Tribulation- 2

The 2 witnesses. A dearth of End Time teaching.

Handouts: Events during Day of the Lord & Last days of History (basis of Tribulation studies)

Continuing using handout from last week.

Tonight we continue a series of studies based on Daniel’s prophesied 70th week (or the (Great?)Tribulation

God has given us a lot of information of the Tribulation even though we believe Christians will be gone.

Why do we believe we will be gone?

Romans 5:8–9 (LSB) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

1 Thessalonians 1:8–10 (LSB) For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. 9 For they themselves report about us what kind of an entrance we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.

1 Thessalonians 5:6–11 (NLT) So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 7 Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. 8 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. 9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Revelation 3:10 (LSB) ‘Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

For those who would argue against a Pre-tribulation Rapture:

Richard Mayhue (2001). Snatched Before the Storm! A Case for Pretribulationism

Summary

It is concluded that:

1. Early church fathers did not predominantly teach pretribulationism as it is taught today. But neither did they teach modern posttribulationism.

2. Imminency is not a primary biblical evidence for pretribulationism. It is a necessary deduction from pretribulationism.

3. Dave MacPherson unintentionally and inadvertently documented historically that neither Edward Irving nor Margaret McDonald originated or taught pretribulationism. Of all the evidences, historical arguments are the most anemic and least convincing.

[As] one opponent of pretribulationism [says]:

Let it at once be emphasized that we are not turning to the church fathers to find authority for either pre- or posttribulationism. The one authority is the Word of God, and we are not confined in the straitjacket of tradition.

Historical evidence at best (for any position) is inconclusive and unsatisfying.

The burning issue is not “What does history teach?” but rather “What do the Scriptures say?”

Ron Rhodes (2012). The end times in chronological order: a complete overview to understanding bible prophecy

Some posttribulationists try to bolster their view by the claim that pretribulationism emerged late in church history, finding its origin in John Nelson Darby (1800–1882), who allegedly got it from Edward Irving (1792–1834). Thus, the majority of church history knew nothing of this novel view. Pretribulationists respond that the key issue is what the Bible actually teaches, not when the belief first emerged.

Besides, some in the early church held to false doctrines, such as baptismal regeneration. Just because a doctrine was held early in church history does not mean it is correct. Conversely, just because a doctrine developed late in church history does not mean it is incorrect.

Many believe that with the process of doctrinal development through the centuries, eschatology would naturally become a focus later in church history. Besides, many throughout church history—as early as the first century—have held to the doctrine of the imminent return of Christ, a key feature of pretribulationism.

The truth is, the pretribulational view is most consistent with a literal approach to biblical prophecy. And the precedent has been set for the reliability of a literal approach. After all, the messianic prophecies dealing with the first coming of Christ (more than 100 of them) were fulfilled literally!

I will stop there for tonight, but there are multiple justifications for believing in a Pre-tribulation Rapture — not the least of which is scripture.

Even though we don’t plan to be here (either because of death or because of the rapture) there is value in understanding what the Bible says about end times.

So, tonight we continue to study Daniel’s prophesied 70th week.

We believe 69 of the 70 weeks of years have been fulfilled.

We are currently in a pause between the 69th and 70th week.

But we look for events such as the chart on your handout portrays.

Events of The Tribulation

We have covered…

The faithful in Christ’s churches will be kept from this time of trial

Lk 21:36; Jn 14:1–3; 2Co 5:2, 4; Php 3:20–21; 1Th 1:10; 4:16–18; 5:8–10; Rev 3:10

Will begin after the restrainer is taken out of the way

2Th 2:6–8

NOW…

Will begin after the mystery (secret power) of lawlessness intensifies

2Th 2:7–8

2 Thessalonians 2:3–8 (LSB) Let no one in any way deceive you, for it has not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the sanctuary of God, exhibiting himself as being God. 5 Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? 6 And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8 And then that lawless one will be revealed—whom the Lord Jesus WILL SLAY WITH THE BREATH OF HIS MOUTH and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming—

Fire Bible:

2:7 Secret power of lawlessness is already at work. The “secret power of lawlessness” (or spirit of rebellion) is a behind-the-scenes activity of evil powers that has operated throughout the course of human history, preparing the way for the complete rebellion and the man of lawlessness.

(1) It is a completely evil and skillfully destructive process that deceives and entraps those who reject Christ and do not accept God’s complete truth.

It also prepares many within the church to turn from true faith and to accept the lies that will be increasingly common in some elements of the church.

2 Timothy 4:3–4 (LSB) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

It involves a spirit or movement against true Biblical faith and God’s moral law. It seeks freedom from all moral restraint, and it takes pleasure in all forms of rebellious behavior against God (vv. 10–12; see v. 12, note).

(2) Though this spirit already existed in Paul’s day, it will be especially prevalent in the world—and in Christianity—in the end times (see Mt 24:11, note; note; see article on The Age of the Antichrist).

