Dispensational Proof 17

17. The Tribulation

            It is not just the Old Testament that speaks about the “day of the Lord” and the judgment that God will bring upon the nations and the “heathen rage” of this earth. Both Matthew 24 and Mark 13 speak of the great tribulation and even connect the prophecy of Daniel about the “abomination of desolation” to this great tribulation yet future. This connection by Jesus proves that the 70th week of Daniel is yet future. The events surrounding 70 AD do not really come close to the descriptions that Jesus gives in Matthew 24 and Mark 13. There is strong textual evidence in the OT and NT which affirms with specific language a severe tribulation period. The OT provides a clear proof that Israel will be rescued from this tribulation and enjoy a subsequent restoration to their land. Jesus and Paul speak of a time when a figure will stand and desecrate the holy place. This reality shows that there will be a future temple. This fits with dispensational understanding of future events. The “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7) will be used to restore Israel to belief in their Messiah Savior Jesus Christ. The rescue by Christ at the end of the tribulation period is not only a support that Israel has a future but it also it the best understanding for the premillennial return of Christ.

CAM