UnderstandinUnderstandingg

the Futurethe Future

The Importance of The Importance of Studying Studying

Bible ProphecyBible Prophecy Because it is part of God's WordBecause it is part of God's Word Because nearly one third of Scripture was Because nearly one third of Scripture was

prophetic when it was originally writtenprophetic when it was originally written Because fulfilled prophecy demonstrates Because fulfilled prophecy demonstrates

God's sovereignty over the events of historyGod's sovereignty over the events of history Because it gives incentive to holy livingBecause it gives incentive to holy living Because it gives hope of Christ's returnBecause it gives hope of Christ's return Because it reminds us of the temporal Because it reminds us of the temporal

nature of this world and the eternal nature nature of this world and the eternal nature of heavenof heaven

The Dangers of Studying The Dangers of Studying Bible ProphecyBible Prophecy

Preoccupation with current eventsPreoccupation with current events Jumping to conclusions about the meaning Jumping to conclusions about the meaning

of current eventsof current events Thinking that we can know the Thinking that we can know the

unknowable, i.e. the date of Christ's returnunknowable, i.e. the date of Christ's return Pride that we have uncovered the hidden Pride that we have uncovered the hidden

mysteries of Godmysteries of God Pride that we are better than other Pride that we are better than other

believersbelievers Ignoring present responsibilities because Ignoring present responsibilities because

we think that Christ is about to returnwe think that Christ is about to return

3 Primary Views of 3 Primary Views of FutureFuture

View of Rev. 20:4-6 is key:View of Rev. 20:4-6 is key:• AmillennialAmillennial

1000 years not literal but symbolic. Reign of 1000 years not literal but symbolic. Reign of Christ in hearts of believers.Christ in hearts of believers.

• PostmillennialPostmillennial 1000 years not literal. But Christ returns 1000 years not literal. But Christ returns

only after world is Christianized.only after world is Christianized.

• PremillennialPremillennial 1000 years are literal. Christ will personally 1000 years are literal. Christ will personally

return to establish a literal, earthly kingdom.return to establish a literal, earthly kingdom.

Amillennial ViewAmillennial View

Israel & Church =One people of God

Duration unknown

Second Coming

Messianic KingdomGeneral resurrectionGeneral judgement

Eternal

Postmillennial ViewPostmillennial View

Israel & Church =One people of God

Duration unknown

Second Coming

Messianic KingdomGeneral resurrectionGeneral judgement

Eternal

Church will establish Christ’s Kingdom through spread of gospel

Premillennial ViewPremillennial View

Church Age

Duration unknown

Rapture

Tribulation

Duration 7 years

Second Coming

Messianic Kingdom

Duration 1000 years

Principles of InterpretationPrinciples of Interpretation

Literal (historical-grammatical) Literal (historical-grammatical) interpretationinterpretation• Understand the historical, cultural Understand the historical, cultural

situation of the original recipientssituation of the original recipients• Understand the language of the original Understand the language of the original

writerwriter• Understand the purpose of the original Understand the purpose of the original

writerwriter• Understand the figures of speechUnderstand the figures of speech

Determine Single MeaningDetermine Single Meaning

““A passage of Scripture has only A passage of Scripture has only oneone basic basic interpretation. Those who would handle interpretation. Those who would handle the Word of truth honestly must seek to the Word of truth honestly must seek to find find thatthat before making any other use of before making any other use of the passage. The application of a passage the passage. The application of a passage of Scripture must be governed by the of Scripture must be governed by the same rules of interpretation that apply in same rules of interpretation that apply in all handling of the Scriptures.” all handling of the Scriptures.”

John Phillips, John Phillips, Bible Explorer’s GuideBible Explorer’s Guide

Distinguish Israel & the Distinguish Israel & the ChurchChurch

If we follow a literal interpretation of If we follow a literal interpretation of Scripture, and follow the progress of Scripture, and follow the progress of revelation in Scripture, we naturally arrive revelation in Scripture, we naturally arrive at the clear distinction of Israel and the at the clear distinction of Israel and the Church.Church.

