By COGwriter
Can the Great Tribulation start this year? Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2009? Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2010? Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2011? Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2012?
No, it cannot. Not according to Bible prophecy.
I denounced many who claimed that it would begin in 2008 (see James Malm Challenges COGwriter which contains links to many such denouncements in the past couple of years). And will again go on record and say that the Great Tribulation cannot begin in 2009. The Great Tribulation cannot begin in 2010. The Great Tribulation cannot begin in 2011. And it is now basically impossible that the Great tribulation can begin in 2012.
There are various clues in the Bible, and specifically in the Book of Daniel that makes the prospective of the Great Tribulation happening anytime that soon impossible. This article will discuss the earliest timing of the Great Tribulations, the Beginning of Sorrows, some of what happens in the Great Tribulation itself, and the Day of the Lord.
The Bible shows that one is coming called "the King of the North" who will make a deal with one called the King of the South just before the appointed time of the end:
27 Both these kings' hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time (Daniel 11:27).
Daniel chapter 11 tells much about the end times and it involves both a King of the South and a King of the North. And while there is a president of the South and a president of the North in the Union for the Mediterranean (see Deal Leading to Psalm 83?), these individuals are not kings and simply do not at this time hold to the type of power (nor perogatives) of the prophesied King of the North and the King of the South.
Since the Great Tribulation will not start before there is an actual King of the South and an actual King of the North)--and while the "prince" will apparently help make a deal with Israel (probably somewhat including the United States and some Arab lands as part of the "many" in Daniel 9:27), Daniel 11:27 requires two kings, which suggests that the future "prince" will gain more and more importance after the deal in Daniel 9:27 (for more information on the sequence of Daniel 11, please see the article the King of the North).
As far as the King of the South goes, there simply is not a confederation of Islamic nations that work close enough together in order to be led by the King of the South. While it is true that there are two groups that ultimately may ultimately allow this (see Iraq & the King of the South and Mediterranean Union Makes Deal With Israel and Arab States). The Islamic Mahdi has not yet been recognized, and while that is remotely possible to occur in 2009, the King of the South also will not be ready militarily to fulfill prophecies such as those in Daniel 11:40.
Perhaps it should be mentioned that there is an old 17th century Shiite prophecy that a black man will lead the West and will do something that results in the rise of an Islamic Mahdi, who is probably the final King of the South (see Barak Obama in Islamic Prophecy?). So, the end is getting close.
It needs to be mentioned that prior to being referred to as "the King of the North", there is an individual who initially appears to be referred to as a "prince" in Daniel 9:26-27 (one is normally a "prince", or rising leaver, before one becomes a "king").
Since this deal has still not been made, this would suggest that contrary to claims of various false prophets (Ronald Weinland of CGPFK comes to mind) the great tribulation will not begin prior to 2013.
Notice that in the book of Daniel there is a prophecy related to the end times that states:
26 And the people of the prince who is to come
Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.
The end of it shall be with a flood,
And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate (Daniel 9:26-27).
There are several reasons that this "prince" is referring to the leader of the developing European empire (see King of the North and Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation). But perhaps the main one is that it was the people of the Roman Empire of the 1st century that fulfilled the portion of Daniel 9:26 as they destroyed the city (Jerusalem) in 70 A.D. And it is the "prince" coming from that people that verse 27 is referring to. Hence, this prophecy tells us that a leader will start to rise up about 3 1/2 years before the great tribulation.
Since this deal has not been made (at least not publicly), then we are not yet to the part that a "prince of the north" has come on the scene in any major way. Which of course means that there still is no King of the North.
While there have been various understandings of the above passage in Daniel 9 (and many falsely believe it requires a third temple to be built, please see Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?), notice what two commentators somewhat correctly state (bolding/italics in source):
Shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself (or, and shall have nothing, ASV): and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. It is agreed by almost all evangelical interpreters that these two events, the cutting off of the Messiah (Anointed One) and the destruction of the sanctuary refer to the crucifixion of Christ and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. These two events were separated by a period of nearly forty years (29-70 A.D.). Yet, in the literary order of the passage, they are both after the sixty-ninth week and before the final "one week" mentioned in the next verse. Thus the very syntax, grammar, and word-meaning indicate a gap in the succession of the seventy weeks.
Other important reasons for supposing a gap here are: (1) Jesus placed the culminating week, with its "abomination" in the times of final Antichrist, just before His second advent (Matt 24:15). (2) Dan 7:25, which describes what appear to be the very same events as those of 9:27, the seventieth week, is certainly a prophecy of the times of final Antichrist. (3) The period of three and one-half times or years (the second half-week of v. 27) is often mentioned elsewhere in Scripture and always in an eschatological setting (Rev 11:2-3; 12:6,14). (4) The six things to be accomplished in the seventy weeks (see Dan 9:24 and comments) require the second advent of Christ, and the restoration and conversion of Israel.
