The End of the Tribulation Period

Last week we looked at the middle of the tribulation period focusing on the characteristics of the antichrist. Jesus laid this out for us beautifully in verses 15-26...

This is not going to be a pleasant time for anyone, especially the Jews.

A Couple of Questions to Address

Why such emphasis on the Jews?

How is it we can say the church is not involved in the tribulation?

Daniel 9:24 KJV 1900

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.

Who were Daniel's people?

The Jews!

Jeremiah 30:7 KJV 1900

Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: It is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; But he shall be saved out of it.

Who was Jacob?

Son of Isaac, later had his name changed to what? Israel!

This is just some of the evidence that points to the church being raptured out before the tribulation begins.

When Does the Tribulation End?

The tribulation period comes to an end with the second advent (Coming) of Christ

The second coming is in two parts:

The rapture of the church

Signless event

Christ comes to the edge of the atmosphere

The return of Christ

This is a physical return to the earth

Everyone will see this

Zechariah 13:6 KJV 1900

And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.

This is what we read about in verses 27-30

Let's mark some characteristics of the second advent:

Characteristics of the Second Coming of Christ

It will be rapid Matthew 24.27

Matthew 24:27 KJV 1900

For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

The significance of this is that...

There will be no chance for repentance

It will bring judgment on the inhabitants of earth Matt. 24.28

Matthew 24:28 KJV 1900

For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

I want to emphasize that this will be a physical return, as opposed to the rapture that is spiritual in nature

It will be seen by all the people of earth v. 29-30

Notice in verse 30 that all the peoples shall see Him

This cannot be a reference to the rapture

The rapture is a silent signless event

Notice in verse 29 that His return is coupled with signs and wonders

These will be true signs of the power of God as opposed to the lying wonders of Satan the people had been accustomed to

This will be a literal physical return to the earth and then He will bring in His kingdom of 1000 years

Whats Next?

We must keep in mind that this passage is a description of Israel's prophetic time-clock:

The rapture of the church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

The tribulation begins Matthew 24:4-26

Christ returns at the end of the tribulation Matthew 24:27-30

The next event to occur is the regathering of Israel

God Calls Israel Home

Israel has never occupied 100% of the land God promised them

They have been dispersed countless times and will be once again during the tribulation

At this point God will supernaturally bring the entire nation of Israel back to the land

Making use of His angelic host to do so

This will be done in fulfillment of Deuteronomy 30:1-8