Carl Timothy Wray<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Carl Timothy Wray is a Christian author and Bible teacher whose ministry represents more than four decades of studying, teaching, and writing the Word of God. His work extends far beyond a single book or platform and reflects a lifetime devoted to biblical teaching and making those teachings accessible to readers and students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His ministry and publishing work include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carl Timothy Wray’s extensive library addresses major biblical themes including the Grace of God, the Finished Work of Christ, the Kingdom of God, the Book of Revelation, spiritual maturity, the sons of God, and God’s eternal purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His purpose remains straightforward: to search the Scriptures, teach what he sees, and make a substantial body of biblical teaching available to those who desire to go deeper in the Word of God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Introduction \u2014 Understanding Prophecy From the Throne<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter 1 \u2014 What Is End Times Prophecy?<\/strong> Chapter 2 \u2014 Jesus Christ: The Key to Understanding Prophecy<\/strong> Chapter 3 \u2014 How to Understand Prophetic Signs and Symbols<\/strong> Chapter 4 \u2014 The Last Days: What Does the Bible Actually Mean?<\/strong> Chapter 5 \u2014 Daniel and the Kingdoms of Prophecy<\/strong> Chapter 6 \u2014 Jesus and the Prophecy of Matthew 24<\/strong> Chapter 7 \u2014 Paul, Resurrection, and the Last Enemy<\/strong> Chapter 8 \u2014 The Book of Revelation and the End Times<\/strong> Chapter 9 \u2014 The Coming of the Lord and the Kingdom of God<\/strong> Chapter 10 \u2014 The End Is Victory, Not Defeat<\/strong> Conclusion \u2014 How Should We Live in Light of Prophecy?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There may be no subject in Christianity surrounded by more questions, theories, disagreements, predictions, and fear than end times prophecy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What are the last days?<\/p>\n\n\n\n What did Jesus mean by the end of the age?<\/p>\n\n\n\n What are the beasts of Daniel and Revelation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is the great tribulation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n What does the coming of the Lord mean?<\/p>\n\n\n\n What happens to the kingdoms of this world?<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is the ultimate purpose of God?<\/p>\n\n\n\n And perhaps the greatest question of all:<\/p>\n\n\n\n How should the people of God understand prophecy without becoming consumed by speculation and fear?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For generations, believers have attempted to interpret biblical prophecy by looking at the events happening around them. Wars begin. Governments rise and fall. Economies shake. Technology advances. Political alliances change. Earthquakes occur. Disease spreads. Nations threaten one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Immediately someone asks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is this the fulfillment of prophecy?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n But there is a fundamental problem with beginning there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If we interpret Scripture primarily through current events, then our interpretation must continually change whenever current events change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Word of God deserves a stronger foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The purpose of this book is not to provide another collection of predictions about what might happen next year, next decade, or sometime in the distant future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Neither is this book an attempt to construct another complicated prophetic timetable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our starting point will be much simpler:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What does the Bible actually say?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Scripture must interpret Scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before asking what a beast means in today’s political world, we should discover how Scripture uses the symbol of a beast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before deciding what the last days mean for us, we should examine what the biblical writers meant when they spoke of the last days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before defining the end of the world, we should examine the biblical language concerning the end of an age<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before constructing a doctrine around the coming of the Lord, we should examine the language Jesus, Paul, Peter, John, and the prophets actually used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And above everything else, before attempting to understand prophecy, we must understand the One whom prophecy ultimately reveals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The opening words of the final book of the Bible establish the governing principle:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Revelation of Jesus Christ…\u201d Revelation begins with Jesus Christ<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is not accidental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bible does not culminate in the revelation of the Antichrist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It does not culminate in the revelation of a beast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It does not culminate in Babylon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It does not culminate in war, famine, earthquakes, judgment, or destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It culminates in the revelation and triumph of Jesus Christ<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If our understanding of end times prophecy causes the enemy to become larger while Christ becomes smaller, something has gone wrong with our interpretation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If our prophecy produces greater confidence in darkness than in the victory of Christ, we need to return to the Scriptures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus Christ must remain at the center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the great difficulties readers encounter in prophetic Scripture is symbolism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Daniel sees beasts rising from the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n John sees stars falling from heaven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are horns, mountains, waters, women, cities, dragons, horses, trumpets, seals, bowls, numbers, earthquakes, fire, thrones, crowns, and kingdoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The temptation is to take every symbol, open the newspaper, and attempt to locate its modern equivalent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But prophetic language did not originate with today’s headlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bible developed its own symbolic vocabulary.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, we will allow Scripture itself to teach us that vocabulary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When we encounter a symbol in Revelation, we will look backward through the Scriptures and ask where that symbol has appeared before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This approach does not remove mystery from prophecy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It gives us a biblical foundation from which mystery can be understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The phrase \u201clast days\u201d<\/strong> has become almost synonymous with the final years before the end of human history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the New Testament forces us to look more carefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Peter stood on the Day of Pentecost and declared:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh…\u201d The writer of Hebrews declared:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGod… hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son…\u201d Those statements require us to ask an important question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The last days of what?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That question will become one of the major foundations of this book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Something was ending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Something else was being established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An age was reaching its consummation while the reality revealed in Jesus Christ was coming into manifestation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Understanding that transition changes the way we approach much of biblical prophecy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many presentations of end times prophecy leave the reader with the impression that darkness continually increases until God’s purpose appears almost overwhelmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Scripture gives us another picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThen cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father…\u201d And where does Paul’s revelation of the end finally arrive?