Keys to Understanding the Book of Revelation
Surveying the Text:
Lesson 6: Satanic Assault Upon the Earth ( Chptrs. 6-16) Move from Heaven to Earth
Dr. Mary Sue Davis
It is vital to realize that these chapters are given in the order that they were seen not necessarily in the chronological order of their fulfillment. Chapters 6 through 16 cannot be put in a chronological order. The emphasis is more upon what will happen than when they will happen. These visions were not given so we might forecast the future but rather that we might be faithful in the present.
Here are some keys to remember as we study these chapter. We see:
Digressions and sneak previews above the scene.
Recapitulations (chptr. 12) of redemptive history.
Anticipations (Armageddon first mentioned in 16:16 but does not occur until ch. 19).
Successive but accumulative events- one builds upon the other.
Comes in series of 7, ex. 7 seals, 7 thunders.
Notice as we study this section that each series of sevens builds upon each other. There will be 7 seals (ch.7), then 7 earthquakes; 7 trumpets (chptrs. 10-11), then 7 earthquakes; 7 bowls (chptrs. 12-14), then 7 earthquakes.
Outline:
Seals, Trumpets and Bowls of Wrath
Successive but also accumulative
Series of 7’s – 7 seals, white horse, red horse, black horse, persecution and martyrdom, tremor and terror, silence in heaven, prayers of the saints answered , severe earthquake.
Trumpets: scorched earth, polluted sea and ships sunk, contaminated water, reduced sunlight, insects and plagues (5mo.), Oriental invasion (200million), severe earthquake, kingdom future becomes kingdom present.
Bowls: boils on the skin, blood in the sea, blood in the springs, burning by the sun, darkness, Armageddon, hailstorm and severe earthquake, leading to international collapse,
The first 6 of each series is successive and the 7th of each is simultaneous
Seals 1 2 3 4 5 6 (ch.7) earthquake
Trumpets 1 2 3 4 5 6 (chs. 10-11) earthquake
Bowls 1 2 3 4 5 6 (chs. 12-14) earthquake
Revelation 6:1-17
Rev. 6:1 Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; (seal 1) and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, (thunder 1)“Come and see.”
Lamb, arnion (ar-nee-on); Strong’s #721: Originally, a little lamb, but the diminutive force is largely missing in the NT. In John 21:15, arnion is used of young believers, while 29 times in Rev. it is the title of the exalted Christ. Arnion is in direct contrast to the beast. The beast is savage, cruel, hostile, and destructive. By contradistinction our Lord as a lamb is gentle, compassionate, loving, and kind, innocently suffering and dying to atone for our sins. In Rev., lion and lamb combine the two elements of majesty and meekness.
The seals: The scroll cannot be unrolled until all seven seals are broken. Zechariah’s visions of the four horsemen who patrol the Earth (see Zech. 1:8-10; 6:1-7) may have been creatively utilized here. An alternate Greek textual reading, Come!, which is a command addressed to each of the horsemen, is preferred by many to the come and see addressed here to John. The One on the throne is in complete control of the tragic consequences of sin in history and uses them to accomplish His purposes (Ezek. 14:21).
The five seals refer to military conflict and conquest, civil war, economic disruption, pestilence, murder, accidents, and persecutions (see Luke 21:9).
DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: The martyred souls (vv. 9-11) represent some of the Great Tribulation saints. It seems obvious that all who receive Jesus Christ during this time are martyred, except the remnant of Israel who are sealed for protection.
Notice that there are 7 thunders which may be a slice of time and a progression in this process.
Only the Lamb gives the authority to break the seals. Also, let us have ears to ear the thunder which is the revelation voice which gives us eyes to see.
Some contend that the opening of the seals, books, is the release of the New Covenant.
Rev. 6:2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.
*Symbol- white horse and rider- Word and Spirit of revival (Rev. 19:11-21)
Many see the rider on the white horse as the symbol of international power politics in the form of military conquest, white standing for military aggression. Some others see the white horse rider as Christ continuing to move in triumph through His church during the throes of the following events, conquering through tribulation and to conquer ultimately over all (19:11—see 19:1-16). Jesus rode on a donkey into Jerusalem meaning peace, now we see Him riding on a white horse.
DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: Dispensationalists view v. 1 as the beginning of the Great Tribulation, and the white horse rider (v. 2) as a counterfeit christ riding to win the world’s adulation and submission (see Dan. 7:7).
Others see that the vehicles (white horse) as us, the redeemed, through which Christ comes to conquer. His promise (bow) is about to be fulfilled as the authority of Christ (crown) is manifested against the earth.
Rev. 6:3 When He opened the second seal,(seal 2) I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.”
Come and see says Christ, and He want us to have eyes to see and hear.
Rev. 6:4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.
*Symbol- red horse and rider- Spirit of war (Rev. 12:3)
The rider on the horse, fiery red, is the symbol of civil war and strife, bloodshed and violence.
Many see the rider and horse who is scarlet colored as the Beast.
The Beast nature is defined in Scripture. Its more than just sin nature; it is a nature that attacks the will of God.
2 Peter 2:9-13 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,10 and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries,11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.12 But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption,13 and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you,
Others see that symbolically we are the vehicles (horses) of life (red) that bring the Lord’s glory to remove complacency (peace) with carnality (earth). Red represents the visible life within the blood of Christ. The revelation of Christ (sword) will be the iron that sharpens iron (kill) that which perfects the Body of Christ.
Jeremiah 12:12 The plunderers have come On all the desolate heights in the wilderness, For the sword of the Lord shall devour From one end of the land to the other end of the land; No flesh shall have peace.
Rev. 6:5 When He opened the third seal, (seal 3) I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand.
*Symbol- balances- scarcity, weighing out- (Job 31:6)
The seal represents of the authority of Christ to judge (balances).
Balances represent judgment.
Dan. 5:27 “Tekel: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting;
Balances weigh out our true motives and show forth our true nature. Our heart and our actions must balance out. If not, then our works will judge the condition of our heart.
*Symbol- black horse and rider- Spirit of famine (La 5:10)
The rider on the black horse is the symbol of economic disruption. Some see it as famine. However, the problem may not be famine, but inflation and scarcity.
Rev. 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.”
*Symbol- wheat and barley- Passover, Pentecost, harvests (Hos. 2:22)
*Symbol- oil and wine- Tabernacles, harvest (Hos. 2:8,22)
A denarius was the daily wage for a laborer, which ordinarily would buy eight times the amount of wheat and barley as under these conditions. The oil and the wine, symbolic of luxuries, likely means the famine is viewed as limited. It does not depict worldwide, rampant starvation.
Barley was used as an offering for those who had been defiled or those who have practiced harlotry ( Hos. 3:2, Num. 5: 15, Ez. 13:19).
Three quarts or three measures signifies the completeness or fullness or 3rd part which we will discuss later.
Numbers 5:14-15 ‘if the spirit of jealousy comes upon him and he becomes jealous of his wife, who has defiled herself; or if the spirit of jealousy comes upon him and he becomes jealous of his wife, although she has not defiled herself—‘then the man shall bring his wife to the priest. He shall bring the offering required for her, one-tenth of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil on it and put no frankincense on it, because it is a grain offering of jealousy, an offering for remembering, for bringing iniquity to remembrance.
Barley was offered to the Lord to remove defilement. In seal 3 barley may represent those who wanting to go on to perfection. Barley matures best in adverse conditions. Barley then may represent the Elect who is perfected through adversity and judgment
Others view the authority that is now given believers to judge all by a 2-fold judgment: 1st to discern who are truly His (wheat); and 2nd, to increase their walk into the fullness of Christ (barley).
Rev.6:7 When He opened the fourth seal, (seal 4) I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.”
Rev. 6:8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.
*Symbol- pale horse and rider- spirit of pestilence, death (Matt. 24:7)
Pale, a yellowish-green color, represents disease, death and epidemics. Hades: The grave. Over a fourth: The devastation is limited in scope.
Others view the pale horse as the manifest glory of God’s elect, who have dimmed in the natural and begin now to shine forth in His appearing, thus seeing the Fourth part as the end-time.
Earth in Scripture always represents carnality: self-will, independent from God. It is a term used that means fleshly earthly nature, the carnal mind with lust. Carnality is defined as an enemy to God.
