Signs of Jesus' Return | prewrath | Antichrist before Rapture

Signs of the Appearance of Jesus

Events Christians Need to Watch For Prior to the Prewrath Rapture

October 2024 on www.endtimeflow.com

Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

The seven-year period of time described in Daniel 9:27 and is to be the final seven years leading up to the restoration of the Kingdom of Israel by the Messiah who is Jesus (Daniel 9:24). This final 7-year period is necessary before the Kingdom of Israel can be restored will begin when a specific 7-year peace treaty or ‘covenant’ is established (Daniel 9:27). Please note that the events of this seven-year period are focused on the current Nation of Israel.

The Seven Seals

A Heavenly Scroll is sealed with seven seals (Revelation 5:1-5, Revelation 6:1-17, Revelation 8:1-6). As explained elsewhere on this website; it is most likely that all seven seals are all on the outside of the Scroll in such a way as to require the removal of all seven before the Scroll can be opened and read. The use of seven seals would indicate the great significance of this document. The opening of the seals will not cause events to happen; but it will rather allow the reader to observe events that are taking place as the seals are broken. We are never told in the Bible what the Scroll does contain. It is likely that the Scroll is an indictment of the peoples of the earth for the sin and idolatry that they have committed. We do know that Jesus alone can open the Seals and allow the Scroll to be read (Revelation 5:5). As Jesus opens the seals, we see the following:

First Seal – Antichrist is seen going forth to conquer whatever he can (Revelation 6:1-2). This probably occurs before the beginning of the Tribulation -- the term 'Tribulation' as I use it is from Jesus in Matthew 24:21 and describes a time after the 'abomination that causes desolation' spoken of by Jesus in Matthew 24:15. Daniel 11:36-45 indicates that Antichrist is a very militant leader.
Second Seal – Antichrist instigating wars (Revelation 6:3-4)
Third Seal – wars causing scarcity of food (Revelation 6:5-6)
Forth Seal – death throughout the world due to war, famine, and persecution (Revelation 6:7-8)
Fifth Seal – the persecution and death of Christians (Revelation 6:9-11) These occurrences will take place during the Tribulation.
Sixth Seal – the Second Coming of Jesus (Revelation 6:12-17, Revelation 7:9-17)
Seventh Seal – the beginning of the Wrath of God. (Revelation 8:1-6)

The Tribulation

As you read through the opening of the first five seals (Revelation 6:1-11), the events shown are caused by Satan and Antichrist. Just as God allowed Satan to test Job (Job 2:6-7), God will allow Satan to test the people of this earth. This testing will be especially burdensome on Jews and Christians (Revelation 12:13-17). Just as with Job, God will allow this testing, but Satan will be the one responsible for the results.

The Wrath of God

The Prewrath Rapture position differentiates between the ‘Tribulation’ and the ‘Wrath of God’. To put it very simply, the Tribulation begins at the midpoint of Daniel’s 7-year period and is instigated by Satan and is carried out through the actions of the man we refer to as Antichrist. The Wrath of God begins at some unspecified time after the Tribulation is underway. In the Bible we see the Wrath of God beginning immediately after the Rapture when Jesus opens the Seventh Seal on the Heavenly Scroll (Revelation 8:6) and continuing through the Trumpet judgements (Revelation 8:7-11:19), and through the Bowl judgements (Revelation 15:1 – 16:21). The Wrath of God will be completed at the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:19-21)

This diagram is a not-to-scale simplified view of the time periods in this section

The Beast out of the Sea – The Antichrist

The Beast coming out of the sea (Revelation 13:1-4) has seven heads and ten horns similar to Satan, but he is a human world leader and is the one often referred to as Antichrist. (The Beast is not called Antichrist in the Book of Revelation, but the term Antichrist is widely understood, describes the Beast well, and removes the possibility of confusion with the Beast out of the Earth.) This man may at first appear to be a benevolent leader, but he will be indwelt by a powerful demonic spirit who is a close ally of Satan. “. . . Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)

The Beast out of the Earth – The False Prophet

A second Beast is also introduced in Revelation 13:11. This is the Beast out of the Earth. It is possible that the word “earth” should be translated as ‘land’ or even ‘country’ and may refer to the Land of Israel. Whether that is correct or not, this second Beast seems to have a connection to Israel and has a degree of control over Israel. This Beast is also referred to as the ‘False Prophet’ later in the book of Revelation (e.g. Revelation 16:13), and it is he who sets up the idol (the abomination that causes desolation) at the Temple site (Revelation 13:14-15, Matthew 24:15). He is probably called a prophet because of his ministering on behalf of the Antichrist. Like Antichrist, this Beast will also be indwelt by a powerful demonic spirit. (Reference to the demonic spirits is found in Revelation 16:13-14.)

