Biblical Eschatology
Many feel that the world is moving toward some kind of definitive breaking point. This widespread curiosity is exactly what drives people to take an interest in biblical eschatology, the study of the end times. However, to piece the narrative together does require research and some readers quickly balk at the symbolism. This project is not an exhaustive study guide, but rather a description of each event in bite size chunks, written in language for everyone. I have also provided a "mud map" or cheat sheet outlining the major prophetic events in a possible chronological order.
This study is relevant today because a significant portion of the prophecy concerns Israel; consequently, Christians have closely monitored events in the Middle East for decades. What is unfolding right now could be significant and is a very interesting watch.
My preferred position is to interpret scripture literally, however, I do recognise the Bible does use metaphores, parables and at times vivid symbolic imagery. We should be prepared to recognise this and read the passage as the author intended. Quite often the Bible does interpret its own symbols for the reader. I have taken the futurist's point of view, meaning I believe most of the prophecies are still yet to unfold.
--- This document is a work in progress ---
▶
1.0
Historical Setting
▶
1.1 God's Promise to Abraham
God’s promise to Abraham through the lineage of Isaac and Jacob, declared that Abraham would be the father of many nations and that God would provide land for them. This land is vast, and Israel has never occupied it in its entirety; many believe the complete fulfilment of this promise is still in the future. Current-day Israel occupies only a small part of this region. The descendants of Ishmael, Abraham’s eldest son (representing many Muslim Arab nations), believe their claim to the same land is equal to or superior to that of the Jewish people.
Genesis 15:18-21
(18) On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi[e] of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates— (19) the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, (20) Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, 21 Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites.”
(18) On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadi[e] of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates— (19) the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, (20) Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, 21 Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites.”
▶
1.2 Jews Scattered to All Nations
The Roman Siege in AD 70 was foretold in the Bible more than once. This was and extremely difficult period for the Jewish people, many died at the hands of the Romans, from civil conflict and unrest. The walls of Jerusalem were flattened and the second temple was destroyed.
Deuteronomy 28:49-52
(49) The Lord will bring a nation against you from far away, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down, a nation whose language you will not understand, (50) a fierce-looking nation without respect for the old or pity for the young.
(49) The Lord will bring a nation against you from far away, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down, a nation whose language you will not understand, (50) a fierce-looking nation without respect for the old or pity for the young.
After the Roman siege in AD 70 the Jewish people did not have land they could call their own. They lived as a scattered stateless people until 1948, while their homeland was inhabited by various Gentile groups.
Luke 21:24
They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
▶
2.0
Prophecy - Restoration of Israel
▶
2.1 The Physical Restoration of Israel
Israel's physical restoration is many things, but utimately it is the return of the Jewish people to the homeland promised to Abraham, the establishment of the State of Israel and their development into a wealthy nation.
Ezekiel's vision of the Valley of Dry Bones describes a process where God brings a dead nation back to life in a specific sequence, one that many people today link to the timeline of modern Israel. While spiritual restoration is also described here, this will occur at another time.
Ezekiel 37:7-8;11
(7) So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. (8) I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. (11) Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’
(7) So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. (8) I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. (11) Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’
▶
2.2 Return to the Land
Jewish immigration to Israel (Aliyah) started to scale up in the late 1800s. This is attributed to increased antisemitism in Europe and large-scale pogroms against Jews in Russia. A lot of the land purchases at the time were made with Rothschild money. Although these acquisitions were entirely legal transactions conducted with local landlords and the Ottoman government, they frequently resulted in the displacement of native Muslim tenant farmers.
Ezekiel 36:24
For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land.
For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land.
Following World War I, Britain implemented the Balfour Declaration and the League of Nations Mandate, both of which helped accelerate Jewish immigration. The SS Ruslan, often called the 'Israeli Mayflower,' carried the people who would eventually build the foundations of the modern state of Israel.
Isaiah 60:9-11
Surely the islands look to me; in the lead are the ships of Tarshish, bringing your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.
Surely the islands look to me; in the lead are the ships of Tarshish, bringing your children from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.
▶
2.3 Gathering of the Dispersed
The Israeli people will be gathered from around the world and returned to their homeland with the assistance of other nations.
Isaiah 11:12
He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.
He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.
Operation Magic Carpet (1949–1950), also known as "On Wings of Eagles," was a mass airlift from Yemen. Approximately 49,000 Jews were airlifted to Israel. The operation relied heavily on British and American transport planes and pilots flying from the British Crown Colony of Aden.
Isaiah 49:22
This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I will beckon to the nations, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their hips."
This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “See, I will beckon to the nations, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their hips."
Operation Ezra and Nehemiah (1951–1952) ended over 2,500 years of Jewish history in Babylonia (modern-day Iraq). Between 120,000 and 130,000 Iraqi Jews were airlifted to Israel. While organised by the Israeli government, it was financed largely by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC).
Operation Moses (1984–1985) was a covert mission to rescue Ethiopian Jews fleeing famine and civil war. Roughly 8,000 Ethiopian Jews were airlifted from refugee camps in Sudan. This operation involved the United States (CIA), Sudanese officials, and Belgium (using 707s from a Belgian airline).
Operation Solomon (1991) set a world record for the most passengers on a single flight. Over 14,000 Ethiopian Jews were airlifted to Israel in just 36 hours. The United States government under President George H.W. Bush, had a key diplomatic role in the rescue mission.
Many people find these operations particularly striking because they involved Gentile nations providing the physical and political means for a people to return: which is the exact mechanism described in the Isaiah prophecy.
▶
2.4 Wealth of the Nations
The Israel Bonds programme started in 1951. Since then, Western citizens and funds have bought over $50 billion in sovereign bonds. This money directly funded Israel's main infrastructure. Key projects included building deep-water ports in Haifa and Ashdod, laying desert pipelines, and constructing large water desalination plants.
Isaiah 60:11
Your gates will always stand open, they will never be shut, day or night, so that people may bring you the wealth of the nations— their kings led in triumphal procession.
Your gates will always stand open, they will never be shut, day or night, so that people may bring you the wealth of the nations— their kings led in triumphal procession.
The West German Reparations Agreement (1952), required West Germany to pay Israel three billion Deutsche Marks. This funded 30% of Israel’s early industrial import infrastructure, building its electricity grid, purchasing its early merchant shipping fleet, and extending its national railway tracks.
In 1985, Israel and the United States signed a historic Free Trade Agreement. This allowed billions of dollars in international trade, investments, and capital to flow seamlessly into Israel.
▶
2.5 What Was Wasteland Shall Be Tilled
When visiting the Holy Land, Mark Twain repeatedly used words like "desolate", "unlovely", and "silent" to describe the countryside. Today, Israel is a global leader in agritech, exporting fruit and flowers to the very nations that once saw the land as a wasteland. The Jezreel Valley, which Twain described as a silent desert, is now one of the most productive agricultural regions in Israel.
Ezekiel 36:33-35
(33) “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt. (34) The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it. (35) They will say, “This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited.”
(33) “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: On the day I cleanse you from all your sins, I will resettle your towns, and the ruins will be rebuilt. (34) The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through it. (35) They will say, “This land that was laid waste has become like the garden of Eden; the cities that were lying in ruins, desolate and destroyed, are now fortified and inhabited.”
