The Bible and Future Events: An Introductory Survey of Last-Day Events

Preface

The purpose of this book is to present a brief, biblical survey of last-day events from the premillennial, pretribulational point of view. Many Christians have an interest in what the future holds but lack information concerning it. This book seeks to fill that information gap by presenting an overview, briefly and simply stated.

All of the major eschatological events are discussed in chronological order. As each event is presented, the pertinent scripture passages are set forth, with the more important portions being analyzed. The Bible is the authoritative source of information, and its message must be made central in any such discussion.

Numerous terms which sometimes puzzle many Christians necessarily enter a study such as this. These are defined early in the book in chapter two. The same chapter contains a brief description of each event, so that the reader may relate these together quickly before moving into the fuller discussion of them in the following chapters. Each chapter closes with a list of review questions which the student may use to test himself on the knowledge he has gained from his reading. They may also be used for class discussion or in study groups.

The reader will find some rather detailed arguments in the book regarding the more controversial matters. These arguments may be difficult to follow and may, in fact, seem out of keeping with the more popular intent of the book. If the reader wishes to omit some or all of this argumentation, he can do so without any great loss to him in the overall view. However those who do follow it should find their thinking stimulated as to the relative merit of the view presented.

Complete bibliographical information on books cited in the footnotes is given at the end of the book.

Unless otherwise indicated, Bible references are taken from the King James Version.

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Introduction

A. Significance of Prophetic Study

Some Christians do not believe that the study of prophecy is worthwhile. They see prophecy as too uncertain, and subject to too many different interpretations. They believe one is wiser to concentrate on solid aspects of Bible study, where conclusions are more sure, and let future events prove to be whatever happens when the time comes. Some of this thinking has been engendered through past pronouncements by interpreters who have been too specific. Dates have been set for the return of Christ, and particular people have been identified as being one or another prophetic person. When succeeding events have proven these predictions wrong, people have been disillusioned, with consequent disfavor being brought on prophetic study.

There are both good and bad features in this line of thinking. A good feature is the discrediting of that type of prophetic teaching which becomes too specific, going beyond what the Bible itself teaches. Christ Himself said that no man knows the day and hour of His coming, but the Father only (Matt. 24:36). Men are not to set dates, nor to identify predicted persons. Another good feature is that concentration on solid aspects of Bible study is advocated. The Christian cannot give himself too much to learning what the Scriptures have to say about God, man, sin, Christ, salvation, the church, etc. One bad feature, however, is that all prophetic study is discredited, as though this is not solid and as though no definite conclusions can be reached. Great vistas of prophetic truth become clear and definite when one follows careful principles of interpretation. The sacred writers would not have been led to include so much regarding last-day events if this were not true. God did not reveal His Word to confuse people; nor did He intend that substantial portions of it should be left unstudied. The Christian may approach prophetic passages with the same confidence for interpretation as he does other portions of Scripture.

Moreover, the Bible student who omits prophetic passages is overlooking the relative importance the Bible itself places on prophecy. Christ spent considerable time talking about the subject, and extensive sections in both the Old and New Testaments are devoted to it. A conservative estimate is that fully one-fourth of the Bible concerns prophecy. This emphasis on prophecy is shown also by the many times the Christian is urged to watch for Christ’s coming;¹ and one who is not interested in studying the prophetic portions concerned can hardly be expected to watch.

B. Importance of Fulfilled Prophecy

The main interest of this book concerns events of the last days, which are still future. A word is in order, however, concerning events now past, which were, just as definitely, predicted beforehand. The Christian rejoices to note the exact and complete fulfillment of these predictions. He can anticipate that the same will be true concerning unfulfilled prophecies. Many of the fulfilled predictions concerned Christ’s first coming. All became a matter of history when He appeared. For instance, He was born of a virgin (Isa. 7:14), at Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2), which led to a slaughter of children by Herod (Jer. 31:15). After that He was called out of Egypt (Hos. 11:1). Later He was anointed with the Spirit (Isa. 11:2), made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Zech. 9:9), was betrayed by a friend (Ps. 41:9) for thirty pieces of silver (Zech. 11:12), was spit upon and scourged (Isa. 50:6), but no bone of Him was broken (Ps. 34:20). He was given gall and vinegar to drink on the cross (Ps. 69:21). His hands and feet were pierced, His garments parted, and lots cast for His vesture (Ps. 22:16, 18). He died in the place of sinful man (Isa. 53:4-6).

