The Great Tribulation of Matthew ch. 24

(First let me say to those of you looking for an update as to the "tribulation/sifting" of the wheat, the blog and updates at pearl-winepress.blogspot.com
is a must read. )






In Matthew, chapter 24; Jesus gave a description of the "sign of" his "presence, and of the conclusion of the system of things". Jesus then equated the sign of the end of the judged Jewish system of worship (verse 2), with the sign of the end of this judged Christian system of worship. He then continues this lecture in chapter 25, showing how this sign would include developments within the prospective kingdom heirs, just prior to the kingdom being established; when he gives his illustrations about what "kingdom of the heavens will become like".

In the first fulfillment, the signs Jesus gave were fulfilled literally. In the second fulfillment, it is likely to take place with more significance....both literally and spiritually. For, it is the spiritual fulfillment that matters most to Jehovah God. This is the fulfillment that will hold the power of judgement over each individual. The world and it's ruler have already been judged (John 16:11). But the judgment of the Chosen and the rest of God's servants, is the judgement upon the free will of individuals, upon which the exact fulfillment of God's purpose, rests. It is therefore vital, that each Christian use discernment as to where he should focus his eyes of faith when searching for the fulfillment of these signs. Only there will he find the spiritual timing of these events, as well as the guidance in how to conform his own actions; so that he may, in the end, be found awake, and judged by God as faithful.

True followers of Christ will not be judged as to events that unfold within Satan's world...events they have no control over. Christians already have scriptural guidance as to the command to remain neutral as to the world's affairs. Such a test would be obvious and simple. This is not the test Satan has in mind. No, this Master of Deception is far more cunning. Satan's final attempt at destroying all those who worship Jehovah, just before losing all his power over the world, will be far more sinister and ingenious. We, therefore, must be armed, equipped, and blessed with divine perception. Such insight can only come through Holy Spirit, to those who remain open to it's leadings. Thanks to Jehovah and His Son, we have recorded for us the treasure of the words of our Leader, Christ; as well as the gift of our Father's spirit to guide us in using our treasure, well. Some of this treasure is recorded for us in Matthew, chapter 24.

The very first thing Jesus says in answer to this paramount question, is, "Look out that nobody misleads you" (verse 4).
He continues, "for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, 'I am the Christ', and will mislead many".
Literally, the translation of this is, "I am the Chosen Faithful". We know that the Greek for "Chosen" is actually the meaning of "anointed ones". Therefore, what Jesus meant by this, was not men who literally claimed to be Jesus Christ, returned in the flesh; but men who would claim to be the Chosen of God...anointed and approved servants (slaves) of God. This claim of "I am the Christ" is equivalent to "I am the faithful chosen" and "I am the faithful and discreet slave" of God. For, according to scripture; the name given these faithful chosen ones, is, "faithful and discreet slave". These false "Christs" will also take the lead. How do we know this? Jesus said that they "will mis-lead many".



Next Jesus tells us that there will be wars. Certainly this sign has been undergoing fulfillment within the world, and has the potential to undergo even greater fulfillment. In fact, for decades the world's powers have been amassing staggering potential for greater war; greater than the human mind can even imagine. It is a ticking time bomb that we can be sure, Satan is drooling to unleash. 

Yet, the definition of "war" is: a prolonged period of open and declared armed conflict; between nations, or within a nation; or against an authority. Can this also have a spiritual fulfillment? Of course. Yet such a "war" would be waged on a spiritual field, and would have to be perceived within such (2 Cor.10:3-6). This spiritual warfare is referred to many times in the scriptures. (Romans 13:12; 2Cor.6:7; 1Tim.1:18; Rev.12:17)

Jesus advises us, not to become terrified by these divisions and conflicts; and all the anxieties and insecurity that result. He then confides that these things are actually "necessary to occur", before the end. ("must take place" literally, "necessary to occur")(Matt.24:6) These manifestations of noticeable conflict therefore, are seen by God as a necessary step. We must not exclude the physical fulfillment in the world around us, though. Satan will see to it that he arrests fulfillment of Jesus' words. Nothing would please him more than to destroy Jehovah's physical creation, as well as mislead the Chosen with a counterfeit fulfillment. Jesus knew that Satan would do this. He therefore includes it in his description of the sign of the end.

