The Principle Explained By Various Prophecy Teachers 

  Many prophecy teachers throughout the ages have caught more than a glimpse of "double fulfillment" in Scripture. The following quotes will give the reader a good foundation in regard to this

  Biblical principle: 

  "The same oracles which attest the first coming of Christ, as if impatient to be confined to so narrow bounds, overflow, as it were, into the future age, and expatiate on the principle facts and circumstances of his second coming."1 Hurd, Prophecies, pp.129,130 

  "It would be very difficult to select any one entire prophecy from the Old Testament, supposed to relate [to the first coming of Christ]...which was in all its principal particulars accomplished at our Lord's first coming."2 
  -Joshua W. Brooks 

  "The coming of Christ is the leading subject of the prophecies, both of the Old and New Testament, either as relates to his first or second coming; and these are often intimately connected together, especially in the Old Testament."3 
  -Edward Bickersteth (1786-1850) 

  William Burgh (1800-1866) was the first Futurist (to adequately withstand Romanism) in the early 19th century. There were few Premillennialists in that day as skilled in the prophecies as Burgh. He wrote: 

  "This principle [of double application], however, has been, for the most part, disregarded, or very imperfectly applied, in the existing systems of exposition: it being generally taken for granted that when one fulfillment or reference of a prophecy may be clearly proved, it must necessarily be the 
only one; and the age or period so referred to, the time of its full accomplishment. By the same reasoning, the spiritual sense has been made to exclude the literal, as though they were repugnant the one to the other, and inconsistent: in consequence of which, not only has the fullness of the 
prophetic Word been diminished, but much of it, to which no spiritual meaning could be assigned, suffered to fall to the ground." 4 Nathaniel West (1826-1906) likewise writes: 

  "In order to attain a clear conception of Old Testament prophecy and its fulfillment, we must combine both Advents of Messiah, remembering that the first only brought a partial fulfillment of the prophetic word which yet awaits the second in order to secure its plenary accomplishment. Joel's prophecy
as to the outpouring of the Spirit in the last days, and of the great and notable day of the Lord, with all its terrestrial and celestial phenomena, the final redemption of Israel, and the transfiguration of the Holy Land, was only incipiently and partly fulfilled to a few, an election out of Israel, at the first 
coming of Christ, and awaits a far larger fulfillment at His second appearing. So the prediction of Amos, in reference to the dispersion and sifting of Israel the 'Sinful Kingdom,' and God's visitation of the Gentiles, 'after this,' to take out of them a people for His name, met a partial and precursive fulfillment in the first calling of the Gentiles to the knowledge of Christ, in the days of the apostles, as James in the first council at Jerusalem assures us. We see that by comparing Acts xv:13-18 with Amos ix:8-12. But there is to be a grander fulfillment still in coming days...So it is with reference to Isaiah's Redeemer coming to Zion, and Hosea's Israel abiding alone for many days, and Micah's  halting daughter of Zion to whom, at length, comes the 'former dominion.' Whatever occurred to Israel graciously, at the first coming of Christ, was only a preliminary fulfillment to be exhaustively completed for Israel, at His second coming. Such is the law of prophecy and the law of fulfillment, and it will save us from many an error, if only we are careful to remember it

."5  It can at once be seen that the principle of "double fulfillment" is not new. Therefore, if this article will add anything to the study of Bible prophecy, it will only be from the consistent application of a Biblical principle already discovered by scores of prophecy writers throughout Christian history. 

  Examples of Some Prophecies with Double Fulfillments 

  One prophecy already mentioned by West in his list of examples was that of Joel. Notice Joel's  words: 

  Joel 2:28 ¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 

29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. 

30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 

31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. 

