10,000 Years

10,000 Years Beginning with the first man, Adam, the world has been designated a period of time just short of 10,000 years to complete the entire creation. At the end of the 10,000 years, the earth as well as the rest of the universe will be destroyed and created new. The 10,000 years will climax with the resurrection of the dead, the "rapture" of the living in Christ, destruction of the current universe, and the final judgment of God. There have been approximately 6100 years since the creation of Adam. This leaves a number just short of 3900 years to complete the creation. The seven days of creation presented in Genesis chapter 1 are a source of much debate. Most evangelical Christians interpret the passage literally. They believe God created the entire universe and everything in it in 6 days (24 hour periods). However, Genesis 1 is not intended to be interpreted literally as six “24 hour-day” periods to finish creation. Rather, the seven days are a figurative metaphor that represents the entire creation form the very beginning of time until the end of time which is marked by the creation of a new heaven and earth. At the conclusion of the 7th day, the creation is truly complete, and there is a true Sabbath rest for God, His people, and His creation. Therefore, interpreting the “days” metaphor properly, the first 5 days of creation have past, and humanity is approaching the end of the of the 6th day. Each of the creation days represents a period where God was doing a particular type of creation. The actual time it took to complete the first 5 days and part of the 6th day is not known. Is it millions or billions of years as measured by man? It seems like a good guess, but no man can know for sure since no man was there at the beginning. What can be calculated and know is the time in which God will complete the age of man. The age of man does not take up the entire 6th day since animals were created in the first part of the 6th day. The creation of man is an on going process that will last around 10,000 years and had its beginning towards the end of the 6th day. The 6th day will end at the second coming of Jesus Christ, which will mark the beginning 7th day. The 7th day is figuratively a Sabbath that will last 1000 years as recorded in Revelation 20:1-7. At the conclusion of the 7th day, God will create a new heaven and earth. The new heaven and new earth are figuratively referred to as the “8th day” in the epistle of Barnabas, chapter 15. Therefore, the age of man begins somewhere toward the end of the 6th day and will end at the conclusion of the 7th day, a period that will literally last around 10,000 years.

10,000 Years Calculated The time period of 10,000 years is derived from three sources: The Bible (NIV), the Book of 1 Enoch (also known as "Ethiopian Enoch") and finally the Epistle of Barnabas using biblical chronology to supplement the information presented in 'Barnabas'. Bible chronology from the beginning of creation to the Babylonian exile in combination with prophecies, primarily from Daniel Chapter 9 and Revelation Chapter 20, demonstrate the 10,000-year cycle. The book of 1 Enoch, chapter 93, divides the world into 10 "one week" periods, from the birth of Enoch in the first week to the final Judgement in the tenth week. Each week represents approximately 1000 years. And finally, the Epistle of Barnabas states that the Lord revealed that the end of all things would occur in 6,000 years which equates to around 10,000 years when adding in the 1

time from creation to the time when the epistle was written. Each of these sources will be explained in detail below.

Bible Evidence Biblical evidence of the 10,000-year cycle can be calculated by adding the dates of certain events in the bible as well as determining time that has been allotted certain prophecies, namely the prophecies described in Daniel 9 and Revelation 20. Biblical Dating – From Adam to the Babylonian Exile The bible is a very interesting book for many reasons, some more obvious than others. In addition to being a spiritual guide, it is also a history book like no other. Within the pages of the bible are subtle chronological markers where one can determine the exact amount of time that elapsed between the creation of Adam to the exile of the Jews to Babylon. The subtle markers include birth-years of the Patriarchs in Genesis in relation to their father's age at their birth, the length of reign for the kings of Israel and Judia, and a few other historical markers that mark the length of time between significant historical events in the Old Testament. Using Bible chronology, the time that elapsed from Adams creation to the Babylonian exile is 3588 years. For a detailed breakdown, see Appendix 1. Bible Chronology Table – Creation to Jesus Christ Daniel Chapter 9 Daniel Chapter 9 is the most important chapter in the bible with respect to establishing a prophetic timeline. In this chapter one finds the prophecy of the "Seventy weeks." Daniel 9:24-27 states, "Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. 25 "Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens.' It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. 26 After the sixty-two 'sevens,' the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. 27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. There are many different schools of interpretation for this prophecy. However, for the purposes of this paper, the value of one 'seven' is 70 years. The 'seven' sevens and 'sixty-two' sevens represent the first and second coming of Christ, respectively. The seventy 'sevens' timeline begins with the nation of Babylon coming into power and it ends with the redemption of Israel and Jerusalem through the power and coming of Jesus Christ to the Jewish people. The "seventy" sevens is equivalent to 4900 years (70 years X 70 = 4900 years). For a more thorough explanation for this and other interpretetions of Daniel 9, please see Appendix 2. Interpretation of Daniel Chapter 9 – the Seventy

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'Sevens'. The redemption of Israel will begin a new age commonly referred to as the "millenium" described in Revelation Chapter 20. Revelation Chapter 20 –" the1000 years" Revelation Chapter 20 describes a 1000-year period after the fall of the "evil one" or the "devil" at the conclusion of this age. There will be a 1000-year period where Jerusalem will be the center of world government and Jesus Christ will be the king. After the 1000 years, Satan will be loosed on the earth for a final period of time to deceive the world one more time. At the conclusion of this final period of time, the universe will be destroyed, the judgement will take place and the new heaven and earth will be created and inhabited by the saints. The exact length of this final period of rebellion is undeterminable. However, a good guess is somewhere around 300 years. The 300-year guess is based on the other sources, Barnabas and 1 Enoch, discussed later. Summary of the Biblical Timeline To determine the total time, add the periods together. There were 3588 years from Adam to the Babylonian exile, 4900 years from the Babylonian exile the final redemption of Israel, 1000 years from the redemption of Israel to the final loosing of Satan, and an undeterminable period of time from the end of the millenium to the end of all things. The total is 9488 plus an additional 300 years (approximate). That leaves a grand total of 9788 years.