Romans 8:5-7; For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.
1 Cor. 15:47-48 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven.48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly.
Spiritual View: Judgment in the New Covenant is upon carnality. Jesus came as the One to separate us from our carnality. The New Covenant emphasis is not so much a matter of bringing judgment upon individuals for their sin (as in the Old Covenant), but rather bringing judgment upon the kosmos, upon carnality itself. The emphasis is not that God is mad when individuals reject Him and therefore He will bring judgment upon them. God loves people… what He hates is carnality, because carnality brings death and decay to people. The LAW could never separate us from our carnality, but Christ IN us is well able to bring the necessary judgment.
Summary of the horses- Dispensational View:
White horse- military aggression or conquest
Red horse- bloodshed and violence
Black horse- famine
Green/pale horse- disease, plague, epidemics
One opinion of the horses:
The Bible speaks of four great spirits which control the actions of human beings, leaders of governments, and ultimately, even the governments of the world themselves. One of these spirits will become the dominating force in the program of the future world dictator known as the Antichrist.
In Revelation 6:1-8 in the Bible, there is a prophecy of four horsemen. The horses are white, red, black, and pale colored.
In Zechariah 6:1-8 the same prophecy is given depicting white horses, red horses, black horses, and grisled and bay horses. In verse five Zechariah was told what the horses symbolize–“These are the four SPIRITS of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.” Each of these horses symbolizes a “spirit”, and the color of the horses is very important.
The Red Horse
What international spirit or power on earth is known as the “red” power? Communism, of course! The communist nations of Red China, Red Russia, Red Romania, et cetera are nations conquered by revolution at the cost of many lives. The prophecy states that “Power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth”. Everywhere communism raises its ugly head, war breaks out. Korea, Berlin, the Congo, Cuba, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Nicaragua are just a few of the many examples. Communists, as the scripture says, even kill one another (Revelation 6:4). Many world figures feel that war will eventually break out between Russia and China, the two main bastions of communism. Finally, in the same verse (6:4), there was given to the rider of the red horse a great sword. The prophecy is completely fulfilled! What greater sword exists in the world today than the combined military might of Russia and China? Is there a nation that would like to go to war against these two giants?! The red spirit which takes peace from the earth is communism.
The Black Horse
The December 9, 1966 issue of Time Magazine, page 34, reported that a new coalition government had recently been formed in Germany between the Socialist and the Christian Democratic parties. A comment made concerning the union said, “… a grand coalition of the two major parties — the Christian Democrats and the Social Democrats, that have bitterly fought each other for years…(has been made). A union of black and red, it was a marriage of convenience — but a stunning match nonetheless”. In political and news circles socialism is referred to as the “red power”, and capitalism is called the “black power.”
Let’s apply the rest of the scripture about the black horse: “…he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hands” (Revelation 6:5). Capitalism thrives on commerce. The world’s capitalistic nations enjoy higher standards of living than the other nations of the world! The capitalistic message to the world is the message of trade. This is reinforced in the next portion of the prophecy: “A measure of wheat for a penny; and three measures of barley for a penny” (Revelation 6:6). One of the things heard daily in the news of capitalistic countries is, “Dow Jones Industrials up 3 cents; AT&T down a penny; Xerox is steady”. This passage is a prophetic stock market report! The stock markets are at the center of capitalistic economies.
In verse 6 of the same passage, the Bible says “… and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.” One of the quickest ways for a man to lose office in the political world of capitalism is for the economy of that nation to suffer under his administration. One of the major issuesof any political campaign in the free world countries is that of the economy. The black horse is the spirit of capitalism foreseen by God 2,000 years ago!
The White Horse
White is used as a symbol of peace. Usually, the Roman Catholic pope wears white garments. His personal helicopter is white. It should be noted that the predominant message of Roman Catholicism is the message of peace. The Vatican has become a diplomatic peace center. When peace is being negotiated between rulers of our world, the pope and other high officials of the Roman Catholic Church are many times consulted. Newspapers, magazines, books, television, and radio applaud his efforts towards peace. Pope Paul VI was the world’s first religious leader to speak before the United Nations assembly. His message was, “Lay down your arms. War no more. Never again!”.
Notice that the rider of the white horse in Revelation had a bow, but no arrows. He had weapons, but was not shooting live ammunition. His weapons are peace, religion, and diplomacy. A crown was given to the one sitting on the white horse. History teaches that the pope originally had no crown. But today the pope wears a tiara consisting of three crowns.
Finally, Revelation 6:2 states that the rider of the white horse went forth conquering and to conquer. Although Catholicism at present has no standing army, it is certainly a conquering power. When the majority of the people of a nation becomes Catholic that nation is referred to as a “Catholic” nation. This is the spirit of the white horse conquering and to conquer!
The Pale Horse
The Bible plainly states that the name of the man who sat on the pale horse was “Death”, and “Hell” followed with him. The significance of Hell following Death is what we must understand. When people die their individual fate is sealed. People who die in wickedness go immediately to hell (see Luke 16:20-31). So the sooner death can claim individuals, the less chance they have of being saved and entering into the Kingdom of God.
Notice the tools of “Death”: first the sword, which includes war, crime, and revolution; second hunger or famine (many Bible scholars interpret the black horse to be famine, but if this were true, the fourth spirit would duplicate the third spirit); and third the beasts of the earth, a tool of Death which would exist mainly in the more backward nations of the world.
The four seals of Revelation 6:1-8 represent Catholicism, Communism, Capitalism, and Death. Each of these spirits are international spirits: there are Catholic nations, communistic nations, capitalistic nations, and nations where famine, the sword, hunger, and the beasts of the earth rule.
The Bible even prophesies in which parts of the world these international spirits would have dominion! The angel speaking with Zechariah told him that the black horses went forth into the “north country” (Zechariah 6:6). More than 2,500 years ago, God foretold that capitalism would exist in the northern countries! Look on a world map. You will find that every major capitalistic country is in the northern hemisphere! Note that Germany, France, Great Britain,the United States, and Canada are all northern countries. Isn’t it wonderful that God gave us His divine, supernatural word so that we could have understanding in these last times?
In Zechariah 6:8 the angel cried, “Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.” God is saying here that capitalism has hindered the moving of His spirit in the northern countries. It is easier to persuade people to serve God in poverty stricken countries and in communist countries than in America and other capitalistic nations. Capitalism breeds a spirit of selfishness and a “do-as-I-please” attitude which cannot exist in a true Christian. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).
The grisled horses of Zechariah 6:6 went toward the south country. The grisled and bay horses represent one of the four spirits in the earth. We have learned from Zechariah 6:5 that there are four spirits: the white horses, the red horses, the black horses, and grisled and bay horses. These grisled & bay horses seen by Zechariah represent the same thing as the pale horse seen by John in the book of Revelation. Webster’s Dictionary says that a “pale” horse is one lacking in intensity of color, or void of luster. The colors “grisled” and “bay”, according to Webster, are both lackluster colors; the grisled being a gray and the bay being a dull reddish brown. The “bay” horse was the spirit of death which walked to and fro through the earth (Zechariah 6:7). John’s pale horse in Revelation is identical to Zechariah’s grisled and bay. The grisled horse represents the forces that work with death in Revelation 6:8 — hunger, poverty, disease and beasts. The nations located in the southern hemisphere have suffered these fates the most, because the grisled horses went into the “south”. These countries include Africa, South America, India, China, et cetera. The average life span in some of these southern countries is as low as 40 years! Certainly God knew this spirit was going into the southern countries.
The most important thing about this prophecy of the four horses is the identification of the form that the last world government will assume. In Rev 17:3 the beast representing the kingdom of the Antichrist is a “red” beast. This indicates that this last world government will be socialistic. Perhaps communism is not quite as dead as we have been led to believe!
Paul Blanshard contended that 3 international forces, communism, Catholicism, and capitalism, rule the world. Malachi Martin graphicly stated the exact same thing. The amazing thing is that the Bible prophesied concerning these 3 spirits 2,000 years ago.
( Excerpts from The Four Horsemen Have Arrived by Irvin Baxter Jr.)
