BIBLE PROPHECY
TRIBULATION Part-2

    The actual ministry of the Antichrist, prior to moving into the temple in Jerusalem (approximately 1260 days before the end of the Tribulation), is not well documented in God's Word. The exact order of certain events that happen regarding the Antichrist, in the first part of the Tribulation, are difficult to pinpoint.
   Note, the word "beast" is used in both Daniel and the Revelation. In some instances, this word is used to describe certain creatures or kingdoms. However, for the purpose of clarification in this study, the word "beast" is used to describe the fourth kingdom (or what some call the revived Roman Empire, the EEC, or the kingdom of the Antichrist). As it is written, THE FOURTH BEAST SHALL BE THE FOURTH KINGDOM (that will appear) UPON EARTH…AND SHALL DEVOUR THE WHOLE EARTH-Dan 7:23. This is often referred to as the ten-horned kingdom or kingdom of the ten kings, which the Antichrist takes over. This is believed to be the EEC. In other cases, the word "beast" is used to denote the Antichrist himself, as in Dan 7:11. It is written, I BEHELD EVEN TILL THE BEAST WAS SLAIN, AND HIS BODY DESTROYED, AND GIVEN TO THE BURNING FLAME-Dan 7:11.
   The Antichrist comes forth by the working of Satan with all power, signs, and lying wonders. As it is written, EVEN HIM (this man, the lawless one), WHOSE COMING IS AFTER (or in accordance with) THE WORKING OF SATAN WITH ALL POWER AND (to work) SIGNS AND LYING WONDERS (or all kinds of counterfeit miracles-NIV)-2 Thes 2:9.
   He goes forth conquering and to conquer-ref Rev 6:2. He increases in popularity. HE SHALL DESTROY WONDERFULLY (or fearfully, or to an extraordinary degree, or astounding devastation)-ref Dan 8:24. By peace, he shall destroy many-ref Dan 8:25. Apparently, he will be a great diplomat with superhuman intelligence, as he is the son of the devil-ref Gen 3:15; 2 Thes 2:3; Ezek 28:3,5. We may expect that, through diplomacy, he will become the hope of the world.
   He will speak great things-ref Dan 7:8,20. He will speak great words-ref Dan 7:11. He shall SPEAK MARVELOUS THINGS AGAINST THE GOD OF GODS-Dan 11:36. AND HE (the Antichrist) SHALL SPEAK GREAT WORDS AGAINST THE MOST HIGH-Dan 7:25. The Antichrist shall speak blasphemous words against the God of heaven. As it is written, HE OPENED HIS MOUTH IN BLASPHEMY AGAINST GOD-Rev 13:6. AND THE KING (the Antichrist) SHALL DO ACCORDING TO HIS WILL-Dan 11:36. Note, the Antichrist is called a king.
   He will understand the ways of darkness and cause deceit to prosper-ref Dan 8:23-25.
   He will come forth as a persuasive man of peace, while, inwardly, he will be a ruthless and deceitful man that will do whatever it takes to achieve his purpose. He has no interest in women-ref Dan 11:37.
   He may be a good-looking man-ref Ezek 28:12. His look will be imposing or intimidating-ref Dan 7:20. He will have a fierce look or countenance-ref Dan 8:23.
   AND HIS POWER SHALL BE MIGHTY (or very strong)-Dan 8:24; however, the things he will accomplish will not be BY HIS OWN POWER-Dan 8:24. For Satan gives him his power, his seat, and authority-ref Rev 13:2.
   He will not regard the God of heaven, that is, the GOD OF HIS FATHERS. He does not regard the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob-ref Dan 11:37. He will honor the god of forces (or fortresses). He will honor Satan-ref Dan 11:37,38. He will consider himself superior-ref Dan 8:25 NIV.
   AND (the Antichrist) SHALL WEAR OUT (or oppress) THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH. The saints will be pursued, persecuted, tormented, and killed.
   AND (the Antichrist shall) THINK (or try) TO CHANGE (the set) TIMES. This may happen in the first part of the Tribulation or when he moves into the temple in Jerusalem. The Antichrist will seek to change the set times. Is this referring to a change in the dating of our calendar? Today's calendar, for much of the world, uses dating such as B.C. (or before Christ) or A.D. (Anno Domini, which is Latin, in the year of the Lord, or of the Christian era). Or could this be referring to God’s appointed times, the seven feasts? Would he be seeking to disrupt or change them?
   The Antichrist will also seek to change the laws throughout the earth; as it is written, AND (the) LAWS-Dan 7:25. It is the aim of the Antichrist to destroy all that follow Jesus.
   The Antichrist will reward those that honor him and will divide the land for gain-ref Dan 11:39.
   He will prosper in whatever he does-ref Dan 8:24.
   As already mentioned previously, the ten kings or rulers of the EEC shall have one mind. They will all be in agreement and shall give their power and strength unto the beast (or Antichrist)-ref Rev 17:12,13. The Antichrist WILL GREATLY HONOR THOSE WHO ACKNOWLEDGE HIM-Dan 11:39 NIV.
   He will magnify himself-ref Dan 8:25; 11:37. He will oppose any that exalt themselves against him. He will proceed in the direction of exalting HIMSELF ABOVE ALL (or everything) THAT IS CALLED GOD, OR THAT IS WORSHIPED (or that people call a god or make an object of worship; he will put himself above them all-JNT⁴⁶)-2 Thes 2:4.
   The Antichrist is like:
   (1) A LEOPARD. This denotes being quick to seize, swiftness, agility. This was characteristic of the Greek Empire under Alexander-ref Dan 7:6.
   (2) AND HIS FEET WERE AS THE FEET OF A BEAR. This denotes something very strong or large. The feet may represent stamping upon his enemies. This was characteristic of the Medo-Persian Empire-ref Dan 7:5.
   (3) AND HIS MOUTH AS THE MOUTH OF A LION. This denotes pride. He will be proud and boastful. The Antichrist will have a mouth that speaks great things and blasphemies. This was characteristic of the Babylonian Empire-Rev 13:2.
   The ministry of Jesus lasted approximately three and a half years before He was crucified. During that time His reputation grew. He did many wondrous miracles. The Antichrist (which is the son of Satan) appears to come to power and takes over the EEC. He then signs a covenant with Israel, which begins the Tribulation. His fame, reputation, and power can be expected to grow steadily throughout the first part of the Tribulation.
   The first part of the Tribulation (which begins at the time the Antichrist confirms the covenant with Israel and lasts until the midst of the Tribulation, when the Antichrist moves into the temple in Jerusalem) is traditionally considered to be three and a half years. However, in some way, the three and a half years may be cut short. The time that the abomination of desolation actually occurs may be sooner than what many expect. Many born-again Jews might be caught by surprise and not be prepared to flee, as they are commanded to do, in what is termed "the midst of the Tribulation." 
   The number of the name of the Antichrist is 666. It is written, HERE IS WISDOM. LET HIM THAT HATH UNDERSTANDING COUNT THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST (the Antichrist): FOR IT IS THE NUMBER OF A MAN; AND HIS NUMBER IS SIX HUNDRED THREESCORE AND SIX-Rev 13:18.

    The precise order of certain events during the Tribulation, concerning the EEC and the one-world government, can be difficult to pinpoint.
   As mentioned previously, the word "beast," in both Daniel and the Revelation, sometimes represents the fourth kingdom (or what we call the revived Roman Empire, the EEC, or the kingdom of the Antichrist); in other cases, it denotes the Antichrist himself.

