The Coming Storm … Called, Tribulation—Book One

An In-depth Study Dealing with the Rapture of the Church and the Release of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Dr. Douglas M. Lane

Copyright © 2012 Dr. Douglas M. Lane

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ISBN: 978-1-4497-4355-0 (e)

WestBow Press rev. date: 5/01/2012

CONTENTS

Preface

Introduction

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

In Conclusion

About the Author

As My First E-Book is Released …

Thank You …

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… my beautiful, faithful wife of forty-eight years …

… my children and their families … Steve & Betty … Paul & Shannon … …Mark & Morgan … Vonna & Kin …

… grandchildren … Chris … Kiona … Chance … Zach … Lillie …

,,, the Little One on the way … Hunter …

… faithful friends & supporters … Mike & Pam … David & Janice …

… mine and my wife’s siblings … Terry & Sonia … Jim & Phyllis … Russ & Cindy … Russell & Wanda … Tim & Kaye … Rick & Marva …

… nieces … Chelsey, thanks for your story …

… late pastor Tony’s wife, Betty—through the years …

… pastor Neil … folks at O.D.M. …

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Preface

Is the Study of Bible Prophecy Even Relevant in the Twenty-First Century?

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Most people today understand and accept that the world we live in operates on a “cause and effect” base. They believe the universe is moving along on its own power like a clock that has been wound up and left alone to run down. They understand that the various situations and circumstances of our world are only the result—or the effect—of things that have happened at some point earlier in history—the cause. What most do not believe is that there is a master plan or a divine guiding hand that is in control.

They believe the ever-changing geographical boundaries of nations, as well as the political uncertainties of today are simply, and only, the result of political, economical, or military changes of last month, last year, or even last century.

Nothing, however, could be further from the truth! There is a guiding hand. There is a divine plan. And, there is a God that is in ultimate control of every circumstance, situation or change. There is a God who knows the end even from the beginning. Not only does God know what the end will be, He has been, and continues to be, involved in bringing about a final, orderly, conclusion to that end.

It is an understood fact that “cause and effect” is a universal law in our world; however, the attitude of the world is that man is the originator of the “causes” that produce the “effects”. This is where the problem lies.

It is hard for man to believe that this world with all its seeming uncertainties is the result of an omnipotent God with a master plan. It is hard to see this God in control of His world, in control of His universe. The idea that God has a definite, planned, conclusion for all of history is beyond the scope of most people’s thinking; and yet you and I, children of that God, walking by faith in His Word, understand that we are, in fact, living in the closing days of that plan.

In this study we will see the hand of that omnipotent God as He brings the history of this world—as we know it—to that final conclusion.

This is not a story book! It is not a novel to be leisurely read, put aside and forgotten. This is a study of Biblical scriptures. Biblical scriptures that relate to the soon return of the Lord Jesus Christ. They teach that He will first return to catch away His church and then—returning with that church—He will set up a physical Kingdom here on planet earth.

In this study we will take various scripture verses apart and examine them in detail. We will then put them back together and hopefully come to an understanding of exactly what the author meant for us to receive. This study will give the student of Bible Prophecy a new foundation and the ability to look at scripture from a totally new perspective. With the knowledge gained here, areas of the Bible that have caused conjecture and uncertainty in the past will become clear.

No, we will not cover every scripture dealing with specific subject areas—not even close. I will not and cannot answer every question, but after more than four decades of ministry, and teaching the subject of End Time Prophecy on a Bible College level, I feel like I have a little something worth saying.

Now, sit back, buckle your seat belt, and get ready for the ride. God is at the controls and we are in for a spectacular journey. We will see the eternal plan of God as it unfolds before our eyes, and we will see ourselves as we fit into that plan.

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Introduction

Storm Clouds …

In memory and in honor of those who lost everything

in the 2011 Tuscaloosa, Alabama tornados.

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It was mid-afternoon, Wednesday, April 27, 2011. My wife’s niece—a senior at the University of Alabama—looked from her apartment window at the ominous clouds forming across the horizon. All afternoon the news reports had warned of possible tornado activity in the Tuscaloosa area. Would she actually see her first tornado? It almost sounded exciting, but no, seems as if she remembered stories of lost lives. Not being from an area of the country bothered by these storms she realized how very little she knew about them. The clouds were beautiful though … in a frightening sort of way, but such things as killer tornados only happened somewhere else … right?

As the clouds grew darker the electricity couldn’t decide if it was going to work or not. One moment the lights and TVs were blaring, the next it was deathly quiet. Talking and laughing one moment, the next glances of uncertainty passed from friend to friend as if no one knew what to say, what to ask, what to do!

After a short discussion, Chelsey and her friends made their way to their “safest place”—what some people call the inner hallway of the home. There, the joke telling seemed to increase as each tried to keep from showing their fear … and they waited. The storm would pass shortly and everything would return to normal. They were sure—really they were—this would never actually develop into anything serious.

All across the area, on campus and off, students and townspeople waited and watched—some even prayed. As the storm actually bore down on the sleepy university town many family groups and student groups alike found themselves huddled into whatever “safest place” could be found where they were. One group of students found themselves crowded into an inner hallway, laughing to cover their anxiety. As they waited they listened for the rain, it didn’t come. They listened for other signs they realized came from disaster movies and TV programs—and they waited. It was so crowded they convinced a couple of friends to get into a small linen closet to make it more comfortable for the others.

The lights flickered several times and finally went off to stay. It was so quiet. In the small linen closet there was no talking—they just waited. In the dark they waited. Then … then a small trembling, then noise. It really did sound like a freight train. The darkness was exceeded only by the deafening noise and fierce, violent shaking. Had they screamed they would not have heard themselves. Then nothing. Can only a few minutes really last so long? Can the ensuing silence really be so quiet?

The friends in the closet finally managed to uncover their ears, shake themselves and reach out trying to find the door knob. In the dark they could see nothing, as their minds tried, unsuccessfully, to process all that had happened. Their little “ark of safety” had stood them well. They took a deep breath and opened the door.

Indeed, they had unknowingly been inside an “ark of safety.” Their friends—some real mates, others just acquaintances—had crowded down next to the “ark.” But, next to the ark is not the same as being in the ark. Stunned into disbelief they looked for those that only a short time earlier they had talked with, teased and joked with. Now … now, they were gone … just gone … taken by the storm.

Just outside the door of the “ark.” Right next to the “safest place.” So very close.

There is a storm coming. The sky is already very dark. The shaking has already begun. Are you ready? There is an “ark.” There is a “safest place.” There is a way of escape. Do you know where it is? Do you know the way?

This study is about a storm that is coming. About the signs of its approach. About the way of escape.

The coming storm is called … the “Tribulation!“

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Chapter One

To Rapture or Not To Rapture

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Rapture before the Tribulation …

Rapture in the middle of the Tribulation …

Rapture at the end of the Tribulation …

Rapture, rapture, rapture …

To rapture or not to rapture …

What is the question?

Sometimes I almost sympathize with the critic who looks at the church with raised eye brow, and ask if we really know what we believe?

We seem to think that if we use special theological phrases like “Pre-trib,” “Mid-trib” and “Post-trib” we will be considered especially knowledgeable or spiritual.

I know those that strongly disbelieve in the rapture because the word “rapture” is not found in the Bible. Of course these same people believe, just as strongly, in the “trinity” and that word is not in the Bible. The word “demon” is not in the King James Bible, but we understand that they exist.

Why is there such controversy? This is a subject that should be a point of unity within the body of Christ, and it is one of the biggest dividers. Paul called it the “blessed hope.” This subject should bring joy, not confusion.

So, where do we begin?

A Good Place to Begin

The disciples of Jesus are standing on a hillside staring up into the sky.

They are not moving, they are just standing … and staring. Staring up … at … nothing.

“Excuse me,” the silence is broken.

Two men, dressed in white robes, have suddenly appeared standing with the disciples.

“Excuse me,” one of the new men asks, “‘why are you standing here staring at the sky?’”

No one says anything.

“Excuse me, ‘why are you standing here staring at the sky?’”

“Who are those men … dressed all in white?” Andrew asks his brother Peter. “Where did they come from?”

Turning to the men dressed in white, “Did you see what just happened?”

“Yes, we saw it. ‘Jesus has been taken away from you into heaven.’”

“Uhhhh, who did you say you were?”

“We’re just messengers from God, ‘… And someday, just as you saw him go, he will return!’

‘The apostles were at the Mount of Olives when this happened, so they walked the half mile back to Jerusalem.’

[Adapted from the New Living Translation, Acts 1:11 and 12]

Now tell me, one more time, what did the Angels say?

“…just as you saw him go, he will return!”

And you don’t believe in the return of Christ … because?

Let’s Begin by Laying a Foundation

The “Rapture,” what is it?

Probably the best definition of the “rapture” that I have ever heard is:

“A sovereign act of God to get all believers, from all times, into one place. To bring the entire family together.” (Author unknown)

The best definition from a scriptural standpoint is what the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica. He wrote:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with hint

15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

I7 Then we which are alive and remain shall be

caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord

As Paul says here in verse 17, we “shall be caught up.”

The phrase “we shall be caught up” in the original language of the New Testament is “harpazo” (har-pad’-zo) which means, “to catch away, pluck, pull, take (by force).” The word “rapture” means, “the transporting of a person from one place to another,” (American Heritage Dictionary). This tells us that the use of the word “rapture” to describe the event Paul is teaching about in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 is correct.

To be “caught up” as Paul put it is to be transported or carried from one place—the earth—to another place—heaven.

This means that the Lord Jesus is actually coming on two occasions that are both still in the future. He will come—in the clouds—at the “Rapture of the Church” and He will come back to this physical earth at the “Second Coming” to reign for 1000 years.

The Rapture and the Second Coming

Let’s examine a little closer the difference between the “rapture” and the actual “second coming.”

The “rapture” is actually a meeting in the air—the atmospheric heavens—between the Lord and His saints; both the living and the dead. Since they have been “changed,” they are now ready to accompany the Lord into Heaven itself.

The “second coming” is when Christ returns physically from Heaven to the earth accompanied by those saints that were previously caught-up.

Here are two areas of scripture that clearly distinguish between the “rapture” and the “second coming.”

The Rapture:

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

The Rapture of the church as described in these verses is part of what the Apostle Paul calls a “mystery” in his letter to the Corinthians where he writes:

2 Corinthians 15:51

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

We will shortly spend some time examining what Paul meant by referring to the church as a mystery. First, let’s break down some of the scriptures that deal with the rapture of the church.

In 1 Corinthians 15:51, seen above, there are a couple of phrases we want to look at. What does it mean by “not all sleep,” and “shall be changed?”

“…not all sleep…”

This is simply saying that everyone “will not die” before these events take place. Paul makes a definite distinction between those believers who have died and the believers that will still be alive when Christ’s returns for His church.

“…shall be changed…”

Rather than going by way of the grave (dying), a “change” will take place. The next three verses will give us more information about that change.

1 Corinthians 15:52-54

52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall 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 shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

Again, we need to take a closer look at some of the phrases in these verses.

Verse 52 gives us information about the speed with which the “changing” will take place. Let’s examine the phrases, “in a moment,” and “the twinkling of an eye.”

