Unveiling Revelation

Unveiling Revelation

Preface

          This book began with a single act of curiosity.  Intrigued by a mysterious verse in Chapter sixteen, I initiated a study to reveal its hidden meanings. While studying the one verse, it eventually grew into 5  verses for a more correct interpretation, which, in turn, expanded into the whole chapter. It was then, I recognized the importance of beginning with the first chapter and working my way through the entire book for a complete understanding.

            My most significant discovery was reading Revelation from start to finish. The hidden secrets buried within the pages didn’t rise to significance compared to the entire story. Preceding chapters unfold meanings like a scroll being unraveled off a spindle. One simply can’t realize the importance of one single verse without understanding the previous sections.

            I would urge anyone reading this book to begin in the beginning and follow the narrative as it unravels one page at a time. Please, refrain from jumping to the middle or end, which will only lead to frustration. The book of Revelation was mean to be read, “precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little,” as it states in (Isaiah 28:10).

            I would also add this one last warning for anyone presuming I’m going to offer answers to every conundrum, or everything thing I state is correct. In fact, I will simply offer my thoughts or opinions on some verses just has so many others have before me. I ask anyone to weigh each verse with what’s in history, culture, and, finally, the Bible.

Unveiling Revelation

Introduction

          The book of Revelation is one of the most written about and researched biblical books. Many self-proclaimed prophets have adamantly claimed to have unlocked the visions the Messiah gave to the Apostle John. It is a recurring theme based upon centuries of interpreting scripture in the light of agendas and personal desires.

The paramount question in my mind, are these visions exclusively for modern times, commonly considered “the end days”? Or, does the book indeed consist of prophecies about the second coming of the one true Messiah, and the tumultuous last days before it? Or, do the visions serve mostly to prepare God’s holy people for tribulations bound to come in any generation? 

Other thoughts include, are we to take the visions as chronological or as snapshots of different times, as some suggest?

Do they foresee literal events, or do they symbolically hide prophetic messages from those not meant to know?

There seem to be five competing views for interpreting this puzzling document. A person’s background strongly influences which One seems valid.

1. The events described in the visions are centered in the past, mostly in the 1^st century, after the death of the Messiah.
2. It was written to encourage believers of that time.
3. It is a historic panoramic view of history all the way up to the 2^nd coming of the Messiah.
4. It is a continuing portrayal between the forces of good and evil.
5. It is a futuristic view dealing with events occurring at the end of the age.

These are the four ways of looking at this book, according to theologians and Bible scholars. As I personally look at these, it occurs to me all four have validity.

They have validity where God’s people are concerned, both then and now and in the future. Can visions also portray trials of humanity beginning at creation to “the end of this era? (Cf. 1Corinthians 15:24-28, Revelation 20:13-21:7) I believe much of Revelation hearkens back to what we call the Old Testament, and we will see more of that as we go through the book.

Among believers, some things generally are not in dispute:

1. The Bible, including Revelation, was written for God’s people.
2. The entire Bible includes historical accounts, prophecies, instructions and songs, and devotions, including Revelation. The book was written by Apostle John on the Isle of Patmos, although the year is much disputed.
3. John was a Jew by birth, and observed Jewish customs. It is essential to know John was a Jew because it colors his perspective of visions given to him by Christ.

Of these things, we can be sure, while much of everything else is assumed. Modern Christians tend to assume certain things when it comes to the Bible, and certainly much the book of Revelation! 

 1. Many assume people then think like Christians today.

 2. Many assume Jews think like the Greeks. 3. Many assume Jews were willing to change their perspectives about Jewish customs at the drop of a hat.

 4. Worst of all, many assume God doesn’t care what they believe!

   Many assume their view of things is “right” and the only way to interpret scriptures.

 5. Last, of all, Christians assume everything should be viewed through a Christian lens, with Christain traditions.

This brief history and synopsis is the basis where I begin my inspection of this book. My desire was to take a look at a systematic dissection of every verse. I have no preconceived idea in mind only to see where my studies take me.

I will use the scriptures to back up my own assumptions or views as often as I can. This is in line with the teachings of the scriptures where we are commanded to go line upon line. Isaiah 28:10-13 King James Version (KJV) 10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: 11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. 12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

13 But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

            Journey with me as I embark on a fresh new look into the mind of the Apostle John and his incredible visions.

There is one last item to consider before we get started. I want to speak of John’s physical condition as he wrote this book. Much of what has been written under the consumption John was in his 90’s when he wrote Revelation.

            I don’t believe that to be the case, it is my personal belief John was around 12 years old at the time he walked with Jesus. In fact, I believe only one of the Messiah’s disciples was of legal age when He called them. Peter was married and the only one of the disciples that had to pay a tax, which should have made him a minimum of twenty and no older than 50 years old.

If this is born out, the Apostle John would have been in his late 60’s or early 70’s, when he wrote Revelation, not his 90’s, which would be more practical considering all the circumstances.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter One

Our study will take the philosophy of “line upon line; here a little, and there a little;” finding our way through scripture together. Just one last caveat, most likely, you will see different ways to look at some of these verses, and that is okay, you can apply them however you wish. But, always remember, it’s your salvation you must be concerned with, and after all, I am a man and can be wrong. All verses will be in the New American Standard Bible unless stated otherwise.

Let’s begin at the beginning with Chapter one, verse one.

Verse 1.  The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John,

Here we see, it’s not John’s Revelation, it’s the Revelation of Jesus given to John. Why would this make a difference? Remember, much is assumed of what we believe, so assuming these are John’s visions, which makes us think we are getting his interpretation of these events, and we are not.

Remember this as you study these visions.

Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. ⁹ “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.

God’s ways are alien compared to ours; His thoughts are not the thoughts of man. So, yes, it makes a big difference as to who we perceive is giving these visions. It’s not some 70-year-old Jewish guy who knew the Messiah personally, but the One who was the God of the old and new testaments.

This book was, in reality, is presented by the Messiah, showing what was and is to take place. But I contend, it is even more, it was given to an angel from the Messiah to give to John. So, who is the angel in question? We can’t and don’t know for sure, but the prophetic message was given to him to give to John to give to God’s holy people.

An angel is a messenger according to Strong’s 32, aggelos, one whocarries a message from God, and one could say a minister of the true God is one such being.

John called himself a bond-servant Strongs 1401 and means: a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary). He felt compelled to obey, and wouldn’t have objected even if he didn’t consider himself indentured to the Messiah in some significant fashion.

Verse 2:  who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.

John is giving a testimony of what he was shown, just like in a court of law. He is bound to the truth and nothing but the truth.

Not only his testimony is being present, but the testimony of Jesus is also part of the narrative as well. Like we said in the very beginning, it is the Revelation of Jesus given to John. But, it’s much more when you consider John knew Jesus as a man. They traveled, slept, drank, ate, and talked with one another constantly. John was the student of Jesus, His talmidim (Disciple), and did what was expected of him to do as a disciple.

Everything John witnessed or was going to see in the visions, was presented to him by a figure he knew as Jesus. He needed to do everything he was commanded and do it right. His testimony was to go to God’s people, and it couldn’t be embellished or changed in any way.

There is no doubt he knew the warnings of old about false prophets and dreamers of dreams. He knew about these warnings, and so did the people of his time.

Jeremiah 14:13,But, “Ah, Lord God!” I said, “Look, the prophets are telling them, ‘You will not see the sword nor will you have famine, but I will give you lasting peace in this place.’” ¹⁴ Then the Lord said to me, “The prophets are prophesying falsehood in My name. I have neither sent them nor commanded them nor spoken to them; they are prophesying to you a false vision, divination, futility and the deception of their own minds. ¹⁵ Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who are prophesying in My name, although it was not I who sent them—yet they keep saying, ‘There will be no sword or famine in this land’—by sword and famine those prophets shall meet their end! ¹⁶ The people also to whom they are prophesying will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and there will be no one to bury them—neither them, nor their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters—for I will pour out their own wickedness on them.

Remember, this is portrayed as the testimony written by John from Jesus to the world, wrapped within vivid dreams of horrible creatures and symbolism. Who is going to believe him, who will take to heart the message he is bound to deliver?

Verse 3:  Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.

Why is this particular epistle so crucial for mankind? Is it because it is prophetic, or could there be a deeper reason?  Is there a purpose for this manuscript the world has yet to consider? By the way, this manuscript is a prophetic letter to the churches, but as I alluded to, for a more meaningful reason than just giving doom and gloom prophecy.

We are instructed to examine every prophecy given by an angel or man to verify what is true and righteous. We do this so we can avoid evil that comes our way in the form of false teachings and avoid being entrapped into Satan’s deception.

1 Thessalonians 5:19-23, Do not quench the Spirit; ²⁰ do not despise prophetic utterances. ²¹ But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; ²² abstain from every form of evil. ²³ Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

            We test prophecies to become the more perfect person- all for the Messiah and the benefit of His church. He will not let us go without proper preparation to understand His intentions for the future of His people.

He is revealing Himself to us in these words and visions and used the Apostle John as His holy messenger.

Amos 3:6-8,  If a trumpet is blown in a city will not the people tremble? If a calamity occurs in a city has not the Lord done it? ⁷ Surely the Lord God does nothing Unless He reveals His secret counsel To His servants the prophets.
⁸ A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?

            The noble Messiah has spoken, who can but prophesy the words and testimony in this book? The problem is this, prophesying isn’t the same as making stuff up.

John is given a unique focus directed at the seven churches in Asia Minor, where Paul journeyed and established congregations to spread the gospel to the gentile nations.

What’s so special about God’s churches, and why are they thrust to the forefront when revealing humanity’s prophetic end-time future?

The answer is in front of us all if we are willing to see its full potential. First, though, answering this question creates a considerable amount of illumination on many other scriptures throughout the Bible. So, I feel this is the perfect place to elaborate on the church and her relationship with the Messiah.

The church, the true church, is an exceptional gem with our savior. It is His holy bride, bought with His blood. I know we have heard this many times before, but the profound importance of it seems to have been glossed over in many mainstream denominations. In Ephesians chapter five, the family structure is laid out by Paul for mankind. It is also a spiritual guideline; let’s read what it says: Ephesians 5:22-33, Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body. 31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great, but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.

In these scriptures, we see where Christ is head of His church in every respect. One only needs to study the Jewish culture to see just how important these scriptures are to the spiritual church. Paul finishes verse 32 by telling the Ephesians, “it is a mystery,” he is referencing the Messiah being the husband of the church, the true church, His very own betrothed wife.

2 Corinthians 11:2, For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

It also speaks of the Messiah returning for His bride in (Revelation 19), but I’ll address those verses more deeply when we get to them.

It is with this in mind we go forward because there is nothing more important than the union between the savior and His church. Revelation means the Messiah is revealing to His chosen people a series of events, past and present, that will lead to what is going to transpire.

“Is the ordinary religious world mentioned at all, you may ask?” Quite a bit, as a matter of fact. The world is the cobblestones on which the church travels, culminating in the final events of mankind.

We know this book is about the church because of the last line in verse 3, “the time is near.”  Why would that be a factor to unbelievers since any religious warning would fall on deaf ears? It wouldn’t, but it does matter to the church, the bride of the Messiah, the true believers.

Verse 4,  John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 

Here is a greeting by John to the seven churches in Asia Minor. He begins the greeting by identifying himself as the One giving the message. It is curious as to why he didn’t include churches throughout Israel as well? Also, why not include churches that were well established in Rome and other provinces? Why just Asia Minor?  Were they the only churches John was familiar with or was it something more comprehensive?

Adams Clarke commentary states the possible reason as,”We are not to suppose that they were the only Christian Churches then in Asia Minor; there were several others then in Phrygia, Pamphylia, Galatia, Pontus, Cappadocia, etc., etc. But these seven were those which lay nearest to the Apostle, and were more particularly under his care; though the message was sent to the Churches in general, and perhaps it concerns the whole Christian world.”

Another point I wanted to make on this particular verse is about the number seven and Adams Clarke made it for me as we continue on in his commentary.

“The number seven may be used here as the number of perfection; as the Hebrews use the seven names of the heavens, the seven names of the earth, the seven patriarchs, seven suns, seven kinds, seven years, seven months, seven days, etc., etc.; in which the rabbins find a great variety of mysteries.”

            The question as to why they were chosen as examples could be something as simple as the geographical location of the churches or possibly the makeup of the congregations. They were reasonably close to one another, and most churches in Asia Minor were established within old Jewish synagogues; so, perhaps they were a mix of both Jews and gentiles together, making them perfect examples. Whatever the reason they were selected, it was for edification for all of God’s people, that is clear.

            Who are the seven spirits before God’s throne? It’s an interesting number when you consider the book of, “Enoch being of the Antediluvian period in the Hebrew Bible. Enoch was son of Jared and fathered Methuselah. This Enoch is not to be confused with Cain’s son Enoch. The text of the Book of Genesis says Enoch lived 365 years before he was taken by God. The text reads that Enoch “walked with …, the names of the seven archangels are Gabriel, Michael, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Remiel, and Saraqael. The Book of Enoch is an ancient Jewish text that dates back to between 170 B.C. and 64 B.C.”

            Adam’s Clarke commentary includes this, “The seven Spirits – before his throne – The ancient Jews, who represented the throne of God as the throne of an eastern monarch, supposed that there were seven ministering angels before this throne, as there were seven ministers attendant on the throne of a Persian monarch. We have an ample proof of this, Tobit 12:15: I am Raphael, one of the Seven Holy Angels which present the prayers of the saints, and which go in and out before the glory of the Holy One. And in Jonathan ben Uzziel’s Targum, on Genesis 11:7; God said to the Seven Angels which stand before him, Come now, etc.

In Pirkey Eliezer, iv. and vii: “The angels which were first created minister before him without the veil.” Sometimes they represent them as seven cohorts or troops of angels, under whom are thirty inferior orders.

That seven Angels are here meant, and not the Holy Spirit, is most evident from the place, the number, and the tradition. Those who imagine the Holy Ghost to be intended suppose the number seven is used to denote his manifold gifts and graces. That these seven spirits are angels, see Revelation 3:1; Revelation 4:5; and particularly Revelation 5:6, where they are called the seven spirits of God Sent Forth into All the Earth.”

Are these the angels the archangels spoken of by Enoch? It is said they commanded legions of other angels to do the bidding of the father and the Messiah.

In Daniel, Gabriel is identified by name as delivering important prophetic messages to faithful servants of God in four different accounts in Holy Scriptures. The first mention of Gabriel is in an appearance to the prophet Daniel (Daniel 8:16).

Michel is mentioned in Jude, Revelation 12, where no angels are identified as Raphael in the canonized  Bible. However, the name is interesting, in its Hebrew roots.  The word Rapha which features in one of the names of God in the Septuagint: Jehovah-Rapha, which means “The Lord who heals” (Exodus 15:26; Psalm 103:3; Psalm 107:20; Isaiah 53:4-5).

The point is, there is ample proof for these seven angels are agents with great power, but whether one wants to say these are those seven, well, that would be a choice each of us has to make.

One last point, when we speak of angels and see their names mentioned either in scriptures or other historical writing, you will notice when they are angels of God, their names will end in EL. When they are not angels of God but instead,  demons, then their names can be anything but EL. In many cases, their name includes “bel” somewhere in their title.

Verse 5, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood— 

Here, John is telling the world where this message came from. He makes no bones about its author, and His authority to reveal such a letter. It is a message that must come to pass and cannot be altered.

Nothing can be taken away or added to the testimony of Jesus, nor should one ever try. In the books of the law (Torah) given to Moses to give to the people, He gave a stern warning.

Deuteronomy 4:2, “Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I am teaching you to perform, so that you may live and go in and take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, is giving you. 2 You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.

            That same stern warning is mentioned at the very end of Revelation and should be heeded with all vigor.

The Messiah is the ruler of Kings; he is called the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

1 Timothy 6:13-16, I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, ¹⁴ that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶ who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion!

            This same phrase is used to describe the Messiah in several other scriptures in Revelation and will be pointed out when we get to them.

He is also the firstborn of the dead, the very first to be resurrected to the spirit and joined the Father in heaven. Others like Lazerus were resurrected back to life, but they died a physical death again. It says in John 3:13,  No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man.

Also, in Colossians 1:15-18, He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. ¹⁷ He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. ¹⁸ He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 

            Because He came to earth, shedding His deity as the creator and taking on the mantle of mere man and dying for our sins. He has a right to give this message to man, and man has no right to deny it.

Verse 6, and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

This is probably one of the misquoted verses in the Bible. I personally spent years under the assumption this verse said His people would be made into kings and priests. It wasn’t until some years ago I did a study on the first chapter of Revelation I discovered the correct saying on the verse. “We would be made into a kingdom of a priest to his God the Father.” That changes everything in my humble view. That changes the very concept of our duties to the Father in heaven. If we are rightly judged as ministers of the gospel, then we are also priests to the highest God the Father in heaven.

            The Messiah takes no position over the Father, He always bows to the Father’s complete autonomy, and so should we. He and the Father are one in message and goal, which happens to be His bride, His holy people.

Just study these verses for confirmation, John 14:7-15, If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” 8 Philip *said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus *said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. 12 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

Keeping the commandments is the best and simplest way of acknowledging our acceptance of the Messiah. It’s an acknowledgment and reminder that the Messiah took on our sins, mere men and women, and he died a horrible death so we could live.

It’s a constant reminder, it was His blood that paid the price, not ours. We owe a debt we can never pay, not in this lifetime, but how soon we forget such things. Modern-day religion teaches us to take something like this with a grain of salt, because to them, these are just spiritual sounding words spoken once a week to sleepy Congregationalists across the lands.

In the next verse, He begins to outline His return to those that slumber, and His coming won’t be the way we are told it will be.

Verse 7, Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be.

He is coming with clouds, and direct inference to the angels coming to gather His elect talked about in Matthew 24:30, I love the way the Jewish New Testament quotes these verses by David H. Stern.

Matthew 24:29“But immediately following the trouble of those times, the sun will grow dark, the moon will stop shining, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in heaven will be shaken. (Isaiah 13:10; Ezekiel 32:7; Joel 2:10; 3:4(2:31); 4:15(3:15); Isaiah 34:4; Haggai 2:6, 21)
30. “Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, all the tribes of the Land will mourn (Zechariah 12:10–14), and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with tremendous power and glory.

In Zechariah 12:10-14 refers to the day when the people of Israel will mourn over God, who has been pierced, as they would mourn over a firstborn son. They are directly guilty of the death of the Messiah, some say this is directed at the Jews, others say it’s the entire world.

It does need to be noted that orthodox Jews reject Jesus as the Messiah then and now; so, perhaps this jab is at their rejection.

All the tribes of the earth would indicate, the entire world will see Him come in the clouds and then mourn over Him. Is it because at the same time He comes back He will be an exacting judgment upon them? So, is verse seven about the Jews, the whole earth, or a combination of both? But, it does say all the tribes of the earth, does it not?

This is as good as any place to explain my reluctance to use Amen in this commentary. As you may notice going forward, I use translations such as the  (Revised Standard or Lexham English Septuagint ), which uses, “So it is to be or may it be so.” I use this instead of the traditional Amen; in fact, So be it or so it is to be, or verily, are the proper translations for scriptural verses, and I will use those when adequately needed. I will also address other places in Revelation where Amen is used as we come to them.

Verse 8, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

He is the beginning and end, the alpha and omega of the scriptures. He is the beginning and end of humanity. The One known as Jesus is the God of Genesis that breathed life into Adam and Eve, He is the God that told Noah to build an ark, and gave Moses the law on Mount Sini.

1 Corinthians 10:1-5, For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; ² and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; ³ and all ate the same spiritual food; ⁴ and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. ⁵ Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness.

            Also, read John 1:1-18, Colossians 1:15-20, and Hebrews 1:2

Jesus, the Messiah, is the beginning and end of all things physical. It says in Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

            This verse implies He was of the same mind and purpose when He was an eternal God of the Old Testament, then gave that up to become human, died, then became eternal once more. Whatever stage of life he was in, He never changed.

Malachi 3:6“For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob,  are not consumed.

It’s always has been the Messiah’s and His Father’s mission to build a family out of the trash heap of humanity. It sounds grungy and harsh, I know, but take a moment and recount what mankind has done to thwart the plan of God, not to mention Satan’s role in all of this.

Verse 9: I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

We’ve all felt alone at times, just as John most certainly must have on that island. I feel confident John had the absolute knowledge of God secure in his heart, which helped him through his trials. He understood as humans, we can spread the true word of the gospel anywhere we are even when we are all alone with no like-minded brethren close to us.

Here John is officially introducing himself to the brethren scattered around the world from the island of Patmos. Unger’s Bible Dictionary says this about the island, A small, rocky island belonging to the group called “Sporades,” in that part of the Aegean known as the Icarian Sea. On account of its rocky, barren, and

desolate nature, the Roman government used the island as a place of banishment for criminals. Paul was on that island because he was an enemy of the Roman empire and was put there for spreading the word of God, which he makes very clear in his last sentence.

In John’s introduction, he makes a very curious comment, “fellow partaker in the tribulation;” weall believe the tribulation is somehow exclusive to the last days, but here John says he is a partaker of the events. Strong’s Concordance Greek 2347, gives this description of the word: (literally or figuratively):–afflicted(-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.

John certainly saw his share of persecutions and troubles as well as his fellow brethren. The question is, “is this tribulation specific to the church of God?” I believe it is, for several reasons. Which brings up the second question, “is the tribulation just an end-time event?” No, it’s clear, it is not. So, could we already be part of the tribulation? Yes, I believe God’s church has been continually immersed in the tribulations.

John uses the word fellow or companion, he certainly is none of these with the world. Even though he is banished from the outside world, he still was an enigma to his fellow prisoners because of his beliefs.

2 Corinthians 6:17, Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,

So, looking forward, I believe we can say John is speaking exclusively to God’s ecclesia (His church, His bride). 

            In addition, the Messiah adds a bit of reassurance that the fate of the Messiah may also be the same fate for many of God’s people. He was foreseeing, not death but eternal life in the kingdom.

Another thought to consider, John’s age has widely been discussed by different folks. But let’s ask some very pointed questions concerning this, could someone in their 90’s on a prison island in a primitive existence have the ability to write such a letter? First, one has to accept the premise he was in his 90s’. That age is based upon the assumption John was in his 30’s when Jesus called him. As a disciple, John might have been as young as ten years old when Jesus called him. We don’t understand in the culture of the time, all the disciples were most probably in their early teens when accepted by a Rabi. All that is except for Peter, who was already married, but he was out of the norm for disciples. This knowledge would put John in his late 60’s or early 70’s which would give more credence to the verses.

Verse 10: I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, 

John now relates the account as to why he endeavored to write Revelation. First off, he was in the spirit; what does it mean to be in the spirit? Notice, it says he wasn’t walking in spirit, or he was a spirit, he said he was IN THE SPIRIT! The Jewish New Testament states it like this: 10. I came to be, in the Spirit, on the Day of the Lord; and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet,

Suggesting John never left his body or where he was but given visions. One might say, taken spiritually into an alternate reality where and exposed to the angelic realm of God. In Ezekiel 1:1, Ezekiel puts it this way, and he saw a significant number of visions himself.

Now it came about in the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was by the river Chebar among the exiles, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God.

            Can we see visions? Yes, if God has a message, He wants to be delivered; these were specific messages to God’s people by chosen men. God will not choose anyone to be one of His holy messengers; we must be a follower of the true God first and foremost. If you don’t understand what that means, then perhaps by the end of this study you’ll have an inkling. It does say in Romans 8:9, However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.

            John reports there was a voice from behind him like a trumpet. One can imagine it got his total attention, just what a trumpet is supposed to do. We see other verses in the Bible that mention a trumpet, especially on the Day of the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:16,  For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

1 Corinthians 15:52, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

John was in the spirit, and the Messiah’s holy bride benefits from what John was allowed to see. He was in the spirit on the day of the Lord. Many in the mainstream Christian world of religions claim this statement from John is a justification from keeping Sunday as the Sabbath. Even Adams Clarke’s commentaries say this is referring to Sunday worship.

The problem is, this is one day, not a series of days or every 7^th day. John was being given a vision of the day of the Lord, the day the Messiah returns. No other place in the scriptures where the day of the Lord is used does it mean, Sunday worship. Only in this verse does the world claim it means Sunday worship; I find that very suspect.

If this is Sunday worship, please answer this question. It says this in other verses throughout scriptures referring to the day of the Lord.

Isaiah 13:4-6, A sound of tumult on the mountains, Like that of many people! A sound of the uproar of kingdoms, Of nations gathered together! The LORD of hosts is mustering the army for battle. They are coming from a far country, From the farthest horizons, The LORD and His instruments of indignation, To destroy the whole land. Wail, for the day of the LORD is near! It will come as destruction from the Almighty.

Ezekiel 30:3-4, “For the day is near, Even the day of the LORD is near; It will be a day of clouds, A time of doom for the nations. “A sword will come upon Egypt, And anguish will be in Ethiopia; When the slain fall in Egypt, They take away her wealth, And her foundations are torn down.

Joel 3:12-14, Let the nations be aroused And come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat, For there I will sit to judge All the surrounding nations. Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe Come, tread, for the wine press is full; The vats overflow, for their wickedness is great. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.

Joel 1:15, Alas for the day! For the day of the LORD is near, And it will come as destruction from the Almighty.

            My question is this, do the events described in the verses above occur every Sunday when mainstream church services are happening? Why NOT? It’s the day of the Lord!!! So, we have a trumpet sounding on the day of the Lord, and John was in the spirit writing down what he was witnessing. This day is a day of reckoning for the world and a day of salvation for God’s holy people, both gentile and Israel alike.

Verse 11: saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”

We have seven churches John is to send his witness to in the form of a book. John is not only told to report what he saw, but to write it in a book, we have that book and now are in the process of dissecting the meaning of the warnings he sent to them. Here we have seven churches in Asia Minor who, by all accounts, are God’s people and filled with human flaws. I’ve already speculated as to why this was directed solely at these seven churches.  There were many other churches around the known world at that time; so, I won’t go through that exercise again.

Verse 12: Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands;

Seven Churches, and now, seven lampstands. What are the lampstands, what can they possibly have to do with God’s people? Lampstands of old were used to create light. They illuminate the darkness filling the void at night, exposing everything within their reach. God’s people are His lampstands to the world.

Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; ¹⁵ nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

            If our own light isn’t a beacon to the world, then essentially, our spirit is darker than the most remote places in the world. If the Messiah removes our lamp then we are immediately cast back into darkness. Ink black darkness of unfathomable density with no consciences. Our duty to God is to shine daily with truth and as a witness of the gospel. By this, we are helping to pull those he chooses into the light with us.

Ephesians 5:6-14,  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. ⁷ Therefore do not be partakers with them; ⁸ for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light ⁹ (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), ¹⁰ trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. ¹¹ Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; ¹² for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. ¹³ But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. ¹⁴ For this reason it says,

“Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.”

Verse 13: and in the middle of the lampstands I saw One like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. 

The Jewish New Testament by David H. Stern says this about this verse,Son of Man. Yeshua’s preferred title for himself as the Messiah; see Mt 8:20N.
Yeshua fulfills three main offices set forth in the Tanakh — prophet, priest and king. Yeshua served as a prophet during his life on earth (Mt 21:11). At present, he serves as a high priest in heaven (MJ 2:17-3:6, 4:14-5:10, 6:20-10:21); this is signified by his wearing a long robe and a gold band around his chest, the clothing of the cohen hagadol (Exodus 28). The rest of the description in vv. 14-15 suggests his future role as judge and Messianic king.

Back to my analysis; This is the Messiah standing in the middle of his church; it’s His light in the form of a message we, his people give to the world.

Verse 14: His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire.

We are given a description of how He, the Messiah, appears on the Day of the Lord. It is a familiar description, one we see of the creator God described in the book of Daniel.

Daniel 7:9-10, “I kept looking Until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat; is vesture was like white snow And the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, Its wheels were a burning fire.
¹⁰ “A river of fire was flowing And coming out from before Him; Thousands upon thousands were attending Him,
            Fire is a stirring portrayal of the eyes of the Messiah, considering fire is used to expose impurities in gold, silver, and bronze. It takes immense heat in the refining process to bring out the most excellent value in precious metals.

Malachi 3:2-3,  For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. ³ He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness.

            The Messiah in the Old Testament was seen leading His people in the wilderness in a pillar of fire by night and smoke in the day. Exodus 13:21-22, The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. ²² He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

Exodus 3:2,  The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed.

            It is clear, our Messiah is the refiner of His holy people and He is showing John what he sees and what needs to be done to ensure the process is complete and thorough.

Verse 15: His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. 

Bronze was the symbol of stability and permanence, reminding everyone, the Messiah is eternal and can’t be torn down. Bronze is an alloy made from a mixture of copper, tin. It was used in everything in ancient times, doors, weapons, shields, cooking utensils, art, and so on. It was an essential part of the known world’s lifestyle. Much like Bronze, the Messiah is part of everything, He is a standard that can’t be absent from our lives.

            The sound ofHis voice is like the sound of many waters.  If you have ever stood under or anywhere near a powerful waterfall of any significant size, you can appreciate the analogy given here. The sound can be deafening and can drown out anything else around it. His voice, His appearance, His full stature demands our attention and what he wants us to know. We should pay close attention to the message John is about to convey.

Verse 16: In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength.

He held seven stars in His right hand, does this mean He commanded them? I believe these to be seven archangels the Messiah puts His trust in to do what He commands. There is evidence of this, when in Judges 5:20 the star fought from heaven  “The stars fought from heaven, From their courses they fought against Sisera.

            We know angels are in a constant battle in the spiritual world, we are told as much in Daniel 10:12-14,  Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. ¹³ But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. ¹⁴ Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.”

            It would seem Gabriel was caught in a battle for three weeks with the prince of Persia while attempting to deliver a message to Daniel. It took Michael’s assistance for Gabriel to break free to accomplish his mission. It’s worthy to note, hardly anyone disputes the fact that Gabriel and Michael both are archangels of God.

Out of the Messiah’s mouth came a sharp two-edged sword. We see this same phrase in Hebrews 4:12-13,  For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³ And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

            The Messiah’s sword has a dual function. One, it cuts through to the truth and two, it exposes the falsehoods of the world. It is the means in which the Messiah is identified as the true Messiah, a fact I will later expand upon in chapter six.

            His face shone like the sun, brilliant, blinding light is what the symbolism is. One can’t look directly into the sun without being blinded.

Moses encountered a being like that in Exodus 33:18-20, Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!” ¹⁹ And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the Lord before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.” ²⁰ But He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!”

            Since John was in spirit and not in physical form as he looked upon the Messiah, he was prone to be killed by what he witnessed. Like Moses on the mountain, if the Messiah appeared to John while he was wide awake, it would have been his undoing.

Verse 17: When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last,

            Who wouldn’t bow to the creator, the Messiah? I have known men that have said in the past, “it isn’t necessary for God’s people to bow to Christ.” Here, John did just that; he not only bowed but fell prostrate to the ground, fearing to move.

Can you imagine the touch of such a magnificent being? He touched John giving John all the reassurance he needed to fulfill his task. If that wasn’t enough, He told John once more who He was, “I AM.” In Exodus 3:14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.

            Then reiterated in John 8:58 by Jesus, “Before Abraham was, I am.”

Verse 18: and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.

He is the beginning and the end, the alpha, and omega. The story began with Him creating the world, John 1:1-18, and will end by recreating this world in his image. But in the end, he will have His bride at His side, that will be a major difference.

Verse 19: Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things. 

He has laid out the foundation in which the rest of this book will be built around. It all centers around Christ and His bride (church) no mystery here. He tried very hard to make that very clear.

Verse 20: As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

This is a clarification of earlier verses we’ve already discussed, we now know what we are dealing with as we go forward. We have seven angels in which the Messiah has implicit trust, and they are going to the seven churches of God with a message. These churches are the bulk of the bride waiting on the Messiah’s return. But, we must pay attention to the warnings and blessings He promises.

Chapter Two

Message to Ephesus

Verse 1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:

This is a repeat of chapter 1, verse 16, where John is commanded to write to the angel (The messenger) of that church.

My first thought is, why didn’t He simply address the church? Why does this message need to go through an angel? Unger’s Bible Dictionary says this about, “ANGEL (Heb. mal˓āk; Gk. angelos, both meaning “messenger”). In some cases, the word is applied to human beings (Mal. 2:7; Rev. 1:20) or even figuratively to impersonal agents (Ex. 14:19; 2 Sam. 24:16–17; Ps. 104:4). The connection must determine its force. In its most common use in Scripture, the word nevertheless designates individual spiritual and superhuman beings who are introduced to us as messengers of God.“

As we see in Ungers, it merely means messenger, whether it is a human or a spiritual entity. We get basically the same definition from other dictionary sources and commentaries.

Another way of looking at messengers is in ancient times there were no such things as copiers. Therefore when a letter would arrive at a church, it would go to the head of the church, and that person would read the message to the entire congregation. While the contents of the letter were being disseminated, the members would copy down word for word as they heard them voiced. This is a possible reason why there are slight discrepancies between ancient manuscripts, not everyone understands the same and writes in the same way.

That brings up another thought, are there spiritual angels assigned to churches or groups? I find that an interesting thought when one considers the different atmospheres within different groups. I’ve walked into the midst of congregations, where I was greeted like a long lost brother. Other times, I’ve walked into rooms supposedly filled with God’s holy people, and the atmosphere was so thick with tension, it felt like you might drown.

I’ve been ridiculed at the entrance of churches, had my integrity questioned by church folks who didn’t know me. Why is there such a dichotomy within groups?

Are there supernatural spirits that oversee churches where they might be bad or good, depending on the hearts of members? One gets that sense when reading chapters two and three of the book of Revelation, and one understands that when they have attended so several different churches. “Unto the angel of the Church of Ephesus – By αγγελος, angel, we are to understand the messenger or person sent by God to preside over this Church; and to him the epistle is directed, not as pointing out his state, but the state of the Church under his care. Angel of the Church here answers exactly to that officer of the synagogue among the Jews called ציבור שליח sheliach tsibbur, the messenger of the Church, whose business it was to read, pray, and teach in the synagogue.”

            Have we misinterpreted the intentions of our Messiah by attributing His message going to an angel and not a man? We have ministers in God’s churches or host or some a hierarchy of sorts, in any group that meets together. These persons or counsels have a responsibility to keep the group on the right path of God.

Some congregations will put the welfare of the church below their own desires seeking those that will put in place policies they like. The Bible warns God’s people not to do this, Isaiah 30:9-11, For this is a rebellious people, false sons, Sons who refuse to listen To the instruction of the Lord; ¹⁰ Who say to the seers, “You must not see visions”; And to the prophets, “You must not prophesy to us what is right, Speak to us pleasant words, Prophesy illusions. ¹¹ “Get out of the way, turn aside from the path,^]Let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.”

In Matthew 7:16, the Messiah says we would know these folks by their fruits. Would that be the same for an entire church?

Matthew 7:15-20, “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. ¹⁶ You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? ¹⁷ So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ So then, you will know them by their fruits.

Verse 2. ‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false;

The very first thing said, “I know your deeds.” My question is how, how did that information get disseminated? Were the people so transparent, their actions were plain to God, I think so. We can’t hide from God, nothing we do is secret, we would do well to remember that.

Jeremiah 23:23-24, “Am I a God who is near,” declares the Lord,
“And not a God far off? “Can a man hide himself in hiding places
So I do not see him?” declares the Lord. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the Lord.

This particular church has some good deeds or works to be touted, toiling hard and persevering. The word means to be persistent in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

They reject evil men and test those that would be called leaders. Men who don titles and earnestly desire mantels of authority, making themselves into something God said He never wanted. As a matter of fact, The Messiah says He didn’t send these men or women, Jeremiah 14:14-16,  Then the Lord said to me, “The prophets are prophesying falsehood in My name. I have neither sent them nor commanded them nor spoken to them; they are prophesying to you a false vision, divination, futility and the deception of their own minds. ¹⁵ Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who are prophesying in My name, although it was not I who sent them—yet they keep saying, ‘There will be no sword or famine in this land’—by sword and famine those prophets shall meet their end! ¹⁶ The people also to whom they are prophesying will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and there will be no one to bury them—neither them, nor their wives, nor their sons, nor their daughters—for I will pour out their own wickedness on them.

So, goes a leader false or otherwise, goes the church. This is why the Messiah addresses the messenger of the church, it is to the church as a whole. Now, this church tests such men and when they are discovered to be false, then they are rejected. I find those qualities admirable, to say the least. Too many churches today turn a blind eye to such men because they become dear friends or long-time administrators and aren’t easily dismissed.

Verse 3and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary.

They are holding the faith and truth as best they know-how, and God sees that and acknowledges their faith. Paul tells us to live our lives in a way like running a race, it’s a great analogy, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25,  Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

For the namesake of God, whether you call him Jesus, Yeshua, Yahweh, Jehovah, Yah, El, Elohim, Rabbi, or one of the other myriad of names, we are commanded to call out to our savior in the scriptures, we do His will in His name. On the website, Israel My Glory, it says: “God has a “great name” (1 Sam. 12:22), Fifteen times the phrase For My name’s sake appears in the Bible (NKJV). God’s name extols His character. His integrity, reputation, holiness, and even His glory are all closely linked to His name. And often God acts to sanctify His name and prevent it from being disgraced.”

When God’s people profane His truth or will, we profane that name which sent us. It doesn’t matter the monogram inscribed upon our shirts, it’s what we do that becomes the example.

I understand some folks would disagree with this, but answer this, which of the names above is the correct name we call the Messiah? I know we all have our personal favorites, but consider this on the same website, Israel is My glory it states, A primary name of God is Elohim. According to Bible scholar Dr. William Allan Dean, “The name Elohim is made up of two Hebrew words. El means ‘the Strong One.’…Combined with this word ‘el’ is the word ‘alah,’ meaning to swear or to pledge oneself.”¹ So Elohim exalts God as the One who can make a promise and has the strength to back it up.

We can go around and around about this issue, but I would like to give you one last title, “Bridegroom.” I’ll repeat what I said in the introduction, the churches are His bride, and the Messiah is the Bridegroom, so should we not live our lives in accordance of the household name of the Father and the Messiah?

Verse 4But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

It is a serious matter when the creator of the earth says He has something against you, even if it’s a small issue.

In Philippians 2:14-16, Do all things without grumbling or disputing; ¹⁵ so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, ¹⁶ holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

            We are told over and over throughout scriptures to repent and be perfect as Christ was. We do that through study, prayer, and dedication to the truth. This is also the recipe in which we maintain our first love for the bridegroom. Because we are always exposed to Him through His words, we never forget Him and the love we hold in our hearts for Him.

Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7,  ^“Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, ⁵ does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, ⁶ does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; ⁷ bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

We should as God’s people constantly endure the ravages of this world without letting our love of God diminish, not even a little.

Verse 5,Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent. 

Remember your first love of God? As in child-like innocence, we accept God without question and unrestrained vigor. It is an incredible experience to have the Bible become alive, and the words unveil themselves to you for the first time. Your heart is afire with desire, and an immense thirst drives you every day to learn more, and discover hidden truths buried within the scriptures. You spent hours unlocking riddles that confound the world that suddenly child’s play to you.

Now you just go to church, content to listen, and follow others. You must ask yourselves, did God open your eyes to this world for you to be content? No, not according to the verse we just read.

If a church finds itself becoming content and relaxed, only living on the spiritual food already provided, then they risk losing the lampstand God has placed into their midst. Our churches should be like the church of Berea,

Acts 17:11-12,  Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. ¹² Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men.”

They searched and proved all things, what scriptures did they seek to find the truth? Search the Old Testament, the Torah, the Septuagint, or the Pentateuch. No New Testament, it hadn’t been written as of yet. The question becomes if these folks can find the truth and knowledge of God without the New Testament, why can’t we do the same?

We can, and I would add, you can’t understand anything in the New Testament without first understanding the Old Testament. The pursuit of the truth of God’s holy work and purpose is a never-ending quest. Once you become content, you leave yourself in jeopardy of being steered away from God’s path.

We are commanded to return to the first love we once enjoyed. Find that fervor, and fire, awaken the spirit that slumbers and find new truths still laying just beneath the words in the Bible.

Verse 6, Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Who are these Nicolaitans? What did they have to do with the church of Ephesus? Unger’s Bible Dictionary gives us this explanation: NICOLA´ITANS (nik-o_-lāʹi-tanz). A sect or party that arose in the apostolic period of the church, mentioned twice by name in the book of Revelation (2:6, 15). In the former passage, it is said, to the credit of the church in Ephesus, that she shared in the feelings of the Lord concerning the Nicolaitans, viewing them with the hatred they deserved. The charge is made that some in Pergamos (v. 15) held to teachings of the Nicolaitans, who are compared to those who “hold the teaching of Balaam,” etc. “The general voice of antiquity accuses them of holding the lawfulness of eating things offered to idols, and of mixing in and encouraging idolatrous worship; and as they are charged with denying God to be the creator of the world, and attributing its existence to other powers, they could unquestionably, on such grounds, permit themselves so to act, and thus far it is probable that the accusation is not ill-founded. The community of women was another doctrine which they are said to have adopted, and their conduct seems to have been in the highest degree licentious” (Imperial Bible Dictionary, s.v.). The origin of the sect will perhaps never be ascertained with certainty. See Nicolas.

NIC´OLAS (nikʹō-las; Gk. “victor over the people”). A native of Antioch who had become a proselyte to the Jewish faith. He was afterward converted to Christianity and was elected one of the first seven deacons (Acts 6:5). By some it has been believed that the sect of the Nicolaitans was founded by this Nicolas, but of this there is no positive evidence.

            Doing much the same as Baalam worshipers, and perhaps one of their leaders became a victor and became an interracial part of the seven churches. It would, in my mind, be like one of God’s churches observing Christmas, or Easter, which are pagan holidays adopted by Christian churches today.

Was the angel of Ephesus a follower of the Nicolaitans? If so, why didn’t they reject his teachings as God said they did with other false teachings?

Verse 7, He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 

Who has an ear? Who hears the voice of the Bridegroom? Remember the words of the Messiah in John 10:25-30,  Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. ²⁶ But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. ²⁷ My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; ²⁸ and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one.”

 These are the ones that hear the voice of the Bridegroom, his followers, his holy people. We must be one of those to listen to the exact words of God while detecting falsehoods. Besides, we must remember our roots and the truths leading us to salvation.

Verse 7 continued, To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’

To those in the churches of God, one or all, we must overcome this world and its attractions. If we can do that, we have our first promise from God to eat from the tree of life which resides in the garden of God. Eating from this tree is a promise of eternal life, a life that will never fear death, ever again. This is the first promise of thirteen given to these 7 churches if they overcome.

Message to Smyrna

Verse 8,“And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this:

            This is a concise message in this series of verses, packed with a lot of information. The Alpha and Omega, the eternal our God, who is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. A being that died and rose from the dead as proof of our salvation. No doubt as to who the message is coming from. Once again, the message sent from the Messiah is going to the leadership of the church, the angel, the messenger. He is responsible for the actions of his or her congregation, let that sink in.

Verse 9, ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 

We need to step back for a moment and look at the phrases being used here. He begins with, “I know your tribulations.” Some in the churches today believe they will be the Christians that suffer tribulations just before the return of Christ. Adams Clarke makes this observation, “The tribulation here mentioned must mean persecution, either from the Jews, the heathens or from the heretics, who, because of their flesh-pampering doctrines, might have had many partisans at Smyrna.” They are thinking of the tribulation spoken of by Daniel referring to what is commonly known as The Great Tribulation (Dan. 9:24–27; Rev. 11:2–3).

Here it means this church suffered affections and persecutions for their beliefs. They most likely suffered poverty because they wouldn’t eat unclean meats or buy or sell on the Sabbath. They could have been ostracised by a community used to paying homage to the pagan deity of any particular city.

It gives us a clue to who was causing a lot of the problems for these folks, “ and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not” Men and or women who would tear God’s church apart to gain some pittance of authority and Jewish symbolism. They call themselves Jews but are not. Are they imposters or are they Jews that don’t observe the Torah as commanded?

Whatever they are, the Messiah identifies them as being a part of the “synagogue of Satan.” Now stop and absorb that for a moment. A synagogue is a church, a different name, but a church. A synagogue is a Jewish name for a church, most Christian don’t call their houses of worship synagogues, but the word is interchangeable.

He says these Jews come from a synagogue of Satan, a church born of Satan. Have your beliefs let you ever consider even a little Satan having his own church? Even worse, have you ever thought Satan might have Ministers or congregations?

Paul ran into this very thing and here is what he said about them,

2 Corinthians 11:13-15, For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. ¹⁵ Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.

Satan also has a throne, Isaiah 14:12-15,“How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations! ¹³ For you have said in your heart:
‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north;
¹⁴ I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’
¹⁵ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.

Satan has a kingdom where he has worshipers.

Luke 11:18, If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?

Satan also has a doctrine of his follower’s advocate.

Galatians. 1:6-9,  I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, ⁷ which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. ⁸ But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. ⁹ As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

So, when the Messiah says these men are of the church (synagogue) of Satan, He is speaking of men and women who don’t follow scriptures, but instead, edicts from a different system. A system that isn’t born of God, nor approved of by God.

In fact, He calls their actions blasphemous. What is the meaning of this word? (Gk. blasphēmia, signifies the speaking of evil of God; Heb. Nāqab shēm ˒Adōnai, to “curse the name of the Lord.”

Why would men and women in God’s holy church act out against God or God’s holy people?

The answer may be found in the gospel of John 16:2,  They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God.

They believe they are doing a service to God. Did Catholic hierarchy suppose they were doing a service to God when they persecuted millions of Jews in the inquisitions? Did the Germans in WWII think they were doing the world a service when they murdered 6 million Jews? What about now, where the Islamic world has such vehement hate towards the Jewish peoples, they attack the Jews almost daily.

Verse 10,Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days.  Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Don’t fear what you are about to suffer, “the oldest manuscripts read, “Fear not those things.” Hold fast to the faith, remember your commitments, and the promises made by the Bridegroom. Many in God’s churches throughout the first two centuries were cast into prisons and also put to death for their faith. Paul was almost killed several times, not by Romans, but Jews. The devil is given credit for these actions, but the devil is the accuser, men are the ones that put into effect his will. This is called a test for believers, can we withstand the test wherever they come from. God allowed Satan to test Job for reasons we can’t begin to comprehend. He tested the prophets, the apostles and millions of others…to test their faith

Adam’s Clarke gives us this on the Ten days– “As the days in this book are what is commonly called prophetic days, each answering to a year, the ten years of tribulation may denote ten years of persecution; and this was precisely the duration of the persecution under Diocletian, during which all the Asiatic Churches were grievously afflicted.”

Ten days or two thousand years, little has changed, and all of God’s holy people are subject to tribulation at any time, depending on their place in the world.

Verse 11, He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’

Here we have the encouragement not to give up but instead, overcome the challenges. If we have an ear, we can understand why this is important to God’s people. I’ll say this knowing I’ll get negative feedback, but Christians can’t understand the meaning of these warnings. They don’t accept God and His will; therefore, they haven’t an ear to hear his warnings.

We have the 2^nd and 3^rd of 13 promises to the thirteen churches, “not be hurt by the second death.” God’s holy people aren’t hurt by a spiritual death, which is the second death. The first death, all mankind will suffer, but the second death is One that can be avoided by God’s people.

Message to Pergamum

Verse 12,“And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write:The One who has the sharp two-edged sword says this:

It would seem each time one of these churches is addressed one more piece of evidence is given as to who the messenger is. Here we have one who has a two-edged sword, we know who that being is. Hebrews 4:12-13, For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³ And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

            Based upon these verses, the Messiah is informing the people of Pergamum He is about to lay open their beliefs for examination. He will judge them by their doctrine and judge their hearts. WHY NOT? Are these not part of the bride of the Messiah? Doesn’t He have a right to judge what their intentions are and to see if they are true to their vows?

Verse 13, ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days of Antipas, My witness, My faithful One, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 

This is a reinforcement of what I was saying about thesynagogue of Satan, here we have another statement about the throne of Satan as if we needed any more evidence. 

             It was believed among the Jews, that where the law of God was not found or studied, there Satan reigned. If they were amid such vacant knowledge concerning God, it would become hard to thrive. From personal experience, I can testify the understanding of God lacks in most places around the world, even in established Christian sanctuaries.

Jamison-Faucett-Brown commentary gives this information on Antipas, “Two oldest manuscripts read, “My witness, MY faithful one”; two read as English Version. Antipas is another form for Antipater. SIMEON METAPHRASTES has a palpably legendary story, unknown to the early Fathers, that Antipas, in Domitian’s reign, was shut up in a red-hot brazen bull, and ended his life in thanksgivings and prayers. HENGSTENBERG makes the name, like other apocalyptic names, symbolical, meaning one standing out “against all” for Christ’s sake.”

This is what one can expect from the outside world, the most heinous of deaths. But, one must hold fast to the truth, that’s all we have in this world that is worth a plug nickel in the kingdom of God.

Verse 14,But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. 

This teaching is not just in the church of Smyrna, many are faced with a false religion that poses enormous pressure upon them to fall in line. This vile belief played upon the weaknesses of God’s holy people. Balak attempted to have Balaam put a curse upon God’s people. In the end, it backfired on him, but none the less, Israel was severely oppressed for a period of time by this religion.

I can think of ways modern-day religion puts enormous pressure upon God’s holy people. Is this a type of the doctrine of Balaam? I believe it to be a type for sure, perhaps, even more, when one studies the origins of today’s faiths.

A question, Do religious faiths eat meat sacrificed to idols?? Well, yes, they do! Do modern faiths commit acts of immorality? Well, yes, they do!

How, might you ask? Let me answer with a couple more questions, do you have a special meal during Christmas or Easter? Do you have a special Sunday meal celebrating Sol Invictus “Unconquered Sun?” These foods or meals are sacrifices to the sun god and pagan idol. You may not want to believe this, but just a little research on your part can prove this to be true.

            What is immorality in the Bible? It is most often referring to sexual conduct. There are several examples in the Bible where this word fits, in 1 Corinthians 5:1-2, It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father’s wife. ² You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst.

            This was something that was beyond the pale in extremes of sexual immorality, and the church was trying to hide it. Sin always finds the light of day and exposed.

There is a further warning in the same letter to the Corinthians in the next chapter, where Paul says.

1 Corinthians 6:9-20,Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, ¹⁰ nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. ¹¹ Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. ¹³ Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, but God will do away with both of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body. ¹⁴ Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power. ¹⁵ Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be! ¹⁶ Or do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, “The two shall become one flesh.” ¹⁷ But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him. ¹⁸ Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. ¹⁹ Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? ²⁰ For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

In light of Pauls’s letter, a question arises, “can we become prostitutes to foreign or pagan religions while betrothed to God?  Ask yourself, does the Messiah desire a whore, or a chaste virgin?

Verse 15,So you also have some who in the same way hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans.

There is not much more to say here that has already been said about this system of worship. Only this, One must keep themselves clean to the day of marriage to our savior and king.

            Unger’s Bible Dictionary states, “The general voice of antiquity accuses them of holding the lawfulness of eating things offered to idols, and of mixing in and encouraging idolatrous worship; and as they are charged with denying God to be the creator of the world, and attributing its existence to other powers, they could unquestionably, on such grounds, permit themselves so to act, and thus far it is probable that the accusation is not ill-founded. The community of women was another doctrine which they are said to have adopted, and their conduct seems to have been in the highest degree licentious” (Imperial Bible Dictionary, s.v.). The origin of the sect will perhaps never be ascertained with certainty.”

Verse 16, Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth. 

Repent (change) is what the Vines dictionary says: “to perceive beforehand,” hence signifies “to change one’s mind or purpose.”

Change to what? One is to change their minds and hearts to embrace the Messiah and His teachings above all else, forsaking traditions and institutions not of God. We are to love the Messiah with all the fiber and spirit in our beings.

Matthew 22:36, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” ³⁷ And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the great and foremost commandment. ³⁹ The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

The two-edged sword that pierces the marrow of one’s bones. The Messiah will make war against those He judges as His enemy. Remember, he can see inside one’s thoughts and mind, you can’t hide your true feelings from the Messiah. He won’t allow anyone to be part of the bride that isn’t pure in heart and mind.

It’s interesting to note, the sword is coming from the Messiah’s mouth. So, we can glean from this the sword isn’t an actual sword, but one that is just as deadly. If the Messiah judges one to be deceitful or a disciple of Satan, his words will convict them of their deeds. Anyone desiring to teach others should pay extra attention to these verses.

Verse 17, He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.

Once more, if we have an ear, insinuating some can’t or won’t hear words of warnings ot truth. To those that overcome, God’s holy people are the overcomers of this world. Here we have three more promises made to His people, those that overcome.

One. They will be given the hidden manna: “bread from heaven” (Exodus 16:4, 35; Jn 6:31-35), which was called manna. Jewish tradition says this is the food served in the marriage supper of the Lamb Revelation 19:9, which one would have to believe to be spiritual food.

Two, they will be given a white stone-Adams Clarke commentary makes an interesting observation: And will give him a white stone –It is supposed that by the white stone is meant pardon or acquittance, and the evidence of it; and that there is an allusion here to the custom observed by judges in ancient times, who were accustomed to give their suffrages by white and black pebbles; those who gave the former were for absolving the culprit, those who gave the latter were for his condemnation. This is mentioned by Ovid, Metam. lib. xv., ver. 41.

I wonder, Is this a declaration of innocence for His holy people? Showing the innocence of God’s people or exoneration would be of great value. The stone very well could have a dual purpose;  the high priest bore the names of God’s people into God’s presence. In the same way, the “white stone” with the bride’s name written on it could be a reference to our standing in Father’s presence.

Exodus 28:21, The stones shall be according to the names of the sons of Israel: twelve, according to their names; they shall be like the engravings of a seal, each according to his name for the twelve tribes.

Three, A new name is written on the stone, which seems to support the notion it was the stones on the vest of the high priest. As God’s holy bride, we will take on the name of our husband, the Messiah. We are told it’s a name no one knows. Is the name the Messiah gives us an unknown name or is the name itself an unfamiliar name. I guess we will find that out afterward, not before. This I know, the marriage between the bride and bridegroom is a covenant, and a covenant has specific rules outlined in the Bible. One of those is a changing of names, we still do that today in marriages, the bride takes on the last name of the bridegroom.

The fact the name is hidden leads me to believe, we don’t know the true name of the Messiah. Rightly so, I might add, what would Satan do with that name if it was known?

We now have 6 of the 13 promises to those that overcome.

Message to Thyatira

Verse 18, And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write:

The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze, says this:

These qualifications are putting together a complete picture of the Messiah, one that is absolute proof of the messenger.

We are reminded of the figure’s eyes, which are like flames. As we saw before in the previous church, His mouth was a sword of discernment of judgment. Perhaps His eyes are those of purification of the spirit. 1 Peter 1:7-9, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; ⁸ and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, ⁹ obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.

Just like gold and silver, the heat of an intense fire brings out the purity of the soul. The opposite is also valid, the extreme heat of the flames, burns away the sins of man. Isaiah 9:18-18,  For wickedness burns like a fire; It consumes briars and thorns; It even sets the thickets of the forest aflame And they roll upward in a column of smoke. ¹⁹ By the fury of the Lord of hosts the land is burned up,
And the people are like fuel for the fire; No man spares his brother.

            This is based upon a prophecy given by, Malachi 3:1-3, Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will ^[clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of hosts. ² “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. ³ He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness.

            His feet are like bronze, we already spoke of the permanence of bronze and the symbolism of the metal. It means nothing can move our savior from His positions and His will. It also implies he is eternal, never withering, never faltering.

Just to reiterate from the first chapter my thoughts on this: Bronze isn’t a naturally occurring element found in the soil and rocks. It is an alloy made from the combination of tin and copper as just read. Think of the Messiah in that way, He isn’t a natural being either in heaven or on earth. He is a new creature, and alloy if you will, of humanity and spirit. Remember what it says in 1 Corinthians 15:40-41, There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is one, and the glory of the earthly is another. ⁴¹ There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory.

            He is the first of His kind, like no other being in the universe. He became who He is by process of the spirit in man combining with the holy spirit. We are to become like Him, as it says in 2 Corinthians 5:17,  Therefore if anyone is in Christ,  he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Malachi 3:6,  For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob,  are not consumed.

            He is forever and changes not. He is unmovable.

Verse 19, I know your deeds, and your love and faith and service and perseverance, and that your deeds of late are greater than at first. 

            What an incredible statement about these folks, they have caught the favor of the Messiah. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this group of this church? Not only have they maintained their first love, but are increasing in faith, something we are commanded to do.

In James 2:18-20,  But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” ¹⁹ You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. ²⁰ But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?

             Many come in the name of God, proclaiming they have great faith and works are of no use, yet how can one declare one’s faith without works. How can one increase God’s favor without works? Your faith alone cannot save you, nor can you increase your faith by simply believing, because the demons also believe.

Verse 20, But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and leads My bond-servants astray so that they commit acts of immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.

            A new player emerges on the scene, a woman named Jezebel. It’s also interesting; her name ends with “bel.” Just as God’s prophets’ names often end with, “el” to signify His chosen, Satan’s emissaries names end with, “bel”, Bealiah, Bealoth, Beelzebub, Beulah, even Baal names are part of the bels based firmly in paganism.

Bel is the name of the patron deity of Babylon. According to The Oxford Companion To The Bible, Bel is another name of Marduk. Jezebel happened to be  the high priest of the temple of Ashtoreth and the wife of King Ahab.

Astarte is what the Phoenicians called her. According to Easton’s Bible Dictionary, Ashtoreth was “frequently associated with the name of Baal, the sun-god, [the Phoenicians’] chief male deity.” Jezebel happened to be the high priest of the temple of Ashtoreth and the wife of King Ahab. Being the high priestess she most likely would have been a Temple prostitute as well. It was the doctrine of the religion that all young males and females were required to spend time as Temple prostitutes when they became of age.

This leads us to the reason God had something against these folks. Jezebel was famous for trying to lead the people of Israel into pagan worship. The allure of immoral sex is just too much for some. They were enticed into orgies, perhaps, or just in conversations where they desired to see what was on the other side.

Perhaps it was nothing more than giving favor to the vile acts committed by their religious acts.

It says in Romans 1:26-32, For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, ²⁷ and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. ²⁸ And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, ²⁹ being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, ³⁰ slanderers,  haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, ³¹ without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; ³² and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.

            Those that approve such things, how does that work? If one doesn’t add to the voice of disapproval, do they by their silence approve? Do we by our silence approve of the homosexual revolution going on right now? I leave them alone as long as they leave me alone. Is that how modern man has managed to create such a deviant lifestyle thrown in our faces and forced, in some cases, to acknowledge them as good? Our silence has become deafening and has brought this nation to the brink of destruction.

Verse 21,I gave her time to repent, and she does not want to repent of her immorality. 

God says, He will give a little time for repentance, for voices to cry out against such wickedness. Acts 17:30, “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent:”

He calls for repentance and His people need to heed His call.

Verse 22, Behold, I will throw her on a bed of sickness, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her deeds. 

Has God already begun to punish the world for the vile desegregation of humanity? Has He sent sickness like HIV to punish those that commit immoral acts? I know people will want to ridicule me for saying this and connecting these verses with what is going on today, but it’s inescapable. The scriptures warn us of this, and it happens, it’s like adding 2+2 equals 4. The warning is for God’s people to not get anywhere close to this stuff that’s happening, else they could be affected.

I have to leave it up to those reading this how they can repent. I don’t know who you are and what you do when the doors are closed, so you have to decide what repentance is required.

One more thought on this. Since the Messiah is speaking with the church as a whole, could this be something like sharing a worship hall with a different denomination? A denomination that accepts homosexuality within their ranks. They may even have a minster that is homosexual. When you walk through those doors, in essence, you are saying, I’ll accept all that is taught and proclaimed within these walls.

            Are you practicing keeping two days of worship (Sunday & Saturday) to avoid having problems at home? Are you trying to keep peace in the family by appeasing their wishes while ignoring your convictions?

Verse 23,And I will kill her children with pestilence, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts; and I will give to each one of you according to your deeds. 

            Whose children? Who is Jezebel’s children, and who in society today would that be? Simply put, they would be the offsprings of her apostasy and teachings. Their fate is to suffer from their deviance and immorality and the “if it feels good, do it,” attitude. We are instructed, there are natural and unnatural consequences for every act. But the Messiah has said, He will kill her children, and He will fulfill His promises to His people. He will do it in such a way that no one can say it was natural or an accident.

He also says we will receive our justice according to our deeds, something we should keep in mind when we are desperately trying to justify sin.

Romans 2:5-11,  But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, ⁶ who will render to each person according to his deeds: ⁷ to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; ⁸ but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. ⁹ There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, ¹⁰ but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ¹¹ For there is no partiality with God.

            To all is what He is saying, to all His people, whether they are Jews or gentiles.

Verse 24,But I say to you, the rest who are in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not known the deep things of Satan, as they call them—I place no other burden on you. 

To those that are guiltless, the Messiah holds no ill will to them. If you’re following God and His ways and staying away from other religions, God says you are in good standing. John 9:41, Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.

Verse 25, Nevertheless what you have, hold fast until I come. 

Hold fast, don’t give in, don’t throw away your salvation. Hebrews 10:23,  Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; ²⁴ and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, ²⁵ not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Here is our answer, stick together, lean on one another in times of temptation and trials. Together we are a force to reckon with alone we are a target.

Verse 26, He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations;

The 7^th promise, he will give authority over nations to those that overcome. Nations are peoples, clans, and countries, and the Messiah says we have the authority to guide and teach these folks in His kingdom.

Verse 27, and he shall rule them with a rod of iron, as the vessels of the potter are broken to pieces, as I also have received authority from My Father;

The ultimate authority still lays with the Messiah, He will judge the nations. He is saying these two verses, is the bridegroom, and the bride will rule together, not apart. That authority comes from the Father, given to Him, for us. The nations are scattered because of the chaos, they’re broken into many pieces. Under the joint rule of the royal family, the nations will become one again. This won’t happen until a severe correction in this worldd takes place, which will be at the Messiah’s coming.

Verse 28, and I will give him the morning star.

This is an intriguing verse. I’ve often wondered why the phrase “morning star” is a gift to the bridegroom from the Father. One reference we often see in scriptures referred to as a star is Satan, In Isaiah 14:12, “How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn!

To be fair, he is called the star of the morning, and not the morning star. Some might think there isn’t a difference, but I would disagree. I believe it makes all the difference in the universe when saying the Father is going to give the morning star to His son.

Below are two other instances where the phrase morning star is used, let’s see what they say. 2 Peter 1:19, So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.

Job 38:7, When the morning stars sang together And all the sons of God shouted for joy?

            Sounds like to me, the Father is giving an extraordinary gift to His son, for what reason? He is the light of the world, the bright and glory over all the creation and heaven. He is the light shining in the darkness, calling to those that are lost.

Numbers 24:17, “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star shall come forth from Jacob, A scepter shall rise from Israel, And shall crush through the forehead of Moab, And tear down all the sons of Sheth.

In addition, He claims the title of the morning star in Revelation 22:16, “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

John also says this about the being we call the Messiah, the king, and God.

Revelation 21:22-25,  I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. ²³ And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. ²⁴ The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. ²⁵ In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed;

Is this a gift to the Messiah or the bride, or is it both? Together the bride and groom will reign, they will build a new world. Together they will shine the light of peace and glory across the universe over the entire creation. It is another promise, we can see that for sure, number 8 of 13.

Verse 29, He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

An interesting note, He doesn’t say anything about seeing, only inferring they can hear the message, not see one. It would go back to my original assertion that John is giving a message to the head of the church, so to give to the members. It’s all about the hearing, and getting it right when reading aloud, and when heard.

Footnotes:

So far we have 8 of the 13 promises, let’s look at those again.

To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’

Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

            He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’

            , to him I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it.

            to him I will give authority over the nations;

and I will give him the morning star.

Here is the list again:

I will grant to eat of the tree of life

A crown of life.

not be hurt by the second death

receive hidden manna

a white stone

a new name

Authority over the nations

give him the morning star

Stop and give this some thought, if you were a king, a God able to give lavish presents to your soon to be bride, in what order would you give them?

Eternal life first, a crown as a promise, just as an engagement ring is given. Third protection and security, food, or wedding supper, a promise of a new name and all guilt cleansed away — authority over the empire, an insignia representing the family of God, a royal crest.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Three

How does God see His churches? Does He see individuals with good and bad qualities, or does He look at it as His bride? He is God and sees more than what we see, so trying to understand why He is addressing churches and not people is a frustrating endeavor. It’s true, one can take the warnings and apply them individually, and it’s something we should do because the warnings are there for us to examine ourselves.

            The Messiah makes it clear He is concerned with the overall character of the bride, the church. This is part of the reason He is addressing the churches.

Message to Sardis

Verse 1,“To the angel of the church in Sardis write:

He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 

To the messenger—to the person in charge; to that person assigned the duty of disseminating information to the body of the church. He who has seven stars, 7 is considered to be the number representing spiritual perfection because it’s symbolic of God’s work. Perhaps not known, but number 7 was the most sacred number to the Hebrews. This specific number is a symbol of the perfect world, completeness, and heaven.

            The Jewish NT translates the phrase “seven spirits of God,” to “sevenfold Spirit of God,” making the statement entirely different from other translations except for the Living translation and a few others. It’s not seven different spirits; it’s one spirit in completion. It’s a spirit above all other spirits, one that is in charge in simple terms.

He is holding the seven stars, which could be seven archangels in His right hand, as we have already commented on in chapter one. It could also represent the sevenfold ministry of the Spirit, as depicted in the Book of Isaiah.

Isaiah 11:1, Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots will bear fruit. ² The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
            Whatever the case, He says He knows our name and our deeds. That is an alarming statement, but at the same time, a comforting statement.

In Luke 12:7, Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.

            In this particular church, they are alive and breathing air, but are dead at the same time. It reminds me of something the Messiah said to the rich man in, Luke 9:59-62, ”And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” ⁶⁰ But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God.” ⁶¹ Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” ⁶² But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Also in Romans 8:5-8,For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. ⁶ For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, ⁷ because the mindset on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, ⁸ and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

            Sin destroys the body, but God saves the spirit. If we can divest ourselves of sin, the spirit can thrive; this is the base message we are given at the greeting to this church.

Verse 2,Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. 

WAKE UP, PEOPLE!!!! Speaking to His own people, He is shaking the sleeping to awareness. He’s not speaking to the dead in body but those dead in spirit. Are there such people in God’s churches, well, yes there is.

            He addresses the messenger to save what’s left in the church. He is also commanded to keep doctrine and truth, which isn’t stated directly but inferred by the statement, “things that remain.”

Those things His churches are supposed to be doing as it says in Galatians 5:22-24, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

            By no way have they attained the level of faith and works needed to be recognized by God as complete. In fact, by what is implied, a large contingent of the church has fallen away back into the world.

1 Corinthians 15:1-2,  Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, ² by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.

            Have you believed the word of God in vain, it comes into question when the actions of so many churches exhibit ungodly practices? Does your faith require miracles or signs, does it lessen in times to trials and troubles? Be a complete work of the Father and Messiah.

Verse 3, So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.

To be a continuing disciple, one must always remember what they have been promised and given. Not only remember it but put it into action in days of trouble and trials, because they will surely come.

James 1:2-4, Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

If you don’t measure up, then you repent, and repent, and repent! You keep God forever on the front of your mind, so you never forget your goal. God is merciful to those that have a repentant heart.

Ezekiel 18:21-22, “But if the wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed and observes all My statutes and practices justice and righteousness, he shall surely live; he shall not die. ²² All his transgressions which he has committed will not be remembered against him; because of his righteousness which he has practiced, he will live. ²³ Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,” declares the Lord God, “rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?

            God has no pleasure in the destruction of anyone. He desires repentance.

He will come like a thief, this is a wedding term, indicating He will sneak in and steal His bride. It was sort of a game wrapped in traditions that had the bridegroom take away his bride in the middle of the night, usually at midnight. Not knowing the hour is also part of the event. As I already said, stealing away, the bridegroom happened in the middle of the night at the command of the Father to his son, “Go, get your bride.”

            We find this ceremony in different verses throughout the scriptures, especially in the story of the ten virgins. It relates the account of the coming bridegroom, but look at what it says in verses 5 and 6 of the book of Matthew.

Matthew 25:5-6,  Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. ⁶ But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.

            It says He was delayed, and the brides lacking oil were caught off guard; so, don’t be caught off guard.

Verse 4, But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 

            Soiling one’s garments is disgusting and very unpleasant and makes one feel self-conscience. The soiled garments need to be washed, hung out to dry in the fresh air before they are fit to wear again. But, God isn’t concerned with physical clothing we wear or soil, they can be cleaned easily. It is our spiritual garments being soiled he is concerned with.

            In Isaiah 61:10, it says, ¹⁰ I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

            Why would God do that for any man? Why would it be relevant to a church? We get more information further into Revelation in chapter 19:7-8,  Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” ⁸ It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

            The clothing the Messiah is referring to, is the righteous act, the spiritual clothing of God’s holy people. He is saying many in His church have soiled those garments. How does someone go about cleaning those? How does someone make them white again? Repentance is the answer and where we need to start.

For they will walk with me in white, in purity, and undefiled. They are deemed innocent and worthy of being the bride of the Messiah. Only then, they are fit to sit at the table at the wedding supper. Very few in this world will be able to ever make that claim.

One last thing, don’t worry about the rest of the world having spiritual clothing because the Bible has that answer as well.

Psalms 132:18, “His enemies I will clothe with shame, But upon himself his crown shall shine.”

Verse 5, He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 

            Here are 3 more promises bringing us to a total of 10 out of the 13, but only to those that overcome. They will wear the color white, as I have already stated in the last few paragraphs. Our names will never be erased from the book of life.

This is the ultimate quid pro quo,

It says in Matthew 10:32-33, “Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. ³³ But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

The promise is to announce, this is his bride, it is the formal presentation to the father for the acceptance. I will confess His name before the Father and the angels.

Is the Father the ultimate Rabbi here? Does He give the blessing over the union and making the marriage official?

Well, who else is qualified to marry the son of God but the Father?

John 17:20-21, “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; ²¹ that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.

The father will look upon her and say, “Yes this is my son’s bride.

What is the book of life? There are many thoughts on this book, but one thing for sure, no man has ever seen it. That doesn’t mean there are no names in it at this time, because in Philippians 4:2-3, I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. ³ Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

            Paul says he has fellow workers whose names are already listed in the book of life. How could he know? Was this a book in the local synagogue that listed the members as some proclaim? Or is this book in heaven where the saints are listed?

I tend to believe the latter, and here is why. In Revelation 13:7-8,  It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. ⁸ All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.

            This adds a crucial twist to the whole discussion. Satan will make war with those whose names aren’t written in the Lamb’s book of life. So, if the Messiah removes one’s name from the book, is He giving Satan carte blanche to make war with that person? Once a saint, then because of sin or straying from the truth, one is now persona non grata.

The promise is if we overcome our names will NOT be removed from the book of life, and I appreciate that, especially when it comes from the savior.

Verse 6, He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

            Listen to the truth, don’t shun God’s words over traditions and false religions.

Message to Philadelphia

Verse 7.“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this:

To the messenger or angel, record this message for all to read and hear. The one that is holy and true; we know there is the Messiah, and we know enough to say, He can open the doors in heaven. We also know there are holy spiritual beings other than the Messiah, so, in essence, we have the Messiah telling the angel of the church to write about Himself. More evidence, He holds the key of David in His hand; that’s all we need to understand where this message originates from.

Adams Clarke explains it best in this way, “He that hath the key of David – See this metaphor explained, Matthew 16:19,  I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.

Key is the emblem of authority and knowledge; the key of David is the regal right or authority of David. David could shut or open the kingdom of Israel to whom he pleased. He was not bound to leave the kingdom even to his eldest son. He could choose whom he pleased to succeed him. The kingdom of the Gospel, and the kingdom of heaven, are at the disposal of Christ. He can shut against whom he will; he can open to whom he pleases. If He closes a door, then no man can open it; if he opens a door, no man can shut it. His determinations all will stand fast, and none may reverse God’s will. This expression is an alludes toIsaiah 22:22, “Then I will set the key of the house of David on his shoulder, When he opens no one will shut, When he shuts no one will open.

Where the prophet promises to Eliakim, under the symbol of the key of the house of David, the government of the whole nation; i.e., all the power of the king, to be executed by him as His deputy; but the words, as here applied to Christ, shows that He is absolute.”

            Only the Messiah has the keys to the kingdom, and that is significant in light of the next verse.

Verse 8. ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

Once more, He reminds the church He is aware of their deeds, same with us. He adds that He has placed a door in their presence. This would indicate, He wants them to pass through this door, why? He has unlocked this door for the church’s benefit, for us to enter the kingdom at His behest.

            He wants us to pass through the door to the other side where He, the Messiah, is waiting. Matthew 24:32-33, “Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; ³³ so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door.

            Matthew 7:7, Ask, and it will be given to you;  seek, and you will find;  knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

            Only those that don’t deny the name and family of God can enter into the kingdom, only they who are worthy. At the doorpost are nailed the laws and commandments of the Messiah Deuteronomy 11:20,  You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,

            At the doorpost is the blood of the slain lamb of God put there for protection. Exodus 12:22, “You shall take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood which is in the basin, and apply some of the blood that is in the basin to the lintel and the two doorposts; and none of you shall go outside the door of his house until morning.

            There is this thing in the middle eastern custom that is called a Threshold covenant, where the threshold of a home is sacred. When one crosses the threshold of a home, there is an implied covenant with those who live within that home. Entering the house unwelcomed or by any other way, makes you a thief.

Remember what it says in John 10:1-3, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber. ² But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. ³ To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

            AbsolutelyNO ONE goes into the kingdom without and invitation. No one automatically goes to heaven when they die, they would be an unwelcome guest. I suppose that is part of the myth of Peter being the gatekeeper to heaven.

Verse 9.Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. 

