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Lessons from
The Revelation of Jesus Christ
(The Book of Revelation)
By Ken Raggio
God Communicates Personally With Men
God is personal and often communicates directly with men. On the rare occasion when God sends a heavenly visitor, we suddenly realize that God not only speaks to us, but that He also desires to have relationship and show us things to come.
Revelation 1:1 - "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw."
John Pronounced Blessings On Readers Of Revelation
John opened the Book of the Revelation by pronouncing a blessing upon his readers. We would do well to claim this blessing. The majority of professing Christians avoid the Book of Revelation, as have many of the mainstream denominations and Christian leaders since the early third century. However, "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16. Read Revelation and be blessed!
Revelation 1:3 - "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein."
Read, Hear, And Keep The Words Of The Revelation
Poor John! He was exiled and left to die on the Isle of Patmos, yet in his captivity he received one of the most magnificent angelic visitations ever recorded. The Revelation (Greek: Apocalypse) "unveils" God's plans for the future. Today, too many people avoid the book of Revelation like it is a plague. John said, "Blessed is he that readeth..." Don't run from the imagery in this prophetic book. Look and listen. God has much to say.
Revelation 1:3 - "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein."
The Seven Spirits Which Are Before The Throne
John invoked blessings from "the SEVEN SPIRITS which are before His throne," (1:4). He saw SEVEN LAMPS burning before the throne, "which are the seven Spirits of God," (4:5). He saw a Lamb with SEVEN HORNS and SEVEN EYES, "which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth," (5:6). In 3:1, John mentioned the seven Spirits together with the seven stars (angels). Seven Spirits, lamps (light), horns (symbols of power, dominion), eyes (the "watchers" of God [Daniel 4:13]), angels.
Revelation 1:4 - "...to the seven churches ...from the seven Spirits which are before his throne."
John Blessed The Seven Churches Of Asia
John greeted the seven Churches of Asia and blessed them with grace and peace "from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come;" (referring to God Himself), "from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;" (revealing that grace and peace is ministered to the Churches by the ANGELS of the Churches), "and from Jesus Christ," (glorified Son of Man, the Church's High Priest who "ever liveth to make intercession for them," Hebrews 7:25.
Revelation 1:5 - "...who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth."
Unto Him Be Glory And Dominion Forever
As a young man, John accompanied Jesus in His earthly ministry. In his old age, John saw Jesus in a new perspective. Remembering the humble man whom he had followed in the shadows to Golgotha, John looked heavenward and saw the celestial throneroom where angels and glorified saints rule with Him in His eternal Kingdom. He paused to worship Him.
Revelation 1:5-6 - "Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."
All Kindreds Of The Earth Shall Wail When He Comes
No single event in the history of man has been preceded by more fanfare than the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Since Enoch declared 5000 years ago, "The Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment upon all," that day (Armageddon) has been anxiously anticipated. When Jesus appears in the clouds, earth will shudder with wailing multitudes in every street, every city, every nation!
Revelation 1:7 - "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him."
I Was In The Spirit On The Lord's Day
John is the only apostle who was not martyred. According to Roman history, the Emperor Domitian sentenced John to be boiled in a cauldron of oil, but he continued preaching and did not die. Consequently, he was exiled for life to the island of Patmos, off the coast of what is now Turkey. Abandoned and destitute, John nevertheless had great fellowship with the Lord. We can too.
Revelation 1:9-10 - " I John, ...companion in tribulation, ...was in the isle that is called Patmos, ...I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice."
I Am Alpha And Omega, Beginning And Ending
How could a man born of a woman make such a bold claim? "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty." In Jesus dwelled all the fulness of God bodily. His was the only body of God, and was mortal until divine resurrection power raised Him immortal. The Eternal God, the Creator, was incarnate in Him. The Alpha (beginning, first) and Omega (end, last).
Revelation 1:11 - "...a great voice, ...Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last."
Write In A Book
The pen is mightier than the sword. God's Word is forever settled, in part because "it is written." God told Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Habakkuk to write a book (Exodus 17:14; Isaiah 30:8; Jeremiah 30:2; Ezekiel 43:11; Habakkuk 2:2). At least fourteen times, God told John to write. God Himself penned the Ten Commandments.
Revelation 1:11, 19 - "What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; ...Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter."
The Seven Churches Of Asia
In the earliest days of the Church, John was well acquainted with the seven principal Churches in Asia Minor (all situated in present-day Turkey). As a preeminent Church father and confidant of Jesus, John's influence was powerful, hence the divine mandate to publish these prophetic messages. In the Spirit, John saw Jesus standing amidst seven candlesticks - these Churches. He held seven stars - the angels of the seven Churches. The prophecies speak to us today, as well as to them.
Revelation 1:11 - "What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia."
The Long Garment And The Golden Girdle
In John's vision, he saw Jesus wearing a full-length robe and a golden girdle on His chest. The Old Testament High Priest wore a breastplate. Isaiah prophesied that Messiah would "put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke," (Isaiah 59:17). John saw Christ coming in vengeance, zeal and righteousness.
Revelation 1:13 - "...one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle."
Hair White As Snow, Eyes Like Fire
Daniel saw an ALLEGORICAL vision of "the Son of Man" appearing before "the Ancient of Days." "The Ancient of days did sit, ...the hair of his head like the pure wool," (7:9). Why allegorical? Because God is not a white-haired old man but an eternal, ageless, invisible Spirit. And the Son of Man was not yet born. In his vision, John saw Christ as the Ancient of Days. Jesus is the Ancient of Days. God is in Christ.
Revelation 1:14 - "His hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire."
The Revelation Of Christ
John knew the earthly Christ. In visions, he saw the glorified Christ. "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him." John saw "one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire." Our eyes will see Him.
Revelation 1:15 - "His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters."
I Fell At His Feet As Dead
When John saw the vision of Jesus standing among the golden candlesticks, he "fell at His feet as dead." Ezekiel fell on his face when He saw the Lord in a vision (Ezekiel 1:28). When the Angel of the Lord appeared to Daniel (8:17), he fell into a deep sleep, face down to the ground. The Presence of the Lord is overwhelming to the natural man.
Revelation 1:17 - "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last."
Seven Golden Candlesticks And Seven Stars
Jesus stood among seven golden candlesticks with seven stars in His right hand. "The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks ...are the seven churches," (1:20; 3:20). Jesus told John, "What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; ...Ephesus, ...Smyrna, ...Pergamos, ...Thyatira, ...Sardis, ...Philadelphia, ...Laodicea." God planted His prophetic Word in good soil (His Church) where it began to spread around the world.
Revelation 1:19 - "Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter."
The Church At Ephesus - Lost Their First Love
Some Bible students say the seven Churches represent seven ages since Calvary. That theory fails, because all seven conditions occur in every age. We learn from every Church. The Church of Ephesus had good works, labours, patience, intolerance of evil, exposed liars, had not fainted, and hated the deeds of Nicolaitans. But they left their first love. If you lose your first love, remember where you were when you stopped loving God as you should. Repent and do your first works over, or your place will be removed.
Revelation 2:1 - "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write..."
God Knows
None of the Lord's admonitions to the Seven Churches was more significant than the fact that He repeatedly assured them that "I know..." your circumstances. "I know thy works ...labour ...patience ...thou canst not bear them which are evil ...tried them which say they are apostles, and are not ...thy works ...tribulation ...poverty ...the blasphemy of ...the synagogue of Satan ...where thou dwellest ...thy charity ...thy service ...thy faith ...thy patience, (and many other things.) God knows every move you make. He credits your good and reprimands your evil. Take heart. God knows YOU.
Revelation 2:2 - "I know..."
Does God Have Something Against You?
We hear a lot of talk about God's "unconditional love." I just do not find unconditional love in the Bible. "Jacob have I loved, Esau have I hated," Romans 9:13. "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy," Proverbs 29:1. "God is angry with the wicked every day," Psalm 7:11. If God says, "I have somewhat against thee," you should IMMEDIATELY correct yourself. God "commandeth all men everywhere to repent," Acts 17:30.
Revelation 2:4,14,20 - "I have somewhat against thee ...I have a few things against thee ...I have a few things against thee."
Repent And Do The First Works Or Be Removed
The Spirit commended the Church of Ephesus for good works, labor, patience, for resisting those who were evil and exposing some false apostles as liars. Similarly, some Churches today have many good works to commend them. Nevertheless, sin in the midst MUST be repented of, lest God rejects the whole Church.
Revelation 2:4-5 - "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."
The Nicolaitans
God hated the deeds and doctrines of the Nicolaitans, as did the Ephesians. But the Church in Pergamos had Nicolaitans in their congregation. An early Church father, Irenaeus, said, "they lead lives of unrestrained indulgence." Other writers suggested the group was started by the deacon Nicolas, and that some practiced polygamy or open marriages. Outrageous situations like this develop because Pastors and Saints tolerate, rather than condemn their own carnal-mindedness.
Revelation 2:6,15 - "Thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. ...So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate."
He That Hath An Ear, Hear What The Spirit Is Saying
Every one of the seven churches of Asia received this identical message from the Lord: "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." At first glance, this seems like such an elementary instruction. But in a world of incessant distractions, when televisions, computers and countless other devices scream for our attention, the call of God is being drowned out. You have an ear. Do you hear the voice of God speaking to you? Be quiet. Be prayerful. Listen carefully.
Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22 - "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches."
To Him That Overcometh
Here is what you can expect if you overcome the world, the flesh and the devil. You will be written in the Book of Life; clothed in white raiment, receive a crown of life; have the name of God and the City of God written on you; eat of the hidden manna and the Tree of Life in God's paradise; escape the Second Death; be a pillar in the Temple of God; sit with Christ in His Throne; and have power and rule over the nations. Oh, friend! Do not fail to overcome!
Revelation 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21 - "To him that overcometh..."
The Tree Of Life
In the Garden of Eden, God forbade Adam and Eve to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. When they trespassed, God put them out of the Garden and placed a Cherubim with a flaming sword to prevent them from also partaking of the Tree of Life (Genesis 3:24). The Tree of Life is now in Paradise, and all the saints will partake of it when they get there.
Revelation 2:7 - "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God."
The Church At Smyrna - Fear None Of Your Sufferings
The Church in Smyrna suffered greatly for their faith, but the Spirit encouraged them. God saw their suffering at the hands of phony Jews from "the synagogue of Satan." "I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich)." He warned that they would have tribulations and some would be cast into prison, but he urged them not to be afraid. God promises a crown of life if we are faithful unto death. God also knows YOUR works, tribulation and poverty. Be encouraged. Pay day is coming!
Revelation 2:8 - "...unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write..."
I Know Thy Poverty (But Thou Art Rich)
Few generations of men have ever tasted the material prosperity that this one has tasted. Worldly prosperity is dangerously addictive and tragically deceptive. The Laodiceans told themselves, "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing," but the Lord said, "thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Contrariwise, the saints at Smyrna had no earthly wealth, but they possessed great spiritual, heavenly and eternal wealth. The greatest fool spurns the wealth of Heaven to pursue fleeting earthly wealth.
Revelation 2:9 - "I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich)."
The Synagogue Of Satan
A child of God will always be engaged in spiritual warfare. Things are rarely as simple as they appear to the naked eye. In Smyrna, the Jewish synagogue might have passed as a typical synagogue to the casual observer, but Satan presided over that congregation and was using it to afflict the saints of the Church of Smyrna. Your opposition sometimes comes from surprising sources. Rest assured that God knows your adversary, and will eventually vindicate you.
Revelation 2:9-10 - "I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan."
Fear None Of Those Things Which Thou Shalt Suffer
Neither positive thinking nor mind-over-matter can keep you out of the sufferings and trials that God has ordained for your making. All who will live godly in Christ Jesus WILL suffer persecution. Every man's works will be tried by fire. Peter said, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you." Remember, "It pleased the LORD to bruise Him [Christ]." God says, "Fear none of those things."
Revelation 2:10 - "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried."
Be Faithful Unto Death, I Will Give Thee A Crown Of Life
The Church in Smyrna suffered vicious persecution from the local Jews. The assaults were literally demonic. The Lord warned the saints that "the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days." It can happen to you. "ALL that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution," 2 Timothy 3:12. Remember that the trial of your faith is more precious than gold.
Revelation 2:10-11 - "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. ...He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death."
The Church At Pergamos - Satan's Seat
Study the history of Pergamos and you will discover one of the most idolatrous, pagan societies in ancient civilization. John said the place was "where Satan's seat is, ...where Satan dwelleth." Yet in this breath-takingly evil place was an Apostolic Pentecostal Church. "Thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith," even as some were being martyred. Still, the Holy Ghost rebuked those who, like Balaam, sold out to the enemy, and the Nicolaitans, a laity-dominated group who were carnal, indulgent and immoral.
Revelation 2:12 - "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write..."
The Sharp Sword With Two Edges
It was not John who rebuked the errors at Pergamos, but Christ Himself. "These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works..." The Lord rebuked those who, like Balaam, taught God's enemies to cast a stumblingblock before the godly, and lead them into sin. God fights against His enemies with the sword of His mouth - the Word of God. There is no more formidable weapon in the universe than God's Word.
Revelation 2:16 - "Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth."
I Will Give Him A White Stone And A New Name
An executive places his name-plate on his desk or door. At a formal banquet, name-cards identify the correct seat for each guest. In heaven, God has engraved a white stone for every saint, with a surprise: a new name that was never before revealed! I can only speculate when we will receive it, but I think it will be at the marriage supper of the Lamb. What will it be?
Revelation 2:17 - "To him that overcometh will I give... a white stone , and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it."
The Church At Thyatira - Tolerated Jezebel
The Church at Thyatira had one outstanding problem - a self-proclaimed prophetess named Jezebel. Many of the saints had good works, charity, faith and patience, but God rebuked them for tolerating Jezebel. Jezebel was sexually promiscuous and encouraged others to be. God was outraged. He gave her chance to repent, but warned that He would soon punish her and her partners sorely unless they repent, even threatening to kill her children. Meanwhile, the Spirit comforted the innocent ones, encouraging them to hold fast. The Church must banish the Jezebel spirit.
Revelation 2:18 - "...unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write..."
Space To Repent, But No Repentance
The Spirit said to the Church of Thyatira, "I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols." The modern Church has the same problem. A Jezebel-like spirit deludes Christians into carnal, lustful, idolatrous lifestyles. God will not long wink at sin. Judgment will soon fall. Confess and repent now, before it is too late. Jezebel must be cast out.
Revelation 2:21 - "I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not."
Jezebel Will Be Cast Out, Except She Repent Of Deeds
God promised to cast evil Jezebel and her adulterous companions into a bed of great tribulation if they did not promptly repent of all their evil deeds. "My spirit shall not always strive with man," Genesis 6:3. Sinner, forget not to fear the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in Hell. Repent before it is too late to repent.
Revelation 2:22 - "Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds."
I Will Cast Them Into Great Tribulations, Kill Her Children
This is VERY SERIOUS business! God hated what the false prophetess-seductress Jezebel did to the Church. She ignored the call to repentance, so God threatened to cast her and her lot "into great tribulations" AND "kill all their children." You may not believe that God deals so severely with sinners, but here is proof. Better get Jezebel out of your Church!
Revelation 2:23 - "I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works."
I Know Thy Works ...And Thy Works
Here is a strange statement that appears to be accidentally repeated. The Son of God said to the Church in Thyatira, "I know THY WORKS, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, AND THY WORKS." TWICE in one sentence He said, "I know thy works." Then an addendum: "and the last to be more than the first." Their LAST works were apparently better than their FIRST works. Anyone who tells you that God does not judge you by your works is lying to you.
Revelation 2:23 - "I will give unto every one of you according to your works."
Overcomers Will Rule The Nations With A Rod Of Iron
Some of the saints in Thyatira had not been influenced by Jezebel, so the Lord dismissed the subject with an admonition: "That which ye have already hold fast till I come." He furthermore promised that faithful saints will someday rule the nations with a rod of iron. During the 1000-year Kingdom of Christ, immortal saints, as Kings and Priests on earth, will press mortals into compliance. Glorious day!
Revelation 2:26-27 - "He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron."
The Church At Sardis - Dead Or Dying
The Church at Sardis did not get good reviews. They actually got reprimanded. The Spirit said, "you have a name that you are living, but you are dead." What an indictment! He acknowledged a few faithful, worthy saints, but admonished the majority who appeared "ready to die," whose works were not perfect before God. God called for speedy repentance lest He come with swift, unexpected judgment. "Strengthen the things ...that are ready to die." Is your Church dying? Rouse yourself NOW! No excuses!
Revelation 3:1 - "...unto the angel of the church in Sardis write..."
Remember... Hold Fast... Repent
To a dying Church, the Holy Ghost said, "Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent." It is such a simple premise, yet so ignored and neglected today: Either repent and live right, or die and go to Hell. There is no exception allowed for ungodly living. Not one saint of God can afford to be prayerless in these treacherous times. Watch (stay up nights) and pray.
Revelation 3:3 - "If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee."
White Robes
When Jesus was transfigured, His garment shined white as light. Holy angels wear bright white. Saints of God will wear white robes purified by Jesus' blood. I have many loved ones there in white. I can't wait to wear mine.
Revelation 3:4-5 - "...and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment." Revelation 7:9 - "...I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes."
The Church At Philadelphia - Kept The Word
The Philadelphian Church received a generous commendation from the Lord. Twice, the Spirit acknowledged that they had kept His Word. God loves it when you keep His Word. He opened a door for them that "no man can shut." God promised to humble their enemies, the "synagogue of Satan," and shelter them from the great temptations that would come to all the world. Then He gave a timeless admonition that is more potent than anyone can imagine: "Hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."
Revelation 3:7 - "...to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write..."
God Has Keys That Open Doors And Shut Doors
David was the boy-shepherd God chose to be the King of Israel, and the man who will rule Israel under Christ in His 1000-year kingdom on earth. God alone holds "the key of David," which opened the door to his kingdom and authority. God holds the key to all your doors. He opens and closes the doors of your divine destiny.
Revelation 3:7 - "He that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; ...I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it."
Thou Hast Not Denied My Name
Sometimes, what you do NOT say is as important as what you do say. You cannot take back the words you have uttered, so it is important not to say things you will later regret. That is especially true when it pertains to your faith in Jesus Christ. You may have times of doubts and discouragements, but keep your tongue from sin. Never deny the Lord. He will certainly see you through.
Revelation 3:8 - "Thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. ...I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation."
I Will Make Them Worship Before Thy Feet
"Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord," Romans 12:19. "To you who are troubled rest with us," 2 Thessalonians 1:7. Paul taught that Jesus will vindicate all wrongdoing when He comes. Jesus personally assured the Church of Philadelphia that they would soon see the hypocritical Jews who had tormented them humbled and worshiping Him at their feet.
Revelation 3:9 - "I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee."
Thou Hast Kept The Word Of My Patience
It is not good enough to do all the talking in your relationship with God. Some people pray all the time, but they do not seem to pay attention when God is talking. God may have something instructional to say. He may have a rebuke. He may have a word of encouragement. Whatever God says, it is critical for you to take it to heart and live steadfastly by it. When you do, good things will come of it.
Revelation 3:10 - "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation."
I Will Keep Thee From The Hour Of Temptation
Jesus' prophetic words here were specific to the Philadelphian Church. The faithful Philadelphian saints lived through despotic times under Roman Caesars Nero, Domitian, and Trajan, who horrifically persecuted and tried to subvert Christians worldwide. It was an hour of great temptation for people everywhere. God kept the Philadelphians from those temptations. He did not rapture them away from temptation. God succours (helps) those who are tempted. He will also succour you and me.
Revelation 3:10 - "I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth."
Hold Fast That Which Thou Hast Till I Come
The Lord told the saints at Thyatira to "HOLD FAST till I come." He told the Philadelphians to "HOLD FAST which thou hast." Every saint faces a dreadful risk of falling away. The old prophet warned Israel that the Word of the LORD is "precept upon precept, ...line upon line, ...here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken." Isaiah 28:13. If you want to be saved, you MUST hold tightly!
Revelation 3:11 - " Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."
I Will Write Upon Him
This generation debauches itself with abominable markings upon their flesh. Worse than any passing fad, tattooing one's flesh has forever been despicable in the eyes of God. "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD," Leviticus 19:28. If you are faithful, He will someday write His own name upon your immortal body.
Revelation 3:12 - "I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, ...and I will write upon him my new name."
I Will Make Him A Pillar In The Temple Of God
"Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you? ...ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's," 1 Corinthians 6:19. For all of eternity, the saints of God will comprise the habitation of God. God will dwell in His people forever. Each of us, as members of His body, will be a part of that eternal construct.
Revelation 3:12 - "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out."
The Church At Laodicea - Lukewarm
It is easy to see why some people think we are living in a Laodicean age because so many people are neither hot nor cold spiritually. God promised to spew out lukewarm people. He chided the Laodicians for presuming they were rich and increased with goods when they were actually spiritually wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. Yes, that sounds like our age. Unfortunately, lukewarm Christians have existed in every age. The lukewarm Laodicean spirit elicited the harshest rebuke of all the Churches. Be zealous to prevent lukewarmness.
Revelation 3:14 - "...unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write..."
Jesus Says "Buy Gold, White Raiment, And Eye Salve"
The AMEN (firm, trustworthy, sure one), the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the Creation of God (the Word) says to buy three things. Gold tried in the fire: "when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." White raiment: "made white in the blood of the Lamb." Eye salve: "because darkness hath blinded his eyes." Rich. Clothed. Seeing. Forever.
Revelation 3:18 - "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, ...and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see."
Thou Art Lukewarm - Be Zealous And Repent
Jesus rebuked the Laodicean Church for being lukewarm. Lukewarmness is indifference. It is neither hot nor cold. Lukewarmness is a kind of pacifism. It says, "Everything is OK. Nothing needs to be tended to. Nothing needs to be changed." A lukewarm person says "I need nothing," although he is wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. Lukewarmness is satisfaction with a wrong state of affairs. God hates lukewarmness. He wants us to acknowledge when things are not up to par, and do something about it.
Revelation 3:19 - "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent."
I Will Sup With Him, And He With Me
In 1854, artist William Holman Hunt painted "The Light of the World," a depiction of Jesus preparing to knock on an over-grown and long-unopened door. The door in the painting has no handle, and can therefore be opened only from the inside, representing "the obstinately shut mind," according to its author. No greater Truth exists than that God desires to fellowship you and me.
Revelation 3:20 - "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
Two Doors: One Open, One Shut
Jesus told the Church at Philadelphia, "I have set before thee an open door." We love an "open door" - a great opportunity to do the will of God. But to the Laodiceans, He spoke of a completely different door. "I stand at the door and knock." People want God to open doors for them, but God wants us to open doors to Him. He wants you to give Him an unfettered opportunity to have His way with you. Is the door of your heart wide open to Him?
Revelation 3:20 - "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock."
A Door In Heaven
Doors are mentioned 260 times in the Bible. A door is a passageway from one place to another; from that which is without to that which is within. Heaven is behind a door. Jesus is the Door. Unless and until a man has believed and obeyed the Gospel of Christ, he will never ENTER into the Kingdom of God. John had been an intimate disciple of Jesus. No wonder that the door to Heaven was first opened to him.
Revelation 4:1 - "I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice ...said, Come up hither."
A Trumpet Talking With Me
John saw an open door in heaven and heard a voice like a trumpet talking with him saying, "Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter." He added, "IMMEDIATELY I was in the spirit..." and he saw the throne in heaven, and the One who sat on it. Throughout scriptures, men often heard the voice of God accompanied by supernatural revelations. Covet to hear His voice and speak with Him.
Revelation 4:1 - "A door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me."
Revelation 4:1 Does Not Depict The Rapture
The voice told John, "Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter." Many say this verse depicts the Rapture of the Church. No. The Rapture will occur at the Last of Seven Trumpets (Revelation 8-10). Modern "fellowservants" in the last days Church must be killed as the early Church martyrs were (6:11). The Rapture will be the first harvest (14:16) which will occur AFTER the Mark of the Beast (14:9). The Rapture is also depicted in 20:4 AFTER the Mark.
Revelation 4:1 - "Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter."
The Throne of God: One Sat On It
In the Spirit, John saw God's throne. Only ONE sat on it. It was "the throne of God and of the Lamb," (Revelation 22:1). The Father (Invisible Spirit) is IN the Son (Jesus). God is in Christ. God is one person. One Spirit. One Body. He looked like a jasper and a sardine stone. Out of His throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices, surrounded by an emerald rainbow, a sea of glass like crystal, and seven lamps of fire burning before the throne - the seven spirits of God.
Revelation 4:2 - "A throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne."
Jasper And Sardine Stone
John said that looking upon the Throne of God was like looking upon "a jasper and a sardine stone." Jasper stones can vary widely in their coloring, but most of them are either dark red, brown, or burnt orange in appearance. A sardine stone is also dark red. In Revelation 21, John described the glory of the New Jerusalem "even as a jasper stone." The walls of Heaven are of jasper. Obviously, deep reds and browns will be primary colors in Heaven.
Revelation 4:3 - "He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone."
The Emerald Rainbow
The fourth-mentioned son of Jacob (Israel) was Judah (Genesis 35:23; Exodus 1:2). The Old Testament High Priest wore an ephod on which were twelve stones representing the twelve tribes. The fourth-mentioned stone was an emerald, which apparently corresponds to the tribe of Judah. Jesus is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. His Heavenly Throne is surrounded by an emerald rainbow - a bright green glow that encircles the Throne of God. Coincidence? I think not.
Revelation 4:3 - "There was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald."
The Twenty-Four Elders
The Bible does not explicitly say who the Twenty-Four Elders are. The twelve gates of Heaven are named after the twelve tribes of Israel. Heaven's twelve foundations are named after the Apostles (Revelation 21). The elders are probably twelve tribes and twelve Apostles. Another possibility exists. In 1 Chronicles 24, King David chose twenty-four descendants of Aaron the High Priest (sixteen sons of Eleazar and eight sons of Ithamar) as Priests over the new Temple (verses 5,19).
Revelation 4:4 - "I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold."
