So what do you know about End Time Prophecy? I do not pretend to be an expert on End Time Prophecy at all. But when I discovered that my Sunday School girls knew almost nothing about it, I decided to immerse myself into learning more about it so I could teach them what I learned.
Back in the 1970's there was a lot of talk and preaching about End Time Prophecy in churches. Much of it (in my opinion) was fear based. And then time passed and the pendulum swung too far the other way and for years the church has been silent to the point that now several generations don't even have a clue about what is to come. Most people don't try to learn about prophecy because the perception is that prophecy is too difficult to understand and so why even try. The problem is most people get hung up in the detailed symbolism and end up feeling too overwhelmed by the forest that they don't look at the trees.
What follows is what I developed to teach my 7th graders. It is not an in-depth study. It is just a snap shot overview of the main points. It literally is basic 101 information. I hope it helps you understand more about prophecy and I hope it peaks your interest to learn even more. There are some excellent studies by people gifted in the ability to understand and explain prophecy which I would be happy to recommend for further study.
I hope as you read this it will not create any kind of fear in your heart. My prayer is that it will release you from any preconceived fears and free you to live the kind of life God has prepared for you. Let's start. Let's find out what Jesus has to say.
Among other things, the Bible is a record of historical facts—things that have already happened. But, it also is a predictor of the future—telling us of things that are still to come. Many of the prophecies in the Bible have already been fulfilled and are therefore now part of history. The prophecies concerning the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ are examples of prophecies recorded in the Old Testament that were fulfilled when Jesus was born and are now part of history. Even our calendar is based off the birth of Jesus with AD (anno Domini) counting the years from His birth and BC (before Christ) used to label the years prior to his birth.
Why is it important to know what the Bible says is going to happen? You can't be prepared if you don't know what to prepare for. It is easy to just go about life, planning our futures, and believing Christ is not going to return during our lifetime. The Bible shows us different examples of this happening. During the time of Noah, people were going about their lives as if God's judgment would not happen. (Matthew 24:38) For 120 years they were warned but no one was listening except Noah and his family. (Genesis 6:3; I Peter 3:20) There came a time when it was too late and the doors of the Ark were shut.
Another example is what happened during the time Lot lived in Sodom and Gomorrah. The Lord sent men to warn them... but no one was listening. They didn't want to change their lives. They didn't want to hear about consequences. But just because we would like to live with our heads buried in the sand, or are just too busy to listen, it doesn't mean we can alter for one second the reality of God's promised judgment. Just as we can see that God's promised judgment happened in the past, we can be assured that His prophecies about the future will happen as well.
Even though the prophets foretold Christ's birth, how many people were actively awaiting or looking for the prophecy to be fulfilled? The wise men traveled from continents far away to find the Christ Child the prophets said was coming, yet God's people were going about their daily lives in an adjoining town and totally missed the event. Christ second returning may not happen in my lifetime or in your lifetime. But what if it does? We need to know what the Bible says. And we are responsible to make sure we share our knowledge and understanding with those around us.
Why study prophecy? Prophecy is truth—and the truth sets you free. Understanding prophecy brings you:
Back in the 1970's there was a lot of talk and preaching about End Time Prophecy in churches. Much of it (in my opinion) was fear based. And then time passed and the pendulum swung too far the other way and for years the church has been silent to the point that now several generations don't even have a clue about what is to come. Most people don't try to learn about prophecy because the perception is that prophecy is too difficult to understand and so why even try. The problem is most people get hung up in the detailed symbolism and end up feeling too overwhelmed by the forest that they don't look at the trees.
"The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near." Revelation 1:1–3Revelation 1:1–3 clearly says the Book of Revelations is the revelation of Jesus (NCV); a message from Jesus Christ; and blessed is the one who reads it. It is God's message to us! We should want to know what it reveals about Jesus; what God's message to us is; and we should desire the blessings that come from reading it. Reading Revelations brings hope and encouragement. In it we are shown how to live; we are given a glimpse into the future; Satan is defeated once and for all; Jesus is victorious; and the final battle is won. It teaches us how to live NOW while we await the fulfillment of God's promises and our eternal reward.