These considerations show that the idea of a gap in the weeks at this point is a matter of exegesis. Considerations of theology are not primarily involved. It is not this author's opinion that the Church is a mere provisional consideration thrust into this hiatus or gap. Both 'dispensational' and 'covenantal' theologians, doubtless, find more in this prophecy than is properly there. Let us stay by what the passage says. C. F. Keil (Comm., in loco) is correct in asserting that the prince is said to be coming (habba'), because he has already been introduced and discussed in the prophecy of chapter 7 as the final Antichrist. The Romans who destroyed Jerusalem (A.D. 70) were his people because they and he belong to the fourth stage (the Roman) of world empire (chs. 2; 7)...
And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (make a firm covenant, ASV). The language higbir from gabar, "be strong") does not signify confirmation of a covenant but causation of a firm covenant. And he shall cause to prevail is an excellent translation. The most natural antecedent for he, the subject of the clause, is the wicked "prince" of verse 26. This is the nearest noun in grammatical agreement, and it fits the sense. The many here, as elsewhere, is a reference to the Hebrew people, the subject of discussion throughout chapter 9 (cf. vv. 2,12,18,19, esp. 24, "thy people ... thy holy city"). Evidently the covenant is to be made between Antichrist and Israel when the Jews are back in their homeland in the last days. The exact nature of the covenant is unknown.
The evil and destructive events described in the remainder of this verse should be interpreted as summary information concerning the final "time of Jacob's trouble" (Jer 30:7 and context) set forth rather more fully in Dan 12:1 ff; 2 Thess 2:1 ff; Rev 13; 14; and other passages (from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1962 by Moody Press).
...the covenant of Daniel 9:27 is not the covenant of grace...this refers to the coming world ruler at the beginning of the last seven years...He will make a covenant with Israel for a seven-year period. As Daniel 9:27 indicates, in the middle of the seven years he will break the covenant, stop the sacrifices offered...and become their persecutor instead of their protector (Walvoord JF. The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook. Victor Books/SP Publications, Wheaton (IL), 1990, p. 257).
And the portions cited above appear to be the case. A prophetic week is generally understood to refer to seven years. And half a week is 3 1/2 years. While the leader above is only referred to as a prince when he confirms the one week covenant, he probably will not be known as the "King" until shortly before he breaks the covenant at the mid-week point (most likely he will be considered simply one of several leaders negotiating a treaty when this deal in Daniel 9:27 is initially made).
I have been traveling to Europe relatively often in the past five years, and can state that the Europeans are simply not ready to fulfill their role as the supporters of the King of the North – the Final Beast military power, yet.
Although the Europeans recently agreed that they need a 60,000 man rapid development force (http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,3872362,00.html), they do not even have that yet. In order to be able to destroy the United States and its Anglo-allies, the Europeans would also benefit from having their own military satellite tracking system--and while that may not be an absolute requirement, they will not have their own ready until around 2013 (see EU Approves Galileo For Military Use). Additionally, Europe still has not benefited from its Large Hadron Colider project--which may be where it will develop a major military advantage (September 10th is Not the End of the World), which it would seem to need to fulfill biblical prophecy (cf. Revelation 13:4). And as mentioned before, since the deal in Daniel 9:27 has not been made, it will be at least 3 1/2 years before the King of the North can stop the sacrifices.
Of course, the sacrifices must start before they stop. And while it is remotely possible that regular sacrifices will start in 2009, that is remote. But even if they do, they will not be stopped by the King of the North in 2009.
Furthermore, notice when the 1290 days (roughly 3 1/2 years) of Daniel 12 begins:
And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days (Daniel 12:11).
Thus, both Daniel 9:27 and 12:11 seem to be referring to a common event, and 12:11 shows that this begins a period of roughly 3 1/2 years.
Notice the sequence of events that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24, the only place in the Bible where the expression "great tribulation" is used with when it will begin:
15 "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:15-21).
So Jesus shows that after you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel (Daniel 9:27;11:31;12:11) it is time to flee (for more details on where, please see the article There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra) and THEN THERE WILL BE GREAT TRIBULATION!
Since this agreement between the King of the North and Israel has apparently not yet occurred, the abomination involved with removal of the sacrifices (which have not even started yet) cannot happen for at least 3 1/2 years from now. Thus the great tribulation will not occur until after the faithful flee. Then this means that (unless this agreement occurred secretly and prior to July 1, 2009, an idea that various news reports suggest is impossible), that the intense 3 1/2 year period of the great tribulation cannot occur before 2013!
If one adds 3 1/2 years to any current or future date, then a date of 2013 (see End of Mayan Calendar 2012--Might 2012 Mean Something?) or later is the only period possible (and I believe it may be a few years later than 2013). Thus, the Great Tribulation CANNOT occur in 2009 nor prior to 2013!
