Here is the stated purpose of the Book of Revelation from the first verse: The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place (Rev. 1:1). It is obvious that Jesus made this book available to His people for the purpose of generating understanding, not confusion. Alas, there are a lot of people who are confused by the book. So here is my attempt to simplify and clarify. In the interest of simplicity, I have not gone into all the background for each element in this chart - but you can click here if you want to listen to the 60 sermons that provide the explanation for this framework.
The chart above (click on the chart to view a larger version) shows three series of seven (identified as seals, trumpets, and bowls, respectively). Think of these as a series of twenty-one dominoes which fall sequentially. When domino seven falls, it causes the next series of seven to occur. When domino fourteen falls, it puts in motion the last series of seven. These dominoes represent mostly natural disasters, political developments, and supernatural events. The severity of these events is intensified with each new series. The last series of seven represents "full strength wrath."
I am suggesting that the timing of these events is represented by a sort of logarithmic scale. The earlier events (dominoes on the left) describe events that may or may not overlap but which, in some cases, span a period of months. However, the last series (the dominoes on the right) represent a quick succession of events. Taken together, the twenty-one dominoes fall with accelerating momentum that builds to a crescendo of final judgment.
In chapters 10-14, we learn about three developments which will be synchronized to the fall of the fourteenth domino. The amazing prophetic ministry of two Jewish witnesses, the supernatural protection of Israel, and Satan's war against the saints will all culminate in the last series of seven that is set in motion by domino fourteen. This last series will involve the outpouring of "full strength wrath" on those who dwell on the earth. It will also culminate in the judgment of the economic and religious center that is Babylon, as described in chapters 17-18. The fall of domino twenty-one will be synchronized with the victory of the Lamb over all opposition and the revelation of His bride.
The bars for the three periods that end at the fourteenth domino have an indefinite starting point. These periods are all 42 months in duration, but we cannot pinpoint which domino falls 42 months before the fourteenth. The bar for the judgment of Babylon also lacks a precise starting point, but there is no doubt about its end point which is synchronized to the fall of the last two dominoes.
Seems pretty simple, right? Are you tracking with me? So where would the rapture described in 1 Thess. 4:13-18 fit?
Comments