Annotated Outline for Endtime Events Presented in Chronological Order
From the seven years of Daniel to the Millennial Kingdom of Jesus
October 2024 www.endtimeflow.com
Bible passages throughout this document are copied from the Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV), Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc., Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The outline in this section was developed to present endtime knowledge in chronological order. The Bible says that the endtime events spoken of in this paper will occur. They could happen in our lifetime. The times seem right.
The diagram at the end of this article might help you visualize the endtime period.
My intent is to present truth. Grammar and style are of lesser importance as you may discover as you read. Many hours of Bible study and prayer went into this work. God has seen fit to show me details that I had not previously discovered and also corrected me on some misconceptions that I had formerly held. It is both my joy and my fear that this outline is basically correct and that the time is near.
I. Background of Daniel’s Seven-Year period.
A. The angel Gabriel tells Daniel of 70 seven-year periods to bring in ‘lasting’ Jewish righteousness (Daniel 9:24).
B. Gabriel tells Daniel of the Messiah’s death after sixty-nine of the periods (Daniel 9:26). This is a reference to the death of Jesus.
C. Jewish righteousness has not yet been established to this very day, therefore the final seven-year period cannot have been completed at any point in the past.
D. Gabriel tells Daniel that the final seven-year period will begin with a ‘covenant,’ probably a peace treaty (Daniel 9:27). Because this ‘covenant’ is in no way described and because a number of peace treaties have been made and will be made, we cannot be sure when we see a treaty if that treaty is the one spoken of to Daniel. What we can be sure of is that this seven-year period is either in progress or will occur at some future point in time.
E. Jesus did not at His first appearance bring in the Righteous Kingdom of Israel that the Jews were expecting. His disciples asked Him the sign of His future coming (Matthew 24:3). Jesus explained a number of events that would happen before He returned (Matthew 24:4-14), but the only concrete event He mentioned was the ‘abomination that causes desolation’ at the middle of the final seven-year period (Matthew 24:15).
F. We may not realize the beginning of the seven-year period even if it happens in our day, but we can be certain of one event in the middle of the seven years. Daniel is told that the same person who facilitates the ‘covenant’ will put an end to sacrifice and set up an ‘abomination that causes desolation’ (Daniel 9:27).
G. The Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D. and no animal sacrifices have been made since that time. How could a present-day occurrence put an end to sacrifices at the Temple?
1. The Temple was destroyed, but yet today the Western Wall of the Temple still stands. A new Temple is not needed, the old one will do.
2. Animal sacrifices are not the only kind of daily sacrifices. Many people, mostly Jews, but even some Christians, pray daily at the Western Wall of the Temple. Our prayers, our actions, our giving of ourselves and of our possessions are ‘living sacrifices’ (Romans 12:1).
II. When Jesus spoke of the ‘abomination that causes desolation’ at the ‘Holy Place’ (Matthew 24:15), He was speaking of a sinful desecrating event taking place at the Temple site, the Western Wall. Jesus was speaking to Christians (His disciples) and saying, “When YOU see. . . ,“ implying that Christians will be around to see this event. Christians will be on earth at the time of the ‘abomination,’ the Rapture will not yet have taken place.
III. We have often heard of the seven-year Tribulation. There is no seven-year Tribulation in the Bible. Nothing in Daniel 9:27 shows the first half of the seven years to be a time of Tribulation for Jews or Christians. The Tribulation is defined by Jesus in Matthew 24:21 as an event beginning after the ‘abomination that causes desolation.’
IV. Although Jesus likely will have opened the first four seals on the Heavenly Scroll before the middle of the seven-year period and revealed Antichrist’s military prowess (Revelation 6:1-8, Daniel 11:36-41), the Tribulation will not begin until the middle of the seven years. A number of events will take place nearly simultaneously at the middle of the seven years to subdue Israel and begin intense persecution of Jews and Christians.
A. The ‘abomination that causes desolation will occur (Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15). Antichrist will make sure that most people on earth know of this event.
B. The identity of Antichrist (the Beast out of the Sea) will be revealed at the time of the ‘abomination’ (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).
C. The Beast out of the Earth (the False Prophet) will be revealed (Revelation 13:11-17, Revelation 16:13, Revelation 19:20, Revelation 20:10).
