The jig-saw is coming together nicely !

We have already explored the principle of the TimePosts and the placing of the rapture. So many pieces of the puzzle have fit together neatly and without using a theological hammer ! But as one looks at the picture we have assembled so far, there are "holes", indicating that there are more pieces to be added to the parts we have put together.

In fact, there are a number of events that now can be placed "into context". In previous chapters we have concentrated only on those events that help us establish the TimePosts and locate the rapture.

It is time to add these other events.

First, we have assembled a harmony of the prophetic lesson that Jesus gave to the disciples, as recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 17 and Luke 21. You will find this in Appendix A at the end of this book.

Be sure to spend some time with Appendix A; those who previewed this book expressed appreciation for this study aid.

Note the marvellous way in which the passages follow a uniform order of events -- even the few verses we have included from the book of Revelation are in sequence as we follow the events.

The appendix confirms the "TimePost" study, confirms the timing of the rapture, and adds other events in order. The chart at the end of this chapter merges the lists together.

In this chapter, however, we wish to put special emphasis on that series of events that occurs just prior to the rapture ...for it is this time period for which we are called by Scripture to prepare.

It is this time period that is best described as the "END GAME" for the church. It is for this ministry that we must be preparing ourselves and our church people.

Let's remember that the prophetic puzzle we are putting together here is Daniel's 70th week, the last 7 years of this age before Jesus returns to defeat the antichrist with His armies at the battle of Armageddon and set up His millennial kingdom.

To fill in the holes in our puzzle we are going to start at the beginning of the 70th week and record systematically the events in order as they occur during this last 7 year period.

We will use the pieces that are already in place by the study of the TimePosts in the previous chapter. We will logically and scripturally fill in the holes in relation to the TimePosts already established.

To get our prophetic picture focused properly, let's back up a little bit to our first TimePost which is the event and the sign that we are this generation spoken of by Jesus.

The first TimePost was the Jews taking over Jerusalem -- which happened in 1967. This event must happen before the peace treaty can be signed which starts Daniel's 70th week. During this time period we also have the beginning of sorrows spoken of by Jesus (Matthew 24:6-8). At the time of this writing, Israel is in the process of peace talks in the Middle East with Syria and other Arab nations and has already completed agreements with the Palestinians, Egypt and Jordan. These peace talks could well lead up to the major 7 year peace treaty with the antichrist which will begin the 70th week (Daniel 9:27).

The next major piece of the puzzle (or our second TimePost) that we have to work with is the antichrist's revealing himself when he sets up the abomination that causes desolation in a wing of the temple (Daniel 9:27). This happens in the middle of the 70th week or 3½ years after the peace treaty.

Because this will happen in a wing of the temple, we conclude that there must be a rebuilt temple where sacrifices are being offered sometime during the first 3½ years of the treaty.

Knowing the situation in the Middle East, we assume the temple will be built after the treaty is made and will probably be one of the conditions of the treaty. To build one beforehand could well cause a war to break out or hamper the peace process. Also in this first 3½ years before the abomination that causes desolation is set up we know from Scripture (Daniel 11:29-32; Daniel 11:40-45) that this world ruler (the antichrist) will be fighting wars with Egypt (King of the South) and establishing his world rule over many nations before he turns against Israel.

The next event in our sequence that happens in this first 3½ year period takes place in the spiritual realm. Before God deals with mankind on the earth, He first deals with Satan in the heavenly realm. Revelation 12:7-9 tells us that there is war in heaven and Satan (the dragon) and his angels are cast down to the earth.

• 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
• 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
• 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
• (Revelation 12:7-9)

We also know that this battle is just before the first 3½ years of the treaty have expired because it states that he knows his time is short, he pursues the woman (nation of Israel) that gave birth to the male child (Jesus) and she is protected by God for 3½ years (Revelation 12:12-16).

This coincides with the unmasking or revealing of the antichrist when he sets up the abomination in the temple and attacks the nation of Israel until "the end that is decreed is poured out on him" (Daniel 9:27). This time period from the abomination until the end is also 3½ years (Daniel 12:11) which completes Daniel's 70th week. The very next chapter in Revelation (chapter 13) describes the appearing of the beast (antichrist) and his 3½ year reign of terror, so the battle must take place before the first 3½ years have expired.

It is this event, (war in heaven), that happens behind the scenes so to speak, initiated by God's sovereign will, that commences on the earth a short period of intense struggle for the souls of mankind. It is this short time period just before the rapture for which we are called by scripture to prepare.