The Twenty-Four Elders Are Already In Heaven
Some people say that the presence of the Twenty-Four Elders in Heaven proves that everything after Chapter 4 will occur after the rapture. Not so. Paul said that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). Jesus said that the rich man went immediately to Hell, and Lazarus went immediately to paradise. The elders are RIGHT NOW sitting around the Throne, and the rapture has not yet taken place.
Revelation 4:4 - "And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting."
Lightnings, Thunders, Voices Out Of God's Throne
Ezekiel said that God's voice "was like a noise of many waters," (Ezekiel 43:2). Above the unimaginable sounds of one-hundred million angels worshiping God at the top of their voices, John saw lightnings and heard thunderings and voices emanating from the Throne of God. Almighty God is terrible to behold. At least a dozen times in Revelation, John recorded loud voices in Heaven. Anybody who thinks that loud worship is somehow offensive to God is quite misinformed. If you hold your peace, the rocks will cry out.
Revelation 4:5 - "Out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices."
Seven Lamps Of Fire - The Seven Spirits Of God
The number SEVEN appears 54 times in the Book of Revelation. SEVEN Churches, golden candlesticks, stars, Spirits, lamps of fire, seals, horns and eyes on the Lamb, angels, trumpets, thunders, last plagues, golden vials, and seven kings. A red dragon had seven heads and seven crowns. Another beast had seven heads. The Seven Spirits of God are variously depicted as lamps of fire, the horns (power) and eyes (vision) of the Lamb, and the stars - angels of the seven Churches.
Revelation 4:5 - "There were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God."
A Sea Of Glass Mingled With Fire
Before God's Throne is a great "Sea of Glass like unto crystal." Like the Tabernacle's Brazen Laver and the Temple's Molten Sea, it symbolizes WASHING and BAPTISM. Later, John saw it mingled with FIRE, still peaceful, even during fiery trials. Baptized in WATER and in SPIRIT, in the flood and in the fire, Saints will finally stand victoriously on that crystal sea.
Revelation 4:6; 15:2 - "Before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal." "...a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, ...stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God."
The Four Heavenly Beasts
Four heavenly beasts forever attend the Throne of God. Like nothing known on earth, they do nothing but magnify the Lord upon His Throne.
Revelation 4:6-9 - "In the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. ...each of them six wings; ...those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne."
All Creatures Glorify God On His Throne
Many commentators quote Rabbi Abin's "Shemoth Rabba," on the four beasts. “There are four which have principality in this world: among intellectual creatures, Man; among birds, the Eagle; among cattle, the Ox; and among wild beasts, the Lion: ...placed under the throne of glory ...to show that no creature is to exalt itself in this world, and that the kingdom of God is over all.”
Revelation 4:7 - "The first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle."
Four Heavenly Beasts Announce The Four Horsemen
The Four Beasts who worship God around the Throne announced the Four Horsemen. The First Beast, like a lion, introduced the White Horse of Catholicism (Revelation 6:1). The Second Beast, like a calf, introduced the Red Horse of Communism (6:3). The Third Beast, like a man, introduced the Black Horse of Capitalism (6:5). The Fourth Beast, like an eagle, introduced the Green Horse of Islam (6:7).
Revelation 4:7 - "The first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle."
In Heaven, They Rest Not Saying "Holy, Holy, Holy"
The Throne of God is the most awesome place in all of Creation. Lightnings, thunderings and voices emanate from it. Seven lamps of fire (the seven Spirits of God) burn before it. A sea of glass like crystal is before it; an emerald rainbow above it. Around it are four of the most exotic beasts ever created, along with the twenty-four elders from ancient times - all glorifying, honoring, thanking and worshiping the Lord upon His Throne.
Revelation 4:8 - "And they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come."
"Come And See!"
The Four Heavenly Beasts which stand around the Throne of God, "rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." They endlessly "give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne." Therefore, it is NO SMALL MATTER that they STOPPED momentarily when they saw The Four Horsemen on earth and said, "Come and see!" We should also be profoundly interested in understanding the Four Horsemen.
Revelation 4:8 - "They rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy..." 6:1,3,5,7 - "Come and see."
Four Beasts And Twenty-Four Elders Worship God
John saw a great scene in Heaven. He saw the Throne of God and its environs, with four magnificent and mysterious creatures who "rest not day and night, saying Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." At the same time, the twenty-four elders who encircled the throne fell down before Him, cast their crowns down, and worshiped Him Who sat upon the Throne, saying...
Revelation 4:11 - "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
"Thou Art Worthy!"
The most important place in the Universe is the Throne of God. The most important activity is that which occurs around the Throne. What happens around the Throne? One hundred million angels cry with loud voices, "Worthy is the Lamb...." Four Heavenly Beasts cry, "Holy, Holy, Holy..." Twenty-Four Elders, bowing on their faces say, "Thou art worthy!" Our Creator is WORTHY to be worshipped and adored!! Every knee will soon bow.
Revelation 4:11 - "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
No Man Was Worthy To Open The Book
Why was no man worthy to open the book in the right hand of God? Presumably, because all men have sinned. What was in the book that was forbidden to all men? The mysteries of the end of days. The Seven Seals, Four Horsemen (prevailing spirits of the last days), saints in Heaven receiving white robes, the battle of Armageddon, and the Seven Trumpets. Only the sinless Christ could open and reveal those mysteries to us.
Revelation 5:3 - "No man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon."
I Wept Much Because No Man Was Worthy
In Heaven, a great, mysterious book sealed with seven seals was waiting to be opened. No man knew its contents. A strong angel called, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?" No man in Heaven or earth was worthy to even look upon it. John wept profusely. Where is the man or woman who will weep today for the book of God to be opened to this generation? Will you?
Revelation 5:4 - "And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon."
Weep Not - Behold The Lion Of The Tribe Of Judah
John wept hopelessly for someone to open the Book of God. Suddenly, he saw the LION of Judah standing before the Ancient of Days. That was an allegory, because Jesus is not literally a four-footed lion, neither is God an old white-haired man. God is an invisible Spirit incarnated in Jesus, the glorified Son of Man. All your fears, sorrows and trials will vanish when you see Christ step up to His throne.
Revelation 5:5 - "Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals."
Jesus Is Already Loosening The Seven Seals
According to Hebrews 1:3, Jesus Christ is already sitting at the right hand of the Majesty on high, so this vision has already begun to be fulfilled. The Lamb on the Throne has begun opening the book of the Seven Seals. The first four Seals (Four Horsemen) have already been opened, and the fifth Seal will soon be opened - martyrdom during the Great Tribulation.
Revelation 5:5 - "And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof."
Seven Eyes And Seven Horns On The Lamb
Jesus is the Lamb of God. It is allegorical. You will not see a four-legged animal on the Throne, but a man who shed His blood for your sins, exalted and sitting in His Majesty. He will not have seven eyes or horns. Those are also allegorical, representing His vision (eyes) and His power (horns) as manifest in the Seven Spirits, angels and Churches.
Revelation 5:6 - "In the midst of the throne ...stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth."
The Lion And Lamb Interceded
John saw a LION approach the Throne to take the book. But suddenly, "I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne ...stood a LAMB as it had been slain." Make no mistake about it. The LION and the LAMB are the same: Jesus Christ. Jesus' agonizing prayer in Gethsemane was the intercession of both the Lion and the Lamb. It required boldness like a lion and meekness like a lamb to intercede for the sins of men.
Revelation 5:7 - "And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne."
Harps And Golden Vials Full Of Odours
When the Lamb finally stepped forward to open the Book, twenty-four elders fell down before Him. Harps and golden vials full of odors - the prayers of the saints - filled the atmosphere with beautiful music and sweet fragrances; the music of worship and the fragrance of prayer. The prayers we pray today will embellish the victory of the Lamb in Heaven.
Revelation 5:8 - "When he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints."
They Sang A New Song - "Thou Art Worthy"
When Jesus took the book, the four heavenly beasts and twenty-four elders FELL DOWN before Him and began singing in behalf of all Creation. Jesus opened the book to our divine destiny. He deserves to be worshipped extravagantly!
Revelation 5:9-10 - "They sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth."
Saints Will Reign As Kings And Priests
Before any of the saints spend eternity in Heaven, we will spend 1000 years on earth in resurrected, immortal bodies. Jesus will return to cast down all His enemies at Armageddon, and will establish His throne and rule the world with a rod of iron from Jerusalem, Israel - the ancient Promised Land. Resurrected Jews will live by tribes in Israel, and Gentile saints will rule the Gentile nations during that glorious kingdom of Jesus Christ in that millennium of perfect peace.
Revelation 5:10 - "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth."
More Than 100,000,000 Angels With Loud Voices
Ten thousand times ten thousand angels is one-hundred million. "And thousands of thousands," he added. They were all saying WITH A LOUD VOICE, "Worthy is the Lamb..." I crave to join them in worshiping my Creator.
Revelation 5:11-12 - "I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."
Every Creature In Heaven And Earth Will Worship Him
John heard EVERY CREATURE in Heaven and earth (even deep in the earth and in the sea) worshiping God. This is one of the most impressive prophecies of the Bible. We have learned in modern times how animals such as whales and porpoises communicate. They may not speak the language of man, but they all speak the language of God. We cannot comprehend how wonderful God's creation really is.
Revelation 5:13 - "[I heard every creature] saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."
The Lion-Lamb-Intercessor Inherits The Throne
Both the Lion and the Lamb are allegorical, as well as "the right hand of Him that sat upon the throne." The divine reality is not a four-legged animal taking a scroll from a man on a throne, but the man Jesus Christ ascending to sit upon the Throne where the invisible Spirit is "dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see," 1 Timothy 6:16.
Revelation 5:13 - "Every creature ...heard I saying, Blessing, ...honour, ...glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever."
Opening Of The Seals Dramatizes Important Revelation
The opening of the seals on the book of God symbolized the revealing of MAJOR future events on earth that would only be unknown but for the supernatural omniscience of God. The imagery used in the Seven Seals prophecy is quite explicit and sufficient to accurately identify modern events that fulfill them. The loud thunder, and the beast crying, "Come and see," emphasizes the great importance of paying attention.
Revelation 6:1 - "I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see."
The Four Horsemen - Global Spirits Patrolling The Earth
John echoed an earlier prophecy from the Book of Zechariah 6. Four horses, white, red, black and pale "are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth." John reveals a description of the four greatest and most evil spirits of the last days. In my article, "The Four Horsemen," I show these to be Catholicism, Communism, Capitalism and Islam. Study this VERY IMPORTANT subject!
Revelation 6:2,4,5,8 - "And I saw ...a white horse ...another horse that was red ...and lo a black horse ...and behold a pale horse."
The First Seal - A White Horse - Catholicism
"The four spirits of the heavens," (Zechariah 6:5) "were eager to patrol the earth," (verse 7, NASV). No spirit is more prevalent today than Catholicism, Communism, Capitalism or Islam. White is the color of the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. His garment, pope-mobile and aircraft are white. He wears a tiara (triple crown). Catholicism conquers globally. Its Crusades and Inquisitions killed millions of Muslims, Jews and non-Catholic Christians.
Revelation 6:2 - "Behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer."
The Second Seal - A Red Horse - Communism
Red is the color of Communism. 20th Century Communist Revolutions changed the world. Three Communists - Lenin, Stalin and Mao - killed over 55 MILLION people to establish their Communist platforms in Russia and RED China. Communism fomented the French Revolution, the Juarizista Revolution in Mexico, the Bolshevick Revolution in Russia, and the Haymarket Riots in Chicago. This Red Horse takes peace from the earth.
Revelation 6:4 - "Another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword."
The Third Seal - A Black Horse - Capitalism
Balances - scales - tools of trade and commerce. Auctioneers selling commodities. Wheat. Barley. Oil. Wine. Such is the stuff of Capitalism. George Bernard Shaw, the famous Socialist said, "there are only two real flags in the world henceforth: the RED flag of Democratic Socialism and the BLACK flag of Capitalism.” The Black Horse is Capitalism.
Revelation 6:5-6 - "A black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. ...A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine."
The Fourth Seal - A Green Horse - Islam
The KJV translators (1611) called the fourth horse "pale." The Greek word is "chloros," as in chlorophyll, the green color of plant leaves. Zechariah 6 called the fourth horse "grisled and bay." "Grisled" is not a color, but a texture (spotted or splotched). "Bay" is best defined "strong or courageous." Combining all three terms, we get a STRONG, COURAGEOUS, GREEN Horse. Islam.
Revelation 6:8 - "His name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, ...hunger, ...death, and ...beasts of the earth."
The Fifth Seal - Martyrdom During Great Tribulation
The Fifth Seal is surely open. The Early Church martyrs, upon their deaths, were immediately carried by the angels into the presence of the Lord (Luke 16:22; 2 Corinthians 5:8), to await the coming Kingdom of Christ on earth. They prayed that God would avenge the blood of their martyrdom, but were told to wait until the rest of the saints were killed. Many saints will be killed in the last days - perhaps you or me.
Revelation 6:9 - "I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held."
How Long, O Lord, Dost Thou Not Judge And Avenge?
John saw the souls of the men and women who had been slain for the Word of God and their godly testimonies. They were praying! "They cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" They were given white robes, and told to wait until the martyrs of the last days arrived. God will someday avenge all our losses. Say your prayers, then rest a while.
Revelation 6:11 - "It was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season."
Slain For The Word Of God
Martyrdom is not an Early Church phenomenon. Men and women have died for the Word of God throughout history. The Old Testament prophets were persecuted, exiled and killed. New Testament preachers and saints were persecuted, exiled and killed. This age will not end before another generation of deeply-devoted saints of God have been persecuted and slain by the enemies of God.
Revelation 6:11 - "It was said unto them [the martyrs in Heaven], that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled."
The Sixth Seal - The Great Day Of His Wrath Is Come
For six thousand years God has planned to avenge Himself of Satan's betrayals in the Garden of Eden. The Day of His Wrath will occur when Jesus appears and judges evil men at Armageddon.
Revelation 6:12-16 - "A great earthquake ...sun became black ...moon became as blood; ...stars of heaven fell ...heaven departed as a scroll ...every mountain and island were moved out of their places ...kings ...great men ...rich men ...chief captains ...mighty men ...every bondman ...every free man, hid themselves ...from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb."
Hopeless Men Pray To The Rocks And Mountains
Where are the "deathbed conversions" here? Jesus and the Apostles preached repentance, water baptism in His name, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in tongues. That is the New Birth experience. When the Lord comes in His fury to wage the battle of Armageddon, there will be no deathbed conversions.
Revelation 6:15-16 - "The kings of the earth, ...great men, ...rich men, ...chief captains, ...mighty men, ...every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us."
Who Shall Be Able To Stand?
God's Grand Finale. Since the Garden of Eden, God swore to avenge Himself of Satan and his ruin. It WILL happen! When Jesus comes, the earth will quake, the sun will darken, the moon will turn to blood, stars will fall, mountains and islands will shift, and every sinner on earth will flee - crying to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb."
Revelation 6:17 - "For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"
Hold Back The Four Winds Until 144,000 Jews Sealed
Four global winds are striving to conquer the earth: Catholicism, Communism, Capitalism and Islam. Daniel saw "four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea," (7:2). Zechariah saw "four spirits of the heavens," (6:5). John saw four angels holding back four winds (spirits, horsemen) from a catastrophic clash of civilizations until the 144,000 Jews could be saved.
Revelation 7:1-3 - "Four angels ...holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow ...another angel ...cried Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads."
The 144,000 Jews Who Will Be Sealed
They are called "servants of God," having His seal in their foreheads - twelve thousand from each tribe of Israel. Judah, Reuben, Gad, Aser, Nepthalim, Manasses, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, Tabulon, Joseph, Benjamin. Joseph stands instead of Ephraim, and Levi replaces Dan (who went first into idolatry). Like God spared 7,000 in Elijah's day, He will spare 144,000 during the Great Tribulation. According to 21:12, all twelve original tribes will be named on the gates of New Jerusalem.
Revelation 7:4 - "There were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel."
The Lord Knoweth Them That Are His
The prophecy says that God will seal twelve thousand Jews from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. As I write this lesson, the twelve tribes are almost entirely indistinguishable one from the other. Many Jews do not know what tribe they are from. Never doubt, however, that God knows exactly which tribe every Jew descended from. Paul told Timothy, "The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his," 2 Timothy 2:19.
Revelation 7:4 - "I heard the number of them which were sealed: [twelve thousand from each tribe]."
They Will Come From Every Nation
Jesus prophesied, "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Only the Lord knows how many will be redeemed. John said, "no man could number." Preacher, teacher, soul-winner and faithful saint - go into all the world. Preach to every creature. "Weeping may endure for the night, but joy cometh in the morning."
Revelation 7:9 - "Lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes."
Salvation To Our God
In theology, soteriology is the branch of study that pertains to salvation through Jesus Christ. From the Greek "soteria," it means "salvation, rescue, safety, deliverance." In Heaven, the countless multitudes who have been saved from their sins and condemnation by the blood of the Lamb will together cry with loud voices, "Salvation unto our God." Such a statement is reminiscent of the traditional cry, "Long live the King!"
Revelation 7:9-10 - "I beheld ...a great multitude ...stood before the throne, ...And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb."
The Vast Multitude Of Men And Angels Worship God
Earlier, John saw over one-hundred million angels crying loudly, "Worthy is the Lamb..." In this great scene, he saw those angels and all the saints from all the ages, along with the four beasts and twenty-four elders falling on their faces before God, worshiping.
Revelation 7:11-12 - "All the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen."
They Have Washed Their Robes, Calling On His Name
Ananias told Saul, "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord," Acts 22:16. There is no remission of sins without the shedding of blood. When is Jesus' blood first applied? While calling upon His name in water baptism. "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS," Acts 2:38.
Revelation 7:13 - "What are these which are arrayed in white robes? ...These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
These Are They Which Came Out Of Great Tribulation
One of the twenty-four elders asked John, "What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?" He already knew the answer. He was quizzing John. John answered, "Sir, thou knowest." The elder responded, "These are they which came out of great tribulation." Paul taught that "the fire shall try every man's work," (I Corinthians 3:13). Every saint must be tried in the fire. God ordains and licenses our tribulations. Nevertheless, we will overcome by the blood of the Lamb.
Revelation 7:14 - "[They] have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
Life Is In The Blood
Moses taught that the life of the body is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11). A man who took another man's life was required to pay for it with his own blood - sinful blood for innocent blood. Ultimately, ALL sin demands our death. But Jesus gave HIS innocent blood for us to wash away our sins. If we obey the Gospel, the guilt and stains of sin are gone! Our life is in HIS blood.
Revelation 7:14 - "...These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
Great Tribulation
Have you ever read John Foxe's Book of Martyrs? You should. It is impossible to comprehend the unspeakable tortures and deaths that have come through the centuries to countless millions of God-fearing, Bible-believing men and women for no other reason than that they refused to deny the Word of God. John saw the souls of multitudes who "were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held," (6:9). There will be many more before Jesus returns. The Greatest Tribulation is yet to come (Matthew 24:21).
Revelation 7:14 - "These are they which came out of great tribulation."
They Serve Him Day And Night In His Temple
Day and night in Heaven? Commentators agree that this expression employs literary license ("intentional deviation from fact for the sake of effect"). There will be no night in the New Heaven. Saints will serve the Lord continuously. John added, "I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it," Revelation 21:22. There will be no Temple structure in the New Heaven. Christ and His saints will be the Temple.
Revelation 7:15 - "Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple."
Paradise Lost, Paradise Regained
God made a Paradise for Adam, but he and Eve lost it all when they sinned. But to all who are redeemed, God promises an eternal Paradise. He will never leave us, but will dwell with us in person, providing for all our needs and our happiness.
Revelation 7:16-17 - "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
The Seventh Seal
Revelation 8:1 depicts the Seventh Seal being opened AFTER Four Horsemen, AFTER Tribulation Saints are martyred, and AFTER the Great Day of His Wrath (Armageddon). The next verse, Revelation 8:2 jumps BACKWARD IN TIME one whole generation to explain the Seven Trumpets. Since the SEVENTH TRUMPET is the rapture and resurrection, all Seven Trumpets MUST sound BEFORE 8:1 (silence in Heaven). 8:6 CANNOT be subsequent or chronological to 8:1.
Revelation 8:1,6 - "When he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. ...seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound."
Silence In Heaven
When the Seventh Seal is opened, deafening silence will paralyze Heaven. Jesus will have cast Satan into the pit, conquered Jerusalem at Armageddon, and ended the Gospel age. All the righteous from every age will have been resurrected unto everlasting life, and all the wicked will be chained in dark torment until their resurrection unto judgment and sentence of Hell 1000 years later. The staggering solemnity of that moment will render every living creature in Heaven dumbfounded and speechless.
Revelation 8:1 - "When he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour."
Trumpets
Trumpets were used throughout Bible days for many reasons: calling assemblies, signaling journeys, war alarms, announcing feasts, convocations, and special days. Seven trumpets sounded before Jericho's walls fell. Gideon's forces blew trumpets that frightened their adversaries into pandemonium and defeat. Trumpeters led the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem and filled the Temple orchestra in Solomon's day with praise and rejoicing. In Revelation 8, seven trumpets announce seven major prophetic events in the last days.
Revelation 8:2 - "...I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets."
The Golden Censer And Our Prayers In Heaven
An angel stood at the altar in Heaven with a golden censer in his hand offering the prayers of the saints with much incense before the throne of God. He filled the censer with fire from the altar then cast it into the earth. "There were voices, ...thunderings, ...lightnings, and an earthquake." The angel's incense mingled with the saint's prayers to persuade God to do things He would not otherwise do. Our prayers supernaturally encourage God to fulfill His prophetic plan.
Revelation 8:3 - "There was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints."
The Angel Offers Incense With Our Prayers
Why is it significant that the prayers of the saints ascend before God with the smoke of the incense? May I speculate that our prayers do not always smell savory to God? We ask so many things amiss. We pray for things that are contrary to His will. Our prayers are often misguided, or faithless, or prayed with wrong intentions. Could that possibly be why the angel perpetually offers incense with our prayers?
Revelation 8:4 - "And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand."
The Golden Altar Before The Throne
The Old Testament altar was the place where sacrifices were presented to the Lord. In the New Testament, we present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto the Lord, which is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1). In Heaven, the golden altar is the place where God receives the prayers of the saints on earth.
Revelation 8:3,5 - "Another angel came and stood at the altar ...with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne ...the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth."
Seven Trumpets
Jesus will return at the Last Trump (I Corinthians 15:52). All Seven Trumpets of Revelation 8 must sound before Jesus returns. Five trumpets HAVE already been fulfilled. Several epic events in the 20th century perfectly fulfilled the first five trumpets. The Sixth is beginning to sound as I write this. The Seventh will be the "Last Trumpet," triggering the First Resurrection and the Rapture. Each trumpet is a major cataclysmic event on earth which is a sign and warning from God that Jesus will soon return. Get ready!
Revelation 8:6 - "Seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound."
The First Trumpet
Could a WORLD WAR be a "Trumpet" warning from God? Joseph Stalin and Adolph Hitler practiced "Scorched Earth" fiery warfare early in WW2, destroying 28,000 entire cities, killing millions of people, burning one-third of the land area they engaged. Historians called the "Eastern Front" the WORST BATTLE of the WORST WAR in history! A sign from God? I believe it is.
Revelation 8:7 - "The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up."
The Second Trumpet
Have you seen pictures of the nuclear bombs that were detonated in the Bikini Atoll islands, or of the atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan during WW2? All three blasts occurred on islands in the sea and resembled a great mountain burning with fire! Additionally, military records from World War II verify that 35,000 ships of 105,000 were destroyed - one-third!
Revelation 8:8-9 - "...the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea... ...and the third part of the ships were destroyed."
The Third Trumpet
April 26, 1986, Chernobyl, Ukraine. The worst nuclear accident in history exposed 6.6 MILLION people to potentially LETHAL radiation, contaminating the Dnieper River Reservoir, one of Europe's largest water systems. GREENPEACE claims 200,000 premature deaths have already occurred and predicts there will be 270,000 more cancer fatalities. The Russian word, "Chernobyl," means "Wormwood."
Revelation 8:10 - "...it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters."
The Fourth Trumpet
The world is 1/3 darker than before! It is called, "Global Dimming." the NEW YORK TIMES, May 13, 2004, said, "Globe Grows Darker as Sunshine Diminishes 10% to 34%." Air pollution reduces the amount of light reaching earth at a rate of about 2-3% per decade. Example: Hong Kong is 37% darker. Prophesied!
Revelation 8:12-13 - "..the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise."
The Three Woes
In the midst of the prophecies concerning the Seven Seals, John heard an angel loudly say, "Woe! Woe! Woe!" (A woe is "a primary exclamation of grief.") Grief! Grief! Grief! The Fifth Trumpet is the First Woe (9:12). The Sixth Trumpet is the Second Woe. The Seventh and Last Trumpet is the Third Woe.
Revelation 8:13 - "I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!"
The Fifth Trumpet
The Gulf War of 1991 lasted five months. Saddam Hussein set entire oilfields afire until smoke-filled skies became black as night for weeks. Saddam's Iraqi soldiers expected their assault on Kuwait to be a suicide mission, but they did not die there. Apache attack helicopters looked like hordes of locusts. The name Saddam means "Destroyer" [Hebrew: "Abaddon"].
Revelation 9:1-11 - "smoke out of the pit ...sun and the air were darkened ...locusts ...tormented five months ...men seek death, and shall not find it ...power was to hurt men five months ...king over them ...Abaddon"
The Seal Of God Means Protection
The Mark of the Beast will be put in a man's hand or in his forehead. In his vision of the Harlot Church, John saw vile names written in her forehead. On the contrary, all the saints of God in the New Testament have been sealed with the Holy Ghost (I Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). God will also seal 144,000 Jews immediately before the Great Tribulation. Covet to be sealed with the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Revelation 9:4 - "They should not hurt the grass ...but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads."
