It
may come as a surprise to some, but the Rapture is not the triggering
event for the start of the Tribulation (Daniel 9:27 triggers the 7-year
tribulation period) thus, there has to be some amount of time (a Gap
period) between the Rapture of the Church and the Tribulation period
beginning. I have been conducting an extensive study on this lately and
have presented some observations below. Hopefully this will being some
clarity to an otherwise cloudy and (for the most part) unaddressed
topic.
As
always…all of this is not meant to try and set an absolute date for the
Rapture, but stir everyone into contemplating how close the time may be
to our redemption, and agree or disagree, it points to some very
interesting information that may be worth further study and prayerful
consideration. Note: Yes its long, but its worth the read!
Additionally, this should be read in conjunction with our recent post of
Rosh HaShanah and its Link to The Bride of Christ
Let
me begin by stating I absolutely hold to a pre-tribulation,
pre-millennial dispensational system of theology and I believe these
thoughts do not conflict in any way with that theology, nor is it in
conflict with any scripture (that I am aware of), nor is it
extra-Biblical teaching. As always, be a good Berean and search the
scriptures for yourselves to see whether these things are so...filter
this information through the lens of the divinely inspired Word of God,
which is the final authority, as is the sovereignty of the One who spoke
the Word, and the absolute perfection of the Word spoken - it needs
nothing added to it or taken from it.
Ok,
that said and understood, I have always had a difficult time in my
finite mind trying to fit all the coming end-time events into the
traditional parallel or concurrent timeframes of a pre-trib Rapture, and
the 7-year Marriage of the Bride of Christ (Church) to the Lamb
(Christ); 7-years of Tribulation on earth, multiple prophetic wars
(which have been addressed on this website) which are pre or post
rapture and pre-or during the tribulation, etc. Everything just does
not fit a parallel or concurrent timeline very well, and accordingly to
what many old school prophetic pastors have preach (which is they are
both concurrent 7-year periods). I believe many things just have been
glossed over and not well thought through and addressed to make sense.
Recently, through further study, I believe I have a framework that makes
better sense, and I believe is still completely supported by scripture
and I have provided references to the exegesis of scripture by others
(although I continue to study and search and review and pray for further
understanding so as not to mislead others).
The
following will look at a potential one to three-year Gap between the
Rapture and the beginning of the Tribulation period…my “Timeline Fix.”
There
is a prophetic gap we must talk about that exists between the Rapture
and the Tribulation Period. We must remember that there will be an
unknown duration or gap of time between the Rapture and the official
beginning of the Tribulation Period. The Rapture will precede the
Tribulation Period (Rev. 3:10) but it does not begin the Tribulation
Period. The signing of the seven-year covenant with Israel begins the
Tribulation Period (Dan. 9:27). We don't know how long this time frame
is between the Rapture and beginning of the Tribulation Period. Is it
days, months, or years? Probably the latter since it will take time for
various events to unfold within the world. We know there will be a
duration of time that exists between the Rapture and Tribulation Period.
During this gap of time some specific events will occur that will set
the stage for the Tribulation Period to begin. Because these events are
post-Rapture they do not harm the doctrine of imminency in relationship
to the Rapture (Phil. 3:20; 1 Cor. 16:22; Rev. 22:12).
1. The seven year covenant of the Antichrist.
This
particular event is also pre-tribulational but not a pre-Rapture event.
It has to be. The Antichrist will naturally mandate this covenant
before the Tribulation, while at the same time this covenant will be the
event that triggers the beginning of Daniel’s final week of seven
years. Again, the Bible says the Antichrist will “confirm” or make a
firm covenant (Dan. 9:27) with “many” - many nations. This will be a
covenant that is forced upon the Jews and other surrounding nations
which contains strong guarantees. It will probably guarantee the Jews
peace in the Middle East, protection, and public freedom to reinstate
their ancient Jewish worship without Arab conflict.
The
signing of this covenant with Israel is an important time marker. It
takes place during the interim gap of time and actually marks the
beginning of the Tribulation Period. It is the key event that starts the
Tribulation Period for the Bible tells us that the covenant will be
made for “one week” (Dan. 9:27) which Daniel confirms is a week
consisting of seven years. This time reference corresponds to the
Tribulation Period (Dan. 7:25; 12:7; Rev. 12:6). In some way all the
events that transpire in the prophetic gap of time between the Rapture
and Tribulation Period will lead to the signing of this covenant with
the Jewish nation. This will then be the time marker that officially
begins the seven year Tribulation Period.
There
are several other prophetic events, which could conceivably take place
after the Rapture (post-Rapture) but before the commencement of the
Tribulation Period (pre-Tribulational). However, one cannot dogmatically
assert that they will occur during the gap of time.
2. The apostasy of the professing church.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3
“Now
we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and
by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind,
or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from
us, as that the day of Christ (Lord) is at hand (is present on earth or
has come). Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day (the
Tribulation Period) shall not come, except there come a falling away
first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.”
One
event that must take place is the formation of the apostate church.
