READ THE FIG LEAVES
Signs of the Times
STUDY 10
CONCLUSIONS
Prologue
The purpose of this treatise has been to define the literal events of the end-times which are communicated to us in Revelation and other scriptures. Writing about end time events is very difficult, especially if chronological or sequential order is the objective. Maybe the most difficult thing of all is to break with the traditional views of many noted and respected Bible scholars, as I do in some writings about these events. When I started writing about the end-time, I held most of the traditional end-time views; and it was only after a diligent search for scripture witness that I changed any of my views.
I said in the Precepts and Aspirations part of this book, I do not feel all of the views which I hold are definitive; rather some are often fugitive. Further study rarely confirms a view beyond question. Sometimes it changes it. Tensions remain! And now I add—there is still insight to be gained.
Revelation is the revealing of Jesus Christ. We know Him as Lord and Savior—and we know His grace—His steadfast love and mercy. Revelation is not only the unveiling of Him as ”… the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth,” REVELATION 1:5 but also as the righteous judge of the earth. Even though His judgments and wrath are poured out on the earth and those who are on the earth, He is still righteous! Doctor Jack Hester says, “Judgment is not the other side of Jesus Christ, it is His completeness.” We will all meet the righteous judge someday.
By the mid-point of Tribulation every eye shall behold him. There will be no more atheists! For those who had any doubt about God’s existence, they will now know there is a God. And Revelation is about the opening of seals, trumpets, and bowls—of God’s wrath without measure. All of the visions of John written in Revelation give insight into the future and, in some cases, the past. To be able to interpret his visions we must do what Jesus told us to do—“From the fig tree learn its lesson…” MATTHEW 24:32 We must learn to read the fig leaves.
Without question some of the things John saw were not in a chronological order nor in a sequential order. Many are not ‘day’ events but rather are carried out over time with the beginnings and endings sometimes concealed and overlapping; but others like the “catching away” of the Church and the First Resurrection happen in an instant. While writing these ‘Conclusions,’ I decided, for additional clarity, to rearrange the parts of this book into seven different time frames, starting with those things which are happening now. Those events that have already happened will not be reviewed and summarized again in these conclusions.
Again, when many events happen in a very short time frame, the sequential order may not be clear. While some occur within a timeframe and a sequence defined by scripture, others do not. I do hope I have, at the least, succeeded in placing each event in the proper time-frame. [Time frames for this book and these conclusions are defined is seven time frames beginning with chapter five of this book.] No one can write the true story of the end of times in its entirety and in order until the angel declares that the mystery of God is finished. REVELATION 10:7 Then only the scribe selected by Jesus Christ could do this.
Just a note of reminder: When the words I believe are in bold, it is not to draw attention to me or the words which follow it; but rather to tell you these are my beliefs after much study and research. Yet they lack the scripture witness which I would like to have to make a firm postulation.
PART 2 Time-Frame One: Happening Now—First Five Seals—And Other Events
Spiritual and End-Time Warfare
Jesus “…saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” LUKE 10:18 Many believe he was cast down from the third heaven—the throne room of God. Regardless of his place of eviction, we are told in Revelation that Michael and his angels will once again throw Satan down from heaven. REVELATION 12:7-9 From the first fall of Satan to his ejection from heaven by Michael the spiritual war against evil has been and will be in the heavenly places. After he is thrown down to earth, those battles will then be in the physical realm and on earth; for God will pour out His judgments and His wrath—naturally—physically—against the forces of evil on the earth and in the atmosphere, the first heaven. The devil knows his time is short after he is thrown down to earth. He will use every device he has to destroy mankind and everything which reminds him of Christ Jesus. There will be no Holy Spirit restraint on him at the end. He will wreak havoc on this earth until Christ Jesus returns to earth. While Satan and evil will not be on the earth during the millennium, his work is not finished until his defeat in the final war of Gog and Magog. Then he is cast into the lake of fire. It is over!
Signs of the End of the Age
After Jesus gave the disciples insight into the destruction of the temple, they asked him, “…when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and the end of the age?” MATTHEW 24:3 The first thing he did was warn them against being lead astray. “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.” MARK 13:22-23 There are Many Antichrists In the World Already. The antichrists started while Jesus Christ was on the earth; for all who opposed or denied Him then and those who oppose or deny now or in the future are antichrists. So we should beware of antichrists who are here in our day. John warns us in his writings, “Children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.” I JOHN 2:18 [NKJV] We should be vigilant in looking for signs of the emergence of the [capital A] Antichrist.
Jesus warned them of wars and rumors of wars. MATTHEW 24:6 “… nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” MATTHEW 24:7-8 [NKJV] He warned them there would be tribulation and martyrs. “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake.” MATTHEW 24:9 [NKJV]
These first warnings given by Jesus in his “Olivet Discourse,” false christs and false prophets, wars and rumors of wars, famines and pestilences, and earthquakes, and tribulation and death— includes all of the things which happen with the opening of the first five seals. And these are just the beginning of sorrows.
The First Five Seals Happening Now
There is no place in scripture that says the opening of the seven seals falls within the seven year period of the Tribulation. No one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the seals on the scroll, that is, until the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David had conquered death, hades, and the grave and ascended to heaven. He was found worthy to open the Seals. “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John.” REVELATION 1:1 I believe soon after Jesus’ ascension the seals began to be opened; for The First Five Seals are Happening Now!