Other areas of predictions fulfilled by the time of Christ include the destruction of certain great cities of ancient time. For instance, Nineveh’s fall was predicted by both Nahum (2:8 – 3:7) and Zephaniah (2:13, 14). Nineveh was a great city, the capital of the mighty Assyrian empire. For all its strength, however, the city fell in due course before the combined might of Babylonia and Media, with the probable help of the Scythians, in 612 B.C.² Nineveh was exceeded in grandeur only by Babylon, capital of Nebuchadnezzar’s empire. Babylon’s walls and fortresses were believed impregnable. But even before its greatest glory under Nebuchadnezzar, Isaiah made bold to write, And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah (13:19; cf. Jer. 51). This too came to pass, not immediately, but in God’s due time. The Persian ruler Xerxes virtually destroyed it in 478 B.C. Alexander the Great planned to restore it, but he died before doing so (323 B.C.). The few people who still lived there in 275 B.C. moved to Seleucia, nearby on the Tigris River, and the city came to a practical end.³ Today, as reported by Rawlinson, On the actual ruins of Babylon the Arabian neither pitches his tent nor pastures his flocks—in the first place, because the nitrous soil produces no pasture to tempt him; and secondly, because an evil reputation attaches to the entire site, which is thought to be the haunt of evil spirits.⁴

Perhaps the most interesting story concerning fulfilled prophecy has to do with ancient Tyre. Tyre was the queen of the seas, the capital of old Phoenicia. Tyre had grown rich from trade; as her ships brought merchandise from ports near and far. Ezekiel foretold her destruction in vivid detail (26:1-21). It seemed that Nebuchadnezzar would fulfill all Ezekiel had set forth almost immediately after the prediction was given. Nebuchadnezzar did bring great destruction on the city, persisting in a continued attack over a span of thirteen years (587-574 B.C.); but he never really did capture it, nor did he draw its stones into the sea, as Ezekiel had prophesied (v. 12). At the time, one might have said that God’s Word through His prophet was not proving true. The Tyrians then rebuilt their city on an island about one-half mile from shore, and became even stronger in world affairs than before. More than two centuries passed, as both pride and wealth grew. But finally God’s time arrived for the complete fulfillment. It was effected by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C. As part of his overall plan to conquer the Medo-Persian empire, he determined to seize the city. To do so, he planned to construct a causeway through the sea, which would reach from shore to island; over it he would march his army. Such a causeway required great amounts of material, and Alexander used the ruins of the former mainland city to get it. Thus, as Ezekiel had predicted, the stones and the timbers and the dust of the city were indeed laid in the midst of the water (v. 12), and the ancient site became like the top of a rock (v. 14). All that God’s servant had foretold was fully realized.

C. Benefits of Prophetic Study

Both daily experience and clear statements of Scripture testify that there is significant value in the study of prophetic passages. Several benefits may be listed as follows.

1. Spiritual stimulation

The Bible itself makes clear that a knowledge of prophecy is spiritually stimulating. That is, it prompts the Christian to lead a life pleasing to God. In First John 3:3, where the context concerns Christ’s second coming, the statement is made: Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Jesus related holiness of life to the second coming in Matthew 16:24, 27, saying, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me; He gave as an incentive these words, For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Paul, too, in Colossians 3:4, 5, urges the Christian to mortify his members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry, giving as an incentive, When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. The Scriptures further relate particular aspects of a godly life to the second coming: for instance, sobriety of life in First Thessalonians 5:2-6; First Peter 1:13; 4:7; faithfulness in service, Matthew 25:19-21; Luke 12:42-44; 19:12, 13; moderation, Philippians 4:5; patience in trial, Hebrews 10:36, 37; James 5:7, 8; personal sanctification, First Thessalonians 5:23; obedience to God, First Timothy 6:13, 14; godliness of outlook, Second Peter 3:11-13.

That there is a close relationship between a knowledge of prophecy and godliness of life may be verified further by an observation of Christians in an average church congregation. Pastors regularly testify that the most devoted and faithful workers are those who are knowledgeable concerning last-day events and look for Christ’s return. Those who expect Christ to come again have a corresponding desire to live in a way which pleases Him. It is logical that a Christian would like to be found doing God’s will when Christ comes again. A recognition of His imminent return also leads to a sense of closeness to Christ, which in turn leads to greater love and deeper devotion. Living in a sense of expectancy is really an integral part of the Christian experience. The New Testament writers themselves were led by the Holy Spirit to prompt Christians in their day to watch (e.g., Rom. 13:12; 1 Pet. 4:7). Expectancy of His return leads to Christ-centeredness in thinking and conduct.

2. Mental satisfaction

The Christian experiences mental satisfaction from knowing what the future holds. God endowed man with a mind for thinking and knowing. Man can use this wonderful instrument in ways which glorify God, or he can employ it otherwise. Those ways which glorify God the most are those which concern God Himself and His will for the world. Therefore a Christian should spend much time in Bible study, to learn about God and about God’s works among men. Many of God’s works have been wrought in the past, and to study these leads to a fuller recognition of the greatness and love of God. Many other works, however, lie in the future and have been predicted. God would not have revealed information concerning these works if He had not wanted man to know about them and render praise for them. As man knows of these future events and gives praise, he experiences meaningful satisfaction of mind. One feels a sense of spiritual fulfillment both by satisfying legitimate curiosity as to what the future holds and by experiencing another area of truth for which to glorify God.

