As you can see in the End Times Timeline above, we are currently living in The Church Age when believers are sharing the Gospel (Good News of Christ) with the nations on earth. Those believers who have claimed Jesus as their personal Savior, with faith, are eagerly awaiting The Rapture of The Church which could happen at any moment. At that time, Jesus will meet believers (during this Church Age) in the air and take us to heaven. The dead in Christ will rise first and then those who are living.
While believers are in heaven, there will be a horrible seven year Tribulation on earth. Many people will not survive The Tribulation. Basically, there will be two groups of people during this time. There will be those who come to believe Jesus is the promised Messiah who came to earth the first time as a sacrifice for our sins. The other group will be those who take the “mark of the Beast” so they can “buy and sell” – in other words, eat! Once they receive this mark, they will be doomed for eternity and thrown into the Lake of Fire where they will be tormented forever.
How can we believe all of this is true? These things were prophesied back in the Old Testament times hundreds of years ago. And, all prophecies in the Bible have either been fulfilled or will be fulfilled in the future. How can we avoid The Tribulation? Do Not Be Deceived! Now is the time, while each of is still alive, to know The Truth.
Preface
This End Times Timeline begins with Jesus’ 1st Coming. However, if we could envision an eternal timeline, the focus of that timeline would be an eternal God who has no beginning and no end. God is a living triune spirit. Our God is one God in 3 persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each person of the trinity is revealed throughout the books of the Old and New Testaments (Genesis to Revelation).
What does the Bible teach about the Trinity?
Is the Trinity taught in the Old Testament?
If a timeline of the entire Holy Bible could be shown here, it would begin in the book of Genesis with The Trinity at work in the creation of the world. How did that happen? In computer terms, God the Father downloaded the creation plans to God the Son. God the Son spoke the word of God. Then, God the Holy Spirit made a ‘hard copy” of the spoken word of God.
All that God created – the animals, birds, sea life, plants, and mankind were meant to live forever. The first human who God created was Adam. From Adam’s rib, God created Eve. In Genesis chapter 3, the angel Lucifer (Satan) uses a serpent to deceive Eve, which leads Adam to eat fruit from a tree which was forbidden by God. As soon as they disobeyed God, sin entered the world and it changed everything. From that point on, Adam and Eve and all people throughout the ages experience a natural, bodily death and separation from God.
Visit SIN – Who Cares? to understand how sin affects all of us.
However, God the Father knows the end from the beginning. He already had a plan of salvation to save us from the wages of sin, which is death and eternal torment of our spirit and soul. Once again, The Trinity was at work. God the Father downloaded the salvation plans and instructions to God the Son who sacrificed Himself to save all people from their sins. And, God the Holy Spirit helped bring it about.
Visit Salvation Through Jesus Alone to know how Jesus (the incarnate Son of God) paid our sin debt in full so we can have eternal life.
God’s plan of salvation is revealed to us as soon as Adam and Eve sinned. God tells the serpent that he is cursed more than any other animal and must crawl on his belly the rest of his life and eat dust. God curses Satan who is using the serpent here. Satan’s instruments must share in Satan’s punishments. Therefore, Satan and the serpent are sentenced to be degraded and accursed of God; detested and hated of all mankind:
Genesis 3:14-15 (AMP)
14 The Lord God said to the serpent,
“Because you have done this,
You are cursed more than all the cattle,
And more than any animal of the field;
On your belly you shall go,
And dust you shall eat
All the days of your life.
15 “And I will put enmity (open hostility)
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed (offspring) and her Seed;
He shall [fatally] bruise your head,
And you shall [only] bruise His heel.”
In the prophecy above, God gives the promise of a Messiah (Jesus Christ the Savior). Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection would ultimately defeat Satan, the power behind the serpent, with a death blow.
The Bible tells us the Messiah would come from a people God “called out” from among the Gentiles. God would start with a man who believed and trusted God – Abram (Abraham).
God made a covenant with Abram, removed him from his family and people who were idol worshippers, and led him to a new land. Genesis 12:1-3 (KJV) Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
For more information about The Abrahamic Covenant, visit What is the Abrahamic Covenant?
Abraham and his wife Sarah had Isaac. Isaac and Rebekah had Jacob who was later called Israel. Through Jacob (Israel) would come 12 sons and the 12 Tribes of Israel. Jacob and Leah had Judah, and through the line of Judah came King David. Jesus’ mother, Mary (a virgin), came from the line of David. Jesus (the 2nd Person of the Trinity) was conceived by The Holy Spirit (the 3rd Person of the Trinity) and became incarnate (God in the flesh – able to be seen). Jesus is fully God and fully man. Through Abraham’s descendents came the Savior of the world.
Those who worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are actually worshipping the same God as the Christians. Christians worship Jesus because He is God. A mere mortal man could do nothing to save people – past, present and future from their sins. And, idol worship of creation – the world or mankind is forbidden.
The only way God could accomplish His plan of salvation was through a God/man (Jesus). In the Old Testament, only the high priest could come to God on behalf of the people. Jesus is our mediator between God and man. Jesus is our Prophet – speaking to man on behalf of God. Jesus is our High Priest – speaking to God on behalf of man. Jesus is King and His Kingdom will one day soon be on this earth at His 2nd Coming.
This God/man came into our world as a baby and was named Immanuel (meaning God with us). His name was foretold in prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV) Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
Jesus’ birthplace was foretold in prophecy. Micah 5:2 (NKJV) “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”
Jesus came into the world to save us from our sins, but first He had to show through signs and wonders that He is the Son of God. This was prophesied in Isaiah 35:5-6 (NIV) Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The fulfillment of prophecy – Luke 7:21 (NKJV) And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. John 2:11 (AMP) This, the first of His signs (attesting miracles), Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed His glory [displaying His deity and His great power openly], and His disciples believed [confidently] in Him [as the Messiah—they adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Him].