There is another very interesting event that transpires at this time (before our TimePost of the abomination) that helps us to see the picture more clearly. It is the appearance in Jerusalem of God's two witnesses (Revelation 11:3). Scripture tells us they will prophesy and have great power to shut up the sky, turn the waters into blood, and strike the earth with every kind of plague for 3½ years -- similar to the power Moses had at the time of the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt. We place the appearance of the two witnesses before the abomination because Revelation 11:11-14 describes them being caught up to heaven just before the 7th trumpet is sounded. The seven trumpets and seven vials being poured out are God's judgement and wrath. These occur in succession DURING the last 3½ years before the battle of Armageddon which ends the 70th week.

Since they are caught up to heaven before the second 3½ year period is over, and they have been prophesying for 3½ years already, then we conclude that they must appear on the scene to begin their ministry before the second 3½ year period starts or before the abomination is set up and the antichrist is revealed.

Let us now focus in on what is starting to happen. There is a war in the heavenly realm and Satan and his angels are cast down to the earth. The Bible says he knows his time is short and he is furious ! Saints, there will then be a flood of demonic power resident on this earth such as has never been experienced before. This coincides with, and is confirmed by, what Jesus said in Matthew 24:15-22. Jesus is speaking here of a great persecution unequalled from the beginning of the world, at the time the abomination is set up.

In Matthew 24:22 Jesus goes on to state this time period of persecution is so intense that God has chosen to shorten it for the sake of the elect (the Christians) or none would survive. (We believe that "the elect" refers to the Church since at this time Israel is being protected from the antichrist, and the antichrist turns his attention to "those who hold to the testimony of Jesus". See Revelation 12:13-17).

Also because of this flood of demonic power unleashed on the earth, false christs and false prophets will appear (controlled by demonic power) performing great signs and miracles or lying signs and wonders to deceive even the elect (if that was possible). See Matthew 24:23,24. The Apostle Paul describes this time period to Timothy as a time when people will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons (1 Timothy 4:1).

Remember, saints, according to Scripture and our previous chapter on TimePosts and sequence of events, the rapture has not yet happened, but a flood of demonic power has been unleashed on the earth.

Isaiah 59:19 states that when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will raise up a standard against him. To counteract this flood of demonic power God has sent His two witnesses with great power.

This is also the Church's greatest hour, for this is the time of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon all flesh spoken of by Joel, and by Peter in the Book of Acts. This mighty demonstration of God's power and love, through the Church, will bring in the final harvest of souls on the earth before our Lord returns to deliver us from the wrath of God, which is about to be released on the earth. This confrontation between the forces of good and evil for the deliverance of God's people will be similar to the days of Moses and the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt -- when Moses and Aaron waged a spiritual warfare of miracles and counter-miracles with Pharaoh's sorcerers.

In a later appendix section we will show the scriptural basis for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the end times. We will now continue to further establish this timing of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. To do this we must go ahead to our next major TimePosts previously established. The next TimePost that was established in our previous chapter is the sign of the sun being turned to darkness and the moon to blood. This was spoken of by Joel, by Peter in Acts, by Jesus in Matthew 24, and by John when describing the 6th seal in Revelation 6:12-17. Right after this event there is another TimePost described -- the event of Jesus appearing in the skies when every eye sees Him. This occurs immediately before the rapture of the Church and the resurrection of the Christian dead. These two TimePosts are so close together we have referred to them as twin TimePosts.

In our previous chapter we have shown that these twin TimePosts and the rapture occur after the TimePost of the abomination (which is followed immediately by the great persecution). Joel and Peter tell us there will be an outpouring of the Holy Spirit before the signs in the sun and moon, and before the appearance of Jesus in the skies. We believe the Holy Spirit is already being poured out in the earth in a measure, for indeed He was poured out on the day of Pentecost. Even today we see thousands of souls coming to Christ in the former Soviet Union and third world countries. But this outpouring which the Bible refers to as the latter rain will be greatly intensified to raise up a standard against the flood of demonic power which is unleashed on the earth when Satan is cast down. Scripture tells us this intense outpouring is before the sign in the sun, moon and stars and the appearance of Jesus in the skies. Now we will show that it starts when Satan is cast down.

Let's look again at Revelation 12:7-11:

• 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
• 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
• 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
• 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
• 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
• (Revelation 12:7-11)

Daniel also tells us about the resistance of spiritual forces in the heavenly realms when the angel that was sent to answer Daniel's prayer revealed he had been detained by spiritual powers for 21 days (Daniel 10:12-14).