Summary of the horses- Symbolically:
White horse- those who bring the message through out the earth
Red horse- those who bring the life of Christ to the Church
Zechariah 1:8-10 I saw by night, and behold, a man riding on a red horse, and it stood among the myrtle trees in the hollow; and behind him were horses: red, sorrel, and white.9 Then I said, “My lord, what are these?” So the angel who talked with me said to me, “I will show you what they are.”10 And the man who stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, “These are the ones whom the Lord has sent to walk to and fro throughout the earth.”
Black horse- those who bring doom and destruction to the carnal church
Pale horse- those who bring death to those of the last watch
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey symbolizing peace, notice the contrast.
Rev. 6:9 When He opened the fifth seal, (seal 5) I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.
*Symbol- altar of brass- place of sacrifice, life outpoured- (Ex. 27:1-8)
Under the altar: In ancient sacrifices, the blood, which symbolized life, was poured out at the base of the altar. John saw the souls of all the Christian martyrs up until the time of the writing of Rev., and by implication, until the Second Coming of Christ. They were praying for the vindication of God’s justice, not for vengeance.
Symbolically or spiritually others view the slain souls (minds) as those that are “dead in Christ”. They chose to be dead so that they could be the testimony or living revelation of Christ. Souls here represent a saved and transformed mind. Under the altar shows that their sacrifice is complete. Together the references to ‘slain” and “altar” reveals the revelation Christ that brings a sold out relationship. Those members of the Bride are qualified for the appearing.
Rev. 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”
The phrase “ avenge our blood” means to vindicate our sacrifice and show everyone it was worth it.
BLOOD- Life is in the blood. Blood is a reference to life, either eternal life or redemptive life.
Rev. 6:11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.
White robe represents purity and victory.
Rest a little while longer: God patiently delays the Final Judgment to give evildoers the opportunity to repent, even though His saints continue to suffer. God is concerned for justice, but even more for mercy.
Remember the five seals refer to military conflict and conquest, civil war, economic disruption, pestilence, murder, accidents, and persecutions (see Luke 21:9).
DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: The martyred souls(persecuted ones) (vv. 9-11) represent some of the Great Tribulation saints. It seems obvious that all who receive Jesus Christ during this time are martyred, except the remnant of Israel who are sealed for protection.
Symbolically or spiritually others see the white robes as our glorified bodies. The Lord giving us white robes (robes of righteousness) as a weeding coat for the Marriage Supper pf the Lamb.
Rev. 6:12 I looked when He opened the sixth seal, (seal 6) and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.
Dispensational View: The sixth seal describes a cosmic catastrophe ( it says earthquake)(tremor and terror) inconceivable to the human mind; some say it is others say it is not to be interpreted literally. The Greek words here for earthquake are thuma and orge, first meaning simmer and then explosion. Seven structures of creation and seven classes of men are affected (see Heb. 12:27; Luke 23:27-30; Is. 2:2, 17; Hos. 10:8). This appears to be the final Day of the Lord, the great day of His wrath. See note on Obad. 15. But it has its precursors in social upheavals and the rise and fall of empires and civilizations throughout history. Fall . . . hide us: The unsaved do not repent, but “pray” to “nature” for deliverance. The question who is able to stand? is answered in the two interlude visions.
Symbolically/Spiritually:
The reference to sackcloth means mourning, while the reference to hair means covering. The Black represents the hopelessness. The moon being the light of the earth may also represent the lusts which guide mankind’s dark desires and perversions. The moon symbolically also is the glory of Christ, (the Moon/ Bride of Christ as the reflection the Sun/Son) overcoming the lust of the night. Turning to blood shows the redemptive power of Christ, as the blood has overcome, the Bride of Christ showing His redemptive power to the world.
The releasing of the sixth seal as a great time of harvest. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken until all that is left is the kingdom of Christ. This is the great harvest, taking the gospel of the kingdom into the world. In Matthew 13, the parable of the wheat and tares, we are told that the wheat and the tares must grow together until the wheat is mature and thus distinguishable from the tares. So up until this point both wheat and tares exist together and that is exactly what we have seen for the past 2000 years. What we did not realize is that we are not waiting on the harvest, the harvest is waiting on us. It will take mature ‘sons’, an elect company, a Joel’s army or prepared virgins to begin the harvest. They are the key to the harvest beginning. We see a people who have become so inhabited by Christ through surrender and obedience that the Lord’s very presence fills them and transforms them into the Bride of Christ. It is the Bride who must wield the sickle of TRUTH, guided by the presence of the Lord.
Rev. 6:13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.
Symbolically/Spiritually:
In John 15:1-8 we see that is a branch does not bear good fruit, it will be cut of. (John 15:1-8) I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away. And every one that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bring forth more fruit. Now you are clean through the Word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered. And they gather and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done to you. In this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, so you shall be My disciples.
This verse in John depicts the fruitless branch, which, does not abide in the vine and is destroyed. The immediate reference was to Judas, but the idea applies to all pseudo-believers (see Matt. 15:13).When we abide in Christ, our prayers are effective, we glorify God in our fruitbearing, we demonstrate our discipleship, and our joy becomes full through experiencing Christ’s own joy within us.
Rev. 6:14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.
Some say that this will happen literally.
Symbolically/Spiritually:
The heaven (all of the spiritual realm) itself has been sifted, which declares the kingdom is the Bride of Christ.(New Jerusalem) there is no place for independent mountains or organizations that could compete with the Bride. There will be no selfish separations (islands) of people or ministries in he Body of Christ; all of Christ’s Body will come together.
Symbolically in Scripture mountains represent a place where man meets God. Mountains then speak of the need for that relationship. Mountains can also speak of independent godless religious organizations, spiritual Babylon. For example, in some religions the great gurus reside on mountains. That is why mountains are being removed or cast down.
Islands are even more separated than mountains; they are surrounded by water which could mean they have surrounded and separated themselves with doctrine which will be moved out of its place.
Rev. 6:15 And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains,
Free, eleutheros (el-yoo-ther-oss); Strong’s #1658: Freeborn, exempt from legal obligation, unconstrained. It is the opposite of enslaved. The word is derived from the verb eleuthomai, “to come, go,” thus describing the freedom to go where one chooses.
This may also speak of the pride of man and all those who have operated in it.
Rev. 6:16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!
Symbolically/Spiritually:
These are the ones who refuse that face to face relationship which brings Jesus Christ. The Bride will radiate that relationship, so they are without excuse, no place to hide.
Isaiah 2:10-22 Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, From the terror of the Lord And the glory of His majesty.11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.12 For the day of the Lord of hosts Shall come upon everything proud and lofty, Upon everything lifted up—And it shall be brought low—13 Upon all the cedars of Lebanon that are high and lifted up, And upon all the oaks of Bashan;14 Upon all the high mountains, And upon all the hills that are lifted up;15 Upon every high tower, And upon every fortified wall;16 Upon all the ships of Tarshish, And upon all the beautiful sloops.17 The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, And the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; The Lord alone will be exalted in that day,18 But the idols He shall utterly abolish.19 They shall go into the holes of the rocks, And into the caves of the earth, From the terror of the Lord And the glory of His majesty, When He arises to shake the earth mightily.20 In that day a man will cast away his idols of silver And his idols of gold, Which they made, each for himself to worship, To the moles and bats,21 To go into the clefts of the rocks, And into the crags of the rugged rocks, From the terror of the Lord And the glory of His majesty, When He arises to shake the earth mightily.22 Sever yourselves from such a man, Whose breath is in his nostrils; For of what account is he?
Rev. 6:17 “For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
Dispensationalist View: The great day of His wrath: The “prewrath Rapture” view sees the promise of 1 Thess. 4:17 and Rev. 4:10 being fulfilled just prior to this event. The church is “kept out of” this hour of consummate judgment upon the Earth, but is present during the earlier segments of the Great Tribulation (6:1-12) in accordance with Jesus’ words in Matt. 24:29-31.
Summary of Seals: (Dispensational): 1. White horse, 2. Red horse, 3. Black horse, 4. Green horse, 5. Persecution and martyrdom, 6. Tremor and terror, 7. Silence in heaven, prayers of the saints answered, severe earthquake. Seals 3 ½ years, trumpets 3 ½ years.
Symbolically or Spiritually:
This is the day of final judgment. Only those who are his can stand in that final judgment. For them, this is the day of Harvest and joy. For the children of disobedience, it is doom and destruction. Seal six unlocks the final phase of Revelation, the full Harvest, the Reaping of the earth.
