Eschatology and the end time timeline
What is eschatology and the end time timeline?
From a traditional eschatological view, the end time timeline is rather simplistic.
- The Lord will return (Second Coming)
- Both the saved and unsaved will be raised. (General Resurrection)
- ALL will be judged, both saved and unsaved simultaneously. (General Judgment)
- Eternity will be ushered in.
The new Premillennial Dispensational view is far more complicated. Here are the most important features of this view:
The rapture of the church: Jesus comes in the clouds to “snatch away” all those who believe in Him (1 Corinthians 15:52). At the same time, the dead in Christ will be resurrected and taken to heaven as well.
The rise of the antichrist: After the church is taken out of the way, a satanically strong man will gain international control with promises of peace (Daniel 9:27; Revelation 13:1). He will be helped by another man, known as false prophet, who head up a religious system that needs worship of the Antichrist (Revelation 19:20).
The tribulation: A period of 7 year in which Gods judgment is poured on bad humanity (Revelation 6–16). The Antichrist rise to power is linked with this time period. During the tribulation on earth, the Church will be in heaven.
The battle of Magog and Gog: In the primary part of the tribulation, a huge army from the north, in alliance with different other countries from the African and Middle East, will attack Israel, but will be defeated by Gods power (Ezekiel 38–39).
The abomination of desolation: At the midway point of the 7-year tribulation, the Antichrist breaks his agreement with Israel and shows his real colors. The Jews are scattered, and many of them turn to the Lord, realizing that Christ is their Savior. (Revelation 12:17; Mark 13:14; Daniel 12:11).
Battle of Armageddon : At the end of the tribulation, Jesus returns with the heaven armies. He saves Jerusalem from annihilation and crush the armies of the nations fighting under the banner of (Antichrist Revelation 19:11–21).
The binding of Satan: Satan will be bound and detained in a bottomless pit for the next one-thousand years (Revelation 20:1–3).
The Millennial Kingdom: Jesus himself will rule the earth, and Jerusalem will be the capital. This will be a one-thousand year period of prosperity and peace on earth. Memorial sacrifices will be presented in a rebuilt template in Jerusalem (Ezekiel 40–48).
