God's Ministry - A Study of the Rapture

GOD'S MINISTRY
THROUGH HIS SON JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH
BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Revs. Mr. and Mrs. H. Dean Daniels

E-mail: gods-ministry@hdd-gods-ministry.com

Web-site: http://www.hdd-gods-ministry.com/

A STUDY OF THE RAPTURE - PART I

Rev. 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

Ten Proofs the Rapture Takes Place in Revelation 4:1

Greek: meta (GSN-3326) tauta (GSN-5023), after these things (John 5:1). This Greek phrase is used at the beginning and at end of this verse thus: "After these things (after writing the things concerning the true churches of Rev. 2-3), I looked ... a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice ... said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be after these things," that is, after the true churches (Rev. 4:1). This confirms and settles the question as to the time of the fulfillment of all the events of Rev. Chapters 4-22. They must be after these things of the true churches, or after the rapture of the true church. The true church is no longer on earth when the events of Rev. Chapters 4-22 take place.

1.Christ said the things of Rev. Chapters 4-22 "must be hereafter," that is, after the true churches, as proved above and also in Rev. 1:19. If this is true, then the true church is ruptured before these things of Rev. Chapters 4-22, and after the things of the true churches of Rev. Chapters 2-3. If the things which are (Rev. Chapters 2-3) concern the true church, then the "things which must be" after "the things which are" must concern events after the true churches. The true church must be here during the time of the fulfillment of the things concerning the true churches, and it must not be here during the fulfillment of the things after the true churches. The true church then is raptured in Rev. 4:1 between "the things which are" (Rev. Chapters 2-3) and "the things which must be hereafter," that is, after the true churches (Rev. Chapters 4-22).

2.The word "church" is found 19 times in Rev. Chapters 1-3 but not once in the third division of the book which contains "the things which must be" after the true churches (Rev. 4:1-22:5). The true church is found again in the conclusion of the book (Rev. 22:6-21), but only after "the things which must be" are fully revealed. If the true church were on earth during the fulfillment of Rev. Chapters 4-22 it certainly would be mentioned.

3.The enthroned elders are representative of the raptured saints and they are always seen in heaven after Rev. 4:1. See (bellow) following notes, Rev. 4:4.

4.The 70^th week of Daniel will be the last seven years of this age, during which time all of Rev. Chapters 4-19; Matthew 24-25 will be fulfilled. This week concerns Israel, not the true church. Therefore, the true church must be raptured before this week. See Rapture and Second Coming. as shown following below !!!

5.There is no place for the rapture of the true church and the Old Testament saints other than in Rev. 4:1. The man-child and the great tribulation saints are the only ones to be saved and raptured during Daniel’s 70^th week, and these are distinct groups from the true church and the Old Testament saints, as proved in notes on Rev. 4:4. Therefore, the true church is either caught up in Rev. 4:1—after the true churches of Rev. chapters 2-3 and before the events coming after the true churches of Rev. Chapters 4-22—or it is never mentioned in Revelation as to its rapture. If it were to be caught up anytime during this week (Daniel’s 70^th), it surely would have been mentioned. The true church could not be the man-child or the tribulation saints, as proved in Rev. 7; Rev. 12; Rev. 14.

6. In Luke 21:34-36 we have the promise of Jesus that the saved will be accounted worthy to escape all these things, and to stand before the Son of Man. The things they will escape are those of Matthew 24:4-26; Luke 21:4-19 and Rev. Chapters 6-19.

7.In 1 Thes. 5:1-11 we have another definite promise assuring us that saints will escape the wrath of God (of Rev. Chapters 6-19). God has not appointed us to this wrath, but to obtain deliverance through Jesus Christ so we can live with Christ (1 Thes. 5:9-11). How could saints comfort one another (as stated in this scripture and in 1 Thes. 4:16-17; Titus 2:13) if the only hope they had was the coming wrath of God in the future tribulation?

8.In 2 Thes. 2:6-8 it is definitely shown that the rapture takes place before the revelation of the Antichrist and before the 70^th week of Daniel. The events of Rev. 4-19 will take place during this week, so the rapture must take place in Rev. 4:1.

9.There is a marked change in God’s attitude toward humanity in general, from that of mercy (Rev. Chapters 1-3) to that of judgment (Rev. Chapters 4-19). The seals, trumpets, and vials all picture judgment throughout Daniel’s 70^th week. If the true church does not go through any of these things, as proved already, then the rapture must take place in Rev. 4:1.

10.An individual or a body of individuals can be identified by peculiarities and characteristics. If the true church is to be on earth and is the subject of Rev. Chapters 4-19, then its earmarks should be seen. But such are not to be found. On the other hand, earmarks of Israel are seen throughout the book after Rev. 4:1. The earmarks of the true church are seen up to this point only. This proves that two different institutions are dealt with in different parts of the book: first, the true church until its rapture in Rev. 4:1; second, Israel after the rapture of the true church to the second coming of Christ (Rev. 4-19).

Twenty Earmarks of Israel after Rev. 4:1:

(1)In Matthew, the Hebrew Gospel, there are 92 references to the Old Testament; in Hebrews there are 102 references; but in Revelation there 285 references. This proves the Jewish character of the book after Rev. 4:1.

(2)The word “Lamb” is used 27 times in Rev. 4-22 and not once in the true church section of Rev. 1-3. It is never used in the Pauline epistles to the true churches. It is used only 4 other times in the New Testament and always in connection with Israel (John 1:29,36; Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 1:19).