Here is a bit of revenge on behalf of the saints by the Messiah. It is for those that have been persecuted and ridiculed for their faith. Who hasn’t thought about the day the world stands in judgment and looks on the faces of family members or others that belittle you, ridicule you, or even worse. But, the Messiah says vengeance is His, not ours, Romans 12:19,  Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

            What’s even sweeter about this verse is He says He will make them bow to His people, His bride. Why not, they bow to Him, they will surely bow to his bride. He will make it understandable and clear to all that rise up in the second resurrection, the bride is a precious and treasured entity of the Messiah’s.

Verse 10. Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 

This verse is the reason why most people want to become a member of this church. The Messiah will keep them from being tested in the end time. Why test the bride, she has proven herself, she has knocked and been granted entrance into the kingdom. She has crossed the threshold into a covenant where the creator of the universe has sworn His protection.

The hour will come one day when the world will face His wrath, but the bride will be safe. She will, in fact, be with Him at His return on the mount of Olives. What did the Messiah tell the world?

John 14:1-3, Do not let your heart be troubled;  believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. ³ If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also,

How can I know it will be on the mount of olives?

Zechariah 14:1-5,  Behold, a day is coming for the Lord when the spoil taken from you will be divided among you. ² For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plundered, the women ravished and half of the city exiled, but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city. ³ Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle. ⁴ In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south. ⁵ You will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him!

            Who are the Holy Ones? The simple and correct answer is His bride, the church of the Messiah, the only true church that exists then and today.

Verse 11. I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. 

Let no one take your crown, you already have a crown, shiny, and beautiful. A crown that all the gold and silver combined in the world couldn’t equal.

Remember what Peter said to the cripple, Acts 3:6, But Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!

              If the legs of a cripple are worth all the silver and gold in the world, how much is your eternal life valued? How much is your crown worth in terms of this world, “Priceless I would say.”

Verse 12. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name.

We’ve come to the promises, here we have 2 more offered to the churches, to the bride. Number 11 of 13, He will make the church a pillar. It sounds kinda vague and boring when you hear a pillar.

            The Messiah is called the foundation of the church, look at the two verses below. 1 Corinthians 3:11, For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 28:16, Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed.

            If the Messiah is the foundation, then it stands to reason His bride is the pillars that are an intricate part of the church of the Messiah.

            The 12^th promise is a combination of different parts of the name of God. The name will be written on the bride, just like a marriage contract. That name will be the holy name in which the future world will recognize Her. Same as my wife wears my name, the church will wear the name of God. Not the old name in which we all thought we knew Him by, but a new name, unknown to no one.

            In the days the Messiah walked the earth, a man was called by his name and town he was from, Jesus of Nazareth, for instance. We will be called “New name from New city.” My guess would be the name will incorporate the “EL” in it somehow, just me.

Verse 13He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

God is trying to get your attention, has He done it yet? If not, we have a long way to go, so buckle up and listen to the stewards of His word. Oh yea, no smoking, please!

Message to Laodicea

Verse 14. “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:

            The last of the seven churches of Asia minor, it fits they would be last because they are called the lazy church.

The Amen, here is a word that has caused great consternation in my life, but I have a chance now to address the phrase. Before I go on, let me just remind everyone, the word amen doesn’t occur at the end of any prayers in any original manuscripts. It has been put in places like at the end of the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6, but it initially isn’t the letter Matthew wrote.

            Why is it here then? That is the question most folks get stuck on. The Living Bible uses the phrase “One that stands firm.” Adams Clarkes uses the term “the tree.” In Hebrew, the word amen means, “So be it, or so let it be.”

Even in Numbers 5:22, there is a difference depending on the translations, for instance in NASB, KJV, NKJV, and many other popular versions; this is the translation, ²² and this water that brings a curse shall go into your stomach, and make your abdomen swell and your thigh waste away.” And the woman shall say, “Amen. Amen.”

            But, the Living Bible, Modern Language Bible, and some others, you’ll see this,  then Jehovah shall make you a curse among your people, for he will make your thigh rot away and your body swell.’ And the woman shall be required to say, ‘Yes, let it be so.’

Frequently you’ll see the word amen replacing the words like verily, or truly and I’ll point those out when I come across them. If the word is so holy, why doesn’t any prayers in the original manuscripts include the word in its ending? Why aren’t the translations consistent in their meaning? It would be easier to accept if there weren’t so many ways to interpret the word.

But, my policy has always been and always will be, if saying amen makes you comfortable, then do it, but I’m not going to.

The faithful and true, the Messiah has lived up to every one of the promises He has made. Not only that, but He has fulfilled 55 separate prophecies given about Him prior to becoming human.

So, if He is faithful and true, you can count on it from the creator himself. He is the beginning of all creation. Colossians 1:15-17, He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. ¹⁷ He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

So, you have to ask yourself, can He fulfill His promises, He makes to his church, and the answer is a resounding, YES!

Verse 15.‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.

How does one become lukewarm?These people are sitting on the fence, waiting to be spoon-fed. They are in a condition we fondly call, “Pay and Pray.” But, it can be worse than that, they can have one foot in the world and one in God’s church. Isaiah says this about those in his day. Isaiah 29:13, “Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote,

            These folks are easily turned away from God’s true doctrine, and there are many predictions about them, especially from Paul. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4,  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, ⁴ and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.   

            Many who call themselves “Christians,” fill their religious lives with church or family traditions. They mistakenly believe God will turn a blind eye away from what they do. Paul says it best in his letter to Titus 1:16,  They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.

Verse 16. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.

Being spit out of the mouth of the Messiah isn’t a desirable prospect. It is known that tepid water can have an ill effect upon the stomach, but I believe the Messiah is saying much more. In Psalms 59:6, They return at evening, they howl like a dog, And go around the city. ⁷ Behold, they belch forth with their mouth;
Swords are in their lips, For, they say, “Who hears?”

            It would appear what was spewing from these folks months are piercing words of ridicule. In my view, He won’t even say the name of those that turn away from God. Perhaps one will be erased from the mind of God, not a good condition to find one’s self. Or, could this be some type of curse He spews from his mouth, a rejection of one’s faith. Matthew 7:21-23,  “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. ²² Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ ²³ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’

            Whatever it represents, one can be sure it isn’t good.

Verse 17.Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, 

The rich feel less need for God in their lives than someone with no money. Their comfort lies in the riches they have accumulated over the years. Only on their deathbeds do they seem to desire salvation. Oh, they give to the poor on occasions, but they make sure the world sees. The Pharisees would do the very same thing, Matthew 6:1-4, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.² “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. ³ But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

            It’s incredible how many super-wealthy folks say they would give up much of their wealth just for a loving relationship, J. Paul Getty is one that immediately comes to mind.

            They are blind and naked; blindness is the result of God’s shutting the eyes of worldly folks. Blindness can also occur when one gets fixated on something other than God’s will. It’s called being myopic- making one nearsighted or shortsighted.

Once more we turn to an example of the Pharisees in Matthew 15:12-14,  Then the disciples *came and *said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this statement?” ¹³ But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant shall be uprooted. ¹⁴ Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

            So, there are religious leaders that are blind, and they are leading their blind congregations off a cliff. That’s Not a comforting thought, especially if it involves God’s holy church. The Pharisees were the supposed leaders of God’s holy church in the days the Messiah walked the earth.

They are naked, they have no clothes, no righteous acts. That is worse than having the wrong clothing on as we have seen in Matthew 22:11-14,  “But when the king came in to look over the dinner guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed in wedding clothes, ¹² and he *said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without wedding clothes?’ And the man was speechless. ¹³ Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ ¹⁴ For many are ^[f]called, but few are chosen.”

            This is a reference to these people NOT being a part of the bride. They are not invited to the wedding supper (Revelation 19:9) nor are they recipients of the promises of God.

Verse 18. I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

How does one buy gold from God? The answer can be found in the two set of verses below, Zechariah 13:7-9, “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, And against the man, My Associate,” Declares the Lord of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones.
⁸ “It will come about in all the land,” Declares the Lord, “That two parts in it will be cut off and perish; But the third will be left in it. ⁹ “And I will bring the third part through the fire, Refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are My people,’ And they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’” 

Malachi 3:1, “Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of hosts. ² “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. ³ He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness. ⁴ Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

            One has to go through the refining process to be able to wear the white garments of the bride of the Messiah. It’s a process of living a life following the law and commands of the savior.

John 14:15, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

            Only then, can they be invited to the wedding supper and be participants of the promises of God. A salve that will heal the eyes, a spiritual salve. In John 9:39, And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.”

The Messiah can and will heal blindness, He did it on this earth for many seeking Him. Paul was told by Christ to go out to the nations and heal their blindness. Acts 26:15-18, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. ¹⁶‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen from Me and what I will show you. ¹⁷I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them ¹⁸ to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’ 

            He sent Paul to do the work, had He not sent servants in the end of days to open the eyes of those He is calling.

Verse 19.Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. 

It tells us in scripture, God chastens those he loves. No Father, husband wants to correct those they love, but at times it may be necessary. Necessary for the sake of salvation. Hebrew 12:4-11, You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; ⁵ and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, Nor faint when you are reproved by Him; ⁶ For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He scourges every son whom He receives.”

⁷ It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? ⁸ But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. ⁹ Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? ¹⁰ For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. ¹¹ All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

            The point I’m making is, those that are of God, we are frequently corrected for our own good. The corrections are there to bring us back to a proper course when we begin veering away.

Verse 20. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.

Here is another door, or is it the same one? The reference for anyone hearing the knock should open the door. We saw something similar in verse 7, one can go back and read there the meaning.What does the door represent, the heart and mind of the person on the other side, perhaps? But here, He is making known the wedding supper is by invitation only, and He is calling those that are worthy, (Revelation 19:7). When the Messiah comes to you in thought or prayer, or even through the bible, do you slam the door on Him, or invite Him inside?

Verse 21. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

The last of the 13 promises, this one is the best one of all. The bride is given the right to sit with Him on His throne. Share His position in the Kingdom as an equal. Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Also in:

2 Timothy 2:11-13 It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; ¹² If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; ¹³ If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

            We have now completed the overview of the seven churches. They are a guide to the bride of the Messiah, for her to examine herself and strip away the filthy rags of this world while donning the white robes of royalty.

Verse 22. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

If we have an ear, if we are His holy people, we must pay attention to his words and commands. He is picking the bride, He is setting the standards, not the world.

Footnotes:

            In the last chapter we had 8 of the 13 promises, here is that list once more.

1. I will grant to eat of the tree of life
2. A crown of life.
3. Not be hurt by the second death
4. Receive hidden manna
5. Awhite stone
6. A new name
7. Authority over the nations
8. Give him the morning star

Now we will add the last 5 and see what they look like.

1. thus be clothed in white garments
2.  I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 
3. make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and
4. I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem,
5. sit down with Me on My throne,

Let’s put them in a single format so they can be more easily understood.

1.  I will grant to eat of the tree of life
2.  A crown of life.
3.  Not be hurt by the second death
4.  Receive hidden manna
5.  A white stone
6.  A new name
7. Authority over the nations
8.  Give him the morning star
9.  Clothed in white
10.  Become a pillar in God’s kingdom
11.  Not suffer the second death
12.  Wear the new name of God and city
13.  Sit with Him on His throne

At the risk of repeating myself, doesn’t this sound like the gifts and things that come with marriage? It does when it involves the creator of the universe.

            I have one last thought before we leave these 7 churches and move on. It was brought to my attention as members of the betrothed church, already we are receiving certain benefits from some of these promises. The hidden manna is the hidden word of God feeding us here on earth, we are clothed in white, and promised eternal life. Perhaps we’ve already received a new name and just don’t know it, but we can see where the 13 promises have a direct effect on His holy people today, or in the future.

2 Corinthians 11:2 – For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Four

          It occurs to me as we depart chapter three of Revelation and begin chapter four, something missing in the narrative. It’s been difficult for me to adjust to the sudden transformation from chapter three to four because it’s as if John suddenly woke up in the middle of one vision, then transformed into a completely different vision with new characters and settings.

We are left little to go on, resulting in many ministers avoiding chapters four and five like the plague. Mainly because it’s challenging to make sense of the happenings around these majestic thrones. Before we dive into the fourth chapter, let’s stop for just a moment and go over what we just studied. We saw the Messiah sending a message through John to the bride of the Messiah. There were 7 messages to 7 churches, meaning completeness and perfection. There were 13 promises given to the bride symbolizing salvation.

The church of the Messiah is His bride, where the Messiah is concerned with her and her alone in the first three chapters. These are identified as the elect of God and are ones the Messiah is coming for when He returns. With this vision, we are now moving to a different scene in heaven….one might say, we are moving over to the opposite side of the coin.

Scene in Heaven

Verse 1. After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.”

How many doors are there in heaven? Is this another door, or is this the same door talked about in Revelation 3:8, ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.              

So far, we’ve seen the Messiah addressing very physical churches delivering warnings for them to change because they’re found wanting in areas of their relationship with the Messiah.  If they can overcome, great blessings are promised to them, and they will enter the kingdom as priest of God. The promise includes not just being a priest, but also a ruling partner of the Messiah, His holy bride.

But, John is now seeing in a vision of another mysterious door in heaven standing open. He is witnessing an event with earthly implications and is drawn to it by the Spirit. One might ask, why is the door open and not closed? The reference scripture says there is a door that cannot be shut, is this that door?

He also hears a mysterious voice sounding like a trumpet blast announcing as he arrived. John has entered the kingdom of the holiest Father and Messiah in heaven as an invited guest. He Is now able to be the presence of these heavenly figures’ midst because he, too, is in spirit. We are informed by John,  what is going to happen after the bride has overcome the world and then resurrected to the kingdom of God. An event described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18,  But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. ¹⁵ For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words.

And, we also read in 1 Corinthians 15:50-55,  Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. ⁵¹ Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. ⁵³ For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. ⁵⁴ But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. ⁵⁵ O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”

This is the fulfillment of the spiritualization of the bride, a prophecy of a resurrection to eternal life.

The fact John is told to “come up here,” enforces the implication one must be invited and simply cannot just go to the kingdom willy nilly at their own leisure.

            Remember the words in Job 1, when the son of God or members of the heavenly court came and presented themselves before the throne of God, even Satan was allowed to present himself. But that door was shut otherwise and no creature can take the liberty to go to the throne without permissions.

Verse 2. Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne. 

John, still being in spirit, repeats his condition noted in (Rev. 1;10). The way it reads in the first chapter almost makes one think perhaps John took a break after chapter three and then was taken back into vision a second time. No one knows or could be totally sure, but why state the obvious, unless you need your readers to understand why there is such a sudden break in the narrative.

Whatever the case may be, John is in the spirit, he is seeing mind-boggling events taking place in the throne room of God. He sees a throne, but what throne? Is this the Father or the Messiahs’?

We know with confidence there are at least two thrones of authority which are listed in the last verses of Revelation 3:21,  He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Just a thought, Jesus uses the analogy to invite the bride to join Him while he sits on a throne of authority. He says we, His bride, will also sit on a throne of authority.

Could the bride also use a door as an analogy of an invitation offered to the world to join her and the Messiah in the kingdom? In Revelation 22:17, The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.

I ask this because a door just like a gate can be shut on unwanted elements of the world, just as it says in Revelation 22:14-15,Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. ¹⁵ Outside the city are the dogs—the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie.

It’s interesting when you read in Colossians 1:15-16, He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.

            We see a governmental structure in heaven implied in these verses indicating there is more here than our mere minds can understand. As we progress forward into chapter four, that ruling structure will become somewhat more transparent.

Also in Ephesians 1:19-23, These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might ²⁰ which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. ²² And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, ²³ which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

            Although these scriptures indicate there is a governmental structure, we must keep in mind the Father and the Messiah are in complete charge and are the governing authorities in the realm we call heaven.

Read this account in Daniel 7:9-10, “I kept looking Until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow And the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, Its wheels were a burning fire. ¹⁰ “A river of fire was flowing And coming out from before Him; Thousands upon thousands were attending Him, And myriads upon myriads were standing before Him; The court sat, And the books were opened.

Where a court is in session, and it sounds like the day of judgment spoken of in Revelations 20:4, Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them.

            God is the head of all creation as already articulated, He is respected, and respects the council of those around Him. We are told as much in Psalms 89:6-7,  For who in the skies is comparable to the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty is like the Lord, ⁷ A God greatly feared in the council of the holy ones, And awesome above all those who are around Him?

            It’s an interesting look at the events surrounding the days just before or after the first reassertion….this chapter gives us a look unlike any other place in the Bible.

Verse 3. And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance.

Minimal commentary exists as to the identification of this being who is gleaming like precious stones. This is, however, a similar appearance of the Messiah on His throne in the old Testament. It is John’s description of what he is seeing and how he describes the figure just as Ezikiel described what he saw.

            He also says he sees a rainbow around the throne. Could this be caused by the light given off by the myriad of colors from auroras emanating from the Messiah?

            As I referenced, we can see a similar description given by Ezekiel in chapter one of Ezekiel 1:26-28, Now above the expanse that was over their heads there was something resembling a throne, like lapis lazuli in appearance; and on that which resembled a throne, high up, was a figure with the appearance of a man. ²⁷ Then I noticed from the appearance of His loins and upward something like glowing metal that looked like fire all around within it, and from the appearance of His loins and downward I saw something like fire, and there was a radiance around Him. ²⁸ As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.

            Ezekiel’s description varies a little, but the overall likeness is pretty much identical. It could be conceivable Ezekiel is seeing the very same being John is describing. Time has no relevance in the kingdom of God; it is God’s system of tracking events for mankind within this world. Time is exclusive to humanity and only exists where men are present.

I find all this interesting when considering the rainbow is the symbol of God’s covenant to mankind. Genesis 9:13-17,  I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth. ¹⁴ It shall come about, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow will be seen in the cloud, ¹⁵ and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh. ¹⁶ When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” ¹⁷ And God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

Verse 4. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads.

These elders are an enigma because we are told by John in John 3:13,  No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man. 

But who would have the authority other than the Father and Son to sit on thrones in heaven? The patriarchs of the OT or apostles of the NT are the most logical candidates, especially when you read the following. Acts: 2:29-35,“Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. ³⁰ And so, because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne, ³¹ he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay. ³² This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. ³³ Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. ³⁴ For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, ³⁵ Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’

So, who are these 24 elders? Are the Apostles and patriarchs or they some other heavenly creatures? If they are heavenly creatures other than resurrected saints, then why would they be sitting on thrones? The messiah promised His church they would share His throne, and the Apostles were told they would sit on 12 thrones, Matthew 19:27-28,  Then Peter said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” ²⁸ And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel

Here’s a thought, since we’ve seen angels assigned to different events and places, could these be angels over the 24 divisions of cohanim, 1 Chronicles 24:1-19, Now the divisions of the descendants of Aaron were these: the sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. ² But Nadab and Abihu died before their father and had no sons. So Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. ³ David, with Zadok of the sons of Eleazar and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar, divided them according to their offices for their ministry. ⁴ Since more chief men were found from the descendants of Eleazar than the descendants of Ithamar, they divided them thus: there were sixteen heads of fathers’ households of the descendants of Eleazar and eight of the descendants of Ithamar, according to their fathers’ households. ⁵ Thus they were divided by lot, the one as the other; for they were officers of the sanctuary and officers of God, both from the descendants of Eleazar and the descendants of Ithamar. ⁶ Shemaiah, the son of Nethanel the scribe, from the Levites, recorded them in the presence of the king, the princes, Zadok the priest, Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the priests and of the Levites; one father’s household taken for Eleazar and one taken for Ithamar. ⁷ Now the first lot came out for Jehoiarib, the second for Jedaiah, ⁸ the third for Harim, the fourth for Seorim, ⁹ the fifth for Malchijah, the sixth for Mijamin, ¹⁰ the seventh for Hakkoz, the eighth for Abijah, ¹¹ the ninth for Jeshua, the tenth for Shecaniah, ¹² the eleventh for Eliashib, the twelfth for Jakim, ¹³ the thirteenth for Huppah, the fourteenth for Jeshebeab, ¹⁴ the fifteenth for Bilgah, the sixteenth for Immer, ¹⁵ the seventeenth for Hezir, the eighteenth for Happizzez, ¹⁶ the nineteenth for Pethahiah, the twentieth for Jehezkel, ¹⁷ the twenty-first for Jachin, the twenty-second for Gamul, ¹⁸ the twenty-third for Delaiah, the twenty-fourth for Maaziah. ¹⁹ These were their offices for their ministry when they came in to the house of the Lord according to the ordinance given to them through Aaron their father, just as the Lord God of Israel had commanded him.

The problem with this thought is the leaders were selected from men, not angels. It doesn’t make sense to say these are angelic figures.

But wait, if John can be shown the future and this chapter is directly after the warnings and promises from the Messiah, shouldn’t these elders be the Patriarchs and Apostles? Wouldn’t they have been part of the 1^st resurrection and given thrones of their own?

To me, and just my observation, we are seeing the judgment of humanity, because the Messiah and bride are seated on their thrones, which includes the 24 elders, and judgment of man’s conduct throughout time has begun.

Verse 5. Out from the throne come flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God; 

What immediately does this verse bring to mind? Don’t these events resemble what took place when the Messiah spoke to the nation of Israel? Exodus 20:18-21,  All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance. ¹⁹ Then they said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but let not God speak to us, or we will die.” ²⁰ Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.” ²¹ So the people stood at a distance, while Moses approached the thick cloud where God was.

            As I said in the last verse, my thoughts are that the Messiah is addressing the court, which is judging humanity’s tenure on earth.

Also, we see 7 lamps of God burning before the throne of the Messiah. We have to be careful we don’t make things up, so we need to ask the question, what are these 7 lamps? The next verse says they are the 7spirits of God. We have already established in chapter one of Revelations verse one about what angels are and can be. They are, in essence, messengers. It doesn’t matter what form they take, they are sent to convey God’s holy will.

Just as He tells His people to be a light that shines Matthew 5;14-16, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; ¹⁵ nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

            These may not necessarily be angels composed of spirit, we assume that because we think spirits are ghostly entities that can take on different shapes.So, one might naturally ask, “what are these 7 spirits if not angels?” Will a description of the 7 lamps give us some clue?

 Some believe that the seven spirits are the qualities of God that indicate perfection and completion. Seven is the number for completeness and perfection and one might come to that conclusion.

I saw this in various places while searching the internet and commentaries and thought it was interesting, not sure it applies, but it gives one more thought for consideration.I do want to qualify this before I go any further, what I’m about to  give you is based upon numerology. Even though I believe numbers are very significant and we can gain understanding from them, especially in the Bible; Neither do I  put all my faith in them.

1. Spirit of the lord.

There are 41 Bible verses that talk about having the ‘spirit of the lord’, and 14 of them are specifically about being a person who practices love as a form of spirituality. But could this also mean one who is joined with the spirit of God?

We are in essence, new creatures when we become part of the family of God.

2. Spirit of wisdom.

The Bible is heavily influenced by the concept of wisdom. The number 7 is also drawn to the idea of being wise beyond our years or even capabilities.

3. Spirit of understanding.

The spirit of understanding boasts more towards helping people learn to understand each other, rather than ourselves. In the Bible, God wants his followers to understand and help each other throughout their journey on this Earth.

4. Spirit of counsel.

We saw where God’s respect is given to the counsel of His choosing. It makes one wonder why we can’t respect each other’s counsel, we are told to lean on one another.

5. Spirit of power.

Just as number 7 holds significant power, it also reflects the power of God within the Bible. It says we, too, can affect change, but one must be a true believer, not a part-time follower.

6. Spirit of knowledge.

The lord is all-knowing. Within the Bible, the spirit of knowledge is recognized as being able to learn from and about God. That knowledge is bestowed upon God’s own people with open eyes and ears.

7. Having a spirit of fear.

Fear is one of the strongest pulls towards failure. Fear is the ultimate respect for God, His commandments, and His holy will..

I don’t know that these are the same 7 spirits mentioned in this chapter, but the 7 spirits convey a message to the world from those around the throne of God.

Verse 6. and before the throne, there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures full of eyes in front and behind. 

Once again, to gain the perspective, I go back to the visions of Ezekiel chapter one, description, simply to enforce my own assumption. I want to also look at the other place in the Bible where “sea of glass” is mentioned.

Revelation 15:2, And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God.

A further look into the past and we can see where  Moses and others of Israel took counsel with the messiah on top of the mountain. The messiah was standing on what appears to be glass. Exodus 24:9-10, Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, 10 and they saw the God of Israel; and under His feet there appeared to be a pavement of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself. 11 Yet He did not stretch out His hand against the nobles of the sons of Israel; and they saw God, and they ate and drank.

            It appears when the Messiah is holding counsel, and sitting on His throne, it is atop a sea of glass. Why atop a surface of the glass, is the question? Could it be, while speaking with the most powerful being in the universe, you are forced to observe a reflection of yourself while in His holy presence? You see what He and others are seeing in you, which causes you to examine everything you say and do in the presence of God? It’s just a question, but our own view of who we are is inflated by God’s standards.

There were 4 living creatures, these weren’t mechanical things, we are told these are living creatures. Are they a special kind of animal we aren’t familiar with here on earth? Were they designed especially for a divine purpose? All creation was created by the Messiah; it tells us that in Colossians 1:15-16, He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.

            They are full of eyes, indicating, these creatures are all-seeing, omnipotent. Are these seraphim or cherubim, one can only speculate. John and Ezekiel saw similar creatures around the throne of the Messiah while He was in counsel, which implies they have essential roles to fulfill.

Verse 7. The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like that of a man, and the fourth creature was like a flying eagle.

Here we have a description of the 4 creatures surrounding the throne of the Messiah. Ezekiel gave a similar description John gave in chapter one.

Ezekiel 1:4-11,  As I looked, behold, a storm wind was coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing forth continually and a bright light around it, and in its midst something like glowing metal in the midst of the fire. ⁵ Within it there were figures resembling four living beings. And this was their appearance: they had human form. ⁶ Each of them had four faces and four wings. ⁷ Their legs were straight and their feet were like a calf’s hoof, and they gleamed like burnished bronze. ⁸ Under their wings on their four sides were human hands. As for the faces and wings of the four of them, ⁹ their wings touched one another; their faces did not turn when they moved, each went straight forward. ¹⁰ As for the form of their faces, each had the face of a man; all four had the face of a lion on the right and the face of a bull on the left, and all four had the face of an eagle. ¹¹ Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out above; each had two touching another being, and two covering their bodies.

            Many hours in conversations and Bible studies have left me trying to come to some sort of resolution as to what these creatures could possibly be, but as I said in the last verse, they are there for a purpose. No man will know the true answer to thief composition until the day the Messiah informs us as to what they are. I would leave the description at this, they are the creation of God, for a specific purpose, that has unique features that serve them in their duties. Other than that, we are only guessing.

Verse 8. And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.”

            These creatures have powerful voices as they praise the majestic being on the throne without ceasing day and night. It’s interesting the phrase “day and night” is used here. Is there day and night in heaven, remember time was a function created for the sake of man? Perhaps John uses this phrase out of habit to express how these creatures praised God? The problem is, it says they sang without ceasing as well. Will they go on forever and ever? Or, does their praise go on as long as the father or Messiah occupies the throne and conducts a session of counsel? Perhaps the next verse will give us some clue.

Verse 9. And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, 

As prior indicated, much about these creatures is left to speculation, but they are entirely loyal to the Messiah, to their creator. It’s also interesting how John can perceive elements about these creatures…., especially since he is simply an observer. Was he told things, or was his mind open to how these creatures operate and possibly how they felt. John did have a genuine understanding as to their gratitude towards God.

Verse 10.the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

We are back to the 24 elders after being given a tour of the throne of the Messiah. We witnessed through the eyes and ears of John the surroundings and tapestry, and we saw a counsel of Eternal beings in the throne room in heaven. The 24 elders advocate completely to the king and His authority.  They offer up proper homage, something we don’t fully understand in our day and time.

We are told all the heavens creatures will worship Christ, the next two scriptures will illustrate how worship will look like in the kingdom.

Hebrews 1:6, And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, “AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM.”

Philippians 2:9-11, For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Every knee will bow, no exceptions. He is king with all the authority behind the title, even with authority over death and life, that should make one listen.

Verse 11.“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed and were created.”

Because of the incredible will of the Messiah, all things came to be on earth and in the heavens. Because He desired a family, complete with a bride and children, His will and the universe is glorified because His desire caused us into existence.

That is why we must always obey the will of God and not our own.

Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

            In this same vein of thought, don’t cement your conclusions on religion as to what the world tells you these verses mean. Also, do your own studies and make up your own minds, it’s your salvation, not anyone else.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Five

          In chapter five, we move from the surroundings of the throne room engaged in a council meeting in session. Many thoughts and clues force me to say the counsel is about what has already occurred because as we go through the seals in the following chapters, it’s going to become more evident as we look at events past and present.

            That particular view has been neglected by churches in the past because it has been hidden or ignored, mostly out of ignorance. We will revisit that idea when we get into chapter six because unless we see that as a significant part of Revelation, it stands to reason, we are missing a huge section of the puzzle. We might misunderstand what the book is trying to tell us if we only focus on it being prophecy.

            Our introduction to this chapter begins with something called the scroll composed of seven seals, let’s start with what a seal actually is. But first, let’s read verse one.

Verse 1.  I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. 

Is the right hand significant a significant clue? If not, why then say the seals are in his right hand? The figure on the throne being right-handed wouldn’t be a huge concern; after all, He is a God. God would be ambidextrous from everything we know about Him, so why would it be important?

In ancient days the right hand was used to convey blessings; we see an example of Israel blessing Ephraim and Messiah. Genesis 48:12-19,Then Joseph took them from his knees, and bowed with his face to the ground. ¹³ Joseph took them both, Ephraim with his right hand toward Israel’s left, and Manasseh with his left hand toward Israel’s right, and brought them close to him. ¹⁴ But Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, crossing his hands,  although Manasseh was the firstborn. ¹⁵ He blessed Joseph, and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, ¹⁶ The angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads; And may my name live on in them, And the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And may they grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” ¹⁷ When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on Ephraim’s head, it displeased him; and he grasped his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. ¹⁸ Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this one is the firstborn. Place your right hand on his head.” ¹⁹ But his father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know; he also will become a people and he also will be great.

In the Bible, to be at the right side of someone can be identified as being in a special position of honor. The scriptures give us a good example of being on the right side of the Messiah, Matthew 25:31-33, “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. ³² All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; ³³ and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.

Also in Matthew 26:63-64,  But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” ⁶⁴ Jesus *said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

The right hand most frequently represents ownership, power, or control that its bearer exercises. The hand can represent the whole person, symbolizing achievement, and power.

 More specifically, the thumb of the right hand receives the sacrificial blood or the oil when the whole person is ritually cleansed ( Lev 8:23; 14:14-28 ). This symbolism is carried into the New Testament when Jesus and the apostles heal and deliver through the touch of the hand ( Matt 8:3; Acts 3:7 ).

In Africa, circumcised boys point their right hand to heaven, left hand touching the earth, to call upon the earth to witness their status of adulthood and for membership into the tribe, calling upon heaven and earth as witnesses.

In that right hand of the Father is a book, scroll visible to John. He sees the book, and it is sealed. Not just one seal, but 7 seals total. Seven is the number for perfection or completion, so what is a scroll with 7 seals signifying?

One more observation, This figure on the throne must be the Father; no one else in heaven has authority in the way this figure does.  Although it never says specifically, this is the Father when you consider verses 6,7 through  8. one is left with the perception this is Father sitting on the throne, and the Messiah is the lamb receiving the scroll. I’ll admit, it can be somewhat confusing trying to keep who’s who in perspective.

Hopefully, we’ll get a more definite answer as we continue into the next verses and chapters. But, here’s a thought to consider going forward. Did the Messiah and Father write down their plan for mankind before man was ever created? Did they create a guideline or keep a record of deeds? Is there evidence where they planned the marriage of the bride and bridegroom before man took his first breath? Newlyweds plan their weddings long before the actual event and record those events in a record book. In the record, are a list of invited guests as well as significant events and dates leading up to the blessed day.

The difference with the Messiah’s book and one a couple might make is the Messiah is also filled with prophecies, promises, and warnings for mankind.

Verse 2. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?” 

An angel proclaiming, making a definitive statement, “who is worthy,” clearly, the one that created the book is worthy. He is one with the authority to break the seals unleashing all contained within. We saw in chapters 2 and 3 the qualifications listed showing the Messiah was the bridegroom and creator of mankind.

2:1“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:

The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:

2:8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write:

The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life,

2:12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write:

The One who has the sharp two-edged sword

2:18 “And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write:

The Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet are like burnished bronze,

3:1“To the angel of the church in Sardis write:

He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars,

3:8“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write:

He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one opens

3:14, “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

The one who stands firm, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, of God says this.

To be crystal clear, I used the term, “one who stands firm” instead of amen, as used in the Living translation.

            Another thought I had that may or may not be relevant, could these 7 seals be some type of stages of mankind covering man’s six thousand year existence? There is such a thing as 7 stages of man, as listed below.

• Stage 1, Infancy: A helpless baby, just crying and throwing up.
• Stage 2, Schoolboy: …
• Stage 3, Teenager: …
• Stage 4, Young man: …
• Stage 5, Middle aged: …
• Stage 6, Old man: …
• Stage 7, Dotage and death:

As I said, it’s just a thought, but I can see man’s evolution buried within the scriptures, can this be a significant hint of man’s final phase entering into the realm of God?

Verse 3. And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. 

This is curious, why query the entire heavens and earth as to who is worthy, isn’t mankind already aware of one figure that is worthy? Could this possibly be a challenge? A challenge not unlike King Authors’ sword being drawn from the stone? Winner takes all and has power over the world and events of humankind. Why did John cry over this announcement in verse 4? Was John afraid Satan would try and challenge the Messiah for the right to open the seals? Just me thinking, but it would be the end of mankind if Satan succeeded.

No one, man or angel, only the Messiah. No man can assume the power of God, even though there are those arrogant enough to believe they can. There have been men who called themselves god or claimed to be equal, but they are nothing but worms compared to his majesty and glory.

Isaiah 55:8-9, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. ⁹ “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Verse 4.Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it;

We discussed this briefly in verse 3, but maybe it needs some more investigation. Was John’s weeping the result of sadness or joy, we aren’t told. It says no one was found worthy, how could that possibly be? When you read the next verse, it will begin to become more apparent. Remember, this is all going on amid a spiritual counsel. Questions are asked and answered according to the importance and rules of such meetings.

Verse 5. and one of the elders *said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”

Here is a substantial clue to the identification of the one that is worthy. John is told to stop weeping because the Messiah overcame the world, a fact that makes the Messiah’s qualifications, unlike any others. The Messiah was the God of the Old Testament, He gave the ten commandments to Moses, told Noah to build a boat to save humanity. He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and spoke to Abraham. He breathed the very first breath of life into mankind after He created this world as we know it.

John 1:1-18,  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. ⁴ In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. ⁵ The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

⁶ There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. ⁸ He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. ⁹ There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. ¹¹ He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. ¹² But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, ¹³ who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. ¹⁴ And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. ¹⁵ John *testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” ¹⁶ For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. ¹⁷ For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

In addition, we can see where the Messiah was accompanying Israel in the desert for forty years. 1 Corinthians 10:1-5, For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; ² and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; ³ and all ate the same spiritual food; ⁴ and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. ⁵ Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness.

Let’s read one more verse to solidify the entire thought in your and my mind.

Colossians 1:15-18, He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. ¹⁷ He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. ¹⁸ He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

We have a member of the heavenly host, the son of the Father in heaven doing something no other creature has or can do. He divested Himself of His eternal vestiges and came to earth becoming mortal. He then died and was resurrected into a perfect new creature, unlike any other. He became the redeemer and firstfruits of all mankind. Of course, He is worthy, no one or thing comes close.

Verse 6.And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. 

“I saw between the throne,” what an interesting statement. The question that comes to my mind, “Is there more than one throne present?” We’ve established the Father has a thone, and the Messiah has a throne, and there are 24 elders with thrones, who else has a throne?

            I prefer the way the JNT reads, 6. Then I saw standing there with the throne and the four living beings, in the circle of the elders, a Lamb that appeared to have been slaughtered. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the sevenfold Spirit of God sent out into all the earth.

            At the throne of God Father John saw four creatures, are these Seraphim or cherubim or both? It could be two of both in attendance of this council meeting as representatives or some other purpose. Whatever the reason, they are most definitely there, and they’re next to the throne. Check out these scriptures showing a bizarre interaction before the throne of God, 1 Chronicles 18:18-22,  Micaiah said, “Therefore, hear the word of the Lord. I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right and on His left. ¹⁹ The Lord said, ‘Who will entice Ahab king of Israel to go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one said this while another said that. ²⁰ Then a spirit came forward and stood before the Lord and said, ‘I will entice him.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘How?’ ²¹ He said, ‘I will go and be a deceiving spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ Then He said, ‘You are to entice him and prevail also. Go and do so.’ ²² Now therefore, behold, the Lord has put a deceiving spirit in the mouth of these your prophets, for the Lord has proclaimed disaster against you.”

            The first thing we see is there is a host of heaven on the right and left of the throne of God. Next, we see an event that boggles the mind. In the interaction between the Messiah and spirit, it is decided to send a deceiving spirit to Ahab.

            We tend to forget that this world is built with heaven as the blueprint. Hebrews 8:1-6, Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, ² a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. ³ For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. ⁴ Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; ⁵ who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “See,” He says, “that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.” ⁶ But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.

            The things on earth are but physical representations of the things in heaven, also in Colossians 2:17. They are a shadow of what exists, and it’s important to keep that in mind as we go through these verses.

            A lamb that appeared to be slaughtered, this can only be one being. There is only one that is called the lamb of God, John 1:29,  The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him and *said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

            Isaiah prophesied about the lamb to come and made the exact statement He was to be slaughtered. Isaiah 53:7, He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.

            What are these horns? Are they ram horns that can be blown into or are they horns that project from somewhere on the body?

            Adams Clarke’s commentary adds this, “Having seven horns – Emblems of authority and power – for the horn is a symbol of power and dominion. Compare Deuteronomy 33:17; 1 Kings 22:11; Jeremiah 48:25; Zechariah 1:18; Daniel 7:24. The propriety of this symbol shows the strength of an animal is in the horn….with a horn he may obtain victory over other animals. The number seven here seems to be designed, as in other places, to denote completeness.”

            It would seem to fit in light of Luke 1:68-69,“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,
⁶⁹ And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of David His servant.

            Christ is the perfect savior, with absolute power. The one that has seven eyes, what’s that all about? It would seem to indicate omniscience, all-seeing, all knowledge, perfect understanding. In ancient Egypt, the eye is symbolic of Deity.

Matthew 6:22-23, “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. ²³ But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

It means He knows the past, present, and future, He knows all things.

Hebrews 13:8,  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

            Seven spirits of God, here we go again, what are the seven spirits? Are these attributes of the Messiah like the horns and eyes, or are they angels? I have already commented on these 7 spirits in chapter one, verse four, but it’s worth looking some more.

            I, myself, believe these are attributes of the Messiah, and they are passed down to His holy people by the holy spirit. Why not? Isn’t His church His beloved bride, shouldn’t she also have these attributes listed in, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11,There are different kinds of gifts. But they are all given to believers by the same Spirit. ⁵ There are different ways to serve. But they all come from the same Lord. ⁶ There are different ways the Spirit works. But the same God is working in all these ways and in all people. ⁷ The Holy Spirit is given to each of us in a special way. That is for the good of all. ⁸ To some people the Spirit gives a message of wisdom. To others the same Spirit gives a message of knowledge. ⁹ To others the same Spirit gives faith. To others that one Spirit gives gifts of healing. ¹⁰ To others he gives the power to do miracles. To others he gives the ability to prophesy. To others he gives the ability to tell the spirits apart. To others he gives the ability to speak in different kinds of languages they had not known before. And to still others he gives the ability to explain what was said in those languages. ¹¹ All the gifts are produced by one and the same Spirit. He gives gifts to each person, just as he decides.

            He even ends the verse by saying the seven spirits are sent to the earth, to His holy people. The Messiah has all seven spirits, He, the Messiah is complete in all things, and the reason we see the number seven mentioned over and over describing Him.

Verse 7.And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. 

The Messiah received the scrolls from the right hand of the One sitting on the throne. John 6:38-39, For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. ³⁹ This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day.

            It is a powerful message when you understand the Messiah is doing the will of the Father in heaven. The Messiah, the creator of the Universe is following the will and directions of the Father, let that sink in. In Hebrews chapter one the father is called the God of the Messiah. Hebrews 1:8-9, But of the Son He says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, And the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom. ⁹“You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness above Your companions.”

Verse 8.When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 

This is a powerful and very eye-opening verse.  The Messiah is being honored in heaven. In my humble opinion, because He is now being given all authority in heaven and earth, which He deserves. Matthew 28:18,  And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

            We have prayers mentioned in the form of incense present at the time of giving worship to the lamb. We also see this set of verses about the prayers of the saints, Ephesians 1:18-23, I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might ²⁰ which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. ²² And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, ²³ which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

But, we have a problem; when Jesus was alive in this world, He told the disciples to pray to the Father. Matthew 6:6,  But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

            My question is, “when the Messiah returns for His bride, those prayers will become His once again?” They are the prayers of His bride and won’t it be His responsibility to answer those prayers? The harp is a standard instrument used in courts of royalty, as we see in Isaiah 5:12,Their banquets are accompanied by lyre and harp, by tambourine and flute, and by wine;

Verse 9.And they *sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

They created a new song on the spot and sang in unison the praises of the Messiah. Once more I want to read from the JNT translation, it makes more sense. “and they sang a new song, “You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals; because you were slaughtered; at the cost of blood you ransomed for God persons from every tribe, language, people and nation”

            At the cost of His blood, not the blood of the saints. Some of the other translations muddy the waters when attempting to translate specific meanings. I also find it interesting the wording regarding the purpose “for God persons.” Other translations don’t add much in clearing up this phrase, but to me, it indicates, He sacrificed Himself exclusively for His people. I do understand what John 3:16 states, and it is true but only to a certain extent. One must first understand there are more than one resurrection of the dead, which we will get into later in this book. Why is that important? Because salvation takes one form with the bride of the Messiah in the first resurrection and another when the world attains salvation.

            In John 10:34-38, Jesus answered them, “Has it not been written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’? ³⁵ If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), ³⁶ do you say of Him, whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? ³⁷ If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; ³⁸ but if I do them, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.

            Jesus was quoting from scripture in Psalms 82:5-6, that says, ⁵ They do not know nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are shaken. ⁶ I said, “You are gods, And all of you are sons of the Most High. ⁷ “Nevertheless you will die like men And fall like any one of the princes.”

            We are told, we are to become Gods, why wouldn’t His sacrifice reflect that point? It is also relevant that these folks come from every place and time throughout the nations. They’re not just Jews or Hebrews, they are from all stripes and cultures following the lamb for their salvation.

Verse 10.“You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”

Once again, just like in chapter one, it says His holy people will be a kingdom of priests. I think one of the problems folks have in trying to understand Revelation, they don’t stop and consider the saints, or the bride, God’s elect, or any of the different terms used to describe God’s people, depending on the setting and what is happening.

            He says they are a kingdom of priests, which is fitting since they will be the ones maintaining the Temple in the future millennium. Yes, they will still be the bride, but not a lazy bumbling, wife, but a wife with duties to perform.

In the future Temple of God, Isaiah 2:2-4,  Now it will come about that In the last days The mountain of the house of the Lord Will be established as the chief of the mountains, And will be raised above the hills; And all the nations will stream to it.  ³And many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us concerning His ways And that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. ⁴And He will judge between the nations, And will render decisions for many peoples; And they will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they learn war.

Also in Isaiah 60:1-5, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. ² “For behold, darkness will cover the earth
And deep darkness the peoples; But the Lord will rise upon you And His glory will appear upon you. ³ `Nations will come to your light,And kings to the brightness of your rising. ⁴ “Lift up your eyes round about and see; They all gather together, they come to you. Your sons will come from afar, And your daughters will be carried in the arms. ⁵ “Then you will see and be radiant, And your heart will thrill and rejoice; Because the abundance of the sea will be turned to you, The wealth of the nations will come to you.

            Those same folks will reign on earth, not just the lamb, but those called Gods, (the bride).

            Daniel 7:18,  But the saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever,  for all ages to come.’

Verse 11.Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands,

            Innumerable hosts around the throne, so many John could only speculate to their number, they were literally in the thousands. But angels and hosts in heaven could be in the millions, billions, even trillions, who actually knows the number? In Daniels 7:9-14, “I kept looking Until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow And the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, Its wheels were a burning fire.
¹⁰ “A river of fire was flowing And coming out from before Him; Thousands upon thousands were attending Him, And myriads upon myriads were standing before Him; The court sat, And the books were opened. ¹¹ Then I kept looking because of the sound of the boastful words which the horn was speaking; I kept looking until the beast was slain, and its body was destroyed and given to the burning fire. ¹² As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but an extension of life was granted to them for an appointed period of time. ¹³ “I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming,
And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him. ¹⁴ “And to Him was given dominion,Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed.

Verse 12.saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”

I believe we have answered this portion of the new song on several occasions, but just in case you might have missed it. The lamb is the Messiah, Christ, Jesus, whatever you wish to call Him, but He is the savior. He is to receive all the blessings and honors bestowed upon a worthy king. We can only guess a portion of what all that entails, but suffix to say, it will boggle the mind.

Verse 13. And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.

            I find Exodus 20:4-6, fascinating where it tells us, ⁴ “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. ⁵ You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, ⁶ but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

            Those types of figures or relics, man is warned not to worship. These relics confuse the true worship of the Messiah with counterfeit worship of false gods. But, man insist on worshiping these creatures instead of God, as we see that in Romans 1:18-23, For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. ²¹ For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and ^[o]crawling creatures.

            An incredible end to the court in heaven, one that seemingly completes a transfer of power over to the Messiah and His bride for future rule. Let’s not forget all the aspects of this entire ceremony, they are essential going forward.

Verse 14, And the four living creatures kept saying, “So be it.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.

            The angels repeat over and over, “so be it, or may it be so.” Concluding the handing over the document of records. Now the time has come to open that scroll inditing the world, beginning in chapter six.

Footnotes:

I will rejoice greatly in the Lord,
My soul will exult in my God;
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
¹¹ For as the earth brings forth its sprouts,
And as a garden causes the things sown in it to spring up,
So the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise
To spring up before all the nations.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Six

            As the Lamb of God takes possession of the scroll, He then begins the process of opening them. One by one, He reveals the countless horrors happening within their contents. As we follow along in this chapter, a subtle fact begins to subtly emerge. The first six seals in this chapter have been ongoing events from the creation of mankind in the garden of Eden.

It is a common assertion the six seals are end-time prophecies, but as we discover, the seals describe occurrences commonplace in the past, present, and future.

That begs the question, are these seals more an indictment as opposed to prophecy? We saw in chapters 4 and 5 where counsel was assembled in heaven complete with a supreme judge, a jury of peers, and officials designed to render a just verdict.

Once the Lamb was found worthy, the charges must be reviewed. The Messiah is handed sealed indictments to be revealed directed at humanity for crimes against God. They are to stand trial for their blatant disregard for God’s will.

Agree or disagree, but this is my interpretation of events; one, I feel, supports the evidence presented in scripture. It appears prosecution of man’s crimes was withheld for a time when they could be gathered and presented in a fashion that would be undeniable.

We see where Daniel was told to seal the books, closing them to those who are not meant to see. Is this a clue?

            Daniel 12:1-10, “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. ² Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. ³ Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. ⁴ But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.”

⁵ Then I, Daniel, looked and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the river and the other on that bank of the river. ⁶ And one said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” ⁷ I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river,  as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed. ⁸ As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” ⁹ He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time. ¹⁰ Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand.

            In Isaiah 29, there is a prophecy given by Isaiah warning Jerusalem of a time when they would be under siege, which came true. The interesting part of the prophecy was the minds were shut to the words of God. Let’s see what that says, Isaiah 29:11-14, For you, this whole vision is like words that are sealed up in a scroll. Suppose you give it to someone who can read. And suppose you say, “Please read this for us.” Then they’ll answer, “I can’t. It’s sealed up.” ¹² Or suppose you give the scroll to someone who can’t read. And suppose you say, “Please read this for us.” Then they’ll answer, “I don’t know how to read.”

¹³ The Lord says, “These people worship me only with their words. They honor me by what they say. But their hearts are far away from me. Their worship doesn’t mean anything to me.They teach nothing but human rules that they have been taught. ¹⁴ So once more I will shock these people with many wonderful acts. I will destroy the wisdom of those who think they are so wise. I will do away with the cleverness of those who think they are so smart.”

            The seals are ultimately opened to a world that hasn’t the ability to understand their meanings. The charges can only be revealed by one worthy or qualified. In addition, only God’s people can discern the words and give them to a world with unwilling hearts as they remain witnesses to events.

Isaiah 8:16, Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.

            So, when the Messiah at the end times opens the seals, He is unveiling charges of an unrepentant world who denies who He is and what His position is in the kingdom. He is also unsealing the truths so many have openly neglected to acknowledge. It begins with the very first seal in verse 1.

            In the following verses, we are witnesses to figures on different colored horses, at the onset of the opening of seals. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen these riders in scriptures, that may come as a surprise to those that advocate this is somehow future events but needs to judge for themselves. Zechariah 6:1-5,, Now I lifted up my eyes again and looked, and behold, four chariots were coming forth from between the two mountains; and the mountains were bronze mountains. ² With the first chariot were red horses, with the second chariot black horses, ³ with the third chariot white horses, and with the fourth chariot strong dappled horses. ⁴ Then I spoke and said to the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these, my lord?” ⁵ The angel replied to me, “These are the four spirits of heaven, going forth after standing before the Lord of all the earth.

            Here they are horses with chariots, but the symbolism is unmistakable. Let’s now look deeply at the following verses.

The First Seal—Rider on White Horse

Verse 1. Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come.”

            It’s the 1^st seal out of seven to be opened, buried within, is a truth unseen by a stiffnecked world. Here is the first evidence of the world’s offense. Peoples have accepted and worship multitudes of false figures and belief systems since the beginning of time.

Considering the creatures inspires more thought about the 4 creatures surrounding the throne of the Father. Could these beings actually be keepers of records for the family of God? Are they some type of official archive administrators? I ask because we see one of the creatures which is one that surrounds the throne of the Ancient One and offers an invitation for John to come and see the contents of the 1^st seal.

Layered between the 1^st and 2^nd  seals are the beginnings of more curious events directed at the man’s expectations. One more thing, no explanation is offered as to why these visions appear to be under guard, sealed away from people’s understanding, but the fact remains, they are for most people. Perhaps there is an answer in the next verse.

Verse 2. I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

Many in theological professors over Biblical studies teach this figure is the coming Messiah, disregarding the fact revelation 19 shows the Messiah’s  2^nd coming. Why would the Messiah be revealed coming twice? That has led some to believe this is a false Christ and will appear before the actual Messiah returns.

To add to the confusion, this figure is presented on a white horse, carrying a bow and not a sword. In Revelation 19:11-16, And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. ¹² His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. ¹³ He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. ¹⁴ And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. ¹⁵ From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. ¹⁶ And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

            The Messiah always refers to having a sword, never a bow.

Matthew 10:34, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 

Obvious clues say, there may be something else going on here, this is a different being. Who is this rider, and where did he come from. The white horse would seem to be evidence it was the Messiah, but as I said, the bow is a dead giveaway it isn’t.

The description is so close, it has fooled billions of Christians over time. In fact, this figure is an antichrist which has been a familiar figure since the garden of Eden attempting to supplant the will of God.

            Genesis 3:1-5,  Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” ² The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; ³ but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’” ⁴ The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! ⁵ For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.

            Since time and immemorial, there have been myriads of false gods and false christ inundating the religions of mankind. Matthew 24:2-263, Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe him. ²⁴ For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. ²⁵ Behold, I have told you in advance. ²⁶ So if they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out, or, ‘Behold, He is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe them.

“Don’t believe them,” unfortunately, the mainstream world will follow false Christ-like lemmings off a cliff.

            The last thing said in verse 2, he went out conquering and to conquer. What is this conquering figure? The minds and hearts of people are most likely the targets. The war the rider is waging is to finish what Satan started 6 thousand years ago… furthermore, religion is the bow in his hand. It is equipped with many arrows in his quiver. My thoughts on this, the multitude of arrows represents all the religions of the world, and this rider has conquered them all but one, that one is God’s true church.

            This is why we are told to worship the Messiah with ALL our heart and mind. Matthew 22:37-40,  And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the great and foremost commandment. ³⁹ The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

            We also see this same commandment in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! ⁵ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. ⁶ These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. ⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. ⁸ You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. ⁹ You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

            We see additional commands telling us not only to love God with all your hearts and minds but teach them to your children. Also to write them on their doorpost, so they see them going in and coming out.

The Second Seal—War

Verse 3. When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come.” 

A second living creature now issues a similar invitation to view the contents of the 2nd scroll. Why a different creature, why not the same one? Does each creature hold the various aspects of the hidden records, or could they simply hold some authority over that particular indictment? One might come to believe, these creatures are acting as prosecutors in some fashion. One would think the Messiah could and would be capable of doing this, but perhaps His only roll is to open the scrolls for review.

            Another thought, maybe through only this particular creature, we are allowed visions of these precise contents, because it says, “come and see.” That perhaps would explain why Ezekiel was able to see them in his visions in Ezekiel 1:4-6,  As I looked, behold, a storm wind was coming from the north, a great cloud with fire flashing forth continually and a bright light around it, and in its midst something like glowing metal in the midst of the fire. ⁵ Within it there were figures resembling four living beings. And this was their appearance: they had human form. ⁶ Each of them had four faces and four wings.

            We may never have the complete answer to these questions but it’s interesting to try and find the answers.

Verse 4. And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.

This is one more reason why one could say events of the 1^st seal were happening from the beginning of time.

We now are witness to a red horse symbolizing war or blood. Wars are not unique to our time, there have been wars from the very first days of man’s existence. One might argue, the first war was when Cain slew Abel, from that time on, mankind was no stranger to conflict.

We are warned by the Messiah in Matthew 24 prior to his return we would see wars and rumors of wars. Zechariah asked the Lord what this horse represented, and this is what he was told in, Zechariah 1:8-10,  I saw at night, and behold, a man was riding on a red horse, and he was standing among the myrtle trees which were in the ravine, with red, sorrel and white horses behind him. ⁹ Then I said, “My lord, what are these?” And the angel who was speaking with me said to me, “I will show you what these are.” ¹⁰ And the man who was standing among the myrtle trees answered and said, “These are those whom the Lord has sent to patrol the earth. 

            Patrolling the earth sounds a lot less menacing than calling the figure a blood thirty mongrel, which some may. The point is, war isn’t always a bad thing, wars can subdue a threat and bring peace where there was none. Wars are undoubtedly violent, no one will dispute that, but where man exists, war is soon to follow. It’s who they are managed that gauges their necessity.

Back to my earlier thought, these are ongoing events, and man has been subject to these symbolisms from the beginning of creation.

Matthew 24:6, You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.

            As I previously said, war is one harrowing experience after another, and no one in their right mind wants any part of war. Although, we see, war is unveiled as an end-time prophecy within the pages of this book.

The Third Seal—Famine

Verse 5. When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 

            I like the explanation Adams Clarke’s commentary gives about the blackness of the horse represented as represented by this figure. “Black, in the Scriptures, is the image of fear, of famine, of death. Lamentations 5:10; “our skin was black like an oven, because of the terrible famine.” Jeremiah 14:2; “because of the drought Judah mourneth, and the gates thereof languish; they are in deep mourning (literally, black) for the land.” Joel 2:6; “all faces shall gather blackness.” Nahum 2:10; “the knees smite together, and there is great pain in all loins, and the faces of them all gather blackness.” Compare Revelation 6:12; Ezekiel 32:7. See also Bochart, Hieroz. P. i. lib. ii. c. vii. pp. 106,107. From the color of the horse here introduced we should naturally look for some dire calamity, though the nature of the calamity would not be designated by the mere use of the word “black.” What the calamity was to be must be determined by what follows in the symbol. Famine, pestilence, oppression, heavy taxation, tyranny, invasion – any of these might be denoted by the color of the horse.”

Scales have been a symbol of justice for many nations and cultures. The question is, why are scales associated with famine? It could also be a way in which grain or other valuables are measured. Since this is famine, I would say the scales are telling us most foods would become scarce in times of war or oppression.

In time past during wars, men and countries have held back food to control the masses or opposing forces. We saw this when Jerusalem was under siege by Nebuchadnezzar in 587 BC. The occupants of the city nearly starved to death, and many eventually resorted to cannibalism before the city fell.

In our own time, we’ve seen foods sent to starving nations only to see it offuscated by thieves who, in turn, sold it back at a premium to those perishing.

Once starvation begins, then other things quickly follow as a result of all the dead and decaying bodies left behind.

Verse 6. And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.”

What I commented on in the last verse concerning the scales is exactly what we see here. The Messiah warned the disciples this was going to also happen just as it once did in Jerusalem. It did happen as severely in 70AD when the city was surrounded once again by the Romans but the city did eventually fall.

Matthew 24:7,  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. ⁸ But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.

            The Messiah labeled these as incredible events, “birth pangs” that must happen. Before a married couple has a child, the woman must experience pregnancy and the rigors of the birth process. The entire pregnancy can be filled with health problems, and many uncomfortable days filled with pain. The woman’s life often is put in danger during the time of the actual birth of a child. Once all the pain, screaming, and crying is over, and the child comes forth into the world, tears turn to great joy. This particular metaphor is one the Messiah has chosen for the world, the more intense the pain the world experiences, the closer to a new birth of a new creation is about to be fulfilled.

The Fourth Seal—Death

Verse 7. When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come.” 

One more additional seal is broken, and its indictment exposes further proclamations. Once again, the invitation to come is issued by one of the creatures. It makes one wonder since there are four faces to the creatures if each seal represents a different face or creature. One seal for man, another for the calf, one for eagles, and the last a lion. Four horses, four faces of the creature. How would they correspond to one another?

The anti-Christ equals false prophets.

War could be the lion.

Famine might be the calf.

Death, a bird of prey of some sort, like an eagle perhaps.

Just me, but it poses an interesting combination of symbolism that peeks the imagination.

            Let’s go on to the last of the horsemen.

Verse 8. I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.

A pale color is symbolic of death.Without too much explanation, most can see this symbolism for themselves. In correlation of these events, the Messiah also spoke of other things taking place as well.Death is the final and complete results of war, famine, and disease. In Ezekiel 5:12, he tells us this about Israel, but maybe it’s symbolic of the world.  One third of you will die by plague or be consumed by famine among you, one third will fall by the sword around you, and one third I will scatter to every wind, and I will unsheathe a sword behind them.

            The Messiah mourned over the people of Jerusalem because they were left with no teachers, no one to give them the answers to keep them from death.

Matthew 23:37, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. ³⁸ Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! ³⁹ For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

            This next seal is an intro into is a commentary on God’s holy people.

The Fifth Seal—Martyrs

Verse 9. When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; 

Matthew 24:9, “Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. 

            John may have remembered the words of the Messiah he recorded in the gospel he wrote. He probably heard the words in his mind written in John 16:1, These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. ²They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. ³ These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me.

            The world is so clueless about the mission of the Messiah, they will most certainly kill His holy people, believing they are doing the will of God. This is an indictment to the world to the world for their actions towards God’s holy people.

Matthew 23:34-36,  “Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, ³⁵ so that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous bloodshed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. ³⁶ Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

            The Messiah became so angry at times he wouldn’t even listen to their prayers. But He reiterated his promise to make an end to their belligerence.

Jeremiah 14:2, When they fast, I am not going to listen to their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I am not going to accept them. Rather I am going to make an end of them by the sword, famine and pestilence.”

Verse 10. and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 

A crying out by prayer to our savior for salvation from the cruelties of this world. Here is a cry out from David in Psalms 13:1-6, How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? ² How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? ³ Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, ⁴ And my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken.

⁵ But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. ⁶ I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.

            I can see a lot of the phrases and words listed in this psalm that is peppered throughout the first chapters of revelations.

            The messiah also added another element to the His holy people in Luke 18:6  And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge *said; ⁷ now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, ^[d]and will He delay long over them? ⁸ I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

            Will he find faith when he returns? The messiah states in the book of Amos not to long for the day of the Lord…an interesting twist to this conversation. Amos 5:18-20,  Alas, you who are longing for the day of the Lord, For what purpose will the day of the Lord be to you? It will be darkness and not light; ¹⁹ As when a man flees from a lion And a bear meets him, Or goes home, leans his hand against the wall And a snake bites him. ²⁰ Will not the day of the Lord be darkness instead of light, Even gloom with no brightness in it?

            This is one more warning to the world, they shouldn’t desire something that will, in effect, constitute their destruction.But to His saints, those that love Him, is a reiterated portion of His promises in the next verse.

Verse 11. And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.

The first lesson in the verse is the promise of white robes, which we’ve seen several times throughout scriptures. The actual promise is found in Revelation 3:4, also in Revelation 19:8,  It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

            They will rest a little longer, but wait! Aren’t humans going directly to heaven when they die? Well, scriptures don’t substantiate that particular doctrine. I go back to John 3:13,  No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man.

            We also see in 1 Corinthians 15:50-52, Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. ⁵¹ Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

            Sleep is the condition of the dead, and they’re waiting on the day the Messiah will call them to His kingdom. It is a time determined by the Father in heaven and no one else. Once again, we return to the words of the Messiah in, Matthew 24:36, But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.

The Sixth Seal—Terror

Verse 12. I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; 

The sixth seal is all about terror and the physical nature of this world becoming suddenly unreliable. What could be worse than the events we already read about the first 5 seals, but earth turning on its inhabitants? The question is, “who is this terror for?” We saw in the prior seal God told Israel not to pray for the day of the Lord because the day would be so terrible it could be the end to mankind.

            Is this reference about the days leading up to the return of the Messiah? It looks like an identical time mentioned in the following scriptures.

Ezekiel 30:3-4, For the day is near, Even the day of the LORD is near; It will be a day of clouds, A time of doom for the nations. “A sword will come upon Egypt, And anguish will be in Ethiopia; When the slain fall in Egypt, They take away her wealth, And her foundations are torn down.

Jeremiah 46:10, For that day belongs to the Lord GOD of hosts, A day of vengeance, so as to avenge Himself on His foes; And the sword will devour and be satiated And drink its fill of their blood; For there will be a slaughter for the Lord GOD of hosts, In the land of the north by the river Euphrates.

Joel 2:1-2, Blow a trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm on My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, For the day of the LORD is coming; Surely it is near, A day of darkness and gloom, A day of clouds and thick darkness As the dawn is spread over the mountains, So there is a great and mighty people; There has never been anything like it, Nor will there be again after it To the years of many generations.

            Just me but is this a time we would want to experience? It could also be a reference to the nations locked into conflict with one another. They could be attempting to annihilate each other with modern-day weapons, unknown to John and the peoples of his day. I say this because of the next verse.

Verse 13. and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. 

            I know we want to believe stars represent angels in the Bible, and they do in some verses, but not in all of them. This could be something John wasn’t totally familiar with, as well. Perhaps he saw man-made missiles raining down on nations, such as Israel. Thousands of rockets have fallen upon the countryside of modern-day Israel, especially in the last few decades. We see in a similar event or perhaps the same one in Revelation 16:21, And huge hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, *came down from heaven upon men; and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, because its plague *was extremely severe.

I found a fascinating fact about the missiles being used against Israel on an almost daily basis. They are called Qassam rockets, and they weigh  88-110 lbs, averaging out to 100lbs. They are produced by the thousands at the cost of around 800 dollars. This is the principal weapon used by Hamas towards Israel. Interestingly enough, they are named after their designer a Sirian Muslim preacher  Izz ad-Din al-Qassam,a terrorist killed by the British in 1935 in a guerrilla raid.

Verse 14. The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 

             The sky splits apart like a scroll as it rolls up. What occurrence can cause this in the sky? I remember a friend of mine, who was a pilot, he once saw the tail end of a titan rocket emerge in front of him while flying a falcon jet. He told me he thought he was witnessing this very event because it matched identically to this description. The tail end of the rocket was so brilliant the shy appeared to be rolling away. Taking that account into consideration, one may very well come to a conclusion, missiles are the culprits in the verses.

Another problem we have, what could account for mountains and islands being moved from their locations? Other than God, the only other thing that could possibly cause this would be nuclear explosions so powerful they would level mountains and move islands.

There is a curious scripture in Zechariah 5:1-11,  Then I lifted up my eyes again and looked, and behold, there was a flying scroll. 2 And he said to me, “What do you see?” And I answered, “I see a flying scroll; its length is twenty cubits and its width ten cubits.” 3 Then he said to me, “This is the curse that is going forth over the face of the whole land; surely everyone who steals will be purged away according to the writing on one side, and everyone who swears will be purged away according to the writing on the other side. 4 I will make it go forth,” declares the Lord of hosts, “and it will enter the house of the thief and the house of the one who swears falsely by My name; and it will spend the night within that house and consume it with its timber and stones.” 5 Then the angel who was speaking with me went out and said to me, “Lift up now your eyes and see what this is going forth.” 6 I said, “What is it?” And he said, “This is the ephah going forth.” Again he said, “This is their appearance in all the land 7 (and behold, a lead cover was lifted up); and this is a woman sitting inside the ephah.” 8 Then he said, “This is Wickedness!” And he threw her down into the middle of the ephah and cast the lead weight on its opening. 9 Then I lifted up my eyes and looked, and there two women were coming out with the wind in their wings; and they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heavens. 10 I said to the angel who was speaking with me, “Where are they taking the ephah?” 11 Then he said to me, “To build a temple for her in the land of Shinar; and when it is prepared, she will be set there on her own pedestal.”

            In chapter five of Zacheriah are some interesting things said. For instance, the dimensions of this flying scroll also happen to fit the dimensions of a nuclear rocket.

The word used in verse 9 of chapter 5 is ishshah , which translates into a woman but adding an apostrophe to the front, and the name changes to fire. Some have advocated that it is precisely what was done. They say the original word was fire because otherwise, the context makes no sense. Especially when you read the cover to this basket is made of lead. Anyone who knows anything about radiation knows lead protects humans from radiation dangerous effects. The point of this explanation is to show there are modern-day elements that already fit certain scriptures. Now, whether or not they are the right interpretations are up for discussion.

Verse 15. Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; 

In the mid 1950s, the United States government covertly arranged to build a fallout shelter to house the entire U.S. Congress underneath the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, WV. That particular place no longer serves as a shelter for the leadership of the uS, but there is a place somewhere that currently does. It is the same with leaders from other nations, they too have bunkers under mountains to sit out nuclear war.

In a lesser scope, many survivalists also have shelters to ride out such an event. This is consistent with Kings and lesser folks hiding in the rocks or hills. But this begs another question, can a man hide from destiny, or from God?

Jeremiah 14:23-24,“Am I a God who is near,” declares the Lord, “And not a God far off? ²⁴ “Can a man hide himself in hiding places So I do not see him?” declares the Lord.“Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the Lord.

The short answer is NO, he cannot!

Verse 16. and they *said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; 

            The same can be said here that is in the prior verse. There is no place for kings or common men where they can hide from God. The issue is, who do they believe they are hiding from? Are they hiding from a false god where they have divested all their faith? A false god hasn’t answers to prayers, but now, all of a sudden, their world is crumbling around them, and they are crying out to the true God?      In those last moments of their time here on earth, they begin to see their egregious errors and suddenly decide to repent, what good is that?

In Matthew 24:38-41,  For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, ³⁹ and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. ⁴⁰ Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. ⁴¹ Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.

            These days of Noah are given as an example of mankind being resistant to the word of God. Worldly folks in the days of Noah died a sudden death by drowning. They were warned the day was coming but chose to ignore the warnings. Today we live under the same predictions, now we have to determine whether or not we are going to listen.

Verse 17.for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

            I don’t know if the events described above are man-made or created by the Messiah when He comes. Either way, it will be an indictment of the evils of man and his disregard for the word of God.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Seven

          Before we get too far into the subject, I feel I should remind everyone, this whole chapter is still within the 6^th seal. I also want to reiterate the comments  I started this study. The overriding event throughout this book is the marriage between the church and Jesus, the Messiah. We are in the process of seeing how that whole process is unveiled by the grand court of the Eternal.

Verse 1. After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree. 

Where are the four corners of the earth? Can one find a final spot where the surface is sectioned into 90-degree angles? I understand some say the earth’s surface is flat, and somehow,  this verse is proof of that assertion. I will be blunt, in my mind, that isn’t even a consideration, but the statement is made and has to be explained. It is the assertion that in the day of John, folks believed the earth was flat; therefore, they used this term to describe the earth. But, interestingly enough as far back as Isaiah, there were references to the earth being circular.

Isaiah 40:22, It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.

Others believe this accounts for the 4 quadrants of a compass. I personally would agree with this metaphor before I would go so far as to say, “the earth is flat!”

Aristotle, Eratosthenes both greek philosophers absolutely understood the earth was round over two thousand years ago. Another Greek philosopher Pythagoras first proposed that the Earth was round sometime around 500 B.C. close to the time of Isaiah’s writings. Actually, most folks, especially sailors, understood the earth to be round, especially at the time Revelation was written by John.

            Holding back the four winds of the earth, insights another set of questions. One, what and where are the four winds? Could this be the directions from which the winds blow, south, east, west, and north? I can’t think of any other direction where the winds blow.

            The number 4 in Jewish numerology, according to the website,” Grace in the Torah,” represents the following. Four Arbah, arbahah Authority, government, rule, dominion, calendar, time, creation, kingdom, fullness, giving of the Torah (Law) and Holy Spirit. Judah was fourth born son and has the scepter of rule. Pictures completeness much like seven. Four matriarchs, four corners of the earth, four horns on altar, four tassles (tzit-tziyot) are to be worn on one’s garment/robe, four living creatures, four horsemen, Four rivers of Eden, four winds, four gospels, etc. On the negative side there are four beasts (Dan. 7:3). The fourth one is diverse from the others and has ten horns (see info for 10 below). Then an eleventh horn emerges (see info on eleven here) that seeks to change times (appointed seasons/feast days) and law (God’s Torah). (Dan. 7:25) This is in direct opposition to the calendar/clock/seasons/law that YHWH gave on day four of creation.

Fourth Hebrew letter: Dalet: Numerical value of four. Pictographic meaning door, draw out or in, knock, path, way, portal to heaven, dominion, control, bough, and branch.

The Passover Seder is structured around fours: the Four Questions, the Four Sons, and Four Cups of Wine.

Seven loaves fed four thousand with seven baskets leftover. (Mt. 15:32-39)

On day four of creation, the sun, moon, and stars are placed in the sky (natural light) to govern the moedim (feast days). They mark time and give signs. Their natural light separates from the darkness.

God’s calendar and prophetic clock were established on day four of creation.

The Jerusalem Council gave FOUR basic requirements for Gentiles to enter the assembly; from that point they would learn Torah/Moses. (Acts 15:19-21)

Fourth Feast: Shavuot (Pentecost) Lev. 23

Fourth Spirit of God: Ruach Adonai (fullness of Holy Spirit) Is. 11:2

Fourth Church of Revelation: Thyatira (Meaning perfume, odor of affliction, sacrifice of labor, or castle Thya)

Negative side: A heart that devises wicked imaginations, becoming full of false light. (Pr. 6:16-19) Giving authority to the beast and appetites of desire. Four also results in judgment, as in the four horsemen. When the Word is tested in an individual, it will produce life (davar) or pestilence (dever).

Four is indicative of AUTHORITY. The fourth branch on the Menorah is the center, main shaft. It is the source for the other six branches. Yeshua stands in the midst of the menorah. (Rev. 1:12-13) On the fourth day of creation, YHWH declared His GOVERNMENT of the earth and all who dwell in it by creating the sun, moon, and stars. These celestial bodies faithfully keep and proclaim His calendar, His months, His weeks, and His holy days to the world. Only the Creator of the Universe has the ability to define and regulate a man’s clock and calendar. Our life (time) is limited and decreed by the King of all Creation. Every second of our lives is in the palm of His hands whether we recognize His authority or not. Thus, TIME and AUTHORITY are intrinsically linked with day four.

The fourth feast day, Shavuot, the Feast of weeks (time), or Pentecost arrives after one counts fifty days and seven times seven weeks of TIME. It is the fullness of all the feast days as it commemorates Adonai giving His people His Torah (Covenant) and His Spirit (Seal). Again, this is about TIME and AUTHORITY, which declares Adonai’s GOVERNMENT of the Universe (this is mirrored by the Sabbath day – a weekly feast day that is also about Time and Authority). See more about the fourth feast, Pentecost here. Moreover, the Sabbath is the “oht” or sign Between YHWH and His people for all generations, as is keeping the Feast of Unleavened Bread. (Ex. 13:9, 31:13, 17) The “oht” were given on day four of creation.

The fourth piece of furniture in the covered place of the Tabernacle/Temple/House is the Ark of the Covenant. The Most Holy Place could only be entered ONCE in a YEAR. One must know the Creator’s calendar given on day four in order to live and not die in this sacred space. The mercy seat is a type of Throne, another picture of Authority and Government. Four Living Creatures surround the Throne of Elohim, always declaring, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.” (Is. 6:3, Rev. 4:8)

Four and seven have many common factors. They depict holy places in both SPACE and TIME. (For more on this see Rivers of Eden.) Fullness and completeness are characteristics of Abba’s House. As the door (delet), four shows one the Way into the Throne room of Adonai. Yeshua is the door for the sheep. (John 10:7-9) It is impossible to get this close and personal with YHWH by entering another door or way.

                        Four is a significant number if even half of this list is an accurate word of God. Could this mean there is a holding back of God’s seasons? It is said here in Texas we have two seasons, summer and winter, with a day in between. It’s a joke, of course, but what would the earth look like without seasons, Texas?