Even displaying who He is, Jesus was rejected by His own people, the Jews. Prophecy – Psalm 118:22-23 (NKJV) The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. Prophecy fulfilled – Matthew 21:42-43 (NIV) Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”
The death of a sinful man could have no affect on the rest of mankind in relation to humanity’s sins. The sacrifice of a spotless animal could only cover sins. Jesus’ own sacrifice as the sinless, spotless Lamb of God was the sacrifice God accepted for the sins of the world – one time for all. Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection paid our sin debt in full. However, this only becomes effectual for our salvation when we claim Jesus as our personal Savior with faith. Take A Leap of Faith and be assured of your salvation.
As you will see, the End Times Timeline has everything to do with the promised Messiah (Jesus) who came to earth as God in human flesh. Those who “know” Jesus now and claim Him as their personal Savior with faith, will not go through the horrors of the seven year tribulation. Instead, they will meet Jesus in the air and be raptured to heaven. At Jesus’ 2nd coming, the raptured “church age” believers will return with Him to earth and live in His kingdom. After the 1,000 year millennium time period, we will be with Jesus for eternity in the new heavens and earth, and live in the New Jerusalem.
This timeline shows a pretribulational return of Christ, in the air, when He raptures “The Church” into heaven just before the seven year tribulation. Also, a premillennialism view is held here that Jesus will return to earth at His 2nd coming and establish His Kingdom on earth. Jesus the King will rule in the millennial kingdom for a period of 1,000 years.
Everything in this timeline was prophesied (promised) to take place, and every prophecy will be fulfilled exactly as written in the scriptures.
Jesus’ 1st Coming – Jesus is God’s son, born of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem in approximately 6-4 BC. He is God in the flesh – God/man.
Micah 5:2 (NKJV) “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.”
John 7:42 (NKJV) Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
Jesus came to earth to reveal God the Father, to put away sin, to set us free from the works of the devil, and to prepare for His 2nd coming.
For more understanding, visit The True Meaning of Christ’s First Coming
Jesus’ Earthy Ministry – Jesus is baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, and His ministry lasts approximately 3 ½ years. Notice how the three persons of the Trinity (The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit) are involved in Jesus’ baptism:
Matthew 3:16-17 (NKJV) When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Jesus’ message was for sinners to repent (turn away from their sins) and profess their faith in Him through baptism. For those who placed their faith in Him, Jesus could pronounce the forgiveness of sins. John 8:28 (NLT) So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me."
The power and authority to forgive sins and perform miracles were given to Jesus by His Father. The works Jesus performed were done in His Father’s name. Jesus is The Father’s agent.
Jesus fulfilled the prophecy written in Isaiah:
Isaiah 61:1-2 (NIV) The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
Luke 4:17-19 (NKJV) And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD.”
With Jesus’ ministry, the Kingdom of God had begun on earth. Jesus will reign in His Kingdom on earth when He returns after the coming Tribulation.
For more understanding, visit What are the basics of Jesus’ teaching?
Jesus’ Death, Burial & Resurrection - Jesus’ mission on earth was to fulfill His Father’s plan of salvation through the crucifixion. Sin has a consequence – death. We must realize we are all sinners in need of a Savior. Romans 6:23 (NLT) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 3:23 (NLT) For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.
But, Jesus took our place on that cross some 2,000 years ago and paid our sin debt in full. However, our salvation only becomes effectual once we acknowledge Jesus is the Son of God – the promised Messiah. With faith, we must claim Jesus as our personal savior.
Faith in the promised Messiah has, is, and always will be the only way to The Father in heaven and our salvation from eternal death and torment.
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
The substance of things hoped for is Jesus Christ the promised Messiah.
For more understanding, visit Why does it matter that Jesus rose from the dead?
Jesus’ Ascension to The Father in Heaven – With His earthly ministry successfully accomplished, Jesus returned to His Father in heaven from Mount Olivet near Jerusalem. Luke 24:50-51 (NLT) Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven.
Jesus’ heavenly glory is no longer veiled as it was while He was on earth in an earthly body. Jesus is seated at the right hand of The Father – a place of honor and authority. He is our High Priest and Mediator. Hebrews 8:1 (NLT) Here is the main point: We have a High Priest who sat down in the place of honor beside the throne of the majestic God in heaven.
Jesus has been given a name above all names. Philippians 2:9 (NIV) Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,
When we pray to The Father, we pray in the name of Jesus as He is our mediator between man and God because He is both God and man. Hebrews 7:25 (NLT) Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.
Jesus is also the Head of the Church. Colossians 1:18 (KJV) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Jesus is preparing a place in heaven for believers. John 14:2 (NKJV) In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
For more understanding, visit What is the meaning and importance of the ascension of Jesus Christ?
The Church Age – This is a period of time which likely began with the Apostle Paul spreading "the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection" to the Gentiles. It will end at the Rapture of The Church. The Church in this context is not a building or a religion, but instead a body of believers (individuals who acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah and claim Him as their personal Savior, with faith).
Jesus the Messiah is The Rock and foundation of the Christian faith. Deuteronomy 32:4 (NKJV) He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.
Peter is the first of Jesus’ disciples to acknowledge Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Peter makes his declaration of faith in Christ. This declaration is the trademark of Christians. The name Peter in Greek is Petros, meaning “a rock or stone.” The Church is comprised of many small stones like Peter – those who also make this declaration. Jesus states He will build His Church based on Peter’s confession/message of faith. Matthew 16:16-18 (NLT) Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.
For more understanding, visit What is the rock in Matthew 16:18?