(Verse 52) “…twinkling…”

The word “twinkling” comes from the Greek word “rhipe” [hree-par^1], which means “the jerk (of the eye), an instant.” The speed of an involuntary, unconscious, “twitching” of someone’s eye.

(Verse 52) “…moment…”

“Moment” comes from the Greek word “atomos” [at’-om-os], where we get our word “atomic.” By definition, “the smallest measurement … one that cannot be further divided.” In other words, the “rapture” will take place in a time period that is so fast it cannot be measured, “in an atomic moment!”

Next, verses 53 and 54 give us more information about the changing that will take place.

While we have concentrated, up to this point, on the believers that will be alive at the time Christ returns, we must realize that the “dead in Christ” must also go through a change. The natural bodies of many of these saints will have been in their graves for centuries. Their bodies will have been consumed by nature itself. A great change must take place to bring together those bodies before the “dead in Christ” can “rise first.”

These two verses (1 Corinthians 15:53 and 54) deal with both the changing of the living believer and those that have died. Let’s take a look at four very interesting words from these verses.

(Verses 53, 54) “…corruptible…incorruption…mortal…immortality…”

These phrases deal with the changing that will take place in the bodies of the two classes of believers. It deals with those living at the time Christ returns and those who have already died.

The dead believers are the ones that are “corrupt” or have had “corruption”—the work of the grave—take place in their physical bodies. The believer’s body has been corrupted by the grave. According to Collins English Dictionary, cor·rup·tion (noun) means, (1) … the act of corrupting or state of being corrupt, (2) putrefaction or decay …

In these verses we are told that these bodies will “put on incorruption.” For one to “put on incorruption” the very process of corruption itself must be reversed. This is a work that only the creator God can accomplish.

The living believers are the “mortal.” These believers will “put on immortality.” Collins English Dictionary says, im·mor·tal·i·ty (adj) means, … not subject to death or decay; having perpetual life …

The Second Coming:

Revelation 19:11-16

11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

The Rapture and the Tribulation

Why is there so much uncertainty surrounding the rapture of the church especially as it relates to the tribulation? We all seem to have our own qualifications for those allowed to go when Jesus returns and who should “wait a little longer.” However, I seem to remember Jesus, when telling of servants that felt more qualified than others, they complained: “… These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.” Jesus answered, “… I will give unto this last, even as unto thee” (Matthew 20:12, 14). Never forget, you and I will be there only because of His Grace.

I believe the actual reason there is so much uncertainty regarding the catching away of the church, the tribulation or even the revealing of the Anti-Christ is because of a lack of knowledge about the purpose of these events. You may be a church member, a pastor, a traveling evangelist or a Bible teacher extraordinaire, but if you begin with an incorrect supposition your end results will be wrong. A good test for you might be the answer you would give the following questions?

Why is there a SEVEN year period of time we call the tribulation? Why is it not FIVE years? Why not TEN years?

Who are the people the tribulation was created for? What was its purpose then, and has that purpose changed?

Is there a specific job or jobs the tribulation was meant to accomplish? What are those jobs?

These are questions that need to be answered, and these are questions we are going to answer.

The Church, the Anti-Christ, and the Tribulation

We can’t do justice to the subject of the rapture of the church without examining the related and controversial subjects of the Anti-Christ and the Tribulation, and this is certainly not a full study of either.

I am going to show you, from scripture, why the Church will NOT go through the tribulation. In a lot of circles this is a major point of controversy; however, the Bible is, from my perspective, very clear on the subject, as we are about to see.

As I have mentioned, it has been my observation that the primary reason there is uncertainty about the timing of the rapture is that very few people understand the reason for the Tribulation. This is about to change!

First, however, we will take a look at how God views His children in relationship to His wrath.

Romans 5:9

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

1 Thessalonians 5:9

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

Under the New Covenant, God’s children and God’s wrath do not mix.

If you have been justified by the blood of Jesus, then you have been saved from His wrath.

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Chapter Two

The Tribulation Cometh … Why?

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God Begins Opening the Veil to the Future

When God determined that it was time to begin unveiling His prophetic plan for mankind, to mankind, He sought for a man through which He could reveal that plan. He sought for a man with a very special characteristic. That characteristic was faithfulness. Faithfulness is one characteristic that God always looks for in any individual He chooses to work through. When you talk to God about your faith, He’ll talk to you about your faithfulness.

Daniel had, along with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego proven his faithfulness. And, because of proven faithfulness, “God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had under-standing in all visions and dreams” (Daniel 1:17). All four men had special talents and abilities given them, however, Daniel was given extra. He was given special understanding in the area of dreams and visions.

At this time in the history of God’s people, and because of their continued sin, God had allowed them to be taken captive into Babylon under King Nebuchadnezzar. God permitted the rule of His people to pass into gentile hands, and it will remain there—as we shall later see—until the day when, “the God of heaven [will] set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44).

In unveiling His prophetic plan, God chose to use a heathen king. Why He chose to use such an individual is never explained. However, through the prophet Jeremiah God even called Nebuchadnezzar “my servant” (Jeremiah 25:9).

Remember, when it looks like circumstances or situations or family or anything else are all working out for the enemies benefit, they are only “Servants of God.” They just don’t know it.

One thing that is certain, because of the method God used no critic can ever say that the prophet was only making up some fanciful story. It wasn’t his story, but that of Nebuchadnezzar, a secular, heathen king.

God Reveals His Plan

To begin the unfolding of His plan God gave the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, a dream. It was very troubling to the king. Not only was the dream disturbing, but God caused the king to forget its details. God “took” it from the king, thus preventing the kings own astrologers, sorcerers, and magicians from giving him a false interpretation.

When the various astrologers, sorcerers, and magicians could not recall the dream for the king Daniel was called. You must remember that Daniel was but a lad of no more than 17 years of age.

First, Daniel was required to “tell” Nebuchadnezzar what he had dreamed and only then would he be permitted to give the interpretation. In the dream, recorded in Daniel chapter two, God reveals five (5) world empires that were to rise on the scene of world history. These five empires, as they took or will take their places in history, would all have several things in common relative to the nation of Israel. They all would have:

• Control of Palestine, the land we call Israel.

• Control of the Jewish people.

• Control of God’s city, Jerusalem.

• Control of the Temple, at Jerusalem.

Understand, any nation or empire that fits into God’s prophetic timetable must—I repeat, must—have control over all four areas listed above.

The reasoning for this is how God views things. From God’s perspective Israel is serving Him only when ministry is being conducted from the Temple. Only at those times is Israel, as a nation, considered as belonging to Jehovah. Throughout their history Israel was recognized as God’s only when the temple was there and the priest were ministering in their office.

Special note: A nation cannot exercise control over the Temple at Jerusalem as long as there is no Temple! Therefore, nations that control only a portion of the four areas listed are not part of God’s prophetic “timetable.” They may be part of the overall prophetic picture, but not the “timetable.” An example might be that of Nazi Germany. It certainly fits into the overall prophetic picture of nations that have had dealings with the Jewish people, but it is not a nation whose duration of years influences the “timetable” of God’s calendar.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

Daniel began by revealing to Nebuchadnezzar all that the king had seen in his dream.

Daniel 2:31, Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image…

The dream was that of a great “image” or “statue” of a man. This “image” was made of different types of materials, ranging in quality from gold to potter’s clay. After revealing to Nebuchadnezzar what he had seen in his dream, Daniel then proceeded to give the king the interpretation.

Daniel 2:36, 37

36 This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. Thou, O king…

37 Thou art this head of gold…

In the interpretation, Daniel revealed that each segment of the “image,” made of a different material, represented different empires that would dominate world history. In the final portion of the dream, a “stone” crashes against the “image” and causes it to fall and be crushed. The “stone” that destroyed the “image” then “became a great mountain and filled the whole earth” (Daniel 2:35).

The “mountain” that “filled the whole earth” represents the 1000 year reign of Christ that He will establish on planet earth. The prophet Isaiah spoke of it this way.

Isaiah 2:2-4

2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

The image that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream was no doubt similar to the drawing below. The different materials represented the various empires. Empires that controlled or would hold control over Israel. They would control the land, the people, the city of Jerusalem and the temple.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Image

One of the first things that you will recognize in this prophetic view of world history is the absence of the church. In this great “image” history is told in advance—we call that prophecy—beginning at the time of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, and continuing through the reign of the Anti-Christ. This history told in advance through Nebuchadnezzar’s dream actually continues until the “stone” takes us into the millennial kingdom of our Lord. But, again, something is missing. In all this expanse of time, there is no mention of the “church” or the “church age.” There doesn’t even seem to be a place where the “church” can be plugged in.

The reason, of course, is that the church age, as we have mentioned and will study a little later was a mystery throughout the Old Testament. Daniel NEVER saw the church. The church remained a complete mystery until the Apostle Paul, by the revelation of the Holy Spirit, made known to man God’s plan for the dispensation we call the “church age.”

Empires of the World

If we examine the image carefully, we find that the first four (4) divisions, or empires, have already played out their parts on the stage of world history. These four divisions are:

1. The HEAD of GOLD represented BABYLON. This of course has been fulfilled.

2. The BREAST and ARMS of SILVER represented the MEDO PERSIANS. This also has been fulfilled.

3. The BELLY and THIGHS of BRASS represented GREECE under Alexander the Great. This has been fulfilled.

4. The LEGS of IRON represented ROME, and has been fulfilled.

Next comes the fifth (5th) division of the “image” which has NOT, as yet, been fulfilled.

5. The FEET of IRON and CLAY represent the last group. This empire will be the reign of the ANTI-CHRIST during the tribulation. This, of course, has NOT been fulfilled.

These five periods of domination by Gentile world powers are what will later be called by the Lord Jesus the “times of the gentiles” (Luke 21:24). For now—at the time of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream—there is no specific time, or number of years associated with the “times of the gentiles.” A little later we will find out that it is to last for a very specific number of years.

The Church Age

One question that needs to be answered is where the “church age” fits into the historical events foretold by God through the dream of Nebuchadnezzar?

The church fits between the forth (4th) and the fifth (5th) divisions. Between the Legs of iron and the feet of iron mixed with clay, between the Roman Empire of Jesus’ day, and the empire that the Anti-Christ will one day set up. Two thousand plus years have already passed since the portion of the “image” that represented the Roman Empire existed, and still we wait. But as Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar, “the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure” (Daniel 2:45).

Many Bible scholars have tried to make various empires, nations or groups of nations fit into Nebuchadnezzar’s Image, but they fail to recognize the qualifications of even being considered. To even be considered, a nation or empire must be in control of:

1. God’s land,

2. God’s people,

3. God’s city, and

4. God’s Temple.

Since the year A.D. 70 there has been NO Temple. Therefore, there is no nation, empire or group of nations since the days of the Roman Empire that qualify as being part of Nebuchadnezzar’s Image.

As we have said, the portion of the image represented by the feet and toes has not been fulfilled. A little later we will see that the ten toes of the image represent ten nations that will align themselves under the authority of the Anti-Christ. He will rule this “last days” empire just prior to Christ return to the earth to establish His 1000-year reign.

