Matthew 24:1-2 tells us that: “Jesus left the temple and was going away, when His disciples came to point out to Him the buildings of the temple. 2 But Jesus answered them, ‘You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another (a stone upon a stone), that will not be thrown down.'”
Matthew 24:3 goes on to relate: “While Jesus was seated on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached Him privately and said, ‘Tell us, when will these things take place, and what will be the sign of your coming (your presence, your coming back) and the close of the age (the end of the world, the end of this system of things, the completion or consummation of the age).'”
In all four gospel accounts of Matthew Ch. 24, Mark Ch. 13, and Luke Ch. 17 & 21, Jesus foretold that there would be two tribulations.
1. The destruction of the Jewish nation and temple of His day.
2. A great tribulation marking His second coming, the conclusion of the age, and the destruction of an entire world of mankind.
Christ’s End Time Prophesies/ The Minor Fulfillment
Jesus prophesied concerning the tribulation involving the generation of His day. The city of Jerusalem would be desolated and its inhabitants led into captivity. Jerusalem would then be trodden on by the Gentile nations, until the times of the Gentiles were fulfilled.
Luke 21:20 & 23-24 states: “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. . .23 . . . For great distress shall be upon the earth and wrath upon this people; 24 they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led captive among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”
Luke 19:41-44 states: “41 And when He (Jesus) drew near and saw the city (Jerusalem) He wept over it, 42 saying, ‘Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hid from your eyes. 43 For the days shall come upon you, when your enemies will cast up a bank (ramparts, palisade, siege works, fortification of stakes) about you and surround (encircle) you, and hem (besiege, press) you in on every side, 44 and dash (raise) you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another in you; because you did not know the time of your visitation (when you were divinely visited).'”
Matthew 23:36-39 states: “36 Truly I say to you all of this will come upon this generation. 37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and those who are sent to you! . . .38 Behold, your house is forsaken and desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.'”
This prophecy actually took place in 70 CE. The Roman armies, under General Titus, surrounded and destroyed the city of Jerusalem. It is estimated that 1,100,000 Jews perished in the siege. The surviving Jews, an estimated 97,000, were taken into captivity and dispersed into all of the Gentile nations. This dispersion was known as the “diaspora.” The surviving Jews would not have a homeland again and control of Jerusalem, until the period of downtrodding by the Gentile nations came to an end. In 1948, Israel once again became a sovereign nation. In 1967, after nearly nineteen hundred years, the state of Israel once again took control of Jerusalem.
Christ’s End Time Prophesies/ The Major Fulfillment
Jesus went on to prophecy concerning the many signs that would mark the final destruction of an entire world of mankind. This is what is known in scripture as a dual prophecy. One aspect of the prophecy had a minor fulfillment, affecting the generation that witnessed Christ’s first coming and the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. The other aspect of the prophecy had a major fulfillment, affecting the generation that would witness Christ’s second coming and the destruction of an entire world of mankind.
Jesus warned His followers that there would be false Christs and false prophets misleading many, and if possible, even the chosen or elect.
Matthew 24:4-5 & 23-28 states: “4 Beware that no one leads you astray (misleads you). 5 For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah (the Christ)!’ and they will lead many astray. 23 Then if one says to you, ‘Lo here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is!’ do not believe it. 24 For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 25 Lo, I have told you beforehand (forewarned you). 26 So if they say to you, ‘Lo, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out; if they say, ‘Lo, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.”
Jesus predicted unprecedented wars and reports of wars, but the end is not yet.
Matthew 24:6 states: “6 For you will hear of wars and rumors of wars, see that you are not alarmed (or terrified); for this (these things) must take place, but the end is not yet.”
Jesus went on to elaborate that there would be international warfare and an increase in famines, earthquakes, and pestilences. There would also be terrors and great signs from heaven. These events would only increase in frequency and intensity, like the birth pangs of a pregnant woman, who is about to give birth.
