Understanding Biblical Predictions Before, During and After Armageddon

The term 'Rapture' is often bandied about in discussions of the end times, but it's important to understand that this term does not appear in the Bible. Instead, it was coined in the 19th century by pretribulationist preachers to sell a specific idea. Let's delve into the actual biblical predictions and what they say about events before, during, and after Armageddon.

What the Bible Says About Armageddon

The term 'Armageddon' is derived from the Hebrew word Har-Magedon, which refers to a battlefield in the biblical city of Esdraelon (also known as Megiddo, located in modern-day Israel). In the Bible, Armageddon is described as a final battle where the evil will be defeated and righteousness will prevail.

Events Before Armageddon

According to scripture, there will be significant signs before the end times. These signs include:

Warren and Discord: Intense geopolitical tensions and conflicts leading to widespread warfare (Isaiah 8:21-9:1). Economic and Social Turmoil: Economic downturns and social unrest may precede the end times (Ezekiel 7:22-27). Natural Disasters: The Bible also mentions earthquakes, meteor showers, and other natural phenomena (Joel 2:10-32).

Additionally, scripture speaks of implacable leaders or world leaders repeatedly referred to as the 'little horn' and the 'beast' from the book of Revelation. These figures signify the rise of oppressive regimes and personal tyrants who persecute Christians (Revelation 13, Daniel 7:8, 8:9).

Events During Armageddon

The end times will involve a significant period of persecution and trial for believers. Revelation 13, for instance, describes a 'beast' that emerges from the sea and persecutes the righteous (Revelation 13:1-10).

Mark of the Beast: The beast will require people to adopt a mark of allegiance, a sign of apostasy (Revelation 13:16-18). Warfare and Battle: There will be intense conflicts between forces of good and evil, with the righteous armies supported by God (Zechariah 14:3-13).

Key to understanding the events during this period is the belief that the righteous will be comforted and bolstered by divine intervention, while the forces of evil will ultimately be defeated.

Events After Armageddon

After the battles and destruction, a new order is predicted to emerge. The Bible anticipates:

Justice and Peace: God's kingdom will usher in an age of justice and peace (Revelation 20:2-6). Reconciliation: All nations will come to know and worship the true God, culminating in the gathering of all believers (Revelation 7:9-17).

Many believe that after Armageddon, the earth will be transformed, and God will reign in full splendor over his creation.

Conclusion

Understanding the biblical predictions of Armageddon, and the events surrounding it, is important for grasping the broader narrative of the end times. It is crucial to differentiate between the theological and apocalyptic visions described in scripture and the commercial versions promoted by some religious groups.

For a more detailed exploration of these topics, I invite you to read my free, pseudonymous e-book called 'Walkabout'. It delves deeper into the true biblical story and offers insights that are often overlooked in mainstream discussions.

Bibliography:

Revelation 13,14,16,17,20 Isaiah 8:21-9:1 Ezraekiel 7:22-27 Joel 2:10-32 Zechariah 14:3-13