D. The ‘Tribulation begins at the middle of the seven years and lasts until the end of the seven-year period in Israel.
E. Antichrist’s Gentile army will occupy Israel for 42 months (Revelation 11:2).
F. Half of the Jews in Jerusalem will flee into the ‘wilderness’ for 1,260 days to escape the attack of Antichrist (Revelation 12:6, Zechariah 14:2).
G. Satan will be hurled to earth by the Archangel Michael (Revelation 12:7-9).
H. Satan will begin a reign of terror on Christians (Revelation 12:17).
I. Two prophetic Witnesses will begin their 1.260-day ministry to the Jews remaining in Jerusalem (Revelation 11:3-6).
J. The following time periods are all three and a half years as used in the Bible.
1. Time, times, and half a time
2. 1,260 days
3. 42 months
4. Any of these times periods will take us from the ‘abomination’ at the middle of the seven years to Righteous Israel at the end of the seven years.
K. All time periods in the references above apply only to Israel. After the end of the seven-year period, Righteous Israel will exist, but although the ‘Tribulation’ will end for Israel, it will continue for a short while for the Gentile world. When the ‘Wrath of God (Day of the Lord) occurs later, it too will last past the end of the seven years.
1. The ‘Tribulation’ begins at the midpoint of the seven years.
2. God does not take any offensive action against Satan or Antichrist on earth until after the Appearance of Jesus (Matthew 24:26-51). This is the ‘Wrath of God’ also called ‘The Day of the Lord.’
3. Once the ‘Wrath’ does show up, it will last past the end of the seven years just as the ‘Tribulation’ does.
V. This presentation spends much of its time in the Book of Revelation from chapter 2 through chapter 19. The following assumptions are made about the Book of Revelation:
A. This portion of Revelation is largely chronological and much of it is literal.
1. A major exception to the chronological assumption are chapters 12 and 13, which can be termed as ‘flashback’ chapters. Chapter 17 also presents new information on items that were discussed earlier. These chapters explain persons and events involved in actions that have a role in the entire last half of the seven years.
B. Satan is not mentioned until Revelation chapter 12. Once introduced, it is clear that he has had a part in everything that happens at the middle of the seven years. As one would expect, he is the mastermind of the Tribulation that begins with the ‘abomination.’ This is Satan’s Tribulation, not God’s.
1. Satan has had freedom for centuries to go where he wants and to do much of what he wants. In Revelation 12:7-9, we see Satan hurled to earth by the Archangel Michael. This happens at the midpoint of the seven years as seen in Revelation 12:6.
2. Keep in mind that Michael is the protecting angel for the nation and the people of Israel (Daniel 12:1).
3. Satan is angry and humiliated by having been overcome by Michael. Satan will now cause as much trouble as he can. He will try to overcome some Jews who will be escaping from Israel at the time of the ‘abomination’, but they will be protected by God (Revelation 12:6-16).
4. The escaping Jews will be Satan’s first target because they are God’s Chosen People, but when he cannot reach them, he will turn his attention to Christians (Revelation 12:17).
VI. In chapter 13 we encounter more individuals who will have a very major part in the ‘abomination’ at the middle of the seven years.
A. The Beast out of the Sea is pictured as a seven-headed dragon. The ‘sea’ is probably meant to picture the Mediterranean Sea which borders many countries, and this Beast will rule over a number of nations. This ‘Beast’ is the person we commonly call Antichrist.
B. Antichrist shows up a number of places in the Bible under different names.
1. Antichrist is the ‘Gog’ of Ezekiel chapters 35-39.
2. Antichrist is the ‘little horn’ of Daniel 7:8-11.
3. Antichrist is the ‘he’ in Daniel 9:27, the one who facilitates the ‘covenant’ and the one who puts an end to sacrifice at the Temple.
4. Antichrist is the king spoken of in Daniel 11:36-45.
5. Antichrist is the ‘man of lawlessness’ of 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.
C. One of the Beast’s seven heads seemed to have a fatal sword wound (Revelation 13:3). We find that this is the head that represents Antichrist (Revelation 13:12).
1. The severe wound will have healed. This may be a literal physical wound, or it may be a symbolic wound that would seemed to have kept Antichrist from gaining his position of power.