NOTE: Peter was not the “all authoritative leader” of the early Christian church. He was not the first pope, and he did not start the Roman Catholic Church. The origin of the Catholic Church is not in the teachings of Peter or any other apostle. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NLT) For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
For more understanding, watch this video: What is the origin of the Roman Catholic Church?
After Jesus’ resurrection and before His ascension to heaven, Jesus told His disciples they would receive power from the Holy Spirit (the 3rd Person of the Trinity) which would enable them to witness about Jesus. This is what happened at Pentecost. First they were to witness in Jerusalem, then Judea and Samaria, and finally to all the nations of the world. Acts 1:8 (NKJV) But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This is The Great Commission which began with the disciples and continues today through Christians.
Before the Church Age, the Holy Spirit was present in the world, but would only temporarily come upon people. Now in the Church Age, the Holy Spirit indwells and never leaves those with faith in Jesus.
During the Old Testament (Covenant), the Israelites lived under the Age of the Law. During the New Testament (Covenant), God is interacting with mankind in a different way or dispensation. The Church (body of believers) is on earth during this time and under grace. John 1:17 (NKJV) For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. God has given us the free gift of grace – the means of salvation through the crucifixion of His Son Jesus. We claim salvation with faith in Jesus.
The Bride of Christ (The Church) is told to keep herself pure as she waits for Christ, the Bridegroom, to return. Christ will return and meet believers in the air. He will rapture “the Church” into heaven.
Although many Jews believe Jesus is the Messiah and are part of The Church, there is a distinction between the nation of Israel and The Church. God’s covenants with the nation of Israel have not all been fulfilled, but will be in the Millennial Kingdom.
For more understanding, visit What is the Church Age?
Rapture of The Church – Rapture is a word you won’t find in the Bible, but comes from the Latin word rapio, meaning “caught up” as in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 below. At the Rapture, Jesus will come from heaven and meet believers (known as The Church) in the air. Those who have trusted and believed in Jesus will be “caught up” by Jesus to meet Him in the air. These believers are those who lived during the church age – from Pentecost (50 days after Christ’s resurrection) to the rapture. The dead believers will rise first and then those believers who are alive. Once believers are raptured, they will be with Jesus throughout eternity.
The Apostle Paul wrote the following scriptures in The New Testament after the crucified Jesus had revealed Himself to Saul (later known as Paul). Jesus also instructed Paul about a mystery – a doctrine not taught in The Old Testament. The following verses reveal the Rapture.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV) 13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 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. 17 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. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Corinthians 15:50-54 (NIV) 50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
The Apostle John knew Jesus when He was on this earth, and John wrote the following verse in the Gospel of John. John was taken up to heaven in the spirit and witnessed events taking place in the end times. He then wrote what was revealed to him in the Book of Revelation. 1 John 3:2 (NIV) Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
The Rapture is not the same event as Jesus’ 2nd Coming.
At The Rapture, Jesus comes in secret to meet us “in the air”. In an instant, He will remove believers from the earth as an act of deliverance.
At Jesus’ 2nd Coming, He descends with the clouds for all to see. He will come all the way to the earth and stand on the Mount of Olives. At that time, Jesus will defeat all of His enemies with the sword (word) of His mouth. He will remove unbelievers as an act of judgment.
There is no prophecy yet to be fulfilled before the Rapture takes place. We do not know when the Rapture will happen. However, we are told to eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 (NKJV) For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
For more understanding, visit What is the Rapture of the church?
Also, watch The Rapture Video – Don’t Be Left Behind
Bema Judgment of Believers (for rewards) – Once the Rapture of The Church happens and believers are in heaven with Jesus, they appear before Jesus at the Judgment Seat of Christ also known as the Bema Judgment of Believers. In Olympic games, the Bema is a raised platform where runners file by to receive their rewards. Since Jesus has already paid our sin debt in full with His death, burial and resurrection, believers need not fear God’s wrath or a condemnation for sin. Romans 8:1 (NIV) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
Instead, this Bema Judgment is for rewards. These rewards are for deeds done after we come to faith in Jesus. Good deeds can never bring salvation.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV) Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
We are to run our “Christian race” as we follow Christ and strive to fulfill the purpose God has set out for each of us to accomplish.
For more understanding, visit What is the Judgment Seat of Christ (The Bema)?
Marriage of The Lamb – This takes place in heaven with only raptured believers attending. The marriage contract between the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and His bride (the Church) took place on earth as each person individually claimed Jesus as their Savior with faith. As was the custom in Jesus’ time on earth, a dowry was paid to the bride or her parents. The dowry paid by the bridegroom’s parent (God the Father) was the blood of Christ shed on behalf of the bride. The Church on earth today is “betrothed” to Christ. These believers (men and women) are watching and waiting for the Bridegroom (Jesus) to rapture them to heaven where the Marriage of The Lamb will take place.
Ephesians 5:31-32 (NKJV) “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
Magog Invasion – Gog (the leader) of Magog (coalition of nations) will come from the north against Israel with an invasion to plunder (steal) Israel’s goods. Could those goods be Israel’s rich oil resources? These armies will actually be drawn by God to Israel’s mountains where their destruction will come from God. The Magog Invasion could take place before or at the beginning of the Tribulation.
Ezekiel 38:1-6 (NKJV) Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal. I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords. Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya are with them, all of them with shield and helmet; Gomer and all its troops; the house of Togarmah from the far north and all its troops—many people are with you.
Ezekiel 38:14-16 (NKJV) “Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “On that day when My people Israel dwell safely, will you not know it? Then you will come from your place out of the far north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army. You will come up against My people Israel like a cloud, to cover the land. It will be in the latter days that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me, when I am hallowed in you, O Gog, before their eyes.”
Ezekiel 39:2 (NIV) I will turn you around and drag you along. I will bring you from the far north and send you against the mountains of Israel.
