I place at the front of this paper a Table of Contents to facilitate finding specific information. I will label the pages of the paper as I go so the document works with this table. I'll repeat the Table of Contents throughout the paper, so it will not be necessary to come to the front of the paper to access its contents. Better yet, if you want, just copy and paste the table onto a word document and print if off so it is always handy. I do not present this paper in bold font throughout. If I do, the bold highlighted scriptures will no longer be highlighted. I highlight the scriptures to make them easier to find.
Revelation End Time Events: Table of Contents
Page Topic
1. Introduction
3. Revelation 12
7. Revelation 17:1-13 Mystery of Babylon/Great Harlot
11. Summary of Rev. 17:1-13
12. Revelation 4 Praise to Jehovah and the Holy Spirit
17. Revelation 5 Praise to Jesus
20. Sequence of Events: Birth Pains
21. Sidebar: Rapture
22. Rapture
29. Summary of Rapture
31. Falling Away
32. Sidebar: Holy Spirit
34. Outline of Ezekiel 38/39 War and Seal Judgments
36. Closer Look at Ezekiel War
38. Introduction to the Seal Judgments
38. 144,000 Evangelists
42. Seal #4
43. Seal #6
45. Seal #3
46. Seal #1
46. Man of Sin Introduction
49. Sidebar: The ‘Restrainer’
50. The Ten Kings
51. Covenant Confirmation
52. The Two Witnesses
53. Preaching Angel and Seal #5
54. Seal #5
55. Seal #2
55. Seal #7
56. Desolation of the Temple
60. Summary of the First Half of the Tribulation
61. Marriage Supper
62. False Prophet
63. Great Tribulation/Resurrected Beast, Man of Sin Part B
65. Death of the Two Witnesses
66. Beast on the Throne
66. Revelation 18: 1-5 Consequences of Apostasy
67. Flight of the Redeemed/Resurrection of the Two Witnesses
68. Satan’s War on Redeemed Gentiles
69. Mark of the Beast
70. Tribulation Martyrs
70. Delusion Sent by God
71. Introduction to Trumpet Judgments
72. Trumpet #1
72. Revelation 18:9-20
74. Trumpet #2
74. Trumpet #3
74. Introduction to Bowl Judgments
75. Preparation for Bowl Judgments: Revelation 15:1, 5-8, 16:1
76. Bowls #1, #4,
77. Bowls #5, #6, #2, and #3
78. Bowl Judgment #7
79. Trumpet #4
79. Trumpet #5
80. Trumpet #6
81. Revelation 10
83. Revelation 16:15-16, also page 90.
84. Second Coming
91. Sidebar: Why Tribulation Saints Do Not Return with Jesus at the Second Coming
93. Outline of Matthew 13:30 Harvest
93. Trumpet #7
97. Gathering of Tares: Extended Explanation
98. Sidebar on Revelation 14:17-20
99. Gathering of Wheat: Extended Explanation
99. Summary of Second Coming
101. Battle of Jerusalem
102. God’s Wrath: The Plague Against Those Who Fought Against Jerusalem
103. Beast and False Prophet Into the Lake of Fire/Dragon Into the Abyss
104. Sheep/Goat Judgment
107. Bema Seat
111. Destruction of Jerusalem
113. Millennial Kingdom
114. Final End Time Battle
115. Jesus Relinquishes His Rule
115. Great White Throne Judgment
117. Revelation 21: New Heavens and New Earth
119. Revelation 22: Summary of the Book of Revelation/Final Warnings and Encouragement
Page 1. Introduction. I’ve titled this paper as I have for one simple reason: It is NOT intended as an exhaustive commentary on the book of Revelation. It is intended as a resource for my family members who will not leave in the rapture, so they will have the chronology of end time events described within the Bible, specifically the pages of Revelation. Once the rapture occurs, life will deteriorate very quickly and there will not be time for in depth study of the scriptures. For this reason, I’ve written a separate paper on the Churches of Revelation which highlights evidence for the Rapture of the Church located within the letters written to them by John. LINK HERE: (The link will be provided once the website is up.)
Between this paper and the paper on the Churches of Revelation, I have included every scripture in the Book of Revelation, heeding the warning of Revelation 22:18-19. I place the two papers on two pages of this site due to the size of the documents. The total of both papers includes every scripture in the Book of Revelation. I have omitted nothing, nor have I added anything by passing off my opinion as scripture. My opinion is always identified as such and is never presented in quote marks as the actual word of God.
I think the warning about the Book of Revelation is in place because it is, in and of itself, both a historical and prophetic depiction of the nation of Israel, which also includes the church as part of God’s plan for mankind. Israel is described as a nation of twelve tribes in 12:1. The birth of Christ is spoken of in 12:2. The crucifixion of Jesus is mentioned in 1:5, 1:18 and 11:8. Jesus as our Redeemer and His resurrection as the ‘firstborn from the dead’ is in 1:5, 1:18, 12:10. The Covenant of Grace, depicted in the letters to the churches, is in Chapters 2-3. The appearance of Jesus at the rapture He taught is spoken of in 1:8, 2:16, 3:8, 10, 3:20, 12:5, and 14:14-16, 22:20. The second coming is spoken of in 1:7, 11:18 and 19:11-21, and 22:12. Jesus as Ruler is found 1:5, 1:18, 12:5 & 10, 19:15, and 20:6. To remove or add anything in this particular book alters the template of God’s complete plan. Because Revelation is complete within itself, any end time scripture I have omitted from elsewhere in the Bible will fit somewhere on Revelation’s timeline.
There are times I do include the definitions of the original languages as defined by Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. The numbers given after the definition is a numerical index in either the Hebrew or Greek Lexicon of Strong’s Concordance. Generally, the definitions give great insight into the scriptures. They are not an addition in that I am not adding anything to what scripture says, merely using the original languages as insight for scriptural content already present. I do use bold letters and underlining as highlights to facilitate the location of scriptures I reference. Here again, this is not adding to or taking from the content of the scriptures.
I believe much of the book of Revelation is literal and is meant to be understood as such. Absolutely, there are parts which are metaphorical, but they are easily identified. They might not be so easily understood, but they are easily identified. I believe there are literally 21 plagues which will be opened, and the description given of each will literally come to pass.
Honestly, I have no idea why literal and metaphorical styles coexist in this book beyond saying that it is simply the way God wanted it done. That is reason enough in and of itself. I do believe the Apostle John wrote what he saw and with the help of the Holy Spirit, some earnest effort, and a humble heart, we can understand it.
When going through the book of Revelation, it’s easy to identify some lines of division. Others are not as obvious. There is nothing in scripture which states that the events described in Revelation are listed in chronological order. John clearly states he ‘saw’ things in the written order. He never says, ‘this happened next.’ The events John saw cannot happen in the order in which he describes them because doing so causes many contradictions, not only within the pages of Revelation, but with the rest of the Bible. Here a just a few examples of such contradictions:
Trumpet # 7 is sounded in Rev. 11:15. It states the ‘kingdoms of the world BECAME our Lord’s…’ which means the return of Jesus has already occurred by the time this trumpet is blown; it’s sounded in Matt. 24:31 AFTER Jesus has come to earth. If the book of Revelation is to be understood in the order in which it is written, this means ALL seven Bowl Judgments, Rev. 16, occur AFTER the return of Christ. As a result, the Euphrates River is not used as a thorough fare for advancing armies until AFTER Jesus returns to earth (Bowl #6); hence the battle at Jerusalem cannot begin until the weeks or months it takes the armies of the east to traverse the distance between their respective countries and Jerusalem. Is Jesus going to return to earth and wait around for the arrival of enemy armies? For this to be true, Rev. 16 would be placed after Chapter 19, the description of the second coming, as well as after Chapter 11. See the contradiction?
Also, THE Tribulation, Daniel’s 70th week is 2,520 days long; Jesus’ Second Coming will occur on this day. The book of Revelation tells us ALL the plagues contained within it occur prior to the end of the tribulation. This means none of the plagues of Revelation can take place after the return of Jesus on day 2,520.
Here, too, Revelation 17:14-18 speaks of the second coming and the war of Jerusalem. Revelation 18 speaks of events which occur mid trib. A simple reading of the text in both chapters reveal these truths. Obviously, they cannot happen in the written order.
As you can see, understanding the chronology of this book as written produces numerous contradictions in scripture. Hence, Revelation must be understood in a way which produces no contradictions within itself or with the rest of the Bible.
2 Timothy 2:15 instructs us to “study earnestly to show yourself approved to God, a workman unashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” “Rightly dividing” is defined by the original Greek as ‘to correctly dissect the message of truth.” 3718. Jesus used parables to teach so only the spiritually discerning would understand. If you want to understand the truth of scripture, especially something as complex as Revelation, you must seek God’s wisdom and insight, which comes by way of the Holy Spirit. Come to think of it, I do understand why God wrote in metaphors! He just now explained it to me: He wants us to seek Him for understanding!
First things first: Before I get into the order of end time events, I want to breakdown two specific chapters. I separate them because they are unique in the way they’re presented, so they deserve special placement only for the purpose of understanding Revelation as a whole. They contain much information, some of which isn’t related to the actual plagues, so I want to highlight those aspects before moving on to the order of end time events. I will also include relevant sections of these chapters as chronology dictates, giving my rationale for arranging them as I do.
Page 3. Breakdown of Revelation 12: This chapter is a brief account of Israel as a nation both historically, what has happened, and prophetically, what is yet to happen.
Chapter 12 is the perfect example that the given order of events in Revelation is not the actual order of events. I think Chapter 12 is placed in the middle of the book simply to demonstrate the events described by John are not placed in chronological order. Not all, but most of this chapter speaks to events which happened right after creation up through the birth of Christ. The remainder of this chapter speaks to future, or prophetic events. I begin with chapter 12, correctly dissecting it from the rest of the book of Revelation, so an organized chain of events emerges, one which is cohesive with the rest of scripture.
12:1: “And a great sign was seen in Heaven, a woman having been clothed with the sun, and the moon was underneath her feet; and on her head a crown of twelve stars…;”
‘Sign’ is defined as ‘an indication or wonder’ 4592, so those who live in heaven saw a great wonder. The woman is the nation of Israel. That her clothes are the sun references the Star of Bethlehem, aka, the Christmas star. The moon under her feet is the literal moon which appeared in the heavenly bodies underneath the Christmas Star. This video, The Star of Bethlehem, does a remarkable job of explaining this ‘sign’ which was seen in heaven. The relevant part of the video is between minutes 31 and 50:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exmbuX1NffU
Interestingly, the video also shows the first Christmas as the 25th of December, 2 B.C., using the alignment of the stars to prove it! This is the first Christmas because it is when the magi arrived to worship Jesus and gift Him with their treasures, and is the reason we continue to celebrate Christmas on December 25th.
The crown of twelve stars are the twelve tribes of Israel.
12:2: “…and having a babe in womb. She cries, being in labor, and having been distressed to bear.”
The nation of Israel birthed Jesus Christ.
12:3: “And another sign was seen in heaven. And behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns! And on his heads were seven diadems…”
This is the first verse in this chapter which is not historical but prophetic. The red dragon refers to Satan, the seven diadems are seven kingdoms which will oppress God’s people, and the ten horns are the ten kings which will arise at the start of the tribulation. Rev. 13. While it speaks of something which will happen in the future, it also speaks of Satan’s presence in heaven before man was created.
12:4: “…and his tail drew (to trail, drag 4951) the third part of the stars of the heaven. And he throws them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman being about to bear, so that when she bears, he might devour her child.”
This verse reverts to history. I think this verse references Satan’s rebellion in heaven. Revelation 1:20 tells us ‘stars’ represent ‘angels.’ This is the verse which tells us Satan persuaded one third of heaven’s angels to side with him against God, convincing them to leave heaven with him.
That he ‘throws them to earth,’ is also important. ‘Throws’ is the one of very few present tense verbs used in the book of Revelation. So, how does Satan ‘throw’ the stars to earth even today? This occurs because one third of heaven’s angelic creatures, those who left with Satan, work on the earth doing the bidding of their master to deceive and harm humans. I believe this includes astrology.
This verse offers preliminary information about Satan’s and his minions’ expulsion from heaven. Verses 7-9 also deal with that part of Satan’s history.
Finally, Satan tried to devour Christ when He was born, using Herod to do his dirty work. Matthew 2:13. Because he failed, he’s been after God’s people ever since. Genesis 3:15.
12:5: “And she bore a son, a male, who is going to shepherd all the nations with an iron staff. And her child was caught away (harpazo, rapturo in Latin, to seize, pluck 726) to God, and to His throne.”
This verse is both historical and prophetic. The Son born to Israel is Jesus. His ruling with an iron fist will be fulfilled in Revelation 19:15. Jesus was crucified, resurrected, and ascended into heaven where He sits next to the throne of God. Mark 16:19/Luke 24:50-51/Hebrews 12:2. That Jesus was crucified, resurrected, and ascended into heaven is another argument to be made for the pretrib rapture: As His followers, we pick up our cross daily (Luke 9:23), we are resurrected, literally or figuratively, at the rapture (1 Thess. 4:13-17) when we ascend into the clouds to meet Jesus after which we will always be with Him. John 14:3.
12:6: “And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she had a place, it having been prepared from God, that there they might nourish her 1,260 days.”
This verse is prophetic and speaks to God’s command for the newly saved of Israel to flee Jerusalem at the mid-point of the tribulation. Matthew 24:16, Mark 13:14 and Rev. 12:14/18:4. These saints will live in relative safety in what is believed to be Petra, a rock city in the Jordanian wilderness, for the second half of the tribulation.
12:7-9: “And war occurred in Heaven, Michael and his angels making war against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels made war, v. 8. but they did not have strength, nor was a place yet found for them in Heaven. v. 9. And the great dragon was cast out-the old serpent being called Devil, and Satan, he deceiving the whole habitable world- was cast out onto the earth and his angels were cast with him.”
These two verses describe the consequences of Satan’s rebellion in verse 4. This hearkens back to Ezekiel 28: 12-19. We know the King of Tyre is not simply a human because First, he was created, not born. vs.13 and 15. Angels are created, not born. Second, he was in the Garden of
Eden, v. 13, which cannot be said of any humans but Adam and Eve. What non-human was in the Garden? Satan, of course. Third, this king was an anointed cherub in the ‘holy height of God.’ v. 14. This cannot be said of any human because humans are born on earth and do not exist in the ‘holy height of God.’ Fourth, vs. 15 states he was perfect from the day he was created. No human, outside of Adam, Eve, and Jesus has ever qualified as perfect. Fifth, he was cast (thrown down, thrown out, thrown away 7993) profane (to wound, to dissolve 2490) FROM the height of God. vs. 16. In other words, he threw them to the ground. vs. 17.
12: 10: “And I heard a great voice saying in heaven, ‘Now has come the salvation and power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ, because the accuser of our brothers is thrown down, the one accusing them before our God day and night.
This describes additional detail about the consequences of Satan’s rebellion. This section speaks about the redemptive work of Christ and of His authority. The Great Voice who speaks is not a human, and the word brother must be taken in the figurative sense because the literal definition involves the ‘womb.’ (80). Well, angels aren’t born, they are created, so the ‘brothers’ who overcome in this passage must be humans, hence the figurative relationship. That the accuser is thrown down references Satan and his banishment to earth which happened at the beginning of time as humans know it.
12: 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 soul even until death.”
Those who ‘overcame Satan because of the blood of the Lamb,’ the ‘brothers’ of verse 10, are ALL who are Redeemed by the blood of Jesus because Satan accuses ALL Believers. ‘Because of the word of their testimony’ references those who are dead ‘in Christ’ or those who will be raptured (those who are translated by God because He is pleased with their witness. Hebrews 11:5). ‘They did not love their soul even until death’ references those who are martyred. Whether a Believer is resurrected at rapture, raptured alive, or martyred they overcome Satan. Colossian 3:1-2, 1 John 4:4, Romans 8:37. I will state here that those who are martyred overcome in the unique way Jesus did, by laying down their life. This cannot be said of all Believers, but the non-martyred redeemed overcome Satan, or they wouldn’t be redeemed.
12: 12: “Because of this, be glad, the heavens and those tabernacling in them. Woe to the ones dwelling on the earth, and in the sea, because the Devil came down to you having great anger, knowing that he has a little time!”
This verse calls those in the heavens to be glad because their ‘brothers’ overcame Satan.
Verse 12 is history, not speaking to future events, because “Woe to those dwelling on the earth’ indicates man was here prior to Satan; Garden of Eden. It also confirms Ezekiel 28:12-19 speaks of Satan. Those ‘in the sea’ are included because the curse of death is on its way. Gen. 2:17.
12:13: “And when the dragon saw that he was cast out onto the earth, he pursued the woman who bore the male.”
V. 13. This is historical. The woman is Israel. The male is Jesus. Satan has been after Israel ever since he was cast out of heaven because Israel is the heritage of Christ. Satan’s deceptions to blind Israel to the divinity of Jesus have worked exceedingly well, even to this point in time.
From this point forward, the rest of the chapter is prophetic, not historical, and these verses happen at the midpoint of the tribulation. These verses are repeated later in this paper, at their chronological time, and are accompanied by the scriptures from the Gospels which corroborate them.
12:14-17: “And two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, that she might fly into the wilderness, to her place, where she is nourished there a time, and times, and half a time, away from the serpent’s face. v. 15. And the serpent threw water out of his mouth like a river after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried off by the river. v. 16. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river which the dragon threw out of his mouth. v. 17. And the dragon was enraged over the woman and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, those keeping the commandments of God, and having the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
v. 14. “Two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman,” is a metaphor that God pulls the redeemed of Israel, mostly Messianic Jews, out of Jerusalem, mid-tribulation and tells them to flee to the wilderness. 18:4. Matthew 24:16, Mark 13:14.
v. 15. This verse is also prophetic for the second half of the tribulation (time =1, times =2, half time =.5 totaling 3.5 years, or second half of trib.) in that the water out of the serpent’s face is the many nations which will come against the newly redeemed of Israel, seeking their annihilation. Rev. 17:15.
v. 16. Is also prophetic in that God will use supernatural powers to protect the newly redeemed of Israel against advancing armies. It sounds as if a giant crack will open in the earth and swallow the armies of Satan.
v. 17. The dragon will be so angry that it can’t get to the Redeemed of Israel that it will turn its attention back toward Gentile believers who are still alive at this time.
Some of these verses use the word ‘serpent’ (a snake, a malicious person 3789) and others use the word ‘dragon’ (a fabulous kind of serpent, to fascinate 1404). The use of these words describes the tandem effort of the man of sin and the indwelled Beast whom most refer to as the Antichrist.
Page 7: Breakdown of Chapter 17: This chapter describes the Whore of Babylon and the Great Harlot. Israel is the Whore. Jerusalem in the Great Harlot. I place the 17:1-13 passage here as the metaphorical premise it is, and I place 17:14-18 with the other passages which discuss the second coming.
17:1: “And one of the seven angels having the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment (a decision for or against crime 2917) of the great harlot sitting on the many waters,…”
The great harlot is identified in verse 18, as the great city having a kingdom over the kings of the earth (the harlots v. 5) whom I believe to be those who enter the covenant with the man of sin. This is a reference to Jerusalem because: 1. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. 2. It is the city where the Two Witnesses will prophesy for 1,260 days, Rev. 11:8. 3. It is the place where Jesus gathers the nations (armies) of the world in preparation to attack Jerusalem after His second coming. Zechariah 14:1/Luke 21:20. 4. Jerusalem is the city lamented by those spoken of in Revelation 18, crying Woe! at its demise. 5. It is the city which sits center stage to end time events because it is the location of the Temple. 6. It is identified in Daniel 9:24.
Jerusalem ‘sits on the many waters,’ a metaphor for the nations of the world. v. 15. When Israel covenants with the man of sin it joins forces with the spirit of the antichrist, prostituting itself; making it the whore of Babylon. After the covenant, Jerusalem rises to enormous power and prosperity. 18:3, 7, 9. The covenant Israel confirms with the beast is what puts it center stage of all nations and the beast being a Jew (explained in the sections regarding the man of sin), who rules globally, only solidifies the relationship between the nations of the world and Jerusalem, the capital of his homeland.
17:2: “with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the ones inhabiting the earth became drunk from the wine of her fornication.”
The kings of the earth, the ‘many waters,’ committing fornication with the ‘great harlot’ means wickedness will abound during the tribulation. Matthew 24:12. This is because of Israel’s unholy alliance with the man of sin. I speak about this in greater detail in Revelation 18:7-20.
17:3-5: “And he carried me away into a dessert, by the Spirit. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast, filled with names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. (Agrees with Rev. 12:3). v.4. And the woman was clothed in purple and scarlet and being gilded with gold and precious stone and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominations and unclean things of her fornication. v. 5. And on her forehead was a name having been written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.”
Let’s look at the “Mother” a bit more closely. A. The word ‘mystery’ is defined by the Greek as ‘a secret or mystery (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites 3466). Personally, and this is my opinion, I think this is a prophecy which connects Israel to the secret society of Free Masonry and their religion, Satanism. Here is a link to a video which explains the connection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Eeo-82Eac8&list=PLWJ4t_-AO0go3DOAfGHVED1fTlxSHGIul . I explain in the section titled ‘Man of Sin’ that he is a Jew by heritage. A Jewish man conspiring with the Roman Catholic Church, via the Pope, believed to be the False Prophet, would have a vow of silence as part of his initiation into evil, wouldn’t he? Not only will his identity remain a mystery until he reveals himself to the world, but Free Masons is a secret society who holds their members in check with the threat of death. I understand ‘mystery’ in the light of Free Masonry, a secret, mysterious, society whose religion is Satanism. 2 Thess. 2:7. Yes, these two statements will be true of whoever proves to be the beast, but there’s more. B. Notice the rest of the name given to the ‘Mother:’ It is the “Mother of the Harlots and of the Abominations of the Earth.”
First, the harlots, because there are MANY (Daniel 9:27), is any kingdom who enters into this covenant with the man of sin, selling themselves to the spirit of antichrist. After all, selling themselves is what harlots do. Israel sells itself so that the Temple can be rebuilt, and historical worship can be resumed. This global leader will pave the way through all political roadblocks which currently prevent the Temple’s construction. Second, the abominations (idolatry 946) are comprised of the cessation of sacrifices, the beast who stands in the Temple (Daniel 9:27/Matthew 24:15/Rev. 13:5-6) and the unbridled wickedness which abounds under his rule. The world’s populace will make evil their idol. When a Jewish man stands in the Temple and declares himself ‘god,’ that will be blasphemy on an unprecedented level. When a Jewish man, a man from God’s chosen people, not only permits, but incentivizes every level of depraved behavior, do not abominations occur on an unimaginable scale? Is it any wonder God calls Israel the Mother of Harlots and Abominations? C. Just so it doesn’t get overlooked, the “Mother” is literally the mother of the beast who commits these horrific sins against God because he is a child of Israel, a Jew, as explained in the section on the Man of Sin. Third, Jeremiah 30:7 names the tribulation as Jacob’s (Israel’s) trouble, NOT Rome’s trouble. Israel is the Whore of Babylon and Jerusalem is the Great Harlot. Rev. 17:18.
These verses describe the relationship between Jerusalem, and the beast (because he has seven heads and ten horns as discussed in the section on the man of sin. Rev. 12:3 and 13:1). In scripture, the color purple signifies royalty. Jerusalem sees herself as a queen (18:7) so that the woman is dressed in purple indicates Jerusalem is elevated to the position of royalty at this time. In scripture, the color scarlet is used in connection with harlotry, so it makes perfect sense the ‘great harlot’ is dressed in red. ‘Abominations’ is defined as ‘detestations (something detestable) specifically idolatry.’ 946. There will be no end to the wickedness and immorality which will abound at this time. Matt. 24:12. Civilized culture will have ceased to exist because the moral compass of this world, the church, will have left with Jesus at the rapture. People will embrace idols of every possible conception with worship of the indwelled Beast being the ultimate idol.
17:6-7: “And I saw the woman being drunk from the blood of the saints, and from the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. And I marveled, seeing her with a great marveling. v. 7. And the angel said to me, “Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast supporting her, the one having seven heads and ten horns.”
That the harlot is drunk from the blood of the saints speaks to the untold numbers of saints who will die for their faith during THE Tribulation. I think it is limited to the tribulation because it makes no mention of the blood of the prophets who died as some scriptures do. Rev. 16:6 and 8:24.
I think John marvels at the woman because he recognizes her as Israel, and he can’t believe what he’s seeing. He is dumbfounded that Israel would behave in such wickedness toward Jehovah.
17:8: “The beast which you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and goes to perdition. And those dwelling on the earth will marvel, the ones whose names have not been written on the Scroll of Life from the foundation of the world, seeing the beast, that it was a thing, and is not, yet now is.”
This is a reference to the Beast prior to his fatal wound, and how his resurrection will mesmerize those who are lost to salvation.
17:9-10: “Here is the mind having wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains, where the woman sits on them. v. 10. And the kings are seven. The five fell, and the one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he does come, he must remain “a little.”
Here’s how I understand this: The seven heads of verse 3 are the same as the seven kings and the seven mountains in verse 10. The seven heads/mountains/kings are Egypt, Assyria (721 BCE Israel), Babylon (597 BCE Judah), Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and Anglo-American; the seven kingdoms who have persecuted God’s people throughout history. The first five fell; Egypt through Greece have come and gone. The ‘one is’ references Rome, the kingdom in place as the angel describes the vision to John. The ‘other has not yet come’ references America where God’s children are just now really beginning to feel the pains of persecution. As America becomes one who openly persecutes God’s children, it must remain ‘little’ defined by the Greek as ‘puny in duration or value’ 3641. This means this seventh kingdom will offer nothing of great duration or value to eschatological events. In other words, beyond obeying the directives of the indwelled Beast and killing off Believers, America doesn’t have a major role in God’s end time plan. This is compelling evidence the Antichrist does NOT come from America, as many people believe. There is no way the country of origin of the Antichrist will play a minor role in end time events. I think Americans lose perspective regarding how unimportant our little baby country is in the scope of God’s plan, a plan which deals with a 6,000 year-old culture.
Here’s how the seven heads/mountains and the woman break down:
1. Jerusalem is the woman because she is the great harlot for the reasons given earlier. Rev. 17:18. The woman sits on seven heads/seven mountains/seven kings. 17:3, 9-10. The definition of ‘mountain’ is ‘to rise or rear; a mountain as lifting itself above the plain 3735). So, the heads/mountains/kings are a metaphor which represent 7 kingdoms who have risen to power, those previously listed, who persecuted/oppressed God’s people.
2. Now that Israel, the whore of Babylon, has covenanted with the man of sin, he will rule his kingdom from the great harlot, Jerusalem. Because of her covenant with him, Jerusalem also ‘sits’ on the spirit of antichrist, allowing herself to ‘rise or rear above the plains’ allowing herself to be used (whored) by the eighth kingdom who persecutes/oppresses God’s people, the kingdom of the indwelled Beast. Rev. 17:11.
4. When Israel confirms its covenant with the man of sin, Israel becomes its own oppressor because the beast is a Jew who serves the spirit of antichrist, the spirit which seeks to annihilate all God’s children, especially Jews.
How’s that for dark irony?
17:11: “And the beast which was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goes to perdition.”
This eighth kingdom, ruled by the beast who was alive, and then was not, (dead of a head wound. Rev. 13:3) is of the seven in that, he too, will persecute God’s children in the same spirit of antichrist. However, he will go to perdition, defined as ‘loss or ruin.’ 684.
17:12-13: “And the ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive authority as kings one hour with the beast. v. 13. These have one mind, and their power and authority they shall give up to the beast.”
They receive ‘authority for one hour…’ “Hour” is defined by the Greek as ‘literally or figuratively; a day, hour, instant or season.” 5610. With several definitions in play, the definition must be determined by context. In this scripture, context tells me it represents the season of the entire 7-year tribulation. How do I know? Once the man of sin appoints these people, they assist him the entire length of the tribulation, ending with the battle at Jerusalem. Rev. 17:14. However, the hour of authority cannot begin prior to their covenant with the man of sin, their appointments as kings. Hence, the ‘hour’ is the duration of THE Tribulation.
I discuss the Ten Kings further under their own section.
Page 11: Summary of Revelation 17:1-13: Now, for anyone who disagrees with me about Israel being the Great Whore of Babylon, please read Jeremiah 3. In this short chapter God calls Israel a harlot time and again. In verse 8, we learn that God ‘put Israel away and gave her a bill of divorce.” In verse 9, we learn Israel committed adultery with ‘stones and pieces of wood.” In Daniel 9:27 and Revelation 17, Israel commits adultery with Satan himself.
For God to ‘put Israel away and gave her a bill of divorce,’ a prerequisite was required; they had to have been married. God considered Israel His wife until she cheated on Him so many times, He divorced her. The word ‘woman’ in Revelation 17:18 is defined as ‘a woman, specifically a wife.’ 1135.
I think I’ve made my case. I can’t help but wonder if God’s history with Israel is the reason God hates divorce so vehemently, making infidelity the only permissible reason for it. God understands what it is to completely love someone who refuses to stay loyal.
For anyone who needs additional persuasion, ask yourself these questions: 1). What country is invaded during the Ezekiel 38 War? 2). What country is supernaturally protected by God after it is invaded? 3). In what city is the third Temple constructed? 4). In what city does the Beast defile the temple, declaring himself a god? 5). In what city do the Two Witnesses of Revelation 11 prophesy? 6). Upon what city does Jesus dispense God’s wrath/anger after gathering the nations of the world to attack? Luke 21:20ff and Zech. 14:1-2.
The answers to these questions are never Rome or America. The answer is ALWAYS either Israel or Jerusalem. Jeremiah 30:7 tells us THE Tribulation, Daniel’s 70th week is Jacob’s Trouble. Jacob is Israel.
Page 12. Revelation 4: Praise to Jehovah God and the Holy Spirit.
4:1: “After these things I saw, and Behold, a door being opened in heaven! And I hear the first voice as a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you what needs to happen after these things.”
Most people believe this scripture references the timing of the rapture because John is told to ‘come up here;’ as in he’s told to leave the earth to meet Jesus. I disagree because the language doesn’t match other rapture scriptures. Here’s what I mean: First, 1 Thess. 4:16 says there is a SHOUT of an archangel, NOT actual words spoken by anyone. This is a significant difference in that a person can shout without using three words.
Second, it states that God’s TRUMPET sounds at the rapture, NOT a voice AS a trumpet which is clearly stated in Revelation 4:1. The voice as a trumpet means someone is speaking loudly, NOT that the sound they make is that of a trumpet.
Third, Hebrews 10:36-39 and 1 John 2:28, tell us people who trust Jesus to save them will NOT draw back to destruction (loss or ruin 684), but to the preservation of the soul (spirit, breath, animal sentient principle only 5590). The Greek language has two words which are most often translated 'soul or spirit.' The 'animal sentient principle only' used in Hebrews 10:36-39 is also called a body. It is NOT the rational immortal soul which is defined by Strong’s (#4151) as ‘spirit’ and can reference the spirit of people, demons or the Holy Spirit, and must be determined by context. This passage is saying people who trust Jesus to save them will NOT suffer loss or ruin at the rapture, but their body will be preserved. This agrees with what Jesus says in Luke 17:37 where the word 'body' (4983) is defined as 'as a sound whole. It is this ‘body as a sound whole’ which is raptured, caught up to Jesus where the eagles fly. The word used for ‘soul’ in Hebrews 10:36-39 is the same word used in Revelation 6:9 for the martyred ‘souls’ who are waiting for vengeance. They are preserved as animal sentient principles only, NOT as immortal rational souls. Let’s continue:
1 Corinthians 15:50 tells us “flesh and blood cannot inherit (to be an heir to 2816) the kingdom (royalty, rule, realm 932) of God, nor does corruption (decay or ruin 5356) inherit incorruption (unending existence 861).”
The word kingdom, as defined by the Greek, is ‘royalty, rule, or realm.’ When reading this scripture, we know the definition of ‘royalty’ is not in play because the Redeemed are already brothers and sisters to Christ, seated in the heavenly realm. Ephesians 2:6. The definition of ‘rule’ cannot be in play because the Redeemed currently live under the kingship or rule of Christ. Rev. 19:16. “Realm’ is the only definition which remains, so flesh and blood cannot be an heir to the realm of God.
This begs the question; when does the realm of God begin?
Philippians 3:20-21: “For our citizenship (community 4175) is in Heaven (as the abode of God 3772), from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our body (body as a sound whole 4983) of humiliation, for it to be conformed (jointly formed 4832) to His body (body as a sound whole 4983) of glory, according to the working of His power, even to subject (subordinate, be under obedience 5293) all (any, every, the whole 3956) things to Himself.”
When does Jesus subordinate ALL things to Himself? Jesus makes ALL things obedient to Himself at the second coming. Not until Jesus returns to earth to battle Satan, to preside over the Sheep/Goat Judgment of Matthew 25:31ff and the Bema Seat, and to establish His earthly kingdom does EVERYTHING come under subjection to Jesus. Until that time, the world exists without subordination to Christ.
So, Philippians 3:20-21 tells us the realm of God does not begin until the Second Coming of Christ, so it is this realm which flesh, and blood, cannot receive as an heir.
Additionally, for our bodies ‘as a sound whole’ to be transformed at the second coming, they must be maintained ‘as a sound whole’ for the duration of the tribulation.
Furthermore, Hebrews 11:40/1 Cor. 15:51 & 52 (ALL will be changed) tells us that no part of God’s family gets perfected apart from the rest of it. In other words, the COMPLETE family of God gets changed from corruptible to incorruptible at the same time; 2 Thess. 2:1 where the word ‘gathering’ is defined by the Greek as ‘the complete collection.’ In this case, the ‘complete collection’ is that of Believers which takes place after the second coming of Jesus. It stands in direct opposition to the ‘partial collection’ of Believers involved at the rapture; partial because the tribulation saints are yet to find salvation in Jesus.
We have in scripture two precedents for the rapture of human bodies from the earth. In Genesis 5:21-24 and Hebrews 11:5 we are told of Enoch who was transferred/transported to heaven without leaving a body behind. He was taken (carry away, fetch, seize 3947 in the Hebrew/ raptured: to catch away/up, to seize 726 in the Greek) from earth PRIOR to the flood of Genesis 6 simply because he pleased God. This is the very reason those ‘in Christ’ will be raptured before God’s wrath of THE tribulation; simply because we pleased Him. In 2 Kings 2:11-12, Elisha watched Elijah climb on board a fiery chariot and disappear in bodily form. Both of these men left this world in physical bodies. According to Hebrews 10:36-39/Luke 17:37/Revelation 6:9, and 1 Cor. 15:50/Philippians 3: 20-21, they are in heaven as the ‘spirit, the animal sentient principle only.’ What God did for Enoch and Elijah, He can and will do for those who are caught up to Jesus in the rapture.
Paul tells us, in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, about the ‘mystery’ of obtaining our immortality at the LAST trumpet sounded as the angels gather the elect from the four winds of this earth. Matthew 24:31. How does all this happen? Paul calls the change from corruptible to incorruptible a ‘mystery.’ Here’s how I understand the mystery of which Paul spoke. The corruptible is replaced by the incorruptible at the second coming because flesh and blood cannot inherit (to be an heir 2816) the realm of God. Enoch and Elijah were raptured into heaven but could not be made incorruptible ahead of or separate from the rest of the redeemed. Hebrews 11:40. For this reason, I think Paul’s ‘mystery’ was the quandary of how Enoch and Elijah could live in heaven without incorruptible bodies. From what my studies have taught me, I understand that Enoch and Elijah can ‘live’ in heaven, or some aspect of it, Paradise perhaps, without ‘inheriting’ the kingdom of God which happens only at the second coming. More on paradise later.
Now, back to Revelation 4:2 where John says he ‘became in spirit’ at once. This ‘spirit’ IS defined as the ‘rational immortal soul’ 4151, NOT the ‘spirit, animal sentient principle 5590.’ Notice how the language in Rev. 4:1 and Hebrews 10/Luke 17 fail to match? They use different words for ‘soul.’ When John says he ‘became in spirit,’ he’s describing that his immortal rational soul is what witnessed the events of Revelation. He’s saying that his body did not leave earth. So, if the rapture happens at Revelation 4:1, then it disagrees with Hebrews 10:36-39, Luke 17:37 and Revelation 6:9-11 as to the type of soul that’s involved.
Since there is such disparity between the language of Revelation 4:1 and other rapture scriptures, I’m convinced this ‘come up here’ was a single command intended for only John and in no way indicates the timing or occurrence of the rapture. After all, either John had to go where Jesus was for the duration of this vision, OR Jesus had to come to earth where John was, which would have been a third appearance of Christ.
Fourth, another reason I feel Revelation 4:1 doesn’t represent the rapture of the church is that it clearly states that John saw ‘a door being opened in heaven.’ This door being opened is a sign which preceded John’s ‘going up.’ Every word spoken by Jesus about the rapture clearly teaches that the rapture happens withOUT preceding visible signs (ocular evidence 3907 Luke 17:20-22). That John saw a door open prior to being called heavenward contradicts Luke 17:20-22/Matthew 24:36-25:30, eliminating it, once more, as a reference to the rapture.
Fifth, John is told to “come up here and I will show you what needs to happen after these things.” It does NOT say, ‘come up here and stay with me forever.’ John 14:1-3. John was clearly called ‘up’ for a specific reason.
As I’ve shown, there are simply too many scriptural reasons to doubt that Revelation 4:1 refences the rapture of the church. I believe the timing of the rapture, in relation to the book of Revelation, is revealed in chapter 5. I go into detail when I get to chapter 5.
4:2: “and at once I became in spirit (rational soul, vital principle 4151/ immortal soul 5590). And, behold a throne was set in Heaven, and One sitting on the throne.”
4:3: “And the One sitting was in appearance like a jasper stone, and a sardius, and a rainbow was around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.”
John gives a brief description of the One sitting on the throne. His appearance was like gemstones and there was a rainbow around the throne. This chapter is a song of praise to Jehovah God, Yahweh, not Jesus. I’m certain of this because it speaks of the One sitting on only ‘a’ throne. Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, NOT on the center throne. Mark 16:19/Luke 22:69/Romans 8:34, Hebrews 11:2…well, you get the idea.
4:4: “And around the throne I saw twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, having been clothed in white garments. And they had golden crowns on their heads.”
John speaks of 24 additional thrones and of the 24 elders who sit on them. Strong’s Concordance defines the word ‘elder’ as “older, senior, specifically an Israeli Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) 4245.
The best evidence I can find for the identity of these elders is located in 1 Chronicles 24:1-18. These scriptures describe those who ‘were the rulers of the sanctuary and rulers of God (meaning they ruled at His command, NOT that they ruled over Him). Since these 24 elders in John’s vision are of authority, because they sit on thrones, it is a real possibility that these elders are the grandsons of Aaron as described in these verses. Sixteen of those rulers were sired by Aaron’s son, Eleazar, and eight were sired by Aaron’s son, Ithamar. For anyone who holds to the belief that Israel is resurrected at only the second coming, Matthew 27:52, Matthew 8:11, Luke 13:28, and Revelation 6:9-11, all tell us there are currently OT saints in heaven. There is no scriptural reason these elders cannot originate in the OT.
I’ve already demonstrated scripturally the rapture does not occur during Rev. 4:1 as most people believe, so these elders wear crowns, not as a reward of being raptured, but as a designation of their rule of the sanctuary in heaven. There is NOTHING present in this text which indicates their crowns are a reward for service. They are defined as the ‘celestial council,’ so being crowned for this reason creates no contradiction with Matthew 16:27 and Revelation 11:18 where we are told the Bema Seat Judgment, where we get our crowns, happens after the second coming. When we get to Chapter 5, I’ll show you where the rapture occurs.
As Gentiles, it’s easy to forget that there will also be Messianic Jews in heaven. It makes perfect sense that God would reinstate the rulers of the earthly temple as the rulers of the heavenly temple. God is good!
4:5: “And out of the throne come forth lightnings and thunders and voices. And seven lamps of fire are burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God….”
The seven Spirits are listed in Isaiah 11:2. “And the spirit of Jehovah shall rest on Him; He (Jesus) will have the spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and power, knowledge and the fear of Jehovah.” Here, six spirits are clumped together by twos and represented as three pairs. If you count them individually, and count the Holy Spirit itself as one, then you arrive at ‘seven Spirits of God.’ Two things I want to mention, and they are my opinion. First, I think this division of the Spirit into six different spirits is the reason for different spiritual gifts, one spirit represents certain gifts while a different spirit represents others, and so on. Second, having learned about the multi-faceted personality of God’s Spirit, I can’t help but wonder if the Holy Spirt doesn’t encompass these seven spirits in a manner similar to how God encompasses the Father, the Son, and the Spirit? This is just a personal observation of my OWN as I’m unaware of any scripture which states such a thing.
4:6-11: “…and a glassy sea before the throne, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne and around the throne were four living creatures, full of eyes before and behind. v.7. And the first living creature was like a lion; and the second living creature like a calf; and the third living creature having a face like a man; and the fourth living creature like an eagle flying. v. 8. And the four living creatures each one had six wings around, and within being full of eyes. And they had no rest day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, the One who was, and is, and is coming! v. 9. And when the living creatures shall give glory and honor and thanks to the One sitting on the throne, to the One living forever and ever, v. 10. The twenty-four elders fall down before Him sitting on the throne; and they will worship the One living forever and ever, and will throw their crowns before the throne, saying, v. 11. Lord, You are worthy to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because You created all things, and through Your will they exist.”
John describes four living creatures which have four different faces; man, eagle, lion, and calf, each with six wings and being covered in eyes. I find no reason to think that these are other than what’s literally described. The definitions of the original words offer no special insight.
That they are covered in eyes is a metaphor for God’s omniscience. Without rest, these four creatures give glory to God and will do so throughout eternity. Revelation 4:7, the Four Living Creatures represent parts of creation: man face= mankind, calf face = domesticated animals, eagle face = aviary/flying creatures (insects, etc), and lion face = non-domesticated animals/sea creatures. Between the four faces, every living creature is represented.
The 24 elders fall down and worship God, throwing their crowns before Him, crying, “Lord, you are worthy to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because You created all things, and through Your will they exist.
Page 17. Revelation 5: Praise to Jesus.
5:1-5: “And I saw on the right of the One sitting on the throne a scroll having been written within and on the back, having been sealed with seven seals. v. 2. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a great voice: Who is worthy to open the scroll, and to loosen its seals?
v. 3. And no one in Heaven was able to open the scroll nor to see it, neither on the earth, nor underneath the earth. v. 4. And I wept very much, because no one worthy was found to open and to read the scroll, nor to see it. v. 5 And one of the elders said to me, Do not weep, Behold, the Lion being of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, overcame so as to open the scroll, and to loose its seven seals.”
The scroll in this verse is the one which contains the plagues of the Seals described in chapters 6 and 8. This scroll is on the right of the One sitting on the throne. An angel asks who is worthy to open the scroll, and for some reason, not being able to read the scroll really upset John. Then, one of the 24 elders, tells John not to weep because the Lion of Judah, Root of David, overcame so that He could open the scroll and loose its seven seals.
5:6: “And I saw, and behold, in the midst of the throne, and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, was a Lamb, standing, as having been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, having been sent out into all the earth.”
I see this as a bloody image, since it is of a Lamb ‘having been slain.’ The seven spirits go throughout the entire world providing these gifts from God. The seven Spirits are listed in Isaiah 11:2. “And the spirit of Jehovah shall rest on Him; He (Jesus) will have the spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and power, knowledge and the fear of Jehovah.”
5:7-10: “And He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him sitting on the throne. v. 8 and when He took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having harps, and golden bowls full of incenses, which are the prayers of the saints. v. 9. And they sing a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to receive the scroll, and to open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood purchased us to God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, v. 10. And made us kings and priests to our God, and we shall reign over the earth.””
God, seated on His throne, is holding the scroll in His right hand, and when Jesus takes it from Him, the four living creatures, and the 24 elders fall down before the Lamb, each one having harps and golden bowls full of incenses, which are the prayers of the saints. The church is full of saints, but the saints who find salvation after the rapture are not part of the church because they find salvation after the church age ends. John 3:36, 5:24, 6:39/1 Peter 1:7-9. Those ‘in Christ’ leave in the rapture, the event missed by tribulation saints because they aren’t ‘in Christ’ at the time the rapture occurs. 1 Thess. 4:13-17.
The Greek defines ‘saints’ as ‘morally sacred’ 40. Since none of the seals have been opened at this point in Revelation, tribulation saints are not yet in play. This means the saints who are ‘in Christ’ are the only saints possible, and it is their prayers which fill these golden bowls. The ‘church’ (ecclesia, ‘called out ones 1577) is not named in Revelation, chapters 4-21. Revelation 3:22 is the final time the word ‘church’ is used prior to the tribulation. With the location of Revelation 5:8-10 in place prior to Jesus opening any of the seals, which heralds the start of God’s Judgment Rev. 14:7, I think the prayers of the saints contained in the golden bowls of verse 8, are the prayers of those who are ‘in Christ.’ I believe the rapture occurs between verses 8 and 9 for four reasons. First, the church is now called ‘saints.’ The church is no longer referred to as the ‘ekklesia’ or called out ones. Second, “they’ of verse 9 must be the saints of verse 8 because the description tells us they come from ‘every tribe and tongue and people and nation,’ which eliminates the four living creatures and the 24 elders (after all, 28 hardly covers every tribe, tongue, people and nation). Third, ‘purchased US’ can only reference the Redeemed. It must be the saints because angels are not redeemable. Also, ‘us’ is a first-person plural pronoun which means the saints must be present in heaven when these words are spoken. Fourth, scripture never describes angels as kings and priests.
The evidence given in these scriptures demonstrates the prayers contained within the bowls, prior to the rapture, are the prayers sent heavenward by the oppressed/persecuted and watchful saints of earth. We are living in the birth pains, sending our prayers to God, crying out for His intervention. When the last person on earth willingly accepts Jesus as Savior, God will send Jesus to rapture us off this earth.
It is the prayers of these saints which give praise to Jesus while knowing they will reign as kings and priests over the earth. For this to happen, the saints who once comprised the church must now be in heaven, or they wouldn’t be present to praise Jesus! This means those ‘in Christ’ are in heaven when Jesus opens the Seal Judgments!
Also, this timing and description does not contradict what Jesus teaches about the rapture occurring withOUT preceding visible signs in Luke 17:20-22 and the parallel passages in all the gospels.
These scriptures serve as evidence the rapture of the church takes place prior to the opening of the Seal Judgments, the start of God’s Judgment Rev. 14:7, which takes place in Rev. 6:1, a scant few verses later. I believe it is the raptured saints who sing a song praising Jesus because He is the One worthy to open the scroll and loose its seals. Jesus is worthy because He was slain and His blood purchased saints from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, making them kings and priests to our God, they shall reign over the earth. His arrival is imminent! Remain watchful and ready to leave with Jesus when He comes for those who trust Him to save them!
5:11-14: “And I saw, and I heard a sound of many angels around the throne, and the living creatures, and the elders, and their number was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, v. 12. saying with a great voice, Worthy is the Lamb having been slain to receive the power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing. v. 13. And every creature which is in Heaven, and in the earth, and underneath the earth, and the things that are on the sea, and things in all of them, I heard saying; To Him sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb be the blessing and the honor and the glory and might forever and ever. v. 14. And the four living creatures said, Amen. And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Living One (Master, teacher, instructor, 2519) forever and ever.”
John saw and heard myriads of myriads of angels (if this is literal, the number is 200 million. If not, who knows how many it truly is?), and the living creatures and the 24 elders, all with a great voice, praising Jesus the Lamb, “Worthy is the Lamb having been slain to receive the power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.”
Jesus is worthy to receive praise for seven different reasons! Seven is the Biblical number representing perfection! Coincidence? Not a chance.
From everything I’ve read in chapters 4 and 5, the primary purpose of the four living creatures and the 24 elders is the non-stop worship of God and Jesus. Within the book of Revelation, they have only a tiny participation outside this primary purpose.
Page 20. Sequence of Events: Birth Pains: Matthew 24:4-6: Also: Mark 13:5-6 “And answering Jesus said to them, “See that not any leads you astray. v. 5. For many will come in My name, saying, “I am the Christ. And they will cause many to err. v.6. But you are going to hear of wars and rumors of wars. See, do not be disturbed. For all things must take place, but the end is not yet.””
In my opinion, this is where the world is today. The church is floundering in her mission to evangelize because she is erring (defined by the Greek as ‘to roam’ 4105) from the truth of God’s word. So many Christians are buying into countless versions of Satan’s lie to Eve; “Did God really say….?” Genesis 3:1. Many “Christians” are roaming as they follow what their itching ears long to hear. I do want to make note this ‘erring or roaming’ is distinctively different from the ‘falling away’ spoken of by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. To ‘fall away’ is defined as ‘to defect or forsake the message of truth.” 646. This forsaking is a deliberate abdication of one’s promise to Christ while the roaming is far less intentional, more a result of apathy or selfishness.
Additionally, Jesus never spoke of the falling away. EVER. Paul spoke of it only in relation to the rise of the man of sin to power, NEVER in relation to the beginning of throes. The ‘erring’ and the ‘falling away’ are two distinct things as depicted by Jesus and Paul.
Currently, I’m aware of three people who are claiming to be Christ: David Icke, a British man who claims to be the messiah, Donald Trump, who claims to be the ‘chosen one,’ and Steven Furtick, who claimed in a recent video he is ‘god almighty.’ Yep, deception is live and well.
Second, Matthew 24:7-8/Mark 13:8/Luke 21:10-11: “For nation (ethnos, a race (as of the same habit) i.e. a tribe; specifically a non-Jewish one, Gentile, people 1484) will be raised against nation (ethnos), and kingdom (royalty, rule, or realm 932) against kingdom; and there will be famines (through the idea of destitution; a scarcity of food 3042), plagues (literally a disease or pestilence 3061) and earthquakes against many places, but these are the BEGINNING (commencement, chief in various applications of order, time, place or rank 746) of throes.”
We currently have race wars in this world, ethnicities fighting other ethnicities, many countries are currently threatening war with other countries (think Israel and Syria, China and Taiwan, China and the U.S., Russia and Ukraine), one plague in particular holds the world hostage, not because it is deadly, but because the fear of it produced by corrupt governments is used to manipulate the populations of countries the world over, causing even greater and more specific tribal wars (think vaxxed vs. unvaxxed). These things are the BEGINNING, the commencement, of what is to come. The rapture, and the sudden destruction which follows it, will only magnify and accelerate these birth pains.
Regarding current events: cash is being phased out, world leaders are in global agreement regarding vaccines for a virus with a 99% survival rate, while some mandate vaccines or the severance of services/liberties. Heads of state who refuse to comply die inexplicably. To date, I think six different heads of state have died in the last few months, suspiciously after announcing they would not participate in any injection protocol. America, as well as other countries in the world, will soon have the ‘Giant’ the idolatrous precursor to the Beast which is being passed off as a family friendly tourist attraction. Yet again, deception is alive and well.
Page 21. Sidebar Regarding the Rapture: Philippians 1:6, 10, 2:16 and 2 Thess. 2:2: use the phrase “Day of Christ/Jesus Christ” while some scriptures use the phrase, “Day of the Lord,” 1 Thess. 5:2, 2 Peter 3:10. The word ‘day’ has the same definition for all these scriptures, “the time space between dawn and dark,” 2250. “Jesus” is defined as “the name of our Lord,” 2424. “Christ” is defined as “anointed, Messiah,” 5547. “Lord” is defined as “supreme in authority,” 2962.
The scriptures given for ‘day of Christ’ indicate good for those who are redeemed; “holding up a word of life, for a boast to me in the day of Christ, that I ran not in vain, nor labored in vain.” Philippians 2:16.
Inversely, the scriptures given for ‘day of the Lord’ indicate bad for the UNredeemed; “the day of the Lord will come like a thief.” 1 Thess. 5:2.
Basically, the difference between the two days lies, not in the definition, but in the perspective of people, those on the receiving end of each day.
Also, in 2 Peter 3:12, we read of the ‘day of God.’ “Day” has the same definition as the other phrases, but “God” is defined as ‘deity, Supreme Divinity,’ 2316. This ‘day of God,’ from what I can determine, is used only twice in the New Testament, this time referencing the day God destroys the existing heavens and earth, ushering in their brand-new replacements.
The ‘day of God’ used in Rev. 16:14 speaks of the war after the return of Jesus to earth. Those who live through the tribulation will either be thrilled to see Jesus coming on the clouds or be in terrible fear of it.
Just to complete the subject of ‘days,’ I want to mention the ‘days of the coming of the Son of Man’ spoken of in Luke 17:22. I understand this phrase to reference the totality of all ‘days of Jesus Christ AND days of the Lord.’ “Days of the Son of Man’ reference all the days using both phrases: Philippians 1:6, 10, 2:16 and 2 Thess. 2:2; and 1 Thess. 5:2, 2 Peter 3:10. In context, Luke 17:22 is spoken to Jesus’ disciples, so, of course, any one of the days longed for would be one which brings a blessing. Footnote on Days: I am limiting my use of the scriptures which include these phrases to the New Testament as this is not a study about these phrases, per say. I have provided enough scriptural evidence to support my premise.
Page 22. Rapture of those ‘in Christ’: Matthew 24:36-25:30, Back half of Olivet Discourse. Here Jesus teaches the rapture will happen before any identifiable signs. In Matt. 24:9-34, He answers His disciples’ question ‘what is the sign of your coming?’ Jesus gives the identifiable signs of the tribulation, THEN describes His second coming as public, violent and in the company of angels.
However, in Matthew 24:36-25:30, Jesus’ answer to His disciples’ question ‘what is the sign of the end of the age?’ Jesus gives an opposing description in His answer. He mentions nothing about any identifiable signs, only that the Master (Jesus) will appear suddenly, WITHOUT warning, and will separate the wicked servants from the faithful ones. Here the Master appears quietly and without the company of anyone.
Jesus cannot come both with identifiable signs and without them in a SINGLE appearance. If Jesus is to appear without any signs He must catch us up to Himself BEFORE The Tribulation begins because it is nothing but identifiable signs (which is the reason He used it to answer the first question).
Luke 21:28: “But when these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”
This simple verse speaks to the approach of Jesus to rapture those who trust Him for salvation. How do I know it’s the rapture? Because it tells us Jesus appears when ‘these things,’ the things He’d just described in the previous few verses, BEGIN to happen. He even gives enough detail in verse 9b to affirm just when the Beginning is: “For these things must first occur; but the end is not at once.” Luke 21: 8-9a describe the season of his ‘drawing near’ and then He tells us the end does NOT come at ONCE. If the end doesn’t come at once, it must come in parts; rapture and second coming. The rapture comes at the Beginning, Luke 21:28, 36 while Matt. 24:29 tells us the second coming is AFTER the tribulation. These descriptions are at opposite ends of a 7 year period of time.
Jesus draws near because He doesn’t come to earth to get those ‘in Christ.’ He stays in the clouds and calls up to Himself those expecting to be raptured. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17/Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1: 9& 11/Rev. 14:14-16. These are several scriptures, from among many, which place the rapture of the church PRIOR to the tribulation: Isaiah 26:19-20, Luke 21:28 and 36, John 3:36, 5:24, 6:39 and 14:1-3, 1 Thess. 1:10 and 5:9, 1 Peter 4:17, and Rev. 3:10.
Also: 1 Thessalonians 14:14-17: “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will also bring (bring forth, lead away 71) with Him all those who have fallen asleep through (the channel of an act 1223) Jesus. v. 15. For we say this to you in the word of the Lord, that we the living who remain to the coming of the Lord not at all will go before those who have fallen asleep; v. 16. Because the Lord Himself shall come down from Heaven with a commanding shout of an archangel’s voice and with God’s trumpet. And the dead in (position is place, state or time 1722) Christ will rise again first, v. 17. then we who remain alive will be caught up (to seize or pluck (harpazo in Greek/rapturo in Latin) 726) together with them in the clouds to a meeting with the Lord in the air. And so, we will always be with the Lord.” Several other rapture scriptures: Matthew 24:36-25:30, Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1:9 & 11/ Revelation 3:8, 10, 20. Plus many others from BOTH testaments.
The study of the rapture and the book of Revelation has taught me more than this sole document could ever reveal, but I must mention a few of these things as I go along. Among them is the fact that it is NOT only the church which is raptured, as most Christians believe. Here is my rationale: First, 1 Thess. 4:13-17 says nothing about the ‘church,’ the ekklesia, the ‘called out ones’ to whom the New Testament letters are written. If something isn’t identified in scripture it is a real leap and ‘reading into the text’ to say it is present. Yes, I know, Paul speaks of the rapture in the context of the church, which means the church is included, but it is spoken of in many places outside the context of the church which indicates the church isn’t the entire body of those ‘in Christ.’ Isaiah 26:19-20, Matt. 24:36-25:30, John 14:1-3, John 3:36 and 6:39 are just a few non church scriptures which speak of the rapture. The church is among those given to Christ but is not the totality of those given to Christ. Second, v. 16 tells us the ‘dead in (position in place, state OR TIME 1722) Christ will be raptured before those who remain alive at His coming. The ‘dead in Christ’ certainly includes those of the church who died while trusting Jesus to save them, but it is NOT limited to those who are in the church. As we see from the Greek, ‘in’ is defined as “a position in place, state or time.” In 1 Peter 3:19; and 4:6, we learn that Jesus went to the spirits in prison, “to proclaim (to herald, specifically the divine truth of the gospel 2784) to the disobeying ones...” He went to the prison where the disobeying ones were held to preach the gospel so those who died during the OT could accept Him as Savior. Those from that time who trusted Jesus for salvation are among those ‘in Christ” who will be resurrected at the rapture and included among those allowed to leave with Jesus.
Quickly, I want to mention the two definitions of the word ‘bring’ in v. 14. We know the definition is use is not ‘bring with’ because of what Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1: 9&11 teach us; that Jesus will return the same way He left; ALONE, peacefully, on a cloud, with a blessing. This means He does not bring any saints with Him at the rapture. This is in complete agreement
with what Revelation 14:14-16 tells us. So, in this instance, so that no contradiction is created, understanding dictates the definition of ‘lead away’ not ‘bring with.’
AND: Regarding the Rapture: 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3: “for you yourselves know accurately the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, Peace and safety! Then suddenly destruction comes upon them like travail to the pregnant woman, and they shall not at all escape.”
This ‘day of the Lord,’ the rapture, ushers in catastrophe for those who have rejected Jesus.
And, John 5:24 tells us “Truly, truly, I say to you, “The one who hears My word (a topic of discourse, doctrine 3056), and believes the One who has sent Me, has everlasting life, and does not come into judgment (a decision, by implication justice (specifically by divine law, condemnation, damnation 2920), but has passed out of death into life.”
So, those who believe Jesus do not come under God’s condemnation of the tribulation.
And, 1 Peter 4:17-18: “Because the time has come to begin the judgment (a decision for or against crime, condemnation 2917) from the house of God; and if firstly from us, what will be the end of the ones disobeying (to disbelieve, willful and perversely, not believe, not obey 544) the gospel. v. 18. And if the righteous (innocent 1342) is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly (irreverent (lack of respect for something generally taken seriously, online dict.) 765) and the sinner (to err, to miss the mark so as to not share in the prize 268) appear (be seen, show 5316).”
We just learned in John 5:24 those who DO believe the doctrine of Jesus pass from death into life without condemnation. Here, in 1 Peter 4:17, we learn God’s judgment begins with those who belong to Him. Some of God’s House will be innocent (without judgment) and some condemned as guilty of crime. Those who are condemned are those who willfully refuse to believe: the ungodly, those showing a lack of respect to God, along with the sinner, those missing the prize of salvation. So, it is at the rapture Jesus separates genuine believers from those who aren’t. Ever wonder how Jesus makes the decision of who gets to leave at the rapture and who doesn’t? Here’s the deciding factor:
John 12:48 “The one rejecting (to set aside, disesteem, neutralize, cast off 114) Me and does NOT receive (to take, get hold of 2983) My words (an utterance 4487) has that judging (to decide mentally or judicially, try, condemn or punish 2919) him: the word (something said, a topic of discourse, doctrine 3056) which I spoke (to talk, utter words 2980), that (Jesus’ words) will judge him in the last (farthest, final 2078) day.”
With the definitions subbed in: The one setting aside/disesteeming Me and does not take hold of My utterance has that condemning him: the doctrine/topic of discourse which I uttered, that will judge him in the farthest/final day.
The farthest/final day of the church is the rapture. John 6:39/Matt. 24:36-25:30/Luke 17:20-23, 26-37, Luke 21:28 and 36. The farthest final day of the tribulation is the second coming. John 6:40/Matt. 24:4-34/Mark 13:32-37/Luke 17:24, Luke 21:8-27, 29-32. These different sets of scripture agree there are two farthest/final days.
Jesus’ warning in John 12:48 is not limited to the rapture, but it certainly includes it. Apply His warning to the rapture, and anyone who dismisses His words about the rapture will be judged by His teaching on the rapture. This judgment takes place within the house of God where genuine believers are separated from those who aren’t genuine believers. This judgment is described in Matthew 7:21-23. In this passage of scripture Jesus rejects those who cry out to Him based on their works, Why? Because they did not do the will of the Father and believe in Him to save them as He promises in scripture! 1 John 3:23 and 1 John 5:10. Works are NEVER a means to salvation. Unfortunately, this is what most non-pretribbers are counting on: to be made worthy by suffering and/or dying in the tribulation.
After all, protection from God’s wrath is the very purpose of the rapture, the event at which salvation (rescue/safety 4991 Rom. 10:9-10) will be secured for those who trust Him. 1 Thess. 1:10/5:9. Please note the passages dealing with ‘weeping and gnashing of teeth in outer darkness’ Matthew 8:11-13, 22:10-14, 24:48-51, 25:30 and Luke 13:24-30, are separate and different from those which speak of ‘weeping and gnashing of teeth in the furnace of fire.’ Matthew 13:42& 50. “Outer darkness” is defined as ‘exterior obscurity”1857/4655. Earth will be the exterior obscurity compared to the light and inclusivity of heaven.
There is no mention of ‘outer darkness’ at either the Sheep/Goat Judgment or the Great White Throne Judgment; the only two realities given in those contexts are life and hell. By default, outer darkness is an option at ONLY the rapture.
2 Peter 2:1: “But false prophets were also among the people, as also false teachers will be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, and denying (to contradict 720) the Master who has bought them, bringing swift destruction (impending (about to happen) ruin 5031/684) on themselves.” See also, 1 Thess. 5:3 regarding sudden destruction.
What ‘impending ruin’ is about to happen? The swift destruction these false teachers, ‘believers,’ because they’ve been bought by the Master, who teach others to doubt and deny Jesus’ doctrine about anything, including the rapture, are bringing the impending ruin of the rapture upon themselves. After all, Jesus states in Matthew 7:21-23 those who do not do the will of His Father (believing in Him to save them 1 John 3:23) are workers of iniquity. Why? Because they dismissed Jesus’ teaching about the rapture and taught the destructive heresy of no rapture to anyone who would listen. 1 John 5:10 tells us anyone who fails to believe in Jesus calls God a liar. The Rapture is a VERY big deal.
Most Believers fail to understand the importance of the rapture, believing that their personal opinions regarding the rapture are irrelevant and that anyone giving lip service to belief in Jesus will be permitted to leave with Him whenever He comes for the church. A careful study of ALL end time scriptures, rightly divided as 2 Timothy 2:15 teaches, per Jesus’ instructions on the SECOND COMING in Matthew 24:3-34, Mark 13:4-31, Luke 17:24, Luke 21:7-35 (scriptures which describe numerous visible signs) AND His instructions on the RAPTURE in Matthew 24:36-25:30, Luke 12:35-57/Luke 17: 20-23, 26-37, Mark 13:32-37, (scriptures which provide NO visible signs), makes it painfully obvious what one believes about the rapture IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT. This is not about being a super saint! This is about simply trusting Jesus to save you. The rapture is, by definition, a salvation issue! If you trust Him to save you, your salvation is secured at the rapture 1 Peter 1:7-9, prior to the start of the tribulation, as Jesus’ doctrine teaches.
If your trust is placed in seeing the antichrist come to power and the start of the tribulation, you are NOT trusting Jesus. Instead, you are trusting your own understanding, trusting that YOU know better than Jesus does! After all, the scriptures I just cited demonstrate Jesus taught the bulk of pretrib rapture! This is the reason one’s rapture doctrine is so very important. For anyone who has an ‘I’ll hope for the pretrib and prepare for the post trib’ mentality, you are hedging your bet, basically saying you do not trust Jesus to keep His word. It is the opposite of reading, comprehending and trusting Jesus’ promise to get you out of harm’s way, to separate you from the punishment God has for people who reject Him. Hedging your bets is Plan B. Plan B is NOT faith. Plan B is the lack of faith.
Romans 10:9-10 tells us we must confess Jesus unto salvation (rescue, safety 4991). If you are confessing Jesus will NOT rescue you, He cannot save you because you do not meet the requirement of trust in Him. When you deny Jesus’ teaching about the rapture, you are confessing He will NOT save you as He promises. This is the opposite of trust in Him. If you do NOT trust Him, you will not be permitted to leave with Him at the rapture, and you will enter THE tribulation by CHOICE.
Jesus identifies Himself as the ‘thief’ in Revelation 3:3. So, the thief coming is the rapture which is spoken of in: 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17/Luke 17:26-37, Matthew 24:36-25:30, Luke 21:28, 36, 1 Thess. 1:10, & 5:9-10, John 3:36, John 5:24 and 6:39, John 14:1-3, Luke 24:50-51 along with Acts 1: 9 &11, Romans 5:9, 2 Peter 2:9, Revelation 3:10. Titus 2:11-15, Malachi 3:16-18, Isaiah 26:19-21, Jeremiah 30:7, and Revelation 3:10, among many others. The Old Testament passages clearly teach the Tribulation is a time intended for the nation of Israel (Jacob’s trouble) and several NT passages also teach it is for those who do NOT know God. John 3:36, Romans 1:18, Colossians 3:5-6, Ephesians 2:3, and 2 Thess. 2:10, 1 Peter 4:17-18.
There is no doubt the tribulation is intended for those who are in rebellion against God while those who live for Him and trust Jesus to save them will be rescued/delivered from God’s wrath. Jesus taught the rapture will happen before the tribulation in ALL four gospels. Here’s a list of the parallel passages where Jesus taught the rapture:
Matthew: Second coming (visible signs before), 24:9-34. Rapture (No visible signs), 24:36-25:30
Mark: Second coming 13:3-30. Rapture, 13:32-37.
Luke 12:35-46, Rapture. No second coming passage in this chapter.
Luke 17: Second coming verse 17:24. Rapture 17:20-23, and 17:26-37.
Luke 21: Second coming 21:7-27, 29-32. Rapture in Luke 21: 28, 33-36.
John structures things differently than the other gospels. He doesn't use entire passages which parallel the other books. He uses one or two verses at a time, but the differences noted by Jesus (second coming with visible signs, rapture without) are still present.
John 14:1-4, rapture passage, no visible signs.
John 5:24 rapture scripture, no visible signs.
John 5:25-29, second coming scripture, visible sign of resurrection. Notice how the two sections in chapter 5 are separated by "Truly, truly..." When he repeats any phrase like this, it means he speaks of two separate events.
John 6:39, rapture scripture, no visible signs.
John 6:40, second coming scripture, seeing Jesus as He approaches IS a visible sign. These are separated by the phrase, "the will of the Father,' and the 'will of the One who sent Me." The last days spoken of in these scriptures are the last day of the church age (end of the age, asked about by the disciples in Matthew 24:3) AND the end of the tribulation (the sign of your coming because the second coming happens at the end of the tribulation, asked about by the disciples, also in Matthew 24:3).
To learn what the Bible has to say about the rapture please visit this page on this site: Will be available as soon as the website is operational.
Also read the accompanying article which contains the balance of rapture scriptures: Will be available as soon as the website is operational.
Also, Revelation 14:14-16: “And I saw; and behold, a white cloud; and on the cloud One sitting, like the Son of man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. v. 15. And another angel went forth out of the temple, crying in a great voice to the One sitting on the cloud, “Send Your sickle and reap, because Your hour to reap came, because the harvest of the earth was dried.””
Jesus comes on a white cloud with a sharp sickle to harvest the earth. This passage speaks of the rapture. First, it agrees perfectly with Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1:9 and 11, and 1 Thess. 4:13-17, that Jesus will come to earth as He left; on a cloud, alone, peacefully with a blessing. We know it’s NOT the second coming because, at that time, Jesus returns to earth, accompanied by the armies of heaven, prepared to do battle, in a very violent and public way. 19:15. Here, in 14:14-16, there’s no flashy fanfare, no violence, no company, no sword, and no blood. Either the differences in the descriptions speak to two very different events OR the Bible contradicts itself. I think this passage, Revelation 14:14-16, is located near the center of Revelation to demonstrate, one more time, hopefully unmistakably, the rapture is separate from the second coming!
Second, because this is a passage in Revelation which speaks to the rapture, it must be placed prior to any Seal Judgment which operates as a visible sign. Luke 17:20-22 plus the other gospel passages where Jesus taught the rapture. It stands to reason that Jesus must be told by the angel to gather the church, reaping the harvest because it has dried, because ONLY God knows the timing. Since Jesus doesn’t know the timing, He must be told when to come. Matthew 24:36/ Mark 13:32. Inversely, the second coming happens at a KNOWN day and hour.
Notice that Jesus sits on a cloud holding a ‘sharp sickle.’ The Greek definition for ‘sickle’ is ‘gathering tool’ 1407. ‘Sharp’ is defined as ‘keen (highly developed), rapid, swift’ 3691. Reap is defined as ‘in the sense of the crop, to harvest.” 2325. Harvest is defined as ‘reaping the crop’ 2326. Dried is defined as ‘to mature, be ripe.’ 3583. That the harvest has dried means that all of those who will come to Christ have come and ONLY God knows when that time is! As a result, Jesus must be instructed to rapture the church, reaping the dried harvest of Believers.
V. 16: “And the One sitting on the cloud thrust His sickle onto the earth, and the earth was reaped.”
V. 16 with the definitions of the Greek subbed in: ‘And the One sitting on the cloud thrust His keen gathering tool onto the earth, and the crop of the earth was harvested.’
A sickle cuts down everything. The Redeemed are cut and depart with Jesus at the rapture. The Unredeemed are cut, severed from those who leave with Jesus, and left for the destruction which follows the rapture. 1Peter 4:17-18/Matthew 24:48-50/1 Thess. 5:3.
What bigger blessing could possibly exist for the body of Christ than to leave peacefully with Jesus when He arrives to take us home? This is the reason the rapture is called the ‘blessed hope.’ Titus 2:11-13.
Revelation 14:14-16 is one of several rapture scriptures I’ve found in the book of Revelation. Most of them are contained in the letters to the churches.
Page 29. Summary of the Rapture: First, Jesus appears in the clouds suddenly and without visible signs. Luke 17:20-23, Matthew 24:36-25:30, Luke 12:35-57. He does NOT come to earth at this time and there will be no visible signs which warn of His appearance. We will only hear the Trump of God and the shout of a single archangel. 1 Thess. 4:16.
Next, the dead ‘in Christ’ will rise to meet Jesus in the clouds. The dead permitted to leave with Jesus at the rapture is anyone of the church age AND the Old Testament who trusted Jesus to save them. 1 Thess. 4:16/1 Peter 3:19, 4:6. They will rise to meet Jesus in bodily form, the same form in which the martyrs under the altar have been waiting since their resurrection in Matt. 27:52, Hebrews 10:39 and Luke 17:37. Because the word ‘body’ in Luke 17:37 is defined as ‘the body as a sound whole” 4983, they will rise to meet Jesus in bodies which are not infirm. They are NOT perfected/made incorruptible at this point. They will simply no longer contain disease or infirmities. It is possible for a body to be sound, or healthy, without being immortal.
After the dead ‘in Christ’ have risen to meet Jesus, “we who remain alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to a meeting (to meet away 528, a (friendly) encounter 529) with the Lord in the air.” 1 Thess. 4:17. We will also rise in sound whole bodies.
Here’s how I understand this, using everything scripture has to say about the rapture: Any and every person who believes themselves ‘saved’ will rise to meet Jesus in the air. This ‘meeting,’ occurs away from the earth, and is ‘friendly’ because Jesus harms no one. It is at this meeting where the warnings of end time scriptures, most of them made by Jesus Himself, come into play:
First Scripture: 1 Peter 4:17: the judgment of God begins with His house. God’s house is the church. At the rapture, He will separate the righteous (innocent) from the ungodly (irreverent, impious 765). I understand the ‘ungodly’ to be those who confess salvation in Jesus while denying any doctrine He taught, including His doctrine regarding WHEN He would save them; His rapture teaching. Here’s the reason I believe this:
Second Scripture Revelation 2:16b: “… I will make war with them by the sword of My mouth.” This line of scripture is taken from the letter to the church of Pergamos, so it is written to Believers. The ‘sword of Jesus’ mouth’ are the words He speaks. Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and powerfully working, and sharper (to cut with a single stroke, more keen 5114) than every two-edged sword (knife, figuratively war, judicial punishment 3162), even piercing as far as the dividing apart of both soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge of the thoughts and intentions of the heart; v. 13. and there is no creature unrevealed before Him; but all things are naked and laid open to His eyes, with whom is our account.”
Third Scripture: John 12:48: those who disesteem what Jesus taught will be judged by His words on the last day. The last day of the church IS the rapture. Those who disregard what Jesus taught will be judged for having dismissed His teaching.
Fourth Scripture: 2 Peter 2:1: those who teach false doctrines are those who deny the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Any believer who dismissed the end time teachings of Jesus, did NOT trust Him to save them as HE promised in all four gospels. These ‘believers’ taught false doctrine because they denied the teaching of Jesus, they did not believe Jesus as the witness of God, tantamount to calling God a liar. 1 John 5:10.
Fifth Scripture: Matthew 7:21-23: only the ones who do the will of the Father will enter the Kingdom of heaven. Many will cry out, ‘Lord, Lord we did …., but will be told by Jesus, “I never knew you. Depart from Me, you worker of lawlessness!” Those who do the will of the Father are those who believe Jesus as the witness of God, hence, those who do NOT believe the witness of Jesus, by disesteeming what He taught, and denying the Master who bought them, have called God a liar and brought the swift destruction of the rapture upon themselves. 2 Pet. 2:1. Jesus calls them workers of lawlessness because they lied about what Jesus taught, not only to themselves, but to God and to anyone naïve/unknowledgeable enough to listen. The damage done by these people is incalculable.
It is at this point those rejected by Jesus will be cast out (to eject, drive out, send away 1544) into the outer darkness (exterior obscurity 1857/4655). If those rejected by Jesus at the rapture are not caught up in the air to this meeting, how can they be cast or ejected into outer darkness. How can they bet sent to the surface of the earth if they are already on it? Matthew 8:11-13, 22:10-14, 24:48-51, 25:30 and Luke 13:24-30. Information regarding the ‘falling away’ of these rejected Believers is forthcoming.
It is NOT possible to completely trust Jesus to save you while disagreeing with what He taught about WHEN He will save you. If you truly trust Jesus, you will agree with Him. It is that simple. Bottom line: If you are not completely trusting Jesus to save you, agreeing with the doctrine spoken by Him, you will not be permitted to leave with Him at the rapture. Like I stated earlier: Believers fail to grasp the enormous importance of the rapture.
Revelation End Time Events: Table of Contents
Page Topic
1. Introduction
3. Revelation 12
7. Revelation 17:1-13 Mystery of Babylon/Great Harlot
11. Summary of Rev. 17:1-13
12. Revelation 4 Praise to Jehovah and the Holy Spirit
17. Revelation 5 Praise to Jesus
20. Sequence of Events: Birth Pains
21. Sidebar: Rapture
22. Rapture
29. Summary of Rapture
31. Falling Away
32. Sidebar: Holy Spirit
34. Outline of Ezekiel 38/39 War and Seal Judgments
36. Closer Look at Ezekiel War
38. Introduction to the Seal Judgments
38. 144,000 Evangelists
42. Seal #4
43. Seal #6
45. Seal #3
46. Seal #1
46. Man of Sin Introduction
49. Sidebar: The ‘Restrainer’
50. The Ten Kings
51. Covenant Confirmation
52. The Two Witnesses
53. Preaching Angel and Seal #5
54. Seal #5
55. Seal #2
55. Seal #7
56. Desolation of the Temple
60. Summary of the First Half of the Tribulation
61. Marriage Supper
62. False Prophet
63. Great Tribulation/Resurrected Beast, Mann of Sin Part B
65. Death of the Two Witnesses
66. Beast on the Throne
66. Revelation 18: 1-5 Consequences of Apostasy
67. Flight of the Redeemed
68. Satan’s War on Redeemed Gentiles
69. Mark of the Beast
70. Tribulation Martyrs
70. Delusion Sent by God
71. Introduction to Trumpet Judgments
72. Trumpet #1
72. Revelation 18:9-20
74. Trumpet #2
74. Trumpet #3
74. Introduction to Bowl Judgments
75. Preparation for Bowl Judgments, Revelation 15:1, 5-8, 16:1
76. Bowls #1, #4,
77. Bowls #5, #6, #2, and #3
78. Bowl Judgment #7
79. Trumpet #4
79. Trumpet #5
80. Trumpet #6
81. Revelation 10
83. Revelation 16:15-16, also page 90.
84. Second Coming
91. Sidebar: Why Tribulation Saints Do Not Return with Jesus at the Second Coming
93. Outline of Matthew 13:30 Harvest
93. Trumpet #7
97. Gathering of Tares: Extended Explanation
98. Sidebar on Revelation 14:17-20
99. Gathering of Wheat: Extended Explanation
99. Summary of Second Coming
101. Battle of Jerusalem
102. God’s Wrath: The Plague Against Those Who Fought Against Jerusalem
103. Beast and False Prophet Into the Lake of Fire/Dragon Into the Abyss
104. Sheep/Goat Judgment
107. Bema Seat
111. Destruction of Jerusalem
113. Millennial Kingdom
114. Final End Time Battle
115. Jesus Relinquishes His Rule
115. Great White Throne Judgment
117. Revelation 21: New Heavens and New Earth
119. Revelation 22: Summary of the Book of Revelation/Final Warnings and Encouragement
Page 31. The Falling Away: 2 (SECOND) Thessalonians 2: 3: “Do not let anyone deceive you in any way, because that day (the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ v.1. second coming where the ‘collection’ of believers is complete 1997, (the ‘gathering’ of 2:1.)) will not come unless first comes the falling away, …”
The ‘falling away’ is certainly one of the events which occurs prior to the second coming. I place it here on the timeline because it occurs right after the rapture. After all, the response of those rejected by Jesus will be immediate, not delayed.
The phrase ‘falling away’ is defined by the Greek as “to forsake or defect from truth, a divorce, something separative 646/647). As you can see from the definition, 'falling away' is far more purposeful/intentional than the deception Jesus spoke of in Matt. 24:4-5 which is defined as ‘to roam.’ 4105. If someone divorces something they no longer claim to be a part of it. It is at the 'falling away' Christians who thought they'd leave at the rapture will forsake or divorce their salvation. There is no other reason given in scripture for an en masse departure from faith in Jesus. By giving it a name, Paul indicates a large group of people is involved.
The ‘falling away’ is described in Matthew 7:21-23: “Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but the ones who do the will of My Father in Heaven. v. 22. Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many works of power?” v. 23. And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; depart from Me, those working lawlessness!”
I know this conversation between Jesus and those He rejects happens at the rapture because the only other scriptures which reference ‘weeping and gnashing’ are in the context of hell; the ‘furnace of fire’. Matthew 13:42 and 13:50. Additionally, there is no alternate destination of ‘outer darkness’ at either of the end time judgments; eternal life and hell are the only destinations named at either the Sheep/Goat Judgment of Matt. 25:31ff or the Great White Throne Judgment of Rev. 20:11-15.
There are five passages which deal with ‘weeping and gnashing of the teeth’ in the context of ‘outer darkness,’ NOT the context of the furnace of fire. These passages are: Matthew 8:11-13, 22:10-14, 24:48-51, 25:30 and Luke 13:24-30. I do want to mention that Matthew 24:48-51
and 25:30 are both included in the Olivet Discourse, the back half of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He speaks of the rapture. Understanding this is what led me to find all the 'weeping' passages and to differentiate between those which refer to outer darkness and those which refer to the furnace of fire (hell).
In Matthew 7:21-23, when Jesus rejects these ‘sons of the kingdom’ (Matt. 8:12 called sons because they possess God’s Spirit and do mighty works in Jesus’ name), they will be cast into outer darkness (ejected into exterior obscurity 1544/1857/4655), where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 8:12). Compared to the light and inclusivity of heaven, earth will be outer darkness. From those cast into ‘outer darkness’ will emerge those who defect or forsake the truth of salvation (646), comprising the ‘falling away,’ spoken of by Paul in 2 Thess. 2:3. The definitions of ‘weeping and gnashing’ from the original Greek are 'wailing and the grating of teeth in pain and rage (2805 and 1030, respectively). Many of these ‘sons of the kingdom’ will be so angry at being rejected by Jesus, they will fail to find the humility to seek God’s forgiveness and repent from the pride which prevented them from trusting Jesus in the first place. They will forsake their salvation by blaspheming the Holy Spirit, ejecting Him from themselves, entering the tribulation as UNredeemed. Any of these people who DO control their rage and repent, keeping hold of God’s Spirit, will enter the tribulation and endure to either the end of their lives or the end of the tribulation. Matthew 24:13. Either way, the destruction in these lives will be sudden and devastating.
Page 32. Sidebar on the Holy Spirit: This insight into the rapture as it will actually happen, that it is not some split second, blissfully ignorant, hail Mary event, is the reason the Once Saved Always Saved doctrine is so dangerous. OSAS is one of the reasons so many people fail/refuse to understand Jesus’ doctrine on the rapture and the warnings He issued about ignoring what He taught. If a person believes the presence of the Holy Spirit within them means they can never be rejected by Jesus, everything else they learn in scripture is filtered through the lens of OSAS. This belief basically renders null and void in the minds of these people every warning the scriptures make to BELIEVERS. This is NOT a position in which one should place themselves. That these warnings are made to people who are covered by the blood of Jesus, having the Holy Spirit within them, means the Holy Spirit is NOT the criterion which determines salvation! We are saved by ONLY trusting Jesus! Remember, it was Jesus who died on the cross to save you. It was NOT God’s Spirit!
Also, our works are our testimony we belong to Jesus, not the world, and our works determine our reward in heaven. Our works have NOTHING to do with salvation. Remember, those who cried out to Jesus in Matt. 7:21-23 did so on the basis of works, yet He still rejected them. This is an enormous red flag for those who are convinced they must earn worthiness by suffering/dying in THE Tribulation.
Next is Peace and Safety: 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3: “for you yourselves know accurately the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, Peace and safety! Then suddenly destruction comes upon them like travail to the pregnant woman, and they shall not at all escape.”
In Strong’s Concordance, ‘they say’ is one word, its numerical index is 3004. It is distinguished from the expression/speech of an individual. This tells us ‘they’ are the people of the world who cry out for peace and safety due to the upheaval caused by the rapture. These are the people who did not participate in the meeting with Jesus in the air. They know something catastrophic has happened, they just don’t know what it is. Those who remain on earth will be plummeted into and overwhelmed by despair, heartbreak, and horror at the disappearance of untold millions, and the subsequent damage which follows.
Next is Sudden Destruction: 1 (FIRST) Thessalonians 5:2-3: “for you yourselves know accurately the day of the Lord comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, Peace and safety! Then suddenly destruction (ruin, death, punishment 3639) comes upon them like travail to the pregnant woman, and they shall not at all escape.”
After the rapture, those who remain on earth (Luke 21:35/Revelation 3:10/6:10/11:10/13:8, 12, 14/14:6/17:8), because they rejected the truth of God (John 3:36, 12:48, Romans 1:18/2 Thess. 1:8 and 2:12, 2 Peter 2:1), have no escape, NO ability to flee, from the events which are about to unfold. 1 Thess. 5:3. Where could one possibly go? The entire world will become hell on earth-there is NOWHERE to go! Those on earth will remain on earth and there’s nothing to be done about it. They either live to see the second coming, or they perish as the direct result of a plague, as collateral damage from a plague (think death or paralysis from falling buildings, tsunamis, landslides, etc.), from starvation, dehydration, exposure to the elements, from suicide, from being murdered for resources, or as we’ll see later, they die because the indwelled Beast kills them for refusing his mark. Those are the only options! None of them are an escape and none of them are pleasant.
This short phrase makes it very clear there are no do-overs once the rapture has occurred.
Page 34. Next: Outline of the Ezekiel 38 War and the Seal Judgments: The Ezekiel 38 War and the opening of the Seal Judgments are intrinsically linked. What follows is a simple outline of the order of events, as I believe, scripture dictates. I go into more detail on both the war and the judgments after this short outline.
1). Ezekiel 38 War. After the destruction of the rapture, Gog, and his allies from the north, in an attempt to eliminate Israel, will invade the country of God’s chosen people, Israel. God supernaturally protects Israel by way of wild beasts. Ezekiel 39:4.
2). Seal Judgments: Jesus opens Seal Judgments 1-7 in order. The seals are opened in a matter of hours, earth time, hence rapid succession, but are not manifested in the given order. They appear in the order in which they are needed. For instance, the Ezekiel 38 war is the reason Jesus opens the Seal Judgments because Seal #4 contains the wild beasts God uses to protect Israel from the invasion. As a result, Seal #4 will be the first seal to show itself. The Seal Judgments will overlap by any amount, some more so than others. I find nothing in scripture which states each Seal Judgment is completed before another manifests. In fact, the opposite is true. Much of the destruction of the first half of the tribulation is cumulative. This tragic truth becomes apparent as the paper progresses.
A). The 144,000 evangelists of Revelation 7 are supernaturally protected from harm and sent forth to preach before Seal #4 manifests.
B). Seal #4 is the only time wild beasts are mentioned in scriptures which fulfill OT prophesy. Because the Seal Judgments are opened, the Wild Beasts of Seal #4 are sent to defend Israel from the invading armies of the north as stated in Ezekiel 38-39. The war, famine and pestilence aspects of Seal #4 will unfold either very quickly or as the first half of the tribulation progresses. Nearly 2 BILLION people will die from this single plague.
C). In Seal #6, God literally shows His face from heaven. Ezekiel 38:20. Ezekiel 38:16 tells us God shows His face so the nations will know Him. Here, God takes credit for the defense of Israel, AND for the damage of THE Tribulation, Daniel’s 70th week, which follows. This seal states God’s wrath ‘has come’ which is past tense. It began with Seal 4 when God sics death and hades upon the earth.
D). Seal #3 manifests the minute Jesus opens it as the economies of sovereign nations, the world over, begin to die. In addition to the hundreds of millions of people who disappear in the rapture, untold numbers of people will die each day for numerous reasons. World economics will never recover.
E). Seal #1 has been opened so the Man of Sin steps forward from obscurity to the world stage. I find nothing in scripture which specifies how long the man of sin waits to make his move. It might be days. It might be weeks. A proper understanding of 2 Thess. 2:6 tells us he decides the opportune time to step forth from the destruction which overwhelms this world (in his
time. 2 Thess. 2:6). (More in the section about the ‘Restrainer’). After taking the world stage, he appoints 10 kings to assist him, and they confirm the covenant between them. The covenant confirmation begins the 2,520 day countdown of the tribulation. Rev. 11:3 and 13:5. The confirmation will happen at a specific hour. Jesus cannot return at the second coming until day 2,520 at the hour of the confirmation. This is the reason He differentiates His sudden appearance at the rapture, the UNKNOWN DAY and HOUR of Matt. 24:36-25:30, from the second coming, the KNOWN day and hour (Matt. 24:9-34/Daniel 9:27, Rev. 11:3 and 13:5 to make 2,520 days).
F). Once the covenant is confirmed, the Two Witnesses are placed in Jerusalem. Rev. 11:3. The Two Witnesses prophesy there for 1,260 days. Rev. 11:3. The Preaching Angel of Rev. 14:6-7 is deployed. It announces the hour of God’s Judgment ‘has come;’ it began when Seal #4 manifested. Rev. 13:10 and 17:12. This angel also preaches the gospel throughout the entire world fulfilling Jesus’ prophesy in Matt. 24:14.
G). As far as I can tell, Seal #5 happens without the notice of any living person. It appears to be a conversation between the martyrs and the one who speaks with them, someone not identified by scripture. I place it next in the lineup of events because it does not appear to have any intrinsic urgency which necessitates placing it earlier.
H). Seal #2 will come into play as the tribulation progresses and the man of sin feels the need to move from a strategy of charm and intrigue to one of war.
I). Seal #7 was opened by Jesus at the same time as the others. It is the last one implemented and is the promise from Jesus there will be no further activity from heaven until the mid-point of the tribulation is reached. The ‘about half an hour’ of silence will be the first half of the tribulation PLUS the time between Jesus’ opening of the Seal Judgments and the covenant confirmation. I feel this is evidence I have the Seal Judgments placed correctly. If the Ezekiel 38 War and the seals were opened inside the first half of the tribulation, the weapons from the war would not complete the burn cycle of seven years before the return of Christ.
Many Christians believe the first half of the tribulation will be peaceful. While the events of Seal #6 last an unspecified period, and Seal #5 appears to go unnoticed by those on earth, every other aspect of Seals 1-4 are very much in play. I suppose the first half of the tribulation can be considered peaceful if one considers peaceful the death of ¼ of EVERYTHING on the planet by famine and pestilence (the result of nearly 2 billion rotting bodies), dwindling resources, skyrocketing prices, disappearing liberties, escalating tyranny, innumerable wars around the globe, as well as frequent/devastating plagues brought upon the earth by the Two Witnesses in Jerusalem. The sheer terror and psychological damage done to people by these early events will make coping even more difficult.
Granted, the second half of the tribulation will be worse than the first half, but the way I see it, there will be NOTHING peaceful about the first half.
Page 36. A Closer Look at the War of Ezekiel, Chapters 38 and 39: This war cannot begin prior to the rapture because it would be an identifiable visible sign and would contradict everything Jesus taught about the rapture occurring without preceding visible signs. As a result, it must take place after Jesus catches up those who trust Him for salvation. The damage of this war will be localized to the land of Israel, and to the lives and families of the invading countries. However, since the supernatural protection of Israel by God is implemented in Seal #4, Death and Hades will eviscerate the rest of the world through other wars, famine and disease.
Ezekiel 38 identifies the countries who wish to exterminate Israel: Rosh, Meshech, Tubal, Persia, Ethiopia, Put, Gomer and Togarmah. The modern-day equivalents of these countries are (this list is approximate and NOT exhaustive): Turkey, Sudan, Russia, Iraq, Iran, and any number of the ‘stan’ countries just south of Russia (Kazakhstan, etc.).
Gog is the person who unites these countries against Israel in his attempt to rid the earth of Israel/Jews. Magog is the land from which he comes and is defined by the Hebrew as a ‘barbarous northern region.’ 4031. It stands to reason that Russia is the barbarous northern region and Putin is Gog. It is reasonable the largest country involved would lead the charge against Israel.
Ezekiel 38 places this battle just before the start of the tribulation because we read in Ezekiel 38 the description of the following tribulation plagues: Verse 20 describes Seal #6 and Bowl #7, while Verse 22 describes Trumpet #1. Ezekiel 39:4 describes Seal #4. These events are not listed in chronological order, but for the sole purpose of placing this war next to the tribulation, so that it’s timing cannot be severely misplaced. Verse 23 reminds us that God sends these things so that He will be known in the eyes of many nations. In other words, God gets credit for defending Israel and for the horrors which will follow during the tribulation. This is another reference to Seal #6.
In verse 18 we learn God’s fury (hot displeasure, anger, rage 2534) comes up in His face when “Gog comes against Israel.” Verse 19 tells us God’s jealousy is in the ‘fire of His wrath (outburst of passion or rage 5678). God is jealous Gog wants to come against Israel when it is His plan and place to do so. This fury/wrath is directed at Gog and his invasion of Israel. THIS fury and wrath are NOT directed at Israel for apostasy like the coming wrath of the tribulation. That God protects Israel is His exhibition of power and provision. It prevents anyone else from taking credit and is another indicator the war begins before the tribulation starts.
Just as the timing of this war is linked very closely to the tribulation because of the descriptions given in the text of chapter 38, the war also tells us a great deal about the opening of the Seal Judgments. They must be opened in a short span of earth time so that Seal #4 can be used by God to supernaturally protect Israel in this war.
Ezekiel 39:4 tells us the armies of Gog will fall on the mountains of Israel and God will give Gog and his armies up as food to the BIRDS OF PREY AND BEASTS OF THE FIELD, as in the wild beasts of Seal #4 (the ‘eagle’ living creature announces Seal #4. Eagles are birds of prey). The ONLY defense of Israel given in scripture is by wild beasts. Defending a small country by wild beasts is NOT far-fetched in the scheme of all things Godly. Also, nothing in Ezekiel 38 or 39 indicates any Israeli dies from the Gog invasion. If Israel is to be supernaturally protected, by the wild beasts of Seal #4, without any damage to any Israelite, the seals must be opened very soon after the invasion.
Seal #4 tells us over one fourth of the earth will die by sword, famine, by death, and by the wild beasts of the earth. Ezekiel 39:17-20 is a recap of the prophecy of God’s call through Ezekiel to all birds and beasts of the field to gather themselves to the sacrifice God has placed on the mountains of Israel (Gog and his armies) for them to eat until satisfied. I cannot determine with absolute certainty that death by wild beasts will be limited to Israel while the other three means of death will encompass the earth, but death by wild beasts is the ONLY means of death mentioned for those who invade Israel. Ezekiel 39:4. These chapters say nothing about sword, famine or plague killing anyone in Israel, on either side of the battle. These scriptures list Gog and his army as the only casualties while the inhabitants of Israel are those who do the burying of the bodies so that the land will be cleansed.
Ezekiel 39:7 again references Seal #6 in that God will be made known because of these events. 39:9 tells us ‘the inhabitants of the cities of Israel shall go out, and shall set afire and burn the weapons;…with fire seven years.” How long is the tribulation? It’s seven years! The descriptors given in these verses tie it to the tribulation period. That the weapons burn for 7 years has no bearing on the flight of Redeemed Jews from Jerusalem mid tribulation because these weapons can all be piled at one time, immediately after the battle ends, then burn unsupervised for the specified 7 years. That no Israelis are harmed, and the weapons burn for seven years, indicates this war is very brief and the seals are opened in rapid succession. That the weapons burn for 7 years indicates the war ends at nearly the same time as the covenant is confirmed.
Once this war is over, Gog will be given a grave in Israel. v. 11. After the wild beasts kill Gog and his army, v. 4, the inhabitants of Israel will bury them in the Valley of the Multitude of Gog. They do this for seven months so the land might be cleansed. v. 12. As in, it takes the Israelis seven months to bury all the bodies.
I cannot ascertain how much time passes before Seal #4 is fulfilled. If ¼ of everything on earth dies during the time God takes to protect Israel, or even that length of time plus the seven months to cleanse the land, the damage will be catastrophic. Dead bodies of people and animals will make urban areas deathtraps. Lawlessness will kill untold numbers and the pile up of rotting bodies will send pestilence into overdrive. I’m not saying I can prove this with scripture. I’m merely saying it is one of several possible scenarios triggered by the opening of Seal #4. I strongly believe the damage caused by the rapture and Seal #4 will slow the current vaccine agenda tremendously. Damage of this magnitude will cause a giant pause in the current agenda of world leaders.
Ezekiel 39:21-29 tells us again that God will be glorified in the nation which He exiled for its iniquity. God’s protection of Israel from invading armies will greatly amplify the evangelistic efforts of His preaching force (the 144,000, the Two Witnesses in Jerusalem, and the preaching angel of Rev. 14:6-7).
Scripture indicates Russia as the primary invading force, so there is little doubt Russia has already planned an invasion into Israel. When the time is right, they will mobilize very quickly. The rapture of those ‘in Christ’ will create a global distraction, providing the perfect opportunity for Russia, and its allies, to act on their plan to annihilate Israel. What better time to attack than when the world is wallowing in distracted agony?
Page 38. Seal Judgments: *** Represents Plagues where Believers AND Unbelievers die or are injured. With the exceptions of Bowl #1 and Trumpet #5, Believers have NO SCRIPTURAL reason to believe or hope for supernatural protection during these 7 years of horror. Believers will die, alongside unbelievers, in the plagues themselves, as collateral damage from the plagues (eg: dying while trapped in fallen buildings, tsunamis, falling/sliding mountains, etc.), by way of wars among nations, by starvation, dehydration, exposure to the elements, suicide, and by being murdered by others for your resources. All of this is in addition to death sent by the plagues of the Two Witnesses AND being hunted by the antichrist.
This tragic truth is the reason the rapture is so important. The rapture IS God’s protection for Believers against the wrath He has for those who refuse to believe in Him; the wrath which brings all these horrific events to earth.
Jesus will open the Seal Judgments in their given order, in the matter of a few hours, earth time, so He can fulfill His duties as the Bridegroom at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. As I’ve studied scripture, I’ve come to understand the opened seals will manifest in the order in which they are needed. I will list the seal judgments and accompanying events in the order I believe they will appear to mankind. I’m not saying everything is 100% correct, but I am saying I’ve studied this extensively and what I present here is based on solid Biblical understanding. The only seal whose placement of which I’m uncertain is Seal #5. It could manifest at any point on the timeline. I want to mention, I find NOTHING in scripture which limits all 21 plagues to the 2,520 days of the tribulation. In fact, the ‘about half an hour’ of Seal #7 provides scriptural evidence to the contrary.
Next: 144,000 Evangelists: First, we are told in Revelation 7:3 they are deployed before the earth, the sea, or the trees are harmed. Seals #1, 2 and 3 have nothing to do with harming the earth itself, but Seal #4 certainly does, and since Seal #4 manifests first, this is the logical placement for the appearance of the 144,000. Second, it makes no sense to protect these evangelists with the seal of God if they aren’t deployed during dangerous times. Third, we are given NO time frame with regards to the participation of these Jewish preachers. The Two Witnesses prophesy for 1,260 days, and the preaching angel of Rev. 14:6-7 appears to preach the entire ‘hour’ of the tribulation, but we are given NO limit or time frame with regards to the 144,000, so there is absolutely no reason for them not to be in place. Fourth, God’s protection of Israel is the perfect time to implement His Jewish evangelistic team. Fifth, until God reveals Himself as the cause of all the damage in Seal #6, there is nothing to incentivize people to accept Christ as Savior. Fresh from the damage of the rapture and the Ezekiel 38 war, people will be much more likely to listen to these preachers sent by God. The 144,000 evangelists/Two Witnesses/Preaching angel of Rev. 14:6-7 are those responsible for the conversion of many who come to faith during the tribulation. It is these new converts who will become the tribulation martyrs once the Beast takes control of world government and begins to behead those who refuse His mark. Rev. 7:9-17/13:11-18.
144,000, Revelation 7:1-8/Matthew 24:14: 7:1-4. “And after these things, I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on every tree. v.2. And I saw another angel coming up from the rising of the sun, having a seal of the living God. And he cried with a great voice to the four angels to whom it was given to them to harm the earth and the sea, saying, v. 3. “Do not harm the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees, until we seal the slaves of our God on their foreheads.” v. 4. And I heard the number of those having been sealed: one hundred forty-four thousands, having been sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel.”
Verses 5-8: “Out of the tribe of Judah, twelve thousand having been sealed. Out of the tribe of Reuben, twelve thousand having been sealed. Out of the tribe of Gad, twelve thousand having been sealed. v. 6. Out of the tribe of Asher, twelve thousand having been sealed. Out of the tribe of Naphtali, twelve thousand having been sealed. Out of the tribe of Manasseh, twelve thousand having been sealed. v. 7. Out of the tribe of Simeon, twelve thousand having been sealed. Out of the tribe of Levi, twelve thousand having been sealed. Out of the tribe of Issachar, twelve thousand having been sealed. v. 8. Out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve thousand having been sealed. Out of the tribe of Joseph, twelve thousand having been sealed. Out of the tribe of Benjamin, twelve thousand having been sealed.”
These verses clearly state 12,000 men from each of the 12 tribes of Israel are sealed by God and protected from the plagues as they preach the gospel. Revelation 7:9-10 is in the context of a great multitude who is clothed in white robes, code for the newly redeemed. The message in verses 1-10 indicates the 144,000 serve in the role of evangelists.
The only other place I can find mention of the 144,000 is in Revelation 14:1-5: “And I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on Mount Zion! And with Him were a hundred and forty-four thousands, with the name of His Father having been written on their foreheads. v. 2. And I heard a sound of the heaven, as a sound of many waters, and as a sound of great thunder. Also, I heard a sound of harpers harping on their harps. v. 3. And they sing a new song before the four living creatures and the elders. And no one was able to learn the song except the hundred and forty-four thousands, those having been redeemed (purchased 59) from the earth. v. 4. These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones following the Lamb wherever He may go. These were redeemed (purchased 59) from men (human beings 444) as first-fruit (beginning of sacrifice 536) to God and to the Lamb. v. 5. And no guile was found in their mouth, for they are without blemish (blame 299) before the throne of God.”
This short passage does not speak to the tribulation, but to the second coming, so it’s out of line chronologically, but it does give us a little more information about these evangelists. We already know they were sealed with the name of God on their foreheads, so they are supernaturally protected from the plagues of Revelation, but here we learn they are virgins, not being defiled by women, they are human (people, not angels or anything supernatural) and redeemed from men as the first fruit to God and the Lamb and will be the only ones who are able to learn a specific song in heaven, which will be important for some reason. They are without guile (no sly or cunning intelligence, no personal agenda toward other people) and have no blemish before God (never been marred by illness or wounds). It sounds as if they are the most perfect people who have ever lived, except, of course, for Adam and Eve, prior to the fall, and Jesus Himself.
These five verses describe these witnesses as ‘redeemed’ in both verse 3 and 4. This is confirmed by verse 1 which states that the Lamb is standing on Mt. Zion which happens at the second coming. That they are redeemed from men as first-fruit to God and to the Lamb means they are the first purchased or saved once God’s judgment begins. They are sealed as Redeemed by God before they are sent to preach.
Personally, and I have no scriptural reference for what I’m about to say, but I think it is very likely that God creates these men for this specific reason. It sounds crazy, I know, and please remember, I am NOT saying this is in the Bible, this is my OPINION ONLY, but I think it’s highly unlikely there are 144,000 grown virgin men in the world today, all of whom are Jews, exactly
numbering 12,000 from each of 12 tribes. Is it likely, in this day and age, that, from a country who serves as an incentive for unspeakable wrath from God, Tel Aviv being the current homosexual capital of the world, that there are 12,000 VIRGIN men from each of the 12 tribes of Israel, who are without personal agendas, men who are without physical blemish of any sort?
Granted, Israel has several red heifers in the wings, standing by so that Temple sacrifices can begin the minute the Temple is completed. But this is a goal Israel has for itself, so it makes sense Israel is prepared to meet that goal. Why would Israel, the apostate object of God’s wrath, who doesn’t even believe the Messiah has come, have on standby 144,000 virgin, guileless, grown men whose sole purpose it is to witness for a gospel in which it doesn’t believe?
Additionally, the men must be sealed and deployed before Jesus opens Seal #4, as explained earlier. All the Seal Judgments are opened AFTER the rapture. Had these men been present ON EARTH at the time of the rapture, they would have left with Jesus and the rest of the redeemed, wouldn’t they? That they are the first fruits from among men can be understood in two ways: First, the catastrophic damage of the ‘falling away’ left NO redeemed people on earth and these men are literally the only redeemed on earth when the tribulation begins. OR, second, if some of those rejected by Jesus remain redeemed (not first fruits because they entered the trib. already redeemed) these men are the first newly redeemed after the tribulation begins. Finally, this period of time on earth is nothing but heightened supernatural activity which could very well include God’s creation of these 144,000 men. If I’m wrong, it makes zero difference to God’s end time plan or to the salvation of anyone. It’s just something which occurred to me as I studied.
Together with the Two Witnesses, and the lone preaching angel of Revelation 14:6-7, the 144,000 evangelists sent by God will convert ‘a great crowd which no one was able to number’ (7:9-10), to salvation in Jesus. I want to mention the ‘great crowd which no one was able to number’ is an idiom which simply means a huge number of people are saved. When one hears ‘it’s raining cats and dogs,’ it is not understood that literal cats and dogs are falling from the sky. It only means there has been a great deal of rain. After all, in this instance, if the number of people on the earth prior to the tribulation CAN be counted, then a fewer number of people, a subset, is certainly countable. Here is a list of all the scriptures in Revelation which state that people find salvation in Jesus during this time: 7:9-10, 13-16, 9:4, 13:7, 15, 14:12-13, 15:2, 16:15 (God wouldn’t call anyone ‘blessed’ unless they were covered by the blood of Jesus), 17:6, 19:5, and 20:4 (Those who are beheaded for Christ reign with Him for the millennium).
The bulk of this evangelism must happen during the first half of the tribulation because once Satan indwells the beast, his mark will be implemented, and evangelistic efforts will be severely hindered. Every person alive will choose their allegiance which will either be seen on their right hand/forehead or won’t be seen which means you do NOT belong to the Beast. The number of Believers will drop drastically as they are caught and murdered for their unwillingness to submit to the Beast and take his mark.
Revelation 7:9-10: “And these things I saw and behold, a great crowd which no one was able to number them, out of every nation, even tribes and peoples and tongues standing in front of the throne, and before the Lamb, having been clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands. v. 10. And they cry with a great voice, saying, “Salvation to our God sitting on the throne, and to the Lamb.””
Revelation 7:11-12: “And all the angels and of the elders and of the four living creatures stood around the throne. And they fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God, v. 12. saying, Amen, Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
Revelation 7:13-17: “And one of the elders answered, saying to me, These, the ones having been clothed in the white robes, who are they, and from where did they come?” v. 14. And I said to him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation; and they washed their robes and whitened them in the blood of the Lamb. v. 15. Because of this they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He, sitting on the throne will encamp (to tent, to occupy as a mansion, to reside as God did in the tabernacle of old 4637) over them. v. 16. And they will not hunger still, nor will they thirst still, nor at all shall fall on them the sun, nor any kind of heat. v. 17. Because the Lamb in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and will lead them on the living fountains of waters; and God will wipe off every tear from their eyes.”
These three passages describe that the great crowd brought to salvation by God’s three- pronged preaching force, and the reward which awaits them. Also, Revelation 15:2-4. I believe these evangelists will work feverishly to convert vast numbers of Jewish people to salvation, fresh from the Ezekiel 38 victory provided by God.
I understand the tribulation saints described here are the non-martyred redeemed. They go to heaven when they die. The Martyred Redeemed are discussed in Rev. 15:2-4 on page 69. Where both groups ‘wait’ is discussed on pages 90-92.
Page 42. Seal #4: *** 6:7-8. Also, Ezekiel 38:15 (war) and Ezekiel 39:4 (wild beasts) “And when he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” v. 8. And I saw, and behold, a pale green horse, and the name of the one sitting on it was Death; and Hades followed after him. And authority was given to them to kill over the fourth of the earth with sword, and with famine, and with death, and by the wild beasts of the earth.”
This seal is announced by the fourth living creature identified as an eagle (Rev. 4:7) which represents the aviary/insect aspect of creation. Eagles are among the creatures who eat the dead bodies in Ezekiel 39:17-20, Matthew 24:28 and Revelation 19:17-18. The pale horse represents death. One fourth of the earth is killed (destroyed 615, as in ‘destruction’ 1 Thess. 5:3) by sword (war/nation against nation and kingdom against kingdom), famine, death (disease/plagues are all that’s left), and wild beasts. I checked; ¼ means, literally ¼ as the definition has no figurative aspect. ¼ of people means nearly 2 BILLION people will die in this single seal. Once the coming prince of Daniel 9:26, the man of sin/lawlessness, appears terror will grip this world in an unprecedented manner and the nations will look to its new leader to set things right, to make them feel better about the chaos into which they have been inexplicably plummeted. Isaiah 26:21 tells us that God promises to pour out His iniquity (evil 5771) on Israel. When God sends death and Hades to do His bidding, He sends evil upon the earth. This is an overt indication of who’s in charge, don’t you think?
Additionally, it is no coincidence that Hades accompanies Death in this plague. Why? When nearly two billion people die suddenly, dying after the church has been removed from the earth, virtually none of them will be redeemed by the blood of Jesus. They will leave this life and enter hades (place or state of departed souls 86). Hades is present to catch them when they expire; where they will wait until judgment. Like I said, no coincidences.
Page 43. Seal #6: Seal #6 is spoken of in Ezekiel 7: 9 and 27, as well as, Ezekiel 38:20 and 23. Seal #4 will prove far less effective if God doesn’t take credit for it here in Seal #6. First, without the involvement of God Himself, people will simply assume that mother nature has gone nuts. Remember, by this time, the world is full of people who largely have no awareness of God and it will not occur to them that He is behind any of this, especially if world governments are spouting climate problems or promoting interference from ‘aliens.’
Second, it would be like Satan to use lies about these events to leverage the nations into compliance. God will NOT allow Satan to steal credit for judgment which comes from His throne any more than He allowed Gog to punish Israel. Revelation 14:7. God will make it very clear there are two options in place; Holiness or evil.
Third, the evangelistic efforts of the 144,000, the Two Witnesses in Jerusalem and the preaching angel of Revelation 14:6-7 will be far more effective if God reveals He is responsible for the events in play. Seal #6 will literally put the fear of God in them, making them ripe for salvation. It is wise to fear a holy God!
Fourth, when ¼ of everything dies because God sics Death and Hades upon the earth, it is because He is angry. God’s wrath is NOT limited, as some believe, to the back half of the 7-year period known as the Great Tribulation. There is NO scripture in the Bible which states that God’s wrath can happen during only the second half of the tribulation. This is merely an assumption put in place by those who do not believe a pretrib rapture timing. Placing Seal #6 here on the timeline does NOT negate that God’s wrath is expressed in the Bowl Judgments, or in the plague God sends after the second coming, against those who battle against Jerusalem. That some people take Seal #6 and place it after the 3.5 year mark, is NOT the same as scripture explicitly stating that it belongs there. No such scripture exists.
Fifth, that Seal #6, the wrath of God, manifests before the tribulation countdown begins, clearly indicates God’s wrath is not limited to the second half of the tribulation. As stated earlier, Jesus opens all the seal judgments, without scripture ever stating He interrupts His duty as the Bridegroom to readdress seal opening during the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Sixth, this sixth seal is corroborated by Revelation 20:11: “And I saw a great white throne, and the One sitting on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled; and a place was not found for them.” This verse verifies that Seal #6 is not a metaphor for something else, or a duplication of another judgment.
Seal #6: 6:12-17: *** “And I saw when He opened the sixth seal. And behold, a great earthquake occurred. And the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair; and the moon became as blood; v. 13. And the stars of the heaven fell to the earth, as a fig-tree being shaken by a great wind casts its unripe figs. v. 14. And the heaven departed like a scroll being rolled up. And every mountain and island were moved out of their places. v. 15. And the kings of the earth, and great ones, and the rich ones, and the commanders, and the powerful ones, and every slave, and every freeman hid themselves in caves and in the rocks of the mountains. v. 16. And they said to the mountains and to the rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face (countenance 4383, the actual face of God) of the One sitting on the throne. And from the wrath of the Lamb, v. 17. because the great day of His wrath has come; and who is able to stand?”
This is NOT the same event as Trumpet #7! The descriptions differ far too much. One huge difference is that Jesus opens this seal and trumpet #7 is blown by an angel. One trumpet can’t be blown simultaneously by two beings especially when One doesn’t have a trumpet! The heavens rolling back like a scroll indicate that God is giving those on earth a glimpse into the heavenly realm where they can see His face. Then those on earth ask, ‘who is able to stand?’ This harkens back to Exodus 33:20 where God says to Moses that no man can see His face and live. These people are fleeing from the very face of God because they know they can’t stand up under it!
Because of what Ezekiel 38-39 tells us, Seal #4 is God getting the attention of the world, and Seal #6 is God taking credit for His protection of Israel and the judgments to follow. God fully well intends for the people of earth to know it is Him who sits on the throne, it is Him who sends pain and suffering to plague them. That God reveals Himself as the cause sits squarely with Revelation 16: 9 and 11 where the people of earth curse God for the pain they suffer. To believe otherwise begs the question; why would people, most of whom never believed in God and would never give God the time of day, suddenly curse Him for their suffering unless He’s taken the credit for it at an earlier time?
Please also note the earth shakes so badly from the impact of heaven’s stars, and earthquakes happen in so many places, the mountains and islands are shaken loose from their moorings. Untold numbers of people will die in these earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides and other ‘natural’ disasters.
Good grief what does it take to convince people they don’t want to be present for the tribulation? Jesus warns us in Luke 21:36 we should ‘beg to be worthy to escape ALL these things’ because life on earth will be so bad that we don’t want to be present for it. This is NOT about being a coward or escapist, as non-pretribbers claim. It’s about listening to advice from Jesus and trusting His insider knowledge. It’s okay to trust Jesus to save you from the judgment of the tribulation! How is it any different than trusting Jesus to save you from the judgment of hell?
Page 45. Seal #3: 6:5-6: “And when He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold, a black horse, and the one sitting on it having a balance in his hand. v. 6. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, A choenix of wheat for a denarius, and three choenixes of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”
Rev. 4:7 tells us this seal is announced by the living creature which is the man. I think scripture specifies the face of a man because man is the only creature with the ability to articulate words and generate commerce which is what the black horse represents. The ability to buy and sell is a normal part of life the world over, but once the rapture, the Ezekiel 38 War and Seals 4 and 6 have occurred, people will have vanished and died in record numbers. Hence, earthly resources will rapidly dwindle.
Factory workers, train engineers, medical professionals, store clerks, truck drivers, farmers, every class of people will have been affected. There is NO aspect of life which will remain untouched. Prices for every commodity are going to skyrocket because supply will diminish at an alarming rate. Of course, since these untold number of dead people will never be replaced, and more people will be killed globally every day, the price situation will NEVER be corrected; it will only deteriorate. It won’t be as simple as hunting for food, either. When ¼ of everything on earth dies, that includes deer, chickens, cattle, pigs, all flora and fauna, any and every food source. Besides, hunting with ammo filled weapons will always alert others to your presence, giving away your position.
Additionally, when the man of sin comes to power at Seal #1 he will usher in the final steps toward his one world currency. It will not be the actual ‘mark’ just yet because that is implemented after mid-trib. However, at this point, any remaining intermediate steps toward that objective, such as eliminating cash and establishing a global ID database, will be completed. We can see the beginnings of these very things in place today. This will make the mandate of the ‘mark’ much less offensive, hence more palatable, to the world’s citizens. After all, if the mark is required before you can buy and sell, then most people alive will willingly take it because they want to eat and keep some semblance of a roof over their heads.
So, while the earth and her inhabitants die daily, the economics of everyday life will be forever altered. That this horse of business and commerce is black is no accident. The world economy is dying because the world is dying. If you are reading this paper and have not received Jesus as Savior, this is the reason it is essential to have food and water stored and a back-up energy plan in place. Better yet, confess your sins to God, ask Him for forgiveness, and accept Jesus as Savior! Repent of your old life and live ONLY for Jesus. Leave at the rapture with those who trust Him to save them and miss the wretched mess this world will become!
Page 46. Seal #1: *** 6:1-2: “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals. And I heard one of the four living creatures, like a sound of thunder, saying, Come and see. v. 2. And I saw, and behold, a white horse! And the one sitting on it had a bow. And a crown was given to him, and he went out overcoming, and that he might overcome.”
Rev. 4:7 tells us this seal is announced by the living creature which is the lion. I’ve heard in past sermons this white horse represents political unrest. Political unrest is a normal part of life in this world, but this will be different. Right from the beginning the man of sin works his agenda. At first, he plays nice. After all, he’s charismatic, at great ease and woos people with intrigue (Daniel 11:21). This short passage tells us that he is intent on overcoming. So, he will soon tire of playing nice and will resort to the darker method of war to meet his objective. Daniel 11:23 tells us after Israel enters the covenant with the man of sin, he practices deceit. He is strong with a few people, which references the 10 kings. Part of his deception includes wielding death in the name of ‘peace and safety.’ After all, Satan is the ‘father of lies.’ John 8:44.
There are people who believe this seal references Jesus. This can’t be the case for these reasons: First, this man with the crown sets out to overcome. Jesus doesn’t return to overcome the nations of this world until the second coming, so it can’t be Jesus. Second, the crown represents the coming prince of this world. Daniel 9:26, 2 Cor. 4:4/Eph. 2:2/John 12:31. That he is riding a white horse is a mimicry of Jesus’ return in Rev. 19:14. Remember, Satan conquers through deception-he’s pretending to be the good guy. Third, that Jesus is the One who opens the first seal and unleashed Satan upon this world is proof He’s the one running things. After all, Satan didn’t show up with a crown riding a white horse until Jesus gave him permission! The events of the next seven years are scripted by God and have been foretold for millennia. Also, we know Jesus is in heaven opening Seal Judgments which means He isn’t returning to earth on a white horse quite yet.
Jesus must open the First Seal to begin God’s Judgment upon this earth. The man of sin will not have the ability to covenant with anyone until Jesus opens this seal, giving him permission to go forth and conquer those who are willing to be deceived.
Seal #1 has already been opened: Man of Sin: Introduction: 2 Thessalonians 2:3b: “…and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,…”
I’m going to take a moment and spend some paper explaining how I understand the origin of the man of sin/beast. This is where I disagree with most others. If I’m wrong, I’m wrong. An error on my part has no bearing on the fulfillment of Revelation’s prophecies, nor does it rob anyone of their blessed hope of being raptured.
I do not believe that the man of sin/beast will be the son of some European country. I think this man will come from the nation of Israel. Here is my rationale: First, not every Jew in the
nation of Israel will be saved. There are wicked Jews just like there are wicked people from every country. People being people, there is no intrinsic exemption for consideration of Jewish people based upon heritage. After all, they have rejected Christ for millennia, and since God will not remove the free will of Jews any more than He does someone else, Jews are in no way exempt from consideration. It is entirely possible for a Jewish man to be the personification of this Satanic plot.
Second, the Jews are looking for a Jewish Messiah. Every Old Testament prophecy speaks to the Messiah as being a Jew. For this reason, a Jew will have a much easier time deceiving the nation of Israel than will someone who isn’t Jewish. Now, this specific Jew may well be living among European people where he has had access evil, money and power, but he will be of Jewish/Hebrew lineage.
Third, Jesus was a Jew by birth. Much of what Satan does, he does in mimicry of Jesus. So, it stands to reason that Satan’s Antichrist will be a Jew like God’s Christ, Jesus.
Fourth, Revelation 13:18 tells us to ‘… count the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man-and its number is six hundred sixty-six.” In Ezra 2:13, we learn that 666 members, which is a ‘count,’ the number of a Jewish man, the family of Adonikam, returned from Babylon where they’d been exiled. Here we have the number 666 directly linked to the number of a man’s name, and it involves a ‘count.’ Interestingly, Nehemiah 7:18 tells us there were 667 members of Adonikam’s family. When we read the context of both passages, we learn Nehemiah 7:18 is in the context of a genealogical registry while Ezra 2:13 is in the context of those who left from captivity. So, either Adonikam, as patriarch of his tribe, was not counted as one of his family and the count of those who belonged to him was 666, OR someone on the genealogical registry died before leaving captivity which made the number 666. I have no way of knowing which scenario is in play. Also, it is no coincidence that Babylon is called the “Mother of Whores. Revelation 17:5 tells us the name of the whore is “Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of the Harlots and of the Abominations of the Earth.”
Fifth, Daniel 11:37 tells us “He shall not regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor love of any god. For he shall magnify himself above all.”
Nor the desire of women: Interestingly enough, Tel Aviv, the former capital of Israel, is the homosexual capital of the world. Coincidence? Not a chance.
Not regard the God of His fathers: Given that I’ve already explained four reasons, completely unrelated to this one, for the man of sin to be of Israeli descent, it is not surprising the man of sin will not regard the God of his fathers. The God of His Fathers indicates Jehovah as the God of the Jewish People. This statement is made in the context of the Holy Bible, Jehovah’s written word-not some book representing some other religion. The God of ‘his fathers’ is God Almighty, the God of Israel. Satan is Jehovah’s arch enemy which is as far from regarding the God of His fathers as is possible.
Isn’t it an even greater offense to God that all this evil is perpetrated by one of His chosen people? Is it any wonder God pours out His wrath onto Israel? Jeremiah 30:4-7 tells us the tribulation is Jacob’s (Israel’s) trouble. Also, Jeremiah 19 and Ezekiel 7. Don’t the horrors to which God subjects Israel during the tribulation, and at the second coming of Christ, as described in Revelation 19 and Zechariah 14, make more sense? When I step back and look at the big picture, I marvel God has restrained Himself from wiping them from the face of the earth!
I want to make quick mention here the wrath God has for Israel, for Jews who mock and reject Him, is another reason for a pre-tribulation rapture. Granted, it is not an obvious one, but it exists just the same. Understanding God’s wrath, and the reason for it, how much more logical and reasonable is it that God will remove the Jews who HAVE accepted Jesus as Savior from harm’s way BEFORE His wrath begins? Why would He put obedient children of His chosen people through the horrors He has planned for the wicked and rebellious? He wouldn’t. It’s just that simple. This is the very reason He promises us that we are not appointed to His wrath in 1 Thessalonians 1:10/5:9. That the rapture removes redeemed Jews from harm’s way is the reason the rapture is bigger than just the Gentile aspect of the church. It also includes those of the Old Testament who are ‘in Christ’ and every Messianic Jew alive at the time of the rapture. The tribulation deals specifically with the APOSTASY of Israel as these verses clearly teach: Isaiah 2:12-17/26:20-21, Jeremiah 19 and 30:4-7, 30:11-15, Ezekiel 7 and 20:33-38, 22:21-22 and the rebellious Gentiles, those who reject the truth of God: Malachi 3:16-18/Romans 1:18/John 3:36/2 Thessalonians 2:12/Luke 21:35/2 Peter 2:9 and Revelation 3:10.
I will mention here that Solomon is also associated with 666, but it has to do with counting his money which is different than the ‘number of his name.’
Next: Man of sin/beast (with a little ‘b’) Part A. 2 (SECOND) Thessalonians 2: 3-10: “Do not let anyone deceive you in any way, because that day (the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ v.1.) will not come unless first comes the falling away (those who forsake the gospel), and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition (684), v.4. the one opposing and exalting himself over everything being called God, or object of worship, so as for him to sit in the temple of God as God, showing himself that he is a god. (Dan. 11:37c). v.5. Do you not remember that I told you these things, I yet being with you? v. 6. And now you know the thing holding back, for him to be revealed in HIS time. v. 7. For the mystery of lawlessness already is working, only he holding back now, until it comes out of the midst. v. 8. And then the Lawless One will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume by the spirit of His mouth; and He will bring to nothing by the brightness of His coming. v. 9. His coming is according to the working of Satan in all power and miracles and lying wonders, v.10. and in all deceit of unrighteousness in those being lost because they did not receive the love of the truth in order for them to be saved.”
The man of sin steps forward from the obscurity of the world’s populace to advance his evil agenda. He accomplishes this feat as Daniel 8:23-25 describes: He will, literally, use good looks and charm to deceive those who are willing to be conned. A world of people reeling from the devastation caused by the events up to this time, will be primed for a con job. This is a profoundly sad truth.
Daniel 9:27 tells us this man of sin will confirm a covenant with MANY which lasts one week. In Bible math, 7 days (one week) = 7 years; each day equals one year. This seven-year period, also known as Daniel’s 70th week, is also described as such: a time (1), times (2) and a half a time (.5) = 3.5 years for the half week/half trib. Two half weeks or 3.5 x 2= 7 years. I believe this covenant will be confirmed at this time and the Tribulation will officially begin as the man of sin sets out to procure ‘peace and safety’ for the citizens of the world.
Page 49. Sidebar: The “Restrainer:" I want to quickly discuss 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8, a short passage of scripture which profoundly effects the understanding of anyone who believes in a rapture of any timing. It's important because Pre-tribbers use this passage as a linchpin for the timing of the rapture. Mid and Post-tribbers use this passage to declare pre-tribbers false teachers. I explain this passage to correct a misunderstanding of scripture and bridge the chasm between Believers which, hopefully will result in peace between the two and renewed hope for both. 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 is nearly always understood to mean that the Holy Spirit, or the church, is the Restrainer who keeps the man of lawlessness at bay. For such a long time I believed this myself because modern translations lead us to believe as much by inserting/implying another entity into the verse ('what is holding him back' as opposed to the 'thing holding back'). However, when I got an Interlinear Bible, which takes the original languages and puts them directly into English, nearly word for word, I discovered a truth which is hidden by modern translations.
Here is the Interlinear Bible wording for this scripture and it makes so obvious what I'm about to tell you. "And now you know the thing restraining (holding back 2722), for him (the idea of a baffling wind (backward); the reflexive pronoun, self)) to be revealed (to take the cover off 601) in the time of HIM (reflexive pronoun, self 1438). For the mystery (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation of religious rites 3466) of lawlessness already is working, only HE restraining (holding back 2722) now, until it comes out of the midst (middle 3319); and then the Lawless One will be revealed (to take the cover off 601) ...."
The word 'restraining' is NOT a noun. This scripture does NOT say the 'Restrainer.' This passage uses 'restraining' as a verb, an action word and as the definitions show, the restraining is done by 'self' the baffling backward wind (Is Satan not a spirit in opposition, backward, to God?). The only 'self' mentioned in this short passage of scripture is the mystery of lawlessness. He is restraining himself until the proper time is revealed, HIS time, the time of HIM, to come out of the middle of mankind and take the place of prominence which scripture describes. This agrees with the opening of the Seal Judgments; Jesus opens all seven, then the one restraining himself will come forward in his time.
Logically, it makes sense the Lawless One will step out of the midst of mankind and take center stage after the rapture removes the church from the earth and his visible/identifiable opposition is removed. With the church absent, this man will have no moral opposition to his plan. I simply want to make sure that anyone who hinges their belief in a pre-trib rapture on this passage has their thinking squared with scripture. The Lawless One comes to power because he deems the removal of the church as the proper time to be revealed. He does NOT reveal himself because the 'Restrainer,' the Holy Spirit, or church, is no longer here.
The word 'Restrainer' is NOT used in the ENTIRE Bible. It is a concept passed down only as tradition. This verse does NOT identify the Holy Spirit, or the Church, as a Restrainer who will be removed from the earth. God's Spirit stays on the earth to work in the lives of those who will submit to His conviction even after the church is raptured!
If God's Spirit were completely removed from the earth, it would be impossible for mere people to overcome the influence of Satan and ever come to Christ. You and I know how difficult it is to resist sin and temptation with the Spirit's help in a time NOTHING like the Tribulation. Do you think any mere person, as a result of their own strength is a match for Satan? If people could overcome Satan without the help of God's Spirit, why did Jesus need to die in the first place? If we could overcome Satan on our own, we could have kept the law!
So, this scripture does speak to a pre-tribulation rapture, but the truth of it needs to be understood as God intends. When the church is raptured, the time will be opportune for the man of lawlessness to come forward and confirm a covenant with the many, but this scripture has NOTHING to do with God's Spirit or the church being the ‘restrainer.’
Page 50. Next: The Ten Kings: Daniel 11:23: tells us ‘he (man of sin) shall come and be strong (to bind fast, to cause to be powerful, or numerous 6105) with a few people,’ which I believe will be the kings of Rev. 17:12. The covenant confirmation for Israel will include the construction of the third Temple and the resumption of animal sacrifices. Matthew 24:15, Daniel 8:13-14, and Daniel 9:27.
So, one of the first things the man of sin, beast with a little ‘b,’ will do is appoint these kings to help him rule the world. Rev. 17:12 tells us they reign with him the entire ‘hour’ of the tribulation. I believe these ten kings, named in Psalm 83, are the ‘many’ with whom the man of sin confirms a covenant. These are people who have never had kingdoms of their own. 17:2. The beast will want people who are not entrenched within their own power strongholds. For these reasons, it makes sense he will choose people who are new to this amount of power, as they will be far more compliant to his demands, as opposed to seeking personal agendas. These kings are of one mind and give their power and authority to the beast. 17:3. In other words, they will work on his behalf. With the assistance of these kings, the beast will battle sovereign nations to break their national boundaries and establish his dominance as world leader (13:7-8, 12, 16). He will cause unprecedented global political unrest as he rousts those who are entrenched with power, he will wage brutal wars against those who oppose him, and make mandatory changes in business and commerce. He will move the world to a single religion (Rev. 17:1-5/13:11-15, spoken of metaphorically), along with a one world government (Revelation 17:6-13, spoken of metaphorically), and a one world currency (this day and age, digital in nature, Revelation 13:16-17, spoken of metaphorically). Make no mistake, even though there are no judgments announced from heaven during Seal #7, the activity released by this man here on earth will be enormous and deadly to countless people the world over. He has spent his entire life, aided by the dark forces of this world (2 Thess. 2:9), building a covert empire which will come to fruition very quickly. Through his extensive, unholy network he will unleash a reign of terror upon the world which will only worsen midway through the tribulation, for the midpoint is the time at which Satan possesses his human body. Revelation 13:2.
Page 51. Covenant Confirmation: Daniel 9:27a: “And he shall confirm (to be strong, mighty, prevail 1396) a covenant (compact, confederacy, league 1285) with the many for one week…”
As I’ve stated, I believe the ‘many’ with whom the man of sin prevails by way of a compact/league is the ten kings chosen to assist him. It not coincidental the word ‘strong’ from Daniel 11:23 is defined by the Hebrew as ‘to bind fast, to cause to be powerful or numerous.’ 6105. While Daniel 11:23 tells us the man of sin will be strong with a few people, it appears as if context is the difference between ‘the few’ and ‘the many.’ For example, the Abraham Accord was only among three nations, so imagine getting ten regions, many kings, to agree on something. This compact/covenant will be with ‘the many’ for it is with ten kings, however, ten out of the entire world is but a few. I do think one of the ten will be from Israel, hence the sweet deal Israel gets in the covenant; the completion of the third temple and the resumption of animal sacrifices. Additionally, Psalm 83 tells us the kings, of which there are ten, cut a covenant against God.
I will concede there is a solid argument to be made that the ‘many’ could be the United Nations. This man is bent on global domination, so covenants with the leaders of so many different nations does make sense. Also, this would allow Israel a direct means of dictating the details of its specific covenant. This means the man of sin could break his promise to only Israel without making angry any of the 10 kings who assist him, or any other nation with its individual covenant.
Personally, though, I’m going with the kings as the definition of ‘many.’ While many people understand ‘confirm’ as the validation of an existing covenant, the Hebrew definition of ‘confirm’ indicates it is something new, not the extension of something already in existence. Would not the man of sin be a mere addendum to an existing covenant? How would he prevail if the covenant was not structured to his benefit?
Also, working out covenants with hundreds of countries would take years, years which do not exist at this point. One of the 10 kings will have Israel within his/her domain, might even be stationed in Israel, and, since the king works for the beast, he/she will say little to nothing when the beast breaks his promise. After all, there will be no reason Israel, Jerusalem specifically, can’t flourish after a promise to the Jews is broken.
At any rate, this covenant confirmation begins the countdown for the tribulation. The ‘hour’ of the trib. is 2,520 days in length. Not only does Daniel 9:27 tell us this, but Rev. 11:3 tells us the Two Witnesses Prophesy for 1,260 days, and Rev. 13:5 tells us the indwelled Beast reigns for another 1,260 days, or 42 months, after he kills the Witnesses. 1,260 X 2 = 2,520 days or 7 years on a Hebrew lunar calendar of 360 days.
Page 52. *** The Two Witnesses: Revelation 11:1-6: “And a reed like a staff was given to me, and the angels stood, saying, Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those worshipping in it. v. 2. And cast aside the outside court of the temple, and do not measure it. For it was given to the nations, and they will trample the holy city forty-two months. v. 3. And I will give to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy a thousand, two hundred and sixty days, dressed in sackcloth. v. 4. These are the two olive trees, and the two lampstands, standing before the God of the earth. v. 5. And if anyone desires to harm them, fire comes out of their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone desires to harm them, so it is right for him to be killed. v. 6. These have the authority to shut up the heaven, that no rain may rain in the days of their prophecy. And they have authority over the waters, to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire.”
Immediately following the covenant confirmation between the man of sin and the Many, the Two Witnesses appear in Jerusalem and begin to prophesy at the Temple site. 11:3. The Witnesses have the authority to close the heavens so rain cannot fall during the time of their prophesy. They can turn any or all water into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague as often as they wish. This means that both people who come to faith and those without faith in Christ will die during these plagues. 11:6. These deaths are in addition to the plagues sent by God, deaths caused by the Beast, collateral causes, etc. This is NOT going to be the peaceful time believed by most.
We know from this passage the witnesses prophesy for 1,260 days. v.3. The first half of the tribulation is 1,260 days. Because of this, we know the Two Witnesses must appear at the same time the man of sin confirms the covenant with Israel. Logically, they immediately follow the confirmation because, until the covenant with evil is confirmed, their appearance would have no purpose. As it is, they come to prophesy the Word of God, evangelizing anyone who will listen. Evidently, they are very effective because verse 13 tells us after their bodies ascend to heaven, and an earthquake hits Jerusalem, many people give glory to God. People would not give glory to God had they not listened to the Two Witnesses. The nations trample the city for 42 months, the exact length of time the witnesses prophesy.
Personally, and this is my opinion, I believe the Two Witnesses are Enoch and Elijah, the two people who set precedent for the rapture by leaving earth in human bodies. Gen. 5:21-24/Hebrews 11:5 and 2 Kings 2:11-12. Because they left in human form they can return as the Two Witnesses and still be killed by the Beast.
Page 53. Preaching Angel: Rev.14:6-7: “And I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, having an everlasting gospel to proclaim to those dwelling on the earth, even to every nation and tribe and tongue and people, v. 7. saying in a great voice, “Fear God, and give glory to Him, because the hour of His judgment has come; also, Worship Him who has made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”
“Has come” indicates past tense at the time of declaration. So, at this point, God’s judgment has already begun. Past tense agrees with Seal #6, that God’s wrath was unleashed during the Ezekiel 38/39 War.
“Hour of His judgment:” Here again, “Hour” is defined by the Greek as ‘literally or figuratively; a day, hour, instant or season.” 5610. Again, definition must be determined by context. 1 Peter 4:17 tells us God’s judgment begins with His house, those ‘in Christ’ as defined by 1 Thess. 4:16. That judgment happened at the rapture where some were permitted to leave with Jesus and others weren’t. This tells us this ‘hour’ of judgment is the figurative definition of a season because: First, we don’t know how much time passes between the rapture and the Ezekiel 38 War. Second, we don’t know how much time passes before the man of sin reveals himself. Third, we have no idea how much time passes between the man of sin’s appearance and the confirmation of the covenant. Nothing in scripture states God’s judgment is limited to the 2,520 days of the tribulation.
This angel preaches the gospel to those dwelling on the earth. (Malachi 3:16-18/Luke 21:35/2 Peter 2:9, and Rev. 3:10/6:10/11:10/13:8, 12, 14/14:6/17:8). “Fear God, and give glory to Him, because the hour of His judgment (a tribunal, by implication JUSTICE (specifically by divine law): accusation, CONDEMNATION, damnation 2920) has come;”
The Preaching Angel was also prophesied by Jesus in Matthew 24:14/Mark 13:10: “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the earth, for a testimony to all the nations; and then will come the end.”
Seal #5: Revelation 6:9-11: v.9. “And when He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls (animal sentient principle only 5590) of those having been slain for the word of God, and for the witness which they had. v. 10. And they cried with a great voice, saying, “Until when, holy and true Master, do You not judge and take vengeance for our blood, from those dwelling on the earth? v. 11. And there was given to each one a white robe. And it was said to them that they should rest yet a little time, until might be fulfilled also the number of their fellow-slaves and their brothers, those being about to be killed, even as they.””
Seal #5: Revelation 6:9-11. Martyrs cry out for vengeance. These are NOT people who are martyred during the tribulation. First, the text clearly states these martyrs have been waiting a long time. Anyone who dies for Christ during the tribulation won’t be dead long enough to even notice. In Revelation 3:10, Jesus describes the tribulation as an ‘hour’ of trial. So, the longest any tribulation saint would wait is an ‘hour’ of heaven time, IF they died on day one of the tribulation. Since these saints have been waiting such a long period of time, they cry out, “Until when…?” No one asks ‘when’ unless they’ve been waiting a long time. It’s obvious these souls are Old Testament Martyrs, people who gave their lives in defense of their faith in God.
Second, Hebrews 11:35-39 describes several ways the Old Testament saints died as martyrs for their faith in God. In Matthew 27:52, we learn these dead saints were resurrected in bodily form, just as the dead of the NT saints will be caught up to Jesus in bodily form at the rapture. “Bodies’ in this verse is defined by the Greek as “the body as a sound whole.” 4983. It is the same word, with the same definition, used in Luke 17:37 where we learn our bodies will be taken to where the eagles convene at the rapture, in complete agreement with 1 Thess. 4:13-17, Luke 24:50-51/Acts 1 9& 11, and Rev. 14:14-16.
Here’s the reason I’ve explained this: people refute the pretrib rapture stating it can’t happen because these martyred souls must be included in the rapture, meaning the rapture takes place after Seal #5, hence it can’t be pretrib. We just learned these OT saints have already been resurrected in the same bodily form as those who will be caught up to Jesus AT the rapture. Because of this amazing fact, these OT martyrs have no need to participate in the rapture! They already exist resurrected in heaven, in the exact form in which we will arrive in heaven once Jesus catches us up to Himself! Additionally, this agrees with Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1:9 & 11 that Jesus returns alone, the same way He left. This wouldn’t be possible if the Martyrs of Seal #5 accompany Jesus at the rapture. There is NOTHING in scripture which prevents a pretrib rapture; not when understood in a way which does not create contradiction in scripture. Once one recognizes the vital role language plays in the scriptures, it is easy to understand how all the parts fit together.
Third, God tells these souls they must wait until it ‘might be fulfilled also the number of their fellow-slaves and their brothers, those being about to be killed, even as they.” The underlined phrase is future tense, so it hasn’t yet happened. Those ‘being about to be killed’ ARE the tribulation saints. Clearly, this seal does NOT reference tribulation martyrs.
Page 55. Seal #2: *** 6:3-4: “And when He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, Come and see. v. 4. “And another horse went out, red. And it was given to the one sitting on it to take peace from the earth, and that they should slay one another. And a great sword was given to him.”
Rev. 4:7 tells us this seal is announced by the living creature which is a calf. It speaks of the red horse which represents war. War is a normal part of life the world over, but, here again, this is a literal global war. The only places which won’t be at war are those who drop their borders and welcome the man of sin and his one world government. Even though these nations are compliant, the man of sin will pull from their citizenry men and women to serve in his army as it advances against hold-out nations. Millions upon millions of people will die, Redeemed people right alongside those who aren’t Redeemed. But for two single plagues of the tribulation, scripture offers NO special protection to believers.
Verse 4 clearly tells us that the man of sin will take peace from the earth using a great sword. This is additional mimicry of Jesus when He comes to earth with a sword in His mouth. Revelation 19:14. Since Jesus opened Seal #2 at the same time He opened the others, this seal will appear when the man of sin tires with playing nice. From what I’ve learned while studying eschatology, and in MY OPINION, his tactics will change around day 220 of the tribulation. More info to come.
Seal #7: 8:1: “And when He opened the seventh seal, a silence occurred in heaven, about half an hour.”
There will be silence (hush, silence 4602) in (instrumentality, a relation of rest 1722) Heaven ‘about half an hour.’ We know that Seal #7 lasts for ‘about half an hour.’ We know from Revelation 17:12 the ten kings reign with the beast for one ‘hour.’ Jesus tells us in Revelation 3:10 He will deliver the church from the ‘hour of trial’ that will “come upon the habitable world in order to try those dwelling on the earth.” It’s pretty obvious this ‘hour’ is seven years long, so it stands to reason that ‘about half an hour’ is ‘about’ 3.5 years. As stated in the outline for the first half of the tribulation, this ‘about half an hour’ will be the actual first half of the tribulation plus the time Jesus spends opening the Seal Judgments through the covenant confirmation. Those in Christ, nor the marriage supper, will wait any discernible length of time while Jesus tends to the duty of opening the Seal Judgments.
This seal manifests once Jesus opens it, so there can be no additional plagues sent from heaven until this seal expires at mid-trib. That there is no noise in Heaven in the form of judgments does NOT mean there is no activity here on earth.
What will happen during this ‘about 3.5 years’ of heaven’s quiet time? The beast will continue to wage war with the help of the ten kings who do his bidding. Daniel 11:23. The False Prophet will usher in the one world government, one world religion, manufacture an image of the Beast, and mandate a one world currency.
Page 56. Desolation of the Temple: Day 220 of Tribulation: Matthew 24:15, Daniel 8:13-14, and Daniel 9:27:
These three scriptures give different details about the ‘abomination of desolation.’ In the middle of Matthew 24:15, Jesus makes this short simple statement: “the one reading, let him understand.” What follows are the three things I think Jesus meant when He made that statement.
First, the defilement of the Temple in Matt. 24:15 is NOT the same event as the literal, physical destruction of the Temple which happened in AD70. This event was described by Jesus in Matt. 24:2. This description of the physical destruction happens PRIOR to the disciples’ questions about the signs of end time events. Matt. 24:3. The questions from the disciples came later after a complete change of locale, 1.8 miles across the Kidron Valley from the east side of Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives. The separation in scripture is present for the reason of helping to distinguish between the two.
The desolation brought about by the abomination of Matt. 24:15 happens DURING the tribulation, AFTER the preaching angel of Rev. 14:6-7 is sent to preach the gospel to the entire world. The temple destruction spoken of in Matt. 24:15 is spiritual, NOT physical. The explanation of this statement is on its way.
Second, another destruction Jesus referenced when He said, “the one reading, let him understand,” is the abomination of desolation spoken of in Matt. 24:15 which references Dan. 8:11-14 and 9:27, 11:31.
Daniel 8:11-14: “Yea, he magnified himself even to the leader of the host (a mass of persons, lit. campaign, fig. hardship 6635). And the daily sacrifice was taken away by him, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. v. 12. And a host (fig. hardship 6635) was given with the daily sacrifice because of the transgression (revolt, rebellion 6588). And it threw the truth down to the ground; and it worked and prospered. v. 13. Then I heard a certain holy one speaking, and another holy one said to that one who spoke, “Until when is the vision, the regular sacrifice, and the desolating (to stun, devastate, fig. to stupefy 8074) transgression (revolt, rebellion 6588), to give both the sanctuary and the host (mass of persons 6635) to be trampled? v. 14. And he said to me, “For two thousand, three hundred evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be vindicated.”
Daniel 8:11: He, the man of sin “magnified himself to the leader of the host” means that he honored or boasted (1431) himself to the person in charge of the mass of people (the Jews), a high-ranking Jew, probably the high priest since it is placed in the context of temple sacrifices. That ‘his sanctuary is cast down’ refers to the sanctuary of the leader of the host (the temple), not the sanctuary of the one who magnified himself. This means the sanctuary of the Jews, the temple, is cast down.
Daniel 8:12: The ‘hardship was given with the daily sacrifice’ means the cessation of sacrifices is a hardship on the Jewish people. This ceasing of the sacrifices IS the devastating rebellion.
I can find no numerical reference to ‘it’ in Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon. ‘It’ is always included with the verb which follows, so I get only the definition of the verb. However, in 2 Thessalonians 2:7, we learn from the Greek Lexicon the definition of ‘it’ is ‘the mystery of lawlessness; the one holding back until ‘it’ comes from the midst of men. P. 45. Contextually, both verses speak of the man of sin, so the definition from the Greek should be transferrable to the OT scripture. In this verse, ‘it’ is the mystery of lawlessness which works and prospers.
Daniel 8:13: One ‘holy one’ asks another ‘holy one’ ‘until when is the vision?’ When will the regular sacrifice and stupefying rebellion happen? When will the sanctuary and host (mass of people, Jews) be trampled?
Three different questions are asked of this same event. If something is mentioned three times in scripture, it’s important.
Daniel 8:14: The only vindication the Temple will have from this revolt/rebellion is the second coming of Christ on day 2,520 of the tribulation. So, 2,520-2,300 days=220 days. This tells us the ceasing of sacrifices, the stupefying rebellion, will occur on day 220 of the tribulation. Once the rapture occurs, the Temple will be rebuilt very quickly. However, after a hiatus of nearly 2,000 years, the sacrifices will have barely resumed before the man of sin ceases them. That this rebellion by the man of sin happens so soon after the resumption of sacrifices is the reason it stuns and devastates the Jews, trampling them metaphorically. After all, their covenant with him had only begun! At this point, there are 6.39 years remaining in the tribulation.
This is the reason I think the red horse of war, Seal #2, will appear around this time. The man of sin is tired of playing nice, resorts to war, and desolates the temple by ceasing the sacrifices. Personally, I’d always wondered why the man of sin allowed the Jews to worship in the temple for the entire first half of the tribulation. After all, he is working his agenda to get the focus of every person upon himself, so why allow the Jews to subvert his mission? Now, I know the truth; he doesn’t allow it for 3.5 years. He allows it for only 220 days.
Daniel 9:27: “And he shall confirm a covenant with the many for one week. And in the middle of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease; and on the corner of the altar, desolating (to stun, devastate, fig. to stupefy 8074) abominations (disgusting, filthy, idolatrous 8251), even until the end. And that which was decreed shall pour out on the desolater.”
This abomination of desolation breaks down as follows: And he, the idol who is the man of sin because he is not yet indwelled by Satan, stupefies/stuns the host (Jews) when he lays to waste the Temple by ceasing regular/daily sacrifices. Without the sacrifices the Temple serves no purpose; hence, it is laid to waste.
The only aspect of this event which remains undiscussed is the covenant being broken in the middle of the week. “Middle” is defined by the Hebrew as “half or middle, part, two parts” 2677. Well, day 220 certainly isn’t the middle of the tribulation, but it does cut the tribulation into two parts. Two parts are not necessarily equal. This must be the definition in play or the math for the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14 does not work with the rest of end time scriptures.
That “on the corner of the altar, desolating abominations, even until the end,’ means the temple will be violated spiritually over and over. The sacrifices will never resume, and the stupefying idolatries will continue throughout the tribulation, until Christ vindicates it at the second coming, on day 2,520.
Third, yet another destruction Jesus referenced when He said, ‘the one reading, let him understand,’ happens in Daniel 11:36-38, Revelation 13:2-6 and 2 Thess. 2:3-4. Revelation 13:2-6 tells us AFTER the man of sin is indwelled by Satan, he sits on the throne in the Temple, declaring himself to be a god. None of these scriptures state anything about the ceasing of sacrifices. The omission of this detail, along with the differentiated day count, indicates the ‘ceasing of the sacrifices’ and the ‘throne sitting’ are not the same event.
This ‘throne sitting’ event takes place on day 1,260 of the tribulation. We know this because the newly indwelled Beast kills the Two Witnesses on day 1,260 and then reigns for 42 months, which is the second half of the tribulation (the second 3.5 years). Rev. 11:7-8 and 13:5. It also agrees with Rev. 12:6 that the Redeemed of Israel, who flee into the wilderness at the command of the angel in Rev. 18:4, are nourished in the wilderness for 1,260 days (3.5 years). Any other timing of this ‘throne sitting event’ prevents the math from working. When this event occurs, there are 3.5 years remaining in the trib.
Next: Also, Matthew 24:15: “And when you see the abomination (idolatry 946) of desolation (to lay to waste, come to nought (nothing) 2050/2049) which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing (to stand, various applications, literally or figuratively: abide, appoint, establish, set up… 2476) in the holy place-the one reading, let him understand-…”
So, when Jesus states, “when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place,” He means the stupefying idol which ceased the sacrifices on day 220, is now establishing/setting up in the holy place that he is a god on day 1,260. The throne sitting event can’t happen until the man of sin is killed and indwelled by Satan.
I can find NO other configuration of these events, the ceasing of the sacrifices, and the throne sitting event, given their respective day counts, which permits all end time scriptures to work without contradiction. This is the only order of events which makes the math work from both directions.
For instance, 2,300 mornings and evenings cannot be construed as 1,150 days (each morning and evening counted as a day) because 2,520 – 1,150 = 1,370. This means the temple is desolated on day 1,370 which places the desolating rebellion 110 days into the SECOND half of the tribulation. This leaves the Redeemed of Israel sheltering in the wilderness for 38.3 months, NOT the 42 months stated in scripture.
Neither can you place the 1,150 days on either end of the front half of the trib., at day 110 or day 1,150 because the 23 hundreth day of vindication given in Daniel 11:14 doesn’t work.
We know the throne sitting event doesn’t happen at the same time as the cessation of sacrifices because nearly all the tribulation remains (6.39 years); also, the math doesn’t work for the killing of the witnesses or the sheltering of the Redeemed in the wilderness. In other words, 6.39 years is not the same length of time as 3.5 years, so these events cannot be combined into a single occurrence.
Like I said, this is the only way the math works from both directions. When you understand scripture in such a way no contradiction is created, you have truth. It matters not how many people you upset, how much preaching you’ve heard to the contrary, or how incredible you find your new understanding. Either you trust the Bible, God’s inerrant word, or you don’t. God has taught me this profound priceless truth time and again.
The murder of the Two Witnesses and the indwelled Beast sitting on the throne in the Temple are the reason for the warning of Rev. 18:4, given by the angel, to the Redeemed of Israel, to flee and find shelter.
So, I understand, based on the scriptures I’ve shared here, Jesus’ statement, ‘the one reading, let him understand,’ is comprised of these parts: 1). The physical destruction of Matt. 24:2 is NOT the same as the spiritual damage done in Daniel 8:11-14 and 9:27 and Matthew 24:15, Revelation 13:2-6 and 2 Thess. 2:3-4. (2). The man of sin is responsible for ceasing the sacrifice on day 220, and 3). The indwelled Beast is the one who declares himself a god and sits on the throne of the temple on day 1,260, forcing the Redeemed of Jerusalem to flee. It sounds so straightforward when you summarize it in a tidy little paragraph, but without the descriptions provided in the scriptures, and working through the math, it is impossible to understand what Jesus truly meant.
Page 60. Summary on First Half of Tribulation: I’ve used 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3 and 2 Thess. 2:2-3, along with corresponding scriptures from the gospels, to explain the timeline of early end time events. First, is the rapture at the beginning of birth pains. Matt. 24:8/Luke 21:28, 36 and 1 Thess. 1:10 and 5:9, Rev. 3:10. Next, the falling away where those rejected by Jesus at the rapture will divorce their faith in Him, forever forfeiting their salvation. Then, people who remain on earth cry out, “Peace and Safety.” 1 Thess. 5:3. After that, sudden destruction, from which there is NO escape, 1 Thess. 5:3. This sudden destruction is the logistical/physical damage caused on the earth by the rapture, AND the spiritual damage of the falling away from the faith of those who were not permitted to leave in the rapture. After all, those who forfeit their salvation will not be leading anyone else to trust Jesus to save them. 2 Thess. 2:3/2 Peter 2:1. Anyone who enters the tribulation will endure to either the end of their life or the end of the trib. Matt. 24:13. Next, after an unspecified amount of time, Israel is invaded in the Ezekiel 38 War. Then, in response to the invasion of Israel, the opening of the Seal Judgments by Jesus. Rev. 6:1-17 and 8:1. Seal #4 manifests first because the wild beasts contained within it are the supernatural means through which God protects Israel. Both Seals 4 & 6 are the manifestation of God’s wrath. Next, after another indeterminate length of time, the man of sin rises to power. Rev. 6:1. As part of the first seal, the man of sin confirms the covenant with the many (ten kings) signaling the start of the tribulation Daniel 9:27. The covenant confirmation begins Daniel’s 70th week, THE tribulation, which lasts 2,520 days. This entire covenant period is referred to as an ‘hour’ in these scriptures: Rev. 3:10 and 17:12.
Part of the Israel’s covenant with the man of sin will include the completion of the third Temple in Jerusalem. The underground aspects of it are currently underway, so when the man of sin paves the way for the above ground portion, clearing all political obstacles which currently prevent its construction, it will be finished very quickly. Worship and sacrifices will resume in the Temple as they were performed in the Old Testament. Israel already has several blemish free, red heifers on standby, waiting for the moment sacrifices are permitted to resume. However, on day 220 of the tribulation, the man of sin will cease sacrifices in the Temple, breaking the covenant. The Temple will not be vindicated until Jesus returns at the second coming. That Jesus vindicates the temple is not to be understood as He sits on the throne of the temple. There is no scripture which states such a thing. It only means He puts a stop to the desolation caused by the Beast.
These ‘birth pains’ continue with the havoc and devastation brought upon the earth by the beast in his quest for world dominance. It will be horrible, and untold numbers of people will perish, but compared to what’s coming, this pain is limited and infrequent like early labor pains.
As the first 3.5 years come to fruition, the beast’s grip on world dominance will tighten several times over. Things on earth will get increasingly difficult as tyranny quickly strangles mankind, as freedoms work their way toward extinction. Lawlessness will increase and, without the church or any moral compass, every conceivable wickedness will enjoy its hey-day. Resources necessary for life quickly disappear and will not be replaced.
Just prior to the 3.5 year point, the beast will receive a fatal blow to the head (Rev. 13:3). He will be resurrected by Satan who gives him all authority (13:4). He is now the indwelled Beast, whom many call the Antichrist. He battles the Two Witnesses, killing them on day 1,260 of the trib. (11:7). On the same day Satan uses the Beast as a mouthpiece to blaspheme God (13:2-6; 2 Thess. 2:3-4) while sitting on the throne of the Temple. Next, the Beast is given authority to war with God’s saints, Rev. 13:7 chasing Redeemed Jews into the wilderness, where he will be defeated by God. Rev. 12:14-17. Angry, the Beast returns to make war with the rest of God’s saints, the Gentile Redeemed Rev. 12:6, 14-17, to rule the world and be worshiped by it (13:7-8), implementing his mark.
Revelation End Time Events: Table of Contents
Page Topic
1. Introduction
3. Revelation 12
7. Revelation 17:1-13 Mystery of Babylon/Great Harlot
11. Summary of Rev. 17:1-13
12. Revelation 4 Praise to Jehovah and the Holy Spirit
17. Revelation 5 Praise to Jesus
20. Sequence of Events: Birth Pains
21. Sidebar: Rapture
22. Rapture
29. Summary of Rapture
31. Falling Away
32. Sidebar: Holy Spirit
34. Outline of Ezekiel 38/39 War and Seal Judgments
36. Closer Look at Ezekiel War
38. Introduction to the Seal Judgments
38. 144,000 Evangelists
42. Seal #4
43. Seal #6
45. Seal #3
46. Seal #1
46. Man of Sin Introduction
49. Sidebar: The ‘Restrainer’
50. The Ten Kings
51. Covenant Confirmation
52. The Two Witnesses
53. Preaching Angel and Seal #5
54. Seal #5
55. Seal #2
55. Seal #7
56. Desolation of the Temple
60. Summary of the First Half of the Tribulation
61. Marriage Supper
62. False Prophet
63. Great Tribulation/Resurrected Beast, Man of Sin, Part B
65. Death of the Two Witnesses
66. Beast on the Throne
66. Revelation 18: 1-5 Consequences of Apostasy
67. Flight of the Redeemed/Resurrection of the Two Witnesses
68. Satan’s War on Redeemed Gentiles
69. Mark of the Beast
70. Tribulation Martyrs
70. Delusion Sent by God
71. Introduction to Trumpet Judgments
72. Trumpet #1
72. Revelation 18:9-20
74. Trumpet #2
74. Trumpet #3
74. Introduction to Bowl Judgments
75. Preparation for Bowl Judgments, Revelation 15:1, 5-8, 16:1
76. Bowls #1, #4,
77. Bowls #5, #6, #2, and #3
78. Bowl Judgment #7
79. Trumpet #4
79. Trumpet #5
80. Trumpet #6
81. Revelation 10
83. Revelation 16:15-16, also page 90.
84. Second Coming
91. Sidebar: Why Tribulation Saints Do Not Return with Jesus at the Second Coming
93. Outline of Matthew 13:30 Harvest
93. Trumpet #7
97. Gathering of Tares: Extended Explanation
98. Sidebar on Revelation 14:17-20
99. Gathering of Wheat: Extended Explanation
99. Summary of Second Coming
101. Battle of Jerusalem
102. God’s Wrath: The Plague Against Those Who Fought Against Jerusalem
103. Beast and False Prophet Into the Lake of Fire/Dragon Into the Abyss
104. Sheep/Goat Judgment
107. Bema Seat
111. Destruction of Jerusalem
113. Millennial Kingdom
114. Final End Time Battle
115. Jesus Relinquishes His Rule
115. Great White Throne Judgment
117. Revelation 21: New Heavens and New Earth
119. Revelation 22: Summary of the Book of Revelation/Final Warnings and Encouragement
Page 61. Marriage Supper Takes Place in Heaven As the Tribulation Rages on Earth: I place the marriage supper at the start of God’s judgment upon the earth, just after Jesus opens the seal judgments, for two reasons: First, Rev. 19:6-10 indicates the marriage supper happens before the second coming described in 19:11-21. Second, that there is silence (hush 4602) in (instrumentality, a relation of rest 1722) Heaven for ‘about half an hour’ references silence in heaven with regard to earth. It can’t mean total complete silence
for every reason or the ceaseless praise (Rev. 4:8-10) of the 24 elders and the four living creatures would cease and scripture would contradict itself. This means those ‘in Christ’ will have their celebration, and it will not be confined to the ‘silence’ of seal seven.
Revelation 19:6-10: “And I heard as a sound of a numerous crowd, and as a sound of many waters, and as a sound of strong thunders, saying, Hallelujah! Because the Lord God Almighty reined. v. 7. Let us rejoice and let us exult, and we will give glory to Him, because the marriage of the Lamb came, and His wife prepared herself. v. 8. And it was given to her that she be clothed in fine linen, pure and bright for the fine linen is the righteousnesses of the saints. v. 9. And He says to me, “Write: Blessed are the ones having been called to the supper of the marriage of the Lamb.” And he says to me, “These words of God are true.” v. 10. And I fell before his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “Behold! Stop! I am your fellow slave, and of your brothers, having the testimony of Jesus. Worship God. For the testimony (evidence 3141) of Jesus is the spirit (breath or breeze 4151) of prophecy (prediction 4394).”
More praise to God, this time because the ‘marriage of the Lamb CAME, and His wife PREPARED herself. The actual marriage of the Lamb ‘came’ when each Believer found salvation in Jesus. “And His wife prepared herself,’ is a reference to the guarding of our salvation through faith. 1 Peter 1:4-5, overcoming the world by the blood of the Lamb. Colossians 3:1-3. The bride is clothed in fine linen which represents the righteousness of the saints. Blessed are those ‘HAVING BEEN CALLED’ to the supper of the marriage of the Lamb” indicates that the marriage supper v.9. has already happened by the time Jesus returns to earth, hence its placement here.
“Worship God. For the testimony (evidence 3141) of Jesus is the spirit (breath or breeze 4151) of prophecy (prediction 4394).” This sentence means that God is to be worshiped because Jesus is the evidence that the prophecies of God’s spirit are true. Jesus’ fulfillment of every OT prophesy is proof every NT prophesy He made will also be fulfilled. This is the very reason we can trust Jesus to keep His promise to deliver us unto salvation, whether it’s at the rapture, or for those who miss it, at the second coming.
Page 62. False Prophet, Simultaneous With Marriage Supper: Revelation 13:11-14: “And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. And it had two horns like a lamb but spoke like a dragon. v. 12. And it executes all the authority of the first beast before it. And it causes that the earth and those dwelling in it should worship the first beast, of which was healed its deadly wound. v. 13. And it does great signs, that even fire it causes to come down out of the heaven onto the earth before men. v. 14. And it deceives those dwelling on the earth, because of the signs which were given to it to do before the beast, saying to those dwelling on the earth to make an image to the beast who has the wound of the sword and lived.”
Scripture gives this beast the name of ‘False Prophet’ in Revelation. 16:13; 19:20; and 20:10. A ‘prophet’ is one who proclaims the will of god. This prophet is false because he serves a false god. This prophet will proclaim the will of the Beast who declares himself a god as he desecrates the Temple. This second beast, false prophet, is a metaphorical representation of the one world religion which is put in place so that the first beast will be worshipped. v. 13. As I stated at the beginning of this paper, I believe this religion is Satanism. Doesn’t it make sense Satan will worship himself? Isn’t standing in the temple declaring himself a god the very act of worshipping himself? This false prophet has all the authority of the first beast v. 12. It does great signs, even pulling fire down from heaven, and uses these signs to deceive those dwelling on earth. The false prophet makes an image of the first beast and gives it the ability to speak and to kill those who refuse to worship the first beast. v. 13-15. The false prophet requires every person in the world to accept a mark of the number of the first beast on their right hand or forehead. Globally, any person who does not have this mark cannot buy or sell anything. v. 16-17. The number of the name of the first beast is 666. v. 17-18.
I can’t say for certain if this is correct, but it is commonly accepted among Bible scholars this false prophet is the pope of the Roman Catholic Church. It makes perfect sense. The pope sits atop a vast financial empire and singularly controls multitudes of people the world over. This partially explains how the man of sin/beast can come to power so quickly with incredible resources at his disposal. The rest of the explanation lies in the support of the world’s wealthiest Free Masons.
The False Prophet will enforce the mandate to worship the beast using signs and wonders to deceive people.
Page 63. Great Tribulation: Second Half of Seven Years; the silence of Seal #7 ends. We know the second half of the tribulation lasts an additional 1,260 days/42 months because Daniel 9:27 and Revelation 13:5 tell us. Matthew 24:21/Isaiah 10 speak of the ‘great affliction.’ The second half of the tribulation is referred to as the Great Tribulation because, not only are the effects of Seals 1-3 still in place, Seal 4 could also still be in play. I can’t say for certain based on scripture. Regardless, the plagues of the Trumpet and Bowl Judgments will be added to them. Once the Two Witnesses are killed, the plagues they brought to bear will cease, but Jesus called the second half of the tribulation ‘great affliction’ for a reason.
Next: Resurrected Beast Revelation 17:8: “The beast which you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and goes to perdition. And those dwelling on the earth will marvel, the ones whose names have not been written on the Scroll of Life from the foundation of the world, seeing the beast, that it was a thing, and is not, yet now is.”
Just prior to the end of the first half of the tribulation, the man of sin will be killed. Scripture does say he dies by a sword wound to the head (Rev. 13:3, 14), but does not say by whom. This scripture references the first beast before he was killed by a wound to the head, (beast who was), and is not (the time he spent dead), and is about to come up out of the abyss (his resurrection where he is indwelled by Satan), and goes to perdition (his eventual damnation). His death must happen just prior to the mid-point of the tribulation because that is when the beast is resurrected and indwelled. This death, burial (Rev. 11:7 tells us he goes to the abyss), and resurrection is just one of the ways Satan mimics Jesus.
The first beast’s resurrection from the dead will do much to deceive those living on earth. When they see him rise from the dead, they will follow him into hell. Literally.
Man of sin/Beast Part B (With a Capitol “B”): Revelation 13:1-6: “And I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten diadems. And on its heads names of blasphemy. v. 2. And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and its feet as of a bear, and its mouth as a lion’s mouth. And the dragon gave its power to it, and its throne, and great authority. v. 3. And I saw one of its heads, as having been slain to death, and its deadly wound was healed. And all the earth marveled after the beast. v. 4. And they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast; who is able to make war with it?” v. 5. And a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies was given to it. And authority to act forty-two months was given to it. v. 6. And it opened its mouth in blasphemy toward God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, and those tabernacling in Heaven.”
In Revelation 13:1-2 we are given the metaphorical description of this ‘beast.’ It has seven heads with blasphemies written on them. These heads represent seven kingdoms which have oppressed God’s people through the millennia; Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Meado-Persia, Greece, Rome and the forthcoming Anglo-American. This list makes sense as America is the final holdout for the persecution/execution of people due to its Judeo-Christian foundation.
The beast, described metaphorically in Revelation 13:1-10, has the body like a leopard. Leopards come in three colors, spotted, clouded and black (panthers). There is an argument to be made for any of the three. The spotted version could be a metaphor for his ability to stand out among the mass of humanity because this man will be singular in many ways. OR, the black version could represent the evil he embodies. He is nothing but evil, even prior to possession by Satan. He is after all, working in the spirit of the antichrist which by definition is ‘against the Messiah.’ Clouded certainly applies because he will be clouded in mystery and deceit. Either way, his body is like that of a cat and we all know how good cats are at landing on their feet regardless of what comes at them.
He will have the feet of a bear. When you compare bear paws to the paws of other animals the difference becomes obvious. Bears are the only animal with five toes on each foot, like a human, and their claws are twice as long as any other animal. Personally, I think the ten toes represent the 10 kingdoms and the claws represent the damage which will be done by these kingdoms. This world will be gutted by the time the man of sin/beast is done establishing world dominance.
This beast is also described as having the mouth of a lion. A lion can open its mouth up to 11 inches. This ability gives them one of the biggest bite capacities in the entire animal kingdom. They have three kinds of teeth; the smallest at the front are used for gripping prey. The four biggest are as long as 2.75 inches and are used for ripping skin and tearing meat from the bone of its victim. The sharpest teeth are located in the back of a lion’s mouth and act like scissors to cut the meat of its prey.
God chose these animals to describe the appearance and abilities of the man of sin for a reason. This man will be unparalleled in his ability to dominate and destroy those who get in his way.
In Revelation 13:3 it’s stated the beast recovered from a mortal head wound, making a distinction between the beast prior to the head wound, and after the wound is healed and he is indwelled by Satan. The man who is the man of sin will look the same as the indwelled Beast, except for a scar on his head. Here’s my rationale:
First, Revelation 17:12 tells us that the beast gives authority to ten kings who will reign with him for one ‘hour.’ In fact, Daniel 11:23 tells us ‘he shall come and be strong with a few people.’ In Revelation 3:10, Jesus called the tribulation the ‘hour of trial.’ So, the ‘hour’ is the entire 7-year period of the tribulation. So, if these ten kings reign for one hour, or the entire tribulation with the man of sin, he must also be the indwelled Beast.
Second, 2 Thessalonians 2:9 tells us that the man of sin/lawlessness “comes in accordance to the working of Satan,” (1 John 4:3) AND he will “have powers, miracles and lying wonders.” These are abilities this human man will have prior to being indwelled by Satan. At the 3.5 year mark, his abilities go to a whole new level because it is at this point he is possessed by Satan. Rev. 13:2. We know the beast is a human because Revelation 13:18 tells us that the number of the beast is the number of a man, NOT some supernatural being. So, the beast is a man BEFORE being indwelled by Satan remains a man AFTER being indwelled by Satan.
The Bible makes only one distinction between the man of sin and the Beast; the man of sin is ‘prior to’ and the Beast is ‘after’ the indwelling of Satan. Now that the man of sin/beast has been indwelled by Satan, I will refer to him as Beast, with a capital ‘B.’
Page 65. Beast kills the Two Witnesses in Jerusalem on day 1,260.
Revelation 11:7-10: “And when they complete their witness, the beast coming up out of the abyss will make war with them, and will overcome them, and will kill them. v. 8 And their bodies will be on the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom, and Egypt-where our Lord was crucified. v. 9. And some from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will see their dead bodies three days and a half; and they do not allow their dead bodies to be put in tombs. v. 10. And those living on the earth will rejoice over them and will make merry. And they will send one another gifts, because these two prophets tormented those living on the earth.”
Tribulation mid-point is day #1,260, the day the fatally wounded beast is resurrected, and indwelled by Satan. After his resurrection, he battles and kills the Two Witnesses, and reigns in tyranny for 42 months, 13:5 which is another 1,260 days. I think God measures the passage of time in Revelation in days, as opposed to years and half years, because counting days eliminates the consideration of leap years and greatly simplifies the complex Hebrew calendar, as well as the events of this complex book.
Page 66. Indwelled Beast Sits on the Throne in the Temple on day 1,260. Daniel 11:36, 37b, Revelation 13:2b, 5-6 and 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.
Daniel 11:36, 37b: “And the king shall do according to his will. And he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god; he shall even speak marvelous thing against the God of gods…. v. 37b. For he shall magnify himself above all.”
Revelation 2b: “And the dragon gave its power to it, and its throne,..”
Revelation 13:5-6: “And a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies was given to it. And authority to act forty-two months was given to it. v. 6. And it opened its mouth in blasphemy toward God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, and those tabernacling in Heaven.”
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4: “Do not let anyone deceive you in any way, because that Day will not come unless first comes the falling away, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, the one opposing and exalting himself over everything being called God, or object of worship, so as for him to sit in the temple of God as God, showing himself that he is a god.”
Page 66. Revelation 18: Consequences of Apostasy (Whoredom):
Revelation 18:1: “And after these things, I saw another angel coming down out of Heaven having great authority, and the earth was lighted up from his glory.”
18: 2-3: “And he cried in a strong, great voice , saying, Babylon has fallen! It has fallen, and it has become a dwelling place of demons, and a prison of every unclean sprit, and a prison of every unclean bird, even having been hated: v. 3. because of the wine of the anger of her fornication which all the nations have drunk, even the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her; and the merchants of the earth became rich from the power of her luxury.”
This is a warning from heaven that Israel/Jerusalem harbor nothing but evil. For nearly 3.5 years, Israel will have flourished because of its covenant with evil. Israel has fallen apostate from God in every conceivable way.
18:4-5: “And I heard another voice out of Heaven saying, “My people, come out of her, that you may not share in her sins, and that you may not receive of her plagues; v. 5. Because her sins joined together, even up to Heaven, and God remembered her unjust deeds.”
This is God’s call to the Jews who accepted Jesus as Savior during the first half of the tribulation, to flee as Jesus described in Matthew 24:16, Mark 13:14, and Revelation 12:14. Matthew 24:17-20, Mark 13:15-19 are general warnings for obedience when told to flee.
This command to flee is the first of two given in scripture. This one is placed midtrib because the voice commands flight so that Redeemed Jews will NOT receive the plagues due Israel. It is only at midtrib multiple plagues remain. No plagues of the tribulation remain at the second coming.
This command to flee applies to only those in Israel or close vicinity because the Beast goes after Redeemed Jews, who are, of course, concentrated in Jerusalem and the nearby area (Judea). Many people believe these Messianic Jews will flee to Petra, a fortified, rose colored, rock city in the Jordanian wilderness. I’ve even read, in years past, that a myriad of Christian businessmen have stocked Petra with the supplies needed by the saints as they wait for Jesus to return at the second coming.
This removal of God’s saints leaves behind in Jerusalem those who continue to DISbelieve. They remain behind because they are hard-hearted, stiff-necked people who refuse to yield to Jehovah God.
The Jews will flee before the first trumpet is blown (18:4, ‘that you may not receive her plagues) and God continues to rain His wrath down on the earth in Trumpet #1. (8:7).
Page 67. Flight of the Redeemed: in agreement with Rev. 8:4-5, Revelation 12:14-17: “And two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, that she might fly into the wilderness, to her place, where she is nourished there a time, and times, and half a time, away from the serpent’s face. v. 15. And the serpent threw water out of his mouth like a river after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried off by the river. v. 16. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed the river which the dragon threw out of his mouth. v. 17. And the dragon was enraged over the woman and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, those keeping the commandments of God, and having the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
12:14. “Two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman,” is a metaphor that God pulls the Redeemed of Israel out of Jerusalem, telling them to flee to the wilderness. 18:4.
12:15. Rev. 17:15 tells us ‘the waters’ are nations of people. In hopes of annihilating them, Satan sends an army after the Redeemed Jews who flee Jerusalem.
12:16. Is also prophetic in that God will use supernatural powers to protect the newly redeemed of Israel against advancing armies. It sounds as if a giant crack will open in the earth and swallow the army of Satan.
12:17. The dragon will be so angry that it can’t get to the tribulation redeemed of Israel it will turn its attention back toward Gentile believers who are alive at this time.
Some of these verses use the word ‘serpent’ (a snake, a malicious person 3789) and others use the word ‘dragon’ (a fabulous kind of serpent, to fascinate 1404). The use of these words describes the tandem effort of the man of sin and the indwelled Beast whom most people call the Antichrist.
Two Witnesses: Are resurrected and raptured on day 1,263.5. Rev. 11:11-13: “v. 11. And after three days and a half, a spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood on their feet. And great fear fell on the ones beholding them. v. 12. And they heard a great voice out of Heaven saying to them, Come up here. And they went up into the heaven in the cloud. And their enemies saw them. v. 13. And in that hour a great earthquake occurred, and the tenth part of the city fell. And there were killed in the earthquake seven thousand names of men. And the rest became terrified and gave glory to the God of Heaven.”
After 3.5 days, the Two Witnesses are resurrected and told to ‘Come up here’ after which they go to heaven in a cloud as their enemies watch them leave. This can’t happen until after the completion of Seal #7 because the command, “Come up here” would violate the silence of Seal #7. In that hour, a massive earthquake strikes during which one tenth of Jerusalem is destroyed 11:13 and seven thousand people are killed.
Page 68. Satan’s War on Redeemed Gentiles: Satan returns defeated from his attempt to kill redeemed Jews, to make war with the ‘rest’ of the woman’s seed,” and implements the Mark of the Beast, a pledge of loyalty required from everyone so they might buy and sell.
Revelation 13:7-10: “v. 7. And it was given to it to war with the saints, and to overcome them. And authority was given to it over every tribe and tongue and nation. v. 8. And all those dwelling in the earth will worship it, those of whom the names was not been written in the Scroll of Life of the Lamb having been slain, from the foundation of the world. v. 9. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. v. 10. If anyone gathers captivity, into captivity he goes. If anyone will kill by a sword, by a sword he must be killed. Here is the patience and faith of the saints.”
This is a warning from God that any behavior on behalf of a saint which takes another person captive or kills (defined by the Greek as ‘kill outright, put to death 615) another person will be visited back onto the Believer. This is God saying the tribulation is not a behavioral free for all. Consequences are still in play. Since this warning is placed in the context of the 42-month reign of the Beast, I place it here.
Revelation 14:8: “And another angel followed saying, “The great city, Babylon, has fallen, has fallen; because of the wine of the anger of her fornication, she made all nations to drink.”
Revelation 14:9-13: “And a third angel followed them, saying in a great voice, If anyone worships the beast and its image, and receives a mark on his forehead, or in his hand, v. 10. He also shall drink of the wine of the anger of God having been mixed undiluted in the cup of His wrath. And he will be tormented by fire and brimstone before the holy angels and before the Lamb. v. 11. And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. And those worshiping the beast and its image have no rest night and day, even if anyone receives the mark of its name. v. 12. Here is the patience of the saints; here are the ones keeping the command of God,
and faith of Jesus. v. 13. And I heard a voice out of heaven saying to me, Write: Blessed are the dead, the ones dying in the Lord from now. Yes, says the Spirit, they shall rest from their labors, and their works will follow with them.”
The patience (endurance 5281) of the saints is the refusal of the mark. They must endure the tribulation without the relative comforts this mark brings. This is the endurance of which Matthew 24:13 speaks. These martyrs are blessed because they are home with Jesus and will no longer be subject to the horrors of this world.
Page 69, Mark of the Beast: Revelation 13:15-18: “And was given to it to give a spirit to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak, and might cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. v. 16. And the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the freemen and the slaves, it causes that they give to them all a mark on their right hand, or on their foreheads. v. 17. even that not any could buy or sell, except the one having the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of its name. v. 18. Here is wisdom: Let the one having reason count the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man-and its number is six hundred and sixty-six.”
Matthew 24:13, Mark 13:13, Luke 21:18, Daniel 12:13: these scriptures speak of the tribulation saints who endure to the end.
Matthew 24:11, 23-27, Mark 13:5-6, 21-22, Luke 21:8, and Revelation 13:14: these scriptures speak about the many false prophets who will work to deceive those on the earth.
Matthew 24:9-10, Mark 13:9-13, Luke 21:12-17 and Revelation 13:15: these scriptures speak to betrayal by family members, defending the faith before authorities, and being killed by the Beast.
Page 70. Tribulation Martyrs: Rev. 15:2-4: “And I saw, as a glassy sea having been mixed with fire. And the ones overcoming the beast, and its image, and its mark, of the number of its name, were standing on the glassy sea, having harps of God. v. 3. And they sing the song of Moses the slave of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty, righteous and true are Your ways, king of the saints. v. 4. Who will not fear You, Lord, and glorify Your name? For You only are holy. For all the nations will come and will worship before You, because Your righteousnesses were made known.”
The people spoken of in this passage are martyred tribulation saints. We know this because they overcame the beast and its mark and the number of its name. They are separate from those spoken of in Rev. 7:13-17, the non-martyred tribulation saints. This passage tells us the tribulation saints will go to heaven (where else does one possess the ability to stand on a glassy sea while holding a harp of God?) when their lives are taken here on earth. This is the “blessing” 14:13 speaks of; the martyrs who die go to heaven being greatly blessed because they no longer endure the tribulation. Once in heaven, they will sing songs of praise to God and to Christ. It appears as if they spend all their time offering praises. This is not a complete number of saints, just instruction on where the martyred tribulation saints go after they die for Jesus. This passage says nothing about them partaking in the marriage supper. I find nothing in scripture which states such a thing. Since the tribulation is more than half over, the marriage supper may already be complete. After all, between the completion of the marriage supper and the departure of Jesus and His armies from heaven, time will have been spent preparing for the return to earth.
The state of the dead tribulation saints is discussed on pages 90-92.
Page 70. Delusion From God: 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12: “His coming is according to the working of Satan in all power and miracles and lying wonders, v. 10. And in all deceit of unrighteousness in those being lost because they did not receive the love of the truth in order for them to be saved. v. 11. And because of this, God will send to them a working of error, for them to believe the lie, v. 12. That all may be judged, those not believing the truth, but who have delighted in unrighteousness.”
The way I understand this short passage is that those who refuse to submit to Jesus as Savior, those who are lost to salvation, are those to whom God sends the delusion. Because they refuse salvation, they will succumb to the mark of the beast. Once they take it, God gives them over to this delusion so they cannot change their minds. They will not find regret for their choice to take the mark until Gods sends them to hell. God does NOT send a delusion to anyone who is not already lost to salvation. v. 10. If the delusion is sent prior to the mark, it subverts one’s individual free will, rendering the warning of Rev. 14:9-11 irrelevant.
Revelation 18: 6-8: “Give back to her as she also gave back to you, and double to her double, according to her works. In the cup which she mixed, mix to her double. v. 7. By what things she glorified herself, and luxuriated, by so much give back to her torment and mourning. Because she says in her heart, “I sit as a queen, and I am not a widow; and I do not see mourning at all.” v. 8. Because of this, in one day her plagues shall come; death, and mourning, and famine; and she will be consumed with fire, for the Lord God judging her is strong.”
God is calling for Jerusalem to receive a double portion of the pain and suffering she handed out to others without any conscience, while luxuriating in her status as false royalty. In ‘one day her plagues shall come’ signifies the silence from Seal #7 is over and her plagues resume with the first Trumpet Judgment.
Page 71. Introduction to Trumpet Judgments: From reading the text of these judgments, I cannot determine, with a couple of exceptions, Trumpets #1 and #5, how much time separates the release of these plagues. I only know 14 of them remain and will be released over the next 3.5 years. I find nothing in scripture which states the damage caused by any singular plague ceases at the onset of the next. Matthew 24:8 indicates the damage is cumulative; birth pains increase in duration and intensity. Birth pains do not wane as delivery approaches.
Revelation 8:2: “And I saw the seven angels who stood before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.”
This simple sentence is John continuing the vision. This verse pics up right were 8:1 left off with the opening of Seal #7, the ‘about half an hour of silence.’
Revelation 8:3-4: “And another angel came and stood on the altar, having a golden censer. And many incenses were given to him, that he give them with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne. v. 4. And the smoke of the incenses went up with the prayers of the saints out of the hand of the angel before God.”
In chapter 5, I explained why I thought the saints in play could not be tribulation saints; because the tribulation hadn’t begun. Now, after the mid-point of the tribulation, and after the angel in Revelation 14:9-13 warned the people of the world about taking the mark of the beast, those who do NOT receive the mark of the beast are those who will be hunted and killed. In this scripture, it IS the prayers of these hunted saints which goes to God in heaven.
Revelation 8: 5: *** “And the angel has taken the censer and has filled it from the fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth; and sounds, thunders, lightnings and earthquakes occurred.”
People die in earthquakes, both Believers and unbelievers.
Revelation 8:6: “And the seven angels having the seven trumpets prepared themselves, that they might trumpet.”
Page 72. Trumpet Judgment #1: Revelation 8:7 *** “And the first angel trumpeted. And hail and fire mixed with blood occurred. And it was cast onto the earth; and the third part of the trees was burned; and all green grass was burned.”
This is the first judgment since the conclusion of the ‘silence’ of Seal #7. This judgment is poured out onto the entire earth, NOT just Jerusalem. Chapter 18:10 indicates this judgment lasts only one literal hour, but the damage is catastrophic.
Page 72. Revelation 18:9-10: “And the kings of the earth will weep for her, and will wail over her, those having fornicated and having luxuriated with her, when they see the smoke of her burning; v. 10. Standing from afar because of the fear of her torment, saying, “Woe! Woe to the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour your judgment came.”
After Israel confirms its covenant with the man of sin, it luxuriates in unprecedented wealth and power, so for the first 3.5 years of the tribulation, Jerusalem flourishes. These kings will watch her burn as the first trumpet is blown, unleashing hail and fire upon her. 8:7. They will watch from a distance, lamenting her demise. I believe the ‘hour’ spoken of in verse 10 is literally an
hour (lit. or figuratively 5610) because it speaks to the SPECIFIC event of Jerusalem burning, indicating this hour is NOT the entire tribulation period. The verse says ‘in one hour’ not ‘at one hour.’
These verses describe how the kings of the earth will mourn the loss of their money-making machine, Jerusalem.
That the kings weep over the judgment of Jerusalem can’t happen at the second coming because these kings lament from a distance. Zechariah 14 tells us Jesus gathers the nations at Jerusalem, which cannot happen from a distance. Additionally, it makes no sense these verses reference the second coming because, at the second coming, no one on this earth will have anything on their mind except the arrival of Jesus; “…all the tribes will wail and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and much glory.” Matthew 24:30. They will not have time or inclination to mourn over Jerusalem when Jesus arrives at the second coming. Their time and attention will be focused on His arrival and His directive to attack Jerusalem. Zechariah 14:1-2.
Revelation 18:11-16: “And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, because no one buys their cargo any more, v. 12. cargo of gold, and silver, and of precious stone, and of pearls, and of fine linen, and of purple, and of silk, and of scarlet, and of all thyine wood, and every ivory vessel, and every vessel of very precious wood, and of bronze, and of iron, and of marble, v. 13. And cinnamon, and incenses, and ointment, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine meal, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and of bodies and souls of men. v. 14. And the ripe fruits of the lust of your soul went away from you, and all the fat things, and the bright things went away from you, and you will find them no more, not at all. v. 15. The merchants of these things, the ones being enriched from her, will stand from afar because of the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning. v. 16. And saying, “Woe! Woe to the great city having been clothed in linen and purple and scarlet, and having been gilded with gold and precious stone, and pearls!”
This must happen midtrib because weeping from afar at the second coming isn’t possible; at the second coming Jesus collects the armies of the nations of the world AT Jerusalem not afar
from her. Here, the kings lament from afar because they want no part of her torment. This can’t happen at the second coming because everyone shares in the torment when Christ returns to earth.
God goes on to explain how the wealth of Israel/Jerusalem will be lost. The loss will cover every aspect of the economy. In my opinion, Jesus showed John horses and chariots because they were signs of wealth while he lived on this earth. I could be wrong. It’s possible, by the mid-point of the tribulation, resources are so depleted mankind has been pushed back to the ‘horseand chariot’ era. It’s also possible Jesus spoke of horses and chariots because showing John automobiles, helicopters and tanks, could have derailed the Revelation with numerous questions. I can’t be sure of the reason. I simply don’t find that scripture specifies.
Revelation 18:17-19: “For in one hour such great wealth was desolated. And every ship-pilot and all company on the ships, and sailors, and as many as work the sea, stood from afar. v. 18. And cried out, seeing the smoke of her burning, saying, “What is like the great city? v. 19. And they threw dust on their heads, and cried out, weeping and mourning, saying, “Woe! Woe! to the great city, by which all those having ships in the sea were rich, from her costliness, because in one hour she was ruined.”
Sailors also lament the demise of their money-making metropolis. This short passage states two additional times the demise of Jerusalem takes only an hour. That is how powerful God’s judgment will be. It is not only kings who will weep over her death, but merchants, and people who make their wage from the sea will also lament the fall of Jerusalem. I do not believe the damage of Trumpet #1 is limited to only the city of Jerusalem as Luke 21:35, Rev. 3:10 and 16:14 tells us the damage of the tribulation comes upon the entire world. I believe scripture is telling us that the damage of Trumpet #1 is limited to only one literal hour the world over.
Revelation 18:20: “Rejoice over her, Heaven, and the holy apostles, and the prophets, because God judged your punishment on her.”
In verse 20, Heaven, the apostles and the prophets rejoice over the demise of Jerusalem because God gave her the punishment which would have been theirs if Jesus hadn’t redeemed them. At the conclusion of Trumpet #1, the luxury, wealth and power exerted by Jerusalem comes to a screeching halt.
Revelation End Time Events: Table of Contents
Page Topic
1. Introduction
3. Revelation 12
7. Revelation 17:1-13 Mystery of Babylon/Great Harlot
11. Summary of Rev. 17:1-13
12. Revelation 4 Praise to Jehovah and the Holy Spirit
17. Revelation 5 Praise to Jesus
20. Sequence of Events: Birth Pains
21. Sidebar: Rapture
22. Rapture
29. Summary of Rapture
31. Falling Away
32. Sidebar: Holy Spirit
34. Outline of Ezekiel 38/39 War and Seal Judgments
36. Closer Look at Ezekiel War
38. Introduction to the Seal Judgments
38. 144,000 Evangelists
42. Seal #4
43. Seal #6
45. Seal #3
46. Seal #1
46. Man of Sin Introduction
49. Sidebar: The ‘Restrainer’
50. The Ten Kings
51. Covenant Confirmation
52. The Two Witnesses
53. Preaching Angel and Seal #5
54. Seal #5
55. Seal #2
55. Seal #7
56. Desolation of the Temple
60. Summary of the First Half of the Tribulation
61. Marriage Supper
62. False Prophet
63. Great Tribulation/Resurrected Beast (Man of Sin Part B)
65. Death of the Two Witnesses
66. Beast on the Throne
66. Revelation 18: 1-5 Consequences of Apostasy
67. Flight of the Redeemed/Resurrection of the Two Witnesses
68. Satan’s War on Redeemed Gentiles
69. Mark of the Beast
70. Tribulation Martyrs
70. Delusion Sent by God
71. Introduction to Trumpet Judgments
72. Trumpet #1
72. Revelation 18:9-20
74. Trumpet #2
74. Trumpet #3
74. Introduction to Bowl Judgments
75. Revelation 15:1, 5-8, 16:1 Preparation for bowl judgments
76. Bowls #1, #4,
77. Bowls #5, #6, #2, and #3
78. Bowl Judgment #7
79. Trumpet #4
79. Trumpet #5
80. Trumpet #6
81. Revelation 10
83. Revelation 16:15-16, also page 90.
84. Second Coming
91. Sidebar: Why Tribulation Saints Do Not Return with Jesus at the Second Coming
93. Outline of Matthew 13:30 Harvest
93. Trumpet #7
97. Gathering of Tares: Extended Explanation
98. Sidebar on Revelation 14:17-20
99. Gathering of Wheat: Extended Explanation
99. Summary of Second Coming
101. Battle of Jerusalem
102. God’s Wrath: The Plague Against Those Who Fought Against Jerusalem
103. Beast and False Prophet Into the Lake of Fire/Dragon Into the Abyss
104. Sheep/Goat Judgment
107. Bema Seat
111. Destruction of Jerusalem
113. Millennial Kingdom
114. Final End Time Battle
115. Jesus Relinquishes His Rule
115. Great White Throne Judgment
117. Revelation 21: New Heavens and New Earth
119. Revelation 22: Summary of the Book of Revelation/Final Warnings and Encouragement
Page 74. Trumpet Judgment #2: Revelation 8:8-9. *** “And the second angel trumpeted. And as a great mountain burning with fire, it was thrown into the sea. And the third part of sea became blood, v. 9. and the third part of the creatures having souls died in the sea; and the third part of the ships was destroyed.”
This trumpet affects 1/3 of salt water. When ships go down, people die.
Page 74. Trumpet Judgment # 3: Revelation 8:10-11. *** “And the third angel trumpeted. And a great burning star, like a lamp, fell out of the heaven. And it fell onto the third part of the rivers, and onto the fountains of waters. v. 11. And the name of the star is said to be Wormwood. And the third part of the waters became changed into wormwood. And many men died from the waters because they were bitter.”
This trumpet affects 1/3 of fresh water. We know people die because it states as much without making any distinction between believers and non-believers. People will take the chance because they are thirsty. By this time, nearly all potable water has been eliminated. Life is beyond difficult. Every instant of it is agonizing.
Page 74. Introduction to Bowl Judgments: In Revelation 21:9, John says the Bowl Judgments are the SEVEN last plagues. 15:1 tells us the Bowl Judgments are the LAST seven plagues. These statements are not an insight into chronology of their occurrence, but a statement that the bowls were simply the last plagues John saw. In 16:1, scripture tells us that ‘the bowls of the ANGER of God’ are poured onto the earth. People often use this verse to say that the Bowl Judgments are the final seven plagues unleashed on the earth. There are four reasons this isn’t the case. First, the definition of WRATH in Seal #6, Rev. 6:17. is “desire as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind, ie violent passion, [justifiable abhorrence]; by implication, PUNISHMENT or VENGEANCE” 3709. The definition of ‘anger’ in 16:1 is ‘passion [as if breathing hard], fierceness, indignation” 2372. As the definitions clearly state, ‘anger’ is not as severe as ‘wrath,’ as ‘anger’ mentions nothing about justifiable abhorrence, punishment or vengeance. So, the conclusion the Bowl Judgments are the ‘worst’ and ‘final’ judgments unleashed on earth is incorrect. Second, Jesus equates the beginning of the tribulation as the beginning of birth pains in Matthew 24:8. Everyone knows birth pains increase in intensity and duration as labor advances. Therefore, it’s logical the harsher plagues have the harsher vocabulary. Hence, the more damaging plagues are placed nearer the end. Third, three of the Trumpet Judgments are labeled ‘Woes!” Each of these, trumpets 5, 6, and 7 are worse than any of the Bowl Judgments for this reason: ‘Woe’ is defined as ‘to prick; a (centre) point, ie. a sting (fig. poison) or goad (fig. divine impulse)” 2759. This definition tells us these three trumpets are special in the eschatological lineup. NONE of the Bowl Judgments are labeled as woes. Fourth, Trumpet number 7, the final trumpet plague, records the return of Christ to earth. NONE of the Bowl Judgments accomplish this feat. If the second coming of Christ signals the end of the 2,520 day tribulation, it stands to reason no tribulation plague could follow His return.
Here’s how I understand this: the angels with the bowl judgments are lined up, first through seventh, pouring out their bowls as they are instructed by number. If not, scripture contradicts itself. You’ll see what I mean in a minute.
Page 75. Preparation for Bowl Judgments: Revelation 15:1: “And I saw another sign in Heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the last seven plagues, because the anger of God was completed in them.”
“Completed” is defined by the Greek as “conclude, OR execute, discharge, fill up or perform” 5055. These last seven plagues are the execution/discharge of God’s anger, not wrath as in Seal #6. The Bowl Judgments are a means of expression, NOT the finality of His anger. This verse does not state they happen after the trumpet plagues, only that God’s anger would be incomplete without them. Based on the way birth pains progress, without the Bowl Judgments, the birth pains would not progress at all, they would leap from beginning to birth. This does not agree with what Matthew 24:8 tells us.
15:5: “And after these things I saw; and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in Heaven was opened!”
John sees the ‘temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in Heaven open before him. The only word in this sentence which surprises me is ‘testimony.’ It is defined as ‘evidence given, specifically the Decalogue in the sacred Temple.’ (3142). From what I understand, heaven opened before John so that he could see the Ten Commandments where they sit in the temple of heaven. Wow! I can’t imagine how exciting, overwhelming, and confusing all of this must have been for John. What a privilege to participate in God’s kingdom in such a manner!
15:6-8: “And the seven angels having the seven plagues came forth out of the temple, having been clothed in clean and bright linen, and golden bands having been girded around the breasts. v. 7. And one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls filled with the anger of the living God, forever and ever. v. 8. And the temple was filled with the smoke of the glory of God, and with His power. And no one was able to enter into the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels should be completed.”
These four verses set the stage for the pouring out of the Bowl Judgments. They do not specify the bowl judgments are sequential, but they do say no one could enter the Temple John saw until the seven bowls were completed.
I was curious about the word ‘breasts’ because I know female angels are spoken of in Zech. 5:9, so I looked up the word and it is defined as ‘chests, breasts’ 4738. Each of the angels with bowl judgments are identified with masculine pronouns. So, I’m not really sure why they translated the word ‘breasts’ as opposed to ‘chests.’ Scratching my head on that one.
16:1. “And I heard a great voice out of the Temple saying to the seven angels: “Go and pour out the bowls of the anger of God onto the earth.””
No chronology is given. It’s simply a command to ‘go.’ It is completely possible these angels pour out their bowls in the order given, and, as with the Seal Judgments opened by Jesus, then manifest in an organic, as needed, manner. I think this is far less likely for the angels have no stated presence at another function as did Jesus at the Marriage Supper. When placing the order of the Bowl Judgments I use reason and the order of the Trumpet Judgments as a template.
Page 76. Bowl Judgment #1: Revelation 16:2. “And the first went away and poured out his bowl onto the earth. And it became a bad (injurious 2556) and evil (hurtful, calamitous, diseased; esp. morally culpable 4190) sore (ulcers 1668) onto the men, the ones having the mark of the beast and the ones worshiping its image.”
This in no way resembles any other plague. The sores in this plague are evil, TARGETING only those deserving blame. This is one of ONLY TWO plagues in Revelation from which Believers are spared. Pouring this bowl out first serves as an incentive to NOT take the mark, but this warning will be missed by most people.
There are those who believe this plague describes a nuclear war. I do not agree. First, it clearly states the judgment comes from heaven, NOT from men. The tribulation is about God’s wrath upon apostate people, NOT the wrath of apostate people upon apostate people. Second, it is global, NOT regional. A global nuclear war would end the tribulation as ALL life would cease to exist. Third, a nuclear bomb does not have the ability to target only people with the mark of the beast. As I see it, the details of this plague do not speak of a nuclear war. Fourth, if it were possible for man to utilize a nuclear bomb which could target individuals without harming the earth, why would they target those who serve the beast as opposed to those who reject him?
Page 76. Bowl Judgment #4: Revelation 16:8-9. *** “And the fourth angel poured out his bowl onto the sun. And it was given to him to burn men with fire. v. 9. And men were burned with great heat. And they blasphemed the name of God, the One having authority over these plagues - they did not repent and give Him glory.”
I understand their refusal to repent as indication they are under the delusion sent by God.
Page 77. Bowl Judgment #5: Revelation 16:10-11. “And the fifth angel poured out His bowl onto the throne of the Beast. And its kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues from the pain. v. 11. And they blasphemed the God of Heaven, from their pains and from their sores. And they did not repent of their works.”
The throne of the Beast is in the violated Temple in Jerusalem.
Here again, that they did not repent is indicative they are under the delusion sent by God. God is really going after those who take the mark of the beast.
Page 77. Bowl Judgment #6: Revelation 16:12-14. Also, “And the sixth angel poured out his bowl onto the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up so that might be prepared the way of the kings from the rising of the sun. v.13. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. v. 14. For they are spirits of demons doing signs, which go forth to the kings of the earth, even of the whole habitable world to assemble them to the war of that day, the great day of God Almighty.”
I place this plague ahead of Bowls #2 and 3 because it says the ‘water’ of the Euphrates is dried up. It does NOT say the ‘blood is dried up’ which would be necessary if it follows Bowls # 2 & 3. See the contradiction if they happen in order?
Page 77. Bowl Judgment #2: Revelation 16:3. “And the second angel poured out his bowl onto the sea. And it became blood, as of a dead one, and every soul of life died in the sea.
In Trumpet #2 only 1/3 of sea creatures with souls died. This time, every single sea creature dies because sea creatures are not capable of breathing blood. This affects ALL salt water, not just part of it. Since salt water was affected prior to fresh water in the trumpet judgments, it is logical the same will be true for the Bowl Judgments.
Page 77. Bowl Judgment #3: *** Revelation 16:4-7. “And the third angel poured out his bowl onto the rivers, and onto the fountains of the waters; and it became blood. v. 5. And I heard the angel of the waters saying. You are righteous, Lord, the One who is, and who was, and who will be, because You judged these things, v. 6. since they poured out the blood of the saints and of the prophets; and You gave blood to them to drink, for they were deserving. v. 7. And I heard another out of the altar saying, “Yes, Lord, God Almighty, Your judgments are true and righteous.”
This affects ALL fresh water, so it is different from Trumpet #3. It will not affect the Euphrates, of course, since it has already dried up. People will die without water to drink. An angel of the waters (the angel who emptied this bowl) declares God’s righteousness in this judgment, that it represents the blood of the saints and the prophets, including the Two Witnesses slain by the Beast. Revelation 11:9 tells us their dead bodies lie in the street for days and dead bodies have blood. This judgment tells us the earth has blood to drink because the earth spilled the blood of God’s people. Since God is avenging the death of martyred saints, I place this plague near the end of the tribulation because it makes sense to avenge a larger number of saints than a smaller number. I believe this is the vengeance for which the Martyrs of Seal #5 lamented. Rev. 6:9-11. Additionally, when placed here, it does not contradict Bowl #6.
At this point of the tribulation, potable water is a distant memory. “Life” is beyond devastating.
Page 78. Bowl Judgment #7: *** Revelation 16:17-21. Also: Zechariah 13:8, “And the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a great voice came from the throne from the temple of Heaven, saying, it has happened! v. 18. And voices and thunders and lightnings occurred. And a great earthquake occurred, such as did not occur since man came into being on the earth, such a huge earthquake, so great! v. 19. And the great city came to be into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And Babylon the great was remembered before God, to give to her the cup of the wine of the anger of His wrath. (Justifiable abhorrence, vengeance, punishment 3709) v. 20. And every island fled away, and mountains were not found. v. 21. And a great hail, as the size of a talent, came down out of the heaven upon men. And men blasphemed God from the plague of the hail, because its plague is exceedingly great.”
An earthquake so great Jerusalem is broken into 3 parts, and cities around the world fall.
Every island flees, mountains are not found, hail the size of a talent (approx. 130 lbs. each) comes out of heaven and lands on people regardless of their location. Can you imagine?! People blaspheme, and curse God because this plague is so devastating. That Babylon was remembered before God, to give to her the cup of the wine of the anger of His wrath is the reason the three ‘woes’ are about to be sounded against her. The word ‘wrath’ in this passage has the definition of punishment and vengeance, but this Bowl judgment is NOT one of the three woes, so it must precede them. I find it astounding the wrath to come is deemed a ‘cup’ of His wrath, as in only a small portion of the wrath He possesses.
Page 79. Trumpet Judgment #4: Revelation 8:12-13. “And the fourth angel trumpeted. And the third part of the sun, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars, was struck, that the third part of them might be darkened, and the third part of the day might not appear; and in the same way the night. v. 13. And I saw, and I heard one angel flying in mid-heaven, saying with a great voice, “Woe! Woe! Woe to those dwelling on the earth from the rest of the voices of the trumpet of the three angels being about to trumpet.”
Every aspect of light on earth will be dimmed by one third. I place Trumpet Judgment #4 here, instead of with the other trumpet Judgments, because it heralds the “Woes!” It is logical the warning of ‘woe’ would immediately precede the woes themselves.
These are the only plagues described as ‘Woes!’ so it is reasonable to place them at the end of the tribulation. Additionally, Trumpet #7 is the return of Jesus to earth and no other judgment mentions the second coming of Christ.
Page 79. Trumpet Judgment #5: Revelation 9:1-11. “And the fifth angel trumpeted. And I saw a star out of the heaven falling onto the earth. And the key to the pit of the abyss was given to it. v. 2. And he opened the pit of the abyss. And smoke went up out of the pit, like smoke of a great furnace. And the sun was darkened, and the air by the smoke of the pit. v. 3. And out of the smoke locusts came forth to the earth. And authority was given to them, as the scorpions of the earth have authority. v. 4. And it was said to them that they should not harm the grass of the earth, nor every green thing, nor every tree, except only the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. v. 5. And it was given to them that they should not kill them, but that they be tormented five months. And their torment is as the torment of a scorpion when it stings a man. v. 6. And in those days, men will seek death, and they will not find it. v. 7. And the likenesses of the locusts were like horses having been prepared for war; and on their heads as crowns, like gold; and their faces like the faces of men. v. 8. And they had hairs like the hairs of women; and their teeth were like those of lions. v. 9. And they had breastplates like iron breastplates; and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running to war. v.10. And they have tails like scorpions, and their stings were in their tails; and their authority is to harm men five months. v. 11. And they have a king over them, the angel of the abyss. In Hebrew his name was Abaddon, and in Greek he has the name Apollyon.”
This trumpet is the first Woe! mentioned in Trumpet #4. That these locusts cannot harm any green thing is to protect the oxygen levels on the earth, so that some people might survive. This is how difficult life will be. I do not believe these scorpions are a metaphor for helicopters or any other weapon of war. The word ‘sting’ is defined by the Greek as ‘to prick, a point (center) 2759. Tail is defined as ‘tail’ with no figurative application. These locusts will be literal, as described in these verses.
9:1: The star out of heaven is an angel. Rev. 1:20.
Revelation 9:12: “The first woe has departed; behold, after these things yet comes two woes.”
Page 80. Trumpet Judgment #6: *** Revelation 9:13-19. “ v. 13. And the sixth angel trumpeted. And I heard one voice out of the four horns of the golden altar before God, v. 14. saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels, those having been bound at the great river Euphrates.” v. 15. And the four angels were released, those having been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, that they should kill the third part of men. v. 16. And the number of the armies of the cavalry was two myriads of myriads; and I heard their number. v. 17. And so, I saw in the vision the horses, and those sitting on them, having fire-colored breastplates, even dusky red and brimstone-like; and the heads of the horses as heads of lions; and out of their mouths comes fire and smoke and brimstone. v. 18. By these three were killed the third part of men, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone coming out of their mouths. v. 19. For their authority is in their mouth, and in their tails; for their tails are like snakes, having heads, and they do harm with them.
This is seriously scary stuff! Two myriads of myriads, if it’s a literal number, it is 200 million members of a cavalry who fit the description given, spread out over the entire world. How can people read this and NOT be motivated to accept Jesus as Savior? I cannot get my head around their refusal to find salvation in Jesus and miss the horrors of the tribulation. It’s okay to come to Jesus for salvation out of fear! Those who find salvation during the tribulation will do so because God scares the bejeebers out of them! Coming to Jesus out of fear does not mean God will leave your faith at a child-like, selfish level. EVERYONE who comes to salvation starts at the beginning of faith. God always grows one’s faith from that point.
The current population of earth is roughly 8 billion people. The number who leave in the rapture will be negligible, not counting those younger than the age of accountability. Seal #4 will kill ¼ of the population, nearly 2 billion people. Trumpet #6 will kill 1/3, or another 2 billion, so, by now, the earth’s population has been cut by a minimum of half. HOWEVER, this does not account for those killed by collateral damage from all the tribulation plagues (eg: dying while trapped in buildings which fall during earthquakes, and there are MANY earthquakes, tsunamis, falling mountains, sliding mountains, etc.), the plagues sent by the Two Witnesses, by wars waged by one nation another nation, those killed by starvation, dehydration, exposure to the elements, suicide, being murdered by others for your resources, or being hunted by the antichrist for refusing the mark.
Jesus wasn’t kidding when He said, “pray to be counted worthy to escape ALL these things which are about to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:36.
Revelation 9:20-21: “And the rest of men, those not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they will not worship demons, and golden idols, and silver, and bronze, and stone, and wooden idols, which neither are able to see, nor to hear, nor to walk. v. 21. And they did not repent of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornications, nor of their thefts.”
These people could refuse to repent while also refusing to take the mark of the beast. Without it, they are not condemned to hell. This scripture states the plagues did not kill them, it does not say the beast did not kill them for refusing his mark. More later.
Page 81. Revelation 10:1-7: “And I saw another strong (mighty, powerful, or valiant 2478) angel coming down out of heaven, having been clothed with a cloud, and a rainbow on the head; and his face as the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire. v. 2. And he had in his hand a little scroll having been opened. And he placed his right foot on the sea, and the left on the land, v. 3. and cried with a great voice, as a lion roars. And when he cried, the seven thunders spoke their sounds. v. 4. And when the seven thunders spoke their sounds, I was about to write. And I heard a voice out of Heaven saying to me, Seal what things the seven thunders spoke, and do not write these things. v. 5. And the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted his hand to Heaven, v. 6. and swore by Him living forever and ever, who created the heaven and the things in it, and the earth and the things in it, and the sea and the things in it, that time shall no longer be; v. 7. but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, whenever he is about to trumpet, was even ended the mystery of God, as He preached to His slaves, the prophets.”
The angel spoken of in this passage is none other than a combination of Jesus, as the flesh and blood Savior, and The Son, a person of the Trinity. I think it is this angel who shows the Revelation to John in chapter 1, verse 10ff. My rationale rests in the fact that no mere angel would embody the characteristics given in this scripture, demonstrated as follows:
Three descriptors of Jesus, the Personified Word: First, clothed with a cloud also references Jesus in Revelation 14:14-16, Acts 1:9 & 11 and 1 Thessalonians 4:17 where Jesus raptures the church in the clouds. Also, Matthew 24:29-31, Mark 13:25, and Luke 21:27 speak of His second coming as it occurs in the clouds.
Second, his feet as pillars of fire also references Jesus’ second coming. Here’s why: ‘pillar’ is defined by the Greek as ‘post/support’ 4769 and its root word is 2476 defined as ‘to stand, abide, establish.’ ‘Fire’ is defined as, literally, and figuratively, ‘fire, specifically lighting.’ 4442. In Matthew 24:27, Jesus returns to earth in lightning which stretches from the east to the west and takes His stand, establishing His post as conquering king on the Mount of Olives. Zechariah 14:1-2.
Third, as a lion roars references Jesus as the Lion of Judah. Revelation 5:5.
Another indication this angel represents Jesus is the opened scroll He holds in His hand. v.2. It is Jesus who opened the scroll, releasing the Seal Judgments in Rev. 6 and 8:1.
Three descriptors of the Son, one person of the Holy Trinity:
First, rainbow on the head references The Son’s participation in God’s promise to never flood/destroy the earth by water a second time. Genesis 9:13-17. Also, Revelation 4:3 tells us a rainbow surrounds God’s throne in heaven.
Second, his face as the sun is spoken of in Matthew 17:2, which at first glance might appear to reference Jesus, but it is the power from on high which allows this illumination to take place. It is the connection between Jesus and His Trinity identification as the Son, which allows His face to shine as the sun. Revelation 1:16 speaks of the Alpha and the Omega as He talks to John. John describes Him as “His face shining as the sun in its power.”
Third, right foot on the sea, and the left on the land refers to the Son’s right to sovereign rule. There is NOTHING which will escape His kingship. Philippians 3:21.
Next, are the seven thunders: One would think from a simple reading of the text that thunder would make the sound only thunder makes, but these seven thunders used literal words when they spoke (to utter words 2980). We have no idea what they said because John was told to keep their words secret. Since this passage speaks to the authority of Jesus as The Son, a person of the Holy Trinity and it leads into the second coming of Christ, I get the impression, because I do not find it overtly stated in scripture, that we will find out what the ‘sounds of the seven thunders’ are at the second coming. We learned in the second point of our descriptors of Jesus that He will return with lightning that reaches from east to west. Thunder accompanies lightning, so we will find out at that time what the thunders sound/speak because the Old and New Testament Armies return with Jesus, and we will be privy to the sights and sounds of Christ’s second coming!
10:6. Jesus/The Son swears by Him living forever, “THAT time shall no longer be.” I understand this to mean THAT time, the time of the tribulation, will no longer be because it is about to end. The timing is right as it immediately precedes the second coming of Jesus which doesn’t happen until the end of the tribulation. It cannot mean, ‘that TIME shall no longer be,” because Rev. 22:3 tells us the tree of life produces 12 fruits, one each month. Additionally, the Millennial Kingdom is 1,000 years long, certainly a span of time. That the time of tribulation will no longer be is the reason I place Chapter 10 here on the schedule of end time events.
This is Jesus declaring the imminent arrival of the END of THE Tribulation, Daniel’s 70th week. We’ll see very soon where it actually ends. This chapter offers yet another reason that Revelation cannot be chronologically understood as written: the tribulation doesn’t end in the middle. Just sayin’.
10:7. That the ‘mystery of God ends’ means that everyone will see the Kingdom of Heaven because Jesus will split the eastern sky, and NO ONE will miss His arrival. Zech. 14:4/Matt. 24:27. It also means everything taught by God through the prophets will be revealed. Verse 7 clearly states this happens at the 7th Trumpet, which affirms the 7th Trumpet as the final plague of the tribulation. God’s mystery will not end prior to the end of the trib.
Revelation 10:8-11: “And the voice which I heard out of Heaven was again speaking to me, saying, “Go, take the little scroll having been opened in the hand of the angel standing on the sea and on the land.” v. 9. And I went away toward the angel, saying to him, “Give the little scroll to me. And he said to me, “Take and eat it up, and it will make your belly bitter, but it will be sweet as honey in your mouth.” v. 10. And I took the little scroll out of the angel’s hand and ate it up. And it was sweet like honey in my mouth; and when I ate it, my belly was made bitter. v. 11. And he said to me, “You must again prophesy before peoples and nations and tongues and many kings.”
This is John’s metaphorical description of his experience as the one who witnessed these events and his job at ‘prophesying before peoples and nations and tongues and many kings.” As part of the Bible, John’s prophecy has encompassed the globe for millennia.
I understand this passage this way: the ‘little scroll’ John eats is the revelation he records. Initially, it was sweet because he felt blessed and privileged to be shown these marvelous things which were calm and ‘digestible,’ but as the revelation continued and he realized Israel is the Great Whore of Babylon, the object of God’s wrath, the revelation became bitter and hard to stomach.
Revelation 11:14: “The second woe departed. And, behold, the third woe is coming quickly.”
Because this passage is distinguished as a ‘Woe,’ apart from the other plagues, is the reason I place it at the end with the other two woes, Trumpets #5 and 6.
Page 83. Revelation 16:15-16: “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is the one watching and keeping his garments, that he does not walk naked, and they may see his shame. v. 16. And He assembled them in the place having been called in Hebrew, Armageddon.”
Definitions of Greek: “Behold, I (Jesus) am coming as (in the manner of 5613) a thief (stealer 2812). Blessed (fortunate, well off 3107) is the one watching (to keep awake 1127) and keeping (to guard from loss or injury 5083) His garments, that he does not walk naked, and they may see his shame. And He assembled them in the place having been called in Hebrew, Armageddon.”
Jesus’ reminder He comes ‘as a thief’ is reminiscent of 1 Thessalonians 5:2 and 4. In that scripture the ‘day of the Lord, which comes as a thief,’ brought horrific events to the earth. When Jesus returns at the second coming, horrific events will continue to overtake the earth. That He will come as a thief in the night is a reference to those who are not looking for Him to appear at the second coming. Even after everything which has transpired during the tribulation, there will be those who are astounded at the appearance of Jesus coming on the clouds, wailing at the sight of Him. This statement is made in direct contrast to those who are blessed because they are watching for His appearance; the saints who have lived through the tribulation and are prepared because they have clothing to hide the shame of nakedness. Why are clothes so important? Jesus is coming with the heavenly armies and who wants to be naked when they arrive?
This scripture does not reference the rapture of the church because it is placed within the context of the Bowl Judgments, so Bowl Judgments #1-5, not to mention the Seal Judgments and the opened Trumpet Judgments, precede it, violating Luke 17:20. This short passage means Jesus is coming at a time when it is going to be extremely difficult to hold onto one’s clothes, LITERALLY. First, the words ‘garment’ 2440 and ‘shame’ 808 are literal, completely without figurative application. So, blessed is the one who is not naked when Jesus comes back to earth. Yes, it is the second coming because today even homeless people who sleep on the streets have clothes to wear, so, again, the imminent rapture is eliminated. Second, by the end of chapter sixteen, most of the plagues have happened, and earthly resources are virtually non-existent. People will not only need to concern themselves with dodging the antichrist, and finding something to eat, they are blessed if they have clothes to cover their bodies. Third, it is interesting that Zechariah 14:14 lists clothing, equating it with gold and silver, among the wealth of plunder taken from the vacated nations after the Battle at Jerusalem.
Just sayin’….
Page 84. Next: Second Coming: John 5:25a: “Truly, truly, I say to you that an hour is coming, and now is,…”
Jesus returns to earth on day 2,520 at the hour of the covenant confirmation. The way I understand end time events, the 7th Trumpet does NOT trigger the return of Christ to earth, but trumpets after Jesus arrives on earth. The explanation of this is forthcoming.
Zechariah 14:5: “Jehovah my God shall come, and all the saints with You.” This scripture agrees with Revelation 19:14, Jude 14, and 1 Thessalonians 3:13, that Jesus does not return alone at the second coming.
v. 15: He shepherds (to tend, rule 4165) with an iron rod (a cudgel, cane or baton of royalty 4464). “He treads (trample underfoot 3961) the press (trough 3025) of the wine of the anger (passion, as if breathing hard 2372) and of the wrath (violent passion, justifiable abhorrence, punishment, vengeance 3709) of God Almighty.”
Jesus will trample underfoot the trough which holds God’s anger and wrath until it is wine, and He will pour it out on Israel, and the earth. Interesting that it makes a distinction between God’s anger and His wrath, and that BOTH are included. Here, the volume is no longer a cup, but a trough. Troughs hold far more than cups. This description echoes the distinction made between the Bowl Judgments of anger and those of God’s wrath, Seal #6 and Trumpets #5, 6, 7, and that His judgment is incomplete without both. Rev. 15:8.
The imagery here is Jesus stepping on God’s wrath, dispersing it among the nations. Is it even possible for humans to imagine how hard Jesus can stomp His feet? Why in the world would anyone want to be here for this when they could leave in the rapture by simply trusting Jesus’ promise to deliver them? Why would anyone want to be on the receiving end of this as opposed to being among the armies who return WITH Jesus, simply serving as an observer?
2 Peter 3:10a: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with rushing sound….”
Here are the definitions of the original Greek in this passage:
Day 2250 time span between dawn and dark, fig: a period of time, defined by context.
Lord 2962 Supreme in Authority
Heavens 3772 idea of elevation, sky; power; eternity.
Will pass away 3928 to come near; aside; approach; arrive, fig: perish; neglect.
Rushing sound 4500 with great noise.
2 Peter 3:10a: with the Greek definitions subbed in: 10a. The day of Supreme Authority will come as a thief in the night in which eternity will come near with great noise…”
We’ve already discussed that the ‘day of the Lord’ is used in reference to bad things happening for the UNredeemed. The Second Coming of Christ certainly qualifies as such a day. This is the reason this verse is placed here on the end time schedule. It cannot be placed with 2 Peter 3:11-13, which happens at the end of the Millennial Kingdom, because at the point where God brings the New Heaven and New Earth into place, the UNredeemed have already been sent to hell, so there are no UNredeemed to experience punishment. Hence, this scripture’s placement here at the Second Coming. That this day happens as a thief in the night Rev. 16:15 means the UNredeemed are NOT prepared for it, just as they were unprepared for the rapture. That eternity comes near with a great noise is a reference to the Second Coming, the literal coming near of eternity at which the nations wail at the sight of Jesus coming on the clouds. Matthew 24:30-31, Luke 21:25. Additionally, stars falling from heaven will contribute to the great noise, as will the approach of several armies on horseback, the roaring of the seas, and the shaking of the powers of heaven. There will be much noise!
Zephaniah 1:14-16: “The great day of Jehovah (Self-existent, Eternal, the Lord 3068) is near; it is near and rushing greatly, the sound of the day of Jehovah. The mighty man shall cry out
bitterly there. v. 15 That day is a day of wrath, a day of adversity and distress, a day of waste and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness; v. 16. a day of the ram’s horn and alarm against the fortified cities, and against the high towers.”
Other Descriptions of the Second Coming:
Matthew 24:27, 29-30: “For as the lightning comes forth from the east and shines as far as the west, so also will be the coming of the Son of man. v. 29. And immediately after the affliction of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give her light, and the stars will fall from the heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. v. 30. And then the sign of the Son of man will appear in the heavens. And then all the tribes of the land will wail. And they will see the Son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and much glory.”
Mark 13:24-26: “But in those days, after that affliction, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give her light; v. 25. And the stars of the heaven will be falling, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. v. 26. And then they will see the Son of man coming in clouds with much power and glory.”
Luke 21:20-27: “And when you see Jerusalem being circled by armies, then recognize that its destruction has come near. v. 21. Then let those in Judea flee into the mountains; and those in its midst, let them go out. And those in the open spaces, let them not go into her. v. 22. For these are days of vengeance when all things that have been written are to be fulfilled. v. 23. But woe to the pregnant women, and those suckling in those days; for great distress will be on the earth, and wrath on this people. v. 24. And they will fall by the mouth of the sword and will be led captive to all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by nations, until the time of the nations are fulfilled. v. 25. And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars. And on the earth will be anxiety of nations with bewilderment, roaring of sea and of surf, v. 26. men fainting from fear and expecting of the things which have come on the earth. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. v. 27. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and much glory.”
This is a second, separate warning from Jesus about the need to flee Judea. The first warning is spoken of in Matt. 24:16, Mark 13:14, Rev. 12:14 and 18:4. This first warning is issued by a voice from heaven, Rev. 18:4, and happens at midtrib because of the descriptions given in the verses (i.e. they flee before her plagues shall come 18:8, etc.). Here, at the end of the tribulation, the warning is written ahead of time. The only detail I can find about the Redeemed fleeing Jerusalem is the simple statement in Zechariah 14:2, “half the city shall go into captivity,” but it I do not find a verbal command to flee is given anywhere in scripture. (I’m not saying it isn’t present because this is not an exhaustive commentary. I’m only saying I haven’t come across it in my studies).
This is a second warning for the following reasons: First, it takes place AFTER the armies have encircled the city of Jerusalem which happens at the END of the tribulation (Zechariah 14:2-4 at second coming). Second, this warning is NOT voiced from heaven like the midtrib warning, but written in OT prophesy as well as here in Luke. But that the warning is written here in scripture is proof, yet again, God is looking out for His Children. Third, this warning comes when ALL things which have been written ‘are to be fulfilled,’ not just the plagues of the tribulation, but all things, which includes the second coming and God’s final plague of wrath. Matthew 24:3-31/Zech. 14:12ff. Fourth, that the armies will fall by the mouth of the sword agrees with Rev. 19:15 at Jesus second coming. The sword is the word of God, so to fall by the sword is to fall at the spoken word of God. Fifth, that ‘this’ people, the Jews will be led captive (exiled) speaks to Zechariah 14:2. (description of second coming). Sixth, the anxiety of nations is spoken of in Matthew 24:30, the nations will wail at the second coming. Seventh, that the powers of the heavens will be shaken is taught in Matthew 24:29/Mark 13:25 (description of second coming). Eighth, it is not Jerusalem which is attacked by armies at midtrib, but the Redeemed Jews who have fled into the wilderness. Ninth the complete destruction of Jerusalem happens only after the tribulation ends. Rev. 18:21. Tenth, the Son of Man comes on the clouds with power and much glory only at the second coming. Matt. 24:29-31 and Mark 13:24-26.
The Second Coming as described in Zechariah 14. Also, Zech. Chapters 12-13.
14:1-3: “Behold, the day of Jehovah comes, and your spoil (booty, plunder 7998) shall be divided (separated 2505) among you (within your midst 7130). v. 2. For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem. And the city shall be captured, and the houses plundered, and the women ravished. And half the city shall go into captivity, and the rest of the people
shall not be cut off from the city. v. 3. And Jehovah shall go out and fight against those nations, like the day He fought in the day of battle.”
14:1: The armies who invade in verse 2 will separate the plunder of Jerusalem in the midst of its captives.
2a: “For I will gather all the nations”: See also Rev. 17:14-18, and Luke 21:20. Revelation 19:17-18 tells us the ‘nations’ gathered by Jesus is limited to their military as it lists a command structure from kings down through slaves. This phrase is a descriptor of the armies of all nations, not all persons from every nation; additional explanation is on the way.
v. 2b: “And half the city shall go into captivity….” ‘Captivity’ is defined by the Hebrew as ‘exile.’ 1473. So, what this sentence actually means is that half of the city will be exiled (the state of being barred from one’s native country. Online dictionary). Half of the city’s population is forced into exile, held captive somewhere else, so where do they go? This is explained in Zechariah 14:5, a little further down in this paper.
The word ‘half’ is defined by the Hebrew as ‘half or middle, part, or two-parts,’ 2677 meaning the two parts do not have to be equally sized, which is confirmed in Zechariah 13:8. 2/3 of them will perish, or be held captive In Jerusalem, and 1/3 will be refined; “the third will be left (to abound, to jut over or exceed, preserve 3498)
v. 2c “rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city”: “Cut off” is defined by the Hebrew as ‘covenant.’ 3772. So, the rest of the people, those who aren’t exiled, are not covenanted. This means it is the Unredeemed who occupy the city of Jerusalem during this battle. According to Zechariah 13:8, two thirds of Jerusalem’s population will be held captive in Jerusalem.
Luke 21:24: “And they will fall (fail, fall down lit. or fig. 4098) by the mouth of the sword, and will be led captive to all the nations. And Jerusalem will be trodden down by nations, until the times of the nations are fulfilled.”
Revelation 17:14-18: “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and the ones with Him are the called and elect and faithful ones. v. 15. And he says to me the waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, and crowds and nations and tongues. v. 16. And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, and will make her desolated and naked. And they will eat her flesh and will burn her down with fire. v. 17. For God gave into their hearts to do His mind, and to act in one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast until the words of God shall be fulfilled. v.18. And the woman you saw is the great city, having a kingdom over the kings of the earth.”
17:16-18: It is at the second coming, (Zech 14:2/Luke 21:20-26) the ten kings will turn against Jerusalem and make her desolate and naked. They will eat her flesh and burn her down with fire. The period of time during which this takes place is stratospherically brutal, so a literal understanding is within the realm of possibility. The kings behave this way because God put it into their hearts to do His will, acting as one unit, giving Israel over to the beast until everything God has spoken comes to pass. This is the conclusion of God’s wrath upon Israel.
Why would anyone want to be present for this?
Zechariah v. 3. “Jehovah shall go out and fight against those nations, like the day He fought in the day of battle,” is spoken of in Luke 21:24 and Rev. 19:15 in that God will use His word to destroy His enemies.
Zechariah 14:4-11: “And His feet shall stand in that day on the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives shall divide from its middle, from the east and to the west, a very great valley. And half of the mountain shall move toward the north, and half of it toward the south. v. 5. And you shall flee to the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal. And you shall flee as you fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah. And Jehovah my God shall come, and all the saints with You. v. 6. And it shall be in that day, there shall not be light; the glorious ones will shrink. Matthew 24:29/Mark 13:24-25.
“And His feet shall stand in that day on the Mount of Olives: The Mount of Olives is located just northeast of Jerusalem on the far side of the Kidron Valley, approximately 1.8 miles from the eastern wall of Jerusalem.
“the Mount of Olives shall divide from its middle, from the east and to the west, a very great valley. And half of the mountain shall move toward the north, and half of it toward the south.” When the feet of Jesus stand on the Mount of Olives it will split into two mountains with a valley in between. This valley will run east to west because the two halves create mountains to the north and south.
14:4 clearly tells us the Valley of Armageddon will be CREATED when Jesus steps on the Mount of Olives, splitting it into two parts, forming a valley in between them. First, that this valley does not currently exist, is the reason it cannot be located on any map of Israel. Any number of searches will lead you straight to the Valley of Jezreel where the city of Megiddo sits, however, we have scriptural reasons for discounting Megiddo from this battle scenario: Second, that the armies are encircled around Jerusalem means the battle happens at Jerusalem. Zechariah 14:2 and Luke 21:20-24/Rev. 17:14. Why would Jesus assemble armies for battle at a location where the battle does NOT happen? Megiddo is 80 miles north of Jerusalem. It makes no sense for Jesus to assemble armies at Jerusalem if the battle is 80 miles away. There is NO scripture which states the final battle happens at Megiddo, in the Jezreel Valley. There is NO scripture which states the battle is moved from Jerusalem to any other location. The ONLY location named for armies is Jerusalem.
I think there are two reasons people place the final battle at Megiddo. A. The Hebrew name for Armageddon is Har-Megiddon (717 in Strong’s). Because of the name, they assume Armageddon is the same place as Megiddo. Case in point: there is a city in Texas called Laredo. There is a city in Mexico called Nuevo Laredo. Are they the same place? No, they aren’t. They are actually 20 minutes apart in two different countries, across the Rio Grande River from each other. To make the assumption Armageddon is the same as Megiddo, simply because their names share a common element, is to err big time. That’s equivalent to saying H2O is the same as CO2 because they both contain oxygen molecules. B. Revelation 16:12-14, the description of the sixth bowl judgment describes demons assembling the kings of the earth for the war of “that day, the great day of God Almighty.” This short passage is in the context of war.
However, Revelation 16:15-16 states: “Behold I am coming as a thief. Blessed is the one watching and keeping his garments, that he does not walk naked, and they may see his shame. V. 16. And He assembled them in the place having been called in Hebrew, Armageddon.”
As you can see, the context changes from demons assembling armies for war to Jesus describing/warning about His second coming; a reminder He will appear as a thief to those who are NOT watching. Those who are watching for His appearance will be blessed. They will also be blessed if they have clothes to wear. It is these watchful, blessed people who are assembled in Armageddon, NOT the armies of the east! Jesus says nothing about war in verses 15-16.
Third, is the next scripture, verse 5.
Zechariah 14:5: “you shall flee to the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal.” ‘My mountains’ are the two mountains Jesus creates when He splits the Mount of Olives into two parts. Fleeing to the valley between them references the Valley of Armageddon. We also know Azal sits east of Jerusalem because we know the west end of the
Armageddon Valley abuts the Kidron Valley, its point of origin. Here again, the town of Azal is not shown on any map, so it begs the question; in this scripture, does Jesus name the end point of the valley created by Him when He splits the Mount of Olives, as He named the valley itself in Revelation 16:16? I can’t say for certain, but it presents itself as a serious possibility.
“you shall flee” Who flees to the valley of Christ’s mountains? Again, Revelation 16:16 tells us Jesus assembles ‘them’ at Armageddon, but who are ‘them?’ We know the armies are assembled at Jerusalem, Zechariah 12-13 and 14:2/Luke 21:20-24/Rev. 14:20, 17:14. We also know those who don’t have a covenant with Jesus, the UNredeemed Jews, those who are cut off from the covenant of grace, are not permitted to leave Jerusalem, so they aren’t the ones assembled in the valley of Armageddon. What group of people remains? It is those who are exiled from the city: “And half the city shall go into captivity….” Remember, ‘captivity’ is defined by the Hebrew as ‘exile.’ 1473. So, this sentence means part of the city will be exiled. If part of the city’s population is forced into exile, captivity, where do they go? Jesus sends the Redeemed of Jerusalem into captivity (exile) in the Valley of Armageddon so they will be protected from the battle which wages 1.8 miles west in the city of Jerusalem. The valley of Armageddon is the granary spoken of in Matthew 13:30.
Every Bible scholar I’ve ever heard taught the final battle of this world happens at the Valley of Armageddon, but the phrase ‘battle of Armageddon’ appears NOWHERE in scripture. We just learned the Valley of Armageddon is a place of refuge for the Redeemed fleeing Jerusalem while the actual battle rages west in the city proper. If this is not the case, there is no purpose for this scripture: “you shall flee to the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal.” No other place of refuge is named for the Redeemed. Any other understanding of this passage renders this scripture irrelevant, and the Bible does not contain useless, irrelevant words from God Almighty.
Jesus returns to earth with the saints from heaven: Rev. 19:14/Zech 14:5/Jude 14, and 1 Thess. 3:13.
The saints are comprised of:
(1) the Old Testament saints resurrected in Matthew 27:52 and
(2) the raptured ‘in Christ’ of 1 Thess. 4:13-17.
Page 91. Sidebar: Why the Tribulation Saints do NOT comprise an army which returns with Jesus at the second coming even though Rev. 7:13-17 and 15:2-4 tells us they go to heaven.
This is MY OPINION, how I understand what takes place: In Rev. 7:13-17 and 15:2-4, none of the Tribulation Saints are mentioned in any specific form. They are described only as ‘those’ or ‘the ones.’ Neither group of martyred, or non-martyred, is described as ‘spirit: breath, animal sentient principle only (bodies) 5590’ as are the martyrs in Seal 5. The martyrs in Seal 5 were resurrected in Matthew 27:52 to be present in that bodily form. The same is true of those who will be resurrected in the rapture in bodily form. Luke 17:37. NO resurrection occurs between the rapture and the resurrection at the LAST trumpet Matthew 24:31, so there is no opportunity for the tribulation martyrs to be raised in bodily form. So, to believe they are present in heaven in bodily form creates contradiction in scripture.
Nor are these dead tribulation saints described as ‘spirit: rational, immortal soul’ 4151. They are not described as such because Hebrews 11:40 and 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52 tell us no Redeemed person is perfected apart from the remainder of the Redeemed. We are ALL changed to immortal at the same instant. Because of this, these Tribulation Saints cannot be in heaven in their immortal souls, or, yet again, contradiction in scripture is created.
There is, however, a third option. These dead Tribulation Saints can exist in ‘heaven’ in the form of ‘mere vitality, or life, lit. or fig.’ 2222 (also in the extended description of 5590). So, the two groups of Tribulation Saints, both martyred, and non-martyred, exist, not as rational immortal souls or animal sentient principles (bodies), but as ‘mere vitality or life.’ I do not understand the nuances of this. I’m only stating what the language of the Bible tells me.
I think the description of the location for both groups is that of the ‘paradise’ spoken of by Jesus in His famous promise to the thief who was crucified next to Him. Luke 23:43. See also, 2 Cor. 12:4 and Rev. 2:7. ‘Paradise’ is defined as “a park, an Eden, a future place of happiness.’ 3857. This is the only possibility given by scripture which does not create contradiction in God’s word. Rev. 15:2-4 tells us ‘those who overcame’ (the martyred) are singing praises to God. Rev. 7:15 tells us those clothed in white (the non-martyred) are serving God before His throne. Both groups are in heaven with God, so they are obviously happy. After all, Paradise is a ‘future place of happiness.’
Since neither group of Tribulation Saints has been resurrected, or made immortal, it is not possible for them to return with Jesus at the second coming as one of His armies. To agree with scripture, these ‘mere vitalities/lives’ of the Tribulation Saints must be rejoined with their newly immortal bodies at the Last trumpet, at the same instant all other Redeemed people are made immortal.
The way I understand it, this ‘mere vitality/life’ is the reason we can be ‘absent from the body and present with the Lord’ 2 Cor. 5:8, without being resurrected or immortal. Paradise is the park like/Eden location of future happiness where the Redeemed Dead await resurrection and immortality.
I think the ‘mystery’ referenced by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:51 is tied to everything I just described. If Paul did not understand the nuances of this process, calling it a mystery, what chance do the rest of us have? In summary, this is how I understand these scriptures. Anyone is welcome to disagree with me about this or anything else ever stated by me.
Next: What happens to those who return with Jesus at the second coming? Where are these saints while Jesus battles evil? Scripture NEVER states saints battle alongside Jesus. The Redeemed battled and overcame this world, or we wouldn’t be the Redeemed. 1 John 5:4. The battle on this day belongs to the Lord, Proverbs 21:31, not to the Redeemed, so where are these saints during the battle at Jerusalem?
At the GREAT sound of a trumpet, the LAST trumpet mentioned in end time scriptures, the angels gather the ‘elect’ from “the four winds; from the ends of the heavens to their ends.” Daniel 12:1-2, Matthew 24:31/Mark 13:27. The battle still belongs to Jesus, so these redeemed aren’t involved in the fight with Satan either. Where do the elect go once the angels gather them?
Since Jesus placed the exiled Redeemed in the valley of Armageddon, isn’t it logical the remaining Redeemed, those who returned with Jesus, AND the redeemed gathered by angels at the last trumpet, wait in the Valley of Armageddon with the others? After all, Jesus says in Zech 14:4, the valley is ‘very great.’ It’s logical and there is no doubt that the valley extending to Azal, wherever that might be, is large enough to hold all those who receive incorruptible bodies.
Page 93. Next: Outline of Matthew 13:30 Harvest: “Allow both to grow together until the harvest. And in the time of the harvest, I will say to the reapers, “First gather the damel, and bind them into bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my granary.”
Because this scripture states “allow them to grow together” I understand this to mean the Living Unredeemed and Living Redeemed are gathered ahead of those who will be resurrected. After all, dead things don’t grow.
At the harvest, where there is nothing but instruction from Jesus to begin it, He first instructs His angels to gather the tares (damel) of Matthew 13:30, also known as the ‘goats’ of Matthew 25:31ff. This portion of the tares/goats are held in shackles as they wait to be burned. Balance of tares/goats are gathered soon.
After the tares are gathered, an archangel, will deliver the Living Redeemed to the Lord’s granary Daniel 12:1. This group is a portion of the wheat of Matthew 13:30 and some of the ‘sheep’ of Matthew 25:31ff. Balance of wheat/sheep are gathered soon.
After the Last Trumpet sounds, the Resurrected Unredeemed will be gathered as the balance of the tares or goats. Finally, other angels, (Matt. 13:39) will gather the Resurrected Redeemed, Matt. 24:31, as they emerge from their graves in their incorruptible bodies. 1 Cor. 15:50-52.
Page 93. Final Plague: Trumpet Judgment #7: *** 11:15-19. “And the seventh angel trumpeted. And there were great voices in Heaven, saying, The kingdoms of the world became our Lord’s, even of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever. v. 16. And the twenty-four elders sitting before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, v. 17. We thank You, Lord God Almighty, the One who is, and who was and who is coming, because you took your great power and reigned. v. 18. And the nations were full of wrath; and Your wrath came, and the time of the judging of the dead, and to give the reward to your slaves and prophets, and to the saints, and to the ones fearing Your name- to the small and to the great-and to destroy those destroying the earth. v. 19. And the temple of God in Heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple, and lightnings, and voices, and thunders, and earthquake, and a great hail occurred.”
Because Jesus appears only at the rapture and second coming, Trumpet #7 must be the final plague of the tribulation. Also, the wording of verse 15b, ‘“…The kingdoms of the world BECAME our Lord’s…” ‘Became’ is past tense and indicates by the time the trumpet is sounded the earth has already been reclaimed by Jesus, meaning Trumpet #7 is not sounded until AFTER Jesus returns to earth. Trumpet #7 and the trumpet sounded in Matt. 24:31 are one in the same. By the time this trumpet is sounded Jesus has split the Mount of Olives, deposited the saints who returned with Him into the Valley of Armageddon, exiled the captives from Jerusalem, and gathered the nations of the earth to attack Jerusalem. Also, the living tares and living wheat have been gathered at the instruction of Jesus. Then, Trumpet #7, because of the past tense wording, sounds in Matt. 24:31 as the signal to gather the resurrected, both the wicked and redeemed; explanation forthcoming.
Additionally, Trumpet #7 does not include or describe the actual return to earth of Jesus. It is constructed differently than all the other judgments. When any of the other judgments was decreed, the events involved happened immediately. In Trumpet #7, the return of Christ has already happened. The actual return of Jesus to earth is described in several other passages, but NOT in Trumpet #7 itself. That this trumpet sounds after Jesus has returned to earth is the reason why.
We know this is the third and final ‘woe’ because 11:14 tells us. This judgment is structured somewhat differently than the others in that it describes the inception of God’s reign while praising Him. Next, in verse 18b, it goes forward in time (the 75 days of Daniel 12:11-12) to include God’s wrath (the plague of Zechariah 14:12-13 distinguishing it from the wrath poured out on the nations during the tribulation), the Sheep/Goat judgments of Matthew 25:31ff, and the Bema Seat. 2 Cor. 5:10; Revelation 11:18; Matthew 16:27.
Also,’ to destroy those destroying the earth,’ is a shout out to those poisoning our skies, food, water and bodies through their creative evil machinations.
As I understand it, all of this takes place while the temple of God and the ark of the covenant are seen by those here on earth, amidst lightning, voices, thunders, an earthquake and great hail.
Trumpet Judgment #7 is sounded in 11:15, but is described in Revelation 19: 11-21, Zechariah 14:1-9: Also: Matthew 24:29-31, Mark 13:24-27, Luke 21:27, Zechariah chapters 12-13.
Matthew 24:31: v. 31. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather His elect from the four winds; from the ends of the heavens to their ends.”
Mark 13: “And then He will send His angels and will gather His elect from the end of earth to the end of Heaven.”
We know from Revelation 11:3, the Two Witnesses Prophesy for 1,260 days. And, from Revelation 13:5, the indwelled Beast rules for 42 months which is also 1,260 days. So, Jesus returns to earth at His second coming on day 2,520 from the day AND hour the covenant with the Many is confirmed. Daniel 9:27/John 5:25 & 28. We also know from Daniel 12:11-12 there are 75 days for the Battle of Jerusalem, the Sheep/Goat Judgment of Matthew 25:31ff, the Bema Seat Judgment (2 Cor. 5:10), and any prep work (Jewish festivals) Jesus wants done prior the start of the millennial kingdom. I think Daniel 12:12, ‘blessed are those who wait,’ is a reference to those who refuse the mark of the Beast and wait on the return of Jesus, so they might enter the Millennial Kingdom. I think 12:13 is a personal note to Daniel.
Revelation 19:11-16: “And I saw Heaven being opened. And, behold! A white horse, and He sitting on it having been called Faithful and True. And He judges and wars in righteousness. v. 12. And His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head many diadems, having a name that had been written, which no one knows except Himself; v.13. and having been clothed in a garment which had been dipped in blood. And His name is called the Word of God. v. 14. And the armies in Heaven followed Him on white horses, being dressed in fine linen, white and pure. v. 15. And out of His mouth goes forth a sharp sword, that with it He might smite the nations. And He will shepherd them with an iron rod. And He treads the winepress of the wine of the anger and of the wrath of God Almighty. v. 16. And He has on His garment and on His thigh a name having been written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
v. 12. Jesus will wear many crowns which bear a name of Jesus unknown to anyone but Him.
v. 13. The armies (body of troops, here in the plural form 4753) of heaven follow Him on white horses, dressed in fine linen. v.8 identifies:
ONE, the army of the OT saints resurrected in Matthew 27:52, the Martyred Souls waiting under the altar in Seal #5. They were given white robes in Seal #5, Rev. 6:9-11 and they participated in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb
TWO, the army of those ‘in Christ’ from 1 Thess. 4:13-17, who was raptured before the tribulation and was present for the marriage supper. The clothing of this army matches that of the army which is white and pure because the blood of Jesus washed them white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). Rev. 17:14 describe the armies who accompany Jesus as the ‘called and elect, the faithful ones.”
THREE, the army of angels is comprised of those in Rev. 14:17-20, who gather the tares of Matt. 13:30, those who gather the elect in Matthew 24:31/Mark 13:27, and, the angel who delivers the living redeemed at the time of the second coming. Daniel 12:1-2, specifically, Michael the archangel.
Next: Great Trumpet Sounds/Last Trumpet: Matthew 24:31: “And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather His elect from the four winds: from the ends of the heavens to their ends.”
The final trumpet judgment, the LAST trumpet listed in end time scriptures is the signal for the remainder of the harvest, the portion which is resurrected. It is at the sound of this trumpet ALL tribulation dead are resurrected.
I know this because of John 5:25-29: “Truly, truly, I say to you that an hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and the ones hearing will live. v. 26. For even as the Father has life in Himself, so He gave also to the Son to have life in Himself. v. 27. And He also gave authority to Him to execute judgment, for He is the Son of man. v. 28. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming in which all those in the tombs will hear His voice. v. 29. And they will come out, the ones having done good into a resurrection of life; and the ones having practiced evil into a resurrection of judgment.”
Verses 25 and 28: I understand ‘an hour is coming, and now is’ as a reference to the Known Day and Hour of the second coming-2,520 days from the hour of the covenant confirmation between the man of sin and the many. I used this scripture earlier to introduce the second coming. Please remember, all of this activity will occur very quickly, especially if it occurs in the span of a literal hour, which I understand to be the case.
Verse 25 tells us ‘…the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and the ones hearing will live.” In other words, not every dead person will hear. This tells me a subset of the total dead are the only ones who hear the voice of Jesus at this time. So, the ‘all’ of verse 28 is to be understood in the context of the ones who hear the voice of Jesus. This resurrection is limited to those who die during the tribulation for these reasons: First, there is no reason to include OT people who have no part in Tribulation events. The OT dead who failed to accept Jesus as Savior were excluded from resurrection at the rapture. Nothing has changed, so there is no reason for them to be included now. Second, Jesus is doing the resurrecting and the judging here at the end of the tribulation. There is another judgment conducted by God, at the end of the Millennial Kingdom. Because there is another judgment to come, it is not necessary the John 5:25-29 judgement include every dead person. Third, Matthew 13:39 tells us the harvest is at ‘the end of the age.’ The age in question can’t be the church age because it ended seven years sooner (John 5:24, 6:39, 1 Thess. 4:13-17, Matt. 24:36-25:30). The Millennium Age has yet to begin, so it doesn’t qualify. The only age which works is the tribulation age, the age between the rapture and Millennial Kingdom, the age referenced by Jesus in Matthew 24:34; this ‘generation (an age, the period, or the persons 1074) will not pass away until all these things have occurred’ (the tribulation would not end until all the events described by Jesus had come to pass). The ‘end of the age’ is important because the tribulation is its own dispensation, or period of time. Matt. 24:21. It possesses unique qualities unattached to other dispensations, so it stands to reason those resurrected in John 5:25-29 are limited to its time frame.
V. 28-29: tell us those in the tombs will come out to either a resurrection of life OR judgment. ‘Judgment’ indicates the wicked dead of the tribulation are also resurrected.
Page 97. Gathering of the Tares, Extended Explanation: Matthew 13:30, 41, Revelation 14:17-20: “And another angel went forth out of the temple in Heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. v. 18. And another angel went forth out of the altar having authority over the fire. And he spoke with a great cry to the one having the sharp sickle, saying, “Send your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, because its grapes are ripened.” v. 19. And the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw into the winepress of the great anger of God. v. 20. And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood went out of the winepress as far as the bridles of the horses, from a thousand, six hundred stadia.”
Obviously, this short passage speaks of the second coming because there is much violence and bloodshed involved, both of which are absent at the rapture. V. 18. “Gather the clusters of the vine of the earth because its grapes are ripened” means it’s harvest time. Grapes aren’t gathered until the harvest. Matt. 13:30.
First, Jesus says in Matthew 13:41, He will send His angels to “gather out of His kingdom all the offenses and those who practice (make or do 4160) lawlessness.” Again, it is the Living who are practicing lawlessness, so this is separate from the gathering of the resurrected dead. So, here, the angels of Rev. 14:17-20 reap the ‘vine of the earth’ by gathering the Living UNredeemed who will not participate in the attack upon Jerusalem. Those who do participate in the battle against Jerusalem are dealt with a little later.
Next, at the great sound of the Last Trumpet, these angels also gather the Resurrected UNredeemed who rise from their graves. Together, I believe these souls comprise the clusters of the ‘vine of the earth.’ Rev. 14:19. This, of course, is the number of Living UNredeemed AND the Resurrected UNredeemed. Both groups comprise the tares/goats who will be burned.
The resurrected UNredeemed who died as martyrs for REFUSING the mark, will be discussed soon.
Page 98. Sidebar on Revelation 14:17-20:
“v. 19. And the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth and threw into the winepress of the great anger of God,” is a metaphor for what will happen to the UNredeemed. Here are the reasons I believe this description is a metaphor: First, the language itself is metaphorical: to call people ‘vine of the earth’ is to use a metaphor.
Second, the dimensions given, “as far as the bridles for 1,600 stadia,” would require such a staggering number of bodies that it would outnumber the population of earth PRIOR to the tribulation, certainly at the end of it.
Third, the passage states the winepress is trodden outside the city, the city being old Jerusalem from where all God’s wrath is centered. The perimeter of Jerusalem is 2.5 miles, far short of the 186 miles (1,600 stadia) required by these verses. Hence, I understand this exaggerated description as a metaphor.
I understand the winepress of the great anger of God as a metaphor for everlasting fire. Rev. 14:17-20 is a description of the many who will be cast into eternal fire at the Sheep/Goat Judgment which occurs in Matt. 25:31-46. The blood will be of such an amount because the number of souls sent to hell at this time will be staggering. Remember, nearly 2 billion people die in Seal #4, and another 2 billion in Trumpet #6, and these aren’t nearly all the UNredeemed dead of the tribulation.
Matt. 13:30 tells us the tares are gathered first. These angels ‘bind into bundles’ these UNredeemed souls, many of whom will have the mark of the beast. “Bind into bundles’ is defined by the Greek as ‘to be in bonds at the point of purpose, to be shackled (1210/1519/1197, 1196). These Living and resurrected UNredeemed will be held in shackles until they are judged at the Sheep/Goat Judgment and thrown into eternal fire.
I believe the angels of Rev. 14:17-20, the burning of Matthew 13:30 and 42, and the fire of Matthew 25:31-46 speak of the same event for the simple reason the angel having authority over the fire is the angel who sends the second angel with its sickle. Rev. 14:18. Matt. 13:42 speaks of the furnace of fire while Matt. 25:41 speaks of eternal fire. This is not a coincidence. That the number is so enormous speaks to Matt. 7:13: “wide is the gate, and broad is the way which leads to death. And many are the ones who go through it.”
Here, the wrath of God is placed in a winepress, not a cup, or a trough, but in a mechanism which will produce wrath for eternity. This is the largest increment of measure mentioned in end time scriptures.
Page 99. Next: Gathering of The Wheat, Extended Explanation: Matthew 13:30, 42. The wheat, also known as ‘sheep’ of the Sheep/Goat Judgment, Matthew 25:31ff, are collected in two parts as well.
First, after the living tares are gathered, the archangel Michael delivers the Living Redeemed from around the earth. Daniel 12:1. He will deposit them into the Lord’s Granary, the Valley of Armageddon, where the others wait.
Next, at the great sound of the last trumpet, other angels, known only as “reapers,” Matt. 13:39, gather the Resurrected Elect, the balance of the Matthew 13:30 wheat and Matt. 25:31ff sheep. People argue about who the ‘elect’ are. Many believe it is only the Jews, but I find that belief is founded on an incomplete understanding of the Olivet Discourse (that it is a message intended for only Jews, which is not the case). Revelation 17:14 defines those with Jesus as the ‘called and elect and faithful ones.’ This means the ‘elect’ are simply the Redeemed. It matters not if they are Jews or Gentiles. Rev. 7:9 tells us the number of people saved during the tribulation is so vast it cannot be counted, so the ‘elect’ is obviously not limited to Jews. Just saying.
2 Thess. 2:1 tells us the gathering (defined by Greek as a ‘complete collection 1997) of believers is complete at the second coming, and Hebrews 11:40/1 Cor. 15:52 (ALL will be changed) tells us no one is perfected apart from the others, so it is scriptural we all receive our new bodies, as
promised in 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 at the twinkling of an eye, at the Last trumpet, the final trumpet judgment of the tribulation. Hence the trumpet sounded in Matthew 24:31 is the LAST Trumpet Judgment sounded in end time events!
Together, the delivered and resurrected Redeemed, the saints who returned with Jesus, as well as those He exiled from Jerusalem, comprise the Immortal Believers, the Sheep of the Sheep/Goat Judgment, who wait in the Valley of Armageddon, the Wheat which has been deposited into the Lord’s Granary of Matt. 13:30.
Page 99. Summary of the Second Coming: Also, Ezekiel 37:1-14 and Hosea 13:13-14.
Jesus arrives on the clouds with power and glory. Matthew 24:27-29. He has several armies with Him Revelation 19:14:
1. Old Testament Saints, the Martyrs from under the altar in Seal #5 Matt. 27:52/Rev. 6:9-11,
2. New Testament Saints and Old Testament Saints NOT resurrected in Matt. 27:52, those ‘in Christ’ raptured in 1 Thess. 4:13-17,
3. An army of angels Matthew 24:31/Mark 13:27.
First, upon arrival at earth, Jesus steps onto the Mount of Olives, splitting it in two, a northern half and southern half; two mountains from one with a valley in between. Zech. 14:4-5. This is the Valley of Armageddon Rev. 16:16, the granary of Matthew 13:30.
Next, He deposits the saints who returned with Him into this valley.
Then, Jesus begins collecting the armies of nations to attack Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:2, Luke 21:20-24, Rev. 19:17-18).
As the armies surround Jerusalem, (Luke 21:20, Zechariah 14:2) Jesus exiles the recently Redeemed living in Jerusalem to the Valley of His Mountains (Zech. 14:5) the Valley of Armageddon, where they meet up with the saints who returned from heaven with Jesus.
Next, the two angels of Rev. 14:17-20 begin gathering the tares by collecting the Living UNredeemed. Matthew 13:30 tells us the tares are gathered first.
Next, Michael delivers the Living Redeemed into the Valley of Armageddon. Daniel 12:1.
Soon after, there will be the great sound of the last trumpet Matthew 24:31/Rev. 11:15 which signals the resurrected portion of the Matthew 24:31 harvest. This is the signal for the resurrection of ALL tribulation dead, both Redeemed and Wicked. John 5:25-29/Revelation 20:4-5. The Resurrected UNredeemed are gathered by the angels of Rev. 14:17-20. All the tares are bound in shackles and held for the Sheep/Goat Judgment where they will be burned, cast into eternal fire at that Judgment. Matthew 25:31-46. I have not found in scripture an assigned location for the tares while they await judgment. I only know it is NOT the valley of Armageddon where Jesus keeps the Redeemed.
Then, the reaping angels gather the Resurrected Redeemed who have emerged from their graves of corruption as incorruptible. This process happens ‘in the twinkling of an eye’ because that is the span of time between being in the ground and no longer being in the ground. 1 Cor. 15:52. At the same instant of immortality, the Redeemed who wait in the Valley of Armageddon are also made incorruptible (Hebrews 11:40/ 1Cor 15:52: we shall ALL be changed). At this point, ALL Redeemed from history are present in their immortal bodies and are completely protected from the war which is about to begin.
The resurrection of the tribulation dead in Matthew 24:31/John 5:25-29 is the same as the ‘first resurrection’ identified in Revelation 20:5; it is the first resurrection since the return of Christ. We know this because the first resurrection of all time happened in Matthew 27:52 and was followed by the resurrection of the rapture, 1 Thess. 4:13-17. This means this ‘first’ resurrection must be tied to a specific event, or it can’t be first. The event to which it is tied is the second coming of Jesus.
Those not resurrected at this time, the unredeemed dead from both the OT and the NT, and those about to die, will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment which takes place at the end of the Millennial Kingdom. Rev. 20:11-15.
According to Daniel 12:7, all these things shall be finished when ‘they have made an end of scattering the power of the holy people….” This scripture is placed next to the description of the second half of the tribulation, time, times, and half a time, indicating the tribulation will be finished when the power of the holy people, the Redeemed, is no longer scattered. I understand this to mean once the Redeemed are gathered into the valley of Jesus’ mountains the tribulation officially ends because the power of God’s Spirit within each one is no longer scattered around the world!
Page 101. Battle of Jerusalem: I‘m unable to determine from scripture how long Jesus allows the armies of the world to eviscerate Jerusalem. Given there are several billion souls to judge, and untold numbers to reward during the Bema Seat, I think the battle at Jerusalem will be brief. Both these events must be completed by day 1,335. Daniel 12:12. The Millennial Kingdom starts on day 1,335 for this is the day those who waited will be blessed. Daniel 12:12.
Revelation 11:18a: “And the nations were full of wrath…,”
Revelation 19:19: “And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth, and their armies being assembled to make war with the One sitting on the horse, and with His army.
Luke 21:24: “…Jerusalem will be trodden down by the nations until the times of the nations are fulfilled.”
The invading countries will hold captive and plunder Jerusalem until God’s wrath against her is complete. The definitions of ‘times’ and ‘fulfilled’ offer no additional insight. There are 75 days between the return of Christ and the start of the Millennial Kingdom, Daniel 12:11-12, but I can’t determine how much of that time is spent punishing Jerusalem.
Rev. 17:14-15: “These (ten kings from v. 13) will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings, and the ones with Him are the called and the elect and faithful ones. v. 15. “And he says to me, “The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples and crowds and nations and tongues.”
I think this little passage gives specific details about the brutality of God’s judgment against the Whore and the Great Harlot at the end of the tribulation. It describes the end time battle of Psalm 83. There are ten kings Psalm 83:6 identified. They plot against God’s hidden ones. Psalm 83:3. I understand the ‘hidden ones’ to be those who are covertly Christians. These kings cut a covenant against God. Psalm 83:5/Daniel 9:27. They do evil with one heart. Psalm 83:5/Rev. 17:17. I believe the battle of Psalm 83 is the same battle which takes place at Jerusalem after the second coming. This description is simply a prophesy from the perspective of the Psalmist, not from the perspective of John’s Revelation.
17:14 references the second coming of Christ and the saints who will accompany Him because, after the rapture, Jesus doesn’t return until the second coming. We are told we come with Jesus at the second coming: Revelation 19:11-16 and Zechariah 14:1-5, Jude 14 and 1 Thessalonians 3:13.
17:15: This means Jerusalem has far reaching power and influence. It is the kingdom over the kings of the earth. v. 18. Jerusalem is the GREAT harlot of all the harlots.
Page 102. God’s Wrath: The Plague against those who fight at Jerusalem: Zechariah 14:12-15: “v. 12. And this shall be the plague with which Jehovah will strike all the people who have fought against Jerusalem. Their flesh shall rot while they stand on their feet; and their eyes shall rot in their sockets; and their tongues shall rot in their mouth. v. 13. And it shall be in that day, a great panic of Jehovah shall be among them; and they shall each one lay hold of his neighbor, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbor. v. 14. And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem. And the wealth of the surrounding nations shall be gathered, gold, and silver, and clothing, very much. v. 15. And so shall be the plague of the horse, the mule, the camel, and the ass, and all the beasts which shall be in those camps, like this plague.”
Zephaniah 1:17-18: “v. 17. And I will bring distress to men, and they shall walk like the blind (because their eyes rot in their sockets), because they have sinned against Jehovah. And their blood shall be poured out as dust, and their flesh like dung. v. 18. Their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of Jehovah. But all the earth shall be consumed by the fire of His jealousy. For He shall make a full, yea, a speedy end (utterly consumed 3617) of all the dwellers in the land.”
Revelation 11:18b: “…and Your wrath came…”
Revelation 19: 17-18: “And I saw one angel standing in the sun. And he cried with a great voice, saying to all the birds flying in mid-heaven, Come and gather together to the supper of the great God, v. 18. that you may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of commanders, and the flesh of strong ones, and the flesh of horses, and of the ones sitting on them, and the flesh of all, both free-men and slaves, even of the small and great.”
Matthew 24:28: Eagles will eat the dead.
I understand this to mean the rotted flesh of all those who attacked Jerusalem will be eaten by birds. First, it speaks of those in military ranks, in descending order. So, the ‘all’ is in the context of earthly armies, right down to their service animals. Nothing/no one which came against Jerusalem will be left alive. Second, if it were literally every wicked person, there would be no living goats at the Sheep/Goat Judgment, ‘those who practice lawlessness’ (present tense, not past) Matt. 13:41.
Revelation 19:21: “ And the rest were killed (to kill outright, destroy, slay 615) with the sword of the One sitting on the horse, it having gone out of His mouth. And all the birds were filled from their flesh.”
After God destroys the armies who attacked Jerusalem, Jesus kills the ‘rest,’ those who were trapped inside Jerusalem while the armies served the wrath of God against her. I find nothing which states anyone in Jerusalem is killed by the invading armies. Zechariah 14:2 tells us the city is captured, the houses are plundered, and the women are ravished, but it says nothing about anyone dying. I wonder if they aren’t allowed to live through the invasion, so Jesus can kill them after the battle ends. The birds also eat the flesh of these people once they are killed by Jesus.
Those killed by Jesus, along with those killed by God in the plague of Zechariah 14:12ff, will be resurrected at the Great White Throne Judgment of Rev. 20:11-15, where they will be thrown into the Lake of Fire.
Page 103. Beast and False Prophet thrown into Lake of Fire: Revelation 19:20: “And the beast was seized, and with this one the false prophet doing signs before it, by which he led astray those having received the mark of the beast, and those worshiping its image. The two were thrown alive into the Lake of Fire burning with brimstone.”
I separate 19:17-18 and 19:20 from the scriptures which precede them because it is logical the beast and the false prophet will be thrown into the Lake of Fire at the Sheep/Goat Judgment along with the rest of the Goats. It is fitting as they are among the tares-those who practice lawlessness (Matt. 13:41) and should be thrown into the lake of fire along with the other tares. To me, it seems unlikely they would be condemned separately from those who are going to the same residence. That being said, Jesus may well cast them into the Lake of Fire before the Sheep/Goat Judgment begins.
Page 103. Dragon Into the Abyss: Revelation 20:1-2: “And I saw an angel coming down out of Heaven, having the key of the abyss, and a great chain on his hand. v. 2. And he laid hold of the dragon, the old serpent who is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.”
Satan is thrown into the abyss for 1,000 years, after which he will be loosed to tempt those who are alive at the time of his release. Here again, I can’t say for certain this passage occurs before or after the Sheep/Goat Judgment. I think there is an argument to be made either way.
Page 104. Sheep/Goat Judgment: Jesus Judges: Revelation 20:6. Isaiah 40: 10 tells us Judgment happens after the battle at Jerusalem. Joel 3:1-2 tells us Judgment takes place in Jerusalem which is the reason the destruction of Jerusalem comes after the judgments which take place there.
2 Thess. 1: 7-10 and Matthew 25:31-33: “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. v.32 And before Him shall be gathered all the nations, and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. v. 33. And indeed, He will set the sheep off His right, but the goats off the left hand.”
Revelation 11:18b-19: “18b. and the time of the judging of the dead, and to give the reward to Your slaves the prophets, and to the saints, and to the ones fearing your Name-to the small and to the great-and to destroy those destroying the earth. v. 19. And the temple of God in Heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple, and lightnings, and voices, and thunders, and earthquake, and a great hail occurred.”
John 5:27-29: “v. 27. And He also gave authority to Him to execute judgment, for He is the Son of man. v. 28. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming in which all those in the tombs will hear His voice. v. 29. And they will come out, the ones having done good into a resurrection of life; and the ones having practiced evil into a resurrection of judgment.”
This passage works in tandem with Matthew 25:31-33 because they both describe Jesus as Judge. Jehovah God is the Judge at the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation 20:11-15.
The ‘all’ of this verse refers to anyone who died during the tribulation, redeemed or not. How do I know? Verses 29 tell us those in the tombs will come out to either a resurrection of life OR judgment. ‘Judgment’ indicates the wicked dead of the tribulation are also resurrected. The tribulation stands as its own dispensation. Different ‘rules’ apply during this age, similarly to the change of covenant between that of law in the OT, and of grace in the NT. God just does things differently with regards to the tribulation than He has ever has. Hence, the dead called forth by the voice of Jesus are those who died during the tribulation. If not, verses 28 and 29 serve no purpose.
Matthew 25:46: “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into everlasting life.”
Breakdown of Sheep/Goat Judgment:
The Sheep are:
1. OT Saints who were resurrected in Matthew 27:52, but were not raptured because they were already in heaven. These returned to earth with Jesus at the second coming,
2. OT and NT Saints who were raptured and returned with Jesus at the second coming,
3. the Living Redeemed of the Trib. who are delivered by the archangel Michael in Dan, 12:1,
4. the Resurrected Martyred Tribulation Saints, those who were beheaded, killed for Christ during the tribulation.
5. the Resurrected Non-martyred Tribulation Saints, those who died in plagues, and from other causes, during the tribulation.
6. The 144,000 sealed from the 12 tribes of Jerusalem. Rev. 14:1-3.
We know these groups of people are involved because Hebrews 11:40/1 Cor. 15:52 tells ALL shall be changed and NO ONE is perfected apart from the others. This means, ALL redeemed souls since the beginning of time, until this point in time, are included in this judgment. We all receive our incorruptible bodies together, at the last trumpet sounded in Matthew 24:31/Rev. 11:15.
The ‘Goats’ are:
7: The Living Marked, those who live through the tribulation and have the mark of the beast.
8: The Resurrected Marked of the tribulation.
It is at this Sheep/Goat Judgment the righteous ‘sheep’ go into everlasting life, and the ‘cursed,’ a subset of the ‘goats,’ according to Matthew 25:41 because it says the cursed, not the goats, pass away into everlasting (perpetual (never ending or changing) 166) fire. The removal of the cursed leaves the righteous to shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Matthew 13:43/Daniel 12:3.
Matthew 25:46: “And these (the cursed) shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous (the sheep) into everlasting life.”
Notice there is NO mention of outer darkness at either the Sheep/Goat Judgment OR the Great White Throne Judgment. “Outer Darkness” exists only at the rapture. At this point, there remains only two destinations: Millennial Kingdom Life OR hell.
ALSO present at the Sheep/Goat Judgment, goats because they are NOT redeemed, but are WITHOUT the mark of the Beast and are not condemned to hell at this time: Rev. 9:20-21 tell us these people are wicked through and through, but they did NOT commit the unforgivable sin of taking the mark of the beast. Rev. 14:9-11.
9: The Living Unredeemed Non-marked. Zech. 14:16, Rev. 9:20-21
10. The Resurrected Unredeemed Non-marked. Daniel 12:2, John 5:25-29, Rev. 20:4b. This will apply to only those who died after the mark is implemented. Those who died unredeemed prior to the mark are simply lost to salvation, among the cursed sent to everlasting fire.
Daniel 12:2: “And many of those sleeping in the earth’s dust shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to reproaches (disgrace, rebuke, shame, to expose 2781/2778) AND to everlasting loathing (object of aversion, to repulse 1860).
Notice how some are resurrected to either everlasting life, OR everlasting loathing, while the middle group is resurrected to only reproaches, nothing everlasting? Notice how ‘reproaches’ and ‘loathing,’ have vastly different definitions? These differences are not by coincidence or accident. I liken this verse to Matthew 24:3 where the disciples asked Jesus ‘what is the sign of your coming AND of the end of the age?” The word ‘sign’ is not used a second time, but it is understood in the text of the question; “AND what is the sign of the end of the age?’ They asked when will ‘these things, (plural things), be?’ They did not ask ‘when will this thing, (single thing), be?’ The grammar indicates they were asking about two different things. Contextually, we know Jesus described two different events, one for each question asked.
In Daniel 12:2 the word ‘some’ is used for those who are reproached, and I believe it is understood for those who are everlastingly loathed. These are my contextual reasons: First, because the word ‘AND’ is used between the two words ‘reproach/loathing,’ which have such different definitions, I understand them to reference two groups. As stated a moment ago, the word everlasting is not omitted from the ‘reproaches’ by accident. Second, there are three other corroborating scriptures which speak of a third group: Zech. 14:16 and Rev. 9:20-21 and 20:4-5. There may be others I’ve yet to find, but the running total for the purpose of this paper is four scriptures. Third, if this third group of non-marked unredeemed people are not included, why are animal sacrifices reinstated during the Millennial Kingdom? Zech. 14:21. Jesus died once for all Romans 6:10, so the Immortal Redeemed are eternally forgiven of sin and are not required to participate in animal sacrifices. Additionally, death is thrown into the Lake of Fire at the Great White Throne Judgment Rev. 20:14, ceasing to exist, so NO ONE will offer animal sacrifices in the new heaven and the new earth. This means the resumption of animal sacrifices during the Millennial Kingdom is temporary and must be connected to someone other than the Immortal Redeemed.
Zechariah 14:16: “And it shall be everyone who is left from all the nations which came up against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, Jehovah of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.”
Revelation 9:20-21: “And the rest of men, those not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they will not worship demons, and golden idols, and silver, and bronze, and stone, and wooden idols, which neither are able to see, nor to hear, nor to walk. v. 21. And they did not repent of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornications, nor of their thefts.”
We know from the verse itself they are not redeemed because they did not repent. We know they did not die because of any plague. As a result, they must either take the mark, OR be killed because they refused it, OR live without the mark until the return of Christ. Any number of these people could fall into either of the three categories.
So, Zechariah 14:16 and Rev. 9:20-21 speak to the Living Non-marked. Daniel 12:2 and Revelation 20:4b speak to the Resurrected Non-marked. I just can’t see there is doubt about a third group of people in being in place.
I do want to make mention that those who are sent to eternal fire in Matthew 25:41 are called the cursed (to doom 2672), not the goats (a kid or goat, symbolic of a wicked person 2055/2056). As these scriptures show a person can be unredeemed and still not be cursed into hell because they are non-marked. This is another reason I’m convinced there is a difference between those who are wicked (non-marked) and those who are doomed (those without salvation in Jesus before the mark was implemented mid-trib., along with those who received the mark).
After the Sheep/Goat Judgment:
Page. 107. Bema Seat Judgment: Rewards for the Redeemed: 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 3:11, 22:12, James 1:12, Matthew 5:12, 10:41-42, 16:27, 19:29, Luke 6:35, 6:23, 18:22, and OT: Jeremiah 17:10 and Isaiah 40:10, among many others. These are rewards God has for those who love Him and were called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28.
Many people believe the Bema Seat happens at the rapture, but rewards are given when all the saints are together at the Sheep/Goat Judgment. The Bema Seat does not take place at the rapture for three reasons: First, nothing in scripture tells us there is more than one rewards judgment, so it must be placed where ALL the redeemed are together. Second, Revelation 11:18 tells us the rewards are given at the second coming. Third, Matthew 16:27 tells us the ‘Son of Man is about to come in the glory of His Father, with His angels. And He will give reward to each according to his works.’ Jesus comes with His angels only at the second coming.
The only rewards of the rapture are the receipt of sound bodies so we can enjoy the marriage supper without worry of cholesterol, acid reflux or blood sugar problems (I’m kidding, but I’m not), exemption from the tribulation and participation in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Pretty awesome rewards if you ask me! I’ll gladly wait on the rest of my reward!
2 Peter 3:10 b: “…v. 10 b. and having burned the elements will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be burned up.
Here are the definitions of the original Greek in this passage:
Having burned 2741 to set on fire.
Elements 4747 something orderly; foundational constituents.
Dissolved 3089 to loosen; destroy.
Earth 1093 soil; solid part of the terrene globe.
Works 2041 toil as an effort or occupation.
Burned 2618 burned to the ground; wholly consumed.
2 Peter 3:10b: with the Greek definitions subbed in: 10b …and having been set on fire the orderly things will be destroyed, and the soil and the efforts of occupation in it will be wholly consumed.
Some people read this verse and understand it as scripture which speaks to the destruction of this earth and sky, but I understand it to mean our works will be furnace fired at the Bema Seat; efforts of occupation will be wholly consumed. I understand it to agree with:
1 Corinthians 3:8-15: describes the reward system for the Sheep Judgment. Those whose work remains through the fire will have a greater reward than those whose work is consumed by the fire; they receive loss or detriment (a smaller reward). The Bema Seat is NOT a salvation Judgment like the Sheep/Goat Judgment. The Bema Judgment is a judgment which determines one’s reward in heaven. This is the judgment at which one’s earthly works for the Kingdom of God truly come to bear.
I think the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, speaks, not to the Bema Seat itself because it is a passage of scripture which talks about what occurs at the rapture, but the talents spoken of are the works we do here on earth for the kingdom. For those who leave in the rapture, their works are completed at that time and await their turn in the fire of the Bema Seat Judgment.
As Part of the Bema Seat: Revelation 20:4-6: “And I saw thrones, and they sat on them. And judgement was given to them, and the souls of the ones having been beheaded because of the witness of Jesus, and because of the word of God, AND who had not worshiped the Beast nor its image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand. And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. v. 5. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. v. 6. Blessed and holy is the one having part in the first resurrection. The second death has no authority over these, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him a thousand years.”
I have a different take on this passage of scripture than most people. When I read verse 4, I see three groups of people as I’ve already discussed, but here I include different information. There are people who were beheaded for the witness of Jesus (New Testament Redeemed and Tribulation Martyrs), those beheaded because of the word of God (Old Testament Martyrs under the altar in Seal #5), AND I see those who refused to worship the beast nor its image and did not receive the mark on their forehead or on their right hand. This latter group is people, I believe, who rejected the beast based on political, personal reasons, NOT because of their faith in Jesus.
There is a sleeping segment of the world’s population which is militant. America is NOT unique in this regard. I absolutely believe there will be people, not only in America, but from around the world who will hold out against the beast solely because they refuse to bow to anyone. This unwillingness to bow is what prevented them from bowing before Jesus to find salvation, leaving with Him at the rapture. During, the tribulation, however, this unwillingness to bow kept them from taking the mark required by the Beast. There will be individuals scattered around the globe who will take their stand against the beast, paying with their very lives. Some will manage to stay alive until the second coming. Zech. 14:16, Rev. 9:20-21.
Additional Biblical proof is Daniel 12:2: ”And many of those sleeping in the earth’s dust shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to reproaches and to everlasting loathing.” See also,
I believe those resurrected to reproaches is this group of martyred UNredeemed Non-marked. “Reproaches” is defined by the Hebrew as ‘disgrace, rebuke, shame’ 2781. This placement is NOT the same as the furnace of fire or everlasting fire. It is something different. No soul redeemed by the blood of Christ will be shamed before God, but these resurrected unredeemed people who died because they refused the mark will be in a group by themselves. Living as an unredeemed person during the Millennial Kingdom, among billions of Immortal Redeemed, will certainly carry disgrace and shame. These people will feel like fish out of water. I can’t help but wonder if this shame is incentive provided by God so they might come to salvation in Jesus before they die or before Satan is set loose at the end of the Millennial Kingdom.
Also, Zechariah 14:16: “And it shall be everyone who is left from all the nations which came up against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, Jehovah of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.”
The LIVING Marked who did not fight against Jerusalem were gathered as the tares and thrown into eternal fire at the Sheep/Goat Judgment, so it is NOT possible they comprise this group. Those who did fight against Jerusalem and those ravaged IN Jerusalem were killed by God in a specific plague and by the words which came from the mouth of Jesus, respectively. They are not resurrected until the Great White Throne Judgment. As a result, neither of these groups is eligible. So, who’s left? There remains a group of people who are not redeemed, nor do they carry the mark of the Beast, hence they are not condemned to hell. They are the remnants of the countries who DID fight against Jerusalem, but either died as martyrs because they refused the mark, or they managed to stay alive until the Christ’s return. The dead non-marked are resurrected as part of the John 5:25-29/Matthew 24:31 resurrection, but neither they or the living non-marked receive incorruptible bodies because they were not covered by the blood of Jesus. It is these groups of people who will be required to offer animal sacrifices and attend the Feast of Tabernacles during the Millennial Kingdom.
Personally, and this is MY OPINION, I believe these people who refused to worship the beast and take his mark, are the sole reason the millennial kingdom exists, as I find no express purpose stated in scripture. Jesus brought everything under subjection to Him at the battle of Jerusalem and the Sheep/Goat Judgment. The only reason the Millennial Kingdom exists is for those who refused to take the beast’s mark, Rev. 14:9-11. The Millennial Kingdom is God giving them a final chance to come to salvation in Jesus. I think this the longsuffering of God, as described in 2 Peter 3:9, manifested, yet again, so none might perish. Of course, many of them, because they lived through at least part of the tribulation, having witnessed the Sheep/Goat Judgment, will jump at the chance to accept Jesus as Savior and live for Him. I believe Satan is loosed at the end of the thousand years to tempt those who accept Jesus as Savior during the millennial period. Revelation 20:4 & 6 do not state all Believers will reign during the millennial kingdom, but only the beheaded martyrs, both OT and NT.
1 Corinthians 6:2-3 tells us saints, which are those ‘in Christ’ because Paul was speaking to the Redeemed in Corinth, will judge the world and angels. Revelation 5:8-10 states ‘we (the saints) shall reign over the earth.” I can’t find any scripture which states NON-martyred saints are given thrones; only those who are beheaded for Christ/God as Revelation 20:4 teaches. I understand this to mean those raptured and the non-martyred saints will reign in the New Heaven and New Earth. Those with greater rewards will reign over those with lesser rewards and all will reign over the angels. After all, once the Millennial Kingdom ends, the Redeemed and angels are all which remain because the wicked have been sent to hell.
Revelation 20:4-5 20:4d: “…And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years…” deals with the rewards of the beheaded saints. There are three groups listed:
1. Those who were beheaded because of the witness of Jesus (NT Believers),
2. Those who were beheaded because of the word of God (OT Believers under the altar in Seal #5), and
These first two groups are given their incorruptible bodies at the second coming along with the rest of the saints. These are people who overcame as Jesus overcame, by giving their life for their faith, and they will reign from a throne with Him. Revelation 3:21.
3. Those who were beheaded because they refused the mark of the Beast, refusing to worship him, are resurrected after Jesus returns to earth. I believe the third group is resurrected but is not given incorruptible bodies because they are NOT redeemed. They will enter the kingdom of God but will NOT inherit it for they lack salvation in Jesus. 1 Pet. 1:3-5/1 Corinthians 15:50. Rev. 20:4 tells us these three groups will reign and live with Jesus during the millennial kingdom. Since the first two groups are Redeemed, I understand this to mean they will reign
from thrones, while the third group will merely be allowed to live (John 5:29, a resurrection of life) so they might find salvation in Jesus.
Rev. 20:5b: “….This is the first resurrection.”
This is referred to as the first resurrection because it is the first resurrection since the return of Christ. I state again, it is NOT the first resurrection in history because Matthew 27:52 and 1 Thess. 4:13-17 precede it. This ‘first resurrection’ is the same one which takes place in Matthew 24:31/Mark 13:27/Daniel 12:1. The second resurrection is placed in Revelation 20:11-15 just prior to the Great White Throne Judgment.
20:6: “Blessed and holy is the one having part in the first resurrection. The second death has no authority over these, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him a thousand years.”
You cannot be a priest of God and of Christ if you are not a child of God, so this verse excludes the Resurrected UNredeemed Non-marked.
The Resurrected Redeemed who reign with Christ are blessed and holy because they endured to the end. As part of their reward, the second death, hell, has no claim on them.
Page 111. The destruction of Jerusalem: Now, that the end time events centered around Jerusalem have come and gone, God does away with this fallen city. He replaces it after the Millennial Kingdom.
Revelation 18:21-24: v. 21. “And one strong angel lifted a stone like a great millstone, and threw it into the sea, saying, This way, on an impulse, Babylon the great city will be thrown down, and it will never more still be found. v .22. And the sound of harpers, and of musicians, and flutists, and of trumpeters will never be heard in you longer, and every craftsman of every craft will never be found in you still; and the sound of a mill will never be heard in you still. v. 23. And the light of a lamp will never more shine in you. And the voice of the bridegroom and bride will never more be heard in you. For your merchants were the great ones of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were led astray. v. 24. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all the ones having been slain on the earth.”
I place this scripture here because it speaks to the final destruction of Jerusalem, the one from which there is NO return. This event is not one of the plagues but is described as an impulse from God. The complete annihilation of Jerusalem is the reason we find no reference to Jesus reigning from the temple. There is no temple. After the Beast defiles it, why would Jesus want it? Matthew 25:31 states Jesus 'comes in His glory, ... then He will sit on the throne of His glory;" this suggests to me He brings a throne with Him because there is nothing glorious about a throne which has been defiled by Satan. Also, this passage belongs here AFTER the Sheep/Goat and Bema Judgments because that judgment happens in Jerusalem, so this passage cannot precede those judgments.
Revelation 19:1-5: “And after these things, I heard a great voice of a numerous crowd in Heaven, saying, Hallelujah! The salvation and the glory and the honor and the power of the Lord our God! v.2. For true and righteous are His judgments because He judged the great harlot who defiled the earth with her fornication. And He avenged the blood of His slaves out of her hand. v. 3. And secondly, they said, Hallelujah! Also, her smoke goes up forever and ever. v. 4. And the twenty-four elders, and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God sitting on the throne, saying, “Amen! Hallelujah!” v.5. And a voice came out from the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all His slaves, and the ones fearing him, the small and the great.”
I place 19:1-5 here because these verses follow Chapter 18. Since the Old and New Testament saints return to earth with Jesus, as well as, all His holy angels (morally sacred messengers 40/32), who comprises this numerous crowd in heaven which cheers the demise of Jerusalem?
We know from verse four the 24 elders and the four living creatures are included, but 28 hardly makes a numerous crowd. I believe the balance of this crowd is comprised of Seraphs (fiery serpents 8314) and Cherubs (winged celestial beings p. 187 of Strong’s). Neither of these groups is defined as ‘morally sacred messengers’ like the angels who return with Jesus at the Second Coming. Of course, the Seraphim and Cherubim are holy, they just are NOT messengers, so they stay in Heaven when Jesus returns to earth with His armies. Rev. 19:14/ Matthew 25:31. So, it stands to reason seraphs and cherubs comprise the numerous crowd which praises God from heaven.
In verse 5, a voice from the throne of God calls every Redeemed soul to praise God for the destruction of Jerusalem. So, at this point, the praise of the Redeemed synchronizes with that of the Seraphim and Cherubim. Wow. What an experience…Giving conscious thought to experiencing this, any of this, all of this…gives me goose bumps.
Isaiah 25:1-12: Tells us He will remove the veil between us and Him which ties into Revelation 10:7; the mystery of God is ended. And He will wipe away every tear.
Page 113. Millennial Kingdom: Also, Zechariah 14:16-21 and Isaiah 60:11-22.
Revelation 20:6: “but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him a thousand years.”
This is placed in the context of martyred saints.
Repopulating the earth during the Millennial Kingdom: Revelation 20:7-8 “And whenever the thousand years are ended, Satan will be set loose out of his prison, v. 8. And he will go to mislead the nations in the four corners of the earth, -Gog and Magog-to assemble them in war, whose number is as the sand of the sea.”
At the end of the thousand years, Satan will go to ‘mislead the nations…to assemble them in war, whose number is as the sand of the sea.” If there are nations of people whose numbers are as the sands of the sea, from where did they come? Matthew 24:22 tells us God shortened the days of the tribulation so that some people might survive, but this doesn’t indicate there is a large number of people left alive on earth. In fact, ‘so that some might survive’ seems to indicate the number of survivors is rather low.
The living with the Mark of the Beast were sent to everlasting fire at the sheep/goat judgment of Matthew 25:31ff. This leaves only the sheep who were given their incorruptible bodies at Jesus’ second coming and the Resurrected Unredeemed Non-marked who were beheaded for refusing the mark and refusing to worship the Beast, those who live in reproach/shame.
The question is: who is producing offspring to the point their number is as of the sands of the sea?
I believe it is the Living and Resurrected Unredeemed Non-marked, those who refused the mark for political reasons, who repopulate the earth. These resurrected individuals will not receive glorified bodies for they are not redeemed in Jesus. You don’t get to live forever in Jesus if you don’t belong to Him! 1 Cor. 15:46-54 tells us the earthy (I checked, it’s ‘earthy’ not ‘earthly’) man comes first, then the spiritual man follows. If the earthy man isn’t followed by the spiritual man, he isn’t made incorruptible. To me, this makes sense because earth will still have its oxygenated atmosphere, and these people, who produce offspring which will accumulate rather quickly through the millennium, will choose either God or Satan at the end of the thousand years, forever sealing their spiritual fate. Those who die during the Millennial Kingdom had the lifetime they lived to choose Jesus as Savior before death. If these people are not in play, the Millennial Kingdom has no purpose. Also, there is no reason for Satan to be released at the end of the Millennial Kingdom if all who remain are eternally secure in their salvation.
That these people are in place explains the resurrection of life from John 5:25-29, and the ability to produce offspring because they have their earthy bodies. It also explains the need to reinstate the sacrifices as described in Zechariah 14:21. This short verse describes ‘those who sacrifice’ NOT ‘all who sacrifice,’ and it makes sense those who never accepted the sacrifice of Christ for themselves would need to be made right with God until such time they do come to salvation in Jesus.
Page 114. Final End Time Battle: This fight appears to be extremely brief and without the drama of the Battle of Jerusalem.
Revelation 20:3: “and threw him into the abyss, and shut him up, and sealed over him, that he should not still lead astray the nations, until the thousand years are fulfilled. And after these things, he must be set loose a little time.
At the end of the Millennium, Satan is released to wage his final war against God.
20:8: Gog and Magog- Spirit of antichrist here and in Ezekiel 38. Gog has a different definition in the New Testament than in the Old; here it is defined as ‘a symbolic name for some future antichrist. 1136.
Revelation 20:9-10: “v.9. And they went up over the breadth of the land and encircled the camp (a throwing in beside (juxtaposition), encampment, barracks 3925) of the saints (sacred, morally blameless 40), and beloved (to love in a social moral sense 25) city (a town, property with walls 4172). And fire from God came down out of heaven and burned them down. v. 10. And the Devil leading them astray was thrown in the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet were. And they were tormented day and night forever and ever.”
20:9: Satan and his army encircles the ‘camp of the saints’ AND the ‘beloved’ city. Due to the devastation caused by the tribulation, construction has been completed during the Millennial Kingdom or there would not be a city to surround. Here’s how I understand this, given the context of what we’ve already discussed: I believe those with INCORRUPTIBLE bodies live and reign in the city while those who have found salvation during the Millennial Kingdom, the saints with CORRUPTIBLE bodies, live in the camp thrown in beside or next to the city. The distinction made in Daniel 12:2 about the third group who did not have everlasting attached to their status, is still in place, and will remain so until the Great White Throne Judgment. In other words, those who find salvation in Jesus will be made everlasting at the final end time judgment.
When Satan attacks, fire comes down from God out of heaven and burns them up. God must not be living on earth during the Millennial Kingdom if fire comes down, from God OUT of heaven. Scripture tells us we live and reign with Jesus during the Millennial Kingdom, not God.
20:10: Satan is thrown into the Lake of Fire where the beast and the false prophet were already sent. They are tormented day and night forever and ever.
In MY OPINION, the Millennial Kingdom, the 1,000 year reign of Christ, is in play because 7, or in this case, the 7,000 year old earth represents completion; a Godly compliment to the 7 days of creation.
Page 115. Jesus hands the Kingdom over to God After the Millennial Kingdom: 1 Corinthians 15:24-28: “Then is the end-when He delivers the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He makes to cease all rule and all authority and power- v. 25. for it is right for Him to reign until He puts all the enemies under His feet; v. 26. The last enemy made to cease is death. v. 27. For He subjected all things under His feet; but when He says that all things have been subjected, it is plain that it excepts Him who has subjected all things to Him. v. 28. But when all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who has subjected all things to Him, that God may be all things in all.”
Page 115. Great White Throne Judgment God’s Judgment on the remaining dead: Rev. 20:11-15: “And I saw a great white throne, and the One sitting on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled; and a place was not found for them. v.12. And I saw the dead, the small and the great, standing before God. And scrolls were opened. And another Scroll was opened, which is the Scroll of Life. And the dead were judged out of the things written in the scrolls, according to their works. v.13. And the sea gave up the dead in it. And death and Hades gave up the dead in them. And they were each judged according to their works. v.14. And death and Hades were thrown into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. v.15. And if anyone was not found having been written in the Scroll of Life, he was thrown into the Lake of Fire.”
20:5a: “But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were ended.”
The ‘rest of the dead are:
1. Old Testament UNredeemed,
2. New Testament UNredeemed,
3. The dead killed by God and Jesus in their punishments delivered upon those who participated in the battle of Jerusalem.
4. The DEAD of the Millennial Kingdom, both Redeemed and UNredeemed. We know people die during the Millennial Kingdom because the ‘nor more death’ era doesn’t begin until the New Heaven and New Earth are put into place. Rev. 21:4. Death and Hades are not thrown into the Lake of Fire until the Great White Throne Judgment which is after the Millennial Kingdom. Revelation 20:14. Additionally, animals die during the Millennial Kingdom because they are sacrificed.
Also included in this judgment are:
5. LIVING OF the Millennial Kingdom, both Redeemed and UNredeemed.
Each group is judged according to their works written in the scrolls. v.12-15. Every soul, either living or dead, not dealt with in the Sheep/Goat Judgment will be dealt with here because this is the final judgment of eternity.
It is at this judgment the Redeemed of the Millennial Kingdom will inherit heaven. These people are those who HAVE BEEN written in the scroll of life. 20:15.
2 Peter 2:21 tells us there are gradated ‘punishments’ in hell. The rewards in heaven are based upon works, and scripture supports the works of wickedness are punished accordingly. See also, Proverbs 24:12, Matthew 11:23-24, Luke 12:45-48, 20:47, Hebrews 10:26-31, and Revelation 20:12 -13 “And the dead were judged out of the things written in the scrolls, according to their works.”
After all, what is the point of judgment according to works if hell is simply hell? So, the more wicked the works, the greater the torment.
Rev. 20:14: Tells us death and Hades are thrown into the lake of fire. The second death happens now. Any resurrected person who isn’t written in the scroll of life is thrown into the Lake of Fire and experiences the second death; the first death having been the death of their physical body.
Page 117. Revelation 21 New Heavens and a New Earth: 2 Peter 3:12-13: v. 12. “Looking for and hastening the coming of the Day of God, through which the heavens being set afire will be dissolved, and the elements will melt?(.) v. 13. But according to His promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.”
Coming 3952 being near, advent.
Day 2250 a period of time, defined by context.
God 2316 Supreme Divinity. This is different than any Day of the Lord (Christ).
Heavens 3772 idea of elevation, sky.
Set afire 4448 be ignited, be refined, be inflamed.
Dissolved 3089 to loosen, destroy.
Elements 4747 something orderly, fundamental constituents.
Melt 5080 liquify.
Look 4328 to watch, to anticipate.
New 2537 fresh.
Earth 1093 soil, solid part of the terrene globe.
Righteousness 1343 equity of character (fairness).
Dwells 2730 permanently resides.
2 Peter 3:12-13 with the definitions of the Greek subbed in: Looking for and hastening the being near of the day of Supreme Divinity, through which the sky, being ignited/inflamed, will be destroyed, and the foundational constituents will liquify. v. 13. But according to His promise, we watch/expect a fresh sky and a fresh terrene globe, in which fairness permanently resides.
This day of God deals with the burning of the literal sky and earth and the appearance of a fresh sky and earth. This event takes place at the end of the millennial kingdom, after the Great White Throne Judgment. No one who is to be thrown into the Lake of Fire will be permitted to see or participate in a place where fairness permanently resides.
Also, New Heavens and New Earth: Revelation 21:1-8: See also, Isaiah 65:17-19, 66:22, Zechariah 14:7-11 “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and the sea no longer is. v.2. And I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from God, having been prepared as a bride, having been adorned for her Husband. v.3. and I heard a great voice out of Heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God with men! And He will tabernacle with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. v.4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. And death shall be no longer, nor mourning, nor outcry, nor pain will be any longer; for the first things passed away. v.5. And the One sitting on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He says to me, Write because these words are faithful and true.” v.6. And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the Ending. To the one thirsting, I will freely give of the fountain of the water of life. v.7. The one overcoming will inherit all things, and I will be God to him, and he will be the son to Me. v.8. But for the cowardly and unbelieving, and those having become foul, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all the lying ones, their part will be in the Lake burning with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
21:1-5: There is no longer any sea. It left with the old earth and heaven. I wonder why? I’ve often wondered if there would be different biospheres in heaven. If so, it looks as if sea scapes will not be among them. This passage describes the New Heaven and the New Earth and the New Jerusalem adorned as a bride for her Husband. God will dwell with people and wipe away every tear. Death is no more because it was thrown into the Lake of Fire v. 20:14. The first things have passed away and the One sitting on the throne says, “Behold, I make all things new.” 2 Peter 3:13. This means death, tears and pain ARE in place during the Millennial Kingdom. We know unredeemed people die during the kingdom because they do not have incorruptible bodies, and animals die because they are used as sacrifices. However, after the new heaven and earth are put in place, all death is vanquished. This is because the Great White Throne Judgment did away with all wickedness, so sacrifices are no longer necessary! Everyone who remains is redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus.
21:7-8: Verse 7 lists benefits of being an overcomer while verse 8 offers a warning to those who will be exempted from the New Heaven and New Earth because they have been sentenced to hell.
21:9-27: “And one of the seven angels came to me, he having the seven bowls being filled with the seven last plagues, and spoke with me, saying, Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb. v.10. And he carried me in spirit onto a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, holy Jerusalem, coming down out of Heaven from God, v.11. having the glory of God. And its light was like a very precious stone, as a jasper stone, being clear as crystal, v.12. and having a great and high wall, having twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. v. 13. From the east, three gates; from the north, three gates; from the south, three gates; and from the west, three gates. v.14. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. v.15. And he, speaking with me had a golden reed, that he may measure the city, and its gates, and its, wall. v.16. And the city lies four-cornered, even its length as much as the width also. And he measured the city with the reed at twelve thousand stadia; its length and width and height are equal. v.17. And he measured its wall, a hundred and forty-four cubits, a measure of a man, which is of an angel. v.18. And the structure of its wall was jasper; and the city was pure gold, like pure glass. v.19. And the foundation of the wall of the city having been adorned with every precious stone: The first foundation, jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; v.20. the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, hyacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. v.21. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; respectively each one of the gates was of one pearl. And the street of the city pure gold, as transparent glass. v.22. And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty is its temple, even the Lamb. v.23. And the city had no need of the sun, nor of the moon, that they might shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it, even its lamp is the Lamb. v.24. And the nations of the ones saved will walk in its light; and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. v.25. And its gates may not at all be shut by day, for no night will be there. v.26. And they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. v.27. And all profaning may not at all enter into it, or any making an abomination or a lie; but only the ones having been written in the Scroll of Life of the Lamb.”
Rev. 9-27: New Jerusalem is a cube of 12,000 stadia high, wide and deep. That’s about 1,380 miles high, wide and deep. Bear in mind, this is the city of Jerusalem only, not the entirety of heaven! In this Jerusalem, the streets of gold are transparent. I’ve never seen gold I could look through, so that will be something to see. God and Jesus will be the only light sources! How cool is that? The kings of the earth who bring their honor and glory into it are the Redeemed of earth. Verse 27 is another brief warning about who will not be allowed to enter into the city for they were previously banished to hell in either the Sheep/Goat or Great White Throne Judgments.
Page 119. Revelation 22:1-21: A summary of the entire book of Revelation and final warnings. “v.1. And He showed me a pure river of water of life, bright as crystal, coming forth out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. v.2. In the midst of its street and of the river, from here and from there, was a tree of life producing twelve fruits: according to one month each yielding its fruit. And the leaves of the trees were for healing of the nations. v.3. And every curse will no longer be. And the throne of God and the Lamb will be in it; and His slaves will serve Him. v.4. And they will see His face; and His name will be on their foreheads. v.5. And night will not be there; and they have no need of a lamp or a light of the sun, because the Lord God will shed light on them. And they shall reign forever and ever. v.6. And he said to me, These words are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His slaves what must happen quickly (a brief space of time, in haste 5034). v.7. Behold, I am coming quickly (shortly, soon, suddenly 5035). Blessed is the one keeping the words of the prophecy of this scroll. v.8. And I, John, was the one seeing and hearing these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel showing me these things. v.9. And he said to me, Behold! Stop! For I am your fellow-slave, and of your brothers the prophets, and of the ones keeping the words of this Scroll. Do worship to God.” v.10. And he said to me, Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this Scroll, because the time is near (near of place or time, at hand 1451). v.11. The one acting unjustly, let him still act unjustly; and the filthy, let him still be filthy; and the righteous, let him still do righteousness; and the holy, let him still be holy. v.12. And, behold, I am coming quickly (without delay, readily 5035), and My reward is with Me, to give to each as his work is. v.13. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, the First and the Last. v.14. Blessed are the ones doing His commands, that their authority will be over the tree of life, and by the gates they may enter into the city. v.15. But outside are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters and everyone loving and making a lie. v.16. I, Jesus, sent my angel to testify these things to you over the churches. I am the Root and Offspring of David, the bright and morning Star. v.17. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come! And the one hearing, let him say, Come! And the one thirsting, let him come; and the one desiring, let him take of the water of life freely. v.18. For I testify together with everyone hearing the words of the prophecy of this Book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add upon him the plagues having been written in this Book. v.19. And if anyone takes away from the words of the Book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and of the things having been written in this Book. v.20. The One testifying these things, says, Yes, I am coming quickly (shortly, soon, suddenly 5035). Amen. Yes, Come, Lord Jesus! v.21. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen.”
Rev. 22:6, 7, 10 and 20 all reference the rapture because the definition and context indicate John was to immediately send the letters because events would happen in an ‘at hand’ speed.
Rev. 22:12 references the second coming because other scriptures tell us Jesus bestows rewards at the second coming, NOT the rapture. All of these scriptures are in the context of the church, but Jesus differentiates between the imminence of the rapture event from the second coming.
22:1-5: Absolutely everything is made new and perfect. We will wear God’s name on our literal foreheads as that is how the Greek defines the word. It is not a metaphor for something else. God, Himself, will be the only light we will ever need as we reign/rule with Him forever.
Note the passage of time; ‘one month, each yielding it’s fruit.’
22:6-7: Jesus sends an angel to John to reassure him that the words spoken are faithful and true. Here again, I think the angel is Jesus Himself, simply unrecognized by John because of Rev. 10. Jesus is coming quickly, and blessed are those who keep the words of the prophecy of this scroll. It is we who study this book and heed its truths who keep the words of its prophecy.
22:8-16: John states he is the one who sees and hears the events described and that he was told to not seal the words, which means he is to share them ‘because the time is near.’
John reminds us that Jesus brings rewards for the Believers, rewards according to their works. Jesus is Alpha and Omega and blessed are those doing His commands. We will have authority over the tree of Life, which is code we’ll live forever, and ONLY those who do God’s commands will enter the city gates. All the wicked will be outside the city gates because they will be in hell. In other words, those who trust Jesus for salvation enter heaven, and those who refuse to trust Him do not. In the last scripture Jesus affirms the angel He sent testified as Jesus instructed, and Jesus reminds us that He is the root and offspring of David, that He came as a human, and is the bright and morning star.
22:17: Is an appeal to anyone who wants salvation. The invitation is from the Spirit and the church.
22:18-19: Is the warning about adding to or taking from the words of this book, and the consequence to those who do either. I have quadruple checked to ensure I’ve omitted nothing from chapters 4 through 22. Chapters 1-3 are discussed in the paper entitled “The Churches of Revelation.” I have also clearly identified any opinion of my own as such, never passing it off as scripture. I take this warning very seriously.
22:21: Jesus says, “I am coming quickly (shortly, soon, suddenly 5035).” This is the fifth warning in this single chapter regarding the imminent arrival of Jesus at the rapture. The context of this scripture is in that of the church, verse 17, not that of the second coming.
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen.”
I hope my study on the book of Revelation has given you spiritual meat on which to chew. I know I’ve been fed. I’ve learned so much and will readily admit there is still so much to learn. Many of the scriptures used in this paper could be subdivided and supported with unused OT, Gospel, or Epistles passages, giving one even more insight into God’s end time plan. I just didn’t have time to research at such a depth. It was of the utmost importance I finish this paper before the rapture occurs, so I could leave this behind for my children. Will it benefit them as I hope? That remains to be seen, but I do know, had I not tried to help them from beyond, after doing my best to help them in the present, they will surely perish. The choice to believe is always personal and individual. Being their mom, I had to try. That’s what moms do.
Now that it is complete enough to meet my objective, I will create a website where this paper and everything I’ve learned about the rapture will be posted and available outside of the Zucker machine. The time is quickly approaching where internet access will be denied to those without a ‘code’ of some sort, probably the mark of the beast.
For your convenience, I re-list the Table of Contents one final time:
Page Topic
1. Introduction
3. Revelation 12
7. Revelation 17:1-13 Mystery of Babylon/Great Harlot
11. Summary of Rev. 17:1-13
12. Revelation 4 Praise to Jehovah and the Holy Spirit
17. Revelation 5 Praise to Jesus
20. Sequence of Events: Birth Pains
21. Sidebar: Rapture
22. Rapture
29. Summary of Rapture
31. Falling Away
32. Sidebar: Holy Spirit
34. Outline of Ezekiel 38/39 War and Seal Judgments
36. Closer Look at Ezekiel War
38. Introduction to the Seal Judgments
38. 144,000 Evangelists
42. Seal #4
43. Seal #6
45. Seal #3
46. Seal #1
46. Man of Sin Introduction
49. Sidebar: The ‘Restrainer’
50. The Ten Kings
51. Covenant Confirmation
52. The Two Witnesses
53. Preaching Angel and Seal #5
54. Seal #5
55. Seal #2
55. Seal #7
56. Desolation of the Temple
60. Summary of the First Half of the Tribulation
61. Marriage Supper
62. False Prophet
63. Great Tribulation/Resurrected Beast (Man of Sin Part B)
65. Death of the Two Witnesses
66. Beast on the Throne
66. Revelation 18: 1-5 Consequences of Apostasy
67. Flight of the Redeemed/Resurrection of the Two Witnesses
68. Satan’s War on Redeemed Gentiles
69. Mark of the Beast
70. Tribulation Martyrs
70. Delusion Sent by God
71. Introduction to Trumpet Judgments
72. Trumpet #1
72. Revelation 18:9-20
74. Trumpet #2
74. Trumpet #3
74. Introduction to Bowl Judgments
75. Revelation 15:1, 5-8, 16:1 Preparation for bowl judgments
76. Bowls #1, #4,
77. Bowls #5, #6, #2, and #3
78. Bowl Judgment #7
79. Trumpet #4
79. Trumpet #5
80. Trumpet #6
81. Revelation 10
83. Revelation 16:15-16, also page 90.
84. Second Coming
91. Sidebar: Why Tribulation Saints Do Not Return with Jesus at the Second Coming
93. Outline of Matthew 13:30 Harvest
93. Trumpet #7
97. Gathering of Tares: Extended Explanation
98. Sidebar on Revelation 14:17-20
99. Gathering of Wheat: Extended Explanation
99. Summary of Second Coming
101. Battle of Jerusalem
102. God’s Wrath: The Plague Against Those Who Fought Against Jerusalem
103. Beast and False Prophet Into the Lake of Fire/Dragon Into the Abyss
104. Sheep/Goat Judgment
107. Bema Seat
111. Destruction of Jerusalem
113. Millennial Kingdom
114. Final End Time Battle
115. Jesus Relinquishes His Rule
115. Great White Throne Judgment
117. Revelation 21: New Heavens and New Earth
119. Revelation 22: Summary of the Book of Revelation/Final Warnings and Encouragement
Some content taken from The Interlinear Bible by Jay P. Green, Sr. Copyright © 1985. Used by permission of Hendrickson Rose Publishing Group, represented by Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2021 on Commentary by Angie Williams. All rights reserved.
All definitions taken from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance James Strong, LL.D., S.T.D. © 1990 by Thomas Nelson Publishers