What Saith the Scripture?
http://www.WhatSaithTheScripture.com/
For the Elect's Sake
Or, That a Merciful God Will Shorten the Tribulation Week
"And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved:
but for the Elect's sake those days shall be shortened"
(Matthew 24:22).
by Tom Stewart
12-10-98
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preface
The Providence of God allows for angelic assistance to those
"who shall be heirs of Salvation" (Hebrews 1:14). Man as a race is undeserving
of the least of the favors and mercy of the Almighty God. "They are all gone
out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good,
no, not one" (Romans 3:12). Not only has the Holy One of Israel freely offered
salvation to the entire human race; but, He has kindly made provision for even the
preservation of the physical life of the Lost-But-Still-Elect. "11 (For the
children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose
of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth;)
12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13 As it is written,
Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated" (9:11-13). In particular, the final
Salvation of both the Nation Born In A Day (Isaiah 66:8), i.e., Israel, as well as
the Salvation of the Gentiles, who shall enter the Millennium, depends upon the LORD
God's merciful cutting short of the Tribulation Week. "And the Gentiles shall
come to Thy Light, and kings to the brightness of Thy Rising" (60:3).
Except Those Days Should Be Shortened
The LORD Jesus Christ painted a bleak picture of the events that will follow the
Abomination of Desolation (Matthew 24:15). These days that will come after the Abomination
are often identified as the Great Tribulation. "For then shall be Great Tribulation,
such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall
be" (24:21). Immediately after this discourse on the enormous difficulty of
this part of the Tribulation Week comes the LORD Jesus' statement, "And except
those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved" (Matthew 24:22).
No human beings will be left alive on this planet, except that the LORD will cut
short the days of His judgments for the purpose of saving the Lost-But-Still-Elect.
"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable
are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33).
The willingness of God to go to extreme measures for the Elect's sake can be seen
in what He has done to bring about the salvation of wayward Israel. He has provoked
Israel to jealousy by bringing His salvation to the Gentiles, who were "aliens
from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having
no hope, and without God in the world" (Ephesians 2:12). But the Jews, "as
concerning the Gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election,
they are beloved for the fathers' sakes" (Romans 11:28). So this entire Church
Age has not only been for the benefit of the Gentiles-- "For the Grace of God
that bringeth Salvation hath appeared to all men" (Titus 2:11)-- but
to provoke Israel back to Jehovah Jesus and Salvation, as well. "I say then,
Have they [Israel] stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through
their fall Salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them [Israel] to jealousy"
(Romans 11:11).
Exactly How Long Will the Tribulation Week Be?
Daniel's 70th Week is the Tribulation Week. The term Tribulation Week is derived
from the prophet Daniel and the teachings of the LORD Jesus. Daniel's prophecy of
the 70 Weeks concerns Israel and Jerusalem (Daniel 9:24) with the present significance
pointing to the remaining 70th Week. "And he [Antichrist] shall confirm the
covenant with many for one week [the 70th Week]: and in the midst [literally, half
or middle] of the week he [Antichrist] shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation
to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he [Antichrist] shall make it
desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the
desolate [i.e., upon the desolator-- the Antichrist]" (9:27). Our LORD's words
confirmed Daniel's prophecy. "15 When ye therefore shall see the Abomination
of Desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth,
let him understand:) 21 For then shall be Great Tribulation, such as was not since
the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be" (Matthew 24:15,21).
A Prophetic Week is 7 Years. Daniel's 70 Weeks are understood to be more than
a period of 490 days; instead, it is a period of 70 weeks of years, which would be
490 years. This concept of a "week of years" can be seen in the Book of
Leviticus. "And thou shalt number seven sabbaths of years unto thee, seven times
seven years; and the space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto thee forty
and nine years" (Leviticus 25:8). The same concept of assigning "a day
for a year" can be seen in Ezekiel's prophecy of 430 Days (Ezekiel 4:1-6). "And
when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear
the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for
a year" (Ezekiel 4:6). [See our article, "1998: Year of the Apocalypse
(Part 2)" to see how Ezekiel's 430 Days prophecy predicted the 1967 recapture
of Jerusalem.]
