A while back, I sat in my church’s balcony listening to a sermon related to Bible prophecy. The speaker (who was not the pastor) discussed 2 Thessalonians 2 in his message. This chapter is important because it refers to Christ’s coming and the Antichrist.
The speaker briefly suggested as he discussed the chapter:
- Christians might only see the early stages of the Antichrist’s career.
- Christians will not see the Antichrist serving in the role as the Antichrist.
I found the speaker’s assertion regarding Christians and the Antichrist highly debatable to say the least, but I kept my silence.
Instead of debating the speaker, I will share my thoughts on the issue of whether Christians will see the Antichrist in this article.
The Apostle Paul wrote about the coming of Christ in 2 Thessalonians 2. Paul indicated that Christ would not come until:
- The “falling away” (apostasy) comes first.
- The “man of sin” (the Antichrist) is revealed (discloses his true identity).
“(1) Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, (2) That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. (3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (4) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4)
The speaker at my church argued that the apostasy is underway today with declining moral values and declining regard for the Bible’s teachings.
- I will not argue this point because there seems to be a decline in moral values and fewer churches and individuals are teaching from the Bible as time goes on.
Recall that the Apostle Paul indicated that the Antichrist’s true nature would be revealed before Christ comes. He gave us an indication of what to look for when this happens. Verse 4 suggests the Antichrist wants people to view him as God when he reveals his true identity:
“Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:4)
This detail is significant because we can use it to pinpoint when Antichrist will reveal his true identity as the man of sin.
When Antichrist Will Reveal His True Identity
The Rise of the Antichrist
Daniel 7 provides an overview of four beasts emerging from the sea. Each beast represents a different kingdom in history. The fourth beast is the most notable kingdom because it is a kingdom that has not yet come.
Daniel 7:7-8 introduces the fourth beast:
“(7) After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. (8) I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.” (Daniel 7:7-8)
Daniel 7:23-25 gives us more detail about the fourth beast:
“(23) Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. (24) And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. (25) And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.” (Daniel 7:23-25)
The fourth beast represents the kingdom of the Antichrist. The “little horn” represents the Antichrist in verse 8:
“I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.” (Daniel 7:8)
The portrayal of the Antichrist as a “little horn” may mean that he will not be as powerful as the other ten kings (the ten horns) when he begins his career. This will change as the Antichrist gains power and overthrows leaders. However, the Antichrist’s true nature will remain hidden as he begins his career and begins to amass power.
The Reign of the Antichrist Begins
Daniel 7:25 describes a phase in Antichrist’s career when he will utter blasphemies against God as described in 2 Thessalonians 2 and wage war with the saints for “a time and times and the dividing of time” or 3.5 years:
“And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time” (Daniel 7:25)
Revelation 13 covers this phase of Antichrist’s career. The chapter also describes a beast from the sea.
- The beast from the sea of Revelation 13 represents the empire of the Antichrist described in Daniel 7 at a mature stage of its development as the dragon, Satan, gives his power to the beast (Revelation 13:3).
- The actions of the beast from the sea (the empire of the Antichrist) and the actions of the Antichrist are synonymous since the Antichrist is the ruler of his empire.
Here is Revelation 13:1-10 with a few key verses highlighted:
“(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)
Revelation 13:4-6 states that the beast from the sea will speak blasphemies against God and will be an object of the world’s worship. This passage parallels other passages about the Antichrist like 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4. The table below shows the similarities between these passages:
The Antichrist Will Speak Blasphemies Against God and Persecute
- The Antichrist
- Blasphemy God
- 42 Month War with the Saints
Revelation 13:4-6: (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.
Daniel 7:24-25: “(24) And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. (25) And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time”.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4: (3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (4) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
The reason for the overview of the fourth beast of Daniel 7 and the beast from the sea of Revelation 13 is that these chapters taken together suggest:
- The Antichrist will begin to demand worship of the world and speak blasphemies against God at the start of a 42 month war with the saints (especially when you compare Daniel 7:25 and Revelation 13:4-7).
The Abomination of Desolation
This 42 month war with the saints relates to the midpoint of the tribulation (or the 70th week of Daniel) when Antichrist will cease temple sacrifice and set up an abomination of desolation:
“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 9:27)
The midpoint of the tribulation is a logical point in time for the Antichrist to reveal his true identity to the world.
- At that time, he will halt religious practices and set up something that is affront to God in the temple of God. This reminds us of how 2 Thessalonians 2:4 states that Antichrist will sit in the temple of God showing himself to be God when he reveals his true identity to the world.
