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The word "day" in phrases like "the Day of the Lord" can have a strict or a broad sense meaning... The word "day" in phrases like the "Day of the Lord" can have a strict or a broad sense meaning. Concerning phrases similar to the "Day of the Lord," some of these point to a particular day. For example, the "Day of Christ " can point to the very day of Christ's Second Advent, which will take place during the time of God's Day of the Lord judgment, as shown above. In accord with the common pre-trib view that there will be two phases to His return (see NOTE #1 below), questions concerning which phase is being meant in a given reference are relevant. Also, I can see the word day sometimes pointing to both phases (or events) as a whole, especially from a first century perspective. Consider the example of a binary star, which looks like a single star to the naked eye but is seen to be two stars when viewed through a telescope. A help in better understanding the distinctions that can be made between the coming Day of the Lord and the Day of Christ are the similar distinctions that can be made between the day of the automobile and the day of the Ford Mustang. Whereas the day of the automobile has continued for over a century since it was first invented, the day of the Mustang came during the day of the automobile. Moreover, the day of the Mustang can be understood as being the very day it was unveiled, or, as taking in all the years it has been manufactured. (I know my son would smile right here if I mentioned that he used to have a Cobra Mustang. I think I will!) Understanding precisely when the period of the last days' Day of the Lord judgment will begin (relative to other things) and what sense is being meant with the other similar or variant phrases is pivotal to a correct rapture view. The following key references are given with the sense indicated that best aligns with all of Scripture, along with some clarifying thoughts. Importantly, note that every case of the word day in the specific phrase, "Day of the Lord," is used in the same sense. REFERENCE #1 Acts 2 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable Day (broad sense) of the Lord come. Here, Peter is speaking to those gathered on the Day of Pentecost and quotes from a prophecy of Joel's (Acts 2:16-21/Joel 2:28-32). One thing is very evident in this verse: The phenomena being spoken of concerning the sun and the moon will precede the beginning of "that great and notable Day of the Lord." Note that these phenomena parallel exactly with what John sees after the 6th Seal is opened in Revelation chapter six. There, in verse 12, he writes, "And I beheld when He had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood. " Then, in verse 17, the people exclaim, "For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" What John beheld at this time was the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy. Further, this gives us a very important reference point, connecting the opening of the 6th Seal with when the period o f God's last days' Day of the Lord judgment will begin. Be mindful of how this ties in with our next reference. REFERENCE #2 1 Thessalonians 5 1 But of the times and seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that the Day (broad sense) of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape (i.e., shall not be raptured with the Church) . Paul writes these words to the Thessalonians just after explaining to them about the rapture in the closing verses of chapter four (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Then, as chapter five opens, he makes a close connection between the rapture and the beginning of the Day of the Lord. He likens the suddenness and unexpectedness of this time to that of the coming of "a thief in the night." When Christ returns for the Church, He will likewise come suddenly and unexpectedly, or as a "thief," to take it away (e.g., Matt. 24:42-44 and Lk. 12:39-40), whereupon th e period of the Day of the Lord will commence. Because the event of the rapture and the beginning of the Day of the Lord so closely coincide, both will equally happen suddenly and unexpectedly. This world will by no means be expecting the rapture event, nor be prepared for what all will take place that same day and afterwards. Notice how that REFERENCE #1 ties in with this second reference. Whereas Joel's prophecy makes a close connection between the Day of the Lord and certain phenomena occurring, Paul makes a close connection between the Day of the Lord and the rapture. This means, if the phenomena of which Joel prophesied is fulfilled with the opening of the 6th Seal (which is so), we have a connection of this seal with both the Day of the Lord and the rapture. Indeed, what John saw with the opening of this seal and what Joel and Paul prophesied is like corroborative evidence. It's like what we learned in math: If A=B and B=C, then A=C. Detectives love finding evidence like this! REFERENCE #3 2 Peter 3 10 But the Day (broad sense) of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which (i.e., in the period, era, or age of which) the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the Day (broad sense) of God , wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. As with the previous reference, when mankind is least expecting it, the Lord will return as a thief for the Church, and th e period of God's Day of the Lord judgment will commence. Note that what Peter speaks of concerning the earth being "burned up" (vs. 10) will not take place until after Christ's 1000 year reign (Rev. 20:1-10), just before the time of the Last Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15, esp. vs. 11), all of which is part of the period of the Day of the Lord. So, in strict accord with Peter's words, this world will indeed be burned up during this time, just near the end of it. This becomes more clear when his words are compared with Revelation 20:11 in conjunction with 21:1. Concerning the "Day of God " phrase that Peter used in verse 12, in light of the context and the like destruction there spoken of, we can understand this as being a variant form of the Day of the Lord phrase he used in verse 10—like a synonym of it. REFERENCE #4 2 Thessalonians 2 1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (at the rapture) , and by our gathering together unto Him (during the rapture) , 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the Day (strict sense) of Christ (His Second Advent) is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for THAT DAY (strict sense) shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 5 Remember ye not, that when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only He (Christ's Holy Spirit through the Church) who now letteth (see NOTE #2) will let, until He be taken out of the way (at the time of the rapture) . 8 And then shall that Wicked (the Antichrist) be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming (His Second Advent) : All Paul was saying to the Thessalonians was that the particular day of Christ's Second Advent was not "at hand" as was being rumored. The same thing would be true if such was being rumored today. Before Christ returns to reign, the Antichrist will be revealed and the seven years of Daniel's 70th Week will transpire. According to Paul's words, we who are a part of the Church will not see the Antichrist revealed. This is also the position of most everyone who holds to the common pre-trib view. While he may be alive even now, this is different than being revealed. Before any of this occurs, the Church will be gathered to Christ during the rapture. It is upon the basis of this that Paul beseeches his readers to not be troubled. Read the account again with these things in mind. Be wary of statements, suggestions, and even other translations that would have "the Day of Christ is at hand" to read something like "the Day of the Lord is present, or already come." The word "Christ" in the King James Version is not a mistranslation, but is correct according to the Textus Receptus manuscript from which it was translated ( see Appendix #3 ) . Also, according to the universally respected Greek Dictionary of Strong's Concordance , the meaning of the word from which "at hand" is translated could go either way. Be careful about accepting it to be changed from the way that it is. Other Bible references where the Day of the Lord and similar phrases are found should also be considered in light of whether the word day is being used in the broad or strict sense. One thing is certain: Whether the sense is broad or strict, what days these shall be! NOTES : That there will be two phases to Christ's return is the belief that Jesus will initially return for His Church (first phase), then at least seven years later, with His Church (second phase). While I have always believed that Scripture supports this (and still do), I have come to see something a little differently concerning the first phase. Now, pay close attention! According to the common pre-trib view, at the first phase, Christ will return secretly (not visibly) for the rapture, and I still believe this represents what the event will be like for those left behind on the United States' side of the earth. But, there is scriptural support that at this same time, He will be seen in the sky on Israel's side of the earth for a "sign" appearance that He will make (Matt.24:30). Whereas the duration of this appearance will no doubt be extremely short (on the order of a glimpse/1 Cor. 15:52), it will cause the people on Israel's side of the earth to respond and exclaim as John records in Revelation 6:15-17. This is something that I have yet to see brought out by anyone else, in person, in print, or in the web world. We will be focusing on this in depth beginning with PROPOSITION T . The Greek word from which "letteth" is translated is katecho (G2722), which means "to hold down." Fairly common knowledge, and as is shown in a Webster's Dictionary, the archaic meaning of the word "let" is "hinder" or "prevent." In the day that the KJV came to be, this was the meaning of the word. By such knowledge, we can realize that verse seven actually means, " For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only He who now hindereth will hinder, until He be taken out of the way." Further, I believe in accord with the common pre-trib view that the "He" of this verse is Christ's Holy Spirit, which indwells His Church. When the Church is gathered out, the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit through the Church will be "taken out of the way." The result? "And then shall that Wicked be revealed" (vs. 8). bACK tO TOP PART I HOME next key PROPOSITION G When considering the "Day of the Lord" and similar phrases, we know that the word "day" can mean a particular day or a period of time. For example, the day of one's appointment represents a particular day, like Monday, but the day of technology represents a period of time, like the era, age, or day of the computer. This is consistent with our English language and Hebrew and Greek usage as well. Said a different way, there is both a strict and a broad sense in which the word day can be interpreted. Remaining mindful of this is essential to correctly interpreting things relating to the Day of the Lord and similar phrases, especially in references that bear upon the timing of the rapture. Concerning the particular phrase, the "Day of the Lord," the Bible is consistent with this day always representing a period of time. When used in the New Testament, it concerns the time of God's coming judgment upon this world that will take place in the last days. As we shall see, Scripture reveals that this day of judgment will not begin until after the rapture of the Church. It will include the seven years of Daniel's 70th Week and will continue through the judgment of the unsaved at the Last Judgment, commonly referred to as the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). After this, time (as we know it) will give way to eternity, as reflected in the opening verses of Revelation 21. From a different angle, this means that the last period of time in the history of this present world will be that of God's final "Day of the Lord" judgment. The highlight of this time will be the Lord's Second Advent and Millennial Reign, which I like to think of as the Day of the Lord proper! Following is an illustration showing the basic elements of this time and its relation to the rapture and eternity:

This page shows Propositions N-Z of a very different pre-trib rapture view, beginning with the opening of the 2nd Seal of the Seven Sealed Book and continuing through the "great tribulation" spoken of in Revelation 7:14... bACK tO TOP continue 1-10 THE KEYS---PART I (continued) (PROPOSITIONS N-Z) (click or touch a key) N—The 2nd Seal reveals Satan's Church Age scheme to take away peace and bring about wars. O—The 3rd Seal reveals Satan's Church Age scheme to effect poverty for most, but luxury for some. P—The 4th Seal reveals Satan's Church Age scheme to martyr Christians, but with a specified limit. Q—The "fourth part of the earth" of the 4th Seal is a geographical, not a population, reference. R—The 5th Seal reveals the cry of Church Age martyrs for justice, nearer the end of the Church Age. S—The prophecy quoted by Peter in Acts 2:16-21 points to the Church Age and precisely spans it. T— The appearance of "the sign" Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:30 will precede His Second Advent. U—The Sign Appearance of Christ will be accompanied by signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars. V—The tribulation Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:29 concerns the tribulation of the Church Age. W—The Sign Appearance of Christ includes the rapture and occurs after the opening of the 6th Seal. X—The 144,000 Israelites and those in Israel's hemisphere will see Christ's Sign Appearance. Y—The "great multitude" of Revelation 7:9-17 is the just resurrected with the just raptured Church. Z—The "great tribulation" of Revelation 7:14 is what the Church has so long been through.

