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The End Times Part 2



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The End Times Part 3



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The End Times Part 4

When it comes to what is coming in the end times, an uninformed church is a vulnerable church. Many of the current events happening lately that most critically need to be discussed in churches are deemed to be political in nature, and are therefore avoided. Jack Hibbs warns the church, “Don’t let anyone ever tell you there is a separation from religion and politics. I think Satan invented that statement.” Avoiding “political” topics prevents informing people of what is really going on with current events. It is time for the churches to stand up and inform their believers. We need to be the church that everyone knows not to try anything because they know the church will stand. They are relying on us being uninformed and afraid to talk about certain important topics happening in real-time.

It’s time to learn where we are in the Biblical timeline by comparing today’s current events to what the Bible says will happen as the end times approach. If believers attending churches who really want to follow the Bible knew what is going on, it would make them take pause. The problem is, the churches have failed to inform us and lead us to stand against evil. Big issues have been avoided because they have been cloaked under politics and most church leaders won’t touch politics with a 10 foot pole. The church leaders don’t want to offend people, and definitely don’t want to lose their non-profit status. After all, leaders take a beating for standing up these days. We also have to consider the possibility that it is part of God’s plan that the churches and believers lay down and don’t stand against evil.

If you’re new to studying the Bible, don’t get caught up with feeling like you have to understand everything immediately in order to believe. You have to understand that nobody really understands Biblical prophecy of the end times, but that we can take what is clearly written and understandable to learn. There are hundreds of prophesies in the Bible with a 100% correct rate, so we have pretty darned good reason to believe the remaining Biblical prophesies will come to pass. As you study the true Bible, it will build credibility in your mind. Then as you learn how to do life by God’s design as opposed to the world’s way and start realizing the daily benefits of that, you will naturally want to learn more and more. God will do his work in you as you learn. It is really a cool journey I hope you choose to take.

There are so many interpretations of what is written in the Bible when it comes to end times. Many denominations have their “sticking point” on some detail of how the end times will happen particularly about rapture of the church…whether there is one, and when it will be. For things like this, we just have to accept that the Bible doesn’t say clearly what will happen so it is left as a variable with multiple possibilities. Many denominations and religious leaders take a logical leap to develop their belief about what will happen and then teach others that theory. That’s not what we are here to do. We will go over what happens based only on what the Bible says, no interpretation needed, just stating what we know from the Bible and take a look at the evidence we see in the world today. We will leave the preconceived notions aside and just look at the what the Bible has to say. Verses quoted are from the NKJV unless otherwise specified.

First, let’s look at who will make it to Heaven and learn the heart of God on that topic:

John 3:15-17 – God sent his only son so that if we believe in him we will be saved

15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Galations 6:7-8 – Can’t just keep doing bad things and ask for forgiveness…can’t fool God and you will have consequences.

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

Matthew 7:13-14 – Few figure out how to get to heaven

13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Matthew 22:1-14 – Jesus describes who will make it to heaven as being like a wedding feast. It’s probably not going to be the arrogant who think they are better than others that make it. And it won’t be those who are given the opportunity to believe and invited in, but just won’t submit to the Lord even after seeing the light.

22 And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, 3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come. 4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding.” ’ 5 But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business. 6 And the rest seized his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. 7 But when the king heard about it, he was furious. And he sent out his armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9 Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.’ 10 So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all whom they found, both bad and good. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.

11 “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. 12 So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, [b]take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Bible Verses about the End Time

Descriptions of the end in Matthew, Mark, and Luke – get a base understanding

Matthew 24:2-51 – Jesus talking about what to expect in the end times

Mark 13:14-37 – Jesus talking about what to expect in the end times 

Luke 17:20-37 – Jesus Description of His coming – compares the end times to the days of Noah and Lot

Luke 21:5-36 – Jesus talking about what to expect in the end times

Signs of the End Times

Here is a summary of the details of the beginning of tribulation – many details are similar in the 3 Gospel accounts of the discussion between the disciples and Jesus:

Beginning of sorrows

• False prophets and people saying they are Christ
  
• Wars and rumors of wars, but the end is not yet
  
• Nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom
  
• There will be famines, pestilences (pandemics), and earthquakes
  

The first half of the great tribulation begins

• Followers of Jesus will be persecuted
  
• Many will be offended, betray one another, and hate one another
  
• Many false prophets will rise and deceive people
  
• Because iniquity will abound, the love of many will wax cold
  
• The Gospel of the kingdom will be preached all over the world for a witness to all nations…then the end will come.
  