Isaiah 35:1
The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus,
The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus,
The National Water Carrier Project was a massive engineering feat, which piped water from the Sea of Galilee in the north, to the arid Negev Desert. This allowed Israel to transform thousands of square kilometers of barren sand into highly productive, self-sufficient agricultural farmland.
Isaiah 41:18-19
(18) I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs. (19) I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set junipers in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together,
(18) I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs. (19) I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set junipers in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together,
Modern technology and drip irrigation have enabled Israel to produce multiple harvests a year in regions once considered barren.
Amos 9:13
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman and the planter by the one treading grapes. New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills,
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman and the planter by the one treading grapes. New wine will drip from the mountains and flow from all the hills,
▶
2.6 Rebuilding of Cities
Beersheba, Tiberias, Jerusalem (Jewish Quarter), Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Jezreel (among many others) are rebuilt cities that are now inhabited. Tel Aviv, while not built on ruins, was built on wasteland and sand dunes. Furthermore, Israel now boasts a world-class wine industry with over 16,000 acres of vineyards.
Amos 9:14-15
(14) and I will bring my people Israel back from exile. “They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. (15) I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them,” says the Lord your God.
Modern Israel often uses archaeological tells (mounds of ancient ruins) as the foundation for modern expansion.
Jeremiah 30:18
This is what the Lord says:“‘I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings; the city will be rebuilt on her ruins, and the palace will stand in its proper place.
This is what the Lord says:“‘I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings; the city will be rebuilt on her ruins, and the palace will stand in its proper place.
Isaiah 61:4
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities
They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities
▶
2.7 Foreigners Shall Be Your Ploughmen
Following the events of October 7th, international agricultural groups organised by communities such as HaYovel and HaShomer HaChadash saw thousands of non-Israeli citizens from the United States, Europe, and Asia fly into border communities, often at their own expense. These foreign volunteers provided free manual labour to work the fields, harvest crops, and prune the vineyards.
Isaiah 61:5
Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
Strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
▶
2.8 A Nation Born in a Day
"A nation born in a day"; Many believe 14th of May 1948 was the literal fulfilment of this prophecy. On that day, the British Mandate ended, the modern State of Israel was declared, and was immediately recognized by the United States and other major world powers, effectively creating a nation in a single day.
Isaiah 66:8
Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children.
Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labor than she gives birth to her children.
▶
2.9 Restoration of Hebrew
Hebrew is the only language in human history, to have not been spoken as a primary native language for nearly 2,000 years, and then fully restored as a national language. Foundational Hebrew is considered pure in a literal sense, because it contains no native curse words or vulgarity. (Modern Hebrew has imported some slang from Arabic and Russian).
Zephaniah 3:9
For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord.
For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord.
Fun Fact: The preceding verse, Zephaniah 3:8, is the only verse in the entire Hebrew Bible that contains every single letter of the Hebrew alphabet, including all five of the special final forms (sofit) used at the end of certain words. For many, this unique structure serves as a divine watermark.
▶
2.10 This Generation Shall Not Pass Away
The Lesson of the Fig Tree (Israel): This prophecy suggests the generation witnessing the restoration of Israel, will not pass away before the end-times events fully unfold. Many equate the birth of the modern State in 1948 or the capture of Jerusalem in 1967 with "time zero" for the generational clock. Depending on how you define a generation (40 - 100 years), this creates a prophetic window for the end times spanning from 1988 to 2067. While I can see the connection and the hope it provides, it doesn't necessarily have to align with a single significant date. Jesus said, "As soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves". Only God knows where this sits in the overall scheme of Israel's restoration process.
Matthew 24:32-35
(32) “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. (33) Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. (34) Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. (35) Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
(32) “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. (33) Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. (34) Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. (35) Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
▶
2.11 Summary - Physical Restoration of Israel
Israel has transformed from a resource-poor desert into a global high-tech hub in roughly 100 years. Known as Silicon Wadi, the nation is now a world leader in technology and innovation. Tel Aviv, built on what sand dunes, and now stands as one of the most expensive cities to live in, protected by the advanced Iron Dome military defence system. Furthermore, major offshore gas discoveries have enabled Israel to achieve complete gas independence and export significant quantities of gas. The nation also exports wine, bromine, potash, magnesium, and phosphates. There is much to consider when observing the multi-layered restoration of Israel. Given these milestones it is difficult to argue, that the generational prophetic clock has not started.
▶
3.0
Prophecy - Birth Pains
▶
3.1 Birth Pains
The disciples asked Jesus what the signs of His coming and the end of the age would be. Jesus answered by listing many signs and likening them to birth pains, suggesting they will become more frequent and increase in intensity over time. Some scholars argue that these signs occur only during the Tribulation period. If that were the case, then birth pains would be equivalent to a five-minute labour. Instead, I expect them to build in the years leading up to, and reach their peak during the Tribulation period.
Matthew 24:7-8
(7) For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. (8) All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
(7) For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. (8) All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
▶
3.2 Deception by False Prophets
In recent times, we have seen figures like Apollo Quiboloy, Sun Myung Moon, Ahn Sahng-hong, and Yang Xiangbin claim millions of followers globally, alongside others like Sergey Torop and Jim Jones. False messiahs have always existed, and it is very difficult to compare historical and modern-day movements. However, what we can say is that modern-day false messiahs can amass large followings very quickly, transcending borders thanks to the internet and globalisation.
Matthew 24:4-5
(4) And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. (5) For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.
(4) And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. (5) For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.
▶
3.3 Wars and Rumors of Wars
While conflict has always existed, the 20th century introduced "total war", not once, but twice, with death tolls reaching 187 million, exceeding nearly all previous centuries combined. According to the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO) there was a record number of 61 active conflicts in 2024. Modern warfare is not only physical but played out with disinformation spread via the media and internet, destabalising regions faster the ever before.
Matthew 24:6
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
For the restoration of Israel to take place, one could argue that World War I had to happen. The breakdown of the Ottoman Empire and the subsequent division of the land meant the Jewish people finally had a foothold in their Promised Land.
Matthew 24:6
...... Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
...... Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
▶
3.4 Famines and Earthquakes
Many argue that we are not experiencing more earthquakes, but rather we have better detection. Technology has indeed improved, in the 19th century records of 7.0+ magnitude earthquakes were relatively sparce. The 20th and 21st centuries have seen clusters of 15 - 18 7.0+ earthquakes per year. With limited historical data, it is hard to make any concrete assertions as to whether they are truly increasing. Even if the raw data is debated, the impact today is undoubtedly far greater than ever before. Earthquakes now affect many more and are instantly visible to everyone, whereas in the past remote temors could have easily gone unnoticed.
Matthew 24:7
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.
Famines are a unique "birth pain". For 2,000 years, famines were often triggered by local crop failure, but today the problem is more structural. Global agriculture now produces enough food to feed everyone, yet famine is increasing. Despite advanced technology, the number of people facing acute food insecurity has skyrocketed. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), the population facing acute food insecurity has surged from 135 million in 2019 to 345 million by 2023.
▶
3.5 Disease and Pestilence
We currently wrestle with diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, COVID-19, Ebola, and dengue fever. Up until its eradication in 1980, it was estimated that cumulative deaths from smallpox exceeded even those from the bubonic plague. While high-profile outbreaks capture the headlines, the primary drivers of modern illness are actually lifestyle-related, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
Luke 21:11
There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.
