A Crash Course on the Coming Tribulation, Part 2 - Revelation 6:1

In the face of some people remain obstinate in the rejection of God and his gospel. Imagine a worldwide message delivered by this this heavenly heralds on a worldwide tour in every line of every human being owing to every village, every person because of this grace of God miraculously hears the gospel and will say no, we don't want yesterday Stephen David began a lesson called crash course on the coming tribulation. We weren't able to complete that lesson during yesterday's broadcast. So today were going to do a little bit of review and then conclude that lesson the tribulation is a literal period of seven years in which God brings judgment upon the world and those who have rejected him a lot of questions surrounding the tribulation. And while the Bible may not tell us everything we'd like to know it does tell us quite a bit. That's what were studying in this series. If you have your Bible open to the book of Revelation. Stephen returns to the study. A crash course on the coming tribulation. Question number four did the prophets say anything about the tribulation. Well you take a profit is literally what we know about the New Testament answers a clear yes nonprofits force all the elements of the tribulation. He often spoke of messiahs coming and the establishing of his kingdom as a single event is why the disciples kept asking yourselves kingdom now now is now. They saw the prophet said. Oftentimes those two together. We now know that there's been a gap of at least 2000 years with his first coming in his second coming to establish the kingdom. This is the mystery and we have been given the epistles, and especially Paul's writings to deliver to us a fuller picture in this progressive revelation of what this church age is all about the prophets nothing. This is the mystery. Paul writes, which has been kept secret for long ages past now to use the church is manifested in Romans chapter 16 verses 25 and 26.

The key is to understand what we know of the New Testament. Take a face. I go back into the Old Testament and understand exactly the things that they mentioned and you'll find many prophetic announcements of what we know to be the time of tribulation, the prophet Joel will speak of this conversion of Israel as a people.

The prophet Amos refers to divine wrath in the coming Gentile world power.

The prophet Isaiah speaks also the conversion of the nation or people of Israel. He speaks of cosmic disturbances which have not yet happened but will happen as we know it at the close of the tribulation, especially he speaks also Isaiah does of the regal appearance of Christ. Zechariah speaks of the salvation of the Gentiles. This this mass conversion by millions of Gentiles in every tribe, tongue, language, people group in the appearance of Christ by Daniel and Zachariah put together inform us of several key prophetic elements of the tribulation to give us the link of the tribulation, the coming of Satan springs the antichrist, the desecration of the temple during distribution. Coming world empire ruled over by the antichrist and the conclusion of the tribulation by the appearance of the King, Christ find it interesting by the way ladies and gentlemen to find and even those who disagree with our premillennial position agree with each other that by interpreting Old Testament prophecies literally taken at face value.

You are naturally led to a belief in the coming of Christ and the existence of a literal millennial reign. The implication of a time of purification of Israel through tribulation prior to taking one of those authors and millennialist. Floyd Hamilton said this, I quote him now. We must frankly admit that a literal interpretation of the Old Testament prophecies give us a picture of an earthly reign of the Messiah as the premillennialist pictures." Post millennialist Lorraine debtor agrees and writes I quote it is generally agreed that if the prophecies are taken literally, they do foretell a restoration of the nation of Israel in the land of Palestine with the Jews having a prominent place in the kingdom and ruling over the other nations interested in that's right, my question would simply be when I take them at face value, why not interpret the literally why convoluted text and spiritualize away so much of it whenever you come to prophetic image of the tribulation and the kingdom will have to change the rules of interpretation when confronted with prophetic Scripture would have to bite your nails and break a sweat creatively spiritualize way the text to find World War I in the book of Revelation World War II and the Great Depression take them at face value and they believe make the best sense question number five did Jesus Christ say anything about the tribulation.

Did you sermon in Matthew chapter 24 is called by many.

The little apocalypse. The miniature Revelation because of the clear connection between what he preached, and what we will see unfolding in Revelation chapter 6.

In fact, all you have to do is compare his sermon in Matthew 24 the Mount Olivet discourse with Revelation chapter 6 and have a wonderful commentary.