(3)The terms “the Lion of Judah” and “the Root of David” are Jewish (Rev. 5:5).

(4)The 144,000 of Rev. 7:1-8; Rev. 14:1-5 are Jewish. They will be saved during the events after the rapture.

(5)The events of the seals, trumpets, and vials are a partial repetition of the plagues upon Egypt and are for the same purpose—that of judging Gentiles for their mistreatment of Israel. They fulfill many Old Testament prophecies of punishments upon Gentiles because of their oppressions of Israel (Isaiah 24:21; Isaiah 26:20-21; Isaiah 29:6-8; Jeremiah 30:6-9; Ezekiel 38-39; Daniel 12:1). Not one such prediction is ever made concerning the true church.

(6)The tribulation of Rev. 6-19 concerns Israel (Jeremiah 30:6-9; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:15-22).

(7)Daniel’s 70^th week concerns Israel and Jerusalem only (Daniel 9:24,27).

(8)The true church age comes between the 69^th and 70^th weeks of Daniel, proving that Israel is dealt with during the 70^th week. See following bellow notes on Daniel 9:24-27.

(9)The only saved Gentiles in Rev. 4-19 are the tribulation saints and they are not the true church (Rev. 6:9-11; Rev. 7:9-17; Rev. 15:2-4; Rev. 20:4-6). This confirms the Jewish aspect of Rev. 4-19.

(10)The ministry of the angels around the altar (Rev. 8:2-5) is familiar to Israel only.

(11)The mystery of God promised by the prophets is Jewish (Rev. 10:7).

(12)The temple, altar, temple worship, court of the temple, holy city, olive trees, ark of the covenant, etc. of Rev. 11 are all Jewish, not Christian.

(13)The kingdoms of this world becoming Christ’s is the fulfillment of Jewish prophets (Rev. 11:15; Isaiah 9:6-7; Daniel 7:13-14; Zech. 14:1-21; Luke 1:32-33).

(14)The woman and man-child are Jewish, as proved in Rev. 12.

(15)A dragon with 7 heads and 10 horns, showing rulership of the nations that have persecuted Israel in the times of the Gentiles, also proves a Jewish connection (Rev. 12). It could not be a fit symbol in connection with the true church.

(16)Michael (Rev. 12:7) always stands for Israel (Daniel 10:13-21; Daniel 12:1).

(17)The remnant (Rev. 12:17) is Jewish (Isaiah 1:9).

(18)Literal Babylon (Rev. 16:17-21; Rev. 18:1-24) proves a Jewish connection, as seen in Isaiah 13-14; Jeremiah 50-51. The true church has no relationship with Babylon, other then those within the true church which are or have become a part of the Roman form of government by their being deceived.

(19)Armageddon and the second coming (Rev. 16:13-16; Rev. 19:11-21) prove a Jewish connection. Neither subject is ever used of the true church.

(20)The Millennium and the New Earth were predicted in connection with Israel hundreds of times (Rev. 20-22; Isaiah 2; Isaiah 65; Isaiah 66; etc), but not once with the true church.

[door was opened in heaven] This was a real opening in heaven. Greek: thura (GSN-2374), a portal or entrance; door; gate. Translated door 36 times (Matthew 6:6; Matthew 25:10; Matthew 28:2; etc.); gate (Acts 3:2).

[first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me] The voice of Rev. 1:10-12,17-20.

[Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter] The 12^th New Testament prophecy in Revelation (Rev. 4:1-22:7, unfulfilled).

[up hither]

Examples of Men Translated

1.Enoch (in the natural body, Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5; Zech. 4:14; Rev. 11)

2.Elijah (in the natural body, 2 Kings 2:11; Zech. 4:14; Malachi 4:5-6; Rev. 11)

3.Jesus (in a resurrected body, Mark 16:19; Luke 24:39,51; Acts 1:11)

4.Paul (2 Cor. 12:1-8)

5.John (Rev. 4:1-5:14)

6.Many bodies of Old Testament saints (Matthew 27:52-53; Ephes. 4:8-10)

7.All saved souls and spirits not yet given resurrected bodies (Ephes. 4:8-10; 2 Cor. 5:8; Phil. 1:21-24; Hebrews 12:23)

[I will shew thee things which must be hereafter]

Sixty-eight Post-Rapture Events

These events are from Revelation only. Others could be added from the prophets, as well as Matthew 24 and Luke 21, etc., but these are enough to serve as an outline of post-rapture events:

1.The 1^st seal: rise of Antichrist (Rev. 6:1)

2.The 2^nd seal: war (Rev. 6:3-4)

3.The 3^rd seal: famine (Rev. 6:5-6)

4.The 4^th seal: death and hell (Rev. 6:7-8)

5.The 5^th seal: first martyrs (Rev. 6:9-11)

6.The 6^th seal: wrath of God (Rev. 6:12-17)

7.The 144,000 Jews sealed (Rev. 7:1-8)

8.The Tribulation martyrs worship (Rev. 7:9-17)

9.The 7^th seal: silence in heaven (Rev. 8:1)

10.The 7 angels given 7 trumpets (Rev. 8:2)

11.Priestly angel ministers (Rev. 8:3-5)

12.The 7 angels prepare to sound (Rev. 8:6)

13.The 1^st trumpet: hail, fire, blood (Rev. 8:7)