Perhaps that it should be noted that even though Israel now seems to be moving towards an agreement like the one in Daniel 9:27, that news items suggest it did not have it in 2008:
Israel is increasingly "plugging into" EU institutions and, in turn, allowing European political and economic influence to play a greater part in its diplomatic and economic processes, The Jerusalem Post has learned.
The thinking within the Foreign Ministry is that it is time to reassess the Jewish state's traditional line that Israel's survival rests on two pillars only: a strong IDF and an unbreakable alliance with America. What is becoming evident is the increasing understanding of the importance the European Union plays in world events and in the Middle East particularly, officials say (Israel sees ties with EU as crucial Jerusalem Post - Feb 22, 2008; http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1203605149734&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull).
Also notice what the Living Church of God teaches about this:
A New Chapter in German-Israeli Relations.German Chancellor Merkel participated in a historic meeting this week in Israel, with Israeli Prime Minister Olmert stating, “This is an extraordinary, in many ways a historic occasion in relations between Israel and Germany.” Acknowledging the legitimacy of the nation of Israel, and forecasting a bright future between the two nations, Merkel commented, “Sixty years after the creation of Israel we affirm again the special responsibility of Germany towards Israel… But there is not only the responsibility for the past but projects for a better future… I am grateful we can open a new chapter in relations between our two countries.” The two leaders discussed bilateral relations in the areas of economics, science, culture, education, and media. Merkel is also the first German Chancellor to address the Knesset (Deutsche Welle, March 17, 2008). Germany may be the key nation to break the United Nations gridlock over how to deal with Iran (Jerusalem Post, March 16, 2008). Daniel 9:27 talks about a “prince” confirming a covenant with many—a covenant that will lead to the establishing of sacrifices on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. A King of the North will defile the “sanctuary fortress” and remove the daily sacrifices, eventually magnifying himself above the gods (Daniel 11:29-37). This King of the North will emerge from a powerful political-religious union involving European nations. It is important to watch the continuing involvement of European nations and the Vatican in Israel (Winnail D., ed. World Ahead Weekly Update. Living Church of God. March 19, 2008).
Notice that the press in Israel keeps hinting that it needs a peace/military deal involving the Europeans. Notice:
The idea of the Greater Land of Israel lives on only in the political faction to the right of Likud. The leaders of the national majority, like their voters, have also accepted the idea of parting from Shuafat, Abu Dis and the Golan Heights.
The stumbling block that prevents Israel's departure from the territories is not the demarcation of the final border between us and our neighbors. The only obstacle seen as impassable today on the way to an agreement is the security issue after the territories are vacated. As long as this dilemma has no answer that is convincing to most Israelis, no government, weak or strong, will be able to implement an agreement with our neighbors, even if it dares to sign one...There is little doubt that most Palestinian people, as well as the government in Ramallah, would accept such an army willingly, if not enthusiastically. The Gaza Strip is a different story, and some arm-twisting would be required, not on the people but certainly on Hamas.
Such a force cannot be established without Israel's agreement. Israel would of course demand as part of that agreement, and would undoubtedly receive, close cooperation with the international force, first and foremost in matters of intelligence and counterterrorism. The foreign force should be here temporarily, its task will include helping to set up an effective Palestinian administration and Palestinian security forces who would eventually serve as a reliable counterterrorist force. All this will ultimately allow for the departure of the foreign army from the West Bank without Israel's security being endangered.
The question is, who will take on this mission?...At this moment the European Union appears to be the only option. The EU, under French and German leadership, could be persuaded to accept the responsibility (A foreign army at the gate Haaretz, Israel, October 7, 2008).
And it should be noted that the Vatican itself wants an agreement with Israel related to local Catholic matters in Israel:
ROME: The Vatican has warned Israeli officials that the Holy See will not sign an agreement that cannot be sustained locally...That's according to Archbishop Antonio Franco, the Apostolic Nuncio in Israel (who is also the Apostolic Delegate in Jerusalem and Palestine, as well as Apostolic Nuncio in Cyprus) during a recent visit through Rome. Speaking to Terrasanta.net, the archbishop said he was "not making any forecasts" on the duration of the negotiations on tax and property of the Church in Israel, but stressed that both parties were working "with a great deal of good will" and there was progress because "the State of Israel is showing great understanding". But he added it was essential the negotiators understand "it is a question of life or death", because the "very survival of the Church of the Holy Land" is at stake (Nuncio Franco: "Church's Survival in the Holy Land at Stake". The Holy Land Review - February 26, 2008; http://www.theholylandreview.net/holyland/att_det.jsp?wi_number=889&wi_codseq=).
Thus, it may be that since Israel wants closer agreement with the Europeans and the Vatican (which supports increased European unity) wants a more comprehensive agreement with Israel than it has had in the past, that one will happen relatively soon.
