June 27, 2003 (20)THE TIME OF HER SOJOURN IN THE WILDERNESS. The time of her stay in the wilderness is first listed as one thousand two hundred and sixty days (1260). Rev. 12:6 The same interval of time is given, in a different manner and is listed as being a time (1), a times (2) and half a time (1/2) which is three and one half years (3 1/2). Rev. 12:14 Given in prophetic terminology, following the pattern stated in Daniel 7:25 which is a time, times and half a time. The two measurements are identical and cover the same time of duration, which is the length of the great tribulation period, and the time of her dwelling in the wilderness.
THE SAME PERIOD OF TIME WITH DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES. For this occasion the time is measured in months. The prevailing situation will take place while the Bride is in her secret place. During the identical time, the world, the outside world, will sustain the following religious conditions. The first that is mentioned is the circumstance which will prevail in the city of Jerusalem. The place, the city is, exemplified by the outer court of the temple which is symbolic of Israel. Its measurements and furnishings are indicative of the time of the Law. The court is to be left out, actually cast out. The scripture is telling us that the city is to be trodden down of the Gentiles for the period of forty-two months, or three and one-half years. Rev. 11:2 This plainly shows that the time of the Gentiles does not come to a conclusion until the close of the tribulation period, for the Gentiles will be in control for these forty-two months and will trample under foot the city. Jesus was very specific in His statement pertaining to the city of Jerusalem and the treading under foot of Jerusalem. Luke 21:24 The holy city, over and above all other so called holy cities, is the city of Jerusalem. Note Mt. 4:5 Since the Revelation pronounced such a word of prophecy pertaining to Jerusalem, one is made to wonder about peace in the mid east, and in particular for Jerusalem. Under any circumstances the antichrist will have His capitol in and completely control the city of Jerusalem for the entire length of the tribulation. Daniel foresaw those days and wrote of them. He spoke of a ruler, one of great authority, who would come. Gaining his throne by war or revolution. A man who would blaspheme the living Lord. Altering times and changing laws. He will institute persecution against all who would show any evidence of Christianity. The nations of the entire world will be in complete subjection to him. He is to be the dictator of all dictators. Note that he will seek to afflict mentally or to wear out the saints. Also, they will be given into his hands. He will reign for three and one-half years. Dan. 7:25 These against whom he will institute great persecution are called the remnant of the woman’s seed. Those who did not meet the measurements required to be in the Bride of Christ and consequently were not delivered from the great tribulation. They are a portion of the tribulation martyrs who are seen before the throne of the Lord and are identified as being those who came out of the great tribulation. Rev. 7:14