The Fall of Babylon & The Second Coming of Christ

This present world is moving toward what the Apostle John calls in the Book of Revelation, the Fall of Babylon (Revelation 18) and the Second Coming of Christ (Revelation 19).

The Second Coming of Christ is when Christ physically descends on the clouds of glory and returns to this earth. It marks the end of this present evil age.

The Fall of Babylon precedes that endpoint. It is a time of increased rebellion, the final apostasy, and God’s judgments on that rebellion and apostasy. It is called the Fall of Babylon because in the Book of Revelation, the name Babylon is used to express all that is evil and in rebellion to God (see Babylon in Revelation).

While Scripture tells us that no one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return, it does say it occurs! There is indeed an endpoint, and there is indeed a time that precedes that endpoint.

So, what is the point of this article? It is not to speculate on the timing of things. The point is to grasp what God says about the Fall of Babylon. As the world becomes more profane and the church more apostate, it only makes sense that we gain a handle on this. We dare not push it out into the distant future as though it could never “touch” us. After all, we want to live in light of all of God’s truth, do we not?

We will look at three key figures that emerge during the Fall of Babylon.

All three are expressions of immense evil, rebellion, and satanic power. They are ultimately under God’s sovereign hand for His purposes of judgment.

However, they do not always appear evil.

So, are they identifiable?

Yes, and as we look at some of their characteristics and conduct, ask yourself if you see any similarities between what Scripture says and what we see escalating in our world today.

1. The Antichrist & His System (The Beast from the Sea)

Read Revelation 13:1-10

The Beast from the Sea is the Antichrist as well as the system headed up by the Antichrist. He is powerful and exercises his authority through satanic signs, wonders, and blasphemies against God. He is supported by ten world rulers (ten horns) who are empowered by the Beast from the Earth.

This one-world government rules intensively for 42 months. During this time, the Antichrist persecutes true saints of Jesus Christ, all while being worshiped as the “Majestic One” by the nations of the world (Revelation 13:7-10).

But do not be fooled! The Antichrist will not always come across as tyrannical.

Before the final 42 months, the Antichrist is said to “take his seat in the temple of God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4). There is some discrepancy as to what this means, and Scripture does not give us a lot of details, but let me ask you this: does an outright devilish man sit in the temple of God?!

Of course not. This refers to the fact that the Antichrist establishes a position in the visible church as its leader.

What?! How can this happen? No doubt, he does not appear wicked at this time. His seemingly trustworthy persona deceptively leads the final apostasy of said church. Those who truly have the Holy Spirit indwelling them will see the deception for what it is.

So let me ask you: do you know of any prominent church leader who is ready and willing to compromise on truth, yet remains in the spotlight and has numerous followers regardless? (Read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12) And would we be surprised if his persona changed from what it is to what it shall become (since we know that leaders are never two-faced)? (See Will Christians Know Who the Antichrist Will Be?)

Scripture also tells us in Daniel 9:27 that the Antichrist will “confirm a covenant with the many.” The final 7 years (The Great Tribulation) are initiated by the Antichrist affirming some kind of agreement with the Jewish people regarding their sacrificial offerings. Again, the Antichrist probably does not appear nefarious at this time.

But in the middle of that 7 years, something changes, and he causes those offerings to cease, and an abomination is committed (Matthew 24:15). This begins the final 42 months of the Great Tribulation, the dispersion of the Jewish people, and the persecution of the saints.

During this time, God sends great judgments upon the earth (see What are the Trumpets and Bowls of Revelation?). The “Majestic Antichrist” is both feared and worshiped as the world looks to follow a leader and deliverer.

The last thing we want to discuss about this beast is its “seven heads” (Rev. 13:1). This is referring to seven kingdoms that persecute Israel/the church. Six of them are past: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. The seventh is yet future – a revived Roman Empire. This Roman Empire is Babylon the Great (see The Beast from the Sea Part 1: Seven Heads).

So this Beast from the Sea is both a man and a controlling system. As such, it persecutes God’s people – both the nation of Israel and the true church.

2. The False Prophet (The Beast from the Earth)

Read Revelation 13:11-18

The Beast from the Earth is the Antichrist’s right-hand man. Also named the False Prophet (Revelation 19:20), this beast has a deceptive persona. He has “two horns like a lamb but speech like a dragon” (Revelation 13:11b), which suggests he is not suspect.

But they are merely the means by which this “Great Techno Wizard” persuades his “users” to submit to the first beast. Any devotion to him and the first beast ends up really being worship of Satan (the evil triumvirate). (Also see The Beast From the Earth Part 1: The False Prophet.)

This false worship is really of no surprise. If you think about it, fallen mankind already worships the fallen image (as Romans 1:18-25 states and as expressed by the number six in Revelation 13:18). Now it is just made obvious through outward expression. After all, self-worship always leads to worship of a deity other than the One True God.

Do you see any evidence that the world could be “run” by one technical economy and united by a single visualized image? Could it lead to sole allegiance of one person/system that is instantaneous in its global use to both delight and enslave the masses? So much so that it would seem that the earth is “man’s and the fullness thereof” instead of the God who created it?

3. The False World Religion (The Great Harlot)

Read Revelation 17:1-18

Scripture often uses adultery and immorality to describe the prostitution of true religion. We have the same thing with the Great Harlot – an adulterous woman who represents false religion. She is placed in direct contrast to the woman in Revelation 12, who represents true faith.