            No wind blowing on the seas or trees or anything else that is an incredible feat. Why would God cease the winds from blowing around the world?

            This tends to make me think there is a deeper meaning with this verse, one we perhaps have missed. Is this environmental or spiritual? We’ve seen in the past where God uses nature to illustrate to the world He is in charge. He used nature in the ten plagues of Egypt, demonstrating His mighty power over their pagan deities. In Exodus 7, it says this about the purpose of God’s actions towards Egypt. Exodus 7:3-5,   But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart that I may multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt. ⁴ When Pharaoh does not listen to you, then I will lay My hand on Egypt and bring out My hosts, My people the sons of Israel, from the land of Egypt by great judgments. ⁵ The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and bring out the sons of Israel from their midst.

Could this also be a display of the powers of God to an unrepentant world bent upon denying the word of God and His holy people?

Verse 2.And I saw another angel ascending from the rising of the sun, having the seal of the living God; and he cried out with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, 

An angel ascending from the rising sun, or depending on the translation, “from the east.”  This could be a reference from Luke 1:78,  Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, I have a problem with this, the first two chapters of Luke. The first two chapters of Luke are in question with many bible theologians. It is believed they were added to the gospels after the first century. The chapters are absent in the Gospel of the Hebrews, or Nazarenes, written about A. D. 125, as well as in the Gospel of Marcion, A. D. 145. They first appeared in the Protevangelion, about A. D. 125, and were deemed by Marcion, authentic probably not authentic. Whatever the case, they are an unreliable source to quote from.

We do see inMatthew 24 the Messiah is prophesied to come from the east. Matthew 24:27, For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. 

Is this the messiah, or just an angel sent by the throne to seal the future bride of the messiah?

What can we be sure about in this verse? One the angel is one of importance. Tho the angel was sent by God. Three, the angel in coming from the east, just as Christ is prophesied.

Does this mean as the earth revolves, the angel will eventually be seen to all the world during a 24 hour period? I can’t say for sure, but much speculation has been supposed as to its meaning.

Verse 3.saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the bond-servants of our God on their foreheads.”

            The angel commands the other four spirits not to harm the sea or the trees. My thought is there is a reference here to all the other religions of the world. Sea is a reference to the masses comprising the congregations of many churches.

Jeremiah 51;13, O you who dwell by many waters, Abundant in treasures, Your end has come, The measure of your end. ¹⁴ The Lord of hosts has sworn by Himself: “Surely I will fill you with a population like locusts,
And they will cry out with shouts of victory over you.”

Also, in Revelation 17:1, Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters,

The tree is often used as a reference to lineages of families. Christ even uses the tree as a metaphor to illustrate the family of God. Romans 11:16-19,  If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too. ¹⁷ But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, ¹⁸ do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. ¹⁹ You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.

We can see in the symbolism of both sea and tree have a metaphoric reference to mankind. But what if it doesn’t mean actual men and nations? What if it really is seas and trees he is speaking of? You should ask yourself, why would Christ return constitute the destruction of nature?

If this is a catastrophe of magnitudes we haven’t seen before, my guess would be, it’s manmade of sorts. We only assume its nature because that is what we’ve always been told it was.

It’s also interesting to note, right after holding back the destruction of the sea and trees, we go directly into the 144, 000. Is there a clue there? I believe it supports my supposition that the sea and trees are the masses of people. Also remember this god did destroy mankind once before, saving only 8 peoples. Here is what God told Noah at that time, Genesis 8:20-22, Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. ²¹ The Lord smelled the soothing aroma; and the Lord said to Himself, “I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man’s heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done. ²² “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, And cold and heat, And summer and winter, And day and night Shall not cease.”

Here, we see the actual holding back of the destruction of the sea and trees. Is this actually where the angel did what was commanded, I can’t say for sure, but it does fit.

How does God seal His people? It’s essential to understand why God would want to seal the Elect. We get a small clue in Ezekiel 9:3, Then the glory of the God of Israel went up from the cherub on which it had been, to the threshold of the temple. And He called to the man clothed in linen at whose loins was the writing case. ⁴ The Lord said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, even though the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations which are being committed in its midst.” ⁵ But to the others He said in my hearing, “Go through the city after him and strike; do not let your eye have pity and do not spare. ⁶ Utterly slay old men, young men, maidens, little children, and women, but do not touch any man on whom is the mark; and you shall start from My sanctuary.” So they started with the elders who were before the temple. ⁷ And He said to them, “Defile the temple and fill the courts with the slain. Go out!” Thus they went out and struck down the people in the city. ⁸ As they were striking the people and I alone was left, I fell on my face and cried out saying, “Alas, Lord God! Are You destroying the whole remnant of Israel by pouring out Your wrath on Jerusalem?”

No one was to be saved, only those with the seal of God, His mark. What is God’s mark, do the scriptures tell us anything about the mark of the Messiah?

I would direct you to this scripture as the only reference where a physical mark is given. Exodus 31:12-17, The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ¹³ “But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you. ¹⁴ Therefore you are to observe the sabbath, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work on it, that person shall be cut off from among his people. ¹⁵ For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, holy to the Lord; whoever does any work on the sabbath day shall surely be put to death. ¹⁶ So the sons of Israel shall observe the sabbath, to celebrate the sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.’ ¹⁷ It is a sign between Me and the sons of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day He ceased from labor, and was refreshed.”

One needs to ask, is this the seal of God? Well, also ask yourself this, “how would one physical person identify another physical person unless there was something they could see?

Adams Clarke’s commentary says this about God sealing His people, “By sealing we are to understand consecrating the persons in a more especial manner to God, and showing, by this mark of God upon them, that they were under his more immediate protection, and that nothing should hurt them. It was a custom in the east, and indeed in the west too, to stamp with a hot iron the name of the owner upon the forehead or shoulder of his slave.”

Does not keeping the sabbath constitute a brand on the people of God, yes it does!

Now, we must address these 144,000; this is one more controversial scriptures.

Verse 4.And I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel:

            Was this 144,000 from each tribe? At first glance, it might appear to seem that way. As we look at the preceding verses, we can see a breakdown of the 144,000. I’ll address all there is about the 12 tribes mentioned in this commentary. What we actually do see is 12,000 from each tribe; so, can we assume this is the totality of Israel’s salvation? The number 144 in Hebrew numerology to be the number of the prophecy of the light-bearers. These Lightbearers were meant to change the world as we know it, bringing God’s truth to the world.

A person has to ask themselves, “Didn’t Israel change the world as we know it? Didn’t Israel bring the world god holy word? Didn’t Israel bear the light to the world?” Concerning the number 144, how does the number 1000 added to it, affect the overall numerology? Here is some symbolism of the number 1000, it is a symbol of multitudes. It is often used to specify an indefinite quantity. The Fathers of the  Church saw in the number 1000, “the totality of the generations and the perfection of life.”

Deuteronomy 7:9, Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

            According to the Talmudic tradition, thousand is the symbol of the imperishable doctrine.

            Other biblical references where 1000 is used say,….the two witnesses of the Revelation have the power among others to strike the whole world with 1000 plagues. (Rv 11,6)

The reign of a thousand years in Revelation. (Rv 20). In some Biblical translations other than the Bible of Jerusalem, it is written that if anyone requires you to walk 1000 steps, walk 2000 steps with him. (Mt 5,41).

For its punishment, a city of 1000 men will be reduced to 100. (Am 5,3).

The increase of 1 to 1000 will characterize the Messianic time. (Is 60,22).

Thousand years are like one day. (Ps 84,11).

The alliance that God concludes with Abraham was valid for 1000 generations. (Ps 105,8).

            It is on the altar of Gibeon, where Solomon offered 1000 holocausts that he asked God to give him wisdom. (1 K 3,4)

We count 1000 persons who perish in the citadel of Shechem. (Jg 9,49)

Samson killed 1000 men with a jawbone of a donkey. (Jg 15,16)

Abimelech gives to Abraham 1000 pieces of money in compensation. (Gn 20,16)

So, we are most likely not speaking of a specific number but an innumerable multitude represented by the number 1000. This is a sign of God’s people who didn’t turn from the doctrines of God, especially the Sabbaths.

Verse 5. from the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand, from the tribe of Gad twelve thousand,

Verse 6. from the tribe of Asher twelve thousand, from the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand, from the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand,

Verse 7. from the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand, from the tribe of Levi twelve thousand, from the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand, 

Verse 8. from the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand, from the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand, from the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand were sealed.

T

he meaning of 12, which is considered a perfect number, is that it symbolizes God’s power and authority, as well as serving as a perfect governmental foundation. It can also symbolize completeness or the nation of Israel as a whole. The number 12 also means salvation or perfection, this would match what we see in the symbolism of the nation of Israel.

Once more, these Israelites are sealed, they carry the mark of God upon their foreheads. Why the forehead? It’s where the mind dwells, and reasoning occurs. It’s where we learn and teach from.

It can also imply this is the time when God’s plan is complete. Once sealed, they cannot be tempted, altered, or influenced. Once the saints are either dead or resurrected at the Messiah’s second coming, then they have effectively been sealed.

One may have noticed the tribe of Dan is missing, why? It could be because of what Dan said in Genesis 49:18, “For Your salvation, I wait, O Lord.

But, the truth is, no one knows why Dan is left out. Once more, Adams Clarke gives us some more additional insight, which I believe benefits the overall conversation. “ First, we are to observe that the tribe of Levi is here mentioned, though that tribe had no inheritance in Israel; but they now belonged to the spiritual priesthood. Secondly, That the tribe of Dan, which had an inheritance, is here omitted; as also the tribe of Ephraim. Thirdly, That the tribe of Joseph is here added in the place of Ephraim. Ephraim and Dan, being the principal promoters of idolatry, are left out in this enumeration.”

Here is my supposition of the previous verse of the 144,000. It’s the innumerable nation of Israel in the Old Testament, before the new covenant, who carries the mark of God. They are the light-bearers bringing the truth to mankind.

Verse 9. After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 

            Here, in my humble view of these verses, is where the New covenant begins concerning humanity. We see the Messiah as a meditator of the New Covenant in Hebrew 9:15-28,For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. ¹⁶ For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it. ¹⁷ For a covenant is valid only when men are dead,  for it is never in force while the one who made it lives. ¹⁸ Therefore even the first covenant was not inaugurated without blood. ¹⁹ For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, ²⁰ saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which God commanded you.” ²¹ And in the same way he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry with the blood. ²² And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. ²³ Therefore it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be cleansed with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. ²⁴ For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; ²⁵ nor was it that He would offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the holy place year by year with blood that is not his own. ²⁶ Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. ²⁷ And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, ²⁸ so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.

The point is this the Israelites were God’s chosen people. He gave the laws through them, and the patriarchs came from them, but they failed in one aspect. They became arrogant with the word of God, rejecting those outsides the nation of Israel. Peter confronted this very issue within his own home.

Acts 10:23-28,  And on the next day he got up and went away with them, and some of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him. ²⁴ On the following day he entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshiped him. ²⁶ But Peter raised him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am just a man.” ²⁷ As he talked with him, he entered and *found many people assembled. ²⁸ And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to associate with a foreigner or to visit him; and yet God has shown me that I should not call any man unholy or unclean.”

Paul also wrote this about the gentile nation and its part in the teachings of God’s ways. Romans 1:16-17,  For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ¹⁷ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”

Both groups together are the complete bride of the Messiah, a combination of ancient Israel and the new church. That’s precisely what we saw in chapter 2 and three, where God warns of their disobedience and promises great things if they overcome.

            We see the same symbolism with them being dressed in white, which are the righteous acts of the saints (rev.19:8).

These folks have palm branches in their hands, and one may wonder why? Palm trees and branches hold significant symbolic meanings in Israel. It can indicate innocence and purity. With palms in their hands, in token of a victory gained over the world, the devil, and the flesh. We remember the triumphant entry of our Savior into Jerusalem spoken of in Matthew 21:6-11,  The disciples went and did just as Jesus had instructed them, ⁷ and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their coats on them; and He sat on the coats. ⁸ Most of the crowd spread their coats in the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in the road. ⁹ The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting,

“Hosanna to the Son of David;
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord;
Hosanna in the highest!”

¹⁰ When He had entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” ¹¹ And the crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus,  from Nazareth in Galilee.”

The word Hosanna has an extraordinary meaning along with the palm branches. In the Hebrew Bible, it is used only in verses such as “help” or “save, I pray” (Psalms 118:25).

This fits with the very next verse, where the saints are crying out for salvation. These saints or mixture of old Israel and the new Israel are standing before the throne of God. This is the Father they are standing before, we see this clearly in verse 10. Why should the saints need to stand before the throne of the Father, aren’t they already judged? Revelation 20:6, Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these, the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

            Is this event where the bride stands before the Father receiving final acceptance into the family of God? I believe it is, but that is just me. Remember I said my focus was to look at Revelation from the perspective of the Messiah being the bridegroom and the church of God being the bride. Christ at His resurrection had to go and stand before the Father as the wave sheaf offering. We see this described in: John 20:16,  Jesus *said to her, “Mary!” She turned and *said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). ¹⁷ Jesus *said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.

            The Messiah needed no judgment as to His character, neither does the church because of the Messiah’s sacrifice for her sins. But, they both needed and would need to be accepted as a new creation in the universe of the Father. That’s one more element we need to explore, these are brand spanking new creatures. Christ and the bride are a mixture of God DNA and human DNA, never before seen either in heaven or earth. 2 Corinthians 5:17, makes that clear, ¹⁷ Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

Verse 10.and they cry out with a loud voice, saying,

“Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 

            They cry out salvation, (hosanna) to the Father and the lamb. A glorious day in heaven and earth, the plan for the bride is complete, and she is standing before the throne.

            An observation was made, God doesn’t need saving, so why shout, “salvation to our Lord,” at Him? We see in Psalms 98:1-4, O sing to the Lord a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him. ² The Lord has made known His salvation; He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations.
³ He has remembered His lovingkindness and His faithfulness to the house of Israel; All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. ⁴ Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises.

            It is an acclamation of the power and glory of our king and God. What a wonderful time it will be in heaven standing before the throne of the Father and Messiah.

Verse 11. And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 

            This verse takes a look backward to chapters 4 and 5 at the throne of the Father. In the middle of the sixth seal, we break for a look at the bride and the Messiah together. The bride has been accepted by the Father, and the whole of creation is shouting for joy.

When we read where the angels in heaven are ecstatic over the conversion of one sinner, one can’t imagine the sights and sound emitted in the stratosphere over the bride of the Messiah being accepted by the Father? Look in Luke 15:7, “I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

In Isaiah, it says the celebration is so loud, the Temple foundations trembled.         The acclamations are toward the throne of the family of God, including the bride. Isaiah 6:1-4, In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple. ² Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. ³ And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.”

⁴ And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke.

            The reason for joy is attributed to the bride who all were once sinners, it’s all about the bride and her overcoming. We need to get that seared in our minds, the church of God is the bride. The saints are the bride. The elect of God is the bride of Christ. I can only think of one other time when heaven was at this level of joy; that was when Jesus was accepted by heavenly Father after His triumphal return to heaven.

Verse 12. saying,“so let it be, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. So let it be.”

            This is seven-fold praise given to God by the angels, a symbol of completeness. There can be no higher praise, no more amount of glory given, it is complete.

Matthew 5:48, “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

2 Corinthians 7:1, Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2 Corinthians 13:11, Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

            We, too, are commanded to become perfect like the Messiah and the Father. We do that by overcoming and eventually standing before the throne of the father as the bride. We become perfect by the blood of the Messiah and His love for His church.

Verse 13. Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?” 

            We are repeating the definition given to the saints, and the answer is also found in Revelations 19:7-8,  Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” ⁸ It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

            One of the elders asked John, “who those are dressed in white robes?” It’s a curious question to be asked by an elder. Consider this question asked by a patriarch who physically lived hundreds of years before the gentiles were commonly accepted as brothers and sisters. He asked John, and else perhaps no one else because John was there in the beginning. The patriarchs might be dazzled by vast multitudes of saints who aren’t of  Hebrew origins. This could imply, we still have a lot to learn, even when we have made the kingdom of God.

Verse 14. I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 

John’s comment, the elder already knows who they are, so, once more, why ask the question? Perhaps it’s so John will fully understand who he is his writings are to go. They are Israel and gentiles completing the bride or church, and that is his audience.

At the time of John, there was great tribulation for God’s people in Israel and the known world. In fact, they were promised by the Messiah to be embroiled in trials.

In 70AD, the Roman army laid siege to Jerusalem after a 4-year rebellion by Jewish factions. It occurred again in 136Ad with the Bar Kokhba rebellion of the Jews in the Roman province of Judea, led by Simon bar Kokhba, against the Roman Empire. In response, after the uprising was put down, the remaining Jews were expelled entirely from Judaea.

The Jewish peoples instantly became a pariah to many cities and states, causing a great hatred of their culture and religion.

The words Paul wrote to his fellow countrymen rings with an absolute truth in his writing as we look back on history. Romans 5:3-4, More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

Also in James, we are given a message to aspire to, our tribulations affect our very crown. James 1:12, Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

            Made white in the blood of the lamb, our sins are made white as snow in the blood of the Messiahas. We see in Isaiah an exact promise of this occurrence.

Isaiah 1:18 ESV,  “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”

            Over and over, we see the scriptures come to life by the events in revelation. Is this on purpose, well sure it’s on purpose. God doesn’t give us a message without a meaning behind it, our job is to decipher the message and do as it commands. Just as in the next verse teaching us about the cleansing of our sins and  God’s people walking in his light. 1 John 1:5-7, This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; ⁷ but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin

            We learn even more in Hebrews, where we are told the Messiah is now the high priest. We are also told He has entered into a greater tabernacle, not made with hands. Does this elude to Him taking on a spiritual body? I believed it did. He is said to have come and tabernacles with mankind (Jh.1:14). Also in, Hebrews 9:11-14,  But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; ¹² and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. ¹³ For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, ¹⁴ how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

            Hebrews gives us an Understanding of spiritual the tabernacle, which is very important in lew of the next verse.

Verse 15. For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. 

The Jewish New testament commentary give us an explanation on the tabernacle. “The Greek word “skenoser (“will spread his tent, will dwell”) is related to the Hebrew words “mishkan” (“tent, tabernacle”) and “Sh ‘khinah” (“dwelling,” used in rabbinic Judaism to mean “God’s manifest glory dwelling with mankind”; see MJ 1:2-3N). Compare Ezekiel 37:27, where, in the valley of dry bones, God says, “V’hayah mishkani ‘aleihem” (“and my tent will be upon them”).”

It is God spreading His mighty wings over His people symbolizing His protection and acceptance, just as an eagle would for her chicks. Jesus laments over Jerusalem much the same way in Matthew 23:37-39, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. ³⁸ Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! ³⁹ For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

            They serve Him day and night. Kinda curious when you consider day and night doesn’t exist in the kingdom of God. In the vision of new Jerusalem, we see where the light will come in the form of God’s holy presence.

Revelation 21:2225,  I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. ²³ And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. ²⁴ The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. ²⁵ In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; ²⁶ and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it;

Verse 16.They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat;

            Under the shadow of the tabernacle of God, we have no more fear of death or those things that were a threat as physical humans. We also see similar wording in Isaiah 49:813, Thus says the Lord, “In a favorable time I have answered You, And in a day of salvation I have helped You; And I will keep You and give You for a covenant of the people, To restore the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritages;
⁹ Saying to those who are bound, ‘Go forth,’
To those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’
Along the roads they will feed, And their pasture will be on all bare heights.

¹⁰ “They will not hunger or thirst,
Nor will the scorching heat or sun strike them down;
For He who has compassion on them will lead them
And will guide them to springs of water.
¹¹ “I will make all My mountains a road,
And My highways will be raised up.
¹² “Behold, these will come from afar;
And lo, these will come from the north and from the west,
And these from the land of Sinim.”
¹³ Shout for joy, O heavens! And rejoice, O earth!
Break forth into joyful shouting, O mountains!
For the Lord has comforted His people
And will have compassion on His afflicted.

No more physical needs to be worried about, but thirst mention here could be referring to God’s truth. We are told thirst in the word is more about God’s word than physical liquids. The Messiah spoke of thirst on the Last great day, a day of revealing symbolically. John 7:37-39, Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty,  let him come to Me and drink. ³⁸ He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” ³⁹ But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

            One day, the lack of knowledge will no longer be a thing, and all will be revealed to the bride. We know this chapter is speaking of the church or bride of the Messiah. It tells us who she is, what she’s about, and where she ends up. The celebration is all about her and the Messiah.

Verse 17. for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life;and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

            The lamb, the shepherd, both are descriptive of the Messiah, the bridegroom. He sits in the center of the throne. Is this one hugh thone, or does He and the Father sit on separate thrones? Could it be a throne where He shares with His bride, and He sits in the middle?

            We see in revelation 3:21,  He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

            He will give them springs of living waters, waters of life. The following verse helps us understand what exactly is being promised here.

John 7:38-39, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'” But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 4:14, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

            What a picture thises verses paint? This chapter ends with the promise of no more tears that alone would be a cause for joy. No more tears is something anyone would earnestly desire, not to suffer the loss of loved ones, or suffer from pain. I reflect back to where Isaiah said this,

Isaiah 43:2 ESV, When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

            Now we go on to the next chapter and the final seal to continue the exploration of John’s visions.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Eight

The 6^th seal has now been completed; so, what have we learned up to now? The Lamb is found worthy to open the scrolls breaking six seals. Two distinct groups God calls His own have been identified as the Bride. We’ve seen the continued unveiling of the bride of the Messiah, and her being presented before the throne of the Father.

If one is inclined to listen, they will see these visions of the church displayed in scriptures in a manner that rectifies the teachings of the Old and New Testaments. The Messiah and Father have truly blinded the world while showing His people, His plan at the same time.

He isn’t finished with the seals, there is one more to go. So far, we’ve seen the events of man’s time on earth scrutinized aloud to His holy court and universe. Now we are to see beneath the 7^th and final seal, what will it reveal?

Verse 1. When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 

            What happens within a half-hour in heaven? Are there clocks hanging on the walls steadily clicking off minutes and seconds? I’m reminded of a scripture that tells us how time affects the Father in heaven. 2 Peter 3:8, But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day. ⁹ The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

            In light of this gauge, how would you reckon a thousand years?

The math looks like this: 1 day = 1000 years 1 day = 24 hours 1 hour = 1000/24=41.66666. So, a half-hour would equate to approximately 21 days on the earth; the exact number is 20.833333. I find this number very interesting because we see 21 as a number representing a symbol of perfection and maturity. It symbolizes the divine wisdom: “mirror of eternal light, which pierces and penetrates all grace in its purity.” Daniel fasted and prayed for 21 days before receiving visions from God’s messengers.

Daniel 10:2, In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks. ³ I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed.

This is a time of great anticipation about what is to occur. It can be said to be a prayerful time before the final seal is broken, and chaos breaks loose.

Verse 2.And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.

            We begin the chapter with seven angels. John says, “the seven angels,” meaning he recognized them, perhaps from a previous vision.

Are these the same ones in revelation 1:4 or 4:5? Or, are they a different group of seven spiritual entities? I believe they are the same angels that had made previous appearances because, as I noted, John recognized them. They must be extraordinary heavenly bodies to be given trumpets of God.

A trumpet will sound for several reasons, alerts, announcements, celebrations, or warnings. The question is, what are these trumpets for? We’ll soon see in the next verses.

One more observation, in chapters 2 and 3, where we read about the seven churches of Asia Minor, where seven warnings about their behaviors. The spokesman stated He had something against each of them. This is a warning, and brings me to ask, “is there a correlation between the 7 churches and the trumpets?

This question will have to play out as we go through the verses to see if I’m onto something.

Verse 3. Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne.

            Another angel (messenger) came and stood before the altar. What alter? This is the first time the bible reader is introduced to an alter in God’s realm. We know there was an altar in God’s holy temple on earth, which is mentioned in, Exodus 20:22-25,  Then the Lord said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘You yourselves have seen that I have spoken to you from heaven. ²³ You shall not make other gods besides Me; gods of silver or gods of gold, you shall not make for yourselves. ²⁴ You shall make an altar of earth for Me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen; in every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you. ²⁵ If you make an altar of stone for Me, you shall not build it of cut stones, for if you wield your tool on it, you will profane it. ²⁶ And you shall not go up by steps to My altar, so that your nakedness will not be exposed on it.’

            We also know there was an altar in the Solomon and Herod temples where daily and weekly sacrifices were performed.

On Atonement Leviticus 4:18 ESV And he shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar that is in the tent of meeting before the Lord, and the rest of the blood he shall pour out at the base of the altar of burnt offering that is at the entrance of the tent of meeting.

            On Atonement, the blood from the sacrificed goat representing Israel was sprinkled on the altar before the holy of holies.

            We also know from Hebrews that the temple on earth is a duplicate of the temple in heaven. Hebrews 8:1-6, Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, ² a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. ³ For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. ⁴ Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; ⁵ who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “See,” He says, “that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.” ⁶ But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.

            Who is this angel, who adds incense to the censor, and the one that held the prayers of the saints we saw in revelation chapter 5 verse 8? The combined elements make me believe this particular angel is the Messiah. He is given the prayers of the saints in chapter five. It isn’t unprecedented for the Messiah to be called an angel or messenger. Two instances come to mind, once when Jousha spoke with the captain of the host in Joshua 5:13–6:5, also in Acts 10:1-5, where Peter is given a vision of unclean animals and is commanded to rise and eat. Being a faithful Hebrew, he rejected the commands knowing he wasn’t to eat unclean things. He later learned God was telling him to eat, but to recognize gentiles were clean in the eyes of God, something Jewish culture didn’t want to believe.

            Two more things about this verse, the altar before the throne of God, is gold, the most precious metal to man. It sits before the throne of God, significant because the blood of sacrificed animals was poured out on the four corners of the altar on earth. The blood of the saints cries out from beneath the altar in heaven. Revelation 6:9, When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; 

Verse 4. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. 

            Was this the purpose of the incense in the temple that burned day and night? Sure it was, remember the temple on earth is a replica of God’s temple in heaven.

Malachi 1:11 ESV For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts.

Also, we get a perfect look at this altar.

Diagram #1

Exodus 30:1-10, “Moreover, you shall make an altar as a place for burning incense; you shall make it of acacia wood. ² Its length shall be a cubit, and its width a cubit, it shall be square, and its height shall be two cubits; its horns shall be of one piece with it. ³ You shall overlay it with pure gold, its top and its sides all around, and its horns; and you shall make a gold molding all around for it. ⁴ You shall make two gold rings for it under its molding; you shall make them on its two side walls—on opposite sides—and they shall be holders for poles with which to carry it. ⁵ You shall make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. ⁶ You shall put this altar in front of the veil that is near the ark of the testimony, in front of the mercy seat that is over the ark of the testimony, where I will meet with you. ⁷ Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it; he shall burn it every morning when he trims the lamps. ⁸ When Aaron ^[i]trims the lamps at twilight, he shall burn incense. There shall be perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations. ⁹ You shall not offer any strange incense on this altar, or burnt offering or meal offering; and you shall not pour out a drink offering on it. ¹⁰ Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once a year; he shall make atonement on it with the blood of the sin offering of atonement once a year throughout your generations. It is most holy to the Lord.”

            Look at the wording here in the description of the incense altar; it looks like the one mentioned here in this chapter. We also don’t need to guess the purpose of the altar, we are told in, Psalm 141:2 ESV Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!

            That is an important fact to consider. Our prayers come to the Father in the form of incense smoke wafting its way up to heaven. That aspect gives prayer a whole different twist that most haven’t considered. One might ask, “should we burn incense at home as part of our prayer ritual?”

We can see incense used for religious purposes in ancient Egypt, China, India, and the Middle East. Worshipers in Buddhist temples bow to idols while burning incense sticks to their gods. Incense is continued to be used by priests within the Eastern Orthodox Church. Roman Catholic tradition is rich with incense burning and even some Lutheran churches.

The question becomes, “why are we burning incense?” Pagan churches and Wicca are heavily laden with the practice of burning incense. They use the burning of incenses and perfumes to invoke spirits in hopes of gaining power from their essence.

We, as individuals, aren’t commanded to burn incense when we pray, that would fall under the category of personal preference.

Verse 5.Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

            I can’t understand why the prayers of God’s holy people would cause such an uproar. There was an instance in the Bible that sounds a little familiar.

Leviticus 10:1-2 ESV Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.

This was profane fire, unauthorized fire offered by these two who also wasn’t authorized to make an offering. Did they substitute the fire with their own and not from the altar? Who knows, but this act of disregard cost them their lives. Read the following account to see the right way it was supposed to be done.

Leviticus 16:11-13, “Then Aaron shall offer the bull of the sin offering which is for himself and make atonement for himself and for his household, and he shall slaughter the bull of the sin offering which is for himself. ¹² He shall take a firepan full of coals of fire from upon the altar before the Lord and two handfuls of finely ground sweet incense, and bring it inside the veil. ¹³ He shall put the incense on the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of incense may cover the mercy seat that is on the ark of the testimony, otherwise he will die.

            Was this emblematic of God showing the world the heartache and persecutions done to his people. Could it be, He wanted to judge the world by their own measuring stick of hate leveled towards those whom He loves. They like Aaron’s sons profaned the prayers of the saints. Matthew 7:2, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. ² For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.

Verse 6.And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound them.

            How do angels prepare themselves like humans do? We read verses like this and pass right over them while giving little thought there might hide some special meaning intended for man. Being prepared as a human means when we get ready to do something like blowing a horn, we might moisten our lips, or test the sound before the official blast. Did they go through a similar process before taking their positions somewhere on earth? Did they stand in a line or formation check their uniforms and make sure they had everything they needed? We don’t know, but it’s an interesting comment that someone may have additional thoughts about.

Verse 7.The first sounded, and there came hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.

            The first angel sounds his trumpet. Remember this, we are in the seventh seal, just because we are reading about trumpets, seals are still being revealed. This is one of those verses that send folks scurrying off into different rabbit holes. First off, as soon as the trumpet sounds, hail, and fire appears. Are these future events or perhaps an event that might have already taken place? We see a very similar event in scripture where God destroyed the gods of Egypt, one of them being a plague of hailstones.

Exodus 9:23-26, Moses stretched out his staff toward the sky, and the Lord sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down to the earth. And the Lord rained hail on the land of Egypt. ²⁴ So there was hail, and fire ^[r]flashing continually in the midst of the hail, very severe, such as had not been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. ²⁵ The hail struck all that was in the field through all the land of Egypt, both man and beast; the hail also struck every plant of the field and shattered every tree of the field. ²⁶ Only in the land of Goshen, where the sons of Israel were, there was no hail.

The event in Exodus, we see the hailstones are mixed with blood. How does that happen in nature? It doesn’t unless humans are torn to pieces while airborne within the hailstones? It makes one wonder if this is air battles similar to the ones over Britain and France in WWII John is witnessing. Campaigns where thousands and thousands of planes were shot down with their pilots? It says they were thrown to earth, they didn’t fall to the ground, which is consistent with being shot down. How many jet fighters and planes since man took to the skies have been shot down in wars? It may be something to contemplate.

            One-third of the earth was burned up afterward. Most original writings read as “a third of the land was burnt up.” What happens when missiles and burning planes hit the ground? They cause fires, lots of intense, sometimes massive fires.

            Another thought, what if the results of false religion is being explained? The Islamic religion, one of the three major religions of the world, promises to convert every human under the threat of the sword. Fire mixed with blood is symbolic of war and terrorism falling upon mankind. They want to encompass the earth with their brand of oppression and destruction.

What then would be one-third of the trees?

Adams Clarke’s commentary says this about the trees and grass, The land was wasted; the trees – the chiefs of the nation, were destroyed; and the grass – the common people, slain, or carried into captivity. High and low, rich and poor, were overwhelmed with one general destruction. This seems to be the meaning of these figures.

1 Peter 1:24, For, “ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS, AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS. THE GRASS WITHERS, AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF,

Today we see Islam in our politics and hold government offices. We see Islamic arsonists setting fires across the globe at the behest of their leaders. But the burning of trees and grass is simply the destruction of governments and cultures they disagree with. Isaiah 40:6-7, A voice says, “Call out.” Then he answered, “What shall I call out?” All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, When the breath of the LORD blows upon it; Surely the people are grass.

Verse 8.The second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea; and a third of the sea became blood, 

            What could this be? Could this be a  vision of a nuclear bomb exploding John is witnessing? It would make sense knowing radiation from explosions kills much more than an initial blast. A third of the sea, could this be a reference to the catholic religion, which is approximately one-third of the world’s believers.

The sea became blood. Did they all die then completely dissolve into blood? Could this mountain be one religion invading another? I see in this world today where one religion is pushing very hard at all the other beliefs.

One more thing to consider, frequently, scripture has dual meanings. It could be one thing or everything I just stated.

We see in Daniel 2:31-33, “You, O king, were looking and behold, there was a single great statue; that statue, which was large and of extraordinary splendor, was standing in front of you, and its appearance was awesome. ³² The head of that statue was made of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of bronze, ³³ its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. ³⁴ You continued looking until a stone was cut out without hands, and it struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and crushed them. ³⁵ Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were crushed all at the same time and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away so that not a trace of them was found. But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.

Verse 9.and a third of the creatures which were in the sea and had life, died; and a third of the ships were destroyed.

            One-third of the creatures had life and died, and one-third of ships are then destroyed. Ask yourself this, how can one-third of ships be destroyed at any one time? Or, even one-third of creatures die from an event at any one time? Even if it was a global war, it would require more than one mountain or missile falling into the sea. Oh, I know, it’s an asteroid we are reading here. But, the next verse mentions a star falling affecting a third of the rivers. Why didn’t the river become polluted when the mountain fell into the sea? If it was powerful enough to destroy one-third of everything, why not the rivers as well?

Ships symbolize trade, commerce, and wealth. The ark of Noah and his family represent God’s elect, surviving the great flood or devastation. The ship could be a symbol of the church, with the Messiah as its captain.

But, what if they aren’t ships that float on water, what if they are ships floating on air? What word would John use to describe a passenger airliner? The term “ship” immediately comes to mind.  

            Creatures can symbolize the human race, or it can be supernatural beings, according to Easton’s Bible dictionary. One-third of the creatures in the sea, why say sea? Why wouldn’t the word “ocean” be used? Sea is a metaphor used to describe peoples, mainly when used in scripture. Anyway, the sea would be smaller body water, not all the known waters of the world. If this was an actual body of water, it might indicate a very localized part of the world, like Israel. Read this set of verses from Ezekiel.

Ezekiel 28:1-10, The word of the Lord came again to me, saying, ² “Son of man, say to the leader of Tyre, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Because your heart is lifted up And you have said, ‘I am a god, I sit in the seat of gods In the heart of the seas’; Yet you are a man and not God, Although you make your heart like the heart of God—³ Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; There is no secret that is a match for you. ⁴ “By your wisdom and understanding You have acquired riches for yourself
And have acquired gold and silver for your treasuries. ⁵ “By your great wisdom, by your trade You have increased your riches And your heart is lifted up because of your riches—⁶ Therefore thus says the Lord God, ‘Because you have made your heart Like the heart of God, ⁷ Therefore, behold, I will bring strangers upon you,
The most ruthless of the nations. And they will draw their swords Against the beauty of your wisdom And defile your splendor. ⁸ ‘They will bring you down to the pit, And you will die the death of those who are slain In the heart of the seas.
⁹ ‘Will you still say, “I am a god,” In the presence of your slayer, Though you are a man and not God, In the hands of those who wound you? ¹⁰ ‘You will die the death of the uncircumcised By the hand of strangers, For I have spoken!’ declares the Lord God!”’”

Maybe we are looking at Jerusalem, where three competing religions exist together in one location, Islam, Catholicism, and Christianity. Each of these beliefs has a sea of followers; then, there is the sea of God’s holy people.

Verse 10.The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters.

            The 3^rd trumpet sounds, and what do we see? Another phenomenon is falling from the sky. But, the wording is different, it says, it was a star falling from heaven, not from the sky. It affects one-third of the streams and rivers, basically more bodies of water.

            Could this possibly be reentry into the atmosphere by a missile, or is it a meteor from outer space? You’ll discover many differing opinions on this as you will on any other mystery man contemplates. Here is something else to ponder,  Luke 10:18  (NIV), He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. In Revelation 12:3-4, John sees one-third of the heavenly bodies called stars drawn to the earth by a dragon. ³ Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. ⁴ And his tail *swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth.

            Is this star a natural entity or a supernatural one? Perhaps the next verse will offer additional clues.

Verse 11.The name of the star is called Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

            The name of that great star is wormwood. What is wormwood? Wormwood is an herb. The above-ground plant parts and oil are used for medicine. Wormwood is used for various digestion problems such as loss of appetite, upset stomach, gallbladder disease, and intestinal spasms. In the days the Messiah walked the earth, wormwood was derived from “absinthe”, a bitter, dark green oil made from certain strong-smelling plants with white or yellow flowers, it was a medicine to kill intestinal worms.

But, I have an inkling this verse isn’t speaking of the plant variety. Whatever it is, it turns everything it touches bitter, and men die from its effects. Notice the description doesn’t mention any other damage done to the earth, only the waters were affected.

What happens when Satan interferes in man’s lives? The natural effect of his touch is bitterness. He instills in humans bitterness for others, bitterness for those that disagree, especially those desiring to follow God. Man has died by the millions and billions from the touch of Satan’s bitterness. Once more, waters are a metaphor for peoples, the sea is congregations, and rivers and streams are the beliefs that flow from them.

If God’s gospels and doctrines are symbolic of pure running waters spiritually refreshing those who thirst, then Satan’s doctrine must be fowl in every aspect, and especially bitter for God’s people.

Notice chapter 1 is all about the messiah, 2 and 3 are about the church, 4 and 5 are about the Father accepting the bride and Christ while finding the Lamb worthy. Afterward, 6 through 7 an indictment on mankind, now in 8, we see the effects Satan has on earth with his touch.

Verse 12.The fourth angel sounded, and a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way.

The 4^th trumpet sounds, a third of the moon, the sun and stars were struck. Islam is counterfeit worship in the guise of ancient moon worship, which was the god sin. Abram was told to leave the area of the world where this was the main religion. A third of the world worships the moon in the guise of Islam. Another third is under sun worship and is the symbol of the catholic church. Even though it might be denied, it is the symbol of their god none the less. This only leaves the stars in heaven, what could those be? There are many of them like the children born from the sun, like Christianity. They were stuck by, but by what? By the false doctrine of wormwood, i.e., Satan? They were darkened by the bitter waters, by the false doctrine. Has anyone of the religions ever appeared dark? The answer is all of them have been at one time or another. The Catholic church in the middle ages and the inquisitions stands out. The Islamic all through its history has dark stains upon them. Christianity has dark days in its past as well, perhaps not to the extent the other two are noted for, but it has the blood of saints on its hands. Perhaps their darkest days are ahead; also, all religions have a modicum of truth, just enough to deceive. The true word of God is light to the world, and we walk in His light.

1 John 1:5-7,  This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God  is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; ⁷ but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Verse 13.Then I looked, and I heard an eagle flying in midheaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!”

            The stage has been set and now there is a warning coming from midheaven. There are three heavens mentioned in the Bible. We see Apostle Paul saying that he knew a man in Christ caught up in the third heaven.

2 Cor 12:2: I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows) such a one caught up to the third heaven.

So, what are the three heavens in the Bible, and what would be the midheaven?

The first heaven is the earth’s atmosphere, the immediate sky above. It is where birds and clouds exist. It is the heaven referred to in the Bible verses below. Deuteronomy 11:17, And then the LORD’s wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit

Judges 5:4, LORD, when you went out of Seir, when you marched out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water

Acts 14:17, Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

            The 2nd heaven is where the moon, sun, stars, and the planets are; outer space as man calls it today. The 2^nd heaven referred to in the following Bible verse.

Deuteronomy 17:3, who has gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded

Jeremiah 8:2, and they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the host of heaven, whom they have loved, and whom they have served

Isaiah 13:10, for the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

            The third heaven is the dwelling place of God.

1 kings 8:30, and hear you in heaven your dwelling place

Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven

The third heaven is also referred to as heaven of heavens.

Deuteronomy 10:14, Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’s your God, the earth also, with all that therein is.

1 King 8:27, But will God indeed dwell on the earth?  Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have built? The third heaven is the Throne of God; the highest heaven; the paradise

Therefore, there are 3 heavens, God created heavens and earth. The Father and heavenly host dwell in the third heaven. In my opinion, the mid-heaven would be an unnatural space where we would see an eagle flying. An eagle flying in this space begs the question, “is it an actual eagle or a representation of something else flying?” Some have advocated this is symbolic of the Roman empire invading Jerusalem because ancient Rome was symbolized by an emblem of an eagle. Problem with this, Rome didn’t have eagles that actually flew, and this is mid-heaven, not the atmosphere.

There is another great and mighty nation that exists today that uses the eagle as its symbol. You got it, the good ole’ US of A, America with a logo of an eagle holding thirteen arrows in one foot and olive branches in the other.

Diagram #2

Now this nation can be seen in the mid-heavens with spacecraft, with satellites streaming radio waves and television signals. I find the symbolism interesting, thirteen arrows, the combined number of the sons of Jacob. An olive branch, a symbol of peace or representation of God’s holy peoples.

Can a warning be trumpeted by all these media? The answer is a resounding Yes! All at once and all around the world in an instance. My contention is this is what this verse is alluding to, but that is just me. But, when it sounds, it says it is about to happen. If this represents the USA and is giving warning, does this mean the last three trumps haven’t happened as of yet? I guess we’ll just have to dive deep into the next chapter to get that answer.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Nine

Have we left chapter eight in a mess with unveiling much of the demonic world, and it’s the progenitor of the problems of the world throwing a hissy fit? A question arises, will chapter nine give us additional information as to the extent of demonic interference with humanity, past, and presence?

Since the opening of the first seal in chapter six, we’ve read over and over where the spiritual world has had adverse effects on mankind. The results of these entities being allowed to alter and infect mankind with every sort of vial perversions become even more evident with each proceeding chapter.

The Fifth Trumpet—the Bottomless Pit

Verse 1. Then the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from heaven which had fallen to the earth; and the key of the bottomless pit was given to him. 

A star falling from heaven; once again, we are urged to ask, Is this the same star we just read about in the previous chapter, named Wormwood? I can’t say for sure, but my intuition, this is a different creature. One, it isn’t given a name, two, the angel or spirit seems to have a totally different mission.

Also, which heaven is this star coming from? The most logical answer to that question is from the spiritual realm, this entire conversation has supernatural aspects surrounding the whole vision.

What we see in the wording is suspicions, the star falls to earth, has fallen, past tense. The star is not going to fall but has fallen. This is a more correct translation than others we may read where this tidbit is ever more vague. So, if this is true, can we assume the results are that this seal is already opened?

We have a dichotomy of thoughts in this verse. One, is this is the Messiah, why would it say, “He has fallen to earth?” There was a spiritual creature the Messiah said, He saw fall from heaven.

We see in Luke 10:18,  And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning.

Satan a spiritual creature, is said to have fallen from heaven just as it says in this verse. It was the Messiah that made this observation about Satan falling.

The dichotomy becomes evident when it says this being was given the keys to the bottomless pit. The bottomless is said to be the abyss where demons are chained, just as it says in Jude 1:6,And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day, 

            Was Satan given the key to the bottomless pit to let loose those fallen angels? Has Satan been given leeway at times to do what he can to deceive mankind? We do see this in the case of Job 1:5, Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. ⁷ The Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” ⁸ The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man,  fearing God and turning away from evil.” ⁹ Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? ¹⁰ Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. ¹¹ But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.” ¹² Then the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord.

            He let Satan go much further in his torment towards Job before He finally intervened and stopped Satan. The Messiah may have an underlying mission for Satan, one we can see evidence of that in the next few verses.

Verse 2.He opened the bottomless pit, and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke of the pit.

 The one with the keys opened the pit, and all kinds of demonic spirits spilled out into the world. What is the bottomless pit? Unger’s Bible Dictionary says it’s the prison house for demons. That tends to fit, but one needs to ask themselves some fundamental questions.

One, when did these demons become imprisoned?

Two, why just these and not all the other demonic spirits roaming the earth today?

Remember the encounter the Messiah had with them?

Matthew 8:28-34  (LEM),  And when he came to the other side, to the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from among the tombs met him, very violent, so that no one was able to pass by along that road. ²⁹ And behold, they cried out, saying, “What do you have to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” ³⁰ Now a long way from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. ³¹ So the demons implored him, saying, “If you are going to expel us, send us into the herd of pigs.” ³² And he said to them, “Go!” So they departed and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed headlong down the steep slope into the sea and drowned in the water. ³³ Now the herdsmen fled and went into the town and reported everything, including the things concerning the demon-possessed men. ³⁴ And behold, the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they implored him that he would depart from their region.

            Why are some allowed to roam the earth, while others are kept prisoner in the abyss? It makes absolutely no sense when you look at it very closely. We do know there will be a time during the millennium when the demonic world will be imprisoned for a thousand years.

Revelation 20:1-3, And I saw an angel descending from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. ² And he seized the dragon—the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan—and bound him for a thousand years, ³ and threw him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it above him, in order that he could not deceive the nations again until the thousand years are completed. After these things it is necessary for him to be released for a short time.

            But we also see in 2 Peter where angels were imprisoned prior to the flood for some offense. 2 Peter 2:4-5,  For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but held them captive in Tartarus with chains of darkness and handed them over to be kept for judgment, ⁵ and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a proclaimer of righteousness, and seven others when he brought a flood on the world of the ungodly

Was it because they married human women as some contend? Is this an offense God will not tolerate from the spiritual world? Are there offenses angels can commit that are just too heinous to allow them anymore to contact with humanity even as demons?

            We’ve seen and read about incredibly vicious attacks by the demonic world on some folks. How are we to reconcile those actions? There have been women who have reported they have been sexually assaulted by demons, people possed, and some have died. How can we reason this when there is such vagueness as to what their limits are? Perhaps the next few verses will give us more information helping us to decide.

Verse 3.Then out of the smoke came locusts upon the earth, and power was given them, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 

Out of the smoke, is this where we get the idea these creatures are being held in an ever-burning fire in a subterranean chamber? This place is evidently real but the question becomes, where is this place on a map? Ancient Israel felt different caves led to a preverbal hell; the most notable was in Caesarea Philippi. But is this a spiritual place and not a physical, after all, we are speaking of spiritual beings.

It merely says, “out of the smoke came locust,” not demons. In times past, when locusts would swarm on a crop, one way to battle them in hopes of saving some portion of the fields would be to set fires. The thick heavy smoke would hopefully drive the creatures away from the area.

In ancient times seeing swarms of locust instilled terror and tremendous fear. Today the year 2020, in Africa and other areas of the world, we see tremendous hordes of locust invading crops and livelihoods. It means your food you were growing to sustain you and your family are in great peril. In the back of everyone’s mind was fear; this was God’s wrath descending down upon them for some great sin. It was the eight plague God sent upon Egypt for the pharaoh to let Israel go.

These particular locusts have an added element, the power of scorpions. Anyone that has ever been stung by a scorpion knows the pain they can inflict. If these are scorpions from areas of the world where their sting is fatal, then the point is even more emphasized.

This simple description begs the question, is this an army of hundreds of thousands or even millions of deadly insects John is seeing. Because of their number, they appear to John as hordes of locust. There could be some truth to this, but we’ll have to see if it fits other parts of the scriptures.

Adams Clarke’s commentary was written in the mid-1800s and had this to say, “Scorpions may signify archers; and hence the description has been applied to Cestius Gallus, the Roman general, who had many archers in his army.” I might believe this to be the case if we are looking backward in time and not forwards.

Today’s religious world, many contend this isn’t an actual locust but some other thing that may resemble a locust, like a Blackhawk helicopter. Modern helicopters could fit when you add the element of a locust with a scorpion sting, causing death. They fire high explosives creating fires and smoke when impacting fields and buildings.

John would saw something similar in his visions but was unable to give a modern-day explanation of what he was seeing. He would have to fall back on what he was familiar with, and locust combined with deadly effects of scorpions would fit the bill.

Verse 4.They were told not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 

            We have already spoken of the symbolism of grass and trees but to reiterate what was said, I quoted Adams Clarke’s commentary that says this about trees and grass, “The land was wasted; the trees – the chiefs of the nation, were destroyed; and the grass – the common people, slain, or carried into captivity. High and low, rich and poor, we’re overwhelmed with one general destruction. This seems to be the meaning of these figures.”

            Even if it’s just vegetation, they were told not to target the fields. This would mean they are commanded not to do unnecessary destruction because they needed the herbage, perhaps because they are on foreign soil. But, I tend to accept the explanation from Adam’s Clarke’s commentary.

            Because it says, their only target is men absent the seal of God. Remember who we are told these folks are who are sealed? We are told in Revelation 7:1-9.

After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth, so that no wind could blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree. ² And I saw another angel ascending from the east, holding the seal of the living God, and he cried out with a loud voice to the four angels who were given permissionto damage the earth and the sea, ³ saying, “Do not damage the earth or the sea or the trees until we have sealed the slaves of our God on their foreheads.” ⁴ And I heard the number of the ones who were sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand sealed from every tribe of the sons of Israel: ⁵ from the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand sealed, from the tribe of Reuben, twelve thousand, from the tribe of Gad, twelve thousand, ⁶ from the tribe of Asher, twelve thousand, from the tribe of Naphtali, twelve thousand, from the tribe of Manasseh, twelve thousand,

⁷ from the tribe of Simeon, twelve thousand, from the tribe of Levi, twelve thousand,

from the tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand, ⁸ from the tribe of Zebulun, twelve thousand, from the tribe of Joseph, twelve thousand, from the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand were sealed. ⁹ After these things I looked, and behold, a great crowd that no one was able to number, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes and with palm branches in their hands.

            These are those peoples God won’t allow the locust-like creatures to hurt. Stop and think about this for a second. I know most folks believe their religion is the true and only one, and they believe wholeheartedly they are God’s chosen. Many churches aren’t shy about making that claim about themselves.

            The problem is this if you aren’t following God’s commandments; then, are you sealed? No! You are not sealed because you are not following God’s demands. Listening to your minister’s version of the scriptures will lead you astray, it’s your responsibility to work out your own salvation. Philippians 2:12, Therefore my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

            But, this I know, God’s seal isn’t desired as something one needs to pay attention to for their salvation. No physical army is currently searching for the elect. That may change one day shortly, but being sealed isn’t something the world is concerned with at the moment. So, who are these that are being targeted, they can be Islam, Christian, Hindus, or Catholic? They can be anything or any denomination that is contrary to God. But wait you say, I’m a Christian, why would I be a target?

            Have you studied to see if you are genuinely obeying God? This might be a focus of Phillipians telling us to be sure of our own salvation because a church or denomination won’t and can’t save you.

Verse 5.And they were not permitted to kill anyone, but to torment for five months; and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings a man. 

            In ancient times warfare was waged within a specific period of time in the year, spring to fall. Napoleon Bonaparte famously said, Army’s move on their stomachs. During the winter, food was sparse, and the farther away an army marched from their base, the harder it was to feed them. So, a five-month period during the fall and winter months would be a time of silence. The problem is, today, warfare is waged all year long; the weather has little to do with the modern army.

If these are like scorpions that inflict pain only and not death, how would that fit a modern-day mechanical vehicle? Just my observation, but in modern warfare, hunger is very prevalent. Hunger burns the body in agonizing pain, especially in the beginning. In this manner, modern equipment like helicopters can ensure very little food finds its way into particular areas.

Whole nations are secluded unto themselves by the threat of guns and modern equipment. Countries like North Korea starve large sections of their populations because of their inability to grow the food they need. They don’t directly kill the people, but indirectly torment them by holding food from them.

            Some have advocated these are biological weapons being used on people. The only problem I see with this is they wouldn’t live very long after being exposed. The whole idea seems sort of strange when one thinks about it. In any kind of warfare or siege, there are always deaths. How can one avoid even the unintentional death at times?

Perhaps the answer is a simple one; perhaps this could be spiritual torment. Whatever these hordes of locaust are, they seem to be entities driving God’s truth away from men. Remember their targets, those that aren’t sealed. Can a man be tormented by the lack of God’s truth? Many men who have sought God’s truths have lived lives of mental and physical torments. Could these be an enslaved peoples either physically or spiritually? I ask because enslavement would also answer the question of why they wouldn’t be immediately killed.

Verse 6.And in those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, and death flees from them.

            In this verse, I’ll continue the thought from the last verse.Why are they seeking death but aren’t being allowed to die? A physical death appears to be something fleeting from them. Demons are tortured spirits of dead demi-gods we are told in the book of Enoch, is this those entities? Are evil spirits the locaust target and can’t die? Or is this some other type of death like disease or famine causing great suffering?

            In the story of Job 3:19-23, The small and the great are there, and the slave is free from his masters. ²⁰ “Why does he give light to one in misery and life to those bitter of soul, ²¹ who wait for death, but it does not come, and search for it more than for treasures,²² who rejoice exceedingly, and they are glad when they find the grave?²³ Why does he give light to a man whose way is hidden,
and God has fenced him in all around?

            Job a man that was exceedingly tormented by boils and the loss of his family and possessions. One might say, if any man had the right to want to die, it would be him. Men seek death from many causes, pain, loss, slavery, extreme weather, and so on. It also reminds of something said in Matthew 24:15–22,  “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken about by the prophet Daniel standing in the holy place” (let the one who reads understand), ¹⁶ “then those in Judea must flee to the mountains! ¹⁷ The one who is on his housetop must not come down to take things out of his house, ¹⁸ and the one who is in the field must not turn back to pick up his cloak. ¹⁹ And woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing their babies in those days! ²⁰ But pray that your flight may not happen in winter or on a Sabbath. ²¹ For at that time there will be great tribulation, such as has not happened from the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will happen. ²² And unless those days had been shortened, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be shortened.

            Could John be a witness of a future bio-weapon tormenting men? I can’t say for sure, but for sure, it could be a great time of testing for God’s holy peoples.

Verse 7.The appearance of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle; and on their heads appeared to be crowns like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men.

            We now get a description of these locusts, and they aren’t like anything the ancient worlds had ever seen before. The locusts are dressed in a peculiar fashion, they are dressed like horses for battle. Wikipedia gives this on the use of horses in battle, “The first use of horses in warfare occurred over 5,000 years ago. The earliest evidence of horses ridden in warfare dates from Eurasia between 4000 and 3000 BC. A Sumerian illustration of warfare from 2500 BC depicts some type of equine pulling wagons.

            In the apostle John’s day, it was the Roman battle horse he would have identified with. The Roman Cavalry soldier was so diversified so that cavalry types ranged from lightly-armored mounted archers to heavy cavalry with lances where both rider and horse wore metal armor, leaving no part of the body exposed.

            Once again, are we looking backward or forwards in time? Looking back, maybe the best example of the verse considering armored horses, looking forward a whole range of options, opens up to us.

            Did John envision a tank or Humvee? Or, did he see the modern soldier heavily protected by body armor? One’s imagination can go absolutely wild with all the symbolism entangled in these verses.

            We see an almost identical description by the prophet Joel concerning the day of the Lord. We are told this is the day the Messiah returns for His bride, so this would be a day in our time, not the past.

Joel 2:1-4, (LEM)  Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of Yahweh is coming —it is indeed near. ² A day of darkness and gloom, a day of cloud and thick darkness, like the dawn spreads on the mountains, a great and strong army! There has been nothing like it from old, and after it nothing will be again for generations to come. ³ Before them a fire devours, and behind them a flame burns. Like the garden of Eden is the land before them, and after them it is like a desolate desert, and nothing can escape them. ⁴ Like the appearance of horses is their appearance, and like horsemen they run; ⁵ like the sound of chariots on the tops of the mountains, they leap about; like the sound of a flame of fire devouring stubble; like a strong army arranged in rows for battle.
            My assertion is this is modern weaponry of sorts, not something from the past. We get more illustrations in the next verse.

Verse 8.They had hair like the hair of women, and their teeth were like the teeth of lions. 

            Once more, we ask ourselves, what was John seeing? Hair like a woman, unshaven with beards. The modern soldier includes women on the battlefield, is this some reference to men having long hair or women mixed among the modern soldiers? Some have suggested this could be rooters spinning atop of the helicopters like some golden crown. Their teeth could be the bullets fired from their cannons biting into the flesh of man and beast. It also could be a reference to the mire ferociousness of the modern soldier. Could you imagine the horror John of John if he was able to see the contemporary soldier on the battlefield? It would make the average Roman soldier look defenseless even with all the armor, swords, or bows.

Joel 2:6-8, (LEM)   From before them nations writhe, all faces turn pale.
⁷ They run like mighty warriors, they scale the wall like men of war; each goes on its own way, and they do not swerve from their paths. ⁸ They do not jostle one another; each goes on its own trail; and through the falling weapons, they are not halted.

            What did these men see, making them feel the need to add this to their description of the end times? They would have been overwhelmed by the modern battlefield compared to their day. How could the imagination keep up while viewing the cinemascope of images of tanks, humvees, planes, bombs, bullets, missiles, or the simple modern soldier?

Verse 9.They had breastplates like breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots, of many horses rushing to battle. 

            Can you imagine listening to a jet engine for the first time in your life and trying to describe what you are hearing? The A-10 Warthog is a perfect candidate for this vision. Also, the Apache helicopter could be what was seen and heard here. Not to mention jet fighters like F18’s, F22 Raptor, F35s, or a herculean transport capable of moving 60-ton tanks. The point is they saw something metal like having had wings and the source of incredible earth shacking sound emanated from.

            Is this all a reference to a time when warfare will be raging primarily in the middle east, but also around the world? I ask this because the prophecies we see emerged from that area of the world, and the Messiah is prophesied to set up His throne in Jerusalem. Look at these verses in Jeremiah. Jeremiah 47:1-6, (LEM)The word of Yahweh that came to Jeremiah the prophet concerning the Philistines before Pharaoh attacked Gaza. ² Thus says Yahweh:“Look, waters are rising from the north, and they will become as a raging torrent, and they will overflow the land, and that which fills it, the city and those who live in it. And the people will cry out, and every inhabitant of the land will wail, ³ from the sound of the stamping of the hoofs of his stallions,  from the clattering of his chariots, the noise of their wheels. Fathers do not turn to their children because of the slackness of their hands. ⁴ Because of the day that is coming to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and from Sidon
every survivor who could help, for Yahweh, is destroying the Philistines, the remnant of the coastland of Caphtor. ⁵ Baldness has come upon Gaza, Ashkelon is destroyed. O remnant of their valley, how long will you cut yourself with a blade?
⁶ Ah, sword of Yahweh, how long will you not be quiet? Gather to your sheath, keep quiet and stand still. ⁷ How can you be quiet when Yahweh has given an order to it? Against Ashkelon and against the shore of the sea, there he has appointed it.”

            What do we have today in the middle eastern region of the world, endless war and turmoil, along with terrorism unlike anywhere else or any other time in history?

Verse 10.They have tails like scorpions, and stings; and in their tails is their power to hurt men for five months. 

            What followed them not unlike a scorpion tail had the power to hurt or kill. Like we saw after the first two seals were opened, the second one being war, was starvation, plagues, and death. Those things, along with oppression and slavery at times, nearly always follow where modern armies wage war.

Luke 21:12, (LEM)  “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and governors because of my name.

            When Judea rebelled against Roman occupation, hundreds of thousands of Jews were put to the sword, and the land was purged of their influence, replacing it with the Roman theology and pagan deities.

            That is also part of what follows war, changing doctrines and history. The old expression is true, the winner writes the history books.

Verse 11.They have as king over them, the angel of the abyss; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek he has the name Apollyon.

            This king comes from the abyss, what does that tell us? It means this most likely is a demonic spirit of sorts. It also means he is a very powerful ruler of its kind. He is an angel (messenger); this is an important clue to point out because it was highlighted by John’s own description. Why else say this was a king from the abyss, then turn around and say he was also an angel from the abyss. Are we being told in the fifth trumpet the world is in chaos because the letting loose this angel of the abyss?

            What message would this creature bring to mankind? Would it be a message of truth or a message of lies? Another thought, has the world already heard the message from Apollyon? I believe they have, and they believe the message, and fight and die for the message. The conquered nations enslave men and women because of the message. 1 Timothy 4:1-3, (LEM) Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the last times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, ² by the hypocrisy of liars, who are seared in their own conscience, ³ who forbid marrying and insist on abstaining from foods that God created for sharing in with thankfulness by those who believe and who know the truth,

Who is this Apollyon or Abaddon?  In Hebrew, the name “Abaddon” means “place of destruction”; the Greek title “Apollyon” literally means “The Destroyer.” Is this satan, or is this a general under Satan? My thought on this, we may be looking at the same being seen in Chapter six covered by the 1^st seal.

Revelation 6:1-2, (LEM) And I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying like the sound of thunder, “Come!” ² And I looked, and behold, a white horse, and the one seated on it had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and in order that he might conquer.

This spiritual creature is at the head of many armies in the world, bringing with them destruction and war to nations. We see the figure in revelation chapter six with a bow, implying he brings many conflicts or multiple doctrines along with him.

Why would a modern army follow a king from the abyss? They wouldn’t unless they believed this creature was a holy being sent from God or even God Himself. They would quickly follow a righteous man or system as long as they thought he brought the accurate word of God and would fight for truth and freedom.

Verse 12.The first woe is past; behold, two woes are still coming after these things.

            The last chapters of revelation have given us a perfect description of the kingdom Satan has created to ensnare humanity. It was unsealed for mankind to be able to recognize Satan’s doctrine and tools he uses to bring man to his or her knees. After the messenger who is a king emerges from the abyss wows, begin to happen upon the earth. The first woe has arrived, and two more will occur, what further evil will they reveal?

The Sixth Trumpet—Army from the East

Verse 13.Then the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 

            At the sixth trumpet, a voice comes from the four horns of the altar of God. Once more, we are forced to try and understand from whence this voice came. My initial thought is, “where is the alter since currently there is no temple on earth? The only conclusion I can resolve in my mind is this the temple in heaven. Below is the diagram of the temple and where the accouterments were stationed.

As we look at this diagram, we need to ask where were the four horns of the altar? Both the incense and burnt offering altars have horns on their four corners, so which one are we speaking?

The only one that has a voice emerging from it before this verse was in chapter eight of revelation.

Revelation 8:3, Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne.

My sense is this is the same alter, where the prayers of the saints are kept. The same sensor is given to the Messiah in chapter 8. The voice, therefore, could be the Messiah who is holding that same sensor.

Verse 14.one saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 

            Adam’s Clarke’s commentary makes this observation on this verse, “These four angels bound – hitherto restrained, in the Euphrates, are by some supposed to be the Arabs, the Saracens, the Tartars, or the Turks; by others, Vespasian’s four generals, one in Arabia, one in Africa, one in Alexandria, and one in Palestine.”

            This event occurred during the time of the rebellion of Judea, probably around 69AD. It would have been fresh in the minds of the Jewish peoples throughout the known world.

            But, what if this is something different other than generals of the Roman armies? What if this is looking forward to a future time of chaos in the world? A time we have already seen where wars ravage the middle east.

The Euphrates river basin plays a preeminent part in wars that are occurring in that region today. What if these scriptures are about the different factions of the Muslim religion? What if they are altogether different faiths and cultures let loose upon each other? What would those religions be? Christianity, Catholicism, Muslim, then there is God’s true church, small as it is, but enormously important.

We also need to remember this was one of the 4 rivers originally flowing from the garden of Eden. Genesis 2:10-14 ESV, A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers. The name of the first is the Pishon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. And the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there. The name of the second river is the Gihon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Cush. And the name of the third river is the Tigris, which flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.

Does that fact hold a simple secret as to why these angels are bound to this river? My belief is, it’s a very significant clue to their mission.

Verse 15.And the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released, so that they would kill a third of mankind. 

            These angels are now being released, for what purpose? So, they could kill a third of mankind? Would God be the instrument for such devastation? Well, yes, He already has once before. He destroyed all of humanity during the worldwide flood recorded by Moses about Noah. All except for 8 people and only one of those registered were righteous in the sight of God, “Noah.”

            These angels were prepared for their mission, once more, a curious word to use. The JNT (Jewish New Testament) records it in this way, “These four angels had been kept ready for this moment”

But even that is out of place, why keep four specific angels ready for one moment in time? What even weirder is they are prepared for a specific hour, day, month, and year. If all this has to do with the return of the Messiah to retrieve His holy bride, then Houston, we have a problem. Matthew 24:36, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. ⁷ For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. ³⁸ For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, ³⁹ and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Also in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 (ESV)Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. ² For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. ³ While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

            How can these angels have a very specific time and place, and a mission to kill one-third of mankind when no one, not even angels, knows God’s timetable?

            Once more, we need to see what fits, not what we perceive, is true. First, we need to ask, since this is a specific place in the middle east, are we speaking of a local event?

            We can read an example of this very thing happening inEzekiel 5:1-12, “And you, O son of man, take a sharp sword. Use it as a barber’s razor and pass it over your head and your beard. Then take balances for weighing and divide the hair. ² A third part you shall burn in the fire in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are completed. And a third part you shall take and strike with the sword all around the city. And a third part you shall scatter to the wind, and I will unsheathe the sword after them. ³ And you shall take from these a small number and bind them in the skirts of your robe. ⁴ And of these again you shall take some and cast them into the midst of the fire and burn them in the fire. From there a fire will come out into all the house of Israel. ⁵ “Thus says the Lord God: This is Jerusalem. I have set her in the center of the nations, with countries all around her. ⁶ And she has rebelled against my rules by doing wickedness more than the nations, and against my statutes more than the countries all around her; for they have rejected my rules and have not walked in my statutes. ⁷ Therefore thus says the Lord God: Because you are more turbulent than the nations that are all around you, and have not walked in my statutes or obeyed my rules, and have not even acted according to the rules of the nations that are all around you, ⁸ therefore thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, even I, am against you. And I will execute judgments in your midst in the sight of the nations. ⁹ And because of all your abominations I will do with you what I have never yet done, and the like of which I will never do again. ¹⁰ Therefore fathers shall eat their sons in your midst, and sons shall eat their fathers. And I will execute judgments on you, and any of you who survive I will scatter to all the winds. ¹¹ Therefore, as I live, declares the Lord God, surely, because you have defiled my sanctuary with all your detestable things and with all your abominations, therefore I will withdraw. My eye will not spare, and I will have no pity. ¹² A third part of you shall die of pestilence and be consumed with famine in your midst; a third part shall fall by the sword all around you; and a third part I will scatter to all the winds and will unsheathe the sword after them.

            We see Ezekial’s beard separated into four parts; we also see four angels inbound to the Euphrates. Is this some coincidence, or is there a definitive correlation?

            One-third of Jerusalem was killed by the sword in its time of siege by Babylon. This is very symbolic in every sense of the word. Is this a dual happening of a 2600-year-old prophecy?

Verse 16.The number of the armies of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. 

            The armies comprise a significant number of men and women in hundreds of millions. My question is this, are these armies actually on the battlefield, or are they just the number in these particular armies stationed around the world?

Another thing, once in ancient times, armies often won or lost the battle by the sheer amount of troops a nation could muster. Today that isn’t necessarily true; the training and equipment have enabled militaries to scale down the size of their armies. One special force soldier carrying modern weaponry is equal to dozens of ancient troops. Add mortars, tanks, or rocket launcher, and he is even more deadly.

Of the 24 top nations in the world, their armies consist of just over 14 million soldiers. It’s very doubtful the rest of the world can make up the remainder. Could this be a civilian army we are reading about, be a lot of people picking up pitchforks and rifles.

            My next question is, are these armies physical men and women, or spiritual beings? Is this an angelic army or a demonic horde? We shouldn’t rely upon traditional reasonings to try and find the perfect answer for this number and creatures; we must instead think out of the box, in nontraditional ways. Here is a perfect example in an article written by Josh Gabbatiss from the Science Correspondent, dated Thursday, 4 October 2018.

Insects could be turned into “a new class of biological weapon” using new US military plans, experts have warned. The Insect Allies program aims to use bugs to disperse genetically modified (GM) viruses to crops. 

            Such action will have profound consequences and could pose a significant threat to global biosecurity, according to a team that includes specialist scientists and lawyers.

US military to develop genetically modified plants to use as spies

However, the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which is responsible for developing military technologies in the US, says it is merely trying to alter crops growing in fields by using viruses to transmit genetic changes to plants. In theory, this rapid engineering would allow farmers to adapt to changing conditions, for example, by inserting drought-resistance genes into corn instead of planting pre-engineered seeds. But this seemingly inoffensive goal has been slammed by the scientists, who say the plan is simply dangerous and that insects loaded with synthetic viruses will be difficult to control. They also say that despite being in operation since 2016 and distributing $27m in funds to scientists, DARPA has failed to properly justify the existence of such a program.

Another concern about this verse are there horses in the spiritual world. In chapter 6 of revelation, we saw riders on horses, also in Revelation 19:11-14, Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. ¹² His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. ¹³ He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. ¹⁴ And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.

Verse 17.And this is how I saw in the vision the horses and those who sat on them: the riders had breastplates the color of fire and of hyacinth and of brimstone; and the heads of the horses are like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths proceed fire and smoke and brimstone.

            Are we speaking of actual horses, I doubt that very much. The riders were armored as well as the horse, just as they might be in ancient times.

Adam’s Clarke has an interesting comment on this, “ Is this an allegorical description of great ordnance? Cannons, on the mouths of which horses’ heads were formed, or the mouth of the cannon cast in that form? Fire, smoke, and brimstone, is a good allegorical representation of gunpowder.”

            Today this is even more relevant when we have the capabilities of destruction beyond imagination. How would John speak of these things, he must have been overwhelmed by what he was seeing and hearing.

Verse 18.A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which proceeded out of their mouths. 

One-third of mankind was killed, what actually killed them? Spears, arrows, bullets, bombs, what was it? Since the angels were unbound from the Euphrates, it makes me wonder who this one third could be? The Islamic religion is about 1.9 billion peoples; the Catholics are around 1.4 billion; all other Christians of different flavors are around the same 1.4 billion. Makes me wonder if there were ever a war between these two could there be casualties at the scale of one-third of the population? If nuclear war ensued, yes, it could very easily occur.

But, what if it is eastern nations? China has one and a half billion people, not counting the Koreas and southern countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and other oriental nations. What if a world war brought them into the conflict?  If it’s a war of ideologies or religions, one would wonder what could entice them to join a global conflict? My guess is economics, their nation’s survival depends heavily upon other nations’ economic health.

Verse 19.For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents and have heads, and with them they do harm.

The power of these horses is in their tails and mouths. Stop and think of that for a moment, planes and tanks power is most notably in their mouths and tails.

Horses have little power unto themselves, but tanks and planes sure have.

            They have great power to harm, incredible power to harm, unlike any time before.

Verse 20.The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as not to worship demons, and the idols of gold and of silver and of brass and of stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk;

             Those not killed by plagues resulting from the decaying bodies from the incredible slaughter go on like they always have. Most nations or peoples would take a second look at their lives after witnessing such an event. What they do, they instead go back to the gods they have always know. Isaiah 65:1-5, “I permitted Myself to be sought by those who did not ask for Me; I permitted Myself to be found by those who did not seek Me. I said, ‘Here am I, here am I,’
To a nation which did not call on My name. ² “I have spread out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, Who walk in the way which is not good,  following their own thoughts, ³ A people who continually provoke Me to My face,
Offering sacrifices in gardens and burning incense on bricks; ⁴ Who sit among graves and spend the night in secret places; Who eat swine’s flesh, And the broth of unclean meat is in their pots. ⁵ “Who say, ‘Keep to yourself, do not come near me, For I am holier than you!’ These are smoke in My nostrils, A fire that burns all the day.

They turn to useless idols that can do nothing for their spiritual life. These useless gods are so ingrained in the fabric of mankind; even after all the destruction, they still go back to the hog trough.

Verse 21.and they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries nor of their immorality nor of their thefts.

Because they have kept the same beliefs, a belief as to how they should regard their fellow man, which doesn’t change. They also disregard God’s ways, which leads to life, over man’s ways, which leads to destruction.

Isaiah 55:6-9,  Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. ⁷ Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the Lord, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. ⁸ “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. ⁹ “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.

When is all this going to happen? Has it already begun? Is this over a short expanse of time, or could it be over thousands of years? Is it dual prophecies, or a singular event?

These are all pertinent questions and ones that will one day have an answer. But, one thing we know for sure, man will be very corrupt in the final days before the Messiah returns. 1 Timothy 4:1-3, But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, ² by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, ³ men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 

            The truth is what God’s people seek, but this we also know. God’s people are those in the white robes, they are part of the bride of the messiah.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Ten

          The first thing we need to understand as we begin this chapter in the original manuscripts, there were no chapter breaks or separations of verses within the book.

            This chapter is a continuation of previous episodes and verses speaking of the sixth trumpet. Have we also seen the promise of two more wows, which will come to life in this chapter? What is evident from the last chapter, the focus was upon the unrepentance of the world. Chapter eight looked hard at who comprise the group called the elect of the Messiah, those in white robes.

            We are still in the sixth trumpet and the final seal; we mustn’t forget that. Look at this set of verses. Zechariah 1:18-21, Then I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, there were four horns. ¹⁹ So I said to the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these?” And he answered me, “These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel and Jerusalem.” ²⁰ Then the Lord showed me four craftsmen. ²¹ I said, “What are these coming to do?” And he said, “These are the horns which have scattered Judah so that no man lifts up his head; but these craftsmen have come to terrify them, to throw down the horns of the nations who have lifted up their horns against the land of Judah in order to scatter it.”

            Are these the same angelic beings John was speaking of in earlier verses? If so, we are given a clue why they are coming.

            In this chapter, we begin with another angel coming down from heaven. We are seeing a continuous stream of messengers with specific duties to perform, or particular warnings to deliver.

