1. The events of the end will be preceded by the signs of the end, as indicated in the Eschatological Discourse (Matt. 24:1-18, 29-31; Mark 13:1-23, 24-27; Luke 21:5-24, 25-28). This twofold division is paralleled in both Daniel (Dan. 7:25, 9:24-27, 12:7-12) and in Revelation (Rev. 11:2-3, 12:6, 12:14, 13:5). The division in half is also represented by the distinctive narratives contained in the scroll (Rev. 5:1) and the little scroll (Rev. 10:1). The first scroll describes the signs of the end, in which the seven seals (Rev. 5-9) precisely parallel the signs of the end in the Eschatological Discourse; the little scroll describes the events of the end (Rev. 10-22).
2. The signs of the end will inaugurate the tribulation, described in Revelation as the seven seals and the seven trumpets (Rev. 5-9). The tribulation will involve suffering and difficulty for believers and unbelievers alike, although Christians will be spared the wrath of God (Rom. 5:9). This tribulation will last three and one half years (Dan. 7:25, 9:24-27, 12:7-12, Rev. 11:2-3, 12:6, 12:14, 13:5). It is possible that the three and one half years may symbolize an indefinite period, although the accounts seem to specify a very specific period even to the number of days. At any rate, there will be a period marked off for the tribulation.
Because the signs of the end are events that happen periodically to some degree at all times, it will not be clear even to those who are undergoing the tribulation the precise moment of its beginning. The gradual worsening of events may be suggestive but not determinative of being in the tribulation. We may be in the tribulation now. However, like a frog in a slowly heated pot, those undergoing the tribulation may not discern the meaning of the events. The beginning of the tribulation would not be clearly noticed, thus no one would be able to set accurately the date of the events of the end based on the date of the beginning of the signs of the end. One can thus expect the return of Christ as immanent at any time.
3. When all the signs of the end spoken of in all the eschatology passages (Daniel, Eschatological Discourse, Thessalonians, and Revelation) have been fulfilled, the events of the end will begin. The events of the end will be inaugurated with the shout of the archangel, the return of Jesus Christ in clouds with great glory, and the premillennial rapture of the church. The striking similarity of the language used and events described in Revelation 14, Daniel, the Eschatological Discourse, and 1 Thessalonians makes it clear that this is the scriptural locus of the rapture.
Other mid-tribulationalists place the rapture at the sounding of the seventh trumpet (Rev.11:15). They cite the evidence that in previous songs praising Christ, He has been described as"He who was, who is, and who is to come" (Rev. 1:4, 8; 4:8). Now the elders praise Him as "Hewas was, and is" (Rev. 11:17), suggesting that He has already come. The mid-tribulational viewplacing the rapture in Revelation 14 would likewise take this verse as an accurate indication thatthe events which are taking place in the immediate context suggest the events surrounding thereturn of Christ.
4. While the saints enjoy their rest, the bowls of wrath will be poured out on the unbelievers who remain on the earth (Rev. 14:17-18:24). This is the Great Tribulation, which will have many similarities with the plagues which were poured out on Egypt before the exodus. The Great Tribulation will last the second three and one half years in length, which again may be literal or symbolic.
5. After the Great Tribulation, Christ will come again in the second advent to establish His millennial reign, perform the final judgment, and usher in the eternal destinies of heaven and hell.
THE BIBLICAL CASE FOR MID-TRIBULATIONALISM