The Great Harlot “is seated on many waters,” meaning she has influence into the whole world. She is adorned outwardly with costly things like jewels and wardrobe, yet she is an abomination for all of her children (see The Great Harlot).

It means false religion plays a significant role throughout the world during The Fall of Babylon. This should come as no surprise since false religion has always played a role in rebellious cultures/governments of our world.

It also means the Antichrist supports and uses false religion as a display of his greatness. But this mutual relationship does not last because the Antichrist will discard her in order to have the world’s full attention. This leads to the pinnacle of the Antichrist’s power, authority, and worship by the world.

Does it seem to you that religion has become a smorgasbord of subjectivity and inclusive participation by the masses? What has happened to the objective reality of worshiping the true and living God in Christ Jesus?

Concluding Remarks

Scripture makes it very clear that these three figures and their successful rise at the end of the age are really only God’s judgment upon man’s rebellion. This is clearly displayed as this world system, called Babylon, is destroyed when Jesus Christ returns on the clouds of heaven in judgment. Then He will set up His throne and rule with a rod of iron over the nations (Revelation 19 & 20).

So, at the speed with which things are progressing in our world, can you see some of these things emerging? Do you think these three figures are already in place? If you said probably, you might be right. Watch, be patient, and wait expectantly. James 5:7-8 tells us, “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.”

For More Information:

What Are the Trumpets and Bowls of Revelation?
The Beast from the Sea Part 1: Seven Heads
The Beast from the Sea Part 2: Ten Horns
The Beast from the Sea Part 3: The Antichrist
When and Where Will the Antichrist First be Seen?
The Beast From the Earth Part 1: The False Prophet
The Beast from the Earth Part 2: The Image and Mark
Babylon in Revelation
The Great Harlot

Nature of Eschatology

Eschatology is the study of things concerning the end times: the Tribulation, the return of Christ, the rapture, the Apostasy, the millennium, and such. Numerous texts of Scripture deal with eschatology and were developed throughout the entire writing of the finalized canon.

When Scripture reveals a portion of something at one point and later reveals more about that same thing, we refer to it as “progressive revelation.” This happens repeatedly with eschatological things (prophecies). So we should read and study the initial texts first. Then consider further revelations that enhance the original understanding. Evaluating all of Scripture, not ignoring or cherry-picking anything, will provide much more insight and understanding into end-time prophecies.

That said, obviously there are different views of the end times even among Christians. Actual strong believers in Jesus Christ have varied opinions which is fine because God is gracious to all His own. However, the nearer we get to the end, should we not want to get it correct?!

This article gives a broad overview of each of the four main end-time viewpoints: historic premillennialism, amillennialism, postmillennialism, and dispensational premillennialism. We also discuss how/when each one came into the church. Could this have more significance in correct eschatology than we realize?!

Four Views of the Millennium (and their “founding” dates)

A huge part of eschatology has to do with the millennium – a time when Christ rules over the earth (Messianic Kingdom). The questions have been: Is this a literal thousand-year period or a figurative timeline? And does Christ reign on the earth by His physical presence or reign spiritually from heaven? How one views these things then plays into how one perceives things will unfold upon the earth at the end of the age and who participates.

As stated, there are largely four views of the millennium within Christianity. Here is an overview of each position and when they first appeared on the radar in the church’s history. Revelation 20:1-15 should be the starting and ending point to understanding the millennium. It is typically the interpretation of other related texts where nuances of thought come into play within each category.

Please note that it has taken some time for each category to be formalized or labeled. Bible scholars have not always categorized themselves into a particular position, so we should be careful not to read into someone’s views regarding their eschatology.

1. Historic Premillennialism (≈ 90 – 400 A.D.)

The first and prominent position in the early church was a basic understanding of the millennium which has since been labeled “historic premillennialism.” The early church called it “chiliasm” meaning there would be a literal thousand-year reign of Christ upon the earth after His return. The chiliastic view held that the rapture is at Christ’s Second Coming – when the church meets Him in the air to join Him as he descends to earth as the Deliverer and Conquering King.

Many early church leaders held to the historic premillennialism viewpoint including Papias (who knew the Apostle John), Irenaeus (a disciple of Polycarp, who was a disciple of the Apostle John), Ignatius of Antioch (35-108) (who was also a disciple of the Apostle John), as well as Barnabus, Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Methodius, Lactantius, Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Theophilus of Antioch, Tatian of Assyria, Bishop Melito of Sardis, Clemens Alexandrinus, Hippolytus, Victorinus, Cyprian, and Commodians.

When Irenaeus wrote his main work, Against Heresies, in about 180 A.D., he wrote from a historic premillennial viewpoint. He anticipated some would dispute the literal view of the millennium, so he considered that when he wrote. We discuss Irenaeus’ writings here.

Although historic premillennialism was present in the church after 400 A.D., it began to wane at that time. Two perspectives came after historic premillennialism – amillennialism and postmillennialism – which say that the millennium was/is currently taking place on the earth and is not a separate period after Christ’s Second Coming.

2. Amillennialism (≈ 400 A.D. – the present time)

The amillennial view states that Christ’s millennial kingdom is the presence of God in His church upon the earth. So, Christ currently reigns from heaven over the earth. It is not a literal 1,000 years, but “allegorized” to mean a generally long time.

Precursors of amillennialism were circulating as early as the late second century A.D. Although Augustine (354-430 A.D.) initially believed in premillennialism, he eventually embraced and popularized amillennialism.

