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INTRODUCTION: My overall view of Bible Prophecy would be expressed in terms of the following periods of time: Age of Promise, Age of Law, Age of Grace, 7-year Tribulation Period, 1000-year Millennial Age and Eternity.
The Age of Promise, Age of Law and Age of Grace consist of background material which has happened largely in the PAST. We are presently in the later part of the Age of Grace, with the 7-year Tribulation Period on the NEAR horizon. This overall presentation concentrates on FUTURE Bible Prophecy which starts with the 7-year Tribulation Period.
AGE OF PROMISE: In 2091 bc God promised Abraham and his descendants, the land of Canaan or the Promised Land as an everlasting possession. This is approximately the present land occupied by the nation Israel in the Middle East, plus substantial surrounding territory. Thus God chose Israel to play a special role in bringing his plan of salvation to the world. It is important to emphasize that much of Bible Prophecy revolves around Israel, also referred to as the Jewish Nation.
For more information refer to website "God of the Bible" at location http://members.aol.com/chasmcmull/godindex.html; Chapter_4 "Abraham, Sarah, Isaac and Ishmal."
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AGE OF LAW: This period started in 1445 bc when God gave Moses the Law on Mount Sinai, and it ended with the crucifixion of Jesus in 30 ad. The Law was a detailed set of rules and regulations which the Israelites had to follow, in order to please God. The Law also included animal sacrifices to compensate, at least for the time being, for failure to live up to the Law. In giving the Law, God was continuing to reveal his plan of salvation for the human race. The Law did not alter in any way the promise God made earlier to Abraham and his offspring, regarding the Promised Land as their everlasting possession.
For more information refer to website "God of the Bible" at location http://members.aol.com/chasmcmull/godindex.html; Chapter_5-3.10 "Plague of Firstborn," and Chapter_7-2.6 "11 Months at Mount Sinai" and Chapter_7-2.6.2 "Rules Governing Every Aspect of Israeli Life."
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Because of the continued sinfulness of Israel, God brought judgment upon them. The Northern Kingdom called Israel, consisted of 10 tribes, and in 722 bc it was conquered by Assyria. The southern Kingdom called Judah, consisted of two tribes including Benjamin. In 586 bc it fell to the Babylonians. Thus the entire Jewish Nation was scattered throughout the world, that is, dispersed from the Promised Land where they were living. Keep in mind, however, that God had promised Abraham and his descendants, the land of Canaan or the Promised Land as an everlasting possession.
For more information refer to website "Countdown to Battle of Armageddon" at location http://members.aol.com/chasmcmull/armindex.html; Chapter_4-5 "Israel Scattered and Recalled."
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AGE OF GRACE: This period started with the crucifixion of Jesus in 30 ad. It will essentially end at the Rapture of the Church; however, some aspects of the Age of Grace will continue on to the end of the 7-year Tribulation Period. The sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross replaced once and for all time, the animal sacrifices required under the Law. The Law had been given to show us that we could not live up to such a detailed set of rules and regulations to please God. Under Grace we can now accept on faith God's forgiveness for our failures, provided by the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus on the cross. Those who BELIEVE IN and DEPEND ON, the sacrificial death of Jesus for their salvation, will be referred to as Believers (or Christians). As a group Believers will be spoken of as the Believing Church (or Christian Church). The time period which the Believing Church exists here on earth will be referred to as the Church Age.
For more information refer to website "Salvation by Faith, Works, etc" at location http://members.aol.com/chasmcmull/salindex.html.
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For a complete discussion of the 7-year Tribulation Period,
CLICK to link to Chapter 2_7-year Tribulation Period
PRESENTED IN OUTLINE FORM:
7-year Tribulation Period
A... Events in Heaven
1... Last Half of Tribulation Period
a... Judgment Seat of Christ
b... Marriage Supper of Jesus
c... Second coming of Jesus
B... Events on Earth
1... First Half of Tribulation Period
a... 7 Seals
b... Sealing of 144,000 Jews
c... 7 Trumpets
2... Last Half of Tribulation Period
a... Rapture of Church
b... Satan Takes Control on Earthly Scene
c... Satan, ANTICHRIST, FALSE PROPHET and IMAGE
d... 7 Vials
e... Destruction of World Religious System
f... Second Coming of Jesus
(1)... Fights Battle of Armageddon
(2)... Conducts Judgment of Nations
(3)... Sets up Kingdom on Earth
ESTIMATED DATES FOR TRIBULATION PERIOD: For a discussion of estimated dates for the 7-year Tribulation Period, refer to website "Countdown to Battle of Armageddon" at location http://members.aol.com/chasmcmull/armindex.html; Chapter 2 "Best Estimates of Dates in Bible Prophecy."
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START OF TRIBULATION PERIOD: Prior to the beginning of the 7-year Tribulation Period a great world LEADER will arise, with significant support from a number of nations probably from among the 15 members of the European Union. The Jewish Nation will continue to face crises of one form or another, any one of which might threaten their very survival. Recently, the suicide bombers in Israel would serve as an example. At some point when the situation in Israel becomes serious enough, this great world LEADER will see fit to step in and make a 7-year protective covenant or treaty with the Jewish Nation. The making of this covenant is the beginning of the 7-year Tribulation Period. This great world LEADER will continue as such during the first half of the Tribulation Period. For more information,
CLICK to link to Chapter 2-1.2_Start of Tribulation etc and Chapter 2-1.5_Arizing of Antichrist etc
RAPTURE OF CHURCH, in Tribulation Period: Just after the midpoint of the 7-year Tribulation Period, the Rapture of the Church is expected to occur. Thus the Believing Church will be spared the wrath of God and of Satan here on earth during the last half of the Tribulation Period. During that time Satan is given almost unlimited freedom to persecute and slay Believers. For more information,
CLICK to link to Chapter 2-3.2_Rapture of Believing Church and Chapter 2-3.5_Satan Given Power over Saints
The discussion of the 7-year Tribulation Period which follows, will concentrate on 2 important parts: (1)... events in heaven and (2)... events on earth.
EVENTS IN HEAVEN, Tribulation Period: The events in heaven during the 7-year Tribulation Period center around 3 important items: (1)... The Believing Church at the Judgment Seat of Christ, early in the last half of this 7-year period. Here Believers will receive rewards for "good works" done while here on earth. (2)... The Believing Church at the Marriage Supper of Jesus, toward the end of this 7-year period. Here the Believing Church is first spoken of as the BRIDE OR WIFE OF JESUS. This special relationship between Jesus and the Believing Church, will continue on throughout the ages of eternity. (3)... The Second Coming of Jesus at the end of the Tribulation Period: (a)... to fight the Battle of Armageddon (World War III), (b)... to conduct the Judgment of the Nations and (c)... to set up his Kingdom on Earth. For more information,
CLICK to link to Chapter 2-4.1_Judgment Seat of Christ and Chapter 2-4.2_Marriage Supper of Jesus and Chapter 2-3.8.1_Battle of Armageddon and Chapter 2-3.8.2_Judgment of Nations and Chapter 2-3.8.3_Set up Kingdom
At the Second Coming of Jesus, he will bring back to earth with him the Believing Church, as well as the righteous from all past ages. This group of righteous will also include those who became believers during the Tribulation Period, and died or were put to death for their faith. These righteous ones, as well as Jesus, will come back to earth as resurrected people, to be contrasted with earth people such as we are now. For more information,
CLICK to link to Chapter 3-5_Who Will Reign with Jesus and Chapter 3-6_Disciples Judge 12 Tribes etc
EVENTS ON EARTH, Tribulation Period: The events on earth during the Tribulation Period are dominated by the 7 seals, 7 trumpets and 7 vials, under which the wrath of God is poured out on the earth. This will be a time of great distress. A conservative estimate says that more than 50% of the population of the earth will die during this 7-year period, that is, from the wrath of God. Thus in the US alone there will be 60,000 additional deaths, on the average, every single day for the entire 7 years. This would be about 8 times normal. For more information,
CLICK to link to Chapter 2-1.6_Wrath of God under Seals etc
FIRST HALF, Tribulation Period: The rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, will be completed sufficiently in the first half of the Tribulation Period, to allow sacrifices and offerings of Old Testament times to be restored. However, this restoration of sacrifices and offerings must take place before the midpoint of the Tribulation Period. For at that time the ANTICHRIST will set himself up in the temple as God, and that event will bring an abrupt halt the sacrifices and offerings which had been started. For more information,
CLICK to link to Chapter 2-1.4_Satan Proclaims Himself to be God
In the first half of the Tribulation Period on earth, God puts a SEAL on the foreheads of 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel. These sealed ones will be protected from Satan, as well as from the wrath of God which is poured out on earth under the 7 seals, 7 trumpets and 7 vials. At the end of the Tribulation Period, this group of 144,000, plus additional righteous Jews, totaling perhaps a million, will continue on into the 1000-year Millennial Age which follows. This total of a million or so, will constitute the Jewish Nation restored to the Promised Land. At that time they will be earth people, such as we are now. Jesus told the disciples that they would sit on 12 thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel, that is, during the Millennial Age. Of course, the disciples will be resurrected people. For more information,
CLICK to link to Chapter 2-2.2_144,000 Jews Sealed and Chapter 2-4.1.4_Disciples Sit on 12 Thrones
MIDPOINT, Tribulation Period: Satan enters the earthly scene in FULL FORCE. He is expelled from heaven down to the earth at the middle of the 7-year Tribulation Period. Satan immediately gives his power and authority to the great world LEADER, who becomes the ANTICHRIST (beast) at that time. Now the main characters on the earthly scene are: Satan, the ANTICHRIST, the FALSE PROPHET and the IMAGE. The FALSE PROPHET is a subordinate of the ANTICHRIST. Both of these are men and both get their power from Satan. The FALSE PROPHET makes an IMAGE (statue) of the ANTICHRIST and with the power of Satan brings it to life. Satan sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. Thus the normal Old Testament sacrifices and offerings in the temple are abruptly brought to an end. For more information,
CLICK to link to Chapter 2-1.3_Satan Cast out of Heaven etc and Chapter 2-1.4_Satan Proclaims Himself to be God and Chapter 2-1.5_Arising of Antichrist etc
LAST HALF, Tribulation Period: On earth during the last half of the Tribulation Period, Satan, the ANTICHRIST and the IMAGE are worshipped as God. Satan will be given almost unlimited freedom to persecute and slay Believers. Consequently many, many will be put to death for their faith. Satan, the ANTICHRIST and the FALSE PROPHET will rule over the earth in a dictatorial manner. In order to buy and sell, everyone will be required to receive the mark of the ANTICHRIST on their forehead or hand. In the latter part of the Tribulation Period, the ANTICHRIST will head up a 10-nation confederation, probably consisting of members of the present 15-nation European Union. For more information,
CLICK to link to Chapter 2-1.5_Arising of Antichrist etc and Chapter 2-3.5_Satan Given Power over Saints and Chapter 2-3.7_Antichrist Heads 10-nation Confederation
TOWARD THE END, Tribulation Period: The ANTICHRIST will destroy the world religious system with headquarters at Rome. For more information,
CLICK to link to Chapter 2-3.6_Destruction of World's Religious System
NEAR THE END, Tribulation Period: Near the end of the Tribulation Period, the ANTICHRIST will gather the armies of the world together near Jerusalem to destroy the Jewish Nation. However these earthly armies will be destroyed by Jesus and his heavenly armies, who will appear from heaven at that time. This is known as the Battle of Armageddon (World War III). At this time the ANTICHRIST and the FALSE PROPHET are cast alive into the Lake of Fire. Also at this time Satan is chained and confined in the Bottomless Pit for 1000 years, and so there will be no demonic activity on earth during most of the 1000-year Millennial Age which follows. At the very end Satan will be released for a very short time. For more information,
CLICK to link to Chapter 2-3.8.1_Battle of Armageddon and Chapter 3-3_Satan Confined in Bottomless Pit
AT THE END, Tribulation Period: At the very end of the Tribulation Period Jesus does the following: (1)... sets up his Kingdom on earth and from his throne (2)... conducts the Judgment of the Nations. At this judgment the wicked on earth are sent off to eternal punishment, but the righteous are allowed to continue on earth, into the 1000-year Millennial Age which follows immediately. These righteous ones will continue to be earth people. For more information,
CLICK to link to Chapter 2-3.8.2_Judgment of Nations and Chapter 2-3.8.3_Sets up Kingdom on Earth
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For a complete discussion of the 1000-year Millennial Age,
CLICK to link to Chapter 3_1000-year Millennial Age
1000-YEAR MILLENNIAL AGE: This follows immediately after the 7-year Tribulation Period. At the very end of the Tribulation Period, at the Judgment of the Nations, the living righteous and unrighteous on earth are separated. The unrighteous are sent away to eternal punishment, and the righteous continue on earth into the 1000-year Millennial Age. These will populate the earth as earth people, which is what we are now. We might estimate that the numbers here would be in the order of 10 million.
JEWS RESTORED TO PROMISED LAND: The 144,000 Jews sealed by God during the Tribulation Period, plus additional righteous Jews, totaling perhaps a million, will continue on earth into the Millennial age. These will constitute the Jewish Nation finally returned to the Promised Land. This is approximately the present land occupied by the nation Israel in the Middle East, plus substantial surrounding territory. These Jews will be earth people such as we are now. The 12 apostles, who will be resurrected people, will sit on thrones and judge the 12 tribes.
SATAN BOUND AND LOCKED IN ABYSS: At the end of the Tribulation Period, Satan is bound and locked in the Bottomless Pit for 1000 years. Thus during the 1000-year Millennial Age which follows, there will be no demonic activity on earth, that is, until close to the end when Satan is released for a short time.
