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BI 541 Eschatology

Assignments

Understanding the times - Due September 22nd

Outside Reading – Due October 8th

Notes on website – spaeth.wcbc.edu

Emailing Projects

Eschatology

From the Greek word ἔσχατος (G2274)

which means “last.”

The study of eschatology, then, is the study of “the last things”

Why Study Eschatology?

Relieves unnecessary fears.

(Asteroid colliding with the Earth)

Reveals the promise-keeping character of God.

(What God has promised He will do)

Renders concrete an abstract “Hope”.

(Give us something tangible to hope in –life after death) 1 Thess. 4:18

Refutes false teaching

(Jehovah Witnesses – use eschatology to hook people)

The Importance of Eschatology

One quarter of the Bible was prophetic when written.

Evidence of the truthfulness of Scripture

Half of Biblical prophesies have been fulfilled

Shows the nature of God

Omnipotence, Omniscience

Provides meaning to life - Hope

More to this life than this present world

Demonstrates God has a plan or program through the ages.

He is sovereign!

*************

Have the students read Pentecost’s book and discuss in class the various schools of interpretation

Lecture #1 Understanding the correct method of interpretation

The Historical Development of Interpretation

A knowledge of the history of biblical interpretation is of inestimable value to the student of the Holy Scriptures. It serves to guard against errors and exhibits the activity and efforts of the human mind in its search after truth and in relation to noblest themes. It shows what influences have led to the misunderstanding of God’s word, and how acute minds, carried away by a misconception of the nature of the Bible, have sought mystic and manifold meanings in its content.

Ramm, B. (1970). Protestant Biblical interpretation: a textbook of hermeneutics (Third Revised Edition., p. 23). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.

Five Crucial Questions regarding Eschatology

Key Terms

Interpretation:

The process by which the Scriptures are understood by the reader.

Hermeneutics:

The theory, method, or rules of biblical interpretation.

Exegesis:

The process of discovering the original meaning of the biblical text, “bringing it out” (“exegeting”) by studying the text according to the authorial intent in its historical and grammatical contexts.

The Jewish Position on Interpretation

Jewish interpretation began with Ezra in the post-exilic era.

Nehemiah 8:7-8 (Ezra)

“caused the people to understand the law”

Two different schools of interpretation developed:

Peshat

very rigid in interpretation, literal

Sod

more flexible, mystical or secret sense, allegorical.

The Alexandrian Judaism

This view endeavored to reconcile the Sacred Scripture with Greek philosophical Tradition ( Plato).

Their approach was allegorical.

The literal was viewed as immature understanding of Scripture

Aristobulus (160 B.C.) First Jewish writer to use allegorism.

Philo (20 B.C. to A.D. 54) outstanding Jewish allegorist

The Hellenistic Interpretation view

Had a tendency to move toward the allegorical method trying to fit Old Testament truth with Greek philosophy and mythology.

The Karaitic Interpretation view

This view regarded the Scripture as the sole authority in matters of faith, and were literal in outlook.

The Cabbalistic Interpretation view

This as an extreme view of literalism, sometimes referred to as “Letterism”

even the letters, accents and vowels point of the Hebrew Masoretic text were regarded as inspired with supernatural power.

However, they were allegorical in their interpretation.

The Palestinian View

Developed Sound principles of exegesis which reflected a literal approach to interpretation of Scriptures

Words must be understood in terms of its sentence and context.

Scriptures dealing with similar topics should be compared.

A clear passage is given preference over an obscure one.

The Christian views of Interpretation

Patristic Interpretation (100-600 A.D.)

Alexandrian position (Clement of Alexandria)

Allegorical

The primary meaning of Scripture was found in a secondary, hidden sense beneath the words of Scripture.

Antiochean Position (influenced Jerome)

Literal - grammatical-historical method.

They sought to find the meaning of Scripture in its original sense.

Western Position

Combined elements of both allegorical and the literal methods, but its concentration really was on the allegorical method. Adoption of the Authority of the institutional Church and tradition in the interpretation of Scriptures

The Medieval Interpretation (600-1500 A.D.)

The preponderance of exegetical work was allegorical

Continuation of the western view

More in line with the traditional interpretation of the Roman Catholic Church.

This was combined with a now deeply entrenched allegorical view which a notable fourfold sense of Scripture was practiced.

Jerusalem was viewed in this system

Literal – it refers to the city of Jerusalem

Allegorical – it refers to the Church

Morally – it refers to the human soul

Analogical – it refers to the Heavenly city

The Reformation Interpretation (1500-1600 A.D.)

The Reformers returned to the literal method of interpretation. (Luther, Zwingly, Calvin, Melanchthon)

They declared that the Scriptures were the only infallible basis for interpretation. The Scriptures determined what the church ought to teach; the church does not determine what the Scriptures teach.

They departed from the fourfold sense and adopted the single, original sense of Scripture based on the Grammatical-historical exegesis.

They emphasized the Holy Spirit’s work to authenticate and to illuminate the Scriptures so one could understand their meaning.

Interpretation of Scriptures

Two Essential Methods

Allegorical method – Spiritualization

Beneath the letter or obvious is the real meaning of the passage (Ramm)

Literal - historical grammatical method

Accept as basic the literal rendering of the sentence unless by virtue of the nature of the sentence or phrase or clause within the sentence this is not possible. (Ramm)

The Allegorical Method of interpretation

Ramm – The method of interpreting the literary text that regards the literal sense as a vehicle for the secondary, more spiritual and more profound sense of more spiritual and profound meaning; so that the literal and historical context has no real bearing or significance on the text.

One story on top of another (Pilgrims Progress)

Examples of allegory in Scripture

Allegory is different from allegorical method of interpretation.

Allegory - ἀλληγορία, from ἄλλος (allos), another, and ἀγορεύειν (agoreuein), to speak or make a speech in the agora (i.e., assembly).

The allegory represents, or implies, that the one thing is the other.

Allegory - characters or events represent or symbolize ideas and concepts.

Psalm 23 “The LORD is my shepherd”

Isaiah 5:1-6 “My wellbeloved hath a vineyard”

Allegorical method of interpretation

The Church is Israel

Hebrews 8:8 For finding fault with them, He says, "Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, When I will effect a new covenant With the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;

1000 years is a complete period of time not a literal 1000 years

Revelation 20:1-2 (KJV) 1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

Dangers of the Allegorical Method (Pentecost)

1. It does not properly interpret scripture

It has no regard for word definitions and is given to speculation.

Unsound, inconsistent and subjective interpretation

2. The Authority in interpretation ceases to be the Scripture, but the mind of the interpreter

Allows the interpreter complete freedom to twist the meaning of passages

Dangers of the Allegorical Method (Pentecost)

3. One is left without any means by which the conclusions of the interpretation may be tested.

This reduces the Scriptures to what seems reasonable to the interpreter.

The Allegorical Method Defended

1. It is a method is used in Bible

Gal 4:22-31 “Which things are an allegory”

Allegorical interpretation was not used in the Bible

Paul was not using an allegorical method of interpreting the OT, but was explaining an allegory.

Scripture abound in allegories

the Allegorical Method defended

2. It is seen in the New Testament Use of Types

NT makes typical applications of the OT

Matt. 12:39-40 [prophet Jonah],

John 3:14 [As Moses lifted up the serpent]

Not using an allegorical method.

With types one must understand the literal interpretation of the text in order to convey the truth in the type.

Literal - historical grammatical method

A method that gives each word the same exact basic meaning it would have in normal, ordinary customary usage, whether employed in writing, speaking, or thinking.

Defending the Literal Method

1. This is the normal approach in all languages

2. All secondary meanings of documents, parables, types, allegories, and symbols, depend on the literal interpretation of the terms.

3. The greater part of the Bible makes adequate sense when interpreted literally.

4. The Literal approach does not rule our figures of speech, symbols, allegories, and types, but if the nature of the sentence so demands it, it readily yields to the second sense.

5. This method is the only one constant with the nature of inspiration.

Advantages of the Literal Method

1. Grounds interpretation in facts

2. It exercises control over the interpretation

3. It has great success in opening up the word of God.

4. It give a standard upon which all interpretation can be tested.

5. It spares us from the weakness of human reason and mystical type view of interpretation.

The Literal Method and Symbolism and Figurative language

The Bible contains symbols and figurative language.

This does not mean that the figurative language has to be interpreted by a literal method. The figurative language and symbols help to enhance the literal meaning.

It helps us understand the unknown by the known.

When God is trying to reveal to us truth that is unfamiliar He uses examples which parallel it with what we understand in the truth which is already familiar.

The Bible Covenants

God’s Eschatological Program

God’s Eschatological Program

God’s original plan - A perfect creation

Paradise Established (Gen 1:1-2:25)

Man’s sin brings a curse

Paradise Lost (Gen 3:1-24)

God’s plan to redeem mankind through a sacrifice (Gen 4-Rev 22)

Paradise Regained

What is a Covenant?

Establishing a bond, agreement between two parties

Two or more parties who come together to make a contract, agreeing on promises, stipulations, privileges, and responsibilities.

Two Types of Covenants

Two Equal Parties

This covenant relationship was bilateral. The bond was sealed by both parties vowing, often by oath, that each, having equal privileges and responsibilities, would carry out their assigned roles.

Abraham and the Amorites (Gen 14:13)

Abimelech and Isaac (Gen. 26:26–31)

Greater to a Lesser Party (Suzerain Treaty)

This covenant relationship established a continuing relationship as determined and authorized by a ruler over a subject.

Joshua and the Gibeonites (Josh. 9:15)

Zedekiah to Jerusalem - Jeremiah 34:8-10; 18-19

God and Abraham - Genesis 15:7-12

Conditional vs. unconditional

Conditional

In a conditional covenant, that which was covenanted depends for its fulfillment upon the recipient of the covenant, not the one making the covenant. Certain obligations or conditions must be fulfilled by the receiver before the giver of the covenant is obligated to fulfill that which was promised.

The Mosaic Covenant is a conditional covenant.

Conditional vs. unconditional

Unconditional

In an unconditional covenant, that which was covenanted depends upon the one making the covenant alone for its fulfillment. That which was promised is sovereignly given to the recipient of the covenant on the authority and integrity of the one making the convent apart from the merit or response of the receiver.

• The Abrahamic Covenant is an unconditional covenant.