▶
3.6 Apostacy and Love of Many Grow Cold
Paul states that the Lord will not return until "the falling away" (from God), occurs first. The percentages of those identifying as Christian across the UK and Australia, have dropped significantly, from roughly 90% in the 1960s to between 40% and 50% today. For the US, the drop has not been as dramatic but is still significant. However, the decline in actual belief is much more acute; across Europe, while most maintain a nominal identity, those who actively believe has fallen to single digits. Experts attribute this massive cultural shift simply to younger generations having no religious affiliation.
2 Thessalonians 2:3
Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.
Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.
Every generation claims that the younger generation is worse than they were, but is that actually true? While that remains up for debate, most of us believe that lawlessness is certainly not decreasing. When you look beyond obvious, measurable crime, it feels as though more people than ever are "on the take", acting corruptly, manipulating or taking advantage of others and abusing the system undetected, often entirely within the boundaries of the law.
Matthew 24:12
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold
Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold
This verse in 2 Timothy describes the subtle, hidden falling away in today’s culture. While people might not be outwardly lawless, they are increasingly inclined to create their own truth, morals, and self-governance. Consequently, they seek out voices that tell them exactly what they want to hear, validating their own lifestyle choices.
2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
▶
3.7 Summary - Birth Pains
Looking at "birth pains" collectively, I would favour the argument they are increasing in both frequency and intensity. However, a sceptic might argue that in a world of eight billion people, driven by a modern lifestyle, everything has always been, and will always be, accelerating along an endless curve. The critical question, then, is whether this simultaneous convergence of biological, geological, social, political, and spiritual shifts is mere coincidence or something else. Even if this escalation is an expected byproduct of modern society, it can still serve as the final "contractions" of our age.
2 Peter 3:3–4
(3) Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. (4) They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation."
(3) Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. (4) They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation."
▶
4.0
Prophecy - Other Signs
▶
4.1 Gospel Preached to All Nations
This is a significant marker; the Joshua Project notes that with modern translation techniques, global agencies estimate this work will be completed by 2033. Aside from the translation itself, there is conjecture over what "reaching all nations" actually means. Does it require a physical church in every single ethnic group, or simply providing access to the Bible in their native tongue? Ultimately, it raises the question of whether modern television and the internet have already fulfilled this requirement by making the Gospel accessible to every nation, even if every individual has not yet heard it.
Matthew 24:14
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Another school of thought suggests, the ministry of the 144,000 Jews marked with Gods seal during the Tribulation period, will fulfil this prophecy.
Revelation 7:1-8
(3) Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” (4) Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.
(3) Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” (4) Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.
▶
4.2 Increased Travel and Knowledge
Travel and knowledge are on an ever-increasing curve, a trend that has likely persisted since the beginning of time. It is one of those prophecies that will always be true. The recent data explosion, coupled with the internet and artificial intelligence (AI), means it now takes seconds for people to access almost any detail they desire. For example, following the first manned flight, it took only 66 years for humanity to reach the Moon. You can thank AI for providing me with that specific travel-knowledge observation.
Daniel 12:4
But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.
But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.
▶
4.3 Scattering of Iran
The 1979 Iran revolution turned Iran from a western ally into an immediate adversary. The regime change into an Islamic Republic, triggered millions of people to leave Iran and they continue to do so. The US and Israel might be working on breaking their bow right now; perhaps this prophecy is unfolding as we watch. For Israel to experience peace, the nuclear threat of Iran would need to be neutralised. Having said that, Iran do have a role to play beyond this, which means they still need to be a relevant functioning entity.
Jeremiah 49:35-37
(35) This is what the Lord Almighty says: “See, I will break the bow of Elam, the mainstay of their might. (36) I will bring against Elam the four winds from the four quarters of heaven; I will scatter them to the four winds, and there will not be a nation where Elam’s exiles do not go. (37) I will shatter Elam before their foes, before those who want to kill them; I will bring disaster on them, even my fierce anger,” declares the Lord.“I will pursue them with the sword until I have made an end of them."
(35) This is what the Lord Almighty says: “See, I will break the bow of Elam, the mainstay of their might. (36) I will bring against Elam the four winds from the four quarters of heaven; I will scatter them to the four winds, and there will not be a nation where Elam’s exiles do not go. (37) I will shatter Elam before their foes, before those who want to kill them; I will bring disaster on them, even my fierce anger,” declares the Lord.“I will pursue them with the sword until I have made an end of them."
▶
5.0
Prophecy - The Rapture
▶
5.1 The Rapture
The word "rapture" is not actually mentioned in the Bible; the Greek word used is harpazo, meaning "caught up" or "snatched away". Therefore, the Rapture is the prophetic moment when both the deceased and living believers in Christ are "snatched away" and changed in an instant into their heavenly bodies.
1 Corinthians 15:51-53
(51) Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— (52) in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. (53) For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.
(51) Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— (52) in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. (53) For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.
The timing of the Rapture is one of the most debated topics in eschatology: when exactly does it occur? There are three main views: (1) before the Tribulation, (2) during the Tribulation, and (3) after the Tribulation. I hold the pretribulation view; the main reason for this is God's promise to keep the church from His impending wrath.
Those who believe the Rapture occurs during the Tribulation often link the trumpets mentioned in 1 Thessalonians and 1 Corinthians to the Book of Revelation, suggesting they are the same event. Rather, I view the trumpet in the Epistles as a herald for the Rapture, whereas the trumpets in Revelation are strictly reserved for the trumpet judgement sequence.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
(16) For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (17) After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
(16) For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (17) After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
Paul's letter to the Corinthians was written decades before John received the vision of Revelation, so its highly unlikely he was referencing the Revelation trumpet judgement sequence. If the rapture really does occur deep into the Tribulation period then its time to build a bunker and start stockpiling.
1 Corinthians 15:52
in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed
in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed
If God is to come like a "thief in the night", it suggests the hour is unknown (Matthew 24:36). If the Rapture were to occur at the end of the Tribulation period, then it would be completely predictable, and not at all like a "thief in the night".
1 Thessalonians 5:2
for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
Both these passages are about keeping those who are saved from God's wrath.
1 Thessalonians 5:9
For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Revelation 3:10
Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.
Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.
It is understood the "man of lawlessness" (the Antichrist) is currently being restrained by the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit steps aside and the Church is removed from the world, the Antichrist will begin his campaign. For this to unfold, the Rapture must take place before the Tribulation.
2 Thessalonians 2:6-7
(6) And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. (7) For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way.
▶
6.0
Prophecy - Gog and Magog
▶
6.1 Gog and Magog
Gog and Magog is an alliance of nations that rise up and march against Israel. These forces are widely identified as a coalition between Russia, Iran, and Turkey, alongside several North African countries. While some commentators believe this battle is Armageddon, others view it as a separate event occurring before or early in the Tribulation period, which would allow time for Israel to manage the aftermath.
Ezekiel 38-39
There are two chapters narrating this major event.
There are two chapters narrating this major event.
▶
6.2 Israel living in Peace
Currently, Israel is the most fortified nation in the world. According to prophecy, they will need to be living at peace, and secure without walls before Gog and Magog invade. While they currently shelter under the Iron Dome, I expect they will need to subdue their border threats along with Iran before they will feel secure. Many feel this is exactly what is happening now. If a temporary era of safety is successfully engineered, it will be fascinating to watch thereafter. Debate exists as to whether this security coincides with the Antichrist's seven-year covenant or a separate, fragile peace prior to the Tribulation period.