The culture/history of the time would make this an easy option to consider since Israel, as a nation, had scattered into the world post-70 A.D. It became easier to dismiss the idea of Israel returning as a nation and anticipating their coming Messiah’s reign. Therefore, this theology has come to mean that the church replaces God’s plan and promise to Israel of their Messiah reigning on the throne of David (Psalm 132:11). In other words, the church has become the Davidic Kingdom of Christ (this is popularly termed “replacement theology”).

3. Postmillennialism (≈ 1650 – the present day)

The postmillennial view has its roots basically in the post-Reformation era and flows from the amillennial view with a few important ideas added. It not only sees the kingdom (millennium) as Christ currently reigning in His church, but to various degrees says Christ is enabling His church to establish that reign into the culture. For some, this even means establishing the Judeo-Christian ethic into the laws of the nations. This theological basis is sometimes referred to as “dominionism” or “theonomy” or “reconstructionism.” So the Christian commission is not only to preach the gospel and to be salt and light, it is also “to take dominion.” Some even go so far as to see this mandate in its original form in the Creation Mandate of Genesis 1:28.

4. Dispensational Premillennialism (≈ 1832 – the present day)

Premillennialism lay dormant after 400 A.D. until it was once again embraced in the early 1800’s by J.N. Darby. He systematized it into a different theological format called “dispensational premillennialism.” Darby introduced both a distinction and separation of the church from Israel to such a degree that he saw the church as leaving the earth at the “rapture” – when Christ collects the church to Himself. And he saw this happening at the beginning of The Tribulation. It is then that God will deal specifically with Israel.

So this view, which currently may be the most distinct and widespread, is actually quite new! An overtly “secret rapture” teaching has only existed in the church for about 200 years!

Does History Matter?

Do we realize why the early church’s position was what it was (that of historic premillennialism though not yet labeled as such)? They learned of it from the Apostles – first and secondhand!

The Jewish people expected a literal Messianic kingdom, and they should have, based upon texts like Isaiah 9:6-7 and Isaiah 11:1-6. They knew Christ was a coming King to rule on the Davidic throne upon the earth. They didn’t know when this would happen, that Christ would fulfill this at His Second Coming, not His first. He had to deal with sin at His first coming – for anyone to be a part of that future kingdom (Isaiah 53:4-6). The Apostles then verbally passed these truths – of a literal Messianic Kingdom/millennial reign – on to the early church (along with other end-time details written by John in Revelation 20).

So why do the amill/postmill camps spiritualize/allegorize the Millennium? Is Christ reigning in the Millennium now? Is He somehow reigning through the church as the Davidic Kingdom of Christ? We should look at Scripture’s progressive revelation regarding the person and work of Christ. Genesis 3:15 says Christ will bruise Satan on the head; Matthew 1:21 says Christ will deliver His people from their sin; and Revelation 20:1-3 says He will bind/crush Satan for a thousand years:

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he threw him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time.”

An angel, sent by God, binds Satan. What does bind mean? The angel uses a great chain to grab a hold of the dragon and put him in that abyss for a thousand years! What can’t Satan do while he is in that abyss? He cannot deceive the nations any longer! When you look out upon the earth now, what do you see? Has the deceptive influence of Satan been removed from our world?

Though there are many otherwise orthodox believers in the amillennial and postmillennial camps, they have mistakenly deviated from the early church fathers in this regard. There is clear evidence in Scripture and from the early church’s witness that the millennial kingdom must be a distinct time after the return of Christ and before the eternal state. The church has not somehow replaced their Messiah as reigning on the earth. Christ will literally reign on the earthly throne of David for one thousand years! (See Psalm 132:11)

Furthermore, we must ask ourselves if the church is a special entity separated from God’s promises to Israel. Will the church be divided from God’s dealings with Israel to such an extent that Jesus has two “Second Comings” (one at the beginning of the tribulation to rapture the church and then again at the end to establish His kingdom upon the earth)?

In Genesis 12:1-3, God promised to make Abraham into a great nation. God would bless Abraham with physical descendants and land to occupy. This prophecy was brought to light when Israel became a nation again in 1948! The Israelites had been scattered into the nations because of their sin but eventually returned to the land of Israel as promised (Amos 9:11-15; Zechariah 8:4-8; Zechariah 10:8-10). And guess what?! Gentiles (the church) also participate in this promise!

How so? Will they also go to the land of Israel to occupy it? No, this is spiritual participation. The Gentiles have been made fellow heirs with the promises to Abraham! Based upon their coming to Christ (the Seed), the church has been made partakers of the promise and grafted into Israel (Ephesians 2:11-22; Ephesians 3:6; Galatians 3:16; Romans 11:17-18). So the church does not “replace” Israel, but it also is not separated from it!

And lastly, the question – will the church (but not Israel) be removed from the earth before the Tribulation? Both 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5 and 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 teach that “on THAT day” (the Day of the Lord) the church will be present for Christ’s Second Coming at the end when certain specific things are looked for and happen. In other words, THAT day is the last day in each context, and in that context, the Gentile-believing church is still present!

Our Response

How we view the millennium and eschatology absolutely affects our Christian walk!

A non-literal view of the millennium might translate into a huge weight of doing anything and everything possible to “make the world ready” for Christ’s return. Or, if we just look around, it can leave a feeling of hopelessness.

On the other hand, from the dispensational perspective, if the church is removed from the earth before the seven-year tribulation period, saints may not be prepared for what is to come, possibly overlooking deception within the church, or really suffering for Christ.