Together they fill in so many of the details of what is going to happen as the seven seals are open in Matthew 24, for instance, verse four and five Lord were warnings of those false Christ will come to lead many astray that corresponds perfectly with the first seal with the spirit of antichrist will gallop as the first horseman deceiving many. Next, the Lord refers to the global war. In verse six of chapter 24 the first part of her seven and he says there will be wars and rumors of wars, nation will rise against nation kingdom against kingdom.

Certainly the history of humanity has been one war after another and yet it will intensify in this period of time and again that corresponds perfectly with the next seal opened by the Lamb in Revelation chapter 6 verse four were people will slay one another as that temporary peace is removed from your next floor goes on to mention famine in his sermon in verse seven. Corresponding with the following seal in Revelation 6, which tells us that food will be so scarce that even the smallest bit of it will cost a fortune. But that will cover these details in later days I met something my sermons. The particular graph okay the Lord speaks of the tribulation. By the way, being in two parts. Just as Daniel indicate the first 3 1/2 years. Witness the opening of the first four seals the second 3 1/2 years witnessed the intensifying of of horrors as especially new believers are persecuted by the Antichrist. Right question number six are almost halfway through discretion or tell you doing okay, forget I asked. All right, let's go to question number six we go.

Why did Christ warned the disciples about the tribulation.

While he warned them saying you your you see this you can see that when it didn't happen and they've since died. Perhaps it's proof that as I got happen while you take that approach there so many scriptures referring to you that don't happen to them as the first here.

In fact a similar question we ask about Isaiah's prophecy and his warning in chapter 39 of the coming Babylonian captivity.

It didn't occur until after everybody heard Isaiah.

This would be a learning that sin has consequences and that God would eventually keep his promise. They did enter captivity and just as well. Matthew 24 will come to pass. It is a warning to every generation.

Every generation is given this warning that sin has consequences. God will keep his promises. Consider as well. The fact that the Bible is going to survive through the tribulation right. Think of how meaningful it will be to those near the gospel to be able to go and say all that's happening right now I'm in the middle of that in many will repent and follow after Christ. Even the specific times for each seal and trumpet and bowl are not provided in the exact moment of Christ's return to Jerusalem is impossible to pinpoint. The Bible will deliver the basic general word of truth and I can only imagine what this would mean to those in the tribulation reading the book of Revelation.

Question number seven is unleashing the tribulation on one generation, fair where just put that out and asked the question and ours is really fair. That is one generation gets the truck judgment backed up to it in here you go to God and storing it all up and finally you get it. Here's the truck. For one thing you need to understand that this generation will have more knowledge, more signs, more opportunities to respond to God's witness than any previous generation. It's one thing for you to hear me deliver the news and pray to be another thing here miraculous witness of someone that is impossible to put to death. In fact, it's interesting to God's judgment through the seal from visible intensifies as the rebellion of mankind in this generation intensifies.

Beyond that, remember that God's patience in his forbearance with earlier generations does not exempt generation and in this generation from experiencing his judgment in this final hour.

One more note every unbeliever in every previous generation is currently while these things are happening. Revelation experiencing torment of Hades. I believe every one of them would love to be released from Hades to experience horrors of the tribulation is they will in no way be anywhere near the horror of that understanding and torment question number eight how long is the tribulation recovered again. Daniel informs us that it lasts for seven years. Remember as well that the Lord divided in his sermon into two sections the first section is referring to birth pains in the second he calls the great tribulation were to intensify the entire tribulation is an ongoing series of judgments we have seven seals. The seventh seal embodies the seven trumpets, seven trumpet embodies the seven bowls. Each section, like birth pains grow greater and greater in intensity.

This is the Lord's metaphor for the growing intensity of his judgment kingdom will be birth in Israel, as it were, through the pain of Israel's tribulation question number nine what tribulation pain and terror unfolds. First, were given very clear instructions will see her next session with these four rather famous horseman, the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The first one right a white horse representing the deception of of antichrist's second writer appears on a red horse, representing the destructiveness of global. Then there's the black horse, which represents the devastation, famine, and finally the tail horse gallops throughout the world prefiguring the disease and death of untold millions of people.