Ezekiel 38:11
You will say, “I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people—all of them living without walls and without gates and bars.
You will say, “I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people—all of them living without walls and without gates and bars.
▶
6.3 The West Will Not Defend Israel
For the West and their aligned partners to remain passive while Israel is attacked, requires a major shift in modern global relations. Several catalysts could drive this: a severe economic collapse, a shift in Western foreign policy, or a geopolitical realignment where United States and or Israel become politically toxic. Alternatively, the Rapture provides an explanation; if the West suddenly loses 5% to 10% of its population, it could trigger a state of domestic chaos, leaving Western nations with neither the politcal interest nor the military capacity to defend Israel.
Ezekiel 38:13
Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all her villages will say to you, “Have you come to plunder? Have you gathered your hordes to loot, to carry off silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods and to seize much plunder?"
Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish and all her villages will say to you, “Have you come to plunder? Have you gathered your hordes to loot, to carry off silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods and to seize much plunder?"
Another reason why the West may not defend Israel is that God wants to take the credit. Much of the scripture and language surrounding this conflict does sound like Armageddon, and it is easy to see why many believe they are the same event.
Ezekiel 39:3-6
(3)Then I will strike your bow from your left hand and make your arrows drop from your right hand. (4) On the mountains of Israel you will fall, you and all your troops and the nations with you. I will give you as food to all kinds of carrion birds and to the wild animals. (5) You will fall in the open field, for I have spoken, declares the Sovereign Lord. (6) I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in safety in the coastlands, and they will know that I am the Lord.
(3)Then I will strike your bow from your left hand and make your arrows drop from your right hand. (4) On the mountains of Israel you will fall, you and all your troops and the nations with you. I will give you as food to all kinds of carrion birds and to the wild animals. (5) You will fall in the open field, for I have spoken, declares the Sovereign Lord. (6) I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in safety in the coastlands, and they will know that I am the Lord.
▶
6.4 Israel Managing the Aftermath
The casualties from this war on Israel's borders will take seven months to bury.
Ezekiel 39:12
For seven months the Israelites will be burying them in order to cleanse the land.
For seven months the Israelites will be burying them in order to cleanse the land.
For seven years after Gog and Magog Israel will be able to consume the spoils of war. If this conflict was to take place during the Tribulation I am unable to align it with other prophecy. Israel may harvest the spoils of war for survival whist they remain hidden and scattered from the Antichrist, but to have these years bleed into the Millennial Kingdom seems unlikely to me, which is why I place Gog and Magog before the Tribulation.
Ezekiel 39:9
Then those who live in the towns of Israel will go out and use the weapons for fuel and burn them up—the small and large shields, the bows and arrows, the war clubs and spears. For seven years they will use them for fuel.
▶
7.0
Prophecy - The Antichrist
▶
7.1 The Antichrist
The Antichrist is the key antagonist in the Tribulation period; he is often referred to as the "man of lawlessness" or the Beast. He is the ultimate embodiment of rebellion against God, empowered by Satan to deceive the world in the final days. Initially he will appear as a charismatic political mastermind; however as events unfold, he will eventually establish a totalitarian, tyrannical system of global governance and control.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
(3) Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. (4) He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
(3) Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. (4) He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
▶
7.2 The Rise of the Antichrist
The Antichrist will rise from a coalition of ten. Numerous theories exist regarding who the ten actually are; have they already formed, are they forming now, or will they form in the power vacuum left after Gog and Magog? Given that iron traditionally represents the Roman Empire this passage suggests the ten will be descendants of the Roman Empire (the West), and the Antichrist himself will come from the West. The European Union is the most popular modern guess. Although the EU currently has 27 members, Article 20 of the "Treaty on European Union" allows a group of nine or more member states to move forward with legislation, preventing smaller nations from using blocking tactics and causing policy paralysis. This mechanism could provide the means under which the coalition of ten could form.
Daniel 7:7-8
(7) “After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns. (8) “While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a human being and a mouth that spoke boastfully.
(7) “After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast—terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns. (8) “While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a human being and a mouth that spoke boastfully.
On his rise to the top he will subdue, or violenty trample three of the ten.
Daniel 7:7-8
... a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it ...
... a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it ...
▶
7.3 Seven-Year Covenant With Israel
The Antichrist will negotiate a seven-year convenant with Israel and other Middle East nations. This peace treaty should reveal who he is, if its not known already. Perhaps it is during the formation of this covenant when he tramples the three and rises to lead the ten. The seven-year clock for the Tribulation period now begins.
Daniel 9:27
He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.
He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.
This biblical text is a symbolic representation of the arrival of the Antichrist. He has a bow but no arrows, signalling a diplomatic arrival at first, leading to a seven-year covenant with Israel. They will be allowed to build their Temple, which may or may not require the destruction of the existing mosque. With a significant element of the active Muslim world destroyed as part of the Gog and Magog war, resistance might not be as high as it otherwise would have been.
Revelation 6:2
I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.
I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.
▶
8.0
Prophecy - Tribulation Period Part 1 (3.5 years)
▶
8.1 The Tribulation Period
The Tribulation period is a seven-year timeframe divided into two halves, marking the final years leading up to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. For those on Earth, it will be an incredibly difficult time defined by unprecedented global upheaval. This period will be dominated by a dictatorship and totalitarian world government enforced by the Antichrist, combined with an outpouring of God's wrath, creating a hostile environment for those remaining on Earth.
Matthew 24:21
For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.
For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.
▶
8.2 Rebuilding of the Temple
There is no explicit mention of the "rebuilding" of the Temple in the new Testament; however, it is assumed a physical structure must exist in order for the Antichrist to desecrate it. In John's vision, he was asked to measure the Temple, suggesting its tangible presence. Today, Orthodox Jewish groups are preparing for reconstruction of the temple that was destroyed in AD 70, through the design of blueprints, manufacture of pre-fabricated sections, and the training of priests. They are actively searching for the red heifer and have already manufactured many of the items required for sacrifices.
Revelation 11:1
I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers.
I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers.
Daniel 9:27
He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.
He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.
▶
8.3 The Two Witnesses
The two witnesses will be in Jerusalem, well known, visible, and tangible, and they will not die easily. They will have power to cause droughts and plagues, and to turn water to blood, becoming a torment to many. People will even celebrate their eventual death. There is debate surrounding exactly when they start and finish, but I understand they are killed during the events of the mid-Tribulation period; this means they need to be performing their witness from early in the Tribulation period.
Revelation 11:3-12
(3) And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth... (5) If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. (6) They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.
(3) And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth... (5) If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. (6) They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want.
▶
8.4 The 144,000 Jews and God's Seal
Twelve thousand Jews from each of the twelve faithful tribes of Israel will be marked with God's seal. They will be deployed world-wide, and their job is to serve God by proclaiming His message. While, it remains unknown if the seal is physically visible or an invisible, spiritual one, the seal protects them from the Antichrist's persecution and the unfolding wrath of God.
Revelation 7:1-8
(3) Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” (4) Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.
(3) Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” (4) Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.