  This is plainly a prophecy of events that will take place in the future Tribulation Period right before the return of Christ. Yet, notice that Peter is not shy at applying this to Pentecost in Acts 2: 

  Acts 2:14 ¶ But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 

16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 

17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 

  The principle of "double fulfillment" makes the endless twisting of this passage by many scholars unnecessary. Peter says that Joel's prophecy was fulfilled in his day. Hyper-dispensationalists invent many theories to try to explain Peter's words. Yet, the New Testament is filled with numerous 
  examples of Biblical writers and inspired apostles applying literal, future, Old Testament predictions to their own day. It therefore follows that "this is that" means "this is that". However, it does not mean "this is only that, and there will never be another fulfillment." The principle of "double fulfillment" allows Peter's words (and similar words throughout the New Testament) to be taken at face-value, while, at the same time, also leaving a future fulfillment that will fully exhaust the details of the prophecy. 

  Is this simply a theory? How can one be sure that the details of the prophecy in Joel will indeed be literally fulfilled in the future? Those who love to spiritualize and allegorize the prophecies will be quick to seize this and other examples in an attempt to prove their own system of interpretation. 
They will say Joel's prophecy was never meant to be taken literally in its details. However, the principle of "double fulfillment" is taught directly to us by Jesus Christ Himself. There is therefore no doubt that it is the key to interpreting Peter's words, as well as many other, similar prophecies 
throughout the Bible. Notice an Old Testament prophecy that is similar to Joel's: 

  Mal 4:5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 

  Joel states that "sons and daughters will prophesy" before the "day of the Lord". Malachi says that Elijah will come before that dreadful day. The "non-literalist" theory would maintain a "spiritual" or "figurative" Elijah. On the other hand, the literalist, armed with the principle of "double fulfillment",
will gladly give the non-literalist his partial, figurative, application, but will also insist on a future, literal, plenary fulfillment of Malachi's words. Who is right? 

  The Lord Jesus Christ teaches that the "literalist" is right. Notice how Jesus clearly teaches the principle of "double-fulfillment": 

  Matthew 17:10 And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? 

  11 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. 

  12 But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him 
  whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. 

  13 Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist. 

  John the Baptist came in the "spirit" of Elijah. Jesus plainly speaks of John as a fulfillment of the Old Testament Elijah prophecy. However, right in the same context, Jesus states that "Elijah truly shall 
first come". This cannot refer to John the Baptist since John is said to be already martyred (vs.12). Therefore, Christ has demonstrated the principle of "double fulfillment". Many prophecies contain a partial fulfillment not too far removed in time from the prophet who predicts them; nevertheless all 
prophecies will be fulfilled absolutely in every detail in the final future. 

  The final, literal fulfillment of prophecies in all their various details may also be confirmed in the Old Testament prophecies concerning Christ's first coming. These were all fulfilled to the letter in regard to place and time. It will be the same in regard to any prophecies still unfulfilled. If they were not 
realized fully at the first coming, they will be fulfilled at His second coming. 

  A Virgin Shall Conceive 

  Examples of "double fulfillments" in the Bible could be multiplied if space and time permitted. Yet, notice one more case. It is found in Isaiah 7: 

  Isa 7:11 Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above. 

  12 But Ahaz said, I will not ask, neither will I tempt the LORD. 

  13 And he said, Hear ye now, O house of David; Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will ye weary my God also? 

  14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 

  This prophecy is fully fulfilled in Jesus Christ who was born of a literal virgin: 

  Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 

  22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, 
  saying, 

  23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 

  Isaiah's prophecy is therefore absolutely and fully fulfilled in a literal "virgin" (not just a "young  woman"!) who brings forth the Savior. On the other hand, it is obvious that there was also a partial, secondary fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy before this final fulfillment. Notice the whole context of
the prophecy again: 

  Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. 

  15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. 

  16 For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings. 

  Ahaz was vexed about an alliance against Jerusalem (Isa.7:1,2). He is told to trust in God instead of a confederacy with other ungodly nations. He is given a sign to confirm the Lord's promises. Notice that Isa.7:16 reveals that the whole prophecy contains a "double-fulfillment". 

The next chapter of Isaiah continues to speak of this secondary, partial fulfillment: 

  Isa 8:3 And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the LORD to me, Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz. 

  4 For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria. 

  Notice that some details of the prophecy apply only to the final fulfillment in Christ, while other details apply to the former, secondary fulfillment. 

