The End Time Persecution of the Church/ The Good News Preached Worldwide
In the last days there will be critical times hard to deal with. (See 2 Timothy 3:1-5) True followers of Jesus Christ will be persecuted, delivered up to tribulation, and hated by all nations on account of Jesus’ name. Christians will be betrayed, tried, imprisoned, and put to death. The gospel of the kingdom must be preached worldwide and then the end will come. He that endures to the end will be saved. The divine commission to make disciples of all nations must be fulfilled, until the end of the world or age.
Jesus prophesied at Luke 21:12-19: “12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. 13 It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. 14 So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; 15 for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. 16 But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, 17 and you will be hated by all because of My name. 18 Yet not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.”
Jesus also prophesied at Mark 13:9-13: “9 But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them. 10 The gospel must first be preached to all the nations. 11 When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit. 12 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 13 You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.”
Jesus prophesied at Matthew 24:9 &13-14: “9 Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 13 But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. 14 This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
Christ gave this divine commission to His disciples, at Matthew 28:19-20: “19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age (world).”
For the Sake of the Elect, the Great Tribulation Is Cut Short
During this time period there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, nor will ever occur again. In fact, unless the tribulation days were cut short, no flesh would be saved. On account of the chosen or elect (the holy ones or saints), the tribulation days will be cut short.
Jesus prophesied at Matthew 24:21-22: “21 For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. 22 Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect (the chosen ones, God’s chosen people) those days will be cut short.”
Mark 13:19-20: “19 For those days will be a time of tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will. 20 Unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days.”
Christ’s Bride, the Chosen or Elect
The chosen or elect comprise Christ’s body or bride, the church. The following verses identify the chosen or elect as Christians, both Gentile and Jewish. Christ will gather His elect or chosen, when He returns.
Ephesians 5:23 states: “23 For the husband is head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, and is Himself its Savior.” (See also Ephesians 5:23-32)
Jesus said at Matthew 24:28 & 31: “28 Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together. . . 31 and He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect (chosen) from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.”
The eagle is a symbol of far sightedness and enlightenment. True believers are described as enlightened illuminators in a dark world, shining like the sun. They will unite as one non denominational body, to be raptured by the Lord at His coming. (See Matthew 5:14 & 13:36-43, 43, also Daniel 12:3-4)
Jesus said of His disciples at Matthew 5:14: “You are the light of the world. . .”
Jesus said at Matthew 13:43: “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. . .”
Daniel spoke of the holy ones or saints at Daniel 12:3: “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”
Jesus referred to His disciples as being chosen:
“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you. . .” John 15:16
“. . . I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” John 15:19
The Apostle Paul referred to the saints as the chosen or elect.
Romans 8:33 states: “33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect (chosen)?. . .Who shall come forward and accuse or impeach those whom God has chosen?. . .” (See also Romans 8:29-39)
Ephesians 1:4 states: “4 Even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him.”
Ephesians 1:11 states: “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” (See Ephesians 1:3-23)
2 Timothy 2:10 states: “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect (the chosen), that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory.”
1 Peter 2:9 states: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people. . .”
Revelation 5:9-10 states: “9 You were slain (sacrificed) and with your blood you purchased men unto God from every tribe and language and people and nation. 10 And you have made them to be a kingdom (royal race) and priests to our God, and they shall reign on (over) the earth.”
Immediately After the Tribulation, Christ Gathers His Chosen Or Elect
Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the Son of Man will gather His chosen or elect, the holy ones or saints.
At Matthew 24:29-31 Jesus stated: “29 But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. 31 And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect (chosen) from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”
Mark 13:24-27: “24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened and the moon will not give its light. 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect (chosen) from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.”
The above verses confirm that it is after the tribulation of those days (the great tribulation), that Christ gathers His elect or chosen (the saints). Jesus’ own words in these passages should put to rest any conjecture or debate as to whether the rapture of the saints will occur before the tribulation (pre-tribulation), or during the tribulation (mid-tribulation). It is clearly after the tribulation (post tribulation), at the coming of the Son of Man, that the rapture takes place, not before!
