BEASTS OF DANIEL AND REVELATION #1

 

The Beasts of Daniel and Revelation #1

How it all fits together

by Keith Hunt KNOW THIS FIRST! "...THAT NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION." 2 Peter 1:20. ALL BIBLICAL SYMBOLS MUST BE INTERPRETED BY THE BIBLE - GOD GAVE THE SYMBOLS ONLY HE CAN TELL US WHAT THEY MEAN. THE GREAT IMAGE Dan. 2:31,38 Head of Gold - Breast of Silver - Belly of Brass - Legs of Iron v. 38 God tells us what this means - Nebuchadnezzar (v.28) and the Babylonian empire is the head of gold. v. 39. Three more kingdoms to arise who would rule the earth--there have only been four world ruling powers in history: 1. Babylon 2. Persia 3. Greece 4. Rome. v. 41 The fourth kingdom was divided (two legs) - the Roman empire was divided between Rome and Constantinople. See your history books. v. 34 A STONE was cut out "without hand" (no human power) and smote the image on its FEET and it was gone forever. v. 35 The stone becomes a mountain and fills the WHOLE EARTH. STONE - MOUNTAIN - EARTH? Can we put it together? Christ is referred to as a stone (Mt.21:42,44, Eph.2:20, Acts 4:10, 11). Mountain - God's house, His kingdom is referred to as a mountain. (Jn.14:1-3, Isa.2:1-4). Filling the earth--upon Christ's return God's kingdom will be established on this earth. (Mic.4:1-4; Isa.11; Zach.14). v. 42 Also gives us the answer to v.34,35. v. 44 The stone (Christ) smashes the feet and toes and then the God of heaven sets up a kingdom. There are ten toes on a pair of feet - Christ smashes the TOES - plural - not toe, or last toe or tenth toe. He smashes the FEET NOT FOOT (v.34). The toes represent kings (v.42 with 44). In the days of THESE (plural) KINGS (plural), more than one, God sets up his kingdom. These kingdoms or kings of ten are all existing at the same time - they are not (consecutive) one after the other, but simultaneous, one with, alongside the other. Christ smashes them--all at the same time. Does God give us another scripture to prove this? Yes! Rev.17:12-14 Ten kings unite to fight the LAMB; Christ is referred to as the Lamb (Jn.1:29), He overcomes them. Rev.19:11-21 Also describes this same time and event. The toes on the feet of Daniel's image are the ten kings - horns - of John's beast of Revelation 17. Dan. 7:1-7 DANIEL'S FOUR BEASTS v. 4 Like a LION with eagles wings. v. 5 Like a BEAR - three ribs in its mouth. v. 6 Like a LEOPARD - with four heads. v. 7 Fourth beast - INDESCRIBABLE - very terrible. God interprets for us. v. 17 These beasts are four kings - they represent four kings. v. 23 The fourth beast IS the FOURTH KINGDOM upon earth to rule the earth. King and kingdom then are used interchangeably. What does history tell us? There have been ONLY FOUR world ruling empires! BABYLON (625-538 B.C.). A man's heart given it - Nebuchadnezzar was converted to God (Dan.4:28-37). PERSIA (558-330 B.G.). Three ribs in its mouth - it came to power by conquering three empires, Media, Lidia, Babylon. GREECE (333-330 B.C.). Four heads - the great king of this empire, Alexander only reigned a few years and died. His empire was divided into FOUR PARTS by four of his generals. ROME (46 B.C.-476 A.D.approx.). It truly was strong with iron teeth - it ruled and conquered and stamped under foot more people and lands than the other three empires. Dan. 7:7-8, DANIEL'S FOURTH BEAST TEN HORNS - AND LITTLE HORN v. 7 The fourth beast was ROME as we have seen. Notice! IT the fourth beast had ten horns. v. 8 A LITTLE HORN comes up - notice AMONG them (among the ten horns), yes, ALONGSIDE the ten horns. v. 9 The expanse of TIME that the TOTAL HORNS endure for (the ten horns and little horn) is until the ANCIENT OF DAY DID SIT (cross ref. this with Rev. 1:13-18; 20:4, Dan.7:13-14; Ps.90:2; 104:2), Christ sitting on His throne ruling this earth (Lk.1:31-32; Zech.14:1-9; Rev.3:21; 2:26-27; Dan.7:13-14). The horns represent kings or kingdoms - see Dan.8:20,21. Ten kingdoms were to arise OUT OF the fourth beast and another kingdom ALONGSIDE them - from the rising to fall was to last until Christ returns to reign as king (see also v.20-22). There is no history that states Rome was divided into ten pieces upon its collapse, and the area of the old empire has NOT been ruled by ten nations from its original fall until now. THESE ten kingdoms are NOT SIMULTANEOUS BUT CONSECUTIVE. God makes it plain in v.8. Notice! It says three of the FIRST horns. If there is a first - it is number one- second is number two- third is number three, etc: If we say the FIRST THREE runners in a race have pulled out, we mean runners number one, two and three, not runners seven, eight and nine. If the FIRST THREE HORNS are plucked up then there is a fourth, fifth, sixth, etc. IN THAT ORDER. Does history show us that there were three consecutive powers that arose to bring down and at that same time continue the Roman rule? Yes indeed! "In 378 THE VISIGOTHS, angered by the oppression of imperial governors, raised the standard of revolt. They overwhelmed a Roman army at Adrianople and then marched westward into Italy. In 410 under Alaric they captured and plundered Rome, later moving on into southern Gaul." Western Civilization p.261 "In 455 ROME WAS SACKED BY THE VANDALS ... other Germanic nations also made their way into Italy, and before the end of the fifth century the Roman empire in the west had passed completely under the domination of the Barbarians." Western Civilization p.261 "But in 493 ITALY WAS CONQUERED BY THE OSTROGOTHS under Theodoric....until nearly the end of his reign of thirty-three years, Theodoric gave Italy a more enlightened rule than the country had known under many of the caesars...not until 552 was the power of the Ostrogoths finally broken." Western Civilization p.263. The Lombards then held most of the peninsula under the rule of semi-independent dukes until the late 8th century. Western Civilization p.263. Rome it would seem had finally been wounded to death. THREE HORNS (kingdoms) had come and gone by 552 A.D. There are still SEVEN HORNS left, and they must extend over a period of time that ENDS when Christ returns. The LITTLE HORN - WHO IS IT? Here is what Daniel tells us about it: 1. It comes up AMONG or ALONGSIDE the other ten horns. It is in existence at the same time as all the other horns, v.8. 2. It plucks up the first three horns- indicating that it does not come to great power and influence until AFTER 552 A. (After the Visigoths, Vandals and Ostrogoths had fallen.), v. 8. 3. It is likened to a MAN who speaks great things - indicating that it has a man as a spokesman for itself, v. 8. 4. It continues until Christ returns, v. 9. 5. It comes out of the fourth beast (Rome), v. 7,8. So it is part of and exists in the geographic area of the original Roman Empire. It is Roman. 6. It makes war with or against the saints of God, v. 21,25. 7. It speaks against the most high (God) - it is blasphemous, v.25. 8. It changes - it thinks "to change the times (of sacred feasts and holy days) and the law..." Amplified Bible. 9. It continues in power and might for one specific length of time, 1,260 years. (cross ref. v.25 with Rev.12:6,14 and Ezek. 4:3-5), v.25. 10.It is a horn - so it is a government - kingdom type empire, v. 8 What in all history from Rome till now and beyond (for it must exist at Christ's return) could answer to all of those ten points. It must be something so large and powerful as to be unmistakable in the history books. There HAS BEEN and IS only ONE such power - THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH!!! 1. The Catholic Church itself and the Pope claims direct descent from Peter (the apostle of Christ). It was therefore in existence alongside the horns of v.8. It was already in existence before the Visigoths, Vandals and Ostrogoths took power of Rome. See a History of Christianity book. 2. The Catholic Church did not come to GREAT power and influence until AFTER 552 A.D. after the first three horns had fallen. 3. It has a man - namely the Pope as its spokesman- he is the voice of the Church - he claims to be God's representative on earth- he claims infallibility at times. 4. The Catholic Church is still with us today with no sign of dying out. 5. It is called Roman - its capital is Rome - the same city that was the capital of the old pagan empire - it is living in the same geographical location of the original Roman empire. 6. What Church or power has directly ordered or sanctioned other people to death for being followers of Christ MORE THAN the Catholic Church. See your history books. 7. The Priests are called "FATHER" Christ said nobody was to be called in religious titles FATHER. It is God's name ONLY, (Mt.23:9.). Doing so is speaking against the most high. 8. The Roman Church has done MORE than anyone to CHANGE the seasons - it introduced CHRISTMAS, EASTER, ALL SOULS DAY (HALLOWEEN),THE NEW YEAR, the present calendar we use, and many other saints days - all derived from PAGANISM not God. It changed the LAW of God - namely the fourth point of the law - it changed it from the SEVENTH to the FIRST DAY. See a book called "Christian Feasts and Customs" by Francis Weiser at your library - it will open your eyes as to the paganism in our Christianity. 9. From 554 A.D. to 1814 A.D. the Catholic Church had its biggest "field day" as they say today. It ruled with great power, might and prestige. From the fall of the Ostrogoths to the fall of the Napoleon empire was 1,260 years. 