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat God may be all in all.\u201d That is a very different picture of the end<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The end is not God losing His creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The end is not Christ surrendering His kingdom to darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The end is the accomplishment of divine purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ reigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His enemies are placed beneath His feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Death itself\u2014the last enemy\u2014is destroyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the kingdom is delivered to the Father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Biblical prophecy was never intended to produce a terrified church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSee that ye be not troubled.\u201d Those words should govern our spirit as we study this subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will encounter judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will encounter shaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will encounter beasts, kingdoms, tribulation, Babylon, and the collapse of things that cannot remain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But we will study all of them from one governing position:<\/p>\n\n\n\n the throne of God is not shaking.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n God has not lost control of His purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus Christ is Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His kingdom cannot be overthrown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His Word cannot fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His purpose cannot be defeated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the final word of biblical prophecy does not belong to the beast, Babylon, death, or the grave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The final word belongs to the Lamb.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That is the journey before us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are going to examine end times prophecy without beginning with the evening news. We are going to begin with Scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will listen to Daniel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will listen to Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will listen to Paul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will listen to John.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And through them all, we will search for the governing revelation that holds biblical prophecy together:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus Christ, His Kingdom, His victory, and the eternal purpose of God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That is where this study begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And that is where the end ultimately leads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The words \u201cend times prophecy\u201d<\/strong> immediately produce images in the minds of many people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earthquakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Famines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Antichrist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The mark of the beast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Armageddon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The great tribulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The second coming of Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The end of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For many believers, end times prophecy has become almost entirely associated with frightening events expected to occur at the conclusion of human history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But before we attempt to understand the end times, we must begin with a much more basic question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is biblical prophecy?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If we misunderstand the purpose of prophecy, we will almost certainly misunderstand its symbols, its warnings, its judgments, and its fulfillment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prophecy is not primarily God’s way of satisfying human curiosity about future events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prophecy is revelation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is God unveiling His purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It reveals what God is doing, what He has determined, how His kingdom operates, and where His purpose is ultimately going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, the proper study of end times prophecy does not begin with speculation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It begins with God<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prophet Isaiah declared:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRemember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning…\u201d Notice the language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n God declares the end from the beginning<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because He knows the future?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certainly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Isaiah reveals something greater than divine foreknowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The passage continues:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.\u201d That is the foundation of prophecy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n God does not merely know what is going to happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n God has a counsel.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n God has a purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n God has an intention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And His counsel shall stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That means biblical prophecy must ultimately be understood within the sovereignty and purpose of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prophetic Scriptures are not describing a universe that has escaped God’s control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are revealing a purpose that God intends to accomplish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That distinction is enormous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If prophecy is interpreted primarily through fear, the reader begins looking for everything that can go wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if prophecy is interpreted through the purpose of God, the reader begins asking:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is God bringing to fulfillment?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That is the better question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We commonly think of a prophet as someone who predicts the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes biblical prophets certainly did speak concerning events that had not yet occurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But prophecy is much larger than prediction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A prophet speaks from the mind and purpose of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prophecy may reveal what has been.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It may reveal what is presently happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It may reveal what is coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But its fundamental nature is the unveiling of divine reality<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This becomes particularly important when we reach the Book of Revelation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n John does not begin by saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Prediction of Future Events.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n He begins:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Revelation of Jesus Christ…\u201d The word revelation<\/strong> means an unveiling, an uncovering, a disclosure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Something hidden is being made known.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, when we study prophecy, we should not merely ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is going to happen?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We should also ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is God revealing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Those are not always the same question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A person can become fascinated with prophetic events and still completely miss the revelation contained within them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He can identify beasts, count horns, study kingdoms, construct timelines, calculate dates, and compare world leaders while never seeing the central purpose of the prophecy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Information is not necessarily revelation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And prophecy was given to produce more than information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Near the end of Revelation, John gives us one of the greatest keys to understanding prophecy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.