The nation of Israel rejected the Messiah The nation of Israel rejected the Messiah and so a and so a ““blindness in part has happened blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.”has come in.”

God has now begun a new work with the God has now begun a new work with the Church, a mystery not revealed in the OT.Church, a mystery not revealed in the OT.

The Promises of GodThe Promises of God

Noahic Covenant, Genesis 9:1-18Noahic Covenant, Genesis 9:1-18• An An unconditionalunconditional covenant where God covenant where God

promised never to destroy the world again with promised never to destroy the world again with a flood. The rainbow was given as the sign of a flood. The rainbow was given as the sign of the covenant.the covenant.

Abrahamic Covenant, Genesis 12:1-15:17Abrahamic Covenant, Genesis 12:1-15:17• An An unconditionalunconditional covenant where God covenant where God

promised blessing to Abraham and through promised blessing to Abraham and through him and his seed, to the entire world. him and his seed, to the entire world. Circumcision was given as the sign of the Circumcision was given as the sign of the covenant.covenant.

The Promises of GodThe Promises of God

Mosaic Covenant, Ex. 20:1-31:18Mosaic Covenant, Ex. 20:1-31:18• A A conditionalconditional covenant made with the nation covenant made with the nation

of Israel, promising blessing for obedience and of Israel, promising blessing for obedience and judgement on disobedience.judgement on disobedience.

Palestinian Covenant, Gen. 15:18-21; cp. Palestinian Covenant, Gen. 15:18-21; cp. Deut. 30:1-10Deut. 30:1-10• An An unconditionalunconditional covenant made with the covenant made with the

nation of Israel, promising that Israel will nation of Israel, promising that Israel will possess the Promised Land forever. possess the Promised Land forever.

The Promises of GodThe Promises of God

Davidic Covenant, 2 Sam. 7:4-16Davidic Covenant, 2 Sam. 7:4-16• An An unconditionalunconditional covenant where God covenant where God

promised David that his throne, lineage, and promised David that his throne, lineage, and kingdom will be eternal.kingdom will be eternal.

New Covenant, Jeremiah 31:31-33New Covenant, Jeremiah 31:31-33• An An unconditionalunconditional covenant where God covenant where God

promised Israel regeneration, forgiveness, and promised Israel regeneration, forgiveness, and the indwelling Holy Spirit.the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The Messianic KingdomThe Messianic Kingdom

The message of John the Baptist and of the The message of John the Baptist and of the Lord JesusLord Jesus• No explanation is given by them, No explanation is given by them,

indicating that they should have known indicating that they should have known what this kingdom waswhat this kingdom was

• Therefore, we should go back to the OT Therefore, we should go back to the OT to understand what the kingdom isto understand what the kingdom is

The Messianic KingdomThe Messianic Kingdom

Definition — “The Kingdom of God may be Definition — “The Kingdom of God may be defined broadly as defined broadly as the rule of God over His the rule of God over His creationcreation.” (Alva McClain).” (Alva McClain)

Distinction between:Distinction between:• God’s eternal kingdomGod’s eternal kingdom• The mediatorial kingdomThe mediatorial kingdom• The mystery form of the kingdomThe mystery form of the kingdom• The manifestation of the kingdomThe manifestation of the kingdom

Daniel’s VisionsDaniel’s VisionsA Great Image

2:31-454 Great Beasts

7:3-27Ram & Goat

8:3-26Symbolizes

Head of gold Lion with eagle’s wings

Babylonian Empire

Chest & arms of silver

Bear w/ 3 ribs in its mouth

Ram with 2 horns

Medo-Persian Empire

Belly & thighs of bronze

Leopard 4 wings & 4 heads

Male goat w/ large horn

Greek Empire

Legs of iron Dreadful & terrible beast

Roman Empire

Feet part iron, part clay

Another horn, a little one

Revived Roman Empire

Stone cut without hands

One like the Son of Man

Messianic Kingdom

Daniel’s 70 sevensDaniel’s 70 sevens Daniel 9:20-27Daniel 9:20-27

• The context, vv. 20-23The context, vv. 20-23• The content, vv. 24-27The content, vv. 24-27