Their Torment Was As The Torment Of A Scorpion
During the Fifth Trumpet (the Gulf War of 1991) was the military’s use of artillery ordnance using depleted uranium (DU) shells. Simply put, their bullets were radioactive. Depleted Uranium was used on the tips of armor-piercing shells because it is denser than lead, yet it "self-sharpens" as it ignites and burns on impact, and produces an extraordinary amount of dangerous shrapnel that pierces like razor-blades. Because of its radioactive nature, it stings like a scorpion.
Revelation 9:5 - "And their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man."
A Voice From The Four Horns Of The Golden Altar
God receives the prayers of all the saints across the golden altar in Heaven (8:3). From the horns of that altar of prayer, John reported a voice instructing four angels to launch the Sixth Trumpet War. One-third of all mankind will die. This greatest war in history is launched from the altar of prayer. Is this great end-of-the-age event somehow an answer to multitudes of prayers of the saints of all ages? Perhaps!
Revelation 9:13-14 "I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, Saying to the sixth angel..."
The Sixth Trumpet
This prophecy says that a war killing one-third of mankind will begin when four spirits are loosed at the Euphrates River -- Iraq! Right now, ISLAMIC extremism threatens western CAPITALISM and CATHOLICISM, while Russian and Chinese COMMUNISTS arm them. The four most powerful globalist spirits are loosed -- Capitalism, Communism, Catholicism and Islam.
Revelation 9:13-21 - "Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates ...to slay the third part of men ...the number of the army ...two hundred thousand thousand ...the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not ...neither repented they of their murders."
Prepared For An Hour, A Day, A Month And A Year
I believe that the four angels have already been loosed. They are not holy angels. They are evil principalities - probably the four most powerful devils on the earth today, under Lucifer himself. The Sixth Trumpet is already unfolding, but on a very specific YEAR, MONTH, DAY, and HOUR, they will kill "a third part of men (Gr: 'anthropos' means 'humanity')." That will be a global holocaust - all in ONE HOUR!
Revelation 9:15 - "The four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men."
Two Hundred Million Horsemen - Innumerable Myriads
It seems necessary to render the Greek word "murias" (myriad) as "innumerable" in this case. KJV variously translates it "ten thousands," or "innumerable." In the entire world, there are less than 10 million active military troops, 30 million reserve troops, and 60 million horses. 200 million horses standing 50 feet apart would cover the entire State of Israel proper (excluding the Negev Desert). Unless these horsemen are supernatural, then we should understand that John meant an army comprised of uncountable myriads of horsemen.
Revelation 9:16 - "The number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand [two myriads of myriads]."
The Horses Of The Sixth Trumpet
The horses of the Sixth Trumpet will not be ordinary horses. Their heads will be "as the heads of lions." Fire, smoke and brimstone will issue out of their mouths. This may be an allegory for some advanced military equipment.
Revelation 9:18-19 - "By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt."
Billions Will Die, Yet Men Will Not Repent Of Their Sins
The most horrifying war in the history of the world to date will occur during the Sixth Trumpet. One-third of all mankind will die. Fire, smoke, brimstone and horrifying plagues will kill literally billions of people. Still, they will not repent of their sins. Such is the corruption of sin. Cherish the gift of repentance.
Revelation 9:20-21 - "The rest ...which were not killed ...yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols ...which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: Neither repented they of their murders, ...sorceries, ...fornication, ...thefts."
The Phenomenon Of Unrepentance
"The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance," Romans 2:4. To His Chosen, God has "granted repentance unto life," Acts 11:18. Paul rejoiced that some, because of hardship, were able to "sorrow to repentance," 2 Corinthians 7:9. It is a grave tragedy when men become hardened sinners, hopelessly addicted to sin and unable to repent. Esau "found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears," Hebrews 12:17. Pray earnestly that you never find yourself in such condition. Repent while you can.
Revelation 9:20 - "The rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not."
The Pernicious Sins Of The Last Generation
They worship devils. They worship idols. They are godless, God-hating, pagan sons of Lucifer. They are murderers. They practice sorcery. They are fornicators - sexually and morally unrestrained. They are thieves. These are the notable and pernicious sins of this last generation who will utterly refuse to repent, even when Almighty God pours out the very worst plagues ever. Definitely sounds like our generation.
Revelation 9:20-21 - "The men ...yet repented not ...that they should not worship devils, and idols ...Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts."
A Rainbow Upon His Head
John saw "another mighty angel come down from heaven." His face was like the sun, and "a rainbow" was on his head. Twice in Revelation, John saw a rainbow. The other was the emerald rainbow around God's throne. We know of no emerald rainbows in nature, nor can we explain a rainbow around an angel's head. It is likely that what John saw was a bright glow - a HALO!
Revelation 10:1 - "I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun."
The Books Of God
The Revelation is itself a book of prophecy, mentioned several times within its text. A second oft-mentioned book is the Book of Life in which the names of the redeemed are kept. A third book, sealed with Seven Seals, contained numerous secrets of the last days. A fourth book was "a little book," accompanied by Seven Thunders. This small document apparently contains things leading up to, but not including the top-secrets of the Seven Thunders. Each book affirms the surety of God's Word - it is written!
Revelation 10:2 - "He had in his hand a little book open."
A Mighty Angel With A Loud Voice Like A Lion Roaring
John received instructions from several different angels during the course of his revelation. After the Seven Trumpets were revealed, John saw "another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,"
Revelation 10:3 - "And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices."
A Seal On The Little Book
There is no end to the enigmas of God. In his vision, just before the Lamb of God loosed the Seventh and last Seal of the mystery book, John was instructed to SEAL UP the things which the Seven Thunders uttered - "Write them not." Whatever was contained in the "little book" was sealed without recording the top-secrets of the Seven Thunders.
Revelation 10:4-5 - "When the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not."
Time Shall Be No More
Following the Seven Thunders, an angel stood on land and sea and swore that "There should be time no longer." This cannot refer to the END of time, because Jesus must yet rule on earth for 1000 years of time. "There should be time no longer" for sin and Satan. Satan's time is up. Sin's time is up. There will be no more delay. Jesus will now conquer the earth and overthrow everything that is evil. It is finished.
Revelation 10:6 - "[The angel] sware by him that liveth for ever and ever ...that there should be time no longer."
The Seven Thunders
We have utterly no clue as to the nature of the content revealed when the Seven Thunders uttered their voices. John was told to "write it not." The Seven Thunders fall into the realm of the mysteries of God. One thing is sure, the Seven Thunders will be fulfilled for all to see around and about the time of the Seventh (Last) Trumpet and Armageddon.
Revelation 10:7 - "In the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets."
Prophecies Are Sweet To Taste, Bitter To Digest
The Little Book contains only mysteries. Its contents are secret. The angel told John to "take the little book ...and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey." We love the sweet taste of prophecies when we first learn their meanings, but the realities of those prophecies are very bitter.
Revelation 10:10 - "I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter."
Thou Must Prophesy Again Before Many Peoples
Wow! If ever a prophecy came true, this one certainly did. After the angel who stood on land and sea instructed John concerning the Little Book, he told John that he would yet prophesy before many peoples, nations, tongues and kings. Can you think of any book on earth that is more universally known than the Book of Revelation that John wrote? God intended for the entire world to know the prophecies of this book. That includes you and me.
Revelation 10:11 - "And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings."
The Temple Mount During The Great Tribulation
Israel will lose control of Jerusalem until Jesus returns for Armageddon. An angel instructed John to measure ONLY the Temple and its inner courts. The OUTER COURTS and the rest of the Temple Mount will be ruled by Gentiles 42 months. The Assyrian Man of Sin (probably a Muslim Turk, Syrian or Iranian) will control Jerusalem and Judea - misnamed "West Bank."
Revelation 11:1-2 - "Measure the temple of God, ...But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months."
The Holy City Under The Gentiles
Ancient Jerusalem was much smaller than modern Jerusalem - about .35 square miles. Today, the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, Al Aqsa Mosque, Jewish, Armenian, Christian and Muslim Quarters represent the area of the Old City. During the Great Tribulation, nothing but the Third Temple will belong to the Jews. A seven-year covenant endorsed by the Pope will be broken in 3.5 years. The Man of Sin will rule Jerusalem.
Revelation 11:2 - "The court which is without the temple ...is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months."
The Two Witnesses
The Man of Sin will commit the Abomination that desolates the Third Temple. Two witnesses for Jesus (Holy Ghost-filled preachers) will then appear in Jerusalem 3.5 years. Anyone attempting to kill them will be killed. At the end, the Beast will kill them. They will lie dead in the streets 3.5 days and the whole world will rejoice. They will rise from the dead and be raptured with all other saints. Armageddon will begin.
Revelation 11:3 - "I will give power unto my two witnesses" 2 Corinthians 13:1 - "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."
Clothed In Sackcloth
During the forty-two months of the Great Tribulation, the Two Witnesses, clothed in sackcloth, will prophesy in Jerusalem. This period will include the Sixth and Seventh Trumpets - also known as the Second Woe and Third Woe - or "griefs." Sackcloth is universally understood to represent mourning. Although these powerful men of God will speak profoundly to all men in the end time, their warnings will be characterized by great sorrow and grief.
Revelation 11:3 - "And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth."
Two Olive Trees, Two Candlesticks
Zechariah (4:3,11-13) mentioned Two Olive Trees. "These are the two anointed [oily] ones." These two prophets are also known as the Two Witnesses in Revelation 11. In Zechariah, the Olive Trees provided oil for the Candlestick, the seven-lamp Menorrah. (Was the Menorrah an OT type of the NT Seven Churches?) In Revelation, the Two Olive Trees are also depicted as Two Candlesticks. Two Gospel preachers (Olive Trees) provide oil (Holy Ghost ministry) to the last days Church and Israel (Two Candlesticks).
Revelation 11:4 - "These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth."
Prophecies And Testimony Of The Two Witnesses
Two Witnesses will come to prophesy to this last generation for forty-two months, dressed in sackcloth - garments of mourning (because of sorrows occurring to Israel and the Church). Nobody will be able to hurt them. They will have supernatural powers to stop the rain, to turn waters to blood, send plagues. Like Jeremiah, God will almost certainly make their words like fire and the people like wood. Their testimony will be God's witness against the unbelieving people on Judgment Day.
Revelation 11:7 - "When they shall have finished their testimony, the beast ...shall overcome them, and kill them."
The Beast That Ascended Out Of The Bottomless Pit
Demon spirits empower evil kings. The prince of Persia (Daniel 10:13,20) enabled the Persian kings. The prince of Grecia (Daniel 10:20) enabled Alexander the Great. The prince of Babylon, the heinous, grievous beast of the bottomless pit (Revelation 9:11), will rise again before Jesus returns. Saddam Hussein was a ground prince empowered by the prince of Babylon, but apparently another Babylonian will appear and kill the Two Witnesses.
Revelation 11:7 - "When they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them."
Jerusalem, Also Known As Egypt And Sodom
Jerusalem will become a den of vipers shortly before Jesus returns to destroy His enemies at Armageddon. An Assyrian Man of Sin will be there. A Babylonian Beast from the bottomless pit will be there. The Roman False Prophet will have left his Mark. Even nasty ancient spirits of Sodom and Egypt will be there. All the nations of the world will gather against Jerusalem. "Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly!"
Revelation 11:8 - "[The Two Witnesses'] dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified."
Evil Men Rejoice, Make Merry At Death Of Men Of God
The world has never seen two preachers who provoke more guilt of conscience and conviction for sin than will the Two Witnesses during the three and a half years before Armageddon. These God-sent Gospel preachers will so profoundly "torment" the hearts of sinful men that they will literally rejoice, make merry and send gifts at the news of their murders. Contrariwise, saints should rejoice and make merry to hear such holy preaching.
Revelation 11:10 - "They that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them."
The Dead Bodies Of The Two Witnesses
Neither Christ nor His saints can be held in the grave. God will allow the Two Witnesses to lie dead in the streets of Jerusalem, then raise them just before the Rapture.
Revelation 11:9-12 - "[The] nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves ...the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; ...a great voice from heaven [said] unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them."
They Will Be Afraid And Give Glory To God
The ministry of the Two Witnesses represents God's very last effort to preach to mankind before the end of Daniel's Seventieth Week - the final seven years of prophecy before the Second Coming. The entire world will rejoice when the Two Witnesses are killed, until they miraculously rise from the dead after three and a half days. God will call them to Heaven in a cloud. When 7000 people die in a great earthquake in Jerusalem, the survivors will know they have witnessed an act of God.
Revelation 11:13 - "And the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven."
The Seventh Trumpet
Finally! The Last Trumpet! The long-awaited divine declaration! Armageddon can now begin! His enemies will be silenced! God has had enough! No more dealing with evil men. Jesus will resurrect and rapture His Saints and take them with Him to Armageddon. Blood will flow. Kings and armies will fall. Beast and False Prophet will go to hell. Jerusalem will be conquered. Jesus' earthly kingdom will begin.
Revelation 11:15 - "...there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever."
The Kingdoms Of This World
Lucifer tried to buy out Jesus. He took Him "up into a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time." He said, "All this power will I give thee, ...if thou therefore wilt worship me." Lucifer is a fool. Jesus knew very well who the kingdoms of this world belong to.
Revelation 11:15 - "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever."
24 Elders Will Worship When Jesus Comes To Reign
At the Seventh Trumpet, Heavenly voices will declare, "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." Dead saints will resurrect. Living saints will rapture. Jesus will lead His immortal armies to Armageddon to retake Jerusalem.
Revelation 11:16-17 - "The four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned."
Angry Nations
NOBODY knows how many hundreds of billions of dollars annually fund the global military-industrial complex and its spy agencies, whose tentacles reach into every nation and statehouse in the world. Even men in the highest echelons of CIA and FBI organizations have no clue how massive and extensive Big Brother's stranglehold really is. But all the world's power-mongers will be livid with madness when Jesus comes. He will utterly and totally destroy their "New World Order."
Revelation 11:18 - "The nations were angry, and thy wrath is come ...[that thou] shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth."
Rewards For The Prophets And Saints
Jesus comforted those who would suffer for His name's sake. "Great is your reward in heaven," Matthew 5:12. He spoke of "a prophet's reward," "a righteous man's reward," and a man's reward "according to his works." Paul said that if he did the work of God willingly, "I have a reward." The day will soon come when Jesus Christ will judge the wicked and give rewards to His righteous.
Revelation 11:18 - "Thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints."
The Time Of The Dead Prophets And Saints
This verse tells us EXACTLY when the First Resurrection and Rapture will occur: during the Seventh and Last Trumpet (also called the Third Woe). This is the last major event before Jesus comes with His armies to the battle of Armageddon. Dead Saints will be raised and Living Saints will be raptured immediately before Armageddon.
Revelation 11:18 - "And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth."
The Temple In Heaven - Christ And His Saints
The Seventh and Last Trumpet at the end of Daniel's Seventieth Week will trigger the First Resurrection and Rapture of all saints of God. At that time, the Temple in Heaven will be opened. The Temple in Heaven is not made by human hands (Acts 17:24). It contains the Ark of the Covenant (Revelation 11:9), the Altar (Revelation 6:9), and other furnishings. There will be no structural Temple in the New Heaven or New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:20). His eternal Temple will be Christ and His Saints (1 Corinthians 3:16; Ephesians 2:21).
Revelation 11:19 - "The temple of God was opened in heaven."
The Ark Of His Testament
"Raiders of the Lost Ark" may be an exciting action story, but you can forget ever seeing the Ark of the Covenant on earth. The Ark vanished when Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon captured Jerusalem. "They shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it," Jeremiah 3:16. During Jesus' 1000-year earthly rule, the Ark will be gone. The glory of God resides in Jesus. The Ark now sits in Heaven.
Revelation 11:19 - "And there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament."
The Woman Who Brought Forth The Man Child
John saw a woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and wearing a crown of twelve stars. Many commentators say she is the (Catholic) Church. That is impossible. This woman brought forth the man child who was to rule all nations. He is Christ! The Church did not bring forth Christ. Israel birthed Christ. Israel is the woman.
Revelation 12:1,5 - "A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: ...she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron."
The Sun, The Moon, And The Twelve Stars Of Israel
The woman in this prophecy was clothed with the sun, had the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars. It is reminiscent of Joseph. "I have dreamed a dream more; ...behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me," Genesis 37:9. Jacob asked, "Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee?" The sun, moon and stars represents the family of Israel.
Revelation 12:1 - "A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars."
A Woman Travailing To Deliver A Male Child
The woman brought forth the man child who was to rule the world with a rod of iron. That depicts Israel bringing forth Messiah - Jesus Christ. The nation of Israel suffered more travail, sorrow and agony than any Gentile can comprehend. Jesus' imminent birth provoked Herod to slaughter all the children in and around Bethlehem. "In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not," Matthew 2:18.
Revelation 12:2 - "And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered."
A Great Red Dragon With Seven Heads - Satan
Daniel saw four beasts in Daniel 7. A Lion. A Bear. A Four-Headed Leopard. A Dreadful Beast. They had a total of Seven Heads. Then John saw all the same creatures (Lion, Bear, Leopard, Dreadful Beast) incorporated into a single beast with Seven-Heads. In Daniel, they represented separate nations. In Revelation, all four merged into one beast - a World Government! The Seven Heads depict the embodiment of evil. Why? Satan himself is a Seven-Headed beast. Satan is in World Government.
Revelation 12:3 - "There appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads."
The Seven Heads And Ten Horns
John envisioned Satan as a Great Red Dragon having seven heads with crowns on them, and ten horns. The seven demonic heads seem to correspond to the seven heads on the four beasts in Daniel 7, AND the seven heads on the Beast in Revelation 13, AND the seven heads on the Scarlet Beast in Revelation 17. Satan effectually incarnates his diabolical intentions into his end-time world government. According to Revelation 17:12, the ten horns cannot be identified until after they spend at least one hour with the Beast.
Revelation 12:3 - "...a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns."
Devils And Sinners Destroy As Many As They Can
Satan the dragon brought down one-third of the stars of heaven (angels of God). Devils and sinners rarely work alone. They want to ruin or destroy as many as they can. Satan even tried desperately to overthrow Jesus. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, ...walketh about, seeking whom he may devour," 1 Peter 5:8.
Revelation 12:4 - "His tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born."
Satan Would Devour The Child As Soon As He Is Born
This is a fundamental revelation of the nature of sin and Satan. In this vision, Satan, depicted as a Great Red Dragon, stood before the woman (Israel) to devour her child (Jesus) as soon as He was born. Herod "the Great," (a mass murderer) called for the death of all children under two in the region where Jesus was born. Satan quickly launches murderous assaults whenever and wherever righteousness is conceived. Be on your guard!
Revelation 12:4 - "The dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born."
The "Third Part" Of Angels, The "Third Part" Of Men
After Lucifer personally rebelled against God, he proceeded to falter one-third of all the other angels of God, effectively stealing one-third of God's created beings from Him. In the last days, during the days of the Sixth Trumpet (and immediately before Jesus comes to conquer him) Satan will also destroy one-third of all humanity. "...to slay the third part of men [mankind]," Revelation 9:15. No wonder he is called "devil" - ("diabolical - outrageously wicked").
Revelation 12:4 - "And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth."
Her Child Was Caught Up Unto God And His Throne
In the Garden, God promised Satan, "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head," Genesis 3:15. God raised up the nation of Israel to produce the Christ. Through the ages, Satan has never stopped trying to destroy the holy seed of God. But Christ is now preserved on His Father's Throne until the Great Day of the Lord. Armageddon! Satan's doom!
Revelation 12:5 - "And she brought forth a man child, ...and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne."
Ruling With A Rod Of Iron
Jesus Christ will conquer not only Jerusalem at Armageddon, but the entire world. He will establish the nation of Israel on the vast Promised Land given by God to Abraham, install David as His Prince over Israel, and the Twelve Apostles as rulers over the tribes. His Gentile Saints will rule as Kings and Priests throughout the nations and cities of the world for 1000 years. The rule of Christ will be absolute and irresistible. All will obey Him.
Revelation 12:5 - "...a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron."
The Woman Will Flee To A Safe Place
Verses 4-5 refer to the time period spanning the Birth, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Verse six jumps forward to the beginning of the last forty-two months prior to Jesus' return at Armageddon. God will prompt the Woman - Israel (probably the 144,000 Jews who will be sealed) - to flee to a safe place BEFORE Satan is cast down just before those forty-two months begin.
Revelation 12:6 - "And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days."
Jews Will Flee Into The Wilderness
Daniel (9:27) warned them, and so did Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:15). When the Man of Sin stands in the Third Temple in the middle of Daniel's Seventieth Week, Israel must flee Judea, because "there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time," (Daniel 12:1). "Let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains," (Jesus, Matthew 24:16).
Revelation 12:6 - "The woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days [42 months]."
She Hath A Place Prepared Of God For 1260 Days
Jesus warns Israel to flee Judea when they see the Abomination of Desolation (Matthew 24:15-16). He will feed them in a safe place 1260 days. These MIGHT be the 144,000 of chapter 14. After 1260 days, it appears that these Jews will be the "FIRSTFRUITS" to be "REDEEMED FROM THE EARTH," because John saw them with Jesus in HEAVEN (14:3-4) BEFORE the Rapture occurred in 14:15-16.
Revelation 12:6 - "The woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days."
Michael And His Angels
The Roman Catholic Church hijacks and perverts this prophecy by wrongly identifying the Woman of Revelation 12 as the Virgin Mary and the RCC. In the Cathedral of St. Michael in Brussels, Belgium, a magnificent statue depicts the Woman destroying the Dragon - a completely erroneous, even diabolical interpretation. Neither the Woman, nor the RCC will EVER destroy Satan. Michael will cast the Dragon into the earth until Jesus comes. Satan will THEN be bound and cast into the bottomless pit by Jesus' angels.
Revelation 12:7 - "Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels."
The Dragon, Satan, Will Be Cast Out Of Heaven Forever
These prophecies point to Jesus Christ, the manchild of Israel. The woman, Israel will have to go into hiding for 1260 days (3.5 years), and a great, climatic war will ensue. Michael and other holy angels of God will fight against the dragon (Satan) and his angels. Satan will not prevail, but will be cast out of Heaven forever. Oh, happy day!
Revelation 12:9 - "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."
Salvation And Strength, The Kingdom And Power
Michael and his angels will cast Satan into the earth. Satan will immediately provoke the Great Tribulation - 42 months of hellish chaos. Jesus will come and conquer all nations at Armageddon. An angel will bind Satan and cast him into the bottomless pit for 1000 years (Revelation 20:1-3). At last! No more accuser! No more tempter! No more war!
Revelation 12:10 - "Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night."
Satan Accuses Men Falsely Day And Night
"The devil ...is a liar, and the father of it," John 8:44. If Satan makes an accusation, it is a false accusation. He is a false accuser - a liar - who continuously tries to destroy you, your name, your reputation, your past, your present and your future. But, "all liars ...shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone," Revelation 21:8. Truth will triumph. Satan is doomed. Accusations will vanish. Keep standing.
Revelation 12:10 - "A loud voice saying in heaven, ...the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night."
The Word Of Your Testimony
Saints in every age have contended with the worst of Satan's devices. Satan, depicted as a Great Red Dragon having seven heads and ten horns, is the mortal enemy of everything righteous. How can any one small child of God hope to overcome that Great Red Seven-Headed Dragon? "By the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony!" Testify, saint of God! Testify! Your testimony is more powerful than Satan.
Revelation 12:11 - "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."
They Loved Not Their Lives Unto The Death
Modern Christianity has almost completely lost sight of the meaning of this saying. "They loved not their lives unto the death." A true disciple of Jesus Christ realizes that there is absolutely NOTHING in this world worth living for unless God has unquestioned priority. EVERYTHING pertaining to the Kingdom of Christ and eternity in His presence deserves unequivocal priority. Every moment spent on temporal things is potentially wasted substance. Every moment spent on eternal things has infinite potential. Love not your life unto the death. Give EVERYTHING to Jesus.
Revelation 12:11 - "And they loved not their lives unto the death."
Rejoice, Ye Heavens, And Ye That Dwell In Them
What a glorious, glorious day it will be when Michael and his angels prevail over the dragon (Satan) and his angels! In the middle of Daniel's Seventieth week, Michael will cast Satan into the earth. The Man of Sin will commit the Abomination of Desolations in the Third Temple (Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15). Jews in Judea ("West Bank") will flee. The Heavens will be rid of Satan forever.
Revelation 12:12 - "Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down."
The Devil Is Come Down Having Great Wrath
In ancient times, the Red Dragon, Satan, initiated countless attacks on and tried his best to destroy the Woman (national Israel), the Manchild (Jesus Christ), and the Early Church. Nearly all the saints were persecuted in those days. Today, Christianity has momentum, but the Great Red Dragon will fight us to the end. It is probably later right now than most believe. The closer we get to the end, the fiercer Satan will be against all God's people. Brace yourself.
Revelation 12:12 - "The devil is come ...having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time."
Two Wings Of A Great Eagle
Daniel saw a vision of four nation-beasts playing major roles in world events before Armageddon. A lion (Great Britain) had eagles wings that were plucked (the United States "plucked" by the Declaration of Independence). In Revelation, Israel was given eagle's wings to flee from the face of Satan 42 months before Armageddon. A US airlift?? Perhaps!
Revelation 12:14 - "To the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent."
A Time, And Times, And Half A Time
This is similar vernacular to that Daniel used in Daniel 7:25, speaking of the tenure of "the Little Horn," (Man of Sin). "[He] shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time." It means three-and-a-half years, or 42 months, or 1260 days.
Revelation 12:14 - "...she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent."
Water As A Flood After The Woman: Massive Armies
In prophetic, allegorical terms, flood waters often represent an enemy coming in massive numbers (Isaiah 59:19; Jeremiah 46:7-8; 47:2; Daniel 9:26; Revelation 17:15). So this prophecy about the Dragon casting out a flood after the Woman (Israel) almost certainly warns that a massive, size-unknown army will come against Israel. This will probably occur during the Sixth Trumpet War or in the build-up to Armageddon. But the "earth helped the woman."
Revelation 12:15 - "The serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood."