Immediately after the Rapture, the true Church will be gone and only an
apostate church will remain on earth. This apostate church will rally
together creating an ecumenical end-time harlot system that is against
God (Rev. 17:1-5). In essence, Paul says that the Church saints could
not be living in that period of time, known as the Day of the Lord
(Tribulation Period), until “a falling away” or more specifically “the
departure” of apostasy occurs. This is a specific apostasy awaiting
fulfillment after the Rapture following the exodus of God’s people back
to their homeland in Heaven. It’s possible that the apostasy will occur
after the event called the Rapture but before the Tribulation Period
begins. Nevertheless, it’s equally true and probable that Paul is
specifically looking at the Tribulation Period as the time when the
apostasy will be realized, as many people come to faith in Christ (Rev.
7:9-14) and are persecute by the harlot church (Rev 17:6). As soon as
the true Church is raptured the only thing that will be left is the
organized apostate church of leavened Christendom (Matt. 13:33 – “till
the whole was leavened”).
3. The appearance of the Antichrist.
Paul
suggests that the Antichrist must also be clearly revealed and
identified, as such, for an individual to be living during the
Tribulation Period (Day of the Lord). Of course, it’s possible that the
revelation of the Antichrist will occur during this interim, or
prophetic gap of time between the Rapture and Tribulation Period, when
Paul says “and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition” (2
Thess. 2:3). The Antichrist’s revelation will occur after the Rapture or
our “gathering together unto Him” (2 Thess. 2:1). Paul is careful to
make this important time distinction. First the Rapture will occur (2
Thess. 2:1) and then the man of sin will be revealed (2 Thess. 2:3).
There is no Scripture that suggests the identity of the Antichrist will
be known prior to the Rapture. Instead, the revelation of Antichrist,
following the Rapture, will set the stage for the Tribulation Period to
begin (Dan. 9:27).
It’s
possible to conclude that the revelation of the Antichrist will occur
before the Tribulation Period begins (2 Thess. 2:3), during the time
when Europe and the Middle East are divided into ten kingdoms (Dan.
7:24). Of course, we do know that those who come to faith during the
Tribulation Period will be able to determine who the Antichrist is by
the numerical value of his name (Rev. 13:18). The fact is this; the
Antichrist may emerge as the “little horn” (Dan. 7:8) and quickly rise
to power during this interim time period, so he can enforce a covenant
with the Jewish nation for seven years (Dan. 9:27). He will need to be
revealed and have political clout during this interim time before
confirming the seven-year covenant with the Jewish people, which marks
the actual start of the Tribulation Period.
It’s
true that the Antichrist’s rise to power can take place during the
interim period of time, as he gains political clout in the world, but
his actual revelation and the reunification of the Old Roman Empire will
likely occur during the Tribulation Period, just as it gets underway,
following the signing of the covenant (Dan. 9:27), in fulfillment of
Bible prophecies that relate specifically to the Tribulation Period
(Dan. 2, 7; 2 Thess. 2:3).
4. The departure of the Holy Spirit.
2 Thessalonians 2:7
“For
the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth
(holds back or restrains) will let, until he be taken out of the way.”
This
verse teaches that when the true Church is raptured the Holy Spirit’s
restraining influence in the world, through the residency of the Church,
will be removed from planet earth. When the Church is removed the Holy
Spirit will no longer have a restraining effect upon evil and sin
through the presence of God’s people. This means sin and deception will
run rampant and be similar to the days before the Flood.
Genesis 6:5 says:
“And
God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that
every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil
continually.”
Please
understand that the Holy Spirit’s presence will not be removed from the
world but His restraining of evil and wickedness will be “taken out of
the way” (2 Thess. 2:7). The removal of the restrainer (the Holy Spirit)
will obviously occur during this prophetic gap of time that is
post-Rapture and pre-tribulational. Paul is saying that the Holy
Spirit’s restraining influence must be taken out of the world before a
person could be living in that period of time known as the Day of the
Lord.
Paul
is saying that the Church could not be living in the Day of the Lord
since the Restrainer has not yet been taken out of the way. Paul is
teaching that the Holy Spirit’s restraining ministry will cease in the
world to signal that the Day of the Lord is about to commence upon
planet earth. The Holy Spirit is the Restrainer in this world. It is
through God’s people, the New Testament Church, that the Holy Spirit
restrains sin in some measure. However, when the true Church is raptured
the restraining ministry of the Spirit will no longer be felt in this
world, as it once was during this present period of time in which we
live. The Holy Spirit will remain on earth but His restraining effect
upon sin will no longer be operating in the world during the Day of the
Lord.
The
conclusion is simple. The Church could not possibly have entered the
time period known as the Day of the Lord (Tribulation Period) since the
events mentioned above, which were prophesied to transpire, specifically
during the Day of the Lord, had not yet occurred. Since none of the
events, which are mentioned above have actually occurred, the Church
could not possibly be living in the Day of the Lord. Of course, the
absence of the Holy Spirit and the other events mentioned (the apostasy
and revelation of Antichrist) could take place in the interim period of
time or the prophetic gap of time that exists between the Rapture and
Tribulation Period and carry over into the seven years. Nevertheless,
it’s equally true and more likely that these specific events (the
apostasy, restraining of the Holy Spirit, and revelation of Antichrist)
are said to occur and be experienced specifically during the Tribulation
Period (2 Thess. 2:3), when the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, as it
relates to the end times will once again be in play.