70 sevens are determined70 sevens are determined•For your people and your holy cityFor your people and your holy city

Six purposes are statedSix purposes are stated Three periods outlinedThree periods outlined

Daniel’s 70 sevensDaniel’s 70 sevens Six purposes statedSix purposes stated

• To finish the transgressionTo finish the transgression• To make an end of sinsTo make an end of sins• To make reconciliation for iniquityTo make reconciliation for iniquity• To bring in everlasting righteousnessTo bring in everlasting righteousness• To seal up vision and prophecyTo seal up vision and prophecy• And to anoint the Most HolyAnd to anoint the Most Holy

Daniel’s 70 sevensDaniel’s 70 sevens Three periods outlinedThree periods outlined

• 7 sevens (7x7=49 years)7 sevens (7x7=49 years)• 62 sevens (62x7=434 years)62 sevens (62x7=434 years)

• 1 seven (1x7=7 years)1 seven (1x7=7 years)

• Total of 490 yearsTotal of 490 years 483 years have passed483 years have passed 7 years remain7 years remain

Daniel’s 70 sevensDaniel’s 70 sevens Begins with command to rebuild JerusalemBegins with command to rebuild Jerusalem

• Four decrees were made by Persian Four decrees were made by Persian rulers, but only the fourth had to do with rulers, but only the fourth had to do with the city:the city: 538 B.C.538 B.C. — by — by CyrusCyrus regarding regarding

rebuilding the temple (Ezra 1)rebuilding the temple (Ezra 1) 520 B.C.520 B.C. — by — by Darius IDarius I confirming the confirming the

first decree (Ezra 6)first decree (Ezra 6) 457 B.C.457 B.C. — by — by ArtaxerxesArtaxerxes concerning concerning

financial backing for animal sacrifices financial backing for animal sacrifices (Ezra 7)(Ezra 7)

444 B.C.444 B.C. — by — by ArtaxerxesArtaxerxes concerning concerning the city walls (Neh. 2)the city walls (Neh. 2)

Daniel’s 70 sevensDaniel’s 70 sevens From the command to rebuild in 444 B.C. From the command to rebuild in 444 B.C.

until Messiah the Prince will be 69 weeks.until Messiah the Prince will be 69 weeks. If each “seven” represents seven years, If each “seven” represents seven years,

then 69 x 7 = 483 yearsthen 69 x 7 = 483 years 483 years from the command to rebuild 483 years from the command to rebuild

Jerusalem in 444 B.C., Christ entered Jerusalem in 444 B.C., Christ entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday!Jerusalem on Palm Sunday!

Daniel’s 70 sevensDaniel’s 70 sevens After the 69 sevens (but before the start of After the 69 sevens (but before the start of

the 70the 70thth seven), Messiah will be cut off, but seven), Messiah will be cut off, but not for Himselfnot for Himself

Then the city will be destroyed by the Then the city will be destroyed by the people of the coming princepeople of the coming prince

The Romans, under General Titus, The Romans, under General Titus, destroyed Jerusalem in AD. 70destroyed Jerusalem in AD. 70

Daniel’s 70 sevensDaniel’s 70 sevens• Then he (the Roman prince) will confirm Then he (the Roman prince) will confirm

a covenant with many (the Jews) for one a covenant with many (the Jews) for one seven (7 years)seven (7 years)

• After 3 ½ years, the covenant is broken After 3 ½ years, the covenant is broken by the Prince through a desecration of by the Prince through a desecration of the Temple offerings.the Temple offerings.