Could we be seeing this coalition of nations, starting with Rosh (Russia) come together? There have always been nations fighting against other nations. Ezekiel’s prophesy will begin to take place when you see the modern day equivalent of the nations listed in Ezekiel 38:1-6 come together against Israel.
For 7 years Israel will use its invaders weapons for “fuel” and victoriously take back the goods stolen from them. Ezekiel 39:9-10 (NKJV) “Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out and set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and bucklers, the bows and arrows, the javelins and spears; and they will make fires with them for seven years. They will not take wood from the field nor cut down any from the forests, because they will make fires with the weapons; and they will plunder those who plundered them, and pillage those who pillaged them,” says the Lord God.
The dead will be buried over a period of 7 months in the Valley of Hamon Gog. Ezekiel 39:11-12 (NKJV) “It will come to pass in that day that I will give Gog a burial place there in Israel, the valley of those who pass by east of the sea; and it will obstruct travelers, because there they will bury Gog and all his multitude. Therefore they will call it the Valley of Hamon Gog. For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them, in order to cleanse the land.
The Tribulation – The tribulation is a seven-year period of time when God will finish His discipline of Israel and finalize His judgment of the unbelieving world. There will be great deception leading up to and during the tribulation. It will take place after The Church (believers) are raptured (caught up) to heaven, when the Antichrist confirms a peace agreement with many. Since The Holy Spirit (the restrainer) lives within believers, the restrainer will be removed from the world. With evil unrestrained, the Antichrist will rise to power and take over. Evil will be run rampant on the earth during the tribulation. This 7 year tribulation is also known as Jacob’s trouble.
2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 (NLT) And you know what is holding him back, for he can be revealed only when his time comes. For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. Then the man of lawlessness will be revealed, but the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of his mouth and destroy him by the splendor of his coming.
Matthew 24:3-4 (NKJV) The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.
Israel’s disobedience:
Israel disobeyed God by periodically turning away from Him and worshipping idols. Also, the Israelites were to work the land for 6 years and let it rest on the Sabbath year. They continued to work the land year after year and disobeyed God. Due to their sin, God allowed their enemies to take them into bondage. God will continue to discipline Israel for a total of 490 years until their land has gained back its Sabbath rests.
Daniel 9:24 (AMP) “Seventy weeks [of years, or 490 years] have been decreed for your people and for your holy city (Jerusalem), to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make atonement (reconciliation) for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness (right-standing with God), to seal up vision and prophecy and prophet, and to anoint the Most Holy Place.
A total of 483 years (69 seven year periods) have passed by from the decree to rebuild Jerusalem to the Messiah’s triumphant entrance into Jerusalem. One 7 year period of “trouble” remains to be fulfilled.
Daniel 9:25 (AMP) So you are to know and understand that from the issuance of the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until [the coming of] the Messiah (the Anointed One), the Prince, there will be seven weeks [of years] and sixty-two weeks [of years]; it will be built again, with [a city] plaza and moat, even in times of trouble.
The Antichrist (1st beast) will come into political power. He will confirm an agreement with many, but he will break the agreement after 3 ½ years.
Daniel 9:27 (NIV) He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”
The Antichrist is given power by Satan (the dragon). The Antichrist will also fake his own death and resurrection. (God is the only one who has the power to resurrect.)
The False Prophet (2nd beast and religious leader) causes all people to worship the Antichrist as well as Satan.
Do not be deceived! Those who take the “mark of the beast” in order to buy and sell will be in torment for eternity as taking the mark will be a form of worshipping the Antichrist. Revelation 13:16-17 (AMP) Also he compels 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 [signifying allegiance to the beast], and that no one will be able to buy or sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name.
The 3rd Temple is built in Jerusalem
The sacrificial system will continue in the Temple just as if the “Church Age” never took place. Revelation 11:1 (NKJV) Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there.
The 144,000 sealed/protected Jews spread the Gospel
A great revival for Christ will take place when the 144,000 chosen and “sealed” Jews spread The Gospel of the Kingdom to the nations during this time. This Gospel of the Kingdom is the same gospel preached when Jesus was on earth. For salvation then and in the coming tribulation, a person must believe Jesus is God (the Son of God) and that He will come and set up His Kingdom on earth. The 144,000 will be kept safe from God’s divine judgments. Great numbers of people will be saved from every nation on earth.
Revelation 7:4 (NLT) And I heard how many were marked with the seal of God—144,000 were sealed from all the tribes of Israel:
Revelation 14:4 (NLV) These are men who have kept themselves pure by not being married. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been bought by the blood of Christ and have been made free from among men. They are the first ones to be given to God and to the Lamb.
Revelation 7:9 (NLT) After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands.
Two witnesses will be sent by God to prophesy and perform miracles.
At the end of their ministry, the Antichrist will kill the two witnesses and the wicked world will rejoice. Their bodies will lie in the street for 3 ½ days. Christ will resurrect their bodies and rapture them to heaven.
Revelation 11:7 (NKJV) When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them.
Revelation 11:11-12 (NKJV) Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them.
The Antichrist blasphemes God and makes war with the saints (believers).
Revelation 13:5-6 (NKJV) And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.
Daniel 7:25 (AMP) He will speak words against the Most High [God] and wear down the saints of the Most High, and he will intend to change the times and the law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, [two] times, and half a time [three and one-half years].
The Antichrist sets up an abomination in the temple and puts an end to sacrifice and offering half way through the tribulation. He does this with the help of his army.
Matthew 24:15-16 (NLV) “You will see a sinful man-made god standing in the house of God in Jerusalem. It was spoken of by the early preacher Daniel. The one who reads this should understand it. Then those in the country of Judea should run to the mountains.