- The great tribulation will begin as soon as the abomination of desolation is set up. This is a time of extreme persecution that relates to the war with the saints:
“(15) When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) (16) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: (17) Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: (18) Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. (19) And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! (20) But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: (21) For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (22) And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” (Matthew 24:15-22)
The war with the saints will begin as the Antichrist starts to demand worship from the world and starts to speak blasphemies against God. Meanwhile, the great tribulation will begin as the Antichrist sets up something affront to God.
- It’s no coincidence that both events begin when the Antichrist starts to do things that are an affront to God.
Conclusion
Therefore, Antichrist will not reveal his true nature to the world until the midpoint of the tribulation. This implies that Christ may not come until at least after the midpoint of the tribulation. Remember, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 suggests that Christ’s coming will not occur until first the falling away and the unveiling of the man of sin:
“(3) Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (4) Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)
This means that Christians are not only going to see the Antichrist, but will likely see a lot of the Antichrist, including his entire rise to power.
I expect many who believe in the Pre-Trib Rapture to disagree with this article. Anyone who disagrees is welcome to express their views in the comments below.
As a new Christian I was raised with the teaching of the protein rapture and certainly wanted to believe it but it finally dawned on me one day to follow along with scripture as one pastor after another taught this. I was very disturbed to see something completely different as I read the text before and after the particular scriptures being used in the sermon and as I questioned them I was greeted with alarm and even accusations so fir a very long time I kept my opinions to myself and sad to say my children are now questioning why… Read more »
I don’t rule out the possibility for the Antichrist to claim that he is the messianic figure expected by ALL the world’s major religions. Antichrist claiming to be the messiah of all the world’s major religions would make it easier for him to attract the support of the world instead of claiming to be the messiah of a single religion. I also don’t rule out the possibility that the False Prophet could be a counterfeit Jesus. By that, I mean he could physically look just like what the paintings of Jesus show, claim to be Jesus of Nazareth, and tell… Read more »
In revelation 13:18 states that those with wisdom and understanding will be able to divine the true identity of the AC. I believe that what God is telling us that in the end days a select few will have that wisdom. I believe I have that wisdom but will not state his name here. And no it is not Trump, Macron, Price Charles or any of the other frequently mentioned names. He is very active behind the scenes and his true identity will take everyone by surprise.
In the context of the rapture First Thessalonians 5:3 reads: “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden (unexpected) destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” Once the tribulation is up and going any destruction would not be sudden or unexpected. It would be the norm. People would not be saying “peace and safety.” A mid, late or post tribulation rapture then could not be the prelude to the “sudden destruction.” The “destruction” would need to be around the start of the tribulation or earlier. Who then are the… Read more »
In a Post-Trib scenario, the Rapture and onset of the Day of the Lord would occur shortly after the raising of the Two Witnesses. Revelation 11 indicates that the wicked will have a false sense of security as they celebrate the deaths of the Two Witnesses. The wicked will be partying and exchanging gifts. But, the celebration will be put to a halt when their destruction comes. They are those with the Mark of the Beast.
The 2 witnesses are raised in chapter 11. The mark of the beast appears in chapter 13. Are you saying that these events are not given in chronological order?
Revelation’s events are not always presented in chronological order like end time prophecy is not always given in chronological order in many prophecy books like Isaiah and Daniel. Revelation’s chronology tends to progress, then stops to rehash things or give more detail about things hinted about, and then continue the progression. I believe the raising of the Two Witnesses in Revelation 11 occurs after the events described in Revelation 13.
At the opening of the 4th seal a quarter of the population are killed. At the sounding of the 6th trumpet one third are killed. That is a large amount of destruction before the two witnesses are raised and that is from only 2 of the disasters that the 2 witnesses are not linked to. The continuation of the judgements would not have come as a surprise after the 2 witnesses ascended to heaven.
The wicked at that time will indeed have lived through some horrible events. But that false sense of security will still exist because the wicked are likely to associate the horrible events they experienced to the Two Witnesses: Revelation 11:10 states: “And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.” Without the Two Witnesses, the people of earth will be partying and giving gifts. That’s quite a reaction! Not something I think a lot of people would… Read more »
True while they are still dead. But after the two witnesses are resurrected and ascend to heaven those dwelling on earth would probably be having second thoughts about whether or not the judgements had ceased. Killing them had not worked.
Yes, they’ll be horrified by their raising. But in my timeline of end time events, the wicked won’t have much time to think because their destruction is about to commence.