\u201d There is our center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus Christ.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The spirit of prophecy is not the testimony of the beast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not the testimony of Babylon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not the testimony of the Antichrist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not the testimony of world governments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is the testimony of Jesus<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, if our interpretation of prophecy spends all its strength magnifying darkness while barely revealing Christ, we should examine our interpretation again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus Christ is not a supporting character in biblical prophecy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He is the center of it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The prophets spoke toward Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The types pointed toward Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The shadows anticipated Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The promises find their fulfillment in Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The kingdom belongs to Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The throne belongs to Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The victory belongs to Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the consummation of God’s purpose is accomplished through Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This does not mean that judgment, darkness, wickedness, kingdoms, and opposition are absent from prophecy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are clearly there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But they are not the final revelation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ is.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the greatest principles necessary for understanding biblical prophecy is that God’s purpose did not begin after Adam sinned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n God did not create the world, watch everything collapse, and then hurriedly develop a rescue plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul speaks of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.\u201d An eternal purpose<\/strong> is not an emergency plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It existed in the heart of God before human failure appeared in history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul also writes that God:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world…\u201d Peter speaks of Christ as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world…\u201d This changes the perspective from which we read prophecy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Redemption was not God’s reaction to an unforeseen catastrophe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ was not Plan B.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Lamb was known before the foundation of the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, when Scripture carries us toward the end<\/strong>, it is carrying us toward the fulfillment of something that existed in God’s heart from the beginning<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The end cannot be properly understood without the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the beginning cannot be properly understood apart from God’s eternal purpose in Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Genesis and Revelation are not disconnected books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bible begins with creation and ends with creation brought into divine fulfillment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Genesis introduces the tree of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Revelation shows the tree of life again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Genesis introduces the serpent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Revelation reveals the dragon, \u201cthat old serpent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Genesis introduces death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Revelation announces the destruction of death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Genesis shows humanity driven from the garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Revelation reveals access to the tree of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Genesis begins with heaven and earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Revelation concludes with the language of a new heaven and a new earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The end answers the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is why end times prophecy cannot be reduced to a few frightening events at the conclusion of history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bible is telling one great story<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is the revelation of God’s purpose moving from beginning to fulfillment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus Himself taught His disciples to read the Scriptures this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After His resurrection, He encountered two disciples traveling toward Emmaus. They were confused because they had expected Jesus to redeem Israel, yet He had been crucified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus responded by taking them into the Scriptures:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.\u201d What a Bible study that must have been.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus began with Moses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then He moved through the prophets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And what did He reveal?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Himself.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Later He told His disciples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAll things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.\u201d This gives us a governing principle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prophetic Scriptures are not primarily a puzzle about geopolitical events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They testify concerning Christ<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If Jesus taught His disciples to read Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms through the revelation of Himself, we should be very careful about constructing an end-times theology in which Christ becomes secondary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another major problem in end-times teaching occurs when we begin with modern events and then search Scripture for something that appears to fit them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That method can produce endless speculation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A new technology appears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Someone finds a prophecy to match it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A nation goes to war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Someone identifies it with a prophetic kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A political leader rises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Someone declares him to be the fulfillment of a particular prophecy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An economic system changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Someone connects it with the mark of the beast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then circumstances change, the prediction fails, and another interpretation replaces it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This has happened repeatedly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a safer way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Begin with Scripture.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before asking which modern nation represents a beast, ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n How does the Bible use beasts prophetically?