Revelation 7:1-17 ( The Two Groups of Believers and Their Protection from God’s Wrath, happening between the 6th and 7th seals)
Explanation of God’s Wrath: God’s wrath is the personal manifestation of God’s holy, moral character in judgment against sin. Wrath is neither an impersonal process nor irrational and fitful like anger. It is in no way vindictive or malicious. It is holy indignation—God’s anger directed against sin. God’s wrath is an expression of His holy love. The Bible declares that all people are “by nature children of wrath” (Eph. 2:3) and that “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Rom. 1:18). Since Christians have been “justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him” (Rom. 5:9). The magnitude of God’s love is manifested in the Cross, where God’s only Son experienced wrath on our behalf.
“The day of the Lord’s wrath” (Zeph. 1:18) is identical with “the great day of the Lord” (Zeph. 1:14). These terms refer to “the wrath of the Lamb” (Rev. 6:16)
MANY BELIEVE that the breaking the seven seals in the Book of the Revelation is this revelation. As we look at this we must keep in focus our context in the Book of the Revelation, which is the REVEAL-ation of Jesus Christ or Christ revealing Himself in the midst of the Candlestick, which is the Church.
“And I saw in the right hand of Him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.” (Revelation 5:1) In this passage, we are introduced to a scroll or book, sealed with seven seals. This book is in the RIGHT HAND of Him who sits on the throne. Once again, thrones obviously speak of authority. The right hand is symbolic of power or strength and oath or covenant. Father made a covenant with Abraham, “For the promise, that he should be the HEIR of the WORLD, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.” (Romans 4:13) We are heirs of that covenant, “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:29) So we see that this scroll or book is tied closely with covenant. Now when this speaks of a scroll sealed with seven seals, according to the custom of that day, it is meaning seven scrolls sealed within each other. In other words, you had to open each scroll to get to the next one, like layers of an onion. If we look at Revelation chapter 10, we find that when the seventh seal is broken open and the seventh angel (messenger or message) sounds the trumpet, “the mystery of God should be finished…” (Revelation 10:7)
The word finished is teleo in Greek, meaning complete or revealed. If we allow the Scripture to interpret itself, we know that the ‘mystery’ spoken of is Christ in us; “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ IN YOU, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:26-27) Since the mystery that is revealed in the breaking of the seventh seal is Christ IN US (plural, corporate), I believe the scroll or book also is really a spiritual picture of us as living epistles that multiply into the Book of Zoe Life. We are the Book of re-MEMBER-ance spoken of in Malachi 3:16, as Jesus Christ re-MEMBERS His many-membered Body.
Were we to read further in Revelation chapter 10, we would find the angel instructing John to eat the ‘little book’ or scroll. Jesus said for us to eat His Body in re-memberance of Him. As we partake of each other, as He mingles our lives together, then the ‘mystery’ is revealed… which is Christ in US (plural, corporate body). It is this re-membered, many-membered Body of Christ with Jesus the Head, who is the heir or possessor of the Abrahamic covenant to inherit the world, as we read in Romans 4:13.
Notice that the scroll is written on the inside and the outside. As living epistles, we are to not only have His Word hidden in our hearts, but the Word is to become flesh in us to manifest Christ to the world on the outside. For the most part, I believe that what is written on the outside of the scroll is the destiny of the outer/ carnal man, and what is written on the inside of the scroll is the destiny of the inner/ Christ man. The seals of carnality must be broken to reveal what is written on the inside, in the inner/ Christ man! Also, there are character traits He has written upon us that on one side, when submitted to Him, manifest the nature of Christ… on the other side, when not submitted, manifest the destructive nature of the beast, the Adamic man.
The ONLY One who can loose the seals and reveal the mystery (Christ in us) is Jesus Christ Himself. No human activity, no matter how noble, can reveal Christ, but He chooses to reveal Himself to the world through US. Only the Lion /Lamb of Revelation 5:5-6 can loose the seals and bring forth the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant; “And they sing a new song, saying, Worthy art thou to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and didst purchase unto God with thy blood men of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, and madest them to be unto our God a kingdom and priests; and they reign upon earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10)
Most of the prophetic Scriptures have different layers of meanings and applications. However, it is acceptable within the bounds of orthodoxy to explore fresh prophetic understanding, as long as it is Scripturally sound and does not insist on being the only true interpretation. With that in mind, may I suggest that there are seven seals of the SELF-LIFE that are loosed or broken in the progressive REVEALation of Jesus Christ in the church?
Let us now look to the Book of the Revelation for this progressive REVEALation of Jesus Christ in the church! Here is the order of the living creatures; “And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.” (Revelation 4:7)
First Seal- Dominance vs. Dominion (Revelation 6:1-2)
It is the first living creature, the Lion, who announces the conquering horse. The self-life, the Adamic lion seeks dominance and control over others. We need look no further than the daily news (or many Church by-laws, for that matter!) for evidence of this. As this ‘seal’ is loosed or broken, then true dominion that operates in mercy and truth, seeking not it’s own, but rather the Christ-Life of the Lion / Lamb is established. This servanthood dominion draws the nations to repentance and restoration. “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of Jehovah is risen upon thee… And nations shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.” (Isaiah 60:1, 3)
Second Seal- Strife vs. Servanthood (Revelation 6:3-4)
The second living creature, the Ox, announces the horse that takes peace. The selfish Adamic ox is bull-headed, he always has to be ‘right’. Those with other ideas are viewed as a threat that must be eliminated… strife and bitterness are his yoke-fellows as he plots their destruction. As this seal is broken, then compassionate understanding and the heart of Christ within us to serve is released to manifest to the world.
Third Seal- Judgment vs. True Justice (Revelation 6:5-6)
The third living creature, the man, announces the black horse of judgment. The self-life, the critical Adamic man with scales in his hands, judges after the sight of his eyes. He judges others to see if they ‘measure up’ to his spiritual standards. Wheat and barley are symbolic of harvest, bounty and fruitfulness. The Adamic religious man says you must PAY THE PRICE, you must EARN God’s blessing; “A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.” (Revelation 6:6) The word translated as ‘hurt’ in that verse is adikeo, meaning to be unjust. Oil and wine are symbolic of the anointing and joy of the Holy Spirit. The cry of the Adamic religious man is “Do no injustice by drawing upon the anointing and joy you have not ‘earned’ by sacrifice and works, you must pay the price!” As this seal is broken, then the ABIDING anointing, that anointing that comes by virtue of faithfully abiding and RESTING in the finished work of Christ within is released, and mercy and love that cover a multitude of sin flows from the Throne to heal the nations. Yes, it is the Corporate Man seated in the Throne of David that releases mercy and justice; “And in mercy shall the Throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David…” (Isaiah 16:5)
Fourth Seal-Death vs. Spirit Life (Revelation 6:7-8)
The Fourth living creature, the eagle, who is symbolic of Spirit Life, announces the pale horse of death and hell. The Adamic man, who is reaping death by feeding on the Tree of Knowledge, is killing by the sword, hunger, death, and beasts of the earth. Words of death, like a sword proceed from his mouth as he reaps a harvest of what he has sown with his lips. Starvation is evidenced by his air bloated belly, rather than gushing forth living waters from his belly. He is devoid of the true Word of the Lord; indeed a famine for the Word. Just like murderers of old who would have their dead victims strapped to their back for a punishment (the decaying corpse eventually killing them), so the self-life carries the dead Adamic nature strapped to it’s back, it’s decay killing with death. The Adamic man has the earthly /beast nature, whose rule is ‘survival of the fittest’… many suffer death at the hands of earthly /beast nature. As this seal is broken, the Spirit Life of Christ that soars far above the temporal is released. This Spirit Life speaks words of Life, not of death, which satisfy the hunger within us as deep calls unto deep. This Spirit Life has buried the dead man (Adam), and no longer carries him around. Because this Spirit Life is already crucified in Christ (yet living), the earthly /beast has no power over him, for Spirit Life is eternal
Fifth Seal- Psyche vs. Zoe (Revelation 6:9-11)
The fifth seal releases the truth of martyrdom. “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” (Matthew 16:25) As long as we grasp firmly to this temporal ‘psyche’ life, we will not gain zoe Spirit Life. For some the breaking of this seal means actual physical martyrdom, and their blood cries out for the consummation of all things in Christ. For many this is a ‘living’ martyrdom, reckoning the death of the soulish temporal life.