The 3 1/2 Year Reign of the Beast/ The 3 1/2 Year Tribulation/ The Persecution of the Saints
During this time period, the beast or antichrist will be given power and authority to act for 1,260 days, forty two months, or three and a half times (3½ years), the length of the great tribulation. The Beast or Antichrist will make war with the saints or holy ones and conquer them. Many saints will be martyred for not worshiping the beast and its image and for not taking the mark on their forehead or hand. This will be a time of unprecedented persecution for the church! If anyone goes into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone takes up the sword, with the sword he will be slain. Here is where the faith and endurance of the saints (the holy ones) comes in.
Revelation 13:5-10: “5 There was given to him (the beast) a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was also given to him to make war with the saints (the holy people, Christ’s people, the holy ones) and to overcome them, (conquer them) and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10 If anyone is destined for captivity, into captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance (endurance) and the faith of the saints (holy ones).”
Revelation 14:9-10 & 12-13 states: “9 . . . If anyone worships the beast and its image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he shall drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured unmixed into the cup of His anger, and he shall be tormented with fire and sulphur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. . . 12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write this: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord henceforth.’ ‘Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.”
Daniel 7:25: “He (the Antichrist) will speak out against the Most High and wear down (persecute) the saints (the holy ones) of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time (three and one half times).”
Daniel 12:7: “I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time (three and one half times); and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed.”
Revelation tells us that the temple and those who worship in it, are trampled on for 42 months (3 1/2 years) by the nations. The temple pictures the church, the holy city (new Jerusalem) that is being tread under foot by the nations, during the tribulation.
Revelation 11:2-3 states: “1 Then there was given me a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, ‘Get up and measure the temple of God and the alter, and those who worship in it.’ 2 Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city (new Jerusalem) for forty two months (3 & 1/2 years).
The New Testament identifies the temple of God, as the church; the holy city (new Jerusalem), the body or bride of Christ.
The Apostle Paul, at 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 states: “16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.”
1 Corinthians 6:19 states: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God?”
1 Peter 2:5 states: “You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:23 states: “For the husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, and is Himself its Savior.”
Revelation 21:2 states: “And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem (the church), coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband (Christ).
Just as Elijah and Moses acted as witnesses of God and had the power of prophecy and to call down plagues on God’s enemies;* so also the saints, who are pictured by these two witnesses (Elijah & Moses), will act as witnesses for Christ, during the 3 & 1/2 year tribulation. The two witnesses are represented by the two olive trees and lampstands that stand before the Lord on the earth. In scripture, the two olive trees and lampstands picture the church or holy ones. (Rd. Revelation 1:20, Romans 11:17-24, & John 15:1-6) If anyone should harm them, they are doomed to be killed. The saints are prophesying in sackcloth, while they are in prayer and mourning. They are in prayer and mourning due to the tremendous persecution that is being unleashed upon them, by the beast and the peoples, tribes, and nations. They will have the power of prophecy and prayer and to call down plagues on those who persecute them. The beast will make war upon them and will conquer and kill them. Their bodies will lie exposed on the street which is allegorically called Sodom and Egypt, where the Lord was crucified. In scripture, Sodom and Egypt pictured the world that God’s people came out of, and where Christ Himself was crucified. (See Hebrews 11:24-29, 2 Peter 2:6-9, 1 Corinthians 2:1-8, & Hebrews 13:12-14) The peoples of the earth will rejoice and make merry and exchange presents during this 3 & 1/2 year tribulation, because the two prophets, who represent faithful Christians during this time period, have been killed and are no longer able to torment them with their witnessing.
Revelation 11:3-12 states: “3 And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophecy for twelve hundred and sixty days (3 & 1/2 years), clothed in sackcloth. 4 These are the two olive trees and two lampstands which stand before the Lord of the earth. 5 And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes; if anyone should harm them, thus he is doomed to be killed. 6 They have power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to smite the earth with every plague, as often as they desire. 7 And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that ascends from the bottomless pit will make war upon them and conquer them and kill them, 8 and their bodies will lie in the street which is allegorically called Sodom and Egypt, where the Lord was crucified. 9 For three days and a half (3 & 1/2 days or years) men from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations gaze at their dead bodies and refuse to let them be placed in a tomb, 10 those who dwell on earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth.