Earth Will Help The Woman And Swallow The Flood
The Great Red Dragon, Satan, will cast a flood of water - armies - against Israel (probably the 144,000) during the last 42 months before Armageddon. But "the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood." We can only speculate how that might happen, but it seems that there will be a gigantic earthquake that will literally open the earth. It happened in Moses' day. Korah and his fellow rebels were swallowed alive (Numbers 16:32-33).
Revelation 12:16 - "The earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood."
The Dragon Will Wage War On The Church
You must remember that the Church of Jesus Christ is the outgrowth of the sons of Abraham. Israel is Abraham's seed after the flesh. The Church is Abraham's seed after the Spirit - by faith. Satan utterly hates all of Abraham's seed - both Israel and the Church. In the end, Satan will war viciously against both Israel and the Church. The Great Tribulation.
Revelation 12:17 - "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
The Beast From Out Of The Sea
Human governments are notoriously evil. From the beginning, God has declared Himself Lord over all the earth. The Prophet Samuel even rebuked Israel for wanting an earthly king. In the end, the most Satanic government of all time will rise to terrorize all of humanity three-and-a-half years before Jesus returns to establish His rightful kingship on earth.
Revelation 13:1 - "I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy."
The Sea: People, Multitudes, Nations, Tongues
John saw a beast rise up out of the sea. In 17:15, an angel explained to John, "The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." This awful beast will rise above the masses of humanity as a world-renowned, international figure with universal recognition. He is already hard at work, amassing power and influence with the world's greatest power-brokers. He will soon rise to the top and command global dominion.
Revelation 13:1 - "I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea."
A Seven-Headed Beast
Seven heads. The most pre-eminent seven-headed beast is the Great Red Dragon, the Devil, in Revelation 12. Daniel 7 told about a lion, bear, four-headed leopard and dreadful beast having a grand total of seven heads. The seven-headed beast John saw appears to be a composite of the four beasts Daniel saw. They had been independent, sovereign nations before, but finally merged to become a single government. In Revelation 17, a seven-headed beast was scarlet-colored - same color as the devil dragon.
Revelation 13:1 - "A beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads."
The Name Of Blasphemy
When John saw the seven-headed, ten-horned beast rising out of the sea, he noted that each head had "the name of blasphemy" upon it. The voice of this freakish beast was the Dragon - Satan - "which gave power unto the beast," (verse 4). The beast was given "a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies ...And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme..." The world has never seen such a manifestation of evil as when Satan manifests himself in the world-government beast. Blasphemy. Blasphemy. Blasphemy.
Revelation 13:1 - "And upon his heads the name of blasphemy."
Ten Horns, Ten Crowns, Ten Kings
The Seven-Headed Beast will have Ten Horns with Ten Crowns. In chapter 17, an angel explained to John, "the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast." At Armageddon, they will make war with Jesus the Lamb, and He will overcome them. These ten kings cannot be identified until shortly before Armageddon.
Revelation 13:1 - "...a beast ...having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns."
The Beast Was Like A Leopard
There is an undeniable resemblance between the four beasts of Daniel 7 and the beast from the sea in Revelation 13. One of Daniel's beasts was a four-headed leopard. John's beast was like a leopard. A thorough search of history finds no empire more closely identified with or symbolized by a leopard than Germany. Germany is the political and economic engine of Europe and has been profoundly influenced by the Roman Catholic Church since Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in 800 AD.
Revelation 13:2 - "The beast which I saw was like unto a leopard."
The Feet Of A Bear
In Daniel 7, the second of four beasts that Daniel saw was a BEAR having three ribs in its mouth. That was a prophecy of modern Russia. In his vision, Daniel saw it as a sovereign nation. But when John saw it, it had merged into one fearsome, multi-national, global beast. The beast had the feet of the bear. Russia will be a prominent force in the world-government beast. In chapter 7, the Seven-Headed Beast had become Scarlet-Colored. Red. The color of Communism/Socialism. Russia.
Revelation 13:2 - "His feet were as the feet of a bear."
The Mouth Of A Lion
The Beast will speak with the mouth of a lion. Many prophecy teachers say the Lion, Bear and Leopard of Daniel 7 are ancient nations: Babylon, Persia and Greece, but that is impossible. These must be IN POWER when Jesus returns. As I write, a United Nations "Quartet" is forcing Israel out of the Promised Land. Its spokesman is Tony Blair, (Mouth of a Lion - Britain). Its members are Russia (Bear), European Union (Leopard), United States (Eagle's Wings), and United Nations (Dreadful Beast). Did Daniel and John see the "Quartet"?
Revelation 13:2 - "His mouth as the mouth of a lion."
The Dragon Will Give Him His Power, Seat, Authority
Jesus turned down Satan's offer in the wilderness temptation. "All the kingdoms of the world, ...All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: ...If thou therefore wilt worship me," Luke 4:5-7. Jesus refused to worship Satan, so Satan turned his attention to building a global empire through which all men would be forced to worship him. This coming world government will be entirely devil-possessed. Every man must refuse, as Jesus did, to worship Satan or the Beast.
Revelation 13:2 - "The beast which I saw ...the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority."
A Head Wounded, As It Were To Death, Then Healed
Daniel saw SEVEN HEADS on FOUR BEASTS (empires): British Lion + Russian Bear + Four-headed German (European) Leopard + Dreadful United Nations Beast. When John saw them, all seven heads were on one world-government Beast. Germany had four heads: REICHS. The THIRD HEAD (Hitler's Third Reich) was wounded "as it were ...to death." East Germany was divided from West Germany. But the "deadly wound was healed." When the Berlin Wall fell, Germany reunited. This prophecy is not about a man being assassinated.
Revelation 13:3 - "I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed."
All The World Wondered After The Beast
At the Yalta Conference, February, 1945, the Russian Bear (Daniel 7:5) with Three Ribs in its mouth (Stalin, Churchill, Roosevelt - called "The Big Three") - divided fallen Hitler's Germany to prevent future acts of aggression. Germany's Third Reich (Third Head of the Leopard) was "as it were wounded to death" when Germany divided. But in 1989, Mikhail Gorbachev ordered the Berlin Wall torn down, and Germany was reunited. "The deadly wound was healed." One year later, George HW Bush said, "Now, we can see a New World Order coming into view."
Revelation 13:3 - "And all the world wondered after the beast."
They Worshipped The Dragon And The Beast
The Beast that John saw looked eerily like the Red Dragon (the Devil). The Red Dragon had seven heads and ten horns. So did the First Beast. That says something. Evil men and empires manifest the nature of Satan. Satan is a powerful deceiver, swaying vast multitudes with his (limited) supernatural powers. Tragically, men worship anyone or anything who can amaze them, despite the fact that NOBODY can do greater miracles than God. Men are fickle and foolish. Worship Christ alone.
Revelation 13:4 - "And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast."
Who Is Like The Beast? Who Can Make War With Him?
This will be the apex, the consummation of all evil for all of time and eternity. All the diabolical powers of Satan will be concentrated in this terrifying world-government Beast. There will be not one king, kingdom or empire left standing to challenge, resist or protect anyone from what is called, in secular terms, "Big Brother" - the Beast of Revelation 13. Every man, woman, boy and girl will be helplessly enslaved to him. Only Jesus can save.
Revelation 13:4 - "They worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?"
A Mouth Speaking Blasphemies
Blasphemers are a sorry lot. Blasphemy is the trademark of the infamous Man of Sin, and Christ will utterly destroy him. God is not mocked. The anti-God, anti-Christ crowd is full of venom because their father is the serpent (John 8:44). Mockers, scoffers and rebels malign and vilify their Creator and all things righteous to their own destruction! Keep your tongue from evil.
Revelation 13:5-6 - "There was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies ...he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven."
Power To Continue
The Beast will rise to full power in the middle of Daniel's Seventieth Week when the Man of Sin commits the Abomination of Desolation in the Third Temple. This world government will rule for 42 months, then Jesus will come and destroy the Beast at Armageddon. Remember that Jesus said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth," Matthew 28:18. Nobody really has power but God. We should never dread Satan. At his best, his days are quickly numbered. But saints will live forever!
Revelation 13:5 - "Power was given unto him to continue forty and two months."
It Was Given Unto Him To Make War With The Saints
In the Book of Job, God said to Satan, "Has thou considered my servant Job? ...behold, he is in thine hand." God licensed Job's tribulation. At the Last Supper (John 13:27), Jesus said to Judas Iscariot, "That thou doest, do quickly." Jesus licensed Judas to betray him to murderers. It even pleased the Lord to bruise Christ (Isaiah 53:10). Tribulation is ordained of God. Tribulation is coming. "Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you," 1 Peter 4:12.
Revelation 13:7 - "It was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them."
Power Given Him Over All Kindreds, Tongues, Nations
The Beast that will rise out of the sea will not be a democratic republic, but a global, totalitarian, dictatorial, despotic regime controlling every nation on earth. It will force all men into the Mark of the Beast system. It will be Scarlet-Colored, Red, Communist-Socialist (Revelation 17:3), have great iron teeth, be dreadful, terrible, exceedingly strong, devouring and breaking in pieces (Daniel 7:7). Think in terms worse than Stalin's Russia or Mao's China, even in America! There will be no Allied Forces to stop it.
Revelation 13:7 - "Power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations."
Every Evil Person On Earth Will Worship The Beast
Satan has always craved to be worshipped and yearned to sit as God in the holy mountain of God in Jerusalem. A Satanic Beast will blaspheme God and His Tabernacle and make war with His saints forty-two months. Every evil man will worship the Beast, but not one person whose name is in the Book of Life will. Saints of God will worship no one but Jesus.
Revelation 13:8 - "All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
If Any Man Have An Ear, Let Him Hear
Earlier, the Spirit had spoken specifically to the seven Churches of Asia and said, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches." But this is different. Now the Spirit speaks DIRECTLY to those of us who live in the last days. He says, "IF ANY MAN have an ear, let him hear." The prophecies of the Book of Revelation were written very specifically for you and me TODAY. No other generation could possibly have known their meaning. PAY ATTENTION to these prophecies!
Revelation 13:9 - "If any man have an ear, let him hear."
Here Is The Patience And Faith Of The Saints
We want to be able to resolve every trial and tribulation by prayer and supplication. But prayer demands patience and faith. Many prayers are not answered immediately. We must force ourselves to remember that those who hold us captive will someday be held captive by God. Those who would kill us will one day be killed by the hand of God. Have patience and faith.
Revelation 13:10 - "He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints."
Second Beast: Horns Like A Lamb, Mouth Like Dragon
The First Beast is a composite of a Leopard with wings of a fowl (Europe dominated by Germany and France), a Lion (Britain), a Bear (Russia) and a Dreadful Beast (United Nations, according to its description in Daniel 7). The Second Beast has two horns like a Lamb (Christ), but speaks as a Dragon (the Devil). The Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, falsely claiming to be the Vicar (stand-in) of Christ, will fulfill this prophecy.
Revelation 13:11 - "I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon."
Second Beast: The Pope
The primary allegory in the Bible which refers to a lamb is the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. So when John saw an evil beast with two horns like a lamb, it must have been impersonating Christ. That is what the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church claims to be - the Vicar - Stand-in - for Christ. But He spoke like a Dragon. That means the Devil (Revelation 12:9). The Second Beast is the Pope.
Revelation 13:11 - "I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon."
Second Beast: The False Prophet
The Second Beast, also called "The False Prophet" in 19:20, will exercise all the power of the First Beast before him. That implicates that the False Prophet is entirely complicit with the coming ten-kinged European (Franco-German), Russian, British, UN political consortium. The Roman Catholic Church has been as instrumental in bringing about the New World Order/World Government as any entity on earth. The Pope is not only a bedfellow of these global power-mongers. The Papacy has actually been its mentor, tutor and co-founder.
Revelation 13:12 - "He exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him."
The Beast Whose Deadly Wound Was Healed
The four beasts (empires) of Daniel 7 included seven heads (governments). Four were on the Leopard (Four Reichs of Germany). One was wounded as it were to death (Hitler's Third Reich). It was healed when divided Germany reunited in 1989. The Seven-Headed Beast rising out of the sea in Revelation 13 manifests the Lion, Bear, Leopard and Ten Horns seen in Daniel 7. The Beast turns Scarlet Red in Revelation 17 - a Communist Global Dictatorship.
Revelation 13:12 - "[The False Prophet] causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed."
The Pope Will Call Down Fire From Heaven
The Second Beast/False Prophet/Pope of the Roman Catholic Church will literally be the most important player in this epic prophetic scenario called Daniel's Seventieth Week. He will "Confirm the Covenant," according to Daniel 9:27. He will "make an image to the Beast," (the World Government), and cause all to take the Mark of the Beast (13:16). He will gain unimaginable influence over mankind by calling down fire from heaven in the sight of men.
Revelation 13:13 - "He doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men."
Miracles Empower Deception
People are fickle. Any person who can AMAZE the masses with outstanding skills (i.e., athletic, dancing, musical, oratorical, creative, etc.) becomes their hero and is IDOLIZED! If a man calls down fire from the sky and performs astonishing miracles (i.e., tears from a statue, apparitions of Mary, and more), the whole world will swoon. Meet the False Prophet Pope.
Revelation 13:13-14 - "He doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do."
The Pope Will Call For An Image To The Beast
The Roman Catholic Church is the world master of images - iconography - idolatry. Its preeminent idol is that of the Virgin Mary. Around the world, the Pope calls for the image of Mary to be displayed. ALREADY, "the twelve stars of the Virgin" are incorporated into the European Union's flag and symbols. That is prophecy fulfilled! Is that a sample of what will be imposed on the expanded global government?
Revelation 13:14 - "Saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live."
Power To Give Life To The Image Of The Beast
The world is full of stories about the apparitions and so-called appearances of the Virgin Mary; from Medjugorje, Yugoslavia, to Lourdes, France; from Fatima, Portugal to the Hill of Tepeyac, Guadalupe, Mexico; and scores of other enshrined "holy" places. Weeping statues, bleeding statues, and statues that drip oil have mesmerized millions of gullible Catholic pilgrims. But the biggest deception is yet to come. The Pope will bring a statue to life, and make it speak!
Revelation 13:15 - "He had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should ...speak."
Second Beast Forces Men To Worship First Beast
This lamb-dragon, the Second Beast, the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, will cause all the world to worship the First Beast of Revelation 13 - the European coalition of nations. He will demand that the world worship (serve) the European powers (including the Mark of the Beast). He will call for the death of all who resist. Historically, Rome is infamous for such tyranny and death.
Revelation 13:12,15 - "He ...causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, ...and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed."
The Pope Will Cause Non-Compliant Ones To Be Killed
This generation is almost completely ignorant of the gruesome history of the Catholic Church, especially of the millions of men, women and children who were put to death under its blood-thirsty pogroms. Its Inquisitions and Crusades purged unknown millions of Muslims, Jews, pagans, and non-Catholic Christians over the centuries. Read John Foxe's Book of Martyrs for gut-wrenching truth of countless innocents whose only crime was noncompliance with Rome. It will happen again before Jesus returns.
Revelation 13:15 - "He had power to ...cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed."
A Mark In Their Right Hand Or In Their Forehead
For a long time, it seemed that the Verichip would be the technology of choice for the coming Mark of the Beast. However, technology is advancing at lightning speed. Now, they are testing a hybrid of RFID circuitry with tattoos. Who knows exactly what format the Mark will finally take? Just know with certainty - it is coming very, very soon. It will replace cash, and everyone will have to have it to survive.
Revelation 13:16 - "And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads."
Satan And The Beast Will Enslave Mankind
At the United Nations, they call it "Economic Sanctions." By placing economic controls on rogue dictators or nations, they choke it into compliance. By cutting off the ability to do major financial transactions, and seizing or freezing bank accounts, the international community is able to paralyze or disable non-compliant members. Big Brother will apply the same economic sanctions to every man, woman or child who does not take the Mark of the Beast.
Revelation 13:17 - "No man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."
The Mark, The Name, Or The Number Of The Beast
The Mark of the Beast will be an identification mark pricked into the skin by an injection, tattoo, or similar procedure. It will replace money as the means to purchase goods and services. The Name of the Beast will be the Pope's name. The Number of the Beast will be 666. Every person must wear either the Mark, the Pope's Name or Number, or die. Since Catholics venerate the Pope, they may be protected.
Revelation 13:17 - "No man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."
Six Hundred Threescore And Six - 666
In 1612 AD, Andreas Helwig, in his book "Antichristus Romanus," postulated that the Pope's official Latin title - "Vicarius Filii Dei" - when assigned a numerical value interpolated by the gematria, is 666. "Vicarius Filii Dei" means Vicar [Viceregent] of The Son of God, an abominable, blasphemous title. Revelation 13:11-16 clearly describes the Pope dictating the Mark of the Beast. The Pope is the Second Beast. His number is 666.
Revelation 13:18 - "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six."
First The Bad News, Then The Good News
Ever since the Serpent beguiled Eve in the Garden, evil has corrupted the earth. Death, disease and deception has tainted every picture that might have otherwise been perfect and beautiful. But sin and Satan will soon be utterly destroyed in a horrific nightmare throughout the earth as the forces of Heaven collide with the forces of Hell. But Heaven will have the victory when Jesus rises to claim it.
Revelation 14:1 - "I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, ...And I heard a voice from heaven, ...and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps."
144,000 Sealed With The Holy Ghost
John saw 144,000 Jews "having the seal of the living God," (7:2). According to 2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:13; 4:30, the seal of God is the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. To receive the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, Peter said they should "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins," (Acts 2:38). This gives us reasons to believe that the 144,000 will have repented, been baptized in Jesus' name and filled with the Holy Ghost.
Revelation 14:1 - "An hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads."
His Father's Name
John saw the 144,000 "firstfruits" (14:4) who were "redeemed from the earth" (14:3) "from among men" (14:4). Being Jews, they sang the song of Moses (15:3). Also being Christians, they sang the song of the Lamb (15:4). They had the Father's name in their foreheads. Jesus said, "I am come in my Father's name," John 5:43. There are many JHWH (Jehovah) names, but JHWH gave Jesus His Highest name. (Acts 4:12). Jesus is Jehovah Savior. "None other name given among men..."
Revelation 14:1 - "an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads."
The Voice Of Many Waters
In Revelation 1:15 and 14:2, Jesus, the Son of Man, is said to have a voice as the sound "of many waters." In 17:1, the Great Whore, the Harlot Church (the Roman Catholic Church) was said to sit on many waters - which were specifically defined as "peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues," (17:15). In 19:6, the voice of many waters was the voice of a great multitude. So the voice of Jesus Christ in Heaven sounds like the voice of a vast multitude of people.
Revelation 14:2 - "I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters."
Harpers Harping, 144,000 Spirit-Filled Jews Singing
At the end of the Great Tribulation, Jesus will redeem all His people in the Resurrection and Rapture. The FIRST group to go, however, will be the 144,000 Jews who were especially sealed in the middle of Daniel's Seventieth Week. John saw them in Heaven singing with many harps.
Revelation 14:2-3 - "I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth."
No Man Could Learn That Song
The 144,000 are one of the most exclusive groups mentioned in the Bible. They will be Christian Jews. They are alive as I write this. They will be sealed by God immediately after the Abomination of Desolation in the middle of Daniel's Seventieth Week. They will be taken to Heaven before all other saints are resurrected or raptured. Nobody will ever have a song like their song.
Revelation 14:3 - "They sung as it were a new song before the throne, ...no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth."
The Lamb With 144,000 On Mount Sion In Heaven
"A Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand." They will be "the firstfruits," "redeemed from the earth." Before all other saints are resurrected or raptured, the 144,000 will be taken to Heaven to be with Jesus.
Revelation 14:3-4 - "They sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth ...These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb."
144,000 Virgins
In Revelation 7, John saw 144,000 Jews - 12,000 from each of twelve tribes - sealed by God shortly before the Second Coming of Christ and the battle of Armageddon. In chapter 14, John saw them again, after they were taken to Heaven and standing in the company of Jesus Himself. John said that none of them had been "defiled with women; for they are virgins." Therefore, all 144,000 of these "firstfruits" who were "redeemed from the earth" were male, virgin, Christian Jews.
Revelation 14:4 - "These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins."
They Follow The Lamb Whithersoever He Goeth
Visit Jerusalem, Israel on any Sabbath or Holy Day. You will find multitudes of Jews, men and women, gathered at the Western "Wailing" Wall praying for God to send Messiah ("Mashiach"). As impressive as that scene is, there is a grave tragedy in its very essence. Messiah has already come, and they have rejected Him! Jesus Christ is the very One they are praying for. Amazingly, this prophecy reveals that God has already identified 144,000 who will soon give their lives to Jesus Christ unreservedly.
Revelation 14:4 - "These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth."
The Firstfruits: 144,000 In Heaven Before Other Saints
Notice the chronology: In verse 1, 144,000 elect Christian Jews are seen around Jesus Christ in Heaven. In verse 6, an angel preaches the everlasting Gospel to those on earth, (before the Rapture). In verse 8, Babylon (Rome) falls. Verse 9 curses all who take the Mark of the Beast. In verse 15, Jesus reaps the Harvest of the Earth (the Rapture). In verses 17-20, an angel gathers the Grapes of Wrath (the wicked) for Armageddon. The 144,000 will be in Heaven before Jesus returns for the Rapture and Armageddon.
Revelation 14:4 - "These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb."
In Their Mouth Was Found No Guile
"In their mouth was found no guile ...they are without fault." What a testimony! In all the history of mankind, few groups of people stand out more prominently than the 144,000 virgin Jews who will be sealed by the Holy Ghost during the Great Tribulation. In Heaven, and on earth, they will stay near Him at all times. "These are they which follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth." It pays to have a clean heart and clean mouth.
Revelation 14:5 - "And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God."
An Angel Preaches The Gospel, Says To Worship God
Right after he saw 144,000 sealed Jews on Mount Zion in Heaven with Jesus Christ (firstfruits unto God), John saw "another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people."Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come." Fear God. Give Him glory. Worship Him. Judgment is coming.
Revelation 14:7 - "And worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters."
The Preaching Of The Gospel Precedes The Judgment
An angel will ascertain that the Gospel is preached around the world. But he will conclude with a dire announcement: "The hour of His judgment is come!" God's Spirit will not always strive with men. "In the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation," 2 Corinthians 6:2. Immediately after the angel announces, Rome will fall, those who have taken the Mark of the Beast will be cursed, the Rapture will occur, and Armageddon will begin.
Revelation 14:7 - "Saying with a loud voice, ...for the hour of his judgment is come."
The Sequence Of Events In Daniel's Seventieth Week
Daniel's (9:27) Seventieth Week will transpire in this order: A Seven-Year Covenant about Israel will be Confirmed by the Prince of Rome (Pope). 3.5 years later the Man of Sin will commit the Abomination of Desolation in the Third Temple. Two Witnesses will preach 42 months. 144,000 Jews will be sealed. All Jews must flee Judea. Great Tribulation begins. An angel will preach the Gospel. Babylon (Rome) will fall. Saints will be Harvested (Resurrected, Raptured). Sinners will be Reaped (Grapes of Wrath, Armageddon).
Revelation 14:7 - "Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come."
Babylon, That Great City
There is an enormous amount of confusion, conjecture and controversy over "Who is Babylon?" in the Book of Revelation. It is NOT the United States. It is NOT New York City. It is not the ancient city of Babylon - it is in ruins and virtually uninhabited. Revelation 17 gives seventeen incontrovertible clues proving that Babylon is Rome and the Roman Catholic Church. No other entity fulfills all those prophecies.
Revelation 14:8 - "And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
The Wine Of The Wrath Of Her Fornication
The Great Whore (17:1; 19:2) is also Mystery Babylon (17:5). It is Rome and the Roman Catholic Church - "Mother of Harlots and Abominations in the Earth," (17:5). Study the history, errors and abominations of the Roman Catholic Church and you will see that "the wine of the wrath [fierceness, passion, indignation] of her fornication [wicked and immoral intercourse with kings, nations and societies]," is the reason why God will judge her so violently.
Revelation 14:8 - "There followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."
The Sequence Of Events In Revelation 13-14
From Revelation 13-14, we see this sequence: The First Beast (world government) rises. The Second Beast (False Prophet/Pope) rises and establishes the Mark of the Beast. 144,000 chosen Jews appear with Jesus in Heaven. An angel administers the everlasting Gospel to the whole world. An angel announces the fall of Babylon. An angel curses those who take the Mark of the Beast. The Son of Man reaps the Harvest of the Earth (Rapture/Resurrection). An angel reaps the Grapes of Wrath (sinners) for Armageddon.
Revelation 14:8 - "There followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city."
Do NOT Take The Mark Of The Beast
DO NOT TAKE THE MARK OF THE BEAST! There will be no excuses!
Revelation 14:9 - "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night."
If You Worship The Beast, You Will Drink God's Wrath
Most Christians know that they should never take the Mark of the Beast. But do you know that you must never worship the Beast? The imminent World Government, ruled by the Beast and False Prophet will be the most abominable government in the history of the world. We must completely disavow that government and refuse to honor it.
Revelation 14:9 - "If any man worship the beast and his image, ...The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God ...[and] be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb."
The Wine Of The Wrath Of God
Verse 8 speaks of "The Wine of the Wrath of [the Roman Catholic Church's] Fornication." God will judge it violently for its passionate abominations. Verse 10 speaks of "The Wine of the Wrath of God." God will literally intoxicate the wicked with His passionate judgments. The sins of mankind through the millennia of time has infuriated God, but never so much as the final enslavement of all men by the Mark of the Roman Catholic Beast.
Revelation 14:10 - "The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation."
The Cup Of His Indignation
So many grace preachers have convinced so many people of God's "unconditional love," that multitudes have no idea that God's wrath is utterly terrifying. It is a grave tragedy to think of God purely in terms of love. God has a furious anger against those who disobey Him. When God finally unleashes His undiluted wrath on sinful men, it will not be mixed with any mercy. Armageddon will be the most terrifying event in the history of the world.
Revelation 14:10 - "...the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation."
Tormented In The Presence Of Angels And The Lamb
Revelation 20:11-15 reveals that all the wicked will be resurrected AFTER the Millennial Kingdom to stand before God. At His White Throne, they will be judged and cast into Hell. But 1000 years earlier, at Armageddon, Jesus will personally judge His LIVING enemies. He will cast the Beast, False Prophet and those who worship them
into a lake of fire in Jerusalem to be observed by men and angels. (See Isaiah 66:16,24).
Revelation 14:10 - "[Those who worship the beast] shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb."
Brimstone (Sulphur) - The Fuel Of Hell
God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone. Brimstone is sulfur, a very common, flammable element. Sulfur fuels the blue-flames of Hell - eternal quarantine of the damned; "prepared for the devil and his angels," (Matthew 25:41). Everyone who is not redeemed will go there. Everyone who worships the Beast or takes the Mark will be tormented with fire and brimstone forever.
Revelation 14:10-11 "...he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever."
No Rest In Hell - Torment Is Eternal
Society in the 21st Century has attained to a new low in godlessness. This generation spurns and mocks God worse than Noah's generation, and worse than Sodom and Gomorrah. Liars in the pulpit teach that Hell is not real, only abstract, symbolic, or imaginary. Many teach that men's souls will be annihilated. However, the Bible is very clear. Hell is eternal. It is physical, consisting of fire and brimstone. The torments of Hell will never cease.
Revelation 14:11 - "And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night."
Here Is The Patience Of The Saints
In Revelation 6, John saw the souls of the Early Church martyrs in Heaven. They were given white robes and told to wait for saints in the last-days Church to be martyred as they were. It seems like a fantasy, but BE PATIENT. Very soon it will pass, and we will be with Jesus.
Revelation 14:12-13 - "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. ...Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours."
They Keep The Commandments And The Faith Of Jesus
A voice of deception in the modern Church says, "The Commandments are dead. We are not under the commandments!" That is a lie. Again and again, Jesus instructed the people to keep the commandments (Matthew 5:19; 19:17; Mark 10:19; 12:29; etc.). "If ye love me, keep my commandments," John 14:5. He loves those who keep His commandments (John 14:21; 15:10). He gave MANY commandments (Acts 1:2). Learn them! Keep them! You MUST, if you want to be saved.
Revelation 14:12 - "Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."
Blessed Are The Dead Which Die In The Lord
The pages of history are filled with the stories of great men and women of God who suffered in every imaginable way. Paul listed a few in Hebrews 11. Trials of cruel mockings. Scourgings. Bonds. Imprisonments. Stoned. Sawn asunder. Tempted. Slain with the sword. Destitute. Afflicted. Tormented. And so much more. OH! But in the Resurrection, HOW BLESSED THEY WILL BE!
Revelation 14:13 - "I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."
They Will Rest From Their Labors
Are you weary? God promises divine rest to His people. Jesus says, "Come unto me and rest." He gives saints on earth peaceful rest for their souls. But saints in Heaven will have perfect, eternal rest. "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his." Hebrews 4:9-10. Souls condemned to Hell will never rest (14:11).
Revelation 14:13 - "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours."
The White Cloud On Which The Son Of Man Sat
Jeremiah 4:13 said, "He shall come up as clouds..." Daniel 7:13 prophesied, "The Son of Man came with the clouds of Heaven..." Joel (2:2) called the coming of the Lord, "a day of clouds and thick darkness." Jesus said, "they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven," Matthew 24:30. Paul said the dead saints will rise, and living saints will "be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air."
Revelation 14:14 - "And behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man."
A Sharp Sickle
Two sickles are mentioned in Revelation 14. A sickle is a harvesting instrument. In Mark 4, Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is like a man planting seed in the ground. Since God created Adam, He planned to reap a harvest of eternal souls from the earth. Satan wreaked havoc, but God will have his harvest. Jesus will harvest all the righteous with His sickle. An angel will harvest the wicked with another sickle.
Revelation 14:14 -"Behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, ...and in his hand a sharp sickle."
The First Resurrection And Rapture Is The Harvest
Paul said, "The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds," 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17. The First Resurrection and Rapture will be Jesus' great Harvest of the Earth.
Revelation 14:15 - "Another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: ....for the harvest of the earth is ripe."
The Harvest Of The Earth
James wrote (5:7), "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it." The First Resurrection of the Saints of all ages AND the Rapture of the living Saints of the Church will be the one and only Harvest of the Earth. Jesus Himself will conduct this harvest immediately before Armageddon. God has waited 6000 years - since the Garden - for this great harvest!
Revelation 14:16 - "He that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped."
An Angel With Power Over Fire
After Jesus harvests both dead and living saints (good seed) from the earth in the First Resurrection and Rapture, an angel will follow Him to harvest the Grapes of Wrath (evil seed) for the Winepress of the Wrath of God. These analogies refer to Armageddon, where Jesus will tread (destroy) the Grapes of Wrath. Everyone Jesus defeats at Armageddon will spend eternity in Hell.
Revelation 14:18 - "Another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; ...saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe."
The Grapes Of Wrath Cast Into The Great Winepress
The Wine of the Wrath of God will be pressed at Armageddon in "the great winepress of the wrath of God." The Grapes of Wrath are evil men and women who reject the Gospel of Christ and follow the Beast, False Prophet, and the Mark of the Beast.
Revelation 14:18 - "...Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God."
The Vine Of The Earth - Her Grapes Are Fully Ripe
If ever a prophecy was true, this one is. I have no doubt that we are approaching the end of the age. The Grapes of Wrath are almost fully ripe. Sin and sinners are raging in their hatred and defiance of God. The world froths with atheism and demonism like never, ever before. Evil men and seducers are waxing worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. It is almost the end. If you are a sinner, repent now.
Revelation 14:18 - "Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe."
God Orchestrates The Destiny Of All Men, Good And Evil
The angel "GATHERED the vine of the earth, and CAST IT into the great winepress of the wrath of God." The Beast, False Prophet, Man of Sin, and a massive international army intent on completely annihilating Israel will descend on Israel - but NOT by their own doing! God planned this moment from the beginning of time. GOD is already drawing them inescapably into the battle that will utterly doom them all.
Revelation 14:19 - "The angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God."
Bloodshed Like Wine In A Winepress Across Israel
The War to end all wars - a demon-possessed international army will come to wipe Israel off the map. Suddenly, Jesus, with all His saints, will descend from Heaven and violently destroy them all. From the city of Haifa on the Mediterranean coast, southeastward 130 miles through the Valley of Megiddo to Jerusalem, war will rage. Blood will flow to the horse's bridles. Jesus will conquer.
Revelation 14:20 - "The winepress was trodden without the city [Jerusalem], and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs."
Seven Angels Having The Seven Last Plagues Of The Wrath Of God
John saw a "great and marvellous" sign in Heaven; "seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God." Saints of God will not be affected by these plagues, "for God hath not appointed us to wrath," 1 Thessalonians 5:9. The first plague will be sores on those who received the Mark of the Beast, proving that this wrath will not begin until shortly before Armageddon.
Revelation 15:1 - "I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God."
A Sea Of Glass Mingled With Fire
Saints who refuse the Mark are likely to be beheaded (20:4). Refusing the Mark means an automatic death warrant (13:15), unless they miraculously escape. Those saints will suddenly find themselves in Heaven, standing on a peaceful sea mingled with the fires of their tribulation, singing and worshipping God!
Revelation 15:2 - "I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing..."
Overcomers Play Harps And Sing Praises To God
Before the angels having the Seven Last Plagues (Vials of the Wrath of God) are sent into the earth, John saw the saints who overcame the Beast, False Prophet, and Mark of the Beast standing on the Sea of Glass Mingled With Fire (symbolizing peace in the midst of trials), playing harps and singing praises to God.
Revelation 15:2-3 - "I saw ...them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, ...having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb."
Just And True Are Thy Ways
Many people look askance at the Book of Revelation. They think it is too far-fetched, too bizarre, too outrageous to be taken seriously. Subsequently, they also consider anyone who does take Revelation seriously to be far-fetched, bizarre or not to be taken seriously. But everything in this book is the Word of God. Nothing in it, no matter how difficult to imagine, is unjust or untrue. Saints who endure it will testify to that fact.
Revelation 15:3 - "And they sing...Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints."
The Song Of Moses And The Song Of The Lamb
The Songs of Moses (Deuteronomy 32) and of the Lamb will be primary songs of the Saints in Heaven. Moses introduced us to God, and Jesus revealed God to us in His incarnation. With these most authentic songs, we will exuberantly exalt the only true God.
Revelation 15:3-4 - "They sing ...Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest."
Who Shall Not Fear Thee And Glorify Thy Name?
Isaiah prophesied of the day when Jesus would rule the world and there would be no more war. "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea," Isaiah 11:10. Jesus Christ, the Root of Jesse, will reign. Throughout the earth, men will know that Jesus is God.
Revelation 15:4 - "Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest."
All Nations Shall Come And Worship Thee
The world at-large has never yet begun to comprehend that Jesus is the invisible God with us - God manifest in the flesh - the infinite, timeless Creator embodied in the man Christ. When Jesus returns to earth to fight the final Battle of Armageddon, the world will suddenly realize who He is. Once He establishes His worldwide kingdom based in Jerusalem, all the nations will come and worship Him.
Revelation 15:4 - "Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest."
The Temple Of The Tabernacle Of The Testimony
"The Testimony" is another term for the Ten Commandments. "The Tabernacle of the Testimony" is another name for the Ark of the Covenant. The Temple of the Tabernacle is the house in Heaven that contains the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark of the Covenant is no longer on earth (Jeremiah 3:16). It is now in Heaven. "The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament," Revelation 11:19.
Revelation 15:5 - "And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened."
Seven Angels Come From The Tabernacle Of The Testimony
Seven angels who will administer the Seven Golden Vials full of the wrath of God will come from the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony. They will come from the presence of the Ark of the Covenant in which THE LAW is kept. THE LAW condemns every sinner unless He is redeemed by Jesus Christ. The wrath and judgment of God MUST execute all who have not obeyed the Gospel, being washed in Jesus' blood, and born again of water and Spirit in Jesus' name.
Revelation 15:6 - "The seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues."
The Seven Angels Of His Wrath
Seven angels came from the presence of the Ark of the Covenant in Heaven. They were dressed similarly to the Old Testament Temple Priests. They wore pure, white linen, and were gird with golden breastplates. One of the four Beasts who always attend the Throne of God gave each one a Golden Vial full of the wrath of God. They went forth to pour out God's wrath on the wicked at the end of the Great Tribulation.
Revelation 15:7 - "One of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God."
God's Wrath Is Glorious
As angels pour out God's wrath on earth, God will finally have vengeance for 6000 years of mankind's sins and rebellion. Armageddon will be the most spectacular demonstration of God's wrath ever seen and will conclude with the violent overthrow of the Beast, False Prophet, and Satan himself. Simultaneously, around the Ark of the Covenant in Heaven, unspeakable glory will fill the house.
Revelation 15:8 - "The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled."
Seven Vials - "Vengeance Is Mine, I Will Repay!"
From ancient times, God has warned, "the day of vengeance is in mine heart, ...I will tread down the people in mine anger," Isaiah 63:4,6. That day will soon come. Immediately before Armageddon, a loud voice will shout orders from the Temple in Heaven, commanding the Seven Angels to begin. Paul wrote to the Romans, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord," Romans 12:19.
Revelation 16:1 - "And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth."
First Vial - Punishment For Worshiping Image Of Beast
Immediately before Jesus comes to right all wrongs at Armageddon, the Vials of God's Wrath will be poured out upon all those who submitted to the Mark of the Beast, or who worshiped the image of the Beast. God never tolerates our worship of anybody but Himself. "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me," Exodus 20:3.
Revelation 16:2 - "And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image."
Divine Vengeance Is Righteous
Imagine yourself in God's position for a moment. He created man and gave him miraculous life. But His own creatures worshipped and served the creature rather than their Creator. Even worse, men made other gods for themselves and gave HIS worship to THEM. Despite their betrayal, God has extended grace after grace to them. Nevertheless, "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy," Proverbs 29:1.
Revelation 16:2 - "And there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image."
Second Vial - Sea To Blood, Third Vial - Rivers To Blood
It is reminiscent of Moses' plagues before Pharaoh in Egypt (Exodus 7). Aaron stretched out the rod, and rivers turned to blood. Fish died. Rivers stank. People could not drink water. Blood flowed throughout Egypt for seven days. God will do it again in the Second and Third Vials of Wrath.
Revelation 16:3-4 - "And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea. And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood."
Thou Hast Given Them Blood To Drink
Imagine seas and rivers turning to blood. God has a powerful lesson to teach. For millennia of time, evil men have slain the prophets and slaughtered countless millions of righteous men in innocent blood. It often seemed that God did not notice. Oh, He noticed! He will bring it all to mind with this horrific plague! Blood everywhere!!
Revelation 16:5-6 - "I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, ...because thou hast judged thus. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy."
Angels Glorify God For His Judgments
The angel will pour out the Third Vial of the Wrath of God on the rivers and fountains of waters, and they will become blood. The angel will exclaim, "Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy." We should worship God for His judgments as much as for His mercy.
Revelation 16:7 - "I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments."
Fourth Vial - Devastating Inferno From A Solar Flare
Scientists have published countless reports warning of the possibilities of major solar flares that could have devastating effects upon the earth and its environment. According to this prophecy, God is planning to scorch the earth with an unimaginable solar flare. It will be the Fourth Vial of His wrath.
Revelation 16:8-9 - "And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory."
As Men Are Judged, They Yet Blaspheme
All the Seven Vials of the Wrath of God will be poured out immediately before Armageddon. The primary purpose of the Seven Vials will be to avenge God of those who have worshiped the Beast and taken the Mark. These will be the greatest adversaries of God ever. They will be such evil people, that even as He judges them, they will blaspheme Him all the more.
Revelation 16:8-9 - "The fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; ...And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, ...and they repented not to give him glory."
Fifth Vial - Pain And Sores On Beast And Blasphemers
The Fifth Vial of God's Wrath will be poured directly on the Beast's seat of power in a debilitating blow immediately before Armageddon. The Beast's entire kingdom will turn to darkness. People will literally gnaw their tongues in pain and blaspheme God because their pain and sores. Still, they will not repent.
Revelation 16:10-11 - "The fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds."
The Kings Of The East
"The kings of the east" will come across a dried-up Euphrates River. Ezekiel 38 prophesied extensively about who would be the aggressors at the battle of Armageddon. Using ancient names, he specifically identified modern Russia, Syria, Turkey, Iran, Libya and Ethiopia. It is conceivable that China will also be with that evil coalition. Immediately before Armageddon, God will compel them to make their move toward Jerusalem.
Revelation 16:12 - "The sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared."
Three Unclean Spirits Like Frogs
A frog is an amphibian. It can live in the water or out of the water. It symbolizes duplicity, two-facedness, lying, and deception. With the Sixth Vial, John saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out the mouths of the Dragon, the Beast and the False Prophet. This last generation will the most lied-to, most diabolically deceived in all of history.
Revelation 16:14 - "They are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty."
Devils Can Do Miracles
This is one of the most dramatic, important truths you will ever learn from the Bible. Satan (the Dragon), the Beast, and the False Prophet will exercise the most demonic, miraculous powers the world has ever seen. Most people will not believe that Satan can perform miracles that look exactly like the power of God, but he can. You must NOT think that a miracle always means that God endorses a thing. MANY times, the Devil does miracles to deceive. That is why you must thoroughly KNOW the Word of God.
Revelation 16:14 - "They are the spirits of devils, working miracles."
Spirits Of Devils Go Forth To Kings And Whole World
In much the same manner that Pharaoh withstood Moses, world leaders rarely acknowledge the power of God to do miracles. Today, almost NO world leaders acknowledge the miraculous power of Jesus Christ or the deceptions of Satan. But that will change. God has ordained irresistible deception to corral world leaders into the Armageddon trap. Floods of breath-taking, demonic miracles will seduce them.
Revelation 16:14 - "They are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty."
He Will Come As A Thief Only To Those In Darkness
One of the most mis-applied verses in the Bible is this one. Jesus will come as a thief. To UNBELIEVERS. NOT to saints of God. "BLESSED is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments." Saints have nothing to fear. "Ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. ...we are not of the night, nor of darkness," 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5. Those who walk in the light will know He is due, and will NOT be surprised or caught off-guard!
Revelation 16:15 - "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth."
Blessed Is He That Watcheth
At least four times in the Gospels, Jesus instructed His followers to, "Watch and pray." A night-watchman is someone who keeps guard during the night. When we are told to watch and pray, that means that we should pray into the night. As the prophetic endgame lurches forward, and the Day of the Lord approaches nearer and nearer, we should do our diligence to watch and pray for God's careful guidance and protection.
Revelation 16:15 - "Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."
Sixth Vial - Preparation For The Battle Of Armageddon
The Sixth Vial of God's wrath will dry up the Euphrates River to prepare "the way of the kings of the east." The Devil, working through the Beast and False Prophet will lie and perform lying miracles for the whole world to see, to entice the most rabidly anti-Semitic nations to annihilate Israel. The whole scenario will be divinely orchestrated to bring all God's worst enemies to Jerusalem for the final battle of Armageddon where they will face Jesus Christ in person.
Revelation 16:16 - "And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon."
A Place Called Armageddon
Although the word "Armageddon" [Har-Magedon, meaning Valley of Megiddo] only appears one single time in the entire Bible, there are literally many hundreds of verses that refer to God's final showdown with His enemies. Jesus will return with His immortal saints, "the armies which were in heaven," (Revelation 19:14) to destroy the most evil mortal armies ever. From Haifa on the coast, 130 miles through the Valley of Megiddo, to Jerusalem and the Valley of Jehoshaphat, war will rage. Jesus will utterly destroy His enemies.
Revelation 16:16 - "And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
Seventh Vial - A Great Voice Saying, "It Is Done"
Six of Seven Seals will have been opened. (The Seventh will be 30-minutes of silence in Heaven). Six of Seven Trumpets will have sounded. (The Seventh will announce the First Resurrection, the Rapture, and launch Armageddon.) At this Seventh and Last Vial of God's Wrath, prayer can no longer save. Repentance and good works are worthless. IT IS DONE. Every man will be judged exactly as he is.
Revelation 16:17 - "The seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done."
Saints Are Not Appointed To Wrath, The Seven Vials
Unfortunately, many Christians presume that the Church will be exempt from the Great Tribulation (last three-and-a-half years before Armageddon). They say, "We are not appointed unto wrath!" (1 Thessalonians 5:9). They do not understand that the WRATH OF GOD only begins when Seven Angels pour out Seven Vials of wrath. The Day of Wrath will be the WRATH OF JESUS at Armageddon. The Great Tribulation will be the WRATH OF SATAN against Jews and Christians. Tribulation PRECEDES Wrath.
Revelation 16:17 - "The seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice ...saying, It is done."
The Worst Earthquake In World History
Just before Armageddon, the worst earthquake in world history - a horrifying cataclysm - will run from Rome, Italy to Jerusalem and the Eastern Gate, accompanied by mysterious voices, thunders and lightnings. "So mighty ...so great." The region is already trembling. A 6.3 magnitute earthquake struck 60 miles east of Rome in 2009, damaging historical structures in Rome and across Italy.
Revelation 16:18-19 - "There were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, SO MIGHTY an earthquake, and SO GREAT. And the great city was divided into three parts."
Rome Will Be Devastated, Cities Of Nations Fall
"It is done!" means that there will be no more mercy on Mystery Babylon - headquartered in Rome, Italy. The cataclysmic earthquake will literally shake the entire earth as never before in the history of civilization. "The cities of the nations fell." But Rome will take the very worst of it. Its terra firma will be broken into three disconnected areas.
Revelation 16:19 - "The great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath."
Babylon Remembered As God's Wrath Falls Worldwide
Most people mock "Conspiracy Theories," but there is a tragic reality that will someday become paralyzingly obvious. Satan HAS been working invisibly behind the scenes for thousands of years, among the world's greatest and most powerful men of influence, meticulously orchestrating diabolical, occultic, Luciferic lies and deceptions to turn mankind against God and rebuild the fallen ancient Tower of Babel in the form of a New World Order. THAT will ultimately incite God's wildest wrath at Armageddon.
Revelation 16:19 - "Great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath."
The Cup Of The Wine Of The Fierceness Of His Wrath
Although the battle of Armageddon will take place specifically in the Valley of Megiddo (from Haifa to Jerusalem), the entire Judgment scenario will be world-wide. The calamities will begin to shake the entire world BEFORE Jesus actually appears with "the Armies of Heaven." "The cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath will be poured out on all the nations just before He casts the Beast and False Prophet into a Lake of Fire at Jerusalem.
Revelation 16:19 - "...to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath."
Islands Will Sink, Mountains Will Fall
This unimaginable calamity of the Seventh Trumpet corresponds to the calamities of the Sixth Seal in Revelation 6. (The Seventh Seal will be 30-minutes of silence in Heaven.) "Heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. [and men everywhere] hid themselves ...For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" Revelation 6:14-17. The earthquake that will destroy Rome and split the Temple Mount will shake the entire world.
Revelation 16:20 - "Every island fled away, and the mountains were not found."
Hail Out Of Heaven
Does anybody control the weather? Many people believe that governments are practicing weather manipulation with top-secret HAARP-like technologies. Even if true, the accuracy of such technology cannot be verified by outsiders. Nevertheless, we have a sure word of prophecy that during the Seventh Vial, PRECISELY before Armageddon, Almighty God will rain down the worst hail in history - 50-70 pounds each.
Revelation 16:21 - "There fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great."
An Angel Of The Vials Of Wrath Reveals Fate Of Rome
One of the angels who will pour out the Vials of the Wrath of God revealed to John the details of the Judgment of the Great Whore. Put this into perspective. There is no more dramatic event in the entire Bible than the Seventh Vial - the whole earth will shake, and God will destroy the Roman Catholic Church. Jesus will personally destroy the Pope. That is a big deal.
Revelation 17:1 - "One of the seven angels which had the seven vials, ...talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore."
The Great Whore
The entire Bible is convergent on one predominant theme: Preparing a Bride for Christ. Like Eliezer preparing Rebekah for Isaac, the Holy Ghost is preparing a chaste virgin Church for Christ. But Lucifer has raised up a false Church in the world to allure and deceive the souls of men into thinking THEY are the Bride of Christ. It is a WHORE - a worldly, carnal, fornicating whorish impostor. NOBODY will be judged more severely than the Roman Catholic Church.
Revelation 17:1 - "Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters."
The Great Whore Sat Upon Many Waters
"Thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God," Exodus 34:14. The Roman Catholic Church spawned the false and abominable doctrine of the Trinity at the Council of Nicea in 325 AD. It spread countless abominable doctrines into every nook and cranny on earth using iron force, subterfuge, debauchery, murder and plunder. Jealous God will judge it.
Revelation 17:1 - "...the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication."
The Inhabitants Of Earth Drunk On The Whore's Wine
Drunk: intoxicated, stuporous, inebriated, unsober. That is the effect that the Roman Catholic Church has had on kings and inhabitants of the earth with its deceptive, power-mongering, 1700-year dominance of world politics and religion. Today, the Vatican is the only religious entity that maintains embassies (called Apostolic Nunciatures) with ambassadors (Nuncios) in nearly every nation on earth. Every vestige of its influence will be annihilated in the judgment of the Great Whore.
Revelation 17:2 - "The kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication."
A Woman Sitting Upon A Scarlet-Colored Beast
She is the Great Whore. She has many Harlot Daughters. She is a counterfeit Church who has committed political, economic and spiritual fornication with untold kings and kingdoms throughout history. In these last days, she has taken up with a Scarlet-Red Beast called Socialism, or Communism. Her Magisterium (ruling officials), preaching "Liberation Theology" (Catholic Socialism) work with Communists worldwide depicting Jesus Christ as a socialist revolutionary. She is allied politically and economically with tyrants who will soon control the world via the Mark of the Beast.
Revelation 17:3 - "I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast."
The Blasphemous Church Has Blasphemous Names
Does the Roman Catholic wear blasphemous names? Pope Leo (ca 451 AD) was called "Lord of the Whole Church." Pope Gelasius I (495 AD) declared the "Primacy" or "Supremacy" of the Pope over all Churches, and gave the Pope the blasphemous title "Vicar of Christ" - STAND-IN for Christ. Its core, heretical teachings about the Virgin Mary give her numerous blasphemous titles, including: Mother of God, Tower of David, Ark of the Covenant, Gate of Heaven, Morning Star, Refuge of Sinners, and more.
Revelation 17:3 - "I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy."
A Scarlet Colored Beast With Seven Heads, Ten Horns
In Revelation 12:13, John saw "a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns." He clearly identified the GREAT RED DRAGON in verse 9: "that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world." Later, in chapter 17, he saw a SCARLET RED BEAST with seven heads and ten horns. This depicted the evil world government Beast of the last days. It will look just like the Devil, because the Devil created it, and is working viciously IN IT!
Revelation 17:3 - "[The Great Whore sat] upon a SCARLET COLOURED BEAST, ...having seven heads and ten horns."
The Woman Was Arrayed In Purple And Scarlet Color
I have seen nothing in the Bible more impressive than this prophecy. Remember that John wrote hundreds of years before the Roman Catholic Church came into existence. How could any man, apart from the supernatural revelation of God, have known that almost 2000 years later, the most evil, whorish Church, known throughout history for banishing the Word of God from men, supplanting the true Apostolic Church, even MURDERING true saints, would be dressed in Purple - the official color of Archbishops' robes, and Scarlet - the official color of Cardinals' robes.
Revelation 17:4 - "The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour."
The Woman Had A Golden Cup In Her Hand
When Mass is held at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, gold, pearls and precious stones ornament the altar. The Pope conducts the Eucharist holding a golden cup in his hand. The Blessed Sacrament, emulating Jesus' communion with His twelve at the Last Supper, is an abominable farce, however, since the Roman Catholic Church is earth's greatest enemy of Truth. At Armageddon, Jesus will cast the Pope into a lake of fire.