Book of Enoch, Chapter 92 The book of 1 Enoch (also known as "Ethiopian Enoch") is possibly the oldest book on the face of the earth. Assuming the book was actually written by the biblical Enoch (or one of his close relatives), then the book is over 5000 years old. However, most "scholars" classify the book as "pseudepigrapha", which means it is a book that was written by an anonymous author but its authorship is attributed to some notable biblical character to give the writing credence. "Scholars" date the book as early as 250 BC. However, they originally dated the book as late as 500 AD, before it was discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls. The real fact is that no one can be sure how old it actually is. However, it is obvious that 1 Enoch had a profound impact on some of the New Testament writings. Many of the concepts presented 1 Enoch are mentioned in the Gospels as well as the Epistles. As a matter of fact, Jude directly quotes from 1 Enoch. The fact 1 Enoch was valued by many of the New Testament writers lends credence to the authorship being Enoch himself or a close relative (Noah?), if you assume the New Testament is divinely inspired. In chapter 92 (in some translations this is Chapter 93), Enoch presents his prophecy of the 10 weeks. Each week represents about 1000 years. Enoch 92:4-18, "Enoch then began to speak from a book, and said, I have been born the seventh in the first week, while judgment and righteousness wait with patience. 5But after me, in the second week, great wickedness shall arise, and fraud shall spring forth. 6In that week the

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end of the first shall take place, in which mankind shall be safe. 7But when the first is completed, iniquity shall grow up; and during the second week he shall execute the decree upon sinners. Afterwards, in the third week, during its completion, a man of the plant of righteous judgment shall be selected; and after him the Plant of righteousness shall come forever. 9Subsequently, in the fourth week, during its completion, the visions of the holy and the righteous shall be seen, the order of generation after generation shall take place, and a habitation shall be made for them. Then in the fifth week, during its completion, the house of glory and of dominion shall be erected forever. 10After that, in the sixth week, all those who are in it shall be darkened, the hearts of all of them shall be forgetful of wisdom, and in it shall a Man arise and come forth. 11And during its completion He shall burn the house of dominion with fire, and all the race of the elect root shall be dispersed. 12Afterwards, in the seventh week, a perverse generation shall arise; abundant shall be its deeds, and all its deeds perverse. During its completion, the righteous shall be selected from the everlasting plant of righteousness; and to them shall be given the sevenfold doctrine of his whole creation. Afterwards there shall be another week, the eighth of righteousness, to which shall be given a sword to execute judgment and justice upon all oppressors. 14Sinners shall be delivered up into the hands of the righteous, who during its completion shall acquire habitations by their righteousness; and the house of the great King shall be established for celebrations for ever. After this, in the ninth week, shall the judgment of righteousness be revealed to the whole world. 15 Every work of the ungodly shall disappear from the whole earth; the world shall be marked for destruction; and all men shall be on the watch for the path of integrity. 16And after this, on the seventh day of the tenth week, there shall be an everlasting judgment, which shall be executed upon the Watchers; and a spacious eternal heaven shall spring forth in the midst of the angels. 17The former heaven shall depart and pass away; a new heaven shall appear; and all the celestial powers shall shine with sevenfold splendor forever. Afterwards likewise shall there be many weeks, which shall externally exist in goodness and in righteousness. 18Neither shall sin be named there forever and forever." The actual value of a week has to be at least 988 years. Enoch states that he was born seventh in the first week. But after him, in the second week, the flood (vs. 4-7) would destroy the earth. Based on bible chronology, Enoch was born 688 years after Adams creation. He lived 365 years before he was taken by God, which give a total of 988 years from the creation of Adam to the End of Enoch's time on Earth. Since the second week begins after him, the second week would have to begin greater than 988 years. Each week of the prophecy represents a major event or the major theme for the each particular "week" or 1000 year period of history. See Appendix 3. The Prophecy of the 10 Weeks – Table for a detailed breakdown of the prophecy. Keep in mind that it is written to the righteous, and therefore the prophecy covers themes that would only interest the righteous. The wicked and ungodly will not see the significance. If the calculations are correct, humanity is currently in the first half of the seventh week. A week where “a perverse generation shall arise; abundant shall be its deeds, and all its deeds perverse". There are 10 weeks to this prophecy, which concludes on the seventh day of the th 10 week with the final judgement. Since there is a total of 10 weeks (ending on the

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seventh day of the tenth week and each week represents at least 988 years, the total time 9738 to 9880 years to complete the cycle of this world.

Epistle of Barnabas, Chapter 15 The Epistle of Barnabas was probably written some time shortly after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The author was most likely Barnabas, one of Paul's companions in the book of Acts. Based on the content, the epistle was written to the church in Alexandria to provide encouragement and attempt to explain some theological questions, such as why the church worships on the first day of the week instead of the Sabbath. One of the more interesting verses in the text implies that the Lord Jesus Christ revealed to the author (Barnabas) that all things would come to an end in 6000 years. Barnabas 15:4 states, Give heed, children, what this means; He ended (the creation of the universe) in six days. He means this, that in six thousand years the Lord shall bring all things to an end; for the day with Him signifies a thousand years; and this He himself bears me witness, saying; Behold, the day of the Lord shall be as a thousand years. Therefore, children, in six days, that is in six thousand years, everything shall come to an end. Barnabas states that the Lord revealed to him that the in 6 days, or 6000 years since a day to the Lord is like a thousand years, all things would come to an end. According to “scholars”, the Epistle of Barnabas was most likely written after the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD but before 130 AD. Therefore, from the creation of Adam to the time the Epistle was written was approximately 4200 years. The Lord revealed to Barnabas that the end would come in 6 days or 6000 years. Therefore, by adding the 4200 years with the 6000 years, that equals 10,200 years. However, the concept of a day can mean any part of a day counts as a day. For example, most every person who calls himself a Christian agrees that Christ was dead for three days and rose from the dead. Actually, he was dead closer to two days. He died on a Friday afternoon and was resurrected on the following Sunday morning. That is closer to 48 hours (2 days), not 72 hours (3 days). The point is this, any part of a day counts as a whole day. Therefore, if a day is equivalent to 1000 years, then any part of 1000 years counts towards the day it represents. Therefore, the 6 days Barnabas was referring to would actually mean 5 days plus any fraction of a sixth day. Therefore, the total time needed to complete six days in the context of Barnabas 15 is anywhere between 5001 years to 6000 years. Hence, the total time to complete all things is between 9,201 to 10,200 years.

Conclusion All of these sources point to a time period that is slightly less than 10,000 years to complete the "cycle of the world". In summary, the timeline ranges for each source is as follows: The Bible - 9788 years (plus or minus 100 years) Enoch - 9738 to 9880 years Barnabas - 9,201 to 10,200 years 5

If one looks at the ranges of each and uses each to come up with an estimate, it puts the total time around 9800 years. Of course, this puts the Second Coming of Christ, as well many of the other unfulfilled biblical prophecies thousands of years in the future. This is a difficult concept to accept considering that none of the major eschatological beliefs of today even remotely resemble this view. Using the 10,000-year model, unfulfilled prophecy is opened up in ways that are not apparent with other interpretations. Appendix 4. Prophecy Chronology Table outlines all biblical prophecy and places the fulfillment, or future fulfillment, in a particular time period The one compelling argument against this view is "no one knows the day of the hour" of Christ's return. None of the arguments above give a day or hour, they are approximations within a given time range. Although Christ said "no one would know the day or hour", he did say we would know the season.

