1260 Days of Tribulation

In our article entitled Daniel's 70th Week we shared some of the reasons why the 70th week of Daniel has already seen fulfillment in Jesus. The "gap theory" which displaces the 70th week from the previous 69 weeks by almost 2000 years has provided the Scriptural basis for a 7 year Tribulation as well as for many of the actions of the anti-christ. Although we do agree the 70 weeks of Daniel 9 are a type or pattern for what will come to pass at the end of this age, the Scriptures both in type and in literal fulfillment speak only of a tribulation period of 1260 days, 42 months or 3 and 1/2 years.

The Book of Daniel clearly speaks of the time of tribulation which shall come upon the whole world.

Dan. 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, 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.

Jesus spoke similar words in Matt. 24:21. "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."

In the 7th chapter Daniel describes the "little horn."

Dan. 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

This is the same man as the "sea beast" of Rev. 13.

Rev. 13:5,7 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

Rev. 11:2 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.

This "sea beast" is the "anti-christ." Power is given unto him for 42 months or 3 and 1/2 years to tread under foot the holy city and all people and nations and to make war with the Saints. Daniel speaks of this time once again in Daniel 12, a period of 3 and 1/2 years.

Dan. 12:7 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.

And what is to happen to the Church who will be left behind when the Bride of Christ, the Man-child, is taken unto Himself? As she dwells in the secret place of the Most High God she will be given complete protection. See Psalm 91.

Rev. 12:14 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.

The "woman", the Church from whom the Firstfruit Bride has been taken will be nourished and protected throughout the 3 and 1/2 years of the Great Tribulation.

The "two witnesses" are to prophecy for the same 1260 days. Some have wondered how their ministry can run concurrently with the time of the Great Tribulation because they are killed 3 and 1/2 days before its end. The answer is very simple as well as worth knowing. The "two witnesses" will begin to prophesy 3 and 1/2 days before the Firstfruit Bride is raptured at the onset of the Great Tribulation. This will be one of the very sure signs that Jesus is coming for His Bride.

Rev. 11:3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

Rev. 11:7,9,11 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

Some points to search out for yourselves. The Great Tribulation will last for 3 and 1/2 years, not the 7 years as commonly taught. The 70 weeks of Daniel have already been fulfilled. They are however a pattern or type of what is to take place in the "last days", the days in which we are living.

These points and what I have shared have been our teaching for over 50 years. Check out the article on when the Great Tribulation will begin. The Beginning of the Great Tribulation, Nisan 10