Revelation 17:4 - "The woman was ...decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication."
Abominations And Filthiness
Contemporary "Christian" ministers teach that we should cleanse our vocabulary of everything but "Positive Mental Attitude." "NO NEGATIVITY!" Well, a woman who has "her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornications" is a rancid, negative subject, but John was not reluctant to prophesy against it. It is IMPOSSIBLE to understand prophetic plans and purposes of God without boldly identifying and labeling forces of good or evil. If a thing is abominable and filthy, it should be identified as such.
Revelation 17:4 - "The woman ...[had] a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication."
Mystery, Babylon The Great
Many people are confused about this topic. Is Mystery Babylon the same as the ancient city or empire Babylon? No. The ancient empire is extinct. The ancient city is in ruins. But the secret mysteries, the esoteric, spiritual abominations of Babylon are alive and well, clandestinely protected and preserved in the Roman Catholic Church. No less than seventeen explicit clues in Revelation 17-18 prove it. Neither New York, the USA, nor the United Nations meet these criteria.
Revelation 17:5 - "Upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
The Mother Of Harlots
Moses said that "God is ONE," Deuteronomy 6:4. The Nicene Creed, subscribed to by even the Protestant daughters of the Roman Catholic Church says, "God is THREE." The truth of the Oneness of God has been trampled by the false doctrine of the Trinity. Although the Reformation consisted of categorical protests against Catholicism, the Protestant movement did not renounce the
abominable Roman Catholic doctrine of the Trinity. Every Trinitarian Church is a harlot daughter of Mystery Babylon - Rome.
Revelation 17:5 - "Upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."
The Mysteries Will Be Judged
In the early twentieth-century, nearly every major evangelical Christian denomination forbade any minister of the Gospel to hold membership in any secret order. That was a general acknowledgement that organizations like Freemasons, Shriners, Rosicrucians and others were deeply rooted in ancient Luciferic mysteries. No entity in the world has protected, preserved or promoted more ancient mysteries than the Roman Catholic Church. In "The Judgment of the Great Whore," God will deal mercilessly with all who held the mysteries.
Revelation 17:5,7 - "Upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT. ...I will tell thee the mystery of the woman."
Drunken With The Blood Of Saints, Martyrs
Blood-lust must surely be the worst human perversion. Blood-lust is aggressive behavior intended to achieve the dominance of one over another by exercising humiliation, harm or pain. The ultimate blood-lust is manifest in torture and murder. That adeptly describes the history of the treatment of the Roman Catholic Church and its agents over multiplied millions of helpless souls - "heretics" - who refused to serve and obey it (i.e., Inquisitions, Crusades). Read Foxe's Book of Martyrs.
Revelation 17:6 - "And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus."
The Mystery Of The Beast That Carrieth Her
From its formation in 325 AD under the auspices of Emperor Constantine of Rome, the Roman Catholic Church was the beneficiary of the powerful Roman Empire. But the empire fell, and the Catholic Church seized its opportunity to exercise control over Europe. In 800 AD, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne "Emperor of the Romans," in what became known as the HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE. For 1000 years, the Pope crowned almost every subsequent emperor. The RCC has held the reins to Europe since that time.
Revelation 17:7 - "I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her."
The Beasts Of Prophecy
Daniel and John spoke frequently of "beasts." Peter and Jude called evil men "brute beasts." Generally speaking, a BEAST refers to an evil EMPIRE, and the HEAD on that beast represents a KINGDOM within that EMPIRE. A HORN on that HEAD represents a KING within that KINGDOM within the EMPIRE. Empires and kingdoms rise and fall. Kings can be demon-possessed and be sentenced to hell. Sometimes, a king becomes so powerful that his identity is synonymous with the empire (i.e., Adolph Hitler).
Revelation 17:8 - "The beast that thou sawest ...shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition."
The First Beast Was, Is Not, And Yet Is
The demonic Prince of Rome (Daniel 9:26-27), working through the Papacy of the Roman Catholic Church, established the Holy Roman Empire, "The First Reich (Empire)" in the Franco-German motherland (800 AD until defeated by Napolean in 1806). Bismark built "The Second Reich" (1870 until defeated in WWI in 1919). Adolph Hitler's infamous "Third Reich" was destroyed when Germany was divided after WW2. But it resurrected when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. The European Union is "The Fourth Reich."
Revelation 17:8 - "The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition."
Out Of The Bottomless Pit, Into Perdition
The Bottomless Pit exists in the spirit world. The demon princes of Satan dwell there. Daniel the prophet explained how demon princes empower earth princes. The demon Prince of Babylon empowered the Babylonian Empire. The demon Prince of Persia empowered the Persian Empire. The demon Prince of Grecia empowered Alexander the Great. And so forth. Finally, the Prince of Rome will rise from the pit to make war with the Lamb. He will be sent to his destruction.
Revelation 17:8 - "The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition."
The Prophesied Beasts Are Marvelous To Behold
"When I saw her, I wondered with great admiration." The angel asked John, "Wherefore didst thou marvel?" These prophesied beasts are truly amazing to see. The Great Whore, the Roman Catholic Church, is truly amazing, astonishing, marvelous, and wondrous. There is great wonder and amazement in every fulfilled prophecy. When the eighth and last beast rises up, all the world will wonder.
Revelation 17:8 - "They that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is."
Sinners Will Wonder About The Beast
Having been a serious student of Bible prophecy for more than forty years, I am always shocked at people's total ignorance of God's plan for the last days. To most people, "Armageddon" is a movie about saving the planet from an asteroid, or total melt-down of the stock market on Wall Street. When the Beast and Antichrist rise as global dictators, the world will be completely incredulous. Only Bible-believing Christians can fully understand.
Revelation 17:8 - "They that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world.:
The Beast That Is Not, Yet Is
Semantics are rarely this difficult. "It is," but "it is not." When we saw the Seven Heads in Daniel 7, they were on FOUR SEPARATE Beasts: Lion, Bear, Four-Headed Leopard, and Dreadful Beast. But in Revelation, all those Beasts combine to form ONE BEAST with Seven Heads. As I write this, all four Beasts form the United Nations Quartet, forcing Israel to surrender Palestine to its enemies. But they will soon become ONE BEAST as they abdicate their national sovereignty to the United Nations - the official World Government.
Revelation 17:8 - "...the beast that was, and is not, and yet is."
The Seven Mountains On Which The Woman Sitteth
The woman, the Great Whore, mother of harlots, sits on a seven-headed beast. We do not have to wonder what the seven heads represent. John tells us exactly what they are in verse 9. "The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth." No other city in the world is more legendary for its seven hills than Rome. Their names are Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal and Viminal.
Revelation 17:9 - "And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth."
Five Are Fallen, One Is, One Is Not Yet Come
Seven heads are described in Daniel and Revelation. LION (Britain). BEAR (Soviet Russia). 4-HEAD LEOPARD (Four Reichs of Germany/France/Europe). DREADFUL BEAST -
United Nations/NWO. TOTAL: SEVEN HEADS. When this prophecy matures, five will have fallen. British Empire declined and fell following WW2. USSR, based in Moscow, Russia, fell 1991. Hitler's Third Reich fell in 1945. That totals FIVE HEADS FALLEN. The SIXTH HEAD, (Fourth Reich - European Union) is now in power. SEVENTH HEAD - Dreadful Beast (UN/NWO) will soon rise.
Revelation 17:10-11 - "Seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come."
The Eighth Beast
John unexpectedly mentions an EIGHTH KING who will rise. There is no other mention in the Bible of this EIGHTH KING. He will be one of the SEVEN KINGS (HEADS) we have already mentioned. Britain, Russia, Europe or the United Nations. Since we know from Ezekiel 38 that RUSSIA will be present at Armageddon, it seems most likely that this EIGHTH and LAST KING (HEAD) will be Russia. This King or Head will confront Jesus Christ at Armageddon.
Revelation 17:11 - "The beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
The Ten Horns - Ten Kings Of The Beast
The Great Red Dragon, the Devil himself, has seven heads and ten horns (12:3). The First Beast has seven heads and ten horns (13:1). The Woman sits on that Beast (17:3). The Devil is in this Beast. Immediately before Jesus appears at Armageddon, the Beast will empower Ten Kings. These Kings, totally devoted to the Beast, will hate the Whore (Roman Catholicism) and destroy her (17:16).
Revelation 17:12 - "The ten horns ...are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast ...and shall give their power and strength unto the beast."
Evil Has One Mind
Bible prophecies can be extremely complex and baffling. Embedded inside hundreds and hundreds of intricate prophecies there is a cast of characters numbering in the hundreds; enemies of God and His coming Kingdom. Only the most astute Bible student can hope to grasp the big picture. Nevertheless, there is a profoundly simple common denominator. They all have the same mind. Every one of them are driven by the mind and spirit of Lucifer. As the final World Government Beast rises, they will all collude.
Revelation 17:13 - "These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast."
These Beasts Shall Make War With The Lamb
Kings, Kingdoms and Empires are described in these prophecies. A British Lion, Russian Bear, Four-Headed German Leopard with Wings of a Fowl - (Rooster is the symbol of France, depicting a Franco-German European Beast), and a Dreadful, World Government, United Nations Beast. Some prophecy teachers say the lion was ancient Babylon, the bear was ancient Persia, the leopard was ancient Grecia, etc. But THESE SHALL MAKE WAR WITH THE LAMB. They MUST ALL be modern, contemporary nations NOW IN EXISTENCE to fulfill this prophecy.
Revelation 17:14 - "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them."
He Is Lord Of Lords, And King Of Kings
Nothing in the history of mankind has ever been as shocking and traumatic as the breath-taking reality that will befall the world when they actually see Jesus Christ and millions of His saints standing at the Eastern Gate of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, and the massive armies of His enemies lie as bloodied corpses for 130 miles throughout the Valley of Megiddon. The world did not believe that He is the King of Kings, but He is. And He will reign FOREVER!
Revelation 17:14 - "The Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings."
They That Are With The Lamb
Revelation 14 foretells Jesus thrusting in His sickle and reaping the harvest of the earth (saints from all the ages) in the first resurrection and rapture of the Church. Immediately thereafter, an angel will thrust in a sickle and reap the Grapes of Wrath - an international army of God's enemies to be executed at Armageddon by Jesus Christ, accompanied by His saints.
Revelation 17:14 - "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful."
The Sea And The Waters
In 13:1, John saw a Beast rise up OUT OF THE SEA. It will be the final, despotic, tyrannical government of the last days. In 17:1, John saw "the judgment of the great whore that SITTETH UPON MANY WATERS." Both the SEA from which the First Beast arose, and the WATERS upon which the Great Whore sat are the masses of humanity. The World Government and Roman Catholic Church rule over BILLIONS of people.
Revelation 17:15 - "And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues."
The Ten Horns Shall Destroy The Whore
The last Ten Kings who rise up from among the Seven Heads of the First Beast will be the primary global power-brokers in the final days before Armageddon. They will arise from the general region that is now the European Union. However, the Catholic demographics of Europe are likely to have tilted toward Islamic demographics, and the Europe that once supported Catholicism will finally destroy it.
Revelation 17:16 - "And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire."
God Will Cause Kings To Give Their Kingdoms To Beast
The Sovereignty of God. Never forget about the Sovereignty of God. God is sovereign. Among other things, that means that He has absolute and total control over the destinies of men. He controls the destinies of righteous men and will steer them flawlessly into His eternal Kingdom. He will steer the wicked into fulfilling all His prophesied calamities. Ten enormously powerful kings will forfeit all their power to the Beast.
Revelation 17:17 - "For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled."
The Woman Is That Great City
Seventeen explicit clues identify the woman in chapters 17-18. There is literally no other city in the world today that can fulfill all seventeen of these clues except Rome. It is crystal clear. This blasphemous Great Whore, drunk with the blood of saints and martyrs, arrayed in scarlet and purple, with a golden cup in her hand, who sits on seven mountains making all the kings of all the earth drunk with her fornications is Rome and the Roman Catholic Church.
Revelation 17:18 - "The woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth."
A Powerful Angel Whose Glory Will Light Up The Earth
An amazing phenomenon as this has not been seen since angels announced the Birth of Christ 2,000 years ago. Just before Jesus appears at Armageddon, a POWERFUL angel will appear, "and the earth was lightened with his glory." He has the most astonishing announcement to make to the world. "ROME is fallen! ROME is fallen!" Imagine the headlines. Imagine the newscasts. Imagine the horror on the faces of men! ROME has been destroyed - exactly as prophesied! (Surrounding verses prove "Mystery Babylon" means "Rome.")
Revelation 18:2 - "He cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen."
"Babylon The Great Is Fallen, Is Fallen!"
John gave indisputable clues to prove that Rome (historical seat of the Roman Catholic Church) is Mystery Babylon. Rome will be destroyed in the greatest holocaust of history. Ten kings of the World Government Beast will "hate the whore ...make her desolate and naked ...eat her flesh, and burn her with fire," 17:16. MASSIVE earthquakes will crumble Rome into uninhabitable pieces.
Revelation 18:2 - "He cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird."
Whore Church Is Habitation Of Devils And Foul Spirits
The ancient Babylonian Empire is extinct, and Babylon, the ancient city, has been in ruins for centuries. But MYSTERY Babylon, the demonic secrets that spawned virtually every pagan rite and ritual since the days of Nimrod and the Tower of Babel, were preserved, protected and propagated in the city of Rome. God hates nothing on earth more than Rome. Nothing but devils and vultures will remain when God destroys it.
Revelation 18:2 - "Babylon the great is fallen, ...and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird."
Kings Who Fornicated With The Great Whore
This is a distasteful subject, but it IS in the Bible. The Roman Catholic Church had, from the beginning, an illicit relationship between the Emperor Constantine and the God-hating, Church-murdering Roman Empire. For 1700 years, the Catholic Church has been in bed with kings, presidents, prime ministers, and every kind of head of state, industry and finance. She has maintained herself with the wages of a whore, deceitfully selling heretical indulgences.
Revelation 18:3 - "For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her."
The Merchants And Merchandise Of Rome
The merchandise of the Roman Catholic Church includes statuaries, idols, crucifixes, rosaries, icons, figurines, medallions, artwork, jewelry, furnishings, apparel, publications and so much more. No other religion has anything comparable to the Catholic Church in global merchandising. For its predominantly idolatrous and blasphemous merchandise, she will be indicted and condemned.
Revelation 18:3,11-13 - "The merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies, ...merchandise of gold, ...silver, ...precious stones, ...pearls, ...fine linen, ...purple, ...silk, ...scarlet, ...wood, ...ivory, ...vessels, ...brass, ...iron, ...marble, ...cinnamon, ...odours, ...ointments, ...frankincense, ...wine, ...oil, ...flour, ...wheat, ...beasts, ...sheep, ...horses, ...chariots, ...slaves, and souls of men."
Come Out Of Her! Be Not Partakers Of Her Sins And Plagues!
The Judgment of the Great Whore will be worse than any calamity that ever befell humankind - worse than any earthquake, typhoon, fire, flood or plague. Quit your love affair with the Harlot Church, if you have one, because everyone who is associated with her is guilty by association, AND will receive of her plagues. Come OUT!
Revelation 18:4-5 - "I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities."
The Great Whore Hath Glorified Herself
There is no more pomp and ceremony to be found in any other religion of the world than that which has been seen in Catholic rites and rituals around the world in its exquisite Cathedrals and Basilicas. Its lavish robes, golden chalices, bejeweled furnishings, priceless art and luxurious housings are the diabolical antithesis to the humble Spirit of Jesus Christ. Damnation awaits.
Revelation 18:7,16 - "How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, ...for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, ...clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!"
The False Church Lives Deliciously
These prophecies were written in the first century, centuries before the Roman Catholic Church became world-renowned for its fabulous wealth. The Cathedrals, Basilicas, Churches, treasuries, vaults, museums, libraries, lavish priestly wardrobes, and more, contain vast collections of priceless jewels, precious stones and metals, works of art, statuaries, historical documents and more. Its inestimable wealth is surely a nauseous stench to God.
Revelation 18:7 - "How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow."
The Smoke Of Her Burning
The Great Chicago Fire burned for three days in October 1871, killing hundreds of people and destroying four square miles of properties. The Great London Fire of 1666 destroyed 70,000 homes, and 80,000 people died. But when God burns Rome, the entire city will be annihilated forever. The world's worst earthquake will accompany it. Rome will never be rebuilt.
Revelation 18:8-9, 18 - "She shall be utterly burned with fire: ...they shall see the smoke of her burning, ...And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!"
Rome Will Be Judged In One Hour Of One Day
Too many people dismiss the entire Book of Revelation as a hodge-podge of fantastic imagery. They say it is only metaphorical, allegorical, or symbolic. Some say it has no real practical meaning. But every word is true, and every prophecy will be fulfilled, not the least of which is the judgment of God upon the Roman Catholic Church. There is nothing fictional about it. God is going to destroy Rome and the Catholic Church in one hour of one day.
Revelation 18:8,10 - "Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, ...for in one hour is thy judgment come."
Strong Is The Lord God Who Judges The Whore
For more than 1700 years, the Roman Catholic Church has peddled its heresies, lies and deceptions, while simultaneously working diligently to displace and destroy anything and everyone it perceives to be a threat to its existence. Its political and military exploits are infamous. Still, nobody can imagine a world without a Roman Catholic Church. It is the world's longest-standing tyrant. Only God can bring her down. But He will, with unprecedented and spectacular pandemonium, judge all His enemies.
Revelation 18:8 - "Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, ...for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her."
Rome Will Lose Dainty And Goodly Things It Lusted For
People who live sumptuously are often heard saying, "This is as good as it gets!" There is more truth to that statement than meets the ear. Everyone who gives themselves to fulfill the lusts of their flesh may enjoy their pleasures for a season, but that is as good as it will ever get. On Judgment Day, they will be eternally bankrupted AND damned.
Revelation 18:14 - "The fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all."
Weeping And Wailing At The Fall Of Babylon
When the men of earth witness the spectacular fall of Babylon there will be great weeping, mourning and wailing. She had glorified herself and lived deliciously, saying, "I sit a queen ...and shall see no sorrow." But in one day, death, mourning, famine, fire and earthquake. Kings will bewail her and lament for her. Her judgment came IN ONE HOUR (18:10). Merchants will weep and mourn, "for no man buyeth their merchandise any more."
Revelation 18:15 - "The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing."
Lamenting When "That Great City Is Come To Nought"
The most perverse, diabolical mysteries of Babylon are concretely embedded in Rome. A thorough study of the pagan, idolatrous and demonic roots of the Roman Catholic Church would take a lifetime. For 2000 years, Rome has stealthily exerted its will in Cathedrals, Churches, Kings' palaces, statehouses and more among all nations. The destruction of Rome, "Mystery Babylon," will be a truly shocking event!
Revelation 18:16-17 - "Saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! For in one hour so great riches is come to nought."
Merchants Will Stand Afar Off For Fear Of Her Torment
"The merchants ...which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing." Will they be terrified because they know that their own judgment may be next? Countless multitudes have put their explicit trust in the Roman Catholic Church, even earning their living from Catholicism, although their hearts knew something was wrong.
Revelation 18:17 - "Every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, ...And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city!"
They Will Cry, Weep And Wail At Rome's Desolation
The fall of Rome and the Roman Catholic Church - "Mystery Babylon" - will be more colossal than any event ever seen. Never in the history of the world has an empire or a religious system come to such a dramatic finale. A world-record earthquake (16:18) and an annihilating fire (18:8) will leave Rome in absolute ruin and completely desolate.
Revelation 18:18-19 - "[They] cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city! And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, ...in one hour is she made desolate."
Ships, Shipmasters, Sailors And Sea Traders
"The merchants ...and every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off." Those who enrich themselves by the merchandises of Catholicism will "bewail her, ...lament for her, ...weep and mourn over her, ...cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing." The world should never have seen the abominations perpetrated by Roman Catholicism for 1700 years. Rome will fall. Earth will mourn. Heaven will rejoice.
Revelation 18:19 - "Alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness!"
Rejoice Over Fallen Rome! God Hath Avenged You!
Most of the world is oblivious to the diabolical nature and workings of the Roman Catholic Church, but everyone in Heaven, including the holy Apostles and Prophets are fully aware. From the days of Christ, the Spirit and Prince of Rome has manifest false doctrine, false religion, deception, delusion, death and destruction on every generation. The blood of literally millions of men, women and children has been spilled by Rome. When God overthrows Rome, all of Heaven will rejoice!
Revelation 18:20 - "Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her."
God Will Violently Overthrow His Enemies
The Greek word used in this verse is "hormema," meaning "with violence, an assault, with precipitancy [great cause and force]." The world has never seen God's anger so provoked. In all the ages, His violent fury has never been unleashed as it will be the day that God judges and destroys Rome and the Roman Catholic Church. Get away from it.
Revelation 18:21 - "A mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all."
No More Music In Rome (Mystery Babylon)
Historians say that the music of the Roman Catholic Church laid the foundations upon which all Western music was built. Fourth century traditional chants evolved into well-ordered Gregorian chants in the sixth century. By the ninth century, musical instruments and extensive lyrics were added. The polyphony (many voices) of Catholic choirs and symphonies emerged forcefully from Notre Dame and spread throughout Europe in the twelfth century. As God's judgment unfolds, music will forever be silenced in Rome.
Revelation 18:22 - "The voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee."
Rome Will Be Desolate And Never Rise Again
Rome will be destroyed, "and shall be found no more at all." During the Millennial Kingdom of Christ, Rome will not exist. No craftsmen, builders, millstones [for grinding grains], candles, nor husbands and wives will be there.
Revelation 18:22-23 - "...no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee."
Sorcerers And Murderers In Catholicism
Voices from Heaven uttered scathing indictments against the Great Whore, Mother of Harlots, the False Church - Roman Catholicism. One voice made a stunning accusation: "By thy sorceries were all nations deceived." Sorceries? Witchcraft? In the Catholic Church? How about statues dripping oil and blood? How about countless purported appearances of "the Virgin Mary"? How about millions of innocents sacrificed by the noose, the guillotine, and the burning stake to her false doctrines? Sorcery! Witchcraft! Murders!
Revelation 18:24 - "And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth."
Alleluia, Salvation, Glory, Honor, Power Unto The Lord
When the Seventh Vial of the Wrath of God is poured out, Rome will be violently destroyed. That will be the last big event prior to the Seventh Trumpet, which will declare the First Resurrection and Rapture of the living saints, immediately followed by the Second Coming of Jesus Christ for the Battle of Armageddon and the subsequent Marriage Supper of the Lamb (probably in Jerusalem). What a time for rejoicing!!
Revelation 19:1 - "And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God."
"True And Righteous Are His Judgments!"
Heaven will rejoice to see the judgment of the Great Whore - Rome and the Roman Catholic Church. Heaven will cry with many "Alleluias" when God avenges the blood of His servants on the Whore who corrupted the earth with her fornications. We can rejoice now that it will happen.
Revelation 19:2-3 - "For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever."
All Of Heaven Will Rejoice When Rome Is Destroyed
Everyone in Heaven will rejoice at the fall of Rome, "the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication." "I heard a great voice of much people in heaven." The Twenty-Four Elders and the Four Beasts will fall down and worship God. "And a voice came out of the throne, ...[and] the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings..." The fall of Rome will be God's most celebrated event heretofore, demonstrating God's vicious hatred of Rome.
Revelation 19:6 - "...saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth."
Harlot Church Destroyed, True Church Will Meet Jesus
The FALL OF ROME will immediately precede the MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB. As soon as the Harlot Church is destroyed, the TRUE CHURCH will be resurrected or raptured. "The Lord himself shall descend from heaven ...with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."
Revelation 19:7 - "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come."
Let Us Be Glad And Rejoice For Marriage Of The Lamb
The events prophesied in this 19th chapter of Revelation are cause for the greatest rejoicing. First, the Great Whore, the Harlot Church, will be judged (verses 1-6). Then, the Lamb will take His wife, the Bride of Christ, and the Marriage Supper will soon follow (verses 7-9). Jesus will appear on His White Horse at Armageddon, where He will cast the Beast and the False Prophet into the lake of fire. Evil will be vanquished. Saints will be redeemed. REJOICE!!
Revelation 19:7 - "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come."
The Righteousness Of Saints
Here is a dramatic prophetic juxtaposition. The death of the Great Whore, Mother of Harlots, with her demise depicted in violent, destructive terms, immediately followed by the Marriage of Christ to His chaste, virgin, spiritual Bride. Paul had said in his epistles that the Church must be presented as a chaste virgin unto Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2). Her very bridal gown will be her righteousness.
Revelation 19:7-8 - "His wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints."
The Marriage Supper Of The Lamb And His Bride
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Jesus) with his Bride (saints from all ages) will be announced immediately before Jesus descends to earth to wage the great and epic Battle of Armageddon. The white-robed Bride will become a white-robed Army that will accompany Jesus on white horses to Jerusalem to witness the destruction of Satan, the Beast, the False Prophet, and the enemy armies of Israel. I suspect that the Marriage Supper will be held in Jerusalem as a victory celebration following Armageddon.
Revelation 19:9 - "Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb."
Do Not Worship Fellow Christians
The messenger told John that everyone called to the Marriage Supper is blessed. "These are the true sayings of God." Apparently, John thought his messenger was the Lord Himself. He "fell at his feet to worship him." But his messenger was a fellow Christian. Elders who rule well are worthy of double honor (I Timothy 5:17). "Them which labour among you ...esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake," 1 Thessalonians 5:13. But we must not worship our own brethren.
Revelation 19:10 - "Do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus."
Worship God For The Spirit Of Prophecy
Someone said to John, "Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb." John fell at his feet to worship him, but the voice said, "See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus." This vision depicted not an angel, but a resurrected or raptured saint in Heaven shortly before the Marriage Supper - a fellow Christian. He told John to worship God because the spirit of prophecy attests to Jesus.