Daniel 9:27 (NLV) That ruler will make a strong agreement with many for one week. But when half that time is past, he will put a stop to burnt gifts and grain gifts. And a very sinful man-made god will be put there. It will stay there until the one who put it there is destroyed.”
Daniel 11:31-32 (NLV) His armies will come and make the house of God unclean, and put an end to the burnt gifts. Then they will set up the very sinful manmade god. He will speak well of those who sin against the agreement. But the people who know their God will show their strength and stand against him.
The EU is working on creating its own “rapid military intervention force” which will be ready as soon as 2025.
God’s discipline of Israel & judgment on the unbelieving world:
The Seal Judgments:
1st Seal- White horse – Antichrist’s false peace
2nd Seal- Red horse – Magog War
3rd Seal- Black horse – Famine from inflation
4th Seal- Pale horse – Death (1/4 of population)
5th Seal- Martyrs under altar in heaven – slain for the Word of God & for their testimony – cry out for God to avenge their deaths caused by evildoers on earth
6th Seal- Worldwide earthquake, sun blackened & moon blood red, stars fall to earth
Interlude - Silence in heaven for ½ hour while the 144,000 Jews are sealed (marked, redeemed, protected) before spreading The Gospel of the Kingdom to the nations. This Gospel of the Kingdom is the same gospel preached when Jesus was on earth. For salvation then and in the coming tribulation, a person must believe Jesus is God (the Son of God) and that He will come and set up His Kingdom on earth.
7th Seal- Then another angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.
The Trumpet Judgments:
1st Trumpet- 1/3 of plant life destroyed from hail & fire mingled with blood thrown down to earth
2nd Trumpet- 1/3 of the sea becomes blood from a great force of something like a mountain burning with fire and cast into it; 1/3 of sea creatures die; 1/3 of ships are destroyed
3rd Trumpet- 1/3 of the springs and rivers are poisoned (as Wormwood poisons) including drinking water as a result of a falling burning star; many people die
4th Trumpet- 1/3 of the heavenly bodies (sun, moon, stars) are struck so that 1/3 of the day and night they do not shine
5th Trumpet (1st Woe)- God gives a fallen angel the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit and he opens it. Out of the shaft comes smoke as of a furnace and then locusts that resemble horses equipped for battle. These demon possessed locusts also sting like scorpions. God gives them power to sting only unbelievers (those who don’t have the seal of God on their foreheads) for 5 months. The locusts are allowed to torment but not kill the unbelievers. Satan (angel of the bottomless pit) is their king.
6th Trumpet (2nd Woe)- God releases four angels (powerful enemies from the east) who have been held at the Euphrates. These enemies with an army of 200 million release fire, smoke and brimstone and 1/3 of the population is killed.
A great earthquake causes 1/10 of the city (perhaps Jerusalem under Antichrist’s control) to fall and 7,000 people are killed. God’s remnant of believers is frightened and gives glory to God.
Interlude – (The remaining people do not repent of their idolatry, murders, drug use, fornication or thefts.)
Two Witnesses will have God’s power flowing through them to prophesy and witness to the world, accomplishing God’s work for 3 ½ years. Rev. 11:3 (NKJV) I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
Those who hurt the witnesses will be destroyed by fire coming out from their mouths. They have power to stop the rain, turn the waters into blood, and smite the earth with plagues as often as they will. When they have finished their testimony, Satan comes out of the bottomless pit and kills them. Their dead bodies lie in the street. People on earth celebrate their deaths because of the torment they caused. After 3 ½ days, The Holy Spirit enters the two witnesses and they are raised to life. Then they are raptured (caught up) to heaven in a cloud. The world will see all of this happen.
7th Trumpet (3rd Woe)- The announcement of Christ’s reign and the finishing of God’s judgment on sin, including the 7 bowls of His wrath. Revelation 11:15 (NIV) The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”
The Bowl Judgments:
1st Bowl- grievous sore placed upon those with the mark of the beast and those who worshipped his image
2nd Bowl- sea becomes polluted like the blood of a dead man; those in the sea die
3rd Bowl- rivers and springs of water become polluted like the blood of death
4th Bowl- the sun gives great heat to scorch unbelievers with fire
5th Bowl- wrath upon the seat of the Antichrist and his kingdom who blasphemed God because of their pain
6th Bowl- Euphrates River dries up to make way for the kings of the east. Demon spirits from the mouths of Satan, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet go out to gather and draw the kings of the earth to the Battle of Armageddon.
7th Bowl- Revelation 16:17-21 (NLT) Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. And a mighty shout came from the throne in the Temple, saying, “It is finished!” Then the thunder crashed and rolled, and lightning flashed. And a great earthquake struck—the worst since people were placed on the earth. The great city of Babylon split into three sections, and the cities of many nations fell into heaps of rubble. So God remembered all of Babylon’s sins, and he made her drink the cup that was filled with the wine of his fierce wrath. And every island disappeared, and all the mountains were leveled. There was a terrible hailstorm, and hailstones weighing as much as seventy-five pounds fell from the sky onto the people below. They cursed God because of the terrible plague of the hailstorm.
Could “the great city of Babylon” be spiritual Babylon, the city of Rome and the seat of the apostate church (the Vatican & Papacy)?
The purpose of The Tribulation is for the salvation of Israel.
Romans 11:25-27 (NKJV) For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; For this is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.”
Isaiah 59:20 (NKJV) “The Redeemer will come to Zion, And to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,” Says the Lord.
Zachariah 12:10 (NLT) “Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died.
Tribulation Video: 13 Minutes in the Book of Revelation
For more details and understanding, visit The Tribulation
Note: The Book of Revelation is about Jesus’ 2nd coming - the events leading up to and after His return. It reveals what the Apostle John saw in a vision when he was “in the spirit” in heaven. The tribulation can be found in Revelation Chapters 4-18.