D. In Revelation chapter 13 we also encounter the Beast out of the Earth.
1. It is not usually a good idea to disagree with Bible translators if one does not know Hebrew or Greek, but the word translated as ‘earth’ in many translations can also be translated as ‘land’ or ‘country’ according to the dictionary in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. This passage may be speaking of the Land of Israel, and will be interpreted as Israel in this writing.
2. The Beast out of the earth (country) seems to have a tie to Israel inasmuch as it is he who actually places the ‘abomination that causes desolation’ at the Temple site (Revelation 13:14-15).
a) This same Beast is called the ‘False Prophet’ in Revelation 16:13, Revelation 19:20, and Revelation 20:10.
b) It is clear that this False Prophet acts on behalf of Antichrist (Revelation 19:20).
c) Since he is called a ‘false prophet,’ it is sometimes argued that he is a religious figure, but it seems more likely that he is a ‘prophet’ on behalf of Antichrist in the same sense that Aaron was a ‘prophet’ on behalf of Moses (Exodus 7:1). Since he has the power to set up the ‘abomination,’ he may be an official of Israel.
d) Keep in mind that, although this Beast sets up the ‘abomination,’ he sets it up on behalf of Antichrist and very likely at the command of Antichrist.
3. It is also the Beast out of the earth who first sets up what is commonly called the ‘Mark of the Beast.’ In this outline, it will be referred to as the ‘Mark of Antichrist,’ or just as the ‘Mark.’
a) The ‘Mark’ will be considered as a pledge of obedience to Antichrist, and it is exceedingly important to know that accepting this Mark will eternally condemn a person. A sentence of death is infinitely preferable to accepting the Mark.
VII. In Revelation chapter 17 we meet a personification of evil ‘Babylon’.
A. This personification is a woman called a ‘prostitute’ and representing a part of the world defined by excessive luxury and overwhelming sin (Revelation 17:1-7). The term ‘prostitute’ is used to indicate someone who worships gods other than the One True God. A false god is anyone or anything that we place in importance before God. Examples of false gods could include wealth, sports, quilting, cars, guns, food, fame, and power. If anything is more important to you than God and His Word, it is a false god. James 4:8 tells us, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
1. The woman is named ‘Babylon the Great’ and is dressed in purple and glittering with gold, precious stones, and pearls. ‘Babylon’ was used to indicate an ungodly society as Peter used it in 1 Peter 5:13 where it actually referred to Rome as ‘Babylon.’ In our day, 'Babylon' could be any society that denies or distorts God or His Word.
a) The woman is also seen to be drunk with the blood of God’s Holy People. Christians and religious Jews will be persecuted to the point of death.
2. This city is called ‘Babylon,’ and seems to be the capital city of Antichrist.
a) This city seems to be a city of great trade and is known for its excesses and sin.
b) A parallel to this city of ‘Babylon’ can be found in the description of the city of Tyre (Ezekiel chapter 27)
3. This city of 'Babylon' is said to sit on seven hills (Revelation 17:9).
a) The seven hills are a clear reference to Rome.
b) The city of Rome would have had a very negative connotation to early Christians, but in light of current history this reference to Rome could be symbolic of a society descended from ancient Rome.
c) Throughout history, it has often been thought that this reference is to the Catholic Church and the Pope, but this seems extremely unlikely in our modern world. Antichrist is seen to be the leader of a great military power.
(1) Very few nations on earth today could manage the vast military power necessary to threaten the entire world.
d) It is quite likely that ancient Rome is the ancestor of Antichrist’s home city. Today’s ‘Babylon’ will probably be populated by persons descended from one or more of the countries of the Roman Empire.
VIII. In Revelation chapter 17 we again see a Beast. At first glance, this Beast seems to be Antichrist, but we see some notable differences.
A. This scarlet beast, “once was, now is not, and yet will come out of the Abyss and go to its destruction” (Revelation 17:8).
1. This Beast is a demon, he has come out of the holding cell of demons. All mentions of the Abyss in the Bible involve only demons. Antichrist, on the other hand, is a human ruler.