5. The resurgence of the Roman Empire under ten kings.
This
event may also be pre-tribulational but not a pre-Rapture event. The
Bible teaches that ten kings will eventually merge together in an
attempt to bring together and reorganize the old Roman Empire (Daniel
2:41-44; 7:7, 24). Daniel 7:24 speaks of ten kings “that shall arise”
which indicates an attempt to reunite and bring back to life the old
Roman Empire. These ten kings will want to keep their individual
policies and have their own personal authority. However, the Antichrist
who arises on the scene will see to it that they yield their authority
and military might to him. We see the groundwork of this formation
taking place today in the consolidation of the European nations. Of
course, it’s also possible and even more likely that these events will
quickly transpire at the commencement, or beginning of the Tribulation
Period, which will set the stage for the seven years to be fulfilled.
6. The reunification of the Roman Empire under the Antichrist.
This
event may also be pre-tribulational but not a pre-Rapture event. After
the Rapture and before the Tribulation Period begins the Antichrist may
unite the old Roman Empire (Daniel 7:8, 20, 24). He arises “after them”
(the ten kings) according to Daniel 7:24 in order to become the sole
leader of the ten kingdom and kings. The Antichrist will not be content
to be just another rival. He will want to control the other kings and
their countries. These rulers will possess an alliance together but lack
one thing – a Caesar to rule over them. Not until a Caesar rules over
these countries can the Roman Empire be officially reunited together in
strength and military power as it was in its original form.
Eventually
these ten kings will come under the Antichrist’s power for the duration
of the Tribulation Period (Rev. 17:12 – “one hour”). These are kings
and kingdoms that were once part of the original Roman Empire when it
was at its zenith. These ten nations and kings will give their
allegiance to the Antichrist for the seven-year Tribulation Period
resulting in the reunification of the Roman Empire under one reigning
Caesar – the Antichrist. Bringing together the Revived Roman Empire puts
the pieces of Bible prophecy together for the Tribulation Period to
begin. It could be that the reunification of this empire will give the
Antichrist all of the political clout and sufficient power he needs to
force Israel and other nations into a treaty (Dan. 9:27). At one point,
the Antichrist will take control of this new world empire and this will
give him the ability to make a covenant with “many” nations (Dan. 9:27)
in order to solve the Middle East crisis.
Once
again, it’s also possible that the Antichrist rises to the position of
power over these kings (rulers or other European and Middle East
countries) at the offset of the Tribulation Period, which will be a time
period when world events are transpiring at a rapid pace. This
reunification of the Roman Empire will then set the stage for the next
event to occur.
7. The invasion of Israel by a northern army.
The
Bible predicts that Russian and Islamic allies will invade Israel in
the future (Ezekiel 38-39). When “Gog shall come against the land of
Israel” (vs. 18) God will destroy them in the mountains of Israel (vv.
19-23). When God verses Gog – God wins! This invasion may also take
place during a unique time period that can be explained as post-Rapture
(after the Rapture has occurred) but pre-tribulational (before the
Tribulation Period begins). Russia with her Islamic allies will invade
the land of Israel and be destroyed by God in the mountainous terrain
surrounding Israel.
This
event could also be a pre-tribulational invasion but not a pre-Rapture
invasion. This means that it definitely won’t occur before the Rapture
and destroy the truth of imminence but may occur prior to the actual
beginning of the Tribulation Period. However, it’s also equally
possible, and perhaps more probable, that this event will also occur at
the very beginning of the Tribulation Period and become another marker
that the end time events have begun.
The
key to understanding when this invasion occurs is a seven-year time
reference regarding the clean-up and fuel generated from their
destruction (Ezek. 39:9). Both prophecies that mention the seven-year
time frame of the Tribulation Period are linked to Israel’s final
salvation and restoration (Dan. 9:24-27; Ezek. 39:7, 22). This tells us
that both of these time references are speaking of the Tribulation
Period and the kingdom glory that follows. It would appear that Israel
will bury the dead for seven months (Ezek. 39:12) and then use the
weaponry as fuel fire throughout the seven-year Tribulation Period
(Ezek. 39:9). As Jews flee to the mountains (likely Petra) for refuge
(Matt. 24:16), during the second half of the Tribulation Period, this
fuel fire will be helpful to them as they seek to maintain life.
One
could conceivably place this event after the Rapture (post-Rapture) but
before the actual beginning of the Tribulation Period
(pre-tribulational) and have no problem with either the seven months or
seven years that are connected with the prophecy. The invasion from the
North and the seven-month burial connected with the dead can be
fulfilled in an interim period of time before the Tribulation Period
begins, and once it begins, the seven year prophecy concerning the
burning of weaponry will come to pass. Seven years is a clear prophetic
sign marker that is no doubt pointing to the seven-year Tribulation
Period. The Antichrist could possibly use the timing of this destruction
of Israel’s enemies as a catalyst or way to assure Israel peace and
give him the final political clout he needs to make the seven-year
covenant with Israel (Dan. 9:27), which is the time marker that begins
the Tribulation Period.
The
signing of the covenant with the Jews and nations (Dan. 9:27), along
with the destruction of the armies in northern Israel (Ezek.
38:19-23-39:1-6), sets the stage for seal one (peace and safety) to
begin at the offset of the Tribulation Period (Rev. 6:1-2; 1 Thess.
5:3). The rider on the white horse (Antichrist) gallops on to the world
scene promising peace and no more threats of war in the Middle East. An
invasion and destruction of Islamic soldiers at the beginning of the
Tribulation Period also provides the backdrop for the rise of a one
world church without the threat of radical Islam (Rev. 17:1-5), the
reconstruction of the Tribulation temple (Rev. 11:1-2), and the quick
formation and consolidation of the ten-nation confederacy under the
Antichrist (Dan. 2:42-44; 7:24; Rev. 17:12), which eventually paves the
way for the world dictatorship and worship of the Antichrist (Rev.
13:3-18), since the threat of Islamic invaders are out of the picture.
8. The period of peace and false security.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-3
“But
of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write
unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord
(Tribulation Period) so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they
shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them,
as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.”
When
the Antichrist takes over the ten kings and becomes a dominant power in
the Middle East, at one point following the Rapture, there will be a
period of peace and false security.
Hampton Keathley states:
“Because
of fear of a nuclear holocaust, population explosion, environmental
destruction, etc., the world will be crying for “peace and safety.” This
man will come on the scene with great persuasive power, personality
magnetism, craft and oratorical skill, and he will persuade the West
(Europe and probably the Americas) that he has the answer for peace.
(The Americas are likely to be included because they are a part of the
harlot system which he controls.) He will gain his ascendancy to power
as a peacemaker (Dan. 8:25; 1 Thess. 5:3; Rev. 6:2; Dan. 9:27).”
Perhaps
the Antichrist will claim that he was the power and brains behind the
Russian/Islamic defeat in the mountains of Israel (Ezek. 38-39) and as a
result the other seven kings will give their allegiance to him (Rev.
17:12). He will boast about peace in the Middle East and promise to
protect Israel from military invasion of her enemies by forcing a
seven-year peace treaty and protection policy for Israel in the Middle
East that “many” countries must adhere to (Dan. 9:27).
The
world will seem like it’s entering a time of peace and utopia. People
will think that the dawning of the “Age of Aquarius” has finally
arrived. But the false peace and security, which may occur during the
interim period of time (between the Rapture and Tribulation Period),
will be short lived. The world’s sense of security will be shattered by
the commencement of the seven-year Tribulation Period. When the people
of the world will be talking about peace and safety (“when they shall
say, Peace and safety”), the destruction of the Tribulation Period will
suddenly hit with a devastating force and vengeance upon all earth
dwellers (“then sudden destruction cometh upon them”). The world will be
thrust into a time of terrible judgment described as birth pangs (Matt.
24:8, 21) and “try them that dwell upon the earth” (Rev. 3:10).
Once
again, this event may also occur at the offset of the Tribulation
Period. At the very beginning of this period of time the world will be
lulled into thinking that peace in the Middle East has finally arrived
and now the world can function together peaceably. With the militant
Arab nations out of the way and a person in charge of the peace process
in the Middle East, the world may think it has finally entered the Age
of Aquarius.
9. The rebuilding of the tribulation temple.
The
signing of this Jewish covenant will evidently result in the
reinstatement of Jewish worship since during the middle of the
Tribulation Period Daniel teaches that the Antichrist will break his
covenant with Daniel’s people (Dan. 9:27). This means that a Tribulation
temple (Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24:15; 2 Thess. 2:3-4) will be rebuilt, and it
may actually be constructed before the beginning of the Tribulation
Period, so it is ready to go when the covenant is made with the Jewish
nation. The Biblical data is not sufficient to dogmatically state that
the rebuilding of the temple will take place during the interim period
of time between the Rapture and beginning of the Tribulation, during
this prophetic gap of time. All that we know is that the temple will be
functioning by the middle of the Tribulation Period (Rev. 11:1-2) and
that it will be overtaken by the Antichrist during the middle of the
Tribulation (Dan. 9:27; Matt. 25:15).
If
Israel begins to engage in temple worship when the covenant is signed
(Dan. 9:27), this would indicate a rebuilding of the temple prior to
this covenant agreement. If temple worship is going to be up and running
at the offset of the Tribulation Period and last for three-and-one-half
years, there would need to be a prior erection of this building
structure. This building of the temple can occur during the interim
period of time that follows the Rapture and precedes the commencement of
the Tribulation Period. The Jews will quickly erect their temple
structure under the protection of the new Middle East hero and return to
their ancient Jewish worship. The signing of the covenant will then
ensure their freedom of worship for three-and-one-half years (Dan.