What to Watch For

1. Focus on Israel

Since Daniel’s seven-year period is often spoken of in conjunction with the Rapture, it is very important to remember that this period is speaking directly about the Jewish homeland, about Jerusalem and Israel (Daniel 9:24). Events regarding the coming Tribulation will have their origin in Israel and will eventually expand to include the entire world. Daniel 9:27 strongly suggests that the Temple and Western Wall location in Jerusalem will be the focal point of events. Watch for new regulations, treaties, or other events that will affect this immediate area.

2. Watch for the rise of a world leader (Antichrist)

Be watching for the rise of a world leader who fits the description of the Beast out of the sea (Antichrist).

Revelation 13:3 and Revelation 13:12 refer to the Beast out of the Sea (Antichrist). The Beast out of the Sea “seemed to have a fatal wound, but the wound had been healed.” The head with the wound has to be the seventh head—that of the Antichrist (Revelation 13:12). The wound is said to have been caused by a sword (Revelation 13:14). The fatal wound may be a literal severe physical wound; or it may be a symbolic debilitating wound such as a forcible imprisonment or a time of exile or some other factor inflicted by the enemies of Antichrist making it unlikely that he would come to power. However, the Beast will overcome this wound with the help of demonic power. This man will have sufficient power to create havoc over this earth.

Antichrist is closely related to the Roman Empire (Revelation 17:9). Although this empire no longer exists, a large number of countries in today’s world owe their heritage to the Roman Empire. These include countries of the Middle East, much of Europe, northern Africa, England, France, Spain and the countries descended from these countries. Antichrist will probably come from one of these areas.

3. Watch for a peace treaty involving Israel

The ruler (Antichrist) will have sufficient standing to engineer a peace treaty involving Israel. This treaty will be a 7-year treaty that will supposedly ensure peace between Israel and one or more other nations or entities that have been hostile toward Israel, “He will confirm a covenant with many for one seven” (Daniel 9:27a). Antichrist’s own nation may or may not be a direct party to this treaty. We are not told the specifics of this treaty, and even those Christians watching for this treaty may not be certain that this is the ‘covenant’ spoken of to Daniel. We are told no more about happenings during the first half of Daniel’s seven-years.

4. Watch for events happening at the middle of the seven-years

The events listed below will begin at the midpoint of Daniel’s 7-year period and most will last until the end of the seven years. This three-and-a-half-year time period is stated in different ways in different places throughout the Bible. Since the 7-year period concerns the Nation of Israel, times are given as they were understood in Daniel’s time.

Many Jews in Jerusalem and throughout Israel will flee at the middle of the seven years

These Jews will flee and will be protected from the hand of Antichrist for 1,260 days (Revelation 12:6). It is likely that the protection of these Jews will be put in the hands of the Archangel Michael, the protector of the Jews (Daniel 12:1). If this is what happens, then Jerusalem will be left without its protector as Michael will no longer be present to protect them.

The Revelation of Antichrist will take place at the middle of the seven years

Antichrist will put an end to sacrifice and offerings at the Western Wall of the Temple site in Jerusalem (Daniel 9:27) at the midpoint of the seven years (Daniel 9:27). Since there are currently no animal sacrifices or offerings at the Temple site, the sacrifices mentioned are symbolic in the sense of Romans 12:1 (“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship”). This concept would apply to both Jewish and Christian religious observances at the Western Wall and these observances will be considered as symbolic sacrifices (e.g. Psalm 51:17).

Antichrist will reign for forty-two months (Revelation 13:5). He will be in power before this, but will not be acting with the power that he will display after he is revealed. People familiar with the Bible will recognize the following events as references to the revelation of Antichrist.

‘The abomination that causes desolation’ will be established. (Matthew 24:15)
“The man of lawlessness is revealed” (2 Thessalonians 2:3)

Satan will be hurled to earth at the middle of the seven-years

Perhaps the most important event that will happen at or near the midpoint of Daniel’s 7-year period will be the confinement of Satan to earth. We will not see and will not be aware of this event as it happens because it will involve spiritual warfare between Satan and the Archangel Michael. We are told that Michael and his angels will hurl Satan to earth (Revelation 12:7-9). This appears to be in the same context as the Jews fleeing Israel (Revelation 12:6, Revelation 12:13-16). It seems very probable that immediately after Michael hurls Satan to earth, that Michael then, being the protecting angel of the Jews (Daniel 12:1), turns to protect the Jews that fled. We see throughout this event that Michael is stronger than Satan and is capable of protecting the Jews. The flight and protection of the Jews is one of the three-and-a-half year events (1,260 days) (Revelation 12:6).