The Olivet Discourse pertains to both Church Age Christians and Last Day's Israelites... The Olivet Discourse pertains to both Church Age Christians and Last Days' Israelites. bACK tO TOP PART I HOME next key PROPOSITION K The Olivet Discourse is a talk Jesus had with His disciples on the Mount of Olives concerning some bad things that were going to be taking place, especially in connection with His return. Of the four Gospel accounts, this discourse is found in all but John's account. Part of the reason for this may be that, though John was actually present when Jesus spoke these words (Mk. 13:3-4), he was also given The Revelation! As it turns out, God inspired the other Gospel writers to give an account of Jesus' discourse, but John to give an account of The Revelation. Since both the Olivet Discourse and The Revelation concern things that were going to be happening, it should not surprise us to find paralleling information between the two, like that which we looked at in the previous proposition. Nor should it surprise us that one holds keys to unlocking the mysteries of the other and vice-versa. This will be important to remember. Turning our attention now to the present proposition, realize that many scholars (who also believe in a pre-trib rapture) put forth an interpretation that has the entire Olivet Discourse pertaining only to Israelites. I just have to disagree and encourage patience and the closest attention be given as we examine this, for it is foundational to a correct understanding of the timing of the rapture. To begin, it cannot be dismissed that some 2000 years of world history continues to connect with and substantiate what Jesus said in the opening of His discourse. We do not have to look to events yet future to find fulfillment of what He warned was going to be happening. It has been being fulfilled since the first century and is being fulfilled even now in our day. The continued fulfilling of what Jesus said about deceivers and false Christs, about wars and rumors of wars, about famines, pestilences, and earthquakes, and about the persecution and martyrdom His followers would face is remarkable . Things could have turned out a lot differently, but they have not ( see Appendix #4 ) . Just a little sidebar—atheists, agnostics, and non-Christians should take note! And, don't forget the parallels pointed out in the previous proposition. If these things of which Jesus warned connect with the first four seals, understanding all of this would seem to be pivotal (if not altogether necessary) to a correct understanding of The Revelation. Also, does it not seem appropriate, even obligatory, that in such a talk with His disciples, Jesus would warn them of things they and His Church would be facing? He was speaking these things to the pillars of His Church the very week He was to be crucified! Early in the Church Age, our brothers and sisters in Christ might not have made all the connections, but now we have the perspective of retrospect. As we say of hindsight, it is 20/20, and some 2000 years of hindsight has confirmed to my satisfaction that Jesus did indeed speak of things very relevant to the Church. Think about it: What He said for openers has fit every century of the Church Age, if not every decade, if not every year. The more one becomes aware of what all is happening in this world, the more it seems that what He said fits every day! So, concerning Jesus' Olivet Discourse, just what pertains to Church Age Christians, and what pertains to Last Days' Israelites? Or, what is here that these should understand as pertaining more to themselves? I am here reminded of Paul's words in 2 Timothy 2: 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. What follows represents the best way I, as a workman, have found to rightly divide Jesus' Olivet Discourse. Realize that in Matthew's two chapter account (specifically chapter 25), Jesus teaches some things in parables that neither Mark nor Luke record ( see Appendix #5 ) . For the purpose of this proposition, our focus will be on what all three do give an account of, as recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. These accounts parallel in a big way, which is very helpful and needs to be highly regarded. Now, there is a saying to the effect that the simplest way is usually the most correct. Whether this is so with the way that I would divide Jesus' discourse, it is a very simple way when understood. To better organize things and help our focus, let's begin by pulling out the central portion of His discourse, as illustrated below: THE OLIVET DISCOURSE (as a whole) THE OLIVET DISCOURSE (with the central portion pulled out) As can be seen, when the central portion is pulled out, the result is a division into three sections. I believe Jesus' discourse can be rightly divided in this way. My reason for doing this with the central portion (now a section) is because it is so easy to distinguish it as pertaining primarily to Israelites. We will start here and then consider the rest of the discourse from this basis. Going a step further, since Matthew and Mark's accounts of this section are equally as easy to distinguish as pertaining to last days' Israelites, this is how I will label it. The central section of which I am speaking is similar in each account and is not broken up in any way. Below, I have indicated where this section occurs in each account. Time to get your Bible out! FOR LAST DAY S' ISRAELITES (the central section) Each of these parallel accounts supports that Jesus has Last Days' Israelites here in view and that they will need to be braced for some extremely tough times. Note the opening verse(s) of each respective account of this section and what I have highlighted, which shows the agreement, even though some content varies: MATTHEW 24 15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: MARK 13 14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation , spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: LUKE 21 20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. 21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains... Double checking the fit of Luke's account of this section, many scholars believe that Jesus' words here pertain wholly to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. But, though there are some differences in the wording of his account, key elements are verbatim, or so very similar, that it must pertain to the same part of Jesus' address and at least equally as much to Daniel's 70th Week. For a further confirmation of this, compare verse 24 of Luke's account wi th Revelation 11:2, which is an accepted Daniel's 70th Week reference. Backing up now to the beginning of Jesus' discourse, the accounts of what He said before the central section reflect what He wanted His Church to be prepared for, even as the Church Age was about to dawn. The following shows that section from each account, and it too is not broken up in any way: FOR CHURCH AGE CHRISTIANS (before the central section) Like with the central section, these parallel accounts of the first section open very similarly and, from a worldwide perspective, everything Jesus here said fits exactly what Christians throughout the Church Age have witnessed to come to pass and what would represent fitting instructions for any generation of the Church. Following is how the opening of each respective account of this section reads, and again, to show the agreement: MATTHEW 24 4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. MARK 13 5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: 6 For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. LUKE 21 8 And He said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. In review of where we are at so far, in the central section of His discourse, Jesus warned of what HIS NATION needed to expect and gave instructions for ISRAELITES concerning what they would go through in the LAST DAYS. Similarly, before this central section, in His opening, Jesus warned of what HIS CHURCH needed to expect and gave instructions for CHRISTIANS concerning what they would go through in the CHURCH AGE . This brings us to what Jesus said after the central section. What He says in this last section relates to the ending of the Church Age, which certainly concerns Church Age Christians, but also Last Days' Israelites. The opening paragraph of this section in Matthew's account has been the subject of much debate, and we will be focusing upon it in a big way during propositions T, U, and V. Presently, be mindful that I interpret the tribulation Jesus spoke of in this section (Matt. 24:29 and Mk. 13:24) to be that of the Church Age, the tribulation of which He spoke as He began His discourse. The following shows that last section of each account, and again, it too is not broken up in any way: FOR LAST DAY S' ISRAELITES AND CHURCH AGE CHRISTIANS (after the central section) As with the other two sections, the parallel accounts of this section also open very similarly, and I submit that everything Jesus says in this part of His discourse relates to the very day of the closing of the Church Age, which is brought to pass by the rapture. Following is how the opening of each respective account of this section reads, and once again, to show the agreement: MATTHEW 24 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: MARK 13 24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. LUKE 21 25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. If you have been comparing the foregoing with your Bible, you may have already noticed that the next verse after each of the above references is about an appearance of Christ. This is something that certainly deserves very close attention. I would here like to draw attention to that verse (and the one following it) from Matthew's account and especially the two words I have emphasized: MATTHEW 24 30 And then shall appear THE SIGN of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Based partly upon Jesus' use of the words "the sign" in verse 30, I submit that these verses pertain to a sign appearance that He is going to make at the time of the rapture. Because His manifestation at this time will be "with power and great glory," most at once interpret this to be of His Second Advent. However, because of His choice of words and other evidences, I also submit that His coming at this time will be as a sign for those in Israel's hemisphere, and especially for "all the tribes" (vs. 30), of which 12,000 from each tribe will be converted and sealed (Rev. 7:4-8). Of course, Christ's Second Advent will also be with power and great glory! It just needs to be realized that the next time Jesus is seen by anyone—even if it be at the time of a sign appearance—He will be seen with power and great glory! I think of Paul's testimony in Acts 26:12-15 concerning his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Because His brightness at that time was "above the brightness of the sun" (vs. 13), we have a pretty good indication of what the brightness level will be of His Sign Appearance when He returns for the Church! Though Jesus' words in Matthew 24:31 easily fit the event of the rapture, defenders of the common pre-trib view typically interpret verse 30 to be of His Second Advent and the gathering together of "His elect" in verse 31 to be the re-gathering of dispersed Israelites to their homeland. Yet, according to the undisputed account of His Second Advent, given in Revelation 19:11-21, the first order of business at that time will not be the re-gathering of Israelites at all, but the Battle of Armageddon. And after this, Satan will be bound and Christ will begin His Millennial Reign. By a normal understanding that doesn't stretch Scripture, it will be at the beginning of Christ's Reign that the Israelites will be re-gathered to their homeland as they migrate there under the supervision of the Lord ( see Isaiah 11:11-12, 15-16; 35:8-10; 43:5-7; 49:22-23; 51:11; 60:9; Jeremiah 23:5-8; Ezekiel 20:40-44; 34:11-16; 37:21-25; Hosea 3:4-5; Amos 9:11-15; and Zechariah 8:3-8) . I see no suggestion in these scriptures (or any other) of a re-gathering of the Israelites in a miraculous way by the angels, but rather, by other means (e.g., Isa. 11:15-16; 49:22-23; Jer. 23:7-8). While it is questionable what the need might even be to suddenly re-gather the Israelites to their homeland in a way that sounds like the rapture, it is certainly not hard to understand the need to gather the Church to Heaven in such a manner! Again, we will be focusing more fully upon the opening paragraph of this section in Matthew's account during propositions T, U, and V. Presently, I would just like to re-emphasize that the sign event of which Jesus is here speaking—if this indeed relates to the rapture—will be of immense importance to both Last Days' Israelites and Church Age Christians, as it will affect both in the biggest way! Moving on for now, Jesus continues by making tie-ins to this event, some related more to Israelites and some related more to Christians. The following tie-in supports that this sign event is not His Second Advent, but precedes it. Continuing in Matthew's account, without skipping any verses, notice the parable that He gives (and my explanatory notes in parentheses): MATTHEW 24 32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things (which would include the appearance of "the sign of the Son of man in heaven") , know that it (His Second Advent) IS NEAR , even at the doors. 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away. Consider the assurance that this parable will hold for Last Days' Israelites who will be left behind at the rapture. What Jesus is saying is that after the things of which He has just warned, and especially the sign event of verses 29-31, His Second Advent will be "near, even at the doors" (vs. 33). Reinforcing this, in Luke's corresponding account, He says, "then look up, and lift up your heads; for your (the Israelites') redemption draweth nigh " (Lk. 21:28-33, esp. vs. 28). Immediately after His parable of the fig tree, Jesus continues with words that further support that "the sign" event of which He is speaking will include the rapture of the Church. The next verses in Matthew's account read thus: MATTHEW 24 36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, UNTIL THE DAY THAT NOE ENTERED INTO THE ARK , 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Just like the world of Noah's day was not expecting the flood until it was too late, so will it be on the day of the rapture. But, as Noah and his family entered safely into the ark before the time of God's judgment began, so will the Church enter safely into Heaven before the time of God's future judgment begins. Jesus is not illustrating how the days will be just before His Second Advent, for His return at that time will be at the end of Daniel's 70th Week, even after the angels have already begun to pour out the vials of God's wrath upon the earth (Rev. 16). The world at that time will certainly not be going about their normal activities of "eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage" (vs. 38). Rather, these activities represent a carefree state of mind that is like that of our world today. This is what the mentality of the world will be like just before the rapture—which could take place today! Continuing with the next verses of Matthew's account, Jesus keeps pointing out that the world is not going to be prepared for what all will happen on the day of His Sign Appearance, as the following vivid picture of the rapture shows: MATTHEW 24 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42 WATCH THEREFORE: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. This thing of the one being "taken" is exactly what it will be like when the angels gather the Church at the rapture (vs. 31). Those of us who "are alive and remain" will be "caught up" by the angels "to meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thess. 4:17). I guess I've been a little conditioned to it, but I can't think of any word that quite captures what this experience will be like for those of us who "are alive and remain" than the word RAPTURE! In regard to the last several verses, Jesus likens the sudden and unexpected event of His coming at this time to that of the coming of a thief. Continuing still in Matthew's account: MATTHEW 24 43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known IN WHAT WATCH THE THIEF WOULD COME, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour AS YE THINK NOT the Son of man cometh. Note that what Jesus here says will fit the event of His Sign Appearance, but not that of His Second Advent. Why? At the time of His Second Advent, the beast (or Antichrist) and those in league with him will be expecting Christ's return and will even be gathered to make war with Him (Rev. 19:19). It is at the time of the rapture and the beginning of the last days' Day of the Lord judgment that Christ will come as a thief. It will be at a time when the world is not expecting Him—at a time just like our present time! Notice how the corresponding section from Luke's account reinforces this: LUKE 21 34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 FOR AS A SNARE SHALL IT COME on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 WATCH YE THEREFORE, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy TO ESCAPE all these things that SHALL COME TO PASS, AND TO STAND BEFORE THE SON OF MAN. Moreover, the corresponding section from Mark's account also reinforces and compliments the foregoing. Consider: MARK 13 32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in Heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. 33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. 34 For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to HIS SERVANTS , and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. 35 WATCH YE THEREFORE: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 36 Lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. 37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, WATCH. Something quite revealing here is Jesus' reference to "His servants" and what He says of Himself and them in verse 34. His servants would be His disciples and all of His followers of the Church Age. This should irrefutably establish that in His Olivet Discourse, Jesus had His Church in mind too! Before He took His "far journey" Jesus gave a special "work" to each of His disciples and by extension, to everyone who would become a part of His Church. That work is summed up in His Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20). In review, Jesus' Olivet Discourse can be divided—rightly I believe—into three sections. The central section pertains to Last Days' Israelites and is yet to be fulfilled, as it relates to Daniel's 70th Week. The opening section pertains to Church Age Christians and will continue to be fulfilled throughout the Church Age, of which we are a part. Finally, the closing section pertains to both Last Days' Israelites and Church Age Christians, as it relates to the very day of Christ's Sign Appearance and the rapture. There is NOTHING in this last section that doesn't relate TO THE VERY DAY that the rapture will occur. This statement is not only consistent with Matthew, Mark, and Luke's accounts, but is reinforced by each. While it is needless to stress that this event pertains to the Church, it may be needful to stress once more that it also pertains to Last Days' Israelites, because the day that the Church is gone, the focus will be brought to bear upon them, and it will be a time of the greatest tribulation that has ever been. As stated earlier, many scholars believe that Jesus' Olivet Discourse pertains only to Israelites and deny that He spoke of anything in it pertaining to the Church or the rapture. Again, I just have to disagree and submit that there are more and better reasons to believe otherwise, including how things continue to come together relating to the rapture, as will be seen. You be the judge. For those who are seeing the evidence as I do, there is much to take heed to in Jesus' Olivet Discourse, some especially for Last Days' Israelites, some especially for Church Age Christians, and some for both, not to mention the lost. NOTE : Besides the links already provided on this page and propositions T, U, and V that were mentioned, the following links provide more support of the above, from differing angles that are integral to a better understanding: THE OLIVET DISCOURSE AND REVELATION CHRONOLOGY JESUS' OLIVET DISCOURSE AND THE SEVEN SEALED BOOK

The Revelation reveals things that were "at hand" to begin to take place, even in John's day... The Revelation reveals things that were "at hand" to begin to take place, even in that day. On the basis of how the book of The Revelation opens, Christians, even in John's day, would have had good reason to be on alert for what was revealed to him to begin to take place. John was shown many things that were going to happen. For most anything that is going to happen, there is the time when it will begin to happen. Look with me at the opening three verses of The Revelation and consider for yourself if it would not have been appropriate for early Christians to have been curious over what was about to start taking place: 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to shew unto His servants things which must SHORTLY come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John: 2 Who bare record of the Word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is AT HAND . It has been over 1900 years since John recorded these words. This is not a short amount of time. But, the stated purpose of The Revelation is to show unto Christ's servants "things which must shortly come to pass." And, as if to put some emphasis upon the word "shortly," these words follow: "for the time is at hand." I believe the simplicity of these words has been too often overlooked or dismissed—much to Satan's delight. We know that first-century Christians were mindful that Christ could return at any time. This was their "blessed hope" (Tit. 2:13)! But, it should not surprise us to find that some of what was revealed in The Revelation concerned things that were going to happen in the meantime. When John received The Revelation, he was told, " What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia" (Rev. 1:11). John did as he was told, and in accord with the way The Revelation opens, the members of these churches would have had good reason to be on alert for at least some of what was revealed to him to begin to take place. Said another way, from early in what has become known as the Church Age, Christians were informed concerning some things that would be taking place—even in their day. Also connected to this is just what things readers of The Revelation could have expected to see. A few verses later, in Revelation 1:19, John is given these instructions: "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter. " We know that whatever is spoken of in the past tense or the present tense cannot shortly come to pass. It is only whatever is spoken of in the future tense that can shortly come to pass. Where are the future tense things spoken of, or what is it that John was told would be hereafter? The beginning of this category of things is not to be found until sometime after chapter four, as indicated in its opening verse: 1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in Heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be HEREAFTER . At this verse, the first-century churches had their cue for where to begin looking for information concerning those things that were at hand to come to pass. Beginning with the next verse, John beholds God on His throne and the worship He is receiving from twenty-four elders and four beasts that are before Him. But, there is nothing here about what shall be hereafter. Rather, this is part of the prelude to the revealing of what was to be hereafter. This continues to the close of chapter four. Chapter five then opens with John's account of a mysterious book God is holding in His right hand, "sealed with seven seals" (vs. 1). This is followed by a question posed by an angel concerning who is worthy to open the book and to loose the seals thereof. No one is found worthy to do this, but "the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David" (vs. 5), who is none other than "the Lamb of God" or Jesus Christ! The scene is then of the worship He receives of all who are in Heaven, but again, there is nothing here about what shall be hereafter. This also is part of the prelude to the revealing of what was to be hereafter and continues to the close of chapter five. It is not until chapter six, when the Lamb actually begins to open the seals of that Seven Sealed Book, that John is shown something that will go into the category of what was to be hereafter and at hand to come to pass. Here, the Lamb opens the 1st Seal and John sees a white horse go forth, upon which is a rider with a bow. John records of this rider that "he went forth conquering, and to conquer" (vs. 2). After this, another seal is opened and another horse with a rider goes forth, and the same continues until there are four horsemen that have gone forth on differing campaigns. To sum up the foregoing, our first key truth revolves around a couple of statements that are made in the opening verses of The Revelation. First of all, that it was given to show unto the servants of Christ "things which must shortly come to pass." Secondly, the statement, "for the time is at hand" for that that was to be revealed to come to pass. Coupled with this, prior to chapter six, there is nothing revealed that will rightly go into the category of something that could have been looked for to come to pass. Therefore, it only remains that if Christians were going to be on the lookout for some things to begin to happen, the only appropriate place to look concerning those things would have been towards the seals of that Seven Sealed Book and what those seals represented. This, in turn, would mean that at least one or more of the seals was about to be opened. I think of how with most movies, it is really helpful to catch the first five minutes. This is like those first five minutes! bACK tO top PART I HOME next key PROPOSITION A

The geographical setting for Daniel's 70th Week will be the same as it was for the first 69 weeks... When I think of Daniel's 70th Week, I have often thought of it being like the final sequel to the first 69 weeks. Relating to the Church, by what patterns alone normally suggest, it has often been reasoned that because it was not a part (or in the setting) of the first 69 weeks of this prophecy, it will not be a part of the last week. Because this reasoning is consistently supported by Scripture, it has been easy for me to accept it by faith as being a fact. Obviously, this also supports a pre-trib or pre-Daniel's 70th Week rapture of the Church. Intriguingly, there is scriptural evidence of something more to be considered here, also relating to patterns, something that has never been brought to light in any other view that I am aware of. Years ago, while contemplating John's account of what happens with the sounding of the first four trumpets (Rev. 8), my mind was drawn to the "third part" destruction he there wrote of and what this might mean for the geographical setting of Daniel's 70th Week. Question: What was the geographical setting for the other 69 weeks? Answer: Israel and the lands of the earth in its hemisphere. In other words, the setting for the fulfilling of the other 69 weeks was the lands on Israel's side of the ear th, meaning, the lands of the Bible days. It could be said that, from Heaven's perspective, this was the stage upon which the first 69 weeks played out. Similar to the line of thinking that I spoke of in the preceding paragraph, does it not seem reasonable that this would also be the stage for the last or 70th Week? Of course it does. So, what does this have to do with the third part d estruction that John wrote of? I'm believing that when you see it, you won't be able to unsee it. For those who are not geography buffs, what lands are in Israel's hemisphere? Generally speaking, if you were to look at a globe of the earth towards the equator and the continents that are on Israel's side of the earth, the half of the globe that you would be looking at represents the hemisphere of which it is a part. Said another way, whenever the sun is high in the sky over Israel's side of the earth, this would include all of the earth that is illuminated by it at that time. It is easy to see that this would include Europe, Africa, and Asia. Not quite as noticeable is that it would also include Australia and part of Antarctica. By nature, this is also the way things were in the Bible days. Today, the side of the earth of which Israel is a part is commonly referred to as the Eastern Hemisphere. An important thing to be realized is that the lands we normally consider to be in Israel's hemisphere represent two-thirds of the land area of the earth. Related to the chronology of The Revelation and what results with the sounding of the first four trumpets, this percentage is very significant. Let's continue to the next proposition... bACK tO TOP PART 11 HOME next KEY PROPOSITION 2 The geographical setting for Daniel's 70th Week will be the same as it was for the first 69 weeks.