10. The Roman Catholic Church is a government - it has offices, ambassadors, representatives in all nations- it is not only ecclesiastical in power it is also political in power-ruling and guiding and influencing many a nation on this earth. The Roman Catholic Church has been in EXISTENCE and ALONGSIDE the rise and fall of each of these consecutive ten horns of the fourth beast of Daniel 7. The REMAINING SEVEN HORNS of Daniel chapter 7 tie in directly with the first beast of Revelation chapters 13 and 17. The LITTLE HORN of Daniel chapter 7 ties in directly with the second beast of Revelation chapter 13. FIRST BEAST OF REVELATION 13 v. 1 A beast rises out of the sea- Daniel sees his beasts rise out of the sea (Dan.7:3.) These two chapters (Rev.13 and Dan.7) are IMMEDIATELY CONNECTED. v.2. John sees one beast - like a leopard, bear and lion - the SAME ANIMALS that Daniel saw in chap.7:3-6. Again this is too similar not to be connected. One beast comprising the strongest part of each of Daniel's beasts. The dragon - Rev.12:3,9 - is Satan - this Beast is Satan's tool. This one beast has seven heads and ten horns, (v. 1). v. 3 We will come back to this later. v. 4 This beast is a great war machine - the greatest war power ever known. Notice Dan.7:7 the fourth beast- dreadful and terrible - strong exceedingly - iron teeth - devoured much. Dan.7:23- it devoured the whole earth. v. 5,6 This beast of Rev.13 also speaks great things and blasphemies (comp. to Dan 7:8,25). In Daniel chapter 7 the fourth beast speaks great things and words against God AFTER three horns were plucked up - when only seven horns remained. This beast of John also continues for 42 months- 1,260 days or years (God's month only has 30 days or 360 days a year) (see Dan.7:25). AFTER three horns were destroyed, Dan. 7:24,25. v. 7 John's beast makes war with the saints - so does Daniel's. Dan 7:19-25. The similarities between John's beast (first one, and Daniel's fourth beast) is striking. It should be plain. The beast that John sees coming up out of the sea IS the fourth beast that Daniel sees coming out of the sea. The Roman Empire swallowed up the empires of Babylon, Persia and Greece - many of the pagan practices and customs or Rome can be traced right back to Babylon, the first world empire. John's beast is that of the Roman Empire mixed with the most powerful aspects of the other three previous empires. Daniel's fourth beast continues for 1,260 years after the first, three horns are gone- when SEVEN HORNS were left. John's beast continues 42 months or 1,260 years (a day for a year Ezek.4:4) with seven heads and another ten horns. Put it together: Daniel's LAST SEVEN HORNS of the ROMAN EMPIRE are the SEVEN HEADS of John's beast. v. 3 ONE HEAD WOUNDED TO DEATH - the original head of Rome was finally put to death (so it seemed to the world) in 476 A.D. (as the history books give the date, which is only approximately) with the fall of the third horn - the Ostrogoths, IT WAS HEALED - Rome was resurrected, by Justinian in 554 A.D. and continued for 1,260 years (42 months) until 1814 A.D., the end of Napoleon's reign. v.1 John's beast has ten horns (kingdoms) ten crowns (kings) - compare this to Daniel 2:34,41-44. The iron part of Daniel's image was the ROMAN EMPIRE - the ten toes are TOGETHER when Christ destroys them at His return. Compare this with Rev.17:12-14 - ten kings (kingdoms - crowns - horns) fight Christ at return. The ten horns or crowns of John's first beast of Rev.13 are the ten nations, kings of Rev.17:12 and the ten toes of Daniel's image. John's beast of Rev.13 is the CIVIL part of the RESURRECTED ROMAN EMPIRE AFTER 554 A.D. It is the last seven horns of Daniel's fourth beast of Dan.7 and the FINAL ten kingdoms to join forces to fight Christ upon His return. Remember, John is MAINLY seeing the CIVIL-MILITARY power of the continuing Roman empire in this first beast. Notice v.4, who can make WAR with HIM- the Church of Rome never went to war directly - the Church did not have an army of soldiers- THIS BEAST DOES. v. 7 The beast - the civil military power was the one to DO the KILLING of true Christians- not the Church - it only sanctioned it. v. 8 Worship the beast - yes, many of the civil military rulers of Rome were worshipped as gods by the people - the whole empire WAS and WILL BE looked upon by the people as DIVINE- God's instrument in dealing with mankind. JOHN'S SECOND BEAST OF REVELATION 13 v. 11 Two horns (a two fold government - Dan. 8:20-22). It LOOKS LIKE a lamb (chap.14:1; Jn.1:29; Zech.14:3,4). It looks like Christ, a representative of Christ, but it speaks the things of a DRAGON (Rev.12:3,9). It is really a tool of Satan the Devil. v. 12 This beast causes all to worship the first beast - the Roman Empire and its rulers were worshipped as gods. v. 13 This beast does GREAT WONDERS - Christ said in Mt.24:24 that JUST BEFORE His coming "...false Christ's and FALSE PROPHETS..." would arise "...and shew great signs and WONDERS..." Notice the similar language used. This beast can make fire come down from heaven - he can PERFORM MIRACLES. Notice Rev.16:13, three unclean spirits go out of the DRAGON (Satan chap.12:3,9), the BEAST (we'll see this later) and the FALSE PROPHET; v.14 these spirits are demons - working MIRACLES. In 2 Thes.2:3-9, Paul describes an INDIVIDUAL - a single person called "...THAT MAN of sin...so that HE as God (claiming he IS or he is GOD'S REPRESENTATIVE) sitteth in the temple of God..." v. 9 this individual comes "...after the working of Satan with all POWER and SIGNS and lying WONDERS." John sees what Paul saw, in I Jn. 2:18. He tells us there must come ONE supreme ANTI-CHRIST in the last days, before the return of Christ. So we have Christ's statement in Mt.24:24 of MANY false prophets doing SIGNS and WONDERS narrowed down to ONE supreme individual - the man of sin as Paul calls him in 2.Thes.2 - the ANTI-CHRIST as John calls him in I Jn. 2:18 - and a FALSE PROPHET as John calls him in Rev.16:13,14. v. 14 Let's let God nail it down for us - let's let the Bible interpret itself. Notice! This beast deceives people "...by the means of those MIRACLES which he had power to do IN THE SIGHT OF THE BAST..." Now, compare this with Rev.19:20, "and the beast was taken and with him the FALSE PROPHET that wrought MIRACLE BEFORE HIM..." And it goes on to say this false prophet DECEIVED people by those MIRAGES - deceived those who received the MARK OF THE BEAST and them who WORSHIPPED HIS IMAGE. The BEAST of Rev.13:11 also says to those whom he deceives that they should make an IMAGE to the beast and WORSHIP IT or be killed (v.14,15) AND he causes all to receive a MARK OF THE BEAST (v.16,17). The false prophet of Rev.19:20 is destroyed at Christ's return - see v.11-20. Paul's MAN OF SIN is also destroyed by Christ at His coming - 2 Thes,2:8. Oh! Can we see! The beast of Rev.13:11, IS the FALSE PROPHET of Rev.16:13,14 and Rev.19:20. He is the SUPREME FALSE PROPHET of Christ's statement in Mt.24:24. He is the MAN OF SIN in 2 Thes.2. He is the ANTI-CHRIST of John in I Jn.2:18. What about the IMAGE and TWO HORNS. We must answer these now. IMAGE- the Greek is "ikone" (a likeness, i.e. literally, statute, profile, or figuratively, representation, resemblance. Strong's Con.). Christ was the image of God (2 Cor.4:4), the same Greek word is used. This second beast says to the world there should be an IMAGE, a LIKENESS, a RESEMBLANCE made to the beast which was wounded by a sword and yet lived, that is to the first beast of Rev.13 - see v. 3. The first beast is the CIVIL MILITARY ROMAN EMPIRE after 554 A.D. and up to the return of Christ. The image must also have existed from 554 A.D. To create a LIKENESS it must come from the original. What in history comes from- has its origin in - is patterned after the ROMAN EMPIRE - and is LARGE enough to engulf the world. And to make, force people to worship it or be killed (v.15)? Why, only the Church that comes from the SAME CITY as the old empire - that calls itself by the SAME NAME - the Church that is UNIVERSAL - that RULED with the civil military power over the same geographical area - the Church that during the Middle Ages FORCED people to be killed if they did not worship its way. That Church - that likeness of the civil power beast - is the ROMAN CATHOLIC (universal - that's what Catholic means) CHURCH. THE TWO HORNS - TWOFOLD GOVERNMENT Many do not realize that the Roman Catholic Church has a twofold Governmental system. It is both ECCLESIASTICAL and CIVIL. The Roman Church has a religious order from its Pope, Cardinals, Bishops down to its Priests - it has a Church government. But it also has a civil political organization - the Vatican city is a state unto itself. The Church of Rome partakes with the governments of this world. Christ said His followers would come out of this world (Jn.17:14,16; Rom.12:2). It has offices and embassies in countries around the world, much like civil nations of this world have. Its form of Church organization comes from the civil Roman empire, (see The Two Babylon by Hislop and Babylon Mystery Religion by Woodrow). It is more than significant that on certain occasions the Pope wears a TWO HORNED MITRE. The following is from the book Babylon Mystery Religion, p. 87. "The mitre is seen in the accompanying sketch of Pope Paul (I have not included any pictures in this study)as he delivered his sermon on "peace" during his historic visit to the United States in 1965. (The photo on page 92 also shows the Pope wearing a highly decorated mitre of the same shape.) As the noted writer Hislop puts it concerning the Papal mitre: "...the two horned mitre, which the Pope wears when he sits on the high altar at Rome and receives the adoration of the Cardinals is the very mitre worn by Dagon, the fish-god, of the Philistines and Babylonians." .............. TO BE CONTINUED