9:27). Preparations for the temple are already being made today and the
stage is being set for the Tribulation temple to be erected under the
authority of the end-time Antichrist.
Once
again, it’s equally true that the temple could be rebuilt during the
first three and one half years of the Tribulation Period. The Jews could
begin sacrificing without having the temple fully completed, but then
quickly finish the temple, which will be used for the duration of the
first three and one half years of the Tribulation Period. This too, is a
probable scenario.
Some Conclusions on the Fulfillment of Bible Prophecy
The
stage will likely be set for end-time prophecy to be fulfilled during
an interim period of time, which will occur between the Rapture and
official start of the Tribulation Period. During this gap, which is an
undetermined period of time, all the preparations and planning will be
made and all the props will be put in place for prophetic events to be
fulfilled during the Tribulation Period. For instance, the European
nations will come together and have their talks; the Antichrist will be a
player in the world ready to seize the opportunity to bring the ten
kings and their countries together and establish a binding covenant with
Israel and many other nations in order to make peace in the Middle East
(Dan. 9:27). With these events beginning to take shape in the world,
the Islamic nations and Russia to the north will be getting very uneasy
and filled with anger, since Europe and the Middle East is siding with
Israel.
It’s
apparent that the gap of time that occurs between the Rapture and the
official beginning of the Tribulation Period, with the signing of the
covenant in the Middle East (Dan. 9:27), will set things up for the
seven-year Tribulation Period to begin. However, it seems better to view
the actual fulfillment of prophetic events, such as the reunification
of the Old Roman Empire (“the ten horns out of the kingdom” – Roman
Empire - Dan. 7:24), along with the rise and revelation of the
Antichrist, the new world Caesar (“the prince that shall come” - Dan.
9:26), and the Islamic invasion of Israel, to occur very early during
the seven-year period of Daniel’s 70th week, since this is when the
Bible actually predicts these events will unfold in the world.
We
live in a time period that can be viewed as a “prophetic skip” or a
“great parenthesis,” as Harry Ironside said, which is comparable to an
interlude, when prophecies are put on hold and not being fulfilled, as
they relate to Israel and the end times of the Tribulation Period. This
period of prophetic interruption falls between the 69th and 70th week of
Daniel (Dan. 9:24-27). The only prophecy being directly and literally
fulfilled today is the prophecy of the “last days” (2 Tim. 3:1) as it
relates to the spiritual decline during the Church Age. The fulfillment
of all other prophecy will be suspended during this gap of time and will
not begin to be fulfilled until the Rapture and the Tribulation Period
begins.
The
prophecies of Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation definitely envision the
seven-year Tribulation Period (Daniel’s “one week” of seven years – Dan.
9:27). This specific period of seven-year Tribulation is seen in such
phrases as “latter years” and “latter days” (Ezek. 38:8, 16), which are
the same expressions used in the Old Testament in reference to Israel’s
final time of distress, in connection with the Tribulation Period and
her final restoration to the Millennial Kingdom (Isa. 2:2; Jer. 23:20;
30:24; Hosea 3:5; Micah 4:1).
Other
phrases such as “the end of the age” (Matt. 24:3, 14) and “the
tribulation of those days” (Matt. 24:29) mark a specific period of time
that could be termed as end times, as well as the specific “times and
seasons” (1 Thess. 5:1) related to the “day of the Lord” (1 Thess. 5:2),
all point to the seven-year Tribulation Period. Since these terms
relate specifically and only to the Tribulation Period, one should not
dogmatically assert that the events, such as the reunification of the
Roman Empire (Dan. 2, 7), Gog’s northern invasion (Ezek. 38-39), and the
rebuilding of the temple (Rev. 11:1-2) will take place in the gap of
time that exists between the Rapture (post-Rapture) and beginning of the
Tribulation Period (pre-Trbulational). In fact, although the Antichrist
will likely rise to power in the interim time period, he will not be
actually revealed as the “man of sin” (2 Thess. 2:3) and identified as
such (2 Thess. 2:8; Rev. 13:18) until the specific seven years unfold,
which is the time when knowledge of end time events, in relationship to
their prophetic fulfillment, will be specifically known.
Daniel 12:4
“But
thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time
of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be
increased.”
Paul’s
teaching about the events associated with the Day of the Lord (2 Thess.
2:3) was given to remind the saints that they could not be living
during the period of time known as the Day of the Lord, since it’s
during this exact time, when the apostasy will be witnessed, the
restraining presence of the Holy Spirit will no longer be felt, and when
the Antichrist will be revealed (“then shall that Wicked [one] be
revealed”).
