Prophecy Of End Times – Specifics

The last times began after Jesus was anointed as our Savior, our Servant, High Priest and King. The last times period will extend until Jesus returns in all of His power and glory. We are now under the New Covenant, which was a new law, a new period, which began the last times.

*God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; Heb 1:1-2 NKJV+

*but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 1Pe 1:19-20 NIV+

The Old Covenant faithful have always faced tribulation. There have always been evil men who have claimed to be God, who suppress those who believe in Him, sometimes with demonic powers. Like Antiochus IV, who destroyed the temple in Jerusalem and claimed to be God around 168 BC.

*And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation. 1Sam 16:14 KJV

*They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated “(men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. Heb 11:37-38 NASB+

*He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men and the holy people. He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power. Da 8:24-25 NIV+ (Antiochus IV)

But the tribulation period referred to in the New Testament was referring to the last times. The last times and tribulation period are the same.

*I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ Rev 1:9 NKJV+

*strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God." Ac 14:22 NKJV+

Great tribulation is referring to the extreme trials believers have had and will experience throughout all of the last times. For the blood of Jesus has washed away all believers’ sins. All believers will be priests, and serve before their God when they are taken home to Heaven.

*And I say unto him, My lord, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they that come of the great tribulation, and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God; and they serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall spread his tabernacle over them. Rev 7:14-15 ASV

*and he made us to be a kingdom, to be priests unto his God and Father; to him be the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Rev 1:6 ASV

For we must remember that Jesus told us about the great tribulation which would occur during the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. All three Scriptural accounts must be used, Matt 24:1-51 Mark 13:1-37 Lk 21:5-36.

*And Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another which will not be torn down." And as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew were questioning Him privately, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are going to be fulfilled?" Mk 13:2-4 NASB+

Christ’s prophesy would be fulfilled when the Roman army destroyed the temple at Jerusalem in 70 A D. Titus led the devastation of the people, the destruction of the temple. He was the abomination that causes destruction.

*"But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Lk 21:20 NKJV+

*"So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel--let the reader understand-- then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Matt 24:15-16 NIV+

The war, the starvation, the carnage that followed, the destruction of the temple, and the humiliation of God’s name would make this the greatest tribulation that will ever happen. Those remaining after the battle were taken prisoners, dispersed to all nations. And if the Lord had not intervened all of Israel would have died. But the days were shortened so the elect of Israel would survive, those who would have children, who would one day return to their homeland.

*For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened. Matt 24:21-22 NKJV+

*They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Lk 21:ptn24 NIV+

*"Therefore I poured out My wrath on them for the blood which they had shed on the land, because they had defiled it with their idols. "Also I scattered them among the nations and they were dispersed throughout the lands. According to their ways and their deeds I judged them. "When they came to the nations where they went, they profaned My holy name, because it was said of them, 'These are the people of the Lord; yet they have come out of His land.' Eze 36:18-20 NASB+

The Father would not bring back the nation of Israel until the correct number of gentile believers for His Kingdom had been reached. This would happen nearly 1900 years later when in 1948 Israel returned to the Promised Land once more to become a nation. There the Father will give the Jewish people the Spirit, so they can believe in Jesus, can fill out Heaven.

*Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. Lk 21:ptn24 NIV+

*For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. Ro 11:25 NKJV+

*"For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands, and bring you into your own land. Eze 36:24 NASB+

*"Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; Eze 36:ptn26 NASB+

Jesus was warning His disciples, for the destruction of the temple would come during their lifetime, the generation they were living in. The destruction would happen because Israel, except for a remnant, still had not accepted Christ, still followed Old Covenant Laws. Jesus even referred to one of these laws, that the faithful could only walk a short distance on the Sabbath. This tribulation was their punishment for not accepting Christ, not coming under His New Covenant of grace, which would not happen until the Lord would bring them back to the land promised them.

*Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place Matt 24:34 NKJV+

*But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: Matt 24:20 KJV

*Then it shall come to pass, when you are multiplied and increased in the land in those days," says the Lord, "that they will say no more, 'The ark of the covenant of the Lord.' It shall not come to mind, nor shall they remember it, nor shall they visit it, nor shall it be made anymore. Jer 3:16

What will be different at the end is the physical and spiritual power the antichrist will be given. The Father will allow the beast to rule over all nations for 3 1/2 years at the end. This has never happened before, will never happen again. Satan will give the antichrist his demonic spiritual power, and the Father will delude all who are not His children to believe his lies. The antichrist will not only have great physical power, but great spiritual power. He will not only have the ability to physically intimidate believers through persecution, but spiritually deceive those who are not firmly committed to the Lord (See “Prophesy of End Times”).

*"But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. Matt 24:13 NASB+

The Father has not yet completely revealed when or how we will be gathered together to be with Jesus. Gathered together meaning the time when all believers who have physically died will have their bodies resurrected. Their bodies will be united with their spiritual being, their soul and spirit which will come down from Heaven. Then along with all believers who are physically alive, they will have their physical bodies glorified, made eternal. And be taken up into the clouds to be with our Lord. We will use the word gathered to describe this event, though it is also commonly referred to as the rapture.