And in late 2008, Europe is hinting that it may try to make a deal--though since many Arabs oppose it as proposed, any deal proposed or even made will ultimately change to fulfill Daniel 9:27:
The Arab League's chief says he is dismayed by the European Union's plans to strengthen its relations with Israel. Amr Moussa says the European Union must adopt an "honest" position and immediately oppose Israel's policy of building settlements, instead of rewarding it with preferential treatment. Moussa says that others in the Arab World are also astonished and dismayed by the EU plan, which would encompass political, economic, scientific, security, health and other spheres. The Czech Republic takes over the EU rotating presidency in January. It said earlier this month it was keen to boost ties between the EU and Israel. Moussa spoke Wednesday at a Vienna conference aimed at promoting dialogue between Europe and the Arab world. (Arab League upset at plan to boost EU-Israel ties Associated Press - Dec 17, 2008 http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/12/17/europe/EU-Arabs-Israel.php)
But again, since the deal of Daniel 9:27 does not seem to have been made yet, it does not seem possible that the Great Tribulation can begin prior to 2013.
Furthermore, that although the Bible warns about the coming King of the North and this deal, Roman Catholic prophecies seem to look forward to this individual, who they tend to call "the Great Monarch" or "the prince of the north" (this is documented in the article Who is the King of the North?). But he does not have power yet.
Thus, even though the stage is being set for the end, contrary to the claims of various self-appointed ones, the Great Tribulation WILL NOT begin in 2009.
A point that few seem to recognize (including pretty much all those predicting the Great Tribulation in 2008/2009/2010) is that Matthew 24:14 still needs to be properly fulfilled. Recall that Jesus said:
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come (Matthew 24:14).
Although God did use Herbert W. Armstrong as a witness, the 21st century world as a whole has not had an adequate witness for the end to come (see also Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work?).
I strongly believe that God will more powerfully use the remnant of the Philadelphia era of the Church of God to proclaim the good news of the The Gospel of the Kingdom of God and that the "short work" of Romans 9:28 will still happen--but even though the Living Church of God is busily continuing the Philadelphia-era work to fulfill a variety of prophecies related to proclaimation, it will not be able to complete this work in 2009.
And of course, since the 6000 years of God's plan apparently has several years left (see Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End?) combined with the fact that all the other signs mentioned in this update are not ready yet (though events seem to be working towards that objective), the Great Tribulation simply cannot begin in 2009/2010/2011/2012.
But some will say, why all the problems now? Surely they mean something.
And surely they do. The Apostle Paul warned that in the last days, perilous times would come:
3:1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
We seem to be in those perilous times.
With all of the natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and related food shortages in the past few years, perhaps this would be a good time to show people that these are to occur PRIOR to the “great tribulation”.
The disciples asked Jesus the sequence:
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3)
Notice what Jesus taught in response:
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
15 "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:4-21).
Thus, recent items such as earthquakes, economic turmoils, and food shortages should, at most, be considered as related to “the beginning of sorrows” (which may or may not yet have started in their final intensity) and not the “great tribulation” itself. The “great tribulation” does NOT begin until verse 21. And while “tribulation” is involved in verse 9, this seems to be referring the persecuting tribulation that true Philadelphia Christians will face just prior to the great tribulation.
Even secular sources warn that things are lining up for famines and major disruptions in the first half of the 21st century. Notice one such source from March 19, 2009:
Food and energy shortages will create 'perfect storm', says Prof John Beddington
Growing populations, falling energy sources and food shortages will create the "perfect storm" by 2030, the government's chief scientist Professor John Beddington has said.
The demand for resources will create a crisis with dire consequences, Prof Beddington predicts.
Demand for food and energy will jump 50 per cent by 2030 and for fresh water by 30 per cent, as the global population tops 8.3 billion, he is due to tell a conference in London.
Climate change will exacerbate matters in unpredictable ways, he will add.
"It's a perfect storm," Prof Beddington will tell the Sustainable Development UK 09 conference…
Prof Beddington said the "storm" would create war, unrest and mass migration…
He said food reserves are at a 50-year low but the world requires 50 per cent more energy, food and water by 2030.
Prof Beddington said climate change would mean Northern Europe would become new key centres for food production and other areas would need to use more advanced pesticides.
The United Nations Environment Programme predicts widespread water shortages across Africa, Europe and Asia by 2025. The amount of fresh water available per head of the population is expected to decline sharply in that time.
(Alleyne R. Food and energy shortages will create 'perfect storm', says Prof John Beddington. Telegraph, March 19, 2009. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/earthnews/5015051/Food-and-energy-shortages-will-create-perfect-storm-says-Prof-John-Beddington.html viewed 03/19/08)
During this time, physical preparation, while not as helpful as spiritual preparation, does make sense. We all know the Bible prophecies famines. Should we do something physically? See, Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians. Various pestilences, food shortages, and terrors are expected PRIOR to the Great Tribulation.