Around the mid-point of the great tribulation 7 years, timing according to Daniel 11 and 12

• A warning to flee from Israel because it is surrounded by armies and desolation is imminent
  
• The abomination of desolation is placed in the Holy Place (Daniel 11:31)
  
• Israel gets attacked
  

The worst of the great tribulation

• Then shall be great tribulation like nobody has ever seen since the beginning
  
• God will protect “His elect” and the days of tribulation will be shortened for them. Jesus also says in Luke 21:35 to watch and pray always that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man, indicating that believers will not have to endure the worst of tribulation.
  
• Jesus warns not to believe anyone saying they see Christ, even if they are performing signs and wonders
  
• Jesus explains how He will come and describes events that will coincide with his coming so that we won’t be fooled by others trying to say they are Jesus:
  
  • Jesus comes quick like lightning coming out of the east and shining to the west
    
  • The sun will be darkened, the moon will not shine, the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken
    
  • Non-believers mourn realizing Jesus is real and judgement has arrived
    
  • Jesus comes in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory
    
  • He sends his angels with a great sound of trumpet
    
  • The angels gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
    
  
  

Jesus gives some warnings regarding the end time:

• Just like a fig tree in the spring starts to sprout leaves indicating summer is coming…when you see these things start happening, you know what to expect.
  
• Nobody knows when the end will be except our Father in heaven
  
• Stay alert and be ready for Jesus to come. Don’t be drunk and doing worldly things and be caught unprepared. Jesus compares it to the days of Noah and the days of Lot when people were going about in their wicked ways and caught unaware
  

Additional descriptions of the end times outside of the 4 gospels:

• Revelation
  
• Isaiah 2, 13, 24, 35, 65
  
• Daniel 7-9, 11-12
  
• Joel 2-3
  
• Amos 8-9
  
• 2 Thessalonians 2
  
• 1 Thessalonians 4
  
• 1 Corinthians 15:51-54
  
• Ezekiel 38-39
  

A Look at Tribulation Scriptures in the End Times Timeline:

• The beginning of sorrows leads up to the start of the great tribulation.
  
  • Matthew 24:4-14
    
  
  

4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand.

26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it.

• 
  
  • Mark 13:5-13
    
  
  

5 And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 6 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. 7 But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. 8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.
 “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. 11 But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

• 
  
  • Luke 17:20-33 – Describes the condition of the world when the end times are nearing
    
  
  

20 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

22 Then He said to the disciples, “The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. 23 And they will say to you, ‘Look here!’ or ‘Look there!’ Do not go after them or follow them. 24 For as the lightning that flashes out of one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also the Son of Man will be in His day. 25 But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

31 “In that day, he who is on the housetop, and his goods are in the house, let him not come down to take them away. And likewise the one who is in the field, let him not turn back. 32 Remember Lot’s wife. 33 Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it.

• 
  
  • Luke 21:5-19
    
  
  

5 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6 “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.”

7 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?”

8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”

10 Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. 14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall be lost. 19 By your patience possess your souls.

• Israel is surrounded by armies and the abomination of desolation in placed by a ruler who exalts and magnifies himself above every other God. This marks the beginning of the worst part of the great tribulation, the second half of the 7 years. The abomination of desolation being placed could be a little before or at the time when the antichrist demands everyone take the mark of the beast.
  
  
  • Matthew 24:15-22
    
  
  

15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.

• 
  
  • Mark 13:14-19
    
  
  

14 “So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter to take anything out of his house. 16 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 17 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 18 And pray that your flight may not be in winter. 19 For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be.

• 
  
  • Luke 21:20-24
    
  
  

20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

• 
  
  • Daniel 11:31 – the abomination of desolation is placed by a deceitful king who breaks a treaty with Israel and exalts himself higher than any other god
    
  
  

31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation.