Revelation 19:10 - "...worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
Over 1,000 Prophecies
Old Testament prophets declared over one-hundred prophecies about Messiah. Most people cannot appreciate the enormous mathematical improbability that Jesus Christ could fulfill all of those prophecies. But He did! What could be more convincing than 100 ancient prophecies coming to pass in one person? But, far more wonderful, is that over one-thousand other prophecies declare the second coming of Jesus Christ. Many have already been fulfilled. Without a doubt, all the rest of them will be
fulfilled too.
Revelation 19:10 - "...the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
The Second Coming Of Jesus Christ
The proof that Jesus Christ can and will return is rooted in the reality that He was born of a virgin in Bethlehem. If He came once, He can come again. If He could raise Lazarus from the dead, He can raise you and me from the dead. If He can get up out of the grave and ascend into Heaven, then by His power, I can too. He will soon appear at Armageddon as the King of Kings.
Revelation 19:11 - "I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True."
White Horses
Jesus Christ Himself will be riding a white horse when He appears in the heavens to wage the battle of Armageddon. He will be followed by "the army of Heaven," (saints of all ages), who will also be mounted on white horses. In earlier prophecies, one of the four evil spirits of the last days was depicted riding a white horse. That was a false Christ and false Prophet - the Pope.
Revelation 19:11,14 - "I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him ...And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses."
In Righteousness, Jesus Will Judge And Make War
This reprobate generation who says right is wrong, and wrong is right, will be harshly re-oriented to GOD and TRUTH. War has often been the tool of wicked, despotic men whose ambitions were diabolical. Many Courts have been Satanic forums for imposing evil laws upon men. But Jesus Christ will come and wage the WAR-to-end-all-WARS. It will be a perfectly righteous war to impose holy, divine judgment. The evil armies will be absolutely annihilated, and under Christ, righteous men will finally rule the entire earth.
Revelation 19:11 - "In righteousness he doth judge and make war."
Eyes As A Flame Of Fire
Three times in Revelation (1:14; 2:18; 19:12), it is said that Jesus has eyes as a flame of fire. The eyes of God are piercing, penetrating, and all-seeing. Paul said, "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do,” Hebrews 4:12-13. These are the most powerful eyes in the universe! And you wonder if He sees what you are going through? Oh, He does. Rest assured.
Revelation 19:12 - "His eyes were as a flame of fire."
On His Head Were Many Crowns
He is King of Kings. He is King of Heaven, and King of Earth. He is King of Israel. He is King of all Saints. He is King over angels. He is King over Creation. He is King of every nation, tribe and tongue. All power in Heaven and in Earth is given unto Him. He is my King. He is your King. He is King for all of time and eternity. He will never be overthrown. He will be King in the New Heaven, the New Earth and the New Jerusalem.
Revelation 19:12 - "On his head were many crowns."
The Word Of God, King Of Kings, Lord Of Lords
We know His name. It is Jesus, the Christ. But when He appears in the clouds at His Second Coming, He will wear a new name that no man knows but He Himself. His name is also, "The Word of God." And on His vesture and on His thigh will this name be written, "KING OF KINGS, and LORD OF LORDS." Not Mohammed. Not Mahdi. Not Krishna. Not Maitreya. Not Avatar. Not Kalki. JESUS. The ONLY God and Savior.
Revelation 19:13 - "And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God."
His Vesture: Dipped In Blood, His Name Written On It
"They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture," Psalms 22:18. Jesus' vesture was dipped in blood. The Saints' vestures were fine linen, white and clean. Their's could not have been white if His was not stained with His own blood - blood of the King of Kings. "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow," Isaiah 1:18.
Revelation 19:13 - "He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood ...the armies ...clothed in fine linen, white and clean ...And he hath on his vesture ...a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."
They Followed Him
The secret to discipleship is following. Jesus told Peter, "Follow me." He told Matthew, "Follow me." He told Philip, "Follow me." He told the rich young ruler to forsake all and "follow me." "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me," Luke 9:23. He said, "My sheep... follow me." Peter said, "Ye should follow His steps." 144,000 chosen Jews will "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth," Revelation 14:4. Do you want to see His glory? FOLLOW HIM!
Revelation 19:14 - "The armies which were in heaven followed him."
Out Of His Mouth Goeth A Sharp Sword
The most powerful and cutting sword anywhere is not crafted from iron or steel. It is the Word of God. Jesus Christ will smite the nations with His Word. We have almost completely failed to recognize the power of the Word of God to overcome the forces of evil. If you and I would effectively speak the Word of God, demons would flee and sinners would repent. Speak less nonsense. Speak the Word of God in faith and power.
Revelation 19:15 - "And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations."
He Will Smite The Nations With The Sword Of His Mouth
Oh, the Word of God! Sharper than any two-edged Sword! No weapon formed against it can prosper. At Armageddon, Jesus will need no nuclear bombs, aircraft carriers, army tanks, or military equipment of any kind. The King of Kings will smite the nations with the Word of His mouth - the same Sword of the Spirit that is given to every believer. Every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess. His Word has all power in Heaven and earth. Speak it.
Revelation 19:15 - "Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations."
A Rod Of Iron
In Revelation 2:27, Jesus promised that to those who overcome and keep His works unto the end, "will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron." In 12:5, the Woman (Israel) brought forth a man child (Jesus) "who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron." During the 1000-year Kingdom of Christ on earth, sin and rebellion will be completely silenced. Jesus and His saints will rule with righteous judgment. Evil men will not be able to rise up.
Revelation 19:15 - "He shall rule them with a rod of iron."
He Treadeth The Winepress Of Fierceness And Wrath
"God is angry with the wicked every day," Psalm 7:11. But in the days of His longsuffering, He has withheld His fury. But, "the day of vengeance is in mine heart," Isaiah 63:4. After the Great Tribulation, an angel will thrust a sharp sickle into the earth, "and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; ...and [gather] the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God," Revelation 14:20. Jesus Himself will trample that winepress at Armageddon.
Revelation 19:15 - "He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God."
The Final Showdown
In all the history of the world, there has never been a showdown like this one. Imagine this scenario: The Beast - the man who is the head of the World Government of the last days - standing in Jerusalem with the most powerful kings on earth. Behind them stands all their vast armies. In front of them stands Jesus Christ and "the army of Heaven" - saints of all the ages. Armageddon!!
Revelation 19:19 - "I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army."
The Beast And False Prophet Cast Into Lake Of Fire
They will come to their eternal damnation. The PRESIDENT of the World Government Beast (a seven-headed, ten-horned configuration of the United Nations) and the POPE of the Roman Catholic Church will be CAPTURED ALIVE at Armageddon. Jesus will have both men cast alive into a lake of fire and brimstone in the valley of many names (Gehenna, Tophet, Hinnom, Aceldama, Jehoshaphat, Kidron, Esdraelon). Their burning bodies, never consumed, will be in perpetual view (Isaiah 66:24).
Revelation 19:20-21 - "The beast was taken, and with him the false prophet... both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone."
Bodies Of Christ's Enemies Will Be Eaten By Vultures
An angel will stand in the sun, crying with a loud voice to all the fowls of heaven, "Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God." Following Armageddon, bodies of kings, captains, mighty men and horses who came to destroy Israel and make war with Christ will be strewn 130 miles throughout the Valley of Megiddo. Jesus will give their bodies to the vultures.
Revelation 19:21 - "The remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh."
The Supper Of The Great God
John foresaw an angel calling the fowls of heaven together for the "supper of the great God," to eat the flesh of kings, captains, mighty men and horses after the battle of Armageddon. I think the timing of this event logically coincides with the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Why? Because Jesus' glorious victory at Armageddon will precipitate the inauguration of His 1000-year kingdom on earth. That will be the perfect time for the Marriage Supper (a celebration feast) - while vultures simultaneously feast upon Jesus' defeated foes throughout the Valley.
Revelation 19:21 - "...all the fowls were filled with their flesh."
The End Of Sin And Satan's Rule
Words utterly fail to articulate the colossal significance of this event. Epochal? More than that. Climactic? Earth-shattering? Momentous? Historic? There simply are no words to aptly describe how monumental this occasion will be. The end of Satan's rule. The end of sin and sinners. The end of wars and strife. The end of human governments. The beginning of the Kingdom of Christ and His immortals on earth. NEVER has there been such a transition.
Revelation 19:21 - "And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth."
Satan Will Be Bound One Thousand Years
An angel. A bottomless pit. A great chain. The Dragon, "that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan." After 6000 years of the most diabolical stealing, killing and destroying, Lucifer will finally be mercilessly imprisoned. An angel of God will bind Satan in a great chain and cast him into a bottomless pit. He will shut up the pit and put a seal on it. There Satan will be quarantined for 1000 years.
Revelation 20:1 - "An angel ...having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain ...laid hold on the dragon ...and bound him a thousand years."
The Angel And The Dragon
In Revelation 12, John saw "the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, ...into the earth." TWO MAJOR EVENTS must precede Satan being cast into the earth. FIRST, the Manchild (Christ) had to be caught up into Heaven (after His resurrection). SECOND, the Woman (Israel) must flee into the wilderness (before the Great Tribulation). Next, Satan will RAGE for 42 months immediately before Armageddon. Then, he will spend 1000 years bound in chains, free-falling in the Bottomless Pit.
Revelation 20:2 - "[The angel] laid hold on the dragon, ...and bound him a thousand years."
Satan - Deceiver Of Nations
So you think the Devil is out to get you? Think again. He doesn't want YOU. He will pay any price to lure you, tempt you and entice you to betray God, but as soon as you take the bait, he will dump you like trash and leave you empty and lifeless. He doesn't want YOU. He wants NATIONS! He wants the ENTIRE WORLD. He wants the KINGDOM OF GOD enslaved to him. But he will NEVER have it. Satan is damned.
Revelation 20:3 - "[The angel] cast him into the bottomless pit, ...that he should deceive the nations no more."
After 1000 Years, Satan Must Be Loosed A Little Season
As the climax of the Battle of Armageddon, Satan will be chained and imprisoned, free-falling in the Bottomless Pit for 1000 years, while Jesus Christ and His immortal Saints rule mortals on earth with a rod of iron. After 1000 years, Satan will be "loosed out of his prison" for "a little season." Unbelievably, but not surprisingly, Satan will immediately attempt another Armageddon, trying his same deceptions on the nations, including Gog and Magog.
Revelation 20:3 - "He should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season."
Mark Of The Beast Occurs Before First Resurrection
The following scenario is called (in verse 5) "the first resurrection." That is enormously significant. THE FOLLOWING people will be in the FIRST resurrection. That means there will be no resurrection before THEY live and die. "Them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, ...which HAD NOT WORSHIPPED THE BEAST, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands." This PROVES that the RAPTURE and the FIRST RESURRECTION will take place AFTER the Mark of the Beast.
Revelation 20:4 - "...and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."
I Saw The Souls Of Them That Were Beheaded
Saints must not worship the Beast or take the Mark (introduced 42 months before Armageddon). Many will be killed. Some will die from hardship. But EVERY SAINT who is in the GRAVE will be resurrected, and EVERY LIVING SAINT will be caught up simultaneously to meet them and Jesus in the air immediately before Armageddon.
Revelation 20:4 - "I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands."
Thrones For The Saints
Jesus will have a magnificent Temple and a great Throne in Jerusalem while He rules on earth for one thousand years. Saints will also have thrones in their roles as kings and priests unto God. After the millennium, Heaven and earth will pass away with a fervent heat. All things material and temporal will be annihilated. Saints will find themselves in the spiritual and eternal New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem.
Revelation 20:4 - "...I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: ...and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."
Living And Reigning With Christ
Jesus said that the thief (Satan) never comes except to steal, kill and destroy. But He added, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly," John 10:10. People who concentrate on fulfilling that "abundant life" in this temporal world have totally missed the point. Abundant life only really begins when He comes back to rule from Jerusalem for 1000 years. Saints will rule with Him then, but afterward, they will live with Him FOREVER in His New Heaven and Earth.
Revelation 20:4 - "...and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years."
Do Not Worship The Beast
In these days of "rock-star" Presidents, riotous political rallies, viral videos, corrupt propaganda machines, elitist media manipulation and more, it should come as no surprise that the prophesied world government will literally be worshipped by the masses. History is plagued with Lenins, Stalins, Maos, Mussolinis and Hitlers who popularly hypnotized the masses to cheer their own enslavement. Saints of God refuse to worship anyone but God in Christ.
Revelation 20:4 - "I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image."
Be Prepared For The Last Trumpet
The Last Trumpet will be the first universal Judgment, because the dead in Christ will rise, and living saints will be caught up to meet them in the air. That means that God will JUDGE you fit or unfit to be saved when the Last (Seventh) Trumpet sounds. Every person NOT resurrected or raptured at the Seventh Trumpet will not be called for 1000 years more. Therefore, you should be extremely diligent to prepare BEFORE the Last Trumpet.
Revelation 20:5 - "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection."
The Rest Of The Dead
There will only be TWO RESURRECTIONS. The First Resurrection will occur simultaneously with the Rapture of living Saints (I Thessalonians 4:16-17). The Second Resurrection will occur 1000 years later. The First Resurrection and Rapture cannot occur until AFTER the Mark of the Beast, based on 20:4-5. "I saw the souls of them ...which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark." If you are not in the First Resurrection, you will not be saved.
Revelation 20:5 - "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection."
The Second Death
The FIRST DEATH is the death of the mortal body. Bodies of dead SAINTS from all the ages will rise in the First Resurrection, (and LIVING SAINTS will rise simultaneously in the RAPTURE) to be with Christ forever. SOULS of sinners go to Hell when they die, but their BODIES wait in the grave for the SECOND RESURRECTION to face Christ at His White Throne. Their bodies will be cast into Hell. Saints will never taste the SECOND DEATH.
Revelation 20:6 - "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power."
They Shall Be Priests Of God
A priest is someone who makes intercession between God and men. In Moses' day, Aaron the High Priest entered the Holy Place with sacrifices and offerings to the Lord for the people. In the New Testament, Jesus entered Heaven itself with His own blood, making intercession for all who would obey His Gospel. In the Millennial Kingdom of Christ, we who are redeemed will minister to mortals on earth.
Revelation 20:6 - "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: ...they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."
Saints Will Reign With Christ For One Thousand Years
Although Christians call these the "Last Days," saints of God will actually continue to live on this earth for at least 1000 more years. As soon as Jesus defeats the Beast and False Prophet and their international army at Armageddon, He will immediately set up His throne in Jerusalem and will rule the world from there. Jewish saints will live in new Israel. Gentile saints will rule Gentile nations.
Revelation 20:6 - "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: ...they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years."
It Won't Be Water But Fire Next Time
God promised that He would never again destroy the world by a flood. After Jesus rules from Jerusalem for 1000 years, "Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they ...compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city [Jerusalem]." NO WAR THIS TIME! Just consuming FIRE!
Revelation 20:9 - "Fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them."
Satan's Doom
The very first Bible prophecy was two-fold and awesome. Messiah would come and Satan would be doomed! God told the serpent, "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel," (Genesis 3:14-15). John clearly said the serpent was the Devil (Satan) in Revelation 12:9.
Revelation 20:10 - "...the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, ...and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."
Satan, Beast, False Prophet In Hell For Eternity
During Jesus' 1000-year earthly rule, Satan will be chained in the bottomless pit. He will be loosed briefly after that Millennium, and will attempt to re-enact Armageddon with no success whatsoever. The fire of God will fall and destroy all his forces. Then Satan will be cast into the eternal lake of fire and brimstone with the Beast and False Prophet FOREVER!
Revelation 20:10 - "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever."
Earth And Heaven Flee Away From God's Throne
The so-called "expanding" universe is NO PROOF that the universe began with a big-bang. The universe is expanding because everything in the material realm is fleeing the Throne of God. Only those of us who are born again will ever return to the Throne of God. The universe is not expanding because of a big-bang, but because the Throne of God is at its center.
Revelation 20:11 - "I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them."
The Great White Throne Judgment
At the end of the Millennial Kingdom of Christ, all the dead will stand before Jesus, who is seated on the Great White Throne. The Book of Life will contain the names of the redeemed. Books will have recorded every man's works, which will be judged. Never believe anybody who tells you that God will not judge your works. Both saints and sinners will be judged by their works. "I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be," Revelation 22:12.
Revelation 20:13 - "They were judged every man according to their works."
Will Anybody Be Saved After The Rapture?
"Will anybody be saved after the Rapture?" If you are not taken in the FIRST RESURRECTION AND RAPTURE, you will not be resurrected until 1000 years later. At the White Throne, you will then be cast into hell forever. We are not told if mortals will be born again during the Millennial Kingdom of Christ. If they are, their names will be in the Book of Life at the White Throne Judgment, and they will be saved.
Revelation 20:13 - "Death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works."
Death And Hell
According to Jesus' story (Luke 16), the rich man went to Hell and torment when he died. Lazarus immediately went to be with Abraham and the saints. Our mortal bodies will perish in the grave. However, God will re-create immortal bodies when He resurrects us. Saints will rise in the First Resurrection and Rapture. Sinners will rise in the Second Resurrection, 1000 years later. Sinful souls in Hell will re-enter their physical bodies and be cast into the Lake of Fire.
Revelation 20:14 - "Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death."
Death And Hell Will Be Cast Into The Lake Of Fire
All saints will be raised to be with Jesus in the FIRST RESURRECTION and RAPTURE. But the souls of all sinners will remain in the grave ("death and hell [grave]") until the SECOND RESURRECTION, 1000 years later. They will face Jesus at the White Throne, to be "judged every man according to their works," 20:13. All sinners will be cast into hell at that event.
Revelation 20:14-15 - "Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
The Book Of Life
It appears that every person ever born is recorded in the Book of Life, but "the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book," Exodus 32:33. If you DIE IN SIN, your name will be forever blotted out. If you are Born Again (John 3:3-5; Acts 2:38), and overcome the world, flesh and Devil, "HE THAT OVERCOMETH, ...I WILL NOT BLOT OUT his name out of the book of life," Revelation 3:5.
Revelation 20:15 - "Whosoever was NOT FOUND written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
A New Heaven And A New Earth
God plans to completely annihilate the old heavens and earth. "I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind," Isaiah 65:17. Stars, galaxies and constellations will disappear (Isaiah 34:4). "All these things shall be dissolved, ...the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements [atoms, molecules, etc.] shall melt with fervent heat," 2 Peter 3:11. The old material universe will vanish. His new spiritual universe will be eternal.
Revelation 21:1 - "I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away."
ALL Things New
This should speak profoundly to us. God is going to completely annihilate the old universe. Everything material, from the smallest particle to the largest galaxy will absolutely vanish. The universe will be utterly black and void. Only the Spirit of God and things born of the Spirit will survive and endure for all eternity (in a NEW HEAVEN AND EARTH). Marvel not that I say unto you, "Ye must be born again." You cannot take ANYTHING with you from here, except the souls you led into His Kingdom.
Revelation 21:1 "The first heaven and the first earth were passed away."
No More Sea
Charles Spurgeon said, "To John in Patmos the deep waters were like prison walls, shutting him out from his brethren and his work: there shall be no such barriers in the world to come. Leagues of rolling billows lie between us and many a kinsman whom to-night we prayerfully remember, but in the bright world to which we go there shall be unbroken fellowship for all the redeemed family." The New Earth will be glorious and eternal, like nothing we have ever seen.
Revelation 21:1 - "I saw a new heaven and a new earth: ...and there was no more sea."
The Holy City, New Jerusalem
Everybody wants to go to Heaven, but in the stark reality of Bible prophecy, we are actually going to the New Jerusalem. The entire old material universe will have been dissolved at the end of the Millennial Reign of Christ on earth. God will make all things new. For the remainder of eternity, His capital will be the New Jerusalem, on the New Earth. This magnificent holy city will be the residence of God's throne and all His saints and angels forever.
Revelation 21:2 - "And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven."
Earthly Jerusalem, Heavenly Jerusalem, New Jerusalem
There are THREE cities in the Bible called Jerusalem. 1. The EARTHLY Jerusalem, dating back beyond Melchizedek, and still in existence today. It will be greatly expanded and reconstructed by Christ during the Millennium (Ezekiel 40-48). 2. The HEAVENLY Jerusalem, where God now sits on His throne in the company of His angels and souls of departed saints. 3. The NEW JERUSALEM, created for the NEW HEAVEN and NEW EARTH, after the old heavens and earth pass away. All three have vastly different descriptions.
Revelation 21:2 - "I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven."
A Bride Adorned For Her Husband
"As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee," Isaiah 62:5. "Let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet," Joel 2:16. If there had been no BRIDE redeemed from the earth, there would be no need for the New Jerusalem. The BRIDE is the purpose and essence of the Holy City. The Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, will dwell forever with his Bride, the saints of all ages, robed in white, washed in His blood.
Revelation 21:2 - "I John saw the holy city, ...prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."
New Jerusalem Prepared As A Bride
Jesus said, "In my Father's house are many mansions: ...I go to prepare a place for you. ...I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also," John 14:2-3. New Jerusalem is that place. The Holy City was prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. In that eternal city, the Bridegroom and the Bride will dwell together forever.
Revelation 21:3 - "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God."
The Tabernacle Of God Is With Men
John reveals to us in verse 22, "I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it." There will be no structural Temple in the New Jerusalem. But in verse 3, John heard a voice saying, "The Tabernacle of God is with men." Is there a conflict here? No. Jesus Christ is the Tabernacle of God. He is the body, the Temple, the House and Tabernacle of God. Jesus is the embodiment of God.
Revelation 21:3 - "I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men."
God Shall Wipe Away All Tears From Their Eyes
This verse does NOT say that there will be NO TEARS in Heaven. It says that "God shall wipe away all tears..." I can only wonder what the first thirty minutes of silence in Heaven will be like (Revelation 8:1). Will we recall our loved ones who did not choose to follow Christ? Will we remember those whose souls were condemned for eternity? I cannot say. But I can say that whatever tears we shed will be forever wiped away when we enter into His joys forever.
Revelation 21:4 - "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."
No More Crying
At the end of the 1000-year Kingdom of Christ on earth, the old material universe will melt with a fervent heat. A new Heaven and new Earth (20:1) will replace the old. Everything will be spiritual and eternal. No one there will ever know pain, sickness, sorrow or death again. Saints from all ages will live forever with Jesus in His beautiful Kingdom.
Revelation 21:4 - "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
No More Pain
Pain can occur in every sensory channel - touch, taste, sight, hearing and smell - anything with neural sensitivity. Pain can be experienced in every fiber of the body. Injury and sickness can cause pain. Pain can be intentionally inflicted as punishment or torture. Pain can be self-inflicted. Pain can be emotional, mental or spiritual. Scientists have even discovered that we can literally die from a broken heart. But in New Jerusalem, NO ONE will EVER AGAIN know or feel pain of any kind! We will find endless comfort in His presence.
Revelation 21:4 - "Neither shall there be any more pain."
The Former Things Are Passed Away
The past is gone forever. We cannot bring back even one second from the past. Nevertheless, the world has been affected by the lives we have lived. Every person who knows you has been affected by your life. Was it for good or for bad? The effect of all our sins has poisoned this world. Sickness, pain, suffering, and death are the tragic consequences of our countless sins. Thankfully, the old heaven and earth will completely pass away, and saints will have no burdens from the past! All things will become NEW!
Revelation 21:4 - "...for the former things are passed away."
Behold, I Make All Things New
Almighty God created EVERYTHING. He orchestrates the spin of every atom, the structure of every molecule, and the destiny of every ray of light. He also presides profoundly over all the affairs of men. But when He finally harvests the Good Seed of the earth (Saints from all ages) He will completely annihilate (melt, dissolve) this material universe (2 Peter 3:11-12). Everything will begin brand new in His eternal spiritual Kingdom forever!
Revelation 21:5 - "He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful."
The Never-Before-Seen City Of God
In this old world, the edge of space is only 62 miles above its surface. In the New Earth, the height of New Jerusalem is said to be 1500 miles. Whereas modern commercial aircraft fly at about 30,000 feet (about 6 miles high), the atmosphere of New Jerusalem will be about 1500 miles high. The divinely-created New Jerusalem will be a self-contained city with a never-before-seen eternal, incorruptible environment with its own foundations, walls, light, rivers and more - the Capital of God. The New Earth will be a separate entity.
Revelation 21:5 - "Behold, I make all things new."
These Words Are True And Faithful
A fellowservant told John, "The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy," 19:10. NOTHING confirms the awesome deity of Christ more persuasively than the fact that prophets have for thousands of years been accurately foretelling His mighty works. The word of a true prophet is more solid than granite, more durable than all the elements, and more reliable than the rising and setting of the sun. If God said it, I believe it, and that settles it. These words are true and faithful.
Revelation 21:5 - "He that sat upon the throne said, ...Write: for these words are true and faithful."
It Is Done!
Twice, John prophetically recorded a voice from the Throne of God saying, "It is done." The first occurance (16:10) will be at the outpouring of the Seventh Vial of God's Wrath, triggering the fall of Mystery Babylon (Rome), the great and final Battle of Armageddon, and the inauguration of the Millennial Kingdom of Christ. The second time "It is done!" is pronounced will be 1000 years later as the New Heaven, New Earth and New Jerusalem are revealed. All sinners will be in Hell. All saints will be with Christ.
Revelation 21:6 - "And he said unto me, It is done."
Come To God Thirsty - He Will Give You Living Water
Jesus told the woman at the well, "Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life," John 4:14. At Galilee, Jesus told the multitude, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst," John 6:35. Come thirsty. He will give you eternal LIFE.
Revelation 21:6 - "I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely."
He That Overcometh Shall Inherit All Things
In that exhilarating, unprecedented moment formalizing the end of time, when the old heavens and earth have utterly vanished - melted and dissolved in fervent heat - and as the New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem make their first appearance, Jesus Christ will stand on the precipice and announce, "It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end." Then, a formal welcome to those who sought Him, "I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." Finally, an unimaginable bequest:
Revelation 21:7 - "He that overcometh shall inherit all things."
