Hi April,

Thank you for your thoughtful post. You could be right, but we also need to consider that often there is a 'dual fulfillment' of prophecy.

WORKING BACKWARD:

Luke 21:25-28 describes the circumstances which occur immediately BEFORE our "redemption draws near."

Luke 21:24 says, "And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." I do not believe that "the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." until AFTER the end-time tribulation of Israel is completed, and I do not believe that the rapture will occur BEFORE "the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled."

Luke 21:23 says, "For there will be great tribulation in the land (Israel)and (God's) wrath upon this (Jewish) people." I believe that this is describing the end-time great tribulation with which God punishes Israel before 'our redemption' happens,

Luke 21;22 says, "For these are the days of (God's) vengeance, THAT ALL THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN MAY BE FULFILLED." I believe that this statement means what it says "THAT ALL THINGS WHICH ARE WRITTEN MAY BE FULFILLED" applies to the end-times prophecies which are still in the near future.

YBIC, Bruce Warner