After
the Islamic threat is out of the way (Psalm 83, Ezekiel 38, 39, et.
al.) and the Middle East crises is seemingly fixed, a time of world
peace and celebration will occur throughout the earth (1 Thess. 5:1-3),
as a result of the rider on the white horse galloping on to the world
scene and promoting peace (Rev. 6:1-2). The rebuilding of the Jewish
temple will also begin to take place (Rev. 11:1-2) and things will look
like they are improving in the world. However, without warning and with a
sudden vengeance, God begins to unfold the judgments of the Tribulation
Period, beginning with the seal judgments. Everyone will know that all
is not well and that the “wrath of the Lamb” is being experienced
throughout planet earth (Rev. 6:16-17).
In
summary, the seven years gets under way with the ratification of the
covenant (Dan. 9:27), the reunification of the Roman Empire (Rev. 17:12,
17), and the last of the Islamic caliphate has been destroyed by the
God of Israel (Ezekiel 38-39). These events will seemingly transpire
together at the commencement of the Tribulation Period. They will be
world-changing events that officially mark the beginning time period of
the seven years (“one week” – Dan. 9:27) that will be systematically
fulfilled, as outlined in the Book of Revelation with the seal, trumpet,
and bowl judgments, which are catastrophic judgments that will be
poured out upon mankind.
Paul
concludes that it’s during this time (the Tribulation Period) when the
Holy Spirit’s restraining influence is removed, the harlot church begins
to bloom, and the hideous man of sin is revealed (2 Thess. 2:3). In
addition, those living during this specific time period, who are
studying Bible prophecy, will know that the personal Antichrist has been
revealed (Dan. 12:4; Rev. 13:18), the Spirit’s restraining presence to
suppress evil in the world has been lost (2 Thess. 2:7), and that a
harlot, apostate church (2 Thess. 2:3; Rev. 17:1-5) has risen to replace
the true Church, which has been raptured into Heaven (John 14:1-3).
Now,
the question is “how long is the Gap? In straightforward terms, the
Bible does not specifically say, however, consider the following as
possibilities.
Three Year Gap - Ten Years Total Period
I
am not emphatic on a 3-year Gap (10-year period), and granted, the
10-year proofs below may be a little weak, but they do make some sense
if in fact a 3-year post-Rapture pre-Trib period is accurate.
Otherwise, some period DOES exist and it is likely years verses months.
God is a God of order and significance in His numbers throughout the
Bible, and I will present some thoughts on a 2-year Gap (9-year total)
and 1-year Gap (8-year total) periods …7-yrs is a non-starter!
Source for the (edited) information presented below:
Smyrna and the Length of the Global Testing
Three Year Gap - Ten Years Total Period
Smyrna
was one of seven churches Jesus addressed in the Book of Revelation.
Smyrna means myrrh or bitterness. When crushed, myrrh produces a sweet
fragrance. It was used in the holy ointment (Exod. 30:23), perfumes
(Esther 2:12; Psalm 45:8; Song 4:6; 5:5, 13) and in embalming (John
19:39). Of the seven churches that Jesus addressed in Revelation
chapters 2 and 3, Smyrna received the shortest letter from the Lord –
only four verses (Rev. 2:8-11). They were the suffering church of the
first century – and perhaps may characterize the persecuted church
throughout the Church Age. Jesus foretold that these believers would
experience tribulation and poverty (v. 9). Some would be thrown into
prison, tested, and have tribulation ten days – ultimately to be
martyred (v. 10).
Many
commentators believe the ten days may refer to ten years. These
include: William MacDonald, Geneva Bible Notes, Jamieson-Fausset-Brown,
British Family Bible, Halls, Thomas Scott, and others. This is based on
the fact that in Scripture a day often represents one year. Adam Clarke
writes: “As the days in this book are what is commonly called prophetic
days, each answering to a year, the ten years of tribulation may denote
ten years of persecution; and this was precisely the duration of the
persecution under Diocletian, during which all the Asiatic Churches were
grievously afflicted.”
Might
Smyrna also provide a foreshadow of the final period of testing? We
know from Daniel 9:24-27 that there is a final seven year period during
which the Lord will deal particularly with the Nation of Israel. This
period is called “the time of Jacob's trouble” (Jer. 30:7).
However,
the Tribulation period is also called “the time of the Gentiles” (Ezek.
30:3) when God “will punish the world for its evil” (Is. 13:11). Most
interestingly, Jesus refers to this period as “the hour of trial which
shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth”
(Rev. 3:10). Just as Smyrna was “tested” for ten days, might the world
be tested for ten years?
The Numbers Seven and Ten
The
number seven is the most repeated and significant number in the Bible.
Starting with the Creation week in Genesis, and found throughout the
Bible culminating in the final Book (Revelation), seven represents
completion, perfection, fullness.
The
second most significant number in the Bible is ten. Examples include
the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20), the ten plagues (Exodus 7-11), and the
final ten kings (Dan. 7:24; Rev. 13:1; 17:12). Here are some other
examples:
“Because
all these men who have seen My glory and the signs which I did in Egypt
and in the wilderness, and have put Me to the test now these ten times,
and have not heeded My voice” (Numbers 14:22).