Jesus talks about the rise of darkness:

Matthew 24:3–14 (LSB) Now as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one deceives you. 5 “For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 “And you are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. 7 “For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. 8 “But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pains. 9 “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 10 “And at that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. 11 “Many false prophets will arise and will deceive many. 12 “And because lawlessness is multiplied, most people’s love will grow cold. 13 “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. 14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in the whole world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Fire Bible:

24:11 Many false prophets will appear. As the last days draw to a close, false teachers and preachers will be very common (see article on False teachers).

They will gain influence in the church by claiming to have “new” revelations and solutions to serious problems.

Yet they will deny the proven teachings of God’s written Word (i.e., the Bible) as the answer to these issues.

Much of Christianity will be in a spiritually rebellious and unfaithful condition.

Those who are totally committed to living by the truth and standards of God’s Word will be in the minority.

(1) Many who claim to be loyal Christians will accept “new revelation” even though it conflicts with God’s Word as revealed in the Bible. This will lead to contention and opposition to Biblical truth within churches (see 1Ti 4:1, notes; 2Ti 3:8; 4:3, note).

1 Timothy 4:1–3 (LSB) But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 by the hypocrisy of liars, who have been seared in their own conscience, 3 who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God created to be shared in with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

Those who preach a distorted message may even gain important and crucial leadership positions in influential church organizations and theological schools where students are trained in the study of religion, God and his relationship to the world (see 7:22, note).

Their positions will enable them to deceive and mislead many within the church (see Gal 1:9, note; 2Ti 4:3, note; 2Pe 3:3–4).

(2) Throughout the world, millions will be involved in the occult (i.e., Satanic forms of worship, rituals and magic), astrology (i.e., the study of the stars with the belief that their motions affect human beings), witchcraft, spiritism (i.e., the belief that the spirits of the dead can communicate with the living) and satanism.

Through these activities, the influence of demons and evil spirits will multiply greatly (see 1Ti 4:1, note).

(3) Protection against being deceived is found only through an enduring faith and love for Christ and in an unwavering commitment to the absolute authority of his Word (vv. 4, 11, 13, 25). For this reason, it is critically important to know God’s Word (see 1Ti 4:16, note).

1 Timothy 4:13–16 (LSB) Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift within you, which was given to you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

2 Timothy 4:1–2 (LSB) I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and teaching.

Fire Bible:

Matthew 24:12 Increase of wickedness.

An unbelievable increase in immoral behavior, shamelessness and rebellion against God will characterize the last days.

Many people will turn against all moral guidelines, resulting in even more ungodly sexual practices, immorality, adultery, pornography, drugs, ungodly music and lustful entertainment.

It will be “as it was in the days of Noah” (v. 37), when the thoughts and desires of human hearts were evil continually (see Ge 6:5).

Matthew 24:37 (LSB) “For just as the days of Noah were, so the coming of the Son of Man will be.

Genesis 6:5 (LSB) Then Yahweh saw that the evil of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

It will be as “in the days of Lot” (Lk 17:28, 30), when homosexuality, lesbianism and all kinds of unholy sexual relations filled all levels of society (see Ge 19:5, note; 1Ti 4:1, note; 2Ti 3:1–8, notes). Jesus goes on to explain that true love will be rare.

s Luke 17:26–30 (LSB) “And just as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: 27 they were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 “It was the same as in the days of Lot—they were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building; 29 but on the day that Lot went out from Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 “It will be just the same on the day that the Son of Man is revealed.

Jonathan Cahn in his latest book: The Josiah Manifesto: The Ancient Mystery & Guide for the End Times

A DARKNESS HAS COME upon the world.

It is an ancient darkness and yet new in its manifesting.

It is, at the time of this writing, permeating our media, our entertainments, our marketplaces, our schools, our corporations, our public squares, our governments, our culture, our lives.

It is setting in motion the transformation of our society, the overturning of ancient foundations, and the destroying of age-old standards of morality, values, perception, and faith.

It is an unrelenting darkness, one that seeks not only to exist and grow but:

to exercise total dominion,

to force all it touches into submission,

to subjugate language,

to alter perception,

and to bend reality into its image.

It is a darkness that requires every tongue to confess its name and every knee to bow down in its homage.

As for those who would defy or resist its conquest, it seeks to assimilate and transform them or else destroy them, even to destroy their will to resist it. It is a totalitarian darkness. It cannot rest until all lights are extinguished.

Will begin after a great rebellion against the faith occurs

2Th 2:3

Already read:

2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 (LSB) Let no one in any way deceive you, for it has not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the sanctuary of God, exhibiting himself as being God.

The Antichrist (the man of lawlessness) will appear

Da 9:26–27; 2Th 2:3–10; Rev 13:1–18; 16:2; 17:9–18; 19:19–20

Daniel 9:26–27 (LSB) “Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are decreed. 27 “And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will make sacrifice and grain offering cease; 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.”

Jay had you read: Revelation 13:1–10 (LSB) And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore. Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. 2 And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain fatally, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth marveled and followed after the beast. 4 And they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?” 5 And there was given to him a mouth speaking great boasts and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. 7 And it was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. 8 And all who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. 9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 10 If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.

Will begin with the opening of the seven seals

Rev 6:1 - 8:1