God Revealed – A New Testament Journey (PART 8)Shembull

Signs of the End


Amidst the excitement and debate surrounding the last day signs are false prophets with false signs creating flutters. What does the bible say? It’s not an isolated event that gives us the clue. The “last days” are symbolized by an entire eco system, a series of events with natural and human powers occurring together.

As God’s salvation message continues to penetrate the ends of the earth, God launches the next phase of his plan – to regather Israel and rule from the Holy City, Jerusalem.

The Revelation Timeline

While the actual dates are not revealed, parallel and sequential events are indicated. Revelation is more or less sequential. Multiple events and scenes on heaven and earth may cause haze resulting in different viewpoints.

Let us maintain the big picture presented and not get locked on minor hypothetical differences.

The Revelation sequel:

1. The Church age – AD 30 onward (ch 1-3).

2. Signs of the end, Great tribulation, rapture, second coming (4-18)): The eventful great tribulation covers a brief period of around 7 years and the second coming of Christ occurs within the period. Some theologians debate where the rapture is placed. In fact it (first resurrection) occurs at least thrice.

· At the time of Jesus’ death (Matt 27:51-52)

· When saints (dead then living) are snatched up in the twinkling of an eye (1 Cor 15:52, 1 Thess 4:16,17) –(towards the beginning of the “Great Tribulation)

· The remaining saints who have stuck through, or came to Christ during tribulation (towards end of the Great Tribulation) – Rev 20:4

3. Millennium (19, 20a) – The 1000 year rule of Christ on earth.

4. Judgment (20b)

5. New heaven and earth, new age (21)

Towards the end of the church age, we witness:

· Regathering of Israel – May 14 1948 – this is prophesied in several places including Isaiah 11:12, 27:6, Isaiah 66:8. In May 14, 1948, the nation was reborn.

· Signs prior to the end of the age (Rev 6,7) – 7 seals characterized by:

§ Degeneration, deception of people (2 Tim 2:1-14, 2 Thess. 2:3-4)

§ Gospel preached throughout the world – to every tribe and nation (Matt 24:14, Rev 7:9)

§ Signs in heavenly bodies, earth – sun and moon darkened, stars falling, powers shaken, etc. (24:29-32) occurring simultaneously.

Do we see the spiritual state around us? Are we preparing ourselves and others for the only real life, the gloriously perfect life ahead of us?