• Note that the Temple must be Note that the Temple must be reconstructed and functioning during reconstructed and functioning during this time.this time.

Daniel’s 70 sevensDaniel’s 70 sevens• The second half of Daniel’s 70The second half of Daniel’s 70thth week is week is

spoken of elsewhere as:spoken of elsewhere as: 42 months, Rev. 11:242 months, Rev. 11:2 1260 days, Rev. 11:31260 days, Rev. 11:3 time, times, and half a time, Rev. time, times, and half a time, Rev.

12:14; Dan. 7:2512:14; Dan. 7:25• Therefore it is clearly a precise period of Therefore it is clearly a precise period of

3 ½ years, and therefore, the 703 ½ years, and therefore, the 70thth week week is 7 years long.is 7 years long.

Daniel’s 70 sevensDaniel’s 70 sevens Daniel’s 70Daniel’s 70thth week also described as: week also described as:

• The time of Jacob’s trouble, Jer. 30:7The time of Jacob’s trouble, Jer. 30:7• The tribulation, Matt. 24:29The tribulation, Matt. 24:29• The Great Tribulation, Rev. 7:14The Great Tribulation, Rev. 7:14

But remember, that Daniel’s 70 sevens But remember, that Daniel’s 70 sevens have to do with the nation of Israelhave to do with the nation of Israel

Daniel’s 70 Weeks – Daniel 9:24-2770 weeks (Heb. heptads) = 490 years

Six purposes are stated (v. 24)

Three fulfilled atChrist’s first advent

Three to be fulfilled atChrist’s second advent

The Timing & Sequence of Daniel’s 70 weeksThe 70 weeks begins with the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.

1 week = 7 yearsAfter the 69 weeks,

But not during the 70th

62 weeks =434 years

7 weeks =49 years

Note: The focus of the prophecy is the nation of Israel & the city of Jerusalem (v. 24).

1. To finish the transgression2. To make an end of sins3. To make reconciliation for

iniquity

1. To bring in everlasting righteousness

2. To seal up vision & prophecy

3. To anoint the Most Holy

Rebuilding the city, 444 BC until 395

BC

Ended with Christ’s

triumphal entry

Final week begins with 7-year covenant signed by Prince

In the middle of week, Prince causes sacrifices to cease

There will then be much suffering until consummation

Messiah cut off, but not for Himself. He suffers for sins of

others

People of Prince shall destroy Jerusalem. Fulfilled in AD 70

Gap between 69th & 70th weeks has now extended nearly 2000

years.

An Outline of Future An Outline of Future EventsEvents

The beginning of sorrows, Matt. 24:4-14The beginning of sorrows, Matt. 24:4-14 The rapture of the Church, 1 Thes. 4:13-18; The rapture of the Church, 1 Thes. 4:13-18;

John 14:1-2John 14:1-2 The tribulation, Matt. 24:15-29; Rev. 6-7The tribulation, Matt. 24:15-29; Rev. 6-7 Battle of Gog & Magog, Ezekiel 38-39Battle of Gog & Magog, Ezekiel 38-39 Signing of peace treaty, Dan. 9Signing of peace treaty, Dan. 9 Great Tribulation, Rev. 8-18Great Tribulation, Rev. 8-18 Battle of Armageddon, Rev. 16Battle of Armageddon, Rev. 16 The return of Christ in glory, Matt. 24:30-31; The return of Christ in glory, Matt. 24:30-31;

Rev. 19:11-16Rev. 19:11-16 Judgement of nations, Matt. 25:31-46Judgement of nations, Matt. 25:31-46

An Outline of Future An Outline of Future EventsEvents

The Millennial Kingdom of Christ, Rev. 20:1-The Millennial Kingdom of Christ, Rev. 20:1-6; Isa. 11:1-106; Isa. 11:1-10

Satan will be loosed for a period again, Rev. Satan will be loosed for a period again, Rev. 20:7-820:7-8

