In today’s message, I want to compare the Lord’s description of the end times in Matthew 24 with Paul’s thoughts concerning the last days in II Timothy 3. In Matthew 24, the Lord is clearly describing the tribulation period. He said that believers of that time should be looking for the abomination of desolation.

Matt 24:15-16
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:)
16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: (KJV)

Daniel taught that the “vile person”, the antichrist, will make a treaty with Israel during the 7 year period that immediately precedes the kingdom. He also taught that in the middle of that 7 year period, the antichrist will break that treaty, capture the Jerusalem temple and prevent the daily sacrifices from being offered. The temple will, therefore, become desolate, and that will be an abomination to the Lord. In Matthew 24, the Lord said that this period of time would include the greatest tribulation the world has ever or will ever see. Therefore, this period of time is commonly called the tribulation period.

However, in 2 Tim 3:1-5, Paul speaks of the last days but does not include any mention of the antichrist, the abomination of desolation, or the extreme tribulation that the Lord Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24..

2 Tim 3:1-5
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (KJV)

In this passage, Paul was actually speaking of the last days of the Church age. This is clear evidence that the dispensation of the Church which is the Body of Christ is separate and apart from God’s program for Israel and that the Church age will end before God resumes His dealings with Israel in the tribulation period.

Write me at: jimjoan77@juno.com

Other church links:
http://www.peacechurch-ok.org/
http://www.eleventhavenuechurch.com/
http://gracebiblechurch-fw.com/