A five minute autobiography---I am the first born of a broken home in which I had four daddies before I entered the first grade... bACK tO TOP NEXT ABOUT ME (A five minute autobiography) My name is Darrell "Butch" Gray. Born December 10, 1957, I am the first-born of a broken home in which I had four daddies before I entered the first grade. Before I started school, my real dad, just out of the Air Force, kidnapped me and my sister, brought us across state lines, and won custody of us. We then lived on a farm with my grandparents and were regularly taken to a little country church—all on a rural road called Sunnyside Loop. Some of my fondest memories are of farm life during my early grade school years. My dad was a very religious man, and, after remarrying, continued to take us to church. I had two salvation type experiences before I became a teenager, one in which I was not truly saved, and one in which I was. However, I did not grow as a child of God for 15 years. I was a rebellious teenager, and about the time I got my driver's license, I started down the path of fooling around with alcohol and marijuana. Before graduating, I left home on bad terms and dived headlong into the world. Before a year was up, the trailer that I and my friend was renting burned to the ground and I lost everything except the clothes I had on and my senior ring, which I found in the rubble. I was also at that time having to borrow a car from my boss, for just a few days prior (on Christmas Eve night), I had got on a whiskey drunk and ran my own car off an embankment into what had been a hog lot. Though I continued on the bad path I had been on, I did have a strong work ethic and managed to get back on my feet. At 20, I had the good break of getting a job in the aircraft superalloy industry, in which I was employed for over 42 years. Just a little sidebar: In 2020, because of the coronavirus pandemic, the plant in which I had been employed for so long shut down, prompting me into semi-retirement. Having long thought that being a school bus driver would be a rewarding retirement occupation, I got my CDL license and began driving a school bus for an adjoining county. Interestingly, the d oor was soon opened for me to drive for my home county and to have the same route that I first started riding a school bus on as a first grader—the Sunnyside Loop route! It has been a delightful experience, confirming what I had long thought! Back to my early 20's, my life had its good times and bad times, but the bad times wore on me more and more. A highlight of this time in my life was my building of a show winning (and race winning!) street machine—my dream car—yet, it never quite did for me what I needed done for me. With a good job, one of the nicest cars around, and lots of friends, outwardly it looked like I was living the dream. But, inwardly, it was down, down, down, until I reached my bottom at the age of 25. While 25, on rare occasions, I would go to the little country church that I grew up in, all for my grandparents' sake. On one of those occasions, God got my attention with the inspiration to give Him the same chance I had given the world. With a ray of hope that there might be more to life than what I had been experiencing, I began to fully pursue God. In my pursuit of God, I did not anticipate the trials and tribulations of the Christian walk, nor the sudden disappearance of my friends. Early on, I had two or three bad slips, but I was unrelenting in my resolve. Also during this time, while thinking of Adam and of God's statement, "It is not good that the man should be alone" (Gen. 2:18), I agreed!, and began to pray for and seek my "Eve." About a year later, I met Lorna, in another year we were married, and we have been together ever since! Moreover, at 35, I became the father of our only child, Zachary. In oft reflection, it has remained hard for me to believe the turn around God made in my life. When at my bottom, starting out, my only concept of serving God was that of doing religious related activities, so that is what I did. But, I was also consumed by thoughts of God every waking moment and pursued Him with everything that was in me. Even as I was now being a disciple of the Lord's, I had no idea that this was what I was being—not until a few years later! In my walk with Christ, I have served in churches in most every capacity, even as a nursery worker. In 1988, I enrolled in a Bible college, but was much let down by what I found. I soon resolved that I would go only as far as I felt God's leadership, even if it was one class short of a degree. I was insistent upon living in accord with what had become (and still is) my life Scripture, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths" (Pro. 3:5-6). Well, I'm many classes short of a degree. What then are my credentials? My seeking of truth by the guidance of Christ's Spirit and what this has done for my understanding, in accord with His promise (Jn. 16:13). In 1991, I realized God's desire for me to focus in a bigger way on teaching discipleship, and I began to do this in my home church and wherever He opened doors. Along with opportunities to teach discipleship in other churches, the door was opened for me to teach monthly in the chapel of Kentucky State Penitentiary, Kentucky's only maximum security prison (also known as "The Castle on the Cumberland"). I continued this for 10 years. On January 22, 1994, I recognized God's call upon my life to be a missionary discipler. In 1998, I began to receive opportunities to supply for a little country church in a county that adjoined the one in which I grew up. Interestingly, on Halloween night of the year I graduated (1976), I was the ring leader of some wrongdoing that led to a State Trooper chasing me and two others through the cemetery of this church. For over 25 years now I have I served there, mostly like an interim and/or co-pastor, counting it an honor to be used of God in this way. Since 2018, they have considered me as their pastor and I try to be that for them as much as I can. The year before this, I discovered that there were four grave plots available on the boundary of the church's cemetery, very near the place where I jumped off the bordering embankment and hunkered down in the ditch that is there to escape that cop. Of course, these plots now belong to me, for myself and my family, if the "Trump of God" is not sounded first! God surely works in mysterious ways!

Because of the word "hereafter" in Revelation 4:1, we can know that the seals were not opened prior to the giving of The Revelation, but... APPENDIX #6 bACK tO TOP next Because of the word "hereafter" in Revelation 4:1, my position would have to be that none of the seals were opened prior to the giving of The Revelation. But, if the first four seals connect with what Jesus warned of in the opening of His Olivet Discourse (e.g., Matt. 24:4-9), and what He there warned of began to happen before the opening of any seals (as I put forth), how is this seeming discrepancy to be understood? First of all, we know that Satan has always worked in ways that are similar, meaning, ways that are consistent with the realm of evil and what he is. Also, as a created being, whatever his abilities and liberties, these have always been subject to Almighty God. This being understood, it should not surprise us to find evidences of his activity and things that will align with what Jesus warned of taking place before the giving of The Revelation. But, there are also evidences of a development relating to all of this that is consistent with the time that John received The Revelation, something that easily aligns with what we see with the opening of the first four seals. The development I am speaking of may best be realized by a consideration of the horses John saw with the opening of the first seals. Try to imagine what the activity of the four riders might have been, before they were given their horses. While the character of the riders would have remained the same both before and after they received their mounts, with their mounts, they would have went from being footmen to being horsemen, to apply a physical realm analogy. This would at least translate into an ability to cover greater distances more swiftly. With the first-century spread of the Gospel and the growth of the Church, Satan would have certainly savored any concession of God that would have allowed him to more effectively counter this. With the ever increasing population and expansion of people on the earth, it is easy to envision him negotiating with God for an ability increase and/or some change in his liberties. It must be remembered that he nor his cohorts would have any abilities or liberties outside of what has been granted to them by God. I submit that what is revealed to us with the opening of the first four seals is a behind the scenes look at the abilities and liberties he negotiated for, which he began to utilize as soon as Christ began to open the seals. In accord with what I have put forth throughout this website, both Scripture and history supports that Christ began to open the seals as early as late in the first century (95-100 A.D.) and that the four horsemen have been riding their steeds down through the corridors of history—even unto our day—bent on accomplishing Satan's sadistic desires. There are also other things of relevance that bear upon the difference or development of which I am speaking. From a first-century perspective, it has been helpful for me to think in terms of the generation of the Church, which later became what we refer to as the Church Age. There was no concept of a Church "Age" until sometime after the deaths of the apostles, and John was the last of the apostles. The more I have thought on this, the more I have come to see The Revelation as being given to John for the express sake of the Church from that time forward, just before his passing. Now, in retrospect, and according to the understandings I have put forth in this website, it can be seen that The Revelation was every bit as relevant for Christians then as it is in our day. In other words, it was every bit as relevant for the seven churches in Asia that it was initially given to as it has been for any church in any century since. In accord with all the foregoing, I see the four entities of the first four seals as being active in the same way they were before the opening of the seals, only without the benefit of the horses, so to speak. This would be kind of like what it was with Jesse James and the James-Younger Gang. Whether on foot or horseback, they were the same outlaws. Thinking in these terms, it is not difficult to see that there is indeed a real connection between what Jesus warned of in the opening of His Olivet Discourse and the first four seals. This also makes it easier to understand how that the earliest Christians would have seen evidences of these things before any of the seals were actually opened (e.g., 2 Thess. 2:7; 1 Jn. 4:1-3). In the centuries since John's receiving of The Revelation, these things have happened on an increasingly larger scale, all attributable to the opening of the first four seals near the close of the first century. This would have been very near, and possibly after, the time of John's passing, or post-Apostolic. ( origin is PROPOSITION L )

A complete chronological outline of The Revelation, showing a very different view of the pre-trib rapture of the Church... A CHRONOLOGICAL OUTLINE OF THE REVELATION INTRODUCTION A. The Revelation of Christ, to shew us things that were to come to pass (1:1) B. Of the Apostle John's bearing record of what was revealed to him (1:2) C. Of blessing for regard of prophecy, for the things were about to begin (1:3) JOHN, TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES IN ASIA A. John's salutation to the seven churches which were in Asia (1:4-8) B. The setting of the experience he had while on the Isle of Patmos (1:9-10) C. The instruction he was given to write what he saw to the seven churches (1:11) D. His seeing Jesus in the midst of seven candlesticks, holding seven stars (1:12-18) E. The mystery of the seven stars and seven candlesticks explained (1:19-20) THE LETTERS TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES ( see Appendix #9 ) LETTER #1— "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write..." (2:1-7) The Message: "I know thy works..." The Call: "He that hath an ear, let him hear..." The Promise: "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the Tree of Life..." LETTER #2— "And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write..." (2:8-11) The Message: "I know thy works..." The Call: "He that hath an ear, let him hear..." The Promise: "He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." LETTER #3— "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write..." (2:12-17) The Message: "I know thy works..." The Call: "He that hath an ear, let him hear..." The Promise: "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna..." LETTER #4— "And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write..." (2:18-29) The Message: "I know thy works..." The Promise: "And he that overcometh...to him will I give power over the nations..." The Call: "He that hath an ear, let him hear..." LETTER #5— "And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write..." (3:1-6) The Message: "I know thy works..." The Promise: "He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment..." The Call: "He that hath an ear, let him hear..." LETTER #6— "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write..." (3:7-13) The Message: "I know thy works..." The Promise: "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God..." The Call: "He that hath an ear, let him hear..." LETTER #7— "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write..." (3:14-22) The Message: "I know thy works..." The Promise: "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne..." The Call: "He that hath an ear, let him hear..." JOHN'S INVITE TO A CEREMONY IN HEAVEN A. That he's to be shown what must be "hereafter" (4:1-2a) B. The appearance of God on His throne (4:2b-3) C. The twenty-four elders and four beasts (4:4-8a) ( see Appendix #10 ) D. The worship of the beasts and elders toward God (4:8b-11) THE SEVEN SEALED BOOK AND THE LAMB'S RECEIVING OF IT A. The Seven Sealed Book and the search for one to open it (5:1-4) B. The prevailing of the Lamb of God to open the book (5:5-7) C. The praise to the Lamb by the beasts, elders, angels, and all (5:8-14) THE OPENING OF THE FIRST SIX SEALS SEAL #1— (6:1-2) A rider with a bow goes forth upon a white horse / DECEPTION Satan's Church Age scheme to conquer truth by deceivers and false Christs Compare—Matt. 24:4-5; Mk. 13:5-6; Lk. 21:8 SEAL #2— (6:3-4) A rider with a great sword goes forth upon a red horse / WARS Satan's Church Age scheme to take away peace and bring about wars Compare—Matt. 24:6-7a; Mk. 13:7-8a; Lk. 21:9-10 SEAL #3— (6:5-6) A rider with a pair of balances goes forth upon a black horse / POVERTY Satan's Church Age scheme to effect poverty for most, but luxury for some Compare—Matt. 24:7b-8; Mk. 13:8b; Lk. 21:11a SEAL #4— (6:7-8) A rider named "Death" goes forth upon a pale horse with Hell following/ MARTYRDOM Satan's Church Age scheme to martyr Christians, but with a specified limit Compare—Matt. 24:9-10; Mk. 13:9-12; Lk. 21:12-16 SEAL #5— (6:9-11) John's seeing of the souls of Church Age martyrs under the altar The cry for justice of those who have been martyred Reassurance of nearing justice, after the fulfilling of further martyrdom Consider—Rev. 11:7-10; Rev. 12:11; Rev. 13:7, 15; Rev. 20:4 SEAL #6— (6:12-17) CHRIST'S SIGN APPEARANCE AND THE RAPTURE— Compare Matt. 24:29-31; Mk. 13:24-27; Lk. 21:25-27; Acts 2:19-20; and 1 Thess. 