Final Great Battle, Rev. 20:8-9Final Great Battle, Rev. 20:8-9 Satan cast into lake of fire, Rev. 20:10Satan cast into lake of fire, Rev. 20:10 Great White Throne judgement of Great White Throne judgement of

unbelievers, Rev. 20:11-15unbelievers, Rev. 20:11-15 New heavens and earth created – eternal New heavens and earth created – eternal

state, Rev. 21-22state, Rev. 21-22

The Day of the LordThe Day of the Lord The Old Testament prophets spoke much of the The Old Testament prophets spoke much of the

Day of the Lord.Day of the Lord. The Day of the Lord was a time of judgement, The Day of the Lord was a time of judgement,

but also includes promises to Israel that God but also includes promises to Israel that God will restore themwill restore them

Sometimes it referred to events near at hand, Sometimes it referred to events near at hand, but often it was looking forward to God’s final but often it was looking forward to God’s final victoryvictory

The future Day of the Lord will include the The future Day of the Lord will include the Tribulation, Return of the King, Millennial Tribulation, Return of the King, Millennial Kingdom of Christ, and the establishment of Kingdom of Christ, and the establishment of new heavens and earthnew heavens and earth

The Day of ChristThe Day of Christ The day of Christ is distinct from the day The day of Christ is distinct from the day

of the Lord.of the Lord. The day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:10; 2:16) is The day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:10; 2:16) is

the time at which the Lord Jesus evaluates the time at which the Lord Jesus evaluates the works of believers.the works of believers.

This is also known as the Judgement Seat This is also known as the Judgement Seat of Christ (Bema), Rom. 14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10; of Christ (Bema), Rom. 14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 3:131 Cor. 3:13

Believers are judged at the Bema.Believers are judged at the Bema. Unbelievers are judged at the Great White Unbelievers are judged at the Great White

ThroneThrone

The Day of GodThe Day of God

The day of God refers to the eternal state. It The day of God refers to the eternal state. It follows the final phase of the Day of the follows the final phase of the Day of the Lord when the heavens and earth will be Lord when the heavens and earth will be destroyed. The day of God is the Day of His destroyed. The day of God is the Day of His complete and final triumph. For this reason complete and final triumph. For this reason it is a day we should wait for and earnestly it is a day we should wait for and earnestly desire...The day of God is not the time in desire...The day of God is not the time in which the final destruction takes place. which the final destruction takes place. Instead, this ultimate judgment must occur Instead, this ultimate judgment must occur before the Day of God can be ushered in. before the Day of God can be ushered in. (Wm. MacDonald)(Wm. MacDonald)

3 Days3 Days

Church Age

Rapture

Tribulation

Second Coming

Millennium

The Day of the Lord

Judgement Restoration

God

Christ

3 Resurrections3 Resurrections

Church Age

Rapture

Tribulation

Second Coming

Millennium

Church ageSaints

1 Thes. 4

Trib saints &OT saints

Dan 12:2; Rev 20:4

The “rest of the dead”i.e. Unbelievers

Rev 20:5

3 Judgements3 Judgements

Church Age

Rapture

Tribulation

Second Coming

Millennium

1

2 3

1 = Judgement seat of Christ – rewards for believers

2 = Judgement of sheep & goats – entrance to earthly kingdom

3 = Great White Throne judgement – punishment of unbelievers

3 Battles3 Battles

Church Age

Rapture

Tribulation

Second Coming

Millennium

1 = Battle of Gog & Magog, Ezekiel 38-39

2 = Battle of Armageddon, Rev 16:12-16

3 = Final battle, Rev 20:7-10

ConclusionConclusion

Titus 2:13Titus 2:13• ...looking for the blessed hope and ...looking for the blessed hope and

glorious appearing of our great God and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus ChristSaviour Jesus Christ

Revelation 22:7Revelation 22:7• ““Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed isis

he who keeps the words of the prophecy he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”of this book.”