In Revelation, the souls seen under the alter are the saints, who have been martyred for bearing witness for the word of God. They have been told to rest a little while longer, until the number of their martyred brethren is complete, who have been killed as they themselves have been.
Revelation 6:9-11 states: “9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the alter the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne; 10 they cried out with a loud voice, ‘O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell upon the earth?’ 11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren shall be complete (the saints), who were to be killed as they themselves had been.”
The prayers of the saints, combined with the incense from the alter, signal the angels to unleash the seven trumpets of God, six of which are horrific plagues upon mankind. All of this will occur during the great tribulation.
Revelation 8:2-4 states: “2 Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 3 And another angel came and stood at the alter with a golden censer; and he was given much incense to mingle with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden alter before the throne; 4 and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand of the angel before God. . . 5 Then the angel took the sensor and filled it with the fire from the alter, and threw it to the earth. ” (We encourage you to Rd. Revelation Ch. 8-11)
In Review
Like Moses and Elijah, the saints will have the power to shut up the sky during their prophesying, so that no rain may fall. They also have power to turn the waters into blood, and smite the earth with every plague. (See Acts 2:16-21, Revelation Ch. 8:7-8; the seven seals & trumpets) If anyone should harm these holy ones, they are doomed to be killed. (See 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 & 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10)
The beast, that ascends out of the abyss, will make war on the saints and will kill them and conquer them. Their bodies will be displayed on the street, which is allegorically (symbolically) called Sodom and Egypt. Sodom and Egypt pictures the world, where our Lord was crucified. (See 1 Corinthians 2:6-8, 2 Peter 2:6-10, & Hebrews 11:24-26, 13:11-16) In the past, God saved His chosen people by bringing them out of Sodom and Egypt. In the same way, Christ has called His chosen followers out of the world and for them to be no part of the world. (See John 15:18-19, John 17:14-16, James 1:27 & 4:4, 1 John 2:15-17)
For three and a half days (3 &1/2 years, the length of the tribulation) the peoples of the world will gaze on the bodies of the saints and refuse to let them be buried. (See Revelation 13:5-10, 14:9-10 & 12-13, Daniel 7:25 & 12:7, previously cited) They will celebrate and rejoice and exchange gifts, that these two witnesses, the faithful Christians who have been tormenting them with their testimony, have been killed.
After three and one half days (3 & 1/2 years), the length of the great tribulation, the two dead witnesses will be raised to life. This pictures the resurrection of the saints, who ascend to heaven in a cloud. Once again, this takes place after the 3 & 1/2 year tribulation, not before.
Revelation 11:11 goes on to state: 11 But after three and a half days (3 & 1/2 years) a breath of life from God entered them, and they stood up on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them, ‘Come up hither!’ And in the sight of their foes they went up to heaven in a cloud. ”
At the coming of the Lord, the sleeping saints (the dead in Christ) shall rise first, as first fruits to God. This is the first resurrection. Happy and holy is anyone, who is part of the first resurrection! Over these the second death has no authority. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, & Revelation 20:4-6)
During this three and a half year tribulation period, many saints will be martyred for not worshiping the beast and taking the mark on their forehead and their hand. They will come to life and rule with Christ for a thousand years.
Revelation 20:4 states: “Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.”
No where in Holy Scripture does it state that the great tribulation is seven years in length, as is so commonly taught. All of the above verses clearly designate the length of the great tribulation as being 3 1/2 times, 3 1/2 years, 42 months, or 1,260 days, the rule of the beast or antichrist.* Holy Scripture clearly substantiates that there will be saints, alive and present here on earth, during this time period.
The early Christian ecclesiastical writer, Victorinus, wrote concerning the length of the tribulation and the rule of the Antichrist (260-270 CE): “‘For a times, time, and a half.’ By this he indicated the three and a half years of Antichrist. ‘They shall tread the holy city down for forty two months; and I will give to my two witnesses, and they shall predict a thousand two hundred and three score days clothed in sackcloth.’ That is three years and six months: these make forty two months. Therefore their preaching is three years and six months, and the kingdom of Antichrist as much again.”