The Beginning of Birth Pains [Sorrows]
“All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” MATTHEW 24:8 [ESV] “All these are the beginning of sorrows.” MATTHEW 24:8 [NKJV] Jesus compared the events of the end-time with the birth pains of a woman giving birth. No one has to tell a woman who has given birth, the natural way, about birth pains. Even fathers can observe those pains increase in intensity and the intervals between them become shorter. End-time events will gradually get worse and worse and the interval between those events will be shorter and shorter. At the beginning of the first three and one-half year period, the events of the first five seals may not look much different from today; but they will increase in intensity as Jesus’ count down to his second coming starts and as the trumpet judgments begin to take place. By mid-Tribulation those “pains” may seem quite severe; but before Jesus’ second coming, those bowls of wrath will be so unbearable Jesus says, “And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved…” MATTHEW 24:22 [ESV]
The Scroll With Seven Seals
Although some believe The Scroll with the Seven Seals is the title deed to earth, Scripture could not be found to support that position. I believe the sealed scroll is a legal document with Indictments and Judgments; “for the Lord has an indictment against the nations; he is entering into judgment with all flesh,” JEREMIAH 25:31 and MICAH 6:2 The Lamb will be both prosecutor and righteous judge of the devil and his angels and all unbelievers. The first five seals are the first things which Jesus warned about in Matthew Chapter Twenty-four.
Something happens with the opening of each seal; but of course, the scroll itself is not ‘rolled out’ until all of the seals are opened. I believe the opening of the scroll, after the seventh seal is opened, causes the thirty minutes of silence in heaven; for in it are God’s final judgments—the undiluted wrath of God. It is God’s plan for destroying evil on this earth.
The First Five Seals
The first seal is the ride of the antichrists. Almost as soon as Jesus Christ was born there were those who opposed him. Some sought to kill him. In the book of Mark Jesus says, “…false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.” MARK 13:22 John saw “… a white horse. He who sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.” REVELATION 6:2 NKJV Antichrists and false prophets are still riding and conquering the hearts and minds of those who do not diligently seek the Lord..
The second seal is “Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.” REVELATION 6:4 NKJV This rider, too, has been riding for a long time. Jesus says, “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” MATTHEW 24:6 This is happening today. It will intensify as the end of time gets near and will not end until the battle of Armageddon.
After the third seal was opened John saw “…a black horse. And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand.” REVELATION 6:5 ESV This horse and rider has been interpreted by many as the ride of famine. Most of those who have enough food every day may not realize there is famine in the world today in various places. These have been caused by war and drought. Since famine is often the result of war, we can expect famine to increase as wars and rumors of wars increase.
John sees the fourth seal opened. “So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.” REVELATION 6:8 NKJV Probably more than once these two riders have had power over a fourth of the earth and have kill many. It will happen again in a future event. The tragedies of World War II affected about eighty-five percent of the world’s population and around three percent of those lost their lives due to war, famine, and disease. That will pale in comparison to the rides of Death and Hades in the end-time
“When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. REVELATION 6:9 NKJV Christians, like Stephen, were killed in the early days of the Church and Christians are still being martyred today. It will get worse in the Tribulation but the fifth seal has already been opened. I believe the sixth and seventh seal will be opened during the Tribulation period; for the events which they will ignite happen later—near the revealing of the capital “A” Antichrist.
PART 3 Time-Frame Two: Events Happening Now Become Visible—Become Known
Daniel’s Divided Kingdom in Revelation
So many kingdoms and empires have already happened— it is hard to reduce them down to a few pages and to a common example of a kingdom or empire which is like the kingdom or empire of the end-time. [None will be as evil as this last empire of the Antichrist.] Some kingdoms foreshadow things to come and some are examples of what can happen; but none are exactly like this last kingdom—the “divided kingdom” of Daniel chapter two, which will become the kingdom of the Antichrist.
Daniel’s “divided kingdom” is confirmed by scripture witness in Revelation. Revelation expands on the ten horns and their representation of ten kings. Daniel’s fourth beast DANIEL 7 and three beasts in Revelation have ten horns. The kings who these horns represent are an important part of this “divided” and last kingdom of the Antichrist. Ten nations or ten kings are an essential element of formation of kingdoms which will eventually become a single kingdom of the world that is totally demonic and is ruled by an incarnate of the devil—the Antichrist.
The Antichrist
The start of the ending of the last worldly kingdom and the beginning of a totally demonic kingdom begins with the war in heaven and the casting down to the earth of the great red dragon. His objective is to destroy Israel, to make war with the saints and to overcome them; REVELATION 12:17 & 13:7 but he knows his time is short; REVELATION 12:12 but, first, he must set up his own demonic kingdom. He will employ the Antichrist—he will incarnate him and make him the ruler.
The Antichrist is both the wounded head on John’s beast that rises from the sea REVELATION 13:3 and Daniel’s “little horn.” DANIEL 7:8 The devil has been a part of the seven heads—six kingdoms of the past and one yet to come. Those kingdoms of the past have persecuted Israel and this future kingdom of the Antichrist will differ only in its intensity. The Antichrist will have total control of the kingdom of the world. He will try to destroy both Israel and Jesus Christ. The last three and one-half years of the “divided kingdom” Daniel speaks about, will be the only time the world will know total chaos and total demonic control..
The Antichrist is allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. REVELATION 13:5 He blasphemes God’s name, his dwelling and those who dwell in heaven. He is allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them; and all who dwell on the earth worship him—except for those whose names are in the book of life; REVELATION 13:4-8 but before the Antichrist takes full control, he will rise up from the masses of people. He will be a charismatic leader who promise peace and solutions to the world’s major problems. He will rise to power in a ten nation coalition. He, with the leaders of those ten nations, will destroy the apostate church [The Great Prostitute]. REVELATION 17:16 No entity, which proclaims the name of Jesus in any way, will be left on earth. Then only demons will rule. A worsening of the problems of the world and wars and rumors of war and a move toward a one-world government are sure signs his demonic rule is near.
One World Government
The world is headed for a “global” everything—one world government. We can look at some recent and current events and some popular political positions which point to a one-world government. The media does not like to use “one-world,” instead they prefer to use “global.” Regardless, the move toward a global economy, a global currency and global banking, that is happening now, is necessary for a one-world government. And there is a move toward a one world church—as the Vatican Councils and the governments of the world push for religious tolerance. Their removal of God from everything by governments, will make way for a one world church and a global government which is Christ-less. With all the moves toward “global” unity, it will not become a one world government until the Antichrist takes full control.
The Rebuilding of the Jewish Temple
The Temple Institute is an organization focusing on building the Third Temple on the Temple Mount and with reinstating animal sacrificial worship. They are already developing ritual objects, garments and building plans suitable for immediate use when conditions permit Temple construction. [2] There will be a third temple—Ezekiel prophesied about it—John saw it and is told to measure it. REVELATION 11:1-2
The Jewish people were able to recover their homeland Israel and the city of Jerusalem, but they did not keep the Temple Mount. The Temple Mount is the site where they want to rebuild their Third Temple. When the Jewish people re-captured the city of Jerusalem in the six day war in 1967, they had initially taken control of this Temple Mount, but they gave it back to the Muslims for political reasons. Right now, there is a Muslim Mosque on this site. The Muslims obviously have no intentions anytime soon of removing their Mosque in order to allow the Jews to rebuild their Third Temple.
Again, I believe The Third Temple, Ezekiel’s Temple, will be built. It is probable that the temple will be rebuilt before the beginning of tribulations, after the end of the First War of Gog and Magog and after Israel regains the Temple Mount. They must, first, feel secure with a peace treaty which will probably be negotiated by the Antichrist before he is revealed. Animal sacrifices may begin as soon as the Third Temple is ready—although they could build an altar before the Temple is completed.
Temple Sacrifices Stop—Temple Still Stands
Scripture in Daniel, DANIEL 12 and its supporting scripture, has caused much confusion. The differing postulations are complicated because most are rooted in history instead of scripture. I believe a simple reading of the scripture reveals a simpler interpretation. “… from the time that the regular burnt offering is taken away…” this portion of scripture is tied to “…the abomination that makes desolate is set up…” by the conjunction “and.” This connects the two events to the “…there shall be 1,290 days.” “… And from the time…” tells me that after these two events happen there are 1,290 days left—approximately three and one-half years. DANIEL 12:11 It is the middle of Tribulation these events happen. This agrees with scripture in Revelation. So regardless of when sacrifices start, they will stop at the mid-point of the Tribulation.
There are those who theorize animal sacrifices will be resumed in the millennium; but this hypothesis does not have scriptural foundation. While God may be pleased with the rebuilding of the Temple, and the Temple may still be standing in the Millennium, God will not be pleased with the resumption of animal sacrifices. He does not desire or have pleasure in sacrificing burnt offerings. HEBREWS 10:8-10 Further, the sacrifice of the Lamb of God fulfilled all the need for blood sacrifices forever. God opens the Temple in heaven to reveal the ark of his covenant. REVELATION 11:19 The only blood stain on this ark of his Covenant is the blood of Jesus Christ. He no longer needs a tabernacle or an ark from His first covenant on earth nor any animal sacrifices.
We must watch for the building of a New Temple by Israel—Ezekiel’s temple. Declare all that you see to the house of Israel. EZEKIEL 40:4 This was a command for Ezekiel to record all he saw about the Temple. The measuring of various components of the Temple and instructions for procedures start in Ezekiel chapter forty and end in chapter forty-seven. Animal Sacrifices may begin as soon as the Third Temple is ready—although they could build an altar before the Temple is completed. Those who are alive when these events start to happen need to make sure they are in-Christ.
The First War of Gog & Magog — Ezekiel 38 and 39
“Security” gained from the ending of the Six Day War of 1967 did not last long. Nor will the defeat of the Arab nations in the Yom Kippur War of 1973 be permanent. Tired of being defeated Israel’s many neighbors will eventually turn to Russia for help—for more than equipment and advice. The Russians will launch an invasion for the stated purpose of helping Israel’s neighbors destroy Israel, but their unstated agenda will be to use the Arab nations as a means to expand their hold over the Middle East. They will be most interested in “seizing spoil and carrying off plunder.” EZEKIEL 38:12 Oil and Gas seem to be the things most nations would like to plunder from the Middle East.
It is hard to place this war in a time frame. It could happen during the Tribulation. Some say there will be only one war of Gog and Magog and that it will be after the millennium. I believe it will happen before Tribulation starts and that it could be in our life time. Ezekiel gives us insight as to when this war will occur. “… In the latter years you will go against the land that is restored from war, the land whose people were gathered from many peoples upon the mountains of Israel… Its people were brought out from the peoples and now dwell securely, all of them.” EZEKIEL 38:8 From this we see Israel must first be restored and its people dwelling securely; and that it will be in the latter days. It is now the latter days and Israel has been restored. Although there is almost constant conflict in the Middle East, Israel is confident in its ability to secure their land. So this war could happen at almost anytime. Some believe it will end at least three and one-half years before the Tribulation period starts because of scripture in Ezekiel chapter thirty-nine. Again, I believe it could start any day. We should look for signs this war is eminent. Keep your eyes on Israel’s neighbors and Russia. We must continue to be vigilant.
One World Religion
It will be interesting to see what moves the newly elected pope will make toward a One World Religion. The Catholic Church has for many years sought to bring more religions under its big umbrella. Starting with the Second Vatican Council, the Catholic Church has sought ‘common ground’ with Protestants, Jews and Muslims. They do not wish to convert all of us to Catholicism; but rather they seek agreement on some key issues and they seek to have some uniformity. [4] In 1973 they came out with a new RSV translation called the Common Bible, Ecumenical Edition. It is intended to be a translation which all Catholics, Protestants, and Eastern Orthodox Christians can use; but to me the implication is one-world church. Use this Bible and then use our next translation, and the next.
We all know Muslims and Jews deny the deity of Jesus Christ as do both Jehovah Witness and Unitarians. Less explicit in their denial are the Mormons. End time pressure may cause others to do the same. While most religions believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, including the Catholic Church, still ‘officially’ acknowledge the deity of Jesus Christ, I cannot hear what many of them say because I see what they do.
Some notable Protestants in the past have denied the deity of Jesus Christ and there is currently a trend, not necessarily in the various denominations themselves, but with individuals—to deny the deity of Jesus Christ and to do as many religions have already done—make Him just an influential prophet. So how long will it take for a one-world religion to take place? “Read the fig leaves.”
PART 4 Time-Frame Three: The Start of Tribulation—First Three and One-Half Years
Tribulation Starts—Signs
A sign that Tribulation is about to start will be the ending of the first war of Gog and Magog; but it is not totally clear exactly when Tribulation starts. Many believe the first thing which happens at the start of Tribulation is the sealing of the 144,000; for the angel with the seal of the living God calls to the four angels, who had been given the power to harm earth and sea, do not harm the earth or the seas until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads. REVELATION 7:2-3 It seems the start of Tribulation is being held up until they are sealed. Although this sign may not be visible, Tribulation will start after they are sealed.
A more visible sign the Tribulation period has started is when The Two Witnesses start to Prophesy. You can be assured Jesus will make his appearing with the clouds and his heavenly host soon. Although Jesus says we will not know the day or the hour he will appear, the Tribulation timeframe from scripture lets us know the time is near. For Jesus says, “So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates.” MATTHEW 24:33 ESV I believe once these two witnesses start preaching, Jesus’ appearing for those who are in-Christ is very near.
There are so many things happening once Tribulation starts it is difficult to place them all in their proper order. Within a seven year period of time there is a lot of overlapping things happening. I believe the Tribulation period starts with the preaching of the two witnesses and ends with the Battle of Armageddon. In between these two events, many things, including God’s judgments and his wrath, happen. In addition to a continuation of the first five seals in the first one-half of Tribulation, trumpets will sound and the last two seals will be opened. Another thing we can be sure of is that the Intensity and frequency of Birth Pains Increases1
The Two Witnesses Start to Preach—1260 days to prophecy
The Two Witnesses will have authority from God. They will be clothed in sackcloth—a symbol of humility and repentance; but their message and their defense against those who wish to harm them is not so humble. They will be street preachers. These two Old Testament prophets will be on earth to prophesy for a specific time of 1,260 days. REVELATION 11:3 Many scriptures in the Bible confirm two or more witnesses are required to establish truth—God always uses two or more witnesses. JOHN 8:16-18 and DEUTERONOMY 19:15
I believe these two witnesses will be Moses and Elijah. Elijah is named as one of the witness in Malachi chapter four. It was Moses and Elijah whom were with Jesus in his transfiguration. MARK 9:4 Regardless, these two witnesses will witness to those on earth the first three and one-half years of the Tribulation; for no one will be preaching the gospel after the first messenger angel delivers his news of the gospel to the whole world. No one openly preaches in the demonic kingdom of the Antichrist.
PART 5 Time-Frame Four: The Mid-Point of Tribulation
Prologue
From this point forward the Birth pains get increasingly serious until the kingdom of God is born.At the mid-point of Tribulation many things happen quickly. I believe some things will happen sequentially, others will happened at the same time. It is hard to know how quickly these events will happen. These mid-point events could last for hours or days or even weeks Although I have no scripture witness for my beliefs, I believe they will happen within a very short time at the mid-point of Tribulation. The following sequence of events is probable. I believe all of the following events will happen in this time frame.
There will be War in Heaven—Satan will be Thrown Down to Earth. The first beast will rise out of the sea—The Antichrist will be revealed and become an incarnation of the devil. The Sixth Seal is opened. Those who are in-Christ, living and the dead, will be caught away.
Then the Abomination of Desolation will happen. The great prostitute will be destroyed. The first messenger angel will fly—THE GOSPEL will be PROCLAIMED THROUGHOUT the WHOLE WORLD one last time. The seventh seal is opened. For one-half an hour there will be Silence in Heaven.
War in Heaven—Satan Thrown Down to Earth
“Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. …the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.” REVELATION 12:7-10 This is the final expulsion of the devil from heaven. He will no longer have any access to heaven or the outer courts to accuse the brethren.
The war in heaven ends with Satan and his angels permanently barred from all heavens except earth’s atmosphere! Now the battle against evil will be physical and on the earth and its atmosphere—the first heaven! The devil knows he does not have much time left. Satan has never won any of his battles against Jesus Christ; but gross evil has blocked out everything from his mind except destruction of Israel and Jesus Christ. I believe Satan was cast down this last time at the mid-point of Tribulation. He has three and one-half years to prepare for Armageddon—after Armageddon he will try one more time to defeat Israel and Jesus Christ at the end of the millennium.
