The order of events leading up to Christ's return.
1) The beginning of sorrows (Matt 24:4-8), which includes:
a) rumors of wars.
b) Wars and World War (nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom).
c) Pestilence.
d) Famine.
e) Earthquakes.
[Note: all of the "beginning of sorrows" events must take place in the generation that sees Christ's parousia, Matt 24:34. These events will culminate in the first half of the week, flowing into the great persecution in the second half].
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2) The Temple will be rebuilt (Matt 24:15; 2Thes 2:3-4; Dan 9:27).
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3) Daily sacrifice and offerings resume (Dan 9:27).
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4) The covenant confirmed with many (Dan 9:27) (Possibly Abrahamic land covenant, an acknowledgment of Israel's right to the land.)
5) Elijah comes turning hearts (Mal. 4:5).
6) The two witnesses begin their ministry. (Rev 11)(just before the middle of the week)
7) The man of sin has a successful military campaign. (Dan 11:35-45) (there are many, many details within this broad statement).
8) There is war in Heaven and Satan and his angels are cast to the earth. (Rev 12)(the middle of the week).
9) The man of sin is slain and brought back to life, being indwelt by the beast from the sea. (Rev 13:3, 12, 14)(the middle of the week).
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10) The abomination of desolation, revelation of the man of sin takes place. (Dan 9:27; Matt 24:15; 2Thes 2:3-4)(The middle of the week).
11) The unprecedented persecution of ethnic Israel and the elect begins. (Matt 24:15, 21; Deut 4:30; 32:36; Jer 30:7; Dan 12:1; Rev 6:9-11)(the middle of the week).
12) The woman (a part of Israel) is hid, fed, and protected in the wilderness of Jordan and Northern Saudi Arabia. (Rev 12:6-17; Dan
11:41)(in the middle of the week).
13) The notable apostasia (falling away) due to the unprecedented persecution and supernatural deception takes place. (Matt 13:20-21; 24:9-12, 24; 2Thes 2:3)
14) Multitudes of believers martyred. (Matt 24:9, 21-22; Luke 18:8; Rev 6:9-11; 12:11, 17; 17:6).
15) A great earthquake takes place, one that moves islands and mountains out of their places (Rev 6:12-14).
16) The cosmic sign of the sun, moon, and stars going dark takes place. (Joel 2:10, 31; Isa 13:6-11; Matt 24:29; Lk 21:25-26; Rev 6:12-14) This is the only sign that signals that Christ will appear at any moment. We are told to look up (to the sky) when it takes place Lk 21:25-28).
17) Christ appears in all His glory with the mighty angels for every eye to see. (Matt 24:30; Lk 21:27; 1Cor 1:7; 2Thes 1:7; 1Pet 1:7, 13; Rev 1:7; Titus 2:13, 1John 3:2) (This begins the day of the Lord, the day of Christ, the last day, that day, etc. each of these expressions refers to a period of time that extends at least through the 1000 years.)
18) The unbelieving, Beast worshiping, earth-dwellers begin hiding in fear. (Lk 21:25-26; Isa 2:19; Rev 6:15-17)
19) The surviving saints are encouraged (Lk 21:28)
20) The dead in Christ are resurrected (Isa 26:19; 1Cor 15:23; 1Thes 4:15-17; Rev 20:4-6)
21) Those who are alive and remain are changed (1 Cor 15:51-52)
22) All the redeemed admire our Glorious Saviour (2Thes 1:10)
23) We are gathered unto Christ in the clouds by the Angels. (Matt 24:31; 13:39)
24) We are escorted to the Father's house to stand before the throne. (Jn 14:3; Rev 7:9-17)
25) The 144,000 are sealed for protection from the plagues of God's wrath while remaining upon the earth. (Rev 7:1-8)
26) The first stroke of God's eschatological wrath falls in the fire of the first trumpet judgment. (Rev 8:7).
Although this list is not exhaustive it covers the vast majority of the signs to Christ's parousia.
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