God’s Covenants

Edenic Covenant (Gen. 2:16-17)

Adamic Covenant (Gen. 3:16-19)

Noahic Covenant (Gen 8:20-22 Gen. 9:1-18)

The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1–3)

Mosaic Covenant (Ex. 20:1-31:18)

The Palestinian Covenant (Deut. 30:1–10)

The Davidic Covenant (2 Sam. 7:12–16)

The New Covenant (Jer. 31:31–34)

The Nature of God’s Covenants

Covenants are literal

Most Covenants were Eternal

Covenants were either Conditional or Unconditional

Covenants were made with Israel (Rom. 9:4, Eph. 2:11-12)

The Abrahamic Covenant

Basis for the entire covenant program

Genesis 12:1–3

Genesis 13:14-17

Genesis 15:4-7

Genesis 17:1-8


Promised land

“unto a land that I will shew thee”

Promised seed (a nation)

“I will make of thee a great nation”

Promised blessing (Redemption)

“in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed”


Land (Gen 12:1, 13:14–17, 15:7, 17:8)

Further developed in the Palestinian covenant

(Deut. 30:3-5, Ez. 20:33-37; 42-44);

Seed (Gen 12:2, 13:16, 15:5, 17:2–7)

Further developed in the Davidic Covenant

(2 Sam. 7:11, 13, 16; Jer. 33:20-21, 31:35-37)

Blessing (Gen 12:3, 22:18; Gal 3:16)

Further developed in the New Covenant

(Jer. 31:31-40, Heb. 8:6-13)

Fulfillment

Fulfillment (Partial)

God blessed Abraham by giving him the land

(Gen. 13:14–17);

God blessed him spiritually

(Gen. 13:8, 18; 14:22, 23; 21:22);

God gave him numerous descendants

(Gen. 22:17; 49:3–28).

Future Fulfillment

Israel as a nation will possess the land in the future.

(Ezek. 20:33–37, 40–42; 36:1–37:28).

The Messiah will sit on David’s throne

2 Timothy 4:1, Revelation 20:4-5 , Ezekiel 34:23-24

Israel as a nation will be converted, forgiven, and restored

(Rom. 11:25–27) (Zech. 12:10–14).

Abrahamic vs Mosaic Covenant

Galatians 3:17 (KJV) And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

Galatians 3:24-25 (KJV) 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Palestinian Covenant (Land)

Genesis 12:7 And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land : and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

Genesis 13:15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

Palestinian Covenant (Land)

Genesis 17:7-8 7 (KJV) And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. 8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

Palestinian Covenant

The nation will be plucked off the land for its unfaithfulness

(Deut. 29:25-28; 30:1)

There will be a future repentance of Israel

(Deut. 30:2);

Israel will be restored to the land

(Deut. 30:3-5)

Israel will be converted as a nation

(Deut. 30:6; cf. Rom. 11:26–27)

Israel’s enemies will be judged

(Deut. 30:7)

Palestinian Deuteronomy 30:1-10

This covenant guarantees Israel’s permanent right to the land.

The Palestinian Covenant reaffirmed Israel’s title deed to the land In spite of their unfaithfulness to God.

The introduction of the Mosaic covenant did not set aside the original covenant

Gal 3:17

This covenant is a confirmation and enlargement of the Abrahamic covenant.

It amplifies the land feature of the original covenant

Coming after the willful disobedience of Israel demonstrates the unconditional nature of the covenant.

Eschatology of Palestinian Covenant

Israel must be converted as a nation

Must be re-gathered

Must be installed in her land

Must be witness to the judgments of her enemies

Must receive material blessings.

The Davidic Covenant (Seed)(2 Sam. 7:12–16)

Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

Genesis 13:16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.


Genesis 17:7-8 7 (KJV) And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. 8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.


Questions answered

Will there be a literal millennium?

Is the Church the kingdom?

Is the kingdom present or future?


House. This refers to the royal dynasty of David; God promised David a continuing posterity that would be of the royal line of David. This promise verified that the lineage of David would not be destroyed but would issue in Messiah who would reign over the earth.

Kingdom. The word kingdom involves a people and a dominion over whom the king will rule; it is the sphere of the king’s rulership. It is a political kingdom.

Throne. The throne suggests the authority and the power of the king in his rule.

Forever. Forever emphasizes that the right to rule will never be taken from the family of David; moreover, the posterity of David will never cease to rule over the house of Israel.

The Davidic Covenant (Seed)

An unconditional covenant

“Everlasting”, “for ever”

A Literal fulfillment

Psalms 89:34 My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

A Future Fulfillment

No present possession of the land

No present ruler from the line of David on Earth

Acts 2:29-32 (KJV) 29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

Eschatology of the Davidic Covenant

Israel must be preserved as a nation

Israel must have a national existence and be brought back to the land

David’s son, Jesus Christ must return to earth bodily and literally

A literal earthly kingdom must be constituted.

The Kingdom must be an eternal kingdom.

The New Covenant (Jer. 31:31–34) (Blessing)

Genesis 12:2-3 (KJV) 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Galatians 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

The New Covenant (Jer. 31:31–34) (Blessing)

Jeremiah 31:31-34 (KJV) 31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.


Unconditional – “I will”

Everlasting (Isaiah 61:8 , Jeremiah 32:40 , Jeremiah 50:5, Hebrews 13:20)

Promises the impartation of a renewed mind and heart, regeneration.

Provides for restoration to the favor and blessing of God.

Forgiveness of Sin, ‘for I will remove their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more’ (Jer. 31:34b).

This is made possible by the shedding of Jesus’ blood on the cross. (Isaiah 53:4-6)


Indwelling Holy Spirit seen by comparing Jeremiah 31:33 with Ezekiel 36:27.

The teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit will be manifested, and the will of God will be known by obedient hearts.…

Material and Spiritual blessings

The sanctuary will be rebuilt in Jerusalem, for it is written ‘I … will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them’ (Ezek. 37:26–27a).

War shall cease and peace shall reign according to Hosea 2:18

Blood of Jesus is foundation (Zech 9:11)


Restatement of the New Covenant

Ezekiel 36:24-28

Ezekiel 37:26

Isaiah 59:19-21

(1) Return to their God-given land (Abrahamic)

(2) One king over them (Davidic)

(3) Holy Spirit within them (new)

The Fulfillment of the New Covenant

Must be fulfilled by the Nation of Israel

Jer. 31:31 “…a new covenant with the house of Israel…”

Fulfillment is still future

Jer. 31:33 “…I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts…”

Israel will be saved and returned to the land

Following the second coming of Christ (Rom. 11:26-27)

The Relation of the Church to The New Covenant

διαθήκη Covenant or Testament

Matthew 26:28

Luke 22:20

1 Cor. 11:25

2 Cor. 3:6

Heb. 8:8-13, 9:15, 10:16, 12:24

Rom. 11:26-27 *

Rom 11:12-27

12-16 – Israel was cut off as the natural branches of the olive tree. The roots and trunk being the Lord’s position of blessing.

v. 17 – The wild branches are the gentiles who now receive the Gospel and partake of the fatness of the root. They are in the position of blessing.

Vs. 18-24 – The warning that the wild branches, the church, should not boast against the natural branches, Israel, for God will Graff them back into the root.

v. 25 – Part of the reason Israel was blinded was so the Gospel could go to the gentiles. This blindness will happen until the “Fullness of Gentiles be come in”. This will happen according to Rev. 11:2 in the middle of the tribulation and last for 42 months.

The last past of this section is where the new covenant is once again mentioned. This will bring salvation to all Israel. Then Paul quotes from Isaiah 59:20-21.

Comparing old and New Covenants

Old Covenant

Temporal

Replaced

Written in Stone

Initiated by blood of animals

Many Sacrifices

Moses Mediator

Anticipated forgiveness

Holy Spirit not permanent

Approach God through High Priest

New Covenant

Everlasting

Never Replaced

Written on hearts

Initiated by blood of Christ

One sacrifice forever

Jesus Mediator

Realized Forgiveness

Permanent indwelling of Holy Spirit

Approach God through Christ

Relationship of the Church to New Covenant

Three premillennial views

(Darby) Only one New Covenant made only with Israel not the Church, but we get the benefit of it indirectly.

(Scofield) One New Covenant with a two fold application, one to Israel in the future and one with the Church now.

(Chafer) Two Covenant view, the first Covenant made with Israel and the second made with the Church.

Matthew 21:43 (KJV) Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

Luke 21:24 (KJV) And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Romans 11:25 (KJV) 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.

The Church is not now fulfilling Israel’s New Covenant

The term “Israel” is only used for the physical descendants of Abraham.

Promises in the New Covenant not the same as were given to Church

Earthly blessings, Inheritance of land, Rest from oppression

Church receives blessings from Abrahamic Covenant (Gal 3:14, 4:22-31) without being under the covenant, so it is with the New Covenant.

Time of fulfillment cannot be until after Israel’s tribulation and deliverance by the second coming of the Messiah.

The Eschatology of the New Covenant

Israel must be restored to the land of Palestine

Israel must experience a national conversion

The Messiah must return to the earth

Israel must experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit

Israel must receive material blessings

Tying All The Covenant Together

Ezekiel 36 and 37 brings all four covenants together:

Chapter 36:25-38 speaks of how God will prepare the land for Israel’s return

Chapter 37 is the vision of the dry bones. These bones come together with muscle and sinew and flesh upon them, but it is not until God breathes into them that these bodies come alive.

Summary

Land

Israel as a nation will permanently possess the land in the future. (Deut. 30:3-5).

Seed

David’s kingdom shall be established for ever through the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:16).

Blessing

Israel will repent and receive the forgiveness of God in the future (Jer. 31:31–34).

Five Crucial Questions regarding Eschatology

Lecture #3 Daniel’s 70 weeks

I. Daniel’s prayer vs. 3-20

A. The Setting (9:1-2)

First year of Darius, 538-37 B.C. (about 67 years into Captivity – 605 B.C.)

70 year captivity near completion (Jer. 25:11–12; 29:10)

Reason for captivity was disobedience (Jer. 29:17-19)

Failure to give the land its Sabbath rests (2 Chron. 36:21)

Foretold by God in Leviticus (Lev. 26:33-35)

A. The Prayer of Daniel (9:3-20)

A need to confess and repent of sins (Lev. 26:40-46)

The time line of God’s people Israel

The Period of the Exile of Judah 605-536 B. C.

Three exiles of the Southern Kingdom (605, 597, 586)

605 B. C. – Judah’s captivity by Babylon

586 B. C. – Destruction of the temple in Jerusalem

The decree of Cyrus allowing some Jews to return — 538 B. C.

Three returns from exile:

led by Zerubbabel in 537

led by Ezra in 457

led by Nehemiah in 444

The second temple finished — 516 B. C.

II. The Prediction of the 70 sevens (9:21-27)

A. The Messenger: Gabriel (9:21-23)

Gave him understanding of the prophetic message of the seventy weeks.

Assure Daniel that God will fulfill His covenant promises to the nation.

God would bring Israel back into their land and set up the Messianic Kingdom.