Erich Sauer writes: 

  "Of typical prophecy with double fulfillment the prophecy concerning Immanuel is an example. For the Immanuel announced by Isaiah is first a little Jewish boy of Isaiah's time, that is, the eighth century B.C., who would still be quite young at the collapse of the kingdoms of Damascus and
north Israel (Damascus conquered 732 B.C., Samaria destroyed 722 B.C....) But at the same time this boy became a type of the great Immanuel, the Messiah...

" 6 Again, such examples abound in Scripture. When this principle is understood, the whole interpretive systems of Amillennialism, Postmillennialism and Preterism immediately fall to the ground. Furthermore, much additional prophetic truth is opened up. Why is this great principle left behind by many Premillennialists when it comes to interpreting the Book of Daniel? The Book of Daniel lies between Isaiah and Joel/Malachi where "double fulfillments" have already been noted. Therefore, it is reasonable to conlcude that "double fulfillments" will also be found in Daniel. 

  Daniel's Five Kingdoms 

  Notice the following prophecy from the Book of Daniel: 

  Dan 2:37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 

  38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold. 

  39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. 

  40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. 

  42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. 

  44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. 

  In this prophecy, the king of Babylon is said to be the "head of gold". In history, Babylon was  followed by the kingdom of Medo-Persia (2Chron.36:20). The Persian kingdom was followed by that of Greece (Dan.8:20,21). And finally, the kingdom of Greece was followed by that of Rome (Lk.2:1).  Daniel states that the Kingdom of God would be set up immediately after the 4th kingdom. 

  The Jews certainly expected this Kingdom of God to immediately put an end to Rome's dominion. Many expected Jesus Christ, as the Messiah, to fulfill this prophecy in Daniel. Even after Christ's death and resurrection (which came as a shock to His disciples), they again, were expecting the 
 Kingdom of God to destroy Rome: 

  Acts 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 

  6 ¶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 

  What happened? Where did the Kingdom of God go? Most of my Premillennial brethren claim that it was "offered" (i.e. it would have been set up if Israel had fulfilled the conditions), but was then suspended until the future. The evidence given for this is the fact that John preached that the 
Kingdom of God was then "at hand". However, it must be remembered that John preached under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. The other apostles would later preach the exact same message long after Christ finally ascended into Heaven (Rom.13:12, Php.4:5, 1Pet.4:7, Rev.1:3, 22:10). 
Furthermore, Daniel 2 does not say anything about any conditions of "acceptance". It simply says the Kingdom of God will follow upon the 4th kingdom's destruction in glory and power. 

  In addition to the above, the common Premillennial interpretation of Daniel 2 is that all of the prophecy in regard to the four kingdoms has been fully fulfilled except the last stage of the fourth Roman kingdom. A division is made between the "feet" of the fourth kingdom and its "toes" (Dan.2:42). According to this interpretation, all that is left for the future Tribulation Period is a final  "toe" stage of the Roman kingdom. It can be seen that this theory causes a "gap" of time between the first stage of the 4th kingdom and its final "toe" stage. Will the passage support this gap between the "feet" and "toes"? 

Notice, it will not: 

  Dan 2:34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. 

  The Kingdom of God smites the 4th kingdom at its "feet". Furthermore, in the Bible's interpretation, all four kingdoms are shown to be present at the Second Coming: 

  Dan 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. 

  45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation  thereof sure. 

  The Bible says the Kingdom of God is set up "in the days of these kings". It goes further and removes all doubt about what that means. It says it will consume "all these kingdoms". And then, just in case one still doesn't get it, verse 45 lists them as the "iron, brass, clay, silver and gold". It  therefore follows that not only should one expect to find "double fulfillments" in Daniel, there is direct evidence for it. The Bible is therefore teaching that Babylon (i.e. Iraq), Persia (i.e. Iran), Greece and Rome will all come to power in this order in the coming Tribulation Period. They each must gain control over Israel. The worst and final persecution will be the Roman kingdom of the Antichrist. It therefore appears that Iraq will gain control for a time immediately following the rapture. Iran will then gain control and many Jews will return to their land. Greece will then gain control. There will be a brief persecution of the Jews under Syria (which will come out of the Grecian kingdom). However, the Syrian will come to his end (Dan.11:45). Then, from out of nowhere, the Western power will be revived to take over the world from Rome. There will then be a persecution of Israel (and the saints left in the Tribulation) like never before in history (Dan.12:1). 