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Before deciding what prophetic waters represent, search the Scriptures for the meaning of waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before interpreting a mountain, horn, woman, city, star, trumpet, or number through current events, discover how that imagery functions throughout the Word of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bible has its own language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prophecy has its own vocabulary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And Scripture provides the foundation for understanding that vocabulary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Daniel provides one of the clearest examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He saw beasts rising from the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If we encountered those images without biblical interpretation, our imagination could go in almost any direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Daniel was given understanding concerning what he saw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The beasts represented kingdoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The horns represented kings or powers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The imagery communicated spiritual and governmental realities through prophetic symbols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet Daniel’s prophecy does not ultimately terminate with the beasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Daniel sees:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOne like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days…\u201d And what happens?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom…\u201d There is the direction of prophecy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beasts arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kingdoms appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conflict occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But God’s purpose does not terminate in the beast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It terminates in dominion being given to the Son of Man.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n And Daniel continues:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever…\u201d This is why we must never allow the frightening imagery of prophecy to obscure its destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The beast may occupy several verses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the kingdom belongs to God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout Scripture, prophecy frequently describes shaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nations shake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kingdoms fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heavens and earth are shaken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cities collapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mountains move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stars fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But shaking has a divine purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The writer of Hebrews explains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.\u201d Then he explains why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThat those things which cannot be shaken may remain.\u201d And what remains?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved…\u201d There is the prophetic pattern again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shaking serves the manifestation of the unshakable.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, when prophecy describes shaking, our first response should not necessarily be terror.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We should ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is God removing, and what is God revealing that cannot be removed?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n God’s kingdom cannot be shaken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We cannot faithfully study end times prophecy without discussing judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prophets spoke extensively concerning divine judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus spoke of judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul spoke of judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Revelation contains powerful images of judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But biblical judgment must be understood within the character and purpose of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n God’s judgments are not evidence that He has lost control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They demonstrate His government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout Scripture, God judges nations, systems, rulers, wickedness, idolatry, oppression, and rebellion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judgment exposes what cannot remain in the presence of God’s kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is why Revelation can describe enormous judgment while simultaneously presenting the Lamb upon the throne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The judgments do not mean the throne is failing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They proceed because the throne governs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps nowhere is careless interpretation more dangerous than with the word \u201cend.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We hear \u201cthe end,\u201d and immediately assume we know what it means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Scripture uses the language of ending in different contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An age can end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A covenantal administration can reach fulfillment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A kingdom can end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A generation can end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A system can be judged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An enemy can be destroyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, every passage must be read in context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul gives us one of the clearest biblical descriptions of \u201cthe end\u201d:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThen cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father…\u201d Notice what Paul’s end contains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ reigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Enemies are subdued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The kingdom is delivered to the Father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then Paul identifies the final enemy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.\u201d That should dramatically affect our understanding of end times prophecy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The last enemy is not another nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not another political system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not another earthly government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The last enemy is death.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n And God’s purpose moves toward its destruction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Much end-times teaching has concentrated so heavily on destruction that believers sometimes forget where Paul’s revelation of the end actually leads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.\u201d He must reign.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That is prophetic certainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not He might reign.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not He will reign if darkness allows Him.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not He will reign after the enemy has almost destroyed everything.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n He must reign.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n And He reigns until His enemies are placed beneath His feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then death itself is destroyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is not defeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul then takes us even farther:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd when all things shall be subdued unto him… that God may be all in all.\u201d If we want to understand the destination of biblical prophecy, we cannot ignore those words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n God all in all.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That is where Paul’s revelation of the end carries us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, our understanding of prophecy should always be large enough to contain God’s declared purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We cannot allow beasts to become larger than Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We cannot allow Babylon to become larger than the Kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We cannot allow tribulation to become larger than redemption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We cannot allow death to become larger than resurrection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And we cannot allow Satan to become larger than the eternal purpose of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What should happen to us when we study prophecy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Should we become frightened?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Should we become obsessed with dates?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Should we live constantly expecting the next catastrophe?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Should every headline shake our faith?<\/p>\n\n\n\n No.