Appendix 1. Bible Chronology Table – Creation to Jesus Christ

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Year of Event

Age of Father at Birth of Son or Event Used as Starting Reference Name Years Adam NA

AM* 1

BC** 4153

131 236 326 396 461 623

4023 3918 3828 3758 3693 3531

Seth Enosh Kenan Mahalalel Jared Enoch

130 105 90 70 65 162

688 875 1057 1559

3466 3279 3087 2595

Methuselah Lamech Noah Shem

65 187 182 502

1659

2495

Arphaxad

100

1694 1724 1758

2460 2430 2396

Shelah Eber Peleg

35 30 34

Comments Adams Father was God. For Adam through Noah see Genesis 5.

Enoch did not die, he was taken to heaven (see Genesis 5:21-24)

Shem was 100 years old 2 years after the flood, and Noah was 602 years old, therefore Noah was 502 years old when Shem was born (see Genesis 7:6 & 11:10) For Shem through Terah sees Genesis 11:10-32.

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1788 1820 1850 1879 1949 2049 2109 2239

2366 2334 2304 2275 2205 2105 2045 1915

Reu Serug Nahar Terah Abram/Abraham Isaac Jacob/Israel Israel Enters Egypt

30 32 30 29 70 100 60 130

2669

1485

The Exodus from Egypt

430

3149

1005

Solomon Begins Building Temple in Jerusalem

480

Year of Event AM* 3186

BC** 968

3203 3206 3247 3272 3280 3281 3287

951 948 907 882 874 873 867

3327 3356 3408

827 798 746

3424 3460 3489 3544 3546 3577 3577

730 694 665 610 608 577 577

Age of Father at Birth of Son or Event Used as Starting Reference Name Years King Solomon's Reign 37 after temple foundation is laid. King Rehoboam's Reign 17 King Abijah's Reign 3 King Asa's Reign 41 King Jehoshaphat's Reign 25 King Jehoram's Reign 8 King Ahaziah's Reign 1 Athalia's (mother of 6 Ahaziah) Reign King Joash's Reign 40 King Amaziah's Reign 29 King Azariah/Uzziah's 52 Reign King Jotham's Reign 16 King Ahaz's Reign 36 King Hezekiah's Reign 29 King Manasseh's Reign 55 King Amon's Reign 2 King Josiah's Reign 31 King Jehoahaz's reign 3 Months

3588

566

King Jehoiakim's Reign

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Genesis 21:5 & 25:7 Genesis 25:26 & 35:28 Genesis 47:9. Israel (Jacob) was 130 years old when he entered Egypt. Exodus 12:40-41. Israel was in Egypt exactly 430 years. 1 Kings 6:1. 480 years after the Exodus, Solomon began building the Temple in the 4th year of his reign, i.e., 3 years after he became King Comments 1 Kings 11:42. Solomon Reigned a total of 40 years. 1 Kings 14:21, 2 Chron. 12:13 1 Kings 15:1 1 Kings 15:9-10, 2 Chron. 16:13 1 Kings 22:41-42, 2 Chron. 20:31 2 Kings 8:16, 2 Chron. 21:5-20 2 Kings 8:25, 2 Chron. 22:2 2 Kings 11:1-3, 2 Chron. 22:12 2 Kings 11:21, 2 Chron. 24:1 2 Kings 14:1-2, 2 Chron. 25:1-25 2 Kings 15:1-2, 2 Chron. 26:3 2 Kings 15:32-33, 2 Chron. 27:1 2 Kings 16:1-2, 2 Chron 28:1 2 Kings 18:1-2, 2 Chron 29-32 2 Kings 21:1, 2 Chron. 33:1-20 2 Kings 21:19, 2 Chron. 22:21-25 2 Kings 22:1, 2 Chron. 34:1 2 Kings 23:31, 2 Chron. 36:2. Length of reign is negligible since it was well less than one year. 2 Kings 23:34, 2 Chron. 35:6. Taken into exile in Babylon. Babylonian rule begins at the end of Jehoiachim"s reign.

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3658

496

3658

496

4148

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Babylonian Domination of World – End of Babylonian Reign Decree of King Cyrus the Great of Persia Decree of Cyrus to birth of Christ

70 1 day 490

Jeremiah 9:12 ; 29:10, 2 Chron 36:2023, Daniel 9:1-3. Babylon denominates world 70 years. 2 Chron. 36:21-22, Ezra 1:1. Marked the end Babylonian world domination. Daniel 9:23-27. See Appendix 2 Interpretation of Daniel Chapter 9 – The Seventy 'Sevens' for a detailed explanation.

*Date from creation forward [AM] (Anno Mundi) ** Date Before Christ [BC] (estimates) The chronology presented on this site is based on dates prior to Judah's Babylonian Exile in the Old Testament as presented in the Holy Bible, New International Version ® (Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society). The NIV in turn bases its translation primarily on the recognized Hebrew text as used by Jews today.

Appendix 2. Interpretation of Daniel Chapter 9 – The Seventy 'Sevens' Introduction Prophecy can be described, in a metaphorical sense, as a jigsaw puzzle with some of the pieces missing. Individual prophetic scriptures represent the pieces of the puzzle. Each piece has a particular shape and look. The tricky part comes when one tries to put the puzzle together. Like a jigsaw puzzle, there are pieces that physically fit together. Even if one fits all the pieces of the prophetic pieces together in their proper place, there are still pieces missing. Therefore, it is impossible to know what the whole picture actually looks like, although there is enough information to get a general understanding. Some have called Daniel Chapter 9 the cornerstone of Biblical prophecy. (Cox) This is not without good reason. Most of the major eschatological theories base much of their beliefs on the foundation of a particular interpretation of this passage. If one looks at Biblical prophecy using the jigsaw metaphor, then the prophecy outlined in Daniel Chapter 9 is a corner piece. And like any other jigsaw puzzle, it is very important to start with the corner piece. If this is true, then it is imperative to have a correct understanding of Daniel Chapter 9 to have a chance to fully understand Biblical prophecy in order to have the fullest understanding available from scripture. There are many interpretations of Daniel Chapter 9. We are going to explore the two most popular interpretations of this passage: the dispensational interpretation and the preterist interpretation. The strengths and weaknesses of both schools of interpretation will be explored. And finally, we will look at Daniel 9 from a different perspective. One used to support the 10,000-year theory. From the 10,000-year point of view, the timeline represented by the prophecy is 4,900 years. Daniel Chapter 9 Explained The key verses in Daniel Chapter 9 are verses 24-27. However, to get a good perspective on what these verses mean, it is necessary to look at the entire chapter to help

