Episode 86: How to Identify the Abomination of Desolation

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 86

Gary responds to another video by Joel Richardson and his claims about the “abomination of desolation.”

The abomination of desolation is mentioned in one Old Testament book (Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11). The book of Maccabees, a non-inspired book written during the intertestamental period, mentions the abomination of desolation and its relationship to Antiochus Epiphanes (168 B.C.) (1 Macc. 1:10-64; 4:36-59; 6:7; 2 Macc. 10:1-8). First-century Jews would have been familiar with the theology and history surrounding the abomination of desolation. There was no doubt in the minds of those who read and understood Jesus’ words in Matthew 24:15 that the abomination of desolation prophecy was fulfilled in events leading up to the temple’s destruction in A.D. 70. The Apostle Paul would later address the concerns of the Thessalonians about the “day of the Lord” with a discussion of the man of lawlessness” (2 Thess. 2). The man of lawlessness was a contemporary figure who was identified with the “abomination of desolation.”

Further study on this important topic should leave no doubt that Matthew 24:15 was fulfilled in its entirety before the passing away of the generation that heard Jesus’ prophecy on the Mount of Olives. Again, the time text of verse 34 compels us to look for a candidate within the time frame of the generation that heard the prophecy.

“Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand)…” (Matt. 24:15).

There is an unbroken transition from verse 14 to verse 15 in Matthew 24. By comparing Luke 21:20-21 and Matthew 24:15-18, we can pinpoint the time when the abomination of desolation was to appear. Luke tells us, “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is at hand. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are in the midst of the city depart, and let not those who are in the country enter the city” (Luke 21:20-21). Was Jerusalem ever surrounded by armies prior to A.D. 70? Yes! Did Jesus’ disciples flee the city? Yes!

While futurists (typically dispensationalists) generally acknowledge that Luke is describing events prior to A.D. 70, they assert that Matthew is recounting a different series of events that are still future. For these futurists, Matthew’s abomination of desolation will appear in a rebuilt temple during the so-called “seven-year tribulation period” after the pre-tribulational rapture of the church. Only a preconceived theological system could ever twist these verses in this way. It is obvious that all three gospel writers are describing the same series of events and period of time.

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Gary responds to another video by Joel Richardson and his claims about the “abomination of desolation.” Gary walks through the Bible and shows what it actually teaches about this “abomination” and where it was fulfilled in the past, not the future. A temple must exist for this prophecy to happen, which can’t make it relevant to today. But wait, the temple will be rebuilt…

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