armies. The gentile 34 35

armies will look on Armageddon as a battle, but to God, it will be only a supper for the fowls of the air. (Rev.19:17-21) Jesus will then descend to earth with power and glory. He will fight the battle for His people and will defeat the antichrist and his forces, in the worst ever battle fought in the history of man, known as the Battle of Armageddon. I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as he fights in the day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives will be split into two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half the mountain moving north and half moving south. (Zech.14:2-4) The Lord ascended from Mount of Olives and when he returns to earth, He will stand on the Mount of Olives and will cause a great earthquake. The Lord will come as a mighty warrior. (Isa.42:13) Who is the king of glory? asked David, and his answer was The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. (Psa.24:8) Then I saw the beast (antichrist) and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse (Jesus) and his army. But the beast (antichrist) is captured and with him the false prophet who performed the miraculous signs on his behalf The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. (Rev.19:19-20) Armageddon will perish. (Rev.19:21) This is the plague with which the Lord will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouth. (Zech.14:12) This will be the fate of those who support antichrist in the battle against the Lord Jesus Christ; before they fall dead, their flesh will rot. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. In delivering Israel from her enemies, our Lord s ultimate goal is for their spiritual restoration. God will pour out the Spirit upon Israel and people will realize their sins and call out to God for forgiveness. The nation will be cleansed (Jer.31:34) After defeating the antichrist and his forces in the battle of Armageddon, Satan himself will be bound with chains in the Abyss for 1000 years. And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss and locked and sealed it over him to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. (Rev.20:1-3) Satan is bound so that he will not deceive the people during the 1000 year rule of Christ. He will lose freedom for the first time. These are the two beasts mentioned in Revelation13; a beast coming out of the sea (v.1) and another beast coming out of the earth (v.11). They are identified as the antichrist and the false prophet. While antichrist is a dictator, the false prophet is a powerful religious leader, who will support him. Both of them will be captured and will be thrown alive into the lake of fire. (Rev.19:20) They will be the first ones to go to the lake of fire. The Lord Jesus Christ will overthrow (the antichrist) with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. (2 Thes.2:8) All those who supported the antichrist in the battle of 36 37

38 39 JUDGEMENT OF THE GENTILES After all His enemies have been defeated in the Battle of Armageddon, Jesus will sit on His throne to judge all the nations to decide who will enter the millennial kingdom. When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats (Matt.25:31-46) Many Christians who believe in the doctrine of salvation by works, misinterpret this scripture portion. In the parable of the sheep and goat, Jesus is not talking about believers being judged on the basis of their works. A believer is saved by the grace of God. This is the judgment of the gentile nations. It will take place when Jesus comes in His glory to set up His kingdom at the end of the seven year tribulation. The marriage of the Lamb would have already taken place and the bride (church) will be with Him. In this parable, we find three groups of people; the sheep, the goat and those Jesus calls my brethren. Jesus refers to the people of Israel as my brethren. During the tribulation, Israel will go through difficult times. It will be extremely difficult for them to survive during the tribulation. They will not be able to buy or sell anything without receiving the mark of the beast. (Rev.13:17) The Sheep in the parable are those gentiles who would help my brethren in meeting their needs. They will be rewarded because they do it out of love for God. Unless they love and trust God, they will not be able to help them during the great tribulation period. The great shepherd will separate the sheep from the goat. The sheep will be allowed to enter the millennial kingdom of Christ. He will then say to them Come you who are blessed by my

Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. Only the righteous, both Jews and gentiles, who are alive when Jesus returns in His glory, will be admitted to the kingdom. They will enter the kingdom in their natural bodies and will be the subjects of the kingdom. They will live a normal life; they will marry, will have children and will die at an old age. They are saved because of their active faith in Jesus, but their children born in the millennial kingdom, are not saved automatically unless they believe. MILLENNIUM RULE OF CHRIST The tribulation period will be terminated when the Lord comes to the earth and fights the worst battle of Armageddon. Immediately after Satan is bound and the gentiles are judged, the millennium rule of Christ will set in. Jesus will now establish His promised millennial kingdom on the earth. He will sit on the throne of His father David, in Jerusalem and rule the world for 1000 years. Jerusalem will be the centre of worship. Both the righteous Israel and the righteous gentiles will enter the kingdom. The church will rule and reign with Christ in glorified bodies. 40 41 Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. (Rev.20:6) During the Millennial rule of Christ, there will be prosperity, equality, justice, safety and peace. Satan is bound so that he will not deceive the people. See, a king will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice. (Isa.32:1) It will be a time of righteousness and justice as promised in Isaiah. The wolf will live with lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the hole of the cobra and the young child put his hand into the viper s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. (Isa.11:6-9) The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord and his name the only name. (Zech.14:9) Jesus will be