  It can be seen that this helps to solve the age-old debate between those who say literal Babylon must be rebuilt to persecute the Jews and those who say Rome will be the seat of the Beast. They both will be found in last days prophecy. It appears Iraq will gain power after the rapture, to be defeated for a time. Then, after Rome is destroyed later in the Tribulation Period, the Beast will probably rebuild Iraq. 

  More Evidence that All Four Kingdoms will be Revived 

  Daniel 7 repeats a prophecy of the same four kingdoms. It speaks of a "lion", a "bear", a "leopard" and then the final "beast". These four kingdoms are the same as those in Daniel 2. To read America or England (or any other nations other than those mentioned in Daniel 2 and 8) into this prophecy is  to lean to one's own imagination. It is obvious that the 4th kingdom must be the same as the 4th kingdom of Daniel 2 since they are both destroyed at the return of Christ. It is logical then that the preceding kingdoms are the same as well. 

  Notice what the interpretation says about these kingdoms: 

  Da 7:16 I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. 

  17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. 

  18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even  for ever and ever. 

  The kingdoms are Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome. Daniel is presently in the reign of Babylon (at its final end). Nevertheless, all four kings are said to still arise in the future. This detail of the double prophecy will be fulfilled in the Tribulation Period. The Holy Spirit is showing that the original Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome were only partial, secondary fulfillments. The four kingdoms (i.e. kings) "shall arise" in the far future, right before the Kingdom of God. If the original Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome were only partial, secondary fulfillments of the Daniel 2 prophecy of the four kingdoms, then it is reasonable to conclude that we should find a partial, secondary  fulfillment of the fifth Kingdom as well. The Messiah certainly did come during the Roman kingdom.

  Notice, Christ also claims that the Kingdom of God was then present: 

  Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. 

  The "Kingdom of God" was then present only in the same sense that John the Baptist was the prophesied Elijah to come. It was only a partial, secondary fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. The Messiah (the King) was then present in His humiliation and He was graciously manifesting a 
  "firstfruits" example of His coming Kingdom power (as in the Transfiguration). Yet, to go beyond  these simple truths of "double fulfillment" and claim that Christians should take over the
governments of the world for Jesus, etc. on the basis of the various Kingdom prophecies to be fulfilled at the Second Coming is to grossly misunderstand the Scriptures. The literal, prophesied Kingdom of God has no more come to this earth than John the Baptist was Elijah, or some child in the days of Isaiah was born of a literal virgin, or that Jesus is Solomon and could commit iniquity (2Sam.7:11-14, Heb.1:5)! 

  Direct, Biblical Proof 

  The Bible gives even clearer proof that goes beyond the evidence already examined. This proof is found in the prophecy of Daniel 8. In this chapter, the second and third kingdoms are examined in detail. These details link these kingdoms to those in Daniel 7: 

  Dan 8:20 The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. 

  21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. 

  22 Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power. 

  23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. 

  25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. 

  Notice the second and third kingdoms are given by name. This passage was partially fulfilled in the history of Alexander the Great (vs.21,22). Yet, it is also a "last days" prophecy. Most Premillennialists put a time division somewhere between verse 22 and verse 25. However, notice what the Bible actually says: 

  Dan 8:17 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision. 

  19 And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be. 

  The angel says that at the "time of the end shall be the vision". Notice, he did not say "part" of the vision will be fulfilled at the time of the end. Verse 19 is even clearer. Since the above prophecy is dealing mainly with the second and third kingdoms (the first kingdom of Babylon obviously already past) it calls it the "last end" of the "indignation". These words and phrases are dealing with the Tribulation Period after the firstfruits, pre-trib rapture. The time of wrath includes all four kingdoms.