“Then it came about, after about ten days, that the LORD struck Nabal, and he died” (1 Samuel 25:38).
“These ten times you have reproached me; You are not ashamed that you have wronged me” (Job 19:3).
“So
it was, when the Jews who dwelt near them came, that they told us ten
times, From whatever place you turn, they will be upon us” (Nehemiah
4:12).
“Please test your servants for ten days” (Daniel 1:12-15).
More
examples include: Ten generations from Adam to Noah (Genesis 5); Laban
changing Jacob’s wages and testing him ten times (Genesis 31:7); a ten
year famine and testing period for Naomi (Ruth 1:4-6); the disciples
were commanded to wait ten days in Jerusalem until they were empowered
by the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1 & 2). See also: 1 Samuel 1:8;
1 Samuel 25:5.
From
these examples we see the number ten can signify law, judgment,
completeness, testing. How appropriate then if this age concluded with a
ten-year period of worldwide testing and judgment in parallel with a
seven year testing of Israel.
Concerning
this possible ten-year period, it is also interesting to note that the
Feast of Trumpets begins on the 1st day of the 7th month, and is
followed by the Day of Atonement concluding on the 10th day of the 7th
month. This period of time is known as the “Ten Days of Awe” or “Ten
days of repentance”. Because the first four feasts coincided with
Christ’s First Coming, many believe that the Fall feasts will coincide
with key Second Coming events. The Feast of Trumpets is a time of
remembrance, repentance, re-awakening, and revival and therefore may
coincide with the beginning of this final period. The Day of Atonement
is a time of affliction, brokenness, and cleansing. If this prophetic
model is correct, then the Feast of Trumpets may coincide with the
commencement of the re-awakening/testing and then Tribulation; then ten
days later (ten years?) the Great Tribulation ends when Christ returns
at the evening of the Day of Atonement.
In
summary, as Smyrna suffered tribulation for ten days (ten years), the
world may suffer tribulation for ten years. After an approximately three
year period, God will focus primarily on Israel, and test them in
parallel for the final seven years of this age. Therefore a total of ten
years between the beginning of “the hour of trial” and the Second
Coming is possible and seems to agree with the Bible’s last day’s
prophetic picture. The Rapture will likely precede this global testing
period.
Below
is a very brief look at the potential significance of nine (9) and
eight (8) in relation to number of total years post-rapture which would
correspond to a two (2) and one (1) year Gap verses 3-year as summarized
above.
Two Year Gap - Nine Years Total Period
The
number 9 symbolizes divine completeness or conveys the meaning of
finality. Christ died at the 9th hour of the day, or 3 p.m., to make the
way of salvation open to everyone.
Nine
is the number of finality of judgment - for judgment is committed unto
Jesus as "the Son of man" (John 5:27; Acts 17:31). It marks the
completeness, the end and issue of all things as to man - the judgment
of man and all his works.
It is a factor of 666, which is 9 times 74.
The Judgments of God in Haggai 1:11 are enumerated in nine particulars.
The
signification of the number nine is judgment, especially divine
judgment, and the conclusion of the whole matter so far as man is
concerned. But nine is the square of three, and three is the number of
Divine perfection, as well as the number peculiar to the Holy Spirit. It
is not surprising, therefore, to find that this number denotes finality
in divine things.
One Year Gap - Eight Years Total Period
Eight
is 7 plus 1. Hence it is the number specially associated with
Resurrection and Regeneration, and the beginning of a new era or order.
Christ
rose from the dead on "the first day of the week," that was of
necessity the eighth day. And it is remarkable that the Bible contains
the record of Eight individual Resurrections.
The Feast of Tabernacles lasted eight days, with a special reference to the Incarnation (John 1:14).
The
transfiguration also took place on the eighth day (inclusive reckoning)
after the first announcement of Christ's "sufferings," and it was the
showing forth of the "glory" which should follow at His coming again.
Eight is the dominical number, for everywhere it has to do with the LORD. It is the number of His name, IHSOUS, Jesus:
I =10
H =8
S =200
O =70
U =400
S =200
888
Regardless
of a 1,2 or 3 year Gap, a certain gap will exist and is likely occupied
with the post-rapture and pre-trib prophetic events as described above
by Pastor Kelly Sensenig.