JESUS RULES WITH AN IRON ROD: At the Second Coming of Jesus, at the end of the Tribulation Period, he brings back to earth from heaven, all the righteous from all past ages. These will reign with Jesus during the 1000-year Millennial Age. These righteous, as well as Jesus, will be resurrected people. The earth people who are obedient to the ruling of Jesus will be considered righteous. Those who are disobedient will be considered as unrighteous and would be punished with sickness and/or death.
ANIMALS, EARTH'S PRODUCTIVITY, LIFE SPAN: The wild animals will become tame, so that the wolf, lamb, leopard, goat, calf and lion will lie down together, with the little child among them. The productivity of the earth will be restored so that the desert will blossom. Life span will be increased so that one who dies at 100 will be considered a mere youth. Note that only earth people can die, and this would probably be the result of flagrant disobedience to Jesus.
RIVER OF WATER FLOWS FROM TEMPLE: From the temple in Jerusalem a river of water flows east to the Dead Sea. Where ever this water flows fish and plant life thrive. The Dead sea will become fresh and pure and full of fish of every kind. Along the banks of the river all kinds of trees grow, which produce a new crop of fruit every month for food. The leaves are for medicine, and so there is no reason for earth people not to be in good health, except for disobedience to Jesus.
LAST BATTLE BETWEEN GOD AND SATAN (World War IV): Near the end of the 1000-year Millennial Age Satan is released from the Bottomless Pit. He will go out and gather the nations of earth together near Jerusalem to do battle, that is, to destroy the Jewish Nation. The number of earth people gathered under Satan's leadership is described as like the sands of the seashore. Thus even though the inhabitants of earth have been living under very ideal conditions for 1000 years, untold numbers of them are ready immediately to follow Satan. This is why Jesus must rule with an iron rod. This wicked group gathered with Satan is devoured by fire from heaven, and Satan is then cast into the Lake of Fire.
GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT: This takes place at the very end of the 1000-year Millennial Age. Here the wicked dead are raised, judged and then cast into the Lake of Fire.
RIGHTEOUS ON EARTH CONTINUE ON INTO ETERNITY: The righteous earth people are not affected by the last battle between God and Satan. They will continue on earth into Eternity which follows immediately after the Millennial Age. They will populate the NEW earth at that time as earth people. For more information,
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For a complete discussion of Eternity,
CLICK to link to Chapter 4_Eternity
ETERNITY: This starts immediately after the 1000-year Millennial Age. Consider first that Jesus referred to himself as a bridegroom. Also in the New Testament, the relationship between husband and wife, is said to be analogous to the relationship between Jesus and the Believing Church. Thus we are talking here about Jesus and his bride or wife, the Believing Church. This concept is first introduced at the Marriage Supper of Jesus, in heaven toward the end of the Tribulation Period.
NEW SKY, NEW EARTH AND HOLY CITY: John, writer of Revelation, saw a new sky and a NEW earth, for the first sky and the first earth had passed away. There was no more sea. The angel with John said, "come I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb." I saw that great city the Holy City coming down out of heaven from God. It shown with the glory of God. Since the Believing Church has been referred to as the bride or wife of Jesus, it appears that the Holy City will be the residence of the Believing Church throughout Eternity. It is expected that the rest of the righteous from all past ages will also reside in the Holy City as guests, just as they attended the Marriage Supper of Jesus as guests. It follows that resurrected people will occupy the Holy City, along with God and Jesus.
Just as God selected the Jewish Nation to play a special role in bringing his plan of salvation to the world, Jesus has selected the Believing Church to enjoy this special relationship with him as his bride or wife, throughout the ages of eternity.
GOD'S NEW ARRANGEMENT: The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the Holy City, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. They will reign with him for ever and ever.
John heard a loud voice saying, God is with men, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more curse, no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things have passed away. He who sat on the throne said, behold I make all things new. He who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God and he will be my son.
TREE OF LIFE BEARS CROP OF FRUIT EACH MONTH: Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, yielding its crop of fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
NATIONS OF EARTH WALK BY LIGHT OF HOLY CITY: I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The Holy City did not need the sun, neither the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God and the Lamb gives it light. There will be no night there. The nations on earth will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory and honor into it. The righteous earth people at the end of the Millennial Age will continue on into Eternity and will populate the NEW earth at that time.
SIZE AND SHAPE OF HOLY CITY: The Holy City had the shape of a cube, with length, width and height each being 1400 miles. With one square side of this cube sitting on the surface of the earth, it would cover an area about 1/2 the size of the present United States. We presently build skyscrapers but nothing approaching 1400 miles high.
Surrounding the Holy City there was a great, high wall with 12 gates, and on the gates were written the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. Also the wall had 12 foundations, on which were written the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb. In this way the Jewish Nation and the 12 apostles will be honored throughout the ages of Eternity.
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