    The EEC (European Economic Community), or EC (European Community), or EU (European Union), which we also sometimes call the revived Roman Empire, was formed not long after the rebirth of Israel. Israel was reborn in 1948.
   In 1949, the Council of Europe was established.
   In l951, the European coal and steel community was organized, consisting of six nations—Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and West Germany. It was created to remove barriers and assist in the flow of capital, goods, and services among its member nations.
   In 1957, the Treaty of Rome was signed. These six nations became known as the European Community. The same year, they agreed to establish the European Atomic Energy Community.
   In 1967, they adopted the name of the European Common Market.
   In January of l973, three more nations joined—Denmark, Ireland, and Great Britain. This brought the total to nine.
   In 1979, the ECU (European Currency Unit) was established.
   On July 17, l979, the European parliament was formed, with 410 delegates and an elected president. It convened in January of l980.
   On January 1, l981, Greece became the tenth member.
   On January 1, l986, Spain and Portugal became the eleventh and twelfth members.
   On January 1, l995, Austria, Finland, and Sweden boosted the number of members to fifteen.
   Reportedly, about twelve other nations have made application for membership in the EC, at the time this is being written.
   Many other things are taking place to bring about greater solidarity among member nations. Consider that part of Europe is going in the direction of a unified currency, the elimination of borders in regards to trade, unified passports, and other items not mentioned.
   During the Tribulation, however, the final outcome will be ten kings, or leaders, or divisions, or nations.
   Rev 17:13 shows, the EEC would have a governmental body.

    The Scriptures show, the empire that would come forth in the latter days (the last empire) would come from the nations of the Old Roman Empire. It is written, AND THE PEOPLE OF THE PRINCE THAT SHALL COME (which is the Antichrist) SHALL DESTROY THE CITY AND THE SANCTUARY-Dan 9:26. The people that came and destroyed the city of Jerusalem and the sanctuary, in approximately 70 A.D., was the Roman Empire. Thus, we know that the revived Roman Empire, the EEC, is the empire that Daniel is referring to. This is further confirmed in Daniel chapter two, the fourth kingdom. We also see that the toes, or the ten nations, or ten kings, are from the Roman Empire. In this last generation, the EEC fits every prediction perfectly.

    Rev 13:1-AND I (or he) STOOD UPON THE SAND OF THE SEA, AND SAW A BEAST RISE (or come) UP OUT OF THE SEA. There is a similar wording in Dan 7:3. Rev 17:15 should be considered, also. Both seem to carry the meaning of "nations in unrest or turmoil." The verse continues, HAVING SEVEN HEADS. The seven heads are the seven mountains of Rome, and there are seven kings. There is debate, however, if the seven kings apply here. The number seven often represents "completeness." The verse continues, AND TEN HORNS. The ten horns are ten kings or kingdoms during the Tribulation. They are also represented by the ten toes of Dan 2:40-45. The ten horns can also represent power. The verse continues, AND UPON HIS HORNS TEN (royal) CROWNS. Each of the horns represent a king or kingdom. Thus, there is a crown for each horn, which is representing kingship or authority. AND UPON HIS HEADS THE NAME OF BLASPHEMY (or blasphemous names). To very briefly summarize Rev 13:1, it is showing us the revived Roman Empire, headed by the Antichrist, during the Tribulation. It is full of blasphemy against God. The word "beast" is sometimes used interchangeably to describe both the kingdom and the Antichrist.
   Some of the same terminology is used in Rev 12:3, describing a great red dragon, which is Satan.

    It is from this organization that the Antichrist appears to come forth immediately after the Rapture. He becomes their leader and confirms the covenant with Israel and others; this begins day one of the Tribulation. At some point, perhaps at the beginning, the Antichrist overthrows three leaders or kings.
   Following, what we call, World War III, the United States, Russia, and some Arab nations appear to be greatly cut or pruned; consequently, the EEC seems to become the focal point of an emerging one-world government. It is unclear exactly when, during the first part of the Tribulation, this one-world government will be in place. Scripture seems to indicate the earth is divided up into two groups of five regions, a total of ten, under the leadership of the ten kings.
   Such things as the enormous super-computer the EEC already has, the EFT or electronic funds transfer system, and the Trilateral Commission, and many other things—which are seldom publicized—are all indicators that this one-world government, which comes forth during the Tribulation, is close at hand.

    The Scriptures show this would be an economic empire. It is written, AND THE MERCHANTS OF THE EARTH-Rev 18:11. MAN BUYETH THEIR MERCHANDISE-Rev 18:11. Through this great economic empire, many will become rich. It is written, THE MERCHANTS OF THESE THINGS, WHICH WERE MADE RICH BY HER-Rev 18:15. This empire will have many delicacies. It is written, THE ABUNDANCE OF HER DELICACIES-Rev 18:3. This will be a very strong empire. It is written, THE FOURTH BEAST SHALL BE THE FOURTH KINGDOM UPON EARTH-Dan 7:23; AND STRONG EXCEEDINGLY-Dan 7:7. Trade barriers between member nations have already been lowered as of the writing of this book.
   Also, Rev 18:12 and 13, list many items that are sold. The EEC has steadily grown, uniting many of Europe's nations into a great economic and political empire. It also has a military arm called the Western European Union. Many EEC nations are also members of NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization).

    The Scriptures show the EEC—from which the Antichrist will arise—will ultimately engulf the entire world, becoming a one-world government. This, in turn, may be divided into two categories: east and west. There could be five eastern regions and five western regions, for a total of ten.
   It is written, AND THERE ARE SEVEN KINGS: FIVE ARE FALLEN. The five that had fallen, as of the writing of this passage, were Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. AND ONE IS. The one that existed, at the time the Revelation was written, was the Roman Empire. AND THE OTHER IS NOT YET COME-Rev 17:10. The empire that had not yet come, but is here today, is what we call the revived Roman Empire. This is also called the EC (European Community) or EEC (European Economic Community).
   It is written, A FOURTH BEAST, DREADFUL (or terrifying) AND TERRIBLE (or frightening), AND STRONG (or very powerful) EXCEEDINGLY; AND IT HAD GREAT IRON TEETH: IT DEVOURED (or crushed) AND BRAKE IN PIECES (its victims), AND STAMPED (or trampled underfoot) THE RESIDUE (or whatever was left) WITH THE FEET OF IT: AND IT WAS DIVERSE (or different) FROM ALL THE (former) BEASTS THAT WERE BEFORE IT; AND IT HAD TEN HORNS-Dan 7:7.
   THE FOURTH KINGDOM UPON EARTH…SHALL DEVOUR THE WHOLE EARTH, AND SHALL TREAD IT DOWN, AND BREAK IT IN PIECES-Dan 7:23; ref Dan 7:19.

    As mentioned, in this fourth kingdom, there would be two major divisions (the two feet) and possibly other divisions between the ten kings; all would not run smoothly. As we should see, the empire of the Antichrist is not without problems.
   Dan 2:41-AND WHEREAS THOU SAWEST THE FEET AND TOES, (were) PART OF POTTERS’ (or baked) CLAY, AND PART OF IRON, (so) THE KINGDOM SHALL BE DIVIDED. In the empire of the Antichrist, two divisions appear to exist. The first division is between the two feet. Since the Revelation reveals the advancement of the "kings of the east" and one-third of mankind being killed, it appears, there may be an east-west division. Note the words, "kingdom divided—feet." Dan 2:33,34 mention the feet of iron and clay. Dan 2:41 mentions a division. The feet and toes contain both iron and clay. These toes represent ten kings, or kingdoms, or nations, or divisions that will be allied with or under the Antichrist. This kingdom has the characteristics or elements of the three previous kingdoms: the lion, the bear, and the leopard. The iron from the Roman Empire is also still present in the revived Roman Empire of the Antichrist; however, clay is mixed in with it.
   Dan 2:41 continues, BUT THERE SHALL BE IN IT (some) OF THE STRENGTH OF THE IRON, FORASMUCH AS THOU SAWEST THE IRON MIXED WITH MIRY (or common) CLAY.
   Also there appears to be a second division, that of the toes, in verses 42 and 43.
   Dan 2:42 tells us, AND AS THE "TOES" (there are 2 feet and 5 toes on each foot, a total of 10) OF THE FEET WERE PART OF IRON, AND PART OF CLAY. The ten toes are the ten horns, which are ten kings-ref Dan 7:24,7; Rev 13:1; 17:7. (Note part 5A, Rev 13:5.) SO THE KINGDOM SHALL BE PARTLY STRONG, AND PARTLY BROKEN (or brittle).
   Dan 2:43 tells us, AND WHEREAS THOU SAWEST IRON MIXED WITH MIRY (or common) CLAY, THEY (plural, more than one) SHALL MINGLE THEMSELVES (or be a mixture, or combine) WITH THE SEED OF MEN: BUT THEY SHALL NOT CLEAVE ONE TO ANOTHER (or will not remain united), EVEN AS IRON IS NOT "MIXED" WITH CLAY-ref verse 41.
   Verse 42 is carried over into verse 43. It is talking about toes.
   In verse 42, there appears to be some kind of a brokenness. This is between the ten toes or ten kings. The kingdom is partly strong and partly broken.
   In verse 43, "they" shall not cleave together. The reason for this is unclear. The Antichrist is the actual son and seed of Satan. Both the Antichrist and false prophet are described as having an unclean spirit like a frog that comes out of their mouth-ref Rev 16:13.
   On the other hand, they are normal human beings by birth. One might wonder, if the differences between them will result in the division—even as iron and clay do not mix—or if there is another reason they will not cleave one to another.