4:13-5:11 A great earthquake, sun blackened, moon appears red, stars falling... Of mankind's terror, frenzy, and fear of the wrath of God Of those in Israel's hemisphere who glimpse Christ's Sign Appearance INTERLUDE BETWEEN THE SIXTH AND SEVENTH SEALS A. The readying of the angels for the opening of the 7th Seal (7:1) B. The sealing of 144,000 Jews, 12,000 from each tribe (7:2-8) C. John's seeing of a great multitude (the Church) in Heaven (7:9-17) THE OPENING OF THE SEVENTH SEAL A. The silence in Heaven after the opening of the 7th Seal (8:1) B. The giving of seven trumpets to the seven angels (8:2) C. The giving of a golden censer to another angel (8:3-5) D. The seven angels prepare themselves to sound the trumpets (8:6) THE SOUNDING OF THE SEVEN TRUMPETS TRUMPET #1— (8:7) Hail and fire mingled with blood is cast upon the earth 1/3 part of trees and all remaining green grass burnt up TRUMPET #2— (8:8-9) A great fiery mountain is cast into the sea (or ocean) 1/3 part of sea (or ocean) becomes blood and devastation TRUMPET #3— (8:10-11) A great star (or asteroid) called "Wormwood" impacts Earth 1/3 part of rivers and underground water is polluted TRUMPET #4— (8:12-13) 1/3 part of day and night time illumination affected Angel's announcement of three coming "WOES " TRUMPET #5— (9:1-12) Five month locust torment / Earth can stabilize some A description of the locusts and their king First "woe" is past before Trumpet #6 is sounded TRUMPET #6— (9:13-21) An army of 200 million allowed beyond Euphrates A war wherein the third part of men are killed Idol worship of Eastern religions alluded to INTERLUDE CONCERNING LITTLE BOOK NOW OPEN—DANIEL A. The stage is now reset for Daniel's 70th Week /Angel makes proclamation (10:1-6) B. The significance of the 7th Trumpet/ Of John's eating of the little book (10:7-11) TRUMPET #6—(Continued) —FOCUS BROUGHT TO BEAR UPON JERUSALEM (11:1-14) Of the temple and the worship that is going on there Of the Gentile nations' treading the Holy City under foot First mention of TWO 3-1/2 YEAR TIME FRAMES (11:2-3) The two witnesses / Compare Zech. 4:11-14 and Matt. 17:1-4 First explicit mention of the "beast" (11:7) or Antichrist Second "woe" is past before Trumpet #7 is sounded TRUMPET #7—THE HERALDING OF THE SEVENTH TRUMPET PERIOD (11:15-19) The proclamation that all kingdoms belong to Christ The praises to God for the exercise of His sovereignty Of the Lord's reign and rewarding of His children Of the Lord's wrath and judgment upon the ungodly DETAILS OF THE PERIOD HERALDED BY THE SEVENTH TRUMPET (REV. 12)— SPIRITUAL REALM SCENE OF SATAN'S ACTIVITY DISCLOSED Satan's activity against Israel (vs.1/ Gen. 37:9-11) leading up to this time (vss. 1-6) The war in the heavenlies resulting in Satan being cast down unto the earth (vss. 7-9) Satan's activity against Israel / Beginning of last half of Daniel's 70th Week (vss. 10-17) OVERLAPS— (vs. 3 with 17:3); (vs. 10 with 11:15); (vs. 12 with 11:14) (REV. 13)— PHYSICAL REALM SCENE OF SATAN'S ACTIVITY DISCLOSED Satan's rise in the political realm as the beast of his revived Babylon empire (vss. 1-10) Satan's rise in the religious realm as the false prophet of his harlot church (vss. 11-14) Satan's despotic rule through the beast (Antichrist) and the false prophet (vss. 15-18) OVERLAPS— (vs. 1 with 12:3); (vss. 1-3ff with 17:7-12ff); (vs. 7 with 12:11) (REV. 14)—TRIUMPH OF THE 144,000 SAINTS DISCLOSED Scene of the 144,000 saints in Heaven, and a last call for world to turn to God (vss. 1-7) The doom of all who worship the beast / The reaping of the earth, and God's wrath (vss. 8-20) OVERLAPS— (vs. 7 with 11:18); (vs. 8 with 16:19 and 18:2ff) (REV. 15)—TRIUMPH OF DANIEL'S 70TH WEEK MARTYRS DISCLOSED Scene of Daniel's 70th Week martyrs in Heaven, and their song (vss. 1-4) Preparation for the pouring out of the seven vials of God's wrath (vss. 5-8) OVERLAPS— (vs. 2 with 13:15, 14:9-13, and 20:4); (vss. 5-8 with 11:18 and 16:1-21) (REV. 16)—SEVEN VIALS OF GOD'S WRATH DISCLOSED Angels instructed to pour out the seven vials of God's wrath upon the earth (vs. 1) The results of the pouring out of God's wrath upon the earth (vss. 2-21) OVERLAPS— (vss. 14-16 with 19:19); (vss. 17-21 with 11:18-19); (vs. 19 with 14:7-8, 20) (REV. 17)—JUDGMENT OF THE GREAT WHORE DISCLOSED John's seeing of the woman upon the scarlet coloured beast, and his wonder (vss. 1-6) The mystery surrounding the woman and the beast explained, and her fate (vss. 7-18) OVERLAPS— (vs. 8 with 13:3-4, 8); (vs. 14 with 19:11-14ff) (REV. 18)—JUDGMENT OF BABYLON THE GREAT DISCLOSED The fall of Babylon the great, and the lament of those who were loyal to it (vss. 1-19) The call to rejoice over the fall of Babylon / The finality of its destruction (vss. 20-24) OVERLAPS— (vs. 5 with 16:19); (vs. 8 with 16:17-21); (vss. 10, 17, and 19 with 14:7-8) (REV. 19)—THE SECOND ADVENT OF CHRIST DISCLOSED Scene of rejoicing in preparation for Christ's return / The Second Advent of Christ (vss. 1-16) The Battle of Armageddon, and the doom of the beast and the false prophet (vss. 17-21) OVERLAPS— (vss. 1-6 with 11:15-17); (vs. 15ff with 14:17-20) (REV. 20)—CHRIST'S REIGN AND LAST JUDGMENT DISCLOSED The binding of Satan, Christ's thousand year reign, and Satan's ultimate doom (vss. 1-10) The "Great White Throne Judgment" and ultimate doom of the lost (vss. 11-15) OVERLAPS— (vss. 4-6 with 11:15); (vs. 12 with 11:18) JOHN'S SEEING OF HEAVEN / CONCLUSION OF THE REVELATION A. John's seeing of the New Sky, the New Earth, and the New Jerusalem in God's Heaven (21:1-2) B. The declaration of God's presence with mankind and the making of all things new (21:3-8) C. Of the New Jerusalem of the New Earth in God's Heaven, and its magnificence (21:9-27) D. The River of Life, the Tree of Life, and other wonders characteristic of God's Heaven (22:1-5) E. Of t he sureness of The Revelation, other promises, and related blessings and cursings (22:6-19) F. Of Christ's declaration, "Surely I come quickly," and John's concluding words (22:20-21) (Continued) bACK tO TOP next

The chronological order of The Revelation is supported by a corresponding order in which Jesus gave His Olivet Discourse... THE OLIVET DISCOURSE AND REVELATION CHRONOLOGY What has been put forth in this website concerning the chronological order of The Revelation is supported by a corresponding order in which Jesus gave His Olivet Discourse. While anyone would have to acknowledge that such a corresponding order would be of immense interpretative help, the existence of such an order should not be surprising. However, I know of no one in print or the web world who has shown this order or ventured to diagram it. To be sure, it is not "in our face" apparent, but I hope that what I will here try to show will help the reader to see it. Because of the length of this page and the many diagrams, I would first encourage giving the page a full scan, paying particular attention to my development of the diagrams. Note that what I develop is a MATTHEW 24 and REVELATION 6-19 diagram, shown complete and together near the end. Pay especially close attention to the diagram symmetry that is possible between these two remarkable but differing prophecies of the same last days. For openers, and as I have diagramed differently elsewhere ( PROPOSITION K and Appendix #7 ) , Jesus' Olivet Discourse can rightly be divided into three sections. It will serve us here to begin with a consideration of the first two sections and how these are in an exact chronological order with what has been revealed to us in The Revelation. T o help make this order more observable, I would first like to call attention to the timeline below of the MATTHEW 24 account of Jesus' discourse and "the end" that He speaks of in verse 14. He speaks of this at the close of what I show as SECTION ONE. What is "the end" that Jesus is here speaking of? Consider if we were discussing the world of Noah's day and what the end would have been then. The end then would represent the day that everything went from the "normal" of that time to the flood beginning. This marked the day that God's judgment upon the world of that time began. Likewise, "the end" Jesus is speaking of has to do with that day in the future when everything will go from the "normal" of our time to God's last days' judgment beginning. Of equal relevance as "the end" is the world conditions that will precede it. Again, thinking of Noah's day, the conditions that preceded God's judgment then was that "the wickedness of man was great in the earth" and "the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Gen. 6:5). Further, the earth was "corrupt before God" and "filled with violence" (Gen. 6:11). By what Jesus said later in His discourse (24:37-38), we know that these conditions had become the backdrop for the normal day to day of that time. Something that is apparent is that all of this also bespeaks the normal day to day of our present time. The following that Jesus said in verse 12 has become a saddening reality in our generation, right before our very eyes: "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." Are we not there? Let me ask this with a qualifier: Are we not there, even in this Church Age of which we are a part? The things Jesus spoke of in the verses preceding this have increasingly characterized the Church Age (from a historical and worldwide perspective) from the era of its beginning even until now. For these reasons and more, it is without any hesitation that I label as CHURCH AGE what corresponds to verses 4-14, as now shown on the timeline below. Next, in what I show as SECTION TWO, Jesus speaks of the time of DANIEL'S 70TH WEEK (vss. 15-25) and of His SECOND ADVENT (vss. 26-28), which will be the capstone of that seven year period. Note that on the timeline shown below, I have labeled what pertains to this second section accordingly. Whether there is agreement on my take on the things Jesus spoke of in verses 4-14, it seems that all are in agreement that what He spoke of in verses 15-28 will come after those things, at least sometime after. Continuing, have you paid any attention to t hat area in the middle of the above timelines where I am showing that space with the dashed line? What is this about? Consider: If what we find revealed to us in The Revelation supports that there will be an element of time and other things to happen between the ending of the Church Age and the beginning of Daniel's 70th Week, would this make for a legitimate reason to show it? Believing that most would agree that it would, let's look then at what we find in The Revelation. F ollowing, I show a REVELATION 6-19 timeline, not yet fully labeled. The reason for my focus on chapters 6-19 is because what is prophesied in these chapters corresponds with the pattern in which Jesus gave His discourse. Let's begin with a look at that pattern, and then we'll go from there . Many (myself included) have long pointed out the parallels between what Jesus spoke of in the opening of His discourse and the first seals, spoken of in Revelation 6:1-11. As can be seen below, I have labeled this paralleling reference in keeping with how I labeled the first section of the MATTHEW 24 timeline above. While I am aware that labeling this as CHURCH AGE is a huge departure from what scholarship has commonly put forth, this is not out of harmony with Scripture and what history testifies to. It's just out of harmony with "what scholarship has commonly put forth. " Note now the last sections on both the MATTHEW 24 and the REVELATION 6-19 timelines above that I have labeled as DANIEL'S 70TH WEEK and especially the respective Scripture references. More specifically, compare the opening verse of each reference for an important clue that will become a key to our understanding. The opening verse of this section from the Matthew timeline (vss. 15-28) is this: 15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation , spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) The opening verse from the Revelation timeline (11:1-19:21) is this: 1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God , and the altar, and them that worship therein. What is that clue I spoke of relating to these two verses? Admittedly, it may be difficult to see at first as, evidently, no one in the world of theological academics has ever noticed. But, let's see if what Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 2 can be of a help here: 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is WORSHIPPED; so that he AS GOD sitteth in THE TEMPLE OF GOD, shewing himself THAT HE IS GOD. While it is not difficult to see the correlation of the Matthew 24:15 verse with what Paul wrote, how does the Revelation 11:1 verse fit? Concerning this, let me ask another question, borrowing from Paul's use of the words "worshipped" and "the temple of God": Just who is it that is being "worshipped" in "the temple of God" in Revelation 11:1? I submit that it isn't God, but "the beast" spoken of by the different names we see above and mentioned explicitly in 11:7, just six verses later. This is the Antichrist. By this clue, we can see that the above prophetic puzzle pieces all fit together. Not only this, they also fit with an important piece from Daniel's Seventy Weeks' prophecy (Dan. 9:24-27). The piece I'm referring to is this one: 27 And he (the Antichrist) shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (7 years) : and in the midst of the week (after 3-1/2 years) he shall cause the sacrifice and oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. In further support of the puzzle piece connections I am here making, especially with the much overlooked Revelation 11:1 piece, is this: The first numerical evidences to be found in all of the New Testament for the seven year period of Daniel's 70th Week are seen in the two 3-1/2 year periods of this time shown in the next two verses, Revelation 11:2-3. Moreover, in the chapter just preceding this, the focus is upon "a little book open " (10:2), which we can rightly interpret as being the little book of Daniel (cp. Dan. 12:4, 8-10). Talk about prophetic puzzle pieces coming together, we have that here! Before continuing, note also my locating of the phrase SECOND ADVENT on the REVELATION 6-19 timeline above, corresponding to where I have shown this on the MATTHEW 24 timeline. As pointed out earlier, Christ's Second Advent is the capstone of the seven year period of Daniel's 70th Week. I believe this would be a good place to consider the completed form of my REVELATION 6-19 timeline below. Note my placement of the SIXTH SEAL APPEARANCE and the beginning of THE DAY OF THE LORD at the end point of the CHURCH AGE. By "SIXTH SEAL APPEARANCE " I am referring to the appearance of "the sign of the Son of man in heaven" (Matt. 24:30/Rev. 6:15-16) that those left behind will see at this time. Recall that this point corresponds to the time that "the end" will begin on the MATTHEW 24 timelines we looked at above. Most importantly, when we connect the prophetic puzzle pieces, we find that this also marks the day that the rapture of the Church will occur (e.g., Matt. 24:31/Rev. 7:9-17), relative to everything else. Lastly, note the addition of the other three chapters of the Revelation account (8:1-10:11), shown beneath what I have now labeled as STAGE RESET. This central area on the Revelation timeline concerns everything from the opening of the 7th Seal through part of the 6th Trumpet period. Of special interest is how this part of The Revelation relates to the corresponding area I have shown on my previous MATTHEW 24 timelines. But, more on this a little further below. This brings us to the more developed MATTHEW 24 timeline which follows, now showing some of the understandings made possible by what we discover in The Revelation. Please compare the above and below charts closely. By The Revelation, we can see that what happens with the opening of the 6th Seal will be in fulfillment of what Jesus spoke of in 24:29-30, which revolved around some celestial phenomena that would occur and the appearance of "the sign of the Son of man in heaven" that would take place at that time. This event will set in motion "the end" that He spoke of in verse 14. Everything Jesus spoke of from verse 29 through to the end of the chapter (vss. 29-51) relates in some way to the day of this event. This is that third section of Jesus' Olivet Discourse that I alluded to in the third paragraph of this page. Notice that I have located the reference to this section (vss. 29-51) above the phrase SIGN APPEARANCE on the chart. This is to show that all of these verses connect with this event. Further, the interlocking of all the prophetic puzzle pieces makes possible the placement of the beginning of THE