14.The 2^nd trumpet: sea to blood (Rev. 8:8-9)

15.The 3^rd trumpet: waters poisoned (Rev. 8:10-11)

16.The 4^th trumpet: planets darkened (Rev. 8:12)

17.Angel announces 3 woes (Rev. 8:13)

18.The 5^th trumpet: the first woe—loosing of demons to torment people (Rev. 9:1-12)

19.The 6^th trumpet: the second woe—loosing of 200,000,000 demons to slay 1/3 of mankind (Rev. 9:13-21)

20.Temple and city defiled (Rev. 11:1-2)

21.The 2 witnesses appear on earth (Rev. 11:3-12)

22.Great earthquake in Jerusalem (Rev. 11:13)

23.The 7^th trumpet: announcements (Rev. 11:15-18)

24.Heavenly temple opened (Rev. 11:19)

25.Sun-clothed woman travails (Rev. 12:1-2)

26.Dragon attacks the man-child (Rev. 12:3-4)

27.Man-child caught up to heaven (Rev. 12:5)

28.The woman flees for 3 ½ years (Rev. 12:6)

29.War in heaven (Rev. 12:7-12)

30.Satan attacks the woman (Rev. 12:13-16)

31.Satan attacks the remnant (Rev. 12:17)

32.Beast out of sea; Antichrist given power over nations (Rev. 13:1-10,18)

33.Beast out of earth: false prophet begins beast worship (Rev. 13:11-17)

34.The 144,000 Jews, the man-child, presented to God (Rev. 14:1-5)

35.Everlasting gospel preached by an angel (Rev. 14:6-7)

36.Fall of Babylon announced by angel (Rev. 14:8)

37.Doom of beast worshipers announced by an angel (Rev. 14:9-12)

38.Blessing to martyrs announced (Rev. 14:13)

39.Harvest: Armageddon (Rev. 14:14-16)

40.Vintage: Armageddon (Rev. 14:17-20)

41.The 7 vial judgments prepared (Rev. 15:1,6-7)

42.Tribulation martyrs worship (Rev. 15:2-4)

43.Heavenly tabernacle opened (Rev. 15:5-16:1)

44.The 1^st vial: sores on people (Rev. 16:2)

45.The 2^nd vial: sea to blood (Rev. 16:3)

46.The 3^rd vial: rivers to blood (Rev. 16:4-7)

47.The 4^th vial: great heat (Rev. 16:8-9)

48.The 5^th vial: darkness (Rev. 16:10-11)

49.The 6^th vial: Euphrates dried up (Rev. 16:12)

50.The 3 unclean spirits: mobilization of nations to Armageddon (Rev. 16:13-16)

51.The 7^th vial: great earthquake—literal Babylon and other cities destroyed (Rev. 16:17-21; Rev. 18:1-24)

52.Kings of earth commit fornication with the great whore (Rev. 17:1-5)

53.The great whore martyrs saints (Rev. 17:6-7)

54.The 8^th kingdom formed (Rev. 17:8-13)

55.War on the Lamb (Rev. 17:14)

56.War on the great whore (Rev. 17:15-18)

57.Marriage of the Lamb (Rev. 19:1-10)

58.The 2^nd coming of Christ (Rev. 19:11-16)

59.Angel invitation to birds (Rev. 19:17-18)

60.Battle of Armageddon (Rev. 19:19-21)

61.Binding of Satan (Rev. 20:1-3)

62.The first resurrection completed: Millennial reign of Christ begins (Rev. 20:4-6) 63.Satan loosed on earth (Rev. 20:7)

64.The last rebellion on earth (Rev. 20:8-9)

65.Satan sent to hell (Rev. 20:10)

66.The 2^nd resurrection: judgment of the wicked dead (Rev. 20:11-15)

67.New heaven and earth: curse removed and paradise restored as before the fall of man (Rev. 21:1-22:5)

68.God’s capital city, New Jerusalem, descends to earth (Rev. 21:2,9-23)

[hereafter] Greek: meta (GSN-3326) tauta (GSN-5023), after these things, that is, after the things of the true churches of Rev. 2-3. See John 5:1.

Rev. 11:12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

Rev. 11:12

[Come up hither] The same words spoken to John (John 4:1). The translation of the two witnesses completes the first resurrection—the resurrection of all the righteous dead before the Millennium. It is the 5^th translation or rapture (notice 1 Cor. 15:23)

1 Thes. 2:19

[For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?]

[Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming] The 2^nd New Testament prophecy in 1 Thessalonians (1 Thes. 2:19, unfulfilled)

Rapture and Second Coming

Greek: parousia (GSN-3952), personal presence (note, ^§Matthew 24:3). This refers to the rapture, not the second coming of Christ. It is the same as in 1 Thes. 3:13; 1 Thes. 4:13-17; 1 Thes. 5:8; ^§2 Thes. 2:7, note.

These two comings should not be confused. The scriptures that apply to one do not apply to the other. Not one passage refers to both events as if they were one. These two distinct comings are separated by several years, so they aren’t two stages or phases of one coming.