There is one thing I believe you may be getting wrong. In 2 Thessalonians 2, you may be mistaken on what it is talking about. I made this same mistake and learned later I was wrong. Most versions of the Bible will say “as that the day of the Lord is at hand” and not “day of Christ”. The versions that use “Christ” are KJV and Youngs, and thats what got me because those two versions are usually so trust worthy. However, in this one case, they are getting it wrong I believe. The reason I believe this is because… Read more »
The Day of the Lord is directly connected to the Rapture because it’s at the onset of the Day of the Lord that the wrath of God that believers are not appointed to begins. If we remove 2 Thessalonians 2 from the equation, I believe there’s still strong evidence that the Rapture and the Day of the Lord are linked together by considering passages like Luke 17:26-37 and Matthew 13:30-42. Each of these passages indicate that the destruction of the wicked occurs around the same time the righteous are gathered in an end time harvest of the earth. https://www.prophecyproof.org/luke-1737-overlooked-prophecy/ I… Read more »
I would hope that true Christians would be speaking of the sin of man and the redemption through Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord will reveal these things to his children as necessary
He will not leave us in the dark
I would hope that true Christians would be speaking of the sin of man and the redemption through the Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord will reveal these things to his children as necessary
He will not leave us in the dark
If the church goes into the great tribulation would that not mean the seven years of the tribulation are not the same seven years of Daniel’s seventieth week? If the gap between the 69th and 70th weeks began with the commencement of the church logically it would finish with the departure of the church. After the departure of the church Israel’s 70 week “commission” of Daniel 9:24 would then re-commence and operate for the next seven years.
The great tribulation is not the same as the 70th week of Daniel. The great tribulation is a part of the 70th week of Daniel where great persecution occurs and will begin after the Antichrist sets up the abomination of desolation (midway through the 70th week). The “tribulation” and the 70th week of Daniel are synonymous terms. The church may have started in that gap between the 69th and 70th week but I don’t see anything that indicates that the church has to be removed before the start of the 70th week.
Then the church’s commission and Israel’s commission would have a relatively short overlap, somewhere less than 7 years.
I expect Christians and the people of Israel to both face prolonged persecution during Daniel’s 70th week, especially during the great tribulation.
So you are saying the church age overlaps with the 70th week of Daniel?
Yes. Christians will be around during the 70th week of Daniel.
Does this mean the Christians will suffer with the rest of the world beginning from the sixth seal to say, the seventh trumpet? That’s a lot of deaths, and if the Christians don’t die as part of the 1/4 and the 1/3, then the survivors would be predominantly Christian. Then the Rapture happens, the remaining population must be slim. I have no aggressive arguments I’m just seriously contemplating 🙂 I personally subscribed to the pre-trib doctrine very recently and that’s just because I found it inconsistent with God’s promises that we suffer His wrath (earthquakes and the scorpion thingos that… Read more »
Remember that God can protect people as chaos occurs around them. He protected the Israelites as the plagues of Egypt were harming the Egyptians. Consider Psalm 91. It’s a prophetic Psalm that talks about how the Lord will protect people as thousands die around them. The New Testament does say that Christians are indeed exempt from God’s wrath. However, different Greek words for wrath exist in the New Testament and the distinction is key. The type of wrath the New Testament indicates Christians are exempt from doesn’t start until late in the end times. I go into detail about this… Read more »
That’s an interesting point. Which led me to think, this timing of the rapture, it seems to depend a lot on our interpretation of certain keyterms in prophecy that, I guess, the proponents of the different views just can’t agree on. I personally think pre-trib is just a very convenient answer, rather than a definitive one. Am I right though in assuming this? Or is there Scripture that says the rapture definitely won’t happen before the tribulation or Scripture that hints on its timing correlatable to timetable-heavy passages such as in Daniel or Revelation? Because as far as I know,… Read more »
And I agree God does isolate his people from surrounding destruction and that happened many times. Is there a direct reason to believe though that the same will definitely happen in the tribulation, or are we just stating that God will protect us IF and only if, we make it to the tribulation times? Was my question clear? Because if the former is true, that Scripture states that God’s people will be present in tribulation times but God will protect them, then I don’t get why there are still contentions. Pre-trib is out of the question. If the latter though,… Read more »
I believe the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3 reflect the spiritual condition of seven types of churches that have existed throughout history and will exist during the end times.
https://www.prophecyproof.org/seven-churches-revelation-2-3/
The message to the Church of Philadelphia contains a promise of protection. I believe the Greek in Revelation 3:10 indicates that followers who are associated with the Church of Philadelphia will be protected from the dangers that will occur around them (i.e. protection while within a sphere of danger). These people will have a level of protection during the time of testing as they have already proven themselves.