Sixth Seal- Government of Man vs. Government of God (Revelation 6:12-16)
The Adamic man seeks domination, power, and control for selfish gain. The sun, moon, and stars are symbolic of earthly government, which we see falling as the kingdoms of this world ARE become the Kingdom of the Lord and His Christ. As this seal of self-serving government is broken, we shall see kings and great men hiding as Jesus Christ reveals Himself in a people who sit upon the Throne of David, ruling in mercy and justice.
Seventh Seal- Fleshly Activities vs. Rest (Revelation 8:1)
The breaking of the seventh seal brings silence, fleshly activities stop. This is entering into the REST of the Seventh Day /Seventh Seal. This rest in the work “…finished from the foundation of the world” (Hebrews 4:3) brings forth seven messages (trumpets) that complete the revealing of Jesus Christ. As the seventh message (trumpet) of the seventh seal is sounded, then the mystery is revealed (Revelation 10:7). And that mystery is CHRIST IN US (plural), the Corporate Man… THIS is the REVEALation of Jesus Christ! (Revelation 1:1)
The Lord Jesus Christ is breaking these seals of the self-life that He may REVEAL Himself in a people. These people are spoken of in Ephesians 4:12-13, and the Scripture tells us this is a result of five-fold ministry; “His intention was the PERFECTING of the saints… unto a PERFECT (teleios in Greek) MAN, unto the measure of the stature of the FULLNESS of Christ.” Remember that Revelation 10:7 said “the mystery of God should be finished…”, and the word translated as ‘finished’ is teleo in Greek, meaning complete or REVEALED.
As the seals are broken, the trumpets (messages) sounded, and the mystery revealed, THEN a FRESH PROPHECY is made; “Then they said to me, You are to make a fresh prophecy concerning many peoples and races and nations and languages and kings.” (Revelation 10:11 Amplified Bible) I believe that THIS is that fresh prophecy; “And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed… But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever… the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom… And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” (Daniel 7:14-27)
Seals of our self life:
Giving up control; gaining dominion
Giving up strife; taking on servanthood
Giving up judgment; giving grace and mercy, resting in the finished work of Jesus, true justice
Giving up speaking words of death; speaking words of life, releasing life
Giving up what we think, feel etc; taking on His Zoe Life, living by the Spirit
Quit relying on earthly government (in the world); rely on the government of God knowing the kingdoms of this world ARE become the Kingdom of the Lord and His Christ.
Giving up Fleshly Activities and entering into His Rest
THIS is our divine destiny as the seals of the self-life are broken and the mystery is revealed, “this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ IN YOU (plural, the Corporate Man), the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) Truly, it is THROUGH this people that have been ‘beheaded’ of the carnal mind, that have allowed the ‘breaking of the seals’, that “The kingdoms of this world (kosmos in Greek) ARE BECOME the Kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ…” (Revelation 11:15) THIS is the REVEALation of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1) as He takes His rightful place as HEAD of the many-membered Body of Christ. You’ve heard it said, Don’t lose your head! I say, Lose it!
Judgment begins at the house of God. While there is judgment coming, guess what? Those seals in the book of Revelation are seals over you. You have a seal over your mind. As that seal begins to brake and open in your mind, you go through all kind of warfare. It is the battle of Armageddon. As this seal over your mind begins to open you find you are putting on the mind of Christ. You think perhaps you are backsliding; you discover that you cannot pray in the same way anymore. Many things begin to change in your concepts. You begin to love your enemies. You begin to walk in the mind of Christ and become a lover of God and creation.
Each one of these seals is being opened in us not so God can pour wrath out somewhere in the world, but so the seals as they open in us, will reveal to us the truth of our being, and will bring the correction to us that we need to have Christ totally and completely formed within our being. ( Gary Sigler)
Chapter 7 outline: Groups of Believers and their protection from God’s wrath
The fullness (remnant) of Jews protected on earth (7:1-8), Rom. 11;1-26.
Symbolically/spiritually: Remnant- Chosen servants of Christ who are the first to receive the revelation of Christ, Christ’s Firstfruits possessed people, first to become His Bride “without spot or wrinkle”. They are the “risen up“, raptured in His Presence, the tithe of God, His portion.
The uncountable number of Christians present in heaven (7:8-17)
Rev. 7:1 After these things I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree.
The first interlude pictures the sealing of the redeemed in order that they may survive the terrors associated with the day of wrath.
*Symbol- 4 winds of the earth- powers of evil- Dan. 7:2
The four winds of the earth are evil forces of devastation controlled by four angels.
Symbolically/Spiritually: The wind represents spirit or spiritual tribulation, and four represents the last times. In Daniel 7:2 when the 4 winds are allowed to blow, the Beast rises up, signifying the beginning of the tribulation. God has ordained a specific moment in the time of the tribulation to begin: at about the half-hour of the 7th seal.
2 Thessalonians 2:7-8For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way.8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.
Any use of four or fourth is about the end-time because it is the last watch of mankind. The angels then would represent the angels of the end-time. The reference to the fourth part is not a percentage, but a reference to the last watch. In Matt. 14:25 during the fourth or the last watch, Jesus came walking on the sea to the disciples.
Rev. 7:2 Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea,
Dispensational View: The east symbolizes the source of blessing. The seal is the invisible sign of God’s protection, not from tribulation and death, but from God’s judgment/wrath. See Ezek. 9:4-6; Eph. 1:13. Those sealed by the Holy Spirit are God’s possession, in dramatic contrast to those who bear “the mark of the beast”.
*Symbol- The east- sunrise, heaven, light- Gen. 3:24
East may also represent entering the temple which means “entering in” or the way of transformation through spiritual ascension. The temple may represent a pattern of how we walk in our relationship with Christ, and we begin our walk through the Eastern Gate.
*Symbol- seal of God- Holy Spirit, full redemption- Eph 4:30
Rev. 7:3 saying, “Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the trees till we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.”
Rev. 7:4-8 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. One hundred and forty-four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel were sealed:5 of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed;6 of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed;7 of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed;8 of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed;
of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed.
Dispensationalist View: In the first interlude (vv. 4-8), one hundred and forty-four thousand symbolizes completeness. A thousand was the basic military division in the camp of Israel (Num. 31:4, 5), the result of 10x10x10, a perfect cube symbolizing completeness, multiplied by 144, or 12×12, symbolizing the faithful remnant of the Old plus the New Israel (that is, the church—including believing Jews and Gentiles). This results in the complete spiritual Israel (see note on Gal. 6:16)—the entire church militant upon the Earth (14:1-5). This is the fullness (remnant) of the Old and New Israel protected on the earth.
Romans 11:1-26 I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.2 God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying,3 “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”?4 But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.7 What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded.8 Just as it is written: 1 “God has given them a spirit of stupor, Eyes that they should not see And ears that they should not hear, To this very day.”9 And David says: “Let their table become a snare and a trap, A stumbling block and a recompense to them.10 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see, and bow down their back always.”11 I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles.12 Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!13 For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them.15 For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?16 For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches.17 And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree,18 do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.”20 Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either.22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.23 And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;
Symbolically/Spiritually:These are the chosen servants of Christ who are the first to receive the revelation of Christ and the first to have this revelation lived out in them. As Christ’s Firstfruits possessed people, they are the first to become His Bride “without spot or wrinkle”. They are the “risen up“, raptured in His Presence, the tithe of God, His portion.
The twelve tribes mentioned in Rev. 7:5-8 are God’s chosen elect or the portion of Jacob. People from the 12 tribes are the inheritance of Jacob.(Deut. 32:9) They represent God’s promise to Abraham fulfilled. Many contend that the remnant of the 12 tribes here are spiritual Israel.
Abraham was looking for two promises: the first was a city whose builder and maker is God , New Jerusalem, a city of peoples, the second was that his descendents would be as the sands of the sea.
Both of these promises are accomplished in the portion of Jacob or the 144,000, the elect.