DAY OF THE LORD as shown, making for chronologically matching MATTHEW 24 and REVELATION 6-19 charts. Turning our attention now back to that space (with the dashes) that I have been showing on the MATTHEW 24 tim elines, as can be seen above, the beginning of this space connects with the end of the CHURCH AGE and the event of Christ's SIGN APPEARANCE. This, in turn, corresponds to the event of His SIXTH SEAL APPEARANCE, shown on the REVELATION 6-19 timeline. Remember, these events are one and the same. As to the ending of the space, it connects with the beginning of DANIEL'S 70TH W EEK, which is common to both timelines. So again, what is this space about, or what goes here? It has to do with that corresponding area that I have labeled as STAGE RESET on the REVELATION 6-19 chart. Now, pay close attention... The reason for this area on t he REVELATION 6-19 chart is because of those three chapters (8:1-10:11) that are devoted to what will happen during this time—things that Jesus did not mention in His discourse. What is revealed in these chapters pertains to the interval between the beginning of the Day of the Lord and the commencing of Daniel's 70th Week. I submit that what transpires during this five month period (Rev. 9:5, 10), which may last longer (Rev. 9:15), concerns preparations for the fulfilling of Daniel's 70th Week. Very important to remain mindful of is that what will happen during this time will precede Daniel's 70th Week. There are intriguing evidences that what will happen during this time will bring the focus to bear upon Israel and the lands of the Bible days, once again, for the fulfilling of this seven year period. It is this possibility that lends to the "stage reset" phrase I like to use. For example, ponder this: Others (again, myself included) have pointed out that because the Church was not a part of the fulfilling of the first 69 weeks of Daniel's prophecy, it should not surprise us that it also will not be a part of the 70th Week. But there is more. While I have spoken of this elsewhere, it bears repeating that what is in our Western Hemisphere was also not a part of the fulfilling of those first 69 weeks, and there is both scriptural and geographical support that it too will not be a part of the 70th Week. Where do I get this? Partly because of the possibility that the "third part" being spoken of in Revelation chapter eight relates to what is in our Western Hemisphere. In contemplation of what I am here drawing attention to, it has never ceased to engage my thinking that what is on our side of the earth represents one-third of the earth to within less than one percentage point ( PROPOSITION 4 ) . Along with everything else that is prophesied, for our side of the earth to again be "out of the picture" would certainly be like a world stage reset, all for the purpose of bringing the focus to bear once again upon Israel and the lands of the Bible days for the fulfilling of Daniel's 70th Week. But, enough of that here. I focus on this at length beginning with PROPOSITION 2 . In my mind, it's hardly odd that Jesus didn't speak of this in His relatively concise Olivet Discourse, as no one on that side of the earth had a concept of anything on our side of the earth and wouldn't have for well over a thousand more years! On my part, I feel quite comfortable in stating that what I have put forth on this page and shown on the MATTHEW 24 timeline could not be known apart from what has been revealed to us in The Revelation. But, we have The Revelation. Suddenly, I'm thinking that I may have needed to say it this way: BUT, WE HAVE THE REVELATION!!! It should not seem odd to us that The Revelation would reveal some things about the last days that Jesus did not go into in His Olivet Discourse. Rather, we could rightly expect this possibility. I hope I have succeeded in convincing the reader that what we find in Revelation 8:1-10:11 will take place in the area I have shown as a space on the MATTHEW 24 timeline (now shown complete below). Said another way, I hope that I have successfully shown how these prophetic puzzle pieces come together and interlock. For me, what this does for our understanding of the chronology of both The Olivet Discourse and The Revelation is on the order of immeasurable. Following, I have brought my completed charts of these together so that they can be more easily compared. A great truth reinforced by all of the above is this: Just as Noah and his family were safe aboard the ark before the time of the end came in their day, so will i t be for the Church in the coming time of "the end " (Matt. 24:14). Only, before that end, we will be gathered by the angels into the ark God has prepared for us in Heaven (vss. 31, 40-44). This will happen at the time of the appearance of " the sign of the Son of man in heaven" (Matt. 24:30). My mind here goes to that question Jesus' disciples had asked Him, after which He began His discourse. They had asked, "and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world ? " (Matt. 24:3). Really, they were the same as asking Him, "and what shall be the sign of Thy second coming, and of the end of the world?" According to Jesus, " the sign " they were asking Him of in verse three will be the appearance of " the sign of the Son of man in heaven" that He declared to them of in verse 30. This will mark the beginning of "the end " and will take place at the opening of the 6th Seal—which can happen today! According to Jesus ' words in Matthew 24... 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations (fulfilled) ; and then shall THE END COME . According to The Revelation and what John recorded in chapter six, this is what that day will be like for those left behind... 15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb (their cry from seeing the appearance of "the sign of the Son of man in heaven" Matt. 24:30 ) : 17 For THE GREAT DAY OF HIS WRATH IS COME ; and who shall be able to stand? Finally, by the evidences we find in Scripture, we can reason that the appearance of "the sign of the Son of man in heaven" will be on the order of a glimpse (e.g., Matt. 24:40-43, 1 Cor. 15:51-52). Further, this wi ll precede His Second Coming or Advent by least "five months" (again, something Jesus did not go into) AND the seven years of Daniel's 70th Week. It's all right there for us, when Jesus' Olivet Discourse and The Revelation are truly considered together. NOTES : The reason for my sole use of Matthew's account of Jesus' discourse to show what I have shown above is for simplicity and because of certain specifics that we find only in his account. However, what we find in Mark and Luke's accounts is supportive of this as well. This can be seen in my PROPOSITION K , where my focus is upon Jesus' whole discourse and involves each of the accounts. In Matthew 24:15 we find the words, "(whoso readeth, let him understand:)" in parentheses, as shown. Mark's account reads very similarly (13:14). Interestingly, while some red letter editions of the Bible show these words in red, some do not. Evidently, scholarship is divided on the question. My position would be that Jesus indeed spoke these words. But, whether so, they should be equally taken to be inspired. I have come to see them as being like a stamp of Divinity that con firms what I have tried to show concerning Revelation 11:1 and 10:2, especially as to the timing. Said another way, the book of Daniel will be unsealed (Dan. 12:4, 8-10) at the time the Antichrist rises to power and will be made more understandable for those left behind who turn to Christ at that time. When comparing the given references, give particular attention to "the end " in the Daniel reference (12:4, 8-10) and what Jesus said of "the end " in Matthew 24:14—right before verse fifteen! These, along with the other grouping of references that have been shown (Dan. 9:27, 2 Thess. 2:3-4, and Rev. 11:1-3), represent some very important prophetic points of convergence. bACK tO TOP next

This page is especially for those who are visiting this website in large part because they know me (or of me). If it had not been for this... TO THOSE WHO KNOW ME This page is especially for those who are visiting this website in large part because they know me or of me. If it had not been for this, you probably would have never known anything about this site. By far, most in the world who find this will do so because they were doing an internet search about something related to The Revelation, the rapture, the last days, etc. In other words, they had a previous interest in something relating to the subject, which is usually a big plus when it comes to what one will get out of something. My hope would be that your coming here will result in your also becoming interested (or more interested) in what God has revealed to us in the Bible concerning these last days in which we live. Of course, I would like for everyone that I know to know about my website, but I wouldn't want it to add to anyone's confusion. I know that for some, even with an interest in the subject and my efforts to make it more understandable, it may still seem all so deep. If it is any relief to those who may end up kicking themselves over not being more knowledgeable about the end times already, my own wife sometimes remarks, "It is still all so deep." What is on my heart for this page is to help you, if you have never really studied out Bible prophecy for yourself, to at least come away with something beneficial. What I want to try to do is to put what I consider to be some key things on a lower shelf (so to speak) where they will be easier to reach. But, don't be surprised if you still have to do some reaching! Hey, even at your local grocery or hardware store, there's lots of shelves and lots that may interest you that you may still need a little help with! To begin, realize that becoming familiar with Bible prophecy is similar to becoming familiar with most anything. Remember when you arrived at your new vacation destination for the first time? Or, when you started that new job? Or, when you first got that computer or new cell phone. It takes time to become familiar, and then, as you become more familiar, it all comes easier and easier until finally, it's like second nature. Again, it's much the same with Bible prophecy. In my effort, I would like to borrow from an example that I have often used relating to Bible study. Many times I have said to others that the Bible is like an ocean, shallow enough in lots of places that even little children can splash around in it and have lots of fun, but also, much of it so deep that even world class divers will never search out all its depths. On my part, I'm thankful for this, because my study of the Bible continues to be an adventure for me. I like the idea of approaching this like an ocean exploration guide, specifically around the Isl and of Last Days' Prophecies. I'm thinking, besides the element of enjoyment, th is might help us to stay with each other a little better. Let's see! My plan is to keep more to the shallows, to check out a few bays, and to do at least one deep dive. For your planning, what follows is about a 30 minute read (or swim!). But just think, you can't really explore any part of an ocean in less time than that! Before we begin to venture out, let me say something about safety. I wouldn't want anyone to end up drowning on me! So realize, THE MAIN THING is to KNOW THAT YOU KNOW that you are ready, come what may. Said another way, the main thing is to know that you have been saved or born-again, that you have experienced what Almighty God did for us all through Jesus Christ. If you know that you have been saved, then you are at least ready to do some wading! If, on the other hand, you are iffy on this (as I have also been before), I want to encourage you to click (or touch) on the following link that I have titled, ONE MORE THING , where I share about how to be saved. I know that for some, the reason they have not studied out Bible prophecy in a bigger way is because it seems so complicated and they are satisfied just knowing that they are indeed ready! I can understand that! But, in the opening chapter of The Revelation, we find these words: "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein..." (1:3). I like that first word! I've felt blessed many times as I've become more familiar with The Revelation, as well as everything else we find in Scripture relating to the last days. And you can too! Ready to get your feet wet and to wade out a little? From the get go, realize that there's coming a day, which could be much like today, where the absolute bottom is going to drop out of things in this world. What's going to happen is going to exceed the level of what happened in Noah's day. Thinking about oceans, the whole earth ended up covered by one in his day! Concerning that time, the Bible says of man that "every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Gen. 6:5) and that "the earth was filled with violence" (Gen. 6:11). Kinda like our world today, huh? Interestingly, Jesus said this in Matthew 24... 37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; SO SHALL ALSO THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN BE. What Jesus here said is from His Olivet Discourse, something that we will be considering quite a bit in our "ocean" exploration! "What in the world is Jesus' Olivet Discourse?" you ask. I'm sorry! I didn't mean to get ahead of you there. But really, it's quite simple. Everyone (well, maybe not everyone! ) calls it this because it's a talk Jesus had with His disciples on a mountain called "the mount of Olives." See Matthew 24:3, for example, where this is mentioned. We have three accounts of this discourse in the Bible, in Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, and Luke 21. Of course, I would encourage you to sit down and read each account sometime after we get back to shore. It is so very important. Back to Noah's day and what I was pointing out about that, everyone back then was going about their normal day to day (just like people are today) without any real regard for God's judgment that was looming. And then, all of a sudden, the bottom fell out of things. Part of the actual account of this is given in Genesis chapter seven and reads... 11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day WERE ALL THE FOUNTAINS OF THE GREAT DEEP BROKEN UP, AND THE WI NDOWS OF HEAVEN WERE OPENED. 12 And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights. 13 IN THE SELFSAME DAY entered Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife, and the three wives of his sons with them, into the ark; This is when the flood began or the time of God's judgment upon the world of that time began. However, before God began this time of judgment, He had Noah and his family safe in the ark. Based upon this, Jesus' words, and many other evidences, God is once again going to judge this world, but just before He begins, the saved are going to be gathered out of it, into that great ark He has prepared for us in Heaven! This gathering that I am talking about has come to be called the "rapture of the Church" and this terminology stems partly from something Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians chapter four: 16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the Trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first (the resurrection of the bodies of those who had gone on before) : 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Talk about huge! And for me, the word "rapture" beautifully captures what this event will be like for the saved or all those who are a part of Christ's Church. Then, in the next three verses, Paul continues with these words (from chapter five): 1 But of the times and seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that THE DAY OF THE LORD (that time of God's coming judgment) so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; THEN SUDDEN DESTRUCTION COMETH UPON THEM, as travail upon a woman with child; AND THEY SHALL NOT ESCAPE. This thing of an escape before the beginning of God's judgment parallels what happened in Noah's day. Only this time, rather than the safety of the ark, God's children will be "caught up" or gathered by the angels into the safety of Heaven. Back to Matthew 24, Jesus said this... 40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. This that Jesus is talking about will happen when He does what He says He is going to do just a few verses earlier... 