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prophecy should establish us in the sovereignty of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It should cause us to understand that history is not wandering aimlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n God has a purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ has a kingdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Lamb has overcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The throne is occupied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And God’s counsel shall stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus told His disciples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSee that ye be not troubled.\u201d Those words are remarkably important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus discussed wars and rumors of wars, yet His instruction was:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not be troubled.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n True prophetic understanding should produce stability rather than hysteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It should produce faith rather than fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It should produce hope rather than despair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And above everything else, it should reveal Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we move deeper into end times prophecy, we will encounter difficult passages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will examine the last days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will examine Daniel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will examine Matthew 24.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will examine resurrection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will examine Revelation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will encounter beasts, kingdoms, judgment, tribulation, the coming of the Lord, and the consummation of God’s purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But one question will govern our journey:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is God revealing about His purpose in Jesus Christ?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That question keeps prophecy centered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It keeps us from becoming distracted by endless speculation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It keeps us from building doctrine around tomorrow’s newspaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And it keeps the Lamb where Scripture places Him:<\/p>\n\n\n\n at the center of the revelation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n End times prophecy is not ultimately the revelation of how badly everything will go wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is the revelation of where everything is going under the sovereign purpose of God<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n God declared the end from the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His counsel shall stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ must reign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every enemy shall be brought beneath His feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The last enemy, death, shall be destroyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And God’s purpose moves toward its appointed consummation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n that God may be all in all.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That is where we begin our study of end times prophecy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not with fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not with speculation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not with the evening news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We begin with the purpose of God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There is one governing principle that must be established before we go any deeper into end times prophecy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus Christ is the key to understanding prophecy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Remove Christ from the center, and prophecy quickly becomes a maze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beasts become the focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wars become the focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Antichrist becomes the focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tribulation becomes the focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Political leaders become the focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nations become the focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dates, timelines, charts, and predictions begin consuming our attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Scripture gives us another center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n John opens the final book of the Bible with these words:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Revelation of Jesus Christ…\u201d That opening statement should govern everything that follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Book of Revelation is not first the revelation of the beast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not first the revelation of Babylon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not first the revelation of judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is not even first the revelation of future events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is the Revelation of Jesus Christ<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If we lose sight of that, we can study Revelation for years and still miss its central message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus confronted religious leaders who possessed tremendous knowledge of Scripture but failed to recognize the One standing directly in front of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSearch the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.\u201d Think about that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They knew the Scriptures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They studied the Scriptures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They could discuss the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They could quote the prophets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet Jesus said the Scriptures were testifying of Him<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The problem was not that they lacked biblical information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The problem was that they had not seen the revelation contained within that information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is possible to know verses without seeing Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is possible to study prophecy without seeing Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is possible to construct an entire end-times system while the central Person of biblical prophecy remains almost hidden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus gives us the corrective:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Scriptures testify of Me.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That must become one of our governing principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus went even further:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.\u201d Moses wrote of Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certainly in direct prophetic statements, but also through patterns, types, shadows, sacrifices, priesthood, tabernacle, feasts, deliverance, and covenant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ was concealed within the patterns until the appointed time of unveiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Passover lamb pointed toward Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The manna pointed toward Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The rock pointed toward Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The tabernacle pointed toward Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The priesthood pointed toward Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sacrifices pointed toward Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The entire Old Testament contains patterns that ultimately find their reality in Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.\u201d And concerning Israel in the wilderness:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.\u201d Paul looked backward into Israel’s history and saw Christ<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That teaches us something about prophetic interpretation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The natural event can contain a spiritual reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The visible thing can point toward an invisible truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The historical pattern can testify concerning Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul gives us another powerful principle in Colossians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking concerning religious ordinances, feast days, new moons, and sabbaths, he says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhich are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.