            A reminder before we fully begin with this chapter in earnest. Messages come in many forms, especially today. In our modern world, there can be verbal messages, written, text, voice mail, web-site messages, signs, video, news, and these can be broken down into various subheadings. The messengers themselves can also come in many different forms. The messages and messengers from God can take any of the physical forms as well as the added dimension of the spiritual realm.

The Angel and the Little Book

Verse 1.I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire;

            This angel is said to be strong, why the inference on strength? Why do we the reader need to know this angel is strong? Strong is a reference to power or powerful, that is an important clue to the identity of this being. The other thing mentioned this angel is coming down from heaven. He isn’t thrown down, or cast out; he comes down. The inference is, by his own will. Look at these verses in John and see if there isn’t a resemblance. John 6:35-40,  Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. ³⁶ But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. ³⁷ All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. ³⁸ For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. ³⁹ This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. ⁴⁰ For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.”

The Messiah uses similar wording 4 other times in this same chapter, why is that? Did He give us a clue about Himself in the future separate from the past?

Let’s look at some of the other parts of this verse to help us make a more better determination. The next section, “clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head.” In the account of the transfiguration of Jesus, we see a description of Him during the event.

Matthew 17:1-5, Six days later Jesus *took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and *led them up on a high mountain by themselves. ² And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. ³ And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. ⁴ Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” ⁵ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”

We have a divine figure clothed with a cloud; likely, a symbol of the Divine majesty with a rainbow was upon his head, a reminder of God’s merciful covenant with mankind. His face was as if it were the sun spreading the light of His glory over all the heavens – so intense he couldn’t be looked upon by men. Exodus 33:18-23,  Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!” ¹⁹ And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the Lord before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.” ²⁰ But He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!” ²¹ Then the Lord said, “Behold, there is a place ^[i]by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; ²² and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. ²³ Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen.”

His feet as pillars of fire – To denote the stability of his counsels and judgments. Hebrews 6:18,  (NASB) ¹⁸ so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us.

            Is this the Messiah, my thought is yes, but it’s my opinion.

Verse 2.and he had in his hand a little book which was open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left on the land; 

            Looking further on in the description of this figure, we get more clues. First, I want to ask this to the readers of this commentary. Can the person we know as Jesus in the Bible, can He be considered an angel or messenger?

1. Jesus appears as an angel to Hagar.

Genesis. 16:7-14,  Now the angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. ⁸ He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from and where are you going?” And she said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.” ⁹ Then the angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority.” ¹⁰ Moreover, the angel of the Lord said to her, “I will greatly multiply your descendants so that they will be too many to count.” ¹¹ The angel of the Lord said to her further, “Behold, you are with child, And you will bear a son; And you shall call his name Ishmael, Because the Lord has given heed to your affliction. ¹² “He will be a wild donkey of a man, His hand will be against everyone, And everyone’s hand will be against him; And he will live to the east of all his brothers.” ¹³ Then she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God who sees”; for she said, “Have I even remained alive here after seeing Him?” ¹⁴ Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.

2. Jesus appears as an angel to Abraham.

We see Him again in Genesis 22 when Abraham picks up a knife and is about to slay Isaac as a sacrifice:

Genesis 22:9-14, Then they came to the place of which God had told him; and Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood, and bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. ¹⁰ Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. ¹¹ But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” ¹² He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” ¹³ Then Abraham raised his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him a ram caught in the thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering in the place of his son. ¹⁴ Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide, as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the Lord it will be provided.”

3. Jesus appears as an angel to Moses.

In Exodus 3:1-6, Moses met the angel of the Lord: Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. ² The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. ³ So Moses said, “I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up.” ⁴ When the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” ⁵ Then He said, “Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” ⁶ He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

4. Jesus appears with God the Father.

The Bible records several conversations between “the angel of the Lord” and the Lord God—obviously, they are two separate persons. Look at Zechariah 1:7-17,  On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah the prophet, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, as follows: 8 I saw at night, and behold, a man was riding on a red horse, and he was standing among the myrtle trees which were in the ravine, with red, sorrel and white horses behind him. 9 Then I said, “My lord, what are these?” And the angel who was speaking with me said to me, “I will show you what these are.” 10 And the man who was standing among the myrtle trees answered and said, “These are those whom the Lord has sent to patrol the earth.” 11 So they answered the angel of the Lord who was standing among the myrtle trees and said, “We have patrolled the earth, and behold, all the earth is peaceful and quiet.” 12 Then the angel of the Lord said, “O Lord of hosts, how long will You have no compassion for Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, with which You have been indignant these seventy years?” 13 The Lord answered the angel who was speaking with me with gracious words, comforting words. 14 So the angel who was speaking with me said to me, “Proclaim, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and Zion. 15 But I am very angry with the nations who are at ease; for while I was only a little angry, they furthered the disaster.” 16 Therefore thus says the Lord, “I will return to Jerusalem with compassion; My house will be built in it,” declares the Lord of hosts, “and a measuring line will be stretched over Jerusalem.”’ 17 Again, proclaim, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.”’”

These are four instances, and there are more than can be cited, but I won’t bore you, I believe I have made my point. That point being, yes, at times, Jesus is called an angel, therefore a messenger. In his hand, He had a little book, what book is this? Could this be the Lamb’s book of life mentioned in several passages in the Bible? It doesn’t say, but it’s interesting the powerful angel with all the heavenly descriptions one could imagine shows up with a book. One must ask themselves, “what other books would be worth mentioning?”

Verse 2, continued, He placed his right foot on the sea and his left on the land

Is this a reference to His total power over all the earth? Is this a direct stab at the pagan nations and their gods dwelling both on land and under the sea? Just as we are commanded not to worship these false gods in Exodus 20:4-6, “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. ⁵ You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, ⁶ but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

Verse 3.and he cried out with a loud voice, as when a lion roars; and when he had cried out, the seven peals of thunder uttered their voices.

            “Cried out with a loud voice.” Does that sound familiar, it should, it’s the same stamen made in, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. ¹⁵ For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words.

            Not only is it loud, but it’s also like the roar of a lion. One might say it’s loud enough to wake the dead. But the example of the lion is fascinating as well. Another illustration of the sound of God coming from the east is told to us by Ezekiel 43:1,  Then he led me to the gate, the gate facing toward the east; ² and behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the way of the east. And His voice was like the sound of many waters, and the earth shone with His glory.

            Is this the last trump, if it is then we have one more set of scriptures to look at, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

            I’m not sure why it uses the words “their voices” in the middle of peals of thunder. The only thing I can think of, it is the voices of the multitudes of saints coming with the Messiah. Their voices are added to His own in glorious unison.

Revelation 19:11-16,  And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. ¹² His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. ¹³ He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. ¹⁴ And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. ¹⁵ From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the winepress of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. ¹⁶ And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

Verse 4.When the seven peals of thunder had spoken, I was about to write; and I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up the things which the seven peals of thunder have spoken and do not write them.”

            John was about to record what He was a witness of, and was told to stop. The seven thunders are a secret until the very last day of Satan’s reign on earth. If the voices are those of the saints as I mentioned earlier, it might make sense of keeping their identity secret or even their purpose. The seven thunders could be all about the saints. Maybe it’s their past that is kept from Satan, so He can’t use anything against them.

Luke 12:2-3,  But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. ³ Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops.

            When will that time come, our secrets are laid bare before us? For God’s holy people that time is now, while we live. Jeremiah 17:10, “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”

            For the rest of mankind, it will occur after a thousand-year reign of the Messiah.

Revelation 20:11-13,  Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. ¹² And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. ¹³ And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds.

Verse 5.Then the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven, 

            What is the purpose of the right hand being lifted to heaven? There are many examples in the Bible where men of God lifted their hands to heaven in prayer. Moses lifted his hand towards heaven, so did Soloman, Ezra, Aaron, and many others. But, there are two instances that stand out in the manner described in this verse. Daniel 12:7, I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of  the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed.

Micah 5:7-15, Then the remnant of Jacob Will be among many peoples Like dew from the Lord, Like showers on vegetation Which do not wait for man Or delay for the sons of men. ⁸ The remnant of Jacob Will be among the nations, Among many peoples Like a lion among the beasts of the forest, Like a young lion among flocks of sheep, Which, if he passes through, Tramples down and tears, And there is none to rescue. ⁹ Your hand will be lifted up against your adversaries, And all your enemies will be cut off. ¹⁰ “It will be in that day,” declares the Lord, “That I will cut off your horses from among you And destroy your chariots. ¹¹ “I will also cut off the cities of your land And tear down all your fortifications. ¹² “I will cut off sorceries from your hand, And you will have fortune-tellers no more. ¹³ “I will cut off your carved images And your sacred pillars from among you, So that you will no longer bow down To the work of your hands. ¹⁴ “I will root out your Asherim from among you And destroy your cities. ¹⁵ “And I will execute vengeance in anger and wrath On the nations which have not obeyed.”

            Is this what the symbolic raising of the hand means? Just me again, but yea, it fits.

Verse 6.and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things in it, and the earth and the things in it, and the sea and the things in it, that there will be delay no longer,

             Can this be the Messiah, and He also swears to the one that created all things? Well, yes He can, He can only swear unto himself, for there is none greater.

            Hebrews 6:13-18, For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, ¹⁴ saying, “I will surely bless you and I will surely multiply you.” ¹⁵ And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise. ¹⁶ For men swear by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath given as confirmation is an end of every dispute. ¹⁷ In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose,  interposed with an oath, ¹⁸ so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong.

Verse 7.but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as He preached to His servants the prophets.

            In the days of the seventh angel. The final messager is delivering the complete warning, announcement, whatever the Trumpets signify. In his day, in his specified time, he will come or has already come. It is up to God’s holy people to discern which it is, not the world, they are oblivious to the plan of God. The mystery over God will be complete, all will be laid bare for man to see and understand. Daniel 12:1-3, “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. ² Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. ³ Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

Verse 8.Then the voice which I heard from heaven, I heard again speaking with me, and saying, “Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land.”

            As I sit and contemplate the scriptures, the Messiah has definitely not returned for His bride. The messiah’s plan hasn’t been completed until that happens. Therefore I can only conclude this must be the last trumpet mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, and 1 Corinthians 15:51,^: Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

Verse 9.So I went to the angel, telling him to give me the little book. And he *said to me, “Take it and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.” 

            Here is this little book once again. What is this specific book’s meaning? Reading this particular verse, I must conclude this isn’t the Lamb’s book of life, it has to have a different purpose. We can see some of the wording in this verse in other parts of scripture, perhaps that is a clue.

            Ezekial 3:1-2, Then He said to me, “Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” ² So I opened my mouth, and He fed me this scroll. ³ He said to me, “Son of man, feed your stomach and fill your body with this scroll which I am giving you.” Then I ate it, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth.

Also in, Jeremiah 15:16, Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart;

Verse 10.I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and in my mouth it was sweet as honey; and when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter. 

            What was John being told to eat? Jeremiah ate God’s words, Ezekiel ate a scroll, presumably with God’s holy words written on its surface. Is this book the Bible? Remember this, John already knew the Old testament forwards and backward, why would he need to eat it again? Perhaps he wasn’t totally aware of all the meanings behind the prophecies, and this is a way to show John those things about to happen.

            We ingest God’s words when we study the written word 1 Peter 2:1-3, Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, ² like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, ³ if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.

            Jesus called it the bread of life in Matthew 4:1-4, Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. ² And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. ³ And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” ⁴ But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”

            The words of God feed us spiritually at times. It’s like milk for newborns…. other times, the verses are meat for the learned student of the word.

Hebrews 5:11-14, Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. ¹² For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. ¹³ For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. ¹⁴ But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

            With the proper food of God, we are nourished in ways discerning good from evil, truth from lies. It gives life to those that regularly feed on the words of God.

Verse 11.And they *said to me, “You must prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.”

            Just as in the case of Jerimiah and Ezekiel, once they partook of the word of God, they were told to go forth and prophecy to god’s people the things to come. They became both a warning and a witness.

            Go to the world and tell the story of man and God. Tell them there is hope, tell them there is a promise of miraculous things, but they must repent. They must turn from their ways of evil to a God not known by mankind.

            Matthew 28:18,  And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Eleven

          As we depart from chapter ten, we finished reading where John was told to eat a book. This book had a purpose; it was so John could go and prophecy correctly about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.

He was to prophesy about them, not to them. Is that a significant difference to take particular note of? Stop for a moment and think what the book we call the Bible is all about. It’s about peoples, nations, tongues, and Kings. John is told to tell about these peoples, he is told to tell about the bride and bridegroom and their positions in the kingdom.

The Bible is about the bride qualifying to sit next to the king of this world. Revelation 3:20-21, Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. ²¹ He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 

God’s word is taught to different tongues and nations.

Acts 2:5-11,  Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. ⁶ And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. ⁷ They were amazed and astonished, saying, “Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? ⁸ And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? ⁹ Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, ¹¹ Cretans and Arabs—we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.

God is not a discerner of mankind, all have an opportunity for salvation.

            Acts 10:34-35,  Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, ³⁵ but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.

            In addition to all this, I would like to say again, as, in the previous chapter, theoriginal manuscripts are no chapter breaks or separations by verses within the book.

            So while moving through this chapter, we should be keeping that in mind, and we are still in the last seal, and just before the last trumpet sounds.

Measuring the Temple

Verse 1.Then there was given me a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, “Get up and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those who worship in it. 

            John just ate the book, now he is being told to measure the temple of God. All of this has to be for a very specific purpose, especially in the light there was no temple at this time in history. The Romans under the command of Vespasian was sent by Nero to put down a Jewish rebellion. In the process of Jerusalem being captured, Herod’s temple as it was called, was utterly destroyed as prophesied by the Messiah.

Matthew 24:1-2, Jesus came out from the temple and was going away when His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him. ² And He said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here will be left upon another, which will not be torn down.”

            Is it the same Temple Ezekiel saw being measured in the book of Ezekiel 40 through 42? Let’s read the beginning of that account. Ezekiel 40:2-4, In the visions of God He brought me into the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, and on it to the south there was a structure like a city. ³ So He brought me there; and behold, there was a man whose appearance was like the appearance of bronze, with a line of flax and a measuring rod in his hand; and he was standing in the gateway. ⁴ The man said to me, “Son of man, see with your eyes, hear with your ears, and give attention to all that I am going to show you; for you have been brought here in order to show it to you. Declare to the house of Israel all that you see.”

            This is just my twisted way of thinking about things, but wouldn’t it be funny if it was John Ezekiel saw measuring the Temple? John is told to measure the Temple, and Ezekiel is shown someone measuring the Temple, curious?

In this version of Ezekiel’s temple, the man doing the measuring does measure the “inner court” verse 17, according to Lexham’s English Septuagint. He then measures the outer court verse 20, both are not the outer court. That could mean this wasn’t Ezekiel seeing John measure the third temple of God, but its fun to consider.

            The other thing we see Ezekiel is told to come with him, he is in the presence of the man, not just in vision. I’m not sure if there is a significant difference, but it is interesting as well.

Verse 2.Leave out the court which is outside the temple and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months. 

John is told to leave out the court which is outside the Temple, don’t measure that area, why? The entire Temple compound was considered holy, but it became abundantly more holy as one ventured farther in, progressing east to west. The outer court with colonnades had been enclosed, and it was referred to as the Court of the Gentiles. They could walk within this specific area, but they were forbidden to go any further than the outer court. Gentiles were excluded from entering into any of the inner courts, and warning signs in Greek and Latin were placed that gave warning that the penalty for such trespass was death. My guess is, there isn’t a need in the future Temple for a court of the gentiles.

There is much discussion about what these days can possibly mean. Are they actual days, or are they symbolic of a period of time other than just days?

In Biblical eschatology, a Prophetic Year or Prophetical Year is sometimes regarded as being different from an ordinary year, namely

A 360-day period of “time.”

A 360-year period of “time”, or

A 360-year period of “time” composed of 360-day “years”.

The fact that the prophets understood a year as 360 days is well documented and can be seen in many of the prophecies, especially Daniel and Revelation as seen in the use of “time, times and half a time,” “1,260 days” and “42 months”. Can these also be references for 1260 years based on the 360-day Jewish year? Why not? We see wording like times, times, and a half, how can we possibly know that figure is days, weeks, or years?

These sections of time occur eight times in scripture:

Daniel 7:25, “time, times and a half”.

Daniel 9:27, “half one set of seven”.

Daniel 12:7, “time, times and a half”.

Revelation 11:2, “42 months”.

Revelation 11:3, “1260 days”.

Revelation 12:6, “1260 days”.

Revelation 12:14, “time, times and a half”.

Revelation 13:5, “42 months”.

I have another personal theory about these times. It comes from comments on the web-site called “The Historical Study of Scripture by Dennis Bratcher.” I believe there is a correlation between the time of the Exodus and the birth of the Messiah. Some believe the Exodus occurred 1440 BC, others believe it was actually 1260 BC. The 1440 BC is based primarily on one verse in the Bible and a whole lot of assumptions. Mr. Bratcher addresses these dates in the following comments.

These and other questions suggest that trying to use the Bible to answer historical questions, or even of using historical evidence to “prove” the validity of the Bible is a very complicated task that goes far beyond simply assuming that the Bible tells us everything we want to know about history. The fact is, the Bible has very little that can be used to address the historical question of the date of the exodus, which leads to divergence of opinions.

1 Kings 6:1, In the four hundred eightieth year after the Israelites came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, he began to build the house of the LORD.

 This verse gives a period of time of around 480 years between the exodus and the beginning of Solomon’s work on the Jerusalem temple. From John Bright’s chronology, Solomon ascended the throne around 961 BC, which would make the fourth year of his reign and the beginning of temple construction about 959-957 BC. If we assume that the number 480 is to be taken as a precise number of years much as we would count years on a calendar today, working backward from this date we arrive at a date around 1440 BC for the exodus. This is the primary origin of the 1440 BC date for the exodus.

Difficulties Raised: While we might expect that the number here is precise and intended to tell us exactly how many years, that is largely an assumption from our modern perspective of data-based thinking and history writing. But we have no indication that the ancient Israelites viewed timekeeping in the same way that we do in a modern scientific age. In fact, both our own history and even modern experience of tribal cultures tells us that scientific approaches to history keeping are a relatively modern invention.

Also, this assumption does not consider the fact that numbers were used for other purposes in ancient Israel than just precise counting. A great many numbers in both Testaments are used symbolically, are stylized for other purposes than simple counting, or are approximate numbers based on different cultural ways of reckoning time than just counting years.

There are several groups of numbers that specifically function in such roles, for example the number three (often used simply to mark the passage of a short period of time or extent without intending specifics; Jon 3:3, 1:17), seven (symbolizing completion; Gen 2:2, Gen 29, Matt 15:35), twelve (symbolizing wholeness and community; Gen 35:22, Jud 19:29), and forty (a schematized number used for a generation or simply an unspecified long period of time; Gen 7:4, Ex 16:35). Some of these numbers are then used in multiples for much the same purposes, such as 70 or 77 (10 x 7, or double 7s; note Gen 4:24, Mat 18:22), 120, 144, and 144,000 (10 x 12 and 12 x 12; Gen 6:3, Deut 34:7, Rev 14:1), and multiples of 40 (400, Gen 15:13; 4,000 1 Sam 4:2; 40,000, Josh 4:13; 1 Kng 4:26; 400,000, Josh 20:2).

This has led many scholars to conclude that the number 480 in 1 Kings 6:1 is not a precise number but is intended to be an approximate period of time expressed in ways consistent with Israelite culture. This suggests that the numbers used are not accidental or random since the number symbolizing community (12) is combined with a number used to signify a generation (40). That is, the verse says that between the exodus and the construction of the Temple there were approximately twelve generations, enough time for the community that needed the temple to emerge. That is not a specific period of time but an approximation based on how ancient Israelites tended to mark the passing of time, that is, according to generations of people.

To attempt to translate that into specific years is a precarious undertaking since we can only guess based on modern analogy. But if we use the approximate period of 25 years for a generation between a father and a son, then we end up with about 300 “clock time” years. Working backward from 959 BC, this suggests a date of around 1260 for the exodus. But this is probably too speculative to be of any real use, since this tries to translate numbers that are used for one purpose into the service of questions that force them to be used for another purpose.

2) Judges 11:26  While Israel lived in Heshbon and its villages, and in Aroer and its villages, and in all the towns that are along the Arnon, three hundred years, why did you not recover them within that time?”

Emphasis mine: Since there is a whole lot of assuming going on, I’ll throw in my two bits. God doesn’t do things without a purpose, and He doesn’t give dates and times without reason. Can the dates be misrepresented by men, well, Very much so! Can this be 1260 years prior to the birth of the Messiah, I believe it is the case, but that’s me.

Would Daniel be aware of this time frame, or is his prophetic use of the numbers being suggestive of something else?

I believe Daniel did understand what this time frame was for, based upon Daniel 12:4,  But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.”

            Are these days the time in which is referred to in Daniel 12? Our knowledge has increased substantially since the time of Daniel. The books are opened to those willing to read and believe.

            For me, this is a period God is turning away His face while mankind ignores His true words. The Temple is just a representation of their denial of the truth in God. While it stands as the house of God, man assumes authority over the foundation. It is before the Temple of God being built in the millennium John was given God’s word by eating the book and told to measure the Temple. By measuring the Temple, he has given the exact figures to the presence of God. There is no wavering, no miscalculations, no mistakes. By John measuring the Temple, mankind will eventually know their place in God’s kingdom.

The Two Witnesses

Verse 3.And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” 

Is this the same amount of time in the prior verse except it saying forty-two months instead of 1260 days? It should be the same amount of time, but it is curious as to why one verse puts in days, and the other months, even some in years. Most would just say we are speaking of an actual three and a half years? 

Is 1260 a symbolic reference to the days of the Hebrew peoples being the sole entity of the church? Could 1260 be suggestive of a period God gives as a witness to the world? The 1260 or 42 months are a time frame given for mankind to hear the true word of God and repent.

But, who are these two witnesses, and what are witnessing about? These two figures are probably two of the most controversial characters in the Bible. There have been numerous speculations about their identity—thoughts about this question range from figures in the Old Testament to Elijah and John the Baptist returning. Let’s parse the verse so more and see where that leads us.

The first thing we see is,  “And I will grant authority to my two witnesses.”  We can see two things here, one, they are given God’s authority, two they are witnesses. Let’s look at the latter first, why say, “two witnesses,” why not men or women? Is this some type of mystery God implanted in John’s mind to confuse the world? Is this physical man or something else that has the authority of God Himself and is a witness towards mankind? We saw where John, Jerimiah, and Ezekiel were given books and scrolls before witnessing to mankind. Should we expect two men to emerge in the end times and witness to the world? That has been the conventional thinking as long as I have been in God’s church.

            Two witnesses are interesting comments as well. We see where the law of Israel prescribes at least two witnesses.Deuteronomy 19:15ESV “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.

            Even, Jesus maintained the prescribed solution given in Deuteronomy when it comes to disputes. Matthew 18:16 ESV But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.

            So, the Bible is clear, for there to be confidence in what is said, there needs to be at least two who can verify one another’s statements, just as we just saw in the verses about witnesses. It’s the very reason why the New Testament doctrines must be confirmed by the Old testament. We have one comment from the Old Testament, and one from the New Testament, and they must match completely.

            The God of the Old Testament uses His laws to establish what He has given mankind. Deuteronomy 30:19, “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,

How much greater witnesses could we possibly have for us or against us? It’s insurmountable believing we could defy God and succeed in the light of the Testimony from heaven and Earth.

In a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, the ketubah is signed by two witnesses and traditionally read out loud under the chuppah. Friends or distant relatives are invited to witness the ketubah, which is considered an honor; close relatives are prohibited from being witnesses. So we need witnesses for the marriage of the lamb and His holy bride. The Messiah made a comment in John 3:29, “He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full.

            Even in marriage ceremonies today, two witnesses are required, by law. It’s a rite related to the laws of God and Jewish weddings, along with the wedding cake and sharing a cup of wine.

Verse 4.These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 

            As to the two olive trees, we have a reference in,

Zechariah 4:1-14 , Then the angel who was speaking with me returned and roused me, as a man who is awakened from his sleep. ² He said to me, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see, and behold, a lampstand all of gold with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven lamps on it with seven spouts belonging to each of the lamps which are on the top of it; ³ also two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left side.” ⁴ Then I said to the angel who was speaking with me saying, “What are these, my lord?” ⁵ So the angel who was speaking with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” ⁶ Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. ⁷ ‘What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”’”

⁸ Also the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ⁹ “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will finish it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. ¹⁰ For who has despised the day of small things?  But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel—these are the eyes of the Lord which range to and fro throughout the earth.” ¹¹ Then I said to him, “What are these two olive trees on the right of the lampstand and on its left?” ¹² And I answered the second time and said to him, “What are the two olive branches which are beside the two golden pipes, which empty the golden oil from themselves?” ¹³ So he answered me, saying, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” ¹⁴ Then he said, “These are the two anointed ones who are standing by the Lord of the whole earth.”

            The very first time he asked the angel what the olive trees were, he was told, they were the word of the lord. The testimony of God going out by spirit from God. The second time he asks, he is told they are the anointed ones.

Look at what John says about anointing, 1 John 2:26-27, These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. ²⁷ As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you,  you abide in Him.

            As we see, anointing isn’t for just the sick. God calls His holy people the anointed ones in Psalms 105:15, “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.”

            Also in Luke, we have this account about Jesus quoting from Isaiah, Luke 4:17-20, He opened the book and found the place where it was written, ¹⁸ “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind, To set free those who are oppressed, ¹⁹ To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” ²⁰ And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. ²¹ And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

            As we read in Revelation 1:12 where there are seven lampstands, we can see they are the voice of the peoples. They are the light given off by the testimony of the churches. Here we have two lampstands, giving off light in much the same way.

Are you like me and starting to see a pattern emerge? I think the picture is getting a whole lot clearer, but we need more, and fortunately, there is more.

Verse 5.And if anyone wants to harm them, fire flows out of their mouth and devours their enemies; so if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this way.

            Fire comes from their mouths, something similar happened with Elijah.        2 Kings. 1:9-10, Then the king sent to him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him, and behold, he was sitting on the top of the hill. And he said to him, “O man of God, the king says, ‘Come down.’” ¹⁰ Elijah replied to the captain of fifty, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.” Then fire came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.  

            This didn’t happen once but twice, but there is a notable difference. In the account of Elijah, the fire came down from heaven, in this scripture, fire comes from their mouth.

            This is an interesting passage I stumbled upon in Psalms 18:6-15,  In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, And my cry for help before Him came into His ears.

⁷ Then the earth shook and quaked; And the foundations of the mountains were trembling And were shaken, because He was angry. ⁸ Smoke went up out of His nostrils, And fire from His mouth devoured; Coals were kindled by it.
⁹ He bowed the heavens also, and came down With thick darkness under His feet. He rode upon a cherub and flew; And He sped upon the wings of the wind.
¹¹ He made darkness His hiding place, His canopy around Him, Darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies. ¹² From the brightness before Him passed His thick clouds, Hailstones and coals of fire. ¹³ The Lord also thundered in the heavens, And the Most High uttered His voice, Hailstones and coals of fire. ¹⁴ He sent out His arrows, and scattered them, And lightning flashes in abundance, and routed them. ¹⁵ Then the channels of water appeared, And the foundations of the world were laid bare At Your rebuke, O Lord, At the blast of the breath of Your nostrils.

            In these passages, we can see it is God’s mouth where the fire comes from, not men. Is that a clue? If it is, then these next verses are even more impressive.

            Jeremiah 5:14-15, Therefore, thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, “Because you have spoken this word, Behold, I am making My words in your mouth fire And this people wood, and it will consume them. ¹⁵ “Behold, I am bringing a nation against you from afar, O house of Israel,” declares the Lord. “It is an enduring nation, It is an ancient nation, A nation whose language you do not know, Nor can you understand what they say.

            God’s words were put in his mouth to consume the nonbelievers of the world.

Verse 5, continued, so if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this way.

Those that would harm these two witnesses must be killed in this way, not can be or should be, but must be killed in this way.  A particular remedy for a specific crime against God’s witnesses. Capital punishment in ancient times was either hanging or stoning for the majority of crimes. But, what about spiritual death, is there a specific way to die spiritually for rejecting God?

            Revelation 20:11-15, Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. ¹² And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. ¹³ And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. ¹⁴ Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. ¹⁵ And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

            Now, this is a very specific or prescribed fashion of death, and lo and behold,  it’s by fire.

Verse 6.These have the power to shut up the sky, so that rain will not fall during the days of their prophesying; and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire.

            We’ve seen all these things occur in the past, Scripture teaches us all of this has happened before. Elijah shut up the skies for a time 1 kings 17:1, Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, surely there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” Moses was given the ability to turn the Nile river into blood. Exodus 7:14-19, Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is stubborn; he refuses to let the people go. ¹⁵ Go to Pharaoh in the morning as he is going out to the water, and station yourself to meet him on the bank of the Nile; and you shall take in your hand the staff that was turned into a serpent. ¹⁶ You shall say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, sent me to you, saying, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me in the wilderness. But behold, you have not listened until now.” ¹⁷ Thus says the Lord, “By this you shall know that I am the Lord: behold, I will strike the water that is in the Nile with the staff that is in my hand, and it will be turned to blood. ¹⁸ The fish that are in the Nile will die, and the Nile will become foul, and the Egyptians will find difficulty in drinking water from the Nile.”’” ¹⁹ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt, over their rivers, over their streams, and over their pools, and over all their reservoirs of water, that they may become blood; and there will be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood and in vessels of stone.’”

Now, the plagues are different, we haven’t seen as far as I know a man sending plagues upon the land. Truth be said, these happening I just noted weren’t by men either. If you look close, they were told to inform the peoples of the specific things that were going to happen. When it comes to plagues we can refer back to this verse in Exodus 9:13-17,  Then the Lord said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. ¹⁴ For this time I will send all My plagues on you and your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth. ¹⁵ For if by now I had put forth My hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, you would then have been cut off from the earth. ¹⁶ But, indeed, for this reason I have allowed you to remain, in order to show you My power and in order to proclaim My name through all the earth. ¹⁷ Still you exalt yourself against My people by not letting them go.

            As we have seen, God is the instrument behind the wows being described in the past. The question comes to mind, why would God give that kind of power to men? Even if they were Moses and Elijah, a couple of the most trusted men in history, it was still God that acted through them. Man can do miracles, that is clear, but only through God. The next couple of verses tell us that power dwells within us.

James 5:16-18, Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. ¹⁷ Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. ¹⁸ Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.

Matthew 17:20,  And He *said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.

In other passages of the New Testament, we’ve seen where apostles raised the dead, healed the sick, and performed other miracles. But, it’s always by the word of God; these things happen, no man can do what God does. It’s by His mighty spirit we can raise the dead or send plagues upon the earth, not by our own hands.

Verse 7.When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them. 

            When will the testimony of God be done, and will it be by men or God? Not until God’s plan has been completed will the testimony cease. You might be thinking it’s the testimony of these two men that ceases. If they are men of God, then it’s God’s testimony, they are giving and can’t cease. Otherwise, it isn’t relevant. One other thing, if they obtain the power to stop the rain, create plagues, and turn rivers into blood, how is it anything on this earth can harm them?

            The beast arises from the abyss, from darkness, out of nothingness; it rises and kills these two witnesses. What is this beast that is so powerful is the very first question. Is the beast Satan or a system made by men? Is it demonic or some physical creature, like a dragon? I found this article on Facebook, take it for what it is worth, but tell me this isn’t the goal of many countries to eradicate true believers and their Bibles.

                        My feeling on this beast is a geopolitical or religious system. A system that would try and silence God’s word. In times past history records religious systems attempting to silence other beliefs. We even see that today, with the religion of Islam putting to death thousands of self-proclaimed Christians around the world.

            Revelations 13:6-8, And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. ⁷ It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. ⁸ All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.

            The beast makes war with the witnesses and the saints as to overthrow them. Overthrow them from what position? In John’s day, the beast was considered Rome, and it’s political systems. It would make sense, the beast still resides in Rome, it’s center of power.

            In recent times we’ve seen all kinds of doctrinal changes with a major worldwide religion centered in Rome. Its doctrines are anti-God’s doctrines, meaning the opposite of God. Would this religion try and silence God’s truth? The answer is one of record, yes it would because it has in the past. The Albigenses and Waldenses were nearly extinguished by the horrible persecutions raised up against them by the Church of Rome. Jews were persecuted by the thousands in the inquisition. In the holocaust, during WWII six million Jews lost their lives, and the church of Rome was complicit to their destruction.

            Killing something means it’s silenced and speaks no longer. It can’t indict the wrongs of the world, or expose false teachings, or the worshiping of false gods.

That was the hope the Pharisee and Sadducees had when they crucified the Messiah, His teaching would be silenced forever.

            Remember this verse Acts 5:38, So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; ³⁹ but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”

            This beast is most certainly fighting against God and His holy peoples.

Verse 8. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which mystically is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. 

Lying in the streets of Jerusalem dead while citizens cheer and walk on by. Their testimony is no longer sought by the inhabitants of Jerusalem. We can have no illusions about this city  mentioned here, is the city of Jerusalem because the qualifier is “where the Lord was crucified.” No one disputes the location of the savior’s death, it would be ridiculous to do so. But the wording is also very curious, “where also their Lord was crucified.”

Isn’t He the lord of all peoples? We are told as much in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

            But, this verse tends to make one think the two witnesses are totally different somehow from all in the world. Are they special men or women, with some special powers? And why call Jerusalem Sodom and Egypt?

            Breaking down the two references, Sodom is known for perversion, for its sick desires for strange flesh. Genesis 19:1-11, Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening as Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. ² And he said, “Now behold, my lords, please turn aside into your servant’s house, and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.” They said however, “No, but we shall spend the night in the square.” ³ Yet he urged them strongly, so they turned aside to him and entered his house; and he prepared a feast for them, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. ⁴ Before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter; ⁵ and they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have relations with them.” ⁶ But Lot went out to them at the doorway, and shut the door behind him, ⁷ and said, “Please, my brothers, do not act wickedly. ⁸ Now behold, I have two daughters who have not had relations with man; please let me bring them out to you, and do to them whatever you like; only do nothing to these men, inasmuch as they have come under the shelter of my roof.” ⁹ But they said, “Stand aside.” Furthermore, they said, “This one came in as an alien, and already he is acting like a judge; now we will treat you worse than them.” So they pressed hard against Lot and came near to break the door. ¹⁰ But the men reached out their hands and brought Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. ¹¹ They struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the doorway.

            I have another observation in the form of a question, why didn’t God only send one angel, couldn’t the same outcome have been achieved with just one? Remember, the law requires two witnesses to condemn someone to death, or even a city.

            The reference to Egypt, I believe, is apparent. It is where Israel was held captive and where God destroyed their gods to bring His people out of bondage. The city of Jerusalem is apparently filled with pagan deities and worshipers of false religious systems when these witnesses are killed.

            Here is a fact for the readers’ consumption; it’s a fact that will come up in more verses in later chapters. In the modern city of Jerusalem, there are three competing religions, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. We need to think about what the city would look like if one or two of the religions came together and pushed hard at the third one. Or, if just one took total control of the Temple mount and denied all others access. Would the testimony of the true God survive in such conditions?

Verse 9.Those from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not permit their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. 

            Now we have all the nations of the earth referenced, “Those from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations.”  The world communities will look at them for three days, how sick can that be? They just let them lay dead in the streets, prohibiting anyone to give them a proper burial. We see a reference to a tomb, it was the way John would explain being buried in his day because that was their custom.

            This is also the verse folks get hung up on because they say these two witnesses must be men in order to die and be buried. Stop and think for a moment, we’ve already seen many things that symbolize other things, like sea being peoples, and grass being individuals. Isaiah 64:8, But now, O Lord, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter; And all of us are the work of Your hand.

            Why then, couldn’t these two witnesses also be symbolic figures as well? Could a book die, yes it could, if no one reads it, or believes it, then for all practical purposes, it’s dead.  In reverse, if one reads it, the book can come alive in their imagination and live like it says in Proverbs 13:14, The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life.

When a hostile nation takes over other countries, frequently, they will destroy their books of history. If one religion takes control of another country, they will destroy any references to their past religion to convert them toothier own beliefs.

Doesn’t a book like the Bible pose more of a threat than two humans? The Bible has survived time and again, and the words within the pages have brought life to millions.

Verse 10.And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate; and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.

            In our modern world, we have television, satellite, and radio where we see and hear the news from around the world instantly. A celebration of the demise of the two witnesses goes instantly worldwide. Why would these two men of God deaths be celebrated, aren’t there any Christians around that would stand up for them? Wouldn’t they be cheering on men or women who were bringing truth to the world? Don’t they have a Bible telling them to expect these two figures, and wouldn’t that be a sign of the end of days?

Approximately one-third of the world’s religious beliefs are some form of Christianity, add Judaism, and you have a very substantial group of folks that should be familiar with these verses.

How would men of God torment the peoples of the world with their presence? It would be a tough thing to do for just two men, even in the modern world. It would have to be certain doctrines they teach that possibly torments the world as a whole. Consider what the Bible says to those that want to live lifestyles contrary to the words of the Bible, are they tormented, and torn by their lust.

I have personally seen this many times in people’s lives at one level or another. They can be tormented by their past, by their lust, and by their failures. The Bible condemns the world by the threat of spiritual fire, many would love to live a life without the words whispering in their ear and condemning them.

Matthew 12:33-37,  “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. ³⁴ You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. ³⁵ The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. ³⁶ But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. ³⁷ For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

            In a world where we can send ships to other planets and into the darkness of the outer solar system, people don’t feel like God is all that necessary any longer. Science is the king and god while judging men and their conscience.

            Paul noticed groups of peoples in his day that held this very attitude, Romans 1:18-32, For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. ²¹ For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. ²⁴ Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. ²⁵ For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. May it be so. ²⁶ For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, ²⁷ and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. ²⁸ And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, ²⁹ being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, ³⁰ slanderers,haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, ³¹ without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; ³² and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.

            These are the very people that would cheer the demise of God’s people or words. They live under the motto, “if it feels good, do it!” But the last sentence is even a greater burden on those riding the fence. Those that give approval to degenerate peoples, even though they aren’t doing the things they do. Doing nothing is in essence doing something which is approving.

Verse 11.But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on their feet; and great fear fell upon those who were watching them. 

            All of a sudden, these two witnesses come back to life, they are revitalized after 3 and a half days in the presence of all mankind. Once more, we need to ask, why three and a half? It’s a curious figure, especially when Christ was in the tomb for only three days and three nights. Matthew 12:39-40, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; ⁴⁰ for just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

            This is a sign to mankind of who He truly is, does that also mean, the three and a half days is a sign as well? I believe it is a sign of God’s testimony, whether it comes in days, months, or years.

            It says they stood on their feet in the streets of Jerusalem. Every word needs to be parsed for understanding. The feet are very significant with God’s witnesses in the city of God. Exodus 30:19-21, “Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet from it; when they enter the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water, so that they will not die; or when they approach the altar to minister, by offering up in smoke a fire sacrifice to the LORD. “So they shall wash their hands and their feet, so that they will not die; and it shall be a perpetual statute for them, for Aaron and his descendants throughout their generations.”

            The breath of life came back into them; this would be like the world condemning the Bible as false and dead for three and a half days, then all of a sudden, there was proof of its validity, and life is breathed back into its pages.

            To the agonizing exasperations of the wicked in the world, their condemnation reappears in front of them. It comes back to life, and so does their sins. What if it’s the doctrine they fear? What if it’s the doctrine that condemns the day they worship on, what they eat, as well as their social behaviors?

            The reemergence of these two would verify their sins, causing even more fear for those who celebrated their demise.

Verse 12.And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” Then they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies watched them. 

            Then a voice was heard coming from heaven. Whose voice and what heaven? Remember, there is more than one heaven mentioned in the Bible; in fact, there are three heavens. But for the sake of argument, let us presume it’s the heaven where the Father dwells.

            No man can ascend to heaven until the time of the resurrection of the saints. John 3:13, No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man.

            There are no exclusions or exceptions referred to in the scriptures. In fact, the scriptures give us a specific order of assertions in 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. ²¹ For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. ²² For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. ²³ But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, ²⁴ then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. ²⁵ For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. ²⁶ The last enemy that will be abolished is death.

            Christ first, already happened, those that are His bride, they’re next, then the rest of the world, at the end of the millennium. These verses say nothing about anyone else ascending anywhere in between.

            So, one can only conclude one of two things. One, if this is actual men or women, then this must be during the resurrection of the church, the bride. But if that is true, then where are the saints when the world is cheering their deaths?

            Two, this is the word of God, His witnesses in the form of the Bible, the old and new testaments, the old and new covenants. This city is where the word of God is banned, destroyed, and then physically resurrected. The wicked world watches the events unfold in horror. You say, okay, but what about the voice coming from heaven, wouldn’t that change peoples thinking?

            Let me give you this before you settle on an actual voice.

Psalms 19:1-2, The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. ² Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. ³ There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard.

            If you take one literal, should we take the other scripture literally as well? Okay, then what about ascending into the clouds? In Acts 1:6-11, So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷ He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; ⁸ but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” ⁹ And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. ¹⁰ And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. ¹¹ They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

            On the face of this event, it would appear we are speaking of an actual cloud the witnesses ascend into. But is there a metaphorical use of clouds?

Hebrews 12:1, Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

            What cloud is that, isn’t it the cloud of believers, the cloud of the faithful? Where would God call back His word if not to those that hold His words dear to heart?

Verse 13.And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell; seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.

            This is a very localized event, saying a tenth of the city called Jerusalem fell because of an earthquake. As of the year 2019, the population of the city of Jerusalem was 856,700 people.  Jerusalem does sit on a major fault line running along the Jordan down through the dead sea called the “dead sea fault.”. Seismologists have said Israel is long overdue for a major earthquake.

            There are a few places in the Bible where Jerusalem and earthquakes are mentioned together. One is in Zechariah 14:3-5, Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle. ⁴ In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south. ⁵ You will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him!

            Notice the mountain is cleaved into, part going to the north and the other to the south. In the second instance in Revelation 16:18,  And there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder; and there was a great earthquake, such as there had not been since man came to be upon the earth, so great an earthquake was it, and so mighty. ¹⁹ The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell.

            The great city is hotly debated as to either Rome or Jerusalem, so which is one is it? Take your pick, your thoughts are just as relevant as anyone else. As for me, I believe this to be Jerusalem and the reason why is that the city is split into three sections by an earthquake unlike any before. This could be the description of modern-day Jerusalem is divided into three religious factions.

            This split shakes the world of religious beliefs, the Jews holding even one inch of the city sets Islamic believers’ hair on fire. Could this be the earthquake mentioned in this passage we are studying? If Jerusalem’s population is almost 900,000 and only 7,000 are killed, that’s not quite ten percent, it isn’t even one percent.

            The rest of the population in a city equated with Sodom sees 7000 killed by an earthquake, and then the rest all of a sudden give glory to God? There have been many earthquakes throughout history where thousands have died if not hundreds of thousands died.  Here are just a few examples.

830,000	Shaanxi earthquake	Ming dynasty (now China)	January 23, 1556
2.	316,000	2010 Haiti earthquake	Haiti	January 12, 2010
3.	242,769–655,000	1976 Tangshan earthquake	China	July 28, 1976
4.	273,400	1920 Haiyuan earthquake	Ningxia, Republic of China (now China)	December 16, 1920
5.	250,000–300,000	526 Antioch earthquake	Byzantine Empire (now Turkey)	May 526
6.	260,000	115 Antioch earthquake	Roman Empire (now Turkey)	December 13, 115
7.	230,000	1138 Aleppo earthquake	Zengid dynasty (now Syria)	October 11, 1138
8.	227,898	2004 Indian Ocean earthquake	Indonesia	December 26, 2004

What is so different about this particular earthquake one would naturally ask? The Bible is all about religion, and His people, so taking the next logical step in thinking. Is this earthquake religious-based in symbolism?

Verse 14.The second woe is past; behold, the third woe is coming quickly.

            This was the 2^nd woe, why three wows in the middle of the 6 trumpets? It’s not the final trumpet, that won’t be blown until the return of the Messiah. This isn’t the first time we see woes mentioned in scripture, look at these verses in Isaiah 5:8–30, Woe to those who add house to house and join field to field, Until there is no more room, So that you have to live alone in the midst of the land!
⁹ In my ears the Lord of hosts has sworn, “Surely, many houses shall become desolate, Even great and fine ones, without occupants. ¹⁰ “For ten acres of vineyard will yield only one bath of wine,And a homer of seed will yield but an ephah of grain.”¹¹ Woe to those who rise early in the morning that they may pursue strong drink, Who stay up late in the evening that wine may inflame them!
¹² Their banquets are accompanied by lyre and harp, by tambourine and flute, and by wine; But they do not pay attention to the deeds of the Lord, Nor do they consider the work of His hands. ¹³ Therefore My people go into exile for their lack of knowledge; And their honorable men are famished, And their multitude is parched with thirst. ¹⁴ Therefore Sheol has enlarged its throat and opened its mouth without measure; And Jerusalem’s splendor, her multitude, her din of revelry and the jubilant within her, descend into it. ¹⁵ So the common man will be humbled and the man of importance abased, The eyes of the proud also will be abased. ¹⁶ But the Lord of hosts will be exalted in judgment, And the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness. ¹⁷ Then the lambs will graze as in their pasture, And strangers will eat in the waste places of the wealthy.

 ¹⁸ Woe to those who drag iniquity with the cords of  falsehood, And sin as if with cart ropes; ¹⁹ Who say, “Let Him make speed, let Him hasten His work, that we may see it; And let the purpose of the Holy One of Israel draw near And come to pass, that we may know it!”
²⁰ Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!
²¹ Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes And clever in their own sight!
²² Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine And valiant men in mixing strong drink, ²³ Who justify the wicked for a bribe, And take away the rights of the ones who are in the right! ²⁴ Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes stubble And dry grass collapses into the flame, So their root will become like rot and their blossom blow away as dust; For they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts And despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. ²⁵ On this account the anger of the Lord has burned against His people, And He has stretched out His hand against them and struck them down. And the mountains quaked, and their corpseslay like refuse in the middle of the streets. For all this His anger is not spent, But His hand is still stretched out.

²⁶ He will also lift up a standard to the distant nation, And will whistle for it from the ends of the earth; And behold, it will come with speed swiftly. ²⁷ No one in it is weary or stumbles, None slumbers or sleeps; Nor is the belt at its waist undone,
Nor its sandal strap broken.²⁸ Its arrows are sharp and all its bows are bent;
The hoofs of its horses seem like flint and its chariot wheels like a whirlwind.
²⁹ Its roaring is like a lioness, and it roars like young lions;
It growls as it seizes the prey And carries it off with no one to deliver it.
³⁰ And it will growl over it in that day like the roaring of the sea. If one looks to the land, behold, there is darkness and distress; Even the light is darkened by its clouds.

            Are these the same woes mentioned in revelation? I can’t say for absolute sure, but the verses sure exceptionally enhance one another.

We see that in the very next verse. But wait, why would we think the two witnesses would ascend to heaven before the last trumpet is blown, that’s just doesn’t make any sense at all. Remember the order in 1 Corinthians 15:20 Christ first, then the bride or church, then the rest of the world. Nothing or anyone in between is stated in scriptures. Before the 7^th trumpet, it is either happening in the past, present, or future, but not before the sound of the 7^th trumpet.

Verse 15.Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” 

            The return of the savior is signaled in by the sound of this very important trumpet. While still unveiling the seals there has been a heavenly indictment of satan and man documented before the Father and the court in heaven. It culminates with the 7^th trumpet and the Messiah taking His rightful place in the kingdom.

1 Timothy 6;13-16,  I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, ¹⁴ that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶ who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion!

Verse 15 is a direct reference to the time the Messiah will rule the earth in a very personal manner. He doesn’t do that prior to His return, he is the rightful ruler, but hasn’t thrown down Satan nor took scepter in hand. 

In Isaiah 9:6-7,  For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.

 Verse 16.And the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 

            It’s as if John looks up in a break from the reading of the scrolls in chapters four and five, and there breaks out acclamations from the chamber of the heavenly host, including the twenty-four elders.

Verse 17.saying,“We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. 

            We’ve seen how we got from the creation to the Messiah ascending to His rightful throne. Now the court of the almighty God and Father is rightfully thankful for the successful completion of the Messiah’s plan. The bride or church, including the twenty-four elders, are grateful to the Messiah for many things, but I believe Paul put it best.

1 Timothy 1:12-17, I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, ¹³ even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; ¹⁴ and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. ¹⁶ Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. ¹⁷ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.

            Because of the Messiah and His sacrifice, we now can be assured of eternal life and a place of prominence in the kingdom of the Father and Son.

            Who you were and who you are, is a reference to the Messiahs as an eternal being before He shed His glory to become a mere man. It is the same thought as the verse we can read in Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. He never changes, no matter where he is and was in His existence. His laws, commands and love is the same for His church.

Malachi 3:6, “For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

Verse 18.And the nations were enraged, and Your wrath came, and the time came for the dead to be judged, and the time to reward Your bond-servants the prophets and the saints and those who fear Your name, the small and the great, and to destroy those who destroy the earth.”

            This is a recap in a very concise manner and reference to the great white throne judgment spoken of in Revelation 20:11-13,  Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. ¹² And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. ¹³ And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds.

            It seems the court of God in heaven has given a partial accounting to what has happened. But as we will see further on, there is more that will bringt all this to fulfillment.

Verse 19.And the temple of God which is in heaven was opened; and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple, and there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder and an earthquake and a great hailstorm.

            We began this chapter with John being told to go and measure the Temple, and now, in the end, we are back to the Temple. It’s as if the happenings in this chapter are put within quotes referencing to what is to come. Also, remember we have one more woe to see.

            The ark of the covenant, also known as the Ark of the Testimony, or the Ark of God, was described in the Book of Exodus as a gold-covered wooden chest with lid cover containing the two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. According to the Bible, it also contained Aaron’s rod and a pot of manna taken from a time when Israel was miraculously fed by God. In the Christian New Testament, Hebrews 9:3-5, writes, ³ Behind the second veil there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies, ⁴ having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant; ⁵ and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

In 587 BC, the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and Solomon’s Temple. No one recorded as to what became of the Ark. Some have suggested the Babylonians took away the Ark along with the rest of the vessels of the temple.

            Some have suggested the ark is a communication device created by the Messiah to communicate to Israel. It would appear it was used as such in the past. Many prayed at its base for instructions from the Messiah. One such person was King Hezekiah, 2 Kings 19:14 & 15, Then Hezekiah took the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it, and he went up to the house of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. ¹⁵ Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said, “O Lord, the God of Israel, who are enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth.

It’s also considered the throne of God as represented here on earth, Jeremiah 3:15–18 ESV,  And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding. ¹⁶ And when you have multiplied and been fruitful in the land, in those days, declares the Lord, they shall no more say, “The ark of the covenant of the Lord.” It shall not come to mind or be remembered or missed; it shall not be made again. ¹⁷ At that time Jerusalem shall be called the throne of the Lord, and all nations shall gather to it, to the presence of the Lord in Jerusalem, and they shall no more stubbornly follow their own evil heart. ¹⁸ In those days the house of Judah shall join the house of Israel, and together they shall come from the land of the north to the land that I gave your fathers for a heritage.

One text called the “Treatise of the Vessels” says that the ark “shall not be revealed until the day of the coming of the Messiah, son of David.” While the Book of Revelation claims that the ark will be seen again in the new temple of God at the end times. There is much dispute as to when that temple will be built, some believe the Messiah won’t return until it’s an actual structure here on earth. Indeed one might come to that conclusion when you read Matthew 24:15, “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), ¹⁶ then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.

But the physical ark was a shadow of the one in heaven, look at these verses. Hebrews 8:1-6  Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, ² a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. ³ For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. ⁴ Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; ⁵ who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “See,” He says, “that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.” ⁶ But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.

If this is a physical temple where the ark will reside in the future, and the abomination of desolation occurs, then it will need to be built as God prescribes, and the world will take notice of such an event.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Twelve

We are now going to perform a much deeper into the 7^th trumpet as we continue unwrapping the seventh seal. We finished chapter eleven with a summation of what has already occurred from the dawn of man’s existence.

The one who was, and is to come, cementing the Messiah’s rightful place over the earth, and then reads a recounting of history. The chapter displays chaotic wrath of man and national anger at God’s two witnesses, where they’re viewed as something to be reviled. The entire narrative culminates in the heavens’ door being opened with an incredible display of God’s power is on display. We also saw the judgment of the dead, particularly the saints, occurring.

John is witness to the fulfillment of promises from the Old Testament rewards to those that have sacrificed everything and kept the Messiah’s words. Destruction is promised to those who haven’t kept God’s word and will be faced with the two witnesses coming to life before their very eyes.

The last verse moves us back to the temple of God, where something powerful and significant is occurring. There is thundering and lighting, and the ark is visible for the first time in thousands of years. The presence of the Eternal is about to be made known, let’s read.

The Woman, Israel

Verse 1. A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars;

            It all begins with a great sign in heaven of a mysterious woman. Let’s ask the most basic questions about this verse. How does a sign appear in heaven? Does some angle nail a parchment to a tree, or is there a giant TV screen displaying a message? I’m not trying to be disrespectful, I would simply like to know.

Strongs Greek concordance explanation of this word is, “4592. Semeion say-mi’-on neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of 4591; an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally:– a miracle, sign, token, wonder.”

            I understand the explanation, but this still doesn’t help me understand how a sign occurs in heaven.

Christ gave a sign of Himself by illustration, Matthew 12:38-40,  Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” ³⁹ But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; ⁴⁰ for just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

            The very odd thing about this sign, the world doesn’t believe it. We can read in Romans 4:11, where circumcision is a sign, and in Exodus 31:12, where the Sabbath is a sign.

Exodus 31:12,  The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ¹³ “But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you.

            This sign is rejected by the world as well; so, will the sign be accepted in the end? To answer, we first need to know who gave the sign, and its purpose? Other versions use the word, “wonder,” which I believe to be a better explanation. The rest of the first verse may hold additional clues to its meaning.

It’s a sign or wonder concerning a woman and not just any woman. This woman is extraordinary because she is pregnant with a child, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

In Genesis 37:5-11,Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more. ⁶ He said to them, “Please listen to this dream which I have had; ⁷ for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and lo, my sheaf rose up and also stood erect; and behold, your sheaves gathered around and bowed down to my sheaf.” ⁸ Then his brothers said to him, “Are you actually going to reign over us? Or are you really going to rule over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words.⁹ Now he had still another dream, and related it to his brothers, and said, “Lo, I have had still another dream; and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” ¹⁰ He related it to his father and to his brothers; and his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have had? Shall I and your mother and your brothers actually come to bow ourselves down before you to the ground?” ¹¹ His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the saying in mind.

In these verses, Jacob, without a doubt, understood that he was the sun, his wife was the moon, and his twelve children were the stars. This is the very core of the nation of Israel.

            Most theologians today believe this to be some form of God’s church, and this woman is the Virgin Mary, others think it’s something else, including myself.

            Look at what Daniel says about the brightness of God, Daniel 7:9 & 10, “I kept looking Until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat;
His vesture was like white snow And the hair of His head like pure wool.
His throne was ablaze with flames, Its wheels were a burning fire. ¹⁰ “A river of fire was flowing And coming out from before Him; Thousands upon thousands were attending Him, And myriads upon myriads were standing before Him;
The court sat, And the books were opened.

            The Messiah’s countenance was so intense, Moses’ face glowed as a result of looking upon the creators’ hindquarters. In the future city of God, there is no need for day and night because the Father and Son’s glory illuminates the entire city.

Revelation 21:22-23,  I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. ²³ And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.

            But, this is a woman clothed in the brightness of the sun, not Jesus or the father.This makes me wonder if the righteous acts of the saint, their white robes, would be equally bright?  These are assuredly metaphors for something else, but are they pagan symbolism? God made the sun and moon, they are His symbols, yes man has perverted them into something different, but they are God’s creation.

Genesis 1:16 ESV, And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars.

            Could this mean the woman is the purpose of creation, she has all the symbolism. Clothed in the glory of God, all things under her subjection and the twelve are the numbers of her identity. There were 12 children of Israel, giving Israel her identity and a sign of completion.

Verse 2. and she was with child; and she *cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth.

            This exceptional woman gives birth to a very special child, it’s not until the fifth verse until we discover it is a male child. Interestingly enough, some scriptures foresaw the birth of an extraordinary male child from an exceptional woman.

Isaiah 26:17-18,  As the pregnant woman approaches the time to give birth, She writhes and cries out in her labor pains, Thus were we before You, O Lord.
¹⁸ We were pregnant, we writhed in labor, We gave birth, as it seems, only to wind.
We could not accomplish deliverance for the earth, Nor were inhabitants of the world born.

Micah 4:9-10, “Now, why do you cry out loudly? Is there no king among you,
Or has your counselor perished, That agony has gripped you like a woman in childbirth? ¹⁰ “Writhe and labor to give birth, Daughter of Zion, Like a woman in childbirth; For now you will go out of the city, Dwell in the field, And go to Babylon. There you will be rescued; There the Lord will redeem you
From the hand of your enemies.

            It’s my assertion as a result of these verses we can make the determination this woman is the symbolic nation of Israel. The child is the promised Messiah, who was to come. Are we now looking further back in history to the birth of the Messiah in the 7^th seal? One could wonder why John was shown this vision when the Messiah had already been found worthy?  There is a perfect reason when you accept this is a historical look at events leading up to the judgment of the Messiah over the nations.

The Red Dragon, Satan

Verse 3.Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. 

            Another sign from heaven, the same questions as before, what constitutes a sign? Is this a warning, or is it something that calls solicits our attention? Better yet, is this sign telling us something similar to the first sign, but different? Are we seeing a second conception of a different religious system other than the one created by God? Both systems curiously enough are clothed in the sun, one is the rightful creator of the Messiah, the son of God. The second system is the creation of a figure identified as the dragon whose system of worship is based upon the veneration of the sun.

The red dragon of ancient days oversaw the sacrifice of humans and, worse, infants. The pagan gods of old were vicious and vile, but they were also political in nature. The most common thread with most major deities, they were mostly gods of the celestial body we call the Sun. There are extraordinary references of this red dragon having seven heads. I wondered how a mythical beast could have 7 heads, and I concluded these could be seven major sun deities or 7 religions based upon sun worship.

Another particular reference is the 10 horns, can these be ten ruling nations where the seven sun deities serve as co-rulers?  Maybe it’s the other way around, but it’s clear they work in concert together. Most commentaries say the ten horns signify as many kingdoms which is evident from the seventh chapter of Daniel, where the angel, speaking of the fourth beast, says, that “the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise;”

Daniel 7:23-26, “Thus he said: ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it. ²⁴ As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings. ²⁵ He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time,  times, and half a time. ²⁶ But the court will sit for judgment, and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed forever.

Perhaps the ten horns are ten eras where the seven diadems were the chief rulers of during those times. There are several ways to look at these verses, but what is evident they are a satanic system of government. If it isn’t clear in this verse for some, it’s made very clear in the next one.

First, let’s look at the word “diadem” in the Greek concordance 1238, a “diadem” (as bound about the head):–crown.  These are kings or heads of states that fall under the rule of the red dragon. Is this Satan’s kingdom on earth we are reading about? Look at these verses, Luke 4:5-8, And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. ⁶ And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. ⁷ Therefore if You worship before me, it shall all be Yours.” ⁸ Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”

Matthew 12:25-29, And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, “Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand. ²⁶ If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? ²⁷ If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? For this reason they will be your judges. ²⁸ But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. ²⁹ Or how can anyone enter the strong man’s house and carry off his property, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.

It would appear Satan does indeed have an earthly kingdom, one the Messiah didn’t dispute. He is also called the god of this age in 2 Corinthians 4:4, The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God).

            Furthermore, he has a demonic contingent of his kingdom as we just read is highlighted in the next verse.

Verse 4. And his tail *swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.

            His tail swept away a third of the stars in heaven and was thrown to the earth. Now we can guess what these stars are, or we can see where else in the Bible a similar event is mentioned. That particular place will come from the most reliable witness of all times, the Messiah. His description of Satan’s fall to earth can be found in Luke 10:18-20, And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. ¹⁹ Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. ²⁰ Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

            This is the makeup of Satan’s rule: the army he has gathered together to do battle with the Messiah and His bride. He is bent on stopping the truth from coming into the light. He is doing this so he can emerge as the ruler of all mankind.

Isaiah 17:9-17, “Sheol from beneath is excited over you to meet you when you come; It arouses for you the spirits of the dead, all the leaders of the earth; It raises all the kings of the nations from their thrones. ¹⁰ “They will all respond and say to you, ‘Even you have been made weak as we, You have become like us.
¹¹ ‘Your pomp and the music of your harps Have been brought down to Sheol;
Maggots are spread out as your bed beneath you  And worms are your covering.’
¹² “How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn!
You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations!
¹³ “But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north. ¹⁴ ‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ ¹⁵ “Nevertheless you will be thrust down to Sheol, To the recesses of the pit. ¹⁶ “Those who see you will gaze at you,

They will ponder over you, saying, ‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble,
Who shook kingdoms, ¹⁷ Who made the world like a wilderness And overthrew its cities,

This powerful system is suddenly arrayed against the first extraordinary woman who was about to give birth. Satan’s system would completely destroy this woman if allowed. So, who is this woman mentioned in these verses? She isn’t given a name, only that she is pregnant with a child. Earlier, I made the assertion this woman was the nation of Israel. Is this the nation of Israel we are reading about, look at these scriptures and decide for yourselves. This is God commenting on Israel in Ezekiel 16:1-43, Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ² “Son of man, make known to Jerusalem her abominations ³ and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God to Jerusalem, “Your origin and your birth are from the land of the Canaanite, your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. ⁴ As for your birth, on the day you were born your navel cord was not cut, nor were you washed with water for cleansing; you were not rubbed with salt or even wrapped in cloths. ⁵ No eye looked with pity on you to do any of these things for you, to have compassion on you. Rather you were thrown out into the open field,  for you were abhorred on the day you were born.

⁶ “When I passed by you and saw you squirming in your blood, I said to you while you were in your blood, ‘Live!’ Yes, I said to you while you were in your blood, ‘Live!’ ⁷ I made you numerous like plants of the field. Then you grew up, became tall and reached the age for fine ornaments; your breasts were formed and your hair had grown. Yet you were naked and bare.

⁸ “Then I passed by you and saw you, and behold,  you were at the time for love; so I spread My skirt over you and covered your nakedness. I also swore to you and entered into a covenant with you so that you became Mine,” declares the Lord God. ⁹ “Then I bathed you with water, washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil. ¹⁰ I also clothed you with embroidered cloth and put sandals of porpoise skin on your feet; and I wrapped you with fine linen and covered you with silk. ¹¹ I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck. ¹² I also put a ring in your nostril, earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. ¹³ Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your dress was of fine linen, silk and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey and oil; so you were exceedingly beautiful and advanced to royalty. ¹⁴ Then your fame went forth among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect because of My splendor which I bestowed on you,” declares the Lord God.

¹⁵ “But you trusted in your beauty and played the harlot because of your fame, and you poured out your harlotries on every passer-by who might be willing. ¹⁶ You took some of your clothes, made for yourself high places of various colors and played the harlot on them, which should never come about nor happen. ¹⁷ You also took your beautiful jewels made of My gold and of My silver, which I had given you, and made for yourself male images that you might play the harlot with them. ¹⁸ Then you took your embroidered cloth and covered them, and offered My oil and My incense before them. ¹⁹ Also My bread which I gave you, fine flour, oil and honey with which I fed you, you would offer before them for a soothing aroma; so it happened,” declares the Lord God. ²⁰ “Moreover, you took your sons and daughters whom you had borne to Me and sacrificed them to idols to be devoured. Were your harlotries so small a matter? ²¹ You slaughtered My children and offered them up to idols by causing them to pass through the fire. ²² Besides all your abominations and harlotries you did not remember the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare and squirming in your blood. ²³ “Then it came about after all your wickedness (‘Woe, woe to you!’ declares the Lord God), ²⁴ that you built yourself a shrine and made yourself a high place in every square. ²⁵ You built yourself a high place at the top of every street and made your beauty abominable, and you spread your legs to every passer-by to multiply your harlotry. ²⁶ You also played the harlot with the Egyptians, your lustful neighbors, and multiplied your harlotry to make Me angry. ²⁷ Behold now, I have stretched out My hand against you and diminished your rations. And I delivered you up to the desire of those who hate you, the daughters of the Philistines, who are ashamed of your lewd conduct. ²⁸ Moreover, you played the harlot with the Assyrians because you were not satisfied; you played the harlot with them and still were not satisfied. ²⁹ You also multiplied your harlotry with the land of merchants, Chaldea, yet even with this you were not satisfied.”’ ³⁰ “How languishing is your heart,” declares the Lord God, “while you do all these things, the actions of a bold-faced harlot. ³¹ When you built your shrine at the beginning of every street and made your high place in every square, in disdaining money, you were not like a harlot. ³² You adulteress wife, who takes strangers instead of her husband! ³³ Men give gifts to all harlots, but you give your gifts to all your lovers to bribe them to come to you from every direction for your harlotries. ³⁴ Thus you are different from those women in your harlotries, in that no one plays the harlot as you do, because you give money and no money is given you; thus you are different.”

³⁵ Therefore, O harlot, hear the word of the Lord. ³⁶ Thus says the Lord God, “Because your lewdness was poured out and your nakedness uncovered through your harlotries with your lovers and with all your detestable idols, and because of the blood of your sons which you gave to idols, ³⁷ therefore, behold, I will gather all your lovers with whom you took pleasure, even all those whom you loved and all those whom you hated. So I will gather them against you from every direction and expose your nakedness to them that they may see all your nakedness. ³⁸ Thus I will judge you like women who commit adultery or shed blood are judged; and I will bring on you the blood of wrath and jealousy. ³⁹ I will also give you into the hands of your lovers, and they will tear down your shrines, demolish your high places, strip you of your clothing, take away your jewels, and will leave you naked and bare. ⁴⁰ They will incite a crowd against you and they will stone you and cut you to pieces with their swords. ⁴¹ They will burn your houses with fire and execute judgments on you in the sight of many women. Then I will stop you from playing the harlot, and you will also no longer pay your lovers. ⁴² So I will calm My fury against you and My jealousy will depart from you, and I will be pacified and angry no more. ⁴³ Because you have not remembered the days of your youth but have enraged Me by all these things, behold, I in turn will bring your conduct down on your own head,” declares the Lord God, “so that you will not commit this lewdness on top of all your other abominations.

            Jumping ahead several verses to the end, we see this promise made by God to the woman (Israel).

            Ezekiel 16:60-63,  “Nevertheless, I will remember My covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. ⁶¹ Then you will remember your ways and be ashamed when you receive your sisters, both your older and your younger; and I will give them to you as daughters, but not because of your covenant. ⁶² Thus I will establish My covenant with you, and you shall know that I am the Lord, ⁶³ so that you may remember and be ashamed and never open your mouth anymore because of your humiliation, when I have forgiven you for all that you have done,” the Lord God declares.

            God will accomplish this only after the resurrection of His holy peoples because we also see in Jeremiah 3:6-12, Then the Lord said to me in the days of Josiah the king, “Have you seen what faithless Israel did? She went up on every high hill and under every green tree, and she was a harlot there. ⁷ I thought, ‘After she has done all these things she will return to Me’; but she did not return, and her treacherous sister Judah saw it. ⁸ And I saw that for all the adulteries of faithless Israel, I had sent her away and given her a writ of divorce, yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear; but she went and was a harlot also. ⁹ Because of the lightness of her harlotry, she polluted the land and committed adultery with stones and trees. ¹⁰ Yet in spite of all this her treacherous sister Judah did not return to Me with all her heart, but rather in deception,” declares the Lord.

¹¹ And the Lord said to me, “Faithless Israel has proved herself more righteous than treacherous Judah. ¹² Go and proclaim these words toward the north and say,

‘Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord; ‘I will not look upon you in anger. For I am gracious,’ declares the Lord; ‘I will not be angry forever.

            I believe we can firmly establish this mysterious woman is Israel. You may disagree, but that’s your prerogative. But, for the sake of argument, let’s say I’m right for the time being. The next logical question would be, why would the red dragon want to devour the child? What purpose would consuming this woman’s child serve? Do political or religious systems get hungry?

Not physically, but Satan is hungry for the destruction of God’s people, Peter warned the brethren about this very thing, 1Peter 5:8, Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ⁹ But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 

            By metaphorically devouring the child, it becomes a part of the system that nourishes its own body. What have worldly religions attempted to do with the story of the birth of the Messiah? I know most people would think that’s a silly question, but it isn’t silly at all, it goes right to the issue.

            Satan’s systems have counterfeited everything Jesus, His doctrine, His church, His ministers, even Himself in the place of the real savior.

Satan has devoured the real Messiah and his message of salvation to hide what he is doing.

            The destruction of the Messiah went so far as to see the real physical child dead before He ever got started with His message.

            Matthew 2:16, Then when Herod saw that he had been tricked by the magi, he became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and all its vicinity, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the magi.

            So, this woman and child could be symbolic or physical, is my guess, or,  it’s both.

Verse 5. And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up to God and to His throne.

            So the woman gave birth to the child. Anyone even remotely familiar with the Bible would recognize the significance of the woman and child. But, I believe this to be a reference to Israel giving birth to the promised Messiah.

Isaiah 7:14-16, Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. ¹⁵ He will eat curds and honey at the time He knows enough to refuse evil and choose good. ¹⁶ For before the boy will know enough to refuse evil and choose good, the land whose two kings you dread will be forsaken.

            I understand the reference is on Mary in this prophecy, but the second part is more about the nation of Israel

Isaiah 9:6-7, For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.

            The Messiah (the child) was eventually caught up to God and His throne. We know that because we are told as much. In Revelation 3:21, He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Verse 6.Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she *had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

            The woman (Israel) fleeing into the wilderness to avoid destruction by political empires would be my assumption. The nation of Israel has dispersed to every corner of the world, by the government of ancient Rome. Also, by a religious system that existed then and is alive and well today. It kept the secrets of God’s truths mostly buried until just under a century ago.

            The point is, physical Israel wasn’t a nation again until 1947, they were scattered peoples until then, they were homeless, they were a nation without borders until very recent history.

As I have noted in prior verses about the three and a half, or time, times and half a times, and 1260 days, these are references to a blocked out section of time God uses to fulfill His will. We shouldn’t get wrapped up in literal time. There are hundreds if not thousands of men and women with their heads down buried in books looking for links to these numbers. They have been doing this since the words first appeared, looking for this nation or person that will fit perfectly. Yes, there are places where they vaguely fit, but not completely at the same time.

My point is this, while you desperately seek a resolution to these days, that no one else has found by the way, you could be missing the bigger picture.

Verse 7. And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war, 

            When was this war, and what heaven? Was it before, man, my guess it was because Satan was in the garden of Eden right after Adam and Eve were created? So, what was the war over, and what would a heavenly war look like? We saw earlier where Jesus said He saw Satan fall from the sky in Luke 10. Was it a battle that occurred because Satan wanted to usurp the throne of God the Father, as we also saw in Isaiah 17.

            Or, was it just pure arrogance on the part of Satan that caused the battle? Look at this discretion of Satan in Ezekiel 28:13-17, On the day that you were created They were prepared. ¹⁴ “You were the anointed cherub who covers, And I placed you there. You were on the holy mountain of God;You walked in the midst of the stones of fire. ¹⁵ “You were blameless in your ways From the day you were created Until unrighteousness was found in you. ¹⁶ “By the abundance of your trade You were internally filled with violence, And you sinned; Therefore I have cast you as profane From the mountain of God. And I have destroyed you, O covering cherub, From the midst of the stones of fire. ¹⁷ “Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom by reason of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I put you before kings, That they may see you.

            God removed this creature because he was corrupted; by doing this, did it spark a conflict with those that followed him?

Verse 8. and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven.

One-third of the angels are doing battle with the other two thirds who are loyal to God; only Satan’s arrogance could allow him to believe he could win against the host of heaven.

            It’s like the encounter with Daniel when he made supplications to the throne of God. Daniel 10:12-14, Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. ¹³ But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. ¹⁴ Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.”

            It’s a 2 to 1 match up that allows God to easily succeed over evil. Sometimes we don’t see the desired outcome of our prayers offered to God, and perhaps because there is a battle ongoing in heaven and God’s people are unknowingly caught in the middle. Just as Daniel was forced to wait 21 days before he received an answer because additional forces were needed to break through the battle lines to deliver the message. The lesson is, stay faithful and true, God will answer, but it could be a while before the messenger arrives.

Verse 9. And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. 

            We are recapping the same scenario about Satan’s fall in these verses. Satan is decisively cast down from heaven to earth. He is here and has been here on earth, influencing mankind. He is also counterfeiting the Messiah, and he is doing a darn good job deceiving the world with his version. I often ask folks who claim their church is the true church of God mentioned in the scriptures, are you deceived? Of course, they’ll say, “NO!” But this verse says Satan deceives the whole world, so who isn’t deceived? Are the catholic’s not deceived? How about the Protestants or, better yet, the Jews? How about scientists, Buddhism, Islam, Environmentalist, you name it, are they not deceived? Any religion or system you can name, ask yourself, are they deceived?

            I hear folks say it doesn’t matter what you call your religion or your god, we are all god’s children. Does that mean all od god’s children are deceived, the scriptures assuredly say they are?

It not only says the world is deceived in this verse, but it says they worship him in the next chapter of revelation. I’ll wait to comment when we get there, I don’t want to spoil any surprises. But, the word world used here is interesting, because God’s people are told to come out of the world. Jeremiah 51:45, “Come forth from her midst, My people, And each of you save yourselves From the fierce anger of the LORD.

Revelation 18:4, And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, that you may not participate in her sins and that you may not receive of her plagues;

            The whole WORLD is deceived, but not God’s people, they are far and few between around the world. They are in the world, but the world is clueless as to who they are. The messiah said as much in John 1:16, “These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. ² They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. ³ These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me.

