The “now and later” principle of prophecy, also known as “the law of double fulfillment” means there are prophesied events that happen in the immediate future, as well as the distant future. This principle is crucial when studying Bible prophecy. Jesus proclaimed that the Temple was going to be destroyed, and it was in 70AD, and the nation was going to be scattered, and it was. But, there is a time in the distant future when Israel will be scattered again when the Antichrist is going to seek the complete destruction of the nation.
Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 all deal with the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus explains world events and how the nation of Israel will be the flash point of the tribulation, especially the 2nd half, the final 3 ½ years, or 1,260 days, or the time, times, and half a time of the prophetic program. Comparing scripture with scripture paints an incredible mosaic of the end times, and it compels us to search the scriptures and connect those things that are similar to help us gain a greater understanding of this dispensation of grace which will end at the rapture of the Church Age saints, and how the prophetic program will pick up again after a 2,000 year “time out.”
Matthew 24:13-21 lays the groundwork for us to look at other scriptures.
V.13-14: compare to Romans 11:25-27 and Matthew 3:1-12, 4:17,23
V.15: compare to Daniel 9:27 and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4
V.21: compare to Daniel 12:1 and Romans 11:25-27 and Revelation 12:5-17Daniel has been titled the book of Revelation in the Old Testament, as Revelation has been titled the book of Daniel in the New Testament. Daniel has so much to say concerning the last days . Even though we only got through verses one and two of Daniel 12, we uncovered a wealth of prophetic insight. We will continue unpacking Daniel 12 this coming Sunday!