The Revealing of the Antichrist
One of the first things the devil does when Michael throws him down to the earth is to set up his demonic kingdom. He incarnates a man who is described in scripture as a master deceiver. This deceiver will rise out of the masses of people and will become a deceptive charismatic leader and ruler before his real identity is disclosed. Those who are astute may see the signs of the Antichrist before he is revealed. He is referred to in Revelation as the First Beast rising out of the sea. Paul tells us “the man of lawlessness,” this man of deception—will be revealed before the Church is caught away. II THESSALONIANS 2:1-3 After he is revealed near the mid-point of Tribulation, his demonic rule begins. He is the Antichrist.
The Sixth Seal is Opened—Caught Away! The Rapture
The timing of the Rapture in relation to the Tribulation is probably the most controversial item of all the end-time events. The traditional view is “a pre-Tribulation Rapture. For most of my life I held this same view; but I found, after a diligent search, scripture does not support that view. All of us would like to believe the Laodicean church of America will be raptured from their luxury homes and automobiles before all trouble starts; and that we will never be tested. Many books and quotes by scholars postulate this view; but we only have to look at the apostles of Jesus and martyrs in various countries in our time to see that being a Christian can and may cost you your physical life. It does cost you a commitment to a Spiritual life.
Three scriptures are commonly given to support a pre-Tribulation view. A fourth is occasionally used.
Romans 5:9— 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
I Thessalonians 5:9— 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Revelation 3:10— 10 Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.
II Peter 2:9— 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment,
I support the view from those scriptures that the church will not go through the wrath of God. I do not, however, see this as a foundation for a Pre-Tribulation Rapture view. The tension is and the concern should be when does scripture tell us the wrath of God, without mixture or measure, is going to be poured out. Scripture supports God’s wrath being poured out to this degree after the events of mid-Tribulation—not all of the seven years of Tribulation. Another postulation put forth as proof of a Pre-Tribulation view, is the wording in Revelation chapter three and verse ten, “… I will keep you from the hour of trial…” They postulate the word “from” means God chooses to Rapture us rather than protect us; but Revelation chapter nine and verse four says he does protect us. After the fifth angel sounded his trumpet which released the locusts from the bottomless pit, they “…were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.” REVELATION 9:4 That is God’s protection. Further, in this same passage the word “trial” does not mean Tribulation. In the KJV the word is temptation. “…I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation…” REVELATION 3:10 KJV Neither word means Tribulation.
The real controversy between those who believe in a Pre-Tribulation rapture and those who believe in a Mid-Tribulation is not when we will be raptured—it is about when God’s wrath will be poured out. Both believe the rapture will take place before God’s wrath is poured out. Those who believe in a Pre-Tribulation rapture believe God’s wrath is poured out for the entire seven years of Tribulation—those who believe in a Mid-Tribulation rapture do not believe it happens at the start of Tribulation. I find scripture supports a mid-Tribulation Rapture and the wrath of God poured out soon after. I believe the opening of the sixth seal happens the same time as the appearing of Jesus Christ to rapture his bride.
The Two Witnesses Killed After 1260 Days
No one can kill the Two Witnesses until their 1,260 day ministry is complete. After their ministry is finished, they are killed on the streets of Jerusalem. They will be allowed to lay dead in the streets for three and one-half days—they will have no tomb. The world will see, on satellite TV, them lying on the streets. Then there will be rejoicing and merry making and exchange of presents, much like some countries did after the destruction of the Twin Towers in New York City on Nine Eleven, 2001. Jesus tells us “… whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.” And that the world will rejoice. JOHN 16:20 Then after three and one-half days a breath of life from God enters them and they are “caught up” into heaven. REVELATION 11:3-12
The Abomination of Desolation
While Daniel prophesied about the abomination of desolation in three different chapters, it is Jesus who moves the prophecy forward to a time in the future. Jesus tells His disciples about the abomination of desolation in Matthew, He said, “…when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel…then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” MATTHEW 24:15-16 While Jesus only mentions it, Paul writes about it with some detail in Thessalonians. II THESSALONIANS 2:3-10 Jesus knew and Paul believed the abomination of desolation was and is a future event. It will happen near the mid-point of Tribulation. The words “abomination of desolation” are not mentioned in the book of Revelation; but the “man of lawlessness,” which Paul writes about is the same thing as the “beast” that John writes about in Revelation chapter thirteen. The details are the same.
The Antichrist profanes the temple of God. He opens his mouth “to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven.” REVELATION 13:6 He “…opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.” II THESSALONIANS 2:4 I believe the image of the beast is set up in the temple. It will be set up on a “wing of the temple” until the decreed destruction is poured out on the desolator. DANIEL 9:27 [CSB]
After the abomination of desolation, there will be great tribulation. God’s fierce wrath will be poured out without measure. Times will then be so bad if God does not cut short those days, no flesh will be saved. MATTHEW 24:15-22 The Antichrist will be “… allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months.” REVELATION 13:5
The Great Prostitute Destroyed by Antichrist
Soon after the rule of the Antichrist starts, he will destroy the apostate church—the great prostitute. Before her destruction, the apostate church will have a powerful role in the “one-world [global] government.” Those leaders of the ten nation coalition which helped the AntiChrist destroy the great prostitute, surrender all of their power to the Antichrist. With the Church raptured and with the apostate church destroyed, there is no one and nothing left to influence this demonic ruler who now has total control but Satan himself.