    Dan 7:19-THEN I WOULD KNOW THE TRUTH (or true meaning) OF THE FOURTH BEAST, WHICH WAS DIVERSE (or different) FROM ALL THE OTHERS, EXCEEDING DREADFUL (and most terrifying), WHOSE TEETH WERE OF IRON, AND HIS NAILS (or claws) OF BRASS; WHICH DEVOURED, BRAKE IN PIECES (or crushed and devoured its victims), AND STAMPED (or trampled) THE RESIDUE (or whatever was left) WITH HIS FEET (or underfoot).
   Dan 7:23-THUS HE SAID, THE FOURTH BEAST SHALL BE THE FOURTH KINGDOM (that will appear) UPON (the) EARTH. This is the Roman Empire, which subsequently becomes the revived Roman Empire, from which the Antichrist comes forth.
   WHICH SHALL BE DIVERSE (or different) FROM ALL KINGDOMS. It is unlike any of the other kingdoms.
   AND SHALL DEVOUR THE WHOLE EARTH. The Antichrist and his empire shall devour and rule over the entire earth.
   AND SHALL TREAD (or trample) IT DOWN. The earth shall be trampled down by the Antichrist and his empire.
   The one-world government shall be headquartered in Rome; as it is written, AND THE WOMAN (which we have already seen, is Rome) WHICH THOU SAWEST IS THAT GREAT CITY, WHICH REIGNETH OVER THE KINGS OF THE EARTH-Rev 17:18.

    AND BREAK IT IN PIECES (crushing it). The earth shall be split up into pieces or regions-Dan 7:23.

    THE FOURTH KINGDOM-Dan 2:40
   FOURTH BEAST...THE FOURTH KINGDOM-Dan 7:23
   DIVERSE FROM ALL THE BEASTS-Dan 7:7; ref Dan 7:19
   DIVERSE FROM ALL KINGDOMS-Dan 7:23
   A BEAST RISE UP OUT OF THE SEA-Rev 13:1; ref Dan 7:3
   A BEAST...HAVING SEVEN HEADS-Rev 13:1; ref 17:7
   UPON HIS HEADS THE NAME OF BLASPHEMY-Rev 13:1
   FEET PART OF IRON AND PART OF CLAY-Dan 2:33
   *  TOES...PART OF IRON, AND PART OF CLAY-Dan 2:42
   *  FEET AND TOES, PART OF POTTERS' CLAY, AND PART OF IRON-Dan 2:41
   KINGDOM…DIVIDED-Dan 2:41
   PARTLY STRONG, AND PARTLY BROKEN-Dan 2:42
   *  THEY SHALL MINGLE...WITH THE SEED OF MEN-Dan 2:43
   *  THEY SHALL NOT CLEAVE ONE TO ANOTHER-Dan 2:43 (AS IRON IS NOT MIXED WITH CLAY)
   STRENGTH OF THE IRON-Dan 2:41
   STRONG AS IRON-Dan 2:40
   STRONG EXCEEDINGLY-Dan 7:7
   GREAT IRON TEETH-Dan 7:7; ref Dan 7:19
   NAILS OF BRASS-Dan 7:19
   DREADFUL AND TERRIBLE-Dan 7:7
   EXCEEDINGLY DREADFUL-Dan 7:19
   *  Some scriptures showing division in the empire

    The Tribulation will be a time where lying signs, wonders, miracles, false prophets and prophecies, and dreamers will be rampant.
   Deception will seemingly be everywhere; truth may be difficult to find. How can a person discern concerning prophets, whether they are right or wrong? God's Word gives us the answer. That answer is, YE SHALL NOT SAY.
   Because of the shameful, lying misuse of the Word (or burden, or utterance, or prophecy of the Lord) during the Tribulation, YE SHALL NOT SAY.
   It is written, IN THE LATTER DAYS YE SHALL CONSIDER IT PERFECTLY. I HAVE NOT SENT THESE PROPHETS, YET THEY RAN (with their message): I HAVE NOT SPOKEN TO THEM, YET THEY PROPHESIED. BUT IF THEY HAD STOOD IN MY COUNSEL, AND HAD CAUSED MY PEOPLE TO HEAR MY WORDS, THEN THEY SHOULD HAVE TURNED THEM FROM THEIR EVIL WAY, AND FROM THE EVIL OF THEIR DOINGS.
   I HAVE HEARD WHAT THE PROPHETS SAID, THAT PROPHESY LIES IN MY NAME, SAYING, I HAVE DREAMED, I HAVE DREAMED. HOW LONG SHALL THIS BE IN THE HEART OF THE (lying) PROPHETS THAT PROPHESY LIES (or delusions)? YEA, THEY ARE PROPHETS OF THE DECEIT OF THEIR OWN HEART; WHICH THINK TO CAUSE MY PEOPLE TO FORGET MY NAME BY THEIR DREAMS WHICH THEY TELL EVERY MAN TO HIS NEIGHBOR, AS THEIR FATHERS HAVE FORGOTTEN MY NAME FOR BAAL. THE PROPHET THAT HATH A DREAM, LET HIM TELL A DREAM; AND HE THAT HATH MY WORD, LET HIM SPEAK MY WORD FAITHFULLY. WHAT IS THE CHAFF TO THE WHEAT? SAITH THE LORD. IS NOT MY WORD LIKE AS A FIRE? SAITH THE LORD; AND LIKE A HAMMER THAT BREAKETH THE ROCK IN PIECES?
   THEREFORE, BEHOLD, I AM AGAINST THE PROPHETS, SAITH THE LORD, THAT STEAL MY WORDS EVERY ONE FROM HIS NEIGHBOR. BEHOLD, I AM AGAINST THE PROPHETS, SAITH THE LORD, THAT USE (or wag) THEIR TONGUES, AND SAY, HE SAITH. BEHOLD, I AM AGAINST THEM THAT PROPHESY FALSE DREAMS, SAITH THE LORD, AND DO TELL THEM, AND CAUSE MY PEOPLE TO ERR (or lead my people astray) BY THEIR LIES, AND BY THEIR LIGHTNESS; YET I SENT THEM NOT, NOR COMMANDED THEM: THEREFORE THEY SHALL NOT PROFIT THIS PEOPLE AT ALL, SAITH THE LORD.
   AND WHEN THIS PEOPLE, OR THE PROPHET, OR A PRIEST, SHALL ASK THEE, SAYING, WHAT IS THE BURDEN (or Word) OF THE LORD? THOU SHALT THEN SAY UNTO THEM, WHAT BURDEN (or oracle)? I WILL EVEN FORSAKE YOU, SAITH THE LORD.
   AND AS FOR THE PROPHET, AND THE PRIEST, AND THE PEOPLE, THAT SHALL SAY, THE BURDEN (or oracle) OF THE LORD, I WILL EVEN PUNISH THAT MAN AND HIS HOUSE. THUS SHALL YE SAY EVERY ONE TO HIS NEIGHBOR, AND EVERY ONE TO HIS BROTHER, WHAT HATH THE LORD ANSWERED? AND, WHAT HATH THE LORD SPOKEN?
   AND THE BURDEN (or oracle) OF THE LORD SHALL YE MENTION NO MORE: FOR EVERY MAN'S WORD SHALL BE HIS BURDEN; FOR YE HAVE PERVERTED THE WORDS OF THE LIVING GOD, OF THE LORD OF HOSTS OUR GOD.
   THUS SHALT THOU SAY TO THE PROPHET, WHAT HATH THE LORD ANSWERED THEE? AND, WHAT HATH THE LORD SPOKEN?
   BUT SINCE YE SAY, THE BURDEN (or oracle) OF THE LORD; THEREFORE THUS SAITH THE LORD; BECAUSE YE SAY THIS WORD, THE BURDEN (or oracle) OF THE LORD, AND I HAVE SENT UNTO YOU, SAYING, YE SHALL NOT SAY, THE BURDEN (or oracle, or utterance, or prophecy) OF THE LORD;
   THEREFORE, BEHOLD, I, EVEN I, WILL UTTERLY FORGET YOU, AND I WILL FORSAKE YOU, AND THE CITY THAT I GAVE YOU AND YOUR FATHERS, AND CAST YOU OUT OF MY PRESENCE: AND I WILL BRING AN EVERLASTING REPROACH UPON YOU, AND A PERPETUAL SHAME, WHICH SHALL NOT BE FORGOTTEN-Jere 23:20-22, 25-40.
   Burden can also translate as "oracle." Note its usage in Zech 9:1-THE BURDEN OF THE WORD OF THE LORD. It can mean utterance, burden, or desire - prophecy.
   This message appears to be extremely important to people during the Tribulation. The understanding of this message could mean life or death to some or even to many.
   These verses appear to address the people of Jeremiah's time and also those during the Tribulation.