Are we distracted from what we really should be concerned about? There is no doubt the teachings of the later views of eschatology are robbing us of significantly important things! These are things that might be critical for us as we observe what is now going on in our world.

So we each need to think through whether we have embraced the various commands – and warnings – of Scripture. The brethren are not to allow the Day of the Lord to overcome them like a thief (1 Thess. 5:1-11) – as it does for those who live in darkness. We are to maintain sober preparation and watchfulness. This might include things like being bold in our faith and maintaining a witness to the truth even amid possible persecutions, or even suffering as many believers around the world already do. If we anticipate hardships and the things described in Revelation, it should tend to make us take the stewardship of our lives more seriously. The seducing of the world that distracts us from being a good soldier for Jesus Christ should be avoided.

For More Information

If you desire to read about early church eschatology, see our articles on Against Heresies by Irenaeus who lived in the second century:

What Did the Early Church Believe About Eschatology? Part 1
What Did the Early Church Believe About Eschatology? Part 2

If you would like to consider the possibility of two prophetic chapters of Ezekiel that might soon be fulfilled in our day, see:

Is The War of Ezekiel 38-39 The Same War As The Battle of Armageddon?
Who are Gog and Magog?

Hope for Israel Amidst Rising Battlefront

God tells us in Zechariah 12:1-3 that a time will come when Israel will be in great distress and the center of attention – when the nations of the earth will rise against her. Sound familiar?

We have recently seen attacks on Israel by Hamas and Hezbollah from Lebanon (backed by Iran) and the Houthi rebels in Yemen (also see War on Israel – Ezekiel 38 & 39), and this is probably only the beginning of a much worse conflict. Israel’s current state of distress is beginning to fit perfectly with this text in Zechariah of a final battle. The eternal God predicted in past times what the eyes of 21st-century mankind are watching in real-time!

But when God allows His people to experience hardship, He provides comfort and hope.

During Zechariah’s days, the Israelites were also troubled. They were attempting to rebuild the temple, but amid their distractions, it was not progressing as they had hoped, and they were very discouraged.

God comforted them by telling them that He would send a Deliverer, the Messiah, who would come and build the temple of the Lord!

This was the most wonderful news for the Israelites – and the most wonderful news for the modern nation of Israel and the world. We will see how so in this article!

Both King and Priest – The Branch

The prophet Zechariah (among the first wave of Jewish exiles returning to Judah under Zerubbabel and Joshua in 538 BC (see Ezra 1:1-4; 3:8; Nehemiah 12:4)) was instructed by God in Zechariah 6:11-13 to do something unusual. He was told to place a crown on the head of Joshua, the High Priest, and tell him that a man, the Branch, will come who will not only build the temple of the Lord; but also sit upon God’s throne!

There are a few items of significance here. Joshua’s name in Hebrew is Yeshua (from Yehoshua), meaning “the Lord our righteousness!” Placing the crown on Joshua’s head foreshadows the crown placement on the head of this future Branch – who will Himself be the righteousness for His people!

Also noteworthy is that this coming Branch will be both King and Priest! Until this point, these two offices/functions within Judaism had always been separate, with one man occupying one or the other. But now, they would be combined in this ONE PERSON – whom the Jews were expecting – their Messiah. God’s Ruler over His people would now also function as their Intercessor!

This brings us to mention a man named Melchizedek, who is another foreshadowing of the Branch. Before Israel was a nation, back in Genesis 14:1-20, Melchizedek, the King of Salem (Jerusalem/Zion – see Psalm 76:1-2), served as king and priest. Melchizedek means “my King is Righteousness” (or “King of Righteousness”) and Salem means “peace, secure, safe” (The King of Peace). The coming Messiah will be THE King of Righteousness and Peace! King David also likens the Messiah to Melchizedek in the “Messianic Psalm,” Psalm 110:1-4, where the Messiah is seated at the Lord’s right hand, as a ruler/king; and it says He is a priest, like Melchizedek – only He is a forever and exalted one!

Servant, Stone, Endowed with Salvation

In Zechariah 3:8-9, we read of a vision where Joshua the high priest is with other priests sitting before him. These priests were temple priests who offered sacrifices in addition to other ministering priests from the tribe of Levi. Altogether they represent this one, the Branch, who is then referred to as “My Servant” (see Isaiah 42, 52, 53) and described as a stone (see Daniel 2:35, 44-45) with seven eyes, symbolic of one who sees all things (omniscience). And, it says this Branch can remove all iniquity in a single day! That is only possible via the shedding of the blood of the sacrifice – Leviticus 17:11.

In Zechariah 9:9 it says this King who will come to Zion and Jerusalem is triumphant! Unlike many of their previous wicked kings, this One is a righteous and just ruler who brings salvation to His people. Yet, He is humble and lowly as He is presented to His people.

Israel’s True Shepherd – Initially Rejected

When we come to Zechariah 11, we read of great calamity which God will bring forth on His people. False shepherds had been leading them astray, so Zechariah became a representative of God as His true shepherd (Zechariah 11:4,7). In past times, shepherds often carried two staff: one to ward off predators and one to guide and retrieve sheep going astray. We see here that Zechariah has two staff, Union and Favor.