Matthew 24:7-8 states : “7 For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various (diverse) places; 8 all this is but the beginning of birth pangs (labor pangs, early pangs of childbirth, pangs of distress).” (See also Mark 13:8)
Luke 21:11 states: “There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences (plagues, malignant and contagious or infectious epidemic diseases); and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.”
Jesus prophesied concerning the end time persecution of Christians, and that there would be an apostasy or falling away from the faith. True Christians would be hated by all nations on account of Jesus’ name and undergo tribulation and martyrdom. A person’s own relatives would betray them and have them put to death.
At Matthew 24:9-10, Jesus states: “9 Then they will hand you over to be tortured (deliver you up to tribulation) and put to death; and you will be hated by all nations because of my name (because of my name’s sake). 10 Then many will fall away, and betray one another and hate one another.”
Jesus said, at Mark 13:9-13: “9 As for yourselves, beware; for they will hand you over to councils; and you will be beaten in synagogues; and you will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them. 10 And the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 When they bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say; but say whatever is given to you at that time, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 13 and you will be hated by all nations because of my name. . .” (See also Luke 21:12-19)
Jesus foretold that false prophets and deceivers would arise and mislead many. Because of the increase of lawlessness, men would lose their love and natural affection for both one another and God.
Matthew 24:11-12 states: “11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray (mislead many). 12 And because wickedness is multiplied (because of the increase of lawlessness), most men’s love will grow cold (wax cold).”
Jesus emphasized the need for Christians to endure to the end to be saved. The gospel of the kingdom must be preached worldwide, as a testimony to all nations; and then the end will come. Faithful Christians are to fulfill the divine commission, to preach the gospel till the end of the world or age.
Matthew 24:13-14 states: “13 But he who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel (good news) of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, as a testimony to all nations; and then the end will come.” (See also Mark 13:13)
Luke 21:19 states: “By your endurance you will gain your lives (acquire your souls).”
Jesus commissioned His followers at Matthew 28:19-20: “19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age (the end of the world).”
Jesus foretold that there would be a great tribulation, such has never occurred since the beginning, nor would ever occur again. In fact, unless the days were cut short, no flesh would be saved; but on account of the elect or chosen, the days will be cut short.
Matthew 24:21-22 states: “21 For then there will be (a) great tribulation, such has not been (not occurred) since the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be again (nor will occur again). 22 And if those days had not been shortened, no human being (no soul, mortal, or living thing) would be saved; but for the sake of the elect (the chosen) those days will be shortened (will be cut short). (See also Mark 13:19-20)
Christ gathers His elect or chosen after the great tribulation, not before. Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the Son of Man will appear in heaven and all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in lamentation and grief. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with great power and glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet blast, and gather His elect (His chosen) from one extremity of the earth and the heavens to the other. One will be taken and the other left behind.
Matthew 24:29-31 states: “29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days (in those days after the tribulation) the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken; 30 then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on (in) the clouds of heaven with power and great glory; 31 and He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect (His chosen) from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other (from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven).” (See also Mark 13:24-27)
Matthew 24:40-41 states: “40 Then two men will be in the field; one is taken and one is left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one is taken and one is left.” (See also Luke 17:34-35)
Jesus said that there will be signs in the heavens and on earth, and distress of nations not knowing the way out because of the roaring of the sea.* Men will become faint out of fear of what is coming on the inhabited earth. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. When all these things start to take place, raise yourselves erect and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is drawing near.
Luke 21:25-28 states: “25 And there will be (fearful) signs in sun and moon and stars, and upon the earth distress (trouble, anguish) of nations in perplexity (dismay, not knowing the way out) at the roaring of the sea* and the waves, 26 men fainting (swooning) with fear and with foreboding (dread, anticipation) of what is coming on the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with (kingly) power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, look up (straighten or raise yourselves up) and raise (lift up) your heads, because your redemption (deliverance) is drawing near (nigh).”