Verse 7 also includes earthquakes as part of the sign leading up to the "end". Zechariah 14:5 speaks of a spiritual earthquake that will occur during this same period, when Jehovah's mountain will be split down the middle, dividing Zion (the anointed) into two parts. One part will become North; the other, South (Zech.14:4). In this scripture (Zech. 14:6), it also refers to the signs seen in "heaven", that Jesus speaks of in Matt.24:29. Confirmation is given to this spiritual application for the time of the end, in Rev.6:4,12. (Here we see the spiritual war, and the spiritual earthquake.)

It is good to keep in mind, what the spiritual meaning of "earth" is, when reading these scriptures. In fact, it may be good to review here, all these related symbolic terms. These terms are expressed by elements of all life pertaining to this age of Satan, under which we now live.

The world: This is all life that Satan rules over. It includes all souls of mankind and beast; all policy that dominates these souls, as well as the powers that spiritually corrupt these. He is in control of all violent power, by which he causes suffering, death, and spiritual corruption. Christians are to have no part in these things (John 17:14). In the coming system of things, the world under Kingdom rule will include the resurrected unrighteous (John 17:23,25).

The air: This is the specific part of Satan's world that molds the mental, emotional and spiritual experience of those within it. It is the toxic atmosphere that is saturated with Satanic propaganda and injustice. Christians are effected by this, and must constantly compensate for it's corrupting effects, praying for protection. By means of the holy spirit ("ruach"= holy breath), God can replace what we are breathing. If we walk by spirit (only taking this breath in) we will avoid this corruptive power of sin.

The sea: This is the specific segment of souls that belongs completely to Satan. They are alienated completely from God's spiritual light. This "sea's" depths are dark, and it's surface is being ever tossed about with unpredictable instability, discord, and discontent. It is constantly churning up distressing problems and consequences, as these ones sow with a view to the flesh; pursuing desires that will pass away.

The heavens: These are those who guide God's people. According to Jehovah's purpose, they are made up of those "enrolled in the heavens." Yet, within this system of things, this arrangement will not be perfected. Within this field, each one will prove what their own work is. Those who please God in this capacity, will be reserved and sealed for that which is perfect and coming.


The earth: This is the part of the world under Satan, that is separate from the sea. It is the ground upon which we find the trees and green vegetation; living in God's eyes. This is the realm where there is potential for spiritual life. We may find here, "big trees of righteousness" as well as "crushed reeds". Jesus knew that those of the earth were within Satan's world, so he prayed for God to watch over these (John 17:15). The examination of the earth and God's own people, is separate from the judgement of Satan's world. Satan's condemned world is clearly defined and already earmarked for destruction. But according to God's Word, the earth will undergo testing, refinement, separating, and two outcomes of judgement. It will be determined at the end; whether one is a sheep, or a goat; receiving life, or death. Those judged worthy of life, will be the "NEW earth". And so, amidst all these realities, the only values worthy of consideration, are the spiritual realities, wherein lies the only potential for hope and life.

"The ruler of this world has been judged." John 16:11
"The world is passing away, and so is it's desire" 1John2:17

So, when we read about what is to come upon the "inhabited earth" it seems most likely that it is referring to what is to come in upon those who consider themselves God's congregated people.

"The heavens and the earth that are now (presently existing), are *"stored up for fire"* and are being reserved to the day of judgement and of destruction of the ungodly men....and earth and the works in it will be discovered....the day of Jehovah, through which the heavens being on fire will be dissolved....But there are a new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell."

Ungodly men within God's people? Yes, we are told that the weeds that grow along with the wheat, will be tied up in bundles and *"thrown into the fire"*. The judgement begins within the "house of God". 1Peter4:17,18.