Satan’s Attack On Israel/ The 3 1/2 Year Tribulation/ Satan’s Final Attack On the Saints
During this time period, the dragon, who is Satan, attempts to destroy the woman with the sun and moon under her feet and the crown of twelve stars on her head. This woman represents the nation of Israel, which was chosen by God to produce the male child (the Messiah), the One destined to rule the nations with a rod of iron. Satan’s attempt to destroy the woman (Israel), follows his being ousted from heaven and taking a third of the stars, one third of the angelic host with him. These verses identify the woman, with the crown of twelve stars and the sun and moon under her feet, as Israel. (Rd. & compare Genesis 3:15 & 37:9-10 & Revelation 12:1-6 & 9)
Revelation 12:1-6 states: “1 And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars (Israel); 2 she was with child and she cried out in her pangs of birth, in anguish for delivery. And another portent appeared in heaven; behold, a great red dragon (Satan), with seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems upon his heads. 4 His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven (a third of the angels), and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to bear a child, that he might devour her child when she brought it forth; 5 she brought forth a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron (Jesus Christ), but her child was caught up to God and to His throne, 6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which to be nourished for 1,260 days (3 1/2 years). . . 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world–he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.”
In attempting to destroy the woman (Israel), Satan is unsuccessful. God comes to the woman’s rescue (the nation of Israel) and she flees into the wilderness for 1,260 days or 3 1/2 years, the length of the tribulation. Satan then focuses his attack on the holy ones or saints, the remaining ones of the woman’s seed, the church. (See Galatians 3:28-29) These are Christians who keep the commandments of God and have the work of bearing testimony and witness to Jesus. This once again corroborates that faithful Christians will be on the earth, during the final phase of the 3 1/2 year tribulation and actively bearing witness to Jesus.
Revelation 12:13-17 states: “13 And when the dragon (Satan) saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman (Israel) who had born the male child (Christ). 14 But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to a place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time (3 1/2 times or years). 15 The serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, to sweep her away with the flood. 16 But the earth came to the help of the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river which the dragon had poured from his mouth. 17 The the dragon was angry with the woman, and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God, and bear testimony (witness) to Jesus (the holy ones or saints). .”
In the past, God delivered ancient Israel from the Egyptians, by bringing them into the wilderness on the wings of eagles. A similar deliverance of Israel will occur during the tribulation. (See also Exodus 15:22 & 16:10)
The Coming of the Lord/ The Rapture/ The Apostasy/ The Anti Christ’s Rule
As to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and the gathering of His saints, that day will not come unless the apostasy (the falling away) comes first, and the man of lawlessness (the anti Christ) is revealed, the son of destruction. He will oppose God, seating himself in the temple of God (the church), and publicly declaring himself to be God. The Lord Jesus will slay the lawless one with the breath of His mouth, bringing him to an end at His appearance or coming. Note, that the coming of the Lord and the gathering of His saints (the rapture) does not take place, until the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed. The anti Christ’s appearance will be marked with all of the activity, power, and portents of Satan. This once again indicates that there will be saints on the earth, during this final tribulation period. During this time God will send a strong delusional influence on the earth’s population, so that they will get to believing the lie and take pleasure in wickedness.
The Apostle Paul at 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 states: “1 Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, 2 that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. 5 Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? 6 And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; 9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11 For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence (a strong delusion), so that they will believe what is false (believe the lie, put faith in falsehood, put their faith in utter fraud), 12 in order that they all may be judged, who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.”
Christ Glorified in His Saints/ the Destruction of the Ungodly
The Lord will make tribulation for those who are making tribulation for His saints. The following scriptural passage confirms what the previous scriptural passages have already established; that there will be saints who are still alive on earth and undergoing persecution when Christ returns. Christ and his angels will execute the ungodly and all of those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. By rescuing His saints, Christ is glorified in His saints on the day of His return.
2 Thessalonians 1:6-10: “6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction (tribulation) those who afflict (trouble) you, 7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, for our testimony to you was believed.”