• 
  
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
    
  
  

3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

• 
  
  • Indication of timing, indicating about half way through the 7 year tribulation: Daniel 12:11
    
  
  

“And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days.

• 
  
  • Revelation 6:1-11 – 6 seals are opened with the first being a leader who goes forth conquering. The opening of the first four seals mark the beginning of wars, turmoil and death on earth. This could possibly align with the timing of the worldwide turmoil and wars leading up to the abomination of desolation being placed in the temple by the leader who exalts himself higher than any other god. The placing of the abomination of desolation marks about the midpoint of the 7 year tribulation period.
    
  
  

1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” 2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”

7 When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.

9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.

 

• Believers will be collected sometime before the worst (second half) of tribulation, but it is not clear exactly when. There are definitely some clues in scripture that indicate that the days of tribulation will be shortened for God’s elect and that believers will be gathered up to Jesus before the worst of tribulation and will be able to be with Christ for the 1000 year reign.
  
  
  • Daniel 12:1-3 – Michael the angel comes to collect God’s believers and begin the worst of tribulation after the abomination of desolation is placed in the holy place. The words “at that time” are used in verse 1 to indicate the beginning of the worst of tribulation. The words “And at that time” indicate that at the same time as Michael’s arrival and the beginning of the worst of tribulation, God’s believers, both dead and alive will be delivered.
    
  
  

1 “At that time Michael shall stand up,
The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people;
And there shall be a time of trouble,
Such as never was since there was a nation,
Even to that time.
And at that time your people shall be delivered,
Every one who is found written in the book.
2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,
Some to everlasting life,
Some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3 Those who are wise shall shine
Like the brightness of the firmament,
And those who turn many to righteousness
Like the stars forever and ever.

• 
  
  • Matthew 24:22 – Jesus clearly says the days of tribulation will be shortened for God’s chosen believers
    
  
  

22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.

• 
  
  • Matthew 24:27-31 Jesus will come and gather His elect, or his true believers after the beginning tribulation events of “those days” described in verses 2-24. Notice the things that coincide with Jesus coming and collecting his believers: changes in the sun, moon, stars, powers of heavens shaken, and a great sound of a trumpet. The timing seems to indicate an arrival sometime after the abomination of desolation is placed in the holy place, but there is no indication of how long after other than “immediately after the tribulation of those days”. It is also not clear whether this gathering of His elect includes all believers including those who have died, or if it is only the living Jewish believers at the time. It seems to indicate a pretty all encompassing gathering that may include all believers living and dead…”from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other”. We’ll only know for sure once it happens!
    
    
    
  
  

27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

• 
  
  • Mark 13:20 – the days of tribulation will be shortened for God’s chosen
    
  
  

20 And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.

• 
  
  • Mark 13:24-27 – Jesus will come and gather His elect, or his true believers after the beginning tribulation events of “those days” described in verses 14-23. Notice the similar events that coincide with Jesus’ return and the collecting of believers – changes to the sun, moon and stars, powers of heavens shaken. Again, we don’t know if this gathering represents the gathering of all believers both living and dead, but “from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven” indicates a pretty comprehensive gathering.
    
  
  

24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; 25 the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.

• 
  
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 – With the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, believers will rise and be “caught up” to go be with the Lord forever. Notice the reference to the angel and trumpet of God that coincide with Jesus’ return to collect His believers, also a part of Jesus’ description of how the gathering of the elect will happen in Matthew 24:31. Just noting similarities, as the rapture event of this set of verses may or may not be the same event as Matthew 24:31. We’ll only know for sure when we get to heaven ourselves.
    
  
  

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

• 
  
  • 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 – At the last trumpet, we change to immortal and incorruptible versions of ourselves. Notice that the turmpet sounding coincides with Jesus returning to collect his believers, both dead and alive. This is similar to the description above in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and Matthew 24:31. Although we don’t know for sure whether the Matthew 24:31 description of Jesus coming is the same event as these verses describe, and won’t know until we get to heaven. It is just interesting that there are similarities. It could also be when the angel blows the 7^th trumpet and Revelation 11:15 says the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord. This is before the antichrist declares that everyone take the mark of the beast.
    
