REVELATION: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE CONTINUED

While we do not know for certain how much time will pass between the Rapture of the Church, and the beginning of the seven-year Tribulation (Jer. 30:7; Dan. 9:24-27; Mt. 24:4-28; Rev. 6 - 18), it is clear that Revelation 4 - 5 describe the preparation for its beginning. Taking John's vision sequentially, during the first half (Rev. 6 - 11), there will be Seven Seal Judgment, and Seven Trumpet Judgments prior to the Satanic Trinity (Satan - Ch. 12; the Antichrist, now empowered by Satan, and the False Prophet - Ch. 13) initiating what Jesus called "The Great Tribulation" (the second half - Rev. 14 - 18).  This "initiating" occurs when the Antichrist commits the Abomination of Desolation by demanding he be worshipped as the god of all mankind (Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11; Mt. 24:15).

I do not wish to be dogmatic about this, but it appears to me that the Two Witnesses proclaim the Gospel for the first half of the seven-year Tribulation, are killed, resurrected, and are then "Raptured"(Rev. 11:3-12).  Since the whole world rejoiced at their death (11:9-10), I believe the Jews, still living under the false peace covenant (Dan. 9:27), celebrate as well.  After all, the Two Witnesses obviously preach Christ (11:3-4).  In addition to the Two Witnesses, there are the 144,000 (7:4-8), who are apparently martyred for their faith by the Antichrist during the first half of the Tribulation (14:1-5).  And, it is immediately after this that Satan is cast down (12:9-12), and he begins the attack on Israel (12:13-17).

Following the Tribulation, which ended with the return of Christ (19:1-21), the Lord fulfills the promised Messianic Covenant by ruling as the King of Israel during the Millennium (20:1-10).  The next event, following Christ's 1000 year rule, will be the Great White Throne Judgment, where all mankind will be judged based upon the "books" (20:11-14).  I believe this refers to God's revelation to man, the Bible, and all of humanity, being sinners, are sentenced to death (Rom. 6:23a).  Praise God!  There is another book, "the Lamb's Book of Life" (Phil. 4:3; Rev. 3:5, 8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27; 22:19).  In it are recorded the names of those who placed their faith in Jesus Christ, and who have accepted the gift of eternal life (Rom. 6:23b)!  Chapters 21 - 22 describe our life shared with God for all eternity!

Revelation is a great book, but it is the Lamb's Book that counts!