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put the passage in context. Chapter 9 begins with a chronological marker. Daniel recorded that the events in Chapter 9 took place in the first year of the reign of Darius, son of Xerxes (a Mede by decent). This Darius was the last Babylonian king (Petrie). The very next year, “Cyrus the Great” of the Persian Empire conquered Babylon (539 BC). Verses 2 and 3 reveal that Daniel sensed that the 70 years assigned to the Babylonian empire spoken of through the prophet Jeremiah were about to end (Jeremiah 25:9-12). Additionally, Daniel also knew that when Babylon’s time was through, the Lord promised to restore the Israelites back to their land (Jeremiah 29:10). In verses 4 through 19, Daniel delivers a powerful prayer regarding the sin of his people and Jerusalem and asks the Lord if he will forgive the transgressions of his people and asks the Lord to restore Jerusalem. Daniel specifically petitions the Lord to “not delay” in his actions. In verses 20 through 23, the angel Gabriel visits Daniel. Gabriel explains to Daniel that he was instructed to give Daniel an answer to his prayer since Daniel is considered “highly esteemed” in the eyes of the Lord. This leads up to verses 24-27 where he gets the answer to his prayer (I suspect it was more of an answer than he anticipated). Verses 24 Through 27 Explored Verses 24 –27 read as follows: Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy. Know and understand this: from the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens’ and sixtytwo ‘sevens’. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. After the sixty-two ‘sevens’ the Anointed One will be cut off and have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: war will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven’, but in the middle of that ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And the one who causes desolation will place abominations on a wing of the temple until the end that is decreed is poured out on him. (New International Version) This is an unusual answer to Daniel’s original prayer. The most striking portion of the text is the vague reference to the two time lines: the seventy ‘sevens’ for Daniel’s “people” and the “holy city” and the seven ‘sevens’ and sixty-two ‘sevens’ for the “Anointed One.” The word ‘seven’ in Hebrew is synonymous with the word ‘week.’ In fact, the word week is used in most of the English translations of the Bible. However, it is obvious that a ‘seven’ is not a literal seven-day week in the context of the passage. It is a symbolic representation of some other unit of time. As a matter of fact, there are several metaphors in the passage. The following is an attempt to define them as broadly as possible in order to be as inclusive of as many interpretations as possible: 1.

“Your people” – There are three possibilities. It could mean Daniel’s people by blood, the Jews, it could mean all whose name is “written in the book of life” (Daniel 12:1) which includes Christians (i.e., spiritual Israel), or it could

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be a combination of them both, assuming there is a difference between Gentile and Jewish Christians. 2.

“Holy city” – This most likely refers to Jerusalem but could possibly have a spiritual meaning as well, such as the New Jerusalem described in Revelation Chapter 21.

3.

“Decree to restore” – This refers to one of the decrees that was issued by one of the kings of the ancient Persian Empire to restore Jerusalem and rebuild the temple in the 6th or 5th century BC. Most would agree that there are three possibilities here: The decree of Cyrus (538 BC), the decree of Darius I (520 BC), or the decree of Artaxerxes (445 BC). (Petrie) There are disputes over the actual dates of these decrees that will be explored later.

4.

“Anointed One” – There is very little dispute that this refers to Jesus Christ.

5.

“Cut off” – Most believe this is a reference to the crucifixion of Christ and his separation from the Father. It could refer to his wrath against humanity as described in Isaiah 63. It could also mean that Christ will be cut off from the church during the tribulation period (the last 1260 days before Christ’s second coming).

6.

“The people of the ruler” - Most believe this refers to a ruler who opposes God. The debate for this is the identity of this person or entity and whether or not this prophecy has been fulfilled.

7.

“Covenant with many for one ‘seven’” – Some believe this is the antichrist (the ruler who exalts himself), others believe it is a reference to Christ.

The most important metaphor in the passage is the reference to the seventy ‘sevens’ and the seven ‘sevens’ and ‘sixty-two’ sevens. In Hebrew, the word seven is synonymous with the word “week.” However, it is obvious that the time periods in question are not literal seven-day weeks since this prophecy was given hundreds of years before Christ and none of the elements of the prophecy were fulfilled in a literal 70 week period. In fact, the Hebrew word for a seven-day week is a feminine form of the word “seven” in the Hebrew language. In Daniel 9, the word seven is used in the masculine form, which denotes it is plural, and therefore it refers to multiple periods of “seven.” The Hebrew interpretation for the word “seven” in Daniel chapter 9 is explained as follows: "The word for ‘week’ is 'sabu', which is derived from ‘seba,’ the word for ‘seven.’ Its normal plural is feminine in form: ‘sebuot.’ Only in this chapter of Daniel does it appear in the masculine plural ‘sabuim.’ Therefore, it is strongly suggestive of the idea ‘heptad’ (a series or combination of seven), rather than a ‘week’ in the sense of a series of seven days." (The Daniel 9:24-27 Prophecy) Even without the explanation above, anyone with a superficial knowledge of bible chronology could deduce that the value of one “seven” is not a literal seven-day week. The most popular belief is that the value of one “seven” is equivalent to 7 years.

