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Bible prophecy is contained in at least 24,000 verses of scripture. It is written about, in scripture more than the birth of Jesus. The prophecies about Jesus’ birth, life, death and Resurrection were written about in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. Understanding Bible prophecy can be restricted if focused only on one book of the Bible. Prophecy fits together like a puzzle. Many scriptures in both the Old and New Testament must be looked at and studied in order to get the big picture.
When studying scripture it is important to look at it through three lenses. The first being the historical perspective. Understanding the time and to whom the scripture addresses gives insight. Secondly it is important to see if the verse refers to a present situation or future one. Finally, being open to what the scripture says to the individual is important as well.
Much of the interest in end time events get wrapped up in judgements and the wrath to come. However, prophetic scripture should not produce fear but offer hope for the believer. As the world around appears to be coming a part it will be clear that every thing is falling into place as the scripture indicated.
There are three distinct time periods to consider. Often the confusion enters because too often they seem to mesh together. The most popular topic is the rapture.
The rapture is the gathering up of believers in the sky. There are many references to the rapture in scripture even though it is not a word found in the Bible. The term rapture comes from the many references to the calling up of believers to meet with Jesus in the air. There are three views on when the rapture takes place.
One opinion is that the rapture, taking out of the believers, before the day of wrath. This is known as pre-tribulation. Another view is that believers will experience part of the tribulation but be taken out prior to the intense judgements that follow. The final view is that believers remain on earth through the entire tribulation but are taken away at the end. Due to the many references in scripture most scholars line up with either pre-tribulation or mid-tribulation rapture. There is absolutely nothing that has to happen for the rapture to take place. However, prophecy does provide clues as to where we are on the kingdom calendar.
The tribulation or judgements line up into a seven year period. Some things that signal the tribulation time line has begun are: World wide famine, intense increased natural disasters (particularly earthquakes), Russia growing into a mighty military nation, Russia and other Arab nations, joining together and attacking Israel, one world government, the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. There are other signs but the aforementioned are the highlights.Perhaps the biggest clue that the middle of the tribulation has begun is the rise of one world leader who enters the newly built temple in Jerusalem and proclaims he is the one to be worshipped.
There are three and a half years of unparalleled wrath that no one would want to endure. The reason so many scholars believe the believers will be removed prior to the tribulation period or at least during the middle of the tribulation is because the believer represents light to the world and the world during this period will be in total darkness.
Finally, after the rapture, tribulation the second coming of Jesus the Christ! He will end the great and mighty battle by speaking one word. The book of Jude refers to a writing by Enoch which indicates Jesus will return with the saints at His second coming.
The good news is that escaping the days of wrath requires belief that Jesus is the son of God. Accepting Him as Lord and Savior and determining to walk with Him. The prayer of salvation is simple:
“Lord Jesus I want to know you. I am not perfect and have fallen short of your glory. However, today, this day, I invite you into my heart as Lord and Savior. I want to know you and walk in your ways that lead to life eternal. Come into my heart today Lord. Come into my hear to stay. In the name of Jesus I praise you for my salvation. Amen.”