The rapture is the first of the two comings, not a coming to earth but in the air. It could not be the second coming because Christ does not come to the earth to live here and fulfill a mission as He did at the first coming. When Christ meets the saints in the air He takes them back to heaven with Him and presents them before the Father’s throne where they remain during the time the tribulation is running its course on the earth (1 Thes. 3:13; John 14:1-3). Christ does not remain in the air with the saints when they meet Him as in 1 Thes. 4:13-17. The marriage supper and the judgment of saints take place in heaven, then at the second coming after the tribulation Christ and the saints leave heaven together to come down to the earth (2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 19). The rapture is the time Christ comes for the saints to take them to heaven.

The second coming is the time He comes to the earth to live here and fulfil a mission. This is the time He comes from heaven with the saints, having raptured them at least seven years before. The second coming cannot take place until all of Rev. 1:1-19:21 is fulfilled while the rapture can take place any moment without anything being fulfilled.

Scriptures on the Rapture—Christ’s Coming FOR the Saints:

1.Pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things … and to stand before the Son of man (Luke 21:34).

2.In My Father’s house are many mansions … I go to prepare a place for you … I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:1-3).

3.We shall not all sleep (die physically), but we shall all be changed. In a moment … at the last trump … the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we (the living) shall be changed … put on immortality … then … death is swallowed up in victory (1 Cor. 15:51-56).

4.Christ loved the true church … that He might present it to Himself (Ephes. 5:25-27).

5.From whence (heaven) also we look for … Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body (Phil. 3:11,20-21; 2 Cor. 5:1-9).

6.For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven … the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air (note on earth, to go back to heaven with Him; 1 Thes. 4:13-18; 1 Thes. 2:19; 1 Thes. 3:13; 1 Thes. 5:9,23).

7.We beseech you … by our gathering together unto Him … until he be taken out of the way (2 Thes. 2:1,7-8, notes).

8.When Christ … shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory (Col. 3:4; 1 John 2:28; 1 John 3:2; 1 Peter 5:4).

9.Be patient … unto the coming of the Lord… until He receive the early and latter rain (James 5:7-8).

Scriptures on the Second Coming—Christ’s Coming WITH the Saints:

1.One like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought Him near before Him. And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages shall serve Him (Daniel 2:44-45; Daniel 7:13-14; Daniel 18; Daniel 27).

2.Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations … His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which … shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west … the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with Thee (Zech. 14:1-5,9,16-21).

3.Immediately after the tribulation … then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matthew 24:29-31).

4.When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory. And before Him shall be gathered all nations (Matthew 25:31-46).

5.When the Lord shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God (2 Thes. 1:7-10; 2 Thes. 2:8).

6.The Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment upon all … that are ungodly (Jude 1:14-15).

7.He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him … all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him … the armies of heaven followed Him upon white horses (Rev. 1:7. See 1 Thes. 19:11-21; 1 Thes. 20:1-3; Isaiah 63:1-6; Joel 3).

The twenty and four Elders about the throne of God!

shown in this lesson pertaining to page 1., and comment 3.

Rev. 4:4

[seats] Same word translated "throne" in Rev. 4:2; etc. Around God's throne are 24 other literal thrones.

[elders] Proof that "elders" represent raptured saints:

1.Greek: presbuteros (GSN-4245), elder. It is never used of angels (note Acts 14:23).

2.They are distinguished from angels in Rev. 5:11-14.

3.They have crowns and sit on thrones, which are promised redeemed people (Rev. 2:10; Rev. 3:21; Rev. 20:4; Matthew 19:28; 1 Cor. 9:25-27; 2 Tim. 4:8). Angels are never seen in Revelation on thrones or wearing crowns. Angels are mentioned with thrones only in Isaiah 14:12-14; Col. 1:16.

4.They wear white raiment, which is used only in Revelation of Christ and saints (Rev. 3:5,18; Rev. 6:11; Rev. 7:9,13; Rev. 15:6; Rev. 19:8,14).

5.It is clear from Rev. 1:1; Rev. 5:5-7; Rev. 7:13-15; Rev. 19:10; Rev. 22:8-9 that one of the elders is the person showing John the Revelation, and that he is a redeemed man. If one of them is a man, then all 24 are men. Since they are redeemed men and in heaven on thrones all through the time of the fulfillment of Rev. 4-22, they must have been raptured before that.

Four Companies of Redeemed People:

1.Old Testament saints (Acts 7:38; Hebrews 11:1-40; Hebrews 12:1)

2.New Testament church saints (Matthew 16:18; 1 Cor. 12:27-28; Ephes. 1:20-23; Ephes. 2:14-22; Ephes. 4:12-16; Ephes. 5:21-32; Col. 1:18,24). Christ started this company, the true church, and will present it to Himself at the rapture (Ephes. 5:27; 1 Thes. 27; 1 Thes. 4:16)

3.The 144,000 Jews, a distinct company by themselves, as proved from Rev. 7:1-8; Rev. 14:1-5

4.The great multitude of tribulation saints, a separate company from the true church and Old Testament saints, for they are martyred after the rapture (beheaded for the witness of Christ Rev. 20:4), as proved in Rev. 7:9-17; Rev. 14:13; Rev. 15:2-4; Rev. 20:4, which see. The 24 elders must be representative of the first two companies, for the last two are not redeemed until after the elders are in heaven, or during the fulfillment of Rev. 4-22 (see Rev. 4:1; 2 Thes. 2:7; 1 Thes. 4:16).

Why Twenty-four Elders?

The answer is not stated, but two facts are clear:

1.The whole priesthood of old was represented by 24 elders (1 Chron. 24:1-9)

2.The names of the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles are written on the holy city, New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:10-14)

[sitting] Seven acts of the twenty-four elders:

1.They sit on thrones (Rev. 4:4; Rev. 19:7-8).