Those who accept God's message also obtain a spiritual seal. While it does not grant them physical immunity from the Antichrist’s intense persecution and martyrdom, it serves as a divine "passover" sign that protects them from the plagues and the unfolding wrath of God.
Revelation 9:4
They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
▶
8.5 The Mark of the Beast
The Mark of the Beast is some kind of ID tag placed on people's hands or foreheads, allowing them to buy and sell. At first the mark may be voluntary and even providing benefits to those who wear it. The device may be promoted as something which offers various services, economic benefits, security, health and daily activity monitoring, safety alerts, protection and convenience.
While thousands of people in tech-forward communities already volunteer to host digital ID biomarkers installed between the thumb and finger, we are a long from this becoming a default global standard. However, during the Tribulation this technology may be introduced on a massive scale backed with a highly compelling deceptive sales pitch, mixed with incentives to increase user acceptance. After the mid point of the Tribulation, this mark will become mandatory.
While thousands of people in tech-forward communities already volunteer to host digital ID biomarkers installed between the thumb and finger, we are a long from this becoming a default global standard. However, during the Tribulation this technology may be introduced on a massive scale backed with a highly compelling deceptive sales pitch, mixed with incentives to increase user acceptance. After the mid point of the Tribulation, this mark will become mandatory.
Revelation 13:16–18
(16) It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, (17) so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.
(16) It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, (17) so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.
▶
8.6 The False Prophet
The False Prophet completes the "unholy trinity" (666), and will emerge during the first half of the tribulation. His role is akin to a herald, promoter, or public relations agent for the Antichrist. He may appear gentle or deeply religious at first, but he will reveal his true nature once the New World Order has been established. He will perform great (supernatural) signs, create an image of the Beast for mandatory global worship, and enforce the Mark of the Beast.
Revelation 13:11-13
(11) Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. (12) It exercised all the authority of the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. (13) And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people.
(11) Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. (12) It exercised all the authority of the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. (13) And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people.
▶
8.7 The Seven Seals
The Seven Seals are the first series of judgements that take place during the first half of the Tribulation, depicted as wax seals on a scroll. As each seal is broken in John's vision, a specific judgement is unleashed across the earth.
Revelation 6:1-17;
I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!” ...
I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!” ...
Seal One - The Antichrist
The Antichrist is revealed when the covenant with Israel is finalised.
The Antichrist is revealed when the covenant with Israel is finalised.
Revelation 6:2
I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.
I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.
Seal Two - Peace Taken From the World
Even though there are many skirmishes throughout the world today, humanity's default stance remains a desire for peace. The breaking of this seal is not only about a path to international war, although that will be much easier, but the removal of the human impulse for diplomacy. Without restraint, previous hurdles and barriers preventing confrontation vanish, making undiplomatic solutions the new default at all levels of society.
Even though there are many skirmishes throughout the world today, humanity's default stance remains a desire for peace. The breaking of this seal is not only about a path to international war, although that will be much easier, but the removal of the human impulse for diplomacy. Without restraint, previous hurdles and barriers preventing confrontation vanish, making undiplomatic solutions the new default at all levels of society.
Revelation 6:3-4
(3) When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” (4) Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword.
(3) When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” (4) Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword.
Seal Three - Hyperinflation
This seal introduces economic collapse and hyperinflation. We have literally already seen this on a smaller scale with the aftermath of COVID-19 and the ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. These events demonstrate how fragile our supply lines really are; if they were to break completely, the ensuing scarcity of basic daily items would leave supermarket aisles empty. Luxury items, however, may remain untouched and still be available for the elite.
This seal introduces economic collapse and hyperinflation. We have literally already seen this on a smaller scale with the aftermath of COVID-19 and the ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. These events demonstrate how fragile our supply lines really are; if they were to break completely, the ensuing scarcity of basic daily items would leave supermarket aisles empty. Luxury items, however, may remain untouched and still be available for the elite.
Revelation 6:5-6
(5) When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. (6) Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!”
(5) When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. (6) Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!”
Seal Four - Death and Hades
The Fourth Seal represents a staggering amount of death and the removal of the souls of the deceased, this is likely driven by an outbreak of war; it sounds quite grim (no pun intended). Combining famine from conflict and the Two Witnesses with hyperinflation, supply-chain breakdown, starvation, and disease, there will be death on many fronts. The "wild beasts" mentioned could mean that they, too, are facing food shortages and are venturing into human domains to hunt. An alternative view suggests this could also refer to an epidemic of zoonotic diseases such as Ebola and bird flu etc.
The Fourth Seal represents a staggering amount of death and the removal of the souls of the deceased, this is likely driven by an outbreak of war; it sounds quite grim (no pun intended). Combining famine from conflict and the Two Witnesses with hyperinflation, supply-chain breakdown, starvation, and disease, there will be death on many fronts. The "wild beasts" mentioned could mean that they, too, are facing food shortages and are venturing into human domains to hunt. An alternative view suggests this could also refer to an epidemic of zoonotic diseases such as Ebola and bird flu etc.
Revelation 6:8
I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.
Seal Five - Martyrs Calling for Blood
For the Fifth Seal we see the martyrs in heaven calling for justice. They are told to wait until the number of their brothers is complete. This suggests the sole purpose of the Fifth Seal is to allow God to indicate there is a predetermined number of people (perhaps martyrs) who must be saved before the end.
For the Fifth Seal we see the martyrs in heaven calling for justice. They are told to wait until the number of their brothers is complete. This suggests the sole purpose of the Fifth Seal is to allow God to indicate there is a predetermined number of people (perhaps martyrs) who must be saved before the end.
Revelation 6:9-11
(9) When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. (10) They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” (11) Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been.
(9) When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. (10) They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” (11) Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been.
Seal Six - Earthquake, Black sun, Blood Moon, Stars Fell
There are two main schools of thought surrounding the Sixth Seal: (1) a severe earthquake combined with the nuclear fallout from the warfare linked to the earlier seals, resulting in a nuclear winter where mushroom clouds, ash, and smoke block out the sun and stars; or (2) a series of direct natural or supernatural events, such as major global earthquakes, meteor showers, a super-volcanic eruption, or possibly even a sudden polar shift. Whatever the cause, the events are so catastrophic that even the elite run for cover.
There are two main schools of thought surrounding the Sixth Seal: (1) a severe earthquake combined with the nuclear fallout from the warfare linked to the earlier seals, resulting in a nuclear winter where mushroom clouds, ash, and smoke block out the sun and stars; or (2) a series of direct natural or supernatural events, such as major global earthquakes, meteor showers, a super-volcanic eruption, or possibly even a sudden polar shift. Whatever the cause, the events are so catastrophic that even the elite run for cover.
Revelation 6:12-15
(12) I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, (13) and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. (14) The heavens receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. (15) Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains.
(12) I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red, (13) and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind. (14) The heavens receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. (15) Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and everyone else, both slave and free, hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains.
Seal Seven - Reveal of the Seven Trumpets
The final seal is the unveiling of the next seven judgements or events.
The final seal is the unveiling of the next seven judgements or events.
Revelation 8:1-2
(1) When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. (2) And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.
(1) When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. (2) And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.
▶
8.8 The Seven Trumpets
The Seven Trumpets are the second series of judgements or events that take place during the first half of the Tribulation period. In John's vision as each trumpet is sounded a judgement is unleashed across the earth.
Revelation 8:6
Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to sound them.
Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to sound them.
