A question for end times Biblical Scholars...?

Question

How do the scholars come up with the 7 year timeline for the Tribulation and which seal and bowl etc will happen during certain seasons? It seems to me that the scriptures used in Daniel and Revelations are difficult to interpret. It's like a huge maze to come up with this timeline. How do you know that this interpretation is accurate?

When studying these scriptures, it seems like someone decided that this interpretation was just going to be accepted, and everyone else has just accepted it at face value because Biblical scholars have accepted this jigsaw puzzle as the correct interpretation.

How do they (scholars) come up with the 7 year time line for the Great Tribulation. Is it possible that the 42 months (3-1/2 years) is based on a different calendar system than our modern day calendar. Or that the 42 months is referring to something entirely different?

How can they be sure that the visions of Daniel apply to the end times and that they should be merged with Revelations?

Answer 1

its possible that it isnt fully understood .. maybe even probable ... but there are some key things to warn when it is actually upon us though ...

Answer 2

I am studying end times at the moment but I stress that I do not have all the answers on it.

The first thing to be aware of is Revelation 11:3 where it specifically states 1260 days (3.5 years or 42 months). Then 12:6 where it mentions the same thing. Revelation 11:2 states 42 months (1260 days or 3.5 years). The scriptures that show 2 3.5-year periods show the 7-year tribulation. The book of Daniel is based on Daniels 70 'weeks'. In this prophesy Daniel tells what happens at the start of this '70 weeks' and we see the starting point and the fulfilment of these scriptures up to 69 'weeks'. The total time taken for the fulfilment of these 69 'weeks' is 483 years, leaving one 7 year period (1 'week') remaining. There are many interpretations of these scriptures and the Jehovah Witnesses claim that as of 1914 (I think) Satan actually took control of the Earth in a badly thought out translation of end times. In all the other interpretations of end times scripture there are either major internal inconsistencies or the end time was supposed to be already passed. The only interpretation that is left is the 'gap' theory (based on 69 'weeks' in Daniel followed by a 'gap' followed by the 7 year tribulation).
It is worth noting that there is no way of interpreting Daniels 70 'weeks' without getting 7-year weeks and without getting 1 week remaining. The problem is what happens to that 'week'

That probably didn't make much since but as I said I am still studying it so I don't claim to have all the answers.

I would also suggest reading "The Bible Prophesy Handbook" by John Ecob for a much more detailed look at Bible prophesy and the different end times interpretations.

God Bless

Ps. just to reiterate. The 42 months is reflected by the 1260 days so there isn't any way to look at a different calendar system without creating internal inconsistencies in the interpretation (as they would need to be applied to Daniels 70 weeks as well.)

Answer 3

I agree totally... however for a much simpler reason.... The bible says we will NOT know the day nor the hour and that it will come like a thief in the night. SO, if the "Good Book" says we won't know... then I believe we won't know. Whenever the end comes.. it will likely be on a day, no one suspects... a day no more significant then any other day. Maybe 2PM on some idle Tuesday. Secondly, as a Christian (Catholic) what does it matter? Aren't we as Christians suppose to be always prepared for the 2nd coming, Christ's return? Aren't we all suppose to be following God and in communion with him..thus what does it matter if the last day is today, tomorrow, or 30 years from now? Thirdly, as a Catholic Christian, I am SEVERELY skeptical of ANY new interpretations or analysis of scripture which seemed to elude the first 2,000 years of Christianity. Particularly one's which only the author discovered and are not supported by the mainstream. IF this information was TRULY intended for us to know... how, why did it go unnoticed by all previous generations? Why didn't the Apostles directly teach on this? Why was it embedded for only Harold Camping to discover? Does this glorify God or Harold Camping? Does the person presenting this information have anything to GAIN from it? (speaking engagements, books, websites, local ministry, etc. ??) Lastly, the number of predictions regarding the end times which have been wrong, so far, is 100%. So far, there has not been a single RIGHT prediction, thus the chances of any of these being right is slim.. statistically. His prediction seems vary much like a Jehovah Witness prediction regarding the "last generation" which has been predicted and proven wrong at least 2 times, if not more. PERSONALLY - As a Christian -- A) what does it matter? B) what makes us think THIS guy is right, verses everyone else, all previous generations, and the Apostles themselves? C) What is the statistical likelihood that he is right given previous "end of days" predictions?

Answer 4

seeking Truth gave you the best answer.

I knew a major Bible scholar some 20 years ago who told me that 7 years meant 7 times, and that there are 2 times in a year---winter time and summer time. this was when we were discussing daniel 4 and Nebuchadnezzar's season as a "beast" in the fields. He knew all kinds of old languages stuff.