    As already noted, God brings Russia and its allies against Israel for a very specific purpose. Because of the Rapture, there were no born-again Christians left on the earth. All those who were left had rejected Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation. Many that claimed they believed on Jesus Christ refused to allow Him to reign over them. Many that were left were only lukewarm.
    God needed to do something, at the beginning of the Tribulation, to awaken this sinful world (both Israel and the Gentiles) to the fact that there is a God and Jesus Christ is the Messiah; He is the only way to be saved.
   The Lord set up a special situation. God brought the greatest military invasion force, in the history of the world, against the little nation of Israel. Israel had no chance of winning. Therefore, God interceded, supernaturally, and destroyed nearly all of the invasion forces. God did this in such an incredible way that both the people of Israel and the world knew there is a God.
   From this point, many will be seeking God. Now the evangelism of the world will begin to take place through 144,000 male, virgin Jews.
   Thus, because of God's supernatural destruction of Gog and his allies, there will be a worldwide revival. Many will get saved, both Jews and Gentiles; however, they will have to face horrible persecutions. A short time later, many will be martyred for their faith in Jesus.

    Thus, we see some of the reasons why the Russian invasion has to come at the beginning of the Tribulation. God needed to get the world's attention. It is also clear that the revival had not yet happened, because one-fourth of the world's population died as a result of the war; all perished to hell after seal four was opened. Thus, it appears that seal four could not have been fulfilled, if the Russian invasion of Israel had occurred further on in the first part of the Tribulation.

    In 2 Thes 2:10-12, it is written, AND WITH ALL DECEIVABLENESS OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS IN THEM THAT PERISH (or in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing-NIV) (He will enable him to deceive, in all kinds of wicked ways, those who are headed for destruction-JNT⁴⁷); BECAUSE THEY RECEIVED NOT (or refused) THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH, THAT THEY MIGHT BE SAVED (or that could have saved them-JNT⁴⁸). AND FOR THIS CAUSE (or reason) GOD SHALL SEND THEM (a) STRONG (or powerful) DELUSION (causing them to go astray-JNT⁴⁹), THAT THEY SHOULD BELIEVE A (or the) LIE. (The result will be) THAT THEY ALL MIGHT BE DAMNED (or condemned) WHO BELIEVED NOT THE TRUTH, BUT HAD PLEASURE (or delighted) IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS (or wickedness).

    Verses 10 to 12 all go together. They appear to be addressing those of the last church age (the Laodicean age). This is our present church age that will end with the Rapture. These verses give a very stern warning.
    This message shows that the unrighteousness and evil in these people shall deceive them (deceivableness or deception of unrighteousness in them that perish), because they would not receive God’s Word, Jesus, (the love of the truth, or they refused to love the truth-NIV) so that they could be saved. Sin deceives.
   This grave warning goes forth:
   for those people that would not receive God’s Word (the love of the truth),
   and would not believe the truth of God’s Word that they might be saved,
   but had pleasure, or delight, or fun, or enjoyment in doing or practicing sin, or wickedness, or unrighteousness.
   In other words, this extreme warning from God is for those that choose to reject Jesus, because they have fun in doing wickedness.
   For this reason, those that rejected God’s Word, because they had pleasure in doing wickedness, God Himself will send them a strong delusion or strong thoughts, so that the lie of the Antichrist will be perceived as the truth to them, and the truth of God’s Word will be perceived as a lie. God shall do this so that there is no possible chance for them to be saved; so that they all might be damned and perish for eternity.

    Religious deception will abound during the first part of the Tribulation, yet God’s truth will also go forth with power. All of the following will be teaching during this time.
   1. God will send forth 144,000 male, virgin Jews to teach His truth.
   The following will be deceiving people:
   2. False Christs
   3. False prophets - many shall follow these false teachers, because of the miracles they will do.
   4. The Antichrist
   5. The "Great Harlot" - churches around the world should unite under the banner of the Roman Catholic Church.
   6. Deceived people will also be deceiving one another.
   *  During the second part of the Tribulation, two prophets of God should be witnessing. These are not included in this list of six, as they should not appear until approximately the midst of the Tribulation.

    Let us bring to remembrance the tactics that Satan has used in the past. In the church of Smyrna (the second church), Satan used persecutions to try to destroy the church. It was a poverty-stricken church. The end result, however, was that the church actually grew stronger, even though many of them were killed.
   Then Satan switched tactics. In the third church, Pergamos, persecutions greatly decreased. The world moved into the church. They became "married" or joined to the world. False doctrines came into the church. The church got worse. In the fourth church, Thyatira, more ungodly doctrines got mixed in. The church became even worse.
   During the Tribulation, those that follow Jesus may undergo the most extreme and hideous persecutions ever devised. To become a true Christian will be to invite a death sentence for most. The Scriptures show us that many who commit to Jesus, during the Tribulation, will turn from their faith under this intense pressure.
   However, Satan will also combine, with the persecutions, the most cleverly devised tactics ever used to deceive people. There will be false Christs and false prophets that will be able to do incredible, yet deceptive, miracles. These miracles will be so fantastic that they could deceive even the very elect, if possible. Also, for a while, Satan will use the Catholic church with all of its intoxicating doctrines. It can be expected to become an immense, world church that appears beautiful on the outside; however, inside there is death. The Antichrist will also be causing deception. People will also be deceiving each other. The Scriptures show us that multitudes will be deceived as a result of this overwhelming combination of deceptions.
   Yet, despite all this, many will come to faith and trust in Jesus Christ (through the teaching of the 144,000) and will not shrink back or turn away. By God’s grace, some will survive, endure, and escape the clutches of the world that wishes to destroy them. They will ultimately be at the judgment of the nations as the sheep on the right hand of Jesus. These should hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servants." These will go into the Millennium to repopulate the earth. However, most that trust in Jesus, during the Tribulation, will be martyred. Some will be killed during the first part; most will be killed during the second part.

    The 144,000 Jews are sealed with the seal of the living God-ref Rev 7:2-4. They have their FATHER'S NAME WRITTEN IN (or on) THEIR FOREHEADS-Rev 14:1. There are 12,000 from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Dan is omitted. They are male, virgin Jews that have not known a woman; no guile is found in their mouth. They are without fault before the throne of God.
   Following God's supernatural destruction of the invading forces against Israel, the 144,000 believe and go forth preaching the Everlasting Gospel and the Gospel of the Kingdom over all the earth. They will preach to fear God, to give glory to God, the message of salvation, and the message of the judgments that are now being brought upon the earth.
   Many will get saved as a result of the 144,000 anointed ones of God. However, those that do come to Christ, by faith, will suffer horrible persecutions. Many will have to flee for their lives as time progresses. Many will eventually be beheaded for their faith in Jesus.
   What ultimately happens to the 144,000 is not clear.