A Prophetic Year is 360 Days. The Gentiles will tread under foot the city
of Jerusalem (under the Antichrist) for 42 months-- 42 times 30 equals 1,260-- which
is the same as 3 1/2 years of 360 days. "But the court which is without the
Temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the
Holy City shall they tread under foot forty and two months" (Revelation 11:2).
The ministry of the Two Witnesses during the Tribulation Week will be for 1,260 days,
which is the same as 3 1/2 years of 360 days. "And I will give power unto my
Two Witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days,
clothed in sackcloth" (11:3). [See our Tribulation Chart to see how we have
understood these events in the Tribulation Week.]
Time, Times, and Half a Time is 3 1/2 Years. Both the prophet Daniel and the
Apostle John describe a similar 3 1/2 year period. Daniel describes a "time
of trouble [beginning with the Mid-Tribulational Abomination of Desolation], such
as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy
people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book [ending
with the Post-Tribulational Nation Born In A Day of Isaiah 66:8]" (Daniel 12:1).
Daniel is told that this period is for "time, times, and an half" (12:7).
Specifically, "6 How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? 7
And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when
he held up his right hand and his left hand unto Heaven, and sware by Him that liveth
for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall
have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall
be finished" (12:6-7).
The Woman in the Wilderness is described alternately as fleeing for 1,260 days (Revelation
12:6) and "time, and times, and half a time" (12:14). "And
the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that
they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days" (12:6).
"And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly
into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times,
and half a time, from the face of the serpent" (12:14). If "time"
equals 1, "times" equals 2, and "half a time" equals 1/2, then
their combined total would be 3 1/2. Therefore, the Apostle John was revealed that
"time, and times, and half a time" (12:14) and 1,260 days both referred
to 3 1/2 prophetic years.
If 1,260 Days is Half of a Week, Then 2,520 Days (1,260 X 2) is a Whole Tribulation
Week. You will notice that all of the Scriptural expressions that represent half
of the Tribulation Week only describe the second half of the Week, which is the Great
Tribulation (Matthew 24:21). The 42 months when the Gentiles shall "tread under
foot" (Revelation 11:2) Jerusalem represents the time immediately after the
Abomination of Desolation-- "in the midst of the Week [literally, in the middle
of the Week]" (Daniel 9:27)-- proceeding until the End of the Tribulation Week.
The "thousand two hundred and threescore [1,260] days" (Revelation 12:6)
and the "time, and times, and half a time" (12:14) both refer to the Woman
in the Wilderness, which is Lost-But-Still-Elect Israel fleeing from the Antichrist
at the Abomination of Desolation. Therefore, it does appear that 2,520 days is the
correct length of the Tribulation Week.
A Day Is As A Thousand Years
When do we take Scripture literally? And, when do we take Scripture figuratively?
We are to take the LORD's Words at literal face value; just as we would give that
courtesy to any man. However, we would have to give Him more veracity than any simply
human speaker. "God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man,
that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and
shall He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19). Only when we are incapable of receiving
His Words literally, should we receive them figuratively. "Thy Words were found,
and I did eat them; and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart:
for I am called by Thy Name, O LORD God of Hosts" (Jeremiah 15:16).
The medium of time is not a difficulty for the Eternal God (Deuteronomy 33:27). "(As
it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before Him Whom he [Abraham]
believed, even God, Who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not
as though they were" (Romans 4:17). Though the High And Lofty One That Inhabiteth
Eternity (Isaiah 57:15) dwells in an Eternal Day, He does condescend to us and "remembereth
that we are dust" (Psalm 103:14). Accordingly, He "hath in these last days
spoken unto us by His Son" (Hebrews 1:2). For this reason we lay so great an
emphasis upon speaking, writing, and living "by every Word that proceedeth out
of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).