Hal Lindsay made a bunch of money and wrote a bunch of books with stuff like "The Late Great Planet Earth," "{satan is Alive and Well On Planet Earth,", etc, books that came out in the 70's and 80's prophesying the imminent end of the world. I have enough to worry about without thinking about this stuff---years ago I DID think about it. Ronald Wilson Reagan=666. Whatever. no one knows, no one can know, but like the foolish/wise Bridesmaids, we would all be smart to remain vigilant.

Answer 5

You are absolutely right in your observation, Hugger:

In fact, Christ fulfilled those prophecies (42 months, 3 1/2 years, 1260 days) when, by His death 3 1/2 years after being baptized. He abolished the Jewish sacrificial system in the middle of seven years; and His crucifixion confirms the close of the Jewish dispensation 3 1/2 years later when Paul was baptized and the Gospel was taken from the Jews; and we are now in the "fullness of the Gentiles" times as Jesus said.

And another verse they forget about when they say Christ comes first as a thief in the night is Revelation 16--right in the 7 last plagues: "Behold I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame" (v. 15).

Worse than your observation is the Millennium. They erase, excuse, or spiritualise the scriptures of the complete destruction of earth after Armageddon when the elements melt with fervent heat and the atmosphere is dissolved.

You see, Satan has a plan to impersonate God and he must twist the plain teachings of the Bible--as Jesus said: The elect will be deceived, were that possible.

But God sets things straight in a Bible code, the only part of the Bible that says you will not understand it until "the end of the days." Its message is very important and that is why it was sealed. Select http://abiblecode.tripod.com

Blessings and AGAPE, Balaam

P.S.: Jesus will come sooner than most think.

Answer 6

The simplest explanation is also the most literal.

You have an initial 7 year period for the reign of anti-christ.

The most difficult (tribulation) part lasts 3 1/2 years.

That time frame is mercifully shortened by God to one very intense 6 month period, which culminates in the triumphal return of Jesus Christ, the transformation of all flesh into glory, and Judgment Day.

But you're right. There's no shortage of wacko theories about the end of days ... and most, if not all of them are wrong.

Answer 7

42 months is 3 1/2 years. The Jewish calendar year is 360 days.

Daniel 9 says there will be a 3 1/2 year period of peace where the anti-Christ will make a peace pact with Israel and a re-built temple at Jerusalem will see sacrifices being performed once again.

After that 3 1/2 years, the anti-Christ will cause sacrifices to cease and will erect an image of himself (like King Nebuchadnezzar did) and command that everyone worship it. When they refuse, he will turn on them and they will be martyred. Their souls will cry out to God to be avenged, causing Jesus to return and fight against the anti-Christ in Armageddon.

Answer 8

In some scripture references the time is given in days-that nails the calendar down. Its 7 years-no doubt about it.
But anyway-
Go to college and get a B.A. or B.S.
Then go to Seminary and get a Master of Divinity (90+hrs) or get a Master of Theology (120+ hrs). Master the languages-German, Greek, and Hebrew. Then serve out 3 years in full time ministry. Then return to Seminary and get a Th.D. (60 hrs)
After that, you will be sure.

Answer 9

How about the biblical verse that says 'No man shall no the time. He shall come as a thief in the night.' From what I can garner that means that he may have already been here and we were to STUPID to notice. OR he hasn't come, yet and he is going to come when we least suspect it. All this deciding which version is right is for the birds. It will happen when it will happen.

Answer 10

the years of tribulation will be followed with the emergance of Christ in this world again, walking among us, although He will go by a different name. Under this name He will not prove God's existence through use of miracles but instead being almost "super-human" like. Perfect in a sense. He will prove that anything is possible because He will be able to do anything. People will begin to question and test Him and eventually challenge Him trying to convince themselves that He is not God's son. He will never admit to it though, because that alone would cause too much controversy, instead, many people will begin to follow Him and believe that He is Christ. this is when the Tribulation will begin, approx 3 1/2years before the end and He will be at the lead. When He turns 40, He will be murdered (the slain lamb) and that's when all hell breaks loose.

Answer 11

the book of Revelation(no s please)

the timing of the tribulation is far from accepted although many dispensationalists publish very detailed charts...

I think you have to recall in the spirit of Jesus answer to the disciples in the first verses of Acts LORD AT THIS TIME ARE YOU RESTORING THE KINGDOM and Jesus said IT IS NOT FOR YOU TO KNOW TIMES.... BUT YOU SHALL RECEIVE POWER WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT COMES UPON YOU AND YOU SHALL BE MY WITNESSES

its better to have power form the Holy Spirit to do God;s will than know the schedule,,, or think you know the schedule...