    As a result of the teaching of the 144,000, a great multitude of people, during the first part of the Tribulation, will be saved. Many of them, however, will be killed in the second part of the Tribulation. This includes both Jew and Gentile alike. A remnant, that is, one-third of Israel, will also be saved.
   AFTER THIS I BEHELD, AND, LO, A GREAT MULTITUDE (or a huge crowd), WHICH NO MAN COULD NUMBER (or too large) (which no one could count-NASB), OF ALL NATIONS, AND KINDREDS (or tribes), AND PEOPLE, AND TONGUES (or language), STOOD BEFORE (or in front of) THE THRONE, AND BEFORE (or in front of) THE LAMB, CLOTHED WITH (or dressed, or wearing) WHITE ROBES, AND PALMS (or palm branches) IN THEIR HANDS…AND HE SAID TO ME, THESE ARE THEY WHICH CAME OUT OF (the) GREAT TRIBULATION (or great persecution), AND (they) HAVE WASHED THEIR ROBES, AND MADE THEM WHITE IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB (Jesus). THEREFORE ARE THEY BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD, AND SERVE HIM DAY AND NIGHT IN HIS TEMPLE: AND HE THAT SITTETH ON THE THRONE SHALL DWELL AMONG THEM (or spread His tent over them-NIV)-Rev 7:9,14,15.

    One-third of Israel will be refined as silver is refined. They will go through many judgments and trials. However, two-thirds of the Jews will not turn to Jesus. Sadly, they will ultimately be cut off and die.

    There have been times, in the past, of great persecution against the church that followed Jesus Christ. However, there has never been anything to compare with the persecution that shall come during the Tribulation.

    During the first part of the Tribulation, persecution against those that follow Jesus will be very severe. Those that trust in Jesus will be hated, persecuted, ridiculed, mocked, physically beaten and tortured, arrested and some will be killed. The Bible tells those that are to give a testimony, not to consider beforehand what they shall say, because the Holy Ghost shall speak through them.
   However, this is nothing compared to the second part of the Tribulation. During this part, persecution against those that follow Jesus will be devastating. Persecutions, physical abuse, torture, and the most hideous and unthinkable things possible can be expected to happen to the Christian, his possessions, and children. Most true Christians will be beheaded for their faith in Jesus Christ, as they will not be able to escape. The only way to keep from being beheaded is to renounce their faith and worship the image of the beast. The only other alternative, it appears, will be that Christians will have to run for their lives and hide. In addition, all will be required to take the mark of the beast or the number of his name in their right hand or forehead. If a person refuses to do this, they cannot buy or sell anything.
   This section of the book is mainly dealing with the first part of the Tribulation.

    THEN SHALL THEY DELIVER YOU UP TO BE AFFLICTED (you will be arrested and handed over to be punished-JNT⁵⁴), AND SHALL KILL YOU: AND YE SHALL BE HATED OF ALL NATIONS FOR MY NAME’S SAKE (or because of Me)-Mt 24:9; ref Mt 10:22; Mk 13:13; Lk 21:17.

    Persecutions, ridicule, even being falsely accused, arrested, tortured and killed lies ahead for many that follow Jesus during the first part of the Tribulation. Under these severe trials, many will turn away from their faith in Jesus Christ to save themselves. If they do, they shall perish for eternity.
   AND THEN SHALL MANY BE OFFENDED (or trapped), (at that time many will turn away from the faith-NIV)-Mt 24:10.

    During the first part of the Tribulation, hate will be everywhere. People shall betray each other. Brother shall turn against brother. The father shall be against his son. The children shall be against their parents. No one will be able to be trusted. Relatives shall be against each other. Friends shall turn against friends.

    THEN SHALL THEY DELIVER YOU UP TO BE AFFLICTED (you will be arrested and handed over to be punished-JNT⁵⁴), AND SHALL KILL YOU: AND YE SHALL BE HATED OF ALL NATIONS FOR MY NAME’S SAKE (or because of Me)-Mt 24:9; ref Mt 10:22; Mk 13:13; Lk 21:17. (Repeated)

    During the first part of the Tribulation, hate will be everywhere. People shall betray each other. Brother shall turn against brother. The father shall be against his son. The children shall be against their parents. No one will be able to be trusted. Relatives shall be against each other. Friends shall turn against friends.

    During the Tribulation, evil men and seducers (or impostors) will deceive others; they, themselves, will be deceived. Religious deception of all sorts will abound.
   THIS KNOW…THAT IN THE LAST DAYS…EVIL MEN AND SEDUCERS (or impostors) SHALL WAX WORSE AND WORSE, DECEIVING, AND BEING DECEIVED-2 Tim 3:1,13.

    During the Tribulation, some people will turn to deceitful spirits and doctrines of devils. People will worship devils and will not repent of such evil. They will also worship the work of their hands. Some will worship idols of gold, of silver, of brass, of stone, and of wood. Witchcraft, in various forms, shall prosper.

76-THERE WILL BE A ONE-WORLD RELIGIOUS SYSTEM
UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

    The "great whore," which is the Roman Catholic Church, is shown to be a false religion during the first part of the Tribulation. It will encompass the entire world, including many nations, multitudes of people, many languages, and the kings of the earth.
   The Bible never calls it a church, but uses several other names including "the great whore." The name of the false religion, and some of the prophecies, indicate that it is not a new religion, but has been around a long time. The prophecies also depict this false religion as being interwoven with a major, industrialized city: a trading center not far from the sea, which sits on seven hills and dates back to the time before the apostles.
   Spiritually, the great prostitute-ref Rev 17:1 NIV, is described as having a golden cup. Every Roman Catholic should be familiar with this cup. The Bible portrays this cup as being full of abominations. Consider a golden cup. On the outside, it is beautiful and glamorous. It seems to illustrate something pure and elegant. The outside of the cup seems to reflect godliness and spirituality. However, this golden cup of the Catholic Church, which is being held in the hand of the city of Rome, is not beautiful on the inside. It is full of death and poison. It is FULL OF ABOMINATIONS (or abominable things). The world will accept the golden cup as beautiful and true-ref Rev 17:4,2. However, God shows it is full of abominations and obscene and filthy things. Note, its biblical name, AND UPON HER FOREHEAD WAS A NAME WRITTEN, (a) MYSTERY (or with a hidden meaning), BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS (or prostitutes, or whores) AND (of the) ABOMINATIONS (or obscenities) OF THE EARTH-Rev 17:5.
   The Roman Catholic Church is portrayed as a whore and a fornicator against Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Bridegroom. Those that belong to Jesus are the bride. The saints of God represent a woman or female. As the wife is to be obedient to her husband, so the church is to be obedient to Jesus. The man is the head of the woman. Jesus is the head of the church.
   Those in league with this great false religion are referred to as fornicators or adulterers, as they have chosen to follow a false religion of deceit rather than Jesus and the truth. They follow a religion that uses the name of Jesus, but is a deception that has been responsible for killing multitudes of the true followers of Jesus. They are committing "fornication" or spiritual whoredom against Jesus—the true Bridegroom. God’s opinion of this great false religion can be seen in the names He uses to describe it. It is a GREAT WHORE or prostitute. Her sins have reached unto heaven.
   Once the Rapture of the true church has taken place, the Scriptures seem to indicate that various religious institutions of the world, including the World Council of Churches, various cults, different denominations, and many others that are left behind, may also become part of the great whore.
   Once the true church of Jesus has been taken out of the way, the Roman Catholic Church will experience, what we may call, "a revival." As best as can be determined, the religious institutions and people of the world will unite under the umbrella of this "great whore." They will partake of her false and alluring doctrines, which are descended from Babylon. Many kings of the earth will reject Jesus in favor of the "great whore." Their minds will be taken captive with the whore's deceptive doctrines. The leaders of many nations become allied with this great false religion, the Roman Catholic Church. They will support her and commit spiritual fornication with her.
   The Roman Catholic Church corrupts the earth with its false teachings and enticing ways.

