The End Times in Chronological Order: A Complete Overview to Understanding Bible Prophecy

by Ron Rhodes

Satan employs false teachers who bring in destructive heresies

Satan sends out false prophets

All this mimicking indicates that Satan’s plan has always been to establish and lead a rival rule to God’s kingdom.

First, God is infinite in power (omnipotent); the devil is finite and limited. Second, only God can create life (Genesis 1:1,21; Deuteronomy 32:39); the devil cannot (see Exodus 8:19). Only God can truly raise the dead (John 10:18; Revelation 1:18).

all the power the devil has is granted him by God and is carefully limited and monitored (see Job 1:10-12).

In any event, the world will be amazed that the mortal wound of the antichrist will be healed, and many will worship him. This will contribute to his ultimate goal of world dominion.

Satan’s access to heaven is hereby removed, and he will no longer be able to stand before the throne of God and accuse the brethren. For this there is rejoicing in heaven (see verses 10-12a).

things now go from bad to much, much worse on the earth.

those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and exchange presents, because these two prophets had been a torment to those who dwell on the earth.

Palistinians rejouce and pass out candies when one of their rockets hits a target in Israel.

Only modern technology can explain how the whole world will be able to watch all of this.

Many will come to know the Lord during the tribulation period (Matthew 25:31-46; Revelation 7:9), so we can surmise that some of these conversions are likely due to the testimony and miracles of these witnesses.

the event that will mark the beginning of the tribulation period is the signing of a covenant between the antichrist and Israel.

We can conclude that the antichrist starts out as Israel’s protector but becomes Israel’s persecutor. He turns from being Israel’s defender to being its defiler.

the woman represents Israel, building on the Old Testament imagery of Israel as the wife of God (Isaiah 54:5-6; Jeremiah 3:6-8; 31:32; Ezekiel 16:32; Hosea 2:16). Consequently, the 12 stars represent the 12 tribes of Israel, and the moon may allude to God’s covenant relationship with Israel because new moons are associated with covenant worship (1 Chronicles 23:31; 2 Chronicles 2:4; 8:13).

The male child refers to Jesus Christ. The dragon’s attempt to devour the child likely alludes to Herod’s massacre of male children (Matthew 2:13-18; see also Luke 4:28-29). The child was caught up to God in the sense that He ascended into heaven following His resurrection (Acts 1:9;2:33; Hebrews 1:1-3;12:2). The child—the divine Messiah—is destined to rule the nations (see Psalm 2:6-9).

The last three and a half years of the tribulation period is often referred to as the great tribulation.

Jesus, in the Olivet Discourse, points to how bad things will be and predicts that Jews living in Jerusalem will flee for their lives. When you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be (Matthew 24:15-21).

The antichrist now exercises global dominion, with authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation. He is not only a political leader but also the central religious object of worship