1. Union Staff: Represents The Appointed Shepherds & Falsehood

Those who functioned as supposed shepherds for God’s people had no interest in doing the true job of shepherding (ie. warding off predators and guiding and retrieving sheep going astray). Thus, they had no real interest in Zechariah’s ministry and despised him. The result was internal conflict among God’s people, the majority of whom were not interested in being under a true shepherd. Zechariah breaks the staff, Union, into pieces (Zechariah 11:14), as a visible display of this conflict.

2. Favor Staff: Represents A Broken Covenant and Its Results

God now sets aside His covenant protection of His people who have rejected Him as their shepherd by not following His commands (see Deuteronomy 28). This truth is expressed in Zechariah breaking the staff, Favor (Zechariah 11:10).

Then, Zechariah requests his final “paycheck” from the people in Zechariah 11:12-13. Do you think they valued his ministry? They weighed out for him the insulting sum of 30 pieces of silver, the price paid to the master of a slave who was gored by an ox (see Exodus 21:32). It was thrown to the potter in the house of the Lord expressing, in a sarcastic way, how the people rejected God’s true shepherd. Since Zechariah is representative of THE Shepherd who is to come, wouldn’t that Shepherd also experience Israel’s rejection? But of course.

Israel’s One and Final Savior

Zechariah doesn’t stop with the fact that this Branch is coming and His characteristics. We see in Zechariah 12:1-3, 9, that at the very end of the age, the nations of the world come against Jerusalem and Judah! Israel’s very existence will be the cause of great hatred and animosity by a world that rejects the God of Israel. Amid this great disturbance, God will turn the Israelites to Himself (Zechariah 13:1, 7-9).

Notice in Zechariah 12:10 that God speaks as the One who is pierced, but also as the One who is observing/mourning over that One who was pierced! (There were earlier prophecies of this event long before Zechariah revealed it such as Isaiah 53:4-6.) Though He was pierced through for transgressions, God did not allow this sin-bearer to remain in the grave but raised Him from the dead (Psalm 16:10)!

So even though God will ultimately deliver His people at the end of the age, it will not be without first taking them through a very rough time. But we see God’s watch-care over His own during some incredible events at the end of the age (Zechariah 14:2-4, Zechariah 14:9, and Zechariah 14:16-17). God identifies with His sheep very personally through a man, His Associate, whom He calls My Shepherd!

As stated, the current situation in Israel and the world fits perfectly with the content of Zechariah. It is the stage set for the coming of the forever and exalted Priest. Remember that Joshua’s name was ‘Yeshua’ in Hebrew? In Greek, the name is ‘Jesus.’ Jesus came into this world born of the virgin Mary, suffered and died as the sacrifice for sin, was raised, and is seated at the right hand of God. Be sure you are ready. His feet that once stood on the Mount of Olives in times past, will come on the clouds of heaven and once again stand upon that same Mount – as King and Judge! Are you ready? Is Jesus YOUR Savior?

For More on Promises of Future Events

End Time Events: A Brief Overview – David Sheldon

Early Church Eschatology Continued

So we write this article with answers gathered from the perspective of Irenaeus (130-202 a.d.), an early church father, who was discipled by Polycarp (69-155 a.d.) who was discipled by the Apostle John! We can safely say Irenaeus had good input! He penned his book Against Heresies in 180 a.d. from which we have gathered much of our information.

In Part 1, we looked at eschatological questions about the Antichrist, the False Prophet, the false worship associated with 666, and the Abomination of Desolation.

In this second part, we will consider a few particular events including the rapture of the church, the Second Coming of Christ, and the Millennium.

Some anticipate the church will be raptured before Christ returns and before the 7-year tribulation. Others believe it will be at Christ’s Second Coming. Some think the millennium is a spiritual/allegorical thousand years. Others believe it is a literal thousand years where Christ reigns and rules on the earth. How can we determine the truth about such things?

The truth about these events can be based on Scriptural evidence. For example, the timing of the rapture can be based upon the promises given to Abraham; and whether the millennium is literal or allegorical depends upon how certain passages should be interpreted.

So let’s take a look. As always, please have your Bible open while reading our articles. We want you to see what God says, not what we (nor Irenaeus) say!

Again, this document is not a comprehensive study of Against Heresies. We attempt to cover some of the more well-known teachings within premillennial thought. If you would like, you can read the quotes in their full context online – Book V, Chapters 25-36 of Against Heresies. Links for further information have also been provided.

7. When will the rapture of the church occur?

To understand Irenaeus’ position on the rapture, we must first discuss a few items.

Scripture tells us that God promised Abraham and his seed two things: the inheritance of all the land of Israel (literally) (Genesis 13:14-15) and that the nations of the earth will be blessed (spiritually) (Genesis 12:2-3, Genesis 22:15-18). The former has not been fulfilled, the latter has been fulfilled in part. Abraham did not receive the inheritance of the land during his lifetime, but the nations of the earth have been blessed in that Christ has come and secured salvation for those of His children who have already repented and believed.

Since the whole of the land (and the earth) is yet to be inherited by Abraham and his seed, we need to know when this will occur and to whom it refers. Irenaeus says Abraham’s seed is ‘those who fear God and believe in Him.’ (Against Heresies, Book V, Chapter 32.2) This is one seed. Irenaeus does not separate Jewish believers from Gentile believers. Neither does the Apostle Paul (Ephesians 3:6). Thus, Abraham along with all believers will receive the inheritance of the land at the same time. Irenaeus says they will receive it at ‘the resurrection of the just.’ (Against Heresies, Book V, Ch 32.2, Ch 34.2, 34.3, Ch 36.3) This leaves us asking, when is the resurrection of the just?

