“Coffee and the Word with PRP n PJP” takes a pre-tribulation approach to eschatology. Here’s a breakdown of end-times events from that perspective:
First, let’s clarify some definitions.
Eschatology is the study of what the Bible says about the end times. Many people avoid this topic, thinking it’s less crucial than Christology or Soteriology. However, understanding eschatology is important for a Biblical worldview, influencing how we live our lives and what we expect in God’s plan.
Pre-tribulation eschatology teaches that the Rapture occurs before the Tribulation begins. At this time, the church will meet Christ in the air, and then the Antichrist will be revealed, marking the start of the Tribulation. The Rapture and Christ’s Second Coming (to establish His kingdom) are separated by at least seven years. According to this view, the church does not experience the Tribulation.
Although the word “rapture” does not appear in the Bible, it comes from a Latin term meaning “a carrying off, a transport, or a snatching away.” The concept of the Rapture is taught in Scripture, where God “snatches away” all believers from the earth to make way for His righteous judgment.
The Tribulation is a future seven-year period when God completes His discipline of Israel and finalizes His judgment on the unbelieving world. The church, made up of all who trust in Jesus, will not be present during the Tribulation.
Historically, Magog was a grandson of Noah (Genesis 10:2). His descendants settled far north of Israel, likely in Europe and northern Asia (Ezekiel 38:2). Magog often refers to northern barbarians but also connects to Magog the person. The people of Magog are described as skilled warriors (Ezekiel 38:15; 39:3-9). Gog and Magog appear in Ezekiel 38-39 and Revelation 20:7-8. While these passages use the same names, a close study shows they refer to different people and events separated by at least 1,000 years. In Ezekiel’s prophecy, Gog leads a great army to attack Israel when it is “peaceful and unsuspecting” (Ezekiel 38:11).
The Bible mentions end-times events occurring in a temple in Jerusalem (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15). Second Thessalonians 2:4 says the Antichrist will set himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. A temple must be present for these events to happen, but currently, the Islamic Dome of the Rock occupies the site. During the Tribulation, a new temple will be built, protected by the Antichrist (Daniel 9:24-27). Seeing the Temple constructed will indicate the end times are near, the Antichrist will be reigning, the Church will have been raptured, and the first half of the Tribulation will have passed. However, there will still be time for people to come to Christ for salvation.
The great white throne judgment, described in Revelation 20:11-15, is the final judgment before the lost are cast into the lake of fire.
The New Jerusalem, also called the Tabernacle of God, the Holy City, the City of God, the Celestial City, the City Foursquare, and Heavenly Jerusalem, is heaven on earth.
The term “antichrist” simply means “against Christ.” According to 1 John and 2 John, an antichrist denies the Father and the Son (1 John 2:22), does not acknowledge Jesus (1 John 4:3), and denies that Jesus came in the flesh (2 John 1:7). There have been many “antichrists” (1 John 2:18), but there is also the coming Antichrist.
Most Bible prophecy experts believe the Antichrist will be the ultimate embodiment of opposition to Christ. In the end times, a man will arise to oppose Christ and His followers more than anyone else in history, likely claiming to be the true Messiah. The Antichrist will seek world domination and will attempt to destroy all followers of Jesus Christ and the nation of Israel.
Second, Pre-tribulation view of the end times timeline is as follows:
First, The New Creation: God remakes the heavens and the earth, wiping away all tears and eliminating pain, death, and sorrow. The New Jerusalem descends from heaven, and God’s children enjoy eternity with Him (Revelation 21-22).
Second, The Rapture of the Church: Christ comes in the clouds to “snatch away” all those who trust in Him (1 Corinthians 15:52). The “dead in Christ” will also be resurrected and taken to heaven. This is the next event on the eschatological timeline, and it is imminent.
Third, The Rise of the Antichrist: After the church is taken away (2 Thessalonians 2:7-8), a satanically empowered man will gain worldwide control with promises of peace (Revelation 13:1; Daniel 9:27). He will be aided by the false prophet, who leads a religious system requiring worship of the Antichrist (Revelation 19:20).
Forth, The Tribulation: A seven-year period of God’s judgment on sinful humanity (Revelation 6-16). During this time, the Antichrist rises to power. The Church will be in heaven, experiencing the Judgment Seat of Christ and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 19:6-10).
Firth, The Battle of Gog and Magog: In the early part of the Tribulation, a great army from the north, allied with several countries from the Middle East and Africa, attacks Israel but is defeated by God’s intervention (Ezekiel 38-39). Some believe this battle happens just before the Tribulation starts.
Sixth, The Abomination of Desolation: At the midway point of the Tribulation, the Antichrist breaks his covenant with Israel. The Jews are scattered, and many turn to the Lord, realizing Jesus is their Savior. A great persecution of believers ensues (Daniel 12:11; Mark 13:14; Revelation 12:17).
Seventh, The Battle of Armageddon: At the end of the Tribulation, Jesus returns with the armies of heaven to save Jerusalem from annihilation and defeat the nations’ armies under the Antichrist’s banner (Revelation 19:11-21). The Antichrist and the false prophet are thrown alive into the lake of fire (Revelation 19:20).
Eighth, The Judgment of the Nations: Christ judges the survivors of the Tribulation, separating the righteous from the wicked as “sheep” and “goats” (Matthew 25:31-46). The righteous enter the Millennial Kingdom, and the wicked are cast into hell. It is also thought that the Old Testament saints will be raised at this time.
Ninth, The Binding of Satan: Satan is bound and held in a bottomless pit for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:1-3).
Tenth, The Millennial Kingdom: Jesus rules the world, with Jerusalem as the capital. This 1,000-year period will be one of peace and prosperity (Revelation 20; Isaiah 60-62). Memorial sacrifices will be offered in a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 40-48).
Eleventh, The Last Battle: After 1,000 years, Satan is released for a short time to deceive the nations again, leading to a final rebellion that is quickly defeated (Revelation 20:7-10). Satan is then cast into the lake of fire forever.
Twelfth, The Great White Throne Judgment: All those in hell and the wicked from all eras are resurrected for final judgment before God (Revelation 20:11-15). The verdicts are read, and all sinful humanity is cast into the lake of fire.
