Dispensationalism - Timeline of The Second Coming

Summary

A Dispensational timeline of the Second Coming of Christ:

• God's original plan is rejected by Israel
• Plan B: God creates the church, distinct from Israel
• National Israel is restored prior to Revelation 4:1
• The church is raptured
• Seven year tribulation & reign of the Anti-Christ
• World nations unite against Jerusalem
• Christ returns and defeats the nations & the Antichrist at Armageddon
• The lost are locked in Hades
• Christ rules during the Millennium, re-establishing the Levitical priesthood
• Satan gathers unbelieving children of believers in rebellion at the end of Millennium.
• Christ defeats Satan.
• The resurrection and final judgement occurs, souls in Hades are thrown into lake of fire.
• Christ reconciles Israel & the Church in an eternal kingdom in the new Jerusalem

Detailed Timeline

The Church Age

The current era, known as the Church Age or the Age of Grace, began at Pentecost (Acts 2) and will continue until the Rapture. During this time, God is working primarily through the Church (Ephesians 3:2-6).

Refutation: Seven Dispensations

The Rapture

Dispensationalists typically hold to a pre-tribulation Rapture, where believers in Christ will be suddenly taken to heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). The Church is believed to be in heaven during the Tribulation period, as represented by the 24 elders in Revelation 4:4.

Refutation: Pre-Tribulation Rapture

The Tribulation Period

A seven-year period known as the Tribulation will begin after the Rapture (Daniel 9:27, Matthew 24:21). During this time, the Church is in heaven, participating in the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9) and the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).

1. The First 3.5 Years: A time of relative peace and the rise of the Antichrist (Revelation 6:1-2).
2. The Great Tribulation: The latter 3.5 years, characterised by intense suffering and God's judgment on the earth (Revelation 13:5, Matthew 24:21-22).

Refutation: The Great Tribulation

The Second Coming

Jesus Christ will physically return to earth at the end of the Tribulation (Revelation 19:11-16, Zechariah 14:4).

The Millennial Kingdom

A literal 1,000-year reign of Christ on earth (Revelation 20:1-6). During this time, the Church will reign with Christ (Revelation 20:6, 2 Timothy 2:12). Israel will be restored to prominence, and Christ will rule from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2-4, Zechariah 14:16-17).

Many dispensationalists believe that the sacrificial system will be re-instituted during the Millennial Kingdom, based on their interpretation of Ezekiel 40-48. These sacrifices are seen as memorial offerings, not for atonement, since Christ's sacrifice was complete (Hebrews 10:10-14).

Refutation: Millennial Restoration of Israel

The Final Judgment

After the Millennium, Satan will be released for a short time (Revelation 20:7-10), followed by the Great White Throne Judgment for unbelievers (Revelation 20:11-15).

The Eternal State

The new heavens and new earth will be established (Revelation 21-22), marking the beginning of eternity.