*He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecc 3:11 NIV+

*For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 1Thes 4:16-17 NKJV+

Many believe the rapture will gather up all believers to Heaven before the antichrist comes. There is no question that we will be gathered together with our Lord, there will be a rapture. The differing views are when this gathering will occur. I would be very glad if believers would be brought home to the Lord before the trials of the end times begin. Yet there is no direct passage saying we will be taken at this time. And Paul tells us that the antichrist will be in power before the Lord comes for us.

* Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God. 2Thes 2:1-4 NIV+

The period the antichrist is in power will be a final test for all believers, a hard final exam for those who love their Lord.

*And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. Da 12:9-10 KJV

*For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect--if that were possible. Mk 13:22 NIV+

The Father will allow the antichrist to rule over the saints under set times and conditions enforced by His Heavenly court. The saints will be under the antichrist’s control until his 3 1/2 year reign ends. The saints can not be resurrected until they are out of his control.

*He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time [year, 2years, and a half year]."'But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Da 7:25-26 NIV+

There are two times that it is highly probable Jesus will gather believers up to Heaven.

1. The first is after the 7^th trumpet sounds, when the Father and Jesus will begin to reign once more, after the second woe is past. Jesus will gather all believers to him, the rapture will come, before the third woe begins.

*The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly. And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Rev 11:14-15 KJV

*saying: "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. Rev 11:17 NIV+

*The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth." Rev 11:18 NKJV+

Our Father will keep His covenant to His children, and resurrect, glorify, and bring them home to Heaven. He will show the Ark of the Covenant in the heavens to signify His covenant has been fulfilled.

*And the temple of God which is in heaven was opened; and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple , and there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder and an earthquake and a great hailstorm. Rev 11:19 NASB+

The Father will take complete control over the earth once more, and with Jesus reign over it forever. This will happen when the antichrist’s 1260 days are over. Yet Daniel tells us there would be 1290 days to the end (see Daniel’s prophesies below). The antichrist will receive God’s wrath on the earth for another 30 days, until Jesus will return.

*Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues because of pain, and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores; and they did not repent of their deeds. Rev 16:10-11 NASB+

Jesus would celebrate the marriage supper during these 30 days before He returns. Welcoming all believers home.

*Then he said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" And he said to me, "These are true words of God. Rev 19:9 NASB+

*And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matt 8:11-12 NKJV+ See above paragraph’s verse, darkness, gnawed, same as this verse.

*For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. Lk 22:18 KJV

2. The other time it is highly probable for the gathering or rapture is when “Jesus Returns” (next message) and all believers are drawn up to meet their Savior.

We should always remember the story Jesus told us about when He would return for us. Verses are from Matt 25:1-13 KJV

*Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

Some were wise, though they believed Jesus was coming sooner, they were prepared if He didn’t come until the end.

*And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

For all has not been revealed to us. Even those who believe Jesus is coming sooner should be prepared for the trials of the end, in case Jesus does not return until then.

*While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

And some were not prepared for the troubles they would face if Jesus did not return when they thought He would.

*And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

Because they were not prepared they missed out on coming into the Kingdom of God.

*And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.

For all should be prepared for Jesus coming later, while watching and hoping for Him to come sooner.

*Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matt 25:1-13 KJV

Daniel’s prophesies with number symbolism.

Number Symbols (S^) common to apocalyptic prophesy in the Word

2 = number needed to validate or confirm

3 1/2 = limited time period, half of seven which is completeness

4 = the created world, the earth, 4 points of the compass

6 = means imperfect, like man is, just short of seven

7 = perfect completion, spiritual perfection, often refers to the work of God

10 = perfect number, including all in a cycle or period, generalization all of

12 = is a perfect number, is referring to believers or leaders, those who let God rule them.

24 = is Old Covenant believers or leaders (12 tribes of Israel) along with the New Covenant believers or leaders (12 disciples)

When one number is used more than once (like 666) or squared or cubed it is given more emphasis.

When one number is multiplied by another, it includes both meanings

*"Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. Da 9:24 NIV+

70 x 7 = 490 nonconsecutive years until believers will be given everlasting righteousness. This refers to Israel and all believers who through Christ would be grafted into this nation.

S^: 490 = 10 x 7 x 7. 10 is a perfect number representing all believers this period x 7 which is perfect completion, x another 7 which makes it a square and means more emphasis on perfect completion of believers being gathered to their Lord for eternal life with their God.

*"Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One [an anointed one], the ruler, comes, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens.' It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. Da 9:25 NIV+

62 x 7 + 7 x 7 = 483 consecutive years from the decree to restore Jerusalem, until the anointing of Jesus, the promised Messiah.