            How can your religion be right if you don’t understand what God’s will is? You may believe you know, but are your beliefs matching with what the bible teaches?

Verse 10.Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night. 

            I think we’ll start from the last line of this verse, beginning with who the accuser is. We see in Zechariah 3:1, Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. ² The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! Indeed, the Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” 

            The accuser will be thrown down, unable to stand against the brethren any longer. Before this happens, we see salvation comes to the brethren.

Isaiah 62:11, Behold, the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the earth, Say to the daughter of Zion, “Lo, your salvation comes; Behold His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him.”

            It will come to Israel, and it will come to all that worship and obey the true God. He will make no distinction between Jew or gentile in His kingdom. It even says specifically in Romans 11:11, I say then, they did not stumble so as to fall, did they? May it never be! But by their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous.

            Now we get to use the very famous quote seen on so many bumpers throughout the United States and around the world. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

So through the process of self-sacrifice, the brethren have attained salvation. But, how many in the world really believe in the real Messiah? Most Christians don’t accept the sign He gave about Himself, and they don’t accept His commandments. You know the ones. It’s the ones where He says if you keep them, they are a show of your love towards Him.

John 14:15,   If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

            Let’s move on to the loud voice coming from heaven. This isn’t the first time weave heard a loud voice coming from heaven. Matthew 17:5, While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!”

Also when Jesus was baptized there came a voice from heaven

Matthew 3:17, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”

Is this what we are reading? Just an acknowledgment from the Father to His son. Or, could this be a different time with a different voice?

1 Thessalonians 4:16, For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

            Salvation has come, and the voice of God rings out like a lion’s roar.  Joel 3:16, The Lord roars from Zion And utters His voice from Jerusalem, And the heavens and the earth tremble. But the Lord is a refuge for His people And a stronghold to the sons of Israel.

            What a time to be alive, to see and hear the mighty voice of our savior ring out across the heavens. Demons will tremble, Satan will shutter and melt into nothing at this sound, and we wait patiently to hear his voice.

Verse 11. And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death. 

They overcame Satan, the world, and those things in the world that blinds men and women from the truth. In the first two chapters of Revelation, we saw seven churches of God told to overcome.

            If they could manage to overcome the churches, (bride of the Messiah) was promised certain things.

1. I will grant to eat of the tree of life
2. A crown of life.
3. Not be hurt by the second death
4. Receive hidden manna
5. A white stone
6. A new name
7. Authority over the Nations
8. Give him the morning star
9. Clothed in white
10. Become a pillar in God’s kingdom
11. Not suffer the second death
12. Wear the new name of God and city
13. Sit with Him on His throne

The sacrifice of the Lamb’s blood made all this possible, and God’s holy people recognize where their salvation comes from.

            It’s important to note that the same personage that asked His disciples to overcome did precisely what he asked of them. Satan and his system are the barriers that have to be overcome for Him and His holy people.

John 16:33, These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

The saints testify without pause to every word of truth. Remembering the fire that was evident within us when we first heard the true words of God. There is an earnest desire to show everyone these truths we once discovered….this is what this verse brings to mind. God’s word today is testified over in radio, TV, video, podcast, by cable antenna, and satellite.

            The word spreads like a slow-burning wildfire engulfing one here and one there until the time is complete, and the Father sends forth His son to retrieve His holy bride.

            The dispensation of the truth has been happening throughout time, even in the face of death.  1 John 1:1-4, What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— ² and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us— ³ what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. ⁴ These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.

To those that believe they are in God’s true church, let me ask you this, when were you ever persecuted for what you believe? Yes, you felt uncomfortable at times, but when did they throw you in prison, call you vile names, and look at you as if you were crazy?

            Luke 21:12-19, “But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons,  bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. ¹³ It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony. ¹⁴ So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; ¹⁵ for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute. ¹⁶ But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, ¹⁷ and you will be hated by all because of My name. ¹⁸ Yet not a hair of your head will perish. ¹⁹ By your endurance you will gain your lives.

            Have you suffered any of these things? Has your family ostracised you for stopping the observance of secular holidays? Or because you change your diet comforting to Biblical standards. What has your testimony about your beliefs done for you or against you?

Verse 12. For this reason, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.”

            Those who dwell in the heavens, who is this? Let’s start with the following scriptures, 2 Peter 3:13, But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

            Is this verse referring only to the Father, Son, and angelic beings, or is this also a reference to the future where the new creation occupies the New city of God.

Psalms 96:11-13,  Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice;
Let the sea roar, and all it contains; ¹² Let the field exult, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy ¹³ Before the Lord, for He is coming, For He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness
And the peoples in His faithfulness.

The second comment in these verses, “Woe to the earth and sea.” Ask yourself,  what did these two physical earthly places ever do to God? How can His creation offend Him, other than mankind? They can’t, so this must be something else. Is this a symbolic reference to pagan god’s man created for himself? Let’s remind ourselves once more about the second commandment. Exodus 20:4-6, “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. ⁵ You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, ⁶ but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

            This would fit when you also add the third part of the verse to the comments, “The devil has come down to you.” The devil is the pagan deities God’s people are warned not to worship. Every idol, every sun god, and religious system, other than the true God’s.

            Satan has great wrath within himself because he knows his time is short. He is given only a short amount of time to do his worst, to persuade the world he is the best version of god. God uses Satan’s deceptions to His favor, he uses Satan’s deceit to blind the world.

            Can God use Satan to further His purpose on earth? Well, yes, he can, and we have a scriptural example of this. Job 1:6-12,  Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. ⁷ The Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” ⁸ The Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man,  fearing God and turning away from evil.” ⁹ Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? ¹⁰ Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. ¹¹ But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.” ¹² Then the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord.

            God tested Job by the hand of Satan, does He also do the same to us?           2 Corinthians 11:3 ESV But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. Let’s not let Satan deceive us and blind us from God’s truth.

Verse 13. And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. 

Once more, a reference to Satan persecuting the church, the bride. Why the repetition? Why does John keep saying the same thing over and over? Maybe God is trying to make a critical point, like using the term, time, times, and a half to signify a set period we should pay attention to. He wants us to pay special attention to this and become aware of the ongoing threat to His holy people.

Verse 14. But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she *was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 

Two wings of the great eagle, could this be something like the two major political parties of the American government? Others see it as the two empires of ancient Rome, east and west these verses are referring to. Perhaps, but if the woman is Israel, then why would Rome give her anything?

In Exodus 19:3-12, Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel: ⁴ ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself. ⁵ Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; ⁶ and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.

God had used the symbolism of an eagle to show Israel how He had brought them out of Egypt. He protected them like a mother eagle protects her young. We also can see that same symbolism in Deuteronomy 32:9-12, For the Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the allotment of His inheritance. ¹⁰ “He found him in a desert land, And in the howling waste of a wilderness; He encircled him, He cared for him, He guarded him as the pupil of His eye. ¹¹ “Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, That hovers over its young, He spread His wings and caught them, He carried them on His pinions. ¹² “The Lord alone guided him, And there was no foreign god with him.

            Whatever the meaning, it becomes the reason Israel is taken into the wilderness. What is the wilderness the woman is forced into? In the days of Moses and Israel coming out of Egypt, it was the land they wandered for forty years on their way to the promised land.

            In the desert, Israel was fed manna from God, so we have a fit in the narrative of Israel being nourished in the wilderness. Would God send Israel into a wilderness? It appears He did after John’s time on the isle of Papmos. Israel was scattered into every corner of the world, where they flourished for the most part. They wandered in the wilderness for a period indicated by the time, times, and a half.

            We presume this is the same increment of time mentioned in Daniels and prior chapters in Revelation. My contention, this is a time God set aside for Israel to be secluded within all the nations of the world waiting for a day God chose to bring her forward once again.

I’m not speaking of the physical nation of Israel, but His precious bride, the spiritual church. Although there most likely is a dual meaning, both are being referred to, the physical as a sign to mankind, and the spiritual as a sign to His holy people.

Verse 15. And the serpent poured water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. 

            The serpent is no doubt Satan; we saw that in earlier verses. It is interesting to note, eastern dragons have serpentine physiology and western dragons have legs like an animal. This description would fit dragon imagery from the middle east.

He poured out his water, a clear reference to his doctrine and promises of life. We saw water as a reference in John 4:11-13, She *said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water? ¹² You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?” ¹³ Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; ¹⁴ but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

God has called His holy people for a long time attempting to get them to listen to His holy words. Isaiah 55:1-2 ESV “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.

Satan’s doctrine is dangerous; it conceals the word of God. he wraps his dogma around the true words of God, giving him credence and legitimacy.

It makes it almost impossible to discern the truth from the lie. Satan’s word has become a flood upon the world. His doctrine covers the world, and God’s truth is obscured by the rushing of muddy waters of satan’s doctrine. 2 Corinthians 11:14, I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness; but indeed you are bearing with me. ² For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. ³ But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. ⁴ For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.

Verse 16. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon poured out of his mouth. 

            Is this a promise of a day in the future where the world will know the truth of God? A time when Satan’s deception will get wiped away. There is a reference to that time written in Isaiah. Isaiah 41:17-18 ESV When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

            At a specific time in the future, Satan will be cast into outer darkness and his lies with him.

Revelation 20:3, and he threw him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time.

            A place where his doctrine will dry up and blow away, never to effect humanity any longer.

Verse 17.So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.

            The was enraged, he was coming to his end and he is flailing around trying to take all he can with him. Let’s get something clear, satan doest care about those he has already deceived. He wants to destroy those that hold the truth of God dear to their hearts.

            His anger is directed at the children of the woman, the church, the bride of the Messiah. The world as a whole does not match those criteria.

John 14:15, If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

I know people reading this will say, “We keep the commandments.” Do you, do you keep all the commandments?

Do you keep the fourth commandment, the on about the Sabbath? You might think that by going to church on Sunday, you are keeping the Sabbath, but you would be wrong. You might also think that it doesn’t matter because you’ve been told all your religious life the law has been done away by Jesus. What perhaps you haven’t been told, it was that same Jesus that gave the commandments to Moses on top of Mt. Sini. Read John 1:1-18, 1 Corinthians 10:1-5.

 Colossians 1:15-20, He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. ¹⁷ He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. ¹⁸ He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. ¹⁹ For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, ²⁰ and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

This is some of Satan’s muddy waters in the form of deception covering the world. He has convinced much of Christianity God’s words don’t matter any longer. But, you can easily understand the Messiah would never change what He, Himself, put into place.

Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. ⁹ Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.

            Don’t get carried away with Satan’s muddy waters, which is his doctrine.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Thirteen

          The last chapter was filled with copious amounts of information about the Messiah, Israel, Satan, including a war in heaven. If you were on a desert island and wanted a basis for everything that is happening in this world, one would only need to turn to the previous chapter.

            It was also an excellent description of the apathy of the world. It showed Satan can and has deceived the world at large, and the sad part is the world is oblivious to the flood of lies, but they have bought the lies, hook, line, and sinker.

            In this chapter, we move ever slightly forward to the governmental system that is the creation of Satan. We are going to see it’s terrible form and its purpose. Secular governments come and go, but the system that honors the devil will be the hand by which God’s people will eventually be persecuted.

Let’s not take my word for it, let’s dive in, the waters of God are perfect for one to immerse themselves in.

The Beast from the Sea

Verse 1. And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore.

Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. 

            Here again, we have the dragon, a horrible myological creature. But he is doing something different, he appears to be just standing there at the edge of the sea. The wonderful seashore, beautiful beaches, white sands as far as the eye can see, is that what we’re reading? Or, instead, is this a metaphor for masses of peoples?

            The dragon (Satan) stands looking upon the seas (masses of peoples), and another beast rises from the sea, (the masses). We have already read about this very creature in the previous chapter, Revelation 12:3-4,  Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. ⁴ And his tail *swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child.

            It must be the same dragon that had seven heads and ten horns on which his head were seven diadems, or are we talking about two different dragons? Could this possibly be the same one? Houston, we have a slight problem, in this chapter, it says, “ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems.” In chapter twelve, it says, “a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems.” Did you catch it, chapter twelve says there are seven diadems, and this chapter says there are ten, WHY?

            Diadems are crowns, signifying kings or kingdoms. In twelve, there are 7 kingdoms, in thirteen 10, who are these kingdoms? Better yet could this be two different eras of time. Why aren’t we given a legitimate reason for the difference?

This is the same red dragon, the same beast living within the sea. Are the seven religious systems governing the masses’ rise of the new Christian era? We know certain things about religion and history, we have some records that have survived through the ages. For instance, we know elements of Christianity were heavily influenced by paganism. We also know those pagan influences didn’t begin in Rome, they found their origins thousands of years before the Messiah brought salvation to the earth.

In those years, governments were frequently ruled by the religious precepts of the pagan doctrines. If they weren’t strictly governed by the religions, then kingdoms were heavily influenced by them. Did you know, for instance, there are at least seventeen significant types of governments, View the list below.

Anarchy

Aristocracy

Bureaucracy

Capitalism

Colonialism

Communism

Democracy

Federalism

Feudalism

Meritocracy

Military Dictatorship

Monarchy

Republicanism

Socialism

Theocracy

Totalitarianism

Tribalism

            Perhaps these are the seventeen crowns of both chapters, and maybe you can see seven before the Messiah arrived on the scene. Perhaps there were ten at the dawn of Christianity, one can only guess. We know that in the book of Daniel, he too saw beasts rising from the sea while in vision. But, look at the wording, Daniel 7:2-8,  Daniel said, “I was looking in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. ³ And four great beasts were coming up from the sea, different from one another. ⁴ The first was like a lion and had the wings of an eagle. I kept looking until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man; a human mind also was given to it. ⁵ And behold, another beast, a second one, resembling a bear. And it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth; and thus they said to it, ‘Arise, devour much meat!’ ⁶ After this I kept looking, and behold, another one, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird; the beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it. ⁷ After this I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrifying and extremely strong; and it had large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed and trampled down the remainder with its feet; and it was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. ⁸ While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were pulled out by the roots before it; and behold, this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth uttering great boasts.

            Another viewpoint to consider, and I know many think this is religious governments beginning with  Nimrod, the founder of the Assyrian or Babylonish monarchy. His legacy down through time gave birth to the four great monarchies which many believe to be the subject of this vision.

            Nearly every time we see these beasts they are over the peoples in some way.  I have to admit, I can only guess as everyone else does, so I won’t. I will focus on the beast governments of today and leave the guessing to those that have more time than I do.But we have one more clue to decipher, on its head were blasphemous names. What constitutes blasphemy? To get a firm grip on the word, I would like to reference Unger’s Bible dictionary, BLASPHEMY (Gk. blasphēmia, signifies the speaking of evil of God; Heb. Nāqab shēm ˒Adōnai, to “curse the name of the Lord,” Isa. 52:5; Rom. 2:24). Sometimes, perhaps, “blasphemy” has been retained by translators when the general meaning “evil-speaking” or “slander” might have been better (Ps. 74:18; Col. 3:8). There are two general forms of blasphemy: (1) Attributing some evil to God, or denying Him

some good that we should attribute to Him (Lev. 24:11; Rom. 2:24). (2) Giving the attributes of God to a creature—which form of blasphemy the Jews charged Jesus with (Matt. 26:65; Luke 5:21; John 10:36). The Jews from ancient times have

interpreted the command in Lev. 24:16 as prohibiting the utterance of the name Jehovah, reading for it “Adonai” or “Elohim.”

            How about implying man as God, the supreme being? The word BLASPHEMY is a religious word, implying this is a religious system of government. Different churches and different men down through the ages have made claims that are definitely on the fringe of blasphemy.

Some have claimed to be God or Jesus and have special powers. I think the worst abuse of God is denying His will over self desires. Because it blinds those that follow without question.

What did Daniel say about a beast changing laws and times?

Daniel 7:23-25, “Thus he said: ‘The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it. ²⁴ As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and another will arise after them, and he will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings. ²⁵ He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time,  times, and half a time.

            What religious system today changes times and laws? Instead of God’s holy days, we have holidays. Instead of the 7thday Sabbath, the masses worship on the 1^st day of the week, “Sunday.” Instead of upholding God’s laws, the masses say the laws have been done away. What name would you place on the head of this beast? I have one in my mind, but I won’t say it yet.

Verse 2. And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority.

            We are reading almost the exact phrases we read in Daniel seven. I don’t believe we need to go through each one, only to say, each is a religious and political system. Now the interesting part of this verse is where the beast derives its power.

            Not only it’s power but also its throne. It’s ruled by the will of Satan, that should scare everyone who believes there is a God. Why do we humans get so willy nilly about God? I think the Messiah said it best. Luke 20:21-25,  They questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. ²² Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” ²³ But He detected their trickery and said to them, ^{24 “}Show Me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar’s.” ²⁵ And He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 

            The major problem as I see it is, Satan uses the governmental beast of this world to go after the Holy peoples of God.

Verse 3. I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; 

            One of the heads, diadems were as if it had been slain, indicating it was wounded or perhaps disappeared from sight for a while. Just an example of how this might fit into a religious, geopolitical system, at one time in the early catholic church, three men were claiming the position of pope.

Wikipedia reports the great schism, “The Western Schism, also called Papal Schism, Great Occidental Schism and Schism of 1378 (Latin: Magnum schisma occidentale, Ecclesiae occidentalis schisma), was a split within the Catholic Church lasting from 1378 to 1417 in which two men (by 1410 three) simultaneously claimed to be the true pope, and each excommunicated one another. Driven by authoritative politics rather than any theological disagreement, the schism was ended by the Council of Constance (1414–1418). For a time these rival claims to the papal throne damaged the reputation of the office.”

Was something like this the demise of one head of the great beast?

In Moses’ song in Chapter 15 of Exodus, the words ring out against men and religious systems. Look at these words, Exodus 15:7-13, And in the greatness of Your excellence You overthrow those who rise up against You;
You send forth Your burning anger, and it consumes them as chaff. ⁸ “At the blast of Your nostrils the waters were piled up, The flowing waters stood up like a heap;
The deeps were congealed in the heart of the sea. ⁹ “The enemy said, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; My desire shall be gratified against them;
I will draw out my sword, my hand will ^[destroy them.’ ¹⁰ “You blew with Your wind, the sea covered them; They sank like lead in the mighty waters. ¹¹ “Who is like You among the gods, O Lord? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, Awesome in praises, working wonders? ¹² “You stretched out Your right hand, The earth swallowed them. ¹³ “In Your lovingkindness You have led the people whom You have redeemed; In Your strength You have guided them to Your holy habitation.

Charlemagne is another figure historians say filled the description of the wounded head. Truth is we just don’t know for sure because many figures in history fill this description.

Verse 4. they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?”

They worshiped the dragon for one reason; he was their source of power. Now, one might be asking themselves, “would God-fearing humans purposely worship Satan?” The answer, for the most part, NO, they wouldn’t. But, if they were deceived, they very well might. Remember, the verses say, “the whole world was and is deceived.”

            The beast is the main culprit in this entire system. The creature has no conscience, it will naturally go towards its source of power. The beast is a world-ruling government guided by religion. I know of only one worldwide religion that claims to be a sovereign state having its own capital. With one-third of the world claiming to be a member. Who can possibly wage a successful war against such an entity?

            Interestingly the pronoun, “him” is used. Most times, when speaking in religious terms, churches are deemed feminine, not masculine. But that same worldwide religion has a him that claims equality with the creator God. Isaiah 46:5-7, “To whom would you liken Me And make Me equal and compare Me,
That we would be alike? ⁶ “Those who lavish gold from the purse And weigh silver on the scale Hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; They bow down, indeed they worship it. ⁷ “They lift it upon the shoulder and carry it; They set it in its place and it stands there. It does not move from its place. Though one may cry to it, it cannot answer; It cannot deliver him from his distress.

Is that the point this verse is attempting to convey? Let’s keep going and see….

 Verse 5. There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. 

Arrogance is the keyword here, it signifies the attitude of the beast. A system of government that claims autonomy over God and His creation. This has been a problem in the world since the dawn of mankind. There has been and always will be that type of attitude with religious people. It’s a commonplace to hear irreverent statements like, “God is dead.” Or, “the law is done away,” please tell me how you do away with God’s laws when so many of our municipal laws are based upon them? How can someone say the laws are done away when prisons are full of men and women who are guilty of committing murder theft, coveted, or simply dishonoring one’s parents in some vile form?

            It appears the twisting of words is what makes an excellent Christian nowadays….Paul warned the brethren about theses types, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5, Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. 5 Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things?

Those that deceive are full of arrogant words; they will openly deny the true God in place of one they like. They want smooth things spoke to them, not the truth. Isaiah 30:8-11, Now go, write it on a tablet before them And inscribe it on a scroll, That it may serve in the time to come As a witness forever. ⁹ For this is a rebellious people, false sons, Sons who refuse to listen To the instruction of the Lord; ¹⁰ Who say to the seers, “You must not see visions”; And to the prophets, “You must not prophesy to us what is right, Speak to us pleasant words, Prophesy illusions. ¹¹ “Get out of the way, turn aside from the path, Let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.”

How arrogant can you get, when you say, “Let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.” Does a lie mean less because its origins are from religion? Would you rather serve evil than truth? Sadly to say, for some, the answer is, YES!”

            The period here is 42 months, another version of the times, time, and a half, or 1260 days. Once again, why change up the format? Is it so you can stay sharp on your math, or is there another reason? I had one thought on this I’ll interject at this point. If 42 represents a 42 hundred year time span like some have suggested, wouldn’t that take the world back close to the time Moses led the people of Israel out of bondage? Just a thought to ponder about, so to speak. But isn’t that around the same time Israel, the woman appeared pregnant with child? We’ve already gone through chapter twelve, but this could add another layer to what we have already seen.

Verse 6. And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven.

            The previous thoughts about the system continue with this verse making an even greater point. Repeating means this is something God is adamant man should understand or at least those that He wants to hear the message.  Which brings me to this question, “which is the greatest hindrance to God’s people obeying?” First, is it religious organizations and their false doctrines. Second, is it government standing in the way of the truth from emerging into the light of day.

            Governments of any type, it seems, will attempt to stop any doctrine that is adversarial towards their own will and those that rule. It’s a part of the DNA of government, and the US isn’t any different. We see more egregious examples in the far east and middle east, but it rears its ugly head in this nation at times.             Governmental institutions are basically blasphemous towards God by their very nature. How many times have you asked a government entity for permission to take your child out of school for a religious gathering? What was their response? I’ll tell you what I’ve witnessed in the past. Government-run schools don’t recognize God’s holy days (the only days listed in the Bible to worship God); therefore will fight bitterly to disallow the parents to take their child away from classes to attend one of God’s holy feast.

By the way, those times are listed in Leviticus 23:1-44, The Lord spoke again to Moses, saying, ² “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, The Lord’s appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations—My appointed times are these: ³ ‘For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You shall not do any work; it is a sabbath to the Lord in all your dwellings. ⁴‘These are the appointed times of the Lord, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at the times appointed for them. ⁵ In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight is the Lord’s Passover. ⁶ Then on the fifteenth day of the same month there is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the Lord; for seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. ⁷ On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall not do any laborious work. ⁸ But for seven days you shall present an offering by fire to the Lord. On the seventh day is a holy convocation; you shall not do any laborious work.’” ⁹ Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ¹⁰ “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When you enter the land which I am going to give to you and reap its harvest, then you shall bring in the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest. ¹¹ He shall wave the sheaf before the Lord for you to be accepted; on the day after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. ¹² Now on the day when you wave the sheaf, you shall offer a male lamb one year old without defect for a burnt offering to the Lord. ¹³ Its grain offering shall then be two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering by fire to the Lord for a soothing aroma, with its drink offering, a fourth of a hin of wine. ¹⁴ Until this same day, until you have brought in the offering of your God, you shall eat neither bread nor roasted grain nor new growth. It is to be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwelling places. ¹⁵ ‘You shall also count for yourselves from the day after the sabbath, from the day when you brought in the sheaf of the wave offering; there shall be seven complete sabbaths. ¹⁶ You shall count fifty days to the day after the seventh sabbath; then you shall present a new grain offering to the Lord. ¹⁷ You shall bring in from your dwelling places two loaves of bread for a wave offering, made of two-tenths of an ephah; they shall be of a fine flour, baked with leaven as first fruits to the Lord. ¹⁸ Along with the bread you shall present seven one year old male lambs without defect, and a bull of the herd and two rams; they are to be a burnt offering to the Lord, with their grain offering and their drink offerings, an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the Lord. ¹⁹ You shall also offer one male goat for a sin offering and two male lambs one year old for a sacrifice of peace offerings. ²⁰ The priest shall then wave them with the bread of the first fruits for a wave offering with two lambs before the Lord; they are to be holy to the Lord for the priest. ²¹ On this same day you shall make a proclamation as well; you are to have a holy convocation. You shall do no laborious work. It is to be a perpetual statute in all your dwelling places throughout your generations. ²² ‘When you reap the harvest of your land, moreover, you shall not reap to the very corners of your field nor gather the gleaning of your harvest; you are to leave them for the needy and the alien. I am the Lord your God.’”²³Again the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ²⁴“Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘In the seventh month on the first of the month you shall have a rest, a reminder by blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. ²⁵ You shall not do any laborious work, but you shall present an offering by fire to the Lord.’” ²⁶ The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ²⁷“On exactly the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement; it shall be a holy convocation for you, and you shall humble your souls and present an offering by fire to the Lord. ²⁸ You shall not do any work on this same day, for it is a day of atonement, to make atonement on your behalf before the Lord your God. ²⁹ If there is any person who will not humble himself on this same day, he shall be cut off from his people. ³⁰ As for any person who does any work on this same day, that person I will destroy from among his people. ³¹ You shall do no work at all. It is to be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwelling places. ³² It is to be a sabbath of complete rest to you, and you shall humble your souls; on the ninth of the month at evening, from evening until evening you shall keep your sabbath.” ³³ Again the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ³⁴ “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘On the fifteenth of this seventh month is the Feast of Booths for seven days to the Lord. ³⁵ On the first day is a holy convocation; you shall do no laborious work of any kind. ³⁶ For seven days you shall present an offering by fire to the Lord.  On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation and present an offering by fire to the Lord; it is an assembly. You shall do no laborious work.

³⁷ ‘These are the appointed times of the Lord which you shall proclaim as holy convocations, to present offerings by fire to the Lord—burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings, each day’s matter on its own day— ³⁸ besides those of the sabbaths of the Lord, and besides your gifts and besides all your votive and freewill offerings, which you give to the Lord.

³⁹ ‘On exactly the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the crops of the land, you shall celebrate the feast of the Lord for seven days, with a rest on the first day and a rest on the eighth day. ⁴⁰ Now on the first day you shall take for yourselves the foliage of beautiful trees, palm branches and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days. ⁴¹ You shall thus celebrate it as a feast to the Lord for seven days in the year. It shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations; you shall celebrate it in the seventh month. ⁴² You shall live in booths for seven days; all the native-born in Israel shall live in booths, ⁴³ so that your generations may know that I had the sons of Israel live in booths when I brought them out from the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.’” ⁴⁴ So Moses declared to the sons of Israel the appointed times of the Lord.

Not to beat a dead horse or anything, but God’s holy days Listed in Leviticus 23, begin with the weekly Sabbath, God’s weekly Sabbath, not man’s. The weekly Sabbath is another one of those examples where God’s people constantly find themselves at the mercy of the governmental beast, but we’ll get further into that a little later.

            They blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. The beast doesn’t see God as a real entity; for them, only the thought of god serves its purpose. Therefore, it has no qualms of using God’s name, or people in such ways defies God’s will and boost their image.

His tabernacle is a curious word but fits when you look at Revelation 7:14-17, These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. ¹⁵ For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. ¹⁶ They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; ¹⁷ for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

Is this a reference to the wedding booth, the huppah?  The huppah is literally a canopy, our temporary tent where the wedding of a man and woman is consummated. I would say it fits, and why Satan would want an evil light shed upon this event if he can manage. Satan or the red dragon would start by using his influence with the governments, both religious and earthly, to deny everything, God. Not only deny, but also persecute those called by His name to ignore the truth.

Verse 7. It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. 

Most people believe this is a time or day in the future. My thought on that, Satan is a constant state of war with the saints; this isn’t new by any stretch of the imagination. He has been the adversary against the saints since the beginning of time and will continue to be until he is cast into outer darkness. 1 Peter 5:8-9, Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ⁹ But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.

Satan is seeking the saints to deceive them, he isn’t worried about the world, they are already deceived. He wants to discredit, or defile the saints, so they can’t qualify as the bride of the Messiah. Satan will accuse the saints and as in Zechariah, the saints will be saved from the penalty of death by the Messiah. Not only will they be saved, but their spiritual clothing will be cleansed.

Zechariah 3:1-5,  Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. ² The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! Indeed, the Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” ³ Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and standing before the angel. ⁴ He spoke and said to those who were standing before him, saying, “Remove the filthy garments from him.” Again he said to him, “See, I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with festal robes.” ⁵ Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments, while the angel of the Lord was standing by.

            This is why we are told to put on spiritual armor protecting ourselves spiritually until that day comes. Ephesians 6:10-17, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. ¹⁴ Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

            If Satan hasn’t already been at war with the saints, then why all the warnings? Why write books, why go to church, why do anything if we aren’t in a spiritual battle every moment of our lives?

Verse 8. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.

            All who dwell on the earth will worship him. Now we are getting down to the bare bones of the subject. People look out around the world from their own perspective and think a substantial segment of civilization isn’t worshiping a devil.

            You say I’m a Christian, I go to church every Sunday, I honor holidays like Christmas and Easter. In your mind, you are in God’s holy church, along with one-third of the rest of the world. Christians need to understand there are only two religions in the world, satan’s and Gods’. If you aren’t in God’s true church, then you are worshiping in one of Satan’s synagogues.  If you are part of the bride and your name written in the lamb’s book of life. If not, you are deceived and part of the world’s religions, simple as that.

            We can define who is and who isn’t by simple test beginning with, the day you worship on. Every day of the week, there is a religion that worships their form of god. Only one of those days has God set aside to worship Him on, that is the 7^th day. Deuteronomy 5:12-15, ‘Observe the sabbath day to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you. ¹³ Six days you shall labor and do all your work, ¹⁴ but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter or your male servant or your female servant or your ox or your donkey or any of your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you, so that your male servant and your female servant may rest as well as you. ¹⁵ You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to observe the sabbath day.

            Now you might think the day doesn’t matter, but you would be making a critical mistake because it is the mark He has put on His people. Exodus 31:12-15, The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ¹³ “But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you. ¹⁴ Therefore you are to observe the sabbath, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work on it, that person shall be cut off from among his people. ¹⁵ For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, holy to the Lord; whoever does any work on the sabbath day shall surely be put to death.

            The sabbath is also God’s test commandment to see whether the people will obey Him or not. Exodus 16:4-5, Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction. ⁵ On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.

            You also might be thinking that the Sabbath was just given Israel to observe and not for the modern Christian, but you would be sadly mistaken here as well. God makes no such distinction, and you shouldn’t either. He is the same, yesterday, today and forever, and to believe otherwise puts you on the wrong side of the ledger. He isn’t a respecter of persons, His ways are for the whole world. Like to ask a question, why would Christian believe He came to save the WHOLE world, but only give His laws to one nation? It makes no sense at all!

Verse 9. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. 

            If you genuinely believe you are in God’s church and you have been called, then wake up and hear His holy words crying out to you. The days of God letting things slide are over an done with. He will ultimately hold you accountable for your actions.

            Quit listening to men with self agendas and turn to God’s words. Open your Bibles and go line by line, verse by verse, and find the truth for yourself. Get on your knees and pray for God to teach you His ways, filling you with His spirit, giving the wisdom you need.

Verse 10. If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword, he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.

            This is a reference for a time when God condemns Judah, Jeremiah 15:1-4, Then the Lord said to me, “Even though Moses and Samuel were to stand before Me, My heart would not be with this people; send them away from My presence and let them go! ²And it shall be that when they say to you, ‘Where should we go?’ then you are to tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Those destined for death, to death; And those destined for the sword, to the sword; And those destined for famine, to famine; And those destined for captivity, to captivity.”’ ³I will appoint over them four kinds of doom,” declares the Lord: “the sword to slay, the dogs to drag off, and the birds of the sky and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy. ⁴I will make them an object of horror among all the kingdoms of the earth because of Manasseh, the son of Hezekiah, the king of Judah, for what he did in Jerusalem.

If you are destined for captivity, are we speaking of literal captivity or spiritual captivity? Definitely, there is a spiritual captivity today in this world. Satan has captured the minds and hearts of 99.09% of the world and refuses to let them go. He holds them with his doctrine, minsters, and traditions. Traditions are the chains that bind cultures to the slavery of their beliefs.

            Often times, spiritual slavery is the hardest to come out of, and break away from. I can see where people get what is called Stockholm syndrome, which is a condition where hostages develop a psychological alliance with their captors while in captivity. Emotional bonds are frequently formed, between captors and captives.

            Whole cultures fall into that same condition, they create an emotional bond with their traditions, unable to break the chains even in the face of truth.

            Once Israel was in captivity in the land of Egypt, and God brought them out by the power of His almighty hand. He destroyed the gods that held Israel captive.

Jeremiah 43:11-13, He will also come and strike the land of Egypt; those who are meant for death will be given over to death, and those for captivity to captivity, and those for the sword to the sword. ¹² And I shall set fire to the temples of the gods of Egypt, and he will burn them and take them captive. So he will wrap himself with the land of Egypt as a shepherd wraps himself with his garment, and he will depart from there safely. ¹³ He will also shatter the obelisks of Heliopolis, which is in the land of Egypt; and the temples of the gods of Egypt he will burn with fire.

He destroyed their gods, breaking their hold of traditions on the peoples. It is the only way Stockholm syndrome can be cured, and God will see it happens again when He comes for His people a second time. The difference is, Egypt is symbolic of the world, where His people will change and cross the sea of sin to spiritual perfection.

            The sword brings certain death either to the one that holds it, or the victim. Using a sword to push your beliefs on someone else makes you hated and viewed by fear. Matthew 26:51-54,  And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. ⁵² Then Jesus *said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. ⁵³ Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? ⁵⁴ How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?”

God’s word is the only sword His people should use to fasten their lives. In Ephesians 6:17,  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

            That sword cuts two ways as we are told in Hebrews 4:12,  For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³ And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

Physical death comes in many forms, but spiritual death comes from a lack of knowledge and refusal to believe in the true God. All of this adds up to the salvation of the saints, those that believe in God’s word and loyally follow Him no matter what happens. The beast has no hold on them, he can’t make them bow to him, nor follow his edicts, and that makes the beast very angry.

Verse 11. Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb and he spoke as a dragon. 

            We’ve been speaking of the beast in a general sense up to now. With this particular beast, we must get a little more specific. This beast has two horns, two sides of the same creature. I know many commentaries speak of Rome and ancient cultures leading up to modern times. There can be legitimacy in those things influencing the beast, I won’t dismiss them out of hand. My view and this is solely my view if we are putting revelation in the context of the Messiah and His bride, then we should consider other explanations.

This is a revelation about an ongoing beast that has two separate sides to it. If the beast mentioned above are religious governments or civil governments, then perhaps this beast is both. Two horns are indicative of two points of danger or sources of rulership. Death can occur from either side of the beast, so it has the advantage of governing out of fear from either side.

It also has one more description, it has the look of a lamb. We have only one lamb worthy of God’s holy people, the Messiah.

John 1:29, The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him and *said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

            So, this beast is could be a world-ruling entity that is both civil and religious that has the look of a lamb. Can we think of such an entity that exists today fitting that description? He spoke as a dragon, not like a dragon. If Satan is the dragon, then we can understand how He speaks. Isaiah 14:13-15, “But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God,
And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north.
¹⁴ ‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ ¹⁵ “Nevertheless you will be thrust down to Sheol,

            Does this beast say in its heart it desires to sit on the throne of God, and on the mount of the assemblies of God? Well, there is one, as I said before, that does.

Does this not sound like the catholic church, just me asking, do your own research. The peoples are controlled like they have Stockholm syndrome, they can’t see the deceptions flowing from the mouth of the church.

Verse 12. He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. 

            If indeed we are speaking of the catholic church, then the first beast would be the progenitor of this beast. What was that particular entity that gave rise to this beast? It was the roman empire guided by a religious state.

The roman state religions had many heads, many faces like:

Roman

Jupiter (Jove)       (supreme god)

Neptune                (god of the sea)

Juno                     (wife of Jupiter)

Mars                    (god of war)

Minerva                (goddess of war, wisdom, and crafts)

Apollo                  (god of light, sun, etc.) 

Vulcan                  (god of fire)

Venus                    (goddess of love)

But, the main god they worshiped just before Christianity was Mithra. In Brewer’s Myths and legends, it describes Mithira as this, “Discover the legends and myths and religious beliefs surrounding Mithras, the Roman god of soldiers, light, truth, and honor who often referred to as the soldier’s god. Mithras was a popular Roman god adopted from the Persian sun god Mithra. His name is derived from the ancient Persian (Indo-Iranian) word meaning ‘to bind, contract, agreement’. Mithras, also called Mitra, was popular among the military in the Roman Empire, and the Mystery Cult of Mithras was a potent religious force during the first through fourth centuries A.D. Major rituals included bull worship and sacrifice and a communal feast amongst “brothers” which strongly appealed to Roman legionnaires.”

Gerald Berry, Religions of the World, Has this to say about this cult” “Both Mithras and Christ were described variously as ‘the Way,’ ‘the Truth,’ ‘the Light,’ ‘the Life,’ ‘the Word,’ ‘the Son of God,’ ‘the Good Shepherd.’ The Christian litany to Jesus could easily be an allegorical litany to the sun-god. Mithras is often represented as carrying a lamb on his shoulders, just as Jesus is. Midnight services were found in both religions. The virgin mother…was easily merged with the virgin mother Mary. Petra, the sacred rock of Mithraism, became Peter, the foundation of the Christian Church.”

Also, in this commentary by: Swami Prajnanananda, Christ the Saviour and Christ Myth, “Mithra or Mitra is…worshipped as Itu (Mitra-Mitu-Itu) in every house of the Hindus in India. Itu (derivative of Mitu or Mitra) is considered as the Vegetation-deity. This Mithra or Mitra (Sun-God) is believed to be a Mediator between God and man, between the Sky and the Earth. It is said that Mithra or [the] Sun took birth in the Cave on December 25^th. It is also the belief of the Christian world that Mithra or the Sun-God was born of Virgin. He traveled far and wide. He has twelve satellites, which are taken as the Sun’s disciples…. [The Sun’s] great festivals are observed in the Winter Solstice and the Vernal Equinox—Christmas and Easter. His symbol is the Lamb….”

Can you see a pattern developing here? Was the wounded head, the ancient sun god Mithra coming back to life as Christianity? It makes a lot of sense to me, but that’s just me. Believe it or not, the world is completely unaware while worshiping the first beast. They think it’s Christ Jesus, but it isn’t, it only looks like him, or the one they believe is him.

Verse 13. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men. 

“He performs great signs,” has the catholic church done great signs in heaven? What about the miracle of Fatima, called  “The Miracle of the Sun” (Milagre do Sol). It occurred on 13 October 1917 and was seen by a large crowd who had gathered in Fátima, Portugal. They did this in response to a prophecy made by three shepherd children. The prophecy was the Virgin Mary would appear and perform miracles on that date. Newspapers reported testimony from witnesses who said that they had seen extraordinary solar activity, such as the Sun appearing to “dance” or zig-zag in the sky, careen towards the Earth, or emit multicolored light and radiant colors. Tens of thousands are reported to have witnessed these events. There are, on the other hand, are many skeptics of the events, but to the true Catholic believer, it did happen.

This is only one of many such accounts of miracles from heaven like Joan of Arc, the statue of the Virgin Mary crying blood, and so many others. The church boasts many signs from heaven as a source of legitimacy, there is no doubt about it.

            But, can the Catholic church cast fire down from heaven? It sounds like God’s hand, but everything else says it’s not. Remember the beast here has two separate sides, which side is responsible for casting fire down from heaven? Stop and think about this, what if it’s the civil side of the beast casting fire down from heaven in the form of missiles? Nuclear or not, the earth and masses of people would be devastated by a bombardment of rockets. Both sides of the beast have a hand in fulfilling this description. Most nations processing this type of technology and have used it, are Christian nations under the sway of the beast.

          “In the presence of men,” now why would it be important to add the fact that men see this? Not the saints or angels, but men will witness these miracles. Could it possibly have to do with religious leaders? Convince them, and they will take the message of miraculous happenings and signs to their congregations. The opposite is also true, if they doubt the beast, the whole world will doubt.

Verse 14. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who *had the wound of the sword and has come to life. 

            As we see, the beast appearing like a lamb having two sides to its physiology is now able to deceive the entire world. Now, does that mean the whole world will bow to a lamblike beast? Maybe not to both sides, but they may give homage to one side over the other. They may bend to the civil and economic side, but reject the religious side or visa versa. But the signs will have an enormous impact on the masses of peoples that are unbelievers.

            We’ve seen examples where a particular church has reveled in the supposed appearance of the virgin Mary. Tens of thousands supposedly witnessed these signs from heaven, but what if this is just a precursor to what is to come. What if there was a phenomenon where millions were witnesses or captured on video for distribution around the world? Wouldn’t that create a following unlike anything else ever recorded?

            One more thing about signs before we move on, a sign doesn’t necessarily have to be an image or vision. It could be global drought, flooding, super hurricanes, tsunamis, and so forth. There’s nothing like a massive disaster to bring folks to their knees.

            Make an image those on earth will willingly worship. God specifically tells Israel not to worship images of any sort. Exodus 20:4-5, “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. ⁵ You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, ⁶ but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

A lot of religious people will give credence to these words, but not fully grasp their intended meanings. For example, many Christians would never think of filling their homes with images with African phallic symbols or icons, not in place of God, but they will have a picture of Jesus on the wall while wearing a cross around their necks.

            Are these theses also types of images God is referring to, or are these excused somehow? It says not to make a likeness of what is in heaven, is that an angel, or does it exclude a fictitious picture of Jesus? How can we possibly know what Jesus actually looked like, what if that is an image is actually of Satan, the world hangs on their walls? Just asking, because it says in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. ¹⁵ Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.

            Is any image okay with God? It appears not to be the case, yet billions of peoples bow before the image of the cross. It makes one wonder if this the image that identifies this beast? Are there additional images we need to be conscious of, perhaps creating a brand on Satan’s congregations.

            To understand this fully, we need to know what God’s most relevant image portrays. His most powerful image is one identifying His people, the Sabbath.

Mark 2:27,  Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. ²⁸ So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

            Not only is the Messiah the God who created the Sabbath, but it’s also a sign of His holy people. Exodus 31:12,  The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ¹³ “But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you.

            Now, extrapolate from these verses the opposite for the beast sign, and what do you have? The 7^th day is God’s holy day, His day of rest and worship, so the beast must have a different day of worship as a sign. Since we have been looking at the catholic church as the religious side of the beast, let’s look at their day of worship. A Decree from Constantine was immortalized in the Codex of Justinian, “On the venerable day of the sun [Sunday] let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed.” (Codex Justinianus, lib.3, tit.12:3; translated by Phillip Schaff in History of the Christian Church, 1864, Vol.III, p.380). Dies Solis became the first day of the Roman Calendar was called dies solis, ‘Day of the Sun,’ because it was dedicated to Earth’s closest star.

            The second day known to us today, Monday is actually Moon Day or dies lunas, dedicated to Earth’s moon. Each day had its honorary celestial deity. But Sunday was preeminent among the pagan culture and quickly adopted as a safe policy by Christians to avoid further persecution.

“Sunday, the first day of the week, was adopted by the early Christians as a day of worship…no regulations for its observance are laid down in the New Testament, nor indeed, is its observance even enjoined….” (The Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, under the word “Sunday,” Vol.IV, pp.2259-60).

            The wounding of the sword is interesting when you consider the pagan god that was replaced by the Roman Christians. The god is known as Mithra, a sun god, and the main god for the Roman soldier. We read about this pagan deity a little earlier, but this is worth mentioning again.

Gerald Berry, Religions of the World, Has this to say about this cult, “Both Mithras and Christ were described variously as ‘the Way,’ ‘the Truth,’ ‘the Light,’ ‘the Life,’ ‘the Word,’ ‘the Son of God,’ ‘the Good Shepherd.’ The Christian litany to Jesus could easily be an allegorical litany to the sun-god. Mithras is often represented as carrying a lamb on his shoulders, just as Jesus is. Midnight services were found in both religions. The virgin mother…was easily merged with the virgin mother Mary. Petra, the sacred rock of Mithraism, became Peter, the foundation of the Christian Church.”

Don’t just take this one reference word for it, look at what Unger’s says about the day. SUN´DAY, or Lord’s Day. Name and Change of the Day. “Sunday is the first day of the week, adopted by the first Christians from the Roman calendar (Lat. Dies Solis, Day of the Sun), because it was dedicated to the worship of the sun. The Christians reinterpreted the heathen name as implying the “Sun of Righteousness,” with reference to this rising (Mal. 4:2).”

            Now being wounded by the sword would fit the Roman soldiers’ imagery of their pagan god, and being resurrected by the power of the sun would make an even better fit.

            The sign of the beast could, therefore, be the sun and the of worship, Sunday opposite of the true God’s day of worship.

Verse 15. And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

            “He, the beast, gives breath to the image.” Now that is an especially perplexing statement, one we could simply brush over without notice if not vigilant. First off, Satan gives his breath to the image of the beast, not the beast itself. Can that be in religious terms, a reference to eternal life, or just life in itself?    I mention this because there is an image of an icon of eternal life that has been passed down through several religions since the beginning of time. It’s a symbol that literally dots every segment of our modern landscape. It’s found on top of mountains, sides of buildings, atop churches, and hung around necks of millions. It’s adorned as tattoos on bodies and worshiped as if it was somehow holy in itself. It is the Christian cross. I realize just mentioning this will most certainly draw the eir of the faithful Christian if I haven’t already done so.

Unger’s Bible Dictionary, tells of an image seen in many other cultures prior to Christianity. That the cross was widely known as an emblem in pre-Christian times has been clearly shown by independent investigators. Indeed, it was a well-known heathen sign. The vestments of the priests of Horus, the Egyptian god of light, are marked . At Thebes, in the tombs of the kings, royal cows are represented plowing, a calf playing in front. Each animal has a marked in several places on it. Rassam found buildings at Nineveh marked with the Maltese cross. Osiris, as well as Jupiter Ammon, had for a monogram a . The cross is found marked on Phoenician monuments at an early date.”

            The Egyptian ankh was also considered to be a symbol of eternal life, it was venerated by Pharaoh’s, priest, and people alike.  In fact, there was a cult in Egypt that worshiped the cult of Osiris. This cult became the most popular in Egypt until the cult of Isis came along.  Osiris’ cult was greatly venerated but, in time, became a secondary character in the story of his resurrection and rebirth.

            According to historians at the beginning of the Early Dynastic Period, it was the cult of Osiris that was dominant as he was the god who had died and returned to life, thus bringing life to others. Isis, at this same time, was a mother goddess associated with fertility but was soon joined to Osiris as his devoted wife, who rescued him after his murder by Set and returned him to life. The symbol of the ankh became the symbol that recognized the power of Osiris portrayed prominently in tomb paintings and inscriptions. Deities such as Anubis or Isis are often seen placing the ankh against the lips of the soul in the afterlife to revitalize the immortal soul and open that soul to a life after death.

                        So, the Christian cannot claim the cross as an original figure in their worship life. In fact, the Coptic Egyptians maintained the ankh as their symbol of eternal life even to this day.

Let’s explore the second thought by showing the scriptures from Genesis 2:7, where God breathed life into man. Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.

            God’s breath is the source of man’s existence, how one interprets that has a direct link to their understanding. However, there is no doubt all life comes from the breath of God. But, as I said, wisdom and understanding is also a ramification of receiving the breath of God. Now, if God can breathe understanding and wisdom into man, showing him the truth while opening his eyes and ears, then why can’t Satan’s breath do the opposite? Satan’s breaths death and deceit, while God breaths truth, and life. As Job says age has no bearing on wisdom when it comes from God, it is His almighty breath that does that.

Job 32:7, “I thought age should speak, And increased years should teach wisdom. ⁸ “But it is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.

Now, stop and let that sink in for a moment, how does that reflect on other events in the Bible, like the day of Pentecost?

The definition of the word “breath” in this verse, according to Strong’s concordance, “4151. pneuma pnyoo’-mah from 4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy Spirit:–ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind.”

This is something God wouldn’t give His breath to, only Satan. It is another way of saying the beast receives its life from an evil source. There are those that don’t receive the breath from the beast. It would appear the result of not receiving that breath is persecution and death, not life. It is the voice of the beast that causes this persecution of these folks to occur. It is the voice of ministers and naysayers of God that have killed God’s prophets and saints since the beginning of time.

            Satan is and has been trying to destroy the bride of the Messiah in order to stop the impending marriage. He is using every available tool to accomplish his plan. One only needs to google sabbath, keeping groups persecuted in history to understand the inconclusive truth. One can also read Foxe’s book of martyrs if you have the stomach to understand the vile hatred Satan has for god’s church. Look at the words of the Messiah, and breathe them in, don’t just read them, breathe them.

Matthew 23:29-39,“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, ³⁰ and say, ‘If we had been living in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partners with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ ³¹ So you testify against yourselves, that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. ³² Fill up, then, the measure of the guilt of your fathers. ³³ You serpents, you brood of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell? ³⁴ “Therefore, behold, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes; some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city, ³⁵ so that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. ³⁶ Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. ³⁷ “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. ³⁸ Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! ³⁹ For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

The Pharisees and scribes were those that supposedly had the spirit of God, at least in the minds of the people. Here Christ firmly lays the persecution of His prophets and saints at their door. That should tell you this, those that you believe have the spirit of God very well may be receiving information from a different source.

            Let’s take an overall inventory of the image that’s given life by this beast. An image is known around the world and identifies this beast explicitly. The image is a sign of eternal life and is given life by the beast that gives it breath. One shouldn’t discount all the evidence even if you are offended, because the scriptures don’t lie.

Verse 16. And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, 

This verse is undoubtedly one of the most misunderstood of all verses in the Bible. Books have been written about this mark, and movies have been made trying to show some scanner mark or chip showing you are a person hunted by the beast. Is this a visible mark showing either on the hand or forehead? That might make for a good movie or book, but remember, this is a religious mark.

The Bible is a religious book, with religious characters, and religious symbols. The question is, “would John recognize this mark if he saw it? I believe he did, and he told us what it was because any self-respecting Jew he mailed this to in his day would immediately grasp onto certain statements. The beginning of this verse lets us know this mark dorns the lives of the entire world, no matter their status. We just went through a brief history of the cross, and now John seems to be magnifying the symbolic nature of the beast even more.

            As I said earlier in this chapter, to see what the sign of the beast is, we have to first recognize the signs of God.

Exodus 31:12,  The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ¹³ “But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you.

            If the Sabbath is a sign for God, then the opposite is a sign for the beast; it’s the only thing that can fit in my mind. It’s a sign worn on the hand and the forehead, you say. The wording is undeniable, and there are different ways to interrupt their meanings.

            One, the mark can be literal on those that are not God’s people identifying them as satans’, and incriminating those without the mark. Two, it’s the metaphoric willingness to accept the mark and everything that comes with the symbols. Can someone be forced to wear this mark? You can brand people, and tattoo them against their will, but you haven’t changed their minds. There has to be a willing change of mind and acceptance to wear this mark. By all indications, there is more than just a willingness to wear this mark, there is a religious eagerness to have it identify them.

The next verse is more evidence of this religious fervor saturating the land.

Verse 17. and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. 

            Everyone who keeps the Sabbath holy in the world understands the limitations regarding the keeping of the 7^th day Sabbath. It is a matter of love and respect for the Messiah and the Father by respectfully observing the Sabbath.            Those that love the Sabbath wouldn’t intentionally buy or sell on the day, and that marks them as sure as will a white-hot brand from the fire.

            They worship God with their hearts and minds as told in Matthew 22:37, And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the great and foremost commandment.

            Doesn’t Satan’s followers love him just as much as God’s followers? Yes, in some cases, maybe even more, but I only speculate about their motives.

            “The number of his name.” Is this some mystical number that will one day show up on the foreheads of satanic cults throughout the world, or is this something that has been around since the beginning of time? The symbols we have been studying have been among peoples and cultures of the world as long as there have been people. People self identify by the symbols they attach to themselves as if they were God Himself.

            So, why would this number be any different? We see in the last verse the number is 666. We are also told to calculate the number, so the very astute among us have spent hours trying to find symbolic meanings for the numbers. This is done to pin a name on the beast, and there are no shortages of candidates. We see names floated of presidents like Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and the Pope, most often Sixtus the sixth, who hasn’t arrived as of yet. We have had a Pope Sixtus the fifth who lived in the 1400s but not a sixth.

            Is this a man, it says it’s the number of the beast, what is that? John wouldn’t realize during his lifetime, would make him the author of five books in the new testament. He and others of his time formed letters comprising of 27 letters or texts to the Bible, and the reconfiguration of the old testament into 39 books, gives us 66 books. The original Old Testament was primarily only 24 books, the law, the psalms, and prophets, which were reorganized into 39 books.

            Now, give a moment of thought to this, the primary Bible in the world today, in general, is the Bible. Add the symbolic number for man number, which is 6 to the 66 books.

            I’m not saying the Bible is bad or wrong, not at all. In fact, it’s the only book most folks have bringing them to the understanding of truth. But man, specifically the Catholic church, created the most common version of the Bible we use today. Every Christian worth their salt owns one of these Bibles.

            The problem is it’s slanted in many cases to fit this religious narrative of events. What I mean by this, it’s tilted to enhance their beloved doctrines deriving from false religions. Doctrines, such as an ever burning hell for sinners, also eternal life immediately after death in heaven—celebrations with origins from paganism, like Christmas and Easter. These are just a few of the doctrines derived from a bible created by a system claiming it has preeminence over God. We should consider how the Bible came to be and what is taught from them, and from whom the scriptures are taught.

Verse 18. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six.

            Now we have landed upon a system to identify the number and possible explanation. Let me dig my hole just a bit deeper by summarizing what we just went through. But, before I do this, let me qualify these are my thoughts if you disagree, that’s just fine with me, but remember God doesn’t hide His truths, man should be able to discern their meanings. And should be understood by His people.

Now the beast with two horns is the Catholic church; it is a religious and civil system combined. It is the leader of one-third of the world’s religions today. It has in the past persecuted those that have kept the 7^th day Sabbath while enforcing worship on the day of the sun, Sunday.

            Catholic writings have prophesied that the final Antichrist will be an observer of the Sabbath. It is a reverse tactic to try and demonize those that keep the 7^th day Sabbath. This belief dates back to the catholic church’s conception.

Before going to those writings, perhaps it should be mentioned that the original Rheims New Testament (which is the Roman Catholic accepted translation of the Latin Vulgate into the English language) does show that the seventh-day Sabbath remains for the people of God:

“4 For he said in a certain place of the seventh day, thus: And God rested the seventh day from all his works … 9 Therefore there is left a sabbatisme for the people of God (Hebrews 4:4,9, Original Rheims New Testament).”

Yet, the Roman Catholic pope often called “Gregory the Great” (died 604) wrote the following:

Gregory, servant of the servants of God, to his most beloved sons the Roman citizens. It has come to my ears that certain men of perverse spirit have sown among you some things that are wrong and opposed to the holy faith, so as to forbid any work being done on the Sabbath day. What else can I call these but preachers of Antichrist (Gregory I. Registrum Epistolarum, Book XIII, Letter 1).

Sadly, some that consider the Sabbath is a doctrine of Antichrist! Also in additional writings of the Roman Catholics:

Dionysus of Luxembourg (died 1682) Antichrist…will teach that…Saturday is to be observed instead of Sunday (Connor E. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p.85). St. Hildegard (died 1179): Antichrist…His doctrine of faith will be taken from the Jewish religion and seemingly will not differ much from the fundamental beliefs of Christianity, for he will teach that there is one God who created the world, who rewards the obeyers of his commands and trespassers he chastises, who will raise all from the dead in due time. This God has spoken through Moses, therefore the precepts of the Mosaic law are to be kept, especially circumcision and the keeping of the Sabbath (Culleton R. Gerald. The Reign of Antichrist, Reprint TAN Books, Rockford, IL, 1974, p. 127).

            In the modern world, today, where some teach inside Sunday churches Sabbath-keeping and observance of Old Testament laws is from Satan. It is believed a form of his deception, creating a separation between his lies and the truth.

Catholic writer and priest P. Huchedé (19th century): “After having weakened the faith of Christ in the minds and hearts of many, he will proceed to show that the law of Moses still prevails; he will re-establish the Sabbath and all the legal observances; and he will invite the Jews to re-establish their nationality, after which he will declare himself the true messiah; he will endeavor to prove the truth of his assertion from Scripture—he will declare his design of rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple and of bringing the whole world under his dominion…

Notice that possession of what certain Catholics consider to be ‘bad books’ could also result in persecution: Anne Catherine Emmerich January 27, 1822 ‘The non-Catholics will mislead many. They will use every possible means to entice them from the Church, and great disturbances will follow.’ (Schmöger, p. 348)

Would this commentary be considered a bad book by the Catholics? I admit I’m a 7^th-day sabbath observer, but my agenda in writing this is to discover the truth. In doing this, we discover a number and willingness to serve a system that has seen many 7^th day Sabbath keepers perish in various forms for their faith. I can’t say many Catholics can make that claim, they are the offenders along with Islam, and haters of the true God.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Fourteen

In the last chapter, we identified the beast with two horns and established the number of his name. The symbols which he breathes life into and the day that marks its faith. It is the Catholic church that uses the universal symbol of the cross and sets aside Sunday observance as it’s a sign. The Bible, with its 66 books created by the catholic church, has been distributed in the billions around the world. It has crept into every nation and tongue mysterious to many and teaching truth to some.

We have all the ingredients going forward and see why John was given so much detail exposing this beast for what it is and was. This is a church system that is responsible for the blood of many saints being shed through the ages. Yes, John was looking forward two thousand years ago, but we are now looking backward as well as forwards. What happens when this beast is finally put down when man’s rule comes to an end? The Messiah returns, and that is exactly what we see in the next chapter.

Let’s continue onward with our journey and see what else we may find.

The Lamb and the 144,000 on Mount Zion

Verse 1. Then I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads. 

            Behold a lamb, no doubt what-so-ever to the identity of this being. The lamb is a unique title for those that love the Messiah and keep His commandments. It is almost as if the Messiah sees the need to interrupt John’s visions to reaffirm John’s faith and hope while at the same time immersing him in the evil that has and is occurring in the world.

John tells of his vision of the lamb standing on Mount Zion, that’s interesting in many ways. The term Mount Zion has been used in the Hebrew Bible first for the City of David. There is a book written by Robert Cornuke, claiming Solomon’s and Herod’s temples were originally located in the city of David, and He goes about proving his claims.

Also, in Zecharia 14:3-5, Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle. ⁴ In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south. ⁵ You will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him!

            Question, Is this the specific day in time John is viewing? When we looked at numbers in chapter seven, we saw this was only half of God’s called-out ones. Is this Israel the progenitors of the church, but still only half of the bride of the Messiah? We still have an innumerable multitude that will stand alongside the 144,000, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

            These have His name, AND the name of the Father’s on their foreheads. What name was given to the peoples coming out of Egypt, one that is recognized around the world. Israel is the name God gave Jacob, and His son’s carried that name down through time. But, here we have some different information, something we may have missed in the past. Not only is this the name of the Messiah, but it’s also the Father’s name.

I don’t know about you, but that sends shivers up my spine. People have gone all this time thinking the Father is only known as the Father, but He is also known as Israel, according to John. Israel, the name has been written on the foreheads of God’s people beginning with the physical nation and then extending into a spiritual identity. More on this as we go along, let’s keep moving forward.

Verse 2. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. 

            A voice from heaven, what did it say? Was it one voice or a million voices coming together as a chorus? It most likely was a chorus of voices in unison reflecting on the next verse. It must sound like the greatest combination of marching band and chorus of all time. The music and voices reverberate the heavens and earth with song. We’ve seen this same scene in Revelation 5:8-10,When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. ⁹ And they *sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. ¹⁰ “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”

Verse 3. And they *sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth. 

            Maybe we saw part of that new song and is the reason no one except the 144,000 can learn because it was exclusive to Israel. This is Israel, the people God chosen to be special in God’s sight. Romans 9:6–8,  But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; ⁷ nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants, but: “through Isaac your descendants will be named.” ⁸ That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants.

            There is no longer a need to make a distinction between the Israel of old and the New Testament Gentiles; both are now Israel.  What Paul says about the physical nation of Israel, he also says about the Jewishness of folks.

Romans 2:28-29, For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

            We all, as God’s people, are all adopted into the family of God, according to Paul. Once we are chosen and accepted, we are sons of the Father, and betrothed to the Messiah.

Galatians 3:26-29, For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁷ For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. ²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.

God’s chosen are all of Abraham’s seed, the spiritual seed of adoption, and they belong to the Messiah. Being purchased is the dowry for a bride, which the messiah paid with His blood. The church is His bride bought and paid for, and Satan can do nothing about that. Acts 20:27-28,  For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. ²⁸ Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

            Now, the Messiah paid for us with His blood, and we believe that makes us part of Israel and perhaps, even the 144,000.

Verse 4. These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they have kept themselves chaste. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. 

            These are the ones who are undefiled by women, what a strange comment. Why would being with a woman defile God’s chosen, aren’t men and women supposed to come together in marriage? The only way to look at these verses is the women mentioned here are pagan religions. God’s people are to stay faithful to Him and Him alone.

He says He is a jealous God Exodus 20:4-6,  “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. ⁵ You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, ⁶ but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

            It was like a time in the past when Israel just couldn’t stop herself from going after other gods, the allure was just too great. Judges 2;16-17, Then the Lord raised up judges who delivered them from the hands of those who plundered them. 17 Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they played the harlot after other gods and bowed themselves down to them. They turned aside quickly from the way in which their fathers had walked in obeying the commandments of the Lord; they did not do as their fathers.

He used the words of unfaithful women because that’s what the pagan churches are when they chase after other beliefs. To follow the Lamb wherever He goes imply we follow His wishes, His will, his every command. The church recognizes His voice when it is seen or heard. The Messiah says this about His church, which He loves so much.

John 10:27-29, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; ²⁸ and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one.”

            Just as the Shepherd calls His sheep from out of the sheepfolds where dozens of other flocks are pinned together, only His sheep will come to the sound of His voice. The other flocks will consistently stay put, disregarding the calls of the one and only true shepherd.

Verse 5. And no lie was found in their mouth; they are blameless.

            There is no reason to lie when the truth is in plain sight right in front of you. No twisting of words is necessary, no bending any place to try and fit traditions where they don’t belong.

Just how confident are you in your beliefs? Are you willing to take what you believe and stand before the Father right this very moment? Can your beliefs withstand comparison to scriptures? Let me ask you this, have you ever been curious about certain things in the Bible and asked your minister about them? You then received an answer and accept it as truth, but still wasn’t sure it was accurate. Maybe being blameless is not taking men’s versions of truth for granted. Maybe when those nagging questions arise, you ought to open your Bibles and dig for the truth, but only after you consult God and first asking Him to open your mind.

Vision of the Angel with the Gospel

Verse 6. And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; 

“A messenger in midheaven flying with the gospel.” First, let’s remember the Bible speaks of three heavens. The first heaven is our immediate atmosphere, the air we breathe, and the sky we live under—the second heaven in space and all the planetary bodies that exist within the universe. The third and final heaven is God’s throne, a plane outside of this physical universe. So, midheaven would indicate to me, space, or outside our atmosphere.

The obvious question here is, why does God need to preach the gospel from mid-heaven? Fifty years ago, I couldn’t make the observation I’m about to make. We get a considerable portion of our information today via tv, radio, or phone by satellites that float in the midheaven. Our church streams live video services via satellites to social media outlets. People can view services, download old sermons, and contact us directly through the technology of satellites.

You might be thinking these are angels of God, remember the word angel is a messenger. Not necessarily spiritual in nature, they can be human messengers, and could be what is happening in this verse. God’s gospel is going around the world instantly from our church, and many others like ours to eager ears every Sabbath. To every tribe, tongue, and nation, to the rich, famous, and poor, all can hear and listen.

This is a sign that the time of the Messiah’s return is imminent, and we should be listening even more intently. We should be getting our houses in order, it says and looking for further signs.

Matthew 24:14,  This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

            That day has arrived; not only has it been preached to the world, but now every second of every day, the gospel goes around the world to anyone willing to listen. Never before in the known history of mankind has this technology been this miraculous.

Verse 7. and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.”

The angel sounds the call to fear God. Stop your madness and seek God while He may yet be found. Isaiah 55:6-11,  Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. ⁷ Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the Lord, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. ⁸ “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. ⁹ “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. ¹⁰ “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth
And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; ¹¹ So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

            This message, among many others, is what God wants His people to hear. His judgment is coming to the world, both land, and sea, with no exceptions. It’s time to pay the piper, and the world is ripe for the picking. We are to be found worshiping the one that made the heavens and the earth, and for the record, that figure is the one known as Jesus.

John 1:1-18,  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. ⁴ In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. ⁵ The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. ⁶ There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. ⁸ He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. ⁹ There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. ¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. ¹¹ He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. ¹² But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, ¹³ who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. ¹⁴ And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. ¹⁵ John *testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” ¹⁶ For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. ¹⁷ For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.

            Also, read Colossians 1:15-18, He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. ¹⁷ He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. ¹⁸ He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

1 Corinthians 10:1-5, For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; ² and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; ³ and all ate the same spiritual food; ⁴ and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. ⁵ Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness.

I believe the scriptures document very well who the creator was, and is using New Testament verses. Now give that a little thought and then stop and think about who is coming to judge the world. It is the one the world believes wouldn’t harm a fly, but the judge is the Messiah, and the world is in store for a very rude awakening.

Verse 8. And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality.”

            Another angel following the first one and is giving a separate message. No reason to believe this angel is any different than the first. It most likely is originating in midheaven, just like the first, so pretty much the only difference is the message itself. Let’s first review the first message from the first angel. Revelation 14:7, “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.”

This message, in a nutshell, reminds us to worship the true God of the universe. Now the second message begins with mentioning the city of Babylon has fallen twice. The original city of Babylon, according to Adams Clarke’s commentary, is generally understood to be a prediction concerning Rome; and it is certain that Rome, in the rabbinical writings, is termed Babylon. That would fit after what we read in chapter thirteen. If the city of God in Jerusalem, then the opposite would be Rome for Satan. Never has two cities been in such a dichotomy of each other—Rome, the center of paganism, and Jerusalem, the city of God. The catholic church capital is the city of Rome, and she has made the nations throughout history drink of her wrath. The first city of Babylon fell in 539 B.C. After the Babylonian conquest of the Kingdom of Judah in the sixth century B.C., Nebuchadnezzar II took thousands of Jews from the city of Jerusalem and held them captive in Babylon for more than half a century. After the Persian Cyrus, the great conquered the city; many of the Jews returned to their homeland.

            The second city (the Vatican) has not yet fallen, it is still a city within a city, a country within a country. But within the city is the seat of power from which Christian beliefs are disseminated unto all the world.

            The liquid the world drinks is the doctrine of the church, and they are drunk on this intoxicating beverage to the point they can no longer see reality.

            Jeremiah 51:5-10, For neither Israel nor Judah has been forsaken By his God, the Lord of hosts, Although their land is full of guilt Before the Holy One of Israel.
⁶ Flee from the midst of Babylon, And each of you save his life!
Do not be destroyed in her punishment, For this is the Lord’s time of vengeance; He is going to render recompense to her. ⁷ Babylon has been a golden cup in the hand of the Lord, Intoxicating all the earth. The nations have drunk of her wine; Therefore the nations are going mad. ⁸ Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been broken; Wail over her! Bring balm for her pain; Perhaps she may be healed. ⁹ We applied healing to Babylon, but she was not healed; Forsake her and let us each go to his own country, For her judgment has reached to heaven And towers up to the very skies. ¹⁰ The Lord has brought about our vindication; Come and let us recount in Zion The work of the Lord our God!

In Jeremiah, the city falling is only mentioned once, but the same is said where she is intoxicating the world with her wines. It is worth mentioning when Babylon conquered Israel, they took all the temple golden plates, lamps, and cups. In these verses, it says, Jeremiah 5:17, “Babylon has been a golden cup in the hand of the Lord, Intoxicating all the earth.”

            God used this nation as his sword to punish Israel, and He also used King Cyrus as a sword to punish Babylon. At the very moment, the city was being breached Daniel tells how Belshazzar the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar, holds a great feast and drinks from the temple vessels which had been looted in the destruction of the First Temple.

A hand suddenly appears on a wall and writes an inscription. Terrified, Belshazzar calls for his wise men, but they are unable to interrupt the writing. The queen advises him to send for Daniel, renowned for his wisdom. Daniel then reads the message and interprets it: God has numbered Belshazzar’s days, he has been weighed and found wanting, and his kingdom will be given to the Medes and the Persians.

            Once again, The city and its inhabitants have been weighed and found wanting. My suggestion is, don’t be found wanting along with them.

Doom for Worshipers of the Beast

Verse 9.Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, 

            A third angel appears calling out to those who worship the beast and his image and have his mark on their foreheads and hand. Now one might be confused and believe this is a separate beast, but it’s the same one from chapter thirteen. The verses all tie together, describing the catholic church as the beast within the Vatican. A religious city-state that has been instrumental in the change of days and times. Its main image is the cross, and many of its constituents make a sign of the cross from their foreheads down and across their hearts, with their hand.

Why? You might be asking, does it seem the catholic church is being singled out as the beast? Why not one of the otherworldly religions, aren’t they just as pagan? Yes, they are as pagan or more so in many cases, but the catholic church is the entity that claims it’s authority from the Jewish God, the true God of the Bible. It uses the scriptures from the Old Testament when convenient to advocate it’s personal doctrines. It is the entity that says it’s head of the church is equal to God.

            It organized or wrote the version of the Bible 99% of the world today uses. It publically denounces much of the Bible, even though it derives its power from the very same book. I could go on about the audacity of this organization when it comes to God and His Holy word and truth, but I made my point.

            This is why God has singled out this particular church, it is the epitome of all that is wrong in this world when it comes to religions.

Verse 10. he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 

Now read the last three verses together and see what you have.

“Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.” And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality.” “Fear God, and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth and sea and springs of waters.” Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 

It would seem obvious, there is a powerful message for those that worship the beast in place of God’s truth. He continues on with this verse for those who willingly accept the mark and worship the image, they will suffer greatly. Doesn’t this give pause to the way religion has been portrayed in the past? God doesn’t make His truth complicated, man does that. It’s simple to see the things that surround this beast, also encompassing the catholic church. If you happen to be a member of the catholic church and find this hard to swallow then, you’ll have to come up with a better explanation. Let me give one last clue as we go forward, this isn’t a mystery, God’s people get it and understand who this is.

Isaiah 52:1-2, Awake, awake, Clothe yourself in your strength,  O Zion; Clothe yourself in your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; For the uncircumcised and the unclean Will no longer come into you. 2 Shake yourself from the dust, rise up, O captive Jerusalem; Loose yourself from the chains around your neck, O captive daughter of Zion.

The hardest thing for some to do it seems is to give into God. Either because of the stigma of looking Jewish or because of beloved traditions, but God says, for us to awake and shake off those old thoughts and beliefs.

Verse 11. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” 

The smoke of their torment goes up forever, a dire warning for those that follow the beast, which is about 99% of the world today. It is a roadsign for a world heading headlong into destruction. He is giving one last appeal to leave the beast system and join a tiny contingent of believers. There is another verse saying much the same thing.

Isaiah 34:8-10, For the Lord has a day of vengeance, A year of recompense for the cause of Zion. ⁹ Its streams will be turned into pitch, And its loose earth into brimstone, And its land will become burning pitch. ¹⁰ It will not be quenched night or day; Its smoke will go up forever. From generation to generation it will be desolate; None will pass through it forever and ever.

            Many will say this is hell or purgatory, a place where a wicked immortal soul goes after death. The only problem with that, hell is a myth. A myth concocted by the Greeks and Phonecians from the word hades so to interject fear into their beliefs. The same can be said about Catholicism in the middle ages, where they used the fear of the soul burning in hell forever to keep their parishioners in line. The saddest part of this belief, it’s still used in many churches today. Besides the fact, anyone can get on a computer and look up the origins of the doctrine and see for themselves, the doctrine is false. That is part of the ongoing problem, the beast creates these orthodox doctrines, and the world follows blindly even in the face of truth.

Their torment is never knowing the truth, always worshiping the mysteries and not God. Twisted lies and deceit nag at the heart and mind, but they have no will to change. God has closed their eyes and ears, so a barrier is formed, one they can never breach. They stand just outside looking in at the promises of God, wanting, but never able to ultimately being able to acquire them.

Verse 12. Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

We now pivot 180% to God’s holy peoples, the saints. Ones who have been given sight and understanding. They have reached out and grasped the truth. Along with truth comes a feeling of peace in the spirit that comes with understanding. It’s like finally understanding you were naked before God and now He is giving you clothing to hide the nakedness of the world. Look at this verse that appears to say we are naked until God clothes us spiritually. 2 Corinthians 5:1-4,  For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. ² For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, ³ inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. ⁴ For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.

            The church of God is also told in Revelation 3:15-19,‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. ¹⁷ Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, ¹⁸ I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. ¹⁹ Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. 

            It seems the world has a direct influence on the spiritual garments we have or will have. The wealth God gives is in the form of clothing we either keep clean of soak in the mire of this world.

            Even though our righteous acts are like filthy rags, the white robes are a symbol of peace of the spirit and a lasting understanding of the will of God. We must keep them clean to maintain a proper relationship with our creator.

Verse 13. And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.”