31 And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet (the Trump of God) , and they shall GATHER TOGETHER His elect (the Church) from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Are you still able to touch the bottom? Good! Let's pause here for just a moment so I can prepare you for something. There are differing views or interpretations relating even to what we have been looking at so far and whether it will happen as often depicted or when it will happen relative to other things we find spoken of in Scripture—and so forth. I hope there weren't too many waves or ripples for you in that sentence! Annnyway, I'm going to try to be careful not to get into all of that here. My purpose is not to try to explain about all the other views, but to present and clarify some of the key points of my own view that I think everyone should look at closer. At this time, I think we might be able to do a little swimming or dog paddling, but I'll keep us close to the shore, okay? Remember that last verse that we just looked at above, Matthew 24:31? That verse is part of a three verse group where Jesus speaks of a future appearance that He is going to make. Here's all three verses together... 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: 30 Then shall appear THE SIGN of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Something important to realize is that what Jesus is here speaking of is fulfilled during an event that John writes about in Revelation 6:12 thru 7:17. What John writes about there concerns the opening of the 6th Seal of a mysterious Seven Sealed Book that he first mentions in Revelation 5:1. Notice especially what Jesus says in the above verses about the appearance of "THE SIGN of the Son of man in heaven " (vs. 30). Though I have not seen any scholar or anyone in print or the web world ever bring this out, I submit that it is this "sign" appearance that Jesus is speaking of that causes the people to say what they do after the 6th Seal is opened. Consider from Revelation 6: 15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, AND FROM THE WRATH OF THE LAMB: 17 For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? As everything fits together, this appearance of "THE SIGN of the Son of man in heaven " that Christ will make at this time will be on the order of a glimpse, partly because this will happen at the same time as the rapture (remember from just above, Matt. 24:31). Moreover, the rapture will happen "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye" (1 Cor. 15:51-52). Can't you just imagine it, Christ coming for the Church, and those left behind who glimpse Him having to shield and shut their eyes because of His brightness, and then, opening their eyes, finding Him gone—and many others with Him! A lot more could be said right here, but for now, I would just like to point out that there are many parallels between what John wrote of concerning the 6th Seal and what Jesus spoke in those three verses of Matthew 24:29-31 we looked at above. These parallels are like puzzle pieces that fit together that form a more complete picture. Interestingly, Luke's account of what Jesus here said (Lk. 21:25-27) reads like a paraphrase of what John wrote concerning the 6th Seal, especially the part in Revelation 6:12-17. Check it out. Now, if you would like for me to hold up here so that you can explore this bay a little further on your own, I'll be glad to wait for you. I would also recommend the following link to a place where I list many of the parallels between Jesus' words in His Olivet Discourse and the seals of the Seven Sealed Book (click here ) . When there, look especially at THE CLOSING SECTION and the 10 parallels that I show between the event Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:29-31 and the 6th Seal. If, on the other hand, you are desirous to continue on, suffice it to say that the chances that Jesus and John were describing the same event are astronomically high. Said another way, if I were a bettin' man, I would bet the bank that what Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:29-31 will be fulfilled the day t hat the 6th Seal is opened. And, whether you read what all the Bible says about it now or later, be sure to read about it—closely! Continuing our exploration, I want to point out to you something very basic about that Seven Sealed Book that many (even some scholars!) just don't seem to get. But, I bet you will. Imagine that we were diving around an ancient sunken ship and found an old treasure chest with seven padlocks on it. That would be awesome, huh! What do you reckon it would take to get such a chest open? "Duh," you're saying, right? Hey, I'm with you on that! Well, the seals on the Seven Sealed Book would be like the locks on such a chest. But, so far, we've only considered the 6th Seal of the Seven Sealed Book. If the rapture happens with the opening of this seal, what are we to make of the other seals, especially the previous ones? As I indicated a moment ago, the parallels that I have been speaking of between the 6th Seal and what Jesus' spoke of in His Olivet Discourse are not the only parallels to be found in these areas. Remember that last link I gave you just a couple of paragraphs back? There I show parallels of other things, four that have been pointed out by others as well. For example, it is commonly pointed out that what Jesus said about "wars and rumors of wars" (Matt. 24:6) connects with the 2nd Seal and the activity of that rider on the red horse (Rev. 6:3-4). Only thing is, many scholars teach that what Jesus said about "wars and rumors of wars" hasn't begun to happen yet! They also say this about the other things Jesus warned of in the opening part of His discourse (e.g., Matt. 24:4-9). Seems to me though, that from a historical and worldwide perspective, what He warned of here has characterized every century of world history since that time. More than that, what He warned of has characterized every decade, if not every year. Sometimes, it seems like to me that what He warned of characterizes every day, somewhere in the world! But, that's me. I'm feeling that it might be needful to dwell here a bit longer, but, let's work our way back closer to shore, at least where we can touch the bottom for a minute, okay? I'm wanting to share with you this short narrative concerning what Jesus started out saying in His discourse (again, in Matt. 24:4-9, for example). This is something that I wrote years ago and was able to "copy and paste" from another place in this website: "Think about it—Things could have been such that none would even presume to regard themselves to be some kind of Messiah or Christ, but many have since Christ's time, and several have in our own generation, like Charles Manson, Jim Jones, Sun Myung Moon, Father Divine, David Koresh, and others whose names I can't remember. Concerning wars, Christianity could have had such a far reaching impact that these would, in our generation, be considered something of the long distant past, but it's not quite that way, is it? Also, modern man (with much pride) could have made such advances that things such as world hunger and pestilences are no longer a concern. Or, there could have been a relaxing along all of the earth's fault lines to the point that earthquakes never happen anymore. Things could have turned out a lot differently, but they have not. Christians could have become so very respected that none would even think in terms of persecuting, much less martyring them. On the flip side, they could have faded from history like a little cult that never really got established. Again, things could have turned out a lot differently, but they have not. Isn't that something? Things could have turned out such that of Jesus Christ, history would bear out that He didn't know what He was talking about. What do you think? I think Jesus hit all His nails square on the head. Shouldn't surprise us, He being The Divine Carpenter! " With that said, my position is that the first four seals (and even the 5th) have already been opened, the first four around the time that The Revelation was given. One that I would here like to give appreciation to for this realization is a key witness to this—Mr. History! Thank you for your testimony Mr. History! Did I just sense that you would like to do a little snorkeling in this bay? Well, be my guest! Let me suggest that you begin looking around at PROPOSITION L , then continue for the next four or five propositions after that one. Again, I'll wait for you! Take all the time you would like. Aren't links wonderful! Ready to continue? Let's explore in a different direction for a while, what do you say? I want to show you what we discover when we look at what happens after the 6th Seal. I know I'm dwelling on these seals and the Seven Sealed Book quite a lot. But, I believe it's quite fitting, seeing that Almighty God was holding it in His right hand just before He conferred the charge of it to the Lamb (Rev. 5:1-7)! Must be a pretty important book. For me, it seems so important that I named this website after it! I don't know why scholars don't give more attention to it and especially with what we find concerning the 6th Seal. But again, what about after the 6th Seal—after the rapture of the Church? When we look into all of this, it will help to confirm what I've tried to show so far. When I think about that last or 7th Seal, I just can't help thinking about that treasure chest we were trying to imagine earlier, remember, with the seven locks on it? What do you think it would be like for you if you were down to that laaast lock? If it were me, I'd probably be worse than a kid, I would be so curious! It doesn't surprise me that when John says the 7th Seal was opened that there was "silence in Heaven about the space of half an hour" (Rev. 8:1). As it shapes up to me, there would have been lots of anticipation concerning what was going to happen now. And rightly so! According to the evidences John gives us (think like a detective now!), we can rightly conclude that the 7th Seal will be opened the same day that the 6th Seal is opened. How can we know this? Simply put, after the 6th Seal is opened, there are four angels that are fixing to continue with the destruction that they are about to cause, but they are told to wait on this till 144,000 Jews are "sealed" (Rev. 7:1-4). Are you with me? Well, we know that when someone is saved, it doesn't take a month, a week, a day, or even an hour for God to seal them. They are sealed immediately! Question: So, when do the angels of Revelation 7:1-3 follow through on the destruction that they were already poised and ready to bring about? Answer: They follow through right after this, right after the opening of the 7th Seal. This is something explicitly supported by the nature of the destruction that John saw take place when the first trumpets were sounded (cp. Rev. 8:7-8 with 7:1-3). Again, check it out! Before we explore further, let me just say that THE DAY OF THE LORD (Acts 2:20; 1 Thess. 5:1-4) would be a fitting title for the Seven Sealed Book, because the time of God's last days' judgment upon the world is what the contents of this book are all about. And the seals? These pertain to the things that were going to be taking place from around the time that The Revelation was given (Rev. 1:1-3) until now. The day the 6th and 7th seals are opened (which could be today!), will mark the day that God's judgment will begin. By this understanding, it can be seen that The Revelation was just as relevant in all those centuries gone by as it is today, for no one has known when the final seals will be opened. Still with me? This would be a good place for us to do that deep dive that I mentioned at the first. You ready! Where I would like for us to go deeper is in the Bay of Daniel's Seventy Weeks' Prophecy. While it seems that this is one of those places that people are curious about, it remains one of the places they are least familiar with. But, I believe I can help you some here. Excited? Me too! Make sure your diving tank is full! Now, first of all, this will involve us going back into the Old Testament, but I'm going to stay right beside you. And, if things get a little deeper than you're used to, don't forget how it was when you first got that computer or cell phone. If you're like me, you had to go over some things a few times. You may have to do that here, but it will be worth it! It has been for me. As could be supposed, Daniel's Seventy Weeks' prophecy is found in the book of Daniel. There, in chapter nine, consider what Daniel was told (and some important highlights and notes that I show)... 24 SEVENTY WEEKS are determined upon thy people (Daniel's people/the Jews) and upon thy holy city (Jerusalem) , to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy. 25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince (Jesus Christ!) shall be seven weeks (7 weeks) , and threescore and two weeks (62 weeks) : the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. 26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off (crucified) , but not for Himself (rather, for humanity!) : and the people of the prince that shall come (the Antichrist) shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he (the Antichrist) shall confirm the covenant with many FOR ONE WEEK (the 70th week) : and IN THE MIDST OF THE WEEK (half way through it) he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. If you have ever heard anyone talk about a "Seven Year Tribulation Period" or similar, realize that it is from what we find in verse 27 that this phrase originates. The "week" that is spoken of here is widely accepted to represent a week of years, or seven years, and I wholeheartedly agree. Be careful to breathe easy now! Why years? This can be logically deduced by realizing that the 69 weeks between "the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem" (which happened in Nehemiah's day/Neh. 2:1-8) "unto the Messiah the Prince" or Jesus Christ (vs. 25), was far more than 69 actual weeks. This would only equal 483 days, (69 X 7 = 483), which would not even be a year and a half! See what I mean? Just how long was it between the commandment to rebuild Jerusalem and the time of Christ? If these 483 days are taken to mean 483 years, this brings us closer than what we normally consider striking distance. Said another way, this would be closer than a baby whale stays to its momma!!! Now, that's pretty close. Still good on air? On the thing of understanding the seven days of a "week" to represent seven years , this is not a concept foreign to the Bible. For example, remember when Moses led the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage and later to the land of Canaan and told them to go in and possess the land (Num. 13-14)? You know, when they sent those 12 spies in for 40 days to check things out, and 10 of them came back with a fearful report that resulted in the Israelites balking on God's command to them? God informed them that because of their disobedience, He was going to cause them to wander in the wilderness for 40 years , " each day for a year " (Num. 14:34), until those that had been so fearful died off. And, that's what happened. Where this all brings us is here: We can account for the fulfillment of 69 of the weeks we find spoken of in Daniel's prophecy, BUT NOT THAT LAST WEEK. While many have seen this, don't be surprised over some controversy that you may find surrounding it. Just always remember that for every truth, Satan has conjured some untruths. Now, someone might say to you, "Who says that what this Butch Gray guy is saying is right?" I would say, "That's a fair question!" Of course, on that one, you'll have to be your own judge. Before continuing, if you would like to explore a little more at the particular place where we are at, I hope you will consider my PROPOSITION E later on. What I would really like for us to do now though is to make our way to the other side of this same bay we are in so that I can show you some things we find in the New Testament concerning Daniel's prophecy. Feeling adventurous? What we are about to see is so very fascinating! For example, look with me at Revelation 11:2-3. Here, FOR THE FIRST TIME in the New Testament, we find the mention of two 3-1/2 year timeframes (by the 360 day Jewish calendar). Moreover, we know that 3-1/2 years multiplied by two equals seven years. I bet you are already seeing it, but these two 3-1/2 year periods make up that last or 70th Week of Daniel's prophecy. Pretty neat, huh! In verse two, we have one of the 3-1/2 year periods mentioned, but not really much about it. However, in verse three, we have the mention of the other 3-1/2 year period, PLUS John's account of several things that will take place during that period. If you will take a moment and read it, you will find that the period mentioned in verse three continues to the close of verse 13, after which it is over (or "past "), as declared in verse 14. How's that for clarity! Why so few are seeing this, I don't know, unless they haven't really read it. Or, maybe their mask or goggles just clouded up at that time and they didn't notice. Hmmm. This leaves that other 3-1/2 year timeframe that was briefly mentioned in Revelation 11:2. We find out much more about this half during the period heralded by the 7th Trumpet. John begins his account of this period in Revelation 11:15, after which we find the specific 3-1/2 year timeframe of it mentioned three more times, in Revelation 12:6, 12:14, and 13:5. Right there in plain sight! Now realize, when this 3-1/2 years is fulfilled, this will complete the fulfilling of the seven years of Daniel's 70th Week. Every bit as important as what we see in Revelation 11:2-3, arguably even more important, is what we find in verse one. Here, John writes concerning the "temple of God" and some "worship" going on. But, is the worship going on at this time worship of Almighty God? Interestingly, six verses later, we find the first mention in The Revelation of "the beast" (11:7) or Antichrist. Paul gives us a little commentary on this imposter and what is going on at this time. This is that "man of sin" and "son of perdition" that he wrote of in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, of whom he says this in the next verse (pay close attention!): 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is WORSHIPPED; so that he AS GOD sitteth in the TEMPLE OF GOD, shewing himself THAT HE IS GOD. This is also of that same time that Jesus spoke of in His Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24, where we find this written... 15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of BY DANIEL THE PROPHET, STAND IN THE HOLY PLACE, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) I was going to highlight just some in this verse, and then I thought that I should just go ahead and highlight all of it! It is that important to take note of. With this verse, Jesus begins to focus on that same time that we have been looking at, the time of Daniel's 70th Week. Don't lose sight of the fact that all of the things we have been looking at in our deep dive are in this same bay! Also in this bay is what we discover in the chapter preceding Revelation 11. There, in chapter 10 verse two, John writes of "a little book open" that he sees at this time. Any guesses as to what this little book is? It's the little book of DANIEL, in fulfillment of what Daniel was told long ago. Consider the following verses from Daniel 12... 4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, EVEN TO THE TIME OF THE END: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. 8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? 9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed TILL THE TIME OF THE END. 10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. When Revelation 10 is understood in light of what Daniel was told above, it's like finding an oyster with a precious little pearl in it! And don't forget: All of this is right here in the same bay where we see the worship of the Antichrist happening in the Temple of God—evidence that he has confirmed that infamous "covenant with many for one week" (Dan. 9:27). I'm thinking of how that even with a puzzle picture of an ocean bay, it takes all the pieces being brought together for the full picture to be seen! Before we finish our deep dive, realize that THE CAPSTONE of Daniel's 70th Week will be Christ's Second Advent (a.k.a. His Second Coming), spoken of explicitly nearing the end of The Revelation, in 19:11-16. This is the coming that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 24:26-28. What He says in verse 28 concerning the "eagles" being "gathered together" connects with what will happen at that same time, when the invite will be given "to all the fowls" for the "supper" they will have as a result of the Battle of Armageddon that will then take place (Rev. 19:17-21). Oops, just noticed that my tank is getting low, probably because I'm so long winded! Guess we better come on up. I hope that some of the things I've pointed out in our dive will lodge in your memory and make your understanding of Daniel's 70th Week more vivid for years to come. And just think, if you get a little fuzzy on some of this, you can always come back and dive here again. I'm not planning on anything happening to this website, other than my continuing efforts to make it more helpful. But, if something does, the Bible's not going annnywhere—just like the ocean! Why don't we make our way back to the shore, and I'll show you a few things from the pier. It will do us good to reflect on a couple of things, and this will give me a chance to tie up a few loose ends before we call it a day. Do you remember that last thing I was pointing out in our deep dive, what Jesus said in HIs Olivet Discourse about the "eagles" being "gathered together" and the account of this being near the end of The Revelation? With His mention of this in His discourse (Matt. 24:28), Jesus concluded His focus on Daniel's 70th Week. He then turned His attention to the event of that "sign" appearance that He is going to make at the time of the gathering of the Church (Matt. 24:29-31). Be sure to make a good mental note that this will be fulfilled with the opening of the 6th Seal, near the beginning of The Revelation, in chapter six. The actual timing of this event, relative to Daniel's 70th Week, is easily seen in The Revelation, which gives us the actual chronological order of everything. This is a good place to consider a chart I have put together. While you should be able to zoom in on it on your cell phone, it's easier to take it all in on a computer. On this chart, you can see many things that I have spoken of. Something of note for those who grew up under the teachings of the common pre-trib view (like myself) is this: Other than what I have labeled as CHRIST'S SIGN APPEARANCE (over near the top left) and STAGE RESET (more to the lower left) , this chart would easily fit that view. Relating to CHRIST'S SIGN APPEARANCE, I would like to point out something that connects with the sphere shape of the earth. As I indicated earlier, the appearance of "the sign of the Son of man in heaven" (Matt. 24:30) is something that Scripture supports will be on the order of a glimpse. This appearance will be especially lifechanging for 144,000 Jews on Israel's side of the earth who will recognize "the Lamb" as Jesus, whom they had heretofore rejected as their Messiah. These are referred to as the "firstfruits" (Rev. 14:1-4, esp. vs 4) of the later harvest that will happen when Jesus returns to stay. But further, and barring a miracle to some other effect, this appearance will not be seen by those left behind on our side of the earth (in our Western Hemisphere). This means, for those left behind on our side of the earth, the event of the rapture will no doubt be as commonly depicted in the LEFT BEHIND book and movie series. The sphere shape of the earth makes this quite logical. Relating to what I refer to as the STAGE RESET, if the "third part" destruction in Revelation 8:7-12 has to do with what is in our Western Hemisphere, this being "out of the picture" would bring the focus to bear once again upon Israel's side of the earth for the fulfilling of the last week of Daniel's Seventy Weeks' prophecy. Consider: What is on our side of the earth wasn't in the picture of the fulfilling of the first 69 weeks, as it had not even been discovered at that time! It shouldn't surprise us to find that it may also be absent in the picture of the last week. Moreover, this would mean that the only remaining eyes on the earth at the time of Christ's Second Advent will be those on Israel's side of the earth, just like in the Bible days. This possibility easily solves the mystery of how "every eye " (Rev. 1:7) will simultaneously see Christ at that time, something else that the sphere shape of the earth makes quite logical. There's so much more that I am anxious for you to see, but I go into all of that in the rest of the website. It's kinda like an ocean itself, only a smaller one. Where's the best place to begin wading into it? Let me suggest PROPOSITION A , which is the true beginning or shoreline. From there, you can explore all the other shore lines, bays, and depths at your own pace. Wonderful things can be seen when the Word of God is explored as He intended it to be. This that Jesus said to His first disciples (the night before He was crucified) continues to give me pause, each time I look into His Word. From John 16... 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit, when He, the Spirit of Truth (Christ's Holy Spirit), is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will SHEW YOU THINGS TO COME. While I have tried to be a good guide, it is much more important to always seek the guidance of Christ's Holy Spirit when you are trying to come to the knowledge of the truth. Also, be cautious about giving overmuch weight to what scholarship puts forth. Most of those steeped in secular scholarship still believe that we evolved from lifeless muck! Interestingly, those steeped in religious scholarship do not have any surer grasp of the truth. This is thoroughly evidenced by the fact that there is much scholarship on both sides of any fence. And don't forget what we find in God's Word concerning the religious scholars of Jesus' day, not to mention what they did to Him. God never made scholarship the way to understand the truths of His Word (1 Cor. 1:25-2:16). Finally, my prayer is that what I have put together on this website will be of a help to you. More important than what you may find here is that you become a student of God's Word for yourself. Get in the Bible and prayerfully search and study it out for yourself ( 2 Tim. 2:15), making the "exploration" of His Word your premier lifetime endeavor. You will never, ever, search out all its depths or exhaust all its treasures! bACK tO TOP NEXT

The 7th Trumpet heralds a period that isn't over until Revelation 20:15, after the Last Judgment... The 7th Trumpet heralds a period that continues until the conclusion of the Last Judgment. bACK tO TOP PART 11 HOME next KEY PROPOSITION 9 What John records in Revelation 11:15-19 concerning the 7th Trumpet and what it heralds is expounded in chapters 12-20. For a chapter by chapter survey of this period, see DETAILS OF THE PERIOD HERALDED BY THE SEVENTH TRUMPET, in my OUTLINE OF THE REVELATION (also found under MORE in the menu). Following is that brief overview John recorded of this period, from Revelation 11 (and note the BOLD ): 15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in Heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever. 16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, 17 Saying, We give Thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because Thou hast taken to Thee Thy great power, and hast reigned. 18 And the nations were angry, and Thy wrath is come, AND THE TIME OF THE DEAD, THAT THEY SHOULD BE JUDGED, and that Thou shouldest give reward unto Thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear Thy name, small and great; AND SHOULDEST DESTROY THEM WHICH DESTROY THE EARTH. 19 And the temple of God was opened in Heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. One of the reasons for my present proposition is to reinforce that the period of time heralded by the 7th Trumpet extends well beyond Daniel's 70th Week. It will also include what John sees from this time through the Last Judgment, as reflected above, especially by the words in bold. The account of this judgment is in Revelation 20:11-15. Regarding Daniel's 70th Week, this will be brought to a close at the time (meaning, on the day!) of Christ's Second Advent and the Battle of Armageddon. The Antichrist, the false prophet, and their followers will then meet their doom (Rev. 19:19-21). Following this, as John records in Revelation 20:1-6, "the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan" will be bound for a thousand years, during which time Christ will literally reign upon this earth from Jerusalem as the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. At the beginning of Christ's reign, those who remain of the Gentile nations will be gathered to be judged (see Matt. 25:31-46). While it may appear that this judgment will be based solely upon one's treatment of Christ's "brethren" (Matt. 25:40) during Daniel's 70th Week, remember this: genuine good will towards others, or the lack thereof, goes much deeper than such works and is merely reflective of what is within one's heart. And be sure, Christ knows His hearts! Those from this judgment who are found to be saved will receive the blessing of being able to take part in Christ's Kingdom with the rest of the saved. Those who are not will be separated into Hell. From this time and throughout Christ's thousand year reign, conditions upon this earth will be radically changed. Even Solomon's kingdom at its height was only a shadow of Christ's Kingdom. There are many prophecies that both indicate and bear clues to the nature of Christ's Millennial Kingdom and the conditions that will prevail upon the earth during that time. Consider the following: Under Christ's worldwide government, righteousness will prevail, and all war will cease (Isa. 2:2-4; Isa. 24:21-23; Dan. 7:13-14; Zech. 14:16-21; and 1 Cor. 15:24-26). God's covenant promises to the Israelite nation will be fulfilled (Jer. 23:3-8; Ezek. 20:40-44; Ezek. 34:23-31; Ezek. 36:21-38; Ezek. 37:15-28; and Amos 9:11-15). It will be an era or age of unparalleled prosperity for God's people and praise toward God (Isa. 25:6-9; Isa. 61:4-11; Isa. 66:10-14; Micah 4:1-4; and 1 Cor. 2:9-10). Conditions upon most of the earth will become a paradise (Isa. 35:1-10; Isa. 51:1-3; Isa. 55:12-13 ; Ezek. 47:1-12; Zech. 14:6-11; and Rom. 8:19-21). The land of Israel, and especially Zion/Jerusalem, will be particularly blessed (Isa. 1:25-27; Isa. 60:1-22; Isa. 62:1-12; Ezek. 36:8-15; Joel 3:16-21; Zeph. 3:14-20; and Zech. 8:3-8). Christians will join Christ in the government of the earth and experience great prosperity (Dan. 7:18, 27; Matt. 19:27-30; 1 Cor. 6:2; Rev. 1:5-6; and Rev. 20:4-6). There are other prophecies of this time, some easier to distinguish, some not so easy. As could be expected, there will be another temple in Jerusalem, of which Ezekiel 40-48 contains a big focus (concerning the animal sacrifices, consider in light of 20:40). There are indications that the lands of Israel's former enemies will remain desolate (Zeph. 2:4-15 and Joel 3:18-21). And, one of the most beloved prophecies is that of the serenity that will exist upon the earth, especially in connection with the animal kingdom (Isa. 11:6-9 and 65:25). Christ's Millennial Kingdom will certainly be the Kingdom of kingdoms! But, the close of Christ's Millennial Kingdom does not finish the period heralded by the 7th Trumpet—not completely. This is another reason for my present proposition. As it states, the period heralded by the 7th Trumpet isn't over until after the Last Judgment. It is hoped that a keen realization of this will add more meaning for the reader to my final proposition, especially for that one who may not be saved or may not be sure.