\u201d A shadow is real, but it is not the substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The shadow tells us that something greater is present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under the old covenant there were many shadows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There was a natural temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There was a natural priesthood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There were natural sacrifices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There was natural incense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There was a natural altar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There was natural Jerusalem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There were natural feast days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But when Christ came, the substance began to be unveiled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This principle becomes extremely important when studying prophecy because prophetic Scripture often takes language that originated in the Old Testament and uses it to communicate greater spiritual realities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If we remain only with the shadow, we may miss the substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ is the substance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n After His resurrection, Jesus met two disciples traveling on the road to Emmaus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They were discouraged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They had believed Jesus was the One who would redeem Israel, but He had been crucified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their understanding of God’s purpose had collapsed because the events they witnessed did not fit the interpretation they had expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then Jesus began teaching them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luke writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.\u201d Jesus did not merely give them another prediction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He changed the way they understood the Scriptures<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He began with Moses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He moved through the prophets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And He revealed the things concerning Himself<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Later they said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDid not our heart burn within us… while he opened to us the scriptures?\u201d That is revelation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Scriptures had existed before that journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those disciples had undoubtedly heard many of them before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But now the Scriptures were opened<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What changed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n They began seeing Christ within them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus later appeared to the disciples and said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThese are the words which I spake unto you… that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.\u201d Then comes one of the most important statements concerning biblical understanding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThen opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.\u201d They already possessed Scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What they needed was opened understanding<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This distinction is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a difference between reading Scripture and understanding what Scripture is revealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a difference between natural information and spiritual revelation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And when Jesus opened their understanding, He showed them that Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms were all moving toward Him<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This principle must accompany us into end times prophecy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When we enter Revelation, the imagery can become overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are seven seals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seven trumpets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seven bowls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are beasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Horns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dragons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earthquakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stars falling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Waters becoming blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Babylon falling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Armies gathering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Judgments proceeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But standing in the middle of all this imagery is a figure we must never lose sight of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n the Lamb.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n John sees a sealed book in the hand of the One sitting upon the throne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A question goes forth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWho is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?\u201d John weeps because no man is found worthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then one of the elders tells him:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWeep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed…\u201d John turns expecting to see a Lion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But he sees:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA Lamb as it had been slain…\u201d There is the mystery of divine victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Lion conquers as the Lamb.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The One who opens the book is the One who was slain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cross is not a temporary interruption in God’s prophetic plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cross is central to the victory of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This completely changes the atmosphere of Revelation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before the seals begin opening, before the trumpets sound, before the beasts arise in John’s vision, Scripture establishes something first:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Lamb has prevailed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n That means everything that follows must be interpreted from the standpoint of His victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are not waiting until the final chapter to discover whether Jesus wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His victory is established before the prophetic drama unfolds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is one of the greatest mistakes we can make in end-times interpretation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If we read prophecy as though God and Satan are locked in an uncertain struggle and we must wait until the end to discover who wins, we have already missed the throne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Lamb has prevailed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The throne is occupied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The book is in God’s hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n History is not out of control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n John receives a remarkable invitation in Revelation 4:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCome up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.\u201d Immediately John says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.\u201d Before John sees many of the great prophetic events of Revelation, he sees the throne<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That order matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First the throne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then the events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First divine government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then the shaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First the One sitting upon the throne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then the prophetic drama.