Trumpet One - One Third of the Earth is Burned
The First Trumpet brings about a fiery ecological disaster, perhaps through meteor showers, scorching heatwaves, and volcanic eruptions, all causing widespread wildfires.
The First Trumpet brings about a fiery ecological disaster, perhaps through meteor showers, scorching heatwaves, and volcanic eruptions, all causing widespread wildfires.
Revelation 8:7
The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.
The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came hail and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.
Trumpet Two - One Third of the Sea Turns To Blood, Sea Creatures and Ships Destroyed
John describes a huge mountain, all ablaze, thrown into the sea; this sounds very much like an asteroid. A strike in the ocean would create mega-tsunamis, destroying sea life and water vessels alike. Alternatively, it could be a major volcanic eruption causing a similar pattern of destruction.
John describes a huge mountain, all ablaze, thrown into the sea; this sounds very much like an asteroid. A strike in the ocean would create mega-tsunamis, destroying sea life and water vessels alike. Alternatively, it could be a major volcanic eruption causing a similar pattern of destruction.
Revelation 8:8-9
(8) The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, (9) a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
(8) The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, (9) a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
Trumpet Three - One Third of Rivers and Springs Turn Bitter
The star, "Wormwood" may not be a standalone event, but rather a result of the preceding judgements. The accumulation of nuclear fallout, acid rain from volcanic ash, coastal saltwater flooding, and the collapse of water treatment infrastructure would be enough to poison our freshwater supplies.
An interesting connection to the original biblical text is that in Russian, chernobyl is a type of wormwood.
The star, "Wormwood" may not be a standalone event, but rather a result of the preceding judgements. The accumulation of nuclear fallout, acid rain from volcanic ash, coastal saltwater flooding, and the collapse of water treatment infrastructure would be enough to poison our freshwater supplies.
An interesting connection to the original biblical text is that in Russian, chernobyl is a type of wormwood.
Revelation 8:10-11
(10) The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— (11) the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.
(10) The third angel sounded his trumpet, and a great star, blazing like a torch, fell from the sky on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water— (11) the name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the waters that had become bitter.
Trumpet Four - One Third Sun, Moon, Stars Struck
Like Wormwood, this might not be a standalone event. We know from experience with bushfires and volcanic eruptions how smoke can block the sun; the cumulative effects of the previous judgements would dwarf this. Soot and debris trapped in the stratosphere could cause a semi-permanent dimming of the sun, moon, and stars.
Like Wormwood, this might not be a standalone event. We know from experience with bushfires and volcanic eruptions how smoke can block the sun; the cumulative effects of the previous judgements would dwarf this. Soot and debris trapped in the stratosphere could cause a semi-permanent dimming of the sun, moon, and stars.
Revelation 8:12
The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night.
The fourth angel sounded his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them turned dark. A third of the day was without light, and also a third of the night.
Trumpet Five (Woe One) - Locusts Attack Those Without God's Seal
The Fifth Trumpet is the most fascinating and probably the subject of the most debate, as no one can agree on what the "locusts" actually are. The literal translation suggests these are beings straight from hell; they are intelligent enough to see and understand what they can and cannot harm. Keeping in mind that John would not have known how to describe modern-day military devices with 2,000-year-old language, these could easily be modern warfare weapons such as autonomous drone swarms. These drones could have a mandate for crowd or riot control and attack their targets with a biological-agent payload. They may be able to use the Beast's digital mark to ID who they can target, or God's seal might simply protect the wearer from the released toxin.
The Fifth Trumpet is the most fascinating and probably the subject of the most debate, as no one can agree on what the "locusts" actually are. The literal translation suggests these are beings straight from hell; they are intelligent enough to see and understand what they can and cannot harm. Keeping in mind that John would not have known how to describe modern-day military devices with 2,000-year-old language, these could easily be modern warfare weapons such as autonomous drone swarms. These drones could have a mandate for crowd or riot control and attack their targets with a biological-agent payload. They may be able to use the Beast's digital mark to ID who they can target, or God's seal might simply protect the wearer from the released toxin.
Revelation 9:1-11
...(10) They had tails with stingers, like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to torment people for five months. (11) They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek is Apollyon (that is, Destroyer).
...(10) They had tails with stingers, like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to torment people for five months. (11) They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek is Apollyon (that is, Destroyer).
Trumpet Six (Woe Two) - One Third of Mankind Die
The "Kings of the South", is the Islamic bloc of North Africa. According to Daniel they will rise up against the Antichrist and march against him. The Antichrist responds with a devastating, high-tech military "whirlwind" that overflows countries and decimates the region.
The "Kings of the South", is the Islamic bloc of North Africa. According to Daniel they will rise up against the Antichrist and march against him. The Antichrist responds with a devastating, high-tech military "whirlwind" that overflows countries and decimates the region.
Revelation 9:13-19
...(16) The number of the mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand. I heard their number. (17) The horses and riders I saw in my vision looked like this: Their breastplates were fiery red, dark blue, and yellow as sulfur. The heads of the horses resembled the heads of lions, and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulfur. (18) A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths...
...(16) The number of the mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand. I heard their number. (17) The horses and riders I saw in my vision looked like this: Their breastplates were fiery red, dark blue, and yellow as sulfur. The heads of the horses resembled the heads of lions, and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulfur. (18) A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths...
Daniel 11:40
At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood.
At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood.
Trumpet Seven - Reveal of the Seven Bowl Judgements
The seven bowl judgements are actually unveiled and executed in the second half of the Tribulation period. I have included it here just to keep all the trumpets together.
The seven bowl judgements are actually unveiled and executed in the second half of the Tribulation period. I have included it here just to keep all the trumpets together.
Revelation 11:19
Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm.
Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm.
▶
8.9 The Mighty Angel and the Seven Thunders
John saw a mighty angel come down from Heaven, the angel opened a scroll and spoke the Seven Thunders. John was asked not to write them down. There is speculation about what they are and why they were hidden. Ultimately, though, there is simply not enough information for us to know anything about them.
Revelation 10:1-4
(4) And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down."
(4) And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down."
▶
8.10 War Breaks Out in Heaven
I do not expect us to be able to see this, but the Archangel Michael and Satan fight. Satan loses and is tossed out of heaven to the earth along with his fallen angels. He is furious and declares war against Israel and those who keep God's commandments.
Revelation 12:7-9
(7) Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. (8) But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. (9) The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
(7) Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. (8) But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. (9) The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
▶
9.0
Prophecy - Tribulation Period Part 2 (3.5 years)
▶
9.1 The Great Tribulation
At the halfway point of the Tribulation, many significant events occur in quick succession. The events on either side of the midpoint may overlap and not align with the sequence I have suggested. The second half of the tribulation, is often called "the Great Tribulation", and the beginning is marked by the Abomination of Desolation. There is an all-out war on the Tribulation saints, a new world government, the final bowl judgements culminating in Armageddon, and the Second Coming of Christ.
Matthew 24:21
For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.
For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.
There are many theories on where the Antichrist resides in the first part of the Tribulation period. At the midpoint of the Tribulation, he is seen to have "pitched his palatial tents" in Jerusalem.
Daniel 11:45
He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.
He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.
▶
9.2 The Abomination of Desolation
The Antichrist is fully revealed and becomes his final wretched incarnation.
Revelation 13:1-10
...(2) The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority....