3. Psychological stabilization

Not only is one’s mind thus satisfied, but the study of prophecy also stabilizes one’s emotional balance. There is a need for this in today’s fast-moving world. So much that one encounters leads to frustration and disappointment. Aspects of life that one believes he can depend on one day appear quite differently the next. He can easily lose his sense of balance in judging values. On what can he rely? Where can he look for certainty and security? For the non-Christian, the future is highly threatening. Will he keep his job? Will he maintain his health? Will an accident take the life of a member of his family? Still more uncertain for him is death. Though he may try to hide these uncertainties under a facade of false confidence, yet he knows these questions are very real. The answer to them (and the peace of heart he needs so much) lies only in a saving relationship with Christ. And for one who enjoys this relationship, a knowledge of future events, as revealed in the Bible, is vital for providing the full sense of peace and security desired. No matter what life may hold today, the Christian can know the main outlines in God’s program of last-day events and that in those events his personal welfare is secure. (See Rev. 2:25; 3:11.)

4. Comfort in sorrow

The Bible speaks frequently of the comfort which a knowledge of prophecy affords the suffering Christian. This suffering often takes the form of bereavement for a loved one who has died. The person then senses a great loss, missing the companionship formerly enjoyed. But true comfort is available in the knowledge that the one departed has gone to be with the Lord and a sure reunion will one day be experienced.

Paul speaks of this truth in First Thessalonians 4:16-18:

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Suffering can also take the form of persecution. A knowledge of Christ’s coming gives comfort when one experiences oppression and hardship of this kind. It lets the Christian know that deliverance from the persecution can come at any time. Of this truth Peter says, But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings: that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy (1 Pet. 4:13; cf. 1:7).

Still a third form of suffering is slander and misunderstanding. A person may easily be hurt in social relationships, either intentionally or unintentionally. The wound may be deep, but again comfort is available in knowing that one day the full truth of all such matters will be brought to light, and then shall every man have praise of God (1 Cor. 4:5). The result can and should be joy in place of sorrow, as one anticipates the appearing of the Savior. This truth was a clear factor in the mind of Jesus when He promised the disciples that, though He was about to leave them, He would prepare a place in heaven for them and would return to take them there to be with Him (John 14:3).

5. Conviction for service

The recognition of Christ’s return for His church leads the Christian also to a conviction regarding service for God. This conviction is closely related to the desire for holiness of life. The Christian is prompted not only to live properly, but to serve diligently. He sees the need of getting busy for God, so that his friends and loved ones may hear the Gospel and be saved. He is also motivated to prepare to appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Paul speaks of this in Second Corinthians 5:9, 10: Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (Cf. 2 Tim. 4:1, 2.)

A knowledge of last-day events gives the Christian a new evaluation regarding the best use of his time. This leads to his giving more time for service. He also can anticipate joy at having served, when the Savior comes for His own. Paul speaks of a crown of righteousness laid up for all those who love his appearing (2 Tim. 4:8). Peter promises a crown of glory that fadeth not away to church leaders who do their work well (1 Pet. 5:2-4; cf. Matt. 19:28). Joy at seeing Christ Himself, as well as hearing His approval for work well done, will make the moment of His appearance a happy one indeed. Anticipating that moment provides a definite incentive for serving well during the time of waiting.

D. Signs of the Times

Though the Bible states definitely that the exact date of Christ’s second coming is beyond man’s knowledge, it does set forth signs of that coming, that the Christian may be alerted to the time in general. What is more, it urges the Christian to be aware of those signs. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees of His day for not recognizing the signs which indicated His presence among them (Matt. 16:3)—signs such as His lowly birth, His miracles, His being a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, His riding into Jerusalem on a colt, etc. It seems logical that He would similarly rebuke Christians today for not being alert to signs of His second coming. He gave a number of those signs, some more general in nature and others surprisingly specific and unique. Many of the more general signs are set forth in Matthew 24:6-12: wars and rumors of wars, famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, persecution of Christians, betrayal by friends, the appearance of false prophets, and the abounding of iniquity. These signs are quite general in type and have appeared at various times throughout history since Christ’s first coming. They all exist today, in this latter half of the twentieth century, probably to a degree more pronounced than at any prior time, suggesting the proximity of Christ’s return.

A specific sign which is surely more pronounced today than in any prior century, is that of apostasy within the so-called Christian church. Paul, writing to Timothy, said that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils (1 Tim. 4:1). He said also that in the last days men would be lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof (2 Tim. 3:1-5). Prior centuries have known some measure of apostasy, as people have turned from the true faith, but not to the degree existent today. This apostasy does not concern merely peripheral issues either, but the most central of all: the very supernaturalism of Christ and the Bible. Christ has been declared merely a man, though a remarkable one, and the Bible merely a human product, though again an unusually valuable one. This liberal form of theology started with the rise of rationalism in Germany, spread across to England, then to the United States, and finally throughout the world. Theological schools, individual churches, and even whole denominations have fallen before its onrushing tide. Never before in history has anything like it occurred in the area of theology. It is truly a mark of the imminence of last-day events.

E. The Clear Sign of the Modern State of Israel

The clearest sign of Christ’s return is the modern state of Israel. The Scriptures teach that in the last days Jews will return to their land in large numbers, with a resultant reestablishment of their sovereign state. For instance, Isaiah states:

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left…And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth (11:11, 12).

The first return implied in this passage, was from Babylon in 538-537 B.C., when the people of Judah came back to Palestine from one direction, the east. But the second return, says the prophet, will be from