  
  

51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

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  • Luke 21:36 – Notice the words “counted worthy.” This indicates a dividing of people counted worthy and those who are not versus simply escaping peril by peoples’ own effort. This seems to imply believers will bypass the worst of tribulation and instead be standing before the Son of Man in heaven.
    
  
  

36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

• 
  
  • Revelation 3:10-11 – Jesus is promising believers He will keep them from the “hour of trial” and you should be prepared because He comes quickly! This implies that believers will not be present for the hour of trial.
    
    10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
    
  
  

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  • Luke 17:34-36 – People will just disappear without explanation when Jesus takes them upon his return to gather His believers. This is after verse 17:24 where Jesus describes his return as like lightning in the sky
    
  
  

34 I tell you, in that night there will be two men in one bed: the one will be taken and the other will be left. 35 Two women will be grinding together: the one will be taken and the other left. 36 Two men will be in the field: the one will be taken and the other left.

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  • Matthew 24:40-41 – Jesus describes how people will just disappear when he comes to gather his elect
    
  
  

40 Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.

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  • Revelation 20:5-6 – Defining the difference between those who were taken in the first resurrection before the worst of tribulation and 1000 year reign and those who are taken after the 1000 year reign
    
  
  

5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.

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  • Joel 2:31-32 – These verses indicate there will be relief from the worst of tribulation for those who believe and call on the name of the Lord. Notice the saving of God’s believers coincides with the cosmic events of the sun going dark, moon turning dark.
    
    
    
  
  

31 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
32 And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.
For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance,
As the Lord has said,
Among the remnant whom the Lord calls.

• The sun darkens, the moon is dark, the stars fall from heaven, and the heavens will be shaken as Jesus comes according to Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s account of what Jesus said. Interestingly, this matches the description of the Angels being sent to mark and collect God’s elect in Revelation 6 and 7. It also matches many descriptions of the beginning of God’s wrath on the wicked in the old testament. It is unclear whether the gathering of the elect includes all believers dead and alive at this time, but the similarities of the descriptions are most definitely interesting. One way or another, Jesus tells us that the cosmic disruptions will coincide with his coming like lightning so we will not be fooled if someone tries to say they are Jesus and came in a different fashion. We know exactly what to expect based on what the Bible says. Notice the warnings to stay prepared and not get distracted by things of the world. We won’t fully understand all of these events and their timing until we get to heaven, but it is fun to read and note similarities for sure!
  
  
  • Matthew 24:27-35
    
    27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together.
    
  
  

29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

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  • Mark 13:24-37
    
  
  

24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; 25 the stars of heaven will fall, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

27 And then He will send His angels, and gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of earth to the farthest part of heaven.

28 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors! 30 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

32 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. 34 It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. 35 Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— 36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”

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  • Luke 21:25-36
    
  
  

25 “And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”

29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

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  • Revelation 6:12-17 and Revelation 7:1-17 – These verses are a similar description to those found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. They also indicate that the face of Him who sits on the throne is coming at that time to start his wrath. Could it be that the coming of Jesus described in Matthew, Mark, and Luke matches up with this one? In Revelation 7, there is also a matching description of the angels being sent to seal God’s believers on their foreheads and God’s believers showing up at his throne in heaven that could align with Jesus having the angels collect his believers. Revelation 7 seems to focus on believers, both Jew and Gentile, coming from great tribulation. Is this Jesus collecting all his believers both dead and alive? We won’t really know until we get to heaven, ha ha. It is just interesting how closely the descriptions of the events match up.
    
  
  

12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. 15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

Revelation 7:1-17 – After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, 3 saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” 4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:
5 of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed;
of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed;
of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed;
6 of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed;
of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed;
of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed;
7 of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed;
of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed;
of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed;
8 of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed;
of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed;
of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed.
9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying:
“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom,
Thanksgiving and honor and power and might,
Be to our God forever and ever.
Amen.”
13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?”
14 And I said to him, “Sir, you know.”
So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. 16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

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  • Isaiah 13:9-13 – the beginning of God’s final judgement
    
  
  

9 Behold, the day of the Lord comes,
Cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger,
To lay the land desolate;
And He will destroy its sinners from it.
10 For the stars of heaven and their constellations
Will not give their light;
The sun will be darkened in its going forth,
And the moon will not cause its light to shine.
11 “I will punish the world for its evil,
And the wicked for their iniquity;
I will halt the arrogance of the proud,
And will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible (tyrants).
12 I will make a mortal more rare than fine gold,
A man more than the golden wedge of Ophir.
13 Therefore I will shake the heavens,
And the earth will move out of her place,
In the wrath of the Lord of hosts
And in the day of His fierce anger.