2.They worship God (Rev. 4:9-11; Rev. 5:8-10).

3.They cast crowns before God (Rev. 4:10).

4.They fall prostrate before God (Rev. 4:10; Rev. 5:8,14; Rev. 11:16; Rev. 19:4).

5.They sing and play harps (Rev. 5:8-10).

6.They act as priests (Rev. 5:8).

7.They give John the Revelation (Rev. 5:5; Rev. 7:13-14).

Raptured, being caught up as a thief in the night (1^st Thess. 4:17)

and Second Coming at the end of the Great tribulation period (seven years after the Rapture of the Saints of God have been caught up to meet the Lord in the air

(1^st Thess. 5:2!).

Pertaining to page 1. of our lesson and point 4. above!

Rapture and Second Coming:

Greek: parousia (NT:3952), personal presence (note, Matthew 24:3). This refers to the rapture, not the second coming of Christ. It is the same as in 1 Thes. 3:13; 1 Thes. 4:13-17; 1 Thes. 5:8; 2 Thes. 2:7, note.

The rapture is the first of the two comings, not a coming to earth but in the air. It could not be the second coming because Christ does not come to the earth to live here and fulfill a mission as He did at the first coming. When Christ meets the saints in the air He takes them back to heaven with Him and presents them before the Father's throne where they remain during the time the tribulation is running its course on the earth (1 Thes. 3:13; John 14:1-3). Christ does not remain in the air with the saints when they meet Him as in 1 Thes. 4:13-17. The marriage supper and the judgment of saints take place in heaven, then at the second coming after the tribulation Christ and the saints leave heaven together to come down to the earth (2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 19). The rapture is the time Christ comes for the saints to take them to heaven.

Scriptures on the Rapture-Christ's Coming FOR the Saints:

1. Pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things ... and to stand before the Son of man (Luke 21:34).

2. In My Father's house are many mansions ... I go to prepare a place for you ... I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:1-3).

3. We shall not all sleep (die physically), but we shall all be changed. In a moment ... at the last trump ... the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we (the living) shall be changed ... put on immortality ... then ... death is swallowed up in victory (1 Cor. 15:51-56).

4. Christ loved the true church ... that He might present it to Himself (Ephes. 5:25-27).

5. From whence (heaven) also we look for ... Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body (Phil. 3:11,20-21; 2 Cor. 5:1-9).

6. For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven ... the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air (note on earth, to go back to heaven with Him; 1 Thes. 4:13-18; 1 Thes. 2:19; 1 Thes. 3:13; 1 Thes. 5:9,23).

7. We beseech you ... by our gathering together unto Him ... until he be taken out of the way (2 Thes. 2:1,7-8, notes).

8. When Christ ... shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory (Col. 3:4; 1 John 2:28; 1 John 3:2; 1 Peter 5:4).

9. Be patient ... unto the coming of the Lord... until He receive the early and latter rain (James 5:7-8).

Scriptures on the Second Coming-Christ's Coming WITH the Saints:

1. One like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought Him near before Him. And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages shall serve Him (Daniel 2:44-45; Daniel 7:13-14; Daniel 18; Daniel 27).

2. Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations ... His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which ... shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west ... the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with Thee (Zech. 14:1-5,9,16-21).

3. Immediately after the tribulation ... then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matthew 24:29-31).

4. When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory. And before Him shall be gathered all nations (Matthew 25:31-46).

5. When the Lord shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God (2 Thes. 1:7-10; 2 Thes. 2:8).

6. The Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment upon all ... that are ungodly (Jude 1:14-15).

7. He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him ... all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of Him ... the armies of heaven followed Him upon white horses (Rev. 1:7. See 1 Thes. 19:11-21; 1 Thes. 20:1-3; Isaiah 63:1-6; Joel 3).

Note (Daniel 9:27) page 2. above and item 8. !

Gabriel (The Angel of God said to Daniel):

Daniel 9:22

And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. [23] At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

Daniel 9:24

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Daniel 9:24

[Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city ...] The 15th prophecy in Daniel (Daniel 9:24-27; Daniel 9:25-26 are fulfilled; Daniel 9:24 and Daniel 9:27 are unfulfilled).

The Seventy Weeks

There are 14 main parts to this prophecy. Without a clear understanding of them many other prophecies cannot be fully understood.

1.Meaning of the seventy weeks. The phrase "seventy weeks" literally means "seventy sevens" (Hebrew: for "week" is shabuwa€ (HSN-7620), seven).

Seventy Sevens of Years because:

(1)Daniel's prayer, to which this vision was an answer, did not concern days, but years (Daniel 9:2).

(2)The last "week" is one and is divided into 2 parts, the last half explained to be 3 1/2 years, as proved in the following notes.

(3)If the last half of the 70th week is 3 1/2 years, then the first half is also 3 1/2 years, making the one seven of Daniel 9:27 to be 7 years.

(4)If the last or one "week" is a period of 7 years, the other "weeks" are also 7 years each. The whole period, therefore, is 70 x 7 = 490 years.