CONTINUING WITH VERSE 8

Jesus compared the signs up to this point, to a woman who has been seized by labor pains. We know that this in an inescapable process, that grows in intensity and distress. It culminates in a birth. Could this be the birth of the Kingdom, through the final ones of the Chosen, being sealed? I have learned through the book of Revelation, that once this happens (Rev.12:2,5), the same events follow that Jesus next describes.
Verse 9: Tribulation, maltreatment and death. (Note "tribulation". This may indicate the spiritual fulfillment of the "Great Tribulation")

***NOTE***: The definition of "Tribulation" is of interest. It comes from the French word, "Tribulate"...which is a verb that denotes the threshing of wheat. Why would the world be threshed? Is it not already alienated from God's light? This threshing is in harmony with Jesus words, "Satan has demanded to have you men to sift you as wheat" Luke 22:31. Therefore, the primary subjects of this threshing, are the ones in line to be sealed, or not; as well as all those who dwell within the "inhabited earth" or, within true Christian worshipers (Hab.2:14)
A Great Tribulation then, would be the greatest test of loyalty to come upon God's people, just before the end of this world.

This would include:
verse 10: Unfaithfulness, disloyalty, hatred...among "brothers".(the results of an "increase in lawlessness".
verse 11: More false teachings and deceptions, resulting in (verse 12)...a strengthening of the lawlessness (labor pains); along with the Spirit's fruitage of love, disappearing from most of God's people.
Verse 13: "But he that has endured to the end, is the one that will be saved."
What would Jesus consider as endurance through these things?

"Let endurance have it's work complete" James 1:3,4 By enduring, we are being refined and prepared. Romans 5:3,4 It is the means by which we will save our souls. Luke 21:19 To endure means that, while we are suffering, we continue to do God's will. Romans 2:7; Luke 8:15 By fulfilling these things, we have assurance that we are pleasing Jehovah, and the hope that we will see His blessings come. Romans 15:4. We need not lose faith, hope or joy while enduring, nor "give out in our souls". Realize that we are still in Jehovah's love despite these sufferings. Rev.13:10 By enduring through them, we will see the Dawn of His New Day! Hebrews 6:10-12; 2Peter 3:13; 1Cor.2:9




-----------------------------ADDITION------------------------------

There are many kinds of Tribulation that Christians are subject to (2Cor.1:4-8; James1:27; Acts14:22; 7:10). 
These kinds, as well as the Great Tribulation, all have Satan as their source (Rev.2:9,10; John 16:33). 
The Bible reveals that the Great Tribulation unfolds in two phases. These two separate stages each have their own purpose, weapons, and target.


Stage One:

Purpose: To delay the sealing of the last anointed ones.  (Complete sealing brings about  the end of Satan’s rule. Rev.12:10,11)


Weapon: Predominantly spiritual (2Cor.10:4; Romans13:12)

  

Target: The Chosen Ones (Gen.3:15; Rev.2:10; 1Cor.4:9; Romans8:17,18; 1Peter2:21; 2Cor.1:7; James5:10; 1Peter5:9)                                                               

Why is Satan’s primary target of Tribulation, the Chosen Ones (1Thess.3:3,4)? 
Because these ones are the key to how long Satan’s system stays afloat. Once all are sealed, the legal basis exists to finally remove Satan’s dominion over all creation. 
Even so, the tribulation upon the anointed, (if they prove victorious through it) is the very thing which helps to seal them (2Cor.4:17; Phil.4:14; Rev.7:14).

During Phase One of the Great Tribulation, Satan’s target is the Chosen. During it, they experience all Satan’s ammunition (persecution, deception, temptation). All Chosen are experiencing Tribulation at Satan’s hand (1Peter5:9). The final Chosen, experience the Greatest Tribulation of all the Chosen…especially in the way of deception (Matt.24:24; Rev.12:13,15,17). 
Satan’s weapons against them will include anything that might disqualify them from being sealed (Col.2:18). These include: 
sins of the flesh, disloyalty to Christ, accepting and teaching lies, contention, egotism, etc. 
Knowing that the number of sealed anointed is almost filled, he is more determined than ever to prevent the end of his cherished Kingdom of the world from ending.

