WHEN DO THE TWO WITNESSES, WITNESS?Hello John and all Doves!!
It seems that there are many differences of opinions as to when the Two Witnesses will witness; the first half of the Tribulation or the last half. After much research in to both sides of the issue, I find that it has to be during the first half. I have always felt that to be true, but was open to hearing different opinions. I feel that I have been objective on this issue, but I will let you decide for yourselves. Here is my support for it being the first half.
I know this all hinges on whether or not one believes in a literal 7 year tribulation, or somehow comes to the conclusion it is only a 3 1/2 year Great Tribulation, as many do on this site. I, for one, have come to believe it is a period of 7 years and therefore do not believe we have entered into Daniel’s 70th week, yet. All that we have been experiencing are just the birth pangs before the Rapture. I totally believe that the Rapture of the Bride is the starting gun to the whole ball of wax. But, that is another subject that I will cover in another study.
For my purposes here, I will submit evidence that points to the Two Witnesses evangelizing during the first 3 ½ years of the 7 year tribulation. Since they are not here, yet, only points to the fact that the 70th week has not started.
(Let me point out here, that this will not change the fact that the Rapture will happen this year!! I am totally all in for 2012 Rapture and feel that it will kick off the final 7 years, not the final 3 ½ years.)
First of all, the Two Witnesses will witness during the time period of the Seven Seals and Seven Trumpet judgments. They are given power for 1260 days, the first half of the Tribulation.
Rev. 11:3 “And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth."
The Anti-Christ is given power for 42 months or roughly the same time period of 1260 days.
Rev. 13:5 “And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months."
The Two Witnesses time of testimony must not overlap the 42 months given to the Anti-Christ. During the first 3 ½ year they are given power over their enemies, and then the Anti-Christ will be given 42 months to have power over his enemies. The Two Witnesses minister in the first half of the 70th Week and the Antichrist rules during the last half of the 70th Week.
The ministry of the Two Witnesses includes prophecy and testimony to all those left behind from the churches (lukewarm virgins) after the Rapture and to all the Jewish people whom have not yet received Jesus as their Messiah. They will have much to say to all those whom will be raptured mid-trib. This will be the greatest harvest of souls and there will be millions saved by their testimony. (The Wheat Harvest).
A covenant has just been made between Israel and the future Anti-Christ;Daniel 9:27 ” And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”
It would be the calling of these Two Witnesses to alert Israel to the lies and falsehoods of this covenant;
Isaiah 28:15 “Because ye have said, we have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:”
The temple is being rebuilt, and even before its completion animal sacrifices are being performed. These Two Witnesses will testify against these sacrifices and how they offend the Lord;
Isaiah 66:3 “He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.”
The Lord compares these to murder and the offering of pig’s blood!! This will definitely upset the Jews who have waited so long to rebuild their temple to perform these sacrifices. The Witnesses will remind Israel that the ultimate sacrifice has already been made through the death of the Messiah, the one they rejected, and they are offending God further by carrying out such irrelevant offerings.
These Two Witnesses are offensive to the whole world!! That is why the whole world will celebrate when the Anti-Christ kills them. They will not be popular!!!They will also warn the Jews about the Abomination of Desolation that will take place by the Anti-Christ, and how he will break the peace covenant and defile their newly rebuilt temple. They will also warn the population in Jerusalem to head for the hills when this abomination takes place.
Because I believe that John the Apostle is one of the Two Witnesses (Elijah the other) they will witness about several issues revealing the message of the Seven Thunders. They will also warn about the mark of the beast and strongly advise against taking it, for it will mean eternal damnation.
God is gracious, good and merciful, and will allow plenty of time for each soul to repent and receive the testimony of these Two Witnesses, before what they are witnessing about takes place when the Anti-Christ come into his full power. I also believe that the Anti-Christ will come into power on the same day that he has the Two Witnesses killed. That will be the first order of business on his agenda when he is indwelt by Satan.
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.”
This also points to a literal 7 year tribulation…42 months for the Two Witnesses and 42 months for the Anti-Christ. It does not make any sense that God would send these Two Witnesses to witness during the time when the Anti-Christ comes into full power. Actually the fact that the Anti-Christ can kill them is proof that Satan has fallen from heaven and now rules the earth…for a short time. Both have been allowed by God, and after all He is in charge!!
I am totally open to anyone disputing my take on this, and ready and willing to see a better take on it.
May God love and bless you all, in Jesus’ name!!
Patti C.