2. We are also told that this Beast is an eighth king and belongs to the other seven (Revelation 17:11).
3. The Book of Revelation tells us that the seven heads of this last Scarlet Beast are seven kings (Revelation 17:10), probably meaning kingdoms. Rome is the sixth of the seven historical kingdoms to have actual control over a Jewish Jerusalem (Revelation 17:10). The others were Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medes-Persians, and Greece. Antichrist must be the seventh king. This is consistent with Revelation 13:1-4.
a) If Antichrist is the seventh king (Revelation 17:10) and this demon is the eighth king, he may be the demon indwelling Antichrist, advising Antichrist, and truly being the power behind the throne.
b) We are told in Daniel 11:38-39 that Antichrist will, “honor a god of fortresses; a god unknown to his ancestors;” and that Antichrist will, “attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god.” The indwelling demon is probably the ‘foreign god’ of Daniel.
c) A similar situation of a human king and a demon can be found in the Book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel 28:1-10 tells of the human king of Tyre. Ezekiel 28:11-19 also speaks of the king of Tyre, but this is a passage about a demon. The human and the demon were working in conjunction with one another.
IX. Other than the ‘abomination that causes desolation,’ what signs of the approaching Tribulation should we be watching for?
A. Antichrist will have had a near-fatal wound inflicted by his enemies (Revelation 13:3). This attack on Antichrist should keep him from power, but he will survive the attack and take power with a vengeance.
1. This wound may be a literal physical wound caused by a literal weapon.
2. It is possible that this is figurative language, and the ‘wound’ may be symbolic such as a time of imprisonment, a time of forced exile, or a time of political weakness imposed by his foes.
B. Antichrist will be in a political position to facilitate a treaty between Israel and one or more of Israel’s enemies (Daniel 9:27). The signing of this treaty will begin the seven-year period.
C. A time of peace will exist for Israel for three and a half years until the time of the ‘abomination’ (Daniel 9:27).
D. Antichrist will be from a country descended from the Roman Empire (Revelation 17:9). This might indicate a European country or a country with a large number of European descendants.
E. Antichrist will have access to sufficient military power to attack Israel and other countries without fear of retribution (Revelation 6:1-8).
F. Although Israel will have peace for the first three and a half years of the seven-year period, it is probable that Antichrist will be using the military power at his disposal to attack other countries prior to attacking Israel (Daniel 11:36-41). This may be what we see in the opening of the first four seals on the Scroll in Revelation 6:1-8)
G. Antichrist will be able to attract allied countries (Revelation 17:12).
H. The country that Antichrist heads will be a county defined by luxuries, wealth, and great sinfulness (Revelation 17:3-5, Revelation 18:9-19).
I. Once the ‘abomination’ has been established, Christians will rebel and many Christians will be martyred (Revelation 6:9-11, Revelation 12:17).
X. What can we do when we see the approach of the Tribulation and the approach of the ‘Day of the Lord – the Wrath of God?’
A. It is very important to remember that the ‘Tribulation’ and the ‘Day of the Lord’ (The Wrath of God) are two different events that partially overlap.
1. The ‘Tribulation’ will begin at the midpoint of the seven years and probably several years before the ‘Wrath of God’
2. Both the ‘Tribulation’ and the ‘Wrath of God’ will end at the Battle of Armageddon.
B. The best prepared Christians will probably be those who know their Bible, those who daily pray earnestly, and especially those who live their lives according to God’s Word. It is difficult to live according to God’s Word if one does not know God’s Word.
C. Do not give up meeting together (Hebrews 10:25); there is strength in numbers.
D. Pray for God to grant us leaders with Godly wisdom.
E. DO NOT take the Mark of Antichrist. There will be no avoiding eternal punishment for those with the Mark. Death is infinitely preferable to accepting the Mark.
XI. The Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord (Wrath of God).
A. We are told of nothing that happens in the first half of the seven years except for the ‘covenant’ or treaty that is signed at the beginning of the seven years.
B. The Great Tribulation will begin with the establishment of the ‘abomination that causes desolation’ (Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4) and will be the product of Satan and Antichrist.
1. Many Christians will be martyred during this time (Revelation 6:9-11).
2. Many people will see the events of the world and will convert to Christianity despite the threat of death.
C. Antichrist will have power over Israel for only three and a half years. That is the period of time from the ‘abomination’ to the end of the seven years.
1. The ‘abomination that causes desolation’ will be placed at the Western Wall (Daniel 9:27). This is the only portion of the Temple still in existence.