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That is the proper position from which to interpret prophecy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We do not begin on earth looking upward in panic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We begin from the revelation of the throne and look outward from divine government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The throne interprets the shaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The throne interprets the beast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The throne interprets Babylon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The throne interprets judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The throne tells us that none of these things exist outside the boundaries of God’s sovereign purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When prophecy is interpreted entirely from an earthly viewpoint, every new event can become terrifying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A government changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A war begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A disease spreads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Technology advances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The economy shakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another leader rises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every event appears capable of destroying God’s purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But John did not receive Revelation from that position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He was called higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He saw the throne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That does not mean the events occurring upon the earth are insignificant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It means they must be interpreted from the correct spiritual position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a tremendous difference between looking at the throne from the shaking and looking at the shaking from the throne<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost concerning the resurrection and exaltation of Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He declared:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTherefore being by the right hand of God exalted…\u201d Then he quoted Psalm 110:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool.\u201d Christ’s kingship is not merely a distant possibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The New Testament announces His exaltation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul says God:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRaised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.\u201d And where is that position?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFar above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion…\u201d That is where Christ is positioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Far above.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not beneath the powers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not struggling to become Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not waiting for Satan’s permission to reign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Far above all principality and power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n End-times prophecy must be interpreted in light of the exalted Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul gives us one of the strongest statements in all of Scripture:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.\u201d Again, notice the certainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He must reign.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Prophecy is not moving toward the possibility of Christ’s victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is moving toward the manifestation and consummation of His victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Every enemy comes beneath His feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And Paul identifies the final enemy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.\u201d That gives us an enormous prophetic compass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whatever interpretation we develop concerning the end, it must ultimately move toward the destruction of death<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Death does not conquer Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ conquers death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The grave does not swallow the purpose of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Resurrection swallows mortality in victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any interpretation of prophecy that minimizes the cross will eventually become distorted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At Calvary, something far greater occurred than the physical death of Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.\u201d Jesus declared before the cross:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNow is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.\u201d Then He said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.\u201d The cross belongs in our eschatology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The resurrection belongs in our eschatology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ascension belongs in our eschatology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The enthronement of Christ belongs in our eschatology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We cannot jump from Daniel directly into modern world events while treating the death, resurrection, and exaltation of Christ as though they were merely preliminary material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are central events in the fulfillment of God’s prophetic purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the cross Jesus declared:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is finished.\u201d Those words do not mean that every aspect of God’s purpose had already reached its full manifestation in history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul still speaks of enemies being subdued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He still speaks of resurrection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He still speaks of death being destroyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But the legal and redemptive foundation of victory had been accomplished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Lamb had been slain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sin had been dealt with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The price had been paid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The decisive work of redemption had been accomplished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, everything that unfolds afterward must be understood from the standpoint of finished redemption moving toward full manifestation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We do not interpret prophecy as though Calvary never happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We interpret prophecy because Calvary happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here we encounter an important distinction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is what Christ has accomplished legally and redemptively<\/strong>, and there is the progressive manifestation of that victory vitally and experientially<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Scripture can declare a victory accomplished while also describing that victory being worked out in creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christ has conquered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet Paul says He must reign until every enemy is beneath His feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The decisive victory is accomplished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The manifestation continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This helps us understand prophetic language that sometimes sounds completed and elsewhere appears to be unfolding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n God can declare the end from the beginning because His counsel is certain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What He has established in Christ cannot fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The manifestation catches up with the accomplished purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Revelation provides a powerful example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An angel cries:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBabylon is fallen, is fallen…\u201d Prophetic declaration often announces divine reality before every visible consequence has appeared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From God’s standpoint, judgment has been determined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The sentence has gone forth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The thing is finished in divine counsel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet its visible manifestation may continue unfolding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This distinction between the legal declaration<\/strong> and the vital manifestation<\/strong> helps us read prophetic Scripture without forcing every statement into a flat chronological sequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n God speaks from the throne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the throne can declare a thing finished because nothing can overturn His counsel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The great question is therefore not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is Satan doing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The greater question is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is Christ accomplishing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n How powerful is the beast?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n But:<\/p>\n\n\n\n What does the beast reveal by contrast concerning the government of the Lamb?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not:<\/p>\n\n\n\n How great is Babylon?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n But:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why must Babylon fall before the kingdom that cannot be shaken?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not merely:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTABLE OF CONTENTS<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