Jesus’ 2nd Coming – Jesus will return as the Lion of Judah near the end of the tribulation. Jesus, at His ascension into heaven, left this earth from the Mount of Olives. He will return to this same place on earth where his feet will touch the Mount of Olives.
In His 1st coming, Jesus was veiled (concealed) in a tabernacle of flesh. He revealed God’s grace and settled the sin problem as the Lamb of God and suffering servant. Jesus set down the foundation of salvation. He was born in a small town where few saw Him. And, later He would come humbly into Jerusalem riding on a donkey.
In His 2nd coming, all of God’s glory will be revealed because the fleshly veil will be removed. It will be a completion of His 1st coming. He will fulfill the remaining prophecies about Himself and settle the government problem. Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV) For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Notice how Everlasting Father is one of Jesus’ names. Yahweh/Jehovah is God, but God attributes that name also to His Son Jesus because of His deity.)
Jesus will come triumphantly riding on a white horse. But, He won’t come alone. Jesus will come with the armies of heaven (The Church that was raptured into heaven and His angels). He will come as the conquering King in glory with the clouds for all to see. Daniel 7:13-14 (AMP) “I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, on the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him.“And to Him (the Messiah) was given dominion (supreme authority), Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations, and speakers of every language Should serve and worship Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed.
Revelation 19:11-16 (AMP) And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who was riding it is called Faithful and True (trustworthy, loyal, incorruptible, steady), and in righteousness He judges and wages war [on the rebellious nations]. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many royal crowns; and He has a name inscribed [on Him] which no one knows or understands except Himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, dressed in fine linen, [dazzling] white and clean, followed Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword (His word) with which He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He will tread the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty [in judgment of the rebellious world]. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name inscribed, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Battle of Armageddon – This battle will occur near the end of the tribulation when demonic influences will cause the kings of the earth to gather their armies for an all-out assault on Jerusalem. The Antichrist will lead the battle that will most likely take place near Mount Megiddo. At Jesus’ 2nd coming with the armies of heaven (the raptured “Church” and His angels), He will defeat these forces of evil with the sword (word) of His mouth.
Revelation 16:13-16 (AMP) Armageddon And I saw three loathsome spirits like frogs, leaping from the mouth of the dragon (Satan) and from the mouth of the beast (Antichrist, dictator) and from the mouth of the false prophet; for they are [actually] the spirits of demons, performing [miraculous] signs. And they go out to the kings of the entire inhabited earth, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. (“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is he who stays awake and who keeps his clothes [that is, stays spiritually ready for the Lord’s return], so that he will not be naked—spiritually unprepared—and men will not see his shame.”) And they (demons) gathered the kings and armies of the world together at the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon (Armageddon).
Revelation 19:15-16 (NKJV) Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.
Zechariah 12:9-11 (NKJV) It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. Mourning for the Pierced One “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. In that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning at Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.
For more understanding, visit What is the Battle of Armageddon?
Antichrist and False Prophet are thrown alive into the Lake of Fire – occurs after Jesus’ 2nd Coming
Revelation 19:20 (AMP) And the beast (Antichrist) was seized and overpowered, and with him the false prophet who, in his presence, had performed [amazing] signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were hurled alive into the lake of fire which blazes with brimstone.
Satan is bound and thrown into the bottomless pit for 1,000 years, the duration of the Millennium – occurs after Jesus’ 2nd Coming
Revelation 20:1-3 (NKJV) Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.
Sheep & Goat Judgment – This judgment occurs after the tribulation when Jesus sets up His Kingdom on earth. All Israel is redeemed (saved) at the end of the tribulation because all remaining Jews who are alive finally recognize Jesus as their Messiah. Those believing Jews will reside with Jesus in the Millennial Kingdom.
Jesus will judge the remaining Gentiles who are alive at the end of the tribulation. He will place the sheep (believers) at His right hand. They will reside with Him in the Millennial Kingdom. Their good works towards God’s people will be a result of faith in Christ. Jesus will place the goats (unbelievers) at His left hand. They will lack faith and therefore fail to aid God’s children. They will then be sent to hell. In each case, Jesus will judge them by their faith or lack thereof, not their deeds.
Matthew 25:31-46 (AMP) The Judgment “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory and majesty and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him [for judgment]; and He will separate them from one another, as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right [the place of honor], and the goats on His left [the place of rejection]. “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father [you favored of God, appointed to eternal salvation], inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; I was naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me [with help and ministering care]; I was in prison, and you came to Me [ignoring personal danger].’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You as a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ The King will answer and say to them, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it for Me.’ “Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Leave Me, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels (demons); for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me [with help and ministering care].’ Then they also [in their turn] will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or as a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will reply to them, ‘I assure you and most solemnly say to you, to the extent that you did not do it for one of the least of these [my followers], you did not do it for Me.’ Then these [unbelieving people] will go away into eternal (unending) punishment, but those who are righteous and in right standing with God [will go, by His remarkable grace] into eternal (unending) life.”
For more understanding, visit What is the meaning of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats?
Resurrection of Old Testament Saints & Tribulation Saints – These are two groups of believers from different time periods. The Old Testament Saints are those who had faith in God and were therefore counted as righteous. The Tribulation Saints are those who, with faith, will claim Jesus as their Christ/Messiah. These two groups will likely be resurrected and taken to heaven after the tribulation. (All unbelievers, who have died or will die in the future, go to hell. They will be resurrected, judged by Jesus at the Great White Throne Judgment after the Millennium, and then thrown into the Lake of Fire.)
Resurrection of Old Testament Saints:
Ezekiel 37:12-14 (AMP) Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I will open your graves and make you come up out of your graves, My people; and I will bring you [back home] to the land of Israel. Then you will know [with confidence] that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves and made you come up out of your graves, My people. I will put My Spirit in you and you will come to life, and I will place you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and fulfilled it,” says the Lord.’”