The prophet Joel also prophesied that there would be celestial signs in the sun and the moon, before the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
Joel 2:31 states: ” The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the great and dreadful day of the LORD (Yahweh) comes.” (See also Acts 2:19-21)
Jesus said that of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. The coming of the Son of Man will be just like in the days of Noah. For just as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking and marrying, until Noah entered the ark, and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Christians are to stay watchful and be on the alert, for they do not know on what day or hour their Lord is coming. If the householder had known what hour the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. In the same way, we are to prove ourselves ready; for at an hour you do not think it to be, the Son of Man is coming.
Matthew 24:36-39, 42-44 states: “36 But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 As in the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 and they did not know (took no note) until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. . . 42 Watch therefore, for you do not on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, if the householder had known what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Jesus also likened His coming to the days of Lot. The people ate and they drank, they bought and they sold, they planted and they built, until the day that Lot went out from Sodom and Gomorrah, and fire and sulphur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. Remember the wife of Lot, she became a pillar of salt! Christians are warned not to to become weighed down with drunkenness and the anxieties of this life, and that day come upon them suddenly as a snare; for that day will come as a thief in the night, upon all of those who dwell on the surface of the earth. We need to keep on the watch, for we do not know when the Master of the house is coming- lest He should come suddenly and find us asleep.
Luke 17:28-30 states: “28 Likewise as it was in the days of Lot-they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built, 29 but on the day that Lot went out from Sodom fire and sulphur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. . . 32 Remember Lot’s wife.”
Luke 21:34-36 states: “34 But take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a snare; 35 for it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the whole earth. 36 But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Mark 13:33-37 states: “33 Take heed, watch, for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his own work, and commands the doorkeeper to keep on the watch. 35 Watch therefore– for you do not know even when the master of the home will come, in the evening, at midnight, or at the cockcrow, or in the morning- 36 lest He come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Watch (Keep awake, Be on the alert).”
Jesus gave an illustration of a fig tree and all other trees. When their branches become tender and put forth leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all of these things occurring, you will know that the kingdom of God is near. The generation that witnesses all of these signs shall not pass away, till all of these things have taken place.
Matthew 24:32-35 states: “From the fig tree (and all trees) learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that He (Christ, the kingdom of God)) is near at the very gates (is near). 34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away till all these things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
The Old Testament scriptures had already prophesied that in the end times there would be a regathering of displaced Jews, from all the nations, back to their homeland, Israel. The fig tree is often associated with Israel in scripture. Many theologians believe that Jesus’ illustration of the blossoming fig tree, prefigured the modern day rebirth of the nation of Israel.
Referring to Israel as a fig tree, Hosea 9:10 states: “Like grapes in the wilderness I found Israel. Like the first fruit on the fig tree, in its first season, I saw your fathers.”
Ezekiel 36:8 states: “But you O mountains of Israel, shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit to my people Israel, for they are soon to come home.”
The LORD prophesied at Jeremiah 31:7-8: “7 . . . ‘The LORD has saved His people, the remnant of Israel.’ 8 Behold, I will bring them out of the north country, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth. . .”
Isaiah 43:3 & 5-8 states: “3 For I am the LORD (Yahweh) your God. The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.. . . 5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the East, and from the West I will gather you; 6 I will say to the North, Give up, and to the South, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. 8 Bring forth the people who are blind, yet have eyes, who are deaf, yet have ears.” (See also Mathew 13:15-16)
Jeremiah 16:14-15 states: “14 Therefore, behold, the days are coming says the LORD, when it shall no longer be said, ‘As the LORD lives who brought up the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt,’ 15 but ‘As the LORD lives who brought up the people of Israel out of the north country and out of all the countries where He had driven them. For I will bring them back to their own land which I gave to their fathers.'”