BOOK OF ZECHARIAH #5 - END

 

Zechariah For Today and Tomorrow

Chapters 12 to 14

From The New Living Translation CHAPTER 12 Siege of Jerusalem 1 This* (Heb. "An Oracle") message concerning the fate of Israel came from the LORD: This message is from the LORD, who stretched out the heavens, laid the foundations of the earth, and formed the spirit within humans. 2 "I will make Jerusalem and Judah like an intoxicating drink to all the nearby nations that send their armies to besiege Jerusalem. 3 On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone, a burden for the world. None of the nations who try to lift it will escape unscathed." ...... It is God who forms the "spirit within humans." Many do not realize that God gives a special "spirit" to work with the physical brain. It is a unique spirit that gives mankind the mind he has to do all the things that humans can do. There is NOT ONE animal on land, sea, or air, that can perform all the things that mankind has and will yet do. As science continues to expand and expand, it is just mind blowing what the human mind can master and invent. It is the "spirit in man" together with the physical brain that makes human kind so dominant over all other physical creatures. The truth of the matter concerning this "spirit in man" can be found in studies on this Website. These THREE chapters use the phrase "On that day" or "In that day" quite a number of times. To understand the time that this phrase is referring to, one must look to the CONTEXT. The context of the first use of this phrase, is the context of Jerusalem being besieged by a number of nations, and it is the time when Judah is to be like a burning torch among sheaves of grain. This CANNOT be the beginning of the last 42 months of this age, as at that time Judah will go into CAPTIVITY, as we have seen over and over again from all the prophets of the Lord. It then must be referring to the very last day or days of this last 42 months, the time when Jesus the Messiah will come to deliver Jerusalem from the Gentile nations, and also deliver Judah and Israel from captivity. The Beast Babylon of Europe will have destroyed Jerusalem, killed many in Judah, driven more out to flee for their lives, and enslave any Jews left in the Holy Land. This happens at the BEGINNING of the Great Tribulation. We are into the last 42 months or so (Daniel remember gives extra days - Daniel 12) of the end of this age. The kings of the East will have also come into the Holy Land to overrun some nations there. By the time the end of this 42 months comes, Jerusalem will be the center of world politics and dispute and down and out fighting over this historic city, that is Jerusalem. God goes on to show in the rest of this prophecy from Zechariah that indeed Jerusalem will be a HEAVY STONE, A BURDEN FOR THE WORLD, NONE OF THE NATIONS WHO TRY TO LIFT IT WILL ESCAPE UNSCATHED! ...... 4 "On that day, says the LORD, I will cause every horse to panic and every rider to lose his nerve. I will watch over the people of Judah, but I will blind the horses of her enemies. 5 And the clans of Judah will say to themselves, 'The people of Jerusalem have found strength in the LORD Almighty, their God.' 6 On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a brazier that sets a woodpile ablaze or like a burning torch among sheaves of grain. They will burn up all the neighboring nations right and left, while the people living in Jerusalem remain secure." 7 The LORD will give victory to the rest of Judah first, before Jerusalem, so that the people of Jerusalem and the royal line of David will not have greater honor than the rest of Judah. 8 On that day the LORD will defend the people of Jerusalem; the weakest among them will be as mighty as King David! And the royal descendants will be like God, like the angel of the LORD who goes before them! 9 For my plan is to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. ...... From all the prophets (including Revelation) we know this: On the day of Christ's coming to fight the nations, the armies of those nations will gather at the plain of Megiddo, about 70 miles north-west of Jerusalem. At the same time the Jews in and around Jerusalem will be freed from captivity and will, with the strength of the Lord with them, also fight their enemies. It will truly be for Judah, "Let the force be with you." The force of God will give mighty power to the Jews at that time. ...... 10 "Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on all the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died. 11 The sorrow and mourning in Jerusalem on that day will be like the grievous mourning of Hadad-rim-mon in the valley of Megiddo. 12 All Israel will weep in profound sorrow, each family by itself, with the husbands and wives in separate groups. The family of David will mourn, along with the family of Nathan, 13 the family of Levi, and the family of Shimei. 14 Each of the surviving families from Judah will mourn separately, husbands and wives apart." ...... It is the time and day that Judah, the Jews, will KNOW that the very Jesus Christ of 2,000 years ago, is the Son of man and the Son of God, that He is the Messiah! They will weep and cry in joy but also in repentance, for not accepting Jesus as THE SAVIOR MESSIAH who came to them 2,000 years ago. They will weep an individuals wherever they mat be, personal weeping as is personal repentance. ...... CHAPTER 13 A Fountain of Cleansing 1 "On that day a fountain will be opened for the dynasty of David and for the people of Jerusalem, a fountain to cleanse them from all their sins and defilement." 2 "And on that day," says the LORD Almighty, "I will get rid of every trace of idol worship throughout the land, so that even the names of the idols will be forgotten. I will remove from the land all false prophets and the unclean spirits that inspire them." ...... Yes, what we read about in Revelation 16:12-21 and unclean spirits will be VANQUISHED. Jesus will be the victor over all evil, sins, deception, and all false religion. Truly after that battle ends, no one will want to continue any of the Satanic deceptions of the Devil. The Holy Land will be HOLY, and the Christ will be King of kings and Lord of lords. Yes, the THREE unclean spirits that came out of the mouth of the Dragon, the mouth of the man "beast" and out of the mouth of the false prophet (Rev.16) will be GONE! ...... 3 If anyone begins prophesying again, his own father and mother will tell him, 'You must die, for you have prophesied lies in the name of the LORD.' Then his own father and mother will stab him. 4 No one will be boasting then of a prophetic gift! No one will wear prophet's clothes to try to fool the people. 5 No, he will say. 'I'm not a prophet; I'm a farmer. The soil has been my means of livelihood from my earliest youth.'" ...... Most teachers of the Christian religion today SHOULD NOT BE TEACHING, THEY SHOULD BE FARMING! Or doing other than saying they are a teacher of the Word of God! Most today are FALSE teachers, that do and have, deceived MANY! The prophets of fundamental Christian theology (and many are out there with their books and CDs and DVDs) SHOULD BE FARMING! They are not the prophets of God, they are false prophets! In that day, those still alive, will admit they should have been farmers, or ranchers, or construction workers, ANYTHING but trying to teach Bible prophecy! ...... 6 "And if someone asks, 'Then what are those scars on your chest*?' (Or "scars between your hands) he will say, 'I was wounded at the home of friends!'" ...... This is a verse that seems out of place, but it is not. It is in the right place, the day of Christ's coming. IF (does not say there will be) someone should look at Christ and should ask Him why He has scars in His hands, He will tell them how they came to be there - He will have to point out He was killed on a stake of wood by His very natural blood-bound friends, His Jewish family, but also, and more importantly, the very friends of His human race of people, because of sins. This must always be remembered as the number ONE reason why Christ has scars in His body of flesh and bone. He was nailed to a piece of wood and died for ALL sinners, which means he died for EVERY flesh and blood person, for as the apostle Paul said, "ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God." ...... The Scattering of the Sheep 7 "Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, the man who is my partner," says the LORD Almighty. "Strike down the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn against the lambs." 8 "Two-thirds of the people in the land will be cut off and die," says the Lord. "But a third will be left in the land. 9 I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure, just as gold and silver are refined and purified by fire. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, 'These are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.'" ...... Any shepherd knows how true verse 7 is. If there is NO shepherd over the sheep, the sheep will soon become lost and easily ready for the devouring enemy to kill and eat. In these few verses God gives an overall summery of the detestation to come on the Jewish people living in the Holy Land during the last 42 months of this age. TWO THIRDS will be slain. ONE THIRD will be left in the land, but they must come through some terrible trying fire as like gold and silver being purified. In the end those still living WILL CALL OUT to God. The Lord will answer that they are His people and they will acknowledge He is their God. As I've stated a number of times, the Jewish people today are in the MAIN: NOT RELIGIOUS! THE LARGEST part of those Jews living in the Holy Land today are SECULAR! The time and day will come when all Jews will be deeply CONVERTED to God, which will also mean they acknowledge and accept Jesus Christ as Messiah, the Son of God! ...... CHAPTER 14 The LORD Will Rule the Earth 1 Watch, for the day of the LORD is coming when your possessions will be plundered right in front of you! 2 On that day I will gather all the nations to fight against Jerusalem. The city will be taken, the houses plundered, and the women raped. Half the population will be taken away into captivity, and half will be left among the ruins of the city. ...... Here we have the phrase "day of the Lord." Now it is possible that it is talking about the somewhat common "day of the Lord" in many of the prophets. Or it may simply here mean, a time is coming that God allows such and such to take place. If the former, we are into the last part of the last 42 months of this age, when for whatever reasons not specified, Jerusalem and its inhabitants, will face more destruction and sorrow and pain. If the latter, then it is talking about the Beast Babylon of Europe entering the Holy Land and desolating Jerusalem and its people; the start of the Great Tribulation on earth, the like of which has never before been seen nor ever will be seen again. ...... 3 Then the LORD will go out to fight against those nations, as he has fought in times past. 4 On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. ...... On what day, a literal day this time, will His feet stand on the Mount of Olives? Well it is the literal day Jesus comes forth to FIGHT the nations at Jerusalem. The day He fights the battle is the day His feet land on the Mount of Olives. Nothing could be more clear! ...... And the Mount of Olives will split apart, making a wide valley running from east to west, for half the mountain will move toward the north and half toward the south. 5 You will flee through this valley, for it will reach across to Azal.* (The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain) Yes, you will flee as you did from the earthquake in the days of King Uzziah of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all his holy ones with him. ...... This earthquake has NEVER TAKEN PLACE in Jerusalem in any age. It is a prophecy for the yet future. A KEY to knowing all this is still to come to pass. Not until Jesus returns to fight the nations will it be fulfilled. The holy ones with Christ will be both the angels and the saints resurrected from the dead or "changed" as the apostle Paul spoke about it in 1 Thessalonians 4 and 1 Corinthians 15, at the LAST TRUMPET, THE 7TH AND FINAL TRUMPET. They will come with Christ from the CLOUDS where they have been gathered together by the angels to meet Jesus on the sea of glass. The saints will have met Christ in the air, in the clouds, on that sea of glass, and from there they will all descend to the Mount of Olives and Jerusalem, to destroy the armies of the nations in the "battle of Armageddon" (Revelation 16). As I prove in many studies the saints are NOT NOW living, walking, talking, playing on harps, or looking down on us, from heaven. They are asleep in death, waiting for the day of the resurrection, when they will be with Christ in the clouds and come down to the Mount of Olives at Jerusalem. ...... 6 On that day the sources of light will no longer shine,* (Heb."there will be no light, no cold or frost") 7 yet there will be continuous day! Only the LORD knows how this could happen! There will be no normal day and night, for at evening time it will still be light. 8 On that day life-giving waters will flow out from Jerusalem, half toward the Dead Sea and half toward the Mediterranean,*(Heb. "half towards the eastern sea and half towards the western sea") flowing continuously both in summer and in winter. ...... It will be one of those strange days, one in a million we might say. It will be the literal day, the 24 hour day, of the return of Christ. It will be the day when the great earthquake of the Mount of Olives splitting in two as we've read in verse 4; the day of life giving waters flow to the seas, for much life has been lost in the sea during all that is ti happen in the last 42 months of this age, as foretold in the book of Revelation. ...... 9 And the LORD will be king over all the earth. On that day there will be one LORD - his name alone will be worshipped. 10 All the land from Geba, north of Judah, to Rimmon, south of Jerusalem, will become one vast plain. But Jerusalem will be raised up in its original place and will be inhabited all the way from the Benjamin Gate over to the site of the old gate, then to the Corner Gate, and from the lower of Hananel to the king's winepresses. 11 And Jerusalem will be filled, safe at last, never again to be cursed and destroyed. ...... Once more this shows this prophecy is for the yet future; Jerusalem is not a safe city today, it is still being cursed and destroyed in various ways at various times. ...... 12 And the LORD will send a plague on all the nations that fought against Jerusalem. Their people will become like walking corpses, their flesh rotting away. Their eyes will shrivel in their sockets, and their tongues will decay in their mouths. 13 On that day they will be terrified, stricken by the LORD with great panic. They will fight against each other in hand-to-hand combat; 14 Judah, too, will be fighting at Jerusalem. The wealth of all the neighboring nations will be captured - great quantities of gold and silver and fine clothing. ...... It is mind-bending to think that human being will try to fight the very God who created them, but the demonic powers that are ruled by Satan the Devil will have deceived the "beast man" and the false prophet and the kings of the East (over to the East and above the Euphrates river - Rev.16) to think they can fight and defeat this invasion from outer space. And we see again here, the people of Judah will also fight their enemies in that day. It will be no contest as Jesus with the saints and angels with Him, shall melt away the enemy. ...... 15 This same plague will strike the horses, mules, camels, donkeys, and all the other animals in the enemy camps. ...... A way of saying even the space age implements of war will melt away. ...... 16 In the end, the enemies of Jerusalem who survive the plague will go up to Jerusalem each year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Shelters. (Tabernacles - KJV). 17 And any nation anywhere in the world that refuses to come to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, will have no rain. 18 And if the people of Egypt refuse to attend the festival, the LORD will punish them with the same plague that he sends on the other nations who refuse to go. 9 Egypt and the other nations will all be punished if they don't go to celebrate the festival. ...... This does not mean every person in every nation on earth will go to Jerusalem to observe the Feast of Tabernacles. A city large enough to house all people from all nations of the world during the 1,000 years, is hard and even silly to imagine. It means "representatives" from all nations will go up to Jerusalem to observe the Feast of Tabernacles. If nations refuse to send representatives to the Holy City, then God will punish them by sending no rain - drought will reign (pun intended) down on them. ...... 20 On that day, ...... The context for the phrase "on that day" is the context of the nations of the earth coming to Jerusalem to observe the Feast of Tabernacles, hence a period of time (years perhaps) has taken place. ...... even the harness bells of the horses will be inscribed with these words: SET APART AS HOLY TO THE LORD. And the cooking pots in the Temple of the LORD will be as sacred as the basins used beside the altar. 21 In fact, every cooking pot in Jerusalem and Judah will be set apart as holy to the LORD Almighty. All who come to worship will be free to use any of these pots to boil their sacrifices. And on that day there will no longer be traders* (Heb. "Canaanites") in the Temple of the LORD Almighty. ...... Yes, we have seen, the Ezekiel Temple will be built! The priesthood and sacrificial system will be RESTORED! There is a full in-depth study on "animal sacrifices in the Millennium" on this Website. It will be an age unlike any other in the history of mankind. An age of PEACE and SALVATION for all nations. An age when the knowledge of God and His Word will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea beds! PRAISE THE LORD, GIVE HONOR TO HIS NAME; FOR WHAT IS WRITTEN CONCERNING THAT AGE WILL SURELY COME TO PASS. WHAT HE HAS PROMISED FOR THAT AGE WILL COME TO FULFILMENT. ISRAEL AND JUDAH WILL YET TO UNITED AS ONE PEOPLE AGAIN, AND WILL BLOSSOM AS A ROSE GARDEN; THEY WILL YET BE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD TO ALL NATIONS. JERUSALEM WILL YET BE THE CAPITAL CITY OF THE WORLD, THE HOLY CITY, WHERE DWELLS THE GOD OF ISRAEL. HE WILL INDEED THEN BE THE LORD OF LORDS AND KING OF KINGS, RULING PLANET EARTH FROM THE THRONE OF DAVID! ....................