2.Division of the seventy weeks. They are divided into three main periods:

(1)The 1st division—7 weeks, 49 years for the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Daniel 9:25)

(2)The 2nd division—62 weeks, 434 years from the completion of the city at the end of the 49 years to the time the Messiah is cut off or crucified for men (Daniel 9:25-26)

(3)The 3rd division—one week, 7 years, the last 7 years of this age, ending with the 2nd advent of Christ to fulfill the 6 events of Daniel 9:24

3.Whom do the seventy weeks concern? The whole 490 years are determined (Hebrew: chathak (HSN-2852), cut off; marked off; decreed) to be fulfilled concerning thy people (Daniel's people) and thy holy city (Daniel's native city, Jerusalem) to fulfill the 6 events of Daniel 9:24. They do not concern the true church in any sense. In fact, the true church was not begun until after the 69th week, and it will be raptured before the 70th week begins (notice, 2 Thes. 2:7-8; Rev. 4:1).

4.When do they concern Israel and Jerusalem? Not during any time that she has been scattered among the nations. The 70 weeks concern Israel as a nation at Jerusalem. Since Israel was scattered and her city and temple destroyed in 70 A.D., since the 6 events of Daniel 9:24 have not yet been fulfilled, and since the 69th week ended at the crucifixion of Christ, the 70th week is the only part left to be fulfilled. During this time, the 6 events of Daniel 9:24 will be fulfilled. Still in the future, it will be fulfilled when Israel as a nation gets control of Jerusalem again.

5.Six things to be done in the 70 weeks of Daniel (Daniel 9:24):

(1)"To finish (put an end to) the transgression." The Hebrew word pesha€ (HSN-6588) means revolt; rebel; sin against lawful authority. It is often translated "transgression" (Psalm 51:1; Isaiah 43:25; etc.). This transgression has reference to the sins of Israel at Jerusalem, the culmination of their sins when they will be saved from all sin at the return of their Messiah who will turn ungodliness from Jacob and convert the nation in a day (Romans 11:25-29; Isaiah 66:7-10; Ezekiel 36:24-30).

(2)"To make an end of sins" concerning Israel and Jerusalem. This has never been done, but will be accomplished at the second coming of Christ (Ezekiel 36:24-30; Ezekiel 37:24-27; Ezekiel 43:7; Zech. 14). The Spirit of repentance will be poured out upon Israel just before the second coming, and a fountain for sin and uncleanness will be opened to the whole nation at that time (Zech. 12:10-13:1; Romans 11:25-29).

(3)"To make reconciliation (atonement; Hebrew: kaphar (HSN-3722), to cover; make atonement) for iniquity." This was done for Israel and all others on the cross (Isaiah 53; Col. 1:20; Col. 2:14-17; 1 Peter 2:24), but Israel as a nation has not yet experienced this covering for sin. They will be fully reconciled to God at the second coming of Christ (Isaiah 1:18-20; Isaiah 66:7-8; Zech. 12:10-13:1; Matthew 23:37-39; Romans 11:25-29).

(4)"To bring in everlasting righteousness." When transgression comes to an end, when an end of sins is made, and when full atonement for all sin is experienced by Israel, then everlasting righteousness concerning Israel and Jerusalem will be ushered in (Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 12:1-6; Daniel 2:44-45; Daniel 7:13-14,18,27; Ezekiel 43:7; Zech. 14; Luke 1:32-33; Romans 11:25-29; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 19:11-20:10; Rev. 21:1-22:5).

(5)"To seal up the vision and prophecy." The prophecies concerning Israel and Jerusalem and their eternal restoration under their Messiah will be fulfilled. The word for "prophecy" here should have been translated "prophet." It could also mean that there will be no more need for inspired men to rebuke Israel at Jerusalem in the attempt to lead them to God and righteousness when the Messiah comes, "for all shall know the Lord from the least unto the greatest of them" (Isaiah 11:9; Isaiah 66:7-10; Jeremiah 31:31-40; Romans 11:25-29).

(6)"To anoint the most holy." This refers to the cleansing of the holy of holies, the temple, and the city of Jerusalem from the abomination of desolation, the sacrilege of Gentiles; and to the anointing of the Millennial temple of Ezekiel 40-43; Zech. 6:12-13. "The most holy" is never used of a person, nor would the Jews ever associate this term with their Messiah who is always distinguished by the simple title, Messiah. Therefore, to teach that this refers to man crowning Christ is out of harmony with Scripture. Man is not to anoint and crown Christ. This has already been done by God the Father (Luke 22:29; Acts 1:7; Acts 2:36; Phil. 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:1-3; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 19:11-21; Daniel 7:13-14).

6.When do the seventy weeks begin? With the commandment "to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince" (Daniel 9:25). There were three decrees for the restoration of Jerusalem:

(1)The first decree was given during the first year of the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia (Ezra 1:1-4; Ezra 3:8; Isaiah 44:28; Isaiah 45:1-4; Isaiah 46:11). Cyrus reigned 9 years; then Cambyses, his son, reigned 7 years. In the son's reign the work on the temple ceased (Ezra 4:1-24).

(2)Darius I of profane history reigned 35 years. In the second year of his reign he confirmed the decree made by Cyrus 18 years before. The temple was finished in the sixth year of his reign, but the city was not restored. Xerxes reigned 21 years (Daniel 11:1-3) during which time the city was not yet completed.

