Quote:
Originally Posted by Samuel
I have studied this subject for years have read, and know the scriptural support for each position. Each position has its margin of support from scriptures, a lot depends on your doctrinal, and personal bias.
There is only one verse that supports a 7 year tribulation period, and again it depends on how that is interpreted. This subject has caused more division among freinds, hurt feelings, and even Church splits than any other. I wont even state my opinion on the subject, because it will disagree with the many.
Its best to say our Lord promised he would return for us, and to believe his promise is true. If we have to suffer or not!, it won't be anything to compare with the suffering he has already done for us.  |
Daniel 9:26-27
26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
The Messiah will be "cut off" 7 weeks and 62 weeks (69 weeks or 483 days )
after the decree to rebuild Jerusalem 483 years passed from this decree until the time that Christ was crucified. Leaving 7 years to fulfill Daniel 9:24 and for God to finally Judge Israel for their sins. The Beginning of sorrows / The Great Tribulation.
the first 3 1/2 years are a false peace (Beginning of sorrows) therefore suggesting it IS tribulation it just wont appear that way, the 2nd half of the week is when the covenant is broken and satan becomes incarnate and the real horror starts, "the Great Tribulation"
The tribulation was always to be the 7 years, Seven throughout the entire Bible has been used to signify completion.
addition: The beginning of sorrows described in Matthew 24 speaks of famines, pestilence and Earthquakes and nation rising against nation, if that's not tribulation what is? The GREAT tribulation is the like of what this World has never seen, nor can imagine. GREAT signifies that something that was started has grown, ie 7 years