Perhaps it should be mentioned that there are at least eight reasons why Barack Obama is Apocalyptic. There may even be Kenyan writings that seem to be about Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States. The end is getting near, especially for the Anglo-American nations (see also Anglo - America in Prophecy) but is not yet.
Sometime during the beginning of sorrows, a prince will start to rise up who will be the biblical King of the North. The Orthodox seem to realize that he may be identified around then. Near the end of the 4th century, there was an exchange between two important Orthodox leaders pertaining to the beginning of sorrows:
Epiphanius: When will come the end of the world? What are the ‘beginning of sorrows’ and when shall they take place? From what signs and events shall humanity be able to know that the end of the world is near and what signs will be manifest?...
Andrew the Fool-for-Christ: Now son, how can I relate to you without tears the events of the beginning of sorrows and the end of the world? During the End Times, God will reveal as King a certain poor man…This king will rule...Happiness will reign in the world as it did in the days of Noah. People will become very rich...The entire world will fear this king...he will pursue all persons of the Jewish religion out of Constantinople...and the people will rejoice like in the time of Noah until the deluge came (Tzima Otto, pp. 111, 113,114)
So, some ancient Orthodox writings indicate that the Great Monarch will rise up during the time of the beginning of sorrows—and that is correct. The comment about “persons of Jewish religion” may refer to persecution of the Nazarene sect as Orthodox and Roman Catholics have often indicated that the those with Nazarene practices are actually Jews pretending to be Christian. However, it also needs to be understood, that while the above Orthodox discussion indicates that having things as they were in the days of Noah is a positive thing, the Bible warns that this occurrence comes after the tribulation has began and is a sign that Jesus is about to return (Matthew 24:37-44).
The last President of the United States, who may or may not be Barack Obama, may help set the stage for this to begin (see Prophecies of Barack Obama?).
And when it starts it will not be a good time for the USA or its Anglo-Allies (see also Anglo - America in Prophecy).Notice what happens during the “great tribulation” according to Jesus:
22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened. 23 Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 Therefore if they say to you, 'Look, He is in the desert!' do not go out; or 'Look, He is in the inner rooms!' do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together (Matthew 24:22-28).
The Great Tribulation is further described in Revelation 6:9-11 (the fifth seal, that seems to occur because the faithful church has suffered martyrdom), Lamentations, Daniel, and other parts of the Bible.
It remains likely that many of the Protestants that survive the tribulation (whether or not they believed in a pre-tribulation view of Christ’s return) will be part of the great multitude of those converted during the tribulation (c.f. Revelation 7:9) through the Living Church of God message which will mainly then be brought to the world by The Two Witnesses (a lot of Greco-Roman Catholics and those of non-biblically-claimed faiths will be as well; cf. Revelation 7:9-10).
Notice who is the target of the Great Tribulation as John Ogwyn wrote:
Because of their faithful endurance, Philadelphians are promised protection from the great time of severe trial that will come upon the whole world in the end time (Revelation 3:10). By contrast, Christ rebukes the Church at Laodicea, representing the final era, for its lukewarm spirit. Lacking in zeal, Laodicea is beset by compromise with the world, unaware that it is spiritually impoverished and naked. Because of its attitude, the living Christ will have to spew Laodiceans out of His mouth and right into the Great Tribulation, to wake them up and bring them to ultimate repentance and complete surrender to Him. Understanding this distinction between the final two eras allows us to understand prophecies in Revelation 12 that describe Satan’s attempt to make war with the "woman"—the true Church…
Jesus warned us of the Great Tribulation—a time unique in all history (Matthew 24:21–22). The Great Tribulation begins shortly after the "abomination of desolation" (v. 15)…
This future time of trouble will clearly be a time of intense religious persecution, when all will be forced to conform to false religious practices that will be portrayed as "Christian." All will be required to give their devotion to the great false church and its hierarchy, labeled in Revelation 13:15 the "image of the beast." An outward sign of conformity called the "mark of the beast" will identify those whom Scripture labels as the children of disobedience.
There is another aspect of this coming Great Tribulation that is often overlooked. It is not only a time of religious persecution but it is also identified as "the time of Jacob’s trouble" in Jeremiah 30:7. We know that this is identical with the time of which Jesus spoke in Matthew 24:21, because in both places we are told that it is a unique time, a time such as never was before nor ever again shall be. There cannot be two separate times like that! (Ogwyn JH. Revelation: The Mystery Unveiled! Living Church of God, 2006, pp. 17-18, 25, 26 )
John Ogwyn pointed out that it is not the world as a whole, but those now trying to be followers of Christ (the Laodiceans mainly, see The Laodicean Church Era) and those who are physical descendants of Israel who are the initial targets of the Great Tribulation (see Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel). And notice that they are persecuted by the Beast power and those supporting him.