ARMAGEDDON AND THE AGE TO COME

 Armageddon And The Age To Come

by Keith Hunt

Armageddon has become a term associated with destruction. World leaders and scientists use this term when speaking of the inevitability of nuclear warfare and World War III. The word Armageddon IS found in the Bible! Yet few really understand what Armageddon is all about. When World War I broke out, many excitedly proclaimed: "This is the war of Armageddon." Again the phrase was used at the onset of WWII, during the Korean War, after he was relieved from duty, General Douglas MacArthur in his farewell address to the United States Congress stated very clearly that if we did not solve the problems of war that OUR ARMAGEDDON is at our doorsteps. Today, over thirty years after General MacArthur's warning, the entire world is faced with certain destruction. There have been over 50 wars since WWII! People are tired of war and the cost in terms of human lives, property damage and money are absolutely staggering! There seems to be no end in sight. The daily threat of nuclear holocaust has given birth to a tremendous grass-roofs "peace" movement around the world. Yet, the Bible shows that mankind does not know the way to peace, nor is he able to attain it. If God would not intervene and send Jesus Christ back to the earth, all life on earth would be destroyed. Jesus Christ Himself prophesied that this would be the condition of the world. "For then shall be GREAT TRIBULATION, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened (by God's intervention) there should be NO FLESH saved:but for the elect's sake (the true Christians) those days shall be shortened" (Mat. 24:21-22). Now it is commonly taught that Armageddon will be the last battle between the Western Democracies and Communism, before the return of Christ. Is this really what Bible prophecy foretells? Who will be fighting whom at Christ's second coming, and where? World War 3 is on the way! Most world leaders agree, it is only a matter of when and not if. Right now the nations of the world are attempting to prepare their citizens for survival of a nuclear attack. Military leaders have hinted that nuclear war, that is, a "small limited nuclear war," in Europe or the Middle East could be survived! Only God has the power to stop mankind from committing suicide! How will He do this and what lies beyond? Will the earth remain a hulk of total destruction for a thousand years? Or, will there be a NEW AGE? If so, what will that age be like? The Bible, the inspired Word of God gives us the answers to these questions. In this lesson we shall see what God tells us about ARMAGEDDON/AGE TO COME. THE DAY OF THE LORD Most people have heard little about the DAY OF THE LORD, yet the Day of the Lord is described in more than 30 different prophecies in the Old and New Testaments. In this lesson we will cover many important scriptures about the Day of the Lord. To add to this study, you are encouraged to use a concordance of the Bible as an aid. This will help you delve more deeply into each topic. An excellent concordance is Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (e.i. Then you will be able to look up each reference for yourself). Rev. 6:16-17 What question is asked in verse 17? Is this the day of God's wrath? Note: Jesus Christ came the first time as a meek lamb to be slain for the sins of the world. (Isa. 53:1-12; John 1:29; Rev. 13:8). But, when He comes again, He will be wrathful, angry, and against all evil! Do these scriptures also tell us about the DAY OF GOD'S WRATH? Isa. 2:10-21; Jer. 30:6-7; Joel 2:1,11; Zeph. 1:14-18; 2:2-3. The wrath of the Day of the Lord will be manifested through the seven trumpet plagues which will occur consecutively over a period of months. Rev. 8:1-13; 9:1- 21. This will culminate with the seventh trumpet. When it is sounded the dead in Christ are resurrected to eternal life. Rev.11:15-11 1. Is this the seventh trumpet sound? 2. Who is to take over the kingdoms of the world and reign and rule? 3. Is God wrathful? 4. Are the nations angry? 5. Will God destroy many people? Note: The Day of the Lord and the wrath of God will not be finished with the sounding of the seventh trumpet plague. Revelation 15:1-16:21 shows that there will be an outpouring of the SEVEN LAST PLAGUES, WHICH WILL END IN THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST! Rev.19:11-16; 17:14; John 1:29. 1. Will Jesus Christ make war? 2. What are some of His titles? 3. Is this the same one who is called the Lamb of God? Note: These verses show plainly that Christ will come with the armies of resurrected saints and will conquer the rebellious nations. Zeph. 1:17; Rev. 11:18; 9:20-21; 16:11. Why will God have to punish the rebellious? Note: God will be angry because of the sins of mankind. Jesus Christ will have to come to save the human race alive (Mat. 24:22). But, because God is love, He will punish in love! It might seem like a contradiction to some, that God, who is love, will punish so severely. But the nations and people of the world will have reached a point that they will listen to nothing else. God will have to punish this world to bring it to repentance. Rev. 11:18. When Jesus returns will the nations of the world be cooperative and accept Him as Savior, or will they be angry and determined to fight Christ? Note: The people and nations of the earth want peace. The Americans want peace, the Russians want peace, the Jews want peace, the Arabs want peace, the Chinese want peace, the Europeans want peace. But they all want peace their way! However, the history of the world has conclusively proven that mankind does not know the way to world peace - man's peace always leads to war. When Jesus Christ comes the nations will be angry and at war with each other, but on seeing Christ and His armies, they will stop fighting among themselves. They will all see the coming of Jesus Christ and convince the rest of the world that the earth is being invaded by aliens from outer space. Then they will join forces together to fight against Christ. In turn Jesus will deal with them in the only language that these rebellious nations will understand - THE POWER AND FORCE OF GOD ALMIGHTY! Rev. 15:1,6-7. In what is the wrath of God filled up? Note: The seventh or last trumpet, Rev. 11:15, completes the trumpet plagues and announces the SEVEN LAST PLAGUES. THIS IS THE WRATH OF GOD! Rev.16:1-Il. I. Upon what and whom will these seven last plagues be poured out? 2. Will there be great suffering upon the rebellious? 3. Will the people repent of their sins, of their Satan worship? Or will they continue to be deceived? ARMAGEDDON Rev.16:12. 1. What will happen when the sixth vial of God's wrath is poured out? 2. From which direction do the kings come? Note: Look at any map of the world and notice what nations - kings and kingdoms - lie east of the Euphrates River. Rev.17:14. Who will the nations of the earth fight against? Note: Verse 14 shows that it is the Lamb of God. Jesus Christ, as we have seen, is the Lamb of God. Rev. 16:13-16. 1. Who incites the nations to fight against Christ? 2. Will the kingdoms that war against God only come from the east? Or, will it be all nations? 3. WHAT IS THIS GREAT BATTLE CALLED? 4. What is the place called where the armies of the world are gathered? Note: The Bible interprets for us who the dragon is. It is Satan (Rev.12:9). The spirits are Satan's angels or demons. The word devils in the KJV ought to be translated demons. There is one fallen archangel (Isa.14:12-14; Ezk. 28:12-17) called the Devil, but there are many fallen angels (Jude 6; Rev. 12:7) now called demons in the Bible. These demons are responsible for gathering the armies of all nations together to fight against the returning Jesus Christ. The proper translation of the Greek in verse 16 should be "...and they gathered them together..." See other translations such as: RSV, Living Bible, Phillips, etc. Additionally, verse 14 proves it is many evil spirits that gather these armies together. The Bible shows that these demon spirits directly control the world now by influencing the leaders of the nations. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Eph.6:12). Just before the final battle of the nations against the returning Christ, these demons will deceive the nations again with miracles and they will be gathered into one place. The nations will assemble their armies at a place called Armageddon. The word Armageddon is the Greek rendering of the Hebrew name Har Megiddo, meaning, hill or mountain of Megiddo. Megiddo was a strong fortification dating from ancient times, situated approximately 60 miles Northwest of Jerusalem. The mound that remains is a few miles south east of Haifa, a natural port which is ideal for landing troops. The Plain of Megiddo is an oval shaped valley once called the Plain of Esdraelon, but now is often called the Valley of Jezreel. It is a large flat area ideal for the gathering together of large armies. THE BATTLE OF THE GREAT DAY OF GOD ALMIGHTY Rev.16:14; 19:11-21. 1. What is the name of this climactic battle? 2. Who will fight whom? 3. Will it be a battle between the Western Democracies and Communism? Will it be between the Arabs and Jews? Joel 3:1-2, 9-14; Zech. 14:2; Rev. 14:18-20. In what exact areas of Palestine does this battle take place? Note: The word Jehoshaphat means Judgment of Jehovah. The focal point of the battle will be in this valley at Jerusalem. This valley is also called in the Bible The Valley of Decision. It borders the city of Jerusalem on the east. The Pictorial Bible Dictionary states that this valley situated between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives is now called the Kidron Valley (P.408). This battle is likened to the "great winepress of the wrath of God"(Rev. 14:19) which is trodden without the city. God says in Zechariah 14 that He will fight against the nations of the world at Jerusalem. The blood of these enemies, represented by the juice of grapes being pressed out in a winepress, will flow, "without (outside) the city." There will be so much blood flowing that it will rise, in some areas, as high as the horses bridles. The river of blood will flow for 1,600 furlongs. According to E.Leslie Carlson, under money, weights, and measures in the Teachers'Heritage Edition of the Bible published by World Publishing, a furlong is 606.5 English feet. 1,600 furlongs would be approximately 183 miles. There is a land depression running from the plain of Megiddo down passed Jerusalem and continuing south to the ancient land area of Edom. The distance of this depression from Megiddo to where it ends, south of Jerusalem, is approximately 180-200 miles. Rev.16:17-21. 