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That the 'tribulation', or persecution of the righteous, was to occur before the establishment of the millennium, or Kingdom of God, has essentially been accepted throughout the history of Christian interpretation. However, when Christ was to return in relation to these events has remained an issue of dispute. Some Christians argued, and still do, that Christ will return after the Christians have themselves established the Kingdom of God on earth. This view is known as 'post-millennialism', that is, Christ will return after the establishment of the millennial Kingdom. Others maintained that when Christ returns He will establish the Kingdom Himself. This view is known as 'pre-millennialism'.
(171:3)
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