Ezekiel 36:24, 26-28, & 35 state: “24 For I will take you from the nations, and gather you from all the countries, and bring you into your own land. . . 26 A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you. . . 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to observe my ordinances. 28 You will dwell in the land which I gave to your fathers; and you shall be my people and I will be your God. 35 And they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are now inhabited and fortified.'”
Ezekiel 37:12 states: “. . . Thus says the LORD God: ‘Behold I will open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you home into the land of Israel.”‘
Amos 9:14-15 states: “14 I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit. 15 And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall never again be plucked up out of the land which I have given them.”
This miraculous rebirth of the nation of Israel and its eventual annexation of the city of Jerusalem, fulfilled many of the Old Testament prophesies. In one day, in 1948, a ruling and announcement by the United Nations established Israel as a sovereign nation. In 1967, Israel regained control of Jerusalem.
Isaiah 66:8 states: “Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons.”
Luke 21: 23-24 states: “23 . . . For great distress shall be upon the earth and wrath upon this people; 24 they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led captive among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”
The fact that a nation was reborn in one day, after nearly 1900 years, and its former inhabitants regathered back to their homeland, is unparalleled in history! The holy city, Jerusalem, would no longer be controlled and trampled on by the Gentile nations. According to Jesus’ words, the generation that would witness all of these things taking place, would not pass away, before the revelation and coming of the Lord.
The Last Days, A Historic Notable Change
In the Old Testament, there were approximately 360 prophecies given that predicted the coming of the Messiah. Jesus reproved the religious leaders of His day, for not recognizing His first coming and the many signs that identified Him as the Christ.
Matthew 16:1-4 relates: 1 And the Pharisees and the Sadducees came, and to test Him they asked Him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered them, “When it is evening you say,” ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ “3 And in the morning,” ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ “You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.”
Similarly, in the New Testament, there are approximately forty signs given that enable us to identify the second coming of Christ. We don’t want to fail in discerning these prophesies and recognizing Christ’s return. The following section features many historical references, documenting the fulfillment of these end time prophecies in our modern era.
With the dawning of the twentieth century and for the first time in history, over 100 nations were engulfed in a worldwide conflict, known as WWI. It became known as, “the war to end all wars.” Six massive kingdoms and their colonies were engaged in a global slaughter: Great Britain, France, Austria-Hungary, Russia, Germany, and the Ottoman empire. This list would eventually include the United States. WWI gave birth to the airplane, the submarine, the flame thrower, the tank, poisonous gas, the machine gun, and the bombing of civilians. It ushered in a century of both modern and total warfare, unparalleled in human history. WWI eclipsed all previous wars combined, going back several thousand years in magnitude, carnage, and casualties. WWI accounted for an estimated 40 million deaths. The world as we know it today, was forged by the fire of WWI. Headlines around the world identified the war with the horsemen of the Apocalypse, both visually and in print. There has been no peace since 1914, the outbreak of WWI. Somewhere on the planet at any given time, there has been a war, a revolution, or some type of conflict in progress.
WWII was four times greater than WWI and incurred an estimated 70-80 million deaths. WWII ushered in genocide on an industrial level (the Holocaust) and the nuclear age (Hiroshima & Nagasaki). For the first time in history, man had achieved the technological capacity of destroying all life, on planet earth. (See Matthew 24:21-22)
The great depression of the 1930’s created famine conditions for tens of millions of people around the world. As a result of WWI; revolution, political unrest, subsequent dictatorships, and massive famines occurred in Russia, China, India, and Africa. 30 million died in China, alone.
Earthquakes have increased in frequency and magnitude at an alarming rate. Note the increase of earthquakes occurring in 38 year cycles and at a 6.99 magnitude.
1863-1900=2 earthquakes
1901-1938=53 earthquakes
1939-1976=71 earthquakes
1977-2014=164 earthquakes
The 1918 Spanish Influenza was the greatest pestilence to ever infect the human race, . It accounted for approximately 50 million deaths. The emergence of cancer and heart disease, in the twentieth century, has accounted for millions of deaths. Recently, COVID 19 has accounted for approximately 14.7-24.9 million deaths. (May 2022 Wikipedia)
An estimated 23 false Christs or false Messiahs appeared during the 20th century, misleading and deceiving their followers.