1. How will the battle of Armageddon end? 2. What are the "natural" forces God uses against the armies? 3. Will the surface of the earth be changed? Note: The hail stones will weigh one talent, which is approximately 180 lbs. WILL THE EARTH BE DESOLATE DURING THE MILLENNIUM? We have seen some important passages of the Bible that tell us what Jesus Christ and the saints will do after His return to the earth. As we shall see there are literally dozens of passages in God's Word which clearly show that God will restore the earth for human beings and have a glorious reign of 1,000 years here on earth. During this time all people will be blessed and prosper. There will be peace and love. But we need to stop and consider the teachings of some, who say that the earth will be completely desolate during the 1,000 year period. Christ and the saints. it is alleged, are transported to be in heaven and are not on the earth. The teaching of a desolate uninhabited earth during the 1,000 years is based on a few scriptures. We shall examine these scriptures and read their setting in the context of the meaning of the passages in which they are found. As we shall see, the Bible reveals that the earth will not be desolate and uninhabited. We are admonished by God's Word, "...To prove ALL THINGS and hold fast to that which is good!" (I Thes. 5:21). To prove means to test and try, and in this case by SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES (Acts 7:11). To help clarify the misunderstanding about the earth being desolate for 1,000 years, we will see that there are two renewals of the earth and heavens. The first one is when Jesus Christ returns to the earth and the second one is when God the Father comes to the earth. Just to review: When Jesus Christ returns, the saints will be resurrected. They will be given eternal life (1 Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Jn.3: l-3; Jn. 3:16-17; 6:51-58; Rom.6:23). They will reign as kings and priests under Christ, who will be king over all the earth (Rev.1:6,5:10,20:6). As we have already seen there will also be human beings, who will survive these horrible end time events. So what we find is this: There will be two types of people on earth. 1) The spirit beings, Jesus Christ and the resurrected saints, who will be those in God's government. They will rule the world. 2) Human beings, who have lived on over into the New Age and carry on as the beginning generation of people at the start of the Millennium. There will be two renewings of the earth and heaven. 1). When Christ returns it will be renewed for human life. This means that the atmosphere will have to also be cleansed - a new heaven. This is the new heaven and earth in which there are human beings, who are under the government of God. Those in the positions of the government of God will be spirit beings. 2). The renewal of the earth and heaven when human life has ceased to exist. All who have qualified for eternal life will be spirit beings. All who have rejected God's salvation will be burned up in a lake of fire (Rev. 20:14-15). This is at the end of the Millennium and God's final judgment. This final lake of fire will consume the entire surface of the earth and atmosphere (II Pet. 3:10- 14). Then will come the second new heaven and earth. In this setting it is apparent that it is for spirit life only, not human life. "And I saw a new heaven and new earth: for the first heaven and first earth were passed away: and there was no more sea" (Rev. 21:1). Human life could not exist without oceans. This is where the confusion has come in the minds of some, because they could not distinguish between the renewing of the earth at the return of Jesus Christ, and the renewing of the earth in preparation for the habitation for spirit beings and the coming of God the Father to the earth. As we go through these scriptures it will become clear that where there are references to human, flesh and blood beings, it is talking about the restoration at the return of Jesus, and not the restoration at the end of the Millennium, which will be for spirit beings. Isa.24:1-6 Note: Is this a prophecy for the end time? Yes. Please read chapters 25,26 and 27, and you will see that these also talk about the end time. Does verse 1 of Isa. 24 show that the inhabitants are scattered? Does verse 6 show that the earth will be desolate? But does it also show that a curse has devoured the earth, the inhabitants are burned, and show that there will be few men (human beings) left? NOWHERE IN THE ENTIRETY OF THESE SCRIPTURES DOES IT SAY THAT all human life is destroyed and the earth is uninhabited and left desolate for 1,000 years! Isa. 26:21 Note: This verse nowhere says that every last single soul will be slain, the entire context before and after disprove any such idea. Isa. 31:1-10. Does this not show that there will be human life? Also, animal life? Isa. 11:1-12. Note: This shows a world of peaceful human and animal life, not desolation. Please study the rest of the chapter and the next chapter,12, as well. These clearly show this is a time when Christ is on the earth just after His return. Isa. 65:21,22. Note: This clearly shows that there will be human life at the restoration at the return of Jesus Christ. The new heaven and earth spoken of in verse 17 is the restoration for human flesh and blood life. There will be birth and death. The second restoration, or the new heavens and earth, for spirit beings will usher in a time when there will be no more death (Rev. 21:4-7). Jer. 4:23-26. Note: This is not a prophecy against the entire earth, but against Judah and Jerusalem. See the preceding verses: 5-6, 10, 14, 16, 22. Verse 20 says: "the whole land," yes, the land of Judah. Verse 23 where the Hebrew is translated "earth," can also be translated "land." The Amplified Bible renders it "land" as in verse 20. Verse 27 shows that there will not be total destruction, "...yet I will not make a full end." Jer. 25:33. Note: This verse nowhere says every single soul will be stain - only that there will be slain people all over the earth. Jer. 25:30-32. Note: God will plead with all nations, many will repent, (Jer. 23:3-6; 16:14-21; Isa. 25:7-9; 29:18-24). The wicked are the ones whom God will slay - verse 31. Ezk.9:1-11 Note: When this entire chapter is read it shows that it applies only to the house of Israel and Judah, including the city of Jerusalem, not the entire world. Other references are used by those who believe that the earth will be desolate and uninhabited during the Millennium such as: Mat.24:36-44; II Thes. 1:7-9; 2:8. But in everyone of these instances when the entire context of the verses and chapters are closely examined it is apparent that it is a misunderstanding of the Bible. So it is apparent from the Bible that the earth will not be a desolate wilderness and uninhabited during the Millennium, the 1,000 year reign of Christ. Let us now look at more scriptures that show us what the conditions of this earth will be like during the New Age of the Kingdom of God. Part II THE KINGDOM OF GOD on Earth The NEW AGE of the Kingdom of God will be headed by Jesus Christ who will be King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The Bible shows that there will be survivors of this final holocaust who will live and begin the new generation of human beings under the rule and government of the Kingdom of God. What happens after this final battle of Armageddon?          THE FOLLOWING  is taken from a old Bible Course, by the one time          Ambassador College, Pasadena, California.      Zech.14:1-21. 1. After the great battle of the wrath of God, as it is popularly called the Battle of Armageddon, where will Christ go? 2. Who will come with Christ? 3. Will it be one literal day? 4. Who will be king over all the earth? 5. Will the physical land be reclaimed? 6. Will the city of Jerusalem be inhabited in safety again? See Zech.8:1-5. 7. How will God deal with those who will still be rebellious? Note: The Bible shows in Zech. 14, that He is going to require all nations to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. This is one of the Feasts of God, which the true Church of God should be keeping today. (For a complete listing of the sacred feasts of God please study Lev. 23). Here God is showing how He will deal with those nations which refuse to keep the Feast of Tabernacles during the I ,000 year rule of Jesus Christ. Isa.66:15-24. 1. Is this passage referring to the battle of the great day of God's wrath and what shall occur there and afterwards? 2. Will some be sent out to tell others about God? 3. Will gifts be sent up from all nations to the Lord God at Jerusalem? 4. Will all people who live through the end time holocaust into the millennium (the 1,000 years rule), called flesh in verse 23, come to worship the Lord? 5. Will they worship God on His designated days? The New Moon days and the Sabbath days are even today, part of God's sacred calendar. If all people will worship God on those days at that time in the future, should not True Christians be worshipping God on those days now? 6. Will God continue to punish the rebellious? Micah 4:1-5; Isa. 2:1-4. 1. Will most people and nations want to learn about the True God and His laws after Christ has returned? 2. Will there be any more wars? Habakkuk 2:14; Isa. 11:9. 1. Will the glory of God eventually cover the whole world? 2. Will the knowledge of God be readily available? To what extent will it be known? Rev. 20:1-6. This setting is at the beginning of the Millennium. 1. What will happen to Satan the Devil, the author of all evil, and for how long? 2. Are the saints, now resurrected spirit beings, given thrones of authority and judgment and co-rule with Jesus Christ? 3. Does all this occur after the first resurrection? 4. How long do they reign with Christ? 