God’s Timetable

To find the answer to these questions we must look at God’s timetable, and to find God’s timetable we must go back to the book of Daniel, chapter nine this time. Here we find a timetable that covers events concerning not only the nation of Israel, but events that effect time itself. Some events on this timetable are past history. Some events have not as yet come to pass.

This is a timetable that opens the door of God’s covenant blessings to gentiles (gentiles are considered to be anyone that were not born Jewish). Jesus calls this period “the times of the gentiles” (Luke 21:24).

The setting for Daniel chapter nine is that Daniel along with most all the Jewish people have been in captivity in Babylon for sixty-five plus years. Let’s see what Daniel has to say.

Daniel 9:1-2

1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans;

2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.

In verses one and two Daniel dates the encounter he has with God The reason Daniel was so very specific in these first two verses in pinpointing exactly when these events took place has to do with their importance.. Daniel has been in Babylon, at this time, approximately 66 to 68 years, so when God speaks of the captivity lasting “seventy years,” Daniel takes special notice.

In verse two you can see one of the foremost ways God uses to instruct and inform His people. Not just in Daniel’s day. Not just in the days of the Old Testament prophets. Not just in New Testament times. In our day as well. God uses basically the same methods today as He used with Daniel. Therefore, if you desire to see and know things by the Spirit of God, you would do well to follow Daniel’s method.

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Chapter Three

God Continues Opening the Veil

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Understanding God

Daniel said, “I…understood by books.” What “books” did Daniel have? The “books” that gave Daniel “understanding” were the same “books” whereby you and I can receive “understanding” today. The “books” were the scrolls of scripture, the Word of God. If you will use the Word of God as an instrument for seeking God, you will, like Daniel, receive your answer.

What “books” did Daniel have? We have no way of knowing how many scrolls of the scripture may have been available to him, but we do know he had the writings of the prophet Jeremiah. Notice what Daniel wrote in verse two, “I Daniel understood by books … whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet.”

What did Daniel find when he began studying the prophet Jeremiah? Let’s continue reading in verse two of Daniel nine, “that he [God] would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.”

Two things are revealed in this portion of scripture.

First, we see that there was to be a “desolation of Jerusalem.” The word “desolation” according to Strong’s means “a waste place” or “a place of decay and destruction.”

Second, the “desolation—decay, waste, destruction” was to last for a period of “seventy years.”

Now, let’s look at some of the actual scriptures from the writings of Jeremiah that Daniel most likely would have read.

Jeremiah 25:8-9, 11-12

8 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Because ye have not heard my words,

9 Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.

…

11 And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.

12 And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.

Notice that here in verse eleven an additional descriptive word is used along with “desolation.” The new word is “astonishment.” Jeremiah said, “the whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment.”

Strong’s defines “astonishment” as “waste” or “ruin.”

The certainty of the “seventy years” was such that God told the people:

Jeremiah 25:4-7, 10

4 And the LORD hath sent unto you all his servants the prophets, rising early and sending them; but ye have not hearkened, nor inclined your ear to hear.

5 They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever:

6 And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.

7 Yet ye have not hearkened unto me, saith the LORD; that ye might provoke me to anger with the works of your hands to your own hurt.

…

10 Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.

When Daniel realized the full situation of God’s judgment and the time element of “seventy years,” he set himself to find some answers. God is always ready to answer those who diligently seek Him. Daniel said:

Daniel 9:3-5

3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplication, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

4 And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments;

5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments:

Israel’s Sin that brought such Judgment

Every since Israel had entered the promise land under Joshua’s leadership they had been a very indecisive and inconsistent people. Even under Moses as they wandered in the wilderness they were known for their erratic and temperamental commitment to Jehovah. Living according to God’s laws for a period of time, sin would enter, they would go into a time of apostasy, judgment would come, they would repent, begin living Godly and the cycle would repeat itself.

What then could Israel’s sin have been that brought about such punishment?

We must keep in mind that the “land” was involved with the punishment. Remember, Jeremiah 25:11 said, “this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment.” Therefore, we need to examine areas where the “land” was involved in Israel’s sin.

God had commanded Israel:

Leviticus 25:4-5

4 But in the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest unto the land, a sabbath for the LORD: thou shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vineyard.

5 That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap, neither gather the grapes of thy vine undressed: for it is a year of rest unto the land.

Simply put, God said that the “land” was to rest every seventh year. God also spelled out what the penalty would be for the transgression of that Law.

Leviticus 26:32-35

32 And I will bring the land into desolation: and your enemies which dwell therein shall be astonished at it.

33 And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste.

34 Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye be in your enemies’ land; even then shall the land rest, and enjoy her sabbaths.

35 As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.

As Daniel studied the scriptures, prayed and sought God he realized the problem of Israel’s sin. He came to understand that from the time that King Solomon ruled, Israel had failed to keep the “Sabbath rest” or “Sabbath year” for the “land.” When Daniel counted the years from the time of Solomon, he found out that for 490 years Israel had failed to give the land its “rest.”

Four Hundred and Ninety (490) years, meant that 70 “Sabbath years” of rest had been missed. These were years that were supposed to have been dedicated to God. Years that belonged to God. These were years that Israel had, in reality, stolen from God.

God said, in effect, “you would not let the land rest, as I commanded. Therefore, I will take you out of the land and put you into captivity, and the land can have its rest. You owe me seventy years, and I will have my seventy years!”

Not only did God spell out this punishment, but He also added something to it.

Leviticus 26:27-28

27 And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me;

28 Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.

Daniel was able to understand the “seventy years” punishment. Seventy years in captivity—out of the land—to make up for the “seventy years” Israel had failed to obey God in letting the land have “rest.

At this point in time Israel had been in Babylon nearly seventy years, so Daniel knew it was time for a change to take place. It was time for something specific to happen.

But, now, another problem faced Daniel. God had said, “I will chastise you seven times.” Seven times the seventy years comes to 490 years of “chastisement.” What did the 490 years mean? How did the 490 years fit into God’s plan for His people? This worried Daniel, so he again turned to prayer.

God Answers Daniel

Daniel, as he writes, sets parameters of timing that would either establish or destroy the viability of, not just his writings but Biblical predictions in general. In other words, they would determine if Bible prophecy, even today, can be relied on as truthful or … not.

You will notice, throughout the book of Daniel, he uses such phrases as:

“In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim,” (Daniel 1:1)

“the first year of king Cyrus,” (Daniel 1:21)

“in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar,” (Daniel 2:1)

“In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon,” (Daniel 7:1)

“In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar,” (Daniel 8:1)

“In the first year of Darius,” (Daniel 9:1)

“In the first year of his reign,” (Daniel 9:2)

“In the third year of Cyrus,” (Daniel 10:1)

“Also … in the first year of Darius,” (Daniel 11:1)

What are these phrases? What do they mean?

Each of these phrases indicates a dates. Not only that, they are dates that are verifiable through secular historic records. Remember, God does not work in the shadows or by slight-of-hand. After all, He is God!

We will not try to examine all of these dates; however, as we continue you will appreciate the openness of what God is doing. And, yet, He manages to cover certain truths as if hiding them in plain sight from those trying to destroy truth.

Let’s begin this segment with God establishing a benchmark of timing. A point of reference—a secular date—from which prophetic truths continue to be based, even today. The angel Gabriel was sent to Daniel in answer to his prayer.

Anytime an angel shows up to give you a personal answer you can be sure of the importance of that answer. Such is the situation in the ninth chapter of Daniel. Gabriel stands before Daniel and tells him:

Daniel 9:25

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem …

A command is about to be given that will start in motion events that have not been concluded even today. What is the command? Who will give the command? And, to whom will the command be given?

The only question we will deal with for now is: What event will be set in motion when this command is given? Jesus, when teaching His disciples about the end time said, “… Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled” (Luke 21:24).

The command, “to restore and to build Jerusalem” (at this time Jerusalem has been destroyed, the walls torn down and the gates burned) will set in motion the 490 year period Jesus called the “times of the Gentiles.” We will come back to this later.

Daniel’s Seventy Weeks (490 Years)

In the last four verses of this ninth chapter, God is going to outline His “timetable,” This “timetable” will cover the period of time from the ending of the Babylonian captivity through what we call the “tribulation,” and continue until the Messiah, Jesus, sets up His earthly 1000 year reign. All in just four verses.

Let’s examine them verse by verse.

Daniel 9:24

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Let’s break this verse down, phrase by phrase.

“Seventy weeks.” First of all, what is a “week?” Seven days, of course. Not necessarily. Not in Daniel’s day.

In the original Hebrew language the word for “week” is “Shabuwa” [shaw-boo-ah], meaning “sevened.” At times in the King James Bible “shabuwa” is translated “seven,” at other times it is translated “week” or “weeks.”

Let me explain it this way.

The word “week” in Daniel’s day was much like the word “dozen” is in our day. If I were to say that I had a “dozen,” you would wait to hear what the subject was—what I had a “dozen” of. The word “dozen” simply means “twelve.” It can be twelve eggs, twelve apples, twelve boxes of merchandise, or “twelve” of any number of things.

Likewise, in Daniel’s day the word “week” meant “seven” of whatever the subject was. One could have said they had a “week” of eggs (seven eggs), or a “week” of apples (seven apples), or a “week” of boxes of merchandise (seven boxes). The word “week” represented the number seven regardless of what the subject might have been. In Daniel chapter nine the subject is time. More precisely it is “years!” “Years” of punishment for the sins of the nation.

Therefore, with the subject known to be “years,” when Daniel is told there will be “seventy weeks” he understands this to mean “seventy weeks of years.”

“Seventy weeks of years” is seventy, seven year periods. In other words, “seventy weeks” meant seventy times seven years, or 490 years. Immediately Daniel knew he was about to be given the answer to the seven times chastisement (490 years) he had read about in Jeremiah’s writing.

Continuing with verse 24 phrase by phrase.

“determined.” In the Hebrew the word is “Chathak” [khaw-thak^1], meaning, “to mark off.” So, these 490 years were to be “marked off” for special dealings by God.

“thy people.” The nation of Israel.

“thy holy city.” Jerusalem.

The time period of 490 years was “marked off” against both the “people” of the nation of Israel, and against the “holy city” Jerusalem.

In the remainder of this one verse, verse 24, is a list of six (6) things that the 490 years have been “marked off” to accomplish. They are:

#1- “to finish the transgression.” From the original “Pesha” [peh’-shah], meaning “a revolt” or “rebellion.” That is to say, to “finish” or “bring to a conclusion” the “rebellion” against God’s lawful authority.

#2- “to make an end of sin.” To bring to a finish the continuing sin that Israel seemed unable to rid herself of.

#3- “to make reconciliation for iniquity.” Under the law there was no real reconciliation. This would not be fully realized until the work of the cross. To “reconcile” man back to God (2 Corinthians 5:19, 20).

Special Note; “Reconciliation” can never be accomplished through punishment or chastisement.

#4- “to bring in everlasting righteousness.” Only after the “transgression” has been “finished;” “sin” has “ended;” “reconciliation” established; can “everlasting righteousness” be ushered in.

#5- “to seal up the vision and prophecy.” The 490 years is to bring earthly rule, as we know it—that is mankind’s rule and domination—to its conclusion, and move the earth back under God’s sovereign reign.