Irenaeus refers to Revelation 20:4b-6a which says, “They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection.” The resurrection of the just is the first resurrection. When is this? Notice what it says after they come to life. They “reigned with Christ a thousand years.” How can the righteous reign with Christ? This must be because Christ has returned!

Does this lend to a “pre-tribulation rapture”? Again, notice the sequence. All believers will be resurrected at the same time, the first resurrection, and share in the inheritance of the land. This takes place at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ which occurs at the end of this present evil age and before the reign of Christ. For there to be a “rapture and (first) second coming” at the beginning of the tribulation there would have to be a “(first) first resurrection of the just” at the same time. This just is not the case. What is now popular pre-tribulation rapture teaching did not come into the church until the early 1800’s (through J.N. Darby).

Unfortunately, some think Irenaeus believed in a pre-tribulation rapture when he says, “the Church shall be suddenly caught up from this” (Against Heresies, Book V, Chapter 29.1). But he is not talking about the church being removed from the earth before the Tribulation. Look what he says next, “for this is the last contest of the righteous, in which, when they overcome they are crowned with incorruption.” It is when they overcome, after all the turmoil of the tribulation, they (the righteous) will be “caught up.” They will meet Jesus in the air. This is at Christ’s Second Coming! (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17) It is after the Tribulation, which they have just endured, that they will be crowned with their eternal reward.

(Notice that Irenaeus doesn’t refer to a particular set of saints who are saved during the Tribulation. He just says “the Church.” Other indicators in Irenaeus’ writings would confirm a post-tribulation rapture if one is interested in digging further!)

This should not be surprising to us. “Overcoming” was an ongoing theme for the early church. Why should the church at the end of the age have it any different? In fact, “overcoming” is still prominent in the book of Revelation (Rev. 2 & 3, Rev. 12:11, 13:7, 21:7).

So now we can answer when will the rapture of the church occur. It occurs at the resurrection of the just. That is, when Christ comes at the end of this present evil age, after the reign of the Antichrist and after the tribulation, not before.

For more information on this topic: Is the Rapture of the Church found in Revelation 4?

8. What happens when Christ returns?

Irenaeus believed that after the Antichrist’s reign and the Tribulation, the Lord would descend from heaven in the clouds. He will send the Antichrist into the lake of fire. The righteous will be resurrected (first resurrection) and join Abraham in receiving the promised inheritance. (Against Heresies, Book V, Chapter 30.4).

The earth will be restored to a pre-fall type condition as is described by Isaiah in Isaiah 11:6-9 (Against Heresies, Book V, Chapter 32.1 and Chapter 33.4). Irenaeus refers to the restored earth as “the kingdom.” (Against Heresies, Book V, Chapter 36.3). This is the same kingdom that was prophesied about in Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45 and Revelation 11:15. And Jesus Himself speaks of it in Mark 14:25, Luke 22:28-30, and Matthew 8:11. This kingdom will be Christ’s kingdom as He will reign and rule over the earth for 1,000 years (Revelation 20:6).

This brings us to our next question. Is this millennial kingdom literal or is it simply figurative?

9. Is the millennium literal or spiritual?

Some think that the millennium is not a literal thousand-year reign of Christ upon the earth. They think it is merely a long period, even currently happening, where Christ rules in a spiritual sense. Are the texts that speak of the millennium (ie. Revelation 20:6-7) to be interpreted literally or figuratively? The answer to this lies in Scripture itself.

Irenaeus points out that if you allegorize the millennium, you also have to allegorize texts like Habakkuk 2:14. This verse speaks of a literal filling of the earth with the Lord’s glory after His Second Coming. It is not a “spiritual” or “invisible” reigning from heaven. We cannot just choose to allegorize certain texts. Irenaeus said doing this would lead to further confusion. (Against Heresies, Book V, Chapter 35.1)

Furthermore, Irenaeus believed that Paul’s teaching in Romans was consistent with the idea that there would be a literal future millennial kingdom. (Romans 8:19-21) This coming reality will be at the first resurrection. It will be the liberation from the bondage of decay (the fall), and the glory of God will be manifest with them as they inherit the earth under a pre-fall type of condition. (Against Heresies, Book V, Chapter 36.3(B))

For even more proof, Irenaeus lists several items that occur after the millennial kingdom: Great White Throne judgment, New Heavens and Earth, New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven to the New Earth. These are literal events. Why would the millennium be any different? Irenaeus sees them all as literal and sequential (as drawn from Rev.  20:7 – 21:14). (Against Heresies, Book V, Chapter 35.2)

So, when King Jesus reigns in His millennial kingdom, the whole creation is restored to a pre-fall kind of condition; the glory of His power and majesty is seen upon the earth in His reign; and, as Irenaeus stated the meek shall inherit the earth (Against Heresies, Book V, Ch 32.2). This is the millennial reign of Christ upon the earth.

10. Which eschatological viewpoint did Irenaeus hold and why should we consider it?

Simply put, historic premillennialism holds that certain prophecies in places like Daniel and Revelation are yet to be fulfilled.