In fact, we know that one fourth of the world's population will be killed. The outset of the tribulation leasing the first two or three years. Imagine what that would mean today our world's current population. Based on that that would be the 1.6 billion people will die in a 24 to 36 months. Imagine it is true that no statistics in American at least 60 to 70 million Americans will die in a 24 months about 100,000 people a day, they will not be able to make caskets fast enough during this horrific opening these opening days and months of the tribulation with the devastation of death will be on, which leads to question number 10. Will anybody survive the tribulation over told in Matthew 24 that the AAA shall be cut short as the worst of the not one believing remnant will pass away. For the sake of the elect will enter the kingdom, but millions of others also will survive entering the kingdom. Those were found worthy. By faith in Christ will enter the kingdom by the millions we will come with our Lord and he will reign over that population which will have a thousand years to populate the earth just rule will happen to our economy will happen to travel what will happen to commerce. The kingdom is an amazingly exciting time virtually ignored by the church. We plan to spend time with texts. Next question. Question number 11. What do all the horrors revealed primarily this God will keep his promise of wrath and justice as well as his covenant with his people Israel. God will literally keep his promise and his program in place in his literal promise and program of the kingdom is literal promise and program of judgment is literal promise and program for Israel's redemption is literal promise and program of an earthly reign was in the tribulation reveals everything anyone I want a categorical revelation. It is keeps his word. 12. Can unbelievers accept Christ during the tribulation, the answer is yes. People come to Christ by the millions has been noted already the fact tribulation martyrs from every tribe and nation found before the throne of God vector crying out for justice on earth, which is an interesting insight into the affected people in heaven do know what's happening on earth talk about that as well.

The added question to this one that I most often ask, is, is it possible for those who rejected Christ during the church age to receive him after the rapture, perhaps realizing that they have been left behind. Second Thessalonians chapter 2 is critical text refers to the strong delusion sent by God upon those who follow the lie. The antichrist is often used that I believe misinterpreted and misquoted support that view that those who reject Christ prior to the rapture will not have a chance after the rapture is not what it says. In fact, the text actually says that those people who are under the delusion of God are actually those who, after the rapture follow the antichrist. They will be those under the delusion of God.

Now I have every reason to believe that those who reject Christ prior to the rapture organically. Many of them keep rejecting him after the rapture will be the grace of God over anyone saving faith.

What we do know for sure is that there will be untold millions of sinners who will come to faith in the son of God during the tribulation released seven versus 914 20 add a few more thoughts tearfully at this point.

Many people overlook the fact that another tangible of the tribulation is the delivery of the final worldwide invitation of the gospel which is literally global.

Even though Satan will do everything he can in his power to defeat the witness of Christ even know how to continue to to to send demons to wreak havoc on her. Jesus Christ will be testified, and he will be exalted a personal analysis envision the church's evangelistic efforts eventually basically reaching every corner of the earth and winning the world, Christ completing the great commission and sort of bringing in the kingdom.

Nowhere are we told us in Scripture is and what about Matthew 2414, which is often misquoted for this view, and here's what Christ said this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come. Many then we believe post-millennial's, especially that the church is successful in completing the great commission and sort of ushers in as were the kingdom.

The church ladies and John is no more successful in fulfilling her mandate to disciple those from every tribe and tongue anymore. Then Israel was successful in her mandate to be a blessing literally to the whole world. Israel failed and the bad news is, the church fails. The good news is God's program is not hindered by our failure to obey him when you take the commission were to go around the world.

As obedient sons and daughters, but the program of God does not depend upon us, although those who are obedient to Christ. Indeed, take the gospel as fast and as far as we can. But the church at large will be disobedient and lazy Laodicean church will fail.

The Lord, the Lord will not fail church.

So what about the gospel being preached of the world and in the end, this is a promise that takes place in the tribulation. Chapter 24 Christ reveals the truth fact there is any doubt revelation clears up the fog. Chapter 14 were told. Near the end of the tribulation. That an angelic Harold a messenger is sent literally around the world delivering the gospel of Christ, inviting everyone from every tribe and every tongue speaking in the language of every member of the human race to invite them to trust the living God.