S^: 62 x 7 and 7 x 7 has 3 sevens, and 777 is perfect completeness, compared to mankind’s 666, great imperfection (Rev 13:18).

Note: Symbolism is intended, for there is no reason to break this up into 2 periods. It could just as easily of been 69 – 7’s. The reason for the two periods is to symbolize Jesus 777 by breaking these periods up.

*"And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week [period of seven], Da 9:ptn27 NASB+

He, Jesus, will bring in, will make a firm New Covenant of grace, with all who believers. This covenant will be for 7 nonconsecutive years, it will be in effect until the completion of time of the 70 – 7’s.

S^: 7 means perfect completion, spiritual perfection. The New Covenant will be kept until it is perfectly completed, until Daniel’s 70 – 7’s timeline is fulfilled, until God’s work is done, until we are gathered. Because 7 means perfect completion, this covenant must be completed, it cannot be broken.

*but in the middle of the week [period of seven] he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; Da 9:ptn27 NASB+

He, Jesus, will in the middle of the 7 year period, in 3 1/2 years, die on the cross ending the need for sacrifices and offerings. This will stop the consecutive years of time with 3 1/2 years remaining on Daniel’s 70 - 7’s timeline.

S^: 3 1/2 years a limited time period.

*and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate." Da 9:ptn27 NASB+ Note: NKJV+ and ASV week = period of 7, KJV version not as clear as others, NIV+ must use the footnote provided as follows: 27 Or And one who causes desolation will come upon the pinnacle of the abominable [temple] until the end that is decreed is poured out on the desolated city.

The last 3 1/2 year period of consecutive time still has to come. It will begin when one, the antichrist, will make an abomination of himself in the temple at Jerusalem. There he will claim to be God.

S^: 3 1/2 years a limited time period.

*He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time [year, 2years, and a half year]."'But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Da 7:25 NIV+

The antichrist will rule over the saints for 3 1/2 years, 1260 days, before his power will be taken away. God will once more be in charge of the faithful, those who believe in Him.

*And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?" Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished. Da 12:6-7 NKJV+

The end of the 3 1/2 year reign of the antichrist is also the last 3 1/2 years left to finish the 70 -7’s period. Believers will then receive the fulfillment and wonders of everlasting righteousness with their God.

"From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Da 12:9-12 NIV+

From the separation of the nonconsecutive years, when Christ abolishes sacrifice, to the time the antichrist claims to be God in the temple, there will be 1290 days. The antichrist time to reign is over, his power will taken away at 1260 days. Yet he will remain on earth for another 30 days receiving the wrath of God, waiting for his end, waiting for Jesus to return.

1290 – 1260 = 30 days until the end, until Jesus returns. The 1335 days will be discussed in Jesus Returns.

The 144,000 is a symbolic number representing all of the believers who are present during the rule of the antichrist. They alone will be able to sing the celebration song of being delivered through, given endurance to remain faithful, through his evil rule.

*And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. Rev 14:3 NIV+

These believers will be marked and sealed. They will be the first fruits from the period of the antichrist rule.

And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed: Rev 7:4 NKJV+

*Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads. Rev 14:1 NIV+

*These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God. Rev 14:4-5 NKJV+

The believers, those who will be the servants of God, will be sealed, will be spared from the wrath of God. Yet they will still have to face the trials of the antichrist.

*saying, "Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads Rev 7:3 NKJV+

*They were told not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads Rev 9:4 NASB+

Number symbols for the 144,000 and 12,000 from each tribe.

*Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel. From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, Rev 7:4 ptn5 NIV+

8/13/10 Additions, Corrections, below rewritten to clarify:

144,000 and 12,000 are probably symbolic numbers, not the actual numbers designated. They represent the number of believers and the number of Jewish believers who will be saved during the reign of the antichrist, which is known only by God.

Let us look at the symbolic numbers 10 and 12. 144,000 = 10 x 10 x 10 (1,000) x 12 x 12 (144)

S^: 10 is a perfect number, including all in a cycle or period. The period is the rule of the antichrist and is referring the perfect number of all the believers, the servants of God, who will be saved. 10 is cubed here, 10 x 10 x 10 = 1,000. This is greatly emphasizing the perfect number of all who would be saved in this period.

S^: 12 is a perfect number, here probably also referring to the 12 tribes of Israel, the Jewish people, who let God rule them. 12 is squared, 12 x 12 = 144. This is emphasizing the perfect number of Jewish believers who will let God rule them and be saved.

S^: It is highly probable that the number 144,000, the combination of both numbers (1000 x 144), is merely symbolic. It is the perfect number of people who will be saved during the rule of the antichrist, including those believers who will be from Israel. Though some believe it is the real number of faithful that will be saved for the Lord during this period.

There is good and bad news coming with the end of times. The bad news is the trials and tribulations believers will have to overcome while the antichrist rules. The good news is that the quicker it comes, the sooner believers will be gathered, resurrected to live with their God forever.

Next

End Times

Home