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Therefore, seventy ‘sevens’ are equivalent to 490 years (70 x 7 years = 490 years). This concept is popularly referred to as “seventy weeks of years.” Preterist Viewpoint "Preterist" means past in fulfillment of prophecy, and "futurist" means future in fulfillment. Preterist basically means the opposite of Futurist. Futurists believe that most end-time prophecies (especially the major ones) are yet to be fulfilled. Preterists believe that most or all of Bible Prophecy has already been fulfilled in Christ and the on-going expansion of His Kingdom. (International Preterist Association) The Preterist believe that most of the Biblical prophecy in Daniel and other parts of the Bible have been fulfilled through the coming of Christ. The Preterist view with respect to Daniel 9:24-27 is it has already been fulfilled. Like most everyone else interested in the Daniel Chapter 9 prophecy, they believe in the “seventy weeks of years” interpretation or the seventy ‘sevens’ equals 490 years. One of the more popular Preterists who wrote on the seventy weeks of Daniel is Philip Mauro (c.1859- 1952). He wrote a book on the subject entitled The Seventy Weeks and The Great Tribulation (1921). In his book, Mauro describes in great detail the Preterist view of the prophecies of Daniel and the Olivet Discourse of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21) For starters, Mauro believed that when studying Biblical prophecy, there was no need to look anywhere else except the Bible. He believed the Bible contained all the information necessary to properly interpret scripture, including a chronological system to mark ancient history. In fact, Mauro rejected the secular historical dating of most of the events for the period of time before Christ. Mauro discussed this belief in chapter two of his book. The following is an excerpt that outlines why he believes secular dating of the period from the Persian empire to the time Jesus Christ is flawed, “All those systems, without any exception, are based upon the ‘canon’ of Ptolemy, that is to say, a list of supposed Persian kings, with the supposed length of the reign of each, which list was compiled by Ptolemy, a heathen astronomer and writer of the second century A.D. But Ptolemy does not even pretend to have had any facts as to the length of the Persian period (that is to say, from Darius and Cyrus down to Alexander the Great). Ptolemy estimates or guesses this period to have been 205 years long. And this is what has caused all the trouble and uncertainty; for every one who has attempted to construct a Bible chronology has based himself on Ptolemy's estimate. In a word then, there is no chronology in existence of the period from Cyrus to Christ except in the Bible.”(Mauro) Mauro believed that the starting point of Daniel’s seventy-week prophecy was the decree of Cyrus. This belief was well founded for two reasons. First, the decree of Cyrus was the only decree that Daniel lived to see. The other decrees happened after his death. It makes no sense that the angel Gabriel would relay an answer to Daniel’s prayer without providing Daniel with the information to properly interpret the prayer. Second, the decree of Cyrus is specifically mentioned in three locations in the Bible, including in a prophecy by Isaiah around 150 years before it actually happened (Isaiah 44:28). Since Mauro did not believe in secular historical dating, he believed that the time from the decree of Cyrus to the beginning of Christ’s ministry when he was baptized was 483 years. This accounts for the seven ‘sevens’ and sixty two ‘sevens’ for the “Anointed One” in Daniel 9:25 (7 + 62 = 69 and 69 x 7 years = 483 years). Therefore, he believed

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the correct date for the Cyrus decree was around 450 B.C. (secular dating puts the date around 538 BC). (Mauro) Mauro does an exhaustive job explaining his position, which can not be given justice in a short paper. Without going into great detail, Mauro interprets the last week of the seventy week prophecy (Daniel 9:27) to represent the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, which ended the need for any other atoning sacrifice, and the establishment of the Church. Therefore, Mauro and other Preterists have concluded that the entire seventyweek prophecy of Daniel Chapter 9 has been fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ, his atoning sacrifice, and the establishment of the Church. The Preterist homepage defends this view with the following statement; “This view offers a much more positive and realistic worldview. It is conservative, consistent, optimistic, responsible and accountable. And it robs us of no motivation for either living the Christian life, or evangelizing the world. In fact, it's the only view, which gives us a consistent reason for being constructively involved in making the world a better place for the long-term, unlike the short-term escapist and withdrawal mindset of most futurists.” (International Preterist Association) This is a very attractive viewpoint, but in order to accept it, one must accept that many of the prophecies in other parts of the Bible are metaphorical in nature and not meant to be taken literally. Using the jigsaw metaphor, the completed puzzle looks like some abstract work of art that requires an “expert” to explain what it means. The Dispensationalist View Dispensationalists or “Futurists” believe that many of the Biblical prophecies with respect to the future of Israel have yet to be fulfilled. They believe in a literal interpretation of scripture, and therefore, do not believe that many of the elements of prophecy in Daniel Chapter 9 have been fulfilled. They believe that the nation of Israel will be restored as promised in other Biblical prophecies and they don’t necessarily believe that means that the Church is “Spiritual Israel.” (Dispensational Bible Resources) For example, the popular Left Behind series of books is based on a dispensational interpretation of prophecy. There are many variations in the interpretation of prophecy from this point of view. But with respect to Daniel Chapter 9, most Dispensationalists tend to agree on one basic interpretation. Like the Preterists, Dispensationalists believe in the “seventy weeks of years” interpretation thus the seventy weeks equals 490 years total. However, since they believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible, they do not believe that the 490 years are complete. Many elements of the prophecy described in verse 24, including putting an end to sin, have yet to be completed. The most popular view from the Dispensational perspective is the seventy week period started with the decree of Artaxerxes (445 BC). This is mainly due to the fact that they accept the secular dating of the various decrees and this decree more closely matches the time period needed to fulfill the prophecy. (Karayan) Dispensationalists believe that the seven ‘sevens’ and sixty two ‘sevens’ for Jesus Christ, the “Anointed One”, are added together to get a total of sixty nine ‘sevens’ or ‘weeks’, which translates to 483 years if one assumes the value of one seven equal seven years (69 x 7 years = 483 years). However, that leaves one ‘week’ or period of seven years to complete the seventy weeks. This is where things get interesting.

13

Dispensationalists believe this last seven year period is to be fulfilled sometime in the in the future with the “great tribulation” described in various other parts of the Bible, including Revelation. Therefore, there is a gap in time between the sixty-ninth and seventieth week. (Karayan) In short, they believe the Daniel prophecy of the seventy weeks begins with the decree of Artaxerxes and at the end of the sixty-ninth weeks the “Anointed One” or Jesus Christ is crucified. The anointed one being “cut off” in verse 25 is interpreted as the time Jesus spent separated from the Father between the crucifixion and the resurrection. The final seven years of the prophecy will take place in some unknown time in the future with the great tribulation and thus fulfill all the elements of the prophecy. The strength of Dispensationalism is it takes a literal view of interpreting prophetic scripture. However, in the case of the Daniel seventy weeks prophecy, they try to force the pieces of the prophetic jigsaw puzzle together to help it fit with their understanding of the rest of the biblical prophecy associated with the end times. They start by picking the decree of Artaxerxes that is obviously not the decree that Daniel himself would have known about. And secondly, it leaves a huge gap of time between the sixty-ninth and seventieth week. There is nothing to suggest that the seventy-week timeline be anything but a continuous time period. The “4,900 Year” View The “4,900 year” interpretation of Daniel 9 means as the title suggests that the entire length of time to complete the prophecy is 4,900 years instead of the 490 years suggested by other interpretations. This point of view differs from the more traditional interpretations in two major ways. First, the value of one ‘seven’ is equivalent to 70 years instead of seven years (hence 70 years x 70 = 4,900 years). Second, the seven 'sevens' and sixty-two 'sevens' of the “Anointed One” represents Christ’s first and second coming which opposes the traditional idea of adding the ‘seven’ and ‘sixty-two’ together (sixty-nine) to establish a timeline for Christ’s first coming. The following is a list that defines how the elements of this prophecy are interpreted with respect to the 4900-year interpretation: Seventy 'sevens' – equivalent to seventy times 70 years, or 4900 years total. The period of seventy 'sevens' began when Babylon domination took hold in Judia. Daniel understood the desolation would last 70 years per the profit Jeremiah (Jeremiah 9:12 ; 29:10) and prayed earnestly for the redemption of his people and Jerusalem. Gabriel gave him the answer that seventy of these "seventy-year periods" were required for Daniel's people and the city of Jerusalem to finish transgression, put an end to sin, etc. The decree to restore – this refers to the decree of King Cyrus to return the Hebrew exiles home to Jerusalem (scripture references). This decree took place 490 years before the birth of Christ. This differs with secular dating by around 40 years.