This was not only Irenaeus’ view. It was the consistent and prevailing perspective by post-apostolic church fathers into the third century a.d. This included Clement of Rome (35-99), Ignatius of Antioch (?-110), Papias (60-130), Polycarp (69-155), Justin Martyr (100-165), Theophilus of Antioch (?-184), Tertullian (155-220), and Hippolytus of Rome (170-235)). (See Pre-Millennialism and the Early Church Fathers by Bob DeWaay )

You may be wondering, “If Irenaeus is so accurate, why do we never hear about him or his viewpoint?” Unfortunately, theologians have ignored Irenaeus’ writings over the centuries, most likely due to two distinct reasons:

1. 1. Irenaeus never referred to a pre-tribulation rapture of the church. He included the church within the final seven years (the Tribulation; the “70th week” of Daniel 9:24-27) of this present evil age. This is quite a sobering teaching to consider.
   2. Irenaeus believed the millennial reign of Jesus Christ upon the earth is literal and should not be allegorized. Many who believe the event of 70 a.d. was the fulfillment of other prophetically significant events push out the Second Coming to what is now the distant future and believe the millennium is now. And yet, we now have prophecies coming true about the regathering of Israel and its ruling itself, i.e. the time of the Gentiles coming to a close. But you hear very little to nothing about these prophecies being fulfilled because they have become irrelevant (for the most part) to the amillennial belief system.

   So, we conclude by asking, are you willing to consider Irenaeus’ writings regarding eschatology? What we believe about these things affects how we think about and live the Christian life. It tends to influence our worldview and the role of the church throughout the world. If we are looking at what might be the end of this present evil age, isn’t it incumbent upon us to understand and embrace the prevailing teaching of the post-apostolic church fathers?

See Part 1

Part 1 covers eschatological questions about the Antichrist, the False Prophet, the false worship associated with 666, and the Abomination of Desolation.

Reference

Irenaeus’ quotes are taken from his book Against Heresies, Book V, Chapters 25-36 which is available for download or to be viewed.

For More on Revelation and End-Time Events

Todd Friel on the Israel-Hamas War

End Time Events: A Brief Overview By David Sheldon

Is Revelation in Chronological Order? By David Sheldon

Will Christians Know Who the Antichrist Will Be? (Order of End-Time Events) By David Sheldon

The Beast From the Sea (Revelation 13) By David Sheldon

The Great Harlot (Revelation 17) By David Sheldon

The Book of Daniel: A Historical-Chronological Look By David Sheldon

Early Church Eschatology

Have you ever considered what the early Christians and church fathers believed about the end times? Did you know they held to one main eschatological view?

In 90-96 a.d., the Apostle John received the Revelation of things to come (see When was Revelation Written?). After receiving the revelation and writing it down, he taught and bore witness to those prophecies. One man who sat under his teaching was named Polycarp (69-155 a.d.). Polycarp was a bishop in his hometown of Smyrna and an instrumental church father. He discipled a man named Irenaeus (130-202 a.d.).

Did you catch that? Irenaeus was discipled by Polycarp, who was discipled by the Apostle John! (See Against Heresies, Book III, Chapter 3.4) We would do well to pay attention to what these men believed!

Using Irenaeus’ very influential book, Against Heresies (180 a.d.), we have compiled this two-part article (see Part 2). Please know this is not a comprehensive study of Against Heresies. But we highlight some of Irenaeus’ quotes in an attempt to answer several commonly asked questions regarding eschatology. Quotes have been provided with hover links or can be read in full context online – Book V, Chapters 25-36 of Against Heresies.

As always, please have your Bible open while reading our articles. We want you to see what God says, not what we (or Irenaeus) have to say!

1. What will the Antichrist and final world kingdom be like?

Irenaeus believed that a literal person called the Antichrist would be the world ruler at the end of this present evil age. He will have total power and demand total worship (2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, Revelation 13:1, 3-5, 7-8). Irenaeus referred to him as an apostate, a king, and a robber (Against Heresies, Book V, Chapter 25.1).

The Antichrist will be supported in his rule by others as seen in Daniel 7:7-8. This vision in Daniel involves a ‘fourth beast’ (kingdom) with ‘ten horns’ (kings) which Irenaeus viewed as the final world kingdom. It will be ruled by ten kings and somehow be related to the Roman Empire (Against Heresies, Book V, Chapter 26.1).

It is amid these ten kings’ rise to power that the Antichrist (‘little horn’), will arise and uproot three of them. He bolsters his position of authority by those ten kings which are somehow reduced to seven and subjected to him. He is described as an “eighth” among the seven. (Against Heresies, Book V, Chapter 25.3)

Please Note: How do we know Irenaeus viewed the man in Daniel 7 (‘little horn’) as the Antichrist? Irenaeus calls him the ‘son of perdition’ which is also ‘son of destruction’ in Scripture. These terms are used for what we popularly call ‘Antichrist’ (from 1 John 2:18). There are several other terms as well including the man of lawlessness, little horn, king, and beast. Interestingly, the ‘son of perdition/destruction’ is also used for Judas (John 17:12), the disciple who betrayed Jesus.

For more information on this:
The Beast from the Sea Part 1: Seven Heads
The Beast from the Sea Part 2: Ten Horns
The Beast from the Sea Part 3: The Antichrist

2. What will the False Prophet be like?

Please Note: A universal economic system of immediate total control like the one pictured would have been a foreign idea for the ancient world up through most of the twentieth century. However, in our day and age, a universal economic system is quite plausible with our current growing technology. Unprecedented “feats of wonder” seem quite feasible, but would have been unthinkable in the first century! And yet, Irenaeus fully expected that these prophecies would be literally fulfilled.