(3)Artaxerxes reigned for 40 years. In the 20th year of his reign (444 B.C.) he gave Nehemiah the 3rd decree "to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince" (Daniel 9:25-26; Neh. 2:1-6:19). From this point the 70 weeks or 490 years are counted. At this point the first division of the 490 years (the 7 weeks or 49 years for the restoration of Jerusalem with streets and the wall) began (Daniel 9:25). Nehemiah restored the walls in 52 days after he reached Jerusalem, but this was by no means the full restoration. That took place during the next 49 years. Thus the 3rd decree to restore Jerusalem was 92 years after the first decree by Cyrus.

7.The crucifixion of the Messiah. This was to be after the 62 weeks or 434 years, and was to follow the 7 weeks or 49 years of the restoration of Jerusalem (Daniel 9:25-26). Christ was crucified at the end of the 69th week, not in the middle of the 70th week. The 70th week did not end when Stephen was stoned, for the 6 events of point 5, above, were not fulfilled then, nor have they been fulfilled since then. They cannot be fulfilled with Israel and Jerusalem until the rapture of the true church and the revelation of the future Antichrist (notice, 2 Thes. 2:7-8; Rev. 4:1).

8.The people of the prince that shall come (Daniel 9:26). This refers to the Romans who fulfilled this prophecy of the destruction of the city and temple and brought the desolations of Daniel 9:26. This was fulfilled in 70 A.D. (see Luke 19:41-44; Luke 21:20).

9.The prince that shall come (Daniel 9:26). This refers to Antichrist who will come from the Roman Empire territory and will have the old Roman form of Government , that is, the Grecian portion, and from the people who destroyed the city and temple of Israel in A.D. 70 (Daniel 9:26; Luke 21:20-24). He will come from among the 10 kingdoms yet to be formed inside the old Roman Empire territory and (Daniel 7:23-24).

10.The true church age—the great interval between the 69th and 70th weeks (Daniel 9:26-27). This period was not seen by the prophets, but it is clear here that certain things were to happen between the crucifixion of the Messiah and the Antichrist who makes the 7-year covenant with Israel in the latter days (Daniel 9:26-27).

11.Twelve great events between the 69th and 70th weeks:

(1)Christ was to be crucified at the end of the 69th week (Daniel 9:26).

(2)The Romans were to destroy Jerusalem and the temple between the crucifixion at the end of the 69th week and the 70th week (Daniel 9:26-27).

(3)There was to be a war between the Romans and Israel between the 69th and 70th weeks (Daniel 9:26-27).

(4)Israel was to be defeated by the Romans between the 69th and 70th weeks, or their city and temple could not be destroyed (Daniel 9:26-27).

(5)Israel was to be scattered among the nations by the Romans between the 69th and 70th weeks, or the end of this war would not be as a flood to carry them away (Daniel 9:26-27; Luke 21:20-24).

(6)Desolations of Israel and their city and temple were to follow the end of the war between Israel and the Romans (Daniel 9:26; Luke 21:20-24). When Christ comes to defend Israel from Antichrist, Jerusalem and the temple will be rebuilt, not destroyed (Zech. 6:12-13; Zech. 14:1-21; Matthew 25:31-46; Rev. 11:15; Rev. 19:11-21).

Historically, all the above events were fulfilled by the Romans. They crucified Christ about 31 A.D. and destroyed Jerusalem about 70 A.D. These events did not happen in either the 69th or the 70th week. Jerusalem was destroyed about 39 years after the crucifixion of Christ which ended the 69th week.

(7)"The prince that shall come" was to come after the destruction and desolations of Jerusalem (Daniel 9:26-27). Since the Jews were led away captive among all nations in 70 A.D. "the prince that shall come" could not confirm a covenant with Jews to fulfill Daniel 9:27. (This remains to be done in the future and as yet (whereas the date as of this writing and study lesson given By RHDDBA is) and is after The death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2006.)

(8)Jerusalem must be restored as the capital of Israel and a temple rebuilt before Antichrist can come and confirm the 7-year covenant with many Jews to fulfill Daniel 9:27.

(9)The city and sanctuary were to be destroyed by the Romans, as in Daniel 9:26. They must be restored before the 7-year covenant of Daniel 9:27 can be made, for the temple is to be made desolate again in the midst of the 7 years. If it was destroyed in 70 A.D. then it could not possibly be made desolate again until its restoration first. Since it has never been restored from 70 A.D. until now (as shown in (7 above), the fulfillment of Daniel 9:27 must be future as yet from the time shown in (7 above)).

(10)Israel, being broken off because of unbelief at the crucifixion of Christ, must be restored again to their own land and get control of Jerusalem before the 6 events
of point 5, above, can be fulfilled. Just before the crucifixion Jesus wept over Jerusalem saying, "How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate . . . . ye shall not see Me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord" (Matthew 21:43;
Matthew 23:37-39; Matthew 24:2; Luke 21:20-24). This is the official rejection of Israel as a nation until the second coming of Christ. God could not have fulfilled the 70th week with them immediately following the crucifixion because of cutting them off at this time. The 70th week remains to be fulfilled when God deals with them as a nation again (Ezekiel 37). He cannot do this until the
new nation of Israel gets control of Jerusalem again, for the whole 70 weeks concern Israel and Jerusalem (Daniel 9:24). Neither can the 70th week be fulfilled until the temple is built again in Jerusalem (Daniel 9:26-27).