    The Roman Catholic Church is portrayed as a golden cup full of abominations and filthiness. It is shown as being a whore and a fornicator. Those in league with this great false religion are referred to as fornicators or adulterers, as they have chosen to follow a false religion of deceit, rather than Jesus and the truth. These Scriptures apply to both this present time, as well as the Tribulation.

    The Babylonian cult religion became a foundation for the Roman Catholic Church, which inherited the rites of the old Babylonian cult. It may be said that one could take a golden cup and pour in the teachings of the Babylonian cult. Add to this a distorted understanding of the Bible and some other books related to the Bible. Finally, pour in the results of the many councils the Roman Catholic Church has had, in which they have added other things to their teachings. What emerges is a religion that uses some of the Bible without correct understanding, mixed with many other doctrines that directly contradict God’s Word and deceive multitudes of people. This package of deception and abominations, which is called "Christian," is clothed in beauty (represented by the golden cup). Next clothe the priests and others with fine clothing; add beautiful music; majestic cathedrals; and magnificent, well-planned rituals, pomp and majesty; and you have the Roman Catholic Church. Then add to all this the word "holy." Call it the "Holy" Roman Catholic Church. Then lie and deceive people by telling them that the Pope is God’s representative upon the earth, is descended from Peter in his calling of God, and is infallible. The end result is what God refers to as the "Great Whore." Many are deceived and will perish to hell, yet are positive that it is really God’s ordained church.
   Neither do they think they will go to hell, because they believe a lie, which the Roman Catholic Church fabricated, called "purgatory."
   This name, "Mystery, Babylon the Great," does clearly denote the Roman Catholic Church.
   It is written, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS (or prostitutes, or whores) AND (of the) ABOMINATIONS (or obscenities) OF THE EARTH-Rev 17:5. This great false religion has a biblical name. That name is, in part, "The Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth."
   The second part of the name that God gives to the Roman Catholic Church is staggering. This church is called "The Mother of Harlots" (or prostitutes, or whores). It is "the great whore," "the mother" of all those that malign God’s Word, who deceive people by distorting God’s Word and, thus, lead them astray. As a harlot or prostitute seduces a person into spiritual death, so this church is portrayed as the mother of all cults and false, deceptive teachings.
   This Babylonian cult is now manifested and handed down by the Roman Catholic Church. This false religion is the mother of abominations of the earth. Many people consider this great false religion as true; yet God describes it as the mother of whores and abominations.

    This worldwide false religion is also pictured as being interwoven with a great city: a center for trading, upon seven hills, near the sea, which has killed saints, prophets, and perhaps apostles. The false religion and the city are so much a part of each other that the description of the one often is the same as the other. The golden cup is shown being held in the hand of the city, which is Rome. It is a vivid portrayal of the city of Rome having the Roman Catholic Church within the city. The city of Rome is indeed one with the Vatican. The city of Rome is shown as having the name of the great whore written upon her forehead. These prophecies fit Rome and the Roman Catholic Church, both today and during the Tribulation.

    The city of the "great whore," which is Rome, is portrayed as being full of the names of blasphemy against God. The city is shown to have committed fornication, whoring, or immorality against Jesus. This includes the past as well as during the Tribulation. Spiritually, the Catholic church is clearly a descendant of the Babylonian cult. Thus, spiritually, the city of Rome is a descendant of the same. However, it has been suggested that the Antichrist might change the name of "Rome" to Babylon during the Tribulation. Should this be true (only speculation) then it would be a second reason that the Bible refers to "Rome" by the name of Babylon.

    It is written, AND I SAW A WOMAN (the city that houses the false religion)...FULL OF NAMES OF BLASPHEMY (blasphemy against God)-Rev 17:3.
   It is written, BABYLON...HER FORNICATION (or immorality, or whoring)-Rev 18:2,3.

    The city of Rome is pictured as a great city, a mighty city, or city of power. It is described as an ancient city that existed in the days of the apostles, yet would still exist during the Tribulation. The Scriptures show that Rome is a unique city with musicians, crafts and craftsmen, grinding apparatus, candles or lamps, and marriages. It would be a rich and beautiful city. Beautiful cloth, gold, and precious stones are all mentioned in connection with this city called Rome. All of these will likewise be true of Rome during the first part of the Tribulation.

    The city of Rome would have great riches, and delicacies, and many types of merchandise. It would be a trading capital. Both merchants and those that own ships would become rich through dealing with this city. These verses apply to the present time, but also to the Tribulation. Rome may become even more of a center of trade, during the Tribulation, than it is at this current time.

    The city of the "great whore," which is Rome, is portrayed in God's Word as having been responsible for the death of many saints, witnesses of Jesus, prophets of God, and apostles. This slaughter of those that follow Jesus will continue during the Tribulation. It is shown to be involved in much sin. It is pictured as glorifying herself. It may be said that Rome is a city of pride, which lives in luxury and believes she will never see sorrow or be destroyed. Many nations have drunk of her fornication and her immorality. No religion or city in the world even begins to fulfill every single one of these prophecies, except the great city of Rome. The great whore is the Roman Catholic Church. The Bible describes Rome and the Roman Catholic Church in the past and during the Tribulation.

    There is a warning to the saints of God, regarding this church and city, both prior to and including the Tribulation. It is written, AND I HEARD ANOTHER VOICE FROM HEAVEN, SAYING, COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE, THAT YE BE NOT PARTAKERS (or share) OF HER SINS, AND THAT YE RECEIVE NOT (or will not be infected) OF (any of) HER PLAGUES. FOR HER SINS HAVE REACHED (or piled up) UNTO HEAVEN, AND GOD HATH REMEMBERED HER INIQUITIES (or crimes)-Rev 18:4,5.
   FLEE OUT OF THE MIDST OF BABYLON, AND DELIVER EVERY MAN HIS SOUL: BE NOT CUT OFF IN HER INIQUITY; FOR THIS IS THE TIME OF THE LORD'S VENGEANCE; HE WILL RENDER UNTO HER A RECOMPENSE-Jere 51:6. Although this verse may have been fulfilled in the past, it also seems to apply to the Tribulation as well.
   Ultimately, the Roman Catholic Church and Rome will be destroyed, it appears, during the second part of the Tribulation.

    Zech 5:5-11-THEN THE ANGEL THAT TALKED WITH ME WENT FORTH, AND SAID UNTO ME, LIFT UP NOW THINE EYES (look up), AND SEE WHAT IS THIS THAT GOETH FORTH (that is appearing).
   Zech 5:6-AND I SAID, WHAT IS IT? AND HE SAID, THIS IS AN EPHAH (or measuring basket) THAT GOETH FORTH. HE SAID MOREOVER, THIS IS THEIR RESEMBLANCE (or iniquity of the people, or appearance) THROUGH ALL THE EARTH (or land). It is noted that the iniquity is throughout the earth. The ephah here represents a Jewish unit of measure used in commerce. It may have been the largest unit for dry measuring normally used in business.
   Zech 5:7-AND, BEHOLD, THERE WAS LIFTED UP A TALENT OF LEAD (or a lead cover was lifted up-NASB): AND THIS IS A WOMAN THAT SITTETH IN THE MIDST (or inside) OF THE EPHAH (or basket). Thus, we see the measuring basket has a lead cover and a woman inside of the basket.
   Zech 5:8-AND HE SAID, THIS IS WICKEDNESS. AND HE CAST (or pushed, or threw) IT (or her down) INTO THE MIDST (or middle) OF THE EPHAH (or basket); AND HE CAST THE WEIGHT OF LEAD (cover) UPON THE MOUTH (or opening) THEREOF. The woman in the basket represents wickedness. The angel threw her down into the basket. Thus, we appear to have commerce and wickedness intermixed. The woman in the basket may be representing the "great whore" of Revelation chapter 17. It also seems to represent the commerce of Rev chapter 18.
   Zech 5:9-THEN LIFTED I UP MINE EYES, AND LOOKED, AND, BEHOLD, THERE (before me) CAME OUT TWO WOMEN (were coming out), AND THE WIND WAS IN THEIR WINGS; FOR THEY HAD WINGS LIKE THE WINGS OF A STORK: AND THEY LIFTED UP THE EPHAH (or basket) BETWEEN THE EARTH AND THE HEAVEN. The two women are not identified. Their job is to move the basket of wickedness from Israel to Babylon and accomplish what is in verse 11.
   Zech 5:10-THEN SAID I TO THE ANGEL THAT TALKED WITH ME, WHITHER DO THESE BEAR (or taking) THE EPHAH (or basket)?
   Zech 5:11-AND HE SAID UNTO ME, TO BUILD IT AN HOUSE (or temple) IN THE LAND OF SHINAR (or Babylonia): AND IT SHALL BE ESTABLISHED, AND (she will be) SET THERE UPON HER OWN BASE (or pedestal). It may be said, to build an house for the basket of wickedness in Babylon; when it is built, the basket will be set in its place. The wickedness in Babylon or Rome will have its base of operation there and be firmly established there for part or all of the Tribulation.
   As stated in other verses, sometime during the second part of the Tribulation or at Armageddon, Rome will be utterly and completely destroyed forever. Regarding Israel, with the return of Jesus at Armageddon, God will take away their sin and remember it no more.