14

"Anointed One" comes in seven 'sevens' and sixty-two 'sevens' – The "Anointed One" is Jesus Christ. The seven 'sevens' refers to His first coming (birth) 490 years after the decree of Cyrus to restore Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. The sixty-two sevens refer to His Second Coming 4340 years after his first coming. Both of these "comings" are to the nation of Israel. The Second Coming is described in Zechariah 14. The obvious question is why is the value of one seven equal to seventy years? First, one must look at Daniel’s frame of reference in chapter 9. Daniel understood from the profit Jeremiah that the desolation of Jerusalem would last 70 years and that time was drawing to a close. He then prayed for his people (the Israelites) and Jerusalem and petitioned God to restore his people. The angel Gabriel met him and told him that seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for his people and the holy city to finish transgression, put an end to sin, etc. Daniel stated at the beginning that he understood the desolation would last 70 years. Therefore, 70 years is a number that was fresh on his mind when he began his prayer. When the angel told him that it would be seventy ‘sevens’, ('sevens' being a heptad or multiple ‘sevens’ as explained earlier) that would have been a number on his mind. And the fact that the angel Gabriel told him there would be seventy of these ‘sevens’ must have came as somewhat of a shock to Daniel. Additionally, this meant that the first of these ‘sevens’ or seventy year periods was drawing to a close and hence, there were 69 remaining. The remaining 69 ‘sevens’ are broken down into periods of seven 'sevens' and 62 'sevens' (seventy year periods) which deals with the arrival of the “Anointed One” who is Jesus Christ. The timeline starts with the Cyrus's decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. He divides the arrival of the Anointed One into two period’s; seven ‘sevens’ (490 years) and sixty-two ‘sevens’ (4340 years). This means 490 years after Cyrus's decree, Christ was born. 4340 years after Christ's birth, he will return again to fulfill the rest of the prophecy with respect to Daniel's people and the Holy City. Jesus Christ will put an end to sin, atone for wickedness, bring in everlasting righteousness, seal up vision and prophecy, and anoint the most holy of the Nation of Israel and the rest of the world. This will mark the beginning of the millenium age described in Revelation 20. In summary, the seventy 'sevens' stands for 4900 years to completely redeem the nation of Israel and Jerusalem. The first of these 'sevens' (70 year periods) began with the Babylonian domination of Israel and Jerusalem and ended with the decree of Cyrus to restore and rebuild the Jerusalem and the temple. The remaining 69 'sevens' are divided into two periods; seven and sixty-two respectively. The first seven 'sevens' is equivalent to 490 years and marks the time from the decree of Cyrus to the Birth of Christ. The remaining sixty-two 'sevens' is equivalent to 4340 years and marks the time from Jesus Christ's birth to his Second Coming, which will result in the final redemption of Isreal. Bibliography Cox, Douglas. Daniel’s 70 weeks. Retrieved on September 21, 2002 from the World Wide Web: http://www.sentex.net/~tcc/dan70.html

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The Daniel 9:24-27 Prophecy. Retrieved on September 21, 2002 from the World Wide Web: http://www.bibleinsight.com/daniel9.html Dispensational Bible Resources. Retrieved on September 21, 2002 from the World Wide Web: http://www.dispensational.com/main.html Historist.com, The Protestant Interpretation of Bible Prophecy, The Historical Alternative. Retrieved on September 21, 2002 from the World Wide Web: http://www.historicist.com/Newton/title.htm International Preterist Association. Retrieved on September 21, 2002 from the World Wide Web: http://www.preterist.org/ Karayan, Phill. Daniel’s 70 weeks. Retrieved on September 21, 2002 from the World Wide Web: http://www.truthnet.org/dan70wk.htm Mauro, Philip (1921). The Seventy Weeks and The Great Tribulation. Retrieved on September 21, 2002 from the World Wide Web: http://www.preteristarchive.com/MauroArchive/ms-wks.html. New International Version - Serendipity Bible for Groups – (1988). Serendipity House: Littelton, Colorado. Petrie, David. History of the World from a Biblical Perspective. Retrieved on September 21, 2002 from the World Wide Web: http://www.biblehistory.webcentral.com.au/

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Appendix 3. The Prophecy of the 10 Weeks - Table Range (Dates) AM* BC - AD From To From To 0 988 4153 3165 BC

Week

Text from 1 Enoch Chapter 92

1

I was born seventh in the first week, while judgement and righteousness wait with patience. 1 Enoch 92:4

But after me, in the second week, great wickedness shall arise, and fraud shall spring forth. In that week the end of the first shall take place, in which all mankind shall be safe. But when the first is completed, iniquity shall grow up; and during the second week he shall execute the decree upon sinners. 1 Enoch 92:5-7 Afterwards, in the third week, during it’s completion, a man of the plant of righteous judgement shall be selected. And after him the plant of righteousness shall come forever. 1 Enoch 92:8

989

1976

3164

2177

2

1977

2964

2176

1189

3

2965

3952

1188

201

4

Subsequently, in the fourth week, during its completion, the visions of the holy and the righteous shall be seen, the order of generation after generation shall take place, and habitations shall be made for them. 1 Enoch 92:9

3953

4940

200

787

5

Then in the fifth week, during its

Comments** The first week represents the beginning of mankind described in the book of Genesis; the time from Adam through the life of Enoch; a total of 988 years. The ‘second week’ represents the millenium after Enoch. This is the week of the great flood, Noah’s ark, and the first few centuries after the flood.

During the ‘third week’ or third millenium, Abraham is called by God to establish a holy nation. Additionally, Moses leads his people out of Egypt. Either of these men fit the description of “the man of the plant of righteousness.” The ‘fourth week’ represents the time when Israel becomes a kingdom starting with Saul and it ends after the Jewish exile return from Babylonian captivity. This period is when all the old testament prophets lived. The ‘fifth week’ or fifth millenium

17

BC

AD

completion, the house of glory and dominion shall be erected forever. 1 Enoch 92:9

is when Christ first comes and establishes the church, the “house of glory and dominion.” During the ‘sixth week’ or sixth millenium the church goes through the turmoil of the dark ages. The “man who arises” represents Islam domination of the Palestine and the mid-east.