(11)The prince that shall come from the Roman Empire territory is the one referred to in Daniel 9:27 that shall confirm the covenant with many Jews for 7 years. He does not come until after the future 10 kingdoms are formed inside the old Roman Empire territory (Daniel 7:23-24), and until after the rapture of the true church (see Rapture Before Antichrist, and Ten Proofs of the Rapture Taking Place in Rev. 4:1). Therefore, the 70th week is after these 2 events.

The 70th week will be the last 7 years of this age, between the rapture and the second coming (Daniel 9:27). It will be the future tribulation period ending with the second coming. All of Matthew 24-25; Rev. 4-19; Rev. 21; Daniel 7:19-27; Daniel 8:9-14,22-25; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:36-45; Daniel 12:1-17, and many other passages will be fulfilled during these 7 years. The great tribulation will be during the last 3 1/2 years (Jeremiah 30:4-9; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:15-24; Rev. 11:1-19:21). The first 3 1/2 years will be a lesser tribulation due to the fact that Antichrist will be only rising to power (Daniel 7:23-24; Matthew 24:4-14; Rev. 6:1-9:21). See Sixty-eight Post-Rapture Events, 62 of which will be fulfilled in the 70th week.

(12)The present church age rightfully comes in between the 69th and 70th weeks, during which time Israel is rejected by God and scattered among the nations. There is a postponement of the fulfillment of the 70th week immediately following the end of the 69th week due to Israel's rejection and her house being left desolate until God restores it again in the days of the coming of Christ. "When the Lord shall build up Zion, He shall appear in His glory" (Psalm 102:16).

12.The covenant between Antichrist and Israel (Daniel 9:27). The terms of this covenant are not listed, but it is clear it will be a non-aggression pact, perhaps even a military alliance that will enable the Antichrist to gain power over the 10 kingdoms during the first 3 1/2 years of the 70th week (Daniel 7:23-24; Daniel 8:23-25; Rev. 17:8-17). It will include the protection of Israel in their national establishment and restoration and assure them at least temporary peace (Daniel 8:25; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:36-45). The length of the covenant is to be 7 years (Daniel 9:27). 13.The middle of the week (Daniel 9:27). The Antichrist in 3 1/2 years gets power over the 10 kingdoms (Daniel 7:23-24; Rev. 17:8-17). He then breaks his covenant with Israel, enters and takes over Palestine, and makes the Jewish temple his capital building (Daniel 7:21-25; Daniel 8:9-14,22-25; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:36-45; Matthew 24:15-24; 2 Thes. 2:3-4; Rev. 13:1-18; Rev. 17:8-17). He will then do away with all Jewish sacrifices in the temple and set himself and his image in the temple to be worshiped as God. This will continue 2,300 evenings and mornings, or 3 years, 2 months, and 10 days of the 1,260 days of the last 3 1/2 years of the 70th week (Daniel 8:9-14; Daniel 9:27;11:45; Matthew 24:15-22; 2 Thes. 2:3-4; Rev. 13:1-18). See 2,300 Days Not 2,300 Years. 14.The end of the 70th week (Daniel 9:27). The beast worship and the abomination will continue from the middle of the 70th week through the judgments that will be poured out upon the one making the temple desolate (Daniel 9:27). These judgments will consist of the plagues caused by the 2 witnesses (Rev. 11:3-11) and the vial judgments (Rev. 15-16), ending with Antichrist's defeat and destruction at Armageddon (Rev. 16:13-16; Rev. 19:11-21; Zech. 14).

Ten Things that End This Age:

1.The 7th vial (Rev. 16:17-21)

2.Destruction of Babylon (Rev. 16:19; Rev. 18:1-24)

3.The second coming of Christ (Rev. 19:11-21)

4.The battle of Armageddon (Rev. 19:11-21)

5.Judgment of the nations (Matthew 25:31-46)

6.Separation of the tares from the wheat (Matthew 13)

7.Regathering of Israel (Matthew 24:29-31; Isaiah 11:10-12; Ezekiel 37)

8.Conversion of Israel (Romans 11:25-29)

9.Liberation of Jerusalem (Zech. 14)

10.Fulfillment of the 6 things of point 5, above

Twenty-five Things End Here:

1.Daniel's 70th week (Daniel 9:27)

2.Dispensation of Grace (Matthew 3, refs.)

3.The tribulation (Daniel 9:27; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:15-22; Rev. 6:1-19:21)

4.Satan's activities on earth for a 1,000-year period (Rev. 20:1-10)

5.The Times of the Gentiles

6.The wrath of God (Rev. 6:17; Rev. 15:1-16:21)

7.Rebellion of Israel (Zech. 12:10-13:1; Matthew 23:37-39; Romans 11:25-29)

8.Desolations of Jerusalem (Zech. 14:1-21; Luke 21:20-24)

9.Gentile world kingdoms (Daniel 2:44-45; Daniel 7:13-14,23-27; Rev. 17:8-17; Rev. 19:11-21)

10.Persecution of Christians (Zech. 14:9; Matthew 13:40-43; Matthew 25:31-46; Rev. 20)

11.Reign of Antichrist (Rev. 19:19-21)

12.Beast worship (Rev. 13:1-18; Rev. 14:9-11; Rev. 15:2-4; Rev. 20:4-6)

13.Revived Grecian Empire (Daniel 8:22-25; Daniel 11:36-45; Rev. 13:5; Rev. 19:19-21)

14.Freedom of demons and fallen angels (Isaiah 24:21-22; Rev. 12:7-12; Rev. 20:1-3)

15.Satani