Abomination of Desolation, the Anti-Christ, and Tribulation – According to Mark 13
1. The Abomination of Desolation
Jesus warned that when the “abomination of desolation” stands where it should not, devastation will follow (Mark 13:14; Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11). In common evangelical interpretation, the Antichrist will break a peace covenant, stop temple sacrifices, and enter the temple declaring himself divine (2 Thessalonians 2:4; Matthew 24:15).
Historical Pattern: Temple desecration has occurred before. In 167 BC, Antiochus IV Epiphanes defiled the temple with pagan worship. Later, Jerusalem’s destruction in AD 70 showed that those who fled early survived. These events foreshadow the final fulfillment.
2. Believers in Judea Must Flee
Jesus instructed believers in Judea to flee immediately to the mountains (Mark 13:14–18), because persecution would center in Jerusalem. He warned them to pray that their escape is not in winter, when Israel’s rainy season brings muddy roads, swollen streams, and difficult travel, making rapid flight much harder.
BIBLE SEQUENCE: TIME LINE OF END TIMES PROPHECY.
3. The Great Tribulation Begins
This act triggers the Great Tribulation, when the Antichrist persecutes those who refuse to worship him and deceives the world until Christ returns (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 13:7–8).
Meanwhile, believers look to the rapture, when Christ gathers His people to Himself (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). This may happen beforem during, or after the tribulation. [Rapture testimony]
END TIMES SIGNS ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE.
Should Christians Support the Rebuilding of the Third Temple?
Christ’s sacrifice ended the temple system, and believers are now God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16). Therefore, Christians should not support rebuilding it. Since Christ is the final sacrifice, restoring temple sacrifices after rejecting the Messiah would technically be an offense before God.
However, the third temple must be built to fulfill the abomination of desolation that fulfills the anti-Christ, where it ends with the redemption of God’s people and eternal punishment of the devil.