A. The Program (9:24-27 )

70 weeks

The meaning of the 70 weeks

The weeks as merely symbolic.

“Since these numbers represent periods of time, the length of which is not stated, and since they are thus symbolical, it is not warrantable to seek to discover the precise lengths of the sevens.”

Edward J. Young, The Messianic Prophecies of Daniel

The seventy weeks are not symbolical but must be interpreted literally.

Daniel’s use of definite numbers—seven, sixty-two, and one


Seventy weeks (ים ים ש�ב עשב ע )

Seventyש�בע�ים - šiḇʿiym

A common noun meaning seventy

Dan. 9:2, Gen. 4:24, Ex. 1:5

Weeks בוע šāḇûaʿ - ש

a week, a group of seven days or years

Gen. 29:27, Ex. 34:22

literally “Seventy sevens”

Unit of sevens - heptads

The meaning of the Weeks šāḇûaʿ - שבוע

Six times it means a normal seven-day week.

(Gen 29:27, 28; Deut 16:9; Lev 12:5; Deut 16:10, 16; 2 Chron 8:13)

Three times it means a unit of seven and is followed by יום yôm "days”

(Ezekiel 45:21; Daniel 10:2-3 )

Six times it is used as a unit of seven without reference to days.

(Dan 9:24, 25, 26, 27)


Seventy of these units of seven years or a total of 490 years.

First, in the context Daniel had been thinking in terms of years as well as multiples (ten times seven) of years (Dan 9:1–2).

Second, Daniel had been considering Jeremiah 25:11 and 29:10 regarding the seventy-year captivity. The captivity was a result of violating the sabbatical year, which was to have been observed after every six years (2 Chron 36:21; cf. Lev 26:34–35, 43). Each year of captivity represented one seven-year cycle in which the seventh or Sabbath year had not been observed.


Daniel then saw another 490 years (70 *7=490) years into Israel’s future. This can be diagrammed in the following way:

Past 490 Daniel’s day 490 Future


Third, the only other usage of weeks by Daniel is in 10:2- 3 where the phrase מ�ים ים י ה שב עשל ש� is literally “three - seven days” or twenty-one days.

Daniel 10:2-3 2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. 3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.


Daniel adds ימים “days” in 10:2-3 so his readers would understand he intended 7 days, but this was unnecessary.

No one would have thought Daniel would have fasted twenty-one years.

If Daniel meant days in 9:24-27 he would have also used ימים .


It would be impossible to fit the events described in 9:24–27 into 490 days. Only years is viable timeframe for fulfillment.

In V. 27 a covenant is established for one week and broken in the middle of the week. If Daniel means a week of years or 7 years then the covenant is broken 3 ½ years before the end of the 7 years. This fits with the trouble described in Dan. 7:25 and 12:7 and Rev. 12:14


The term בוע šāḇûaʿ does not refer to years elsewhere in the Bible, but it has this meaning in the - ש שMishnah, a collection of rabbinic laws.

Conclusion

The term שבעים in Daniel 9 most reasonably refers to a unit of seven years. To make it mean anything else does not make good sense.

Therefore, Daniel’s reference to seventy weeks means a period of 490 years.

Four Views of the 70 Weeks

1. Literal years extending through the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. (422 years)

2. Symbolic periods of time ending in the first century A.D. (646 Years)

3. Symbolic periods of time ending at Christ’s second coming. (Unknown number of Years)

4. Literal years ending with Christ’s second coming. (490 years)

The People and City

Dan 9:24 – “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city”

Literal View

People are the Jews

City is Jerusalem

Allegorical View

People are Spiritual Israel (Church)

City is the heavenly Jerusalem

Six purposes of God to be accomplished in the 70 weeks

“to finish the transgression”

לא) kālāʾ) - to complete, to accomplish, to end, to finish כ

“to make an end of sins”

ḥāṯam) has the idea of sealing up, put and end to it חתם)

to make reconciliation for iniquity

פר) kā כ arp ) means “to cover, expiate, or to atone”

Six purposes of God to be accomplished in the 70 weeks

to bring in everlasting righteousness

Righteousness will fill the Earth in the Mill. Kingdom

to seal up the vision and prophecy

ḥāṯam) bringing about its complete fulfillment חתם)

to anoint the most Holy (Person or Place)

”.māšaḥ) “to consecrate for religious service משח )

To finish the transgression

“to finish” (אל kālāʾ) - to complete, to accomplish, to end, to finish כ

Israel’s sin of disobedience will be brought to an end at Christ’s second coming when she repents and turns to Him as her Messiah and Savior.

To make an end of sins

The verb תם.ḥāṯam has the idea of sealing up – Sins will be removed from God’s sight ח

Here the thought is sealing something up with a view to punishment (cf. Deut. 32:34; Job 14:17).

This emphasized that Israel’s sin which had gone unpunished would be punished—in or through Jesus Christ, her substitute, who would bear the sins of the world on the cross.

Then at Christ’s second coming he will remove Israel’s sin (Ezek. 37:23; Rom. 11:20-27).

to make reconciliation for iniquity

The verb “to atone” (פר kā כ arp ) means “to cover or expiate.” - A clear picture of the cross of Christ.

This too relates to God’s final atonement of Israel when she repents at Christ’s second coming, as the provision for that atonement has already been made at the cross.

Daniel’s prophecy promised that because of Christ’s blood shed on the cross God would deal with sinners, and here in particular, with sinners in Israel.

to bring in everlasting righteousness

Christ brought a righteous ground for God’s justification of the sinners at His first coming.

The righteous character of the Messianic Kingdom in view. (Isa. 11:2-5)

to seal up the vision and prophecy

To Seal up – no more is to be added and what has been predicted will be confirmed by actual fulfillment.

Once a letter is sealed its contents are irreversible.

to anoint the most Holy

This may refer to the dedication of the Most Holy place in the millennial temple, described in Ezekiel 41-46.

Or it may refer to the Holy One, Christ. If so, this speaks of the enthronement of Christ, “the Anointed One” (Dan. 7:25-27) as King of kings and Lord of lords in the Millennium.

These six accomplishments, then, anticipate the establishment of Israel’s covenanted millennial kingdom under the authority of her promised King.

The six summarize God’s whole program to bring the nation Israel the blessings He promised through His covenants (Gen. 15:18-21; 2 Sam. 7:16; Jer. 31:31-34).

The Start of the 70 weeks

Daniel 9:25

First, “to restore and to rebuild” – signify that there will be a complete restoration of the city.

Second, “Street and Wall” – also identify a complete rebuilding from the street to the walls.

Third, the rebuilding will be during distressful times.

The Time Of The Rebuilding

Four Possibilities

538-539 B.C. – The Decree of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-3)

Rebuild temple

518-519 B.C. – Decree of Darius I (Ezra 6:1-8)

No Reference to rebuild the city

457 B.C. – Decree of Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:1-26)

No Reference to rebuild the city

444 B.C. – Decree of Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 2:1-8)

Rebuild the Walls

444 B.C. – Decree of Artaxerxes

First, Nehemiah stated that the city was in ruins (2:3, 5, 8) and he wanted to return to “build it”.

Second, Artaxerxes sent a letter to Asaph for material to rebuild the gates and the walls (2:8).

Third, The rebuilding occurred during distressing times. (Ezra 4, Nehemiah 4-6).

Fourth, no other decrees were issued .

The Completion Of The Sixty-Nine Weeks

69 Weeks of Daniel 9:24 is 483 years

69 X 7 = 483 Years

Christ’s death A.D. 33

Calculation with the solar year (365.25 days)

444 B.C. + 483 Solar Years = A.D. 38

Calculation with the prophetical year (360 days)

444 B.C. + 483 Prophetical Years = A.D. 33

360 Days In A Year

First, Some historical records of Egypt, India, Assyria and Babylon, and Greece use thirtyday months.

Second, Daniel and Revelation use 360-day year.

Prophetic or Jewish Year

Daniel 9:27 One Week…Middle of the week

Time Times and half a time

Time ן ʿiddān - a period of time ע�ד

Rev. 11:3, 12:6 – 1260 Days

Rev. 11:2, 13:5 – 42 Months = 1260 Days (30 Day Months)

Dan. 7:25, 12:7; Rev. 12:14 - time, and times, and half a time,

Month = 30 days

Year = 360 Days

30 Days In A Month

Third, The flood lasted 150 days or five thirty-day months.

Gen. 7:11 – 17th day of Second Month

Gen 8:3-4 – 17th day of Seventh Month

What we know so far

God’s Covenant Program

God will bring Israel into the land which their fathers possessed. (Deut. 30:5)

God will establish an everlasting kingdom and throne. (2 Sam. 7:16)

God will spiritually restore Israel, and forgive their iniquity. (Jer. 31:33-34)

What we know so far

Daniel’s 70 Weeks (Dan. 9:24-26)

The 70 Weeks stared in 444 B.C.

Decree of Artaxerxes to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

The 69th week ended in A.D. 33

The Triumphal entry of Christ

“after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off”

Does the 70th week immediately follow the 69th week?

When was/will be the prophesy of verse 26 fulfilled?

Destruction of Jerusalem occurred 40 years after the death of Christ.

No historic event fits into the fulfillment of v. 26 seven years after the Messiah’s death.

Gap between 69th and 70th week

1. Dan. 9:24 is still unfulfilled, and Paul sees these things as still future. (Rom. 11:25-27)

2. The Messiah was cut off “after” the sixty-ninth week and not “during” the seventieth.

“Cut off”

“cut off” = רת kāraṯ: – to cut, eliminate, kill כ

This death would be the crucifixion = sudden death.

“…but not for himself:”

This is an indication that this death was for someone else. It was a substitutionary death for His people, Israel and for all peoples and nations.




3. Gaps in prophesy are common.

Isaiah 61:1-2, Luke 4:18-19

Isaiah 9:6-7

Joel 2:28-31, Acts 2:14-21

Zechariah 9:9-14, Matthew 21:4-6




3. Gaps in prophesy are common. (Luke 4:18-19; Isaiah 61:1-2)

4. The prince that shall come cannot refer to Christ.

Daniel 9:27 cannot refer to Christ

The abomination of desolation was still future in Matt. 24:15.

The Prince who is to come correlates very well with the wicked person in Dan. 7:25, Rev. 12, 13, and 19 who has not yet appeared.

The events of Daniel 9:27b correspond to the second three and one half years of the tribulation described in the Book of Revelation.