Jesus predicted that there would be signs in the sun and moon and stars. To date we have seen 4 Lunar eclipses (tetrads), known as blood moons. These are the dates: 4/15/14, 10/8/14, 4/4/15, & 9/28/15. To date we have also seen 4 solar eclipses (tetrads), where the sun was darkened. These are the dates: 3/9/16, 9/1/16, 8/21/17, & 7/27/18.
The rebirth of Israel as a nation was foretold to take place. In 1948, Israel was made a nation by a proclamation of the United Nations. Jews from all nations began returning to their homeland and being repatriated. In 1967, Jerusalem was no longer trampled on or occupied by the Gentile nations. The city came under Israeli occupation in 1967 and remains so until this day.
The Apostle’s End Time Prophesies
Under inspiration, the apostles gave end time prophesies that were noteworthy. The Apostle Paul warned that there would be those who would falsely predict the second coming of the Lord. During the twentieth century and up to the present time, there have been many predictions made by false prophets and adventists as to the day and hour of our Lord’s return. Those who made such predictions failed to heed Jesus’ warning concerning false prophets; that no man knows the day or the hour, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
The Apostle Paul warned believers at 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2: “1 Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus and our being assembled to meet Him, we beg you, brethren, 2 not to be quickly shaken in mind or excited, either by spirit or by word, or by letter purporting to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. 3 Let no one deceive you in any way. . .”
Jesus, at Matthew 24:36 said: “36 But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. ”
The Apostle Peter wrote that there was a world in ancient times that was destroyed with water. By the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, and are being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
2 Peter 3:5-7 states: “5 They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago, and the earth formed out of water and by means of water, 6 through which the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 And by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist have been stored up for fire, being kept (being reserved) until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.”
Peter prophesied that there would be ridiculers in the last days, saying that things have always been this way. The truth of the matter is, things have not always been this way! The dawning of the twentieth century brought an unprecedented era of violence, warfare, famine, pestilence, earthquakes, and lawlessness.
2 Peter 3:3-4 states: “3 Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers (ridiculers) will come with their mocking (ridicule), following after their own lusts, 4 and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers (our forefathers) fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation (creation’s beginning).'”
As we near the end of this system of things, the many signs that Jesus gave are increasing in frequency and intensity. Jesus likened this increase to the labor pangs of a pregnant woman, when she is about to give birth.
Matthew 24:8 states: “All of these things (signs) are a beginning of birth pangs (labor pangs, early pangs of childbirth, pangs of distress).” (Previously cited, See also Mark 13:8)
The Apostle Paul also likened the progression of the last days, to the labor pangs of a pregnant woman. He identified what the very last sign would be, a proclamation of “Peace and security.” This would signal the immediate destruction of the ungodly and the coming of the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-5 states: “1 Now as to the times and the epochs (seasons) brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. 3 While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety (Peace and security)!’ then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief, 5 for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night or of darkness.”
The Apostle Paul predicted that Christians would be undergoing tribulation and affliction at the coming of the Lord. The Lord will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire. Christ will make tribulation for those who are persecuting His saints. This will be divine retribution on Christ’s part, for all those who do not know God and obey the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. They will undergo the punishment of eternal destruction from the presence of the Lord, when Christ comes on that day to be glorified in His saints, because the testimony they were given was believed.
1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 states: “5 This is evidence of of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be made worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering– 6 since indeed God deems it just to repay with affliction (tribulation) those who afflict you (those who make tribulation for you), -7 and to grant rest (relief) with us to you who are afflicted, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 7 inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and upon those who do not obey the gospel (good news) of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 They shall suffer the punishment of eternal destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might, 10 when He comes on that day to be glorified in His saints, and to be marveled at in all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.”