#6- “to anoint the most holy.” The “Holy of Holies” within the temple in Jerusalem.

Remember, these are six (6) things that the 490 years have been “marked off” to accomplish; because, the time period we call the “tribulation” is the last seven years of that 490 year period.

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Chapter Four

The Mystery of the Old Testament

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The Mystery, the Church

Throughout the entirety of the Old Testament the “church” was unknown. The “church” was a mystery. The great men of God—prophets, kings and priest—never saw or wrote directly about the church.

Hold on, don’t run away! At least, not yet.

There is much written in the Old Testament that applies to the church. However, while it applies to the church, it was not written with the church in mind. The writer, the author, the speaker was not talking or writing directly about the church as we know it.

The Old Testament prophets only saw and wrote about the time when the Messiah—the Christ—would return physically to the earth to set up a physical kingdom. They saw the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, followed by His life, death, resurrection, and then they saw the setting up of His kingdom. This is why some things the Old Testament prophets wrote about seem so clear while other areas are very obscure.

In the drawing, on the next page, you stand with the prophets of old looking toward the prophetic future. God has just opened your spiritual eyes and you can “see” from the prophet’s point of view the mountains of prophetic truth before you. As you view these mountains you will notice the valleys between the front mountain and the far mountains are not seen. As a result, events that happen within those valleys are completely unknown to you as well as to the prophet.

The Old Testament prophet NEVER saw into the valleys as depicted in the drawing [letters “B” and “D”]. The fact is, most of the time the prophet was unaware that there were valleys that he was not seeing. The time period of the church was in one of those valleys. The church was to the Old Testament prophet, a “mystery.”

A mystery continues to be a mystery only until it is revealed or uncovered or made known.

“I can safely say that the great mystery of the Old Testament has been completely revealed and uncovered—that is almost completely!”

“Almost completely?”

“Okay, not completely, but close.”

“How close?”

“Jesus said ‘… ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh’ (Matthew 25:13) also, “… in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 24:44).

“And, that means?”

“The timing of the Lord’s return is still … uuuhh … a mystery.”

“What then has been revealed?

“The absolute certainty that He will return!”

“Absolute?”

“Absolutely, absolute!”

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Why would God choose not to reveal the existence of the church to His own prophets? The basic reason was this: for there to be a time that would come when the gentile would be placed on an equal spiritual footing with the Jew was completely unthinkable to the Old Testament mind.

Notice how the Apostle Paul identifies the church in his letter to the Ephesians.

Ephesians 5:32

This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

These next two verses identify and tie the rapture into the mystery.

1 Corinthians 15:51

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

Romans 11:25

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Israel, as a nation, was blind to the fact that a period of time would be given for Gentiles to be brought into God’s plan. We know this as the Church Age, but Israel, i.e. the prophets of the Old Testament, never saw or understood this.

Colossians 1:25-26

25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

Paul understood that a new time period had been “given,” and that he was to be its “minister.” A time period that had been, “hid from ages and from generations” but revealed through the church, “His saints.”

Jesus Understood the Mystery

Notice the following Scriptures. Keep the “mountains” diagram in mind as you read:

Isaiah 9:6-7

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Notice how verse 6 describes Jesus, at His birth as the “Prince of Peace.” Yet, verse 7 speaks of a time still in the future when the governments of this world will be His. As we know, between the two events (His birth and life on earth until He returns to take over the governments of the world) there is a span of time that has already lasted more than 2000 years. However, from the prophet’s viewpoint this was a continual sequence of events … the birth of the child and His life continuing directly into the time when He would reign here on the earth.

I am not saying that there are no Old Testament scriptures that apply to the church, for there are many. However, the Old Testament writer and the Old Testament prophet never saw or understood the period of time we call the church age.

Let’s look for a moment at the Old Testament Prophet Joel:

Joel 2:28-30

28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

In verses 28 and 29 you can see the prophecy of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, but this is as close as the Old Testament comes to revealing anything about the church. Now look at verse 30. Everything described here are events that will take place during the time period after the church has been taken from the earth.

Other scripture portions that demonstrate this are:

Luke 4:17-21

17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

In these verses are seen two key elements that show the relationship of what was revealed through the Old Testament Prophet.

The first key, in verse 21 Jesus says that the prophecy He was reading was brought to fulfillment that very day.

The second key, has to do with where Jesus stopped reading. Verse 19 is the last of the prophecy as Jesus read it. However, it is not the last of the prophecy as the prophet wrote it, or as he “saw” it.

Here is the prophecy that Jesus was reading as it was given by Isaiah.

Isaiah 61:1-2

1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

Notice that Jesus actually stopped reading in the middle of verse two. The reason He stopped at that point was that this is where one of those “valleys” were [in the previous drawing] that Isaiah, as an Old Testament prophet, was not allowed to see into.

Jesus was able to declare the “acceptable year of the Lord;” however, He could NOT declare the “day of vengeance of God” for that day had not arrived. In fact, it is still future.

Jesus Teaches on the Church

Let’s take another look at Matthew chapter 16, verse 18.

Matthew 16:18

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

This verse and the verse in Matthew chapter 18, verse 17 are the only times the word “church” is used in the four gospels. It is the first time the word is used in the New Testament. The word translated “church” in the New Testament is the word “ekklesia” (ek-klay-see’-ah), and it means “a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation…”

The point is that Jesus did not teach about the church from the position that we think of today. While He did give us a little preview of the power the church was to have, He, nevertheless, relegated it to a future time period. It was going to be left to the Apostle Paul, years later, to receive from the Holy Spirit the full revelation of the church.

The reason God chose to cloak the Church Age in mystery was that His dealings with man up to that point had been primarily limited to the Hebrew or Jewish people. The prophets of the Old Testament, and even the leaders during the time of the gospels, could not conceive of the gentiles ever being considered as part of the family of God. Such a thought would have been unimaginable. This in no way means that Old Testament scripture cannot be applied to God’s children from any and all time periods. Remember, while there is only one literal interpretation of a scripture, there can be many applications.

Paul’s Revelation of the Church

Up until the time that the Holy Spirit revealed to the Apostle Paul what the Church was, it continued to be a mystery, unknown. That is, unknown from the perspective that we, as members of the church, have today.

Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:2 that this revelation was given to him for our benefit, or that we might understand and thereby profit.

Ephesians 3:2

If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward:

Notice also, what he said in verse five of that 3rd chapter, of Ephesians, “Which in other ages was not made known … as it is now revealed…”

Again, verse six reaffirms that the mystery he is talking about is the Church.

Ephesians 3:5-6

5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

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Chapter Five

The Catching Away

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The Rapture Timetable

Late in 1987 while pastoring in north Florida I received a small book in the mail. The title of the book was, Eighty-eight Reasons why Jesus will Return in 1988. I started to discard the book, but changed my mind and actually read it. I found it full—absolutely full—of good material. The only problem was that the author began with an incorrect supposition (assumption, hypothesis), and that caused the entire work to be off course. 1988 has come and gone without Jesus showing up. I’m sure the author never read, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 25:13).

Let’s begin this portion with a look at another “timetable” of the events of the last days. Let’s examine an actual outline of events beginning with the rapture of the church and continuing through the beginning of the tribulation. Of course, most every Bible teacher has their own outline, so what makes this outline different from all the others? This is an outline directly from scripture!

This is a very short outline, but in this outline we will be able to see the relationship between, (1) the Church, (2) the tribulation, (3) the Anti-Christ, and (4) a time of spiritual apostasy that will come on the earth.

Speaking of apostasy, I find far too many people that are looking for the emergence of the Laodicean church (Revelation 3:14). They have been told, year after year, how spiritually defunct the church is going to become just prior to the return of Jesus that revival doesn’t stand a chance. Everyone seems to be voting for apostasy, almost as if it were something to be desired. Personally, I’m looking, praying and believing for revival in the church not lukewarmness.

I still believe the Lord is coming back for a “glorious church, not having spot , or wrinkle, or any such thing” (Ephesians 5:27). Sometimes I wonder if our faith has gotten turned around backwards. As one preacher described it, “Some folks have a great big Devil and a little tiny Jesus!” Like I said—backwards.

Open your Bible to 2 Thessalonians, chapter 2, and we will find that outline. Now read verses one through three.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3

1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,

2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

First, let’s identify certain four events in these verses. We will first identify them as they are given by the Apostle Paul, then we will list them in the order in which they will actually take place.

Event #1

(v.1) “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”

(v.1) “our gathering together unto him”

This second phrase when jointed with the first identifies them both as talking about the rapture of the Church.

Event #2

(v.2) “the day of Christ”

Throughout the New Testament this phrase refers to a time of God’s vengeance, wrath or judgment. Here it refers to the tribulation period.

(v.3) “that day”

Referring back to “the day of Christ” in verse two, it has the same meaning—the tribulation period.

Event #3

(v.3) “a falling away”

A time of apostasy that will come, it is very important for us to understand exactly when this will take place.

Event #4

(v.3) “man of sin” and “the son of perdition”

Both of these phrases refer to the individual we call the Anti-Christ, and verse three is talking about the time when he will be “revealed” or made known to the world.

Let’s now see the sequence of these events and note how they fit with the other events mentioned. The first identifying phrase that shows the sequence of events is given in verse three:

“… for that day shall not come, except…”

Following this Paul identifies two events that will precede “that day,” or precede the “tribulation.”

They are:

Event #3 - “a falling away” this will proceed the tribulation, or will proceed Event #2.

Event #4 - “man of sin … revealed” this will also proceed the tribulation, or Event #2.

Finally, we must add in the very first event these verses refer too. We find that first event described in verse one:

Event #1 - “… the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,” or the rapture of the church.

So, we have the events, as they will occur described in these three verses. Let’s look at them in God’s order of events.

God’s Order of Events

1st event - The Rapture of the Church.

2nd event - The Falling Away.

3rd event - The Revealing of the Anti-Christ.

4th event - The Tribulation.

Thessalonians 2:1—3

Will the Holy Spirit Leave at the Rapture?

For many years it has been taught that the Holy Spirit will leave the earth at the same time the church is raptured. I taught this myself, that is, until I began to check out the things I believed with what the Bible said. That is when I discovered that nowhere in the Bible is it taught that the Holy Spirit is going anywhere.

The scripture where this teaching is obtained is in this same area we are looking at now. You should have your Bible open, so continue reading 2 Thessalonians, chapter 2, verses 6 through 9.

2 Thessalonians 2:6—9

6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

Let’s continue looking into this chapter.

Verses eight and nine of 2 Thessalonians two, shown above, deals primarily with giving information about the Anti-Christ. Therefore, only two verses, six and seven, are used to show the relationship the Holy Spirit will have here on planet earth at the time of the rapture. Let’s examine these verses and see exactly what they say.

Key points in these verses:

(v.6) “…what withholdeth…”

Something is withholding or holding back something else.

(v.6) “…that he might be revealed…”

The “he” that is to be “revealed” is the Anti-Christ.

Verse 8 adds to this by telling us, “then shall that Wicked be revealed.” Therefore, something is withholding or holding back the Anti-Christ.

By “holding back” it means that the rise to political prominence or power of the Anti-Christ is “held back” or prevented.

(v.7) “…only he…”

This is the identity we are looking for. The entity that is holding back the Anti-Christ. We will come back to “him” in a moment.

(v.7) “…letteth will let…”

“letteth” means to “hinder.” The entity is hindering or holding back the Anti-Christ from being revealed. As long as “he” is in place the Anti-Christ cannot rise to take his place in world events.

(v.7) “…until he…”

Again, this is the one who’s identity we are looking for. Hold on, we’ll identify “him” shortly.

(v.7) “…taken out of the way…”

This something or someone that is holding back the Anti-Christ does not leave, but is taken “out of the way,” or out of the reach of the Anti-Christ.

Also, you will notice that NOWHERE in this chapter, up to this point, has the Holy Spirit been the subject or even mentioned. It would be doing injustice to scriptural interpretation to identify this “he” as the Holy Spirit.

Who then must be “taken out of the way” before the Anti-Christ can be revealed? Who is the hindering force holding back the plan of Satan? Yes Satan has a plan for this earth, however, any plan that Satan might have is subject to God’s veto. God’s vetoing agent—the force that is holding back the plan Satan desires to unleash is the subject of the very first verse of this chapter.

The one identified as “our” in verse one. The one that will be gathered together to meet Christ in the air is the force holding Satan back. The answer is, the CHURCH!

We, the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, are the force that keeps evil in its ultimate form from being turned loose upon this earth. The Holy Spirit does not leave the earth when the Church does, for, as we will see later, under the ministry of the 144,000 the greatest Revival the earth has ever seen will take place.

Pre-Trib, Mid-Trib, Post-Trib?

There is a variety of thoughts and ideas on various time placements of the Rapture of the Church relative to the tribulation. Some place the rapture before the tribulation begins, others place it at the mid-point, and still others at the end of the tribulation period. Of course there are those that simply do not believe in a rapture of any kind whatsoever.

There are groups that take the admonitions about “him that overcometh” found in Revelation and elevates them, making them to be some sort of test that determines if you go on the first load or not. Only those who are worthy, “have overcome,” can expect to go in the initial rapture of the church. If you start talking about being worthy, I do not know anyone—certainly mot myself—that would make it. All our worthiness is in Christ!

In practice, the theology that says you must be an overcomer to go when Jesus comes is actually saying that Jesus was wrong to declare, “it is finished!” What He really meant was, “it is finished if you manage to become an overcomer.” Until then you’ve got work to do.

Again, this kind of thinking generally come from folk that simply do not know the reason for there to be a tribulation period to begin with.

The tribulation is not a judgment period for the lukewarm believer, the babe in Christ or the believer that never became very committed. Jesus said about the lukewarm—those that try to mix a little law with grace—“I will spue thee out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16). The overcomer, on the otherhand, is mentioned at least eight (8) times in the book of Revelation, and I believe each time the reward for that area of overcoming is clearly stated.

Jesus gave a good example of the overcomer and those that might not have obtained that status in Matthew’s gospel chapter 20.

Matthew 20:8—10

8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labourers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.

9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny .

10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.

Before the Tribulation Begins

We are living in such an electronic and space travel oriented world that it will not take long before the “millions missing” in the rapture will be explained sufficiently to satisfy the populace. This will be somewhat easy because man, in general, will be looking for a plausible excuse that leaves him without responsibility.

I’m certain that the day of the rapture, and without doubt the following Sunday, every church in America if not the world will be filled to capacity. I’m also certain that there will be plenty of church “leaders” available to give directions. I’m not so sure about the quality of those directions.

Human nature being what it is, and “self justification” being such a great part of that nature, I expect that as time progresses many will find it easy to fall back into their old life style of unbelief. At any rate the Bible does say, “that day [the day of God’s judgment—the “tribulation”] shall not come, except there come a falling away first;” therefore, great apostasy will abound.

There are other events of significance happening during the time following the rapture of the church and before the actual beginning of the tribulation. Of great significance will be a ground swell of faith springing forth within the Jewish community. As the apostle Paul writes:

2 Corinthians 3:15—16

15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

Great conflict will occur within Judaism as the “Vail” is taken away from their spiritual eyes and they begin to see JESUS! This ground swell of Jewish believers will begin spawning or bringing forth those that will make-up 144,000 Jewish evangelists.

One of the most noteworthy events that will transpire during this period of time will be the rise of the Anti-Christ and his putting together a ten-nation coalition. Of course, we must realize that while we call this man by the name of Anti-Christ, the world will know him only as a great (that doesn’t necessarily mean good) leader.

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Chapter Six

The Book with Seven Seals

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Let’s go briefly to the book of Revelation.

In the narrative of Revelation it is somewhat difficult to determine at what point the rapture of the church takes place. Probably the best point is the forth chapter. It begins:

Revelation 4:1

After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

At this point John finds himself in Heaven. As a representative of the church he received the trumpet call, “Come up hither!”

We begin our Revelation journey with the seven sealed book or scroll—of Revelation five. The identity of this book has been a mystery probably since the Apostle John first released his Revelation to be read.

In reality the first century Christians may have responded with complete understanding to the things John wrote. However, for you and me, people living in the twenty-first century understanding does not come that easy.

Where did the seven sealed book come from? What was the purpose of the seals? Who was the book addressed to? These are just some of the questions being asked today.

When the Apostle John found himself “in the Spirit” receiving special revelation from the Lord, after he had been given seven letters to send to seven different pastors, he was caught up into heaven, where he wrote:

Revelation 5:1-4

1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

A number of years ago, I found myself pondering, praying and simply wondering over the origin of this mysterious book. This wasn’t something new for me; I had wondered over this subject many, many times. I had even asked God where the book came from—no answer.

On one occasion, while studying this subject, I remembered something from my studies of the book of Daniel. As the prophet came near the end of his life, and the end of what God wanted him to write, God told him:

Daniel 12:4

But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

Could this be the answer? Could the book held, “… in the right hand of him that sat on the throne …” (Revelation 5:1) be the book Daniel had sealed-up so many years before? Let’s briefly return to Daniel and see if an answer can be found.

Daniel 12:1-3

1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.

Verse one of chapter twelve begins, “at that time.” What time? The End Time. When the descriptive phrase, also from verse one, “there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time” is added, the tribulation period can easily be identified. In fact, not just the tribulation period, but the last half of the tribulation commonly called the Great Tribulation.

Verse one ends with Daniel talking about those whose names are “written in the book.” This is followed by verses two and three showing the difference between those destined for “everlasting contempt” and those who will shine “as the stars.” At this time Daniel is told to stop writing and seal the book.

As you can see the book of Daniel was never really completed. There was more that he received and saw; more that he could have written. However, Michael the archangel who had been instructing Daniel told him to, “shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end.” He was not to reveal anything more than what had already been written.

We do not know what the sealing of the book involved, or what was really meant. What we do know is that until the Apostle John began writing the Revelation there was very little revealed about events that would occur during the end time. Our next encounter with a sealed book—believed by many to be the continuation of the vision Daniel had been told to “shut up and seal”—will be in Revelation chapter five.

God’s Final Jubilee

Let’s turn to Revelation chapter five and the sealed book John is dealing with. Why was there such a problem with opening the seals on a book Daniel had written so many years previous?

These prophetic writings had become more than the foretelling of the fate of Israel or the Jewish people. These scriptures were more than an outline of the rule of gentile nations over Israel as the “times of the gentiles” would come to a close.

These scriptures—both the writings of Daniel and now the writings of the Apostle John—had become a declaration of the redemption of all mankind. They were making a proclamation of the final Jubilee of God.

God gave instructions to Moses regarding the establishment of God’s Jubilee. The Jubilee was the type, the shadow of the coming redemption of all mankind; however, symbolically it would be played out through the nation of Israel every fifty years. God told Moses, “ye shall … proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof” (Leviticus 25:10). Next God told Moses how that proclamation was to be made. The proclamation was to be made—Jubilee declared —with the sound of a “trumpet-blast.”

The Apostle Paul speaking by the Spirit of God, and speaking of the final Jubilee, said it this way:

1 Thessalonians 4:16

… the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God …

The completed work of prophetic scripture would be dealing with the eternal “inheritance” of mankind. This is the “inheritance” that had been forfeited by Adam through his sin. Paul tells us that mankind had been, “… sold under sin …” (Romans 7:14), by Adam’s transgression; but purchased back by Jesus on Calvary.

The opening the seals on the book would set in motion the final phase of the redemption of mankind. That is—if someone could be found worthy to open those seals. Since this would mean the redemption of mankind’s forfeited inheritance, the seals could only be opened by someone that met the qualifications. The problem was finding that someone who was worthy. The apostle John was much distressed because there didn’t appear to be anyone that met the prerequisite that would allow them to open the seals on the book.

Qualifications for Opening the Sealed Book

To qualify to open the seals—this would involve the redemption of mankind’s forfeited inheritance—one would have to meet certain qualifications. They must be part of the family that lost the inheritance in the first place. They had to be “next-of-kin.”

Who then could possibly qualify to open the book? Angels didn’t qualify. Cherubim didn’t qualify. Great men of either the Old or New Testament didn’t qualify. None of these could be the “next-of-kin” redeemer. Adam, a man, was a member of the human race and therefore it would take another member of that race to redeem man.

In other words, only a man could purchase redemption for man; however, since all men required redeeming no man qualified as a redeemer. The redeemer had to be born of Adam’s race and yet not be a partaker of the sin nature inherited from Adam—an impossibility. Unless … unless, the process of transferring that nature could be by-passed.

God had instructed the children of Israel:

Leviticus 25:25

If thy brother … hath sold away some of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.

If a possession is sold, as Adam sold out the human race, a kinsman can redeem the possession on behalf of the original owner. That is, as long as the kinsman did not need redeeming himself. The Lord instructed Moses that, “… any that is nigh of kin [next of kin] unto him of his family may redeem him …” (Leviticus 25:49).

Who would be worthy to open the seals on the book? Who is part of the fallen family without being part of the fall? Who is part of the human race without being part of Adam’s fallen race?

The God-Man Redeemer

Remember, nothing catches God by surprise. That is why the virgin birth of Jesus was part of God’s plan from before creation. God knew before creation that man would fall, and that a man not corrupted by that fall would be needed for fallen man’s redemption. Yes, but every man was corrupted by the fall.

No, not everyone!

Jesus—the God-Man—took his humanity from His mother Mary. Jesus took His divinity from His father—the Holy Spirit. As the angel said to Mary at the annunciation:

Luke 1:35

… the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35).

Who could possibly qualify to open the seals on the book that the Father God held in His hand?

No one could be the next-of-kin, and therefore entitled to redeem the forfeited inheritance of the authority and dominion over the land, and the people. None, that is, but Jesus!

None but “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” was worthy. His name is Jesus!

None but the Son of Man, who was both David’s Son and David’s Lord was worthy. His name is Jesus!

None but He who was at the same time the “root” from which David sprang, and the “offspring” which sprang from David would be worthy. His name is Jesus!

Revelation 5:5-9

5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

The fullness of the position Jesus holds can also be seen from the titles given Him in the gospels. They speak of Jesus, “… in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13—14). They speak of Jesus, the One who can redeem the “purchased possession.”

Jesus legally purchased—redeemed—the inheritance back on Calvary, but when the seven sealed book is opened the usurper will be forcibly ejected and the inheritance given to the saints.

Those titles given Jesus in the Gospels are:

• The “Son of David:” This shows Jesus as possessing the title to the Throne of David.

• The “Son of Abraham:” Here we see Jesus as possessing the title to the Land of Palestine.

• The “Son of Man:” This shows Jesus as possessing the title to the Earth.

• The “Son of God:” This title shows Jesus as the heir of all things!

The seven seals, as they are opened, will cover events that transpire over the entire seven year time period of the tribulation. The first seal is actually opened before the treaty between the Anti-Christ and Israel is signed, and the last seal, the seventh, covers the last of the “tribulation.”

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Chapter Seven

Daniel’s Timeline of the Prophetic Future

(Part 1)

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How Accurate was Daniel’s Prophetic Timetable?

In Chapter three we gave a list of dates that showed the accountability of Daniel’s writings. If the prophetic writing of Daniel and the other Old Testament prophets were not reliable—were not completely accurate—in their day, how can we trust any area of prophetic scripture in our day?

In the ninth chapter of Daniel the angel Gabriel came to Daniel in response to prayer. He came to give Daniel answers to questions he had been seeking God about. You might say that Daniel got more than he bargained for. God was about to open a panoramic view of the prophetic future of the nation of Israel—as well as the rest of the world as it related to Israel.

Gabriel stood before Daniel and told him:

Daniel 9:25

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem …

Back in chapter three, we noted that a command was about to be given that would start in motion what Jesus called “the times of the Gentiles.” This means that we need to examine this command and find out what it involves. It’s time for answers!

What was the command, and who was the issuing agent that gave it such authority? Since it was “to restore and to build Jerusalem” it must have been issued by the ruling governmental authority or king for it to be valid.

The first thing we find when we begin looking for the “command” is that there are four different “command” issued by ruling kings during this time frame that affect the people of Israel. And. there is some confusion within the ranks of the various Bible teachers as to which of these is the answer to Daniel 9:25. Let’s look at each of them.

The first command was given by Cyrus king of Persia (Ezra 1:1—2), in B.C. 536. However, it was “to build him [God] an house” and the “command” Daniel spoke about was “to restore and to build Jerusalem.”

This second command was made by Darius (Ezra 6:1—12), in B.C. 519. Its purpose was to enforce the decree of Cyrus made seventeen years earlier. It also was concerned with “build[ing] this house of God,” therefore it does not qualify for the answer to Daniel 9:25.

This third command was made in B.C. 458, by Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:12—21), and was for the purpose of collecting gold, silver and other materials for the “house of God.” Remember, the “command” Daniel wrote about was “to restore and to build Jerusalem.”

In B.C. 445, the king Artaxerxes Longimanus gave a command (Nehemiah 2:4—8), that did fit the command described in Daniel 9:25. It was to build “the city of my fathers’ sepulchres.” To rebuild Jerusalem.

We now have a date for the beginning of the 490 years. We have a date for the beginning of “the times of the gentiles.” B.C. 445! In fact it was the 1st of Nisan, B.C. 445.

The 1st of Nisan to us—transposed to our calendar today—becomes March the 14th. Therefore, the 490 years—the “seventy weeks” of Daniel, or the “times of the gentiles”—began March 14, B.C. 445.

Now, let’s see if history confirms or denies Daniel’s prophecy.

The Prophetic Year

At this point we must take a short detour and look at the way “time” was reckoned in Daniel’s day, or during the Old Testament.

As you know, today we use, and govern our lives by, what is called the “Gregorian Calendar” which was adopted by England in 1752. The accuracy of our calendar today is determined to be one day gained every 3,325 years. Prior to the Gregorian calendar was the “Julian Calendar” created by Julius Caesar. Before this most nations, particularly surrounding the Mediterranean, recognized a solar year having 12 lunar (30 day) months.’ As a result calculations made today would not equate to those made during the time when every month was counted as having 30 days. Therefore, to get an accurate accounting we must use their accounting system.

According to Sir Isaac Newton, “all nations, before the just length of the solar year was known, reckoned months by the course of the moon, and years by the return of winter and summer, spring and autumn; and in making calendars for their festivals, they reckoned thirty days to a lunar month, and twelve lunar months to a year, taking the nearest round numbers, whence came the division of the ecliptic into 360 degrees” (Sir Robert Anderson, The Coming Prince, p 63).

Let’s now see how all this fits into the Biblical picture.

God’s Calendar

When God had the record of Noah’s flood put into writing by Moses, He recorded:

Genesis 7:11

In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.

Genesis 8:3—4

3 And the waters returned from off the earth continually: and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated.

4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat.

Here we are told that the 5 months the water took to drain (abate) from the earth—the 17th day of the second month until the 17th day of the seventh month—equaled 150 days (that is five, 30 day months). From this we understand that the yearly accounting system, at the time Genesis was written by Moses, was twelve 30 day months for each year.

To continue this one step further, in Daniel chapter nine the final division of the “seventy weeks” (490 years) is “one week” (or seven years). This period—called the tribulation—is dealt with at length in both Daniel (the Old Testament) and Revelation (the New Testament). Notice the following descriptions given … to half of the week, or 3 ½ years.

Revelation 11:2 “… shall they tread under foot forty and

two months …”

Revelation 13:5 “… continue forty and two months …”

Revelation 11:3 “… a thousand two hundred and threescore

days …”

Revelation 12:6 “… a thousand two hundred and threescore

days …”

Since all these passages refer to the same three and one-half year period of time, they show us the accounting system that both of these writers—Daniel and the Apostle John—and Biblical prophets in general used.

First, three and one-half years equal “forty and two months.” Also, the same three and one-half years equal “a thousand two hundred and threescore days.”

The 1,260 days = 3 ½ years or forty-two, 30 day months; therefore, on God’s prophetic calendar there are twelve, thirty-day months in a year or 360 days.

The “Seventy Weeks” Begin

We have determined the beginning date for the 490 years to be March 14, B.C. 445, and the calendar we are using has twelve, thirty-day months each year. Next, we need to find out the relationship between this date—March 14, B.C. 445, and the various periods within the 490 year span of time we call the “times of the gentiles.” We also need to see how various known dates in Biblical history fit within this framework.

Daniel 9:25—27(a)

25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week …

In these verses we have outlined for us the 490 years, divided into three segments. Let’s take a look. Remember, the total number of weeks set aside for God’s special dealings with Israel are seventy, and each “week” equals seven years.

First, in verse 25 we are told that there, “shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks.”

“seven weeks”

… times seven years per week = 49 years

“three score and two weeks (62 weeks)

… times seven years per week = 434 years

Next, in verse 27 … (verse 26 describes things related to verse 25).

“one week”

… times seven years per week = 7 year

Another way of explaining the divisions of the seventy weeks is:

7 weeks = 49 years

62 weeks = 434 years

1 week = 7 years

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Total: 70 weeks = 490 years

Here is a diagram of the three periods Jesus called the “times of the gentiles.”

These three divisions are distinct periods of time that are for the purpose of bringing certain specific things to fulfillment.

Let’s examine what the specific purposes of these divisions are:

1st period: Forty-nine years are set aside for the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The second division follows directly after the first.

2nd period: This division is 434 years and extends to the time when “Messiah the Prince” would be revealed and then “cut off.”

3rd period: This final period is for seven years. This period is separated from the first two divisions by an unknown length of time. The second period ended with the Messiah being “cut off,” and the third period does not start until a secular treaty is signed. As verse 27 describes it, “he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week.”

This final period is the seven year period we call the tribulation.

Here the diagram of the three periods is repeated, only this time showing the unknown time period between divisions two and three.

The Progression of the Seventy Weeks (490 Years)

When we talk about 490 years from the conclusion of Israel’s Babylonian captivity until the time when the Messiah, Jesus, will set up His earthly reign, it makes one wonder. After all, it has been slightly more than 490 years already. About 2,000 years more. How can we reconcile such numbers? Let’s take a look!

March 14, B.C. 445 Artaxerxes Longimanus gave a command to build “the city of my fathers’ sepulchers” (Nehemiah 2:4—8). In other words, the command was to rebuild Jerusalem. History tells us that forty-nine years later the rebuilding of Jerusalem was completed. The first period ended in B.C. 397, at approximately the same time Malachi, the last of the Old Testament writings, was completed.

The phrasing of Daniel 9:26 is worded in such a way that it let’s us know that the first two divisions follow one immediately after the other. The third division, however, is different. The third division is separated by an unknown length of time. It is in this area, between the second and third divisions where God has placed what we call the church age.

Daniel 9: 26

… unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks …

What does “unto Messiah the Prince” mean?

Jesus Presents Himself as Israel’s Messiah

When Jesus began His ministry it followed His baptism and the time of temptation in the wilderness. The first place He went was to His hometown of Nazareth, and “as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read” (Luke 4:16).

This day things were going to be different. It was time for Jesus to begin the purpose for which He came. He came to be Messiah to Israel; therefore, He read scripture that outlined the ministry of the Messiah. He read:

Luke 4:18-19

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Verse 19 said, “to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” The Messiah, when He came, would bring Israel into a time of Jubilee as they never saw under the Old Covenant. A time when the poor, the brokenhearted, the captive, the blind and bruised would be released into the liberty of the Messiah’s reign.

Jesus concluded:

Luke 4:20-21

20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

At this point Jesus was actually presenting Himself as the “Messiah.” As Israel’s “Messiah.” Only the people, those He had grown up among, refused to recognize or accept Him as Who He was. In fact, just six verses later the people were ready to stone him.

Jesus had just been “rejected” as Israel’s “Messiah!”

Following this “rejection,” when Jesus performed a miracle, healed the sick and the deceased, delivered the oppressed, He would instruct those present not to tell what they had seen, or spread the word of what was happening.

Why?

Because the “miracles” that He preformed all pointed to His Messiahship and Messiahship indicated a relationship situation. Messiahship was a covenant office, and position of authority He was to have with the Jewish people, and within the Jewish nation. When the people rejected Him, they rejected their Messiah.

After this, Jesus at no time would allow the position or title of Messiah (even inadvertently) to be applied to Him by the general populace. It was no longer a choice for the people to make. He, Jesus, must now declare Himself Messiah. It could not be a presentation, but must be an authoritative declaration, and it must come with exact timing. The exact time that had been prophesied in the Old Testament scriptures.

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Chapter Eight

Daniel’s Timeline of the Prophetic Future

(Part 2)

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The Answer to Daniel’s Prophetic Timetable

If you remember Daniel had prophesied that there would be a 490 year reign of gentile nations ruling over Israel—while the people, the land, Jerusalem and the temple were all together. This 490 years would begin at the signing off a certain command, and that command was signed by the Persian King Artaxerxes Longimanus on the 1st of Nisan, B.C. 445.

The first division of the 490 years was a 49 year period in which the walls of the city of Jerusalem were rebuilt. The second division was a 434 year period that was to continue to the time Daniel said the Messiah of Israel would be cut-off. This is where our study is presently.

The question is, will Messiah be cut-off at the actual end of that second division of Daniel’s prophecy? Over such a broad span of years is it possible to predict that accurately? If it’s God it’s more that possible, it’s expected.

