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Eschatology
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The Pretribulational Rapture of the Church
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The rapture is imminent. It could occur at any moment, and
definitely will occur before the Tribulation period begins. (Rev.
3:10; Rev. 6:17)
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The dead in Christ are resurrected at this time.
(1 Thess.
4:16)
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The judgment of believers' works will then take place at the
Bema seat of Christ. At that time, believers will be rewarded for
their service here on the earth. Those whose works are found
worthless will suffer great loss, though they will not lose their
salvation. (1 Cor. 3:11-15)
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The Tribulation Period
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The Tribulation period, also known as the seventieth week of
Daniel, and the time of Jacob's trouble, will last seven years.
(Jer. 30:7; Dan. 9:27; Rev. 11:2-3)
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Revelation 3:10 tells us that the purpose of the tribulation
is "to test those who dwell upon the earth." The tribulation period
is the period in which God will go forth to punish a God-rejecting
and Christ-rejecting world. It is God's visitation of wrath upon
this sin-cursed world. (Is. 26:20, 21)
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The Tribulation ends with the gathering of the nations to the
battle of Armageddon and the return of Christ to the earth. (Rev.
19)
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The Premillennial Return of Christ (Second Coming)
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Christ's return to this world will be personal and physical.
(Acts 1:11)
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His return will be visible and triumphant. (Mark 8:38; 2 Thess.
1:10)
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Jesus is coming to end history, raise the dead and judge the
world. (John 5:28-29)
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Jesus is coming to usher in a reconstructed universe. (Rom.
8:19-21)
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Jesus is coming to set up the Millennial Reign on Earth. (Rev.
20:1-4; Matt. 24:29, 30)
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The Millennium
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The Millennium is the 1000 year reign of Christ on Earth in
fulfillment of the Abrahamic, Davidic, and new covenants. (Rev.
20:1-5)
It will be a time of peace, justice, prosperity, and glory. (Isa.
11:2-5)
Satan will be bound during this time, but he will be released
at the end "for a season" to lead one final revolt against Christ.
(Rev. 20)
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The Great White Throne Judgment
Immediately after the Millennium, the unsaved dead will be
judged by Christ.
(Rev. 20:11-15)
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All are condemned because of their rejection of Christ, and
are cast into the lake of fire to be separated from God for all
eternity. (Rev. 20:11-15)
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The Eternal State
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God will create a new heaven and a new earth where the saints
will be with God forever. (Rev. 21; 22:1)
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The curse will be completely removed (Rev. 21:4), and the
entire universe will be completely recreated. (2 Pet. 3:10, 11)
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