            “Those who die in the lord.” The world would believe they, too, die in the lord because they simply believe in Jesus. Somewhere along the line, they pronounced to their church elder they were a believer. They proceeded to get a tattoo of a cross, or bought one on a gold chain, then acquired a Bible either as a gift or one they purchased. Feeling good about themselves because they now have completed the Christing experience, they confidently go on doing what they always have done.

            But while they soak in the filth of the world, and confident they will go to heaven when they die, because they told were told this by an Elder or minister. Also, believing all along, that’s all it takes to be called one of God’s people. Could there be more to it than just saying you believe in Jesus? Are there other things we need to do, like keep the commandments of God. John 14:15 says this:  “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

            If the reverse is then also true, not keeping the commandments would be the absence of love for Jesus. Make no mistake about it, Jesus was the God of the Old Testament that gave Moses the commandments written by His finger. John 1:1-18, Colossians 1:15-20 and 1 Corinthians 10:1-5, which says: For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; ² and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; ³ and all ate the same spiritual food; ⁴ and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. ⁵ Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness

            Blessed are those that are called to be a member of the church of God because they are also part of the bride promised to the Messiah. They are eligible for the promises guaranteed to the seven churches that overcame, as we saw in the first three chapters.

            Now, here is a verse everyone who calls themselves one of God’s people should take notice. They rest from their labor, and their deeds follow them. Is that labor just plain old everyday work, or is it something God has given His people to do?

Remember the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-12, “Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. ³ For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, ⁴ but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. ⁵ Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. ⁶ But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ ⁷ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ The foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ ⁹ But the prudent answered, ‘No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ ¹⁰ And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. ¹¹ Later the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ ¹² But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ ¹³ Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

What is the oil the five lazy bridesmaids are commanded to buy, just a hint, can’t be the holy spirit. Simon Magus was condemned for wanting to buy the Holy Spirit, (Acts 8:14-24).

In Revelation 3:18, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

            How do we buy from God? The clue is found in the scriptures, in particular Matthew 25:31-46,“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. ³² All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; ³³ and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. ³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; ³⁶ naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ ³⁷ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? ³⁸ And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? ³⁹ When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ ⁴⁰ The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ ⁴¹ “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; ⁴² for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; ⁴³ I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ ⁴⁴ Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ ⁴⁵ Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ ⁴⁶ These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

            These are the deeds that follow a person into the kingdom of God. They are the deeds God looks for in His people, not just speaking, or organizing, or playing church, but hard-working people of God.

The Reapers

Verse 14. Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was one like a son of man, having a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. 

The return of the king. This is the Messiah in all His majesty and glory. Why is He sitting on a white cloud, but what could that represent? If sea means masses of people in the world, then might this white cloud represent the saints surrounding the Messiah? Those who will be with the Messiah at His return we are told? Just a question, but look at these verses. Revelation 19:11-14,  And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. ¹² His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. ¹³ He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. ¹⁴ And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses.

             A cloud of fine white linen as the background of the Messiah at He returns. The thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, are an army of white-clad saints.

Verse 15. And another angel came out of the temple, crying out with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe.” 

The symbolism shouldn’t be new to the Bible student; we see the same wording in John 4:35-37. Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. ³⁶ Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. ³⁷ For in this case the saying is true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ ³⁸ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored and you have entered into their labor.”

            It is the resurrection of God’s faithful, symbolic of Him coming for His people. 

Verse 16. Then He who sat on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped.

            In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, we see this event which will occur one day in the future, But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a [m]shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

            The same event is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:50-57, ⁵⁰ Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit ^[q]the imperishable. ⁵¹ Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. ⁵³ For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. ⁵⁴ But when this perishable will have put on ^[v]the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. ⁵⁵ O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” ⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; ⁵⁷ but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

But the messiah is only just beginning gathering His people to Him and setting the world straight. He will put the beast and Satan down, so they won’t bother the world any longer.

Verse 17. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle. 

The sickle is also symbolic of the judgment of God. The fields are the world and the focus of God’s harvest. There is always good fruit to harvest, but weeds and tares grow alongside the good fruit.

Matthew 13:24-30,  Jesus presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. ²⁵ But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went away. ²⁶ But when the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the tares became evident also. ²⁷ The slaves of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ ²⁸ And he said to them, ‘An enemy has done this!’ The slaves *said to him, ‘Do you want us, then, to go and gather them up?’ ²⁹ But he *said, ‘No; for while you are gathering up the tares, you may uproot the wheat with them. ³⁰ Allow both to grow together until the harvest; and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them up; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

            Two different actions are required to complete the harvest, one gathers the good fruit, and two, destroys the tares.

We have another angel coming out of God’s temple with an instrument for harvesting. This angel isn’t told to do anything, but the implication is, he is about to begin using his sickle. This is highly confusing because we have already seen the one we know as the Messiah or Jesus coming and reap what He has sown, so who is this? My thoughts go to the old grim reaper figure, but I can’t be sure the purpose of this angel without more information.

            The temple which is in heaven, we saw earlier in chapter four, where John was told to measure the Temple. Is this the same temple, or is there another one? If this is the temple in heaven, then there is no other one, all temples were built according to the layout of this temple.

Hebrews 8:1-6,  Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, ² a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. ³ For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. ⁴ Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; ⁵ who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “See,” He says, “that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.” ⁶ But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.

            Is this the throne of God the Father, or the Messiah, or both? It is, in my opinion, it is the current home of the family of God.

Verse 18. Then another angel, the one who has power over fire, came out from the altar; and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe.” 

The second angel now gets his instructions and is told to begin. First, thought, we seem to have a different angel coming upon the scene, and what is interesting, this angel who has the power of fire gives the order to start. What happens to the world after God retrieves all the saints? Those that have been deceived, those that didn’t believe in God at all? The ones that believed in false gods, and not the true God? What then happens, because there is no real reason for God to hold His wrath in reserve any longer.

Joel 3:13-16, Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, tread, for the wine press is full; The vats overflow, for their wickedness is great. ¹⁴ Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. ¹⁵ The sun and moon grow dark And the stars lose their brightness. ¹⁶ The Lord roars from Zion And utters His voice from Jerusalem, And the heavens and the earth tremble.

            I have just one question, does all this occur in only one day? A day which is commonly known as the day of the lord, and a day the world will never forget.

Or is this over time, and while different events happen simultaneously? I see resurrections in these verses, and we are told particular things about resurrections. For instance, there is an order in the resurrection, implying there is an order in the harvest.

1 Corinthians 15:22-24,  For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. ²³ But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, ²⁴ then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. 

            In this verse, we see three different events, what is that telling us this chapter of revelations?

Verse 19. So the angel swung his sickle to the earth and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God. 

            What is this winepress of God? It is the symbol of blood and God’s judgment on the world. Wine is the symbol of the blood it takes to complete a covenant. Matthew 26:28,This wine is my blood, which will be poured out to forgive the sins of many and begin the new agreement from God to his people. ²⁹ I want you to know, I will not drink this wine again until that day when we are together in my Father’s kingdom and the wine is new. Then I will drink it again with you.” ³⁰ They all sang a song and then went out to the Mount of Olives.

Remember the words of the Messiah at Passover.

Isaiah 63:1-6, Who is this who comes from Edom, With garments of glowing colors from Bozrah, This One who is majestic in His apparel, Marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.”
² Why is Your apparel red, And Your garments like the one who treads in the wine press? ³ “I have trodden the wine trough alone, And from the peoples there was no man with Me. I also trod them in My anger And trampled them in My wrath;
And their lifeblood is sprinkled on My garments, And I stained all My raiment.
⁴ “For the day of vengeance was in My heart, And My year of redemption has come. ⁵ “I looked, and there was no one to help, And I was astonished and there was no one to uphold; So My own arm brought salvation to Me, And My wrath upheld Me. ⁶ “I trod down the peoples in My anger And made them drunk in My wrath,And I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.”

Verse 20. And the wine press was trodden outside the city, and blood came out from the wine press, up to the horses’ bridles, for a distance of two hundred miles.

            Outside what city? The city where the temple is located, the city of God? Is there a Jerusalem in heaven, there is there a temple, one we have already seen. Is this the new Jerusalem? The problem with that thought, there is no temple mentioned in the new Jerusalem. Revelation 21:22, I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. ²³ And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. ²⁴ The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.

So, one can only speculate about this city, I have my thoughts, and I’ll let you do your own speculating.

A great slaughter of peoples will occur at one period in the future, all the scriptures point to that horrible event in time. Revelation 19:17-19, Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds which fly in midheaven, “Come, assemble for the great supper of God, ¹⁸ so that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of commanders and the flesh of mighty men and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them and the flesh of all men, both free men and slaves, and small and great.” ¹⁹ And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies assembled to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.

I see the complete gathering of the peoples of the world in these verses, why God chooses to show John in this way only He can know. One thing seems sure, God wanted John to understand the events that would happen. He wanted John to see the resurrection of the saints, but He also wanted John to see the judgments coming to the world.

Revelation 20:11-13, Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. ¹² And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. ¹³ And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds.

            We need to remember John was a living human being. He had friends and relatives who he was concerned about him. He would want them to know about his visions of judgment. More importantly, he wanted the brethren of God’s church to understand their final outcome. Two thousand years later, we still need that vision John was given to help us look towards a day when God’s word will no longer be defiled.

My last question on this chapter, did John see his own resurrection? Consider the ramifications of such a vision, one seeing their resurrection and position in God’s kingdom far off in the future. John didn’t know when that day was, but he must have known it had to be futuristic because of the things he couldn’t explain.

            John’s visions are crazy and bazaar at times, they even seem jumbled, out of place, but His visions are telling a story, giving a warning, as well as hope to others. Where one decides to land within those categories is entirely up to them.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Fifteen 

In the last chapter, we ended with a review of the resurrections. The context in which they were presented in John’s vision was different than the usual commentary on resurrection events. Perhaps events were presented this way to bolster scriptures on the harvest events mentioned in other scriptures. It shows God’s judgments will be actual events and horrific for the world.

            Is God attempting to strike fear into the hearts and minds of the world? If He is, then why purposely close their eyes and ears? I believe the message is directed at those serving the beast system who know much of the truth. These men and women deny the truth in place of their own agendas while working against God.

            We now move to the aftermath of God’s judgment on the world, let’s see where this goes from here. I say this because we saw at the end of chapter fifteen, where the temple was closed. This could be the time where the saints’ marriage of the Messiah becomes complete, and the seven days together in the huppa (wedding booth) occurs. God’s people rehearse this special event every year by observing the Feast of booths, or better known as the Feast of Tabernacles.

            After the seven days are completed, the royal couple’s attention will turn to setting the world right.

A Scene of Heaven

Verse 1. Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels who had seven plagues, which are the last, because in them the wrath of God is finished.

            Another sign from heaven, and it’s one of sickness and famine. It’s almost like the four horsemen in chapter six are described with additional details concerning the last seven chapters. Also, one may wonder if we still unraveling the seventh scroll? The answer is Yes, so far, within trumpets, we have seen angels and now plagues, but one doesn’t end with the other.

            The final horsemen are famine and death in revelation chapter six. With famine frequently comes plagues leading to death. Plagues can also be locust hordes or other natural phenomena like HIV, syphilis, and other so-called social diseases. What’s the next plague to be unleashed upon the world just so we don’t offend those that practice and love sexual perversion?

            Just look at the first five seals again and reflect on the last seven-chapters and see if there isn’t a correlation.

The First Seal—Rider on White Horse

Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come.” ² I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

The Second Seal—War

³ When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come.” ⁴ And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.

The Third Seal—Famine

⁵ When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. ⁶ And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.”

The Fourth Seal—Death

⁷ When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come.” ⁸ I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.

            The Fifth Seal—Martyrs

⁹ When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; ¹⁰ and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” ¹¹ And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.

No need to go further in making my point, but details are extremely important. In my English college courses, we learned writing a story involves three stages in creating a good narrative. First, you introduce to your audience what you are going to say, second, tell the story, three, recap what you just told your audience.

I see that being played out in revelation by John’s vision. Maybe it’s just me, but this makes sense compared to other commentaries would have you believe.

Verse one says that after the plagues are disseminated, God’s wrath is finished. It’s done now, and we can move on to the next phase of the plan of God.

Verse 2.   And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God. 

            This looks like the fifth seal all over again? It tends to bolster my assertion we are recapping the events in chapter six. The saints in white robes standing on a sea of glass, which has overcome the beast with all its influences. These people have learned while human, to recognize an image and number informing them, this is a lie and part of Satan’s deception. I don’t see the need to rehash all the information repeated, but if you want, go back through the previous two chapters.

One other thought needs to be added before going forward about this sea of glass. Glass has two distinct properties; it’s translucent, and it’s solid. Standing on glass, one could look through it downward, whatever is below would be very evident. As I mentioned in the first commentary on this, the glass also reflects one’s image. Standing at the throne of God with one’s head bowed, one would see their image and all the flaws encompassing that reflection. Who would lie under those conditions, who would think to even stretch the truth, even just a little?

The fire might also indicate an extra barrier of cleansing because everyone is aware that fire purifies. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen fire associated with God’s holy people. Acts 2:1-4, When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. ² And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³ And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. ⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.

            This question needs to be asked, “could the sea of glass comprising the floor of the throne room be some sort of observatory? Is this where the happenings of the world are monitored? The short answer is, I’m not sure, but it’s worth contemplating.

Verse 3. And they *sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations!

The new song God’s people are the only ones able to sing. The song has two titles, “The song of Moses” and “The song of the Lamb.” It’s a song of reverence and honor, acknowledging the worthiness of the Messiah.

Verse 4.  “Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You,
For Your righteous acts have been revealed.”

            I’ll combine the comments on verses three and four because it’s the continuation of the song. Is this part of the song sung by the saints that the world doesn’t know or can learn? Revelation 14:3, And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been purchased from the earth.

            Why can’t they learn the song? Might it be the song is all about truth and following the true God, and since they deny much of what is true and God, it’s beyond their comprehension?

One can’t really learn something if they continually deny that same something.

The song being sung here describes itself. It is a song of conquest and giving the glory to everything messiah the Son.

Verse 5.  After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of testimony in heaven was opened, 

            What is the tabernacle in heaven? Here on earth for 3500 years or more, a small contingent of the world’s population have celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles year after year. Our church observes this time as celebrations of a day when the bride (the church) and bridegroom (the Son, Messiah) enter into a tabernacle (huppa) as husband and wife for seven days. We just read where the saints and the Messiah are glorified, the very next step would be the consummation of the marriage. Ezekiel 37:26-28, I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant with them. And I will place them and multiply them, and will set My sanctuary in their midst forever. ²⁷ My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people. ²⁸ And the nations will know that I am the Lord who sanctifies Israel, when My sanctuary is in their midst forever.

It is also a day to worship God, more as a rehearsal looking forward to a time in the future, notice the wording in Leviticus 23:39-44, On exactly the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the crops of the land, you shall celebrate the feast of the Lord for seven days, with a rest on the first day and a rest on the eighth day. ⁴⁰ Now on the first day you shall take for yourselves the foliage of beautiful trees, palm branches and boughs of leafy trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days. ⁴¹ You shall thus celebrate it as a feast to the Lord for seven days in the year. It shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations; you shall celebrate it in the seventh month. ⁴² You shall live in booths for seven days; all the native-born in Israel shall live in booths, ⁴³ so that your generations may know that I had the sons of Israel live in booths when I brought them out from the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.’” ⁴⁴ So Moses declared to the sons of Israel the appointed times of the Lord.

In the first two verses of Leviticus 23,we see a reminder of why we observe these days.

Leviticus 23:1, The Lord spoke again to Moses, saying, ² “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘The Lord’s appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations—My appointed times are these:

Look at Strong’s concordance as to the definition of the word convocations, 4744 miqra’ mik-raw’ from 7121; something called out, i.e., a public meeting (the act, the persons, or the place); also a rehearsal:–assembly, calling, convocation, reading.

It’s a rehearsal as much as it’s a holy gathering….the days we celebrate, even the weekly Sabbath is a rehearsal of something in the future. This is the very reason worshiping on the right day of the week holds so much importance.

We, the people of God’s church at this time, look forward to the heavenly event described in these verses. This is evidence about those of the world and why they cannot learn the songs of God.

Verse 6.  and the seven angels who had the seven plagues came out of the temple, clothed in linen, clean and bright, and girded around their chests with golden sashes. 

Now, this has me wondering why it was essential to describe the appearance of these angels. It appears to be part of the description of the saints.

Revelation 19:7-8, Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” ⁸ It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

            One more thing to add, these figures are now wearing a golden sash. What is the significance of the golden sash, let’s do what we have been doing all along and look where other scriptures may hold the answer.

We can see in Exodus Aaron, and his sons were given golden sashes as part of their priestly garments. Exodus 29:8-9,  You shall take the garments, and put on Aaron the tunic and the robe of the ephod and the ephod and the breastpiece, and gird him with the skillfully woven band of the ephod; ⁶ and you shall set the turban on his head and put the holy crown on the turban. ⁷ Then you shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him. ⁸ You shall bring his sons and put tunics on them. ⁹ You shall gird them with sashes, Aaron and his sons, and bind caps on them, and they shall have the priesthood by a perpetual statute. So you shall ordain Aaron and his sons.

It’s even more impressive when you then look at the following verse.

Revelation 1:12-16, Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; ¹³ and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash. ¹⁴ His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. ¹⁵ His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. ¹⁶ In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength.

            We know that the figure called Jesus wasn’t a Levite by birth; therefore, He didn’t qualify to wear a priestly garment on earth, but Hebrews tell us a different story. Hebrews 8:3-6, For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. ⁴ Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; ⁵ who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “See,” He says, “that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.” ⁶ But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.

To fully understand the priesthood we need to also read Hebrews 9:11-12, But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; ¹² and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

In addition, let’s look at another set of verses, Revelation 1: To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood— ⁶ and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever.

What are we being told in verse 6 about these figures? Is this verse saying these are saints, because, by all appearances, these figures are part of the priesthood indicated by the sashes they are wearing? If this is true, then the bride would have a direct hand in judging the world.

WHY WOULD THE SAINTS NOT JUDGE THE WORLD? Aren’t we told in 1 Corinthians 6:1-3, Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints? ² Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? ³ Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life?

But, but, Ron these are angels, spiritual beings. I would remind everyone the definition of angels. Unger’s Bible Dictionary says this about, “ANGEL (Heb. mal˓āk; Gk. angelos, both meaning “messenger”). They are messengers either by word or deed, they bring a message.

So, can these creatures be saints, in my belief,  yes, they can. Now, we get to what they bring, seven plagues. It’s interesting in chapter six of Revelation after the fifth seal things seem to get out of order, but when you place these two chapters together, they appear entwined.

The Sixth Seal—Terror

Revelation 6:12-17, I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; ¹³ and the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind. ¹⁴ The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. ¹⁵ Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; ¹⁶ and they *said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; ¹⁷ for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

            We seem to have great things begin to happen after the marriage of the lamb. It is a time of great tribulation for the world. A time when sin is being judged on a massive scale.

Verse 7.  Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. 

            The four living creatures referring back to chapter four and verse six to what these creatures may be. But in this verse, one of the creatures gives seven angels seven bowls, almost as if by doing this, it is giving permissions. These bowls are full of wrath, God’s wrath—the Son, and the Fathers and the bride’s wrath.

All of heaven has been officially offended by the actions of Satan and his beast system. The entire world is complicit in the vilest of sins perpetrated by these evil entities. Wrath is the best way to describe what they have coming to them for all the evil they have done to God’s creation.

Verse 8. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power; and no one was able to enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished.

            When the temple of old was filled with smoke from incense, only one man could enter the holy of holies, and only once a year. That was the day of Atonement when the high priest would take the blood of a bull and goat, representing the life of the high priest and of Israel into the holy of holies. If the sacrifice wasn’t accepted by God, then the children of Israel would suffer the following year, including plagues.

Leviticus 26:14-16, But if you do not obey Me and do not carry out all these commandments, if, instead, you reject My statutes, and if your soul abhors My ordinances so as not to carry out all My commandments, and so break My covenant, I, in turn, will do this to you: I will appoint over you a sudden terror, consumption and fever that will waste away the eyes and cause the soul to pine away; also, you will sow your seed uselessly, for your enemies will eat it up.

            Like I said, the only two in the temple at that time were the high priest. The blood of the people which represents life, because life is in the blood Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the ^[f]life that makes atonement.’.

Leviticus 16:11-14,“Then Aaron shall offer the bull of the sin offering which is for himself and make atonement for himself and for his household, and he shall slaughter the bull of the sin offering which is for himself. ¹² He shall take a firepan full of coals of fire from upon the altar before the Lord and ^[i]two handfuls of finely ground sweet incense, and bring it inside the veil. ¹³ He shall put the incense on the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of incense may cover the mercy seat that is on the ark of the testimony, otherwise he will die. ¹⁴ Moreover, he shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat on the east side; also in front of the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times.

Leviticus 16:17-19, When he goes in to make atonement in the holy place, no one shall be in the tent of meeting until he comes out, that he may make atonement for himself and for his household and for all the assembly of Israel. ¹⁸ Then he shall go out to the altar that is before the Lord and make atonement for it, and shall take some of the blood of the bull and of the blood of the goat and put it on the horns of the altar on all sides. ¹⁹ With his finger he shall sprinkle some of the blood on it seven times and cleanse it, and from the impurities of the sons of Israel consecrate it.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Sixteen

          This chapter becomes somewhat more confusing, beginning with, why is there a  continuing backward review? At this point, one would think we would already be looking at the Bridegroom and bride’s marriage while ushering in the Millennium?

            Before we finished the last chapter, the angels were given bowls of wrath, so man’s dressing down isn’t completed. Additionally, the answer may possibly have to do with how it all will occur. Christ comes for His bride (the church, the coming resurrection) once they are married in heaven, they then go about putting the world in order. The Messiah must set up His reign on this earth that will last for one thousand years.

Zechariah 14:1-5, Behold, a day is coming for the Lord when the spoil taken from you will be divided among you. ² For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plundered, the women ravished and half of the city exiled, but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city. ³ Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle. ⁴ In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south. ⁵ You will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him!

            In the wedding huppa with the bride and bridegroom, they are the only ones allowed in the room, tent, or enclosed area. It is a wedding booth where the marriage is consummated.

Six Bowls of Wrath

Verse 1.Then I heard a loud voice from the temple, saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.”

Whose voice is coming from the Temple? The temple is the high priest home. He occupies in the Millennium. During that time, we have established the one known as Jesus is the high priest. Hebrews 8:1-6, Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, ² a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. ³ For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. ⁴ Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; ⁵ who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “See,” He says, “that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.” ⁶ But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.

These seven angels are now pouring out their bowls of wrath upon the unsuspecting world. Wrath is considered by theologians as great anger with the purpose of revenge. That fits the circumstances and attitude of the family of God.

Deuteronomy 32:35 New King James Version (NKJV)

³⁵ Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; Their foot shall slip in due time; For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things to come hasten upon them.’

Also, in Isaiah 66:4-6, New King James Version (NKJV) So I will choose their punishments And will bring on them what they dread. Because I called, but no one answered; I spoke, but they did not listen. And they did evil in My sight And chose that in which I did not delight.”
⁵ Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at His word: “Your brothers who hate you, who exclude you for My name’s sake, Have said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, that we may see your joy.’ But they will be put to shame. ⁶ “A voice of uproar from the city, a voice from the temple, The voice of the Lord who is rendering recompense to His enemies.

            His voice commands recompense to fall upon the nations of the world. It’s a  voice of complete authority and unyielding power, causing those that hear to bend to its will.

Verse 2.So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and it became a loathsome and malignant sore on the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image.

Once the contents of the bowl are loosed and find its mark, the result is loathsome malignant sores. The fascinating aspect of this target is those who had the mark of the beast. Had would indicate they no longer carried the mark. Did they repent or discover what they were doing was wrong?

No, the more correct wording, “who bore the mark of the beast.” The next part of that verse tends to buttress the wording.

Back to the loathsome malignant sores, let’s begin with loathsome. Strong’s concordance says this about loathsome, 2556. kakos kak-os’ apparently a primary word; worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas 4190 properly refers to effects), i.e. (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious:–bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked. Then we turn to Strong’s concordance for the definition of malignant, 4190. poneros pon-ay-ros’ from a derivative of 4192; hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from 2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from 4550, which indicates degeneracy from original virtue); figuratively, calamitous; also (passively) ill, i.e. diseased; but especially (morally) culpable, i.e. derelict, vicious, facinorous; neuter (singular) mischief, malice, or (plural) guilt; masculine (singular) the devil, or (plural) sinners:–bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked(-ness).

            I don’t know about most folks, but I wouldn’t care to be one of the recipients of the first bowl of wrath. One might want to ask why more plagues? Simple, the people won’t change, they won’t give up their gods or immoral acts. Is this a direct reference to the sixth Egyptian plague, boils, Exodus 9:8, Exodus 9:9?

            Could this be something like the HIV virus on steroids or some other vile creation of unknown origins infecting mankind to get their attention? At the time of this cometary, mankind is suffering from the results of Covid-19, which is mild in comparison to the contents of these bowls. Many have wondered if we are experiencing a warning from God?

            The people mentioned here carry the mark of the beast and worship the image of the beast. The beast loves its own, just as God loves His people. The people won’t move from familiar ground unless something moves them. The image and sign of the beast we have already gone over at nausea so we won’t rewrite the entire dissertation, but we will reference the comments, Revelation 14:9-13, Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, ¹⁰ he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. ¹¹ And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” ¹² Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

¹³ And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write, ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.”

Verse 3.The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became blood like that of a dead man; and every living thing in the sea died.

The second angel pours out his bowl upon the sea. If you’re not catholic or knowledgeable of their specific speech, some verbiage may escape you. For instance, the sea in catholic terms is a reference to the masses of peoples within their congregations. From the Glossary of Catholic Terms

Holy See. The primary official term of reference for the Diocese of Rome, as the chief diocese of Catholic Christendom; used to refer to the pope and the Roman Curia—congregations, tribunals, and various other offices—in their role of authority over and service to the Catholic Church around the world. In most news uses, Vatican is synonymous with Holy See: A Holy See representative is a Vatican representative, a congregation of the Holy See is a Vatican congregation, etc.

            Yes, there is a difference between see and sea. Still, one can certainly be a metaphor for the other, especially if the organization didn’t exist in its current form at the time Revelation was written. It very well could reference something John didn’t wholly understand.

Here is another reference offered by Wikipedia, “Our Lady, Star of the Sea is an ancient title for the Virgin Mary. The words Star of the Sea are a translation of the Latin title Stella Maris. The title has been in use since at least the early medieval period. Originally arising from a scribal error in a supposed etymology of the name Mary, it came to be seen as allegorical of Mary’s role as “guiding star” on the way to Christ. Under this name, the Virgin Mary is believed to intercede as a guide and protector of seafarers in particular, the Apostleship of the Sea, and many coastal churches are named Stella Maris or Star of the Sea.”

The next question automatically becomes, is this local or worldwide? The sea would seem to indicate a localized plague or specific area, it doesn’t say oceans. Curiously, another one of the plagues directed at ancient Egypt was the Nile river turned to blood. Exodus 7:17-18,  Thus says the Lord: “By this you shall know that I am the Lord. Behold, I will strike the waters which are in the river with the rod that is in my hand, and they shall be turned to blood. ¹⁸ And the fish that are in the river shall die, the river shall stink, and the Egyptians will loathe to drink the water of the river

            Sounds very familiar when you compare the two together. Is God doing to the world at the end times what He did to Egypt? We can only go forward and view the evidence for ourselves. What God has in store for these folks should make anyone with a morsel of conciseness want to examine their lives and beliefs.

Verse 4.Then the third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of waters; and they became blood. 

If the sea is a metaphor for peoples, what would the streams be? Could they possibly be the churches and denominations that flow from the mother church, possibly? Could they be the doctrines and edicts that flow from the top flowing downwards, possibly?

            Could they be a continuation of the plagues we read about in Egypt, very possibly? Read Exodus 7:19, Then the Lord spoke to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Take your rod and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt, over their streams, over their rivers, over their ponds, and over all their pools of water, that they may become blood. And there shall be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in buckets of wood and pitchers of stone.

            There seems to be a distinct pattern developing here, but we won’t know for sure until we look at the other bowls of wrath and their contents. Perhaps, there is a combination of the plagues of Egypt and religions today holding sway over the modern world.

Verse 5. And I heard the angel of the waters saying, “Righteous are You, who are and who were, O Holy One, because You judged these things; 

Righteous are YOU, there is none righteous except the Son of God. Who can rightly fit this statement?

Psalm 14:1-3 English Standard Version (ESV) The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good. 2 The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. 3 They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.

Additional clues come in the next few words and verses about the person called Jesus, which sounds a whole lot like Hebrews 13:8,  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. He is the Holy One, the only one able to  judge the earth.

The phrase “angel of the waters” is especially curious. Remember what we just read about the sea of peoples? We see in John 7:37-39,Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. ³⁸ He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” ³⁹ But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

We also, when Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well. John 4:13-14,  Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; ¹⁴ but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst, but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

Can we safely assume Jesus is the angel of the waters? Is the actual water what’s being discussed here? Or, could this be something different altogether like doctrine? Jeremiah 2:13 ESV,  For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.

Can the world honestly drink in the doctrine of God without Satan’s poison altering the waters? You have to find a desert where Satan can’t approach you unseen to drink in an untouched container of water. A place of solitude where only the words (waters) of the Messiah are heard and drank. That dessert is away from our worldly surroundings, not influenced by other men or doctrines.

Verse 6.for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. They deserve it.”

These verses are speaking of two different groups of peoples. It can be confusing because it sounds like all one people but look closely at the words.

The very first line of this verse is a continuation of the following verse, look at what is said as we paste the sentence back together. And I heard the angel of the waters saying, “Righteous are You, who are and who were, O Holy One, because You judged these things; for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets,

They have done the exact same thing the Messiah accused the Pharisees of doing. Matthew 23:29-36, Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, ³⁰ and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ ³¹ “Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. ³² Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt. ³³ Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? ³⁴ Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, ³⁵ that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. ³⁶ Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

            Give this the proper consideration it’s due. The Pharisees were the religious and government leaders of their day. Sound familiar, two sides of the same beast, two deadly horns? The issue the Messiah had with these guys, they understood the truth and knew in entirety the Bible’s rights and wrongs.

But, look at the harsh words the Messiah had for them over and over again. He called them hypocrites in other verses because they mourned the Fathers and prophets, yet were responsible for killing them as well as using scripture to justify their actions.

The last part of the verse is in conjunction with Matthew 23. They are given blood to drink because of their evil, and they deserve it. Who are the religious authorities today that fit this description? There is one church that claims it speaks for God, and at the same time has and will kill God’s people.

Matthew 23:34-35, Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, ³⁵ that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. 

            This is a direct reference to the stoning of the prophet Zechariah in the court of the temple. 2 Chronicles 24:20,  Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood above the people, and said to them, “Thus says God: ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the Lord, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the Lord, He also has forsaken you.’ ” ²¹ So they conspired against him, and at the command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the Lord. ²² Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but killed his son; and as he died, he said, “The Lord look on it, and repay!”

A time will come when they will also suffer the fate of the Pharisees.

Verse 7. And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.”

            Why does the alter speak saying God is true and righteous? Why not just say the saints or the elect are speaking? The wording is more relevant when you add these other scriptures along with this one. Revelation 6:9-11, When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. ¹⁰ And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” ¹¹ Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.

Exodus 29:10-12,  “You shall also have the bull brought before the tabernacle of meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on the head of the bull. ¹¹ Then you shall kill the bull before the Lord, by the door of the tabernacle of meeting. ¹² You shall take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour all the blood beside the base of the altar.

One more:

Leviticus 17:11, For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.

            Life is in the blood, and that life cries out from underneath the altar of God for justice are from those that have given their lives for God—their crys’ will result in the Messiah delivering judgment to the known world by His hand.

Verse 8.The fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun, and it was given to it to scorch men with fire. 

What possible difference could dump a single bowl of wrath upon the sun make? It wouldn’t unless this isn’t the actual sun, but more like a symbolic figure, God has taken aim at? I go back to the world-ruling religions of times past; god’s in antiquity were gods’ of the sun. I found this list on the internet that displays some of the ancient gods of pagan cultures.

Name	Nationality/Religion	God or Goddess?	Notes
Amaterasu	Japan	Sun Goddess	Primary deity of the Shinto religion.
Arinna (Hebat)	Hittite (Syrian)	Sun Goddess	The most important of three Hittite major solar deities
Apollo	Greece and Rome	Sun God
Freyr	Norse	Sun God	Not the main Norse sun god, but a fertility god associated with the sun.
Helios (Helius)	Greece	Sun God	Before Apollo was the Greek sun god, Helios held that position.
Hepa	Hittite	Sun Goddess	The consort of a weather god, she was assimilated with the sun goddess Arinna.
Huitzilopochtli (Uitzilopochtli)	Aztec	Sun God
Hvar Khshaita	Iranian/Persian	Sun God
Inti	Inca	Sun God	The national patron of the Inca state.
Liza	West African	Sun God
Lugh	Celtic	Sun God
Mithras	Iranian/Persian	Sun God
Re (Ra)	Egypt	Mid-day Sun God	An Egyptian god shown with a solar disk. Center of worship was Heliopolis. Later associated with Horus as Re-Horakhty. Also combined with Amun as Amun-Ra, a solar creator god.
Shemesh/Shepesh	Ugarit	Sun goddess
Sol (Sunna)	Norse	Sun Goddess	She rides in a horse-drawn solar chariot.
Sol Invictus	Roman	Sun God	The unconquered sun. A late Roman sun god. The title was also used of Mithras.
Surya	Hindu	Sun God	Rides the sky in a horse-drawn chariot.
Tonatiuh	Aztec	Sun God
Utu (Shamash)	Mesopotamia	Sun God

Then there was the Roman sun god Sol Invictus (“Unconquered Sun”) which was and is I might add, the official sun god of the later Holy Roman Empire and a patron of soldiers. On 25 December AD 274, also known as Mithra.

Above is a mosaic of a dedication made by a priest of Jupiter Dolichenus on behalf of the well-being (salus) of the emperors, to Sol Invictus and the Genius of the military unit equites singulares Augusti.

I have to admit I have referenced this information from Wikipedia because why recreate the wheel as they say. I’ll always give others credit for doing the research, especially when it’s backed up by other commentaries. But look further to what they have to say about this Roman deity.

Constantine decreed (March 7, 321) dies Solis—the day of the Sun, “Sunday”—as the Roman day of rest. On the venerable day of the Sun let the magistrates and people residing in cities rest, and let all workshops be closed. In the country, however, persons engaged in agriculture may freely and lawfully continue their pursuits because it often happens that another day is not suitable for grain-sowing or vine planting; lest by neglecting the proper moment for such operations, the bounty of heaven should be lost.

Constantine’s triumphal arch was carefully positioned to align with the colossal statue of Sol by the Colosseum so that Sol formed the dominant backdrop when seen from the direction of the main approach towards the arch.

Also, look at this coin they display on their site showing a Roman Imperial repoussé silver disc of Sol Invictus (3rd century), found at Pessinus (British Museum),

In Leviticus 20:1-5, Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ² “You shall also say to the sons of Israel: ‘Any man from the sons of Israel or from the aliens sojourning in Israel who gives any of his offspring to Molech, shall surely be put to death; the people of the land shall stone him with stones. ³ I will also set My face against that man and will cut him off from among his people, because he has given some of his offspring to Molech, so as to defile My sanctuary and to profane My holy name. ⁴ If the people of the land, however, should ever disregard that man when he gives any of his offspring to Molech, so as not to put him to death, ⁵ then I Myself will set My face against that man and against his family, and I will cut off from among their people both him and all those who play the harlot after him, by playing the harlot after Molech.

Before we go forward, it’s worth noting the way sons were sacrificed to Moclec. It fits with the next verses referencing this particular bowl of wrath. Now to the scorching men with fire, how does that fit into this scenario? Three ways as best as I can see, one, the church that has this emblem as its banner, has burnt thousands of victims at the stake for daring to think something different. Teachings and opposite doctrines were not tolerated an automatic trip to the stake to cleanse that person of evil by cleansing fire.

            The second reason that comes to mind is the doctrine of hellfire. The pagan belief sinful men and women spending eternity in an ever-burning hell forever and while being denied salvation. It’s an abominable doctrine still believed by billions of Christians today who are too lazy to research the doctrine.

The last scenario could possibly be the radiation from a nuclear blast that carries the heat so intense, its like the surface of the sun when it ignites. But, the fact is more people are killed by the fallout than by the blast itself, but either result is horrifying. The radiation can last for decades and causes skin melts off the person resulting in an excruciating death.

Verse 9.Men were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory.

This is a continuation of the last verse, which brings us to men being scorched. Would a person curse God if they believed He was responsible for their sudden condition? I’ve personally seen people curse God for a lot less, so yes they would.

The word blasphemed meaning in Strong’s Greek concordance 987 is, to vilify; specially, to speak impiously:–(speak) blaspheme(-er, -mously, -my), defame, rail on, revile, speak evil.

Now read these verses written by Paul to the Roman churches, Romans 1;18-32,  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. ²¹ For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. ²⁴ Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. ²⁵ For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. ²⁶ For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, ²⁷ and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error. ²⁸ And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, ²⁹ being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, ³⁰ slanderers,  haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, ³¹ without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; ³² and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.

One can hardly blame God from unloading His wrath on a people that thumb their noses at His will. Reading Romans makes one wonder why God hasn’t done something before now, and the answer is simple, it isn’t yet time.

What about blaspheming the name of God? What does that mean to all Christendom? Strong’s Greek concordance 3686 says this: a “name” (literally or figuratively) (authority, character). So, are we speaking of a specific name or the personage of God itself?

Or, is there a particular way God wants to be called, notice the scriptures below.

Revelation 19:11-13,  And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. ¹² His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. ¹³ He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.

So, cursing the name of the Messiah would be hard to do in light of this scripture, but one can curse the person. Why would the Messiah have a name no one knows? It’s the same reason the body of Moses was hidden from the physical and spiritual world. His name would be used to deceive peoples or, worse, worship false idols. Jude 1:8-9, Yet in the same way these men, also by dreaming, defile the flesh, and reject authority, and revile angelic majesties. ⁹ But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!

Can you imagine what people and Satan would do with the body of Moses if given an opportunity? Today, there are dead priests deemed as saints where their dead bodies have been on display for hundreds of years and are venerated.

            The bodies hold some sort of prominence in particular churches and to the people of those congregations. These mummies are venerated to the point of god-like status. In fact, look at this set of verses, Romans 1:20-23, For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. ²¹ For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.

They knew the true God but put His name on false gods and worshiped them as a god, the same as the world does today.

So, the exact name of the Messiah would be bent to fit so many false doctrines, it would be hard to see our savior as the true and righteous being He is. It’s not my intention to start an argument over sacred names or to insult anyone that insists we use them, but when you can’t know the correct name, the argument is usless.

I do, however, have a couple of questions, one, why is there no evidence the new testament was written in Hebrew? Out of 5000 bits and pieces of the 1^st and 2^nd-century fragments of the new testament, there is very little if any at all Hebrew written on them? They appear to be written in Koine Greek. This brings me to my next question, why write the letters in Hebrew when you are sending them to Greek-speaking people? One more question, the scrolls the disciples learned and taught from were the Septuagint, meaning 70 in Greek. They were translations of the Hebrew or Aramaic into Greek beginning some 250 years before the Messiah quoted from them. Perhaps some were done at an even later date, but they were in Greek, not Hebrew.

Why do I ask these questions because some people say using the words God, and Jesus is blasphemous, we should use a Hebrew form of His name? Why then don’t we translate the entire Bible back into the Hebrew language, why is it okay to speak English and read English until it comes to God’s titles or names?

I’m Caucasian, I grew up speaking American English, and until I came into the church of God, I didn’t know any Hebrew words. God called me into His church, knowing I said God and Jesus and eventually even brought me into the ministry. Never once then and now have I had a reason to doubt my calling.

Verse 10.Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues because of pain, 

            Here the beast takes a direct hit from these angels and their bowls of wrath. The bowl is poured out on the very throne of the beast. If you recall we spoke of this beast in Chapter thirteen. My personal conclusion was the beast is the catholic church, if you want to reference those thoughts go to chapter thirteen. The ultimate head of the beast is satan and satan has a throne.

Isaiah 14:12-18, “How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations! ¹³ “But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven;I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north. ¹⁴ ‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ ¹⁵ “Nevertheless you will be thrust down to Sheol, To the recesses of the pit. ¹⁶ “Those who see you will gaze at you, They will ponder over you, saying, ‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble, Who shook kingdoms, ¹⁷ Who made the world like a wilderness And overthrew its cities, Who did not allow his prisoners to go home?’ ¹⁸ “All the kings of the nations lie in glory, Each in his own tomb.

Many don’t know there is also a throne at Vatican city, it’s called the Chair of Saint Peter (Latin: Cathedra Petri), also known as the Throne of Saint Peter, is a relic conserved in St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

Could this be the very throne these scriptures are making reference about? Is there another throne of satan, or is the throne of the beast a just symbolic image? My thoughts on this, if the beast is the Catholic church, which I believe to be so, then this very well can be that throne and system God takes aim at in the final days. His kingdom became darkened, what happens when darkness occurs in nature. No light is emitted, blindness and confusion is the end result. Jesus Himself gives us clearity on the issue of light. John 12:35-36,  So Jesus said to them, “For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. ³⁶ While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.”

            We all can understand the Messiah is a symbol of light, and believing in Him is like opening the door to a lighted room and seeing everything for the very first time.

            Paul experienced his conversion in a very dramatic fashion, but there was more to the story than Pauls’s blindness; let’s look. Acts 26:12-18,  While so engaged as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, ¹³ at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven,  brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me. ¹⁴ And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ ¹⁵ And I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. ¹⁶ But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; ¹⁷ rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, ¹⁸ to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’

            They gnawed at their tongues because of the pain. Why the tongue, why not another part of the body? Jesus said in Matthew 18:8-9,  “If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; it is better for you to enter life crippled or lame, than to have two hands or two feet and be cast into the eternal fire. ⁹ If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than to have two eyes and be cast into the fiery hell.

According to these scriptures, perhaps the tongue wouldn’t be the best body part to sacrifice. Unless language created by the tongue has some direct connection to their worship of the beast and dragon, like repetitious chants.

James 3:1-12,  says the tongue is an untamable member of the body.

Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. ² For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. ³ Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. ⁴ Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. ⁵ So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. ⁷ For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. ⁸ But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. ⁹ With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; ¹⁰ from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. ¹¹ Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? ¹² Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.

            The worst pain of all is not knowing who our savior is and His plan for humanity.  The repetitious prayers of the beast congregations have a negative effect on changing the mind of God. Out of their mouths day and night, the same words over and over yield no fruit whatsoever.

Verse 11. and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores;and they did not repent of their deeds.

With these people, it’s the God in heaven they blaspheme, not just His name. Satan has unknowingly taken the place of God in so many churches and congregations without so much as a fight or truth. People have turned their lives over to this beast and false Messiah without a reasonable struggle. Paul wrote to Thessalonians in his second letter about this, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4,  Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, ² that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. ³ Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, ⁴ who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.

            They did not repent in light of everything they suffered up to this point. Why, wouldn’t the average man or women repent if God was sending death and destruction down upon them, especially when it’s predicted? If they knew the true God, they probably would, but the issue is, the world is so deceived by religions today, they can’t see the truth. In reaching out towards what they believe to be true and God, they grasp even harder onto the false gods and a false system.

            The world is unknowingly looking to satan and his system for their salvation and can’t see past their blinders. They can’t believe there is a way to live given by God. A way which is outlined in scriptures, but they totally ignored or denied by the world.

            One example in which I have given several times already is the Sabbath. The earthly mainstream churches either deny the Sabbath entirely calling it a Jewish doctrine or call simply call Sunday the Sabbath, which it isn’t. Sunday is the worship of the sun, and 1^st day of the week, Sabbath is the 7^th day as commanded, and the day of our true God.

            The world can’t grasp that one undeniable, fact, they will go to their graves adamant they worship their god on the right day and that day is Sunday.

            My final point is this, it’s almost impossible to repent of something you believe is right and accurate, but isn’t.

Verse 12.The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east.

Presenting the sixth angel, wherewe see this angel pouring his bowl on the river Euphrates. What’s so special about this river? Primarily since we’ve been focusing on the beast up to this point? Could this be symbolic of the Tiber river outside Rome? Some have suggested that’s precisely what this river is, but I feel more explanation is needed.

In ancient times the Euphrates was the separation between the worlds of east and west. Perhaps in today’s world, these verses are speaking of a separation of religions, like Christianity and Islam. Maybe these religions begin to have a direct influence on the main Christian religions of today. This could be an invasion of ideas and theology, not swords and spears of physical battle.  

            I believe the waters of the Euphrates is symbolic of the doctrines that divide denominations and cultures, just my thoughts

            Up to this point, it all has been about the beast, Satan, the beast people, and his kingdom. Also, look at the words, there is no indication there is a war coming, only making way for the kings from the east.

            Today, Dam’s and wars in Turkey and Iraq compose a real danger to the water levels in Tigris and Euphrates, something unforeseen in centuries past. Who could have predicted the need for electrical power would be a major reason in prophecy being fulfilled.

Verse 13. And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; 

Let’s carry the conversation forward and move from the previous verse gleaning even more information.

All of a sudden, we find ourselves looking back again to the beast, the dragon, and false prophet, back to a false religion. Back to Satan, the false system of Catholicism and the one that sits at its head, the Pope. One verse is referencing a river in the middle east, then suddenly back to the beast, a little perplexing unless, as I said, the river is symbolic of something else.

Out of the mouths of these three entities come lies and deceits. What is the frog reference all about? What do frogs do, they croak, and they croak a lot, especially around water. They sing to the world at the top of their lungs, and they can be heard from far away distances. Their message is one of constant evil and misery.

How would that translate into today’s world of religion or anything else? I’ll use our own church as an example; we use internet streaming to disseminate the word of God to anyone in the world that wants to listen. We also have a website people can go to and get information. We run ads in papers at times, we do advertising with pens, note pads, and calendars.

The point is there are three major media outlets in the world today, newsprint, radio, and Television. Three frogs singing their message of deceit to all the deceived of the world.

Satan, being over the beast and false prophet, does the same thing but on a much greater scale because they have the resources and can hire experts in these fields. Their version of gospel and truth drenches the world even though it’s not true. Can Satan use today’s technology the same as we do? Yes, he can, and he does, why would that be a surprise to anyone?

Up until twenty-five years ago, three versions of media wasn’t at all possible, making these frogs even more relevant for today’s world. But that’s not all the description of these frogs, let’s go on to the next verse.

Verse 14. for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. 

It’s evident what these unclean spirits are, they are the spirits of demons. In my estimation of scriptures, demons are the false gods of antiquity, the false gods of old. From demons and Satan, we get much of the so-called religion we know today.

They do the bidding of the beast and dragon. They don’t mind confusing the world because their lives depend upon the world, believing their lies.

We are warned in Galatians 1:6-9, I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; ⁷ which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. ⁸ But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! ⁹ As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

Paul also tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:19-21,What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? ²⁰ No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. ²¹ You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons

These demons perform signs that go directly to the kings, alliancing themselves around throughout the world. To John, today’s technology would be a great miracle or sign. He would be amazed if someone could say something from the other side of the earth resulting in them seeing and hearing instantly as If the person was standing in front of them. We see in 2 Thessalonians 2:6-12, And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. ⁷ For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. ⁸ Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; ⁹ that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, ¹⁰ and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. ¹¹ For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, ¹² in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.

            The world is being prepared as proxies in a battle against God. Frequently folks will ask why Satan even cares about the ones he has already deceived—here we are given the reason. It is to gather them together for the coming war with God. Not my words, but the scriptures, and I know the question coming, “how can people fight against God?

All I can say is they have been totally deceived in believing they can fight and win against God. Perhaps it’s the movies we watch about battles with aliens that convince people they must fight. We give our minds over to these things so readily that when God does come, one wonders if anyone will recognize Him. It seems even the Messiah had to ask the question about faith, Luke 8:6-8,  And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge *said; ⁷ now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night,  and will He delay long over them? ⁸ I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

Verse 15. (“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.”) 

This has a direct reference to Adam and Eve, who found themselves naked after eating from the tree of knowledge. Genesis 3:6-7,  When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. ⁷ Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings.

Also, a reference from Revelation 3:17-18,  Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, ¹⁸ I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see

The clothes spoken of in this verse aren’t physical, they are the spiritual clothes the Messiah has given His holy bride. Revelation 19:7-8, Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” ⁸ It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

            We can’t get any clearer than this, the clothing we need to maintain is our righteous deeds. This also has a direct link to the 10 virgins in Matthew 25:1-12, Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. ³ For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, ⁴ but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. ⁵ Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. ⁶ But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ ⁷ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ The foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ ⁹ But the prudent answered, ‘No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ ¹⁰ And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. ¹¹ Later the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ ¹² But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ ¹³ Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

            It’s apparent we need to stay ever vigilant and ready for the bridegroom because one day, He will come.

Verse 16. And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon.

Why a specific place in the world to do battle with God, especially if no one knows the day or hour of His coming? How can these armies get to this place fast enough to make a difference in a battle with God? Are we staging these armies right now for that event? Or is this another symbolic place and we are getting the world view again from about this battle and place. We can be sure it’s a time when the world will resist the Messiah and His coming.

Have we taken these things too literally in the past? I understand what it says in Zechariah 12:1-5, The burden of the word of the Lord concerning Israel. Thus declares the Lord who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him, 2 “Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah. 3 It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it. 4 In that day,” declares the Lord, “I will strike every horse with bewilderment and his rider with madness. But I will watch over the house of Judah, while I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. 5 Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, ‘A strong support for us are the inhabitants of Jerusalem through the Lord of hosts, their God.’

            It would seem, according to these scriptures, there will be a great battle in Jerusalem. This is what the theologians say is the campaign that’s going to occur referenced in this chapter. The only problem, the distance between Jerusalem and Tel Megiddo is 91 km, which is 56 and a half miles. Maybe that isn’t a great distance in today’s terms, but it was in the time of John. It might be close enough to Jerusalem to account for Jerusalem being mentioned, but in battle, every foot and every second count. Where do spiritual battles take place, they happen in the hearts and minds of men and women. Besides that, aren’t we told when the Messiah comes we will be caught up into the air with Him? Won’t God’s people be changed just before that time and accompany Him?  2 Thessalonians 4:13-18, But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. ¹⁵ For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words.

We can also see in the book of Zachariah the Messiah will stand on the Mount of Olives at His return.  Zechariah 14:1-5, Behold, a day is coming for the Lord when the spoil taken from you will be divided among you. ² For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plundered, the women ravished and half of the city exiled, but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city. ³ Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle. ⁴ In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south. ⁵ You will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him!

So, just what is occurring here? Why do we seem to have two versions of the same event happening in two different places? Maybe the next verse will give us some more clues.

Verse 17.Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl upon the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, “It is done.” 

What is done? I recall a similar event where these words were used. John 19:30, Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.  Is it done because the bride has been resurrected? But the world is far from being done or being taught or corrected we can see that in Zechariah 14:16-21, Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths. ¹⁷ And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, there will be no rain on them. ¹⁸ If the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, then no rain will fall on them; it will be the plague with which the Lord smites the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths. ¹⁹ This will be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths. ²⁰ In that day there will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, “HOLY TO THE LORD.” And the cooking pots in the Lord’s house will be like the bowls before the altar. ²¹ Every cooking pot in Jerusalem and in Judah will be holy to the Lord of hosts; and all who sacrifice will come and take of them and boil in them. And there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts in that day.

Again, the world is far from being done, they have another one thousand years of learning and understanding to go through. But the saints of God, the elect, the bride, they are now complete and in union with the Messiah.

Verse 18.And there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder; and there was a great earthquake, such as there had not been since man came to be upon the earth, so great an earthquake was it, and so mighty. 

Here we are in that time frame, in between man’s ignorance, and the remnants of Satan’s deceptions upon the world. A great earthquake, unlike any that has ever been felt, what is the cause? Could it be literal truth from God and His unveiling that shakes the world? That type of earthquake would rattle the world as a whole for sure. It would shake the religious foundations off their pillars of doctrine. The coming of the Messiah, graves opening, and people of a certain belief disappearing would grind the nations to a halt.  Malacia 3:1-4, Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple;  and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of hosts. ² “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. ³ He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness. ⁴ Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

            The realization of their blindness would come crashing down upon the heads of so many. What a time, what a surprise to those that have rejected God. The faces of millions coming to the truth all at once will be a sight to see.

Verse 19.The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. Babylon the great was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of His fierce wrath. 

            I began this study by thinking this city was Jerusalem, and I suppose it still could be, but I now have my doubts. The reason is simple, my thinking was the city being split into three parts was a clear indication this was Jerusalem dived by Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.  But, after the return of the Messiah, there will only be one government and religion, His. We’ve read in Zachariah where the city will be split into two sections, but that’s physical, not religious.  Zachariah 14:8,  And on that day living waters will flow out of Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and the other half toward the western sea; it will be in summer as well as in winter.

So, what city could this possibly be? Could it be the city where the Vatican church exists, could it be Rome? The birthplace of Christianity, Sunday worship, Christmas, and Easter. Could the municipality literally be destroyed, or is this figurative again?

The scientist has found a fault line running underneath the city of Rome; It is the same fault line that was responsible for a powerful quake three years ago that devastated the mountain town of Amatrice and surrounding villages, killing 300 people. The fault system is located on Monte Vettore, a mountain in central Italy that is part of the Apennine chain. Six significant earthquakes have occurred from this fault line over the last 1800 years. Could the city split into three parts, well yes, it could. Or could this be like what Ezekiel prophesied to Israel about in Chapter 5 of Ezekiel, beginning in verse 1, As for you, son of man, take a sharp sword; take and use it as a barber’s razor on your head and beard. Then take scales for weighing and divide the hair. ² One third you shall burn in the fire at the center of the city, when the days of the siege are completed. Then you shall take one third and strike it with the sword all around the city, and one third you shall scatter to the wind; and I will unsheathe a sword behind them. ³ Take also a few in number from them and bind them in the edges of your robes. ⁴ Take again some of them and throw them into the fire and burn them in the fire; from it a fire will spread to all the house of Israel.

            If Rome had made alliances with other religions prior to the return of the Messiah, could there be a three-way religious division within Vatican city at this time? The return of the Messiah would cause an instant evaluation of doctrines and claims of propriety amongst the religious inhabitants. So, much so, a division of peoples would be almost instantaneous in my humble opinion.

Verse 20.And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 

With this verse, it almost begs the reader to believe the verses are referring to a physical split in this city. I go back to this city, possibly being Jerusalem, but that city is nowhere near any water to accommodate an island. Rome, however, is on the Tiber river, and there is an island called Tibar Island. But I don’t believe we are speaking about a physical island. If my assumption is correct and this is a major split in religions, then the island would most likely be smaller ancillary beliefs who have joined the cabal of religions. The three major ones would be Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, but the smaller ones could compose of religions like Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Jainism, Shinto, Sikhism, Taoism, and Zoroastrianism, Baha’i.

The mountains are not found. Who’s looking for mountains, and why would they care? Rome is said to the city of seven hills. I don’t believe actual mountains is what is being referenced, mountains are a metaphor for governments in the Bible. When the Messiah returns, the governments of this world will disappear if not sooner then sometime later.

            We see this example in Isaiah 11:8 The nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, And the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den. ⁹ They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord As the waters cover the sea.

Verse 21.And huge hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, *came down from heaven upon men; and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, because its plague *was extremely severe.

            I initially felt these hailstones were rocket fired at Israel by Hamas or some other Palestinian group because they match the description. The Qassam rocket is a simple steel artillery rocket weighing between 88 and 110 lbs. They are cheap to make, and literally, thousands have been fired at Israel. It still could be this or some other type of explosive, but I’m not totally convinced any longer. This sounds like another one of those plagues from Egypt, Exodus 9:18-26, Behold, about this time tomorrow, I will send a very heavy hail, such as has not been seen in Egypt from the day it was founded until now. ¹⁹ Now therefore send, bring your livestock and whatever you have in the field to safety. Every man and beast that is found in the field and is not brought home, when the hail comes down on them, will die.”’” ²⁰ The one among the servants of Pharaoh who feared the word of the Lord made his servants and his livestock flee into the houses; ²¹ but he who paid no regard to the word of the Lord left his servants and his livestock in the field.  ²² Now the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that hail may fall on all the land of Egypt, on man and on beast and on every plant of the field, throughout the land of Egypt.” ²³ Moses stretched out his staff toward the sky, and the Lord sent thunder and hail, and fire ran down to the earth. And the Lord rained hail on the land of Egypt. ²⁴ So there was hail, and fire flashing continually in the midst of the hail, very severe, such as had not been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. ²⁵ The hail struck all that was in the field through all the land of Egypt, both man and beast; the hail also struck every plant of the field and shattered every tree of the field. ²⁶ Only in the land of Goshen, where the sons of Israel were, there was no hail.

Officially the largest recognized hailstone on record in the U.S. fell near Vivian, South Dakota (2010) on July 23rd. It measured 8.0” in diameter, 18 ½” in circumference, and weighed in at 1.9375 pounds. Now, stop and consider how big a 100 lbs hailstone would be. If a two lbs hailstone was 8 inches across, would a 100 lbs stone be 400 inches across? That would be 33 feet across, it would destroy homes and buildings with each and every impact.

            The wording is somewhat suspect in this verse. For instance, what hailstone carries a plague unless the hailstone itself is considered a plague. Back to this possibly being a rocket, but one carrying a biological component? It might spread disease and plague upon unsuspecting peoples. With some of the plagues, it could only take one rocket to do unspeakable damage.

            Referring back to exodus, the reason God sent hail upon Egypt was to destroy the belief in Egypt’s sky god, “Horus.” Now, some believe Hores has his monogram on the Catholic church, and the initials IHS stands for Isis, Seth, and Horus, also known as the trinity. The church itself will tell you it’s the name of Jesus in Greek, but that’s a bit reaching too far. I’ll leave you to make up your own minds about this.

Men are again blaspheming God over their condition, which they created, brought on by worshiping false gods. The true Messiah destroyed the ancient gods of Egypt to have a relationship with His people. It looks to me, God is bound to doing it again at the end of days.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Seventeen

As we go through more chapters and verses, we witness the greater events described as a scroll that continues unraveling before our very eyes. It is as if the events over the last six thousand years are written in a way to offer the masses every clue possible of future events.  The scrolls go to great lengths to unveil the bride of the Messiah, which is the church the Messiah and the Father created. As mentioned before, God’s church is the only true church; there are no gray areas between God’s true church and all the other religions in the world. One is either in God’s true church, or they are members of Satan’s church or synagogues as said in Revelation 3:8-9,  ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. ⁹ Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you.

            It’s laughable, so many denominations and churches in the world claim to be God’s holy church. There are serious problems with all of these claims, they don’t follow God; there is none that follow the will of God, other than God’s true church.

John 14:15,  If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

This verse is the very basis of God’s true church, it lays out the essential requirement to be in God’s church. Notice, it doesn’t say love man, love man’s version, or love your own interpretation of scriptures. It means to love God’s commandments, not nine only, but all ten. Some say the Messiah was speaking of only two of them what is referred to as the greatest commandments. Matthew 22:35-40, One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, ³⁶ “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” ³⁷ And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the great and foremost commandment. ³⁹ The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.

            Many theologians believe this is all the Messiah wants from man, but this isn’t the only place the Bible records these sayings. These verses were also used in the Old Testament, Deuteronomy 6:4-6, Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! ⁵ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. ⁶ These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.

There is nothing about scripture or doctrine in the New Testament that isn’t first in the Old testament. There are NOT new teachings, in fact, the disciples took their cues from the Old Testament in the form of the Septuagint and oral laws, because they had no new testament to turn to.

Back to the true church, it is one that follows God and NOT the teachings of men. It is one that wears the sign of God at their detriment from the world. Stop and do a short evaluation of yourself, how do YOU feel about keeping the 7^th day Sabbath? Does it make you feel funny, or does it seem dumb to you? How do YOU feel about those that keep the 7^th day Sabbath instead of Sunday? Does their difference make you want to scream at them or worse?

The truth is this; the 7^th-day sabbath came first; it was given to man by the one known as Jesus. That same being kept the Sabbath all the days of His life, and so did His disciples. It wasn’t until three hundred and fifty years later where the church began to identify with Sunday worship, and that was under the Roman Emperor Constantine.

Constantine was Satan’s most significant instrument in creating the beast as we know it today. It is the beast he created that deceives the world and captures the hearts and minds of Christians held in its vile grasp.

We now move to the chapter where the beast is revealed to all to see. Let’s make that transition and see what it has hidden in the depths between the lines.

Doom of Babylon

Verse 1.Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters,

            The first thing we see, this angel says to John come and see, he had to move into position to see the message, why? Is that just some formal invitation for the sake of the reader, or did John actually need to look at something, perhaps like we would on a TV or computer? Maybe it’s nothing at all, perhaps it’s just my imagination, but if so, why put it in scripture?

            Next, the judgment of the harlot, which brings up another question, did John know who the harlot was? We just went through a couple of chapters pertaining to the beast, has this something to do with this same entity?

            Whoever or whatever she is, she sits on many waters, let’s break this verse down to get a better look at what we are reading. Working our way backward, we’ll begin with waters. Waters are nations and peoples, absolutely no doubt, just read ahead to Rev. chapter 17, Verse 15. And he *said to me, “The waters which you saw where the harlot sits, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues. 

            Clear enough, but who is the harlot? I ask you to consider this if God’s true church is referred to in the female gender, then wouldn’t it stand to reason Satan’s church is also a female reference? In fact, with all the denominations, it could be said Satan has a harem of pagan beliefs and gods. Remember, Satan is counterfeiting God’s plan for ultimate deception, especially those Satan is calling. This is the reason God says He is jealous of His people, He even mentions it in one of His commandments. Deuteronomy 5:8-10,  ‘You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. ⁹ You shall not worship them or serve them; for

I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, ¹⁰ but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

            This is something you would say to your wife or husband, NOT a mixed group of peoples unless you are God, and the church is your soon to be bride. He is jealous of His people and His kingdom and isn’t willing to share one iota with Satan and his minions.

Verse 2.with whom the kings of the earth committed acts of immorality, and those who dwell on the earth were made drunk with the wine of her immorality. 

            Commenting acts of immorality are exactly what God is trying to keep His holy people from falling into. He is successful with the majority of His people, but the peoples of the world and governments are different. They don’t have the spirit of God to guide them, they have only the doctrines of Satan as their guide. The worst acts of these peoples and governments are embracing of satanic traditions leading to perversions. Like creating their own laws dealing with criminals, they have created a system of laws excluding God’s will while calling them God’s laws. They depict Moses sitting in judgment on Muriel and figures carved in stone while not considering the writings Moses passed down directly from God.

The ten commandments have become the ten suggestions because the religious leaders of today who are more concerned about the collection plate than teaching God’s will. Under the enforcement of kings or governments, no longer can someone point out the filthy perversion of homosexuality. Cities and States force communities and schools to adhere to absolutely ridiculous edicts requiring them to allow men and boys into women’s restrooms and visa versa. This isn’t God’s will; the scriptures are plain as day on this fact, but it is Satan’s will disguised as something godly.

Churches and communities are forced to drink from the cup of immorality because the minters who supposedly are the last line of defense from this type of evil have relinquished their responsibilities. To this, avocation has emerged to the ultimate sins of mankind, gays, and transgenders as priest; also women in the ministry.

There was a time in this world where the worst doctrine of worldly churches was worshiping on a wrong day, but all that has changed at the end times.

1 Timothy 4:1-4, But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, ² by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, ³ men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; ⁵ for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.

Also, Paul says this about the last days.

2 Timothy 3:-91, But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. ² For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, ⁴ treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. ⁶ For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, ⁷ always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁸ Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith. ⁹ But they will not make further progress; for their folly will be obvious to all, just as Jannes’s and Jambres’s folly was also.

            The whore is devastating towards the salvation of men and governments, but she is also alluring to the weak. This is our personal introduction to a vile, despicable creature symbolic of a system that feeds on evil and trades upon greed.

Verse 3.And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness; and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns.

            John appears to be carried into yet, another vision, almost as if this is a page break. This time he seems to be in a different location, now he is in a wilderness. In the wilderness, there is nothing; one might say it’s a dessert. There is no water for drink or food for sustenance, only a whole lot of nothing.

Then out of nowhere, there appears a woman sitting on a scarlet beast. She is described as filled with blasphemous names, what names, and who is she blaspheming? Remember blaspheming is speaking evil or slandering God. It can also mean, attributing some evil to God, or denying Him some good that we should attribute to Him. Leviticus 14:13-16,  Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ¹⁴ “Bring the one who has cursed outside the camp, and let all who heard him lay their hands on his head; then let all the congregation stone him. ¹⁵ You shall speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘If anyone curses his God, then he will bear his sin. ¹⁶ Moreover, the one who blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone him. The alien as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.

A very good of example of this can be illustrated by Romans 1:18-23, For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. ²¹ For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.

            How many other ways have this figure in the wilderness used God and His name to promote itself in the world? She, the whore, is sitting on a scarlet beast, a government symbolic of being drenched in blood and void of the true God. This beast lives in a place where there is no spiritual sustenance, and no hope for salvation.

             She is full of blasphemous names, perhaps like, the Vicar of Christ, Papa, father, mother of god, pontiff, and others such as when the Popes take on names of saints as some holy moniker.

            Seven heads and ten horns are the life span of the Catholic church. One can spend their time dissecting the ten and seven meanings, but it’s safe to say, this is the church that has had many leaders and killed millions. It has had many confederations with kings and governments throughout the last two thousand years, giving it power.

            Seven heads and ten horns see Revelation 12:3, Revelation 13:1, as reference.

Verse 4.The woman was clothed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a gold cup full of abominations and of the unclean things of her immorality, 

            The Catholic church has many colors of worship, but purple has a special place in the order of worship. Look at this description on the website, Learn Religion. There are many different colors of vestments, and each corresponds to a different liturgical season or type of celebration. The most common color for vestments is green, because green, which symbolizes hope, is used during Ordinary Time, the longest season of the liturgical year. White and gold are used during the Easter and Christmas seasons, to symbolize joy and purity; red, on Pentecost and for celebrations of the Holy Spirit, but also for the feasts of martyrs and any commemoration of Christ’s Passion; and purple, during Advent and Lent.

Why Purple During Advent?

Which brings us to a common question: Why does Advent share the color purple with Lent? As a reader once wrote to me: I noticed our priest started wearing purple vestments on the first Sunday of Advent. Aren’t purple vestments usually worn during Lent? At Christmas time, I would have expected something more festive, like red or green or white.

Beyond the color of the vestments used during the season, Advent shares some other features with Lent: The altar cloth is purple, and if your church normally has flowers or plants near the altar, those are removed. And during Mass, the Gloria (“Glory to God in the highest”) is not sung during Advent, either.

This is a closeup view of the vestment worn by the priests of the great whore during Lent.

Does wearing a particular color vestment make someone more holy than others?

Does it give that same person more stature or authority in the eyes of the Father in heaven? The wearing of red clothing by cardinals, according to some accounts, arose from a medieval custom in Lyons, France, where the canons of the cathedral wore red to distinguish themselves from other clergies.

The color red is said to be worn because of this verse, Matthew 27:27,  Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole Roman cohort around Him. ²⁸ They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him.

            It is also the color most cardinals use as the symbol of their position in the church, which is the group popes are selected from. What all this boils down to is this, no other church wears the combination of colors the Catholic church wears. Once a Pope is selected to be the head of the church, they are the principal leaders of mass and worship services around the world. They make the laws the entire church follows. The services revolve around different accouterments, but the most recognizable is the chalice and plate Look at these two used by Pope John XXIII: June 16, 1959.

          On the bottom of the paten is the IHS which is the insignia on many of the plates and cups used in masses around the world. Some believe these initials mean Isis, Horus, and Seth, Egyptian gods of ancient times.

I can’t say that is a fact with absolute assuredness, and the Catholic church denies this, but one has to admit, it sure fits. The church says the IHS is a combination of letters that represent the holy name “Jesus.” Early scribes would abbreviate the sacred names of Jesus by using the first two letters of the name, or the first and last letters, with a line over the letters.

            I can’t say that is true either, but whatever the initials are suspicious at best. Look at this photo of one of the most recent Popes of our time.

What would be the unclean things of her immorality? It’s a curious statement in the context of religion as we know it. The doctrine of a church would be the basis of determining a church’s morality. Also, the conduct of its ministry and leadership would be a hallmark of morality.

What we’ve seen in recent years is a collapse of morality within the church while still claiming equality with the creator. It’s filled with priests who are known pedophiles and homosexuals and even nuns with deviant behaviors. One news article stated a full 80% of the ministry was in one of the categories just mentioned. There has been lawsuit, after lawsuit levied against the church over the last few decades as their vile obsessions have come into the light.

The doctrine of this false church is as heinous as to their treatment of altar boys. Pagan days have supplanted the Holydays of God, the weekly day of worship is replaced by their day, “Sunday” over the Sabbath. I could and probably should go on with the recounting of the churches’ perversion of truth and doctrines of God….but it does little when trying to convince those caught within the grasp of this beast.

Verse 5.and on her forehead, a name was written, a mystery, “BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” 

On their forehead, what better way to illustrate than a picture of this image spoken of.

This mark supposedly means they are owned by Christ and are to repent from their sins of the last year. My thought about having someone put a mark on my head would be a great way to spread a virus.

But it shows the world whom they worship, you see this on someone’s forehead, there is little doubt who they are giving allegiance to. Catholics also use the sign of the cross as a type of prayer; it covers the forehead, lips, and chest crossing the heart.

It takes me back to the commandments of our Messiah when He told the Pharisees in Matthew 22:36-40, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” ³⁷ And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the great and foremost commandment. ³⁹ The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁴⁰ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

            It makes me wonder, are they attempting to emulate this by making the sign of the cross over their body? Are they trying to say they love their god with al;l their heart and minds? In the Catholic church, there are as many mysteries as there are candles. Everything appears to be a mystery with them and can’t be explained by any reasonable means. Mystery in the Catholic church, the Latin term is mysterium fidei, “mystery of faith,” defined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1997) to mean a mystery hidden in God, which can never be known unless revealed by God.

            What city is Babylon the great? In Jeremiah 50:1-7, it tells us the reason God sent destruction upon the original city or nation of Babylon. The word which the Lord spoke concerning Babylon, the land of the Chaldeans, through Jeremiah the prophet:² “Declare and proclaim among the nations. Proclaim it and lift up a standard. Do not conceal it but say, ‘Babylon has been captured, Bel has been put to shame,  Marduk has been shattered; Her images have been put to shame, her idols have been shattered.’ ³ For a nation has come up against her out of the north; it will make her land an object of horror, and there will be no inhabitant in it. Both man and beast have wandered off, they have gone away! ⁴ “In those days and at that time,” declares the Lord, “the sons of Israel will come, both they and the sons of Judah as well; they will go along weeping as they go, and it will be the Lord their God they will seek. ⁵ They will ask for the way to Zion, turning their faces in its direction;  they will come that they may join themselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant that will not be forgotten. ⁶ “My people have become lost sheep; Their shepherds have led them astray. They have made them turn aside on the mountains; They have gone along from mountain to hill And have forgotten their resting place. ⁷ “All who came upon them have devoured them; And their adversaries have said, ‘We are not guilty,
Inasmuch as they have sinned against the Lord who is the habitation of righteousness, Even the Lord, the hope of their fathers.’

It still doesn’t answer the question, what modern-day city is this? In John’s day, the ancient city of Babylon had been destroyed over five hundred years earlier. The city of Rome did exist at that time but wasn’t Christian at that time, it would be another two hundred years before that came about.

So, would this be indicative of Babylon of old or the futuristic city of Rome or perhaps a different place altogether? One other thought, are we speaking of a place or perhaps a symbolic representation of a religious system?

I tend to lean more towards the latter because any city or place can be indicative of the ancient city of Babylon, given the right circumstances. But what did Babylon represent, especially to God’s people? We read in Jeremiah, where the nation of Chaldeans caused great turmoil in the lives of Judah and Israel. Is that what God’s people should be more focused on instead of a place. Isn’t the false religious systems more of a threat than a place? Some say this city is Jerusalem, but I still say the system is more descriptive than any particular city. It’s the Babylonian way of doing things, they capture your heart and your mind while enticing a person into their system and indoctrinating them into their folds. So much so, it’s almost impossible to bring them back to God.

Verse 6.And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered greatly. 

We go straight from the Babylonian system to the woman being drunk with the blood of the saints. This statement gives much credence to what I was commenting on in the last verse. It’s more a system called the whore who is intoxicated from the destruction of God’s followers, and none have been more prominent in that pursuit of God’s people than the Catholic church.

I won’t regale the readers about the harsh treatment of Jews and Sabbath-keepers over the centuries at the hands of Catholic inquisitors, only to say it fits them completely. The church rules by fear and intimidation, more so in the past, but it could see a reemergence in the last days.

The witnesses of Jesus, who might that be? It would have to be those that are polar opposites of the whore. It would have to be those that aren’t drenched in false doctrine and filled with abominations. It would have to be those that are moral, just, and righteous.

Again we go to Revelation 19:7-8,  Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” ⁸ It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

There is the whore whom the world loves, and then there is the bride who the Messiah loves. These are the ones that are the witnesses today in this world, they are spreading the message of truth, not deception. Here is what the Messiah said to His disciples before He left them. Acts 1:6-8, So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷ He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; ⁸ but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

It was by there blood and sacrifice the word spread, and it’s by the blood of disciples and folks like them it will continue.

When John saw her, the whore, he had to wonder, wouldn’t you? There hasn’t been a greater system created by Satan than this system and her offspring. It more than rivals Babylon or Rome, while encompassing the entire globe. Its masses are like the sands of the sea, and their allegiance to the whore is unshakable. John probably couldn’t understand how he and eleven others could have been so instrumental in the creation of such a creature. They began with truth, and it eventually blossomed into a horror story for many. It wasn’t their creation, it was satan’s officiating their works and turning it into a monster.