  Daniel 8, without a doubt, shows that these kingdoms will be present in the Tribulation Period. 

  One Objection Answered 

  Many will wonder how Iraq, Iran, Greece and Rome can all come to power and rule Israel (and perhaps the world) in 7 years. The Book of Revelation states that the Beast rules from Rome for 3.5 years. It does NOT state that his rule from Rome is the whole Tribulation Period. In fact, Jesus Christ perfectly predicts a longer Tribulation Period where Daniel 2 is being played out, leading up to the persecution of Antichrist in the 4th kingdom: 

  Luke 21:10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 

  20 ¶ And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation  thereof is nigh. 

  21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. 

  22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 

  A.D. 70 was only a partial, secondary fulfillment of this passage in Luke. Its final, full fulfillment will be in the Tribulation Period when kingdom will arise against kingdom as seen in Daniel 2. Jesus Himself places "all" these events in the Tribulation Period after the pre-trib rapture (Lk.21:36). 

  Matthew's Gospel teaches the same extended Tribulation Period: 

  Matthew 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 

  7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 

  8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 

  9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 

  Many Premillennialists have been forced by their doctrine of a shorter Tribulation Period to read this entire period into this present age before the rapture. Indeed, it would appear absurd to warn that  "the end is not yet" after a time of wars within a period of only 7 years. Yet, there is no such
problem  with a Tribulation Period of 50 or 70 years. 

  Some of the most noteworthy Premillennialists have believed or speculated about a future Tribulation Period after the rapture in which the 7 years are only the "main part". Yet, to document this, and prove that Daniel 9 is also a "double prophecy" which likewise proves a lengthy Tribulation Period, 
  will take another whole article! Perhaps next time we can deal with that subject. 

  Conclusion 

  Could the Middle East ever gain control of Israel (if not the world) for a time? It should be remembered that this interpretation also claims that the West (Rome) again takes the final, strongest seat of power before the Return of Christ. On the other hand, it isn't hard to imagine what the rapture of multitudes of faithful Christians (and probably babies) will do to the world. A fanatical country with chemical, biological and possibly nuclear weapons could easily seize control in such a world-wide state of turmoil. 

  It is noteworthy that Iraq (i.e. Babylon), Iran (i.e. Persia) and even Greece are showing up in the news more and more. (Rome is also still "alive and well on planet earth"). Notice a portion of a recent news report: 

  "A new CIA report submitted to Congress pays particular attention to the dangers posed by Iran and  Iraq, two Middle Eastern countries with a long-standing hatred for the United States. Iran has beefed up its chemical weapons program, is working on a biological weapons program and continues to  look for a nuclear weapon. Iraq, which remains under U.S. military fire, is rebuilding its chemical weapons machinery while it has yet to account for of its stock of biological weapons and has withheld information on its nuclear capabilities, the report says...The CIA believes Iran may have 
some 'limited' capability to actually deploy biological weapons, but it offered no additional details.  The U.S. intelligence community is also concerned about Iran’s efforts to develop and deploy ballistic missiles...Iran’s enemy and its neighbor to the west, Iraq, also gets the CIA’s attention. The CIA also said that Iraq 'likely' retains a limited number of 'Scud-type' surface-to-surface missiles and  launchers as well as the capability to assemble and produce others. In the nuclear arena, the CIA said that Baghdad continues to “withhold significant information” about its techniques for enriching nuclear fuel, foreign nuclear technology purchases and weapons design. While Iran and Iraq remain the two top concerns, the CIA also looks at some other nations, including Syria. That country has a little-mentioned weapons program that is of growing concern to U.S. intelligence." (By Barbara Starr, Reuters, Washington, July 23, 1999) 

  I will not be absolutely dogmatic in regard to some parts of Bible prophecy. The more I study, the more I learn and grow. However, my heart grieves for those who are caught in a narrow box, teaching nothing but the tradition of men. May God's Word truly be our only guide. Babylon is coming; and Rome is not far behind her. The Tribulation stage is indeed setting. Watch and pray! (Lk.21:36) 
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