...(2) The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority....
The Antichrist survives what is seen to be a mortal injury. The world marvels at this miraculous recovery and follows him.
Revelation 13:3
One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast.
One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast.
The Antichrist will break his covenant with Israel, forcibly halt daily Jewish sacrifices and offerings, sit in God's temple and declare himself God.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
(3) Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. (4) He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
(3) Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. (4) He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
The False Prophet will create an image of the beast and he will give the image the ability to speak. Perhaps this is some type of hologram technology or Internet deepfake imagery. While the exact engineering behind the image remains to be seen, it is believed the image will be placed in the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem.
Revelation 13:14-15
(14) Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. (15) The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.
(14) Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth. It ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived. (15) The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed.
Upon the Abomination of Desolation, Jesus has warned the Jews to flee to the mountains to avoid the impending persecution; this protected group will become known as the remnant of Israel. The Antichrist will pursue them but will be unable reach them. Consequently he sets his focus towards making war against the Tribulation saints.
Matthew 24:15-16
(15) So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation', spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— (16) then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
(15) So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation', spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— (16) then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.
▶
9.3 The Transfer of Power
Historically, many believed the original coalition of ten nations would surrender their power to the Antichrist. However, only seven of the original ten remain, and these kings in Revelation possess no physical kingdoms and are of one mind. The Antichrist requires power that transcends borders, specifically, power from oligarchs who control technology, banking systems, and mega institutional asset managers like BlackRock and State Street. This could be a "puppet cabinet" established by the Antichrist during the first half of the Tribulation period.
Revelation 17:12-13
(12) The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. (13) They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. (14) They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.
(12) The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. (13) They have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. (14) They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.
The Antichrist and the ten Revelation kings will systematically dismantle existing systems of governance, society, and religion, thereby making way for what is widely called the New World Order.
Revelation 17:16
The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire.
The beast and the ten horns you saw will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they will eat her flesh and burn her with fire.
It's sobering to observe how discussions at the World Economic Forum (WEF) are enabling infrastructure that aligns with this prophecy. Policy-making power would shift from sovereign nations into an unelected coalition of corporate and financial elites. This is exactly the type of global framework where the ten kings in Revelation might emerge.
▶
9.4 The New World Order
The New World Order is now established, where no-one can buy or sell without the Mark of the Beast. Image of the beast must now be worshipped.
Revelation 13:16-17
(16) It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, (17) so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.
(16) It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, (17) so that they could not buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of its name.
▶
9.5 The Two Witnesses Are Killed
The Antichrist now empowered by Satan is able to kill the two witnesses.
Revelation 11:7
Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them.
Now when they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack them, and overpower and kill them.
The two witnesses will lie dead while the world celebrates for 3.5 days. Thereafter, God will resurrect them and they will ascend.
Revelation 11:11-12
(11) But after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. (12) Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.
(11) But after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and terror struck those who saw them. (12) Then they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they went up to heaven in a cloud, while their enemies looked on.
▶
9.6 Earthquake: End of the Second Woe
A severe earthquake strikes to end the second woe, seven thousand people are killed and a tenth of the city falls.
Revelation 11:13
At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed; seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed; seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
▶
9.7 Antichrist Declares War on the Tribulation Saints
If life wasn't hard enough already the Antichrist filled with Satan's fury declares war on the new believers otherwise known as the Tribulation saints.
Revelation 13:7
It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation
It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation
This particular piece of Bible scripture perhaps refers to the persecution of Jews and Christians over the centuries; however, for those on Earth during the Tribulation period who hold God’s seal, it will never be more relevant.
Matthew 24:9
Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.
Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.
▶
9.8 The Angels' Messages
The first angel proclaims the Gospel to every nation and warns of the impending final judgment. While some commentators view this as the ultimate fulfilment of the "preach the Gospel to all nations" prophecy. I understand this as more of a final message before the Bowl Judgements.
Revelation 14:6-7
(6) Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. (7) He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgement has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
(6) Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. (7) He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgement has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
Babylon serves as the symbol for the world's corrupt systems and morality. The second angel is proclaiming its time is at an end, signalling the certainty of its impending collapse.
Revelation 14:8
A second angel followed and said, “‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great, which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries.”
A second angel followed and said, “‘Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great, which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries.”
The third angel is warning that those who take the mark of the beast will suffer God's wrath.
Revelation 14:9-10
(9) A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, (10) they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.
(9) A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, (10) they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.
▶
9.9 Trumpet Seven - Woe Three
This prepares the scene for the seven bowl judgements to be executed towards the end of the Tribulation. The Temple of Heaven is opened, offering a teaser as to "what's in the box".
Revelation 11:19
Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm.
Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and within his temple was seen the ark of his covenant. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake and a severe hailstorm.
▶
9.10 The Seven Bowl Judgements
The final sequence of God's wrath is referred to as the bowl judgements. In John's vision seven angles each pour a bowl of God's wrath onto the Earth. These are thought to occur in quick succession at the very end of the Great Tribulation period. Perhaps these judgments, combined with the war on the saints, are what Jesus was referring to when He said, "If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive" in Matthew 24:22.
Revelation 16:1
Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go, pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.”
Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go, pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth.”
The "East" will not welcome the Antichrist's rule and will march against him. At some stage before the Bowl Judgments are executed, the Kings from the East (Asia, comprising China and its allies) will start to gather their 200-million-man army.
Daniel 11:44
But reports from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many.
But reports from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many.
There is already a vast amount of tension building around Jerusalem. Perhaps this friction will reach a critical tipping point while the Antichrist rules from the city, ultimately provoking many nations to march against him.
Zechariah 12:2–3
(2) I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. (3) On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.
(2) I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. (3) On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.
Bowl One
Those with the Beast's mark will suffer harmful and painful sores.
Those with the Beast's mark will suffer harmful and painful sores.
Revelation 16:2
The first angel went and poured out his bowl on the land, and ugly, festering sores broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.
The first angel went and poured out his bowl on the land, and ugly, festering sores broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.
Bowl Two
Turning water to blood seems to be one of God's go-to punishments; all the salt water is turned to blood.
Turning water to blood seems to be one of God's go-to punishments; all the salt water is turned to blood.
Revelation 16:3
The second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it turned into blood like that of a dead person, and every living thing in the sea died.
The second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it turned into blood like that of a dead person, and every living thing in the sea died.
Bowl Three
All fresh water is turned to blood.
All fresh water is turned to blood.
Revelation 16:4
The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood.
The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood.
Bowl Four
The sun will scorch people with fire.
The sun will scorch people with fire.
Revelation 16:8-9
(8) The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire. (9) They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.
(8) The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire. (9) They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.
Bowl Five
The earth is plunged into darkness.
The earth is plunged into darkness.
Revelation 16:10-11
(10) The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in agony (11) and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done.
(10) The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in agony (11) and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done.
Bowl Six
The river Euphrates dries up to allow passage for the Kings of the East.
The river Euphrates dries up to allow passage for the Kings of the East.
Revelation 16:12
The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East.
The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East.
Following Bowl Six, the Kings of the East and the armies of the world are deceived by the unholy trinity, redirecting their rage from the Antichrist and turning it entirely towards God.
Revelation 16:13-14
(13) Then I saw three impure spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. (14) They are demonic spirits that perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.