Let’s see if God is trust-worthy.

The clock began the 1st of Nisan 445 B.C.—transposed to our calendar that date becomes March 14, 445 B.C. If we now count forward through the years—using God’s calendar—we are brought to the date of April 6, A.D. 32.

What happened on April 6, A.D. 32?

A Jewish rabbi of about 33 years of age told a couple of His followers to:

Matthew 21:2

… Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me.

This event, of course, is followed by the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The scriptures record:

Matthew 21:10, 11

10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this?

11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

No more would Jesus simply present Himself as Messiah, He was declaring His Messiahship!

Matthew 21:12—14

12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them.

When Jesus declared before all Jerusalem, “this is my father’s house” He declared Himself the Messiah.

All this happened exactly—to the day—483 years (49 years from division one, and 434 years from division two) from the signing of the command to rebuild Jerusalem. And, within a few days Jesus was cut-off on mount Calvary. The prophet Isaiah said it this way:

Isaiah 53:8

… for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the

transgression of my people was he stricken.

This leaves seven years to finish out the 490 years of Daniels “Seventy Weeks” prophecy. Seven years. This is the seven year period we call the tribulation!

Opening the First of the Seals

The opening of the seven seals on the book in the hand of God actually covers the entire seven years of the tribulation period.

The first seal is actually opened before the treaty between the Anti-Christ and Israel is signed, and the last seal, the seventh, covers the last of the tribulation, continuing until the time when Jesus physically returns to the earth.

In studying the book of Revelation the student is immediately faced with …

SEVEN SEALS that need to be opened …

SEVEN TRUMPETS that need to be sounded;

And finally, SEVEN VIALS that need to be poured out.

The Seals, the Trumpets, and the Vials all have to do with the releasing of judgments on the earth. As the student gets involved deeper in studying Revelation a question that is usually ask has to do with the relationship between the sets of Seals, Trumpets and Vials. Continued study will show that various events take place as each Seal is opened, Trumpet sounded, and Vial poured out.

Remember, all take place within the seven year period called tribulation.

The seven Seals, the seven Trumpets, and the seven Vials all operate in sequential order. The seven Seals are opened first. When the final Seal is opened it reveals the seven Trumpets. When the seventh Trumpet sounds it reveals the seven Vials.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

It is now time for the actual beginning of what Jeremiah 30:7 calls “the time of Jacob’s trouble,” the seven years of tribulation.

As Jesus began opening the seals, the first four revealed four horsemen riding different colored horses and carrying different weaponry. The identity of the rider (singular) is determined by all the identifying characteristics of each representative rider.

Many try to give various identities to these riders, usually beginning with identifying the white horse rider as Jesus. No! Jesus does return riding on a white horse in Revelation chapter nineteen, but this certainly is not Him. As we shall see, these riders give us a clear understanding of the character and methods of operation used by the Anti-Christ in his attempt to rule God’s earth.

The first of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse begins the work of the Anti-Christ by deception and flattery, but his three buddies soon join him. Although the Anti-Christ is first seen as a man of peace very soon he will unleash war, famine will then break out, and death will stalks the area of the earth under his influence.

The Four Ride Together

Another big question regarding the judgments of the book of Revelation relates to the area of the world that will be affected by those judgments. Will the entire world come under the control of the Anti-Christ? Will the entire world suffer from the wrath of God as the many and various plagues are poured out?

To answer this we need first to determine the area of the world that will come under the influence, or control, of the Anti-Christ. The answer is found in the description given of the four horsemen and what they are able to accomplish.

The White Horse Rider

Revelation 6:2

And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

The Red Horse Rider

Revelation 6:4

And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

The Black Horse Rider

Revelation 6:5—6

5 … And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.

6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

The Pale Horse Rider

Revelation 6:8

And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And powerwas given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

This, very plainly, tells us the portion of the earth over which the Anti-Christ will be “given” power. Many teach that this “fourth part” only relates to the fourth horseman. This is because they fail to see the singleness of all four of the horsemen. As we have shown they are not four different individuals or events, but four characteristics of the one individual we call the Ant-Christ. This being true, we see in this one descriptive phrase the entire range of that one man’s influence and control. This does not mean that many of the various plagues will not affect the entire earth, for many will. However, the area of political, economical, and military control of the Anti-Christ will be limited to this area described here as a “fourth part.”

This “forth part” of the earth that the Anti-Christ will control is an area equal to that of the ten nations he will rule, along with, I am sure, some of the nations immediately surrounding them. Certainly, his actions will have a great influence on the remainder of the world even as droughts, tragedies, and economic problems that cover a “forth part” of the earth would have today.

However, the idea of the Anti-Christ controlling the entire world, while sensational, is simply not scriptural.

A Word about World Control

As we have been discussing, because of Israel’s sins—sins as a nation—she was given 490 years under the dominion of various Gentile empires. Five of these empires are given in Daniel. We know them as (1) Babylon, (2) Medo-Persia, (3) Greece, (4) Rome and (5) the empire that the Anti-Christ will rule.

We call each of these “World Empires” because they ruled the world at their time in history. However, the truth is NONE of these empires ruled the entire world. NONE of these empires ruled the Orient. NONE of these empires ruled northern Europe, not even Germany. NONE of these empires ruled central or southern Africa. Certainly NONE of these empires ruled the Americas.

What then did they rule that qualified them to be used for God’s purpose? They each ruled, controlled and dominated the nation of Israel at a time when Jehovah was nationally recognized as their God—at a time when the Temple was in operation.

This lets us know the empire that the Anti-Christ will rule, while it will affect the entire world, to a large degree, it is not a true world empire.

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Chapter Nine

The Man We Call the Anti-Christ

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Immediately Following the Rapture

When the rapture of the church takes place, not only will all of the Christians be taken from the earth, but all true spiritual leadership and guidance will be taken as well. While I’m sure there will be those in leadership who will immediately turn to Christ and step forward, in most areas real leadership will be missing. The organized church bodies whose doctrines and teachings had been based on real Biblical truth will no longer have a voice, because the heads of these organizations will be gone.

In the middle of this spiritual void, and because of the fear and loss produced when the rapture occurs, the “apostate” church will begin to thrive. The populace will cry out for answers, in many cases more to soothe their own consciences than to face the real truth. To that end, the apostate church or “false church” will be ready with acceptable answers.

Two spiritual opposites will begin to flourish throughout the former Christian world. On the one hand great apostasy will grow rapidly within what is left of the organized church. These will be groups now controlled by apostate leaders ready to give soothing answers of little substance and no truth. The Apostle Paul spoke about this very thing in his second letter to the Thessalonians. Paul wrote:

2 Thessalonians 2:10—12

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Remember these verses immediately follow verses describing the rapture, the birth of the apostate church and the revealing of the Anti-Christ

(2 Thessalonians 2:1-9).

Occurring simultaneously with the great apostasy will be a groundswell of true spiritual life and activity. Not activity that might be recognized today for the age of the church will have drawn to a close. However, tens of thousands will turn to the Lord and be saved. During this same time period the Jews will begin to see the truth of the gospel (of Christ) as never before. Many Jewish converts will become evangelistic in their activities as the first of a special group of “144,000” Jews accept Jesus as their Messiah.

Revelation 7:4

And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

The Rise of the Man of Sin

As fear and confusion follow in the wake of the devastation caused by the rapture, a man of “great words” will come upon the world scene. He will accomplish, by flattery and what today is called diplomacy, the uniting of the Muslim and oil producing nations throughout southeastern Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa.

Eventually ten of these nations will join this man’s coalition to oppose what they call the “great Satan nations” of the western capitalist (the United States, Western Europe and their allies). The coalition will use its control of approximately seventy percent of the world’s oil supply in an attempt to bring the rest of the world under their dominion and control.

While the Anti-Christ will be one of those helping to form the ten-nation coalition, the Bible does not recognize him until he comes forth as the coalition leader.

Where the Ten Nations Come From

While some teach that the “European Union” will make up the coalition of nations ruled by the Anti-Christ, that idea does not fit within scripture. Some have even suggested that the entire world will be divided into ten super states under the control of the United Nations. This idea—although good for selling books and videos—still does not fit within scripture.

So, let’s examine—from scripture—where these nations do come from. To do this we will take a look at a map of the old Roman Empire. It is out of this area where the Bible declares these ten nations will come.

OLD “ROMAN EMPIRE”

Now, as we examine this map of the Old Roman Empire we must understand that we are not dealing with the world at large, but those nations or geographical areas that affect the nation of Israel. What area of the world, and what nations, have a direct influence upon Israel? This would include nations geographically close to or connected to Israel, as well as nations with religions that are militantly opposed to either Israel or Judaism. The list would include nations across North Africa, the Middle East, Asia Minor, and southeastern Europe.

The Bible nowhere identifies those nations, but it does give strong hints about some of them. We will leave that for a later study.

The Seat of the Anti-Christ’s Power

We call the area of the Old Roman Empire the “Seat of the Anti-Christ’s Power” because it is from this area that the ten nation confederacy or coalition will arise ruled by the Anti-Christ. You need to understand that the Anti-Christ will not rule or control this entire area but the confederacy, coalition or alliance of ten nations will come out of this area.

This is also the area spoken of as the “legs of iron” on the image in King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (Daniel chapter two), followed by the “ten toes” that represent the ten nations. Also, “dreadful beast” in Daniel’s vision recorded in Daniel the seventh chapter; the beast is the empire and the horns are the ten nations.

The “Dreadful Beast” of Daniel chapter seven, seen here on the right, represents the Old Roman Empire. The ten horns are the ten nations that the Anti-Christ will rule. Notice that they come out of the beast, or out of the area of the Old Roman Empire.

The Origin of the Anti-Christ

We have determined the area out of which the ten-nation confederacy will come. Now, we want to determine what area the Anti-Christ himself will come from.

Again, this is not a subject where the scriptures are silent. The Bible is very specific in letting us know from what geographical area the Anti-Christ will rise from. Let’s take a look.

Daniel 8:9

And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.

“…out of one of them.” Them? What, or who, or where is “them?”

With a in-depth study of Daniel chapter eight one will find the empire of Alexander the Great and see how even that fits into God’s prophetic picture. Alexander’s reign ends with his death at age 33, and the dividing of his empire into four divisions. Daniel is saying, “out of one of them,” out of one of the four divisions of the Grecian Empire of Alexander the Great would come the “little horn.”

The “little horn” is known to be the Anti-Christ! And, we now know that the Anti-Christ will come from one of those four areas. Now let’s see if we can narrow it down to exactly which of the four areas?

The Grecian Empire of Alexander the Great is shown on the map (previous page) as the lightly shaded areas. The Empire divided into its four divisions are (1) Greece, (2) Trace—today the nation of Turkey, (3) Egypt—today Egypt and a portion of Libya, Sudan and Ethiopia, (4) Syria—today the nations of Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and a portion of Iran.

Once again we turn to the book of Daniel.

Daniel 11:36

And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

The king spoken of here is, without question, the Anti-Christ. Most Bible scholars also identify him with the “king of the north” seen in Daniel 11:40. This would mean that he comes from the Syrian division of the old Grecian Empire. Included within this division, and likely where the Anti-Christ will originate from, is the nations of Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and a portion of Iran.

