What Tribulation???

There is no seven year tribulation, rapture, or single political Antichrist, in the Scriptures. Would the Dispensationalist please explain where these fictions come from, because they are incontrovertibly absent from the text?  They claim that they are in Daniel 9 and Rev 11:3; 12:6, none of these passages make any mention of a tribulation.There is no seven year tribulation, rapture, or single political Antichrist, in the Scriptures. Would the Dispensationalist please explain where these fictions come from, because they are incontrovertibly absent from the text?  They claim that they are in Daniel 9 and Rev 11:3; 12:6, none of these passages make any mention of a tribulation.

The Tribulation

Nowhere in the Bible is there a seven year tribulation.  There is a ten day tribulation in Rev. 2:10 but no seven years.  So where does this fiction come from?Nowhere in the Bible is there a seven year tribulation.  There is a ten day tribulation in Rev. 2:10 but no seven years.  So where does this fiction come from?

There are many variations within this viewpoint. Interestingly enough, this theory originated with the Jesuit Priest, Ribera who lived near the end of the 16th century. Originally it spoke of a 3 1/2-year tribulation, but by the time it had infiltrated the Protestant church, it had grown to 7 years. Integration into the Protestant doctrine, in the 1830’s, was made following ecstatic visions claimed by Margret MacDonald. This doctrine then became the litmus test for the Darbyites (Plymouth Brethren), one literally cannot be a Plymouth Brethren and not believe in the Futurist view.There are many variations within this viewpoint. Interestingly enough, this theory originated with the Jesuit Priest, Ribera who lived near the end of the 16th century. Originally it spoke of a 3 1/2-year tribulation, but by the time it had infiltrated the Protestant church, it had grown to 7 years. Integration into the Protestant doctrine, in the 1830’s, was made following ecstatic visions claimed by Margret MacDonald. This doctrine then became the litmus test for the Darbyites (Plymouth Brethren), one literally cannot be a Plymouth Brethren and not believe in the Futurist view.

It is commonly found in the teachings of John Nelson Darby (the founder of the Plymouth Brethren), Edward Irving (the founder of the Catholic Apostolic Church; who was deposed from the ministry of the Church of Scotland in March of 1833 by the Presbytery of Annan on the original charge of heresy), and Edward Bouverie Pusey (Anglican Church). Cyrus I. Scofield later put the teachings of Darby into the notes of his Scofield Reference Bible which was first published in 1909 and is still being used today.It is commonly found in the teachings of John Nelson Darby (the founder of the Plymouth Brethren), Edward Irving (the founder of the Catholic Apostolic Church; who was deposed from the ministry of the Church of Scotland in March of 1833 by the Presbytery of Annan on the original charge of heresy), and Edward Bouverie Pusey (Anglican Church). Cyrus I. Scofield later put the teachings of Darby into the notes of his Scofield Reference Bible which was first published in 1909 and is still being used today.

Christians of that time period were ripe for this con artist.  People love to feel, to be emotional and nothing can get our blood pumping better than a good, scary story.  But Christians aren’t suppose to listen to scary stories; we aren’t suppose to read about Frankenstein, vampires, The War of :   Scolfield: The Pope of Prophecy Perversion  ….  Christians of that time period were ripe for this con artist.  People love to feel, to be emotional and nothing can get our blood pumping better than a good, scary story.  But Christians aren’t suppose to listen to scary stories; we aren’t suppose to read about Frankenstein, vampires, The War of the World [broadcast by Orson Welles 1938], or Harry Potter.  The only scary stories we are allowed are of the Biblical nature.   So here you had a man who put together an acceptable scary story about the end of the world as we know it and all he had to do was call it prophetic interpretation.   His story became the most commonly held interpretation AND most feared story in Christian circles even to this day!the World [broadcast by Orson Welles 1938], or Harry Potter.  The only scary stories we are allowed are of the Biblical nature.   So here you had a man who put together an acceptable scary story about the end of the world as we know it and all he had to do was call it prophetic interpretation.   His story became the most commonly held interpretation AND most feared story in Christian circles even to this day!

However the oldest rule of hermeneutics is Quod non est Biblicum, non est Theologicum! In other words; if it ain’t in the Bible it ain’t Theology.  [please note:  While the addition of notes to the Bible can be helpful in understanding; they are just notes and do not become the equivalent of scripture]   And a seven year Tribulation just ain’t in the Bible.  Dispensationalist claim that this Tribulation is in Daniel 9. So let’s look at this passage.  This is a times prophecy and there are six things that are listed that will be fulfilled within the time frame of the prophecy.