The LORD Jesus has spoken to us plainly of the Father-- the Ancient of Days (Daniel
7:9,13,22)-- by His Spirit ever since the gracious outpouring of His Spirit at the
Acts 2 Pentecost. "13 Howbeit when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will
guide you into all Truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall
hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify
Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15 All things that
the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of Mine, and shall
shew it unto you... 25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time
cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly
of the Father" (John 16:13-15,25). The Only Wise God Our Saviour (Jude 25) will
reveal to us plainly when He means one year or when He means 1,000 days.
"But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the LORD
as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (2 Peter 3:8). Here, the
Apostle Peter reminds us of the truth that Moses' Psalm taught the ancient Jews.
"For a thousand years in Thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and
as a watch in the night" (Psalm 90:4). Whenever it seems that the LORD has cornered
Himself with differing statements from the Scripture of Truth (Daniel 10:21) that
"cannot be broken" (John 10:35), count on the LORD to show "you a
more excellent way" (1Corinthians 12:31).
Joshua's Long Day
Scripture is replete with instances of God's use of the miraculous to accommodate
His people. Moses cooperated with the Great I AM (Exodus 3:14) for the children of
Israel to escape Pharaoh's chariots by crossing the Red Sea. "21 And Moses stretched
out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east
wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 And
the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the
waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left" (Exodus
14:21-22). Elijah called fire down upon the sacrifice on Mount Carmel to call the
people back to God. "21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long
halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow
him. And the people answered him not a word... 37 Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that
this people may know that Thou art the LORD God, and that Thou hast turned their
heart back again. 38 Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice,
and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the
trench. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said,
The LORD, He is the God; the LORD, He is the God" (1Kings 18:21,37-39).
Earlier in Israel's history of the conquest of the Promised Land, Joshua needed extra
daylight to defeat the Amorites. "12 Then spake Joshua to the LORD in the day
when the LORD delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said
in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the
valley of Ajalon. 13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people
had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher?
So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about
a whole day. 14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the
LORD hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the LORD fought for Israel" (Joshua
10:12-14). The LORD accommodated Joshua.
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge records concerning Joshua 10:12- "Joshua
doubtless acted, on this occasion, by an immediate impulse upon his mind from the
Spirit of God. The terms here employed to record the miracle, agree with the accustomed
manner in which the motions of the earth and sun are described in our own day. The
sun apparently moves, but really is stationary; while the diurnal movement of the
earth on its axis is by us unnoticed, and would not have been known except by astronomical
science. The sun appeared to the Israelites over Gibeon, and the moon over Ajalon,
and there they stayed in their course for 'a whole day.' Many vain enquiries have
been made concerning the way in which this miracle was wrought, and many difficulties
and objections have been urged against understanding it literally. But the
fact is authenticated by the Divine testimony; and the manner in which
it was accomplished lies entirely out of our province, because [it is] beyond our
comprehension."
Though we are not told how the LORD accomplished the feat of not allowing the sun
to "go down about a whole day" (10:13), we are called upon to rely upon
the veracity of God and His Word that He did. The New Testament Thessalonians were
praised for their willingness to receive the Apostle Paul's epistles as the Word
of God. "For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye
received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of
men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you
that believe" (1Thessalonians 2:13). Even the Jewish synagogue of Berea was
given praise for their industrious searching of the Scriptures to verify the Messianic
claims of the Apostle Paul about the LORD Jesus Christ. "These were more noble
than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of
mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts
17:11). We can do no less than to believe God's Word-- that He has and will perform
miracles for His people. [Please read, "Miracles Wrought Through Servants of
God" for more on this subject.]
Hezekiah's Sundial
Just as Joshua's Long Day demonstrated the miracle of causing the Earth to stop spinning,
which would cause the sun to stand still; even so, King Hezekiah's miracle from the
prophet Isaiah was for the Earth to temporarily reverse its rotation, which would
set back the progress of the sun on the king's sundial. Both 2Kings 20:8-11 and Isaiah
38:7-8 describe this most interesting event in the life of this Godly king of Judah.
Again, we are not told how the Omnipotent LORD accomplished such an act; but only
that He did it. "Believest thou this?" (John 11:26). Because, "if
thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God" (11:40).
