Insights In Prophecy  

Unlock The Ancient Mysteries Of Daniel & Revelation

BIBLE DISCOVERY SERIES

Lesson 2  

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EVENTS OF THE APPOINTED TIMES & SEASONS

Matthew 24                                

In Lesson 1 on Daniel 12 we discovered vital time elements of the appointed time of the end (1,260, 1,290 and 1,335 days).  The often repeated 1,260 days reveal the period when Antichrist will rule over the earth (Daniel 7:25; Revelation 13:5), and when the 144,000 will be nourished in the wilderness (Revelation 12:6, 14) under the watch-care of the two witnesses (Revelation 11:3).  However, the 1,290 and 1,335 days provide a connected element of time no scholar has to date been able to adequately explain in the various popular views.  Nonetheless, we saw in Lesson 1 that by simply allowing God's Word to "speak for itself" without any preconceived ideas, the appointed time of the end begins to take shape.

The problem with many interpretations is that they have applied the "daily" and "abomination" in the four visions of Daniel to various historical incidents.  However, we are not going to look back, but look forward.  As God's servants at the end of time we must ask, what does prophecy say to us today? What do the predictive time periods and events from Genesis to Revelation tell us about our future?

Lesson 2 compares similarities between Matthew 24 and Daniel 12.  Both speak of the great time of trouble, the end of time, the persecution of the saints, and the abomination of desolation that will be set up in Jerusalem.  We will find that the commentary of the final days, which Jesus advanced in Matthew, will align perfectly with the time lines that Michael gave to Daniel centuries before.  Should this surprise us?  By no means, for God is the source of all prophecy revealed.

1. Compare Daniel 12:1 and Matthew 24:21. What similarities are found?

Both speak of "the end" and events surrounding the last days.

2. Compare Daniel 12:6 and Matthew 24:3, 14.  How do we know both speak of the final days? 

3. Compare Daniel 12:7, 10 and Matthew 24:9.  Describe the persecution and the positive results of end-time difficulties?

4. Compare Daniel 12:11 and Matthew 24:15.  What is the key similarity here?  

Both speak of the "abomination" that brings about final desolation, or destruction.

5. Compare Daniel 12:12 and Matthew 24:13.  Blessed also means "happy".  Happy is the one who reaches day 1,335. Do the two references relate to a similar moment in time? Why?

Both relate words of encouragement for those who endure the end of the age and world.  Happy is the one who waits patiently through the great ordeal unto the coming of the Lord.

Jesus clearly laid out for His disciples the events of the 1,290 days that lead up to the abomination that makes Jerusalem, Palestine and then the world desolate.  In the questions that follow, we will begin the process of determining the sequence of events that will bring mankind to the brink of destruction.

6. List what specific events begin the appointed time of the end and the 1,290 and 1,335 days of prophecy (Matthew 24:4-8)?

7. List what events continue during the 1,290 days of prophecy (Matthew 24:9-12)? 

8. What does Jesus ask of His followers during this difficult time, and when is salvation promised (Matthew 24:13)?

9. What does Jesus promise will be completed before "the end"--the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 14:6-7)? 

Now we will look closer at the horrendous Jerusalem event that will force all of mankind and God's elect into the greatest conflict of the ages ever experienced.

10. Jesus specifies the event, the turning point in the great controversy that will mark the end of the 1,290 days and the beginning of the Great Tribulation. What is it (Matthew 24:15)? 

11. What Old Testament prophet does Jesus say first told us about the abomination, or idol?

12. What did Daniel 12:11 say about the time element involved? 

At the end of the 1,290 days the abomination will be set up.