Notice what Daniel writes about the coming persecuting king:
24 The ten horns are ten kings
Who shall arise from this kingdom.
And another shall rise after them;
He shall be different from the first ones,
And shall subdue three kings.
25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High,
Shall persecute the saints of the Most High,
And shall intend to change times and law.
Then the saints shall be given into his hand
For a time and times and half a time (Daniel 7:24-25).
Thus the time of severe persecution, where “the saints shall be given into his hand” lasts 3 ½ years (1 time + 2 times + ½ time = 3 ½ times or years). This king is the King of the North.
But what about others?
In addition to the warnings given by His two witnesses for 3 ½ years (Revelation 11:3), God is going to provide a warning of repentance to the world by way of three angels:
6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth--to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people-- 7 saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water." 8 And another angel followed, saying, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." 9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name" (Revelation 14:6-11).
God wants people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30) and though most will not listen in this age, He still wants them to be warned (and a great multitude will respond per Revelation 7:9-10).
What do Catholics teach about the Great Tribulation?
First it may be best to read what early supporters of the Greco-Romans taught. In the third century, Hippolytus wrote:
62. The Lord also says, "When you shall see the abomination of desolation stand in the holy place (whoso reads, let him understand), then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains, and let him which is on the housetop not come down to take his clothes; neither let him which is in the field return back to take anything out of his house. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh besaved. " And Daniel says, "And they shall place the abomination of desolation a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he that waits, and comes to the thousand two hundred and ninety-five days." (Hippolytus. On Christ and Antichrist. http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0516.htm viewed 12/17/08)
Now notice what Cyril of Jerusalem taught in the late middle portion of the fourth century:
16. For this cause the Lord knowing the greatness of the adversary grants indulgence to the godly, saying, Then let them which be in Judæa flee to the mountains. But if any man is conscious that he is very stout-hearted , to encounter Satan, let him stand (for I do not despair of the Church's nerves), and let him say, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ and the rest? But, let those of us who are fearful provide for our own safety; and those who are of a good courage, stand fast: for then shall be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be. But thanks be to God who has confined the greatness of that tribulation to a few days; for He says, But for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened ; and Antichrist shall reign for three years and a half only. We speak not from apocryphal books, but from Daniel ; for he says, And they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and half a time . A time is the one year in which his coming shall for a while have increase; and the times are the remaining two years of iniquity , making up the sum of the three years; and the half a time is the six months. And again in another place Daniel says the same thing, And he sware by Him that lives for ever that it shall be for a time , and times, and half a time. And some peradventure have referred what follows also to this; namely , a thousand two hundred and ninety days ; and this, Blessed is he that endures and comes to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days . For this cause we must hide ourselves and flee; for perhaps we shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of Man be come (Cyril of Jerusalem. Catechetical Lecture 15. http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/310115.htm viewed 12/27/08).
The above appears consistent with what we in the Living Church of God still teach.
Yet, even though they consider him to be a saint, some of those associated with Rome now seem to teach that the Great Tribulation was over by the time that Cyril wrote what he did. Notice what two modern "Catholic" priests have written:
Priest W. Kurz (21st century): …great tribulation…probably already a horrific past event by the time Matthew wrote down his gospel (Kurz W. What Does the Bible Say About the End Times? A Catholic View. Servant Books, Cincinnati. Nihil Obstat: Kistner H., Schehr T.P. Imprimi Potest: Link F., Paul J.M. Imprimatur: Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxillary Bishop, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 19, 2004. Servant Books, Cincinnati, 2004, p. 96).
Priest H.B. Kramer (20th century): The "great tribulation" is a stereotyped phrase used often in the Apocalypse and elsewhere in the New Testament (Mt. XXIV. 21) for the Roman persecutions. (See VII. 14)....
THE GREAT TRIBULATION. The definite article used refers to something which had been mentioned before and was presumed to be known. In chapter I. 9 and II. 10, St. John states it and warns the Christians in Asia of its coming. He calls it the "hour of temptation" in II. 10. It is bloody persecution. In this verse, the stress placed on "the great one" points to the imperial persecutions, especially to the last one under Diocletian. This scene is then in the fourth century, when the Roman persecutions had been abolished. "The great tribulation" had passed away to return no more, and since then the Church had grown to grand proportions. (Kramer H.B. L. The Book of Destiny. Nihil Obstat: J.S. Considine, O.P., Censor Deputatus. Imprimatur: +Joseph M. Mueller, Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa, January 26, 1956. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), pp. 81,181-182)
This is a change in prophetic understanding that is not consistent with the teachings of the Bible nor the traditions of the early church. The fact is that much persecution against the true Church began after Constantine protected the Greco-Romans. Actually, Constantine began persecutions against all who did not accept his militaristic view of Christianity.