The Apostle Paul prophesied what people would be like in the last days.
2 Timothy 3:1-13 states:
The Apostle Paul wrote, that as to the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and the gathering of His saints (the rapture), that day will not come unless the apostasy (a falling away from the faith) 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, 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 coming. Note, that the coming of the Lord and the gathering of the saints (the rapture) does not take place, until the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed. This indicates that there will still be saints on the earth, during this final tribulation period. They will witness the appearance of the anti Christ. The vast majority of humans will be under a strong delusion and get to believing the lie. They will be adversely judged, for not believing the truth and taking pleasure in wickedness.
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.”
The Apostle John corroborated that there would be an appearance of the anti-Christ in the last days.
1 John 2:18-19 states: “18 Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be shown that they all are not of us.”
The Reign of the Beast & the Great Tribulation
The time period marking the reign of the anti-Christ or beast, occurs during the great tribulation, and is three & one half times in length (three & one half years), forty two months, or one thousand two hundred & sixty days. The following verses expose the false theology that is so commonly preached, that the reign of the beast and the great tribulation is seven years in length. The dragon (Satan) gives the beast its power and authority over every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. The beast speaks blasphemies against God and His name and all those who dwell in heaven. All of those who worship the beast and take its mark (666) on their forehead or right hand, will have their names stricken from the book of life. No one will be able to buy or sell, unless they take the mark of the beast (either the name of the beast, or the number of his name). This will be an unprecedented time of persecution for the saints or holy ones (the church).
The following verses expose another deception that is so commonly preached, that the saints will be raptured prior to the reign of the beast and the great tribulation. During the tribulation, many Christians will be martyred and taken into captivity. The beast will conquer the holy ones or saints and overcome them. Here is where the faith and endurance of the holy ones comes in. If someone is destined to go into captivity, into captivity they will go; if anyone takes up the sword, they shall perish by the sword.
Revelation 13:4-10 “4 They worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?’ 5 There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months (three and one half years) 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* and to overcome 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, to 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 (the holy ones).”
Daniel 7:25: “25 He will speak out against the Most High and wear down 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 or three and one half years).”
Daniel 12:7: “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 or years); and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed.”
Revelation 13:15-18: “15 And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, 17 and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.”
Revelation 20:4 states: “. . . Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony to Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their forehands or on their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
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.”
The Birth of the Kingdom/ The Great Tribulation/ & the Horsemen of the Apocalypse
The fulfillment of the above prophesies, signals the birth of the Messianic kingdom. The book of Revelation foretells that war would eventually break out in heaven. This war would mark the birth of the kingdom of God and the authority of His Christ, who begins His rule and enthronement from heaven. This war would also result in the dragon (Satan the Devil) and his angels being cast out of heaven (God’s throne room), down to the earth (His footstool).
Revelation 12:7-10 states: “7 Now war arose (broke out) in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting (fought) against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, 8 but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent (the original 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. 10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, ‘Now (has come to pass) the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ has come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.'”
Isaiah 66:1 declares: “Thus saith the LORD (Yahweh). ‘Heaven is thy throne, and the earth is thy footstool.'”
Jesus taught us to pray, at Matthew 6:10: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
This war and the ousting of the Devil and his angels from heaven, ushers in the the birth of the Messianic kingdom and the beginning of the great tribulation on earth, the final part of the last days. This also indicates a short period of time for the Devil, who is angry and misleading the entire inhabited earth.
Revelation 12:12 states: “Rejoice then O heaven and you that dwell within! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the Devil has come down to you in (having) great wrath, because he knows that his time is short (he has a short period of time)!”
Jesus prophesied about the great tribulation and its unprecedented severity and impact on the human race.
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 (flesh) would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect (the chosen ones, God’s chosen people) those days will be cut short.” (Previously cited)
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 (flesh) would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days.” (Previously cited)
The prophecy at Psalms 110:1-2 tells us that Christ’s enemies will still be present, when He receives the heavenly kingdom and enthronement from His Father.