    The people of the land of Israel shall continue to bury the dead bodies of the invasion troops for seven months. After seven months, men shall be employed and the land shall be searched for more bones. This appears to continue throughout the first part of the Tribulation.

    The weapons of the dead soldiers will be burned for fuel seven years or for the entire length of the Tribulation. Because of this, Israel will not need to take wood out of the fields or forests. Depending upon when God destroys the invasion forces, and also if the Tribulation is shortened in some way, the seven years may extend into the Millennium.

    Once the forces that invaded Israel are destroyed, those Jews that have not yet returned to Israel can be expected to return from all over the world.

    The temple in Jerusalem should be built at the approximate location where the Dome of the Rock currently sits. During the shaking of the land, when Russia is in Israel, the Dome of the Rock may come crashing down. Once God has destroyed the invading forces, we may expect that Israel will "rush" to begin building a new temple. Ultimately, the Antichrist will move into the temple during the midst of the Tribulation.

    There have been no "sacrifices and oblations" in Israel since approximately 70 A.D., when they were cut off by Titus. It is written, FOR THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL SHALL ABIDE MANY DAYS (a long time, many years)…WITHOUT A SACRIFICE-Hos 3:4. Once the temple is rebuilt in Jerusalem, during the first part of the Tribulation, the "sacrifices and oblations" are expected to begin again.
    Christians acknowledge that Jesus has already come. When He died He said, IT IS FINISHED-Jn 19:30. The veil of the temple in Jerusalem was rent. The sacrifices at the temple no longer meant anything, as Jesus had become the final and ultimate sacrifice for sin.
    However, many Jews will not acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ. They are still waiting for the Messiah to come. They will believe and receive the Antichrist as the true Messiah during the Tribulation. As it is written, IF ANOTHER SHALL COME IN HIS OWN NAME, HIM YE WILL RECEIVE-Jn 5:43.
    It is written, HOW LONG SHALL BE THE VISION CONCERNING THE DAILY SACRIFICE…UNDERSTAND, O SON OF MAN: FOR AT THE TIME OF THE END SHALL BE THE VISION-Dan 8:13,17. This shows that at the time of the end (which is the seventieth week of Daniel, the Tribulation) the daily sacrifices will be offered. During the midst of the Tribulation, the Antichrist SHALL CAUSE THE SACRIFICE AND THE OBLATION TO CEASE-Dan 9:27. Again, this shows that the sacrifices will be started sometime during the first part of the Tribulation.

    Jerusalem is just one city of many thousands in the world. It only has a few hundred thousand people; yet it is a city of controversy. It is a city that many want to rule over and possess. This is the way God said it would be after Israel was reborn. Jerusalem can be expected to be a controversy during the entire Tribulation. At the time of Armageddon, which is immediately after the Tribulation of those days, the following verse applies.
   It is written, BEHOLD, I WILL MAKE JERUSALEM A CUP OF TREMBLING (or a cup that causes reeling-NASB) UNTO ALL THE PEOPLE ROUND ABOUT (or surrounding peoples), WHEN THEY SHALL BE IN THE SIEGE BOTH AGAINST JUDAH AND AGAINST JERUSALEM. AND IN THAT DAY (when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her-NIV) WILL I MAKE JERUSALEM A BURDENSOME (or heavy) STONE (or immovable rock) FOR ALL PEOPLE: ALL THAT BURDEN THEMSELVES WITH IT (or lift it, or try to move it) SHALL BE CUT IN PIECES (or will injure themselves), THOUGH ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE EARTH BE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST IT-Zech 12:2,3.

    The "midst" of the Tribulation is 1260 days prior to the end of the Tribulation: The second part of the Tribulation lasts 1260 days, or 42 months, or 3½ years.
   Two major events appear to happen just prior to the midst of the Tribulation (or just slightly more than 1260 days before the end of the Tribulation). One is the Antichrist will be killed with some sort of a weapon, wounding him in the head. The other event is the two prophets or witnesses of God appear.

    The Tribulation appears to be clearly defined by Daniel as being 7 years long, or 84 months, or 2520 days. The term "the midst of the week" (or Tribulation) appears in Dan 9:27. This is generally defined as the precise middle point of the Tribulation. This means it is 3½ years, or 42 months, or 1260 days from both the signing of the covenant (which began the Tribulation) and the last day of the Tribulation. It is the exact center of the seven year period.
   Nevertheless, the first part of the Tribulation (3½ years) may be shortened in some way.

    Just prior to the midst of the Tribulation, the Antichrist is killed by a wound in his head with some sort of a weapon. The Scriptures do not give us the details of how the wound is inflicted, but it is speculated that someone assassinates him.
   Remember that, perhaps, four days after Jesus entered Jerusalem, He was crucified; but three days later, He rose from the dead.
   Shortly thereafter (possibly three days later), the Antichrist comes back to life. The world is astonished and follows the Antichrist. He declares himself to be God.
   The world will worship Satan, which gives power to the Antichrist, and they will worship the Antichrist openly. They ascribe to him deity. They will say, "Who is like the beast? Who can fight against him?" They will be fully persuaded that the Antichrist is really the true Christ, and that Satan is really God. Billions will be deceived.
   Next, he moves into the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem and stops the sacrifices in the midst of the Tribulation. At this point, the time period should be 1260 days from the end of the Tribulation. Thus, it appears, the Antichrist is killed just prior to the "midst" of the Tribulation.

The other event expected to happen just prior to the midst of the Tribulation is that the two prophets or witnesses of God appear. One is Elijah, and the other appears to be Moses.

    The second part of the Tribulation is 1260 days. When the two witnesses appear upon the earth, their ministry will last 1260 days. Then they will be killed. Their bodies will lie in the street three and a half days. After the three and a half days, they shall stand upon their feet and ascend up to heaven. Combine the length of their ministry with the three and a half days and it equals 1263½ days. This would lead us to believe that they will appear just prior to the midst of the Tribulation or, perhaps, about the same time that the Antichrist shall be killed. Their resurrection must occur prior to the Battle of Armageddon, which is immediately after the Tribulation of those days.
   The Scriptures show that they have the power to shut heaven that it rain not in the days of their prophecy.
   Many scriptures mention the rain being shut off during the Tribulation. They seem to reveal that this happens during the second part of the Tribulation. We have no scriptural evidence that the rains will be shut off during the first part of the Tribulation. Quite the contrary, we do have evidence from the Scriptures that the springs of waters will flow, and the crops will still be growing. Rain is needed to grow crops. Thus, it seems clear that the two prophets are upon the earth during the second part of the Tribulation, as they have the power TO SHUT HEAVEN, THAT IT RAIN NOT IN THE DAYS OF THEIR PROPHECY-Rev 11:6.
   The rain resumes during the first month of the Millennium. This is also a clear indication that the two prophets of God will be upon the earth during the second part of the Tribulation. It is written, BE GLAD THEN, YE CHILDREN OF ZION, AND REJOICE IN THE LORD YOUR GOD: FOR HE HATH GIVEN YOU THE FORMER RAIN MODERATELY, AND HE WILL CAUSE TO COME DOWN FOR YOU THE RAIN, THE FORMER RAIN, AND THE LATTER RAIN IN THE FIRST MONTH. AND THE FLOORS SHALL BE FULL OF WHEAT, AND THE VATS SHALL OVERFLOW WITH WINE AND OIL-Joel 2:23,24. The rain that was held back during the second part of the Tribulation shall come down during the very beginning of the Millennium.
   As the Scriptures are studied, regarding some of the vial judgments, it is clear they are brought forth by the two prophets of God and that these judgments are during the second part of the Tribulation. Thus, it seems clear that the two prophets of God are upon the earth during the second part of the Tribulation (the worst part). This is the same time that Jerusalem shall be overrun by the Gentiles. The Antichrist will be in the temple; people will be taking the mark and worshiping the image of the beast. These prophets will be hated by the unbelieving world. Elijah, as mentioned previously, shall come BEFORE…THE GREAT AND DREADFUL DAY OF THE LORD (which is Armageddon). Again, this would put him upon the earth during the second part of the Tribulation.