But the doctrinal truth is that the Great Tribulation that the Bible speaks about is NOT over. Even the Rheims translation of the New Testament (the first major Catholic accepted translation into English) teaches:
[20] But pray that your flight be not in the winter, or on the sabbath.
[21] For there shall be then great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, neither shall be. (Matthew 24:20-21).
Thus, the time of the great tribulation comes at a particular time of fleeing. It has not yet happened.
What or when is the "Day of the Lord".
Many Protestants also seem to confuse the “Day of the Lord” and the Great Tribulation. At least one book refers to the tribulation as “the terrible week of the Lord” (LaHaye T, Jenkins J. Are We Living in the End Times? Tyndale House, Wheaton (IL), 1999, p. 159--an expression that is not in scripture) and the “Day of the Lord”. Dr. LaHaye, J. Jenkins, (LaHaye & Jenkins, p. 105, 147) and Dr. Walvoord (Walvoord, pp. 491-492) teach that the “Day of the Lord” occurs after their hoped for pre-tribulation rapture.
Thus, in a sense, the Day of the Lord is something they and others of their view seem to be looking forward to.
Yet, the Bible teaches:
18 Woe to you who desire the day of the LORD! For what good is the day of the LORD to you? It will be darkness, and not light. 19 It will be as though a man fled from a lion, And a bear met him! Or as though he went into the house, Leaned his hand on the wall, And a serpent bit him! 20 Is not the day of the LORD darkness, and not light? Is it not very dark, with no brightness in it? (Amos 5:18-20)
Since the Day of the Lord basically is a time that pre-tribulation Protestant rapturists look forward to, the above prophecy sadly, will most likely apply to many of them.
The fact is that the Great Tribulation involves horrors for physical and spiritual Israel. About 2.4 years after it starts there are to be the heavenly signs (Matthew 24:29), which are followed by the “Day of the Lord, a time of wrath and anger (Isaiah 13:9), which affects the whole world (cf. Matthew 24:30-31, Zechariah 14:1-4).
The Bible shows that the Beast power (also called the King of the North) will persecute the saints for 3 ½ years (Daniel 7:25) and the “Day of the Lord” lasts one year (Isaiah 34:8).
The “heavenly signs” of the “sixth seal” and are described in Revelation 6:12-17, Matthew 24:29, and other parts of the Bible.
Here are some comments by John Ogwyn on this matter:
When the sixth seal is opened, John sees dramatic signs in the heavens. He describes great meteor showers—so intense that it appears that the very stars are falling out of the sky! He also describes events, resembling eclipses, involving the sun and the moon. The sun becomes dark, just as during a solar eclipse, and the moon takes on a reddish hue, just as it often does during a lunar eclipse. These dramatic and frightening events, accompanied by massive volcanic and earthquake activity (cf. Joel 2:30–31), are the prelude to the time of the Creator’s intervention, called throughout Scripture "the Day of the Lord."
At this point, there is a pause in the action before John sees the seventh seal opened. Revelation 7:1–4 makes plain that this pause is for a very specific purpose. Before the outpouring of God’s wrath, 144,000 saints from the 12 tribes of Israel are to be sealed so that they might be spared from what God is preparing to pour out on rebellious mankind.
A parallel can be found in Ezekiel 9, where Ezekiel saw a vision about God’s punishment on the rebellious people of Jerusalem. In the vision, he saw an angel clothed in linen with a writer’s inkhorn by his side standing beside the altar in front of the temple. The angel was told to go throughout the city, putting a mark on the foreheads of those who "sighed and cried" for all of the abominations of Jerusalem. In the wake of the angel with the writer’s inkhorn, the other angels were to go out as avenging angels to slay the rebellious and ungodly. In the same way, Revelation 7 describes that a remnant of Israel will respond to God’s grace with repentance. They are servants of God, and are to be set apart so that they might be spared God’s wrath that will be poured upon the children of disobedience during the coming Day of the Lord.
In the closing verses of Revelation 13, and the opening verses of Revelation 14, we see a contrast drawn between those who accept the mark of the Beast in their foreheads and the 144,000 who have the Father’s name in their foreheads. The forehead is the seat of intellect, and this pictures our choice of obedience—either to God or to Satan.
Many fail to notice that Revelation 7 records two different groups. They are both introduced by the same phrase, "after this I saw," recorded in verses 1 and 9. The 144,000 drawn from the 12 tribes precede the description of a multitude of indefinite number drawn from every nation and people. This great multitude is described in a victory celebration before the throne of God…(Ogwyn JH. Revelation: The Mystery Unveiled!, LCG Booklet, p. 27)
While most Protestant scholars understand that the 1260 days and “the time, times, and half a time” refer to 3 ½ years, some wrongly teach that the “Day of the Lord” will apparently only “be a lengthened day”(Walvoord, pp. 333,579).