The Dead In Christ Rise First / The Rapture of the Remaining Saints
The saints, who are still alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep in death. At the last trumpet, the dead in Christ will rise first. Afterwards, those saints who are still alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall be caught up (raptured) and changed (transformed) in the twinkling of an eye, and thus they shall always be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:15-17: “13 But we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain (are living, are left, who survive) until the coming (appearing) of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up (raptured) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 15:23 & 51-52: “23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep (not all of us are to die), but we will all be changed (transformed, we shall all be given new bodies), 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed (transformed, suddenly have new bodies too).”
Luke 17:34-35: “34 I tell you, on that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other will be left. 35 There will be two women grinding at the same place; one will be taken and the other will be left.”
Those saints, who have fallen asleep in death, are resurrected first. They will return with Christ and rescue the remaining saints, who are still alive on the earth. Those chosen saints who return with Christ are dressed in fine linen. They will be revealed with Christ in glory, when He rides to execute the ungodly and smite the nations.
Revelation 17:13- 14 states: “13 These have one purpose and they give their power and authority to the beast. 14 These will wage war against the Lamb (Christ), and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are called and chosen and faithful.”
Colossians 3: 4 states: “When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with Him in glory.”
Revelation 19:14 states: “And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him (the saints, following Christ) on white horses. 15 From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down (smite) the nations.“” (Rd also Jude 14-15 & Revelation 19:11-16)
The remaining saints, who are still alive, will then be caught up (raptured) to forever be with the Lord.
A Great Crowd of Saints, Who Come Out of the Tribulation
As depicted in the above verses, a great crowd or multitude of saints comes out of or through the great tribulation. This great crowd is comprised of the saints, who are still alive on earth when Christ returns. They are not raptured prior to the tribulation, but instead survive and come out of the tribulation. They are caught up to be with the Lord at His second coming or appearance. This multitude or great crowd of saints are seen as dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, standing before the throne and the Lamb (Christ Jesus). They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Revelation 7:9, 13-14: “9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude (crowd) which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands. 13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, ‘These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?’ 14 I said to him, ‘My lord you know.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the ones who come out of (through) the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’” (See also Revelation 19:1 & 6-8, where the great crowd or multitude of saints are seen in heaven).
There is nothing in the above scriptural verses that indicates that the surviving saints, those who are still alive and remain on earth, will be raptured prior to the great tribulation or that they will not be present on the earth during this time period. Revelation depicts the great crowd as coming out of or through the great tribulation. Christ’s followers are to faithfully endure to the end. They are to fulfill the divine commission to make disciples of people of all the nations, until the end of the age or world. The good news of the kingdom must be preached earth wide and then the end will come!
During this final period, true Christians will be persecuted, delivered up to tribulation, and killed on account of Jesus’ name. It is on their account that the tribulation days will be cut short, otherwise no flesh would be saved.
It is after the tribulation of those days (the great tribulation) that Christ gathers his chosen or elect. The sleeping saints or dead in Christ will rise first. Afterwards, the surviving saints, who are still alive and remain on earth, will be caught up (raptured) to forever be with the Lord.
All of the above events converge at Christ’s second coming or appearing, not before. As light bearers to a dying world, Christians are to endure and maintain their faith to the end. Their lamps must not go out!
Jesus said at Matthew 5:14-16: “14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
As Christ’s bride or church, the chosen or elect must be ready to meet the bridegroom (Christ), even if it appears He is delaying. They must keep their lamps lit with the Holy Spirit, or be denied entrance into the Lord’s wedding feast.
Matthew 25:1-13: “1 Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. 5 Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. 6 But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the prudent answered, ‘No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. 11 Later the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, open up for us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour (when the Son of man will come).” (Refer also to Luke 22:14-28)
The prophecy at Habakkuk 2:3 states: “For the vision is yet for the appointed time. It hastens towards the goal (the end) and it will not fail (deceive or disappoint). Though it tarries (even if should delay), wait for it (keep in expectation of it) ; For it will certainly come (certainly without fail come true). It will not delay (it will not be late, on its appointed day).”