(13) Then I saw three impure spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. (14) They are demonic spirits that perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty.
The skies will darken just before Christ appears.
Matthew 24:29-31
(29) “Immediately after the distress of those days “‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' (30) “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. (31) And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
(29) “Immediately after the distress of those days “‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' (30) “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. (31) And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.
Jesus Christ will appear in the sky.
Revelation 19:11-16
(11) I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. (12) His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.
(11) I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. (12) His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.
Bowl Seven
Armageddon, with word from his mouth Jesus will strike down the Antichrist, the false prophet and remaining rebelling armies of the earth. There will a severe earthquake, and 100 pound hail stones.
Armageddon, with word from his mouth Jesus will strike down the Antichrist, the false prophet and remaining rebelling armies of the earth. There will a severe earthquake, and 100 pound hail stones.
Revelation 16:17-21
(17) The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, “It is done!” (18) Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since mankind has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake...
(17) The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, “It is done!” (18) Then there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since mankind has been on earth, so tremendous was the quake...
In John's vision the winepress is used as a grizzly analogy for the battle of Armageddon.
Revelation 14:17-19
(17) Another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. (18) Still another angel, who had charge of the fire, came from the altar and called in a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, “Take your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine, because its grapes are ripe.” (19) The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath.
(17) Another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. (18) Still another angel, who had charge of the fire, came from the altar and called in a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, “Take your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine, because its grapes are ripe.” (19) The angel swung his sickle on the earth, gathered its grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath.
▶
10.0
Prophecy - Armageddon Aftermath
▶
10.1 The Unholy Trinity
Both the Antichrist and the False Profit are thrown into the fire.
Revelation 19:20
But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur.
Satan is sent to the abyss and bound for 1000 years.
Revelation 20:1-3
He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.
▶
10.2 Israel's Spiritual Restoration
The Jewish people who fled to the mountains will recognise and renew their faith in God.
Ezekiel 37:1–14
...(14) I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’”
...(14) I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’”
Isaiah 11:11
In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean.
In that day the Lord will reach out his hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of his people from Assyria, from Lower Egypt, from Upper Egypt, from Cush, from Elam, from Babylonia, from Hamath and from the islands of the Mediterranean.
▶
10.3 The First Thirty Days
Daniel's' prophecy regarding the Tribulation period also touches on the first 75 days following Jesus Christ's return. What is done in the first thirty days is not explicitly stated in Scripture, but most scholars believe it’s a period dedicated to cleansing the earth and removing the Abomination of Desolation from the Temple.
Daniel 12:11
From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.
From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.
▶
10.4 The Sheep and Goat Judgement
The final forty-five days in Daniel's timeline are believed to align with the Sheep and Goat judgement process. All those who survived the Tribulation are judged based on whether they possess God's seal, and how they treated the Tribulation saints or the remnant of Israel. The specific criteria for this separation are explained in Matthew 25:31–46. The goats will be sent to the Lake of Fire, while the sheep will enter the Millennial Kingdom in their physical bodies to repopulate the earth.
Daniel 12:12
Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.
Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.
Matthew 25:32–33
(32) All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. (33) He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
(32) All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. (33) He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
▶
10.5 The Harvest of the Wheat
Those who died during the Tribulation period for their refusal to take the Mark of the Beast, and for their faithfulness and witness to God, will be resurrected to join those who were previously raptured.
Revelation 20:4
I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
▶
10.6 Celebration
There will be a time of celebration for all those who are with Christ.
Revelation 19:1-9
...(9) Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
...(9) Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”
▶
11.0
Prophecy - The Millennial Kingdom and The New Heaven
▶
11.1 The Millennial Kingdom
The Millennial Kingdom is described as a 1,000-year "Golden Age" where Jesus Christ physically rules the earth from a throne in Jerusalem. It serves as a transitional era that restores the planet to its originally intended state before the final shift into eternity. There will be an end to war, an absence of disease, abundant prosperity, and long life; the wolf will live with the lamb, and the lion will eat straw. While sin can still occur within the mortal population, it will be dealt with immediately by Jesus.
Revelation 20:4
I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years
I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years
Wild animals are tamed.
Isaiah 11:6–8
(6) The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling[a] together; and a little child will lead them. (7 )The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. (8) The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.
(6) The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling[a] together; and a little child will lead them. (7 )The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. (8) The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.
People will no longer prepare for war.
Micah 4:2–4
He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
Longevity will be increased, perhaps back to pre-flood life span.
Isaiah 65:20
Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.
Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.
People will reap the benefits of their labor.
Isaiah 65:21-23
(21) They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. (22) No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands. (23) They will not labor in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them.
(21) They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit. (22) No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands. (23) They will not labor in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them.
It will be a time of healing.
Isaiah 35:5–6
(5) Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. (6) Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
(5) Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. (6) Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
▶
11.2 Satan Released After One Thousand Years
Satan quickly deceives many descendants of the mortal survivors to rally a massive army. Perhaps this is achieved easily as these generations have not been tested by temptation before.
Revelation 20:7-8
(7) When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison (8) and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore.
(7) When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison (8) and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore.
Satan will be defeated and thrown in the Lake of Fire.
Revelation 20:10
And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
▶
11.3 The Great White Throne Judgement
The historical unbelieving deceased will be resurrected for judgement, as I understand it, they will all be cast into the Lake of Fire. However, for those who lived and died through the Millennial Kingdom it remains unclear if they will be present at this judgement or not. Furthermore, the exact criteria by which these Millennal citizens will be judged remains uncertain.
Revelation 20:12-15
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.
▶
11.4 A New Heaven and New Earth
The Millennial Kingdom earth and heaven will make way for the eternal Heavenly state.
Revelation 21:1-4;9-21
(1) Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. (2) I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
(1) Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. (2) I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
There will be no more pain and suffering.
Revelation 21:4
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
God will live among the people and there will be no need for sun or artificial light.
Revelation 22:4
(4) They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. (5) There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
(4) They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. (5) There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
There will be abundant provisions for everyone.
Revelation 22:2
... down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
... down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.
We are given a physical description of Heaven and measurements detailing its actual size.
Revelation 21:10-26
(10) And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. (11) It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. (12) It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.
(10) And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. (11) It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. (12) It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The Silent Generation witnessed the rebirth of Israel in 1948, while Baby Boomers and Gen X have had front-row seats to its rapid restoration and growth, essentially watching modern history and ancient prophecy converge in real time. The "birth pains" are perhaps different to this, as they are not as easily measured; however, many people feel that society is rapidly accelerating and are uncertain of the final destination. Ultimately, whether you believe that brith pains are unfolding will probably align with your spiritual beliefs.
A century ago, much of biblical eschatology would have seemed like science fiction: demonic locusts, speaking images, global governance infrastructure, and the Gospel being preached to all nations. Today, we can see this exact infrastructure being built through the internet, artificial intelligence, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), the World Economic Forum's global agendas, digital IDs, and advanced military weapons.
Sir Isaac Newton may have privately held unorthodox theological views, but his obsessive study of Scripture led him to two very pertinent observations. He firmly believed that the restoration of Israel was the vital catalyst for unlocking the timeline of the Second Coming, and crucially, he warned that when "fanciful men" confidently predict a date and it fails, it brings the sacred scriptures and prophecy into public discredit.