Verse 7.And the angel said to me, “Why do you wonder? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.

John is being reassured by the angel; his amazement isn’t without cause. He is saying I’ll tell you what you’re witnessing, and it’s kind of amusing the word mystery is used. It is a mystery to millions around the world, but not to God’s holy people. I’m not the first person, nor will I be the last that identifies this figure as the catholic church. I may, however, be the first person to put this in the context of woman vs. woman. Satan’s church is full of vulgar displays of wealth and pomposity against God’s church, which filled with love and truth.

The angel doesn’t stop there; he continues with connecting the beast with the woman, something we have already been doing. The beast being the government, and the woman is the world religious system that works hand in hand with the beast. It says the beast carries her, it gives her protection, lands to build her synagogues or churches, exclusions from taxes, and platforms to disseminate its laws.

Seven heads and ten horns see Revelation 12:3, Revelation 13:1, and Revelation 17:3 as reference.

Verse 8.“The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and go to destruction. And those who dwell on the earth, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come. 

Was and is not, read Revelation 13:3 as to my thoughts on this segment. The catholic church found a rebirth from the ashes of Sun worship in the Roman culture, explicitly the religion of Mithra. The Roman culture also gave the church many of its traditions disguised as being part of the life and death of Jesus. Roman bishops record, December 25, 336AD, as the first recorded celebration of Christmas. In the first three hundred years of the church’s existence, birthdays were not given much emphasis—not even the birth of the Messiah. It was the day on which a saint died, which was considered more significant, as it ushered him or her into the kingdom of heaven according to the doctrine of the newly formed catholic church.

At the same time, Cultures around the Mediterranean and across Europe observed pagan feasts to one sun god or another on or around December 25th, marking the winter solstice.

Germans had a yule festival. Celtic legends connected the solstice with Balder, the Scandinavian sun god, who was struck down by a mistletoe arrow. Roman pagans first introduced the holiday of Saturnalia, a week-long period of lawlessness celebrated between December 17-25th. 

            If a Roman who was a practicing pagan in the 1^st century walked into the average home today, they would recognize many of the accouterments and trapping of Christmas as the day they recognized as Saturnalia.

The tree, the gift swapping, wreaths, mistletoe, and so on are uniquely pagan forms of worship. It is true much of the things in Christmas celebrations today are uniquely 19^th & 20^th-century additions. The problem is, this is abominations the catholic church has adorned herself with.

Matthew 24:24 – For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

            One of the most challenging things in the world is separating oneself from the system of the beast and whore. It is ubiquitous in everyday lives and encompasses much of social and religious norms.

When will the world wonder at this best and whore, because they sure aren’t wondering today. They discover they are severely lacking when it comes to God, and they’ve been lied to, deceived by the bells, lights, and whistles.

They discover their way was wrong from the beginning, from the very first time a separate mark was put upon a sinner as identification. When Cain slew his brother Able God put a sign on him so he wouldn’t be killed for his transgression.

Only those that follow God and His will have their name written in the lamb’s book of life. Revelation 3:5 – He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

And: Revelation 13:8 – And 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.

They have been slain from the foundation of the world; the wording is the same. There are those whose name is in the lamb’s book of life, and those that aren’t from the beginning of man’s creation. It would, therefore, stand to reason the identifiers are also identical in nature.

Genesis 4:9-15, Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” ¹⁰ He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground. ¹¹ Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. ¹² When you cultivate the ground, it will no longer yield its strength to you; you will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth.” ¹³ Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is too great to bear! ¹⁴ Behold, You have driven me this day from the face of the ground; and from Your face I will be hidden, and I will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” ¹⁵ So the Lord said to him, “Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord appointed a sign for Cain, so that no one finding him would slay him.

            What was that sign given to Cain? It had to be a visible sign identifying him to all who looked upon him? Is that sign still visible today, do murderers of their brother still carry this sign? Remember, the scriptures say from the foundation of the world.

            I spoke of this in an earlier chapter, where the symbol of the cross is an icon of immense importance to many people in the world. Today it takes the form of tattoos and trinkets, sits on top of churches, and adorns the dress of many. It represents eternal life, just as the Egyptian ankh and the mark of Cain. Think about that next time you see this cross as an adornment on the body of a convicted murderer in prison.

Verse 9.Here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits, 

            Seven heads are seven mountains, which, once again, are governments or kingdoms. They are systems of governments that have had an incestual relationship with the whore. It’s God’s way of disguising the relationship in plain sight. Those with God’s holy spirit to give them wisdom and guidance can wade through the verses while seeing the beast as it was and is.

Verse 10.and they are seven kings; five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; and when he comes, he must remain a little while.

            We get all caught up in the numbers and miss the symbolism. Read the commentary about the seven heads and ten horns see Revelation 12:3, Revelation 13:1, as reference. Many governments and kingdoms have come and gone throughout history. They are the foundation the Catholic church is built upon, just as the real Messiah is the foundation the true church (bride) is built atop.

1 Corinthians 3:11, For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

            The one that must remain a little while is the Catholic church, it has been alive for 1700 years, a long time when you consider the life of religions. While the beast breathes life into its body, we as God’s people have a duty to warn the world of its existence. I commented on this in Revelation 10:11, where I said: “Just as in the case of Jerimiah and Ezekiel, once they were given the word of God, they were told to go forth and prophecy to God’s people the things to come. They became both a warning and a witness to the brethren.

            Go to the world and tell the story of man and God. Tell them there is hope, tell them there is a promise of miraculous things, but they must repent. They must turn from their ways of evil to a God not known by most of mankind.

            Matthew 28:18-20,  And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Verse 11.The beast which was and is not, is himself also an eighth and is one of the seven, and he goes to destruction. 

            The government, which will be the eighth one of the incestuous partner of the whore, will be the final one. Most believe this to be a secular government, but I have a slightly different view. It’s my contention this is the Vatican city or state, which is the beast. It is government and religion tightly wrapped together. The final beast, the government side of the Vatican, may give a slightly different outlook to the masses. Passing new laws on homosexuality, priest, and laws, even abortion. Some things we are already seeing emerge from the halls of this beastly government.

Will the Catholic church eventually allow the homosexual priest to perform mass and marry same-sex couples? Will the pope give his blessing on these disgusting unions. In the world of political correctness and brotherly love, the winds are blowing in that direction, the question is, how long will it take before it really happens?

Verse 12.The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour. 

            Ten kings could be ten leaders who have or will be in a relationship with the beast for one hour. Once again, we get caught up in the number and not the symbolism. At the time of John’s vision, they hadn’t received a kingdom; he was looking to his future, not our future 1700 years later, not entirely anyway. Each king is in union with the beast for a short time, does that mean the king was bad or the union dissolved? As I said, the kings come and go, some were good, and some were bad, and some were very bad. Did this mark different eras in the Catholic church and its evolution up to the last days? I believe this might be the case, but the truth is, we aren’t given names or countries we are left to speculate. But this we know, the beast is governments, and the whore is the Catholic church, how that breaks down is anyone’s speculation. It’s like the statue in Daniel and all its implications, but there we are given much more.

Daniel 2:31-43, “You, O king, were looking and behold, there was a single great statue; that statue, which was large and of extraordinary splendor, was standing in front of you, and its appearance was awesome. ³² The head of that statue was made of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of bronze, ³³ its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. ³⁴ You continued looking until a stone was cut out without hands, and it struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and crushed them. ³⁵ Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were crushed all at the same time and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away so that not a trace of them was found. But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.³⁶ “This was the dream; now we will tell its interpretation before the king. ³⁷ You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the strength and the glory; ³⁸ and wherever the sons of men dwell, or the beasts of the field, or the birds of the sky, He has given them into your hand and has caused you to rule over them all. You are the head of gold. ³⁹ After you there will arise another kingdom inferior to you, then another third kingdom of bronze, which will rule over all the earth.

⁴⁰ Then there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; inasmuch as iron crushes and shatters all things, so, like iron that breaks in pieces, it will crush and break all these in pieces. ⁴¹ In that you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, it will be a divided kingdom; but it will have in it the toughness of iron, inasmuch as you saw the iron mixed with common clay. ⁴² As the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of pottery, so some of the kingdom will be strong and part of it will be brittle. ⁴³ And in that you saw the iron mixed with common clay, they will combine with one another in the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, even as iron does not combine with pottery.

            We aren’t given the succession of kings within the kingdoms, but the symbolism is evident. These are governments, and they are also religious systems wrapped in government. In the end, it shows the weakness of the union; one is iron the other clay. The metal doesn’t make the clay strong, the clay makes the iron weak. What better way to illustrate the emasculation of the kings, especially after the 19^th century, where kings have taken a back seat to governments.

Verse 13.These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast.

The clay gives what it has to the iron or religion gives its power to the government. Clay is often used in molding for casting iron implements, as religion is often used to cast governments. Like in the case of the US, Christianity is the basis for our constitution and declaration of independence. Before that, the Magna Carta was the document binding religion with the government.

            Even in the mid-east, the nations are often guided by their religion, which is Islam in most cases. The Catholic church has influenced kings and governments for its creation and will continue to do so until the end of the age.

Verse 14.These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.”

            They will wage war against the lamb. John is still looking forward in time, and this must have concerned him greatly. John won’t see the slaughter and persecution of the Waldensian movement as it first appeared in Lyon in the late 1170s.  Their doctrine was in direct conflict with the Catholic church, also the Inquisition, where thousands were burned at the stake or killed for their differences. Many of these were 7^th day Sabbath observers who seem to be a threat to the so-called mother church. John was looking forward as he received visions, now we mostly are looking backward, trying to discern those visions. We can see where the Catholic church has murdered, stolen wealth, and raped men, women, and children.

Those that are the Messiah’s people are a chosen group, called the saints or the elect and also identified as the bride of the Messiah. As it says in Revelation 2:9-11, ‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy by those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. ¹⁰ Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. ¹¹ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt by the second death.’

            This is the reason the Messiah says in Matthew 22:14,  For many are called, but few are chosen.”

            Verse 15.And he *said to me, “The waters which you saw where the harlot sits, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues. 

            In this verse, is where a better description is given of what I’ve been saying all along. Applying this to the prior verses of the beast and whore, and you’ll soon connect the dots. The water, the sea, the masses of peoples are those under the spell of the Catholic church. Not made up, it is there in black and white for all to see. The whore is the influence over tongues, nations, and kings; she is the creature filled with the blood of the saints. She is guilty, guilty, and guilty, and at the end of the age, will pay and live no longer.

Verse 16.And the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and will burn her up with fire. 

The ten horns, the governments that gave her life, they will learn to hate the whore. That may already be happening when you look at the relationship of the Catholic church and governments today compared to hundreds of years ago. She has only the power governments allow her to have. She is pretty much naked when it comes to governmental influence in today’s world. Governments are guided by dictators, democracies, socialist, and communistic leaders, very little in the way of religion. Wars begin because of religion, but greater possession of land or property is the desired outcome of any leader.

The Catholic church has lost much of its hold and clot over the last hundred years due to the change in governmental structure. In fact, religion in the US is supposed to be separate from the government, even to the point of ridiculousness at times.

Verse 17.For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God will be fulfilled. 

            The beast will be the entity God most harshly deals with at the end of the age. If the whore is responsible for the deaths of thousands, then the beast is responsible for the deaths of millions. Brings one to ask, what is the common purpose of governments today? It is a one-world government in the cards, every human being under one big umbrella? Religion plays no part in its structure, this goverment has no religion. The whore is an enigma to the bloated beast and if anything, the whore would be in the way of progress. But in hopes of future influence, the whore will cuddle up to individual nations. She will give them support to see her own agendas fulfilled.

            We are now seeing these visions materialize before our very eyes. John saw it, we are living it.

Verse 18.The woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.”

At one time in history, the great city that ruled over kings was Rome. Is it still Rome or some other city? We have been laser-focused on the Catholic church for the last three chapters, why would it be any other city than the one that hosts the throne of the whore.

Can’t we add all this up and come to the same concussions? I say yes, others will say no, but that’s okay, we are here to study these words and if my assertions make someone dig a little harder and a little deeper then I have done what I have set out to do.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Eighteen 

          There can be no doubt in my mind as to what or who is the whore is and was in centuries past. This entity is given life by Satan and has the power to deceive the world. She has taken many forms throughout history, and in my opinion, is why we see her described in various ways in previous chapters. In fact, the last four chapters have been about governments and religious systems that have given birth to the whore the form she incapsulates today. The descriptions also include tools she and her predecessors use while manipulating the beliefs of the metaphorical sea, who are the peoples of the world.

            We see the absolute fury God displays towards this system of worship, unleashing a torrent of plagues upon her. The whore is adorned in her spectacular array of colors and decorated in self-proclaimed royal garb. She drags the world into a cesspool of paganism while claiming god-like status. She is shown to be deserving of vast plagues, her faithful followers will not repent even to the eventual point of death. They, too, are dedicated to the system we now know as the beast, led by the whore of Babylon.

Babylon’s Fall

Verse 1. After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illumined with his glory.

Another messenger within the cadre of heavenly host but great authority. Would that be an archangel or a being much greater than the typical angel? This angel is coming directly from heaven to mankind with His message.

            The next clue to the identity of this messenger, He illuminates the entire world with His presence. I read in the Bible; there are only two beings having the ability to do this. Revelation 21:22-27, But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. ²³ The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. ²⁴ And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. ²⁵ Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). ²⁶ And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. ²⁷ But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

            Isaiah was saying something similar when he wrote this. Isaiah 60:1-3, Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
² For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. ³ The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.

            Verse2. And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird.

            He cried out with a mighty voice, a voice of authority, one who might rule.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore comfort one another with these words.

            Is this the Messiah, bringing His final message to the whore and system that has been the nemeses of the throne in heaven for over six thousand years? By all descriptions we are given, it would appear to be the case. If that is true, then the next question would be, when does this occur?

Is this after the return of the Messiah for His bride and His government has been established? Or is this before He returns for the second time? Whichever the case, Babylon has fallen, because of the intense destruction the Messiah has leveled upon it and its system.

We can investigate the questions of the identity of this city, but instead, read my comments on the city in  Chapter 16:19. I now believe this to be Rome and the Vatican city where the whore sits and her power flows from. Look at this account written by Isaiah 34:8-12,  For it is the day of the Lord’s vengeance, The year of recompense for the cause of Zion. ⁹ Its streams shall be turned into pitch, And its dust into brimstone; Its land shall become burning pitch. ¹⁰ It shall not be quenched night or day; Its smoke shall ascend forever. From generation to generation it shall lie waste; No one shall pass through it forever and ever. ¹¹ But the pelican and the porcupine shall possess it, Also the owl and the raven shall dwell in it. And He shall stretch out over it The line of confusion and the stones of emptiness.¹² They shall call its nobles to the kingdom, But none shall be there, and all its princes shall be nothing.

            It sounds eerily similar to the account we are given in this verse. As we read, it says it has become a dwelling place of demons. We may think this is looking to the future because we associate the presence of demons with vacant places, and rightly can be. But the whore surrounds herself with a demonic presence in the past, present, and future. Paganism is satanic worship in any form it takes place. The doctrines, churches, gods, and celebrations are all based upon demonic origins and eventually incorporated into Christianity. In Jeremiah 50:35-40,  “A sword is against the Chaldeans,” says the Lord, “Against the inhabitants of Babylon, And against her princes and her wise men. ³⁶ A sword is against the soothsayers, and they will be fools. A sword is against her mighty men, and they will be dismayed. ³⁷ A sword is against their horses, Against their chariots, And against all the mixed peoples who are in her midst; And they will become like women. A sword is against her treasures, and they will be robbed. ³⁸ A drought is against her waters, and they will be dried up. For it is the land of carved images, And they are insane with their idols. ³⁹ “Therefore the wild desert beasts shall dwell there with the jackals, And the ostriches shall dwell in it. It shall be inhabited no more forever, Nor shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation. ⁴⁰ As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah And their neighbors,” says the Lord, “So no one shall reside there, Nor son of man dwell in it.

One may conclude this is a reference to the ancient city of Babylon that was laid in ruin, and one would be half right. The great city, which was once considered one of the wonders of the world was destroyed in 539 BC by the Persians. The modern version of the city has fallen once again, fallen, twice it has fallen or laid ruin. Physical ancient Babylon never again rose to power, only history holds its many secrets waiting to be uncovered.

We are left with another city called Babylon connected somehow to the ancient city of the past, and doomed to fall. Because this is a religious book, and we must filter all things through a religious context, we should begin with that premise. The ancient city of Babylon was the center of religious authority in its day. It had a king that fancied himself as a god or equal to God. Daniel, a prophet of the true God, spent most of his life under that oppressive regime. Daniels’s prophecies have filtered down to modern times, where we can see the many similarities between two systems of worship, then and now. The religions we concern ourselves with is Christinany created by Constantine and the Catholic church versus the ancient Babylonian system. The ancient city fell because of the arrogance of the king, and will fall again because of vanity.

Verse 3. For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the passion of her immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality.”

They have drunk, implying they willingly take in her despicable rhetoric and doctrines. We have seen in past chapters where water at times symbolizes teachings. We understand that in John 4:7-14,  A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” ⁸ For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. ⁹ Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. ¹⁰ Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” ¹¹ The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? ¹² Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?” ¹³ Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, ¹⁴ but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

This drink is different; it’s not waters of knowledge or waters symbolizing the spirit. This is a wine, and wine will make you drunk and irrational, stumbling blindly around. The intoxicating substance brings out the worst kind of behavior in many humans, taking away most moral inhibitions.

Job asked the question about the wicked of the world that so many of God’s people have asked a time or two in their lives. Job 21:17-21,“How often is the lamp of the wicked put out? How often does their destruction come upon them,
The sorrows God distributes in His anger? ¹⁸ They are like straw before the wind, And like chaff that a storm carries away. ¹⁹ They say, ‘God lays up one’s iniquity for his children’; Let Him recompense him, that he may know it.
²⁰ Let his eyes see his destruction, And let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty. ²¹ For what does he care about his household after him, When the number of his months is cut in half?

            The wrath of God is a terrible concoction for those who would deny the power of God. This verse makes very clear, the nations are the ones drunk by her doctrines, which begs the question, how? Can a nation be independent of God yet still appear religious? The answer is on almost every courthouse, state-building, and government-sanctioned assembly in the US. Statutes and writings from the Bible blanket the national landscape—our constitution is written based upon the Bible. Most assemblies begin with a prayer and where laws are frequently passed based upon Christian values.

So, yes, nations can be in league with the beast and whore. Kings of the earth have committed acts of immorality, which appear in the past or present tense. Two thousand years after John sees this vision, nothing has changed, world rulers continue committing acts of immorality. What does the word imply? Here is Strong’s Greek concordance explanation, 4202. Porneia por-ni’-ah from 4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry:–fornication.

            The word incest stands out; the practice fits so of many governments today. Members of parliaments and assembly have dual allegiance, one to their beliefs, the other to the position they hold. They are incestuous with their lives trying to keep a foothold in both camps while trying not to offend the other. Christ made the distention when He answered a question from the Pharisees. Luke 20:21-25, Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth: ²² Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” ²³ But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me? ²⁴ Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar’s.”

²⁵ And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

            Leaders of kingdoms in the past have continually sought approval of their form of god in the exploration of new lands and peoples across the globe. Gold and riches filling the coffers of the churches made leaders wealthy beyond belief. Recently, dictators also will lock arms with churches sharing in their brutal regimes of terror. One of the most heinous partnerships was the confederation between the Catholic church and Hilter’s rise to power.

            This is a shameful secret; the church hopes would fall away into obscurity, but it is alive and well in the hearts and memories of victims. Rome sat in the middle of one of the greatest assaults on the world, and a full one-third of Nazi’s were practicing Catholics.

The merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality. As I said earlier, the church has had its hand in just about every major war, exploration, and event in the last two thousand years. The church dictated what could be sold, read, traded, or bought throughout the known world for generations, thus the word sensuality implying the world lust after the wealth she commands. The whore sparsely shares her riches to the suckling nations keeping them in servitude to her. They are more than willing to take what droppings she gives, it is nourishment filled with riches. Some say this is a modern city like New York, but I don’t see it that way, this is a city with a religious system that gives it life. The catholic church and its center of power in Rome fit perfectly with this description.

Verse 4. I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues;

            Come out of her, a voice pleas, remove yourself from this system, remove yourself from the influence of the whore. Just as Israel was told to flee Egypt, they took basically what they could carry on their backs. They were told to ignore the world and learn a different way.

Isaiah 52:11-12,  Depart! Depart! Go out from there, Touch no unclean thing; Go out from the midst of her, Be clean, You who bear the vessels of the Lord. ¹² For you shall not go out with haste, Nor go by flight; For the Lord will go before you, And the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

            Look at this verse in Jeremiah 50:8, “Move from the midst of Babylon, Go out of the land of the Chaldeans; And be like the rams before the flocks.

            Not only are we to come out of her, but lead the way out for others. Notice, He gives this plea or warning to His people, not the entire world. They have to sever ties with the whore and system that deceives the world. What is God’s holy people involving themselves with? One of the most pagan but celebrated days of the world captivates the hearts and minds of so many people, Christmas. Ask them why they’ll tell you it’s because of their children or grandchildren. They simply cannot stand to deny their children the joy of Christmas.

The next day is Easter, then Halloween, Valentine’s, and other times of the year as well. But it’s Sunday that is the signature day of worship, it’s the day that sits opposite of the Sabbath. Sunday is the 1^st day, and the Sabbath is all the way on the other end of the week, the 7^th day.

I can’t count the times I have talked with one of God’s people that have told me they go to church on Sunday and the Sabbath both. Typically these folks know and keep the Sabbath, but because of a marriage partner who isn’t a Sabbath observer, they feel they must accompany them to their church on Sundays. Remember though God requires one to make a choice, He isn’t between the fences…. God is only on one side of the fence. Look again at what He says to the lukewarm church the Laodiceans.  Revelation 3:15-21,  I  know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. ¹⁷ Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— ¹⁸ I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. ¹⁹ As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten Therefore be zealous and repent. ²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. ²¹ To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

            God’s people at His feast in times past have tried to convince me to abandon the food laws of God. The love of unclean flesh is so alluring they seek approval from brothers in the church to justify their own weakness. I simply remind them of this verse. Isaiah 65:1-7, “I was sought by those who did not ask for Me;
I was found by those who did not seek Me. I said, ‘Here I am, here I am,’ To a nation that was not called by My name. ² I have stretched out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, Who walk in a way that is not good, According to their own thoughts; ³ A people who provoke Me to anger continually to My face; Who sacrifice in gardens, And burn incense on altars of brick; ⁴ Who sit among the graves, And spend the night in the tombs; Who eat swine’s flesh, And the broth of abominable things is in their vessels; ⁵ Who say, ‘Keep to yourself, Do not come near me, For I am holier than you!’ These are smoke in My nostrils, A fire that burns all the day. ⁶ “Behold, it is written before Me: I will not keep silence, but will repay—Even repay into their bosom—⁷ Your iniquities and the iniquities of your fathers together,” Says the Lord,“Who have burned incense on the mountains And blasphemed Me on the hills; Therefore I will measure their former work into their bosom.”

He warns not to be a participant of their sins, not to give into the emotional pleas of the world. It’s a siren song of death for God’s people. If you are a participant, you will receive the wrath of God just as they do. You will be blinded in the same ways they are. You will suffer as they suffer because you haven’t made the separation, it’s not the Messiah’s fault, it’s yours.

Verse 5. For her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 

            Is sin piling as high as heaven a colloquial or has this woman sins been that grievous? I submit the Catholic church has been evil since its conception, and furthermore, they are purposely committing evil. They have their own doctrines and narrative, and it’s what defines them. Look at some of these statements written by authorities within the Catholic church—James Cardinal Gibbons, Archbishop of Baltimore (1877-1921), in a signed letter.

“Is Saturday the seventh day according to the Bible and the Ten Commandments? I answer yes. Is Sunday the first day of the week and did the Church change the seventh day -Saturday – for Sunday, the first day? I answer yes . Did Christ change the day’? I answer no!

“Faithfully yours, J. Card. Gibbons”

The Catholic Mirror, the official publication of James Cardinal Gibbons, Sept. 23, 1893. “The Catholic Church, . . . by virtue of her divine mission, changed the day from Saturday to Sunday.”

Catholic Virginian, Oct. 3, 1947, p. 9, art. “To Tell You the Truth.”

“For example, nowhere in the Bible do we find that Christ or the Apostles ordered that the Sabbath be changed from Saturday to Sunday. We have the commandment of God given to Moses to keep holy the Sabbath day, that is the 7^th day of the week, Saturday. Today most Christians keep Sunday because it has been revealed to us by the[Roman Catholic] church outside the Bible.”

            They know what they did, they know the day of worship is the last day of the week and not the 1^st day. Yet, they advocate the 1^st day as worship despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. How can their sins NOT be piled as high as heaven with confessions such as this? If the previous statements aren’t enough, then read the following. Tract 22h, Catholicism Speaks about the Bible Sabbath and Sunday- Supplement to Lesson 22–The Roman Catholic Church–its leaders, its priests, its scholars, its writers and its teachers–here unite to tell us the truth about the Bible Sabbath (the seventh day of the week) and the Sunday (the first day of the week). “Sunday is a Catholic institution, and its claims to observance can be defended only on Catholic principles. From beginning to end of scripture there is not a single passage that warrants the transfer of weekly public worship from the last day of the week to the first.”–Catholic Press Sydney, Australia, August 1900.

“Is there no express commandment for the observance of the first day of the week as a Sabbath, instead of the seventh day? “None whatever. Neither Christ nor His apostles nor the first Christians celebrated [observed] the first day of the week, instead of the seventh as the Sabbath.” –New York Weekly Tribune [Roman Catholic], May 24, 1900.

            Can you trust an organization that claims to be the vicar of Christ and be a direct adversary of God at the same time? In religion, lying is sin, misrepresentation is sin, it strips away all the trust and faith of a person. What’s even worse, all protestant denominations have been born out of the Catholic church and they too lie about the Sabbath to the point of twisting scripture.

God will remember these transgressions, and I would be terrified if I were a member of this organization. Throughout the Bible, God has made similar statements, followed by destructive actions that have destroyed nations and cultures. He made this comment about the first city of Babylon, Jeremiah 51:9-10, We would have healed Babylon, But she is not healed. Forsake her, and let us go everyone to his own country; For her judgment reaches to heaven and is lifted up to the skies. ¹⁰ The Lord has revealed our righteousness. Come and let us declare in Zion the work of the Lord our God.

Her sins are as high as heaven, and her judgment from the Messiah will be equally high, that should be no surprise unless you don’t believe in God in the first place.

Verse 6. Pay her back even as she has paid, and give back to her double according to her deeds; in the cup which she has mixed, mix twice as much for her.

            This set of verses tends to bolster the statement I made at the end of the last verse. It’s beneficial to look at the fall of the first Babylon to evaluate the future destruction of the current system. Jeremiah 50:14-16, “Put yourselves in array against Babylon all around, All you who bend the bow; Shoot at her, spare no arrows, For she has sinned against the Lord. ¹⁵ Shout against her all around; She has given her hand, Her foundations have fallen, Her walls are thrown down; For it is the vengeance of the Lord. Take vengeance on her. As she has done, so do to her. ¹⁶ Cut off the sower from Babylon, And him who handles the sickle at harvest time. For fear of the oppressing sword Everyone shall turn to his own people, And everyone shall flee to his own land.

            She is to be paid back double, why double? Because she has lived and been put down by God, and now lives again. She will be destroyed once and for all, with no mercy. She is like an infestation of roaches you can’t get rid of. You spray and kill all you see, but when the conditions are right, they return twice as bad. The cleaning of the insects calls for drastic measures at that point. Their eradication may call for a tent covering the house where nothing can survive, filling it with poisons or simply burn the house down.

            She will not rise again, she will be finished for all time.

Verse 7.To the degree that she glorified herself and lived sensuously, to the same degree give her torment and mourning; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as a queen and I am not a widow, and will never see mourning.’ 

            How can one measure degrees the Catholic church has sinned against God? We don’t, the Messiah does. Her sins and transgressions are innumerable against God and His will. From the beginning, she has been twisting His word and persecuting His followers. Not only is she guilty, but she glories in her sins. She’s built an empire upon the ashes of nations and God’s name. She has filled her coffers with the gold and silver stolen from the dead hands of cities and countries.

            Her beliefs come from her depraved heart, just as God’s holy people’s commitments and faith stems from their hearts. Deuteronomy 6:4,  “Hear, O Israel:  The Lord our God, the Lord is one! ⁵ You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.

            She will not be a widow, this is the second time this statement is made about this church, read the entire chapter in Isaiah 47:1-15, “Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon; Sit on the ground without a throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans! For you shall no more be called Tender and delicate. ² Take the millstones and grind meal. Remove your veil, Take off the skirt, Uncover the thigh, Pass through the rivers. ³ Your nakedness shall be uncovered, Yes, your shame will be seen; I will take vengeance, And I will not arbitrate with a man.” ⁴ As for our Redeemer, the Lord of hosts is His name, The Holy One of Israel. ⁵ “Sit in silence, and go into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans; For you shall no longer be called The Lady of Kingdoms. ⁶ I was angry with My people;
I have profaned My inheritance, And given them into your hand. You showed them no mercy; On the elderly you laid your yoke very heavily. ⁷ And you said, ‘I shall be a lady forever,’ So that you did not take these things to heart, Nor remember the latter end of them. ⁸ “Therefore hear this now, you who are given to pleasures, Who dwell securely, Who say in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else besides me; I shall not sit as a widow, Nor shall I know the loss of children’; ⁹ But these two things shall come to you In a moment, in one day: The loss of children, and widowhood. They shall come upon you in their fullness Because of the multitude of your sorceries, For the great abundance of your enchantments. ¹⁰ “For you have trusted in your wickedness; You have said, ‘No one sees me’; Your wisdom and your knowledge have warped you; And you have said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else besides me.’ ¹¹ Therefore evil shall come upon you; You shall not know from where it arises. And trouble shall fall upon you; You will not be able to put it off. And desolation shall come upon you suddenly, Which you shall not know. ¹² “Stand now with your enchantments And the multitude of your sorceries, In which you have labored from your youth—Perhaps you will be able to profit, Perhaps you will prevail. ¹³ You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, And the monthly prognosticators Stand up and save you From what shall come upon you. ¹⁴ Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves From the power of the flame; It shall not be a coal to be warmed by, Nor a fire to sit before! ¹⁵ Thus shall they be to you With whom you have labored, Your merchants from your youth; They shall wander each one to his quarter.No one shall save you.

            She is saying, in a nutshell, she is eternal, but as we saw in the 1^st Babylon system, she is at the mercy of the Messiah.  Almost the same words are used to describe the intent of Satan in Isaiah 14:12-15, “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations! ¹³ For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation On the farthest sides of the north; ¹⁴ I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ ¹⁵ Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, To the lowest depths of the Pit.”

So goes Satan, so goes the whore who sits on the waters of the world. She is the face of Satan’s aspirations and is His willing partner. The queen is the figure that won’t be widowed because she believes she is eternal, so does the church and its members.

I began this study by stating my bias towards the book of Revelation as a narrative concerning the bride and bridegroom, the church, and the Messiah. Since Satan always counterfeits everything God, this queen in verse 7 would be the anti-bride and satan the anti-bridegroom who opposes God. They are a reflection of God’s truth, they are the lie while looking real at the same time.

Verse 8. For this reason, in one day her plagues will come,  pestilence and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for the Lord God who judges her is strong.

            Is this literally one day or a period of time? Could this be the day of the Lord spoken of in so many scriptures? The world’s destruction will come by many plagues, many ways, as we’ve seen in previous chapters. Perhaps the worst way the whore will be destroyed is being exposed to the light of truth. It would be odd to have pestilence, famine, and then mourning destroy the beast system in just one day, one would think it would take years for all this to happen.          God could be giving us the same information as before, but the emphasis is on a different aspect of the narrative. In the beginning chapters, the focus was on the peoples, in the last couple of chapters we have seen the emphasis on the relationship of stan and the worldly church in Babylon. In other words, the same scene being painted but from a different perspective.

            The conclusion of all these things coming down upon, the church causes her to be exposed to what she truly has become. Fire is a marvelous cleanser and purifier, symbolic of her destruction and total annihilation.

            The word strong might be better said as mighty or all-powerful, it seems inadequate to say strong. Matthew 19:26, But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

            Man will not defeat this whore and the system she controls, but God will. He created the worlds, He created man and all things that exist. He is more than just strong, He is everything that is and was. This was and is her life and hopes, and ultimately her destruction.

Lament for Babylon

Verse 9,^. “And the kings of the earth, who committed acts of immorality and lived sensuously with her, will weep and lament over her when they see the smoke of her burning, 

            Oh yes, the nations and kings will cry loudly because of the destruction of this system. Their pocketbooks will decrease in the vacuum of her evil decrees.           They looked to her for indulgences as percautions God does exist. The king’s relationship with the whore was their ticket garnering the support of the masses. While enjoying that social support, their pockets were being filled with bloodstain riches from the downcast or invisible peoples of the world.

            The avarice lifestyle of these men and women is like a heroin addict needing their next fix. They will literally do anything to continue their lifestyles. Just like a junkie, they will steal from anyone, and commit any lawless act to maintain that supply. Here is a lamination from Ezekiel about this woman and the morning of her loss. Ezekiel 26:15-18,“Thus says the Lord God to Tyre: ‘Will the coastlands not shake at the sound of your fall, when the wounded cry, when slaughter is made in the midst of you? ¹⁶ Then all the princes of the sea will come down from their thrones, lay aside their robes, and take off their embroidered garments; they will clothe themselves with trembling; they will sit on the round, tremble every moment, and be astonished at you. ¹⁷ And they will take up a lamentation for you, and say to you: “How you have perished, O one inhabited by seafaring men, O renowned city, Who was strong at sea, She and her inhabitants, Who caused their terror to be on all her inhabitants! ¹⁸ Now the coastlands tremble on the day of your fall; Yes, the coastlands by the sea are troubled at your departure.” ’

            Verse 10.Standing at a distance because of the fear of her torment, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’

            Why stand at a distance, what danger could that possibly pose to someone? Are they worried they too will get caught up in her destruction? They are suddenly aware she is being punished but don’t want to appear like they support her even while mourning for her at the same time. Her is another compelling fact, “The spelling Babylon is the Latin representation of Greek Babulṓn (Βαβυλών), derived from the native (Babylonian) Bābilim, meaning “gate of the god(s)”

Take on a blasphemous name like that, and one should only expect only the worse from its inhabitants.

A double woe, she is in double trouble, or it’s the second time she has been in trouble with God. Look at this compilation of verses in Hosea 7:13-15, “Woe to them, for they have fled from Me! Destruction to them, Because they have transgressed against Me! Though I redeemed them, Yet they have spoken lies against Me. ¹⁴ They did not cry out to Me with their heart When they wailed upon their beds. “They assemble together for grain and new wine, They rebel against Me; ¹⁵ Though I disciplined and strengthened their arms, Yet they devise evil against Me; ¹⁶ They return, but not to the Most High; They are like a treacherous bow. Their princes shall fall by the sword For the cursings of their tongue. This shall be their derision in the land of Egypt.

            Literally, in about one hour, the first Babylon fell almost without so much as an arrow being let loose. The Persians blocked the river going into the city and wadded through the muddy river bed into the city by the dark of night, virtually unopposed. The Persians held the city nation for another two hundred years until Alexander the Great took control where it eventually fell into ruin.

Verse 11.“And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, because no one buys their cargoes any more— 

            After her capture, Babylon disappeared from history. Her commerce was renowned while she lived, but once gone, only a memory remained of her glory. There was nothing left to buy, nothing left to trade, she was gone for the time being.

Verse 12.Cargoes of gold and silver and precious stones and pearls and fine linen and purple and silk and scarlet, and every kind of citron wood and every article of ivory and every article made from very costly wood and bronze and iron and marble,

At the time of the Persian conquest, Babylon was considered the wealthiest city in the world. At its apex, Babylon held vast lands all around the Mediterranean and ranging to the south and north of the modern-day Iraq and Jordan.

It was a powerful nation and city and was one of the wonders of the known world. The hanging gardens were the premiere exhibit folks came to see from all around the globe. The Babylonian soldiers conquered lesser nations and brought their riches back to the city, creating an unequaled nation.

Verse 13.And cinnamon and spice and incense and perfume and frankincense and wine and olive oil and fine flour and wheat and cattle and sheep, and cargoes of horses and chariots and slaves and human lives.

            This is a continuation of the types of riches Babylon traded and was known for during its existence. The list is nearly endless, the nation was a crossroads between the east and west and saw merchants and their wears from one coastline to the other.

Here we see, she also consumed many humans as slaves into her system. This is how Daniel, Meshack, Shadrach, and Abed-nego found themselves in this city. They were brought to the city by force and made to compy with the system of government. They eventually were forced to refuse to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s image or any of the pagan gods within the city. The story is well known for their faith and dedication to the one true God, but I believe we don’t fully realize what that actually meant then and how that might play out in the future….

Verse 14. The fruit you long for has gone from you, and all things that were luxurious and splendid have passed away from you and men will no longer find them. 

Once dead, there is nothing left to offer. One thing that isn’t on the list; this city life depended on trading. It was also a religious center for the world; it traded with those that would willingly do business with them. Made in China is ta recognizable stamp we often laugh at today, but in ancient Babylon, they too depended on vast trading partners.  

What came out of her religiously was no laughing matter. The main entrance to the inner city of Babylon was called the Ishtar Gate. The portal was decorated with bright blue glazed bricks adorned with pictures of bulls, dragons, and lions.

            This might not seem like a significant fact, but consider this; In ancient times, every city had its guardian god. When one walked through the gates of that city, it was the same as making allegiance with that god. Simply by one’s act of passing under the gate, you virtually swore to protect that city with your life if need be. In return, the city would see to your needs, feed you, and protect you.

            Ishtar was the city god of Babylon of old, and Ishtar is the god of the new Babylon as well, she is the whore and is identified by name!

Verse 15.The merchants of these things, who became rich from her, will stand at a distance because of the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning, 

Same comments from verse 10.

Verse 16. Saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, she who was clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls; 

            Wow,  is this not a description of a system we see today, do I  really need to go through everything we have read in the last four chapters to understand what this is referencing?  The great city was ancient Babylon, the 2^nd Babylon, in my opinion, is a Vatican city-state located in the city of Rome. The Vatican is all about clothing, determining status, and position. The priest’s daily garb is black, opposite the coming saints. They claim godly royalty, hence the purple since that is the color of royalty. Scarlet is also a significant color of dress, as we saw in Chapter 17 of Revelation.

            Here is something to ponder while you consider the Catholic meanings of precious stones and pearls.

The Definition and Meaning of the Symbolism of Precious Stones as a Christian Symbol, Catholic Christian symbolism in art provides a clear graphic illustration which represents people or items of religious significance. What is the definition and the meaning of the Symbolism of Precious Stones? The Symbolism of Precious Stones  represent many different items of sacred significance. The meaning of the different are highly significant and are detailed as follows:

Garnet Precious Stones – Meaning and Symbolism of the Garnet:Purity, truth, faithfulness and friendship Awareness, commitment and regeneration
Amethyst Precious Stones – Meaning and Symbolism of the Amethyst: Stability, peace, balance, courage, inner strength. Sincerity and a calm disposition
Aquamarine Precious Stones – Meaning and Symbolism of the Aquamarine: Faithfulness, courage and friendship. Awareness, quick response and easing communication problems
Diamond Precious Stones – Meaning and Symbolism of the Diamond: Enhancing relationships and increasing inner strength. Balance, clarity and abundance
Emerald Precious Stones – Meaning and Symbolism of the Emerald: Loyalty, faithfulness and friendship. Memory and faith
Pearl Precious Stones – Meaning and Symbolism of the Pearl: Loyalty, faithfulness and friendship. Modesty, chastity and purity
Ruby Precious Stones – Meaning and Symbolism of the Ruby: Devotion, integrity, courage and happiness. Vitality, confidence and strength
Peridot Precious Stones – Meaning and Symbolism of the Peridot: Love, truth, faithfulness and loyalty. Fame, dignity, and protection
Sapphire – Meaning and Symbolism of the Sapphire: Truth, sincerity and constancy. Insight and interpretation
Opal Precious Stones – Meaning and Symbolism of the Opal: Hope, innocence and purity. Happiness, faithfulness, loyalty and confidence
Topaz Precious Stones – Meaning and Symbolism of the Topaz: Constancy, loyalty, faithfulness and friendship. Strength, releasing tension and balancing emotions
Turquoise Precious Stones – Meaning and Symbolism of the Turquoise: Prosperity, success, happiness, and good fortune. Open communication, protection against all diseases, regeneration, and strengthening

            This is the meaning and symbolism of the stones according to the Catholic dictionary. One might ask, why do stones need any particular definition? Is it to give a symbolic meaning to their dress, or to some facad covering their real identities? Is everything just symbolic, not authentic worship of the true God with this beast system? One truly has to wonder why they can deceive so many?

Verse 17.For in one hour such great wealth has been laid waste!’ And every shipmaster and every passenger and sailor, and as many as make their living by the sea, stood at a distance, 

            One hour again, when we see it mentioned twice, just as the woes, does it mean this is the second instance? Her demise is so sudden ships sitting in her harbor watch in amazement at her sudden destruction. It makes one wonder if this is a nuclear blast that takes levels this city. Some theologians have estimated this is the city of New York because it fits many of the descriptions in this chapter. New York is the premier target for terrorists today and a substantial catholic stronghold.

            I’m not saying it isn’t, but it isn’t the seat where the whore’s power resides, Rome is. I won’t say, Nay, but I personally lean more towards Rome.

Verse 18. And were crying out as they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What city is like the great city?

            One must also consider this was originally written in John’s day, and the most significant city of power at that time was Rome without equal. There was no comparison then, even though one could say the same about New York today.

As I stated earlier, the smoke of her burning sounds like this might be a nuclear blast of sorts or a bombardment of a type.

Verse 19. And they threw dust on their heads and were crying out, weeping and mourning, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had ships at sea became rich by her wealth, for in one hour she has been laid waste!’ 

The throwing of dust on the head was an ancient mourning ritual reported all the way back to 2278 in the pyramid text of ancient Egypt. It is an act of mourning along with intense whaling to show attrition. This appears to be what is happening in this verse; there is great sadness over the demise of the city. Or, is it more for the religious system being destroyed they are more disturbed about? Remember, this is a spiritual book with religious symbolism.

Verse 20. Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you, saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her.

            Her destruction or judgment is a reason for the celebration for God’s people. This brings up an age-old question, should we celebrate the demise of our enemy? Some have admonished others for seemingly to give thanks to God for taking an enemy down. But, here we are told to rejoice and especially the saints, apostles, and prophets. If God didn’t want us to celebrate, then why does He say to rejoice in this verse, didn’t John get the memo?

Verse 21.Then a strong angel took up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “So will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down with violence, and will not be found any longer. 

            The Jewish New Testament says this about millstones, The size of a great millstone. The name “Gat-Sh’manim” (“Gethsemane,” Mt 26:36&N) means “oil press,” that is, a stone mill for grinding olives into pulp for their oil. Until quite recently the Arabs in the villages here in Israel used such presses for the same purpose, and many of the millstones are still around. They are circular with a hole in the center about 9 inches square; diameter averages about five feet, thickness a foot and weight well over a ton. 

            The grinding away the impurities of the false system form the world, that’s how I see this verse. Only the unvarnished oil of truth will be squeezed out from the thick heavy pulp of deceitfulness.

Verse 22. And the sound of harpists and musicians and flute-players and trumpeters will not be heard in you any longer; and no craftsman of any craft will be found in you any longer; and the sound of a mill will not be heard in you any longer; 

            My feeling this verse is implying there will be no more Satan, false worship, and no more adverse behavior from this city. You won’t see men dressed in different colors with collars turned backward. No more repetitious prayer with little or no meaning behind them. No more icons, trinkets, or beads. No more incense, or mystery religion, all will be silent for evermore.

Verse 23.And the light of a lamp will not shine in you any longer; and the voice of the bridegroom and bride will not be heard in you any longer; for your merchants were the great men of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery. 

The only light that shines is from God or His saints. He commanded in Matthew 5:14-16, You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

The voice of the bride and bridegroom will be silent and not heard in the beast system or city of Babylon any longer. Words might be spoken by some with a little understanding but not understood by the deceived. Warnings are there but won’t ever be heeded. The Bible is considered the word of God accounting for 66 books of the Bible, and man’s number is 6, together they identify the deception of the Catholic church.

It says the nations were deceived by her sorcery, but how? Look at this definition of the word in the Greek strong’s concordance,5331. Pharmakeia far-mak-i’-ah from 5332; medication (“pharmacy”), i.e. (by extension) magic (literally or figuratively):–sorcery, witchcraft.

It is a different light upon the verse when we think of it in a medication way. Are Christians being medicated by demonic spirits?

Ephesians 5:17-22, Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ submitting to one another in the fear of  God. Also, we are told in Hosea 4:11, Harlotry, wine and new wine take away the understanding. One last verse that will make some sense, 1Corinthines 10:18-22, Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? ¹⁹ What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? ²⁰ Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. ²¹ You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. ²² Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

Verse 24. And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints and of all who have been slain on the earth.”

            We began this chapter with the whore and her system of power; we now know who this whore is, no doubt about it. We have even discovered her name, which is (Ishtar), and she is Satan’s bride. Her modern counterpart is Catholicism and the city where they dwell, Babylon then and now.

            We end this chapter with a statement about her guilt, which we can clearly see in the Catholic church.

We are left with a complete picture of God’s nemesis in every form and fashion thinkable. We have the beast, the system the anti-christ uses to pursue God’s people. We have the whore who is the counterpart of the system that piously governs over the masses of peoples. Together they drive the beast system governed supremely by the dragons’ (Satan) narrative throughout the world.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Nineteen  

          The entire narrative of John’s feels like separate segments of conversations presented in cinemascope. Much like prophecies in ancient times in the Hebrew language painted a picture covering all aspects of visions. Today we speak in western dialog and manner, more analytical, and not very poetic in nature. For grounded in western of theology, scriptures are supposed to systematically connect the dots, which doesn’t always happen in eastern languages like Hebrew.

            I say all this because we just completed several chapters where we saw various descriptions of the dragon, beast, and whore. John purposefully painted a picture in every possible way he could for the church’s benefit. I feel John did this because he didn’t understand everything or every aspect he was being shown. For him to translate what he saw in words must have been quite a challenge.

We now move away from identifying the vile evil entities deceiving the world to a more vivid picture of our Messiah and His purpose for creation. These next verses are some of the most important in the Bible, they tell a story of beauty, hope, and love. They also speak of a jealous messiah who comes completing the marriage contract He has with His people. Let’s now move to that presentation and see what God’s people have to look forward to from the bridegroom.

The Fourfold Hallelujah

Verse 1.After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God;

            Another voice from heaven, at this point, that becomes almost a common occurrence. It’s odd there now is a voice coming down from the seat of creation speaking to His people. Look at what happened when God tried to converse with His holy peoples the first time. Exodus 20:18-21,Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. ¹⁹ Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” ²⁰ And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.” ²¹ So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where God was.

            Physically His people were frightened by His voice from heaven—here, they are rejoicing. This is quite a contrast between the physical and spiritual aspects of God’s presence. This voice is saying something entirely different, the word is “Hallelujah,” meaning “Praise God.” the word breaks down in this fashion, Hal-le-lu-yah. This was a common form of adoration and thanksgiving in Hebrew worship. The word is frequently found at the beginning and close of many of the psalms. Psalms 106:1, Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

And,

Psalms 135:1-4, Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord;
Praise Him, O you servants of the Lord! ² You who stand in the house of the Lord, In the courts of the house of our God, ³ Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; Sing praises to His name, for it is pleasant. ⁴ For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His special treasure.

            These are just a couple of examples where the praise towards God is used but translated into the English form. What is this angulation for? It’s because the savior has come, and along with Him comes the long-awaited salvation from the dragon, beast, and whore form the last chapter. Look at these verses in Jerimiah 51:47-48,Therefore behold, the days are coming That I will bring judgment on the carved images of Babylon; Her whole land shall be ashamed, And all her slain shall fall in her midst. ⁴⁸ Then the heavens and the earth and all that is in them Shall sing joyously over Babylon; For the plunderers shall come to her from the north,” says the Lord.

            Just a side note, but once more, we see judgment coming from the north. Judgment is the perfect Segway into the next verse.

Verse 2.because His judgments are true and righteous; for He has judged the great harlot who was corrupting the earth with her immorality, and He has avenged the blood of His bond-servants on her.” 

            His judgments are true and righteous; this can only be referring to one of two entities, the Father in heaven is one, and His son the Messiah the other. How will man be judged when the Messiah comes? How will right and wrong be gauged of those who stand before Him? We see words the Messiah uses telling how that might transpire. Matthew 12:33-37, Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. ³⁴ Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. ³⁵ A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. ³⁶ But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. ³⁷ For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

We get more of a clue in Psalms 19:7-11,  The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; ⁸ The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; ⁹ The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. ¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. ¹¹ Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.

            The God of the Old Testament, which is this very same entity we are currently reading about, (John 1:1-18, Colossians 1:17, 1 Corinthians 10:1-5). He says this about judgment in, Deuteronomy 32:40-43, ‘Now see that I, even I, am He, And there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive;
I wound and I heal; Nor is there any who can deliver from My hand. ⁴⁰ For I raise My hand to heaven, And say, “As I live forever, ⁴¹ If I whet My glittering sword, And My hand takes hold on judgment, I will render vengeance to My enemies, And repay those who hate Me. ⁴² I will make My arrows drunk with blood,
And My sword shall devour flesh, With the blood of the slain and the captives, From the heads of the leaders of the enemy.” ’ ⁴³ “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; For He will avenge the blood of His servants, And render vengeance to His adversaries; He will provide atonement for His land and His people.”

            More than just people, he will judge the Harlot as well, the pagan church that has been relentless towards God’s people throughout time. He will judge the bride of satan, the dragon, and put an end to her aspirations.

Verse 3.And a second time they said, “Hallelujah! Her smoke rises up forever and ever.”

            Here is the second Hallelujah in these verses. Her, who is her? Well, its the city Babylon the seat of the whores power. The Messiah will judge all the aspects of this evil beast system. Those that lead and those that follow are both culpable in the eyes of God. To be fair, God will judge the leadership far more substantially.   The masses went along because of deception, but they still had unrepentant hearts, which caused them to be subsequently blinded by God. they were blinded so the Messiah might have mercy on them one day. Her smoke, we have seen several verses about the smoke of her destruction (Isaiah 34:10, Revelation 14:11, 18:9, Psalms 37:20, 68:2).  In Psalms 104:31-35,  May the glory of the Lord endure forever; May the Lord rejoice in His works. ³² He looks on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the hills, and they smoke. ³³ I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. ³⁴ May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the Lord. ³⁵ May sinners be consumed from the earth, And the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul! Praise the Lord!

Verse 4.And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne saying, “May it be so. Hallelujah!” 

            We have come full circle, we are back to the twenty-four elders around the throne of God. As a reminder, here is the earlier reference. Revelation 4:1-4,  After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” ² Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. ³ And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. ⁴ Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns of gold on their heads. ⁵ And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Does this mean we have finally come to the end of the scroll? The scroll was given to the lamb, which was the only being qualified in the universe to open them.

Revelation 5:1-7, And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals. ² Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” ³ And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. ⁴ So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. ⁵ But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” ⁶ And I looked,  and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. ⁷ Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.

The Messiah proceeded to break the seals one by one opening the scroll unveiling the transgressions of Satan and his system through the next 14 chapters.

The seventh seal was opened in chapter eight, which included seven angels and seven trumpets, the last trump ushering in the return of the Messiah. But the seal wasn’t completely closed in that chapter….it continued through chapter sixteen as well into seventeen. Now, we are back to the beginning, almost as if the reading of the scroll has been completed.

May it be so, may the Messiah’s great judgment come down hard and heavy on this ungodly system and its arbiters. The one that sits on the throne, listening to what is coming out of the scroll gives his approval to the destruction and accepts the saints at the same time.

Verse 5.And a voice came from the throne, saying, “Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great.

            This is the approval of the saints, bondservant is used to describe those that follow the Messiah. Here is what Unger’s Bible Dictionary says about bondservants, “This word is used figuratively, as “bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh” (Gen. 2:23), “of his flesh, and of his bones” (Eph. 5:30, KJV; “members of His body,” NASB and NIV), to mean the same nature and being united in the nearest relation. Iniquities are said to be in men’s bones when their bodies are polluted thereby (Job 20:11, KJV); and the state of the national death of Israel scattered among the Gentile nations is represented by the “valley of dry bones” (Ezek. 37:1–14).”

As bondservants, we are bound to the Messiah, once connected physically but no longer. Now we are connected spiritually, by having the holy spirit as part of our DNA.

Verse 6.Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying,

“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.

            Here we have the last of four Hallelujahs. The number four has a symbolic meaning of creation. On the fourth day of what is called ‘creation week,’ God completed the material universe on the fourth day. It fits in so many ways because we have come to the completion of the 1^st part of God’s plan. At this point, the second creation has begun, the spiritual family of God is now taking place in the universe. A great multitude comprises those that are waiting for the seal of approval from the Father who will honor at the foot of His throne.

We saw this earlier in chapter seven of Revelation 7:9-12,   After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, ¹⁰ and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” ¹¹ All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, ¹² saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom,
Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever.
May it be so.”

            As I said, we come to a full circle, and more evidence; these are the bride of the Messiah, waiting on His arrival.

            Also, let me remind everyone, there are no chapter breaks in the original manuscripts by putting these in, sometimes we inadvertently have a break in thought.

Verse 7. Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.”

            The long-awaited event has finally arrived. The marriage of the lamb and His church, His bride, his people, is coming to realization. It’s now time for the heavens to rejoice with great fervor and happiness. It’s that day and hour no one knew except the Father in heaven as expressed in Matthew 24:36,  “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

            This event is the culmination of six thousand years of winnowing the masses to find that very special few— the Messiah will call His bride. We are told in many scriptures this event will be sudden and decisive, there won’t be any do-overs or recounts, no hanging chads will change the outcome for the resurrected.

            It’s a marriage, a union of two unique entities blessed by the highest being in the universe. Not only has this union been blessed by the Father in heaven, but it’s the Father’s greatest joy to see it happen. The bride has made herself ready by her righteous acts. Bible scriptures that speak to the brides preparing for a special day like the one in Matthew 25:1-12, Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. ³ For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, ⁴ but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. ⁵ As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. ⁶ But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ ⁷ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ ⁹ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ ¹⁰ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. ¹¹ Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ ¹² But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ ¹³ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

            The ones prepared are the ones the Messiah is returning for, not the lazy ones. They have what is necessary to be in the first resurrection, which is the event as it unfolds.

Verse 8. It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

            The bride is clothed in white linen, symbolic of righteousness, and we don’t have to speculate about the white linen represents, we are told this is the righteous acts of the saints.

            We have come even further than just a full circle by a promise made by the Messiah to His bride in Revelation 3:1-6, “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. ² Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. ³ Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. ⁴ Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. ⁵ The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. ⁶ He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

            We have come to where the promises become fulfilled we saw in chapter 2 and three. If white is righteousness, what does it say when someone soils their clothes? If you are one of God’s people, what would constitute soiling your clothing? Would longing after foreign gods do it? How about worshiping on the wrong days? Would compromise the values laid out in the Bible look like a stain to God? How about just going along to get along, not making waves, that sort of thing. Romans 1:28-32,  And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up unto a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; ²⁹ being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity; whisperers, ³⁰ backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, ³¹ without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, unmerciful: ³² who, knowing the ordinance of God, that they that ahalom such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with them that ahalom them.

            Even if you aren’t doing evil but don’t speak out against it, you consent by your inactions, you are just as guilty. The actions listed above aren’t righteous acts by God’s standard or by any measures resulting in one being in the first resurrection.

Verse 9.Then he *said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he *said to me, “These are true words of God.”

Blessed are those, seems like an inadequate statement. There is no human word that can express the joy and honor bestowed upon these people—hopefully, myself included. John was told to write it down, put it in the records for prosperity, for all mankind to see.

Those in the first resurrection, the participants of the bride (the saints) are invited to an extraordinary supper. It is called the marriage supper of the bride and bridegroom. It is the culmination of the ceremony that ties the two together for eternity. Can you possibly see why Jesus said what He said in John 3:13, And no one hath ascended into heaven, but he that descended out of heaven, even the Son of man,  who is in heaven.

No one can skip ahead of the line of events. The Messiah will return and retrieve His bride, then, and only then will the spirit of man ascend into heaven.

As I wrote in an earlier chapter, there is a very specific order to the resurrections, they are listed in, 1 Corinthians 15:20-25, But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of them that are asleep. ²¹ For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. ²² For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. ²³ But each in his own order: Christ the first-fruits; then they that are Christ’s, at his coming. ²⁴ Then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power. ²⁵ For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet. 

He has sworn these are the true words of the Messiah, and He cannot lie.

Numbers 23:19-20,  God is not a man, that he should lie, Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and will he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and will he not make it good? ²⁰ Behold, I have received commandment to bless:
And he hath blessed, and I cannot reverse it.

Also in Hebrews 6:17-20, Wherein God, being minded to show more abundantly unto the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel,  interposed with an oath; ¹⁸ that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us: ¹⁹ which we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and stedfast and entering into that which is within the veil; ²⁰ whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

            It also says in Hebrews 6:13, For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself,

He can swear by no one greater than Himself. His word is His bond. As a matter of fact, if He did lie, He would die; that is the penalty of sin.

Verse 10.Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he *said to me, “Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

            John fell down to worship the angel he was so overcome by what he saw. The promise of the Messiah and the bride gathered together in the great hall of the eternal. Did John see himself among those seated at the banquet table? He must have, he is one of the greatest of the Messiah’s disciples, and would have been seated by the Messiah Himself. Perhaps this is part of the reason he was so overwhelmed at that very instance?

            John was gently reminded not to worship an angel or any other heavenly creatures but only the Messiah and the Father as commanded in Exodus 20:4-6,  Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image, nor any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: ⁵ thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them; for I Jehovah thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, upon the third and upon the fourth generation of them that hate me, ⁶ and showing lovingkindness unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

            The following wording is somewhat confusing when we consider how we look at the position of angels. He tells John he is a fellow servant like him and his brethren, which one would say is true. It’s almost as if this angel places himself as an equal to John. Perhaps we have underestimated angels position in the kingdom because we’ve put too much stock in scriptures like this, 1 Corinthians 6:1-3, Dare any of you, having a matter against his neighbor, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? ² Or know ye not that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world is judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? ³ Know ye not that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?

            Do we foolishly believe because God says we will judge angels one day, we will be more powerful than they are? We hold the position and title of the bride, but as we saw in John chapter one, we also are to become a kingdom of priests. Priests judged matters in John’s day, they were the arbiters of the law, it is only right we too will be the judges in God’s kingdom. Spiritual angels have a function of their own, a duty they are sworn to; they are the protectors and messengers of God.

The Coming Messiah

Verse 11.And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 

            The long-awaited event has finally come to humanity. This is the actual picture of that event given to us by John. Heaven opens, the barrier between the dimension of physical and spiritual fades away, allowing the emergence of the Messiah and His army to be seen.

            The appearance of the Messiah in this verse isn’t the same event we read about in,   1 Thessalonian 4:16-18,  For 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; ¹⁷ then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

            Also, in 1 Corinthians 15:50-53, Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. ⁵¹ Behold, I tell you a mystery: We all shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed, ⁵² in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ⁵³ For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

            The bride has already been whisked away, and the marriage completed. What do we see when the Messiah returns? He is riding a white horse, didn’t we see a figure on a white horse earlier when the very first seal was opened in chapter six of Revelation? Let’s read that again, Revelation 6:2,  And I saw, and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon had a bow; and there was given unto him a crown: and he came forth conquering, and to conquer.

            Does sound a lot like the previous one, I must admit. But if you look at the underlying message, you’ll notice there are differences. The figure in chapter six carries a symbolic bow, the one here is symbolically showing a sword expressed in verse 15. This one is undoubtedly the Messiah; the other is a false Christ bringing a false religion with him. Both come as conquering figures; the first conquer the hearts and minds of the world; the second conquers the beast and false prophet.

The first has one crown, this figure has many crowns. The first rider comes alone on a white horse, this one brings an army seated on white horses. Once again, He represents faithfulness and truthfulness, not deception and death. Although death will be the resulting action upon those that fight against Him at His return. The difference between the first figure and this one, the latter can resurrect those He kills with His next breath if He so desires.

Verse 12.His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. 

            Eyes are a flame of fire, symbolic of His judging by His cleansing sight. He wouldn’t let Moses look at His face because of the danger of being exposed to a purifying look. It reminds me of the sea of glass the figures stand around who had victory over the beast, it was mixed with fire. Is this the barrier between the spiritual and the physical, and if one looks upon a figure from the spiritual world without the proper precautions, they could perish?

Exodus 33:18-23,  Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!” ¹⁹ And He said, “I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the Lord before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.” ²⁰ But He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!” ²¹ Then the Lord said, “Behold, there is a place ^[i]by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; ²² and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. ²³ Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen.”

Even Moses, after merely glancing at the backside of God in Exodus 34, came away with his face shining brightly. Maybe there is something to looking upon pure unadulterated truth for the first time that violently strips away all the garbage someone is stained with while being in this world.

            A name no one knows except for Himself. Why do we claim to know the name of God, when He says the opposite? Why doesn’t he want His people to know His name? It is a real simple answer because Satan and the world would pollute the name. They would twist the name until it didn’t sound anything like it was intended to sound.

            Moses’ body was hidden for that exact reason, to protect the dignity of the body, and the name of God won’t be exposed until the day Satan can no longer defile it.

Verse 13.He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.

            Is the robe dripping in the blood, symbolic or real? I know the religious world today loves to tell themselves the return of Jesus will be a loving event called the rapture. Beginning with the mysterious disappearance of billions of Christians without so much as a warning. The world will then wander about kicking themselves because they didn’t buy that cross or Bible when they had the opportunity. Or, they didn’t listen to the soapbox preacher yelling the world was coming to an end the week before.

            Look at the event in Zechariah 14:1-5, Behold, a day is coming for the Lord when the spoil taken from you will be divided among you. ² For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plundered, the women ravished and half of the city exiled, but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city. ³ Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle. ⁴ In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south. ⁵ You will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him!

            He comes and fights against the nations, read this account in Joel and notice the similarities. Joel 2:1-7, Blow a trumpet in Zion, And sound an alarm on My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, For the day of the Lord is coming; Surely it is near, ² A day of darkness and gloom, A day of clouds and thick darkness. As the dawn is spread over the mountains, So there is a great and mighty people; There has never been anything like it, Nor will there be again after it To the years of many generations. ³ A fire consumes before them And behind them a flame burns. The land is like the garden of Eden before them But a desolate wilderness behind them, And nothing at all escapes them. ⁴ Their appearance is like the appearance of horses; And like war horses, so they run. ⁵ With a noise as of chariots They leap on the tops of the mountains, Like the crackling of a flame of fire consuming the stubble, Like a mighty people arranged for battle. ⁶ Before them the people are in anguish; All faces turn pale. ⁷ They run like mighty men, They climb the wall like soldiers; And they each march in line, Nor do they deviate from their paths.

            Yes, His robe will be bloody with those that fight against him. It won’t be a mysterious day as some believe, but it will be a dark day with only the light of the Messiah emerging over the horizon. His name is CALLED the word of God. The logos, the word as was expressed in John 1:1-5, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. ⁴ In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. ⁵ The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

            Is this a subtle way of telling the world this is the creator of all things? I believe it may be a connection He desires to make, so those that reject the Messiah have no further excuses.

Verse 14.And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. 

This verse is the reason I suggested 1 Thessalonians 4 and 1 Corinthians 15 may not be the same vent like this one. What is this army, who are they? Notice, they are dressed in fine white linen, and they are following the Messiah. Fine white linen is the dress the bride or saints are given to wear. It’s symbolic of their righteous acts. It is appropriate they are seen following the Messiah, they have followed Him from the beginning of time. They also come with the Messiah as mentioned in Zechariah 14:5, Then the Lord, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him!

While pondering this, I have come to the conclusion the Messiah comes retrieves His bride, then comes back with her bringing judgment on the world. How else can it fit the scriptures?

V

erse 15. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty.

            Out of the Messiahs, month comes a sharp sword. Like a shout to the world, 1 Thessalonians 4:16,  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.

This would fit in light of Hebrews 4:12-13, For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. ¹³ And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.

His word is the law, and he will enforce His word by His might and power. Yes, he can be a loving and merciful God to those that will follow Him. The problem is the Christian world isn’t following Him and His commands today.

Joel 3:12-17, Let the nations be aroused And come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat, For there I will sit to judge All the surrounding nations. ¹³ Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, tread, for the wine press is full; The vats overflow, for their wickedness is great. ¹⁴ Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. ¹⁵ The sun and moon grow dark And the stars lose their brightness. ¹⁶ The Lord roars from Zion And utters His voice from Jerusalem, And the heavens and the earth tremble. But the Lord is a refuge for His people And a stronghold to the sons of Israel. ¹⁷ Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, Dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain. So Jerusalem will be holy, And strangers will pass through it no more.

I particularly like the last sentence, “And strangers will pass through it no more.” After the return of the Messiah, this will be His and His bride’s home for the next thousand years. NO TRESPASSING signs will hang everywhere.

Verse 16.And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

            We are reading about the savior of the world, perhaps it doesn’t sound quite like it, but this is the Messiah. The described events aren’t familiar to the one you were taught about in Sunday school, I understand entirely. But, who are you going to believe? Are you going to accept the word of a sweet little old Sunday school teacher?

            After all, the Messiah is only the King of Kings, the creator of the universe, and all mankind. Does He really compare to any person on this planet alive today or in the past?

            On the name being written on His robe and thigh Adam’s Clarke says this, “ On his vesture and on his thigh a name written – Dr. Dodd has well observed on this passage, that “it appears to have been an ancient custom among several nations to adorn the images of their deities, princes, victors at public games, and other eminent persons, with inscriptions, expressing either the character of the persons, their names, or some other circumstance which might contribute to their honor; and to that custom the description here given of Christ may possibly have some allusion.”

            Look at these two verses describing the actions the Romans took while murdering the Messiah. In Matthew 27:28-29, They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. ²⁹ And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”

            I thought long about all this and how incredibly ironic when considering Rome would be the nation that gave birth to the future beast and whore. Here Roman soldiers inadvertently gave homage to the true Messiah before the antichrist took His image and defiled it.

Verse 17.Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds which fly in midheaven, “Come, assemble for the great supper of God,

            Angel is standing in the sun. Was this a physical sun or a representation of the sun, a symbol if you will. Could it be symbolic of the religious system that the Messiah has come to conquer? Most Christian churches today have the symbol of the sun somewhere in their worship of their god. It can be found either on the days they worship, or physically in a sunburst above the entrance of their doors.

          What is even more disturbing is the portrayal of the Messiah and saints with sunburst around their heads in the form of halos.

He then rings the dinner bell calling out to the carnivorous birds of the air to feast upon the flesh of Kings. Why is the expression midheaven used here, this is the area we know as space outside our atmosphere. This is a place where no physical creatures live, why would he be calling birds to that area? The lower heaven is where we get rain and snow from, and where the birds of the air flourish.

The upper heavens are the kingdom of God; it’s a spiritual realm inaccessible to man or creature. Is there something in mid-heaven we are unaware of? Another question, is there enough carnivorous birds to devour all the flesh lying on the ground after Armageddon?

I have my thoughts on this and most would find them outrageous, so I won’t express them here, I’ll let your minds run crazy.

Verse 18.So that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of commanders and the flesh of mighty men and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them and the flesh of all men, both free men and slaves, and small and great.”

            Not only are the bodies of kings and their armies destroyed and laying on the ground waiting to be consumed, but their horses as well. The armies of today don’t use literal horses to ride into battle, or do they? There is a movie (12 Strong) based upon actual events in Afghanistan where special forces actually rode into battle on the backs of horses.

Just a scenario, but if an EMP was exploded on the eve before battle rendering all electronics useless, armies might seek out alternate transportation, like horses.

When you read the verse, it covers a lot of different people in society, slaves, free men, small and great, why such diversity in an army? Do all the factions of the earth have a common enemy in the real Christ? Do all the men and women of the world see the Messiah as evil, forcing them to put aside their differences and coilless into one army?

It makes no difference to the Messiah who you are, He will save you or destroy you no matter your position or status, race or creed. Romans 2:11-13, For there is no partiality with God. ¹² For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; ¹³ for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified.

Verse 19.And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies assembled to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.

            Get ready, get set, and perish. It’s my observation that television, books and especially movies are preparing our society today for this one big event. Satan has the world believing the Messiah will return one way when, in fact, He is coming in a fashion they might think aliens from another planet are invading the earth.

            They will see God as an invader, and the last great hope of man will be to come together and battle the monster from another planet. Satan has done such an excellent job on the minds of the people, they can’t see who the Messiah is today, much less when He appears in the heavens.

Doom of the Beast and False Prophet

Verse 20.And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. 

            These armies of do-gooders with their pitchforks and spears won’t prevail against the invading entity as they do in movies. No, the outcome is much drier for them, they will be met with a weapon, unlike anything the movies could ever create. They will be destroyed by one look from the fiery eyes of the Messiah. At the very moment of their death, they will instantly understand who it was they have come to fight against. They will understand the wisdom once spoken by Gamaliel to the Pharisees in Acts 5:38-39, So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; ³⁹ but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”

            The Messiah not only destroys the beast, the system that has economically and religiously enslaved men for six thousand years. He also throws this vile system of enslavement alive into the lake of fire along with the false prophet. The false prophet is doomed because it has pulled the rug over the eyes of billions of people for millennia. The signs and wonders once used to deceive the masses of peoples will no longer mean a thing. Their parlor tricks will go unnoticed and seem petty in the looming presence of God.

The two entities ’ eventual outcome is eternal death in the spiritual lake of fire capable of destroying the spirit along with the body. The mark this system and false prophet placed upon the heads of those deceived will now fade away forever, and ever, never to be seen again. Along with the mark, the deception will cease, no more false doctrine or twisting the words of the Messiah.

Verse 21.And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh.

            Those still living now have a choice, fight and die or run the opposite direction. It’s a simple matter of stand and fight, you die and are consumed by the carrion. Flea and hopefully live another day while learning for the first time about the true God. Hollywood is amateurish in the art of screenwriting because for one, they can’t tell the truth. Two, they can’t get religion right, even in the light of God’s true words. They repeat the same mistakes about God and His plan over and over, attempting to make their lies more convincing. God’s truth needs no embellishing; it’s the truth and nothing but the truth. But, geniun truth isn’t always compelling as we have already seen.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Twenty

We ended the last chapter with the false prophet and beast being thrown alive into the lake of fire. The rest with the mark of the beast that stands ready and willing to fight the Messiah dooming themselves in the process by their actions. Here’s a question, how does one go about throwing an entire political and religious system into a lake of fire? I Have a few personal thoughts on this, but they aren’t relevant because simply put, it’s going to happen no matter what I or anyone else thinks or says.

            Now we enter a brand new dynamic with the disposition of these forces aligned against the Messiah and His creation. It begins with the dragon once more, the one known in this world as Satan. He is the opposing force fighting against God and we will see his ultimate end as prophesied from the beginning of time.

Satan Bound

Verse 1. Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 

            Amazing verbiage, what door can shut and be locked behind a being such as the one we know as Satan? Furthermore, how can a physical chain hold a spiritual entity like Satan? Chains bind and hold fast anything they are attached to. Can a chain be a spiritual element God uses to subdue other spirits? The kingdom is certainly going to reveal many surprises for us one day.

            This isn’t the first time we have read about this abyss, we also read about the place in Revelation 9:1,  Then the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from heaven which had fallen to the earth; and the key of the ^[a]bottomless pit was given to him. ² He opened the ^[b]bottomless pit, and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke of the pit.

It continues in Revelation 9:11,  They have as king over them, the angel of the abyss; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek he has the name Apollyon.

Abaddon in Hebrew means destruction, or as in the case of Job 31:12,  “For it would be fire that consumes to Abaddon,
And would uproot all my increase. Here it means a place of destruction.

Apollyon, on the other hand, is Greek, meaning “Destroyer.”

In chapter nine, when this abyss was opened all sorts of vile creatures emerged upon the world. The abyss will be sealed once more by the power of God, he alone has the key to open and shut the doors of the abyss.

In 1 Corinthians 15:25-28, For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. ²⁶ The last enemy that will be abolished is death. ²⁷ For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. ²⁸ When all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that God may be all in all.

            The one difference between Christ and Satan in h the abyss Christ holds the keys, not Satan. He holds power over life and death, and the scriptures actually say in Revelation 1:17-18,  When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, ¹⁸ and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.

Verse 2. And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 

            Now we begin our focus on Satan’s disposition. The angel and I can’t imagine this being anyone but the Messiah grabbing hold of this vile creature. He catches Satan, the dragon of old, and binds him where he cannot move or do any more harm. He isn’t bound for just a little while, he is bound for a thousand years, which is coincidentally the same period of time the Messiah will rule on this earth when He returns with His bride.

The Messiah has the keys, so there isn’t getting out until the thousand years are completed, no parole, no time off for good behavior.

It is also the place the Messiah can send demons if he wills it so. Luke 8:30: And Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. ³¹ They were imploring Him not to command them to go away into the abyss.

I guess the Messiah will throw them into the abyss like he does Satan according to the next verse.

Verse 3. And he threw him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he would not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time.

            Then the Messiah gently lays Satan in the abyss, who are we trying to kid, the Messiah throws the vile creature unmercifully down the hole. He then shuts the preverbal door and seals it, where he can do no further harm. Not only that, but nothing can possibly reach nim as well. It is an impenetrable barrier where nothing on either side may pass through.