The Purpose of Biblical Prophecy and the Revelation of God’s Plan<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Christ Must Stand at the Center of Every Prophetic Interpretation<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beasts, Horns, Mountains, Seas, Stars, Cities, Numbers, and the Language of Prophecy<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Understanding the End of an Age and the Fulfillment of God’s Purpose<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Beasts, the Son of Man, the Ancient of Days, and the Kingdom Given to the Saints<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Temple, Jerusalem, Tribulation, the End of the Age, and the Coming of the Son of Man<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transformation, Immortality, the Defeat of Death, and God All in All<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Lamb, the Throne, the Seals, Trumpets, Beasts, Babylon, Judgment, and Victory<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His Appearing, His Presence, His Government, and the Unshakable Kingdom<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Triumph of Christ and the Consummation of God’s Eternal Purpose<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nINTRODUCTION<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Understanding Prophecy From the Throne<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
PROPHECY MUST BEGIN WITH SCRIPTURE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
JESUS CHRIST IS THE CENTER<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Revelation 1:1<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nPROPHECY IS WRITTEN IN A LANGUAGE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
THE LAST DAYS MUST HAVE A CONTEXT<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Acts 2:17<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Hebrews 1:1\u20132<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nTHE END IS NOT THE DEFEAT OF GOD<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 1 Corinthians 15:24<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 1 Corinthians 15:28<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nPROPHECY SHOULD PRODUCE HOPE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Matthew 24:6<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nCHAPTER ONE<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
What Is End Times Prophecy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Purpose of Biblical Prophecy and the Revelation of God\u2019s Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPROPHECY REVEALS THE PURPOSE OF GOD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Isaiah 46:9\u201310<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Isaiah 46:10<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPROPHECY IS MORE THAN PREDICTION<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Revelation 1:1<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTHE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Revelation 19:10<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nGOD HAD A PURPOSE BEFORE THERE WAS A PROBLEM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Ephesians 3:11<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ephesians 1:4<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 1 Peter 1:19\u201320<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTHE BEGINNING EXPLAINS THE END<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPROPHECY REVEALS CHRIST IN THE MIDST OF HISTORY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Luke 24:27<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Luke 24:44<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPROPHECY MUST BE INTERPRETED BY SCRIPTURE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTHE PROPHETS SAW KINGDOMS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Daniel 7:13<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Daniel 7:14<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Daniel 7:18<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPROPHECY REVEALS THE SHAKING OF KINGDOMS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Hebrews 12:26<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Hebrews 12:27<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Hebrews 12:28<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nJUDGMENT IS PART OF PROPHECY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTHE END MUST BE DEFINED BY SCRIPTURE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 1 Corinthians 15:24<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 1 Corinthians 15:26<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDEATH DOES NOT GET THE FINAL WORD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 1 Corinthians 15:25<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nGOD ALL IN ALL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 1 Corinthians 15:28<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPROPHECY SHOULD ESTABLISH THE BELIEVER<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Matthew 24:6<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTHE QUESTION THAT WILL GOVERN THIS BOOK<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
CHAPTER TWO<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Jesus Christ: The Key to Understanding Prophecy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Christ Must Stand at the Center of Every Prophetic Interpretation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Revelation 1:1<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTHE SCRIPTURES TESTIFY OF CHRIST<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 John 5:39<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nMOSES WROTE OF CHRIST<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 John 5:46<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 1 Corinthians 5:7<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 1 Corinthians 10:4<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTHE SHADOW AND THE SUBSTANCE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Colossians 2:17<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nJESUS OPENED THE SCRIPTURES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Luke 24:27<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Luke 24:32<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTHEN OPENED HE THEIR UNDERSTANDING<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Luke 24:44<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Luke 24:45<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTHE BOOK IS ABOUT THE LAMB<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Revelation 5:2<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Revelation 5:5<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Revelation 5:6<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTHE LAMB HAS PREVAILED<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nREAD PROPHECY FROM THE THRONE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Revelation 4:1<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Revelation 4:2<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPROPHECY FROM THE EARTH PRODUCES FEAR<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nCHRIST IS ALREADY ENTHRONED<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Acts 2:33<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Acts 2:34\u201335<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ephesians 1:20<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Ephesians 1:21<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHE MUST REIGN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 1 Corinthians 15:25<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 1 Corinthians 15:26<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTHE CROSS CHANGED EVERYTHING<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Colossians 2:15<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 John 12:31<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n
\u2014 John 12:32<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nIT IS FINISHED<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 John 19:30<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTHE LEGAL AND THE VITAL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nBABYLON CAN BE FALLEN BEFORE MEN SEE IT FALL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2014 Revelation 18:2<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nCHRIST IS THE INTERPRETER OF HISTORY<\/h2>\n\n\n\n