Hezekiah became "sick unto death" (2Kings 20:1). The LORD instructed the
prophet Isaiah to tell Hezekiah, "Set thy house in order; for thou shalt die,
and not live" (20:1). Hezekiah then turned to the LORD in prayer-- with the
tears of extreme desire-- saying, "I beseech Thee, O LORD, remember now how
I have walked before Thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which
is good in Thy sight" (20:3). Isaiah was still in the process of leaving the
king's court, when the LORD told him, "5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain
of My people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy
prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt
go up unto the house of the LORD. 6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and
I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will
defend this city for Mine Own sake, and for My servant David's sake" (20:5-6).
Isaiah instructed Hezekiah to place a "lump of figs" on his "boil"--
and "he recovered" (20:7). Whereupon Hezekiah asked Isaiah for what appears
to have been confirmation for his faith, "What shall be the sign that the LORD
will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the LORD the third day?"
(20:8). The LORD was willing to grant a sign to Hezekiah, just as He was willing
to grant Hezekiah's father, King Ahaz, a sign that He would fulfill His Word in defending
Jerusalem. "10 Moreover the LORD spake again unto Ahaz, saying, 11 Ask thee
a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above"
(Isaiah 7:10-11). Though Ahaz stubbornly and ungratefully refused to seek a sign
that God had instructed him to seek, God gave him one anyway. "Therefore the
LORD Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son,
and shall call His name Immanuel" (7:14).
And, what sign did the LORD give to Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz? "And Isaiah said,
This sign shalt thou have of the LORD, that the LORD will do the thing that He hath
spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back ten degrees?" (2Kings
20:9). Evidently, a type of sundial was visible to Hezekiah from his bed chamber,
where Isaiah encountered him. This type of sundial, a primitive but unusual clock,
i.e., the "dial of Ahaz" (20:11), possibly had steps that corresponded
to "degrees" (20:9) of measured time-- possibly increments where a degree
is the equivalent of 1/2 hour. Daylight time would be measured by watching the progress
of the "shadow" moving "forward" on this royal sundial (20:9).
Isaiah offered a choice of signs to Hezekiah of making the "shadow go forward
ten degrees, or go backward ten degrees" (20:9).
Hezekiah desired a sign that would cast away any doubt or optical illusion. He did
not want the clock to advance, but to retreat 10 degrees-- possibly as much as 5
hours. "And Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to go down
ten degrees: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees" (20:10).
Some expositors have suggested that this was a mere bending of the light and shadow
at Hezekiah's court, but the king of Babylon sent ambassadors bearing "letters
and a present to Hezekiah: for he [the king of Babylon] had heard that he [Hezekiah]
had been sick, and was recovered" (Isaiah 39:1). Evidently, even the Babylonians
had noticed the strange occurrence of the time going backwards, connected the occurrence
with the report of Hezekiah's unusual healing, and had dispatched ambassadors to
investigate-- as well as furthering their diplomatic agenda in recruiting Hezekiah
into a confederation against the Assyrians.
"And Isaiah the prophet cried unto the LORD: and He brought the shadow ten degrees
backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz" (2Kings 20:11). The
Scriptural record stands. The only apparent way that the sun's shadow would "return
backward ten degrees" (20:10), is for the Earth's rotation to temporarily reverse.
Impossible? Such reversal would destroy the world? But, "what saith
the Scripture?" (Romans 4:3). The LORD "brought the shadow
ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down in the dial of Ahaz" (2Kings
20:11). Our "God is able" (Luke 3:8) to stop the rotation of the Earth
(Joshua's Long Day), reverse the rotation of the Earth (Hezekiah's Sundial), and
speed up the rotation of the Earth (4th Trumpet Judgment). "Ah LORD GOD! behold,
Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm,
and there is nothing too hard for Thee" (Jeremiah 32:17). Read on.
The 4th Trumpet Judgment
The 4th Trumpet Judgment Occurs During the Second Half of the Tribulation Week.