5. In what capacity will they function? Note: This I ,000 year reign of Jesus Christ and the saints is commonly known as the Millennium. The word millennium does not appear in the KJV Bible. But the word millennium means "a thousand." The Bible reveals that the resurrected saints of God, who are raised to eternal spirit life at the first resurrection, have the promise of being kings and priests to reign and rule with Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:6; 5:10). True Christians today are qualifying for these positions, see Rev.2:7; 2:11; 2:17; 2:26-29; 3:5; 3:10-13; 3:21. What does Jesus Christ promise the overcoming Christians? The rewards are tremendous! This is why God demands that Christians keep the commandments of God! The rebellious who refuse to keep the commandments of God will never inherit the Kingdom of God! Read Rev. 22:14. What does commandment keeping insure? I John 2:3-6; 5:1-3; 3:4 and 22; Mat. 19:17. Are there blessings of knowing God's love, and eternal life at the resurrection because we keep the commandments of God and do those things that are pleasing in His sight? What will happen to those who will not obey God and keep His commandments? Will they suffer the second death in a lake of fire? (Rev. 20:13-14; 21:8,27; 22:15). THE LAND RECLAIMED Isa.27:6; Ezek.36; Jer.23:1-6; 30:1-9; 31:1-14. 1. Will God gather the descendants of Israel and Judah? 2. To where will He bring them? 3. Will the land again blossom and produce? 4. Will the cities be rebuilt? Note: When this gathering and rebuilding occurs, Israel and Judah will never again practice heathen ways or go into war or captivity. This has not happened yet. Jer.33:1-13; Zech.8:1-8. Will there be peace and safety and happiness in the cities of the New Age? Jer.3:17; Zech.8:3; Isa.62:1-7. 1. Will Jerusalem be the capital city of the whole earth? 2. Will it be a fine example to the rest of the world? Isa.41:8-20; 35:1-2, 7-10. Will the desert lands become productive and forests reappear and spread during the Millennium? Isa.51:3. Will God transform Zion and the land of Palestine into a veritable garden of Eden? A TIME OF MIRACLES Isa. 11:1-9; 35:l-7. 1. Will the nature of the animals be changed so even wild flesh-eating beasts will eat grass and be household pets for children? 2. Will those who have great physical handicaps, such as blindness, deafness and lameness be healed by God? Note: There will be no need for hospitals in the New Age of God. Isa. 33:20-24; 61:1-3; Jer. 30:10-22. Will God also free mankind from sickness and disease? Note: There will be no need for health insurance in the New Age of the Kingdom of God. A PERFECT CLIMATE Ezk. 34:26; Isa. 30:23; Jer. 31:12; Amos 9:13. 1. Will God cause the rains to come at the right time? 2. Will there be rejoicing over the abundance of crops that God will bestow during the Millennium? 3. Will there be a super abundance of food? Note: Most of the land surface of the earth is unproductive, today only about 7% of the land is actually tillable. The exact opposite will be true in the utopia of the New Age of God as He begins to bless the entire world. Micah 4:l-4; Isa 2:1-5. 1. Will there be economic reform from a war based economy to a peaceful agricultural economy? 2. Will there be land reform so every one will have his own land and produce his own food? Note: Farmers will no longer have to gamble with the weather; their work will always be successful, as long as they obey God. THE GREATEST RIVERS Zech. 14:l-8; Ezk.47:1-12. 1. What happens when Christ's feet touch the Mount of Olives? 2. Will a mighty river flow through this new channel? 3. Will one half of this water flow east to the Dead Sea and the other half flow west into the Mediterranean Sea? 4. Does this living water produce life, fish and health to the barren places of the earth? 5. Does this living water proceed from the very sanctuary of God - from the spot where God's temple will stand? (Joel 3:18). Note: The Dead Sea is 1286 feet below sea level. It is the lowest spot on earth. The Jordan River constantly empties into the northern extremity of the Dead Sea. It has no natural outlet, but the level of the water remains fairly constant, because the hot weather causes the water to evaporate at about the same rate as the inflow of water. Because of this, the water is extremely salty. So much so, that no plant or marine life can live in it today. But when this new river begins to flow into it, its waters will rise until they overflow southward through the desert regions. There is an indication that the Dead Sea Valley as it is known today, will actually be raised. Then the pure healing waters from God's throne will flow out into this area and south to what is now the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea and on into the Indian Ocean and circulate towards the east. It will heal every thing as it goes. The waters which flow out towards the west will do the same thing in that direction, until the entire earth is healed. This is how God will heal the entire world from the pollution and destruction described in the book of Revelation. A PURE LANGUAGE AND PROPER EDUCATION A major barrier to mutual understanding and cooperation between peoples of the world has been the barrier of language. This was caused by God at the tower of Babel, right after the Flood, as a result of the sins of mankind. God will remove that curse and restore the entire world to one pure language. Zech. 3:9. Will God institute one pure language for the whole world? Note: As well as one common language for all people, the language of the New Age will be free from any pagan ungodly words. There are many words we use everyday that are derived from heathenistic sources - the days of the week and months of the year are mainly of pagan origin- derived from the names of false gods. EDUCATION Proper God-oriented education will be one of the top priorities during the Millennium. During the New Age of the Kingdom of God people will be taught the laws that will produce peace, happiness, safety, productivity and blessings. God will still give each person the choice of whether to obey Him or not. The majority will want to obey God's way, but mankind will have to be re-educated out of the false deceptive harmful ways as inspired by Satan the Devil. Mankind will learn that there is a way that seems right to him, which only lead to death, misery and suffering. Isa. 11:9. In this re-education, how much knowledge of the Lord will be known? Isa. 25:7. Is wrong education like a veil that hides the truth from the mind receiving it? Note: Rev. 12:9 shows that Satan the Devil is the one who has deceived the world and is the author of the false education of the world today. Rev. 20:1-3. Will the Devil be allowed to do his work during the age to come? Hosea 4:6. What knowledge and education is most lacking today? I Cor. 3:19. What does God think of the wisdom of the world? John 17:17; Ps. 119:142,151,172. What is God's truth? Note: God's truth is a way of life based on love. Jesus Christ said that all the law and prophets were based on love (Mat 22:37-41). In the Book of Acts 19:9, 23 it is called That Way. Most of the world today does not approve and rejects God's way, just as they did in the early apostolic days (Acts 24:14). God's way is based on His divinely revealed will and laws, based on love. He has given to us His foundation of right knowledge and education. It is found in His inspired Word - the Bible. Jer. 16:19. After the climax at the close of this age of mankind's rule under the sway of Satan the Devil, what will people acknowledge? Note: By the time Christ has finished His intervention to save mankind from complete annihilation, they will, for the most part, be willing to confess their false ways and ignorance of God's Truth. At that time humanity will be teachable and will be taking the first step to repentance and reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ. Isa. 55:6-9; 30:21-26. Will mankind be receptive? Will they listen to their teachers as they are shown the right way to live? Jer. 30:7-9; Ezk. 34:23-24; Luke 22:29-30; Mat 28:19-20. 1. Will the resurrected King David rule over all Israel? 2. What were the 12 apostles promised in the New Age of the Kingdom of God? 3. What will they teach? Rev. 2:26; 5:10. Who else will help teach the nations of the world in the New Age? Note: Then the resurrected immortal saints will be priests as well as kings. The function of a priest is to teach (Mal. 2:7). The glorified children of God will teach people the Word and the ways of God, His laws, commandments, statutes and judgments. They will be able to appear in visible form at will (Isa. 30:20-21). They will be ever present to teach or to stop any open crime or rebellion. Because they will be like Christ is now, they will be able to come and go as necessary, pass through walls or instantly disappear, such as Christ was able to do after His resurrection (John 20:17, 19,25-27; Luke 24:31). Eventually through God's system of proper education and true worship of the True God, the world will be full of the knowledge of God as the waters cover the oceans. There will be peace, joy, happiness and a truly abundant life for all people. Zech. 14:16-19; Isa. 66:19-23. Will the nations of the world keep the appointed feasts and holy days of God? Note: The world today, including most of professing Christianity are following the pagan Babylonian mystery religion customs, festivals, celebrations, which were derived from the pagan philosophies, customs and beliefs of Babylon, Egypt and Rome. In the New Age of the Kingdom of God all people will be taught the right and proper way to worship God and what are the right and proper days of worship. MANKIND'S NEW NATURE Mat 12:35. Is the heart and nature of mankind a mixture of good and evil, with the evil dominating? Note: Mark 7:21- 23  Shows that sin originates from within the minds of human beings Jer. 17:9; Mat 15:19. Does the nature of man lean towards being deceitful and wicked? Rom. 8:5-7. Is the natural mind of man enmity and hostile to the law of God? Is it possible for it to be subject to it? Note: This way of mankind seems right and natural but it results in death (Pro. 14:12; 16:25). Ezk. 36:22-27; Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:10; 10:16. 1. Will God change the hearts of people during the Millennium age? 2. What will God add to the minds of people that will enable them to be at peace and reap the blessings of serving God? WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE ETERNAL FILLING THE EARTH, AS IT IS UNITED WITH THE MINDS AND HEARTS OF THE PHYSICAL PEOPLE UPON EARTH, AS JESUS AND ALL THE SAINTS RULE WITH THE POWER AND THE WORD OF THE LORD, THEN THE WORLD WILL HAVE THE UTOPIA IT HAS DREAMED ABOUT FOR CENTURIES. THEN WE SHALL HAVE THE KINGDOM OF GOD UPON THE EARTH. AS JESUS TAUGHT US, WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO PRAY, "THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN." .................................... Written in 1982 by Keith Hunt

