I hope that these two series of blogs have sparked you into looking deeper at the end times and the soon coming Lord Jesus Christ. He is coming soon for a spirit-filled and prepared Bride [1]. Everything points to that moment when He touches down on the Mount of Olives. A Bride for Christ is the reason for which He created us [2].
These two series have just been an overview of the end of the age. However, many Scriptures prophesy about this time in history. Remember though, God says that we will not know the day or the hour of His coming [3] but we will know at the door. As I write this, that doorknob is slowly turning.
Sixth Trumpet War
Although Christ’s return is right around the corner, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t things that have to happen yet. It is my opinion that one of two things will happen next: either the sixth trumpet war [4] or the peace treaty with Israel [5]. However, I believe that it will be very hard to create and implement a peace treaty with Israel and then start a war that the Bible says will kill one-third of mankind.
The “Great War” (WWI) killed 8.2 million people. In 6000 years of world history, there has never been a war that killed one million people. In WWII, a staggering 52 million people died. When God releases the four angels from the Euphrates River [6], their army will kill (are you sitting down?) 2.2 Billion people (one-third of mankind). That’s billion with a “B.”
This war will be nuclear. How can it not be and have that many people die? Only three nations could produce a two-hundred thousand thousand (200 Million) man army: China, India, and the Muslim nations.
No one knows the trigger that will start the sixth trumpet war (WWIII). However, many believe that we are already in that war. President George W. Bush said that, “. . .the revolt of the passengers of Flight 93 was the first counter attack of WWIII.” You can find the six trumpet war in Revelation nine.
The Rapture
The rapture (Greek word harpazo meaning caught up or taken away suddenly) will depend on if we have a pre, mid, or post rapture. This will dictate whether we (believers) will even have to go through the tribulation or not. So, it may be academic. I believe in a pre-tribulation event, both in my heart and scripturally.
In my heart, I cannot believe that Christ would say to us, “You have followed my commandments and obeyed my precepts to the best of your ability. You have loved me with all your heart and have won many souls to me and the Kingdom. For your reward, I am going to make you go through the most horrifying time in world history.” [7]
Peace treaty
Providing that the sixth-trumpet war happens first, the next event will be the seven-year peace treaty with Israel. The Bible calls it the confirmation of the covenant. When they sign this treaty, it will be the beginning of the final seven years of human government. The first three and a half years after the signing will be a time that will build up to the tribulation.
The Great Tribulation
During the first three and a half years, after the signing of the peace treaty, Israel will rebuild the Temple and will, once again, begin animal sacrifices. At the end of that three and a half year period, the Antichrist will reveal himself by standing in the Temple and order that the oblations stop, no doubt due to the pressure from the animal-rights activists.
The Antichrist then breaks the covenant. The Bible calls this the abomination of desolation and you can find it in Revelation 10. The Antichrist will implement the mark of the beast during this three and one half year period. (Revelation 11.)
When the Antichrist stands in the Temple and declares himself the ultimate authority, it will mark the beginning of the great tribulation, which will be for another three and a half years. For those who believe in a seven-year tribulation, I wouldn’t even try and talk you out of it. However, the Bible teaches a three and a half year tribulation [8].
Armageddon and the 1000 Year Reign of Christ
The last trump will be when Jesus returns, Revelation 11:15.
Following the tribulation, the world will war with Israel [9]. This is the battle of Armageddon. Christ will then burst through the clouds with the called, the chosen, and the faithful [10]. If you are not with Him, you have missed the rapture.
Then the world will war with Christ, which will be an exercise in futility [11]. It will be no contest and Christ will throw the Antichrist and the false prophet into the lake of fire [12].
Then the thousand year reign of Jesus Christ [13] and we will live with Him forever. Hallelujah!
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Epilogue
Remember what Christ said in the Olivet Discourse, verse 34, "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." The first obvious question would be, "How long is a generation?" The Bible gives us three answers. Numbers 32:13 says that a generation is 40 years, while Psalms 90:10 declares it to be 70 years. However, Genesis 6:3 teaches that a generation is 120 years. So which one is it? I have no idea and neither does anybody else and so the Scripture Matthew 25:13.
All we know is that the reference point is when Israel became a nation on May 14, 1948. So, according to the Bible, it could happen as early as 1988, (which is already passed), and as late as 2068. If it is 70 years then it will all take place before 2018. I am a 70 year believer. Things are happening too fast for it not to be. However,
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels in heaven, but my Father only.
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All we know is that the reference point is when Israel became a nation on May 14, 1948. So, according to the Bible, it could happen as early as 1988, (which is already passed), and as late as 2068. If it is 70 years then it will all take place before 2018. I am a 70 year believer. Things are happening too fast for it not to be. However,
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels in heaven, but my Father only.
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[1] Matthew 25:1-11. Parable of the ten virgins. Oil always represents the Holy Spirit. The lamp is symbolic of our physical temple (body). [2] Ephesians 1:9-11 [3] Matthew 24:42 [4] Revelation 9:14 [5] Daniel 9:27 [6] Revelation 9:14 [7] God wouldn’t destroy the people by flood until Noah and his family was on board the Ark. God said in Genesis 19:22, “Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither.” God spoke this to Lot before He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Revelation 3:10 says, "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth." The “word of My patience” is the Word of God and “from the hour of temptation” is the tribulation period. This three and a half year period, referred to in the Old Testament, is The Time of Jacob's Trouble of Jeremiah 30:7-11. There are more Scriptures but you get the drift. [8] 1. Daniel 7:25, Time equals one year; times equals two years, and half a time equals six months. Total equals three and a half years. 2. Revelation 13:5, 42 months equals three and a half years. 3. Revelation 12:6. 1260 days equals three and a half years. 4. Matthew 24:15, 21, Jesus even said in the last discourse of Matthew that when you see the abomination of desolation, then will tribulation come as never before. 5. Daniel 12:1, 2, 6, 7, V7 says time, times, and half a time once again (three and a half years). Then the tribulation will be finished. [9] Zechariah 14:2 [10] Revelation 17:14 [11] Zechariah 14:3 [12] Revelation 19:20 [13] Revelation 20:6
If there is something you’d like to read about scripturally or maybe about the end times, please feel free to ask through a comment and I’ll write about it. I don’t have all the answers, but I will do my best to research the question. At the very least, you will have food for thought and appetizers for further study.
There are many things in these series’ that I haven’t had the room to write about, I.E. trumpets, seals, Antichrist, false prophet, Abomination of Desolation, oblations, Armageddon, 1000 year reign of Christ (the millenium), and much much more. Have fun studying the end of the age and the best part - the return of Jesus Christ for His Bride - us.
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