2. The little horn of Daniel 7:8 (Antichrist) is given power over Israel for three and a half years (Daniel 7:25). Note that this timing applies only to Israel. Antichrist and the Tribulation will continue past this time.
3. Revelation 13:5-7 speaks of Antichrist’s power in relation to Israel for 42 months. This passage goes on to reveal Antichrist’s power over the world, but not all of that will be within the 42 months.
D. Revelation 12:6 lets us know that many Jews will flee Jerusalem even as Satan is being thrust to earth (Revelation 12::9) and as Antichrist is taking control of Israel (Daniel 9:27). About half the population of Jerusalem will escape Antichrist’s grasp and flee into what the Bible calls the ‘wilderness.’ (Zechariah 14:2).
1. These Jews who escape will know their Bible and will have realized what is coming by being alert to the events leading up to this attack by Antichrist and by understanding from Daniel 9:27 that the ‘abomination that causes desolation’ is set in place halfway through the seven years. They will have correctly discerned that this is the treaty that will begin the seven-year period and will have discerned the identity of Antichrist.
2. The Bible does not tell us where this ‘wilderness’ sanctuary is, but the Bible does tell us that God will supernaturally protect these Jews from Satan (Revelation 12:13-16).
3. The 1,260 days that the escaped Jews are in the wilderness takes them to the end of the seven years and the establishment of Righteous Israel. The Appearance of Jesus will have occurred by this time. The Jews will return to the Land of Israel and to the new Kingdom of Jesus. They will have recognized that Jesus is the Messiah and will be saved by grace through faith in the blood of Jesus.
E. The Gentile soldiers of Antichrist will occupy Israel from the time of the ‘abomination’ for 42 months, the end of the seven years (Revelation 11:2).
F. We are told of two witnesses who will prophesy in or near Jerusalem for the entire 1,260 days (three and a half years) between the establishment of the ‘abomination that causes desolation’ and the end of the seven-year period. (Revelation 11:3-12).
1. We are not told the identities of these two witnesses.
2. These witnesses will be given power to protect themselves against their foes. (Revelation 11:5).
3. Elijah will be sent to earth by God before the Day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5). We are not told whether or not Elijah will be one of the two witnesses.
4. The witnesses will begin their ministry before the Day of the Lord (also known as the Wrath of God). We are not told the substance of their witnessing, but we can be sure that it will include the Messiahship of Jesus.
G. We read of the strengths and weaknesses of seven churches in Revelation chapters two and three. The fact that these letters are found in the Book of Revelation suggests that the churches are representative of the churches that will enter the ‘Tribulation’ at the midpoint of the seven years (Revelation 1:1-3).
1. The church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8-11) seems to have no great faults but is still warned that it will face severe persecution and even death. Salvation through faith in Jesus does not guarantee a trouble-free life either in or out of the ‘Tribulation.’ We are to persevere.
2. No faults are listed for the church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13). They will be protected through the time of trial that is going to come on all the world. This implies that the persons that hold to the characteristics of this church may get through the ‘Tribulation’ without great difficulty.
a. For reasons known only to God, people of the faithful Philadelphia church will have an easier time than those of Smyrna which was also a faithful church. God's purposes and actions are often beyond our understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9).
4. It appears that most of the sins found in the other five churches are matters of idolatry (these idols could include wealth, possessions, power, fame), or matters of sex (The matters of sex could include homosexuality, adultery, pornography). These sins are forgivable if we truly repent and seek a personal relationship with the Lord. These sins are prevalent in our current society and have worked their way into acceptance in some of our churches.
5. We must not lose track of the fact that Salvation is an individual relationship with the Lord. A near-perfect church could have some unsaved members, and a near-dead church could still have some true Christians.
XII. Jesus is the only One Who can open the seven seals of the Scroll. The Bible does not link the opening of the Scroll to the seven-year period, but the martyrdom of Christians indicates that the fifth seal must be opened during the Tribulation and before the Rapture. Keep in mind that the Tribulation is much more than warfare and does not begin until after the 'abomination.' Jesus gives the description of the Tribulation in Matthew 24:21.
A. We are not told the contents of the Scroll in God’s right hand, but we know that it has seven seals.
B. The Scroll is almost surely sealed the way a very important document might have been sealed in John’s day; it will be sealed with seven seals around the Scroll; and the Scroll cannot be even partially opened until all seven Seals are broken.