“Seventy sevens are decreed, concerning your people and your holy city, “Seventy sevens are decreed, concerning your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end of sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most Holy Place, to finish the transgression, to put an end of sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most Holy Place, [ or One].]. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the word to restore and to build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the word to restore and to build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, [the Messiah] [the Messiah] a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and water cistern, but in a troubled time. And after the sixty-two weeks an anointed one a prince, there shall be seven weeks. Then for sixty-two weeks it shall be built again with squares and water cistern, but in a troubled time. And after the sixty-two weeks an anointed one [the Messiah][the Messiah] shall be cut off, and shall have nothing and the people of a prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war; desolation’s are decreed. And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week; and for half of the week he shall cause sacrifice and offering to cease; and upon the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.” shall be cut off, and shall have nothing and the people of a prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war; desolation’s are decreed. And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week; and for half of the week he shall cause sacrifice and offering to cease; and upon the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.” Daniel 9:24-27 personal translation Daniel 9:24-27 personal translation

Interpretation:

Seventy sevens or 49 years to restore the Temple [Dan 9:25, Neh. 6:15,16]Seventy sevens or 49 years to restore the Temple [Dan 9:25, Neh. 6:15,16]

62 weeks from the decree until the anointing of the Messiah [Mat 3:16,17] for a period totaling 434 years.62 weeks from the decree until the anointing of the Messiah [Mat 3:16,17] for a period totaling 434 years.

Plus one more week or 7 years beginning with the Messiah’s ministry, during which He is cut off, and ending when the gospel is sent to the gentiles.Plus one more week or 7 years beginning with the Messiah’s ministry, during which He is cut off, and ending when the gospel is sent to the gentiles.

After the first unit of seven (49 years) would follow another 62 units (434 years) and thus, the fulfillment of the anointing of the Messiah to come after the 69 units and during the 70th unit for a total of 490 years. [Mat 3:16-17]After the first unit of seven (49 years) would follow another 62 units (434 years) and thus, the fulfillment of the anointing of the Messiah to come after the 69 units and during the 70th unit for a total of 490 years. [Mat 3:16-17]

Starting Point for counting these years:

God has given us the starting point, a decree or word “to restore and build Jerusalem” to start the counting of the Seventy Sevens. There were six such decrees to rebuild Jerusalem!  There is also the problem of calendars.  The Jews to this day use a lunar calendar and the Babylonians like us used a solar one.  Taking these different calendars and the six separate decrees into consideration the culmination of this prophecy is simply the life and times of Jesus the Messiah. This time line has had the missing years of the Gregorian Calendar push forward and out of the way, making the crucifixion to date 29 AD.God has given us the starting point, a decree or word “to restore and build Jerusalem” to start the counting of the Seventy Sevens. There were six such decrees to rebuild Jerusalem!  There is also the problem of calendars.  The Jews to this day use a lunar calendar and the Babylonians like us used a solar one.  Taking these different calendars and the six separate decrees into consideration the culmination of this prophecy is simply the life and times of Jesus the Messiah. This time line has had the missing years of the Gregorian Calendar push forward and out of the way, making the crucifixion to date 29 AD.

480 BC Xerxes                              +490 lunar years                   = 6 BC the nativity. 457 BC480 BC Xerxes                              +490 lunar years                   = 6 BC the nativity. 457 BC

Ezra’s 1st  return *                  +490 solar years                  = 34 AD Gospel to GentilesEzra’s 1st  return *                  +490 solar years                  = 34 AD Gospel to Gentiles

444 BC Nehemiah’s 1st return      +490 lunar years            = 33 AD Gospel to Gentiles444 BC Nehemiah’s 1st return      +490 lunar years            = 33 AD Gospel to Gentiles

425 BC Artaxerxes                  +490 solar years                = 66 AD Jewish wars425 BC Artaxerxes                  +490 solar years                = 66 AD Jewish wars

408 BC Ezra’s 2nd return               +490 lunar years              = 68 AD siege of Jerusalem408 BC Ezra’s 2nd return               +490 lunar years              = 68 AD siege of Jerusalem

395 BC Nehemiah’s 2nd return      +490 solar years     = 96 AD John  writes The Revelation395 BC Nehemiah’s 2nd return      +490 solar years     = 96 AD John  writes The Revelation

So where is the left over time for a Tribulation?   This Daniel passage is all fulfilled.   Messiah came was cut off and the temple destroyed.  Prophecy Fulfilled!  Nothing is left undone, and the time is up.So where is the left over time for a Tribulation?   This Daniel passage is all fulfilled.   Messiah came was cut off and the temple destroyed.  Prophecy Fulfilled!  Nothing is left undone, and the time is up.