Summary of Daniel’s Eschatology

2nd Coming of Christ

2:34, 44-45 – Stone cut out without hands destroys the image and becomes a great mountain and fills the Earth – Christ’s second coming

7:13-14, 27 - Everlasting Kingdom

Isa 2:2, 11:9

The Final world empire (Revived Roman Empire)

Fourth Beast – 10 Toes Daniel 2:41-43, 7:7-8, 19-21

Revived Roman Empire

Rev. 13:1, 17:3-16

Summary of Daniel’s Eschatology

Antichrist (“abomination of desolation”, “man of sin”, “beast out of the sea”)

The Little Horn 7:8, 24-26

The king of fierce countenance 8:23-24

The Willful king 11:36-45

Tribulation (time of trouble)

12:1

The Resurrection of the Dead

12:2

Next we are introduced to another “prince”. This prince is not the Messiah Prince. This prince is seen by his introduction in v. 26 “…and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary;…”

This “prince” would be an earthly ruler empowered by Satan and will come in and destroy the city of Jerusalem and the temple. This would be Rome. But how do we know this and when does this happen?

First, it must be Rome, for in the previous chapters of Daniel we are introduced to this prince in chapter 7 and 8 as the anti-Christ who is referred to in Daniel 7 and 8 as a prince. This prince is associated with the fourth kingdom which is revealed in chapters 2 and 7 as Rome. Titus in 70 A.D. came to Jerusalem and destroyed the city and burned and destroyed the temple. The temple has not been rebuilt to this day. Now this can propose a problem – does the 70 th week immediately follow the 69th week? Or is there a gap between those weeks? If there is no gap then the 70 th week has been fulfilled, but this does not fit with Matthew 24 which indicates that immediately after that week, called the tribulation, the sun darkens and the moon turns to blood. Where in history has this happened and why has the Lord not returned?

In the Old Testament there are several times when God gave prophecy that it has gaps in them. A few examples will help to explain that this seems to be a common factor and so in Daniel 9 there may also be a gap:

Isaiah 61:1-6

Luke 4:16-21

Isaiah 9:6-7

Joel 2:28-31

Acts 2:14-21

Zechariah 9:9-14

Matthew 21:4-6

“Desolations are determined…” This statement one cannot be dogmatic upon. This could be referencing to 70 A.D. or the continual desolations until Israel enters the land again. The other thought is that it is related to the 70th week, cut that seems hardly likely when the 70th week starts off with a peace treaty.

“The end” in v. 26 may refer to this present age and continual desolation and troubles with a future destruction of Jerusalem in mind. Revelation 11:2 – a temple exists by the middle of the tribulation for the Gentiles and anti-Christ will tread it under in the last part of the tribulation. According to Jesus’ account in Matt. 24.

Matt. 24:15

Matt. 24:21

The last week a covenant is confirmed

“he” – refers back to the “prince” small “p” not Jesus Christ. This could only be the anti-Christ. By his description in chapter 7, he has a boastful mouth and power to influence governments.

This anti-Christ will make a treaty with many for one week. So this may mean he will make a seven year treaty. But in the midst of the week he will turn against Israel and cause the oblation to cease and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make desolate. This whole event is mentioned in many places and when you put all the pieces together it appears the anti-Christ will stop the worship of Israel in the temple by he himself declaring he is their Messiah. This is what Jesus warns Israel about in Matthew 24: 15 that when they see this happen they are to get out of Jerusalem.

“…shall confirm the covenant with many for one week:” This covenant or agreement apparently affects Israel by the fact it is in this passage regarding Israel and Jerusalem. Verse 27 goes on to “…and in the midst of the week he shall cause the oblation to cease.”

Sacrifice= zebach zeh’-bakh – sacrifice comes from the Hebrew – zaw-bakh’- to slaughter, kill, sacrifice, slaughter for sacrifice

Oblation = minchah min-khaw’- from an unused root meaning to apportion, i.e. bestow; gift, tribute, offering, present, oblation, sacrifice, meat offering

Many amillennialists try to tell us that “he” is Jesus Christ, but this does not fit the context, or the time table. If this is true then you have something happening around 35-39 A.D. in which nothing happened in the temple. The other problem the amillennialist has is answering for the destruction of the temple 70 A.D. No this 70 week is mentioned specifically by Jesus in His Olivet discourse:

Matthew 24:25

Mark 13:14

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4

Conclusion: This 70 weeks of Daniel helps us pinpoint and understand the events of the tribulation. It allows us to understand that the tribulation is the last 7 years of a prophecy regarding the finality of Israel, God’s people. This program is not inclusive of the church. Nowhere in this prophecy do we see anything inclusive of the church saints. This prophecy as no other in the Old Testament reveals a timetable that we even today work off of. I trust this has helped you to understand the many facets of this prophecy and now to apply it to other events later in our study.

Historical Development of Eschatology

It’s an interesting but not an easy task to piece together a picture of what early Christians thought about the end times. Unfortunately, our sources for their thought in this area are relatively limited.

Furthermore, this is another area where the early Christians evidently only gradually began to feel a need to develop an extensive theology. Nevertheless, most of the elements of later eschatologies can be found in this early period.

Hannah, J. D.

History of Writings on Eschatology

Early Church writings on End times

Didache

Epistle of Barnabas

Apostles Creed

Papias

Justin Martyer

Irenæus book five

Didache A.D. 50-100

1. "Watch" over your life "let your lamps" be not quenched "and your loins" be not ungirded, but be "ready," for ye know not "the hour in which our Lord cometh." 2. But be frequently gathered together seeking the things which are profitable for your souls, for the whole time of your faith shall not profit you except ye be found perfect at the last time; 3. For in the last days the false prophets and the corruptors shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall change to hate; 4. For as lawlessness increaseth they shall hate one another and persecute and betray, and then shall appear the deceiver of the world as a Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders and the earth shall be given over into his hands and he shall commit iniquities which have never been since the world began. 5. Then shall the creation of mankind come to the fiery trial and "many shall be offended" and be lost, but "they who endure" in their faith "shall be saved" by the curse itself. (Christ)6. And "then shall appear the signs" of the truth. First the sign spread out in Heaven, then the sign of the sound of the trumpet, and thirdly the resurrection of the dead: 7. But not of all the dead, but as it was said, "The Lord shall come and all his saints with him." 8. Then shall the world "see the Lord coming on the clouds of Heaven."

Epistle of Barnabas A.D. 75-85 or A.D. 135-145

The Sabbath is mentioned at the beginning of the creation [thus]: “And God made in six days the works of His hands, and made an end on the seventh day, and rested on it, and sanctified it.” Attend, my

children, to the meaning of this expression, “He finished in six days.” This implieth that the Lord will finish all things in six thousand years, for a day is with Him a thousand years. And He Himself testifieth, saying, “Behold, to-day will be as a thousand years.” [1 Peter 3:8] Therefore, my children, in six days, that is, in six thousand years, all things will be finished. “And He rested on the seventh day.” This meaneth: when His Son, coming [again], shall destroy the time of the wicked man,24 and judge the ungodly, and change the sun, and the moon, and the stars, then shall He truly rest on the seventh day. Moreover, He says, “Thou shalt sanctify it with pure hands and a pure heart.” If, therefore, any one can now sanctify the day which God hath sanctified, except he is pure in heart in all things, we are deceived.

Epistle of Barnabas A.D. 75-85 or A.D. 135-145

Behold, therefore: certainly then one properly resting sanctifies it, when we ourselves, having received the promise, wickedness no longer existing, and all things having been made new by the Lord, shall be able to work righteousness. Then we shall be able to sanctify it, having been first sanctified ourselves. [Resurrection] Further, He says to them, “Your new moons and your Sabbath I cannot endure.” Ye perceive how He speaks: Your present Sabbaths are not acceptable to Me, but that is which I have made, [namely this,] when, giving rest to all things, I shall make a beginning of the eighth day, that is, a beginning of another world. Wherefore, also, we keep the eighth day with joyfulness, the day also on which Jesus rose again from the dead. And8 when He had manifested Himself, He ascended into the heavens.

Roberts, A., Donaldson, J., & Coxe, A. C. (Eds.). (1885). The Epistle of Barnabas. In The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (Vol. 1, pp. 146147). Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Company.

Justin MartyrA.D. 150s

But I and others, who are right-minded Christians on all points, are assured that there will be a resurrection of the dead, and a thousand years in Jerusalem, which will then be built, adorned, and enlarged, [as] the prophets Ezekiel and Isaiah and others declare.

And further, there was a certain man with us, whose name was John, one of the apostles of Christ, who prophesied, by a revelation that was made to him, that those who believed in our Christ would dwell a thousand years in Jerusalem; and that thereafter the general, and, in short, the eternal resurrection and judgment of all men would likewise take place.

Justin Martyr.

Justin Martyr

For the prophets have proclaimed two advents of His: the one, that which is already past, when He came as a dishonoured and suffering Man; but the second, when, according to prophecy, He shall come from

heaven with glory, accompanied by His angelic host, when also He shall raise the bodies of all men who have lived, and shall clothe those of the worthy with immortality, and shall send those of the wicked, endued with eternal sensibility, into everlasting fire with the wicked devils.

Justin Martyr. (1885). The First Apology of Justin. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A. C. Coxe (Eds.), The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (Vol. 1, p. 180). Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Company.

Justin Martyr

We have perceived, moreover, that the expression, ‘The day of the Lord is as a thousand years,’ is connected with this subject. And further, there was a certain man with us, whose name was John, one of the apostles of Christ, who prophesied, by a revelation that was made to him, that those who believed in our Christ would dwell2 a thousand years in Jerusalem; and that thereafter the general, and, in short, the eternal resurrection and judgment of all men would likewise take place. Just as our Lord also said, ‘They shall neither marry nor be given in marriage, but shall be equal to the angels, the children of the God of the resurrection.’

Justin Martyr. (1885). Dialogue of Justin with Trypho, a Jew. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A. C. Coxe (Eds.), The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (Vol. 1, p. 240). Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Company.

Irenaeus of Lyons (A.D. 180s)

For he (Antichrist) being endued with all the power of the devil, shall come, not as a righteous king, nor as a legitimate king, [i.e., one] in subjection to God, but an impious, unjust, and lawless one; as an apostate, iniquitous and murderous; as a robber, concentrating in himself [all] satanic apostasy, and setting aside idols to persuade [men] that he himself is God, raising up himself as the only idol, having in himself the multifarious errors of the other idols. This he does, in order that they who do [now] worship the devil by means of many abominations, may serve himself by this one idol, of whom the apostle thus speaks in the second Epistle to the Thessalonians:

Irenaeus of Lyons. (1885). Irenµus against Heresies. In A. Roberts, J. Donaldson, & A. C. Coxe (Eds.), The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus (Vol. 1, p. 553). Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Company.

Irenaeus of Lyons

for three years and six months, during which time, when he comes, he shall reign over the earth.