“1 The LORD (Yahweh) said to my Lord (Christ); ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool (a footstool for your feet).’ 2 The LORD sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your foes (your enemies).” (Previously cited)
Upon receiving kingly authority and rule from His Father in heaven, Christ’s enemies (Satan and his demonic host) are cast out of heaven, down to the earth.* Christ’s enemies are now made a footstool for His feet. This marks the commencement of the great tribulation, a short period of time (3 1/2 years in length), with unprecedented woes and troubles for the earth’s inhabitants. (See Revelation 12:1-6) Although confined to the earth’s realm, Satan and his minions are not vanquished. In this sense, Christ now reigns from heaven in the midst of His enemies.
The beginning of Christ’s reign is signified by His riding a white horse with a crown on His head. What follows His enthronement are three other riders, each with unprecedented woes for the earth and its inhabitants, known as the “horse men of the Apocalypse.”
The First Rider: Christ, enthroned as king and ruling from heaven, rules in the midst of His enemies. Christ begins His ride and goes forth conquering.
Revelation 6:2-8 states: “2 And I saw, and behold, a white horse, and its rider had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.”
The Second Rider: Global warfare and permission to take peace away from the earth.
Revelation 6:4 states: “4 And out came another horse, bright red; its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that men should slay one another; and he was given a great sword.”
The Third Rider: Famine and massive inflation, where commodities such as olive oil and wine would be viewed as very precious.
Revelation 6:5 states: “5 And I saw and behold a black horse, and its rider had a balance in its hand; 6 and I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, but do not harm oil and wine.'”
The Fourth Rider: Death, followed by Hades (the grave) and authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword, famine, pestilence, and the wild beasts of the earth.
Revelation 6:8 states: “8 And I saw, and behold, a pale horse, and its riders name was Death, and Hades (the grave) followed him; and they were given power over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by (the) wild beasts of the earth.”
A more recent interpretation of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse is that the first rider is not a representation of Jesus Christ at all, but instead, pictures the anti-Christ. The rationale for this theology is that Jesus is never identified in scripture as a King, riding a white horse with a bow, but only represented as a King, riding a white horse with a sword. The argument is also made that the succeeding horsemen who follow the first rider, bring only war, famine, plagues, and death for earth’s inhabitants. This certainly would not be indicative of Christ on a white horse, but only the anti-Christ. Therefore, the first rider must picture the anti-Christ.
The question then arises, “Is there any passage of scripture that portrays Christ as a king, riding a horse, and with a bow?” Yes there is! The following prophecy in Psalms depicts the enthroned Christ as bearing a royal scepter. He has been anointed by His God and Father and is now enthroned. In majesty He rides forth victoriously, shooting arrows into His enemies, who fall under Him.
Psalms 45:4-7 states: “4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously for the cause of truth and to defend the right; let your right hand teach you dread deeds! 5 Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; the peoples fall under you. 6 Your divine throne endures for ever and ever. Your royal scepter is a scepter of equity; you love righteousness and hate wickedness. 7 Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows . . .”
The book of Revelation Ch. 19, also identifies Jesus Christ as the Word of God, King of kings, and Lord of lords. In a manner similar to Revelation Ch. 6, He is riding a white horse as a conqueror and leading the armies of heaven. He has a long sword protruding out of His mouth, by which He smites the nations and rules over them with a rod of iron.
Revelation 19:11, 15-16 states: “11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called the Word of God. 14 And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on horses. 15 From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike (might smite) down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the winepress of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. 16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, ‘King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.'”
