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Tuesday, June 16, 2015

The Greatest Tribulation -- What and Why?

[NOTE: If you wish to listen to the meetings which review this post, there are approximately 9 of them, starting with this meeting link of 22/09/2000: (https://soundcloud.com/user-192860936/25-sep-2022-17-21-47-edt-1lghaesnxnec-2). Please be patient with the introduction, because the meetings are sometimes open to initial questions that are discussed before this post's material.
The meeting recordings that cover this post are dated between September and December. There are also a few other discussion recordings, peppered into that period. The title on each recording, should indicate the content within each recording.]
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At Matt.24:21; Jesus said concerning a development at the time of his return,
"For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will again."

Here Jesus confides that the type of distress which occurs at that time, will have never been preceded, nor will it be repeated.
Many have contemplated and expounded on what manner and form in which this "great tribulation" will manifest itself. Such opinions point to it's source as being economic, warfare, famine, natural disasters, spiritual persecution and disintegration of morality.   
  While Jesus does list these conditions as concurrent symptomology of the great tribulation, these conditions are symbolic (Signs), and only secondary manifestations of the Great Tribulation. They are not the root cause.
Why do I say this?
First, many object to these "signs" as being unique to the "last days" (Matt.24:3;  2Tim. 3:1). When interpreted in a physical and literal sense, that is correct. Mankind's woes have existed since Adam and Eve were expelled from Eden 
(Gen.3:17-18; Heb.6:8-9; Rom.8:18-22; Job 14:1-2).
Some assert that what makes these literal "signs" unique to the last days, is the unprecedented degree in which they occur. Although these woes have intensified in modern times, one must remember, that Satan controls the world and all that takes place within it (1John 5:19; Rev.12:9,12). He can certainly increase such woes upon the planet (Rev.12:12 B), in order to fulfill a literal and false interpretation of the signs Jesus listed (Matt.13:10,11; Mark 4:34; Matt.24:3) 
(pearl-sign.blogspot.com).

The only way to achieve an authentic interpretation of Christ's description of the time of the end 
(and the manifestation/appearance, of his "presence"/coming - 2Thess. 2:8), 
is if the scriptures themselves are used as the means to arrive at one's interpretation.
The scriptures provide much information about this time period. All that information is a part of the whole picture, and as pieces of a puzzle, those pieces of information should not be compartmentalized, but must be assembled into a whole before an accurate image is perceptible. Then we will know where each piece fits, and how each piece relates to the other pieces.

In fact, every description of the last days is speaking of the same scenario. Once we grasp that, scriptural details converge, and the whole harmonious truth, emerges.

Image result for puzzle

A literal puzzle piece usually has four sides. One must seek out where one side fits with one side of another piece. As more pieces are similarly matched up, other nearby pieces also fit additional sides, until there are no more gaps and the last pieces and all their sides, fit perfectly. Things are the most confusing, right at the start. Yet, we must start someplace. I will start at Matt.24:21.
Image result for puzzle
If we examine that verse as if it were a puzzle piece, we see that on one of it's "sides", it asserts that the great tribulation is a singular, unique situation. Now we need to search the scriptures for a matching side. Where else in the Bible, is this unique, singular situation mentioned? 
In the book of Joel, (which also describes the time of the end), we find our match. As we assemble this puzzle, each found piece adds more information to the whole picture.

"A day of darkness and gloom,
A day of clouds and thick darkness.
As the nightfall is spread over the mountains,
So there is a great and mighty army;
There has never been anything like it,
Nor will there be again after it
To the years of many generations." Joel 2:2NIV
Joel 2:2 Jer.13:16 ("Dusk", not "Dawn">LINK)
Joel 2:2ESV Joel 2:5ESV Joel 2:7ESV
(See Dan.12:1) When we connect these two verses, we learn that the great tribulation/testing/sifting, is the result of "a great and mighty army" (Jer.4:5-7,9-13,16-21,27-28; Rev.13:4,7; Dan.7:19,23c). It is the threat and power of this abominable army, and the desolation it causes to God's people (upon God's people (< LINK) - 1Pet. 2:10,9), that is unprecedented (Matt.24:15; Dan.7:7,19,23b,24; 2:40). The spiritual darkness/thick gloom (John 12:35;  1John 1:6) that this army spreads (Rev.9:2,3; Joel 2:2NIV ; Jer.13:16), is so insurmountable and overwhelming, that the salvation of God's Chosen Ones, is then threatened (tails-stingers-scorpions) (Rev.13:7; Dan.8:10-11; Rev.11:2; 13:10; Luke 21:24; Isa.63:18; Matt.5:13). 
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/09/trample-how-does-it-happen.html)
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/05/why-jesus-came-to-earth-last-world.html)
As Jesus continues in Matt.24:22,24...