And then he points out the time that his tyranny shall last, during which the saints shall be put to flight, they who offer a pure sacrifice unto God: “And in the midst of the week,” he says, “the sacrifice and the libation shall be taken away, and the abomination of desolation [shall be brought] into the temple: even

unto the consummation of the time shall the desolation be complete.” Now three years and six months constitute the half-week.


Irenaeus of Lyons

but bringing in for the righteous the times of the kingdom, that is, the rest, the hallowed seventh day; and restoring to Abraham the promised inheritance, in which kingdom the Lord declared, that “many coming from the east and from the west should sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.


Very Early and Very wide spread view of the end times was premillenial.

HISTORY OF DOGMA

BY

DR. ADOLPH HARNACK

Ancient Eschatology

Papias, who wrote about a.d. 130–140, provided a rather developed statement concerning the millennial kingdom. Irenaeus indicates Papias p 428 spoke of “the Kingdom, when the righteous shall rise from the dead and reign, when too creation renewed and freed from bondage shall produce a wealth of food of all kinds” (Frag. 14). Papias refers to the Lord teaching that “vines shall grow, each having ten thousand shoots … a grain of wheat shall produce ten thousand heads … grass shall produce in similar proportions, and all the animals, using these fruits which are products of the soil, shall become in their turn peaceable and harmonious, obedient to man in all subjection” (Ibid.). Photius indicates that Papias and Irenaeus both taught “that the kingdom of heaven will consist in enjoyment of certain material foods” (Frag. 17). These statements give quite a clear affirmation of a literal millennial kingdom.

Of the early writers, Irenaeus gives perhaps the most sophisticated statements concerning the millennial kingdom. He distinguishes between the resurrections, teaching that the righteous will rise first to receive a newly created order and to reign. Judgment follows the reign. Irenaeus bases this belief on the Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 12:1–3) (Against Heresies 32). He also speaks of a New Covenant in which the inheritance of the land would be renewed in which “new produce of the vine is drunk” (33). He teaches that the just would rise to reign in a created order made new and set free, producing an abundance of

food (33). Irenaeus quotes Isaiah 11 and 65 in referring to the millennial age. Irenaeus’s use of Scripture appears considerably more sophisticated and systematized than that of his contemporaries.

George N. H. Peters identifies Justin Martyr, Tatian, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Hippolytus, and Apollinaris (as well as others) as second-century premillennialists. Amillennialism can be related to the allegorical school of interpretation in Alexandria, Egypt, and men like Clement, Origen, and Dionysius. Augustine was probably the first explicit amillennialist, teaching that the present age was a conflict between the church and the world. The reason for Augustine opting for amillennialism is noteworthy: he observed that Christians holding to a millennial view saw the kingdom in carnal terms. As a result, Augustine abandoned a literal millennial view.

Enns, P. P. (1989). The Moody handbook of theology (pp. 427428). Chicago, IL: Moody Press.

Ancient Church – 100 - 600

Church Fathers - A. D. 100-150

Apologists – A.D. 150 – 300

Theologians – 300 – 600

Medieval Church 600-1500

Early Modern Church 1500-1750

Late Modern Church 1750 - Present

Lecture #4 Understanding the Church in Prophecy

What the Old Testament Prophets Saw

The Prophet spake as moved by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1:21

They did not understand all that they prophesied.

1 Peter 1:10-12

They did not understand two comings of Christ.

This accounts for why the people of Christ’s day looked for Him to set up a Kingdom.

Acts 1:6

What the Old Testament Prophets Saw

They did not see the dispensation of the church age intersecting between the Cross (sufferings of the Christ) and the Crown (the glory that should follow).

1 Peter 1:11

The prophets saw the events they foretold as separate “Peaks” of the one great mountain.

These two peaks actually were not of one mountain but two with a valley between.

Christ’s First Coming (First Peak)

They saw the birth of Messiah, Jesus

Numbers 24:17; Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2

They saw the Messiah’s ministry

Isaiah 61:1-2; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 9:9

They saw the suffering of the Messiah

Isaiah 53:1-12; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8

Christ’s Second Coming (Second Peak)

The “Day of the LORD”

Isaiah 61:2b-3; Joel 2:1-11

The Beast revealed

Daniel 7

The Glorious coming of Christ

Zechariah 14:1-10

The Davidic Kingdom

Isaiah 9:6-7; 2 Samuel 7:12-16

Israel restored to the land

Ezekiel 36-37

The Mystery of the Church Age

This is a mystery from the foundation of the world.

Colossians 1:26-27, Romans 16:25-26

This mystery concerns the church and Christ

Ephesians 5:32

This mystery was NOT known in previous ages.

Ephesians 3:5

This mystery is that the Gentiles would be fellow heirs with Israel.

Ephesians 3:6

DNCThe Mystery of the Church Age

The Bible is progressive in its relation and therefore this mystery was not revealed until Israel had showed their rejection of Jesus as their Messiah.

This happened in Christ’s earthly ministry recorded in Matthew 12-13. It was after this that Jesus began to reveal to His disciples that He would build His church. Even at this point He did not reveal that it would be made up of peoples of all nations and Jews as well as Gentile.

Galatians 3:26-28

Ephesians 2:19-22

The revelation and doctrines of the church are separate from the Old Testament and the covenants given to Israel. The significance of all this is that the church is a completely separate organism from the nation of Israel.

The Contrasts Between Israel and the Church

Israel

Is a nation and race of people

Acts 9:15

Acts 13:16

God deals with Israel based on the covenants

Israel’s promises relate to the earth – they God’s earthly people

Israel is promised the land as her inheritance and the future rewards are connected with the earth.

The Israelite did not have the permanent indwelling Spirit. (Psalm 51:11)

Israel’s worship was centered in a place – the tabernacle/temple

Israel looked forward to the cross

The Church

Is a body of believers from all nations

1 Corinthians 10:32

Ephesians 5:23

Colossians 1:24

Galatians 3:27-28

God deals with the Church based on the Resurrection.

The church’s promises relate to heaven – they are God’s heavenly people

The church is promised heaven as her inheritance and the future rewards are heavenly.

The church saint has the permanent indwelling Spirit. (John 7:37-39; 14:16-17)

The church’s worship is centered in a person – we are God’s temple.

The church looks back at the cross.

Romans 11:13-30

The parentheses in His program with Israel

Illustration of the Olive Tree

In verses 14-18 the tree trunk and roots are God’s position of blessing.

The natural branches have been cut off

(Israel)

Wild olive branches were grafted in, in their place

(Church)

The natural branches can be grafted in again

The Fulness of the Gentiles

Verses 25-26 “until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in”

πλήρωμα plḗ rō ma – Fullness, full measure

Two Views

1. All Israel would be saved only after the full number of Gentiles had been saved.

The fullness of the Gentiles is the time the Gentiles control or have power in the earth, according to Daniel’s prophecies of chapter 2 and 7.

The Rapture of the Church

The End Times

The Rapture of the Church

The term “rapture” comes from the Latin word rapiō, which is a translation of the Greek word ἁρπάζω harpázō, “caught up”

1 Thessalonians 4:17 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.

ἁρπάζω harpázō

(to snatch away, to seize upon with force, to rob)

ἁρπάζω harpázō

Matthew 13:19

and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart

2 Corinthians 12:2

such an one caught up to the third heaven

Acts 8:39

the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip

The Coming of the Lord

1 Thessalonians 4:15 (KJV) 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.

Same word used for Rapture and 2nd Coming

παρουσία par-ou-sía

Presence, coming or arrival.

ἀποκάλυψις apa-kál-up-sis

To reveal, revelation, uncovering, unveiling, disclosure.

ἐπιφάνεια epi-phá-neia

To appear, an appearing, appearance, give light.

παρουσία par-ou-sí-a

Second Coming of Christ

Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

Matthew 24:27 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.

παρουσία par-ou-sí-a

Rapture of the Church

1 Corinthians 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

1 Thessalonians 4:15 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.

ἀποκάλυψις apo-kál-up-sis


2 Thessalonians 1:7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Luke 17:30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

ἀποκάλυψις apo-kál-up-sis

Rapture of the Church

1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

1 Corinthians 1:7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:


Incarnation

Luke 1:79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:



2 Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Thessalonians 2:8 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:

Brightness - ἐπιφάνεια

Coming - παρουσία


Rapture

1 Timothy 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Main Teaching on the Rapture


John 14:1-3

1 Corinthians 15:51-57

Biblical Teaching on the Rapture


Coming - The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout.

Resurrection - The dead in Christ shall rise first.

Catching up - We which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds.

Reunion – all believers meet the Lord in the air.

Permanence - So shall we ever be with the Lord.


John 14:1-3

Preparation - I go to prepare a place for you.

Return - I will come again, and receive you unto myself.

Dwelling together - Where I am, there ye may be also.


1 Corinthians 15:51-57

A mystery – something not known before but now revealed

Transformation - We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. (not just a resurrection)

We shall be changed.

Every Believer will be changed (Rom. 8:17)

Sudden - In a moment*, in the twinkling of an eye.

Trumpet - The trumpet shall sound

Resurrection - the dead shall be raised incorruptible.

The Second Coming of Christ

Isaiah 66:15-16

The LORD will come with fire

With his chariots like a whirlwind

Render his anger with fury

The slain of the LORD shall be many


Matthew 24:30-31

after the tribulation

appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven

all the tribes of the earth mourn

they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory


Rev. 19:11-21

Christ coming on a white horse

The armies which were in heaven followed him

The kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him He will smite the nations with judgment.

There will be a great slaughter

Difference Between Rapture and Second Coming

Rapture

Return in the Air

Imminent Event

Catching up

Transformation

Take Saints from Earth to heaven

Only Saints from Present Age

Revealed only in NT

Second Coming

Bodily Return to Earth

Comes after many prophetic events

Saints will come from heaven to Earth

Occurs with Judgment

Revealed in both testaments

Verses on the believer’s transformation at the rapture

1 Thess 4:13-18

Resurrection

Forever be with the Lord

1 Cor 15:51-54

Sudden Change

dead raised incorruptible

mortal puts on immortality

Phil 3:21

like unto his glorious body

1 john 3:2

we shall be like him

History of the Doctrine of the Rapture

The Early Church fathers believed in a Tribulation, the imminent coming of Christ, and a Millennium.

The early church was clearly Premillennial but not clearly Pretribulational, nor was it clearly Posttribulational in the modern sense of the terms.

Both Pre and Posttribulational views are recently held views. The study of Eschatology did not gain momentum until after the reformation.


1. The early Church did not have a finely developed eschatology

2. The time of the Rapture was not an issue with the early Church

The church does not deal extensively with an issue until a need arises that demands its attention.


1742-44 Morgan Edwards saw a distinct rapture 31/2 years before the start of the millennium.

1830 John Nelson Darby was the first to divide the Second Coming into two stages: Christ’s coming for his saints before the tribulation (the rapture) and his coming with his saints after it (the Second Coming).


Brethren Movement spread the doctrine of the rapture (Darby associated with)

Spread through the Bible conference movement 1870’s

Popularized by the Scofield Reference Bible

Being early does not make a view true (there were early heresies), nor does being later make it false; the question is not one of time but of truth.

Geisler, N. L. (2005). Systematic theology, volume four: church, last things (p. 655). Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers.


1. The early Church did not have a finely developed eschatology

2. The time of the Rapture was not an issue with the early Church

The church does not deal extensively with an issue until a need arises that demands its attention.

Not a New View

The Early Church fathers believed in a Tribulation, the imminent coming of Christ, and a Millennium.

The early church was clearly Premillennial but not clearly Pretribulational, nor was it clearly Posttribulational in the modern sense of the terms.

Both Pre and Posttribulational views are recently held views. The study of Eschatology did not gain momentum until after the reformation.

Views of the Rapture

The Partial Rapture

The Rapture occurs prior to the Tribulation, but only those who are faithful. (not widely held)

Pretribulation

The Rapture occurs prior to the Tribulation.

Midtribulation

The Rapture occurs in the middle of the Tribulation.

Posttribulation

The Rapture occurs after the Tribulation.

The Partial Rapture

The subjects of the Rapture are emphasized over the timing

is position is not concerned so much with the time of the Rapture but with the subjects of the Rapture.

There will be several raptures before and during the tribulation

Only those who are faithful will be raptured or translated and the rest will either be raptured sometime during the tribulation or at its end.

Participation in the rapture a conditional activity

Based on the conduct of the believer.

Passages of Scripture used

Matthew 24:40–51; Mark 13:33–37

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

Luke 20:34-36, 21:36;

But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world

Philippians 3:10-12;

I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

1 Thessalonians 5:6;

let us watch and be sober.

Other Scriptures

2 Timothy 4:8, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 9:24-28, Revelation 3:3, 12:1-6.

Response to this position

Matthew 24:41-42

This has to do with the judgment of nations and people following the tribulation and does not refer to the rapture of the church.

Luke 21:36

The watching and waiting have to do with the time of His return and not who will participate when He comes back for his church. Chapter references Israel not the church.


Philippians 3:10-12;

I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Paul was not doubting his Resurrection. (If he doubted his we have no hope) Rather, Paul saw the resurrection as a result of winning Christ (v. 8), not based on his own merit.


1 Thessalonians 5:6;

let us watch and be sober.

This is not a condition of our resurrection, but a challenge to live purposefully for Christ.


There is a misunderstanding of those who hold to the Partial Rapture position in regard to our salvation.

The believer in Christ is justified by faith, and receives the many benefits of salvation quite apart from merit or worthiness on his part.

The Scriptures teaching the Rapture refer to all believers. (1 Cor. 15:51, 1 Thess. 4:16–18)

Conclusion

The partial rapture view is based upon a works principle in opposition to Scriptural teaching on grace.

The partial rapture ignore plain teaching concerning the translation of all true believers when the event takes place.

Mid-Tribulational Theory

The Mid-Tribulational Theory

Sees the rapture in Matt. 24:30-31

Sees the seventh trumpet of Revelations 11:15 is the “last trumpet” for the church in 1 Cor. 15:52.

The rapture of the church is pictured by the two witnesses resurrected (Rev. 11:11).

The programs for Israel and the church overlap.

There is no imminent return of Christ.

Passages to support Mid-Trib

Matt. 24:30-31

Comparing Matt. 24:30-31 and 1 Thess. 4 demonstrates the rapture after the “abomination of desolation”

Answering a Mid-Tribulationalist

Matt. 24:30-31

While there are definite similarities in the two accounts, that is not proof these both refer to one event.

There is no mention of the rapture in Matt. 24.

1 Thess 5 refers to the “Day of the Lord” which follows after chapter 4 the “rapture”


Revelation 11:3-12

The two witnesses are believed to be two groups of people (the living and the dead believers at the rapture).

This passage indicates that these groups of people are raised up and called up after three and one half years. (Rev. 11:9, Rapture)

“The cloud” is symbolic of the rapture: (Rev. 11:12, 1 Thess. 4:17)


Revelation 11:3-12

A major problem with the reasoning of the mid-tribulationists is they interpret Scripture allegorically.

There is a great detail given concerning the two witnesses in this passage which begs one to interpret it literally.

There will actually be two literal, visible, mortal witnesses (Possibly Moses and Elijah). They will prophesy of the coming destruction. Then they will be killed and left where they were slain for three and half days. Then they will be raise from the dead probably at the coming of Christ to the earth. These witnesses are not the church, furthermore, the church is not on the earth at this time because it has been taken up when Christ comes for His bride.


Revelation 11:15

Many mid-tribualtionalists believe that the seventh trumpet here is the same as the “last trump” of 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and 1 Corinthians 15:52.

Therefore, they hold the belief that after a time of persecution of the church it will be taken up when the seventh trumpet sounds and the “day of the Lord” begins (or the final judgment).


1. Not Last Trumpet

The seventh trumpet of Revelation 11 is not the last trumpet of Scripture., there is another trumpet that will sound after the events of Rev. 11

Matthew 24:31 (KJV) And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.


2. Different Purposes for the sounding of the trumpets.

At the rapture is the “trump of God” announcing the coming of the Lord. The trumpets of Revelation are all connected with divine judgment upon sin and unbelief.

If Rev. 11:12 is a picture of the rapture this occurs prior to the seventh trumpet. Rev. 11:15

Support for the Mid-Tribulational view

The events of the seven seals as well as the judgments of the first six trumpets are related to the first three and one-half years of Daniel’s seventieth week and therefore are not a description of the “great tribulation” (Matt 24:21), or not a manifestation of divine wrath.

Answered

The Wrath of God is spoken of as prior to this point. (Rev. 6:16-17, 7:14)

Comparing Seals, Trumpets, Vials


2 Thessalonians 2:1 “our gathering unto him”

The mid-tribulationist believes that “the day of Christ” in this passage refers to the rapture.

The Day of the Christ, or the rapture, will not come before there is a falling away or time of apostasy. (Mid Point of the Tribulation – Matt. 24:15)


2 Thessalonians 2

Philippians 1:10 and 2:16 Speak of the “Day of Christ” with regards to the Rapture, but here, the phrase would seem to be looking at the time of the tribulation (The term also including the events following the rapture).

Paul is warning the church of the apostasy that was present in his day and would again rise up in later centuries. In doing this he refers to the anti-Christ who is yet future, who will deceive many in his day.

Three events before the judgments of the day of the Lord

The Apostasy (2 Thes. 2:3, 1 Timothy 4:1-3 ),

the professing church, will be a departure from the truth that God has revealed in His Word.

The revealing of the man of lawlessness (vv. 3-4, 8),

He makes a covenant with Israel at the beginning of the 70th week of Daniel (Dan. 9:27a); but when he breaks the covenant three and a half years later (Dan. 9:27b).

He will set himself up on God’s throne in the inner sanctuary of God’s temple. (cf. Rev. 13:5-8).

The removal of restraint against lawlessness (vv. 6-7)

The Holy Spirit of God is the only Person with sufficient (supernatural) power to do this restraining, when the Church is removed

Chronology of 2 Thess. 2:1-12

The “Falling away” must occur first (v. 3).

1 Tim 4:1-3, 2 Tim. 3:1-5, James 5:1-8, 2 Peter 2, 3:3-6

The “man of sin” must be revealed (v. 3).

He cannot be revealed until something is taken out of the way (v. 6, 7, 8)

He or it must be stronger than Satan since the man of sin is empowered by Satan

The Restrainer is The Holy Spirit, and the principal instrument of restraint is the church (John 16:8).

Posttribulational view of the End times

Posttribulational view

The church will still remain on the earth during the tribulation until the Lord returns and then we will meet Christ in the air and will immediately return for the kingdom.

Post-Tribulational Theory

They believe that pre-tribulationism is a new view that has just been brought up in the last hundred years, and should not be believed because it is not in history.

They argue against immanency, and say that things will need to happen (like things in the tribulation) before the Lord returns.

They do not see the church and Israel as two different groups, but as the same group.

Being early does not make a view true (there were early heresies), nor does being later make it false; the question is not one of time but of truth.

Geisler, N. L. (2005). Systematic theology, volume four: church, last things (p. 655). Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House Publishers.


The rapture and the second coming are described in the Scriptures by the same words, which indicates that they occur at the same time.

1 Thess. 4:15 and Mt 24:27

Answered

1 Thess 4:15 describes being caught up together with them in the clouds. The second coming is described as Christ coming to the Earth.

Glory of Christ seen by all at second coming.


Since saints are mentioned as present during the tribulation days, the church is present on earth during that time.

Mt 24:22; Luke 23:27-31; Mark 13:9-13

Answered

Luke 23:28 is addressed to Daughters of Jerusalem, Israel not the church. The tribulation is a judgment for Israel. (Dan 9:24) There are many scripture speaking about the church being saved from the wrath to come.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 (KJV) For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,


A resurrection will occur at the beginning of the millennium, and since it is assumed that this is the same resurrection as that which occurs at the rapture, the rapture will take place just before the millennium.

Rev 20:4

Answered

These are believers who were martyred during the tribulation period. Why no mention of other martyrs from the Church Age?

Passages to support Post-Trib

Daniel 9:24-27

Post-tribulationalists believe that all the prophecies in this passage have already been fulfilled. There is no gap between the 69th and the 70th week. It makes sense that it all occurred one right after the other.

Answered

Dan. 9:24-27

This is a prophesy concerning Israel, so the Church cannot be fulfilling these promises.

Israel has no yet experienced national salvation (bring in everlasting righteousness).

The Prince (Anti-christ )not Christ but will make the covenant.

This is the man of sin spoken by Christ in Matthew 24:15, by Paul in 2 Thessalonians, and by John in Revelation 13, who will make a false covenant with Israel. He is spoken of as yet future.

Difficulties with view

Does not account for the eager expectation of the Lord’s return.

Does not account for the sequence of events between the rapture and the Day of the Lord (Bema Judgment, Marriage Supper of Lamb).

Isaiah 65:20 speaks of the millennium kingdom with believers who are flesh and blood but How can this occur if all believers are raptured and changed.

Does not address the passages where the church is delivered from the wrath to come.

Passages to support Post-Trib

Matthew 13:24-30 (Wheat and Tares)

Post-tribulationists say this parable is talking about the church as a whole. Those that have been faithful and suffered persecution. Then Christ will come and gather them up leaving behind those that reject Christ. We will go through the time of the judgment but will be taken up before the final judgment.

Answered

The “wheat and tares” parable is not to the history of the church, but the history of the Kingdom in its mystery form.

“It is a mistake to assume the wheat of the parable represents the church which will be raptured.” Christ refers to and indicated an age of sowing of the seeds, counter-sowing, and that condition will continue throughout the age.

The Pre Tribulational Rapture


Prior to the Tribulation, Christ will descend from heaven, catching up the church to be with Himself while the Tribulation is unleashed on an unrepentant and unbelieving world.


Purpose of the Tribulation.

The outpouring of the wrath of God (Rev. 6:16–17; 11:18; 14:19; 15:1; 16:1, 19);

God’s judgment (Rev. 14:7; 15:4; 16:5–7; 19:2)

God’s punishment (Isa. 24:21–22).

Jacob’s Trouble – Jer. 30:7, Dan. 9:24

Believers promised exemption from God’s wrath including the entire time of tribulation.

Christians will be saved from the wrath to come

1 Thessalonians 1:10 “…even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come”

1 Thessalonians 5:9 “For God hath not appointed us to wrath”

Revelation 3:10 “I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation”

Luke 21:36 “ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass”


Need for non-glorified believers entering the millennial kingdom.

Isaiah 65:20 Death is spoken of in the kingdom.

Old men and women along with young children will be in the Millennium (Zech. 8:3-5)

Growth in world population (Rev. 20:8)


The imminent of the Rapture.

The signs of Matthew 24 (and numerous other passages) were given to Israel concerning the second coming of Christ;

no signs, however, were given to the church to anticipate the rapture (which means it will come suddenly, as pretribulationists have affirmed).

The church was told to live in the light of the imminent coming of the Lord to translate them in His presence.

The Imminence of the Rapture

Many passages speaks of Christ’s return as at any moment. (John 14:1–3, 1 Thessalonians 1:9–10, 1 Thessalonians 5:4–9, 1 Corinthians 1:7, Titus 2:13, 1 John 3:2–3,

The passage speaks of Christ’s return as “near,” without stating any signs that must precede His coming.

The passage speaks of Christ’s return as something that gives believers hope and encouragement, without indicating that these believers will suffer tribulation.

Imminent return of Christ

Mark 13:32-33

of that day and that hour knoweth no man

1 Corinthians 1:7

waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

Philippians 3:20

we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ

1 Thessalonians 1:10

to wait for his Son from heaven

1 Thessalonians 5:2

the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night

Titus 2:13

Looking for that blessed hope

Time of Rapture Summary

Pre-Trib Rapture

Immanency of the return of Christ (John 14:1-3, 1 Thess 1:10)

Different contexts for the Rapture and 2nd coming

Provides time for Judgment seat of Christ and Marriage Supper of the Lamb

The promised to be saved from the wrath to come. (Rev 3:10, 1 Thess 1:10)

The weaknesses of the other views.

The Tribulation

The Day of the Lord & The Day of Christ

The Day of the Lord

“Upon every one that is proud and lofty” -Isa. 2:12

“Destruction from the Almighty” - 13:6,

“A day of vengeance” - Jer. 46:10

“As a thief in the night” – 1 Thess. 5:2, 2 Peter 3:10

The Day of Christ

“Be sincere and without offence till” – Phil. 1:10

“I may rejoice in” – Phil 2:16

“Be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled” – 2 Thess. 2:2

The Day of the Lord Jesus

“The spirit may be saved in” - 1 Cor. 5:5

“We are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in” – 2 Cor. 1:14


The Tribulation

First Reference – Deut. 4:29-30

29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. 30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;

The tribulation here is revealed as preparatory for the restoration of the nation Israel

Preparation of Israel for the coming kingdom

The Tribulation

Jacobs Trouble Jer. 30:7

The Day of the Lord (31x in Bible)

It is described as “A day of Vengeance” (Jer. 46:10, Isa. 34:8)

Isaiah 13:9-11 (KJV) 9 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. 10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine. 11 And I will punish the world for their evil , and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

70th week of Daniel

Daniel 9:27 (KJV) And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

Daniel 12:1 (KJV) 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.

Tribulation – Day of the Lord

The Day of the Lord

Isaiah 2:10-19

Isaiah 13:6-17

Two parts

First half of the Tribulation (3 ½ Years)

Daniel 9:27

Daniel 12:7

Great Tribulation (3 ½ Years)

Matthew 24:21

Revelation. 7:14

The Tribulation

Day of the Lord in the New Testament

Coming as a thief

2 Peter 3:10-12, 1 Thess. 5:2, Matt. 24:43-44

Day of World wide destruction

Acts 2:19-20

Matt. 24

Rev. 6-19

The Seven year tribulation

Purpose of the Tribulation

God’s dealing with Israel:

To finish the last week of the 70 weeks in God’s final program with Israel (Dan 9:24-27)

To Release Israel from her yoke under the Gentile nations (Jer. 30:7-11)

The Refinement of Israel ( Zech. 13:9)

The Restoration of the Olive Branch (Rom. 11:25-28)

Romans 11:26 (KJV) And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

The Seven year tribulation

Purpose of the Tribulation

God’s dealing with the Nations:

To bring Retribution against the Nations (Ps. 2:5-12, 47:2-3, 72:7-13; Isa. 17:12-13, Rev. 3:10)

To bring the rejecters of the truth to destruction (2 Thess. 2:8-12)

To bring revenge on the wicked (2 Thess. 1:6-10)

To bring repentance to the wicked (Rev. 9:20-21)

OT Scriptures Teaching on the Tribulation

Deut. 4:30-31 – “When thou art in tribulation”

Isa. 2:10-22; 13:6-13; 24:1-23; 26:20, 21; 34:1-10; 51:6

Jer. 30:7 – “Jacob's trouble”

Daniel 7:24-25; 9:27; 12:1

Joel 1:15; 2:1-2; 3:14-17

Amos 5:18-20

Zeph. 1:14-18; 3:8

NT Scriptures Teaching on the Tribulation

Matt. 24

Mark 13:1-27

Luke 21:6-36

1 Thess. 5:3

Rev. 3:10

Rev. 6-19

The Seven year Tribulation

The progression of the Tribulation

An overview of the sequence of the tribulation

Matt. 24 (Mark 13, Luke 21)

Vs. 5-14 – The first half of the tribulation

Many will come in Jesus Name v. 5

Wars and rumors of wars vs. 6-7

Persecution of Israel vs. 8-10

False Prophets will arise v. 11

Iniquity shall abound and love will wax cold v. 12

The Saved will endure till the end v. 13

The Gospel will be preached to all nations. V. 14

Matthew 24 – Revelations 6

War (Matt. 24:6-7; Rev. 6:3-4),

Famine (Matt. 24:7; Rev. 6:5-6),

Death (Matt. 24:7-9; Rev. 6:7-8),

Martyrdom (Matt. 24:9-10, 16-22; Rev. 6:9-11),

The sun and the moon darkened with stars falling (Matt. 24:29; Rev. 6:12-14),

Divine judgment (Matt. 24:32-25:26; Rev. 6:15-17).



An overview of the sequence of the Tribulation

Matt. 24

Verse 15 – The midpoint, dividing from the Tribulation to the Great Tribulation.

The entering of the Anti-Christ into the temple is the abomination of desolation (Dan. 9:27, 11:31)

Verses 16-28 The second 3 ½ years of the Tribulation

Warning to those in Judea and Jerusalem to flee from the Anti-Christ vs. 16-22

Warning about the false Christ’s and prophets vs. 23-26

Warning of Christ’s sudden return vs. 27-28




Matt. 24

Verses 29-31 The final signs right before His coming.

The Sun darkened, the moon will not give her light, and the stars will fall from the heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. V.29

(Isa. 13:10; 34:4; Joel 2:31; 3:15-16)

The apperance of the sign of Christ’s coming in heaven v. 30

The gathering of the saints v. 31

Mark 13:27

The Relationship of the Seals, Trumpets, and Vials

Judgments are seen as occurring simultaneously with the repetition showing the intensification of the Judgments

Comparing Seals, Trumpets, Vials


The Judgments are consecutive and envisions a total of 21 Judgments.


A progressive structure to the Judgments has the seventh seal, and Trumpet introducing the next series of judgments.




The Tribulation events in Revelation

The Seven Seal Judgments Rev. 6:1-17, 8:1

Seal 1 – White horse and rider – The Anti-Christ

Seal 2 – The Red horse and rider - War

Seal 3 – The Black horse and rider - Famine

Seal 4 – The Pale horse and rider –Death (kill ¼ of the Earth)

Seal 5 – The souls of the Martyrs from the Word and Testimony of Christ

Seal 6 – The Great Earthquake which starts a sequence of events

Seal 7 – Silence in heaven for 30 Minutes





The Seven Trumpet Judgments Rev. 8:2-9:21, 11:15-19

Trumpet 1 – Hail and fire mingled with blood – 1/3 trees and grass

Trumpet 2 – Great Mountain crashed into the sea – 1/3 sea blood

Trumpet 3 – Star (Wormwood) poisoned 1/3 of rivers

Trumpet 4 – 1/3 of sun, moon, and stars darkened

Trumpet 5 – demons from pit to torment those without God’s seal

Trumpet 6 – Military conflict 1/3 of men slain

Trumpet 7 – 2nd Coming of Christ – Seven Vials





The Seven Vial Judgments Rev. 15:6-7, 16:1-21

Vial 1 – Painful Sores

Vial 2 – Seas Smitten

Vial 3 – Rivers Smitten

Vial 4 – Scorching Heat

Vial 5 – Darkness

Vial 6 – The Euphrates Dried

Vial 7 – Widespread Destruction

The Personalities of the Tribulation

144,000 Israelites sealed – Rev. 7:3-8, 14:1-5

Two Witnesses – Rev. 11:3-12

Woman Clothed with Sun – Israel (Gen. 37:9-11)– Rev. 12:1-2

The Red Dragon – Satan - Rev. 12:3-4

Male Child – Christ – Rev. 12:5-6

Archangel Michael – Rev. 12:7-12

The Beast out of the Sea – Future Dictator (Anti-Christ) - Rev. 13:2-10, (2 Thess. 2:3-4, Dan. 7:7-8, 12:26-27)

The Beast out of the Earth – False Prophet – Rev. 13:11-18

Events in heaven during Tribulation

The Judgment (βῆμα bḗma) seat of Christ

2 Cor. 5:10, Rom. 14:10-12, 1 Cor. 3:12-15, 1 Cor. 4:1-5

The bema was a stand on which the judges stood to observe and evaluate the actions of the contestants.

If any athlete broke a rule, one or more of the judges (referees or umpires) would point to him and cry, “Adokimos!” (that is, “Disqualified!”). And thus he missed the prize (victor’s wreath-stephanos)

Judgment not affecting salvation, but rewards for deeds done while in the body.