    Who are these two witnesses? Does God give us the answer to this question? Some say we do not know who either is. Some say one is Enoch, or Elijah, or Moses, or a combination of these. The Scriptures clearly show us who one is. Through God’s Word, we should be able to determine the identity of the other, also.

    There is absolutely no question that one witness is Elijah. It is written, BEHOLD, I WILL SEND YOU ELIJAH THE PROPHET BEFORE THE COMING OF THE GREAT AND DREADFUL DAY OF THE LORD: AND HE SHALL TURN THE HEART OF THE FATHERS TO THE CHILDREN, AND THE HEART OF THE CHILDREN TO THEIR FATHERS, LEST I COME AND SMITE THE EARTH WITH A CURSE-Mal 4:5,6. The "great and dreadful day of the Lord" is the day Jesus Christ returns. It is the time of the Battle of Armageddon. Before that day, Elijah will, indeed, come. This is also taught in the Passover feast, as the youngest child is taught to go and look for the prophet.

    There seems to be very little doubt that the second witness is Moses. The Scriptures indicate that both witnesses have to be a Jew. Both Elijah and Moses were Jews. It is written, THESE ARE THE TWO OLIVE TREES, AND THE TWO CANDLESTICKS STANDING BEFORE THE GOD OF THE EARTH-Rev 11:4. The olive tree represents the Jews or Israel; as it is written, THE LORD CALLED THY NAME, A GREEN OLIVE TREE-Jere 11:16.
   These two witnesses are prophets. Moses fulfills this prophecy. It is written, THEY SHALL PROPHESY-Rev 11:3; IN THE DAYS OF THEIR PROPHECY-Rev 11:6. God talked to Moses face to face. Aaron was given to Moses to be his prophet-ref Ex 7:1.
   Many of the miracles that will be done, during the Tribulation, by the two witnesses were also done by Moses previously.

    Some say the second witness is Enoch, because he was translated-ref Heb 11:5. However, this cannot be accepted, because he was not a Jew, as he lived before the flood. The two witnesses need to be "olive trees" or Jews. Neither does he fulfill many of the other prophecies relating to the two witnesses. There appears to be no other scriptural evidence to support this view.
   There is no question that one of the two witnesses is Elijah. The biblical evidence that Moses is the other witness is very strong. The idea that we do not know who either witness is has to be discounted in view of the Scriptures.

• The two witnesses will prophesy 1260 days

• Elijah will be a sign to the Jew

• They will shut off the rain

• They will turn the heart of the fathers to the children

• They will turn the heart of the children to the fathers

• They will turn the disobedient to the wisdom of the just

• They will make the people ready for the coming of the Lord

• They will announce that Jesus is returning

• They will restore things

• They will announce that Armageddon is coming

• They will warn the people of what lies ahead

• They will warn the people not to take the mark

• They will warn the people not to worship the beast

• They will warn the people not to worship the image

• They will warn the people of the wrath of God's judgment for those that take the mark, or worship the beast, or his image

• They will turn the waters to blood

• They will smite the earth will all plagues as often as they will

• By their power, they will show that the Antichrist is not the real God

• They will bring plagues upon men, so that they will give glory to God; however, men will not repent to give God glory-ref Rev 16:9

• After 1260 days, they will be killed

• They will rise from the dead

• They will ascend up to heaven in a cloud

    During this one day period and the few days that follow this time, called the "midst" of the Tribulation, many extremely important events occur. There may be more Scripture relating to various events occurring during this particular time than any other part of the Tribulation.
   Many of the following events will be happening at the same time, or, perhaps, within hours of each other, or, in some cases, only a few days apart. Nearly all of them happen or begin to happen 3 ½ years, or 42 months, or 1260 days from the end.
   Jesus' disciples thought that He would restore the kingdom to Israel-ref Acts 1:6. Jesus told them, IT IS NOT FOR "YOU" TO KNOW THE TIMES OR THE SEASONS, WHICH THE FATHER HATH PUT IN HIS OWN POWER-Acts 1:7. The Jews are back in their land. They are waiting for the Messiah to come. The Antichrist comes forth to fill this void, this anticipation, this hope.
   After the Antichrist is killed (presumably in Jerusalem), he comes back to life. At this time, a spirit from the pit enters into him. The world is astonished. He proclaims himself to be God and moves into the temple in Jerusalem. The sacrifices and oblations at the temple are stopped. This is the midst of the Tribulation. He is given power to continue for 42 months.
   He has all power, after the working of Satan, and is able to do signs and lying wonders.
   The Antichrist speaks great things. He blasphemes God.
   He acknowledges, glorifies, and honors Satan with gifts.
   The world worships the Antichrist. Deceit and craft prosper. Power is given to him over all.
   The temple court that is without is given to the Gentiles. They shall trample under their feet the holy city for 42 months.
   The Antichrist shall make war with the saints, and they will be given into his hand for 3 ½ years. He shall have finished scattering the power of the holy people in 3 ½ years.
   He shall think to change the times and the laws.
   A false prophet appears; he does great signs and wonders.
   The mark is initiated. All that dwell upon the earth must receive a mark in, or on, their forehead or right hand. If they refuse, they cannot buy or sell. Some also believe this will include not being allowed to work a job. It appears that anything, which involves a financial transaction, will become nearly impossible for those that do not take the mark, making it extremely difficult for these people to survive.
   There is war in heaven. Satan and his angels fought, but lost. Satan was cast down to the earth. He is furious. He knows that he has only a short time left. Satan makes war against the saints.
   The abomination of desolation occurs. An image of the Antichrist is set up on a wing of the temple. Those that will not worship it will be beheaded. The temple is defiled or made unholy.
   From henceforth, there is great Tribulation.
   The Jews that keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ are told to flee fast, without any hesitation, when they see the abomination of desolation. Those that do not obey this command can expect to be caught, persecuted, and killed. Satan tries to kill them while they are fleeing, but God protects them. God has a place prepared to take care of them, to nourish and feed them, for the last 3 ½ years or 1260 days. For then shall be "Great Tribulation."
   Multitudes will be slain for their faith in Jesus; however, many others will shrink back in their faith under this intense pressure. Persecutions against the true Christians will become almost indescribable.

    The Antichrist had been growing in fame and popularity, since the approximate time of the beginning of the Tribulation. His rise to prominence was supernatural. He came in his own name. His position, power, and authority was given to him by Satan. At the time he is killed, just prior to the midst of the Tribulation, he may be the most famous and beloved man on the earth.
   We might speculate that much of the world will be watching by satellite television or listening by radio as the funeral of the Antichrist is held, possibly in Jerusalem. The whole world may be given a day off from work just to watch or listen.
   But then, while, perhaps, millions or billions of people are watching or listening, the Antichrist, which had the deadly wound to his head, sits up or stands up alive. The world is absolutely shocked and astonished. The Antichrist's DEADLY (or fatal) WOUND WAS HEALED-Rev 13:3. The Antichrist comes back to life. It is written, AND (yet) DID LIVE (that was struck by the sword but came alive again-JNT⁶¹)-Rev 13:14.
   As a result of being healed, ALL THE WORLD (or the whole earth) WONDERED (or was astonished) (and followed) AFTER THE BEAST (in amazement)-Rev 13:3.

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