I believe that an examination of the Judgments of God during the Tribulation Week
as revealed in Revelation 8:7-9:21 and 11:15-19, indicate that the 7 Trumpet Judgments
occur during the second half of the Tribulation Week. In particular, the 4th Trumpet
Judgment (8:12-13 ) describes a darkening or lessening of the light of the sun, moon,
and stars by 1/3. "And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun
was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so
as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of
it, and the night likewise" (8:12). [See our article, "Tribulation Timeline:
When Shall These Things Be? (Part 3)" for a discussion of the Seven Trumpet
Judgments.]
The Trumpet Judgments Were Designed to Strongly Influence But Not to Finally Judge
Mankind. A large part of the Trumpet Judgments is the concept of 1/3 of something
being affected. This seems to indicate that the LORD is not desiring to place the
world, which He is judging and attempting to reach, in the final position of judgment,
i.e., as would be seen at Armageddon after the End of the Week (Matthew 24:29 cp.
Revelation 16:16). The 5th Trumpet Judgment (Revelation 9:1-12) seems to take up
the space of "five months" (9:5) with the torment of the sting of the Apocalyptic
Locusts. In this 5th Trumpet Judgment, the Judge of All the Earth is attempting to
judge and influence mankind by their suffering and not their death. "And in
those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die,
and death shall flee from them" (9:6).
The Remaining 3 Trumpet and 7 Vial Judgments Take Up Approximately 18 Months of
the Remaining Tribulation Week. The 6th Trumpet Judgment (9:13-21) indicates
a time period of preparation of an "hour, and a day, and a month, and a year"
(9:15)-- approximately 390 days-- for the unleashing of the Demonic Horsemen to "slay
the third part of men" (9:15). Again, another indication that the Only Wise
God (1Timothy 1:17) is not attempting to complete the annihilation of mankind at
this judgment, is the fact that He kills precisely 1/3 of all of remaining humanity.
True, this is an expensive lesson for the world. But, how "Great Salvation"
(Hebrews 2:3) will it be for the Elect that remain and repent!
The 7th Trumpet Judgment (Revelation 11:15-19) and the 7 Vial Judgments (16:1-21)
take up the last 8-9 days of the Tribulation Week. We believe that a Pre-Wrath Rapture
takes place at the 7th and "Last Trump" (1Corinthians 15:52), where the
"dead shall be raised incorruptible" (15:52), i.e., the "Resurrection
of the Just" (Luke 14:14). The events that follow the Pre-Wrath Rapture are
incorporated in the 7 "vials of the wrath of God upon the earth" (Revelation
16:1). These Vial Judgments fit easily inside the short period of about 8-9 days.
[See our articles, "The Seventh Trumpet and the Second Rapture" and "Tribulation
Timeline: When Shall These Things Be? (Part 4)" for a discussion of the Pre-Wrath
Rapture and the Seven Vial Judgments.]
If after the 4th Trumpet Judgment, the Tribulation Week unfolds with 3 additional
Trumpet Judgments and 7 Vial Judgments, then the combined length of time left in
the Week would be about 18 months: (1) 5 months of the 5th Trumpet Judgment (Revelation
9:5), (2) approximately 13 months of the 6th Trumpet Judgment (9:15), and (3) 8-9
more days for the 7th Trumpet Judgment and the 7 Vial Judgments (11:15-19; 16:1-21).
The 4th Trumpet Judgment Points to a Speeding Up of the Rotation of the Planet
Earth. As in Joshua's Long Day (Joshua 10:12-14), we can only speculate
as to how the LORD will accomplish the 4th Trumpet Judgment (Revelation 8:12-13).
"Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with
all Wisdom" (Proverbs 18:1). I now hypothesize that the darkening of
1/3 of the sun, moon, and stars (Revelation 8:12) refers to a speeding up of the
rotation of the planet Earth by 50%; thus, it would cut a day down to 16 hours. This
would be 1/3 less light from the "sun", i.e., daylight hours (normally
12 hours). 1/3 of 12 daylight hours equals 4 hours. 12 hours minus 4 hours equals
8 hours. So, 1/3 less light from the "sun" results in 8 hours of daylight
in this new Apocalyptic Day. There would also be 1/3 less "moon" and "stars",
i.e., nighttime hours, (also normally 12 hours). 1/3 of 12 nighttime hours is 4 hours.