BOOK OF REVELATION #10

 

Chapter One hundred-thirty-nine:

The REVELATION of Jesus Christ #10

Chapter 16 CHAPTER SIXTEEN John hears a voice from out of the Temple in heaven to the seven angels with the seven vials, "Go your way and pour out the vials of the WRATH of God upon the earth." The FIRST angel pours out his vial, and there is a GRIEVOUS SORE upon all that are part of the Beast and have its mark, and worship its religious image (verses 1-2). The SECOND angel pours out his vial upon the sea, and it becomes like the blood of the dead, and every living life in the sea dies (verse 3). Is this the whole sea of the entire world, or the sea close to the Holy Land? There is no elaboration, so only time will tell. But the thought of every life dying, is horrible to contemplate. The THIRD angel pours out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of water; and they become blood (verse 4). Again, is it the fountain of waters in and around just the Holy Land, or the entire earth; is not told us. But that angel is heard by John as saying, "You are righteous, O Lord, which are, and was, and shall be, because You have judged it to be this way. They have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink; for they are worthy of such plagues" (verse 5,6). Then John hears another out from the altar say, "Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are all thy judgments" (verse 7). And the FOURTH angel pours out his vial upon the sun, and power was given to scorch people with fire. And people were scorched with GREAT heat, and did they REPENT? You would think by now it would had gotten through to their minds that God is God, that He is very REAL, and means business. But they only blaspheme the name of God, and they DID NOT REPENT! (verses 8,9). The FIFTH angel pours out his vial upon the seat or headquarters 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 the pains and their sores, and REPENTED NOT of their deeds" (verses 10-11). Now by this time, actually three and a half years earlier, the beast "man" and the "false prophet" man have moved to Jerusalem, all explained in my other studies on "Prophecy." So it may be that the seat of the beast here spoken about is the Holy Land, or it may be the seat the beast has in Europe. But wherever, you will notice they STILL HAVE the "sores" of verse 2. So that shows SOME of the vials will CONTINUE at least for some time. And by the way so far all these vials could be poured out in a matter of hours of each other, still on the same day. The miracles that they are only takes the angels a second or so to pour out. We have scorching heat and then whatever length of time given, we have DARKNESS upon the kingdom of the beast. From one extreme to the other. But nothing so far will make the people of the kingdom of the beast REPENT! So is the depth of Satanic deception! The SIXTH angel pours out his vial upon the river Euphrates; and the water of it dries up, that the way of the kings of the EAST might be prepared (verse 12). Do the kings of the East really need the Euphrates river to dry up? Probably not per se. Their armies in the modern world do not have to be stopped by a river. It is probably more symbolic the drying up of the water of the river Euphrates. It is a way of telling us and the world at that time, that the great BATTLE between man's physical armies and God is fast on its way. John sees three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, representing Satan, out of the mouth of the "man" beast and out of the mouth of the "man" false prophet. These are the THREE great deceivers of the last 42 months of this age. Of course Satan is behind the two "men" deceivers, but there are the three as John sees it in vision. The three spirits are demonic. Satan is Satan, yet the beast man and the false prophet man, will have Satan's top demon spirits working inside of them. No doubt Satan has his right and left hand demons by his side, top rank demons in his army of demons. These demons will work miracles through their human puppets. So as they go forth unto the kings of the earth, and the whole world, they will influence the mighty armies left in the world at this time (and obviously some will be from the East of the river Euphrates), to gather together to the BATTLE of the GREAT DAY of God almighty (verses 12-14). Jesus says, "Behold, I will come as a thief. Blessed is he that watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame (verse 15). Even at this very late time, Jesus says you better keep on keeping on the right road, for He will still come somewhat unexpectedly. You can never let up on walking the road that leads to eternal life, you can never let up for any length of time, especially during the GREAT DAY of God almighty. The armies of Satan, the beast, the false prophet and the kings of the East, are gathered together into the place in Hebrew called Armageddon, north west of Jerusalem. It is a large plain, very fitting for a large army to gather together to make war, on an enemy from the sky or clouds over the city of Jerusalem. The result of this battle is given to us in Zechariah 14. We have there that Jesus will melt the skin off their bones and the blood will flow like a river for 183 miles from Ar-Mageddon to south of Jerusalem (chapter 14:19-20). The Hebrew "ar" means mountain or range or plain, while "megiddo" means fortification, castle, stronghold). Jesus and the saints and the angels HAVE COME! They have descended from the clouds and have taken the victory and have destroyed those who have been destroying the earth. The GREAT BATTLE of the Day of God's wrath, the Day of the Lord, is over, the armies of Satan, both physical and spirit, have been DEFEATED!! But there needs to be ONE MORE FINAL battle witness to the humans of the great end-time Babylon. The SEVENTH angel pours out his vial into the air, and there comes forth a great voice out of the Temple of heaven , from the very throne of heaven, saying, "IT IS DONE!!" (verse 17). "And 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!" (verse 18). It can only be imagined, but then even our minds may not be able to imagine how great this earthquake will be. "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" (verse 19). The Great City, is that Jerusalem? Some might probably say it is, but then why not words like "the holy city" or just the word "Jerusalem"? Letting the Bible interpret itself we have in chapter 17:18 concerning this Babylon women, the connection with "the great city" phrase. The Babylon woman whore and "the great city" is referring to the city that has had more influence on the world, over the centuries, as a whole, than any other city in the world - the great city of ROME! All over the nations of the world, that are still left by this time, their cities fall. I expect this means their major cities. Then God remembers this end-time BABYLON, what is left of her destroyed Empire (for as we shall see in chapter 18, and as it was in chapter 9 and the SIXTH angel TRUMPET, most of this Mystery Babylon the Great, has been devastated by this time, by the time Jesus is descending from the clouds and these seven vials are being poured out), and she is given more punishment. "And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found" (verse 20). Could this be meaning the small islands in the seas around the Holy Land, or islands any and everywhere? With such a great earthquake as mankind has never experienced, taking place, it could well mean islands (what size of islands is simply not stated) all over the world. "And there fell upon mankind a GREAT HAIL out of heaven, every hail-stone about the weight of a talent ..." (verse 21). Great hail ... well nothing like it in the history of man ... about the weight of a "talent" -- this 75 POUNDS !! Did all this lead people to REPENTANCE? NOT A BIT! People STILL blasphemed God because of the plague of hail! In chapter 17 and 18 we again STEP BACK in time, as those two chapters are INSET chapters, to inform us about MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. .................. To be continued

BOOKM OF REVELATION #9

 

 

Chapter One hundred-thirty-eight:

The REVELATION of Jesus Christ #9

Chapters 13-15 CHAPTER THIRTEEN This chapter is an INSET chapter. For the details of chapter 13 I refer the reader to my in-depth studies "The Beasts of Daniel and Revelation" under the section called "Prophecy" on this Website. A few comments in passing. The first 10 verses cover the ROMAN POLITICAL/MILITARY power. It was a mighty WAR machine. It did die, was wounded to death, but it arose again under a woman false church power. It did BLASPHEME against God; the theology it taught was false and in many ways blasphemous to God (verses 3,4,6). It was a military/religious power that made WAR against the true saints of God, and it killed many of them (verse 7). It also ruled over many nations and peoples. It will arise ONE more times, at the end of this age, it will rule again for 42 months, and all who will not worship its system will come under persecution. Only the very elect will not be deceived (Mat.24:24). Verses 11-18 focuses on the RELIGIOUS power of this Beast, coming like a Lamb, looking and saying it represents Christ, but shall in fact be governed by the dragon - Satan the Devil. It will have a false prophet that will be able to work miracles. He will make people worship this whole system. If they do not they will be killed. A mark is put on the people, without it they cannot buy or sell, cannot be a part of its society. To put it in BLUNT and plain words. This is the HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE, that arose, starting in 554 A.D. It was the might of a military power governed and ruled by the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. It will RISE ONCE MORE at the end of this age, in Europe, as it always has been a European power. The false prophet will be the POPE. This risen Roman Empire of Europe, will, attack and destroy the British Commonwealth of Nations and the United States of America, and many other "Israelite" nations of the Western World. It will for a SHORT TIME, rise quickly (when in full dress) and will also bring about the last GREAT persecution of the true saints of God. Again, please study my studies called "The Beasts of Daniel and Revelation" as well as other studies under the category "Prophecy." CHAPTER FOURTEEN We are back once more to the major event of the sounding of the SEVENTH AND LAST TRUMPET. So, this chapter is part of the story flow, but is focussed on one main event. We are taken to the wonderful event of that trumpet sound, the RESURRECTION and JESUS with the saints ON THE MOUNT SION. This could be a spiritual mount sion in the clouds or the literal mount Sion at Jerusalem. With Him are the 144,000 that were sealed earlier. They are part that represents the whole. This type of Bible point is used many times in Scripture. We know from many other verses on the topic of the first resurrection and the coming of Jesus again to earth, that there will be the saints resurrected and glorified from all past ages, from Adam to this time of the Messiah's coming in glory to establish the Kingdom of God on earth. The PART represents the WHOLE. John hears a voice of many waters, the voice of a great thunder, and the sound of harpers harping their harps. He hears them sing a new song before the throne of heaven, before the four beasts and the elders, but only the resurrected saints could learn that song (the 144,000 is the part that represents the whole). Those in that resurrection are now with Christ, were the ones who were not defiled with the false woman or women of false Christianity - they are spiritual virgins - clean and pure from spiritual fornication. They are the ones who follow the LAMB, live by His faith, have Jesus living in them, and they are the ones who have been willing to live by every word of God, to follow His righteousness, to obey His commandments (verse 12). They were then redeemed - bought by the blood of Christ, and they are the very FIRST-FRUITS unto God and to the Lamb, Christ. They stand before God as having no guile in their mouth and are FAULTLESS before Him. (verses 2-6). See my study on "The Truth about Judgment Day" and "Saved by Grace." At this time, just before the 7 angels pouring out their 7 last plagues of chapter 15 and 16, there is an ANGEL to go forth having the everlasting Gospel. This is where Jesus' words of Mat.24:14 are fulfilled. Matthew 24:14 has nothing to do with any human organization "getting the Gospel to the world" - no human organization can compare with an ANGEL proclaiming to those who dwell on the earth, to every nation, kindred, tongue and people, the EVERLASTING GOSPEL! The angel says: "Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." Another angel follows saying: "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornications." Babylon fell once, centuries ago, but there is to come an end-time Babylon of the later chapters of Revelation. She is Mystery Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth (chapter 17:5-6). She has made the whole earth DRUNK with her SPIRITUAL FORNICATIONS. There is fast approaching that there will not be a nation on earth that is not drunk in some way with the false teachings and customs of the ROMAN CATHOLIC RELIGION. Most nations now observe Christ-mass, the 1st of January, in one form or another. The "Christian" world has been deceived into observing Sunday the first of day of the week, instead of the 7th day of the fourth commandment of God. And on and on it goes. Her daughters - the Protestants all have one or more (mostly more) of her spiritual fornications. The end-time BABYLON will FALL, we see that in Revelation 18 if you want to read it now. We have seen in Revelation 9 and the 6th trumpet sound, that the army from the EAST will have a large part in destroying this European Babylon. Yes, it is time for you to read chapter 18, let it all sink deep into your heart and mind. This BABYLON OF ROMAN CATHOLIC EUROPE will FALL!! By the time this angel of chapter 14:8 tells the rest of the world that Babylon is fallen, IT WILL HAVE ALREADY FALLEN! But this is not yet the final end of all the evil Satanic falsehoods, the Babylon Beast power will still be in the Holy Land, still have people and armies entrenched with its mind-set and brainwashed by its philosophies and theology. A third angel must sound its voice saying: "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 wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and 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 ascends up for ever and ever: and they shall have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receives his mark of his name. Here is the patience of the saints: here are they who KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD AND HAVE THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST" (verses 9-12). This is the final warning to those still left on earth who will NOT give up worshipping the Roman Europe Beast power and its Roman Catholic religion. The part about torment, fire, smoke ascending up forever, I have covered in depth under the studies "Death - then What? Once more in the last book of the New Testament, God makes it clear that the true saints are those who KEEP His COMMANDMENTS and who live by the very faith of Christ (faith OF Christ - see Galatians 2:20). Yes you Roman Catholics and Protestants, you need to REPENT of NOT keeping the FOURTH commandment! It is plain to read what it is in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. You need to COME OUT OF BABYLON, with all of her other false practices and doctrines! John then hears a voice from heaven saying: "Write! Blessed are the dead, which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yes, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works to follow them." Jesus said that "By their works you shall know them." By the way His followers live, as He lived (Gal.2:20 once more and Phil.2:5) shall be the acid test of truth as opposed to falsehood and error. John then looks and in the time frame he sees the Son of man in a cloud, having a golden crown and in his hand a sharp sickle. Jesus is coming in the clouds, just as He left in clouds, so He will come in like manner (Acts 1). We are still seeing the major event of the sound of the SEVENTH TRUMPET! Another angels comes and with a loud voice to the One sat on the cloud, he tells that One, whom is Jesus, to thrust His sickle and reap, for the time has come for the reaping of the earth. And He who sat on the cloud did just that - thrust His sickle and the earth was reaped (verses 15-16). This should remind you of the parables Jesus gave about harvest, reaping, fish catching, and all that pertained to this great event at the sound of the seventh and last trumpet. It's time indeed now for those who are destroying the earth to be destroyed. Still yet another angel comes from out of the Temple in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle (verse 17). Then yet again, another angel comes from the altar in the Temple. He has power over fire, and cries to the angel with the sharp sickle, "Thrust in thy sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are ripe." The angel thrusts in the sickle into the earth and gathers the vine of the earth, and casts it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the wine-press was trodden without the city and blood came out of the wine-press, even unto the horses bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs (verses 18-20). I have covered in detail the expounding of these last two verses of chapter 14. I believe it is in my study "Armageddon and the New Age." Putting it in a nut-shell. See Joel 2:1,30; 3:1-2, 9-15; Isa.63:1-4. A furlong is 606.5 feet, so 1,600 furlongs = 970,400 feet which is 183 miles. This distance takes you from Meggido to Edom, to the end of the depression of the land. It is the last battle, the famous battle of Armageddon (chapter 16:14-16 with Zech.14). The armies of the Beast power and armies from the East of Euphrates (chapter 16:12) will come together to fight Christ on His return to earth. They will MELT away, Jesus will destroy them by melting their skin from off their bones (Zech.14) and their blood will flow for 183 miles from Meggido to Edom, south of Jerusalem. You talk about "space wars" - this will be one, but the armies of human beings will have NO chance at victory. You think about this. The events of what will happen are ALL WRITTEN in this book of the Bible. The false prophet guiding the Europe Babylon Mystery Roman Catholic religion, WILL BE ABLE TO READ ALL THIS, in the Bible he claims to represent! AND HE AND THE ARMIES HE LEADS WILL STILL TRY TO DEFEAT CHRIST!! Talk about the DEPTHS of the DECEPTIONS of Satan the Devil. This has got to be one of his deepest! CHAPTER FIFTEEN We have been taken to ONE POINT of the SEVENTH TRUMPET, a VERY important time frame for sure. It was the time frame of Revelation 16:12-21. Now we must go back a little, and have presented to us what exactly leads up to chapter 16:14-16 and the reaping of the earth in the battle at Armageddon. John sees a sign in heaven, great and marvellous. Seven angels having SEVEN LAST PLAGUES, for in them is the full measure of the wrath of God finalized. We are on the sea of glass, mingled with fire, the resurrected saints (and those who got victory over the last great Beast power, and all that it stood for in all its ways and teachings and life practices) are ALL THERE. They have harps and they sing the song of Moses (he will be there with them, maybe leading them in the song), and the song of the Lamb (whatever that is, Jesus will lead us to sing it), saying: "Great and marvellous are they works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear you, O Lord, and glorify thy name? Thou only art holy; for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest" (verse 1-4). After that, John looks and the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony in heaven was opened (verse 5). The SEVEN angels now come out of the temple, having the SEVEN LAST PLAGUES. They are clothed in pure and white linen, and are girded around the beast with a golden girdle. It should now be clear to us that the SEVENTH TRUMPET is made up of THE RESURRECTION of the saints and the SEVEN LAST PLAGUES. One of the four beasts around the throne of God, gives the seven angels, seven vials full of the wrath of God, the one who lives forever. The Temple then is filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from His power. No one, angel, beasts, or whatever is in heaven, was able then to enter the Temple, UNTIL the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. We are now at the FINAL end of this age, and very soon we will have the Kingdom of God on this earth, and the wonderful 1,000 year age shall be a reality, which the holy prophets have told us about from the ages past. ........................ To be continued NOTE: If some of you are shocked at my saying the end-time Beast power, the Babylon Mystery Religion, is the very Roman Catholic church, the Papacy, I want you to know that just about all the OLD Protestant Bible Commentaries, like Albert Barnes' "Notes on the New Testament" all teach that very thing.