Luke 1:32-33“He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.33 “And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
Galatians 3:28-29 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
The second interlude (vv. 9-17) pictures the blessed state of the redeemed in heaven. This is the church triumphant, the innumerable cloud of witnesses constantly surrounding the church militant (Heb. 12:1). There are two groups of believers here who are protected, symbolically in the Land of Goshen, God’s place of protection and provision.
Symbolically/spiritually
144,000 –The Redeemed from Among Men
These 144,000 are the Church, God’s Israel according to faith. (This is a symbolic number containing 12x12x1000. Remember the 24 elders, representing Old and New Testament saints and the cattle on 1000 hills, meaning all hills!) The remnant of the Jews are there with the converted Gentiles! All are made one in Christ Jesus. These are the wise virgins of Matthew 25. This true Israel is not defiled with the woman called Mystery Babylon (World System). They shall stand on Zion with Christ as his faithful Israel, the Israel of God, the Bride of Christ
“But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels.” (Hebrews 12:22)
DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: According to this viewpoint, the sealing of the 144,000 (vv. 4-8) is that of a literal band of Jews, alive at that time and the godly remnant of national Israel on Earth during the Great Tribulation. That they are physical Jews (as opposed to “spiritual”) is noted by the fact a detailed listing of the 12 tribes is given (vv. 5-8). The Scriptures teach that the Lord will sovereignly deal with national Israel before the kingdom is consummated (see Zech. 12:10-13; Rom. 11:26-32). Without this seal, all who witness to the true God during the Great Tribulation will be martyred, except the 144,000 “sealed” Jewish remnant; they are the fullness (remnant) of Jews protected on earth.
Symbolically or spiritually the 144,000 are the redeemed among men, the Bride of Christ; that’s us. Selah.
Rev. 7:9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
A great multitude is all the redeemed out of all people groups throughout all of history, the uncountable number of Christians present in heaven. White robes and palm branches symbolize righteousness and victory.
*Symbol- white robes- priestly garment- Ex. 28:40-41
*Symbol- palm branches- Tabernacles of rejoicing, victory- Lev. 23:39-44, John 12:13
Symbolically/Spiritually: These are the ones that receive the robes that signify them as members of the New Jerusalem in the second dispensation.
Note: Some say that New Jerusalem is only a place, others say that New Jerusalem is a people (citizens)/Bride and a place.
Rev. 7:10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Symbolically or spiritually this represents a time of great spiritual growth, the gathering of the Bride.
Rev. 7:11 All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God,
A sevenfold ascription of adoration. (Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power and might)
Rev. 7:12 saying: “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, Thanksgiving and honor and power and might, Be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
These are the fruit of the seven spirits of God or the fullness of Christ.
We have fully discussed the Seven Spirits of God or the Holy Spirit.(Isa 11:2) And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
Rev. 7:13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?”
Rev. 7:14 And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Dispensational View: The ones who come out of: Literally, “ones coming out,” a present participle, expressing a continuous and repeated action, not a once-for-all action. This is not a postconsummation picture. Therefore, tribulation is to some degree taking place throughout the entire church age (see 1:9; 2:9, 22; Matt. 13:21; John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom. 8:35, 36; 12:12. The great tribulation describes the acceleration and intensification of troublesome times as this Age comes to an end, climaxing with the Rapture and Second Coming. Made them white represents the imputed righteousness of Christ.
*Symbol- white washed robes- priestly garments, cleansed by the blood of atonement- Ex. 28:40-41
Symbolically/Spiritually: These are the ones who have entered into the fullness Of Christ always in the presence of the Lord. As the Bride, Wife of the Lamb; they have a face to face relationship with the Lord. This is the uncountable number of Believers present (some argue in heaven, some say here on earth.)
Tribulation is the chastening of the Lord, for purposes of perfecting(removing the flesh) and for the Revelation of Christ (Glory to be see). As a result, we can dwell in the kingdom of Heaven. It is not to be shunned, but embraced as a way to reveal Christ.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Rev. 7:15 “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.
Dwell: Literally “spread His tabernacle over them.”
Rev. 7:16 “They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;
All natural needs are eliminated in our glorified bodies.
Symbolically/Spiritually: A deeper spiritual meaning is that those in the fullness of Christ will no longer hunger and thirst for righteousness because they are already full in Christ. These will not be tempted in the natural.
Rev. 7:17 “for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
The fountain or well of waters are the people of the Church, the heart of the Church. The sources for the heart of the Church ( sea) are its people. Fountains are the individuals and rivers are the corporate Body. In the Greek the word is pege or source, not only in a literal sense but a figurative sense as well.
Out of your belly shall flow “rivers of living water.” John 7:38. Then Israel sang this song, Spring up, O well; sing ye unto it: Num. 21:17
The Lamb is the shepherd who wipes away all tears. See Ps. 23:2; Is. 25:8; Ezek. 34:23.
(Isa 25:8) He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it.
Revelation 8:1-13
Rev. 8:1When He opened the seventh seal, (seal 7) there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
All heaven waits in awestruck anticipation for the fulfillment of God’s purpose. About half an hour signifies a brief, limited period.
DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: The seventh seal (v. 1) comprises the seven trumpet judgments (8:7-9:21; 11:15-19).
There is a very specific time for the authority of this Revelation. Nothing is going to happen until the 7th seal (perfection) is broken.
Here is a summary of the 7 seals: Dispensational View
The seals (6:1–8:1). As the Lamb breaks the seals, great disasters strike the earth.
First seal: white horse (6:1–2). This horseman goes forth to conquer.
Second seal: red horse (6:3–4). Horseman is released to mount warfare (1–4).
Third seal: black horse (6:5–6). This brings famine.
Fourth seal: pale green horse (6:7–8). All sorts of devastating plagues destroy a quarter of the earth.
Fifth seal: souls under the altar (6:9–11). John sees thousands “slain for the word of God” who call out to God to avenge them (9–10). They are “under the altar,” the place where the blood of Old Testament sacrifices was poured out.
Sixth seal: cosmic catastrophe (6:12–17). Nature itself is jolted, and the fabric of the universe begins to tear (12–14). The seven groups listed in verse 15 represent the seven classes (see Free) which made up first-century society, and thus show that all mankind is stricken by the judgments.
First interlude: 144,000 sealed (7:1–8). On earth, judgment is held back until an angel can put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of God (vv. 1–3). The “seal” in the first century would speak of the tattoo worn by a slave or soldier or member of a guild. It was a mark of ownership, which here identifies the bearers as God’s servants. There are 144,000 who are sealed. Their Jewish origin is emphasized in the text (4–8).
Second interlude: a great multitude (7:9–17). Back in heaven, John sees an uncountable multitude “of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues” gathered before the throne to praise the Lamb (9–10).
Their worship is joined by the angels, the elders, and the living creatures (7:11–12). One of the elders tells John they are those “who [have] come out of the great tribulation” (13–15) and now possess great blessings (15–17).
Seventh seal: silence in heaven (8:1). The breaking of the seventh seal brings a hushed silence, an ominous pause that lasts for half an hour.
Rev. 8:2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.
The seven trumpets announce severe judgment in response to the prayers of the saints. It was a common belief in intertestamental Judaism that seven angels “presented the prayers of the saints” (see Tobit 12:15). Trumpets are a warning signal and summons to repentance (see Ex. 19:16, 19). The plagues released by the blowing of the trumpets are reminiscent of the plagues of Egypt (see Ex. 7:17-21; 9:23-25; 10:21-23). The first four affect the natural world, and the last three affect the unredeemed. Some say these calamities are symbolic, not literal; they are repetitive throughout history rather than consecutive; again, they will intensify as this Age closes.
Revelation of Jesus Christ: Christ is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
The Scripture says as He is in this world, so are we -1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
Symbolically/Spiritually: The final seal being broken is us. We have to be broken from this world to manifest enough of Christ’s authority to become His messenger. You, as a broken seal, are to open that authority to reveal the revelation of Christ to the world. This means a submission and understanding of Him. Many see you as the seal, the angel and the trumpet in verse 3. Many see you as the vial. Christ in you is the authority for all of Revelation.
Rev. 8:3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
*Symbol- Golden censer- intercessory prayers- Lev. 16:12-13.
*Symbol- Golden altar- intercessory ministry- Ex. 30:1-10.