(Matt.26:41; 1Peter3:14; Luke12:4; Gal.5:26; Phil2:3; 3:13; Romans8:26; Matt.24:9,24; 1Pet.4:1)

While this final spiritual battle rages with the anointed:

>  Satan still rules the world (1John5:19).

>  The earth, sea, trees, and green things, are all being protected from this harmful assault/Tribulation (Rev.7:3).

>  All 144,000 are not yet sealed (Rev.9:4).

>  The Chosen are being protected from death while being tested during this battle (like Job was) (Rev.9:5,6). This protects Jehovah’s purpose for them, to endure till sealed.

>  During this battle/Tribulation, the anointed are released from Satan’s river of lies (Rev.9:14,15,16,18*; 11:5*) becoming identified as sealed (Rev.12:11,14,17; 11:3,4) through their victorious endurance and loyalty while learning truth, and teaching it. 
Once this war over Creation’s dominion is finally won, that victory goes to Christ and his conquering brothers (Rev.12:11,7,8). With all the Chosen sealed, the Kingdom by these is now secured (Rev12:10,11).

Defeated, what is Satan’s reaction? 


We are told:

Rev.12:13 Now when the dragon saw that it was hurled down to the earth, it persecuted the woman that gave birth to the male child.

Rev.11:7 And when they have finished their witnessing, the wild beast that ascends out of the abyss will make war with them and conquer them and kill them.

What about those who are not anointed?

Remember Rev.7:3?

3 saying: “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until after we have sealed the slaves of our God in their foreheads.”

Do you see that once the full number of anointed are sealed, the “earth, sea, trees, (and green things” 9:4) are no longer protected?

Once Satan is defeated and all anointed are sealed, Rev.12:12 takes place:

12 On this account be glad, YOU heavens and YOU who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to YOU, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.”

This brings us to Phase Two of the Great Tribulation.

In phase two, Satan’s motive, goal, target, and weapons, change.

Satan’s testing of the anointed comes to an end, once they are sealed as such. Even though we read that they are no longer protected from death, their inheritance is secure. Once their witness and seal is accomplished, they complete the full pattern of Christ, being subject to Satan’s full and lethal wrath (Rev.11:7).

Once Satan loses his war on truth, what changes?

Ø   All anointed sealed

Ø  Satan cast out of his heavenly ruling position over Creation

Ø  Basis for God’s Kingdom/Administration is established and completed (Eph1:10)

Ø  Sealed victors killed by wild beast

Ø  “Woe” for earth and sea (and trees, green things)

We see Satan is not content to remove the life’s breath from those who conquered him. He turns his attention to the earth and sea as well.

This brings us to Phase two of the Great Tribulation:

Satan’s new Motive:   
Destroy everything Christ and his brothers stand to inherit (the physical Creation).  In his murderous hatred and rage…destroy the flesh of the Victors.

Satan’s new Goal: A final claim to ownership of Creation. (If he can’t rule, he will destroy with the power he has left.)

Weapons: Satan rules the world and all the power within it. He will unleash all he can. These will be physical, as well as spiritual deception (2Cor.4:3,4; 2Thess.2:9,10; Rev.11:10). 
                                        

Target: Everything. (Rev.11:7; 7:3; 12:9,12)               

It should not be forgotten that Satan’s foremost attack, will be spiritual. Why? 
He has witnessed Jehovah’s Almighty power over the physical Creation. He knows that any physical damage can be fully reversed and repaired for any faithful. His primary satisfaction is the Spiritual ruination of both the Chosen, and all mankind.