Daniel 12:1-2 (AMP) “Now at that [end] time Michael, the great [angelic] prince who stands guard over the children of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; but at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the Book [of Life], will be rescued. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake (resurrect), these to everlasting life, but some to disgrace and everlasting contempt (abhorrence).
Resurrection of Tribulation Saints:
Revelation 20:4 (AMP) And then I saw thrones, and sitting on them were those to whom judgment [that is, the authority to act as judges] was given. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had refused to worship the beast or his image, and had not accepted his mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
Marriage Supper of the Lamb – This celebration will be attended by all believers and most likely takes place in the millennium when Christ, the King, feasts with Israel. The marriage supper of the Lamb is a glorious celebration of all who are in Christ. (The wedding of the Bridegroom Jesus and His bride, the Church (believers), takes place at the rapture. The Church will receive rewards for righteous acts. These rewards are given at the BEMA Judgment of Believers in heaven after the rapture.)
Revelation 19:7-9 (NKJV) Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.”
Isaiah 25:6 (AMP) On this mountain [Zion] the Lord of hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all peoples [to welcome His reign on earth], A banquet of aged wines—choice pieces [flavored] with marrow, Of refined, aged wines.
Luke 22:16–18 (AMP) for I say to you, I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.”
Luke 12:37 (AMP) Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) are those servants whom the master finds awake and watching when he arrives. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he will prepare himself to serve, and will have them recline at the table, and will come and wait on them.
Matthew 8:11 (AMP) I say to you that many [Gentiles] will come from east and west, and will sit down [to feast at the table, and enjoy God’s promises] with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven [because they accepted Me as Savior],
The Millennial Kingdom (The Millennium) – This is a 1,000 year period of time on earth when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) reigns as King and sits on the throne of David in Jerusalem. This will occur after Satan is bound and thrown into the bottomless pit at the end of the tribulation. This is the time when God’s Kingdom will come to earth – heaven on earth.
The millennium is the fulfillment of covenants promised by God in the Old Testament.
The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3) promised Israel a land, a posterity and ruler, and a spiritual blessing.
The Palestinian Covenant (Deuteronomy 30:1-10) promised Israel a restoration to the land and occupation of it.
The Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:10-13) promised Israel a king from David’s line who would rule forever, giving the nation rest from all their enemies.
At Jesus’ 2nd coming, these covenants will be fulfilled. The Jews have been brought back to Israel after being scattered among the nations. Israel will be converted (saved) and restored to the land under the rule of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. During the millennium, there will be peace and comfort in a perfect environment physically and spiritually.
Only believers will enter the millennial kingdom. Therefore, this will be a time of obedience, holiness, truth, and the knowledge of God. Jews (redeemed Israel) and Gentile believers, who are alive at the end of the tribulation, will remain on earth and go into the millennium with natural bodies.
Those born in the millennium will enjoy long lives and produce children. Each person will still need to make a decision for Christ in order to be saved. Unfortunately, many will choose not to trust Him. The millennium will show that even in a time of peace, comfort, a perfect environment, obedience, holiness, truth, and the knowledge of God, there will still be sin. This is because all are born in Adam with a sin nature.
Those who occupy the millennial kingdom will see the nation of Israel exalted to its fullest glory. All will be restored spiritually and physically. Micah 4:6-7 (AMP) “In that day,” says the Lord,“I shall assemble the lame, And gather the outcasts [from foreign captivity], Even those whom I have caused pain.“I shall make the lame a [godly] remnant And the outcasts a strong nation; And the Lord shall reign over them in Mount Zion From this time on and forever.
Glorified saints will live in contact with natural human beings. The following people with glorified bodies will rule with Christ during this time:
- Church age believers raptured to heaven (1 Corinthians 6:2)
- Old Testament believers who died before Christ’s 1st coming as a baby in Bethlehem (Daniel 7:27)
- Those martyred believers in the tribulation who died (Revelation 20:4)
Christ will rule as King. (Isaiah 9:3-7; 11:1-10) Nobles and governors will also rule. (Isaiah 32:1; Matthew 19:28) Jerusalem will be the political center of the world. (Zechariah 8:3)
Zechariah 14:17 (NLT) Any nation in the world that refuses to come to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, will have no rain.
Revelation 20:4-6 (AMP) The Millennial Reign And then I saw thrones, and sitting on them were those to whom judgment [that is, the authority to act as judges] was given. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had refused to worship the beast or his image, and had not accepted his mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead [the non-believers] did not come to life again until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) and holy is the person who takes part in the first resurrection; over these the second death [which is eternal separation from God, the lake of fire] has no power or authority, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and they will reign with Him a thousand years.
The following questions arise and are answered in each website article below:
Will David reign with Jesus in the Millennial Kingdom? No
Will there be animal sacrifices during the Millennial Kingdom? Yes, but as a memorial/reminder of Christ’s sacrifice. Those who offer sacrifices will be from the lineage of Zadok.
What is the significance of Ezekiel’s temple? Details of the new glorious temple in Ezekiel’s vision are found in Ezekiel chapters 40-48. Could this be the temple in the Millennial Kingdom?
For further understanding, visit What is the Millennial Kingdom, and should it be understood literally?
Satan Loosed, Satan’s Final Rebellion and Satan thrown into the Lake of Fire – This occurs at the end of the Millennial Kingdom period of 1,000 years. When Satan is loosed, he will deceive a vast multitude of people who will follow him in one final rebellion against Jesus the King, and His saints, the believers. This rebellion will be as if in the spirit of the first Magog Invasion. Jesus will squelch this rebellion with a flash of fire from heaven. Once Satan is thrown into the Lake of Fire for eternity, he is truly a defeated foe. Satan will no longer be able to steal, kill and destroy.