Oh and incidentally, the message to the Church of Philadelphia was used by a pretrib speaker that I know to defend the view. According to the speaker, the promise of being kept from the hour of trial means the Christians won’t be around when the tribulation comes. Is there reason to believe that being kept from the hour of trial is a sphere of protection rather than an escape (via Rapture)?
The Greek word for “keep” in Revelation 3:10 conveys the sense of guarding by keeping an eye upon. It does not convey removal from the danger.
Yes, some disagreement comes from how one defines certain key terms. Some see Matthew 24 as only applying to Israel. Others say that Matthew 24 definitely applies to Christians. I fall in the latter camp because the “elect”, which Christ talks about in Matthew 24, are also mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament with a definite connection to Christians (like in Romans 8:28-32). Adopting a Rapture position based on what is convenient or comfortable isn’t the best idea. The truth is what everyone should pursue no matter how much it may delight us or hurt us. I know people who… Read more »
True, I haven’t studied that passage in detail in relation to the end-times and I admit it perplexes me as to why, because it’s there in Matthew and Luke and I’ve overlooked it countless times. As to what it says, I’m no scholar so I have to do a lot more reading. Basing from the little i’ve read, there are discussions on whether this refers to the Rapture or the Second Coming, or whether the taken refers to the believers or the nonbelievers, and many point out to cross-references in the Book of Job. So many voices saying things for… Read more »
Matthew 13:24-43 and 13:47-50 are good starting places. Then compare Luke 17:34-37 with Matthew 24:28, 36-41. Matthew 24:28 is mentioned because it relates to Luke 17:37. You may want to also consider Revelation 19:17-18 and Ezekiel 39:17-21 while studying Matthew 24:28 and Luke 17:37. The Bible mentions Antichrist and the dragon making war against those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. To me, that’s a strong indication that Christians will face persecution during the end times. Also, by identifying the “elect” as Christians in Matthew 24, I get a really strong sense from… Read more »
Thank you, Mr. Croley. I appreciate your taking the time to respond. Will look at these passages and see where it gets me, and hopefully I can come back to you should I encounter difficulty or revelation.
I agree, Luke 17 is a fascinating passage. I’d never thought of it within the chronological framework of the Parable of the Weeds until I read something recently (maybe it was your book – can’t remember now). I certainly need to study it in greater detail myself.
Luke 17 is indeed referenced in several parts of my book.
I apologize for hijacking the conversation between you and Michael, but I just wanted to say that I spent several hours studying all of the scriptures mentioned in your book, as well as the ones mentioned above, in detail yesterday – and I’m amazed. Haven’t had an experience like that in quite some time. I’m still not totally clear on where the rapture falls (maybe between the time that the angels gather the wicked and the battle actually begins?), so I definitely have more studying to do, but for the first time, I feel that things are truly starting to… Read more »
I’m glad things are starting to make sense to you Watchman. Keep studying!
I’ll just say one other thing, sorry: One of the most amazing things is that, even being post-trib, and even understanding the chronology of the parable of the weeds, the dragnet, etc., I was STILL reading Luke 17:37 largely from the perspective of the righteous being taken and the wicked left behind. That doesn’t even make sense, I know, but I seriously think it demonstrates just how deeply the whole “left behind” mantra was etched into my psyche. And I never even read the “Left Behind” series – it had to have come from somewhere else. That’s pretty scary to… Read more »
It took me a couple of years to read Luke 17:37 from what I think is now the proper perspective.
Reading through these comments I noticed that it appears no one answered the rapture question. I’ll leave the answering to the author, but I will state that historical pre-millennialism (if I’m not mistaken) did not suppose a rapture. The Historical view assumes the the church will be present on earth during this time. The rapture is a relatively new idea. Maybe 150-200 years old if memory serves me right. I guess my point is that the Bible never mentions “the rapture” or it’s timing. So the Bible never definitively says that it happens at any time. It has to be… Read more »
Hi Josh. I agree with the view that the Church will be on Earth during this time. I view the Rapture as more of a meeting with Christ in the air and escorting Him back to Earth at the end of the tribulation. I don’t agree with the popular idea depicted in “Left Behind”.
Regarding the last days scripture does say to pray that you are accounted worthy to escape all these things. The great tribulation is the wrath of the Father which we are not appointed to. The tribulation is the time of Jacob’s trouble, the purifying of Israel when their old stony heart is replaced, the very admonition Apostle Paul had for gentile believers who thought the Father was done with Israel. Apart from the remnant of Israel at Christ’s first coming who saw Christ as the Messiah Redeemer, the remainder were blinded for the gentiles sake and until our time is… Read more »
Chapter and verse for where it says that the great tribulation is God’s wrath, please. I only see verses that say it is Satan’s wrath. I see many verses that say that God’s wrath is after the great tribulation.