The First Messenger Angel—The Gospel Has Been Preached to the Whole World
The First Messenger Angel will give his message after the church is caught away I THESSALONIANS 4:17 and the restrainer is removed. II THESSALONIANS 2:7 It will happen after the sixth trumpet sounds and before the bowls of God’s wrath are poured out. REVELATION 16:1-21 That will be the last chance for those on earth to hear the eternal gospel, to fear God, to give him glory, and to worship God. They will be warned his judgment has come. REVELATION 14:6-7
Seventh Seal—Silence in Heaven
“When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” REVELATION 8:1
With the opening of the first six seals unprecedented chaos will be released on the earth. “When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” REVELATION 8:1 I have no explanation and can find no scripture which gives a clue as to why a heaven which is normally filled with praise and worship suddenly goes silent for about half an hour; but many believe once the scroll is fully opened and the judgments and wrath to come are seen, this causes a solemn silence to fall on all of heaven. The silence could be respect to the one who is about to judge the earth and sentence it to the greatest judgments which God and the Lamb’s have ever unleashed on this earth—God’s undiluted wrath. After the silence in heaven John saw the seven angels receiving the seven trumpets.
In the first three and one-half of Tribulation God’s judgments will cause hundreds of millions to be killed and the earth will be severely devastated. After all of God’s judgments, evil still exists. After the events happen at or near the mid-point of Tribulation, God’s physical war against evil gets serious.
THEN COMES THE END!
PART 6 Time-Frame Five: The Last Three and One-half Years
Final Destruction of Babylon
Angels who have great power and glory that makes the earth bright are God’s archangels. Their deployment is for missions of great difficulty and importance. The ten horn—kings and the Antichrist will have already destroyed the great prostitute. Now this archangel will destroy her infrastructure—both tangible and intangible. He announces with a mighty voice that Babylon is fallen. REVELATION 18:1-2 He says fallen twice. He is saying the great prostitute has fallen and now Babylon is fallen. Then he tells us only demonic beings will now occupy this great and mighty city.
Babylon is the commercial—political part of the great prostitute. The “merchants of the earth” are an integral part of her infrastructure. To become a religious giant, a giant apostate church, it takes more than masses of people who are deceived. It takes the same kind of infrastructure that any commercial business or government would need to function. This archangel sent from God is here to destroy all of it.
The Second Messenger Angel Declares that Babylon is Fallen
This Second Messenger Angel will tell every spot on earth that Babylon has fallen, the great prostitute, the apostate church—she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality. REVELATION 14:8 There will be no more false [apostate] churches to join for a sense of false peace and false security. Everything which pertains to God and to Jesus Christ on the earth is being purged from the earth by the devil. And now with the angel destroying her infrastructure—there will be nothing left of the apostate church.
The Second Beast—The Beast Out of the Earth
John sees a second beast. “Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon.” REVELATION 13:11 It speaks like a dragon for it is another representation of the great red dragon. The “horns like a lamb” is an affront to the words of Jesus in Matthew which says, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” MATTHEW 7:15 This is the False Prophet, the Factotum of The Antichrist. He is on earth to follow the commands of the Antichrist. He will cause the image of the beast—the Antichrist—to be made and worshipped. And he will set-up the mark of the beast.
The Image of The Beast
This second beast will tell those whom he has deceived to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. REVELATION 13:14 [ESV] Different versions of the Bible have differing expressions of the image. Some say the image is “for” the beast. Others say “to” the beast. And others say “of” the beast. Still others say “in honor of the beast. This could lead to differing interpretations of how the image might appear; but since it promotes worship of the beast I believe it is an image of the beast.
The Image Given Breath
And it [the false prophet] was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. REVELATION 13:15
The verse above has a lot to ‘unpack.’ First, the false prophet “was allowed” to “give breath” to the image. I believe the false prophet was allowed to give a demonic breath to the image of the beast; for nothing is said about the beast being alive—only God can give the breath of life. Further, after the image was given this breath, the image “might” speak and “might” cause those who do not worship the “image of the beast” to be slain. The “might” in this passage can have differing meanings and views. “Might” as a modal verb can be used to express possibility and uncertainty. We all know what uncertainty means; and we all know that “possibility” is still not certainty. Enough of the confusion, I am sure of this: if the image speaks it is not because he has the breath of life from God nor the intelligence which God gives.
The Mark of the Beast
Also it [the false prophet] causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666. REVELATION 13:16-18 [ BRACKETS ARE MINE]
There have been endless calculations performed and many formulas developed to determine the name that is 666. There have been even more guesses; but still we do not know the name of the beast. Many languages allow for number names. Even those countries do not yet have a name for the number 666. For centuries, and in every ingenious kind of way, men have tried to put a name to 666. Some have decided it is the pope; but it will be a charismatic leader who will arise in the end-time to become The Antichrist.
Whatever this name is, the false prophet will make sure you have it tattooed or implanted in your forehead or hand before you can buy or sell. No one will be exempt. Those who refuse the mark become martyrs.
The Third Messenger Angel Warns Against the Mark
The Third Messenger Angel will also cover every spot on earth; but he will neither proclaim the gospel nor announce the doom of the apostate church; but he will have a message of doom. “…If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God's wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
The First Six Trumpets Sound
The first six trumpets sound bringing devastation to earth and man. One-third of the earth is burned. An asteroid hits the sea and on-third of it becomes blood. Wormwood poisons the rivers and springs of waters. The sun scorches people. And the moon and stars are darkened. Locusts are released from the bottomless pit to torment evil people for five months. Then four angels bound at the Euphrates are released to lead a 200 million man army to kill a third of mankind. REVELATION Chapters 8 & 9 No army in history has come close to killing a third of mankind.
As can be seen from the previous paragraph, the sounding of the trumpets cause devastation and death. As we will see in the conclusions on the seventh trumpet, it brings good news to the saints of the most high and bad news for all who are evil.