That particular Protestant position is wrong because “Day of the Lord” itself is shown to be a year long in Isaiah where it is basically described as punishment for those who punished the church (called Zion):
For it is the day of the LORD's vengeance, The year of recompense for the cause of Zion (Isaiah 34:8).
1 To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3 To console those who mourn in Zion (Isaiah 61:1-3).
Within the Living Church of God it is understood that the seven trumpets plagues of Revelation 8, 9, and 11, and the seven plagues of Revelation 16 essentially constitute much of what will happen in the “Day of the Lord” (Ogwyn JH. Revelation: The Mystery Unveiled!, pp. 22-23--though certain events in Matthew 24, Zechariah 14, and other portions of the Bible are also fulfilled then).
Regarding the “Day of the Lord” John Ogwyn wrote:
Here we should note that Scripture identifies the true saints as those who actually obey God and keep His commandments. Revelation 14:12 emphasizes this point by describing the saints in comparison to those who will receive God’s punishment…
John records a vision of seven angels, with seven golden bowls that pour out seven final plagues, one after another. This pouring occurs rather quickly, as we see when we examine the nature of the plagues. If the second and third plagues, for instance, lasted more than a few days, all life would perish from the planet.
When the first bowl is poured out, a grievous sore comes upon those who had disregarded the third angel’s message and were still loyal to the Beast system. Then, when the second angel pours out his bowl, all the oceans become like "the blood of a dead man" (16:3). All sea life dies. With the pouring out of the third bowl, all the fresh water turns to blood, and sources of drinking water are destroyed. Then, the fourth angel pours his bowl, and scorching heat from the sun punishes rebellious mankind. Next, great darkness comes upon Europe ("the seat of the Beast") and its people are in agonizing pain and heat, engulfed in total darkness and lacking usable water all at the same time. The darkness results from the bowl poured out by the fifth angel.
After this, John sees the sixth angel pour his bowl upon the Euphrates. Demon spirits go forth to bring all the armies together north of Jerusalem. The huge Asiatic army that had previously been massed on the east bank of the Euphrates pours into the land of Israel, and converges in the area of Armageddon (Hebrew for "mount of Megiddo"). Megiddo is a hill that stands overlooking the Valley of Jezreel, about 55 miles north of Jerusalem. When the final seventh bowl is poured out, there will be a tremendous earthquake so massive that the very topography of the earth itself will be altered (vv. 18–20). Very likely this earthquake is the same one that is described in Zechariah 14:4, when the feet of Jesus Christ finally stand once more upon the Mount of Olives, located just east of Jerusalem…
It is important that we realize now, and in the crucial years ahead, that God’s victory is certain. This history has already been written in advance! Therefore, it is imperative that we come out of this world’s Babylonish system (18:4), and give our total and true allegiance to Jesus Christ and the message that He taught! (Ogwyn JH. Revelation: The Mystery Unveiled!, pp. 38-39)
There are many details, but basically this “Day of the Lord” is God’s vengeance on the world for persecuting His people and not listening to His servants like the two witnesses.
Interestingly, there is a Catholic prophecy that indicates that at first their end-time two leaders will do well and turn the world Catholic (the first 2 ½ years or so) then their will be problems, leading to the destruction:
St. Caesar of Arles (6th Century): ...there will be a great Pope...This Pope shall have with him, the Great Monarch...This Great Monarch will assist the Pope in the reformation of the whole earth...All nations shall recognize the Holy See of Rome, and shall pay homage to the Pope. But after some considerable time fervor shall cool...which shall bring upon mankind the last and worse persecution of Anti-Christ...There shall be great carnage(Culleton, R. Gerald. The Prophets and Our Times. Nihil Obstat: L. Arvin. Imprimatur: Philip G. Scher, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno, November 15, 1941. Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 126-127).
It may be that the above Catholic prophecy is pointing to the Day of the Lord. For more information see the articles Europa, the Beast, and the Book of Revelation and Two Horned Beast of Revelation and 666.
We do live in perilous times. Many events are occuring that are changing the world as we have known it the past 50 or 60 years.
But, because the deal with the Daniel 9 prince (who is later to become the King of the North) has apparently not yet occurred, the Great Tribulation cannot possibly begin prior to 2013 (but some things of prophetic interest still are likely happen before then, see also End of Mayan Calendar 2012--Might 2012 Mean Something?). And the Great Tribulation probably will not begin until after then.
But make no mistake about it--the end is coming and fairly soon--and most probably, sometime next decade. But the Great Tribulation will not start this year nor in 2010 nor in 2011 nor in 2012.
But the Great Tribulation is coming and will start under the final administration of the United States as it will be destroyed then (see also Anglo - America in Prophecy and Prophecies of Barack Obama). What will you do about your spiritual condition before it is too late?
Thiel B. Can the Great Tribulation Begin in 2009, 2010, 2011, or 2012? www.cogwriter.com/when-will-the-great-tribulation-begin.htm 2008, 2009 0706