"Unless those days had been cut short (Job 18:7; Ps.89:45; 102:23; Rev.12:12; 20:3), no life would have been saved* (Matt.19:25-26; Luke 13:23-24; 18:26-27; Matt.7:14-15); but for the sake of the elect, those days will be cut short (2Thess. 2:8; Rev.20:9; 11:5; 12:10,11) (Matt.24:22; Rev.3:10; Luke 22:53). For false Christs and false prophets will arise (Matt.7:15; 24:4-5,11,24-25; Rev.19:20; 2:20; 13:11,15,7; Dan.8:11-12;  2Thess. 2:4,9-12) and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, *if possible, even the elect.".
(2Cor. 11:3-4,20; Rev.2:20; Col.2:8; Rev.13:10; 14:12)
(Matt.19:25-26 * --men are mislead by Satan, without the protection of God.)

When a puzzle piece is correctly placed, all sides match up. We detect such compatibility, if we look at another "side" of Joel 2:2NIV ....

"A day of darkness and gloom,
A day of clouds and thick darkness.
As the nightfall is spread over the mountains,
So there is a great and mighty army;
There has never been anything like it,
Nor will there be again after it
To the years of many generations."

This matches up with another side of Matt.24:29...
“But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken."
(also Joel 2:10) (Isa.59:9-10)
The darkness of this army, is able to snuff out, even the symbolic heavenly luminaries (Rev.22:16; Dan.12:3; Phil.2:15; Dan.8:11,25; Ps.107:10).

We have matched up two pieces, but we can branch out to add more to Joel's army. What army exists in the time of the end, that is so fearsome and powerful, that they and their darkness "spreads over the mountains" (Jer.13:16-17) like a swarm of locusts (Amos 5:18; Zeph.1:15), leaving nothing living behind them but a swath of death? 
(Joel 2:3-5,9-10,17,31-32; 1:4,6,12,19)(Joel 2:3;  1Cor. 15:26; Rev.6:8)
(Rev.9:3,5;  1Cor. 15:55NKJV )
    [meaning of mountains/hills: (Rev.17:9NKJV Rev.17:9-10; Matt.5:14-15; Rev.8:8-12)]
We also find matching informational pieces about the time of the end, in the book of Revelation. This is where we can find more information about this unprecedented army, which overtakes the remnant of God's people in the time of the end 
(Rev.13:7; Dan.8:17,11,13; Rev.11:2; Dan.11:35,31-33; Rev.13:10; Luke 21:24; Col.2:8; Matt.24:15-16).

One "side" of Joel's puzzle piece tells us, that the soldiers in this army, have teeth like lions (Joel 1:6; Rev.13:2; 9:8; Ps.57:4,3; Dan.8:10; Luke21:24; Rev.11:2; Dan.7:7; Rev.13:1), swarm like locusts (Joel 1:4), cause the sky and mountains to darken (Joel 2:2ESV Joel 2:10), look like war horses (Joel 2:4), cause people anguish and torment (Joel 2:6) a devouring fire accompanies them (Joel 1:19-20; 2:3,5), and they attack God's own people (Joel 2:18,32; 1:6; Mal.2:1-2).

Do we find matching pieces in Revelation's description of this unprecedented army, which will add to our completing the picture?

Joel 1:6 ----- Rev.9:8
Joel 1:4 ----- Rev.9:3 ("scorpions" -Eze.2:6; Luke 10:19-20)
Joel 2:2ESV Joel 2:10 ----- Rev.9:2-3 (Isa.48:10)
Joel 2:4 ----- Rev.9:7,17,19
Joel 2:5 ----- Rev.9:9
Joel 2:6 ----- Rev.9:5-6
Joel 2:3 ----- Rev.9:18,20 (Zech.13:8-9; Isa.48:10; Rev.2:16; 13:10)
Joel 1:6* ----- Rev.9:4; 7:3 (my land=unsealed=not yet sealed)
*("a nation has invaded  *my land" -Joel 1:6; Jer.5:17,18,19) 
  (1Cor. 3:9; John 15:1; 14:23
*("world-earth-home")

More sides are matching up, and the picture is growing.
Now we can see why such great tribulation comes upon God's people (who are not yet sealed). They face an alliance (iron+and+clay Dan.2:40-43) that is stronger than any foe they have ever faced in all history 
(Rev.12:17; 13:1,4,11,14-15; 11:7; 6:9,11) (Rev.16:13-16; 19:19-20).
Jesus said that if our time of unsealed captivity and trampling under them (Col.2:8;  2Cor. 11:20; Rev.2:20; Micah 3:5; Rev.13:10,7; 11:2; 9:4,10) (Obey men?) were not cut short, none would be saved (Matt.24:22; 7:13-14; Luke 13:23-24; 18:26-27). 
(Matt.24:22; Rev.3:10; Luke 22:53)
  [As each one begs God for rescue, the power is removed/cut short for them as individuals. -- Think of the life of a hurricane. As long as that storm lasts, it lashes those under its influence, yet it does not hit all towns, houses, or people at the same time. Its power ends (is cut short) where its influence ends, even though the storm may still be raging for others.]
For the sake of the remnant (whose salvation must also be threatened), Christ will intervene 
(Jer.31:7; Luke 1:78; Rev.22:16; 2:28; Mal.4:2;  2Pet. 1:19; Isa.60:1; Luke 1:78; Acts 3:20-21; Dan.12:1; Rev.12:7,11; 17:14). 