A Great Multitude That No One Could Number, From Every Nation
In this portion of scripture, John sees a great multitude of people from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes. It seems they are leading worship in heaven for they have palm branches in their hands, and are crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” When they do this all of the angels standing around the throne, the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fall on their faces and join in the praise and worship of God. That’s worship in heaven.
Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. REVELATION 7:13-14 [NKJV]
John’s use of the word “come” in verse fourteen says they are expected to arrive—not that they are already there. And the following verses tell us they have a special mission in that they are before the throne of God to serve him day and night in his temple. Further, they will be in the First Resurrection.
The Seventh Trumpet Sounds—The End Has Come
Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” REVELATION 11:15
“And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, that there would be no more delay, [that there should be time no longer— KJV] but that in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel, the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.” REVELATION 10:5-7
The angel swears by God it is over. The mystery of God has been fulfilled. He never totally revealed his mystery to man; but now, no more secrets. No more trying to define the symbolism or seeking the spiritual. It is over. “‘Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.’” REVELATION 11:15 There is no more evil on the earth nor in the heavens. Now the King of kings and Lord of lords will reign righteously forever. When God proclaims it, it happens.
The Son of Man Is Given Dominion
Everything is in His control. Now we see everything in subjection to Him. He is crowned with glory and honor. HEBREWS 2:7-9 It is finished! JOHN 19:30 Our prayers have been answered. “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” MATTHEW 6:10 He has rewarded his servants, prophets and saints, he has poured out his wrath on evil, and he has destroyed the destroyers of this earth. REVELATION 11:18 The end of evil has come. Although the blood of the grapes of his wrath have not fully been poured out, when God declares anything—it is done. The kingdom of the world has truly become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ and He shall reign forever and ever. REVELATION 11:15
Harvest of the VINE—The Harvest of the Grapes of God’s Wrath
So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse's bridle, for 1,600 stadia. REVELATION 14:17-20
The blood which flows from this winepress is not the blood of men; but rather is the wrath of God and it depth and length is astounding. It will be poured out in the seven bowls of God’s wrath. The smoke of the glory of God and from his power will fill his sanctuary until the seven plagues are finished.
The Bowls of God's Wrath
I believe all of the bowls of God’s wrath will be poured out quickly and sequentially very near the end of Tribulation. Reading Revelation chapter sixteen, the writing of Enoch—Enoch I, and Zechariah chapter fourteen—verses twelve and thirteen shows devastation beyond human capabilities.
The First Five Bowls of God's Wrath are on man, the sea, rivers and springs, the sun, and then utter darkness. The Sixth Bowl of God’s Wrath is Poured out Before Battle ofArmageddon. It allows some of the nations to assemble for Armageddon. The Seventh Bowl is Poured Out in the Air. This bowl changes the landscape of earth. It is in preparation for Jesus’ second coming.
The Rider on a White Horse—Jesus Returns!—In The Heavens First
“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.” REVELATION 19:11 He is Faithful and True and a righteous Judge. He came to redeem us by blood, and he has appeared in the clouds to “catch away” the Church; but this is the first time Jesus has come to make war. He has eyes like a flame of fire, always searching, penetrating, exposing and judging what He exposes. REVELATION 19:12 John describes the son of man as having eyes like a flame of fire. REVELATION 1:14 There can be no doubt the one sitting on the white horse is Jesus Christ; for He also has many diadems on His head. REVELATION 19:12
“He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which He is called is The Word of God.” REVELATION 19:13 He still has His name which no one knows but Himself. He has been treading “…the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.” REVELATION 19:15 That is why His apparel is red, and His garments like one who treads in the winepress. ISAIAH 63:2 “I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me; I trod them in my anger and trampled them in my wrath; their lifeblood spattered on my garments, and stained all my apparel.” ISAIAH 63:3 “…He has washed his garments in wine and his vesture in the blood of grapes.” GENESIS 49:11 Since He has tread the winepress alone, none of the host of heaven have any ‘blood’ stains on their garments. “And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following Him on white horses.” REVELATION 19:14
In heaven it has already been determined that evil will be destroyed. It has happened in heaven. Now Jesus has returned to earth to make it happen on earth. He will destroy all evil on the earth. He will have an angel cast the beast and the false prophet into the lake of fire. Then he will destroy the army gathered against him with the word of his mouth. Then he will have an angel bind Satan and cast him into the bottomless pit.
The Battle of Armageddon—Those That are There
“And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.” REVELATION 16:13-14 These unclean spirts from the mouths of the dragon, beast, and false prophet are lying spirits sent abroad to perform signs to convince the kings that now he can defeat Israel. It must be some powerful signs to persuade the whole world to assemble for battle. In I Kings the lying spirits persuaded Ahab to go to battle without any signs—this time the kings of the whole world will see signs and hear lies.
In this assembly will be armies from the whole world for all have been deceived.
The Battle of Armageddon—There is no Battle
The mission of this battle by Satan is the destruction of Jesus Christ. The assembly that will be there for a war will fight no battle at all; for the Lord will do all the fighting.
After this the beast will be captured, and with him the “…false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur. REVELATION 19:20 “And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse…” REVELATION 19:21 The rest he will destroy without getting off of his horse. He will open his mouth and kills them all with the sword of His mouth. So in the big war that was to happen—no battle happens—just the sword from the mouth of the Lord Jesus.
PART 7 Time-Frame Six: Pre-Millennium—The Millennium—End of Millennium
Satan is Bound 1,000 Years
Jesus has returned to earth. He has defeated the armies of the whole world. They have been annihilated by the sword from his mouth. None are left living. The Antichrist and the false prophet have been captured and thrown into the lake of fire. Now it is the devil’s turn to be punished. “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain.” REVELATION 20:1 God summons one of his regular angels, the angel is not named, to bind Satan. An arch angel is needed only when it is a mission of great importance or it is total war against Satan and all of his forces. “And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” REVELATION 20:2 Chain in one hand and the devil in the other—an awesome display of the power God gives to an angel.