The above scriptural passages, found in Psalms Ch. 45 and Revelation Ch. 6 & 19, clearly identify Jesus Christ as the newly crowned king and rider of a white horse. He has a bow, by which He shoots arrows into His enemies, and a long sword proceeding from His mouth, by which He smites the nations. On His head are many diadems (a crown) and He is riding forth victoriously and in majesty to conquer. The armies of heaven are following Him. He goes forth, conquering in the midst of His enemies, who are still present on earth. He has been anointed by His God and Father and bears the royal scepter. His divine throne endures forever.
From these passages, it is clearly evident that Christ is first crowned King and given power and authority from heaven. (See Matthew 6:9-10 & Revelation 12:7-10, previously cited) As a result, Christ’s enemies (Satan and his angels) are cast out of heaven, down to earth. This represents an unprecedented time of trouble or tribulation for the earth and its inhabitants. This is pictured by the other riders of the Apocalypse, who follow the first rider, the newly enthroned King of kings and Lord of lords, Christ Jesus! The armies of heaven follow the Word of God, as both King and conqueror. He will smite the nations and rule them with a rod of iron. In these many ways, the description of the first rider of the Apocalypse (Revelation Ch. 6); who is wearing a crown, riding a white horse, and going forth to conquer – aligns with the later rider of the Apocalypse (Revelation Ch. 19); who is also wearing a crown, riding a white horse, and going forth to conquer. The rider in both of these passages can be none other than the Word of God, Christ Jesus!
The Coming Kingdom & the Battle of Armageddon
The coming of God’s kingdom is a joint venture, involving both God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. In this sense they are both coming.
Matthew 6:9-10 states: “9 . . . Our Father (God the Father) who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Previously cited)
Revelation 11:18 states: “The kingdom of our world has become the kingdom of our Lord (God the Father), and of His Christ.”
Jesus said at Matthew 16:27: “For the Son of Man is to come with His angels in the glory of His Father (in His Father’s glory). . .” (See also Daniel 7:13-14, Psalms 2:1-9, & Psalms Ch. 110)
A worldwide political entity known as “the beast” (the eighth king of Bible history), along with ten horns (ten kings) who give their allegiance to the beast during this final hour, will battle with the Lamb (Christ Jesus) and those who are called, chosen, and faithful (the returning saints). The beast and the ten horns will be defeated by the Lamb, the enthroned Christ, because He is King of kings and Lord of lords.
Revelation 17:9-14 states: “9 This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains. . . 10 they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he comes he must remain only for a little while. 11 As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to perdition (destruction).* 12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast; 14 they will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with Him are called and chosen and faithful.”*
The final confrontation between God Almighty and the kings of the earth will be at a place called in Hebrew, “Armageddon” (Harmageddon). This final battle will determine the future rulership of the planet and usher in a thousand year reign of Christ, known as the millennium.
Revelation 16:13-16 states: “13 And I saw, issuing from the mouth of the dragon (Satan) and from the mouth of the beast and from the mouth of the false prophet, three foul spirits like frogs; 14 for they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God Almighty. 15 ‘Lo, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is he who is awake, keeping his garments that he may not go naked and be seen exposed.’ 16 And they assembled them at a place which is called in Hebrew Armageddon (Harmageddon).”
The catastrophic results of the battle of Armageddon will be the devastating carnage and strewn corpses of the defeated nations and their armies. This will be an all out confrontation with God Almighty and His enthroned Son, Jesus Christ. The beast, the kings of the earth, their armies, and all of those who take the mark of the beast, will be thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulphur.
Revelation 19:17-21 states: “17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly in midheaven, ‘Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.’ 19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against Him (Christ) who sits upon the horse and against His army. 20 And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had worked the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulphur. 21 And the rest were slain with the sword of Him who sits upon the horse, the sword that issues from His mouth; and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.”
*Red print is for variations of scriptural passages and/or for clarification.
*The sea in scripture is symbolic of the turbulent, wicked, masses of humanity; peoples, tribes, nations, and tongues. “There is no peace for the wicked one,” saith the LORD. (See Isaiah 57:19-21 & Revelation 17:15)