For more information on this topic:
The Beast from the Earth Part 1: The False Prophet

3.What should we think about the number 666?

Irenaeus spoke of things in Scripture related to the number 6. The flood, due to man’s wickedness and rebellion, occurred in the 600th year of Noah’s life. The measurements of Nebuchadnezzar’s statue, which arose because of man’s idolatrous worship, was 60 cubits by 6 cubits (Daniel 3). Irenaeus viewed the Antichrist (as 666) as the culmination and embodiment of all this – rebellion, judgment, idolatry – when he demands sole worship (Against Heresies, Book V, Chapter 29).

Please Note: Many people think the number 6 symbolizes fallen wicked mankind; and as such, the three sixes represent mankind’s rebellious worship of the Antichrist who is attempting to supplant the triune God. Also, some believe Revelation 13 describes the “evil trinity” – Satan/Dragon (father), Antichrist/Beast (son), and False Prophet/Beast from the Earth (spirit).

In another instance, Irenaeus viewed 666 as quite literal. In ancient Greece, letters were assigned number values. This is called gematria. It is a literal “calculating” of the number associated with a name. Irenaeus believed it would be reasonable to determine the identity of the Beast (Antichrist) using this system. But because many names have added up to 666 that were not the Beast, Irenaeus says we should not waste our time calculating names, but rather “await the fulfillment.” God will give us the needed wisdom at that point in time (Against Heresies, Book V, Chapter 30).

Please Note: John didn’t receive the actual name of the beast but was only given a clue by God. In the same regard, we don’t necessarily need to know in advance, since it will only be important when the Antichrist comes to power.

Addendum: Scholars use this portion of Irenaeus’ writings to pinpoint when the Apostle John had the vision of Revelation. He says it was not that long ago, towards the end of the reign of Domitian who was the emperor of Rome from 81-96 a.d. So this is why we believe the Apostle John wrote Revelation somewhere around 90-96 a.d. This puts to rest the notion that Revelation was written before 70 a.d. and was somehow already fulfilled in events with the fall of Jerusalem at that time.

For more information on this topic:
The Beast from the Earth Part 2: The Image and Mark

4. What is the Abomination of Desolation and when will it occur?

Irenaeus believed that the Abomination of Desolation is a literal event that will occur midway through the final 7 years (referred to as ‘week’) of this present evil age. What the actual abomination is, he did not say. But it will involve the Antichrist presenting/doing something so offensive and evil that it causes people to scatter (Against Heresies, Book V, Chapter 25.4).

Please Note: Some people believe the abomination of desolation occurred in 70 a.d. with the destruction of the Jewish temple. But notice in Daniel 9:27 that the abomination of desolation involves other specific events as well: firm covenant, stop to sacrifice and grain offering, and eventual destruction of the Antichrist. These events do not fit what occurred in 70 a.d. when the temple was destroyed. Nor was there an agreement made between an antichrist and the Jewish people in 70 a.d.

Furthermore, Irenaeus wrote Against Heresies in 180 a.d. and he anticipated the abomination was yet future. Not to mention, we do not find anyone anytime soon after 70 a.d. who believed or taught the abomination was already fulfilled. (This line of thinking is referred to as preterism or partial-preterism.) This is a case and position from silence, but still very important.

On the other hand, what Jesus describes in Matthew 24:1-2 and Luke 19:41-44 does fit with the destruction of the temple/Jerusalem in 70 a.d. The Luke passage tells us it was destroyed as judgment due to the Jew’s rejection of their Messiah. The Matthew text places the temple destruction as the start of many judgments that would unfold throughout history until the Second Coming of Christ.

For more information on this topic:
What are the Seventy Weeks of Daniel?

Continue With Part 2

Part 2 is where you will find four more questions/answers regarding the rapture of the church, the Second Coming of Christ, and the Millennium.

Reference

Irenaeus’ quotes are taken from his book Against Heresies, Book V, Chapters 25-36 which is available for download or to be viewed.

For More on Revelation and End-Time Events

Todd Friel on the Israel-Hamas War

End Time Events: A Brief Overview By David Sheldon

Is Revelation in Chronological Order? By David Sheldon

Will Christians Know Who the Antichrist Will Be? (Order of End-Time Events) By David Sheldon

The Beast From the Sea (Revelation 13) By David Sheldon

The Great Harlot (Revelation 17) By David Sheldon

The Book of Daniel: A Historical-Chronological Look By David Sheldon

With the attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Todd Friel of Wretched presents the above video. He asks if we should be concerned about Israel, as it seems there is a bit of a war inside the church regarding the issue. In other words, does the church “replace” Israel in God’s overall plan? Or does God still have something specific regarding the nation of Israel? Friel tackles the issue by explaining some tough theological words like eschatological, supersessionism (replacement theology), dispensationalism, post-millenniallism, pre-tribulationism, amillenniallism, and hermeneutics.

Friel also looks at “noted theologians in history who believed in a future conversion of national-ethnic Israel.” You may be quite surprised at the people on the list! Take a listen!

For More on Israel and End-Time Events

War on Israel – Ezekiel 38-39 By David Sheldon

Is The War of Ezekiel 38-39 The Same War as The Battle of Armageddon By David Sheldon

Who Are Gog and Magog? By David Sheldon

End Time Events: A Brief Overview By David Sheldon

Is Revelation in Chronological Order? By David Sheldon

Will Christians Know Who the Antichrist Will Be? (Order of End-Time Events) By David Sheldon