The tribulation Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:29 is in reference to the tribulation of the Church Age... The tribulation Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:29 concerns the tribulation of the Church Age. The focus of our attention in this proposition stems from the words in bold in the following verse from M atthew 24: 29 Immediately AFTER the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: When I think of prophecies of the last days being like pieces of a puzzle, the prophecy of this verse reminds me of one of those pieces that doesn't actually fit the way it may at first seem. Though I disagree with the post-trib rapture view, it is easy to see the seeming support for it in what Jesus here says. Remember that this verse is part of the three-verse paragraph I have been referring to as our focal passage (vss. 29-31). When we consider what Jesus is saying, especially concerning the angels gathering together His elect (vs. 31), it would appear evident that the rapture will occur after t he tribulation. In contrast, scholars in defense of the common pre-trib view argue that verse 31 has nothing to do with the rapture in the first place, but with another event, like Israel's future regathering to their homeland (see NOTE #1 below). If there were such a passage as one on which a belief might turn, this would be a good candidate. Back when I first became unsettled over some elements of the pre-trib view I grew up believing, Matthew 24:29 was one of the most difficult of the related references for me to reconcile. Of course, this difficulty revolved mostly around the word "after," but also what the "tribulation of those days" really related to. The position of each of the popular views is that this tribulation relates partially or wholly to the time of Daniel's 70th Week. Further, the position of the common pre-trib view is that all of this seven year period is synonymous with the time of God's coming judgment. While the view of my upbringing was that the tribulation Jesus spoke of concerned both Daniel's 70th Week and God's judgment, as I began to study things out for myself, I could not help but see evidences that suggested otherwise. Consider, for example, N oah's day. If Jesus had been teaching s omething about that time, He could have said, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days 'were all the fountains o f the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights' " (Gen. 7:11-12). More concisely, He could have said, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days THE TIME OF GOD'S JUDGMENT CAME. " By this wording, w ould we think of the tribulation He was speaking of as being a part of God's judgment? Not at all. Because of our understanding of Noah's day, it is quite natural for us to differentiate between the flood and whatever kind of tribulation may have characterized the days preceding it. Applying this example to our verse in question, consider if we highlight what Jesus actually said thus: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. " More concisely, and in keeping with our example, He could have said, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days SHALL THE TIME OF GOD'S JUDGMENT COME." By this wording, would we think of the tribulation He was speaking of as being a part of God's judgment? What is my point? If the example of Noah's day holds relevance for us on our verse in question, how could the tribulation Jesus spoke of relate to Daniel's 70th Week? How could that seven year period of God's judgment be over before anything else even begins? This would be tantamount to the flood being over before Noah and his family even got on the ark, which is nonsensical. Is the way things were before God's judgment came in Noah's day a good example of the way things are going to be before His judgment comes in these last days? I'm reminded of Jesus' words that are so often preached: "And as it was in the days of Noah..." (Lk. 17:26/Matt. 24:37). There are many p rophetic puzzle pieces in the Bible that relate to Jesus' words and give us a fuller picture of what He was in truth saying. On the Day of Pentecost we find a couple of those pieces. On that day, Peter quoted the following from a prophecy of Joel's: "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable Day of the Lord come" (Acts 2:20/Joel 2:31). By the interlock of this prophecy with what Jesus said in Matthew 24:29, we have a connection made for us of the celestial phenomena He spoke of and God's coming time of judgment ( NOTE #2). In his second epistle, Peter spoke further concerning this time of God's judgment and how that it will come "as a thief in the night " (2 Pet. 3:7-12, esp. vs. 10). Paul used the same words and added, "For when they shall say, "Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape" (1 Thess. 5:2-3). I f the tribulation Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:29 relates to Daniel's 70th Week and the time of God's judgment, how can this be made to harmonize with what we find in God's Word elsewhere? How could the time of God's judgment come on people "as a thief in the night" if they have already been in the thick of it? How could people experience any of the seven year period of Daniel's 70th Week—much less all of it—and regard it has having been a time of "Peace and safety"? Something with the way others have been trying to assemble the prophetic puzzle pieces doesn't quite fit. The last place we find other puzzle pieces like we have been looking at is in The Revelation. As evidenced throughout this site, this is where it is revealed for us concerning when these things will be fulfilled. If it w asn't for what we find in The Revelation, I would no doubt still be unsettled. Now I see what is revealed here as holding the keys that we need to unlock Jesus' Olivet Discourse and vice-versa. It almost goes without saying that The Revelation was given to us because we need it. In John's account of what he saw with the opening of the 6th Seal, what we have been looking at all comes together (Rev. 6:12-17). In the opening verse he writes, "and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood. " If we were working with literal puzzle pieces, even a child would be quick to make the connection of these with those of Joel's prophecy (Joel 2:31; Acts 2:20). Continuing, John writes, "And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth" (vs. 13), and "every mountain and island were moved out of their places" (vs. 14). "And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us... "(vss. 15-16). Consider how the combination of Joel, Peter, Paul, and John's words interlock with Luke's parallel account of Jesus' words from our verse of focus: "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth... " (21:25-26). This reads like a paraphrase of what happens when the 6th Seal is opened! Because of the magnitude of what will happen at this time, the unsaved will not be bewildered over what it all means, as reflected in their cry: "For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" (Rev. 6:17). They will have never experienced anything like this—NOT EVEN CLOSE. They will suddenly and unexpectedly be facing "the great and the terrible Day of the LORD " that has so long been prophesied. They will know straight-up th at this is the time of God's judgment. Just like in Noah's day, when the flood began, they hadn't ever seen anything like that—NOT EVEN CLOSE. Whatever the nature of the tribulation may have been prior, God's time of judgment was in a whole other category. Perhaps the most far reaching support for my PROPOSITION V is something that The Revelation helps us to see relating to the chronological order of Jesus' discourse. While His discourse is much shorter than The Revelation, the basic order is the same. For a detailed look at this, here is a link to my page titled, THE OLIVET DISCOURSE AND REVELATION CHRONOLOGY . For now, let's look more to how this supports my present proposition. While all three accounts of Jesus' discourse (Matt. 24; Mk. 13; Lk. 21) are consistent relating to this order, we will keep to the Matthew 24 account for simplicity. To begin, Jesus' discourse can be divided into three sections, as I showed in my PROPOSITION K ). Th e opening section includes verses 4-14, the central section verses 15-28, and the closing section verses 29-51. As we will see, the first two sections are chronological in nature, and the closing section is supplemental in nature. Note that the closing section begins with verse 29, which has been our primary verse of focus on this page. Remain mindful of how all the prophetic puzzle pieces we have been looking at interlock with this verse and the 6th Seal (see also NOTE #3). The closing section is supplemental in that it connects with this that Jesus said back at verse 14b : "and then shall the end come." Borrowing again from the example of Noah's day, the end at that time was t he day that the flood began—the day that God's judgment began. But here (vs. 14b), Jesus is speaking of the time that God's last days' judgment will begin. His whole focus in the closing section relates t o the SINGULAR DAY that this will begin. Bringing things full circle, this singular day is also the day that the 6th Seal will be opened. How does all of this support my PROPOSITION V ? If what Jesus speaks of in His closing section was meant by Him to correspond with what He said in verse 14b, then the "tribulation of those days " that He spoke of in verse 29 would correspond with what He spoke of in verses 4-14a. Contrary to what is often put forth by scholars, what Jesus spoke of in these verses does not pertain to Daniel's 70th Week or the time of God's coming judgment at all, but to the nature of the tribulations that His followers would face during the Church Age—of which we are presently a part. For more concerning "those days" of verse 29 see APPENDIX 7 . Back to The Revelation, what about the seals that precede the 6th Seal? As we have seen, neither do these relate to Daniel's 70th Week or the time of God's judgment. While the parallels between these and the things Jesus warned of in the opening of His discourse are often pointed out, and rightly so, all of this relates to the time of the Church Age. The first four seals concern the post-Apostolic liberties Satan has been granted to continue the plying his craft from that time even until now. Remember—he would have no liberties otherwise. These seals give us a behind the scenes look at the activity responsible for the things Jesus warned of in the opening of His discourse. All of this was a major part of our focus beginning back at PROPOSITION L . When the harmony of The Revelation with Jesus' discourse is discovered, we can more easily differentiate between the time of God's coming judgment and the days of tribulation that will precede it. Speaking of these days from a first century perspective, Jesus said, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (vs. 12). We are there. Borrowing once again from the days of Noah, it is easy to envision things being much the same back then, when "the wickedness of man was great in the earth" and "the earth was filled with violence" (Gen. 6:5, 11). By t he foregoing understanding of Jesus' discourse, we can see the following chronological order: The tribulation of the Church Age (vss. 4-14a ) The day God's judgment will begin (vs. 14b plus vss. 29-51) The fulfilling of Daniel's 70th Week (vss. 15-28) By the above and below illustrations, it can be seen that the order of Jesus' discourse corresponds with that of The Revelation. The blue part below concerns the first months of God's judgment. During this short time, everything will be readied for the fulfilling of Daniel's 70th Week. Jesus did not speak about anything relating to these these two chapters. The tribulation of the Church Age (Rev. 6:1-11) The day God's judgment will begin (Rev. 6:12-8:1) Preparation for Daniel's 70th Week (Rev. 8:2-9:21) The fulfilling of Daniel's 70th Week (Rev. 10:1-19:21) In consideration of the above, this might be a good place to reinforce that in Matthew 24:26-28, Jesus spoke about THE CAPSTONE of Daniel's 70th Week, which will be HIS SECOND ADVENT. The connection of what Jesus said in these three verses with Christ's Second Advent (Rev. 19:11-21) is not disputed by anyone. However, EVERYONE defending the popular views has missed that this is NOT what He was speaking about in verse 30, which will be the appearance of "THE SIGN of the Son of man in heaven." Concisely, in His Olivet Discourse, Jesus spoke about things relating to the Church Age (vss. 4-14), things relating to God's coming time of judgment (vss. 15-28), and then, the event that would come between (vss. 29-51). This event will be HIS SIGN APPEARANCE for the gathering of His Church and everything thereto related. From a first century perspective, "those days" of verse 29 are these days in which we are living. Moreover, this very day may be THE DAY that what He spoke of will be fulfilled. In harmony with everything we find in Scripture, He may be readying Himself to open the 6th Seal even now. "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20). Not convinced? As much study as it has taken me to come to these conclusions, I can easily understand. In retrospect, I attribute much of my inability to see these things to long-accepted errors, through which Satan cleverly hoodwinked my mind. In my thinking, by this same scheme, he has effectively robbed Christ's Church of one of the most blessed and pivotal rapture passages found in Scripture, spoken by Jesus Himself. In turn, this has resulted in such a quagmire of errors that the truth of the matter has nearly been lost in all the back and forth. Thankfully, it is still preserved in Scripture, and remarkably, when the truth is discovered, it remains the truth from any angle it is observed. We have considered many angles and evidences that support my present proposition, and there are more to come that will tie in in various ways. To summarize what I have presented so far in this site, my present proposition harmonizes with an understanding that: Is supported by 2000 years of Church history that aligns with the opening of Jesus' Olivet Discourse. Has Jesus' Olivet Discourse pertaining some to the Church, some to Israelites, and some to both. Recognizes Christ's Sign Appearance as distinct from His Second Advent in the Olivet Discourse. Recognizes Christ's Sign Appearance as distinct from His Second Advent in The Revelation. Recognizes Christ's Sign Appearance as preceding His Second Advent by at least seven years. Links the first section of Jesus' Olivet Discourse to the first five seals and the activity of the four horsemen. Links the time of Christ's Sign Appearance to after the opening of the 6th Seal (Rev. 6:15-17). Links both the Mark 13:24-27 and Luke 21:25-27 parallels of Matthew 24:29-31 to the 6th Seal. Links "all the tribes" in Matthew 24:30 to "all the tribes" of Revelation 7:2-8 (note vs. 4). Links the trumpet of Matthew 24:31 to the rapture trumpet (1 Thess. 4:16 and 1 Cor. 15:52). Links the "gather together" of Matthew 24:31 to the "gathering together" of 2 Thessalonians 2:1. Links the gathered elect of Matthew 24:31 to the gathered multitude of Revelation 7:9-17. Links "the one shall be taken, and the other left" of Matthew 24:40-41 to the event of the rapture. Links the escape of which Jesus speaks in Luke 21:36 to the Church and the time of the rapture. Links the 6th Seal and the rapture to the final fulfilling of Joel's Church Age prophecy (Acts 2:19-21). Links Christ's Sign Appearance to His parable of the fig tree, in accord with the parable's context. Links Christ's return as a "thief" to the time of the rapture and the beginning of the Day of the Lord. Views none of God's judgment as beginning until the day that the 6th Seal is opened (Rev. 6:17). Views the opening of the 7th Seal as taking place the same day that the 6th Seal is opened. Views the day that the 6th and 7th seals are opened as marking the beginning of the Day of the Lord. Makes possible a truly consistent and chronological interpretation of The Revelation. I suppose that for every belief, a measure of faith is also required, and it is no different for my own. But, as can be seen, it is not faith without foundation. At this point, if Jesus had of declared outright, "Immediately after the tribulation of the Church Age, " everything that I have put forth in support of this belief would fit that declaration. For me, this wheel of interpretation rolls truer than any other that I have found, and I am yet captivated by what it does for our understanding going forward. Finally, from the perspective of these understandings, there is coming a time when God will determine that it has been enough. At that time, Christ will open the 6th Seal and return for His Bride, at which point Her tribulation, so long brought on by the activity of the four horsemen, will be forever over. This event will include signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars and the appearance of "THE SIGN of the Son of man in heaven." The phenomena relating to the sun and the moon will undoubtedly linger well after the Son of man and His saved are long gone. According to the evidence of Scripture, on this same day, Christ will also open the seventh or last seal—meaning He will then open the Seven Sealed Book—meaning the time of God's last days' Day of the Lord judgment will have begun. Things will then come together (and quickly) for the fulfilling of Daniel's 70th Week. NOTES : Concerning the pre-trib belief of some that this relates to the regathering of the Israelites to their homeland, see my comments on Matthew 24:31 in PROPOSITION K . For any pre-trib belief that has a sounding of a trumpet at Christ's Second Advent, see FURTHER EVIDENCE ITEM #2 . Relating to Jesus' choice of words that the moon will not give " her light," if the moon suddenly becomes blood red, it will certainly not be giving its normal light. In verse 29 with verses 30-31 (our focal passage), there are at least seven parallels (in sequence) between what Jesus spoke of and what John saw with the opening of the 6th Seal. When Mark and Luke's accounts of Jesus' words are included, there are at least 10 parallels (see THE CLOSING SECTION ). T o deny that what John saw will be the fulfilling of what Jesus spoke would be to accept astronomical odds. This would also be the disallowing of Scripture to interpret Scripture. bACK tO TOP PART I HOME next key PROPOSITION V