C. The Scroll is written on both sides. This was unusual because the back side of a scroll is difficult to write on because of its weave. Similar scrolls are found in Ezekiel 2:9 and Zechariah 5:1-4. The scrolls in Ezekiel and Zechariah applied only to Israel.
D. The events that accompany the opening of the sealed Scroll of Revelation suggest that this is a Scroll of indictment of the entire world. Its contents probably detail the extensive sinfulness that will cause God to pour out His Wrath.
1. Jesus alone has the right to open the seals by reason of His righteousness (Revelation 5:5).
2. We will see the struggle between God and Satan as the seals on the Scroll are opened one by one.
3. Satan will seek revenge against God. He will be angry, humiliated, and energized after being hurled to earth (Revelation 12:6-17). Antichrist will be acting as a tool of Satan in Satan’s quest to hurt God. Jews and Christians will be the primary targets, but the entire planet will be affected.
4. What we see as the seals are opened are events that are happening on the earth, not what is written on the Scroll. Jesus will open the seals one by one, and the events we see will be those beginning at the middle of the seven years when the ‘abomination that causes desolation’ is established and when Antichrist is revealed (Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).
XIII. In the opening of the first five seals we see Antichrist and Satan at work.
A. At the opening of the first Seal, we see Antichrist going forth to war: “. . . there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest” (Revelation 6:2). This likely happens before the 'abomination' at the middle of the seven years and therefore is underway before the Tribulation.
B. At the opening of the second Seal, we see the war personified: “Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and make people kill each other,” (Revelation 6:4). The fact that there will be widespread warfare indicates that Antichrist is not a worldwide dictator. In time the world will follow him, but not until they see that they have no alternative. Anyone who accepts the ‘Mark of the Beast’ cannot be saved; their only slim hope will be that Satan and Antichrist will outlast the Wrath of God.
C. Famine, especially for the poor, is seen at the opening of the third seal: “Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. . . Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!” (Revelation 6:5-6)
D. At the opening of the fourth seal, we see massive death: “Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him” (Revelation 6:8).
E. At the opening of the fifth seal, we see slain Christians, and these Christians are asking, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood” (Revelation 6:10)? The martyring of Christians begins very shortly after the Tribulation begins (Revelation 12:17).
F. Some who study the endtime will tell you that the evil events occurring as the first five seals are opened are events that are written on the Scroll and they will say that Jesus is causing these events to happen as He opens the seals. God has allowed these events to happen, but God will not cause these events either by the Scroll or by His Son. At the opening of the fifth seal we see Christians pleading to God to avenge their deaths. They would not be pleading to God to avenge their deaths if God were the One who caused their death.
G. One note of importance that we as Christians need to realize is that we know almost nothing about how Christians might survive the horrific period of persecution between the middle of the seven years and the Rapture. This period is very likely several years in length. This will be a time of severe testing for Christians unlike anything they have experienced before. Revelation 3:10 hints that those of the church of Philadelphia (those Christians nearest to the heart of God) may be kept from the worst of the Tribulation: “Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.” This is a promise made to only one of the seven churches discussed in Revelation chapters two and three. This promise probably applies only to those individuals whose lives reflect the lifestyle of the Church at Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13).
XIV. The last two Seals remain to be broken. These seals are not broken until we are well into the Tribulation. The entire tone of the events happening at the opening of the Seals changes dramatically at the opening of the sixth seal.
A. We see a very sudden and shocking turnabout to the Tribulation at the opening of the sixth seal. What event can occur that will turn the terrified world’s awareness to God this quickly? It can be nothing but the sudden appearance of Jesus: “There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black . . . the moon turned blood red . . . the stars in the sky fell to earth . . . the heavens receded like a scroll being rolled up . . . every mountain and island was removed from its place . . . the kings . . . the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else . . . hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it (Revelation 6:12-17)?
B. This scene at the opening of the sixth seal is very dramatic and can be nothing but the Appearance of Jesus and the accompanying Rapture as recorded in Matthew 24:29-31. We see in this passage that the Rapture occurs immediately after the appearance of Jesus. Comparing Matthew 24:25-31 with Revelation 6:12-17 should leave little doubt that Jesus has Appeared and that the Rapture has occurred and has been seen by every eye on the planet.
