This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Dr. Ron Braley. This is NOT the opinion of the Taylor Press.
We began this series by foreseeing a return to Eden and its perfection. Then, we returned to Jesus’ time to uncover what He said about the journey to that future. A terrible several-year time of Antichrist trouble for God’s people will come when deception, violence, and economic hardship peak. But God will save His people and execute His own wrath against evil. Finally, He’ll judge and sentence or reward all people from all time for how they’ve used their bodies for good or bad. Then, Eden! Let’s unpack the time from Antichrist’s end until everything is renewed.
What will mark the end of the Antichrist’s reign of terror and salvation for God’s own?
Complete darkness heralding the brightness of the returning King (Matthew 24:29-31 and Revelation 6:12-17 (seal No. 6)). A remnant of YHVH’s (God’s) Old Covenant Israel will be gathered and kept from harm at that time (Revelation 7:1-8). Jesus’ New Covenant followers will also find rescue (salvation), as seen in Matthew 24:31 and Revelation 7:9-17 (and 1 Peter 1:3-5). What then?
After YHVH’s people are rescued, He’ll unleash His anger against those who had persecuted and killed them. Revelation refers to this time of God’s punishment in two phases: seven initial trumpeted events and seven bowl judgments to finish things off. At the end of the first phase (the seventh trumpet), Jesus will reclaim the nations and establish His earthly kingdom and long-running peace (Revelation 11:15).
Then, at the end of the final phase (the bowl judgments), Antichrist’s master, Satan, will be bound and kept at bay during Jesus’ reign here (Revelation 20:2-3).
After what the Bible calls 1,000 years, Satan will be released to gather the nations once again against YHVH (Revelation 20:7-10). Why? It’s hard to say. However, His first round of wrath was against Satan’s puppet (Antichrist). Perhaps the second round against Satan will be to address the puppet master himself and weed out everyone not in allegiance with God. This would make sense, understanding that final judgment is about to occur, and re-creation is on the horizon.
And we’re back where we started: Eden. In the beginning, I mentioned that all the prophecies and apocalyptic stuff are meant to give hope: YHVH will keep a promise to rescue His people and make all things new. No more suffering, sadness, or immoralities. Just perfection and peace!
Summary
A terrible time of trouble for God’s people will come when deception, violence, and economic hardship peak. How will it end? With Jesus’s appearing and our gathering when the lights go out (Revelation seal No.
6). Then, God’s turn and re-creation. With that, our end-times series has ended. In the following article, I’ll introduce you to Elijah, who believed he was the only Godfearing righteous person alive. Do you ever feel that way? In the meantime, be a disciple, make disciples, and honor God with everything while you can. Questions or comments? Email [email protected].
Blessings and peace, Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.