When the apostles came back to Jesus after He had sent them out, they were excited, like little children, claiming even the demons were subject unto them in His name. Jesus' reply was, "I saw Satan fall as lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy."

Are you starting to see the picture, saints ? Not only is there a flood of demonic power unleashed on the surface of the earth, but also a flood (a pouring out) of God's power (latter rain) on the two witnesses and the Church. The forces of heaven and hell will be released on this earth in flood proportions at the same time, with the anointing of God on the Church at the same time as false prophets and false christs with lying signs and wonders. At stake will be the souls of mankind for eternity. It will be black and white, with no grey areas. Those who seek truth will call upon the name of the Lord and be saved. Those who refuse to love the truth will be deceived and perish. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

The war in heaven, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the ministry of the two witnesses have all started during the first 3½ years of the 70th week, before the antichrist is revealed by setting up the abomination in a wing of the temple.

Satan has just lost a major battle in the heavenly realms, he and his angels have been cast to the earth, he knows his time is short, he is furious, so he attacks God's chosen people, the nation of Israel. They flee and are protected by God for the last 3½ years. He then turns his fury and anger on the Church, those who hold to the testimony of Jesus (Revelation 12:7-17). That's you and I, Christian !

Let us now read Daniel 11:40-45 to see what is happening to the world ruler.

• 40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.
• 41 He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.
• 42 He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.
• 43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.
• 44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away (NIV = annihilate) many.
• 45 And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.
• (Daniel 11:40-45)

As we see it, this man will have the political, economical and financial support of those who desire a one-world government (key leaders in North America, European Community, Japan, etc.) This is all being done under the auspices of world peace and global community "for thebetterment of mankind."

We also foresee a resistance to this, however, from the Moslems and Communists, who have their own agenda of world control. The nations that desire a one-world government are pawns of Satan and are in position for him to manoeuvre for his end game strategies.

At approximately the same time, Satan is cast down and filled with fury (just before the abomination is set up). Daniel tells us this world ruler is in a great rage and has set out to destroy and annihilate many. (Daniel 11:40-45 NIV).

It is now time for this world ruler to be revealed or unmasked as the lawless one, the antichrist. His armies will enter Israel, he will set up his headquarters at Jerusalem and he will set up "the abomination that causes desolation". He will receive power from Satan to accomplish Satan's agenda.

Let us remember that this event (setting up the abomination in the temple) is the one -- and only -- unmistakable evidence that this man IS the antichrist. In the past, prophecy students have identified various powerful men as the antichrist (Mussolini, Hitler, the Pope -- to name a few). There will always be speculation, and various candidates "will be nominated" by Christians from now to the end. One of them WILL be the antichrist -- and we will know FOR SURE when he raises the abomination in the temple.

Let us read Revelation 13:1-10 to see the events that transpire at this time.

• 1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
• 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
• 3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
• 4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast ? who is able to make war with him ?
• 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
• 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
• 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
• 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
• 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
• 10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
• (Revelation 13:1-10)

Jesus also refers to this time period in a more general sense in Matthew 24:9-14 (see appendix of gospel parallels). Jesus states this time period of persecution will be so great that many professing Christians will turn away from the faith and even betray each other (probably to the governing officials who are seeking out the Christians to persecute them).

We can now understand why God has not raptured the Church. This intense end times ministry is not a job for immature Christians who could easily be deceived or who will not have the faith to stand for Jesus. No, this is the time for Elijah (one of the two witnesses) and those courageous and mature Christians in whom is the spirit of "the 7000 who have not bowed their knee to Baal" to engage the forces of evil in this, the church's finest hour.

This is all in keeping with the character of God and with the history of the Church. Christians have always been expected to die for their faith, to give a strong witness concerning the coming of Jesus...not to be raptured out of difficult circumstances.

Revelation 20:4-6 tells us what is in store for these courageous saints who are killed because of their testimony for Jesus and their resistance to the antichrist. They will come to life at the first resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 -- the dead in Christ shall rise first). This happens just before the rapture, and they will reign with Christ for 1000 years during the millennium after the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our God. This again is a clear Biblical statement that the rapture occurs after this time of great persecution during the reign of the antichrist.

The antichrist is not acting alone in his reign of terror; at this time he is joined by the false prophet. Please read Revelation 13:11-18. Because he is described as having two horns like a lamb but speaks like a dragon, we assume he is a religious leader sold out to Satan. This is why the Bible refers to him as the false prophet (Revelation 19:20).

He also is given great demonic power and authority to kill anyone who does not worship the beast (the antichrist) or receive his mark.