Those set free (John 8:32,36; Isa.61:1; 42:7; Luke 4:18; Joel 2:25-27) 
can then join Christ / (Michael -Rev.12:7), in the battle for truth and freedom 
(Rev.2:2;  2Cor. 10:4,5; Eph.6:11-17; 2:6; Rev.19:14; 17:14; 20:9; 11:5; Jer.23:29; 25:29).

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If we were to pursue more scriptural "sides" to these pieces, we could match up every side with more detailed information, causing our perceptions and understanding of the last day scenario and it's time of tribulation, to expand. 
We would learn that this flooding army is also the fourth beast described by the prophet Daniel (Dan.7:7,19-27; 2:40-44; Dan.8:17,19), by John (Rev.11:2; 13:1,5-7; 17:12,14) and by most of the prophets (Hab.1:7-11; Eze.38:16; 35:5; Jer.23:20; 12:10,11; Amos 8:10; 4:2; Micah 5:4; 4:1; Hosea 3:5; Mal.3:1-3; Ps.66:10-12; Isa.2:2-4,11-12,18-19,22; 51:23; Zech.13:8-9;  1Cor. 3:13) (Rev.6:7-8; Eze.5:17,8,11; 14:21-23,5).

(1Cor. 10:11,6;  2Pet. 1:19; Rom.15:4;  1Tim. 4:1; Rev.16:14-15,13,16; 17:14)

"For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will again." (Matt.24:21)

So there is a great and mighty army;
There has never been anything like it,
Nor will there be again after it
To the years of many generations." (Joel 2:2NIV -b)
(Joel 1:2)

The Great Tribulation is a spiritual assault by Satan upon the remnant 
(Rev.12:17; 20:7-10; 16:13-16;  1Tim. 4:1; Luke 21:20-22) 
(1,000 years -- When?), 
through the greatest spiritual foe and Army that has ever existed 
[Rev.13:1,4; 11:2; 9:7,10; Luke 22:31; 21:20-22,24; Mark 13:14 -(Num.18:7); Matt.24:15-16]
  It has a deceptive, dominating, priestly - princely veneer... 
(Jer.7:4,8; Eze.44:6-9; Rev.9:7; Nahum 3:17)
(Dan.11:21; Ecc.10:5-7;  2Cor.11:20,4; Matt.5:13; Dan.8:10-13; 7:7,19,21,23; Jer.12:10; Joel 2:3) 
...of divine inspiration*** and approval, through endorsement by the false prophet's lying spirit, not by God's spirit! 
(Dan.8:24; Rev.13:14,15; 19:20) ("Disgusting Thing" -Mark 13:14; Matt.24:15
(Rev.2:2;  2Cor. 11:13-15;  2Tim. 3:5,13; Matt.7:15;  1Tim. 4:1; Rev.16:14,13,15; 19:20; Matt.24:24,25; Rev.13:15--***"breath" -John 20:22)
(*** False prophet produces a counterfeit of "God's spirit - directed Organization")
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2018/02/who-is-false-prophet-who-gives-breath.html)
[The authentic Temple of God's spirit, is His Chosen, anointed priesthood 
(1Cor.3:16;  2Cor.6:16;  1Pet.2:10,9,5; Eph.2:20-22)]

God sends / allows this abomination, to assault and discipline His wayward people (Heb.12:6) (Isa.42:24; Dan.9:12; Joel 2:25 C; Joel 2:11; Mal.3:2; Zech.13:8-9; Rev.9:18,20-21; Mark 8:35; Eze.6:9-10; 14:22-23; Joel 3:17) (Zech.13:9; Rev.8:7; 9:18,2; Isa.48:10; Job 23:10), because in the time of the end, 
God's people are tolerating, subjecting themselves to, and participating in idolizing, the collective "Image" of that very Army (Rev.13:14-15,7-8; 2:20; Matt.24:24-25; Luke 21:24; Rev.14:12). 
That is why they are being trampled by it (Ec.10:7; Prov.25:26;  2Cor. 11:4,20; Matt.5:13; Luke 21:24,22; Rev.11:2; 13:10,7 Isa.51:23;  2Cor. 11:20,4,3,2; Mal.3:2-3; Zech.13:9; Rev.2:5; 3:3; 13:5-7; 2:20;  1Cor. 10:18;  1Tim. 1:20;  1Cor. 5:5; 11:32; Heb.12:5-11; Rev.3:19; Eze.14:4-5).   

More information: 
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2022/03/like-dawn-spreading-over-mountains.html)

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