Comparing the Lord's description of the end times in Matthew 24 with Paul's thoughts concerning the perilous last days of the Church in II Timothy 3 provides us with much food for thought. 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.

Matthew 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 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 will include the greatest tribulation the world has ever or will ever see.

Jesus also said that immediately after the tribulation of these days the Son of Man would come on the clouds of heaven and gather His elect from the four winds of heaven. This period of great tribulation, the second coming of Christ, and catching up of the elect all await a future fulfillment.

However, in II Timothy 3:1-5, Paul speaks of the last days of the Church which is the Body of Christ 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.

II Timothy 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)

This is clear evidence that the Church age will end before God resumes His dealings with Israel in the tribulation period. Paul indicated that the Church age will also end with the catching up of believers into the glory of heaven.

Col 3:4
4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (NKJ)

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