JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

June 1987

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your recent inquiry about the "abomination of desolation," mentioned in Matthew 24:15 and several other passages.

Daniel's original prophecy (Dan. 12:11) has more than one fulfillment. The first took place in 167 B.C., on the 25th day of the month Kislev (November-December in the Roman calendar). With the help of his army, Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes erected an altar to the Greek god Zeus on the temple mount in Jerusalem and offered swine upon it.

The "abomination of desolation" Jesus mentioned was the desecration of the temple and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman armies in A.D. 70. But, there is yet to be another fulfillment.

A short time before Christ returns, armies will once again surround Jerusalem and an "abomination" will be set up in the city. At that time, those in Jerusalem are told to flee to the mountains (Matt. 24:16; Luke 21:20-21).

If you have not read our booklet THE WORLD WON'T END THIS WAY, please write for it. This booklet explains those events leading up to and culminating in the return of Jesus Christ to this earth.

If you have additional questions, or if we can serve you in any other way, please let us know.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT