Events during the great time of trouble

Ellen White saw the great time of trouble, the outpouring of the seven last plagues, and the time of Jacob’s trouble as following the close of probation. This great time of trouble climaxes in the battle of Armageddon during the sixth plague. Just prior to Christ’s appearance in the clouds of heaven, a partial resurrection will occur (see Daniel 12:2). A short time later, at the second advent of Christ, the first resurrection and the translation of the righteous takes place.GP 92.3

1. The time of Jacob’s trouble . The time of Jacob’s trouble, referred to in Jeremiah 30:7, begins with the death decree before the close of probation, but it occupies most of the great time of trouble. As Jacob wrestled with God even after he had confessed his sins (see Genesis 32), so God’s people will experience a time of anguish and feel a deep sense of their unworthiness after the close of probation. However, “Their sins have gone beforehand to Judgment, and have been blotted out; and they cannot bring them to remembrance” (GC 620).GP 93.1

2. The great time of trouble (Daniel 12:1) . The great time of trouble begins with the close of probation. During this time, the seven last plagues will fall on the earth. God’s long-suffering has ended. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation, and the Spirit of God has been at last withdrawn. “Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble” (GC 614).GP 93.2

3. Armageddon (Revelation 16:12-16) . The three unclean spirits (spirits of demons) come out of the mouth of the dragon (spiritualism), the beast (the papacy), and the false prophet (apostate Protestantism). They arm the powers of this world for a final battle against God and His people. Armageddon takes place wherever God’s people are endangered by the enemy. At the time of their greatest danger, however, Jesus appears in the clouds of heaven to rescue them (see EW 284).GP 93.3

4. Special resurrection . Just before the appearance of Christ, there is a special resurrection (see Daniel 12:2; Revelation 1:7). All who participated in the crucifixion of Christ, the greatest enemies of the truth through the ages, and all those who died believing in the third angel’s message will be resurrected to see Jesus come in the clouds of heaven (see GC 637).GP 93.4

5. The Second Coming . When Christ returns, the first general resurrection— the resurrection of the righteous dead—takes place (see Revelation 20:4, 5; GC 644), the living who have accepted Jesus as their Savior are translated (see 1 Thessalonians 4:17; GC 645), and the unbelievers are destroyed (see 2 Thessalonians 2:8; DA 107). At that time the millennium will commence.GP 93.5