 Satan knows that spiritual ruination is a permanent victory for him. This was displayed in the Garden of Eden. If he destroys integrity, he causes the destruction of both body and life prospects.          

Once we see the evidence of Satan’s defeat, and the anointed as sealed; opportunities for salvation are slim at best. This is why my primary focus is not the second stage of fulfillment. While there is yet time for it, we must be alert to the first stage of the Great Tribulation. 
Why? 
Because being awake and clearly directed then, means salvation.

It is certainly not that I am denying the second stage, nor lying about it. I simply know that sounding the warning now, while there is yet time, is the priority. Once the woe arrives to the earth and sea, it won’t matter if we recognize it. It will be plain to all. But it will also be too late.

Being flesh, we cannot help but have anxiety over the welfare of our flesh. Physical survival is instinctual. Satan uses this as a weapon against us! (“skin in behalf of skin” Job2:4) 


What protection do we have against our own survival instinct?

Consider Christ’s words:

Mark8:35 “For whoever wants to save his soul will lose it; but whoever loses his soul for my sake will find it.”

Matt.10:28,31 “And do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; but rather be in fear of him that can destroy both soul and body in Ge·hen´na. 31 Therefore have no fear: YOU are worth more than many sparrows.

Rev.12:11  “And they conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their witnessing, and they did not love their souls even in the face of death.”

Paul said, “although not knowing the things that will happen to me in it, 23 except that from city to city the holy spirit repeatedly bears witness to me as it says that bonds and tribulations are waiting for me. 24 Nevertheless, I do not make my soul of any account as dear to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received of the Lord Jesus, to bear thorough witness to the good news of the undeserved kindness of God.” (Acts 20:22,23,24)

Divine courage will be ours if we seek to lose our souls for the sake of God’s will for us.

While we know that Satan’s rage will cause “woe” for our planet, it is natural for us to have a deep fear of the physical consequences. 
Still, what should our focus be? 
Should we be totally engaged and mesmerized by a fearful anticipation of physical ruin, awaiting the second phase of the Great Tribulation?

NOW is the time to perceive the opportunity that is yet open instead…

We are all being examined while we contend with the first phase of the Tribulation. This sifting determines our everlasting futures (Luke 22:31).

Let this present, fleeting opportunity be our singular focus.

Anointed ones:

Help to publish the truth, through which you will conquer the wicked one (Eph.6:10-20; Rev.12:11). Realize that Satan is doing his worst to prevent you from being sealed. The greatest efforts of this Father of the Lie, are directed at YOU (Rev.12:15; Matt.24:24,25; Rev.14:12; 16:13,14,15). His present attack is predominantly spiritual (while the earth and sea are protected Rev.7:3). You will not conquer if you are not awake to the present circumstances. Do not focus on an end that you cannot affect, but rather, be absorbed in being sealed as soon as possible. Truth is your only salvation. Worship Jehovah alone. Fight for Truth. Be willing to die for it. Feed the sheep. Remain pure, loving and humble. Be courageous and strong. Look ahead. Have faith in your Father. Prove yourselves His Sons.

Lambs of Christ:

Realize that the arrival of Paradise depends upon the sealing of the Chosen ones. Kindly do what you can to support them in this goal (Matt.25:45,46; Heb.6:10). Remember that the flood of Satan’s lies, are swallowed by where you are…the earth; in order to spare the “woman”/Covenant (Rev.12:16). Therefore, be on guard that you also are not deceived by him, into committing the present idolatry. Love, obey, and worship, Jehovah alone. For, “His name is jealous” (Ex.34:14). Do not share in the persecution of the “least of Christ’s brothers” (John 16:2,4), no matter what men of power may decree, even within God’s own house.

I hope that by means of this limited explanation, it can now be understood why I am intently focused on spiritual imperatives, to the seeming dismissal of the physical inevitabilities as less significant. But more importantly, that any who read this can see the reality of the present time, and act in a way that glorifies Jehovah, and contributes to the Kingdom’s arrival.

-to be continued-


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