I Will Be His God, And He Shall Be My Son
I never knew the plight of an orphan. I was born to loving parents who have comforted me through many great ordeals of my life. So I cannot imagine the soul of the fatherless. Yet I know that every person who fails to obey the Gospel will someday be cast into outer darkness, where they will be eternally alienated and separated from their Creator. NOTHING comforts me more than knowing that I have been born of God, and that I will be His beloved son forever.
Revelation 21:7 - "I will be his God, and he shall be my son."
Fear And Unbelief Will Bring Condemnation
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. God has all power to bless or to curse, so we have every reason to fear God. But to fear anyone or anything else demonstrates unbelief that God will take care of us. That kind of fear tells God that we ultimately do not trust Him. He created the universe! We can and should approach Him with explicit trust. Fear and unbelief are sins.
Revelation 21:8 - "But the fearful, and unbelieving... shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
Speak Only The Truth Lest You Be Condemned
No one really comprehends the damnable effects of every lie. True words are miraculously constructive. False words are miraculously destructive. The universe is fabricated by the Word of God. Truth is the invisible infrastructure of the DNA of life. Every evil effect in the universe is the result of false words. Truth tends to life. Lies tend to death. That is why God will condemn all liars to eternal damnation. Every liar is an enemy of God. Every lie is a weapon against Truth.
Revelation 21:8 - "...all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone."
The Lake Which Burns With Fire And Brimstone
Nothing in the Bible indicates that Hell is a social place. It is a bottomless pit, a lake of fire and brimstone, outer darkness, and a place of weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth. No meeting rooms. No fellowship. No congregating for fun and good times. Hell is eternal loneliness, tormented by what might have been. Repent and be born again, or you will be there too.
Revelation 21:8 - "The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone."
One Of The Seven Angels Having The Seven Vials
John was introduced to the BRIDE, the Lamb's Wife, by one of the Seven Angels who will pour out the Seven Vials of the Wrath of God. The fact that one angel might summarily execute one of God's most horrifying judgments then immediately celebrate the arrival of the saints of God is a fascinating juxtaposition of both the goodness and the severity of God (Romans 11:22).
Revelation 21:9 - "There came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, ...saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife."
The Bride, The Lamb's Wife
God looked at Adam in the Garden and said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him," Genesis 2:18. The first Adam was not created to be alone. Neither was the last Adam [Christ] made to be alone. The vast 6,000-year saga, from Genesis to Revelation, is above all else, about the getting of a wife for the Son of God. As Eliezer fetched Rebekah for Isaac, the Spirit has fetched a Bride for Christ.
Revelation 21:9 - "Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife."
Carried Away In The Spirit
Ezekiel was "in the Spirit" when he saw the vision of the dry bones and the future resurrection of Israel (Ezekiel 37:1). John was "in the Spirit" on the Lord's day when the Revelation began unfolding to him. Several other revelations came while he was "in the Spirit." The way to know God is to walk in the Spirit. "Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" Galatians 3:3.
Revelation 21:10 - "And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem."
The Size Of New Jerusalem
An angel used a golden reed to measure the New Jerusalem. It will be foursquare (cubed: equal length, width, and height). Twelve thousand furlongs measures about 1500 miles square, or 2.25 million square (surface) miles. That is 225 times the size of modern metropolitan Houston, Texas (10,000 square miles, population six million). John stood in a high mountain and saw it hovering above (not attached to) the New Earth.
Revelation 21:10 - "He carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God."
Her Light Was Clear As Crystal
God is "the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning," James 1:17. The New Jerusalem will be a bright, shining place, more beautiful than any precious stone. There will be no shadows, nor any glare. The light will not come from the sun, moon or stars, but from the Lamb who is the LIGHT of the city. The view of everything in the eternal Kingdom of God will be as clear as crystal.
Revelation 21:11 - "Her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal."
The Jasper Walls Of New Jerusalem
New Jerusalem will have a great, high JASPER (white-veined light-brown stone) WALL built on twelve foundations of precious stones. It does not appear to have twelve floors, but one floor on a twelve-layered foundation (each named after the twelve Apostles). On east, north, south, and west will be three gates named after the twelve Tribes of Israel. The entire cubicle appears to be enclosed in golden glass, trimmed with the Jasper Wall at its base.
Revelation 21:18 - "The building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass."
Foundations Garnished With Precious Stones
An angel measured the wall of New Jerusalem at 144 cubits. (12x12 maintains the symbolism of 12 Tribes and 12 Apostles). A cubit is variously held to be 18-25 inches. So the wall is only about 250-300 feet high around the City that is 1500 MILES high. That barely amounts to a nice trim, but it serves its purpose and contains the entrance gates. The wall sits on a base of twelve foundations garnished in twelve precious stones named after the Apostles.
Revelation 21:19 - "The foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones."
Gates Of Pearl, Streets Of Gold
The gates of the New Jerusalem will be made of pearl. Remember that the old heaven and earth will be dissolved, and the elements (atoms and molecules) will melt with a fervent heat (2 Peter 3:12-13). The new world will be of different essence than the old world. Nothing over there will be corruptible. Pearly gates and streets of transparent gold will be of miraculous, eternal, incorruptible essence. Totally unimaginable. Just believe.
Revelation 21:21 - "The twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass."
No Temple In New Jerusalem - Worship Face-To-Face
God originally gave Moses the Tabernacle Plan in the wilderness so that He would have a place to dwell among them. The Ark of the Covenant was placed inside the Holy of Holies, and the High Priests made offerings and sacrifices for the people. When Israel settled in the Promised Land, David and Solomon prepared the great Holy Temple for the same purposes. But in Heaven, we will worship the Lord face-to-face. No need for a Temple!
Revelation 21:22 - "And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it."
The City Had The Glory Of God
The supernatural light of God almost never reflects on material things. In Genesis 1, creation began in darkness. But supernatural rays of His glory will forever reflect upon the Holy City, Bride of Christ, people of God. "He ...shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, ...Having the glory of God." 21:10-11.
Revelation 21:23-24 - "The city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it."
Nations Of The Saved Will Worship In New Jerusalem
This heaven and earth will pass away after the 1000-year reign of Christ. "The heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.. look for new heavens and a new earth," 2 Peter 3:12-13. New Jerusalem will be the eternal, universal Capital of God and the Lamb - Jesus Christ. Nations of redeemed saints will come to Jerusalem to give glory and honor to Him.
Revelation 21:24 - "The nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it."
Kings And Nations In The New Earth
New Jerusalem will be the Capital of the New Earth. Almighty God, in the body of Jesus Christ, will rule from His Throne in the New Jerusalem. His glory will illuminate the whole earth. Kings and nations will be comprised of born-again, immortal saints from the old earth. This will be the eternal Kingdom of God.
Revelation 21:24-26 - "The nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. ...And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it."
Kings Bring Their Glory And Honor To New Jerusalem
In 2005, I attended the World Summit of the United Nations in New York City. 153 Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Emirs, etc. attended the largest conclave of World Leaders in history. NOT ONE gave glory to Jesus Christ in five days of speeches. But when New Jerusalem comes down upon the New Earth (Revelation 21:1-2), EVERY KING ON EARTH will bring His glory and honor to Jesus. Every person in the New Earth will have been redeemed from the Old Earth by Jesus Christ.
Revelation 21:24 - "And the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it."
The Gates Of New Jerusalem
Twelve gates will provide passage in and out of New Jerusalem. Above each gate will be written the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. There will be three gates on each wall (East, North, South, and West). "The twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl," 21:21. An angel will stand at each gate, opening to golden streets.
Revelation 21:25-26 - "The gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it."
They Shall Bring The Glory And Honor Of Nations
Isaiah prophesied, "The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea," 11:9. Habakkuk prophesied, "The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea," 2:14. Both prophecies speak of the New Earth, after the old heaven and earth have passed away. There will never be any more sinner nations. All nations will be the nations that Jesus Christ redeemed with His blood.
Revelation 21:26 - "They shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it [New Jerusalem in the New Earth]."
A Place Prepared By Jesus For His Own
Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also," John 14:2-3. Every mansion in the New Jerusalem will be specially built. That promise was not to every man, but only those who are redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb and written in His Book.
Revelation 21:27 - "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing ...but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."
Nothing That Defileth Shall Enter In
Politicians are known almost universally as liars. Governments and bureacracies are infamous for corruption and deception. Earthly kings and heads of state often practice bribery and other dishonest and illicit tactics. But NOT SO in New Jerusalem. Every person in that Kingdom will be pure in heart. EVERYONE will have been washed in the Blood of Jesus and will be spotless, holy saints FOREVER!
Revelation 21:27 - "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."
The River Of The Water Of Life
At a great feast, Jesus loudly cried, "Come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow RIVERS OF LIVING WATER," John 7:37. He spoke of the Holy Ghost - the river of the water of life. "I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the WATER OF LIFE freely," Revelation 21:6. We will actually see and drink of the River of the Water of Life in New Jerusalem.
Revelation 22:1 - "He shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne."
Eternal Life Proceeds From The Throne Of God
Is it some coincidence that the River of Water of Life proceeds out of the Throne of God and of the Lamb? Jesus promised a river of water of life to all who believe and obey His Gospel. Eternal life comes directly from His Presence - from His very Throne. The life that is in the born-again believer comes directly from the Throne of God, where the Eternal Spirit inhabits the Lamb Jesus Christ.
Revelation 22:1 - "He shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
The Throne Of God And Of The Lamb
God has always been invisible. No man hath seen God at any time. He is "dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see," 1 Timothy 6:16. When Jesus ascended to stand at the right hand of God, there was still only one visible person there. The LAMB is visible. The FATHER is Spirit. Jesus sits on the THRONE as the only visible body of God, now and forever. God is IN Christ. Jesus is all you will ever see of God.
Revelation 22:1 - "...the throne of God and of the Lamb."
The Tree Of Life On The River Of Water Of Life
TWO important trees grew in the Garden of Eden: The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life. God forbade Adam to eat of the Tree of Knowledge. Presumably, if Adam and Eve had first eaten from the Tree of Life, they would not have died. Because of their sin, God cast them out of the Garden "to keep the way of the Tree of Life." It will flourish in New Jerusalem.
Revelation 22:2 - "In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life."
Twelve Fruits, Leaves Of The Tree Will Heal The Nations
The Tree of Life will be prominently featured in the New Jerusalem, growing profusely down the median of the central boulevard in the heart of the city AND on both sides of the River of Life. It will bear twelve kinds of fruits with fresh crops every month. A month will not be based on solar cycles, since the Lamb is the light. Its leaves will heal the nations of the redeemed.
Revelation 22:2 - "[They] bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."
There Shall Be No More Curse
It is impossible to identify all the calamitous effects of the curse of sin on mankind, on the world and for that matter, on the entire universe. Lucifer sinned first when he provocatively declared, "I will!" in the face of God. The serpent enticed Eve who enticed Adam. God cursed the serpent, Eve, and the entire earth for Adam's sake. That episode closed down the Garden of Eden. The curses brought epochs of sickness, pain, tragedy and death. But in the new paradise of God, everything will be perfectly blessed. Not one curse.
Revelation 22:3 - "There shall be no more curse."
His Servants Shall Serve Him
We know very little about the lifestyles of saints in our eternal abode. We will worship God and fellowship with fellow saints, but there is certainly much more. I fully believe that the divine, eternal Kingdom of Christ will be infinitely more expansive and glorious than any human government we have seen. The new incorruptible Heavens and Earth will be ours to enjoy forever. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him," 1 Corinthians 2:9.
Revelation 22:3 - "...and his servants shall serve him."
They Shall See His Face
It has been nearly 2000 years since Jesus ascended into Heaven, yet we worship and believe in Him although we have never seen Him. "Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." 1 Peter 1:8-9. It will not always be that way. Soon, we will see Him face-to-face, and serve Him and minister to Him forever.
Revelation 22:3 - "The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face."
His Name Shall Be In Their Foreheads
When Cain sinned, God set a mark on him to save him from those who would destroy him. In Ezekiel 9:4, angels were told to SET A MARK on those who sighed and cried for the abominations in Jerusalem. Those with the MARK of GOD were saved. The rest were destroyed. Satan will set the Mark of the Beast on all the lost in the end. But FOREVER MORE, saints of God will be marked with the NAME OF GOD in their foreheads. It will be the mark of eternal salvation.
Revelation 22:4 - "His name shall be in their foreheads."
There Shall Be No Night There
At the end of Jesus' 1000-year rule on earth (commonly called, "The Millennium") the elements will melt with a fervent heat, and all these things shall be dissolved (2 Peter 3:11-12). There will be no more material universe with its sun, moon and stars. Time will be no more. The new heavens and earth will be incorruptible and eternal, not at all like the old worlds. There will be no day/night cycles.
Revelation 22:5 - "And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light."
The Lord God Giveth Them Light
Let me speculate for a moment. God did not create the sun, moon and stars until the FOURTH DAY of Creation. When in Creation He said, "Let there be light," SUPERNATURAL LIGHT burst forth - not natural light. Plant life was created the THIRD DAY - before natural light. In the New Earth there will be no natural light. All light will be supernatural. Everything there will be supernatural. Nobody can possibly imagine that world. Just believe.
Revelation 22:5 - "There shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light."
A Fantasy Of Heaven
I fantasize about eternity. I have a loving wife there, many precious loved ones, and Jesus, whom I have never seen. What more might I find in the New Heavens, New Earth, and New Jerusalem? Infinite new universes. Exhilarating colors I have never seen. Mesmerizing music like never before heard. Myriads of angels in chorus. Vast symphonies of musical instruments unknown to men. A fiery throne wherein my Creator dwells. Millions upon millions of saints, each with hypnotic stories to tell of how they overcame, ruling in His eternal Kingdom.
Revelation 22:5 - "...and they shall reign for ever and ever."
They Shall Reign Forever And Ever
The saints of God will have already ruled and reigned for 1000 years as Kings and Priest over mortals in the Old Earth. But in the eternal New Jerusalem, "they shall reign for ever and ever." We cannot imagine what the New Earth will be like, but I suppose that from God's Capital City of New Jerusalem, saints will explore and inhabit New Earth and New Heavens. I can only guess. Ironically, it is saith both that "His servants shall serve Him," and "reign forever." We will REIGN as His SERVANTS.
Revelation 22:5 - "And they shall reign forever and ever."
These Sayings Are Faithful And True
In Revelation, John refers to the Lord as true and holy (3:7; 6:10); true and faithful (3:14;19:11; 21:5; 22:6); true and just (15:3); and true and righteous (16:7; 19:2). The world has often been misled by false prophets like the Sibyls of Greece, the Oracle of Delphi, Zoroaster, Nostradamus, Mohammed, and more modern voices like Joseph Smith, Edgar Cayce, Jean Dixon and many others. NOTHING in the entire universe is more true, holy, faithful, just and righteous than JESUS CHRIST and the WORDS of His prophecies.
Revelation 22:6 - "He said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true."
The Lord God Of The Holy Prophets Sent His Angel
Almost every major character in the entire Bible was visited at some time or another by an angel of God. From the cherub that guarded the gate of Eden, to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, David, Jesus, Peter, John, Paul and many, many more, the whole story of God WOULD NOT EXIST without the witness of angels. Angels STILL encamp about and minister to those who shall be the heirs of salvation. One attends you now.
Revelation 22:6 - "The Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done."
The Sayings Of The Prophecy Of This Book
In the forty-five years since I first started preaching the Gospel, I have found precious few people who have demonstrated a genuine, truly attentive interest in understanding the many prophecies and doctrines found in the Book of Revelation. Multitudes of people have a SUPERFICIAL, shallow fascination with Revelation, but when the discussion gets too in-depth, they drop out of the conversation. I have seen it happen countless times. If you seriously want the blessings of this book, you have to keep its sayings.
Revelation 22:7 - "Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book."
Things Seen And Heard
The Book of Revelation is not mythological, fantasy, science fiction, or the rantings of a mentally unstable psychopath. It is the journal of the man who was closer to Jesus than any other man, including the Apostle Peter. John literally SAW and HEARD these visions and angelic visitations while on the island of Patmos. Many of these prophecies are already fulfilled, and soon the remainder will be.
Revelation 22:8 - "I John SAW these things, and HEARD them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things."
Do Not Worship Saints Or Angels. Worship God.
In a vision about the Marriage Supper, John was rebuked for bowing down to what he thought was an angel. "Do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus," 19:10. In a vision of New Jerusalem, John made the same error.
Revelation 22:8-9 - "I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: WORSHIP GOD."
A Future Fellowservant / Fellow Prophet / Fellow Saint
Keep in mind that John was in a VISION during this revelation. The SIGHTS he was seeing were all FUTURE events. Therefore, it is logical to presume that the messenger who showed him these things was not literally alive at the time of the vision. The messenger at best only prophetically symbolized A FUTURE SAINT who would be in heaven when the revealed events actually take place.
Revelation 22:9 - "Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book."
We Will Worship And Serve God Forever
The last two chapters of the Bible reveal the coming New Heaven, New Earth and New Jerusalem. The old heaven, earth and Jerusalem will have melted with a fervent heat, and the elements will be dissolved (2 Peter 3:11-12). There will be no more corruptible, material world as we have known, but an incorruptible eternal spirit world. We will have a "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens," 2 Corinthians 5:1. Jesus will be there on His Throne, and saints will worship and serve Him forever.
Revelation 22:9 - "I am ...of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God."
No Seal On This Book
The only thing in Revelation that is held secret is the Seven Thunders. In their proper time, they will be revealed. Otherwise, this is an open revelation. God did not give these sayings to John to breed confusion. God is not the author of confusion. Almighty God meant for us to study, know and understand the sayings of the Book of Revelation. People who abjectly refuse to study Revelation are contrarians. Seal it not.
Revelation 22:10 - "And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand."
The Time Is At Hand - Behold, I Come Quickly
The given reason why prophecies of Revelation must not be sealed is because "the time is at hand." John and the other New Testament writers anticipated Jesus' return during their lifetimes. Of course, He has not yet returned, but the time is still at hand. Four prophetic days (4000 years) preceded Christ, and two prophetic days (2000 years) have followed. He will return before the seventh (the Millennium). The prophecies urgently need to be declared.
Revelation 22:10,12,20 - "Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. ...behold, I come quickly; ...Surely I come quickly."
He That Is Unjust, Let Him Be Unjust Still
"The LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man," Genesis 6:3. If you have any intention to repent of your sins and pursue the will of God for your life, do it now. The door of opportunity will someday slam closed forever for every man. When the Seventh and Last Trumpet sounds, your fate will be irrevocably sealed.
Revelation 22:11 - "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still."
How You Are Is How You Will Be Forever
Charles Spurgeon said, "You cannot make a sinner into a saint by killing him. He who does not live as a saint here will never live as a saint hereafter." Reject any damnable delusion that sin spontaneously expunges. Grace never absolves willful, unrepented, unforsaken sins. How you die is how you will be FOREVER. You must repent and reform.
Revelation 22:11 - "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still."
I Come To Reward Every Man According To His Works
Jesus will not reward all men the same in judgment. John said, "Look to yourselves, that we LOSE NOT those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a FULL REWARD," 2 John 1:8. "The Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall REWARD every man ACCORDING TO HIS WORKS," Matthew 16:27. No works? No reward! Good works? Good reward! Do everything that God has called you to do.
Revelation 22:12 - "I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."
The Alpha, Omega, Beginning, End, First, Last
Remember that this is Jesus speaking. "I am Alpha," - first letter of the Greek alphabet. "The beginning, ...the first." The Spirit of the eternal God resides in the body of Jesus Christ. Although the BODY was not in existence at Creation, the Spirit of Christ is the Holy Spirit of our Father. Jesus as a man was not there, but the Spirit in Him has seen and done it all. Furthermore, He will be there for the rest of eternity. Omega. End. Last.
Revelation 22:13 - "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last."
Blessed Are They That Do His Commandments
A disastrous phenomenon is occurring in modern Christianity. GRACE is played like a wildcard against almost every kind of Biblical rule or regulation. "We are not under the law!" is the euphoric mantra of multitudes of professing Christians who consume GRACE preaching like taking heroin in the arm. ANYTHING that remotely sounds like "you are not supposed to do that!" is viciously branded "LEGALISM!!" and categorically dismissed. Tragically, there are hundreds of commandments in the NEW Testament, and every Christian will be judged by Christ for his compliance or non-compliance.
Revelation 22:14 - "Blessed are they that do his commandments."
The Right To The Tree Of Life
This verse is a body-slam against anyone who refuses to believe that good works have anything to do with our salvation. Yes, we are saved by the grace of God, through the blood of Jesus Christ. But our rewards will be measured by our obedience to God's will - keeping His many commandments. According to this verse, if you do not keep His commandments, you will have no right to the Tree of Life in the New Jerusalem.
Revelation 22:14 - "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life."
The Right To Enter In Through The Gates Into The City
The New Jerusalem, City built foursquare, is surrounded by a wall that is between 250-300 feet high. It has three gates on each of its four walls (East, North, South and West). An angel stands watch at each gate. The gates never close. But you will never enter the gates of that city if you do not keep the commandments of Jesus Christ. These are sobering words that could cost you everything. Make sure you know what the commandments are.
Revelation 22:14 - "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may ...enter in through the gates into the city."
Without Are Dogs
Moses taught the children of Israel, "Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD ...for even both these are abomination unto the LORD," Deuteronomy 23:18. ABOMINATIONS are morally disgusting and abhorable. In ancient times, Sodomites were called dogs. God loathes sexual perverts. They defile and destroy marriage, family and Church. God categorizes sexual perversion with murder and idolatry. Everyone of this kind will be cast into hell.
Revelation 22:15 - "Without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie."
If You Make A Lie, You Cannot Enter New Jerusalem
If you keep the commandments of God (which include being born again), John said that you will have the RIGHT to the Tree of Life, AND to enter through the gates into the New Jerusalem. But if you are a liar, or if you love a lie, you will not enter there. Your mouth must be an instrument of TRUTH if you want to be saved. Do not condemn yourself by saying or loving things that are not true.
Revelation 22:15 - "For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie."
Jesus: The Root And Offspring Of David
Jesus baffled the scribes with this question, "How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. David therefore himself calleth him Lord; and whence is he then his son?" Mark 12:35-37. As GOD, Jesus said, "Before Abraham was, I AM." As man, He was born hundreds of years AFTER Abraham and David. One person, two natures: Divine and human.
Revelation 22:16 - "I Jesus ...am the root and the offspring of David."
I Am The Bright And Morning Star
A dominant star each morning is actually not a star, but planet Venus. Some people refer to the rising Sun as the morning star, or Daystar, because it announces each new day. Spiritually, it symbolizes New Birth. Peter said that we have a "sure word of prophecy; ...as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts," Peter 1:19. Jesus (especially His prophecies) shines light into our darkness, giving us hope of a New Day that is coming.
Revelation 22:16 - "I am ...the bright and morning star."
The Spirit And The Bride Say To The Bridegroom, "Come"
The Roman Catholic Church catechism teaches that the Church as the Body of Christ is the fulfillment of the Second Coming of Jesus. The RCC anticipates ruling the world for 1000 years under the Papal system. It does not emphasize that Jesus Christ will physically return for the Rapture of the Church. Nevertheless, the true Church is the Bride of Christ, and Jesus WILL PHYSICALLY RETURN to receive the true Church as His Bride. He is the Bridegroom. He will rule for 1000 years on earth with His Bride.
Revelation 22:17 - "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come."
Let Him That Heareth Say, "Come!"
Jesus spoke directly to John in this last scene in the Bible. "I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." All the words of this Book testify of Christ. He created David, but was born of David. Root. Offspring. He is everything the Bible says He is, and so much more. Oh, come quickly, Jesus! We want to see you!
Revelation 22:17 - "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come."
Come And Take The Water Of Life Freely
It is truly amazing that Revelation closes with a well-pronounced invitation to come to Jesus. This invitation is of the very same order that Jesus gave to the woman at the well - as personal and generous as an invitation can be. If you are thirsty for life, come and drink of eternal life. Nobody but Jesus can give it. Nobody else can offer it. Do not pass up this priceless gift. There will never be another like it. Eternal life.
Revelation 22:17 - "Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."
God Shall Add Plagues If You Add To These Prophecies
God has always been viciously opposed to anyone who dared to speak in His name when He had not given them anything to say. "Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy ...out of their own hearts, ...Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!" Ezekiel 13:2-3.
Revelation 22:18 - "I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book."
God Shall Take Away His Part Out Of The Holy City
Corrupt governments, big business, media, politicians, devious religious forces and others brainwash society by force-feeding agendas filled with lies, deceptions, historical revisionism and subversive tactics. The only infallible, trustworthy, unadulterated TRUTH is the Word of God. God vows to ban from New Jerusalem anyone who revises or deletes ANYTHING from His Word. If you alter His Word, be very afraid! Spurious Bible translators, be warned!
Revelation 22:19 - "If any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city."
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The next-to-the-last verse of the Bible contains Jesus' last words to us, with John's response. Jesus said, "Surely I come quickly." This same John who leaned on Jesus' breast at the Last Supper, who saw Jesus with Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration, who saw Jesus ascend to Heaven, who received the Holy Ghost in the Upper Room, and received all these amazing Revelations now says, "Amen! Even so, come, Lord Jesus." And I say, "Amen! Come quickly!"
Revelation 22:20 - "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus."
The Grace Of Our Lord Jesus Christ Be With You All
Grace is favor or preference. God gives us many graces or favors, but the greatest of all is saving grace. Everyone benefits from countless divine graces or favors (i.e., breath, health, food, shelter, etc.). But not all men are given saving grace. "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast," Ephesians 2:9. I pray that God will grant to you SAVING grace - favor for all of eternity!
Revelation 22:21 - "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all."
Amen - So Be It
"So be it." There is no more fitting conclusion, and no better last word for the entire Bible than "Amen." Penned by at least forty authors, the Authorized King James Version of the Bible, translated in 1611, contains 66 books, 1,189 chapters, 31,102 verses, 1,260 promises, 6,468 commands, about 3000 fulfilled prophecies, and about 3000 prophecies yet to be fulfilled. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God," 2 Timothy 3:16. "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled," Matthew 5:18. SO BE IT!
Rev 22:21 - "...Amen."
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Ken Raggio
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