What follows is what I developed to teach my 7th graders. It is not an in-depth study. It is just a snap shot overview of the main points. It literally is basic 101 information. I hope it helps you understand more about prophecy and I hope it peaks your interest to learn even more. There are some excellent studies by people gifted in the ability to understand and explain prophecy which I would be happy to recommend for further study.
I hope as you read this it will not create any kind of fear in your heart. My prayer is that it will release you from any preconceived fears and free you to live the kind of life God has prepared for you. Let's start. Let's find out what Jesus has to say.
End Time Prophecy –101
The Bible clearly tells us we should always be looking for the day of Christ's return. But, how can we see it if we are not looking for it? And, how can we see it if we don't know what to look for?Among other things, the Bible is a record of historical facts—things that have already happened. But, it also is a predictor of the future—telling us of things that are still to come. Many of the prophecies in the Bible have already been fulfilled and are therefore now part of history. The prophecies concerning the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ are examples of prophecies recorded in the Old Testament that were fulfilled when Jesus was born and are now part of history. Even our calendar is based off the birth of Jesus with AD (anno Domini) counting the years from His birth and BC (before Christ) used to label the years prior to his birth.
Why is it important to know what the Bible says is going to happen? You can't be prepared if you don't know what to prepare for. It is easy to just go about life, planning our futures, and believing Christ is not going to return during our lifetime. The Bible shows us different examples of this happening. During the time of Noah, people were going about their lives as if God's judgment would not happen. (Matthew 24:38) For 120 years they were warned but no one was listening except Noah and his family. (Genesis 6:3; I Peter 3:20) There came a time when it was too late and the doors of the Ark were shut.
Another example is what happened during the time Lot lived in Sodom and Gomorrah. The Lord sent men to warn them... but no one was listening. They didn't want to change their lives. They didn't want to hear about consequences. But just because we would like to live with our heads buried in the sand, or are just too busy to listen, it doesn't mean we can alter for one second the reality of God's promised judgment. Just as we can see that God's promised judgment happened in the past, we can be assured that His prophecies about the future will happen as well.
Even though the prophets foretold Christ's birth, how many people were actively awaiting or looking for the prophecy to be fulfilled? The wise men traveled from continents far away to find the Christ Child the prophets said was coming, yet God's people were going about their daily lives in an adjoining town and totally missed the event. Christ second returning may not happen in my lifetime or in your lifetime. But what if it does? We need to know what the Bible says. And we are responsible to make sure we share our knowledge and understanding with those around us.
Why study prophecy? Prophecy is truth—and the truth sets you free. Understanding prophecy brings you:
- Hope
- Security
- Knowledge
- Understanding
- Peace
It should NOT bring fear. Prophecy is not intended to make you afraid and fearful of the future. Prophecy should instead bring hope for the future because you know the One who holds the future; security because the God who fulfilled all His promises in the past is the same God who will fulfill His promises for your future; knowledge in how to life your life today; understanding that it really is ALL about Him; and peace to know you are safe in His hands. So be encouraged. (I Thessalonians 5:11)
The return of Christ is mentioned 318 times (more times than there are chapters) in the New Testament. It's relevant. It's important to know; it is important to understand. See: Acts 1:11; I Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation 1:1; Revelation 22:20
What does the Bible say about End Times? Jesus IS coming again. But how will we know when? Matthew 24:36 - "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Matthew 25:13 - "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hours in which the Son of Man is coming." Mark 13:32 - "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." No one knows. No man, no angel, and not even Jesus knew while he was on this earth. Only God the Father knows. If you hear someone predicting a date for Christ's return you can be assured it is a false statement. The Bible says ONLY the Father knows.
What does the Bible say about End Times? Jesus IS coming again. But how will we know when? Matthew 24:36 - "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Matthew 25:13 - "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hours in which the Son of Man is coming." Mark 13:32 - "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." No one knows. No man, no angel, and not even Jesus knew while he was on this earth. Only God the Father knows. If you hear someone predicting a date for Christ's return you can be assured it is a false statement. The Bible says ONLY the Father knows.
The Second Coming of Christ has two parts with events that happen between them:
1. The Rapture of the Church—I Thessalonians 4:13–18 - Christ returns in the air and removes His Church from this earth before His judgment of the earth begins.The dead in Christ will rise first followed by those alive, and they will meet the Lord in the air. Jesus promised His return in John 14 - "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am there you may be also." This is when we will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and we will be judged and given crowns for the works we did while on earth. (Remember— works cannot bring you salvation or get you in heaven. Works are done because of your salvation!) This is not a judgment to separate believers from unbelievers or to determine if you go to heaven. This judgment is for believers only and happens after the Church is raptured.
Prophecy isn't about being frightened about the future. It should instead encourage us, give us hope, and prepare us for the future. Understanding what the Bible says is going to happen should make us want to live each day as if it were our last. Do the important things—TODAY! Tell your lost family members and friends about Christ—TODAY! Live your life the way Christ would want you to—TODAY!
Diagram of Pre-Millennial Doctrine:
If you knew Jesus was coming at any time:
The Tribulation—Revelation 11–18 - This is a seven year period of time that will be the worst time the earth has ever seen... a horrible, horrific time. There will be conflict, confusions, and wickedness like never known before. After the Church is raptured, the Holy Spirit's presence will be absent and great punishments will happen upon the earth and the people who are living during this time. The last three and one half years are known as the Great Tribulation. This is when the plagues and destruction multiplies. During this time there will be:
It is dangerous (and probably wrong) to think you will have the time or the ability to surrender your heart to Christ once all the other Christians have been raptured. II Thessalonians 2:9–12 says a strong delusion will come upon those who heard but did not surrender to the Gospel prior to the Rapture. Many scholars feel scripture says those who refused to accept Christ before this time will not be given a second chance. The salvation of the multitude of people during this time is for those who have never heard. If they hear and believe, they will be saved, but it will probably cost them their lives.
- Worldwide judgment (seals, trumpets, vials, etc. talked about in the Book of Revelation)
- Persecution of Israel (Jacob's trouble from Jeremiah 30:7)
- Salvation of many people who had never heard the Gospel because of the two witnesses and 144,000 people God sent. (Revelation 7; 11:3–14; 14:1)
You may have heard the terms, "pre-tribulation", "mid-tribulation"; or "post-tribulation." These are timelines when different people believe the rapture will take place. I believe scripture to say that God's people will be raptured prior to the beginning of the tribulation.* (Romans 8:1) Whether it is "pre", "mid", or "post" isn't what is important and shouldn't be something we get stuck focusing on. What is important is Jesus IS coming again and we need to be ready.
The Antichrist—II Thessalonians 2 - The Bible does not tell us who he will be, but we do know the Antichrist is Satan's counterfeit to Christ. Christ came from heaven to bring salvation to the lost. The Antichrist comes from hell and is empowered by Satan for the purpose of destroying. The Holy Trinity is God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The unholy trinity is Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet. In the Book of Revelations, he is called "the beast." The Antichrist will be a world leader. He will be charismatic. He will be cunning. He will have the ability to attract people to himself and turn people away from the true Christ. And, scripture says he will be cruel. (Daniel 7:23) He wants to dominate the world, and he will do anything to get what he wants. The world is going to be looking for someone who can bring peace. It will appear that he has all the answers. He will orchestrate peace in the Middle East, and for three and one half years it will appear there is peace. But his promise of peace is only a facade and he begins to persecute Israel.
The Bible says the Antichrist will be assassinated. Whether he was truly dead or whether it was all a clever trick, by the power of Satan he comes back to "life," again trying to counterfeit the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The world sees this and his power increases even more. Following the plan of Satan, the Antichrist orders the False Prophet to demand that all people receive "the mark of the beast." (Revelation 16:2; 19:20) Those who receive the mark will be able to buy and sell. Those who refuse to receive the mark will face starvation and death.
The Antichrist uses fear as a method to get people to worship him. (What does the Bible say about fear? Does fear ever come from the Lord?) Jesus was the "Lamb of God", the False Prophet looks like a lamb but speaks like a dragon. (Revelation 13:11–12) Satan created a false lamb, again trying to imitate Christ. The false prophet will be able to do "great signs" and miracles. Satan doesn't have the same power as God, but he is a master of manipulating circumstances and situations and making things appear to be equivalent to what God has done. He is an expert in counterfeiting.