During this time period of great persecution, the 5th seal has been opened by Jesus (Revelation 6:9-11). The souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and their testimony refers to the past martyrs who have died for their faith. They ask the Lord how long it will be before He avenges their blood and judges the inhabitants of the earth. This is in reference to God's judgement and wrath that will be poured out on the earth (which happens when the 7th seal is opened). They are told to wait until the number of saints that are yet to be martyred, as they were, is completed. This will happen during this time of persecution by the antichrist and the false prophet.

(The first four seals have already been opened and their events -- peace being taken from the earth, great inflation, and death by sword, famine, plague and beasts of the field -- coincide with the beginning of birth pains spoken of by Jesus in Matthew 24:4-8. These things continue from the beginning of sorrows on into Daniel's 70th week.)

Now we come to the opening of the 6th seal (Revelation 6:12-17).

We have discussed the events of the 6th seal at length in a previous chapter on TimePosts so it will suffice to only list them here. The 6th seal is opened and we have a great earthquake. Then we have our next TimePost -- the sun being darkened and the moon turning blood red -- spoken of by Joel, by Peter in Acts, and by Jesus in Matthew 24. Then the stars in the sky fall.

At the time of the writing of this book we were able to witness the planet Jupiter being struck by a number of meteors. One piece was described as being 6 miles across and traveling at the speed of 120,000 miles per hour. It was stated that if a meteor only 3 miles across landed in the Gulf of Mexico at that speed it would cause a wave 3 miles high. It was estimated when that wave hit shore it would still be 1500 feet high and totally flood 2 or 3 states.

Jesus, talking about this TimePost in Luke 21:25-28, states that on the earth nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and the tossing of the sea. Men will faint in terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world. After this event there is an appearance of Jesus in the skies when every eye will see Him. It is at this time that the 144,000 Jews are sealed to protect them from the wrath of God which is about to come on the earth (Revelation 7:1-8).

This happens during the 6th seal after the persecution of the saints (the 5th seal). No Scripture says the 144,000 are preaching the gospel. At this point the Church is raptured, (the door to the ark is closed and there are no more salvations). There is no need to preach the gospel of the kingdom any more.

The living church is safely raptured, the dead in Christ have risen, and the 144,000 have been sealed. It is now time to open the 7th seal which begins the wrath of God (the seven trumpets and the seven vials). Revelation 8:1-11:19. The 7th seal is opened, there is silence in heaven for half an hour, and the first 6 trumpets are sounded in order with the accompanying judgements brought on the earth. During these judgements there is no repentance by the people left on the earth (Revelation 9:20-21).

Just before the 7th trumpet is sounded (Revelation 7:10 and onward) the two witnesses are caught up to heaven (Revelation 11:7-13). Then the 7th trumpet is sounded (Revelation 11:13-19) and the seven last plagues are about to start. Chapters 12 to 14 of Revelation are information chapters, and so to follow our sequence of events we go from chapter 11 and the 7th trumpet to chapters 15 and 16 where the 7 vials or plagues are recorded.

Before the plagues are released on the earth, John is shown the raptured Church (those who had been victorious over the antichrist) is at this time already safely in heaven (Revelation 15:1-4). The seven last plagues are then poured out as recorded in Revelation 15 and 16. The next event that takes place is the marriage supper of the lamb (Revelation 19:1-9). (Revelation chapters 17 and 18 are also informational chapters).

We now come to the last event to take place in Daniel's 70th week, the battle of Armageddon. Jesus comes down to the earth with the armies of heaven; the antichrist and the false prophet are captured and thrown into the Lake of Fire and the armies of the nations that are gathered around Jerusalem are conquered (Revelation 19:11-21).

Daniel's image of the empires has been struck upon the feet, and is crushed to powder -- to be replaced by the "boulder kingdom" that grows into a mountain that fills the whole earth (Daniel 2). His kingdom has come ! His will shall be done upon the earth as it is in heaven !

This ends Daniel's 70th week. Jesus now sets up His millennial kingdom and stays to rule this earth in righteousness for 1000 years. The saints reign with Him during this time (Revelation 20:1-6).

We have followed various sequences of events -- from Daniel, from the gospels, from Thessalonians, from Revelation, etc. As we have noted, NONE of these lists changes the order of any events found in other lists; new details and events are introduced, but the sequence of events is never changed.

SO...before we come to the very important concluding section of this book, let us gather together all the events we have discussed and place them in order.

Every prophecy teacher has a chart, and we have been asked to prepare one as well.

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