Covid-19, vaccinations, earthquakes, the economy, climate change, political upheavals – there is no doubt that the human race is experiencing tribulation on a broad scale. Daniel 12:1 prophesies that when Michael (representing Christ at His return) would stand up, the world would experience a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation.

Jesus said, “For then shall be great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” Matthew 24:21

We recognize the intensifying of worldwide trouble means the great tribulation has begun. We see, “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.” Luke 21:26.

Since the evidence shows Christ (Michael) is standing up and therefore has returned, we need to ask: Why does Christ return? For what purpose?

King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream about the kingdoms of this world. This was the end of the dream: “…a stone was broken off without hands, and it struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and crushed them…crushed to pieces all at the same time, and they were like chaff from the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away so that not a trace of them was found. But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the entire earth.” Daniel 2:34-45 (NASB20). 

Daniel explained the meaning in verse 44, “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven (through Christ) will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever.”

So, Christ is in charge of the demolition project. The 1,000-year Judgment Day has begun. Christ has judged the world as guilty and he is in the process of evicting the governments, the social orders, and every evil structure. On the earth, cleared of the structural ruble, he will establish his righteous kingdom. 

Since “judgment must begin at the house of God” (1 Peter 4:17), the sleeping saints have already been judged as faithful and they have been resurrected. As each living saint finishes his life, he will be “changed in the twinkling of an eye at the last trump.” (1 Corinthians 15:52)

The last trump is the seventh trump (obviously symbolic as no one ever heard the previous six trumps) of Revelation 11:15, 18-19 NKJV), “Then the seventh angel sounded (the 7th trump): And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, …“The nations were angry…and that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great…And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.” Revelation 11:18-19 (NKJV)

Then all mankind will be resurrected, peace established, sins will be forgiven, and all will learn righteousness. (See Jeremiah 31:33, Isaiah 2:4, Isaiah 35:5-10.) It will be glorious.

Additional Resources: 
Download PDF: “The Day of Judgment”

Christian Questions Podcast 
Episode #1074: “Does God Judge Everyone the Same Way?”
The complexity, equity and utility of God’s eternal judgments
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CQ Rewind Show Notes

3-Part Series: “Do I Suffer From Rapture Anxiety?
Questioning the rapture in the light of careful scriptural analysis

Episode #900: “So, When Does the Rapture Happen?” 
Biblically defining texts that seem to teach a rapture