In the person of Christ Jesus, all Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah is fulfilled. [John 5:39] From Adam’s first sin to the last sin of mankind, our eternal redemption is promised and purchased for us by His blood, in this one solitary event. There is an element of timeless eternal sovereignty, for before the foundation of the world the Lamb was slain [Rev 13:8]; and yet, we who are His own possession are awaiting our full redemption. [Heb 9:11-12] Then we will be as He is, when mortality takes on immortality. [I Cor 15:52-53] The law, that foreshadowed His Atoning Sacrifice, is fulfilled through Christ and His work on the cross and in the resurrection.[Acts 3:18]  He is the final and ultimate atonement for sin. [Heb 11:25-26]In the person of Christ Jesus, all Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah is fulfilled. [John 5:39] From Adam’s first sin to the last sin of mankind, our eternal redemption is promised and purchased for us by His blood, in this one solitary event. There is an element of timeless eternal sovereignty, for before the foundation of the world the Lamb was slain [Rev 13:8]; and yet, we who are His own possession are awaiting our full redemption. [Heb 9:11-12] Then we will be as He is, when mortality takes on immortality. [I Cor 15:52-53] The law, that foreshadowed His Atoning Sacrifice, is fulfilled through Christ and His work on the cross and in the resurrection.[Acts 3:18]  He is the final and ultimate atonement for sin. [Heb 11:25-26]

These last seven years of the Seventy weeks fulfilled Gods promise of a Messiah the Redeemer. The Crucifixion of Christ in 29 AD, was 3 1/2 years after his anointing in 26 AD and 3 1/2 years before the apostles began preaching to the Gentiles. For 3 1/2 years, the Messiah walked among the Jews, preaching to them, healing them, touching them but in the end, they rejected him, and he was cut off.  After his death, resurrection and ascension His disciples continued His ministry among the Jews but they also were rejected, persecuted, and even killed. With His promise fulfilled to Jews, God now sent out His gospel and Spirit to the Gentiles, breaking off some of the natural branches while grafting in the wild branches.  [Rom 11:17-24] Now both will share in the richness of God’s mercy and grace.These last seven years of the Seventy weeks fulfilled Gods promise of a Messiah the Redeemer. The Crucifixion of Christ in 29 AD, was 3 1/2 years after his anointing in 26 AD and 3 1/2 years before the apostles began preaching to the Gentiles. For 3 1/2 years, the Messiah walked among the Jews, preaching to them, healing them, touching them but in the end, they rejected him, and he was cut off.  After his death, resurrection and ascension His disciples continued His ministry among the Jews but they also were rejected, persecuted, and even killed. With His promise fulfilled to Jews, God now sent out His gospel and Spirit to the Gentiles, breaking off some of the natural branches while grafting in the wild branches.  [Rom 11:17-24] Now both will share in the richness of God’s mercy and grace.

The anointing of the Holy One was to bring about six promises of God, reconciling us to Him, and making us free indeed, through His Son.The anointing of the Holy One was to bring about six promises of God, reconciling us to Him, and making us free indeed, through His Son.

To finish the transgression [Is 53:5; Heb 9:15]To finish the transgression [Is 53:5; Heb 9:15]

Put an end to sin [Mat 1:21; Jn 1:29; Heb 9:26, 10:4-7]Put an end to sin [Mat 1:21; Jn 1:29; Heb 9:26, 10:4-7]

Atone for iniquity [Is 53:6; II Cor 5:18; Col 1:20-22]Atone for iniquity [Is 53:6; II Cor 5:18; Col 1:20-22]

Bring in everlasting righteousness [Heb 9:12; Rom 5:17-21 ; II Cor 5:21]Bring in everlasting righteousness [Heb 9:12; Rom 5:17-21 ; II Cor 5:21]

Seal both vision and prophet [Mat 11:13-14; Acts 3:18]Seal both vision and prophet [Mat 11:13-14; Acts 3:18]

Anoint a most holy one or place [Lk 1:35, 4:18-22; Jn 1:32-34]Anoint a most holy one or place [Lk 1:35, 4:18-22; Jn 1:32-34]

The gospel was to go to the Jews first, then the Gentiles. This coincides with Peter’s vision of preaching the gospel to Cornelius (a gentile) and the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. [Mk 16:15; 16:20; Acts 3:25,26; 8:4, 10; 11:19; 13:46; Rom 1:16] The general time of these events easily fits within the last three and one half years of the Seventieth week. There is no time left over or a gap in-between!The gospel was to go to the Jews first, then the Gentiles. This coincides with Peter’s vision of preaching the gospel to Cornelius (a gentile) and the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. [Mk 16:15; 16:20; Acts 3:25,26; 8:4, 10; 11:19; 13:46; Rom 1:16] The general time of these events easily fits within the last three and one half years of the Seventieth week. There is no time left over or a gap in-between!

1260 Days:

The Dispensationalist say there are two periods of 1260 days, and that adds up to seven years.  OK, even if they are right about the time; where is the Tribulation?The Dispensationalist say there are two periods of 1260 days, and that adds up to seven years.  OK, even if they are right about the time; where is the Tribulation?

Rev. 11:3 “Rev. 11:3 “and I will grant my two witnesses power to prophesy for one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”and I will grant my two witnesses power to prophesy for one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”

Rev. 12:6 “Rev. 12:6 “and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which to be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.”and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which to be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.”

Here are the 2 references to 1260 days.  We see two preachers preaching and a woman being nourished; but still no tribulation.  Again we ask … Where is the Seven Year Tribulation found in the Holy Scriptures?

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