Revelation 20:7-10 (AMP) And when the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison (the abyss), and will come out to deceive and mislead the nations which are in the four corners of the earth—[including] Gog and Magog—to gather them together for the war; their number is like the sand of the seashore. And they swarmed up over the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints (God’s people) and the beloved city [Jerusalem]; but fire came down from heaven and consumed them. And the devil who had deceived them was hurled into the lake of fire and burning brimstone (sulfur), where the beast (Antichrist) and false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night, forever and ever.
For more understanding, visit Why is God going to release Satan after the 1,000 years?
Great White Throne Judgment – This is the final judgment by Christ of all unbelievers who were sent to hell. It takes place at the end of the millennium after Satan has been thrown into the Lake of Fire. This will happen just before the present heaven and earth pass away. Then, God will create new heavens and earth for the righteous. All of our deeds (good and bad) are recorded in books in heaven. All resurrected unbelievers will be judged according to their deeds written in these books.
Another book in heaven, the Book of Life, will be opened. If anyone’s name is not found written in this book, they will be sentenced to everlasting punishment and thrown into the Lake of Fire for eternity. Those who will have claimed Jesus as their Savior, with faith, already have their names written in this book. They will inherit eternal life with God. Their sins (bad deeds) have been forgiven by Christ. With God’s foreknowledge, believers’ names were written in the Book of Life from the creation of the world.
Revelation 17:8 (NLT) The beast you saw was once alive but isn’t now. And yet he will soon come up out of the bottomless pit and go to eternal destruction. And the people who belong to this world, whose names were not written in the Book of Life before the world was made, will be amazed at the reappearance of this beast who had died.
Revelation 20:11-15 (AMP) And I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them [for this heaven and earth are passing away]. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the Book of Life; and the dead were judged according to what they had done as written in the books [that is, everything done while on earth]. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and death and Hades (the realm of the dead) surrendered the dead who were in them; and they were judged and sentenced, every one according to their deeds. Then death and Hades [the realm of the dead] were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire [the eternal separation from God]. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was hurled into the lake of fire.
For more understanding, visit What is the Great White Throne Judgment?
New Heavens, New Earth & New Jerusalem – This is an eternal state, the eternal dwelling place of believers which will be established at the end of the millennium. The new earth will be free from sin, evil, sickness, suffering, and death. It will be as God originally intended it to be – just like the Garden of Eden before sin entered the world. The New Jerusalem, the Holy City, will come down out of heaven and the Tree of Life will be there. The present heaven and earth will pass away, and God will create new heavens, a new earth, and a new Jerusalem. Isaiah 65:17 (AMP) “Behold, I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things [of life] will not be remembered or come to mind.
This is the inheritance promised to believers in Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. We will be co-heirs with Christ. Romans 8:17 (NIV) Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
The current heaven and earth have been subject to God’s curse because of mankind’s sin. Revelation 22:3 (AMP) There will no longer exist anything that is cursed [because sin and illness and death are gone]; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve and worship Him [with great awe and joy and loving devotion];
There will be no more sea, for heaven is the abode of God, and the sea is the abode of evil. Revelation 21:1 (NIV) Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.
There will be no more night. Revelation 22:5 (AMP) And there will no longer be night; they have no need for lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign [as kings] forever and ever.
Description of The New Jerusalem
Revelation 21:12-17 (AMP) It had a massive and high wall, with twelve [large] gates, and at the gates [were stationed] twelve angels; and on the gates the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel were written. On the east side [there were] three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Christ). The one who was speaking with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, and its gates and its wall. The city is laid out as a square, its length being the same as its width; and he measured the city with his rod—twelve thousand stadia (about 1,400 miles); its length and width and height are equal. He measured its wall also—a hundred forty-four cubits (about 200 feet), according to man’s measurements, which are [also] angelic [measurements].
Revelation 21:2 (NKJV) Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Revelation 22:2 (NKJV) In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Revelation 22:4 (MSG) Then the Angel showed me Water-of-Life River, crystal bright. It flowed from the Throne of God and the Lamb, right down the middle of the street. The Tree of Life was planted on each side of the River, producing twelve kinds of fruit, a ripe fruit each month. The leaves of the Tree are for healing the nations. Never again will anything be cursed. The Throne of God and of the Lamb is at the center. His servants will offer God service—worshiping, they’ll look on his face, their foreheads mirroring God. Never again will there be any night. No one will need lamplight or sunlight. The shining of God, the Master, is all the light anyone needs. And they will rule with him age after age after age.
God the Father and Jesus the Lamb of God will dwell with the righteous in the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:22 (AMP) I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all] and the Lamb are its temple.
He will be our God, and we will be His people. Revelation 21:3 (NKJV) And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
For more understanding, visit What are the New Heavens and the New Earth?
For a condensed timeline, visit What is the end times timeline?
For a more extensive timeline, visit End Times Timeline
How can we believe all of this is true? These things were prophesied back in the Old Testament times hundreds of years ago. And, all prophecies in the Bible have either been fulfilled or will be fulfilled in the future. How can we avoid The Tribulation? Do Not Be Deceived! Now is the time, while each of us is still alive, to know The Truth. The first step is to recognize we are all sinners in need of a Savior. That Savior is Jesus. Get started by visiting, SIN – Who Cares?
| Bible Versions: AMP (Amplified Bible), ESV (English Standard Version), KJV (King James Version), MSG (The Message), NOG (Names of God Bible), NCV (New Century Version), NET (New English Translation), NIV (New International Version), NKJV (New King James Version), NLV (New Life Version), NLT (New Living Translation), RGT (Revised Geneva Translation), RSV (Revised Standard Version), TLB (Living Bible), TLV (Tree of Life Version), YLT (Young's Literal Translation) |
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