It's miraculous. That's the completion of the gospel and then the end will come. But imagine that a worldwide message delivered by this this heavenly Harold sent on a worldwide tour in every language of every human being, going to every village, every person because of this grace of God miraculously hears the gospel and what will they do many say no. We don't want many years and you know it. If I had a major company truly sent from God and deliver the gospel. He will believe you Steve but I believe him. Millions will reject this messenger sent to the end of this tribulation.

For those of us today believe in Christ. These texts bring a sense of all holy reverence and I believe appreciation the grace of God who has redeemed us and will rescue the church from the wrath to come give us the future kingdom which terrain with him one more question why studying these enzymes. Why study eschatology would give you words of and things and time well because of our view of Scripture. First and foremost we believe as we been told that all Scripture is what profitable. Paul wrote to Timothy is 3/16 because of God's unique promise you I'm at the outset of this book of Revelation. Those who study it are given a special blessing. That blessing is revealed in the way we live our lives in light of prophetic truth. Some of them a mention here quickly. Third, we study prophecy because of its place in the gospel.

Paul preached to the Athenian 1900 years ago and he ended his message by telling them God was going to come and Josh, the world spread the gospel message because God has fixed a day on which he will judge the world, comparing the popular preachers today say it's not up to us to say anything judgment no here's Paul warning them judge the rescue from the wrath of God. The gospel is more God loves you what you to be happy and it certainly is more than you want to be comfortable and prosperous it is and it involves God wants you to be rescued from his wrath. You happen to be an enemy of his, and there's great trouble study prophecy then motivates evangelism for the apostle Paul next he been given much of the truth of these coming days he been given a tour of heaven.

After all, and it seemed he didn't come back and say well, no sweat I'm in no he said I am an ambassador of Christ, and I reconciled to God provided an incentive to see others glorifying God with him studying prophecy encourages and promotes personal purity. The apostle Peter encourages the believer in light of the coming of Christ to live lives of holiness and godliness. Second Peter 311 to say when Jonathan Edwards to resolve to not do anything that you would want to do wouldn't want to do. Should Christ come, he would want to be caught doing anyone saying you should. Christ appears understanding that he is at any moment going to take his bride. Do we want our garments to be soiled or do we want to be walking in a manner of purity hold prophecy yet to be fulfilled next actually settles anxiety. This was the message of Christ his disciples in John 14 right. We told him not to be trouble in their hearts because his leaving, but what would come back and get you and take you where I am.

That settled their anxiety. Furthermore, studying prophecy provides the ultimate comfort and for screenings verse first Thessalonians chapter 4 verses 1318. Paul taught on the subject of the rapture and he ended his comments by saying now comfort one another with these words and I always have to stop here and just challenge my audience with the question, does the talk of the rapture comfort you, or bring fear.

The truth is, and this is why it's ultimately comforting the truth is that God will keep his promises based upon his word, not because the church is faithful, not faithful because we belong to him by faith in the faithful. There is ultimate comfort.

We are redeemed and secure because of Christ in his perfection, and in spite of our sinfulness is redeemed studying prophecy exalts next supremacy of Christ. Is there any other reason studied in this message of Revelation into simple words maybe can write in the margin are at the beginning of just this. This will be all you remember in this crash course this is in Christ wins at the assembly line put Christ wins, Christ reigns Christ conquers history is his story and he will be seen at last is our sovereign supreme Savior and listen we are right on schedule right on schedule. Nothing can stop his purposes from being fulfilled in all his words will fact come true. One more we study these texts of prophecy because they reveal the faithful of our God, he will set things right. He will judge evil. He will keep his promise to Israel. He will preserve his church. He will fulfill the prophecy of the second he will fulfill the promise in a newer so what you do in the meantime, well understand this he got so much prophecy and word not just to fill our heads to change our hearts to encourage our hearts to motivate and purify an impassioned prepare our hearts for him for him and his kingdom. So while we wait for him.

We work we walk we worship. I pray that you'll be found.

Faith when the Lord returns you've been listening to wisdom for the heart.

The Bible teaching ministry of Stephen Davey, the lesson you heard today is called a crash course on the coming tribulation. If you'd like to listen to this lesson again.

We posted it to our website which you'll find that wisdom online.org will continue through this series tomorrow. So join us here on wisdom for the heart