Events in heaven during Tribulation

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7-10)

Fine linen - the righteous acts of the saints through the grace of God v. 8

Bride – Church – All saved believers

Guests – Saints from past and future ages

Location – Heaven or Earth?

V. 1 – “And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven”

Phases to Ancient Weddings

1. The legal consummation of the marriage by the parents of the bride and of the groom, with the payment of the dowry;

2. The bridegroom coming to claim his bride (as illustrated in Matt. 25:1-13 in the familiar Parable of the 10 Virgins);

3. The wedding supper (as illustrated in John 2:1-11) which was a several-day feast following the previous phase of the wedding.

Wedding Supper of the Lamb

Christ is completing phase 1 in the Church Age as individuals are saved.

Phase 2 will be accomplished at the Rapture of the church, when Christ takes His bride to heaven, the Father’s house.

In Revelation 19:9 “the wedding supper” is phase 3.

The Views of the Millennium

The Millennium

The word millennium comes from the Latin mille, meaning “thousand,”

means one thousand years.

The term comes from Rev. 20:4-5

Prior to the start of the Millennium

Christ Returns to the Earth (Rev. 19:11-16)

Battle of Armageddon (Rev. 19:19-21, 16:14-16)

Satan Bound for 1000 Years in Bottomless pit (Rev. 20:1-3)


Malachi 3:1 (KJV) Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

Isaiah 40:5 (KJV) And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.


Matthew 24:27 (KJV) 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.

Acts 1:11 (KJV) Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

The Millennium

Three Major Views:

Amillenialism

Postmillennialism

Premillennialism

Classic or Historic

Dispensational

Amillennialism

There will be no future millennium, no Earthly reign of Christ. The millennium is symbolic of a present reality of Christ’s reign in Heaven and within the hearts of believers.

The final judgment will immediately follow the 2nd coming of Christ

Amillennialism

Amillennialism


No distinction between rapture and 2nd coming

Not imminent

Introduces the eternal state of things.

Tribulation

Experienced in present age with past and present struggle with the forces of evil

Millennium

No Literal Millennium on Earth after 2nd coming. Kingdom present in Church age.

Israel and the Church

Church has replaced Israel

Arguments for Amillennialism:

Many New Testament passages states that the kingdom of God was introduced with the coming of Christ (Matt. 12:28, Mk. 1:14–15, Mk. 9:1, Mk. 12:34, Lk. 17:20–21.

Matt. 28:18–20 states that all authority had been given to Jesus Christ; He is now reigning from heaven and in the hearts of believers.

Christ's reign as king is in the new heaven and new earth, so there is no need for a millennium.


The term millennium is only found in Revelation. The word “thousand” can mean an extremely long period of time.

Scriptures demonstrate that there is no interval between the coming of the Lord and Judgment (2 Pet. 3:9–10, 2 Thess. 1:5–10).


Binding of Satan in Rev. 20 refers to Christ’s binding of the “strong man” in Matt. 12:29. (Also see Luke 10:18). The propagating of the Gospel to all the nations during the Church age evidences a definite hindrance (binding) in the activity of Satan. He is no longer “deceiving the nations” in that the light of the Gospel is going out to all people.


Scripture does not teach two resurrections. The resurrection spoken of in Rev. 20:5 refers to the martyrs’ coming into the presence of the Lord in Heaven and reigning with Him there. John 5:28–29 speak of only one resurrection (see also Act 24:15).

Amillennialism has been the view of the Church for the majority of Church history.

Weaknesses of Amillennialism:

Although it may be feasible to spiritualize the one-thousand-year reign of Christ in Rev. 20, this is much more difficult to do with the two resurrections of the same passage, one occurring before the millennium and one occurring after (Rev. 20: 4–6).

It is problematic to say that Satan has been bound and locked and sealed in the abyss for the last two thousand years, not deceiving the nations. Peter says that Satan “walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). This does not fit with any system except that which sees the millennium as yet future.

Weaknesses of Amillennialism:

Usually does not have a future for ethnic Israel, but replaces Israel with the Church. This is problematic since Rom. 11 seems to say that ethnic Israel does have future.

Views on the Millennium

Postmillennialism

The belief that the Church ushers in the millennium through the triumph of the Gospel.

World will become more Christian

Millennial age will result and be a time of peace.

Millennium will last for a long time.

Postmillennialism

Postmillennialism


Single event; no distinction between rapture and second coming; Christ returns after Millennium.

Tribulation

Experienced in present age with Past and/or present struggle with the forces of evil.

Millennium

Present age blends into Millennium because of progress of gospel.


Church has replaced Israel

Arguments for Postmillennialism:

The Great Commission demands fulfillment during the present age, since Christ is the one who is the power behind it (1 Cor. 15:25).

Certain parables clearly state that the kingdom of heaven will continue to grow and eventually transform the entire world (Matt. 13:31–33).

All other eschatological views are too pessimistic. Only Postmillennialism provides for the true triumph of Christ through the Church (Matt. 16:18).

Weaknesses of Postmillennialism:

The New Testament does not suggest that things will get better before Christ comes, but much worse (Matt. 24; 1 Tim. 4:1–3; 2 Tim. 3:1–5; 2 Pet 3:3–4).

Postmillennialism arose during a time of great hope and enlightenment, but that hope has turned to despair in the twentieth century. Man is not improving as we thought, and the Church is not triumphing over the world.

There is limited amount of scriptural support for this position.

Premillennialism

The belief that in the future Christ will come and set up His kingdom on earth and reign for one thousand years. This event will be preceded by a period of seven years of tribulation which is the outpouring of God’s wrath.

Premillennialism

Historical & Dispensational Premillennialism

Historical Premillennialism

The return of Christ is just before the millennium and just after a time of great apostasy and tribulation.

Dispensational Premillennialism

Christ will come before the tribulation to take New Testament believers into heaven. After the Tribulation, He shall then return to rule from a holy city over the earthly nations for one thousand years.

Premillennialism(Dispensational or Historical)


(Dispensational) Second coming in two phases: rapture for church; second coming to earth 7 years later.

(Historical) Rapture and second coming simultaneous; Christ returns to reign on earth.

Tribulation

(Dispensational) Pretribulational rapture

(Historical) believes the church will go through the tribulation

Millennium

(Dispensational) At second coming Christ inaugurates literal 1,000-year Millennium on earth.

(Historical) Millennium is both present and future. Christ is reigning in heaven. Millennium is not necessarily 1,000 years.


(Dispensational) Complete distinction between Israel and church. Distinct program for each.

(Historical) Some distinction between Israel and church. Future for Israel but church is spiritual Israel.

Arguments for Premillennialism:

The most natural reading of Rev. 20 demands that there be a one-thousand year reign of Christ on the earth. No other scenario can do justice to this passage.

It was the view of virtually all the early Church Fathers (pre-250). Irenaeus believed in a future millennium, and he received his views from the writings of Papias, who was an acquaintance of John the apostle.

History tells us that the Church’s subsequent rejection of Premillennialism was both reactionary and motivated by unchristian worldviews.

Arguments for Premillennialism:

The millennium is necessary for God to fulfill His promises to Israel.

Although while Christ was on the earth, the kingdom of God was present through the advent of the King, Christ makes it clear that He did not set up His Kingdom during this time, but that it was still yet future (Acts 1:6–7, Matt. 6:9–10).

Weaknesses of Premillennialism:

It is problematic to base such an important doctrine on one passage. The one thousand year reign of Christ is only mentioned in Rev. 20. If this passage were not in Scripture, we would not know about it.

Other Scriptures suggest that there is no interval between the second coming of Christ and the judgment.

Resurrection of ALL

General Picture

Daniel 12:1-3

some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt

Jesus’ teaching

Literal Resurrection of all mankind

John 5:28-29

Some to Eternal life and some to Eternal Death

Order of Resurrections

1st. Christ’s resurrection from the Dead

Resurrection (Resuscitation) of dead saints - Matt. 27:52–53

2nd Resurrection at the Rapture – Dead in Christ (Those who have died in the NT era)

1 Thess. 4:13-18

1 Cor. 15:51-57

3rd Resurrection of the Two witnesses Rev. 11:3, 11

4th Resurrection of Tribulation believers at 2nd coming of Christ – Rev. 20:4 – First Resurrection – “Before” the last resurrection (It is first in the sense of before. )

5th OT Saints - Isa. 26:19–21; Ezek. 37:12–14; Dan. 12:2–3

6th Resurretion of Unbelievers for Judgment – Rev. 20:12-15

Second Death – Eternal Death – Rev. 20:14

The Change in the Believer

Phil. 3:21

“change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body”

1 Cor. 15:50-55

“The mortal will put on immortality”

Distinction in judgment

1. Bema Seat Judgment

Believers works at rapture;

2. Jews/Gentiles at end of Tribulation.

3. Great white throne

Unbelievers at end of Millennium.

Bema Seat Judgment

Romans 14:10 …for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

βῆμα bḗma

2 Corinthians 5:10

This Judgment is not regarding salvation but our service to God.

Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Great white throne

Revelation 20:11-15 (KJV) 11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Order of Resurrections

Division of First and Second Resurrection

Rev. 20:4-6 – First Resurrection

Saved will be resurrected before the unsaved.

Blessed and Holy

Second Death has no power – will never see eternal separation

They shall be priests of God and Christ

1 Cor. 15:20-27 – Order of Resurrection

Jesus Christ the firstfruits v. 23

Jesus was first born from the dead…

End Times Timeline

End times Timeline

End times Timeline

The Importance of Eschatology

One quarter of the Bible was prophetic when written.

Evidence of the truthfulness of Scripture

Half of Biblical prophesies have been fulfilled

Shows the nature of God

Omnipotence, Omniscience

Provides meaning to life - Hope

More to this life than this present world

Demonstrates God has a plan or program through the ages.

He is sovereign!

• Give us hope in –life after death 1 Thess. 4:18


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. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.


Daniel’s 70th week

Daniel 9:24-27

Two parts

Tribulation (3 ½ Years)

Daniel 9:27

Great Tribulation (3 ½ Years)

Matthew 24:21

Isaiah 2:10-19

Isaiah 13:6-17


Revelation 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Isaiah 13:6 “the day of the LORD”

Joel 1:15 “the day of the LORD is at hand”

Joel 2 “for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand”

Temple Rev. 11:1-2

At the beginning of the 42-month Great Tribulation, however, the sacrifices will stop and the temple will be desecrated and become a shrine for the world ruler of the Great Tribulation who will put an idol in it and proclaim himself to be God (cf. Dan. 9:27; 12:11; 2 Thes. 2:4; Rev. 13:14-15).

Dispensational Premillennialism

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