1. Those believers that will have been raptured when Jesus appears can now be found safely in Heaven in the presence of God (Revelation 7:9-17).
2. Note that no one will know the hour or day of the Appearance of Jesus just as Jesus told us in Matthew 24:36.
3. Every other major event we have seen is tied to the end of the seven years. Why did Jesus Rapture the Christians before the end of the seven years? Because the fury of Satan and Antichrist would not have left any Christians still alive (Matthew 24:22).
C. It is astounding how many Christians do not believe in a Rapture. There will be a Rapture!
1. “In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet for the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:52).
a) ‘The last trumpet’ mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:52 is not the seventh Trumpet Judgment of Revelation 15:15. This ‘last trumpet’ is akin to the trumpet call to assemble at the end of a battle (2 Samuel 2:28, 2 Samuel 18:16). This is the call of assembly for Christians at the end of their earthly sojourn.
2. “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
3. “And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other” (Matthew 24:31, Mark 13:27).
4. “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left” (Matthew 24:40-41).
D. The most horrified persons on earth immediately after the appearance of Jesus and after the time of the Rapture will be those individuals who thought that they were Christians and will have realized in a very startling fashion that they were not.
1. Many people who had come from Christian families, had the right colored skin, lived in the right country, and even read the right version of the Bible, will find themselves still on earth. Some church members, elders, and pastors will be among this group.
2. Jesus asked, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say (Luke 6:46).”
3. It is true that salvation is by our faith and by God’s grace and mercy. We are not saved by our good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). But good works will follow true salvation (Ephesians 2:10).
4. Jesus says that some individuals who believe they have received salvation will hear Jesus say, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers (Matthew 7:23)! Imagine the horror of hearing that phrase from Jesus. For some people, there is a need to virtually get on one’s knees and talk to the Lord and get things straightened out.
E. The physical occurrences on earth and in the universe that accompany the appearance of Jesus will so transform the known universe that Isaiah 65:17 says that God will create ‘new heavens and a new earth’. Isaiah 66:22 talks about the endurance of the after-effects of both the cosmic changes that take place when Jesus comes and the later effects of the continuing war between God and Satan. The changes are not the end of the world, but they will dramatically change the current world.
F. In keeping with the fact that the purpose of the seven-year period as recorded in Daniel 9:24 is to bring in a Righteous Nation of Israel, the 144,000 Jews who will become the firstfruits of that Nation are sealed by God (Revelation 7:1-8).
G. The seventh and final seal of the Scroll will be broken after the appearance of Jesus, after the raptured Christians are seen in heaven (Revelation 7:9-17), and after the 144,000 Jews are sealed (Revelation 7:1-8). The Tribulation will still be in progress. The seven years will not have come to an end. Righteous Israel will not yet exist.
H. Consider how much the world will be changed after millions of Christians are taken out of the world, and after the remaining population of the world will be forced to reach the conclusion that Jesus is Who He said He was.
XV. The Day of the Lord (Wrath of God) will begin at the Opening of the Seventh seal on the Scroll (Revelation 8:1-6).
A. The ‘Wrath of God’ like the ‘Tribulation’ will continue past the end of the seven years and until the Battle of Armageddon.
B. Up until this point, God will not have taken the offense. The Christians will have been raptured. Only now will the Wrath of God begin.
C. The breaking of the seventh seal will bring in the full Wrath of God.
D. Seven Trumpet Judgments are announced after the Rapture but still during the final seven-year period and before the establishment of Righteous Israel. Israel will be included in these Judgments.
E. The first Trumpet Judgment will bring in hail and fire mixed with blood hurled down on the earth doing great damage to the earth (Revelation 8:7).
F. The second Trumpet Judgment will bring in something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, thrown into the sea killing sea creatures and destroying ships (Revelation 8:8-9).
G. The third Trumpet Judgment will bring in a great star, blazing like a torch that will poison many sources of water and kill many people (Revelation 8:10-11).
H. The forth Trumpet Judgment will bring in darkness for a third of the day, and we are told that the remaining three Trumpet Judgments will be more severe than those already executed (Revelation 8:12-13).
I. The fifth Trumpet Judgment will bring in a five-month plague of locusts that sting like scorpions (Revelation 9:1-11).
J. The sixth Trumpet Judgment will bring in a huge army of demonic horsemen and horses to kill a third of mankind (Revelation 9:13-19).
K. The seventh Trumpet Judgment will not occur until the two witnesses of God in Jerusalem have finished their mission.
XVI. The unsealed Little Scroll.
A. The Scroll with the seals (Revelation 5:1) is seen by the middle of the seven years. Now, after the sixth Trumpet Judgment we see another scroll. A little scroll now lies open in the hand of a ‘Mighty Angel’ (Revelation 10:1-2). As with the sealed Scroll, the contents of the little scroll is not revealed to us.
B. This mighty angel is Jesus. He stands on both the sea and the land showing His authority over both the Gentile nations (the sea) and the Jewish nation (the land).
C. We have been told that, ”. . . the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets” (Revelation 10:7). Three possibilities come to mind.
1. The often-repeated promise announced by the prophets is that of the establishment of a Righteous Israel in which the Jewish people are in tune with God. This promise is found in all the Major Prophets and several of the Minor Prophets. It seems that the ‘little scroll’ might be a reference to the promise of a Righteous Israel (e.g. Isaiah 2:1-5, Isaiah 4:2-6, Isaiah 11:1-16, Isaiah 14:1-2, Isaiah 25:6-8, Isaiah 49:8-26, Isaiah 51:1-16, Isaiah 52:1-12,Isaiah 54:1-17, Isaiah 60:1-22, Isaiah 62:1-12, Isaiah 65:17-25, Isaiah 66:7-24, Jeremiah 31:7-40, Ezekiel 37:1-28, Ezekiel 39:25-29, Ezekiel 40:1 – 48:35, Hosea 2:14-23, Joel 3:17-21, Amos 9:11-15, Obadiah 19-21, Micah 2:12-13, Micah 4:1-8, Micah 7:11-20, Zephaniah 3:9-20, Zechariah 8:19-23, Zechariah 9:16-17, Zechariah 10:6-12, Zechariah 13:1-2, Zechariah 14:6-21).
2. Another possibility in context with the other scrolls we have seen is that this small scroll is an indictment, in this case an indictment of the nearby ancient enemies of Israel. We see throughout the Old Testament that Israel will be given the authority to exercise revenge on these enemies who have not repented of their hatred of the Jews (e.g. Isaiah 41:12-16, Jeremiah 49:2, Ezekiel 25:14, Obadiah 18, Micah 4:13, Micah 5:7-9, Zephaniah 2:9, Zechariah 10:5, Zechariah 12:6, Zechariah 14:14).
3. The most likely possibility is that this small scroll announces the return of Temple Mount to the Jews and to God Himself. This is the most sacred spot on the entire earth to God (1 Kings 9:3, 2 Chronicles 7:16). Although God allowed this Temple Area to be desecrated because of the sinfulness of the Jews, God leaves little doubt about His desire to be worshiped at this site (1 Chronicles 21:18, Ezekiel 40:4, Haggai 1:7, Zechariah 9:8, Zechariah 14:20, John 2:16).
D. Jesus emphasizes that, “There will be no more delay (Revelation 10:6). The timing of the proclamation occurs immediately before we realize that we have reached the end of the seven years.
E. John is told to eat the scroll and that it will be both sweet and sour (Revelation 10:9-10).
1. The little scroll is sour because two-thirds of the Jews in the last half of the seven years, those who will not choose to accept Jesus as Savior and Messiah, “will be struck down and perish.” (Zechariah 13:8).
2. The little scroll is sweet because of the establishment of long-promised Righteous Israel and because the enemies of Israel will no longer exist.
F. John is told to keep prophesying about Righteous Israel and about the events taking place in the remainder of the earth (Revelation 10:11).
G. It has been made very clear to the peoples of earth that the Jews are God’s Chosen People and that God is treating the Jews and the Land of Israel with a special commitment.
H. Please note that this ‘special commitment’ to the Jews does not negate the personal relationship that God has with every single one of us, Jew or Gentile, who has accepted the Salvation that Jesus paid for with His blood. Jews and Gentiles alike are saved only through the Name of Jesus (Acts 4:11-12).