Years ago, I used to wonder how in the world this could ever happen. With all the changes in technology I have witnessed in my lifetime, it is now very simple to understand how this could happen. Everything we purchase now has a bar code. The first bar code was introduced in 1974. We seldom use cash anymore. We use debit cards instead. We put microchips in our pets so they can be identified if lost. Microchips (about the size of a grain of rice) have been implanted into humans for identification. We use electronic devices like I-Zoom. We just drive through a toll booth or under an overhead pole and our "information" is read. It is just so easy now to understand how the entire world could be turned into a "one-world" system and controlled by the unholy trinity. The Antichrist ultimate purpose is to set up himself as the one to be worshiped in the temple of the Jews in Jerusalem. Again trying to counterfeit the true One who reigns as the King of the Jews. BUT Satan does not get the last word.2. The Return of Christ the King to the Earth—Revelation 19:11–21 - The doors of heaven open, and Christ surrounded by armies of saints (you and me), and the angels descend to the earth and God brings judgment, justice, and avenges the wickedness of the world. Jesus leads the battle against evil, He saves Israel, and the Beast and False Prophet are captured and "cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone."
Battle of Armageddon—Revelation 16:13–16 - The earth's final Great War. All the nations of the world gather for battle against Israel and eventually Christ. Satan wants nothing more than to destroy Israel—God's chosen people. Israel is surrounded on all sides. The blood shed is incomprehensible. (Revelation 14:20) This battle sets the stage for the second part of Christ's Second Coming. Christ returns to defeat the enemies of Christ.
Millennium—Satan is bound for one thousand years, and Christ reigns and rules over an earthly kingdom (what the Jews expected Him to do during His first coming), and there will be universal peace, justice, and joy—a taste of heaven on earth. The saints (you and me) will reign with Christ during this time. Our rewards, responsibilities and positions will be determined by our faithfulness in this life. (Matthew 25:14–30)"Jesus, the One who says these things are true, says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus." Revelation 22:20
Great White Throne Judgment—Revelation 20:1–10 - At the end of the 1000 year Millennium, Satan is set free for a brief time and then he and his angels are cast in the lake of fire to remain there for eternity. The Great White Throne Judgment begins. This is the judgment time for all who have refused to bow their knees and confess that Christ is Lord. There is no defense and no argument. Scripture says every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Christ is the Lord. (Philippians 2:10–11) However, for those who stand at the Great White Throne Judgment it is too late. They have made their choice and their sentence has already been determined—eternity in hell.
Eternal Heaven—Revelation 21–22 - There is a new heaven and a new earth. The New Jerusalem descends from the sky. "It is finished. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give free water from the spring of water of life to anyone who is thirsty. Those who win the victory will receive this, and I will be their God, and they will be my children."
Prophecy isn't about being frightened about the future. It should instead encourage us, give us hope, and prepare us for the future. Understanding what the Bible says is going to happen should make us want to live each day as if it were our last. Do the important things—TODAY! Tell your lost family members and friends about Christ—TODAY! Live your life the way Christ would want you to—TODAY!
Diagram of Pre-Millennial Doctrine:
- What are you doing now that you would stop doing?
- What are you not doing now that you would start doing?
Change your heart and lives—TODAY!
Addendum: 9/15/2020 ~ * While I believe the Bible to say the Church will be raptured pre-tribulation, there are many Bible scholars and theologians who believe the Bible says it will be mid-tribulation or even post-tribulation. Either way, I want to be ready and able to discern the times in which we live. With the many disturbing events of 2020, it has become even more apparent that we are living in a time when scripture is unfolding before our very eyes.
Addendum: 9/15/2020 ~ * While I believe the Bible to say the Church will be raptured pre-tribulation, there are many Bible scholars and theologians who believe the Bible says it will be mid-tribulation or even post-tribulation. Either way, I want to be ready and able to discern the times in which we live. With the many disturbing events of 2020, it has become even more apparent that we are living in a time when scripture is unfolding before our very eyes.
Even so LORD Jesus, come!
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