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Chapter Ten

The Anti-Christ Gets Ready to Ride

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The only real challenge facing this ten nation coalition, ruled by the Anti-Christ, will be the small nation of Israel—a nation they hate but have never been able to bluff or beat at either the bargaining table or on the battlefield. The new leader of this coalition, a man rising like a shooting star on the world’s political stage, will win the day with his ability to deal with Israel. He will convince the leaders of those ten nations that he can maneuver Israel into a period of false peace during which they can undermine Israel’s sovereignty and finally do away with their hated foe.

The main concession that this new leader will have to make, and thereby the ten nation coalition will make, appears to be allowing the Israelis to rebuild their Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. While this concession may seems like a small thing to the ten nations, it will prove to be a big mistake for their leader—the Anti-Christ.

Presently, the Temple Mount is occupied by the “Dome of the Rock,” a Muslim holy place. It is uncertain whether this will need to be removed, or if the new Jewish Temple can occupy space adjacent to the Muslim holy place. Many of today’s Hebrew and Jewish scholars feel that the actual placement of Solomon’s Temple, while on the same mount was adjacent to the place where the “Dome of the Rock” now stands.

As we have hinted, allowing the Jews to rebuild their Temple will contribute to the undoing of many of the plans of this would-be diplomatic superstar. The one we call the Anti-Christ. It has been reported that the complete temple is already built in a prefabricated form and simply waiting for the day to begin the assembly process. You will remember that the original Temple built by Solomon was, in a sense, prefabricated.

1 Kings 6:7

And the house, [speaking of Solomon’s Temple] when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

The speed with which the Temple is rebuilt will be something the Anti-Christ had not counted on, expecting the process to take one to two years. Within weeks, certainly no more than a very few months a problem will arise for this new leader he had not expected—the restoration of sacrifices by the new Jewish priesthood.

In the course of Old Testament Temple operations, literally hundreds—and sometimes thousands—of animals were killed each day. Now, this is not an indoor, sanitary meat plant atmosphere, but rather what many will call animal slaughter.

These sacrifices will take place in the open courtyard of the new temple where the aroma, if not the sounds, will be readily recognized by all in Jerusalem, including those worshipping at the Muslim masque next door. The enormity of such an operation will have the entire Muslim world up in arms almost overnight; not to mention “animal rights” advocates from every nation worldwide.

Matthew 24:9

…and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.

The rebuilding of the Temple and the establishing, once again of sacrificial worship will begin within a few months following the signing of the treaty between the Anti-Christ ruled coalition and Israel. This will also be the beginning of problems the Anti-Christ will be forced to face.

A Word about the Anti-Christ

In most prophetic teachings the Anti-Christ is made out to be almost superhuman. He is portrayed as an evil individual whose look alone can destroy. While this helps to sell books the truth is somewhat different. The Anti-Christ simply is not the possessor of supernatural powers—at least not during the first three and one-half years of the Tribulation.

We have made this man out to be much more than he actually is. Not that Satan does not intend for him to become a world ruler, only God’s plans are a little different. Now let’s go back to our study.

When you study Daniel and the “ten-horned” beast, you actually get your first glimpse of this trouble.

Daniel 7:7-8

7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.

8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots…

“…three…horns…plucked up by the roots…” We know that the ten horns represent ten nations. Here we are told that three of these ten will be “plucked up”—removed or defeated in battle—by the “little horn,” whom we know to be the Anti-Christ. This confrontation is explained in greater detail in the eleventh chapter of Daniel.

Daniel 11:40

And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him…

The “king of the south” is the nation of Egypt. Egypt is one of the ten nations of the coalition, and one of the three nation’s that decides to rebel against the authority of the Anti-Christ. Some believe that the wording of Daniel 11:40, “And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind…” suggest that the Anti-Christ is actually being attack from two different directions.

To understand this better let me quote another author, “…earlier in this chapter (Daniel 11:6-28) various rulers from the …” Syrian arm of Alexander the Great’s empire, “… were designated as ‘the king of the North.’ and probably should be understood as a type of the future Antichrist…Thus a southern force (‘the king of the South’) will attacked the Antichrist (‘the king of the North’), whereby the Antichrist will retaliate and decisively crush his opposition … He ‘will invade’ the ‘countries’ of those who have attacked him and will ‘sweep through them like a flood.’” (Daniel, Stephen R. Miller, Broadman & Holman, 1994, p 310)

We are not told how long it will take before the coalition becomes dissatisfied with the leadership of the man they trusted, as they are daily having the smell of Jewish sacrifices thrown in their face. We are told, however, that Egypt—the “king of the south,” rebels—and the rebellion is not successful.

Daniel 11:40,42-43

40 …and the king of the north [this is the Anti-Christ] shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.

42 He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.

43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.

The retaliation of the forces of the Anti-Christ, apparently with the armies of several of the aligned nations, is swift and decisive. Also in these verses we find the identity of two other of the ten nations —Libya and Ethiopia. These two, along with Egypt become the three “horns” that are “plucked up.”

This rebellion of the three nations is a perfect picture of the “iron mixed with clay” of which the feet and toes on Nebuchadnezzar’s image was made (Daniel chapter two).

The maps of the Middle East on the next page, show in diagram form, how the forces of Egypt, Libya and Ethiopia might operate. This is followed by the response of the Anti-Christ and his forces.

MAP ONE: Egypt along with Libya and Ethiopia, three of the ten horns on the Beast seen in Daniel seven, rebel against the Anti-Christ for allowing the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem to be rebuilt and the renewal off Jewish sacrificial worship.

MAP TWO: The Anti-Christ, like a “whirlwind” attacks and destroys the armies of the rebelling nations of Egypt, Libya and Ethiopia.

When the nation of Egypt, along with Libya and Ethiopia, begin their move against the Anti-Christ, he must affirm his authority. We are not told whether these three nations plan their attack against the Anti-Christ himself, or possibly against the city of Jerusalem and the new Jewish Temple. The Jewish priest had begun Jewish Sacrificial Worship on “temple mount” next door to the Muslim mosque.

The Anti-Christ could not allow rebellion to go unpunished or a total breakdown might occur within his coalition of nations. Therefore, he must respond in force against the rebel nations. He would never be able to expand his power and authority, as he expects to do over Europe first and then the entire world, if he was unable to establish total authority over the ten nations.

It’s almost as if the Anti-Christ finds himself defending Israel—tell me God doesn’t have a sense of humor. Actually he is simply trying to maintain power over his own coalition of nations.

Traits of the Anti-Christ

What will this man we call the Anti-Christ really be like? One of the best pictures we have of the man and his characteristics is found in Daniel chapter eleven.

Daniel 11:36-39

36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.

38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.

39 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.

Let’s break these verses down:

Daniel 11:36-39

36 And the king [this is the Anti-Christ] shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god …

As a result of demonic influence—even though he may not understand where the influence is coming from—he soon becomes totally self-centered and self-absorbed. No consideration for anyone or anything outside of his own desires. He sees himself as near deity, and readily places himself above the gods of the nations.

… and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods …

In the original language the book of the book of Daniel, the word “marvellous” is pala’ (paw-law’) and means, “unbelievable.” The man is so caught up in his own superiority that he speaks unbelievable things against the true God.

… and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

Look at the Amplified Bible’s translation of this portion of this verse. “… shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished, for that which is determined [by God] shall be done.”

37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers [Islam], nor the desire of women …

The religious background of the Anti-Christ is Islam, but he has no real respect for the religion of his “fathers.”

Many feel that the next statement in this verse—nor the desire of women—indicates that the Anti-Christ is homosexual. He may be, however, this verse is referring to the deplorable way the Muslim faith treats women.

… nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.

38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.

39 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.

The characteristics of this individual can be seen very vividly in these verses. In outline form the traits of the Anti-Christ are:

(Verse 36)

1. Self-exaltation above every god.

2. Blasphemes the “God of gods.”

(Verse 37)

3. Contempt for the god of his father—Apollo and Diana, deities of pleasure (M. Henry, 22).

4. No desire for women, many feel he will be either homosexual or at least bi-sexual.

5. Contempt for all religion.

(Verse 38)

6. Honoring, with gold, silver and precious stones, the god of forces—a supposed deity of power (M. Henry, 22).

(Verse 39)

7. “Shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god”—the temple in Jerusalem is called the sanctuary of strength (M. Henry, 23).

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In Conclusion

Putting It All Together

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God’s Calendar of Coming Events

The Coming Storm

The clouds are getting dark. The wind is blowing. The shaking has started.

The storm is coming.

Are you in the “Safest Place?” Are you in the “Ark of Safety?”

Next to the Ark, next to the safest place is not enough. This storm will carry you away.

However … there is an Ark, a place of complete safety.

That place of safety is actually a person. In Him is safety. In Him is rest. In Him is Salvation.

His name is called, “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

His name is Jesus!

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With all the storm clouds of uncertainty in our world today, what does the individual have to look forward to?

Once you become a believer in Jesus—born again, washed by His blood—the world is no longer filled with uncertainty. Even with the storm clouds showing themselves God is in control and your life is hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).

How Can I Become a Believer?

Become familiar with the following scriptures, they are some of the foundation scriptures for believing.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son … (1 John 4:10)

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners. Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

And Finally

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Pray this prayer …

Dear God,

I know that I am a sinner and I need forgiveness.

I believe that Jesus Christ came to this earth, shed His precious blood and died for my sin.

I am willing to turn away from sin.

I now invite Jesus Christ to come into my heart and my life as my Lord and Savior.

Amen.

You have just stepped into the Ark of Safety!

If you prayed that simple prayer from your heart you entered the safest place in the universe—the family of God!

We would love to hear from you.

The End … Book One

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Truth Alive Ministries

P.O. Box 61581

Savannah, Georgia 31419

About the Author

Beginning his ministry in 1966, Dr. Lane has spent over thirty of those years as a student of Bible prophecy, having taught eschatology on a college level for several years. Dr. Lane developed the curriculum and administrative structure of two separate Bible institutes and then took over the reins of an established two-year institute and guided it to become a four-year, fully accredited Bible college. During those years, he and his wife, Glenda, spent over twenty years as pastors of several churches. The two now travel between their home in beautiful Savannah, Georgia, the nation of Haiti and southern Mexico, teaching leadership at pastors’ conferences and conducting Bible prophecy seminars

Table of Contents

The Coming Storm … Called, Tribulation—Book One

Copyright © 2012 Dr. Douglas M. Lane

CONTENTS

Preface

Is the Study of Bible Prophecy Even Relevant in the Twenty-First Century?

Introduction

Storm Clouds …

Chapter One

To Rapture or Not To Rapture

Chapter Two

The Tribulation Cometh … Why?

Chapter Three

God Continues Opening the Veil

Chapter Four

The Mystery of the Old Testament

Chapter Five

The Catching Away

Chapter Six

The Book with Seven Seals

Chapter Seven

Daniel’s Timeline of the Prophetic Future

Chapter Eight

Daniel’s Timeline of the Prophetic Future

Chapter Nine

The Man We Call the Anti-Christ

Chapter Ten

The Anti-Christ Gets Ready to Ride

In Conclusion

Putting It All Together

About the Author