4941

5928

788

1775

6

5929

6916

1776

2763

7

After that, in the sixth week, all those who are in it shall be darkened, the hearts of all of them shall be forgetful of wisdom and a man shall arise and come forth. And during its completion he shall burn the house of dominion with fire, and the race of the elect root shall be dispersed. 1 Enoch 92:10-11 Afterwards, in the seventh week, a perverse generation shall arise; abundant shall be its deeds, and all its deeds perverse. During its completion, the righteous shall be selected from the everlasting plant of righteousness; and to them shall be given the sevenfold doctrine of his whole creation. 1 Enoch 92:12

Week

Text from 1 Enoch Chapter 92

Comments**

8

Afterwards there shall be another week, the eighth of righteousness, to which shall be given the sword to execute judgement and justice on all oppressors. Sinners shall be delivered into the hands of the righteous, who during its completion shall acquire habitation by their righteousness; and the house of the great king shall be established for celebrations forever. 1 Enoch 92:14 After this, in the ninth week, shall the judgement of righteousness be revealed to the whole world. Every work of the ungodly shall disappear from the whole earth; the world shall be marked for destruction; and all men shall be on the watch for the path of integrity. 1 Enoch 92:15 And after this, on the seventh day of the tenth week, there shall be an everlasting judgement, which shall be executed upon the Watchers; and a spacious eternal heaven shall spring forth in the midst of the angels. The former heaven shall depart and pass away; a new heaven shall appear; and all the celestial powers shall shine with sevenfold splendor forever. 1 Enoch 92:17

The ‘eighth week’ or eighth millenium is characterized as one of justice and righteousness where the righteous dominate. Additionally, the “house of the great king” will be established. This possibly represents a new temple in Jerusalem.

Range (Dates) AM* BC - AD From To From To 6917 7904 2764 3751

7905

8892

3752

4739

9

8893

9880

4740

5727

10

You are Here. The ‘seventh week’ or seventh millenium is marked by many deeds (technological advances) without giving God glory of credit. However, it ends with God revealing the mysteries of the universe to the righteous.

The ‘ninth week’ or ninth millenium is characterized as the one where the ungodly disappear. It is during this week that many of the events described in the books of Daniel and Revelation take place. Christ defeats the Beast and begins the ‘millenium’ kingdom described in Revelation Chapter 20. On the seventh day of the ‘tenth week’ or at the end of the tenth millenium, the final judgement takes place and a new heaven and earth are created for the righteous.

* Date from creation forward anno mundi (AM). ** Opinion of the author only.

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Appendix 4. Timeline of History from a Biblical Perspective Date AM <1

Description of Event/Period Creation

Biblical Reference

Comments

Genesis 1:1-31

God created the heavens, earth, and all the laws that govern this universe.

Creation of Adam and Eve – the first man and women Fall of man

Genesis 2:1-25

7 - 461

The rise of Man on the Earth

Genesis 5

God created man in his own image and initially made him immortal. Man was given free will to choose his own destiny. Adam & Eve disobeyed Gods commands, and were expelled from God's presence and made mortal. The Book of Jubilees has this event happening 7 years after creation. Man began to multiply on the earth and fill it.

4611654

Humanity influenced and polluted by Fallen Angels, wickedness of man increases

Genesis 6:1-8

1654

The great flood

Genesis 7-8

16541949

The earth is repopulated, God separates people by

Genesis 10-11

1 7

Genesis 3:1-23

Enoch 6-7

According to the Book of Enoch, fallen angels took human woman as wives and created a race of half-breed angel/human giants that lead to great perversion and wickedness on the earth. The entire landmass of the earth is flooded with water. Noah, his family, and all the animals with him on the ark are preserved to repopulate the earth. After the flood, people begin to increase on the earth and spread out. The Tower of Babel incident lead to the formation of nation 19

19492229

22392669

language and the nations form God makes a covenant with Abraham and makes him the father of many nations Israel in Egypt

of languages. Genesis 12-25

Genesis 46 Exodus 12:40-41

2669

Israel leaves Egypt

Exodus 12:40-41

Date AM 26692709

Description of Event/Period Israel wonders in the desert for 40 years.

2709

Joshua and Israel enter Canaan

Joshua 3

27093064

The period of the Judges of Israel

Judges

3064

The beginning of the Hebrew Monarchy (Saul Anointed King)

1 Samuel 13:1

31063146

David reigns as king

2 Samuel 5:2

3149

Solomon Builds the Temple in Jerusalem

1 Kings 6:1

Biblical Reference Numbers 14:33

God established a covenant with Abraham. Through him a great nation would come and through him all people would be blessed. The nation of Israel came from his descendants. Israel (Jacob) enters into the Egypt and occupy the region of Goshen. Israel (nation) stays in Egypt 430 years. After 430 years in Egypt, Israel, guided by Moses, leaves Egypt in haste after the 10 plagues against Egypt are completed. Comments Israel if forced to wonder in the desert 40 years due to a lack of faith in God. With the exception of Joshua and Caleb, the entire generation who left Egypt died-off before their Children were allowed to possess the land of Canaan. After the 40 years, Joshua and the Israelites took possession of the land of Canaan; however, they did not completely take the land as God commanded. Therefore, the inhabitants became a problem for the successive generations of Israelites. Israel, before the Monarchy, went through several periods of trial brought on by the inhabitants of Canaan they did not drive out. Judges were raised up by God to temporarily squelch the Israelites bondage. Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, is anointed King. He reigns over Israel 40 years. Saul losses God's favor and is eventually replaced by David. David, from the tribe of Judah, reigns as king for 40 years. God makes a covenant with David that one of his descendents will always reign as King. King Solomon orders the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. The entire kingdom of Israel is united.

20

3186

The kingdom divides: Israel in the north, Judah in the south

3444

The Kingdom of Israel destroyed and scattered (Assyrian Empire).

Date AM 3588

Description of Event/Period The Kingdom of Judah 2 Kings 25 conquered by Babylon, Temple destroyed, Jews exiled to Babylon

3658

Persian Empire conquers Babylon, Jews allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild temple per Decree of Cyrus Temple restored in Jerusalem Jesus Christ Born

3680 4148

I Kings 12

King Rehoboam took some bad advice from his advisors and put all of Israel under a 2 Chron.10 tighter yoke than his father, Solomon. As a result, Jeroboam led a rebellion against king Rehoboam and became king of the northern 10 tribes of Israel. Jeroboam set up calf idols for worship in two of Israel's cities and established separate religious holidays to keep his people from going to Jerusalem to worship. This was a grievous sin that eventually lead to the downfall of Israel. 2 Kings 17:6, 18:9-10 After over 258 years of disobedience, the northern kingdom of Israel is handed over to the Assyrian Empire. The survivors are scattered to all the nations of the earth. The southern Kingdom, Judah, is spared. Biblical Reference Comments

2 Chron. 36:21-22 Ezra 1:1

Jerusalem rebels against Babylon. As a result, most of the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judah are either carried off into exile or killed. Jerusalem and the temple are destroyed. After 70 years of world domination, Babylon falls to the Persian Empire. King Cyrus "the Great" gives a decree to allow all the exiles home and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 44:28 Ezra 6:15 Micah 5:1-2 Isaiah 7:14

22 years after the Decree of Cyrus, the second temple in Jerusalem is completed. Jesus Christ is born to the virgin Mary in the town of Bethlehem. Jesus' adopted father, Joseph, is a descendant of king David from the tribe of Judah.