Again, 12 hours minus 4 hours equals 8 hours. So, 1/3 less light from the "moon"
and "stars" results in 8 hours of nighttime in this new Apocalyptic Day.
Combined, a new Apocalyptic Day would be 16 hours-- 1/3 less than the present
24 hour day-- after the sounding of the 4th Trumpet Judgment (Revelation 8:12-13).
The diameter of the Earth at the equator is 7,926 miles. The formula for finding
the circumference (distance around) of a circle is C equals 3.14159 times D.
Here, C is the circumference, 3.14159 is Pi, and D is the diameter. Replacing D with
7,926 miles, and multiplying it by 3.14159, we arrive at the result of 24,900 miles.
Therefore, the circumference of the Earth at the equator is 24,900 miles (approximately).
Further, if a day is the equivalent of one rotation of the Earth on its axis, then
the Earth must presently rotate 24,900 miles in a 24 hour period. This would be the
equivalent of a rotating speed of more than 1,000 miles per hour. Mathematically,
24,900 miles divided by 24 hours equals 1,038 miles per hour-- the speed of rotation
of the planet Earth on its axis, presently. Likewise, in an Apocalyptic Day of 16
hours (following the 4th Trumpet Judgment), 24,900 miles divided by 16 hours equals
1,556 miles per hour-- the speed of rotation of the planet Earth on its axis after
the 4th Trumpet Judgment. 1,556 mph minus 1,038 mph equals 518 mph. 518 mph is approximately
1/2 of the present speed of rotation of the planet Earth. Therefore, a 50% increase
in the speed of rotation of the planet Earth is a result of the 4th Trumpet Judgment.
Conclusion
What the Almighty has planned for His people is difficult to comprehend. "For
My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD"
(Isaiah 55:8). But, what is most important is Emmanuel-- that "God [is] with
us" (Matthew 1:23). Even the New Jerusalem that is prepared for the Elect's
sake, boasts of this concept in its name, Jehovah Shammah. "And the name of
the city [Post-Millennial New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2)] from that day shall be,
The LORD is there [Hebrew, Jehovah Shammah]" (Ezekiel 48:35).
What other implications does the speeding up of the planet Earth after the 4th Trumpet
Judgment have on the Tribulation Week? The LORD Jesus succinctly stated one of the
most important implications of the speeding up-- "those days shall be shortened"
(Matthew 24:22). Remember, after the 4th Trumpet Judgment until the End of the Tribulation
Week is approximately 18 months. If the planet Earth speeds up by 50%, then a day
will be 1/3 shorter, or the equivalent of 16 hours. Likewise, 1/3 of the remaining
18 months is 6 months. Accordingly, the Tribulation Week would be shortened by a
period of 6 months. And still, the Tribulation Week will be 2,520 days long. True,
the last 18 months of the Tribulation Week will be 16 hour days; but, shortening
"those days" (24:22) will complete the Week quicker. Thus, it will result
in Salvation "for the Elect's sake" (24:22). (If you were surviving
those days, wouldn't you want them to come to an end quicker?) Israel will be
saved as a Nation Born in a Day (Isaiah 66:8) as well as the "Gentiles [that]
shall come to [His] light" (60:3). "Is any thing too hard for the LORD?"
(Genesis 18:14).
For those who were waiting for a Tribulation Week to start by November 19,1998, the
Beginning of the Tribulation Week could be delayed for approximately 6 months, and
the End of the Tribulation Week would be still 2,520 days-- ending on October 12,
2005. [See our Tribulation Chart for time approximations.] Our LORD is never late.
He always comes in "the fulness of the time" (Galatians 4:4). His season
is always "due season" (6:9). Patience. We shall "escape all these
things that shall come to pass" (Luke 21:36) at the Pre-Tribulational Rapture
"with exceeding great joy" (Matthew 2:10), "if we faint not"
(Galatians 6:9).
Maranatha!
[---footer---