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  • Joel 2:1, 10 – Verses 2-9 describe Israel being laid desolate
    
  
  

1 Blow the trumpet in Zion,
And sound an alarm in My holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble;
For the day of the Lord is coming,
For it is at hand:
10 The earth quakes before them,
The heavens tremble;
The sun and moon grow dark,
And the stars diminish their brightness.

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  • Joel 2:31-32 – These verses also indicate there will be relief for those who believe and call on the name of the Lord
    
    
    
  
  

The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.
32 And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.
For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance,
As the Lord has said,
Among the remnant whom the Lord calls.

 

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  • Joel 3:14-16 –
    
  
  

14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!
For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.
15 The sun and moon will grow dark,
And the stars will diminish their brightness.
16 The Lord also will roar from Zion,
And utter His voice from Jerusalem;
The heavens and earth will shake;
But the Lord will be a shelter for His people,
And the strength of the children of Israel.

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  • Amos 8:9-10 – the beginning of the judgement period
    
    
    
  
  

8 “And it shall come to pass in that day,” says the Lord God,
“That I will make the sun go down at noon,
And I will darken the earth in broad daylight;
10 I will turn your feasts into mourning,
And all your songs into lamentation;
I will bring sackcloth on every waist,
And baldness on every head;
I will make it like mourning for an only son,
And its end like a bitter day.

• The worst of God’s wrath begins after the Lamb opens the 7^th seal and the 7 angels blow their trumpets, with the first six releasing God’s wrath, with those who have God’s seal on their foreheads being protected.
  
  • Revelation 8:1-13
    
  
  

1 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. 3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. 5 Then the 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.
6 So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. 
7 The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.
8 Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood. 9 And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
10 Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water. 11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter.
12 Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night.
13 And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!”

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  • Revelation 9:1-21
    
  
  

1 Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. 3 Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6 In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.
7 The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle. On their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men. 8 They had hair like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth. 9 And they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle. 10 They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. Their power was to hurt men five months. 11 And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon.
12 One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things.
13 Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. 18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. 19 For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.
20 But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. 21 And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.

• The Lord’s 2 witnesses prophecy for 1260 days, are killed, then raised from the dead and brough to heaven, causing many to be converted and believe.
  
  • Revelation 11:3-13
    
  
  

3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. 5 And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. 6 These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.
7 When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. 10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
11 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. 12 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. 13 In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.

• The 2 beasts rise. The first beast, leader/ruler comes out of the sea, likely a densely populated area, and fools all into worshiping him who are not in the book of Life. The 2nd beast, a leader/ruler, rises from the Earth, possibly a less densely populated area, and becomes the antichrist, causing all to worship the first beast or be killed. This also brings on the mark of the beast, such that you can’t buy or sell unless you receive the mark of the beast, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. The mark of the beast is described as a “mark on their right hands, or in their foreheads.” The Bible indicates that the antichrist will have global influence. It is not clear exactly what the mark of the beast will be, but there are certainly lots of speculations.
  
  
  • Revelation 13:1-18
    
  
  

1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”

5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. 6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10 He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. 12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.

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  • Daniel 7:19-25:
    
  
  

19 “Then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet; 20 and the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows.

21 “I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.

23 “Thus he said:
‘The fourth beast shall be
A fourth kingdom on earth,
Which shall be different from all other kingdoms,
And shall devour the whole earth,
Trample it and break it in pieces.
24 The ten horns are ten kings
Who shall arise from this kingdom.
And another shall rise after them;
He shall be different from the first ones,
And shall subdue three kings.
25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High,
Shall persecute the saints of the Most High,
And shall intend to change times and law.
Then the saints shall be given into his hand
For a time and times and half a time.

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  • Revelation 17:1-18 – A clar