The Martyrs and the Great Multitude are in the First Resurrection
“…I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” REVELATION 20:4 Many in the Bible believed there would be a resurrection at the “last day.” Martha said to Jesus, “…I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” JOHN 11:24 Paul expressed his beliefs in a resurrection when he defended himself before Felix. He said he had “…hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.” ACTS 24:15 This is that resurrection.
Old Testament Saints are in the First Resurrection
Jesus declared “…an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God…” John 5:25 Then he said, “… an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” John 5:28-29 Although this scripture seems to imply both the good and the evil will be resurrected at the same time, a close reading reveals, at least to me, these are two different times. The good will resurrected to life—in the first resurrection. And those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgement—the great White Throne Judgment—where the “dead” are judged.
Again, only the good will be resurrected in the First Resurrection. Those who are evil will appear later at the Great White Throne Judgment.
The Marriage and Marriage Supper of the Lamb
John heard this proclamation in heaven, “Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready.” REVELATION 19:7 John did not witness the ceremony; but he was shown the New Jerusalem, the eternal home of the Bride of the Lamb of God. Jesus called himself the Bridegroom. The Bride of the Lamb are his Church—those who are “in-Christ.”
John the Baptist is the friend of the Bridegroom. JOHN 3:29 In parables in Matthew and Luke Jesus says those invited to his feast-banquet would not taste of it; but he invited those who many would deem to be unworthy to his supper. “… Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” REVELATION 19:9 The saints from the Old Testament, Abraham, Issac, and Jacob and many from east and west MATTHEW 8:11 will be the invited guests at the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Prelude to the Millennium
At the beginning of the millennium there will be thrones set up and there will be a resurrection and a judgment. Then thrones will be set up to transfer the kingdom of this world to Jesus Christ. Further, thrones will be set up for the twelve apostles to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. Those who will rule with Jesus Christ will take their places. The First Resurrection takes place. It will be followed by the Sheep and Goat Judgment. The judgment of those left on earth after Armageddon.
Those Who Populate Earth During the Millennium
Those who are a part of the First Resurrection will populate the earth. They will the immortals who rule and reign with Christ and those who are priests. The mortals are all of those on earth at the beginning of the millennium who did not take the mark of the beast. The Heavens and Earth During the Millennium will be restored through reshaping and purging. It will be a “Garden of Eden” type of earth with a perfect environment untainted by man and evil. Life on Earth During the Millennium will be a pastoral type of life with no sickness and very little death. There will be peace on earth, goodwill toward man.
Satan Released From His Prison—Leads Rebellion
Then after one-thousand years Satan will be released from prison and will lead a rebellion. There will be those who are easily deceived who live on the restored earth at the end of the Millennium. These “nations that are deceived” will unite with Satan in rebellion against the saints of the Lamb. REVELATION 20:8-9 In this second War of Gog and Magog all will be consumed by fire from heaven. REVELATION 20:9 “and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” REVELATION 20:10 Then at the Great White Throne Judgment—The Dead Come to Life to be judged for the deeds which they have done. Only the unjust and unsaved will be at this final judgment.
PART 8 Time-Frame Seven: After the Millennium—Stepping Into Eternity—Eternity
Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away
A new heaven and new earth has been foretold; but first the old must pass away. Jesus says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” MATTHEW 24:35 Peter tells us they are “…stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly;” II PETER 3:7 The renewed and restored heaven and earth will last only until after the Great White Throne Judgment. Then he tells us, “…the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved…” II PETER 3:10 These scriptures leave little doubt that heaven and earth are destined for destruction. A new heaven and a new earth will replace them. Then the new Jerusalem will descend to the new earth—the Eternal Home of the Bride of Christ!
Eternity with Jesus Christ
I Cannot Even Imagine!
One Final Note
I hope the words of this book are helpful for all who read its pages. I realize none of the topics were covered in a comprehensive way. In the volumes which have been written about these topics—my writings are but a word. I hope this word points you to scripture which will enlarge your knowledge and your desire to know more about what God has planned for the future.
I want to know what is going to happen in the end-times and when. Jesus told the Pharisees they knew how to interpret the appearance of the sky; but they could not interpret the signs of the times. MATTHEW 16:3 In another scripture, in His Olivet Discourse, Jesus says, “ From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. MATTHEW 24:32-33 Jesus is telling us here just as we can “read the fig leaves,” so should we be able to see the signs of the end of time and know [read] all of those signs which are about to be fulfilled.
So the point I hope has been impressed on all of us is we need to learn to “read the fig leaves.” Learn the signs of the end of time and what they mean. We do not need to be weathermen as the Pharisees were; but rather be watchmen on the wall and proclaim to those around us when we see these signs of the end times so both they and we can be prepared for what it coming on this earth, and for us to be ready for His appearing to “catch us away.” We cannot know everything. “For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.” I CORINTHIANS 13:9-10 I am sure of this one thing. We shall know soon. “And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and what is in it, the earth and what is in it, and the sea and what is in it, that there would be no more delay, [“…there should be time no longer.” KJV] but that in the days of the trumpet call to be sounded by the seventh angel, the mystery of God would be fulfilled, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.” REVELATION 10:5-7 “Read the fig leaves!”
Written by Mallard E. Guy Jr.
Over a Period of Two + Years
Finished October 28, 2023
Last Edited August 2025