In speaking of God’s elect or chosen (the church), the Apostle Paul at Romans 8:35-39 states: “35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written, ‘FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY LONG; WE ARE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED.’ 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Refer also to Ephesians 1:4-5 & Romans 8:29-33)
Nearing the end of his life, the Apostle Paul wrote: “6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the fine fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me but to all who have loved His appearing (return or coming).” 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Paul wrote to the church at 1 Thessalonians 5:23: “23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming (appearing) of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
True Christians will exhibit faith and endurance during the coming great tribulation. Their lamps must not go out! As a result of their faith and endurance, they will be granted entrance into the Lord’s wedding feast. By enduring to the end, they shall be saved. Although many saints during this tribulation period will be martyred, they will be among the first to be resurrected and receive a crown of righteousness, which the Lord will award to them on that day at the coming of the Lord. Afterward, those saints who are still alive and remain on earth, will be raptured to heavenly glory. May we all be able to join with the Apostle Paul in saying:
“I have fought the fine fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (observed) the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
*Print in red intended for clarification /or various renderings from other translations /or the original languages.
*Rapture: Latin word meaning to be caught up or snatched up. (Jerome’s Latin Vulgate)
*The prophet Elijah in prayer, is referred to as a type of the saints, at James 5:16-18: “16 . . . The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the earth yielded its harvest.”
Moses was a type of Christ. At Acts 3:22-23, Moses himself said: “22 The Lord God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren, to Him you shall give heed to everything He says to you. 23 And it will be that every soul that does not heed that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.” By striking the Nile river with his staff, Moses unleashed the first of ten plagues on the Egyptians. (Genesis 7:17-21) In the same way, Moses pictures the saints, who are still alive and standing before the Lord on the earth, during the tribulation. Their prayers and prophesying will unleash the plagues and trumpets of God, upon the ungodly who persecute them. (See Revelation 11:6)
*Most present day preachers and clergymen teach that the tribulation is seven years in length, with the first three and one half years being a time of relative peace and tranquility. During this time period, the anti-Christ (the beast) will have made a peace treaty or covenant with the nation of Israel. The Jewish people will have completed the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem and are now offering animal sacrifices to God. After three and one half years, the covenant is broken by the anti-Christ, who then desecrates the temple, causing guilt offerings and sacrifices to cease.
There are some serious problems with this understanding or interpretation of scripture:
- There is no temple in Israel. If the Jews were to attempt to rebuild the temple, on its original and most appropriate site; Mount Moriah in Jerusalem (the site of the Dome of the Rock), it would ignite the entire Moslem world in an all out attack on Israel. The act of rebuilding the temple could start the great tribulation, but the project would never be completed.
- The book of Ezekiel (Rd. Ch. 40-48) describes in detail the rebuilt temple as being a post-tribulation or millennial temple, not a pre-tribulation structure. Ezekiel envisioned a millennial temple, with a resurrected King David and high priest Zadok serving there, and God’s pledge that He would never again allow His sanctuary (or temple) to be defiled! (See Ezekiel Ch. 37 & 43/ See also Bible topic: A New Heavens and a New Earth)
- It is clear, from all of the above scriptural passages, that the great tribulation and rule of the beast is three and one half years in length, 42 months, 1260 days, not seven years.
- It is commonly taught that the first three and one half years of the seven year tribulation, will be a period of relative peace and tranquility, with the anti-Christ or beast making a covenant with Israel. This does not fit Jesus’ description of the great tribulation, which will be an unprecedented time of distress, the worst to ever come upon the inhabited earth. It will eclipse any historical tribulation in the past, and nothing like it will ever occur again. Unless the days were cut short, no flesh would be saved. Jesus’ description of the great tribulation, does not describe or allude to an initial three and a half period of peace and security. To the contrary, it describes a three and a half year tribulation of unprecedented chaos, calamity, instability, mortality, and terror that will come upon the human race, prior to the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- If such a temple construction were ever attempted, it would be difficult to imagine that the general population of the state of Israel would revert back to animal sacrifices and guilt offerings for their sins, prior to the millennial reign of Christ.