The golden altar was the altar of incense (see 6:9; Ps. 141:2; Luke 1:8-10). The prayers of all the saints avail to bring upon the Earth God’s judgments, which summon the rebellious to repentance and partially vindicate God’s justice.
Others see all the saints including the cloud of witnesses being presented on the golden altar. The Golden censer are pure dispensers or divine containers meanings the purified saints. Notice this all takes place at the altar of place of sacrifice. Your sacrifice is what qualifies you to be broken (see Rev. 2:27)
‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter’s vessels’—as I also have received from My Father; Rev. 2:27
Rev. 8:4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.
Symbolically or spiritually: Here smoke is viewed as the Glory of God. We are the sweet smelling savor or incense to the Lord, dispensers of His Glory. To be a dispenser or vial you must live by the Words of this Book. Smoke represents Glory; pillar of smoke, smoke on the mountain, the Father as a smoking furnace during the Abrahamic Covenant. (Gen. 15:17) All speak of His Presence..
Rev. 8:5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.
Rev. 8:6 So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.
*Symbol- 7 Trumpets- Feast of Trumpets, judgments- Jos. 6, Num. 10:1-10.
Trumpet 1
Rev. 8:7 The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.
A third, a significant minority of the earth and its vegetation, man’s environment, is devastated.
Symbolically/Spiritually: Grass represents the life of man, temporal, as well as the works founded on personal strength. Grass is a type in Revelation to declare what is of man using grass in conjunction with green focuses on the part of our efforts that speak of life.
(1Pe 1:24) For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
The reference to trees is in Jer.17. (Jer 17:7-18) Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.
Trees represent men. These are the ones who stand up to chastening and choose to be pruned of/for God. Is. 61:3 says, To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Hail speaks of personal judgment. Symbolically the third part is God’s part. Three is the number for God and perfection. The third part is also seen as the redeemable part; the third part is recognized as His. This has to do with any part that stands the test of fire.
Zechariah 13:9 I will bring the one-third through the fire, Will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is My people’; And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’ ”
(Isa 28:17) Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place.
Trumpet 2
Rev. 8:8 Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood.
A great mountain burning with fire suggests a volcano whose ashes pollute the sea.
The symbols here are:
great mountain- image of high communion with God- fire- perfecting fire or Glory of God
third part- perfection
sea- man- made programs
Rev. 8:9 And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
Symbolically/ spiritually the sea may represent the heart of carnality in the church; it is seen as a place where the Beast arises.
Habakkuk 3:7-8 I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction; The curtains of the land of Midian trembled.8 O Lord, were You displeased with the rivers, Was Your anger against the rivers, Was Your wrath against the sea, That You rode on Your horses, Your chariots of salvation?
Some see symbolically/spiritually the ships as meaningless programs that make up Church organization, they are more pride than Christ. These are vehicles by which commerce is done in the heart (sea) of the Church.
Isaiah 43:14Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “For your sake I will send to Babylon, And bring them all down as fugitives—The Chaldeans, who rejoice in their ships.
Trumpet 3
Rev. 8:10 Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of water.
Symbolically the third part references to three measures or the Third Day. The 3rd Day is the contemporary term used to describe he appearing of Christ in a body of people. It specially looks to the third millennial day (day as a 1,000 years) since Christ’s birth. In the same way that Christ rose on the morning of the 3rd Day, He will rise again in the hearts of His Elect/Bride to bring forth resurrection life into this world. It also compare the 3rd Day to the Day of the Lord or the 7th millennial day since creation. They are one and the same day, but with focus on resurrection and ultimate reign of Christ, the Day of the Lord.
Rev. 8:11 The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter.
The fresh waters are polluted. Wormwood: A bitter herb, sometimes poisonous, symbolizes the tragic results of sin (see Jer. 9:15; 23:15).
What Is Wormwood?
The attack on the water supplies in Revelation 8 is called “Wormwood” for a reason. In Amos 6:12 it says, “you have turned justice into poison, and the fruit of righteousness into wormwood.” The greatest injustice of all was the Cross. The One who was perfect in all of His ways, who did nothing but good, was tortured and crucified by the very ones He had made. This was the ultimate rejection of God by mankind. The ultimate injustice is for those who are made to reject their Maker. Turning from God in any manner is the ultimate injustice and will ultimately become wormwood for those who do it. The “great time of trouble” that we are told the end of this age will be is simply the result of mankind rejecting the Creator.
Likewise, righteousness, or the right way, is to turn to God. It is seeking to do His will instead of our own. Most of the injustices that men seek to address are injustices between men, but we will never have true justice if it is not built upon the ultimate justice of men giving to God what is due Him. Because God is love, and He truly loves all men and desires for them to be saved, it does hurt Him when even one turns from Him. It grieves Him deeply when a whole nation turns from Him, especially one that has been so devoted to Him, like the United States. Even so, He is not smiting us out of His hurt and rejection, but to turn us back so that we will not have to reap the fruit of our own sin. The fruit of our rebellion against God is to have the creation rebel against us, as is indicated in Romans 8:19-21:
“For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”
As we are told in Amos, the fruit of righteousness can be turned into wormwood by injustice, and if we are going to be free of the plague of wormwood we must be devoted to justice, first toward God, then toward one another. It is justice that when we rebel against God, the creation that He placed us over will rebel against us.
I have also heard teachings on Wormwood being a comet or asteroid that hits the earth or some nuclear pollution. The word Chernobyl means wormwood, interesting.
As we said wormwood mean bitter waters. Wormwood is very bitter and is used as a balm taken internally to cleanse the system of parasites.
Symbolically/spiritually wormwood is the perfecting presence of Christ to His Body. Anything that is not of Christ will be bitter. The bitter waters are the salt that returns to His Body.
Trumpet 4
Rev. 8:12 Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night.
These symbolic cosmic convulsions are partial disruptions, not to be compared with the Final Coming of Jesus.
4th Trumpet:
Symbolically/spiritually, four or fourth always represent the end times because the last watch is the fourth watch and we are in the last watch of mankind. Here the angels would represent the angels of the end time. The book of Daniel uses fourth to mean the last kingdom and beast, which are references to the last days. The reference to the fourth part is not a percentage of the world population or geography. Instead, it is a reference to the last watch of the world.
Matthew 14:25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.
Here darken means the dimming or removal of Glory light through judgment. The judgment came because these were not shining forth as witnesses, those without revelation. Judgment, of course, is a result of the law of sowing and reaping.
Romans 1:20-21 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Darkened is also mentioned in Rev. 9:2.
Many see this as the preparation of the Bride of Christ.
Rev. 8:13 And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!”
An angel: The preferred marginal reading of “eagle” refers to a “vulture,” a bird of prey.
*Symbol- flying angel- eagle messenger GK.- translated saints- Is. 40:31
Woe, woe, woe, shows that the woes are being declared. Notice it is a voice out of heaven. The word woe means curse.
The term woe reveals the extreme hardship that will come against the world. (system) This word in the Greek speaks of disaster, which the world faces in during the 2nd 3 1/2 years. When the world starts looking for answers, Christ will be there through His many membered Bride, endued with power with the full witness of Christ-in-us to minister to them. Many believe the Bride will not be here (raptured), others say they will. Moreover, the world will be looking for help from the world-wide economic depression, natural disasters and unhindered demonic activity.
Revelation 9:1-21
Woe 1
Rev.9:1 Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit.
*Symbol- fallen star- antichrist, apostate- Jude 13.
A star fallen from heaven refers to an unidentified demonic being, possibly Satan himself, a fallen angel (see 9:11; 12:7-12; Is. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17). The bottomless pit, literally “the shaft of the abyss,” is the reservoir of evil (see 9:11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1-3).
Some contend that Jesus is the star, the morning star.
*Symbol- key to bottomless pit- authority over the spiritual realm- Matt. 16:19
Symbolically or spiritually the bottomless pit may be heart of man and the key is the gateway to either heaven or hell within our heart.
Rev. 9:2 And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit.
*Symbol- smoke from pit- religious confusion- Ps. 37:20
Smoke is a symbol of deception. Air here is a symbol of the lower realm, which had been under the control of the power of satan. Darken means the dimming or removal of Glory light through judgment.
(Eph 6:12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
(Eph 2:2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
(Rom 1:20-21) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Many see that realm about to be redeemed by the glory of the Elect.