The seal, bowl and trumpet judgements are the Father’s wrath poured out on the unregenerate. The Father, not Satan, brings those events upon the world. Once unrestrained by the Father and consequently knowing his time is short, Satan’s wrath is his murderous desire to destroy all, especially those who do not worship him and take the mark and specifically those who are heirs by the flesh, Israel. Roman’s 11 is emphatically clear regarding the future of the house of Israel and of the gentiles and explicitly defines and contrasts Israel, gentiles and the Body of Christ. Paul is amplifying here… Read more »
Nowhere are the seal judgments indicated to be the wrath of God by Scripture. Just because people desire that they be, does not make it a fact, nor does Scripture uphold that theory. It is an assumption that was arrived at by trying to fit a theory into Scripture, not the reverse of starting with Scripture to develop a doctrine. In fact, the only ones suffering in the 5th seal are Christians, (no unbeliever suffering) who are not supposed to suffer the wrath of God. So how do you explain that since Christians are not appointed to God’s wrath. NO… Read more »
Rev 6:17 14:10 15:1,7 16:1,19
Hello, I stumbled across your writing this morning, and I must say it’s pretty well thought out but; It is written… “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Revelation 1:3 (The Church) “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and… Read more »
An obstacle to believing in a mid,late or post trib rapture is that at the opening of the 6th seal “every bondman, and every free man hid themselves” and told the rocks to hide them “from the wrath of the Lamb.” “Free” and “bond” covers everyone, including Christians. (1Cor 7:21-22) Why would any Christians on earth feel the need to do so? Similarly at the 6th trumpet, all those not killed refused to repent. They do not sound like rapture material. Finally if “as many” as refuse to worship the beast are killed, who will there be left to rapture… Read more »
The Greek word for “every” in Revelation 6 does not mean 100% of everyone. The Greek word can mean “some of all types”. Revelation 6:12-17 is giving the sense that a wide scope of humanity is seeking refuge from the events taking place following the opening of the sixth seal. Luke 21:25-28 describes the same scene where people are terrified of what is taking place, but also describes how believers should react to the same situation: “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with… Read more »
So “some of all types” would therefore would also include Christians? Just guessing but there would still be about 5 years to the end of the tribulation period?
Cannot follow your line about the remnant in the wilderness as the 6th trumpet is before they flee there. So they obviously are not killed at that judgement. We are not given much detail about what they do once they get to the wilderness. Perhaps they repent collectively while there.
To clarify, my timeline of events isn’t a normal one people see these days. I have the 6th seal occurring very late in the 7 year timeline. I have the 6th trumpet occurring long after the remnant flees to the wilderness.
See him? I’d not be surprised if most non-elect ‘Christians’ vote him in to power! If recent history governs.
Nice job Wayne. I have also considered many of the things that you talk about in your article. I agree. The Church will see quite a lot of the Antichrist. As a matter of fact I’m pretty certain that Turkish President Erdogan is the Antichrist. But back to your article. The falling away describes the fall of Satan from heaven. Satan must be cast out of heaven before he can empower the Antichrist on earth. Israel’s tribulation will start after those two things happen. God bless you, Craig C. White
Thanks Craig.
I do not believe the Antichrist will arise from Turkey, so I don’t believe it’s him. I have Satan being cast out of heaven near the midway point of the 70th week of Daniel.
What if your church believes a pre tribulation rapture does that make them false teachers? Should you still attend that church?
I attend a Pre-Trib church so I think it’s still okay as long as they don’t make Bible prophecy the focus of their teachings. At my church, Bible prophecy is rarely taught and the pastor knows my views and respects them.
Agree with you 100% But have a question that has racked me brain and maybe you can help. If we are here to preach the truth and preach against the Antichrist, then why are the 144000 and the 2 witnesses needed? If we are the saints mention in Rev 13 then we should be the voice of God. Thoughts?
Will believers have an opportunity to preach against the Antichrist? (rhetorical question) Opportunities are likely to be very limited as believers will be massacred throughout the great tribulation. The idea that the 144,000 will serve as evangelists is something I don’t see much biblical support for. Revelation 14 indicates that they are the first-fruits; perhaps the first-fruits of the end time harvest of the world at the end of the age. The Two Witnesses are the likeliest group to “preach” to the world to turn away from Antichrist and turn towards God.