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Creative Bible Study
B. The Tribulation: The Bible tells of a terrible time on earth which is called the tribulation. 1. The tribulation will last for 42 months or 1,260 days: Daniel 9:24-27 2. It will be a very difficult time. There have been many difficult times in the world, but three things will distinguish the tribulation from all other times of trouble. a. First, it will be worldwide and not just local: Revelation 3:10 b. Second, people will realize the end of the world is near: Revelation 6:16 c. Third, the intensity of the trouble will be greater than ever before experienced: Matthew 24:4-14 3. Its description: There are a series of judgments on earth during the tribulation. These are described in Revelation chapters 6, 8-9, and 16 and Matthew 24:4-14. 4. The reason for the tribulation: The wickedness of man must be punished, Satan defeated, and Jesus acknowledged as Lord of all. This completes God's plan of the ages spoken of in Ephesians 1:8-9.
C. The timing of the rapture: Some people believe the rapture will occur before the tribulation and that believers will not have to experience any of this terrible time on earth. Others believe the rapture will happen midway through this period. Still other believe the rapture will happen at the end of the tribulation. The most common interpretation is that the rapture of believers will happen before the tribulation begins. The different views of the timing of the rapture result from various interpretations of prophetic information given in Revelation and other books of the Bible. What is most important is to know you are a true believer and will be ready to go with Jesus in the rapture when it does occur.
D. The Millennium: The Millennium is a period of 1,000 years after the tribulation during which Jesus will rule the earth in righteousness (Zechariah 14:9; Daniel 7:14). The city of Jerusalem will be the center of government (Isaiah 2:3). This period will end when Satan stages a last revolt against God (Revelation 20:7-9). God will send fire from heaven and end all opposition. Satan will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity. (Revelation 20:10).
E. Judgment: All created beings will be judged by God. This is known as the time of eternal judgment. Those who died as unbelievers will be resurrected to face judgment. Because they did not repent from sin and accept Jesus as Savior they will be condemned to eternity in Hell (Revelation 20:12-15). True believers who repented from sin and accepted Jesus as Savior will spend eternity in heaven in the presence of God (Revelation 21).