METONIC CYCLES AND THE 70TH WEEK OF DANIEL
It has been calculated that the Tribulation period must be a total of 86 moon cycles, not 87, but 86. 86
MOONS MATCH UP PERFECTLY THE TIMESPAN BETWEEN THE NEXT TWO FEASTS OF
ISRAEL THAT ARE DUE FOR FULFILMENT. FROM TISHREI 1, (THE FEAST OF
TRUMPETS), IN CERTAIN YEARS AND TERMINATING ON TISHREI 10, THE DAY OF
ATONEMENT, DAY OF RECKONING, DAY OF JUDGEMENT SEVEN YEARS LATER THE TIME
ELAPSED IS EXACTLY 2550 DAYS. THIS IS THE EXACT NUMBER OF DAYS, (1260 +
1290 DAYS), WHICH ENCOMPASSES THE 70TH WEEK OF DANIEL. There
are a number of 7-year periods going forward that this holds true:
7-year periods beginning in 2014, 2017 and 2019. All other 7-year
periods with 86 moons fall outside the prophetic timeline of
possibility, indicated by the 1948 birth of Israel and the Matthew
24:32-34 parable of the fig tree, and +80 years for reason of strength
in Psalm 90:10. Since 86 moons is referring to the tribulation period, a
2014 start date would leave no room for any necessary Gap period - the
only other periods that fit are a Tribulation start year of 2017 and
2019. Rosh Hashanah 2017 seems the best fit due to its alignment with
the Revelation 12 sign, and it also corresponds to the Christ Angle of
the Great Pyramid (http://watchfortheday.org/signsoftheend/giza2024.html) – this would then indicate the beginning point of the Tribulation.
IF
the Tribulation were to begin on Rosh Hashanah 2017, and IF a 10-year
span is God’s plan (with the Rapture 3 years prior to the Tribulation),
the Rapture could take place on Rosh Hashanah 2014! IF the Gap is
2-years (and all other factors the same) the Rapture could take place on
Rosh Hashanah 2015, and IF 1-year on Rosh Hashanah 2016. If the 2019
Tribulation start date is used (last possible period as per above
without crossing the Parable of the fig tree timeline), then all
potential Rapture dates are moved back each by 2-years. Note: My
personal opinion is that the 2017 Tribulation is the best fit.
Note: The Revelation 12 sign (see
PostScript Thoughts
With
the Rapture occurring (rightly so in Biblically supported order) prior
to the start of the Tribulation, the period of time of the Saints in
Heaven HAS to be longer than seven years - now not sure why I thought it
was 7-years, as scripture does not really say it is ONLY seven years.
The events for the Believing Church (Bride of Christ) after we have been
Raptured are threefold: 1) a judgment of our works by God, the BEMA
seat of Christ, to determine degrees of reward; 2) the Marriage of the
Bride of Christ to the Lamb (Christ), celebrating the spiritual marriage
of the Church (Christ's Bride) to her Savior (note: a marriage in
scripture is seen to last one week [Genesis 29:27-28]...A prophetic week
is seven years, therefore the marriage ceremony will cover a period of
seven years, likely the last 7-years with the first one, two or three
the Bema Seat Judgment of the Saints; and 3) the Church's preparation to
follow the King of Kings into the Battle of Armageddon at the
conclusion of the Tribulation.
This
does not all need to be fit into a parallel or concurrent 7-year
period, and as the proofs above indicate, it could be up to a total of
ten-years (some prophecy scholars like Bill Salus believe it could be
11.5-years), It is a certain amount of time which could be one, two, or
three years for the BEMA Seat examination and rewards; a seven-year
period for the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, et al.; and a certain
(relatively short) amount of time for Christ to prepare the Church to
follow Him in the Final Battle of Armageddon.
During
this same period of time (for arguments sake let's say 10-years,
although could certainly be shorter), on Earth, the LAST seven of a
potential 10-year period would be the Tribulation - the initial three
years (just after the Rapture of the Church and prior to Daniel 9:27
which starts the 7-year Tribulation period), a number of things could be
occurring prior to the seal, trumpets and bowl judgments (as addressed
above): the building of the Third Temple, collapse of governments and
economies, the wars of Jeremiah 49, Isaiah 17 & 19, Psalm 83,
Zechariah 12 (not necessarily in that order) and culminating with
Ezekiel 38 & 39 likely (in my opinion) just prior to Daniel 9:27 and
Revelation 13 (this accommodates a 7-year period for burning the
implements of War in Ezekiel 39:9). Whether or not the Jeremiah 49,
Isaiah 17 & 19, Psalm 83, Zechariah 12 wars occur prior or soon
after the Rapture of the Church (within the Gap period - maybe some in
both periods), it could provide a reasonable period of time for Israel
to have a real period of peace and safety, taking down of their walls,
etc. prior to the Russian lead Confederation of Islamic Nations coming
to war with Israel (Ezekiel 38 & 39) – as it states Israel is living
at this time in peace and safety without wall or gates.
Personally,
I believe the massive land reclamation of Israel by the hand of the IDF
in the wars of Jeremiah 49, Isaiah 17 & 19, Psalm 83, Zechariah 12
(see map: http://watchmansview.com/New_Israel_Borders.html)
and the God of Israel (by His hand) utterly destroying the armies of
Gog & Magog, is the impetus for the Antichrist to want to "confirm"
an earlier peace agreement with Israel and the greater Arab Nations, to
keep Israel from continuing its destruction of its enemy neighbors, and
further expansion of its then greatly increase borders. The Peace
Agreement may be more for the protection of surrounding countries than
for the protection of Israel!
The
take away on all of this - we are in a zero to 3-year window for our
Harpazo – my opinion, its very likely zero to one! ... THE KINGDOM OF
HEAVEN IS AT HAND!
Additional “Gap” thoughts from others: