SUMMARY COMMENTS ON END-TIME MINISTRY
MARTYRDOM OF SAINTS & HARVESTING OF SAINTS
REVELATION 6:9-11------ REVELATION 15
End time ministry, that occuring during the Tribulation Period, the last seven years of the end of the age, during Daniel's 70th week. This ministry was attributed to the 144,000, the Two Witnesses, and the Three Angels. The Church is not mentioned among the end time agents of evangelism. Many are of the opinion that the Church has been raptured either before the Tribulation Period started or during the first half of the period. There are others that hold the opinion that the Church will go through much of the Tribulation Period. Matthew 24 gives a comprehensive description of end time events explained by Jesus. Many of the issues addressed by Jesus in Matthew 24 are also mentioned in Revelation. Jesus emphasized that the day and hour of his return was unknown, and to watch, pray, and be ready.
During the first half of the Tribulation Period, martyred saints were pictured as being under the alter, after the 5th seal was opened by the Lamb. (Revelation 6:9-11) These saints asked God, "how long until our blood is avenged?" They were told until the number of their brothers who were to be killed as they were was completed.
The ministry agents during the first half of the Tribulation were the 144,000 who were sealed and set apart by God. (Rev. 7:1-8) A multitude of martyred saints is mentioned again in Revelation 7:9-17, after the 144,000 were sealed. They are described as standing before the Lamb and the throne of God. (Rev. 7:9, 13-14).
Sometime during the first half to the mid-point of the Tribulation Period, the Two Witnesses were ministry agents. (Rev. 11:1-14). Following the completion of their ministry to earth's inhabitants, their death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven; the second half of the Tribulation began. This will occur just before the sounding of the seventh trumpet. (Rev. 11:15)
During the second half of the Tribulation Period the beast will be given authority over all inhabitants of the earth. Suffering and martyred saints will be encouraged to endure patiently. (Rev. 13:5-10) Three angels will be the ministry agents during the second half of the Tribulation. (Rev.14:6-13)
Martyred saints are once again pictured, this time standing on what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire. They were described as being victorious over the beast, his image, and the number of his name. They had remained faithful to the LORD, and endured patiently.(Rev.15:2-4)