Jews remaining in the land will not be allowed to rule themselves

Jews who did not flee will be under the power of Antichrist for three and a half years (Daniel 7:25b, Daniel 12:7b). These Jews will be under intense pressure to worship Antichrist and to take his Mark.

The Gentile invaders will govern Jerusalem and Israel for 42 months

The Gentile army will occupy Jerusalem until the end of the 7 year period (Revelation 11:2b). Israel may be seen to have a government, but it will be a puppet government. The False Prophet may be involved in the ruling of Jerusalem.

Two witnesses (Jewish prophets) will irritate and harass the Gentiles for 1,260 Days

These two prophets will be protected by God and will be allowed to prophesy throughout the last half of the 7-year period (Revelation 11:3). They will probably spend most or all of their time in Israel. These prophets will finally be killed in Jerusalem at the end of the period, but then will be miraculously resurrected to the dismay and horror of Antichrist and his followers (Revelation 11:7-12). Christians may know of these two prophets prior to the Rapture, but will have been raptured prior to the end described in Revelation chapter 11.

Antichrist will begin to persecute Christians

When Satan is flung to earth and finds himself confined to earth and finds that he is unable to reach the Jews that have fled Israel, he will be furious and he will push Antichrist to begin attacking Christians. “Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep God’s commands and hold fast their testimony about Jesus.” (Revelation 12:17). It is not inconceivable that Antichrist will have been supported by some Christians ignorant of Scriptural warnings. Any such Christians will be in the horrible position of denouncing the Antichrist that they previously supported, possibly at the cost of their lives. False Christians, those whose names are not written in the Book of Life, will continue to follow Antichrist.

Mark of the Beast

This item is not given a time period. It will begin sometime after Jerusalem is in the hands of the Gentiles and will probably continue until the defeat of Antichrist. The False Prophet (the Beast out of the earth), will act on behalf of Antichrist and, “It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads” (Revelation 13:16). We see this second Beast acting in Israel at the Temple site. Remember that this Tribulation started in Israel (Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:15). It seems likely that this Mark will first be required of those Jews remaining in Israel after many have fled. It also likely that the concept of the Mark will be spread to the countries friendly to or controlled by Antichrist. The Mark will be visible so that the bearer can be easily identified. An electronic component such as a microchip will undoubtedly also be part of the Mark. People will not be marked without their consent; and an oath of allegiance will probably be required. Avoid getting this Mark even to the point of death.

Only after the middle of the seven years will the Rapture be imminent. It may be several years yet before the Rapture.

The Tribulation will be cut short for Christians by the Rapture

The time of Satan’s Tribulation against the Jews and of Gentiles who will refuse to accept the Mark of the Beast will last until the end of the 7-years (Revelation 13:5), but the Tribulation against True Christians will be cut short (Matthew 24:22) by the Rapture. This is the way that God will protect His people against His Wrath. “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9)

Deducing the time of the Rapture in relation to the Wrath of God

The Rapture occurs immediately after the Coming of Jesus (Matthew 24:30-31). When we look at the opening of the seals on the Heavenly Scroll in Revelation Chapter 6, it is clear that Jesus appears suddenly at the opening of the Sixth Seal (Revelation 6:15-17). The signs that accompany Jesus are not the Wrath; but they do signal the Wrath is at hand. The Wrath of God begins with the Trumpet judgements that begin about 30 minutes after the opening of the Seventh Seal (Revelation 8:1-2). Note that there is no mention or action in the opening of the seals concerning the Wrath of God until the Sixth Seal is opened. Up until the opening of the Sixth Seal everything mentioned results from the Tribulation instigated by Satan and Antichrist.

The intervening Revelation chapter 7 between the Rapture and the Wrath shows the sealing of the 144,000 Jews to protect them against both Satan’s Tribulation and God’s Wrath (Revelation 7:1-8). Revelation Chapter 7 also gives a view of the just-raptured Christians in Heaven (Revelation 7:9-17). The Wrath of God follows immediately (Revelation 8:2 – 14:20).

Promise to the Church in Philadelphia

Keep in mind the often quoted promise to the Church in Philadelphia, “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.” (Revelation 3:10). This promise is often quoted by Christians who believe in the Pre-Trib Rapture position as proof that the Church is removed before the Tribulation. The Tribulation will only involve the portion of the world ruled by Antichrist. The Wrath of God, not the Tribulation is the hour of Trial that will come upon the whole world. The Church will indeed be raptured before God’s Wrath is unleashed on the earth.