Is this the legendary hell like so many believe where bad people are sent? If it is, then there is a slight problem, why would Satan be bound, isn’t he the supposed god of the underworld? Also, If Jesus has come to save the world, and has the power to seal the abyss, why doesn’t He do it? Why wait, wouldn’t He save a lot more people from hell if He shut the abyss down right now?

Verse 4.Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. 

            We begin here with thrones and judgment. Those that sit on these thrones are given the right to judge, it’s not an inherent ability. Are these the 24 elders who were once humans and now are judges?, We read about this group of men in chapter 4 verse 4 of Revelation where it says,  Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads.

            I believe it to be one and the same folks, but that’s just me. They sit on thrones, and they render judgment out to who? It doesn’t explicitly say here, but we will see later there is a remnant of peoples on this earth for the thousand-year reign of Christ those needing guidance and correction. For them, there will be the Temple of God, a place where true justice will be handed out. In Zechariah 14:16-21, Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths. ¹⁷ And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, there will be no rain on them. ¹⁸ If the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, then no rain will fall on them; it will be the plague with which the Lord smites the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths. ¹⁹ This will be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths. ²⁰ In that day there will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, “HOLY TO THE LORD.” And the cooking pots in the Lord’s house will be like the bowls before the altar. ²¹ Every cooking pot in Jerusalem and in Judah will be holy to the Lord of hosts; and all who sacrifice will come and take of them and boil in them. And there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts in that day.

            To believers, this is that period of time in the future, look closely at the wording. They will keep the feast of booths, which is the feast of tabernacles listed in Leviticus 23, one of God’s holy days. He didn’t say Christmas, Easter, or any other secular holiday— He said the Feast of Booths. Not only will they keep this day and all the others in Leviticus 23, but if they don’t, they’ll be punished.

            He then changes his thought back to the saints of God, those that are the contingent that makes up the bride. How can I know this fact? Easy, they didn’t have the mark of the beast. But His people do have His mark, Exodus 31:12-13,  The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ¹³ “But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you.

            Also, they reign with Christ for a thousand years; only one other entity besides the Father in heaven is capable of this, Revelation 3:20-21, Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. ²¹ He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

            A separate group of folks mentioned here is ones that seemingly were martyred because of their testimony of the Messiah. We’ve seen this in other verses like Revelation 13:15,  And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

In 2 Timothy 3:10-13, we see a statement Paul made in regards to followers of the Messiah and persecution.  Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, ¹¹ persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! ¹² Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. ¹³ But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

So, my question is, are these who have been beheaded a special group, or is this just another way of saying followers of the Messiah? One could argue, living a life as a follower of the true God ultimately is a sacrifice. If fact, it says in Romans 12:1-2, Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. ² And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Verse 5. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection.

            What does this mean, the rest of the dead didn’t live until the thousand-year period was finished? How is this group of people any different, and why must they wait? Let’s break this down by starting with the thousand years. First, the thousand-year reign doesn’t begin until the false prophet, and the beast are thrown into the lake of fire. Satan, the dragon, is then bound for a thousand years and put into the abyss. Then, the Messiah and 24 elders, along with those beheaded for the testimony of Christ, take positions or presumptive thrones and begin to judge the world.

            That all happens before the rest of the dead are resurrected back to life. It sounds like to me and many others; the Messiah is concerned about setting up His government here on earth before He revives the world and opens their eyes to the truth.

Isaiah 9:6-7, For a child has been born to us, a son has been given to us. He shoulders responsibility and is called Wonderful Adviser, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. ⁷ His dominion will be vast, and he will bring immeasurable prosperity. He will rule on David’s throne and over David’s kingdom, establishing it and strengthening it by promoting justice and fairness, from this time forward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will accomplish this.

            During this period of a thousand years, there will be a  small contingent of people that will live through the tribulation and surviving eventually live under the reign of the Messiah. Satan will be gone, the beast system will be no more, and the false prophet with all its deception will influence people no longer.

            God’s saints or those He came to retrieve that lived a life of sacrifice is to be the kingdom of priest mentioned in 1 Peter 2:9, and Revelation 1:5-6,  and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood— ⁶ and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to ^[e]His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever.

            They are the new creatures thriving under a more perfect system of God and the Messiah’s mouthpiece to the peoples. They will direct the reconstruction of the world, forming it into what it was always meant to be. In Isaiah, we get a sense of their responsibilities. Isaiah 61:4-8, Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins, They will raise up the former devastations; And they will repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations. ⁵ Strangers will stand and pasture your flocks, And foreigners will be your farmers and your vinedressers. ⁶ But you will be called the priests of the Lord; You will be spoken of as ministers of our God. You will eat the wealth of nations, And in their riches you will boast. ⁷ Instead of your shame you will have a double portion, And instead of humiliation they will shout for joy over their portion. Therefore they will possess a double portion in their land, Everlasting joy will be theirs. ⁸ For I, the Lord, love justice, I hate robbery in the burnt offering; And I will faithfully give them their recompense And make an everlasting covenant with them.

            At the end of the verse, the angel confirmed this is the first resurrection, and the world will remain in their graves for at least another thousand years.

Verse 6. Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

            Blessed are those chosen to be in the first resurrection. As we have already seen, they become a kingdom of priests and members of the bride of the Messiah. Partners in ruling the kingdom but, in a way, unrealized by the world.

            It will grow from the Temple in Jerusalem, read Zechariah 14, the entire chapter; it is a look forward to that time. Zacheriah 14:1-21, Behold, a day is coming for the Lord when the spoil taken from you will be divided among you. ² For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plundered, the women ravished and half of the city exiled, but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city. ³ Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle. ⁴ In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south. ⁵ You will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him! ⁶ In that day there will be no light; the luminaries will dwindle. ⁷ For it will be a unique day which is known to the Lord, neither day nor night, but it will come about that at evening time there will be light. ⁸ And in that day living waters will flow out of Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and the other half toward the western sea; it will be in summer as well as in winter. ⁹ And the Lord will be king over all the earth; in that day the Lord will be the only one, and His name the only one. ¹⁰ All the land will be changed into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem; but Jerusalem will rise and remain on its site from Benjamin’s Gate as far as the place of the First Gate to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s wine presses. ¹¹ People will live in it, and there will no longer be a curse, for Jerusalem will dwell in security. ¹² Now this will be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the peoples who have gone to war against Jerusalem; their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, and their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongue will rot in their mouth. ¹³ It will come about in that day that a great panic from the Lord will fall on them; and they will seize one another’s hand, and the hand of one will be lifted against the hand of another. ¹⁴ Judah also will fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the surrounding nations will be gathered, gold and silver and garments in great abundance. ¹⁵ So also like this plague will be the plague on the horse, the mule, the camel, the donkey and all the cattle that will be in those camps. ¹⁶ Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths. ¹⁷ And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, there will be no rain on them. ¹⁸ If the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, then no rain will fall on them; it will be the plague with which the Lord smites the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths. ¹⁹ This will be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths. ²⁰ In that day there will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, “HOLY TO THE LORD.” And the cooking pots in the Lord’s house will be like the bowls before the altar. ²¹ Every cooking pot in Jerusalem and in Judah will be holy to the Lord of hosts; and all who sacrifice will come and take of them and boil in them. And there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts in that day.

            I continue to use this particular chapter in Zecharia because it illustrates precisely what the previous verses in this chapter of revelation are attempting to convey.

            The second death has no power over them any longer, a simple way of saying this is they have attained eternal life. They will no longer need to prove they will follow the Messiah because they have already done so. They are trusted, loved, and now relied upon in remaking the world.

Verse 7.When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison,

            It seems counterproductive releasing this vile creature back upon the world after mankind has been at peace for a thousand years. What has occurred during that thousand years without Satan’s influence, and man will thrive under the shadow of the Messiah and His bride. The world will develop back into a garden of Eden like place once again. Peace between nations is the only status humans will understand, wars will be something one reads in a history book. God’s truth is the singular teaching for a world capable of understanding scriptures’ intent. Weapons into plowshares and food in such an abundance everywhere, poverty is a word from a bygone era.

            Satan is loosed once again upon this world, much like he was in the beginning with Adam and Eve. It was a perfect world with the Messiah as the ruler and judge, and Adam and Eve failed to follow a straightforward commandment after one short conversation with this creature. Has the nature of man changed to the point where they can resist Satan’s lies in the future?

            Remember what is happening here for proper context. We have the recreation of the world where Satan is absent, and the world has turned back to a garden of Eden state. Will the children of the children during this time understand temptation? Without satan, there will be very little to test the nation’s allegiance to God, and as we have been witness to for the last six thousand years, man’s devotion to God is feeble to say the least.

            After the thousand years and before the rest of the dead can be resurrected, the world must be tested once again. One last pass over the field of humanity to winnow out those that are incorrigible.

We don’t know for sure how long this period will last, but could it be enough time for Satan to reintroduce false worship and establish an invalid government? Whatever the reason for letting Satan loose upon the world again, this time, it will be Satans final stand.

I had a friend once who felt this was God’s way of ultimately dealing with Satan and his demons once and for all. He needed to do this before the rest of the dead were raised and judged.

Verse 8. And will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore. 

            Carrying the thought over from the previous verse, we see Satan sets about immediately deceiving the nations. “How can he do this so fast and unhindered,” you might be asking. Keep this in mind, Satan was able to deceive one-third of the angels in heaven right under the nose of the Father and the Son. Did they know what Satan was attempting at the time? One would hope so, but we have no idea if they were aware of his deceit.

Nations is a word we immediately connect to physical peoples, but can it be more than just peoples? A nation is a community of peoples or tribes, look at the Greek Strong’s definition 1484. Ethnos eth’-nos probably from 1486; a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan):–Gentile, heathen, nation, people.

Could this be a nation of demons we are reading about? Was Satan in the abyss all by himself, or did he have a vast community of demons keeping him company? Was he alone when he was released, or did billions of fallen angels come with him?

Scriptures tell us there were demons already in prison according to 1Peter 3:18-20, For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; ¹⁹ in which also He went and made proclamation to the spirits now in prison, ²⁰ who once were disobedient, when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.

            What proclamation did the Messiah make to those demonic spirits, and what is their current disposition? How many are imprisoned, and where; is it possible it’s the very same abyss?

From the four corners of the earth, meaning from every direction of the globe and they swarm towards one location. Their number is incalculable. One might wonder just how many humans are also alive during this time? Are these Humans, demons, or both in an alliance against God? It says Gog and Magog are the prime entities gathered against God which was this foretold by Ezekiel beginning in chapter 38:1-6, And the word of the Lord came to me saying, ² “Son of man, set your face toward Gog of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him ³ and say, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal. ⁴ I will turn you about and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them splendidly attired, a great company with buckler and shield, all of them wielding swords; ⁵ Persia, Ethiopia and Put with them, all of them with shield and helmet; ⁶ Gomer with all its troops; Beth-togarmah from the remote parts of the north with all its troops—many peoples with you.

            Not much information is given about these two nations except they display a significant amount of hate towards God’s peoples. God’s people at this time are spiritual beings; they are the ones occupying the Temple along with the Messiah. It causes one to wonder how mere humans could possibly believe they could unseat these figures.

            Also remember, there are no remaining weapons to fight a war with, not human anyway. Does someone really think an army of humans will attack a city of supernatural beings with pitchforks, spears, and arrows? If you do, you have been watching way too much of Hollywood’s version of the world.

            It’s more likely in my estimation that these are demonic forces led by Satan in a final attempt to overthrow the Messiah and His bride. They know they either win or die at that time and place. There can be no other outcome for Gog and Magog.

Verse 9. And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them. 

            Notice here the armies surround as mentioned earlier the camp of the saints, who occupy the beloved city. As I said in the last verse, can we really expect humans who spent their entire lives learning about God and His ways to suddenly pick up crude weapons and march against supernatural beings? These humans, if they are humans, would most likely know many of the spiritual people they would be marching against. Could they or would they have the courage or desire to fight God and His cohort?

            A broad plain that also has a ring of familiarity. Could this be a form of Armageddon, which is said to be a vast plain just north of the city of Jerusalem?

Demons, on the other hand, would have an overwhelming motive to destroy the Messiah and Saints. Their end is predicted, they will perish from the land and eventually the memory of man, but not before they try one last time to take over the world. For them, their fate will come in the form of cleansing fire from heaven, which will devour every last one of them. It is a fire from heaven that will kill spirit along with a physical body so nothing can possibly escape deserved judgment.

            We see in Ezekiel the words of the Messiah as Gog and Magog surround the camp of God. Ezekiel 38:21-23, I will call for a sword against him on all My mountains,” declares the Lord God. “Every man’s sword will be against his brother. ²² With pestilence and with blood I will enter into judgment with him; and I will rain on him and on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him,  a torrential rain, with hailstones, fire and brimstone. ²³ I will magnify Myself, sanctify Myself, and make Myself known in the sight of many nations; and they will know that I am the Lord.

            But, what if it is as simple as the voice of God that is the consuming fire brought down upon the earthly bodies. Look at this verse in Hebrews 12:28, Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; ²⁹ for our God is a consuming fire.

            Is God a literal fire, or is this another metaphor? I’ll leave that one up to the reader to answer. One more question before we leave this verse, is Jerusalem totally destroyed in this battle? Is the city and Temple of God annihilated from the face of the earth? I ask this because we see in the next chapter of Revelation, a New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, and we see humans in the city. We also read there is no more Temple, the Father and Son become the Temple. King David wanted to build the original temple as a house of the Spirit of God. When you have an entire heavenly city as your house, there is no further need for one home.

Verse 10 And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

            Satan finally meets his ultimate end, no more prisons, and no more chances. His demise is similar to the beast and false prophets, the lake of fire where spirit and body are destroyed. The only question left concerning Satan, will he die once and for all or live in torment for eternity? I know man’s heart wishes Satan to be tormented forever, suffering day in and day out by tormenting fire. Only God knows if that will be the case, but I rely upon the simple explanation, Satan’s gone forever.

            It does bring a question to mind, “would that be a merciful God?” I know I shouldn’t question God, and I never would presume to do so, but I would question man’s interpretation of the translation. It appears the final disposition of any type of creature, would be death, that would be the most merciful outcome.

            Stop and think about this as well, if Satan is left alive even in this place, isn’t there always the possibility he could return? After these events, humans enter into a new phase of their evolution. Not the type of evolution man believes science teaches the human race comes from, but the kind God initiates. It begins with the resurrection of all humanity, any and all, great and small,  that never believed in God or believed in wrong gods. It’s the mother, father, brother, and sisters of those that tried so desperately to get them to listen to the truth at one time or another. It’s those that once followed a false system, or just sat on the fence. It’s most of the world coming before the very throne of God for the first time.

Verse 11.Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them.

            “A great white throne” is this the Father’s throne as we saw in Revelation 5:1-7, I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back, sealed up with seven seals. ² And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to break its seals?” ³ And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look into it. ⁴ Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the book or to look into it; ⁵ and one of the elders *said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.” ⁶ And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. ⁷ And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.

            I believe this could be the Messiah because He was the one found worthy. But either the Father or Son or both, it is a time of the judgment of all mankind. 

            All the universe must seem insignificant in the presence of such a being. He is indescribable to mere men, his presence demands worship and awe. If even one tiny flaw is found within a creature, whether created or born, it couldn’t stay in the presence of such a being.  No place in heaven or earth could hide them, no amount of water could cover them; there isn’t a mountain high enough for them to take refuge. All will be judged, no exceptions.

Verse 12.And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.

            The thousand years have come to their predictable completion, and now the rest of the dead stand before the eternal God. Small and great, kings and paupers, lords and slaves; all meet their creator for the first time. They stand before the throne and books are opened, is this a book of accounts? Is this where good deeds are recorded, or is it where evil acts are listed? Could both be true, because there is evil in good people and good in bad people? We are left wondering what is in this first book. Then, a second book is opened, the book of life and the resurrected being judged from this book according to their deeds. This is the book where the good and bad of a person is listed, so what is in the first book? Perhaps we will get another clue later on.

Verse 13.And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. 

            All humanity is resurrected, all come to stand before God, and the open books. Those that died at sea, in the air, buried for thousands of years, all are resurrected to live again. This is the second resurrection and the great white throne judgment of humanity. This incredible event won’t be anything like when Israel stood before God at the bottom of the mountain. This time the people won’t be able to reject Him and live; it’s accept God or perish.

Hebrews 12:18-24, For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, ¹⁹ and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them. ²⁰ For they could not bear the command, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it will be stoned.” ²¹ And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, “I am full of fear and trembling.” ²² But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, ²³ to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, ²⁴ and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.

Verse 14. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 

            The last part of the Messiah’s and Father’s holy plan is to do away with death once and for all. It is a symbolic action by throwing them into the lake of fire because it’s a cleansing fire where both the body and spirit are destroyed. Nothing can withstand this fire, nothing, not even Satan. No need for death any longer because all will become spiritual creatures. Those resurrected to life and accept the Messiah, and His bride will become spirit. The second death is spiritual death, we all die once as it says in Hebrews 9:27,  And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment, ²⁸ so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.

            This is the death from rejection, not rejection from God, but rejecting God. He just finished getting rid of one Satan, He certainly doesn’t need a new one. The most merciful thing the Messiah can do to a person who absolutely won’t repent is to destroy them once and for all.

Verse 15. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

The first book just may have been this book of life where the names of those accepting the Messiah are listed. Look at these three scriptures below.

Luke 10:20,”Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

Philippians 4:3, Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Revelation 3:5, ‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

The final question of this chapter, is your name found written in the book of life? How can one know if they have their name listed in this book, and if not, how can one ensure it will be.

One simple verse says it all John 14:15, If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

Push aside all the rhetoric and senseless babblings over doctrine and disputes. Read what the Messiah said and did, read His words and reject the explanations of the world. If you say you follow the Messiah, then follow Him, not your preacher.

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Twenty One

For creation has cried aloud, like a woman mourning her missing child. She is in misery with grief and longs for the touch of her child.

Relief for creation has come, the Messiah has brought an end to the misery for the world and given back hope to the peoples. They are found and now are safe in the bosom of their creator. The Messiah is the forerunner of a new creation and the one responsible for saving all mankind. Once the people have changed, then the world must follow suit to match.

The beauty and splendor of the new world can’t correctly be commented on; men’s minds can’t grasp the sights and sounds, much less express the panorama of visions presented to them.

We will give a feeble attempt at trying to unveil the sights as John saw them, but I’m quite confident they won’t suffice.

The New Heaven and Earth

Verse 1. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. 

            The Messiah creates all-new heaven and earth. It’s a more suitable place to raise a family of spiritual beings. In the beginning, it’s not just spiritual, but also a mix of human and God’s holy spirit making a brand new creature in all mankind.

He tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore if anyone is in Christ,  he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

            The old heaven and earth are gone forever, the old earth and it’s systems have vanished, replaced by something much better.

Isaiah 65:17-20, For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind. ¹⁸ “But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem for rejoicing And her people for gladness. ¹⁹ “I will also rejoice in Jerusalem and be glad in My people; And there will no longer be heard in her The voice of weeping and the sound of crying. ²⁰ “No longer will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, Or an old man who does not live out his days; For the youth will die at the age of one hundred And the one who does not reach the age of one hundred
Will be thought accursed.

            When he says, there is no more sea, is this literal, or is this referring to something in the past? Is this referencing people in the past worshiping the false system of the whore who sits on many waters? Notice it didn’t say ocean or rivers, but it simply says the sea. I like the explanation given in the Jewish New Testament by David H. Stern on the word sea. The Bible depicts creation as war. Light conquers darkness (Genesis 1:1-5, Yn 1:1-5), but the sea is allied with the darkness. (This metaphor does not require our text to refer to all the oceans; the Mediterranean suffices.) Therefore the sea has to be contained, limited — this is done on the second day of creation (Genesis 1:6-10; see also Job 38:8-11, Isaiah 27:1, and possibly Isaiah 51:9-52:12). The sea is active in bringing destruction and death through the flood of Noach, an event mentioned five times in the New Testament (Mt 24:37-38, Lk 17:26-27, MJ 11:7, 1 Ke 3:20, 2 Ke 2:5). But the sea is under God’s control, as seen most clearly in the Exodus, where God’s “strong hand and outstretched arm” turn the Red Sea into a means of salvation for the Israelites, though a means of destruction for the Egyptians. God has promised never again to use water as a means of universal destruction (Genesis 9:11), but equally he has promised that he will use fire for that purpose (2 Ke 3:10-12). The Lake of Fire (20:15) is a fiery sea of eternal destruction; it conquers finally and universally what the Red Sea conquered temporally and locally — namely, sin. Water is powerful, but fire is more powerful; hence Yochanan the Immerser says he immerses in water but another is coming, Yeshua, who will immerse in the Holy Spirit and in fire (Lk 3:16-17).

Verse 2. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.

Holy means “set apart,” a new Jerusalem, not defiled by human hands. The city or, more likely, the people that occupy the city. A church building isn’t the church, it’s the people inside that make the church, same for a city.

The bride has made herself ready as we have already read in Revelation 19:7-8, Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” ⁸ It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

It is my contention we are talking of the holy saints coming with the Messiah to inhabit a new world within the confines of the city of Jerusalem. The Messiah and the saints are what make this city new because the old system have been wiped away once and for all.

The bridegroom, of course, is the Messiah, Jesus, and He will bring back the saints to this earth and to this very location.

Zechariah 14:1-5, Behold, a day is coming for the Lord when the spoil taken from you will be divided among you. ² For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plundered, the women ravished and half of the city exiled, but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city. ³ Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle. ⁴ In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south. ⁵ You will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him!

Verse 3. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, 

            Who or what is this tabernacle of God? Some hints may be found in Ezekiel 37:26-28,  I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant with them. And I will place them and multiply them, and will set My sanctuary in their midst forever. ²⁷ My dwelling place also will be with them; and I will be their God, and they will be My people. ²⁸ And the nations will know that I am the Lord who sanctifies Israel, when My sanctuary is in their midst forever.

            Also, in Exodus, we can see a forerunner of the tabernacle purpose. Exodus 25:8, Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them. ⁹ According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it.

            The Messiah is the tabernacle that these verses speak of—it was by His blood the tabernacle of old was made perfect. In Hebrews 9:11-14, But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; ¹² and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. ¹³ For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, ¹⁴ how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Verse 4. And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

Several verses in the Bible promise eventually a time will come when the hurt and misery of the world will pass away into oblivion. It is a promise from God that will be welcomed by every human, whether one believes in Him or not.

Most want to live where pain and sufferings are words absent from lexicons. Most humans desire peace and tranquility, not war and sufferings. In the government of the Messiah, he will see that there is peace once and for all times.

Isaiah 25:6-9,  The Lord of hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all peoples on this mountain; A banquet of aged wine, choice pieces with marrow, And refined, aged wine. ⁷ And on this mountain He will swallow up the covering which is over all peoples, Even the veil which is stretched over all nations. ⁸ He will swallow up death for all time, And the Lord God will wipe tears away from all faces,
And He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth; For the Lord has spoken. ⁹ And it will be said in that day, “Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.”

            Pain, death, and suffering will be a thing of the past and eventually forgotten.

Verse 5. And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He *said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” 

            Only the creator can make things new again. He is after all the creator, and He won’t recreate the world until that that tear it down, are first removed. I wouldn’t remodel my home until I first rid it of termites, mold, and rot, same with the Messiah. Once made new again, we will have a world with unbelievable opportunities and incredible resilience. John and the other prophets’ visions didn’t include detailed descriptions of a world tomorrow in God’s kingdom, only to say, it’s paradise.

            He told John to write it down, because it is accurate, and you can take it to the bank as they say.

Verse 6. Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.

It’s done, completed, finished, the Messiah has accomplished what He started out to do, and now it’s time to rejoice. Does it mean the entire plan of God is fully implemented at this point, and nothing else is necessarily needed to happen?  No, it doesn’t, answering my own question? We have seen this comment before made by the same being. John 19:30,  Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

This was one point in the overall plan of the Father and Son just as the statement indicates in this verse, “it is done.”

We also see this same statement in Revelation 16:17, Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl upon the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, “It is done.”

This was after the seventh bowl of wrath, but when you read it in conjunction with what we have just read, it looks to be the same event. It is undoubtedly around the same time frame, we can be confident.

The one speaking identifies Himself as the Alpha and Omega, giving credence to the prior statement. We’ve seen this form of this identity voiced in several places buttressing the Messiah as this personage. Revelation 1:8, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

He also is said to the same in every form He has taken, ensuring He will be the Alpha and Omega. Hebrew 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Does this mean He was the same God of the Old Testament as the one known as Jesus, and again as the resurrected Messiah? He has the same purpose in all three identities, making Him the same being in all three instances.

His next words are, I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. We saw Jesus make the same promise in John 4 to the Samaritan woman John 4:7-13, There *came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus *said to her, “Give Me a drink.” ⁸ For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. ⁹ Therefore the Samaritan woman *said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) ¹⁰ Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” ¹¹ She *said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water? ¹² You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?” ¹³ Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; ¹⁴ but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

Also, it says in Isaiah 55:1, “Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat Come, buy wine and milk Without money and without cost.

The Messiah once stood upon a great last day and made a startling announcement to all those present. Is this verse we are commenting on a clue to the time we are reading about? By the timing of the Messiah’s statement and an indication of this event laid out in the Holy Days of God?

Let’s read, John 7:37-39, Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty,  let him come to Me and drink. ³⁸ He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” ³⁹ But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

            As we see, this occurred on the Last Great Day, a day that is the culmination of God’s holy feast that is listed in Leviticus 23. This day pictures a time when all mankind will be given an opportunity to accept the true Messiah. It is the world’s day of salvation if they have a desire for eternal life with the family of God.

Verse 7.He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.

            We are now back to overcoming, we saw in the chapters two and three the bride was told to overcome. If the bride (saints) could accomplish the set task, there were thirteen promises granted to them. The earlier folks are ones that comprise the first resurrection; now, in this verse, we see the entire world in a separate resurrection offered an opportunity to live.

“What are the promises offered to them for overcoming?” one might ask. They will share an inheritance, only a son or daughter can. He will be their God, and they will be His children. The Messiah already has a bride, the saints. We read about them in Revelation 19:7, where He came for her.

His natural laws of the universe demand, He first takes a wife, only then could there be children, it’s the law. Yes, man and Satan perverted the process by turning their heads to all kinds of variations within the system of marriage.

Verse 8. But for the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

            This is a promise made to those willing to change. God calls all men and women to repent and be baptized into the family of God. Acts 2:37-39, Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?” ³⁸ Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.”

            If after a person is physically resurrected into human form in the second resurrection (the great white throne judgment) and then refuses to accept the Messiah as their king and God, or decline to change from former evils, then He is left with no other choice. He will destroy that person both body and spirit in the lake of fire where Satan, the false prophet, and beast were destroyed. They will be dead and gone forever, never to be resurrected again in any form.

            It would be a good lesson for everyone to look at the description of those He singles out: the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars. I know those that have little or no faith, it means very little to them. But if you genuinely believe in God, then this is your wakeup call. Is God coming the next day or the day after, who can say? But, if you die instantly in a car accident, then that will be the day of your coming judgment. Not that one will go to heaven, but as I stated earlier, once dead time isn’t a factor any longer. A second or a million years are equally the same.

Verse 9. Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”

            A familiar angel to John comes forth and shows John something special. He shows John the bride, but wait, John is part of the bride, will he see himself?

The New Jerusalem

Verse 10. And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, 

            John is again carried away into the spirit, which causes me to comment once more John is writing this book in segments, not in just one sitting. We saw the same comment in Revelation 1:10, 4:2, 17:3, and now in this verse. So, in my estimation, he had at least four separate visions, which may account for the same information being presented in slightly different ways at different intervals. I won’t limit the entire letter to just four separate visions, but the scriptures do at least indicate at least four separate times.

A great and high mountain; what makes this mountain great? Could it be the same metaphor we’ve seen over and over where mountains illustrate government? The great government of God the Father and the Son, what could be more vivid than the highest mountain?

Is this the same mountain Ezikiel was taken in vision? Ezekiel 40:2, In the visions of God He brought me into the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, and on it to the south there was a structure like a city.

It sounds a lot like this place as a physical location, but can it be both a physical place and a government. I believe it is, we have already seen in Isaiah where there is a government of God, and Jerusalem is a physical location then, now and in the future.

But, I ask again to consider this, what constitutes a city or church? Is it the physical building, or the people within the four walls? Also, what was the focal point of Jerusalem to the peoples of Israel, wasn’t it the temple of God? What’s in the Temple in the future, after the second resurrection? Haven’t we’ve been shown it’s the Messiah as the high priest and the bride as a kingdom of priest? Wouldn’t the city of Jerusalem also become the home for the rest of repentant mankind?

A lot of questions, but they are necessary to understand what we are reading. It’s my contention the city of Jerusalem describes this way because it’s the new home of the bride, and is a beautiful, radiant place, highlighting the magnificence of the family of God.

Also remember, what is on earth is simply a duplicate of what is in heaven. Hebrews 8:1-6, Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, ² a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. ³ For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. ⁴ Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; ⁵ who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “See,” He says, “that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.” ⁶ But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.

            Was the ancient city of Jerusalem a copy of a more beautiful city in heaven? Could be, who can say other than God Himself.

Whichever the case this city is described in great detail.

Verse 11. Having the glory of God. Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper. 

            This city is said to have the glory of God. What is the glory of God? Strongs Greek concordance says:1391, glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective):–dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.

            She, the city, has the essence of God all over and within. No doubt, the city is exceptional, and she emanated a brilliance, unlike any other city of any other time or place.

            I took this description of jasper from the website, “God’s chemistry set, “Literally translated, yashĕpheh means “to polish” and was a precious stone of different colors. The word yashĕpheh probably designated a green jasper. The odem, the first stone on the High Priest’s breastplate, may have been a red jasper and tarshish, the tenth stone, may have been a yellow jasper.
Iaspis is considered as a derivative of yashĕpheh, albeit the feminine form. It is a Phoenican word signifying a translucent stone of various colors, especially that of fire, as in the appearance of the Lamb of God sitting on His throne in Revelation 4:3. It is used in our quoted verses, Revelation 21:19-20 (NIV), as well as in Revelation 21:11 (NIV) – the light of the New Jerusalem – “clear as crystal” and in Revelation 21:18 (NIV) – the wall of the City – “like unto clear glass.”
            These references to being “crystal clear” have led some to think that a diamond is referenced here, but it is not the same word as used in Exodus (28:18 and 39:11) when describing the diamond in the High Priest’s breastplate. The diamond was in the second row, the sixth stone and signified the Tribe of Naphtali (birth order) or Gad (Numbers 2:1ff). The word used for diamond is ahalom, which refers to the hardness of the stone – diamond is the hardest substance known to man. However, the characteristics of the jasper stone as far as they are specified in Revelation, that it “was most precious,” and “like crystal,” and that is was a stone of brilliant and transparent light seem to uphold the theory that the diamond may more adequately fit the description for the foundation.
Most biblical scholars agree that the color of the stone in the breastplate was green. Many also assign green to jasper in the foundation of the New Kingdom. However there is a school of thought that both jaspers may actually be red.”

Verse 12. It had a great and high wall,  with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. 

            Interestingly, the city has twelve gates, we see the number 12 occurs over and over throughout scriptures. The number 12 occurs 187 times in the Bible, some believe the number 12 is a symbol of faith or completion.

The Old Testament Book of Genesis states there were 12 sons of Jacob, 12 sons formed the 12 tribes of Israel. The New Testament introduces the reader to 12 apostles. Here in the book of Revelation, the kingdom of God has 12 gates guarded by 12 angels. In the physical world 12 is displayed in many other ways, such as the 12 months of the year. In the scriptures, we also see  Jesus was a boy of 12 years old when he was questioned in the temple. There are 12 legions of angels the Messiah said He could call upon, and the tree of life in the new creation will produce 12 types of fruit. It is the perfect number of God used to illustrate the creators’ majesty.

Also, we will see in the next few verses of this chapter, dimensions given of this city that have multiples of the number 12. The wall of the city has 12 foundations and the names of the 12 apostles. The city measured 12,000 furlongs, and the wall was 144 cubits, which is 12 x 12. The number 12 is symbolic of God’s spiritual kingdom, both in heaven and on earth.

Verse 13. There were three gates on the east and three gates on the north and three gates on the south and three gates on the west. 

            The gates encircling the city are in a division of four sets of three gates on each side. The numbers three and four also have important meanings. The number three is used 467 times in the Bible. It pictures completeness, though to a lesser degree than seven. There are 27 books in the New Testament, which is 3 x 3 x 3, or completeness to the third power. The number four The number 4 derives its meaning from creation. On the fourth day of what is called ‘creation week,’ God completed the material universe. On the fourth day of creation, God brought into existence our sun, the moon, and all the stars (Genesis 1:14 – 19). Their purpose was not only to give off light but also to divide the day from the night on earth, thus becoming a primary dividing mechanism for time.

            Also, they were made to be a type of clock marking off the days, years, and seasons. Interestingly, the Hebrew word for ‘seasons’ in Genesis 1:14 is moed (Strong’s Concordance #H4150), which literally translated is “appointed times” (divine appointments) in reference to God’s festivals. This is the earliest known allusion to what would later be called the Holy (or Feast) days (periods) of worship, which are seven in number.

The 4^th of the Ten Commandments is to remember and keep God’s holy Sabbath day (Exodus 20:9 – 11). The Sabbath day is tied directly to the creation week. God himself made the period between Friday sunset and Saturday sunset extra special when he rested after bringing everything into existence the previous six days (Genesis 2:1 – 3, Exodus 20:11).

Verse 14. And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The foundation of the new church is the Messiah and His disciples. The Messiah is the true foundation, and His disciples built upon that foundation in the beginnings of the church, then those that came after their work was stacked upon them, layer by layer. 1 Corinthians 3:10,  According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. ¹¹ For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. ¹² Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, ^[d]precious stones, wood, hay, straw, ¹³ each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. ¹⁴ If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

Verse 15. The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod to measure the city, and its gates and its wall. 

            When I see this man or angel with a measuring rod, I keep wanting to go back to the Temple and Ezekiel’s vision. Look once more at these verses in Ezekiel 40:3-4,  So He brought me there; and behold, there was a man whose appearance was like the appearance of bronze, with a line of flax and a measuring rod in his hand; and he was standing in the gateway. ⁴ The man said to me, “Son of man, see with your eyes, hear with your ears, and give attention to all that I am going to show you; for you have been brought here in order to show it to you. Declare to the house of Israel all that you see

Verse 16. The city is laid out as a square, and its length is as great as the width; and he measured the city with the rod,  fifteen hundred miles; its length and width and height are equal. 

            This is a cube 1500 miles square, it is as high as it is wide. To the Greeks, the cube was symbolic of perfection and stability. It is a sign of God perfect in all things and in every way imaginable.

This is a city, not an entire world or universe, but at 1500 miles square city, which, if overlayed on top of the world, would encompass much of the physical globe.

Verse 17. And he measured its wall, seventy-two yards, according to human measurements, which are also angelic measurements. 

It depends upon the translation what they use as the measurements, some use feet, (216 feet); some use cubits (144 cubits), and in this version, they use yards, (72 yards).

            Adam’s Clarke’s commentary says this about this verse, “The wall – a hundred and forty and four cubits – This is twelve, the number of the apostles, multiplied by itself: for twelve times twelve make one hundred and forty-four.

The measure of a man, that is, of the angel – The cubit, so called from cubitus, the elbow, is the measure from the tip of the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, and is generally reckoned at one foot and a half, or eighteen inches; though it appears, from some measurements at the pyramids of Egypt, that the cubit was, at least in some cases, twenty-one inches.

By the cubit of a man we may here understand the ordinary cubit, and that this was the angel’s cubit who appeared in the form of a man. Or suppose we understand the height of the man as being here intended, and that this was the length of the measuring rod. Now allowing this height and rod to be six feet, and that this was intended to have some kind of symbolic reference to the twelve tribes, mentioned Revelation 21:12, represented by the twelve gates; and to the twelve apostles, represented by the twelve thresholds or foundations; then twenty-four, the number of the tribes and apostles, multiplied by six, make precisely the number one hundred and forty-four.”

            Whatever the translation, the message is clear; it’s an angelic number, and, interestingly, the scriptures point that out. All these figures mean something and are attempting to convey a message to mankind.

Verse 18. The material of the wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.

            Back to the jasper stone, considered a diamond in the rough by many in ancient times. I’ll simply reference the previous comments made in verse 11.

Verse 19.The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; 

            This description makes me curious if this isn’t part of the sea of glass mentioned in Revelation 15:2,  And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God.

            Would all these colors emanating from the various stones give off a fiery illumination? It’s just a thought but would explain the fiery colors mentioned before. The foundation being Jasper would also fit the sea of glass since jasper is translucent but can come in several colors, red, green, and clear.

Verse 20.The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. 

Here are more stones, all with unique properties of their own. All have Biblical meaning and represent biblical items, for instance, the apostles.

Verse 21. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

            Now we have gates that are pearls, what can they possibly represent? Are the gates actually made of pearls or is this simply their color? My contention is the gates of pearl represent passing into truth, bear with me a moment and I’ll explain.

First, look at these verses.

Matthew 13:45,  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, ⁴⁶ and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Matthew 7:6, Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

Job 28:12-20, “But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? ¹³ “Man does not know its value, Nor is it found in the land of the living. ¹⁴ “The deep says, ‘It is not in me’; And the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’
¹⁵ “Pure gold cannot be given in exchange for it, Nor can silver be weighed as its price. ¹⁶ “It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, In precious onyx, or sapphire. ¹⁷ “Gold or glass cannot equal it, Nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold.
¹⁸ “Coral and crystal are not to be mentioned; And the acquisition of wisdom is above that of pearls. ¹⁹ “The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, Nor can it be valued in pure gold. ²⁰ “Where then does wisdom come from? And where is the place of understanding?

            Passing through the gates of the city may represent passing into a state of understanding and truth. Passing into a place that offers complete and total security, also providing life to those it harbors. The true God is the God of the city and those that pass through the gates of understanding pledge their existence and worship to the family of God.

It was that way with cities in John’s day, where each city had its own god that was its protectorate. Passing through the gate meant you acknowledged that god and would die, if necessary, for that city. You also would agree to its laws and worship of that city and god. In return, you would be fed, housed, and protected if need be. It became one city of refuge for those seeking sanctuary.

Is this what we are being told in this verse about these gates? It’s just a thought, but one that jumps out at me when considering the properties of pearls and the city gates.

The streets are like a golden translucent, they aren’t glass in composition but they radiate like glass. So, here we go again with the translucent glass metaphor and a fiery color mixed in. Can this be the same place as in earlier scriptures?

Verse 22.I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 

            John is making a powerful statement because he says he saw no Temple in the city called New Jerusalem. How can the future city of Jerusalem have no temple within its walls? The verse is self-explanatory, the Father and Son are the temples, where else would you go to worship?

Where does Paul say the temple is today because there is no physical one in Jerusalem? 1 Corinthians 3:16, Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

Also, in 1 Corinthians 6:19, Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

            Where else can a person of God go to worship today? The ancient Temple was where the nation of Israel went to for teachings, laws, and judgments. It was the place where the mercy was sought for transgressions, it was the guiding force for all that believed. There is no need for a temple because all these things will be available to them from the Father and Son.

Verse 23. And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb.

            Once again, there is no need for a sun or moon which has a dual meaning. There will be no need for an actual sun and moon, the glory of the Father and Son are the only illumination needed. There is another underlying meaning, I believe.

The religions of the past are mostly if not all based upon the sun, the moon, and the stars in heaven. The astral figures drove ancient beliefs in the past before the return of the Messiah. In the world we live in today, we can see the astrological entities prevalent like the sun in Christianity, the moon in Islam, and the star of Israel. Jeremiah 10:1-3, Hear the word which the Lord speaks to you, O house of Israel. ² Thus says the Lord, “Do not learn the way of the nations, And do not be terrified by the signs of the heavens Although the nations are terrified by them; ³ For the customs of the peoples are delusion;

            The Father and son will be the only religion in the future city of God, there will be no deceit, and no false doctrine based upon false gods. They will be the light of truth and understanding for anyone willing to obey and follow their guidance while joining their family.

Verse 24. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. 

            The nations will be guided by their laws and ordinances. Light is the word God gives to men when their eyes are opened. To a person who is new to the truth, it is said their eyes have been opened, and they see for the first time. From my own experience, I can say there is nothing else like it.  We are told to let our own light shine. Matthew 5:14-16, You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; ¹⁵ nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

            The light given to each of us is, in return, handed out to anyone willing to listen. Unfortunately, few today are eager to hear the word of God.

Verse 25. In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; 

The gates are opened to those willing to first repent, then pass through into a world guided by the true God. The world in the city will experience no darkness— they are always illuminated by the light of the Father and Son. It would also indicate there is still a world outside the gates where there is still day and night, and seasons pass naturally. Is there also false worship outside the city walls, and is there still sin in the world tomorrow?

One might conclude that is the case based upon the next chapter where it says. Revelation 22:14,  Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. ¹⁵ Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.

            The gates will be closed to the unrepentant, this is a lesson we must learn while there is still time.

Verse 26.And they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; 

            Only the true and honorable will enter the gates of this city; no others are allowed, as we clearly see in the next verse. God is done with sin in His holy presence. Those today who think sin isn’t relevant, desire a worldly life, then take heed to a time when sin will no longer be tolerated.  No one can stop you, but if you want to live in the kingdom of God forever, then perhaps you should pay a little more attention.

Verse 27. And nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

            Nothing unclean, does that mean you can take your bacon into the city of God? Can you take your false beliefs into the city, can you practice your deviant lifestyle in God’s holy city?

NO, NO, and NO! These are called abominations, and they won’t be tolerated any longer…. Not only will they not be tolerated, but they also will never get past the gates, NEVER! So, make all the excuses you want while you can, because once you’re outside God’s city looking in, then there will come a time of life-changing decisions to make.

If you are one of those that believe the law of God’s Not being enforced, then stop for a moment and think about this verse. If you CAN’T enter through the gates into the city of God for the infractions listed above, then perhaps God’s laws are still active and applicable today. But that is for each of us to decide, I can’t affect your salvation by choosing for you, all this is your choice.

Will your name be added to the Lambs book of life, will you be destroyed in the lake of fire or become a member of the family of God?

It’s everyone’s choice to make, what’s yours?

Unveiling Revelation

Chapter Twenty Two

          The last chapter of the book of Revelation, and we are continually learning and asking new questions. We begin this final chapter with a unique river, called the river of life. We ended the last episode with a warning to those not willing to change. How do the two bookends of this book come together? Once more, there are no chapter breaks in the original manuscripts, so there would be no break in the context.

We are still in the middle of a description of the city called the New Jerusalem. I asked the question earlier previous chapter if this was the replacement city of Jerusalem that was destroyed by fire? For a thousand years, that physical city housed the spiritual saints who are the priest, and the high priest (the Messiah) governing the peoples of the world. Once Satan was released from the abyss and led Gog and Magog attacking the city, it became defiled and uninhabitable for God’s holy peoples. It became like Sodom and Gomorrah and had to be cleansed before a new city could be restored atop the ruins.

A fresh new look and city with the Father and Son as the Temple replaces the old one. So, now we continue looking at the wonders flowing from within its borders.

The River and the Tree of Life

Verse 1. Then he showed me a river of the water of life,  clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, 

            A river of the waters of life coming from the thrones of the Father and Son. Waters that give eternal life, waters the Messiah spoke of in John 4:7-14, There *came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus *said to her, “Give Me a drink.” ⁸ For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. ⁹ Therefore the Samaritan woman *said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) ¹⁰ Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” ¹¹ She *said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water? ¹² You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?” ¹³ Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; ¹⁴ but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.

            Not all, can partake of this water, of course, only those that have their names written in the Lamb’s book of life. A similar river is mentioned in Ezekiel 47:1-2, Then he brought me back to the door of the house; and behold, water was flowing from under the threshold of the house toward the east, for the house faces east. And the water was flowing down from under, from the right side of the house, from south of the altar. ² He brought me out by way of the north gate and led me around on the outside to the outer gate by way of the gate that faces east. And behold, water was trickling from the south side.

Also in Zechariah 14:8,  And in that day living waters will flow out of Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and the other half toward the western sea; it will be in summer as well as in winter.

            These verses most likely have been the impetus of Ponce de Leon’s fountain of youth. He searched endlessly, hoping to rid himself of the ravages of age but was unsuccessful until the bitter end when he was mortally wounded in what is now known today as Florida. The point is many have searched for such a river, including Alexander the Great, only to eventually die a physical death. The river is from God, and can only be accessed through God, so searching for it in a material world yields no fruit.

Verse 2. In the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

            Not only does a river flow down the middle of the street in God’s holy city having unique properties while giving eternal life, but trees on either side of the river also have special features.

            As noted in an earlier verse, there are twelve kinds of fruit that grow from these trees. They all are said to yield fruit the same every month; every tree produces fruit, ensuring a year-round growing season.

The leaves have special healing properties, so naturally, I must ask, “who for?” Not for the saints, they shouldn’t need healing in the physical sense, the spirit doesn’t require healing. One would tend to think if we were in God’s kingdom as humans, we could go to the Father of Son for healing. This is a bit perplexing, and it feels like we are missing a component in the conversation.

If this is still time before everything becomes totally spiritual, then there must still be physical human beings on the earth. If we are given a hundred years to learn about God and repent as many believe, then a natural source for healing might be necessary, especially for those that still refuse to acknowledge God. The word healing here in Strong’s Greek concordance is as follows: 2322. Therapeia ther-ap-i’-ah from 2323; attendance (specially, medical, i.e. cure); figuratively and collectively, domestics:–healing, household.

            It also says the healing of the nations or perhaps the cure for their plagues God’s wrath had brought down upon them. Whichever it may be, God will require them to seek out this cure; He isn’t going to automatically fix everything.

Verse 3. There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him;

No longer a curse, where one might ask, in Jerusalem, or the world? In Zechariah 14:9-11, And the Lord will be king over all the earth; in that day the Lord will be the only one, and His name the only one. ¹⁰ All the land will be changed into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem; but Jerusalem will rise and remain on its site from Benjamin’s Gate as far as the place of the First Gate to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s wine presses. ¹¹ People will live in it, and there will no longer be a curse, for Jerusalem will dwell in security.

            Could it also mean, there would be no more vile creatures seeking to destroy the city? Could the curse be the stigma of the nation of Israel, and that will finally fade away. With the Father, Son, and His bride, the saints, occupying and living in the city, one would think nothing in this world could be greater. Or, could the curse be death itself?

            His bond-servants shall serve him; most translations use the phrase, “His servants.” The word is still the same, and again I go to Strong’s Greek concordance to clarify its meaning. 1401. Doulos doo’-los from 1210; a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency):–bond(-man), servant.

            A strange phrase to use in my opinion, especially if we are speaking of God’s people, which I believe we are. But, if this is a group of peoples after the second resurrection, it might make more sense. Either way, the Messiah bought those of the 1^st and 2^nd reassertion with His blood. Just a couple of verses on this,

Revelation 5:9, And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,

1 Peter 1:18-19, Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

            Whatever group of peoples this is, it is certain they will serve the Father and Son but in what capacity one can only speculate. Perhaps the clue is in chapter one of Revelation, where He says they will become a kingdom of Priest.

Verse 4. They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. 

            As in ancient times, they will bear the mark of their owner. Those that are God’s people today bear a similar mark on them, visible for the world to see.

Exodus 31:12-13, The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ¹³ “But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you. 

Verse 5.  And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever.

            In reference to my comments in the last chapter about the Father and Son lighting the city of Jerusalem, it also applies here. It does make me wonder since it’s repeated here if chapter twenty one wasn’t focused on the 1500 mile cubed city of Jerusalem, and this verse may now include the entire world, but doubtful.

Verse 6. And he said to me, “These words are faithful and true”; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His bond-servants the things which must soon take place.

            He sent His angel to show John what must take place, and we wouldn’t know some things if he hadn’t—things like the promises, and the great white throne judgment. We would lack a clearer understanding of God’s will without the exercise of unveiling the history of man.

Verse 7. And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book.”

            The repetitious nature of this entire book makes me wonder if it isn’t to simply get our attention. Here the comment is made, the Messiah is coming quickly, we know that; we’ve been told several times in scripture He is coming quickly, why add this in the last chapter of the last book? It’s plain and straightforward in my view, He is giving one final warning to those fence-sitters. Be ready, I’m coming like a thief in the night. He tells God’s church in Matthew 25:1-12, Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. ³ For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, ⁴ but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. ⁵ Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. ⁶ But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ ⁷ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ The foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ ⁹ But the prudent answered, ‘No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ ¹⁰ And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. ¹¹ Later the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ ¹² But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ ¹³ Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

            He ends with the blessed who heeds the warnings of this book. Now, that fits the story of the ten virgins, because half of them didn’t heed the warnings. They didn’t make the marriage feast, or more importantly, the wedding.

Verse 8. I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. 

            Now John tells us he is the person who heard and saw all of these things. He didn’t get them second hand from someone else, it was him, and him alone. He then proceeds to make the same mistake he previously made, he begins to worship a fellow servant who happens to be an angel.

            This must have been a heavy burden for John to see and hear all these things and attempt to make sense of them. Many of these occurrences were two thousand years into the future, and many were happenings thousands of years in the past.

John had to do the impossible, he had to speak of things he knew nothing about. Yet, he didn’t waver, he forged ahead and did the best he could. From that endeavor, we have hints into God’s kingdom and His plan for mankind.

Verse 9.  But he *said to me, “Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book. Worship God.”

            This angel, this being said he was a fellow servant of John and the prophets. He didn’t stop there, he also said he too, was a fellow servant of those that follow God and heed the word He spoke thousands of years ago.

The Final Message

Verse 10.  And he *said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. 

            Here, John is told not to seal the words of Revelations because the time is near. Don’t seal up the words John, then why make it so hard to understand? Maybe our approach to understanding what John was given is misguided because of the interference of Satan’s doctrine. Maybe we interject way too much of our traditions into the verses. Perhaps we allow ourselves to be deceived and in turn, closes the book to our understanding. Whichever the case may be, by John saying the book isn’t sealed means to me, we can understand what God is trying to convey.

            The time wasn’t all that near for John and the disciples, but it is for the peoples today. We are told to look at certain things to understand when the time is close. Matthew 24:32-35,  Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; ³³ so, you too, when you see all these things,  recognize that He is near, right at the door. ³⁴ Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. ³⁵ Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

            Clues as to the Messiah coming are like road signs to his people, for instancein, Matthew 24:15-16, Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), ¹⁶ then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. ¹⁷ Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get the things out that are in his house.

            In short, we have been given a roadmap of sorts, or early warning system if ultimately giving His people a heads up. First, though, one must believe in the Father, Son, and Son’s bride, or none of this matters the least bit.

Verse 11.  Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy.

            Why wouldn’t He want people to change, especially those that are doing wrong? I believe He does want people to change, but the statement means once He does come, there is no reason to time to change, all is done and finished. The next verse enforces this because once more, He makes the same statement, “He is coming quickly.”

Verse 12.  Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. 

            He is coming, and once He does, the world will be frozen in place. If you are doing wrong, there is absolutely nothing you can do at that point to alter your outcome, the same with the rest.

            You should desire to be the ones found being holy and good; these are the ones He, the Messiah, is coming to take from this world. He will reward everyone according to their works, but you say there is no need for works. If He is going to reward folks according to what they have done, then perhaps you might want to rethink that doctrine.

2 Corinthians 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

1 Peter 1:17, If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth;

Revelation 20:12, And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.

            It sounds like one might need some kind of works when they appear before the Father and Son on judgment day.

Verse 13.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

            Chapter one of Revelation told us He was the beginning and end, here we are told He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end to all things.

Revelation 1:17-19, When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, ¹⁸ and the living One; and I ^[l]was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades. ¹⁹ Therefore write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after these things.

            The Messiah has now told us what He wanted us to know, so we can be prepared for the day of His coming. We have no excuses, no more prognosticating, or denying His person. We were introduced to the Messiah by this phrase, and the book will conclude with the same statement of identification, no doubt as to who we speak of, the Messiah, or Jesus if you prefer.

Verse 14.  Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. 

            This verse falls right in line with the narrative that began in the first chapters of Revelations. After the introduction of the Messiah, we next see in chapters two and three the church or, better yet, the bride of Christ. They are the ones that have overcome, they have washed their robes and look to partake of the tree of life. These are ones that have received thirteen promises from the Messiah, the ones that have overcome the world.

Revelation 2:7, To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God.’

Revelation 3:5, He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

            They may find a home in the New Jerusalem with the Father and Son. They were given one last promise in Revelation 3:21, He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

            All will come to be, as the Father and the Messiah promised, but it will take faith. It is hard, no one denies that, but it is possible. Nonetheless, the Messiah asked a question that needs an answer, Luke 18:8, I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

Verse 15. Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.

            Outside the walls of the city are vile reminders of the past; they are the encourageable, the malcontent, and unbelievers. They would defile the city and deny God if allowed, but the city of god isn’t for them.

            They will eventually be thrown into the lake of fire because of their unbelief, that is their merciful end. They will die in both body and spirit, never to return to consciences again.

Verse 16.  I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.

            The Messiah is true and the offspring of David, the one that was promised as the savior of all mankind. He desires none to perish, but some will, that is unavoidable. He sent His angel, his messenger, who was that? Is the Messiah referring to the apostle John? I believe He in some small way, he was, John is His messenger, He is the one who testified to the churches by writing down these words and distributing them.

So, this also answers a question from the first chapters, yes angels can be human messengers.

Verse 17. The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.

            Here is one of the most beautiful scriptures in the entire Bible. I picture the bride holding out a hand welcoming in those willing to follow the Messiah. Time to set up a home and have children, in which the world is her children. Come and nurse at the waters of life, take it in abundance, and be healed. She is gracious and warm towards those that once tried to destroy her in every conceivable manner and fashion, but all she shows is grace and poise.

            Doesn’t that pull at your heart even just a little? I want to be a part of that, being with all my heart and soul.  I want to be present to see my earthly father and mother resurrected back to life, and I have a simple message for them, come, come drink of the waters of life. My greatest desire is to see their faces as I hand them a cup of life-giving waters if God allows me the privilege.

            What would you give to see your loved ones rise back to life? What would you give to teach them about the true God? Life is a privilege, and it should honor God, that needs to be passed on to those willing to listen.

Verse 18. I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; 

            It’s the Messiah’s message, not mine, not any men, His message alone, well, His and the Fathers. We can’t change the message, we can’t alter the message, it doesn’t change just like its author.

Malachi 3:6, For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

            After what I have read about the plagues God sends upon the earth, I have to say I want no part in them. Now, I know what you are thinking, you say to yourself, “Aren’t you changing and altering the message by doing this commentary?”

            I’m not changing or altering the words written, I’m merely commenting on those words. If someone doesn’t agree with my comments, then that’s their prerogative. I’m simply attempting to understand what I have read, and you got to come along on the ride. I hope I’m right in what I’ve said, but I could be wrong, there are no absolutes in interpreting the Bible, everyone sees something different.

 Verse 19. And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.

            I wouldn’t alter the Bible in any way because I want to have a part in the tree of life. I want my name listed in the Lambs book of life, but to help me do that, I need to try and understand God’s word the best I can. If it means changing something in myself, then I will change, can you say the same?

Verse 20.He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” May it be so. Come, Lord Jesus.

            The third time in this chapter, he says He is coming quickly. Are you starting to see the pattern here, the warnings He is sending out? Isn’t it time the world begins to pay attention? I can’t speak for them, but the church God has placed me over will hear his call, will you?

Verse 21The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. May it be so.

One last acclamation, may God’s grace be with you, may you find His grace. Let your eyes be opened and see the truth for the first time. Your spirit will be set afire with eagerness to share and a wanting to know more like you never experienced in your life.

I leave you with this, Revelation has been a study of immense enjoyment for me. I now see this book entirely differently than I once did, and even when I started six months ago. If you experienced the same thing, then you, too, are blessed, even if we don’t agree on some things.

You went through this as I have and hopefully come away filled with God’s love and grace.

Unveiling Revelation

By Ron Harmon

Summation

          What have we read? At times the narrative is somewhat confusing; other times, we can only speculate about the things shown to John. We get even less help in identifying the continuing shift in the different players from one verse to another. We have no hard timeline set in stone to follow, only hints here and there. Many features are repeated over and over while in portrayed different settings.

            With all this consideration, I believe it to be prudent to simply state what we do know and understand. Before I list the clear portions of Revelation, I wish to make it perfectly clear, this is my view of this book. I understand previous bias, and church teachings will influence how one sees these scriptures. It would be great if everyone thought the same as I do, but realistically, we all don’t think alike.

            Also, I want to add, as I said in the beginning, my bias has me looking at this book in the context of the Messiah being the bridegroom and the church as the bride. I felt this would enhance portions of the manuscript in ways not brought forward in past studies. I feel my feelings on this have been born out because I see some sections of the book in a different light. It’s my contention how one considers the scriptures depends on a couple of things, one is you willing to set your old beliefs aside and take an honest look. Two, can you accept what may be revealed to you?

            Let me add another thought. I’m not trying to say I’m 100% right, and I would love to believe I am. I know, I may be off in some areas, and you may see something I haven’t, it’s entirely consistent with a thorough Bible study. What this study can do is make us all think differently, if we’ll let it?

            Okay, here we go, let’s first look at all the players. In chapter one, we have an introduction to the Messiah and the bride. We have a compelling description of the Messiah as He is today in the kingdom of heaven.

We’re informed in the very first chapter of this book, the church (bride) will become a kingdom of priests. This is a somewhat different interpretation than taught initially by many churches because of a mistranslation in the wording. Some translations say, kings and priests, like the KJV version, for instance. Other translations like the modern and revised standard put a comma between kingdom and priest but, at a mere glance, reads the same way.

We also see seven churches of God in Asia Minor that have angels over them. Messengers can be either spiritual or physical, as we have discovered in our research. The definition of an angel tells us this and verified in Revelation 22:16.  I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. We can see here an angel was sent to give this revelation to John to give to the people. Both are messengers in the truest sense.

In fact, in verse eleven of chapter one, John is told to write what he saw in a book and send it to the churches. I ask the question, “if angels are always spiritual beings, wouldn’t they already know what needs to be said or done by God?” Why then would John need to send a book to inform the angels over churches yes, unless they were men?

Have we been putting too much emphasis on angels being spiritual beings? In times past I believe we have mistakenly made all references to angels spiritual, is this one of those times, perhaps.

We learn that some numbers have specific meanings, and they often recur throughout this entire study. Numbers like 3, 4, 7, 12, and 21 occur over and over. Numbers are tricky because we can get lost in meanings and pulled away by a literal meaning when they are metaphoric. We see that in the case with the 144,000 where a lot of folks want to make this a literal number of God’s people. I try to make the case; this is a metaphoric number that says this identifies Israel before the Messiah. Afterward, there is a great multitude standing before the throne of the lamb clothed in white. These are clearly gentiles after the return of the Messiah, the clue is the white in which they are wearing. Also, in chapter 14 verse one we are given another clue, Then I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads. These same peoples have the name of the Messiah and Father written on their foreheads. We don’t learn about the Father until we read the New Testament. Is there a family name we can identify, like Israel, or do they have individual names we don’t know about? Some would say they know these names, but I would challenge that assertion because the Messiah is the God of the Old Testament. Any names attributed to that personage would be placed upon the Messiah before He became human. So, one might make the case they have an individual title for the Messiah, but what about the Father? It’s my claim they are speaking of the title Israel, and that is a family name or title given to all His peoples.

Numbers can be our friends, but they also can be misleading. It is our job to connect the dots and dig deeper for evidence. When numbers are concerned, it’s also a good idea to stay away from the mysticism connected to them. They have meanings we can clearly see, and numbers can often point us to a correct conclusion, but we should always be wary of their other side.

            The bride is presented with a series of choices in chapters 2 & 3 to change in certain areas to receive promises. She’s told she must overcome these issues to attain her full potential as the Messiahs betrothed. The bride should be focused entirely upon her impending wedding, and her proper dress, which is all white and clean linen, which we learn in Revelation 19:7, is her righteous acts….

            In chapters one, four, and five, we have a mix of information; first, we are introduced to a grand presence, one that is powerful and majestic. In chapter one, the being John is confronted by is the Messiah. The evidence comes from the statement He makes, “I’m the first and last, the Alpha and Omega.” The Messiah, throughout the book of revelation, makes that same statement. He makes the statement in conjunction of I’m coming quickly three times in chapter twenty-two alone. Revelation 22:13.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

In chapter four, John says again he was taken up in spirit; this statement is one of four specific times mentioned throughout this book. My question is this, can this mean John received the book of revelation in a series of messages? Could John receive the entire book in one visitation and remember it completely? I believe John had at least four different visions comprising the book of revelation, maybe more. After all, he was at least seventy when this occurred to him, some believe he was in his nineties.

I believe he was around seventy because I understand the way rabbis choose their disciples, and none of them would have been older than twenty at the time they were walking with the Messiah on earth. Peter was the oldest, and John was the youngest of the disciples, John would most likely be around twelve years of age.

            Also in chapter four, the voice is saying to John he is going to show him what must take place, that is a very significant statement, it sets the stage for the rest of the book. Once the door is opened to heaven, the first sight John sees is a figure sitting upon a majestic throne with four creatures of indescribable presence serving Him continually. Is this the same figure we see in chapter one or someone else? I believe this figure to be the Father sitting on His throne, and we’ll see that more clearly in the following chapter.

In this place are also twenty-four elders whom I believe to be a combination of resurrected saints from the Old and New testaments. Again the clue is their dress; they are in all-white garments, clearly identifying them as saints. They have authority indicated by them sitting on thrones.

First, read these verses of figures in the Bible and their right to rule in God’s kingdom. Psalms 110:1, A Psalm of David. The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.

Mark 10:40, “But to sit on My right or on My left, this is not Mine to give; but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

These elders can’t be angels, because look at what He says about them in this verse.

Hebrews 1:13, Yet to which of the angels did God ever say: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet”?

Last but not least, the last promise in Revelation 3:20, to the seven churches was if they overcame, they would sit with the Messiah on His throne.

            Most certainly throughout the Bible patriarchs, prophets and disciples are called to sit on thrones in heaven. That brings up another question I addressed in chapter four, “how can these 24 judges be those resurrected when the first resurrection hasn’t happened?” But it is because I remember what is said, “I show you what must take place after these things.” It’s a futuristic view of a day in heaven when judgment comes upon humanity.

            In this same setting, we have four incredible creatures surrounding the throne of the Father. They play a significant part in the interactions between the Father and those before the throne. One can speculate as to whether there are only four of them or more, the fact is scriptures only speak of four. One can also speculate as to their purpose; no one knows for sure the entirety of their duties.

            Chapter five begins with a book encompassing seven seals in His right hand. A cry goes out to the universe for someone worthy to open the seal. At first, no one is found to open the seals in the book, but then one steps forward.

            The Messiah steps forward, and He alone is able and worthy to open the seals. These seals are an indictment against Satan, and the beast system; also,  humanity from the beginning of time up through the millennium. He takes the seals out of the Father’s right hand and begins to open them one by one. Before that, the Messiah is handed the prayers of the saints; no longer are they the responsibility of the Father, they now become His once more.

As the seals are opened starting in chapter six, it’s like they see what’s in them as though it was video. The first six seals deal with a time frame from creation to the Messiah’s return. In order from the 1^st seal to the 6^th, we see Antichrist, war, famine, death, martyrs, and terror. All of these have fallen upon men since the dawn of time, will they happen at the end times? Yes, they will, they have happened many times and will so again and again until the Messiah returns.

After the Messiah returns, which is the 1^st resurrection of the saints, which are the figures mentioned in chapter seven. Then, in chapter eight, the 7^th seal is opened, and John’s shown seven trumpets that sound in successive series.

            Within the 7^th seal are 7 trumpets, the last of which culminates with the return of the Messiah. Also, there are these numerous sevens referenced in the book of revelation, churches 1:4; 1:11; 1:20 (2) spirits 1:4; 3:1; 4:5; 5:6 candlesticks 1:12; 1:13; 1:20 (2); 2:1 stars 1:16; 1:20 (2); 2:1; 3:1 lamps 4:5 seals 5:1; 5:5 horns 5:6 eyes 5:6 angels 8:2; 8:6; 15:1; 15:6; 15:7; 15:8; 16:1; 17:1; 21:9 trumpets 8:2; 8:6 thunders 10:3; 10:4 (2) thousand men 11:13 heads 12:3; 13:1; 17:3; 17:7; 17:9 crowns 12:3 plagues 15:1; 15:6; 15:8; 21:9 vials 15:7; 17:1; 21:9 mountains 17:9 kings 17:10, blessed 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6; 22:7; 22:14 prophecy 1:3; 11:6; 19:10; 22:7; 22:10; 22:18; 22:19 Christ’s blood 1:5; 5:6; 5:9; 5:12; 7:14; 12:11; 13:8 kingdom 1:9; 11:15 (2); 12:10; 16:10; 17:12; 17:17 candlestick 1:12; 1:13; 1:20 (2); 2:1; 2:5; 11:4 Christ’s sword 1:16; 2:12; 2:16; 13:10; 19:15; 19:21 (2) “right hand” 1:16; 1:17; 1:20; 2:1; 5:1; 5:7; 13:16 sharp 1:16; 2:12; 14:14; 14:17; 14:18 (2); 19:15 Jesus lives 1:18 (2); 4:9; 4:10; 5:14; 10:6; 15:7 come quickly 2:5; 2:16; 3:11; 11:14; 22:7; 22:12; 22:20 Christ’s name 2:13; 3:8; 3:12; 13:6; 15:4; 16:9; 19:12 the book of life 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12; 20:15; 21:27; 22:19 God Almighty 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7; 16:14; 19:15; 21:22 day, night 4:8; 7:15; 8:12; 12:10; 14:11; 20:10; 21:25 earthquake 6:12; 8:5; 11:13 (2); 11:19; 16:18 (2) the saints 8:4; 11:18; 13:7; 13:10; 14:12; 17:6; 20:9 the bottomless pit 9:1; 9:2; 9:11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1; 20:3 God’s prophets 10:7; 11:18; 16:6; 18:20; 18:24; 22:6; 22:9 voices 14:2 (2); 14:6; 14:7; 14:8; 14:13; 14:18 judgment 14:7; 15:4; 16:7; 17:1; 18:10; 19:2; 20:4 “this book” 22:7; 22:9; 22:10; 22:18 (2); 22:19 (2) “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” occurs seven times, in: 2:7; 2:11; 2:17; 2:29; 3:6; 3:13; 3:22.

Jesus says He will “come quickly” seven times. The Messiah says four times He is the first and last, the alpha and omega.

Four times John states he was taken away into the spirit. There are six bowls listed in chapter sixteen filled with wrath that’s poured out onto the earth and other targets of God’s anger. Is there a message in these numbers within themselves? The number seven is called the number of God and occurs over seven hundred times throughout the Bible. Seven is the number representing completeness and perfection. 

            But, until you get from one of each of these items listed in revelation to the final seven a lot has to happen. Do all these things happen in just a few years before the return of the Messiah? Or, is it more likely some, if not all, occur over the extent of man’s tenor on earth? I tend to believe all these items paint a picture of man, his lifetimes in the world. It also depicts how Satan, the beast, whore, and false prophets come on the scene, attempting to influence man at every crossroad.

My view and I must emphatically state, this is my view; the Dragon is Satan, the false prophet is the Pope, the whore is a sun-worshiping Catholic church, and the beast is a political and governmental system combined. When we see a head of the beast that was wounded, then lived again was a system that was dying but resurrected to prominence once again. The beast with seven heads and ten horns was the beast before this resurrected one, which I see as Kings in consort with sun-worshiping religious systems around the world.

The resurrected beast has one head and two horns, which to me means, one system with two sides. One horn is religious; the other horn represents the government in consort with religion. We have just such a beast that has lived for the last seventeen hundred years called the Catholic church in companion with the governments of this world. The same church has deep roots in sun worship and has incorporated much of the prior best celebrations and worship.

The Catholic church is the mother of harlots, which is also the whore and mother of abominations in chapter seventeen that sits on many waters. She is also the bride of Satan, the counterfeit of the bride of the Messiah. She has betrothed herself to the dragon and feeds on the blood of saints. All of these systems and evil figures are ultimately thrown into the lake of fire. The dragon is chained and bound for a thousand years and kept away from the remnant of humanity. This lake of fire is a place where the body and spirit are destroyed, never to be seen again. This isn’t hell as some may contend, it is a lake where one who refuses to obey the will of God, will die forever.

After all, this has occurred, we then see the return of the Messiah coming to get His bride, which is the church or saints. He goes through the final marriage ceremony, including the wedding supper, completing the bonding of the two.

At the end of a thousand years, Satan is let loose from the prison he was being held. He goes out and immediately gathers Gog and Magog and advances upon the city of Jerusalem, where the third temple sits. It is the home of the government of the Messiah and His bride, which is the priest during the thousand years. The Gog and Magog, in my humble opinion, are demons who wander aimlessly around the earth and coalesce together for one last battle. It is a battle of desperation because they know losing this engagement will mean their total demise. The battle results in fire coming down from heaven and consuming the demons and the city of Jerusalem together. The physical city is gone, and the saints have long vacated the temple before the fire does it work. Satan then faces his doom; he is thrown into the same lake of fire where the false prophet and beast met their end.

The second resurrection of all humanity can occur at this point; these are those who had been deceived by these evil characters. They come from every part of the world and from under the oceans and seas. They rise to judgment before the great white throne. Two separate books are opened, one documents their works, the other is the book of life. Once the scales are balanced, and decisions have occurred, everyone that has their name added to the book of life receives salvation. Those that are unrepentant and incorrigible are then thrown into the lake of fire to die the second death. Once all this is complete, then death itself is thrown into the lake of fire, meaning death is done away once and for all.

            In chapter twenty-one, there is a dawning of a new heaven and earth. A new city called the new Jerusalem comes down from heaven and becomes the new home of the family of God. The light illuminating this 1500 square cube emanates from the Messiah and the Father; there is no more day or night. Also, there is no need for a temple; the entire city becomes the temple of the family of God.

At the end is a warning and also a welcome for those coming into the city of God. If your name isn’t written in the book of life, you will be locked outside the city gates. Eventually, you will suffer death in the lake of fire; this is the judgment we see in chapter twenty.

            The most beautiful part of this story is the bride with outstretched hands reaching out to the world and inviting those that are repentant into the city. The city offers them healing waters and food from the trees of life that line the sides of the river and streets.

            In the end, we see the complete family of God. We see the Father, the son we call Jesus with His bride the church; we also see the world rising to become the children of the family of God.

This is the story this book is telling, from the first to the last; it’s how we have gotten to where we are today and look into the future of humanity. The coming together of the Messiah and His saints is the most excellent love story ever told, a story the world today is utterly ignorant about. It also includes one last warning for those who would try and change this story. You will suffer a curse, and you’ll not see eternal life.

Finally, John is told NOT to seal this book, it is for all mankind to read. But, all mankind is unable to discern its teachings because of several factors. Those factors being, unbelief, traditions that bend their thinking, and Satan’s influence upon the world. This is why God commands His people to come out of her, so they can understand.

            I wrote this commentary and summation while in seclusion within my home because of the China Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The overriding question whispered below the breaths of many, is this the end-time plagues mentioned in the Bible? The short answer, no one can be certain of anything; God indeed does work in mysterious ways. What is evident, this worldwide pandemic is a warning to all, especially God’s people, to get off the fence. I see the fear in the faces of many people in stores because the shelves are empty of many necessities. It brings the concerns of horror movie screenplays to life and reminding so many of the vulnerabilities of our culture. What it hasn’t seemed to do is bring God to the forefront as one might imagine it would.

Why not immerse yourself in the idea the creator knows what He is doing and has a definite purpose for this thing we call life.

Join the story, and live the life of joy and understanding, give over to the Messiah as one part of His bride. You would become very special because there are a few of the bride, but there will be many from the world to become children. Be the loved and few, become the unique jewel in the eye of the bridegroom.

If you would like to understand more of God’s truth, please being with this book. It is the beginning of the journey to Unveiling Revelation, one which unveils Satan and his bride.

Go to www.thetcog.com

Reference books, materials, and sources

All scriptures were the New American Standard unless stated otherwise.

Other Bibles include,

Jewish New Testament by David H. Stern

The Lexham English Septuagint

Tanakh, The Holy Scriptures

The Names of God Bible

Dictionaries

Unger’s Bible Dictionary

Dictionary of all Scriptures and Myths

Websters Dictionary and Thesaurus

The Encyclopedia Britannica, Eleventh Edition

Commentaries

Adam’s Clarke’s commentary,

Jamison Faucett and Brown Commentary

Matthew Henry Commentary

Vine’s Expository of new testament words

Halley’s Bible Handbook

Strong’s Greek and Hebrew Concordance

Books

The Temple by Edersheim

Catholic Custom & Traditions by Greg Dues

Two Babylons by Alexander Hislop

Brewers Myth and Legends by J. C. Cooper

Temple by Robert Cornuke

The Encyclopedia of Jewish symbols by Ellen Frankel and Besty Platkin Teutsch

The Book of Jewish Customs by Harvey Lutske

The Lost Book of Enoch by Joseph B. Lumpkin

Two God’s Two Churches Two Doctrines, by Ron Harmon

The Threshold Covenant by H. Clay Trumbull

The Blood Covenant by H. Clay Trumbull

The New Manners and Customs of the Bible by James M. Freeman

Internet sources:

God’s chemistry set.

Wikipedia

Merriam Dictionary

Bible Gateway

Israel My Glory

Grace in the Torah

Religions of the World, Gerald Berry

Christ the Saviour and Christ Myth, Swami Prajnanananda

The Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge

Glossary of Catholic Terms

Learn Religion

I would like to give a special thanks to these people who have supported and help edit this book. Billy and Julie Stefek, and Jeff Caldwell.