Isaiah 9:1-6 Matthew 1:18-25 4178

Christ's ministry

Luke 2 Psalm 8 Malachi 3:1-5 Zechariah 9:9

Starting at age 30, Christ preaches and teaches all around the region of Galilee and Judah. His message: the kingdom of God is near and salvation belongs to those who believe in his name.

21

Matthew 3-26 Mark 1-14 Luke 4-23 John 1-17

Date AM 4181

Description of Event/Period Christ's crucifixion and victory over death

Biblical Reference Psalm 16:10-11 Psalm 22 Matthew 26-28 Mark 14-16

Comments At the End of his ministry, Jesus is put to death by crucifixion at the urging of the Jewish religious leaders. However, his death is the atoning sacrifice for humanities sins. He is raised from the dead (body and spirit) 3 days later. After 40 days, he ascends to the Father in heaven with a promise to return soon.

Luke 23-24 John 18-21 Isaiah 53 4181 – 8484

Church age to Tribulation Period (3.5 years). Beasts of Daniel dominate the world until the end of this age.

Isaiah 49:1-7 Acts Daniel 2:39-43, 7:2325, 11:1-33 Joel 2:28-30 Matthew 24:4-14 Mark 13:5-12

The church is established in the first century by Jesus' apostles, including Peter, John, James and Paul. The church is Jesus Christ's means to spread the gospel until his return. Additionally, the condition of the earth will largely be in turmoil until his return; wars, famines, disease and huge discrepancies between the rich and the poor. The world will be dominated by a series of world powers that rise and fall until Christ's second coming defeats the last kingdom, one of extreme wickedness.

Luke 21:8-19

22

8484

The "Beast" out of the sea and the "Beast" from the Abyss

Revelation 6:1-11 Daniel 2:41-43, 7:78, 7:19-26, 11:21-27 Revelation 13

Date AM 8484 – 8488

Description of Event/Period Persecution of the Church during tribulation, Jerusalem kept safe 1260 days

Biblical Reference Daniel 11:28-44, 8:23-25, 12:11 Matthew 24:15-28 Mark 13:14-23 Luke 21:20-24 II Thessalonians 2:112 Revelation 12:6, 12:13-17, 20:4-6

8488

The battle of Armageddon, last plagues, Satan imprisoned

Psalm 2 Psalm 9:7-20 Psalm 21:8-13 Psalm 37:17-40 Daniel 7:27, 11:4345,

Towards the end of this age, Satan will establish a kingdom to attempt to destroy as many people as possible. This kingdom will arise by a series of political events that leads to the world being subjected to a political system that demands total loyalty that must be demonstrated. However, this kingdom will be a divided kingdom with much turmoil. All who hold to the teachings of Christ will be persecuted and put to death.

Comments During the last 3.5 years before Christ's return, two of Gods witnesses (Enoch and Elijah*) will be sent to Jerusalem to protect the Jews from the "Beast" and teach them about Christ, whom their ancestors rejected. During this same period, Christians throughout the world will be hunted down and put to death. The Christians who die during this period will take part in the first resurrection of the dead. At the end of the 1260 days, the two witnesses (Enoch and Elijah) will be put to death and Jerusalem will stand-alone. *The Apocalypse of Peter names Enoch and Elijah as the two witnesses. All the armies of the Beast will gather against Jerusalem to destroy it. During the battle, many of the inhabitants of Jerusalem are killed. However, Jesus Christ returns to save about one third of them. Christ destroys the armies with a plague of pestilence and insanity. The rest of the earth has to endure seven plagues of destruction and death. At the end of the plagues, Satan is bound and thrown into the Abyss for 1000 years.

Daniel 12:1-13

23

Isaiah 13, 24, 27:1-5, 51:17-23, 63:1-6, 66:15-16 Ezekiel 39 Joel 3:1-16 Zephaniah 3:8 9:1417 Malachi 4

Date AM 8488 – 9488

Description of Event/Period Christ comes and reigns on earth 1,000 years – the Millennial kingdom

Zechariah 12, 13, 14:1-15 Biblical Reference

Comments

Daniel 7:11-13

Christ himself will reign over the entire earth, Jerusalem will be the center of Isaiah 11:6-16 government and the nation of Israel will be most highly exalted. Those Christians who Isaiah 26, 27:6, 49:7- died during the last 1260 days will be 26, 54, 65:18-25, resurrected and serve with Christ. Since 66:10-14, 22-24 Satan is removed from the earth, the thoughts and behavior of people will be drawn Jeremiah 3:14-18, towards righteousness without any 16:14-15, 30, 31, 33 hindrance. Even the nature of animals will change; they will no longer have any violent Zechariah 2:10-13, tendencies. People will live long lives. 3:8-10, 8 Zechariah 14:16-21 Zephaniah 3:9-20 Ezekiel 40-48 Joel 3:17-21 Amos 9:11-15 Micah 4:1-8, 5:3-5 Matthew 24:29-31

24

Mark 13:24-37 Luke 21:25-28 Revelation 20:1-7

Date AM 9488 – 9800?

Description of Event/Period Satan loosed, the universe destroyed, Judgement

Biblical Reference Isaiah 34:1-4, 65:116 Zephaniah 1:1-3 Ezekiel 37, 38 John 6:35-40 I Thessalonians 4:1317

Comments At the end of the 1000 years, Satan is set free for a period of time to deceive the world one last time. He will organize an army to destroy Jerusalem, but god will destroy them and the rest of the earth as well. Just prior to the destruction of the earth and the rest of the universe on the last day, the resurrection of the dead and the "rapture" will take place. After this, the great white throne judgment will take place, in which all people and (fallen) angels will be judged. Anyone who does not have his name written in the book of life is condemned to the eternal lake of fire.

II Peter 3:8-10 <9800?

The New Heaven and Earth

Revelation 20:7-15 Isaiah 65:17, 66:22

God will create a new universe for the righteous to inhabit for eternity.

Revelation 21-22

25

26