Rev.9:3 Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
*Symbol- locust armies- demon spirits- Ex. 10:1-20
Locusts symbolize demonic beings (see Ex. 10:12-15; Joel 1:1-2:11). As the scorpions is a simile indicating excruciating pain (Luke 10:19).
Others see the locusts as the Lord’s great army ( Joel 2:25) being sent by God. The glory of Christ shining forth from them will sting.
MENTION OF LOCUSTS IN SCRIPTURE:
Plague of, Ex. 10:1-19; Psa. 105:34,35. Devastation by, Deut. 28:38; 1 Kin. 8:37; 2 Chr. 7:13; Isa. 33:4; Joel 1:4-7; Rev. 9:7-10. Sun obscured by, Joel 2:2,10. Instincts of, Prov. 30:27.In A.V. often inaccurately translated “grasshopper,’’ as in Judg. 6:5; 7:12; Job 39:20; Jer. 46:23.Figurative: Jer. 46:23.Symbolical: Rev. 9:3-10., Also see Is 33:3-4, Mt 3:4. Mk 1:6. Ro 14:1. 15:1. He 5:11. 12:12, 13.
Some scholars say that in Joel 1:4 & 2:25 this described different stages in locust development, larvae, etc. Others say that the verse, “That which the palmerworm hath left.) Or the he residue of the palmerworm. Jl 2:25. Am 4:9. The Four Hebrew words, gazam, yelek, arbeh, chasil, respectively rendered palmerworm, locust, cankerworm, and caterpillar, denote four different species of locusts.
Specific Scriptures:
Palmerworm:
(Joe 1:4) That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten.
(Joe 2:25) And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
(Amo 4:9) I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured them: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.
Cankerworm:
Joel 1:4, 2:25 & (Nah 3:15-16) There shall the fire devour thee; the sword shall cut thee off, it shall eat thee up like the cankerworm: make thyself many as the cankerworm, make thyself many as the locusts.
(Nah 3:16) Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven: the cankerworm spoileth, and flieth away.
Caterpiller: Joel 1:4, Joel 2:25 &
(1Ki 8:37) If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpiller; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be;
(Psa 78:46) He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust.
(Isa 33:4) And your spoil shall be gathered like the gathering of the caterpiller: as the running to and fro of locusts shall he run upon them.
Locusts: Joel 1:4, 2:25&
Ex. 10:19, Lev. 11:22 Deut. 28:32, 42, 1 Kings 8:37, Ps. 78:46, Ps. 109:23,
Hebrew Word Study: Cankerworm( Hb. 3218 young devouring locust (early stage of development) 697 Õarbeh locust grasshopper , a kind of locust, locust swarm (coll), sudden appearance and disappearance (fig.), insignificance activity-1357 geb – locust –2284 chagab – grasshopper , locust –2625 chaciyl caterpillar, locust-2728 beetle– a kind of locust, a leaping creature-3218 yekeq – meaning to lick up; cankerworm , caterpillar-young locust (early stage of development)-5556 col`am–consuming; an edible winged locust-6767 ts^elatsal whirring, buzzing locust-1501 gazam -palmerworm-
Additional Translations of Joel 2:25:
I will make up for the years 1 that the ‘arbeh-locust 2 consumed your crops 3 – the yeleq-locust, the hasil-locust, and the gazam-locust – my great army 4 that I sent against you.NIV
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten— the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm— my great army that I sent among you. NASB
“Then I will make up to you for the years That the swarming locust has eaten, The creeping locust, the stripping locust and the gnawing locust, My great army which I sent among you. NLT
The LORD says, “I will give you back what you lost to the stripping locusts, the cutting locusts, the swarming locusts, and the hopping locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you. MSG
“I’ll make up for the years of the locust, the great locust devastation–Locusts savage, locusts deadly, fierce locusts, locusts of doom, That great locust invasion I sent your way. BBE
I will give back to you the years which were food for the locust, the plant-worm, the field-fly, and the worm, my great army which I sent among you. NRSV
I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent against you. NKJV
“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. NASB
I will make up for the years 1 that the ‘arbeh-locust 2 consumed your crops 3 – the yeleq-locust, the hasil-locust, and the gazam-locust – my great army 4 that I sent against you.
“I will restore to you the years.” The plural years suggests that the plague to which Joel refers was not limited to a single season. Apparently the locusts were a major problem over several successive years. One season of drought and locust invasion would have been bad enough. Several such years would have been devastating. The same four terms for locust are used here as in 1:4, but in a different order. This fact creates some difficulty for the notion that the four words refer to four distinct stages of locust development. The term “your crops” does not appear in the Hebrew, but has been supplied in the translation for the sake of clarity and smoothness. Here Joel employs military language to describe the locusts. In the prophet’s thinking this invasion was far from being a freak accident. Rather, the Lord is pictured here as a divine warrior who leads his army into the land as a punishment for past sin and as a means of bringing about spiritual renewal on the part of the people.
We know that in Hebrew language the permissive not the causative tense is used here. Not that God caused it but that He allowed the devastation.
These are swarming locusts, crawling locusts, consuming locusts, and chewing locusts that Joel described. Chewing locust . . . swarming locust . . . crawling locust . . . consuming locust: The locust is a jumping, flying insect, similar to a grasshopper. These four designations are four stages of a locust’s development, or a poetic form used to indicate total devastation. These locusts represent the activity of demons and the destruction the adversary works in people’s lives
Prov. 30 describes locust that have no king and go forth as bands. Prov.30:27 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; (showing they are demon like creatures, translated as destroyer)
“Destroyer” (1 Cor. 10:10)Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
Numerous references to grasshoppers and locusts in the Bible show what an impact these insects had in the hot, dry lands of the ancient world. Some of these references are literal (Ex. 10:4–19) while others are symbolic (Num. 13:33).
Palmerworm-The word “worm” also refers to a worm-like creature, such as insect larva. For instance, the palmerworm and cankerworm of Joel 1:4 may be caterpillars, which is the larval stage of various moths. (The NKJV and NIV, however, translate the words as various kinds of locusts.)
Joel 1:4 & Joel 2:25 have 4 stages of destruction. “That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpiller eaten.” Joel 1:4
(Joe 2:25) And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
( Notice the reverse order)
This is a four stage process of stripping this beautiful garden of vegetation clean to where the is no life. Your life is like that garden. Solomon talks of that beautiful garden.
(Son 4:12-15 ) A garden inclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. Thy plants are an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard, Spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices:A fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon.
We are talking spiritual life, for that is what the battle is all about, a spiritual battle. The first stage is the stage of the Palmerworm. The second stage of the destruction is the stage of the locust,
The third stage is the stage of the cankerworm, and the cankerworm feeds on what the locusts leave behind. The forth stage is the final stage, and it is the stage of the caterpiller.
Whatever they are we have dominion over them.
(Gen 1:28) And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
And God is delivering, restoring and refreshing:
We are RECEIVING TOTAL RESTORATION. Praise God!!!
(Rev 21:5a) And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.
Acts 3:19-21 NKJV Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.
It is interesting to note that a couple of verses down from Joel 2:25 is
Joel 2:28-29 KJV And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
We are in this time. Praise God!
Rev.9:4 They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
Demons cannot harm those who are sealed by God (Eph. 1:13).
One interpretation is that the green grass is good works.
DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: All people except the 144,000 Jewish remnant are exposed to these judgments.
Others see this as a heart issue. This would not be for the saved ( green and tree) but for those disobedient ( foreheads) unsaved.
Rev.9:5 And they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man.
Five months represent a limited period of time, corresponding to the life cycle of a locust. Torment: The purpose is not to destroy, but to lead to repentance.
Five is the number of grace. The torment here is what happens when the venom causes pain long after its sting.
Rev.9:6 In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.
Death for the believer is sold out being dead to self.
Rev.9:7 The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle. On their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men.
Locusts actually resemble little horses. The vivid symbolic description is intended to terrify. Many say the locusts are symbolic of the army of the Lord, men/women who will do battle one to one, through the personal sharing of Christ throughout the world.
This symbolism is described in Joel Chapter 2. Some contend that this describes the army of Glory that cannot be stopped. This is what is meant by the Glory of the Lord filling the earth and every eye beholding Him.
(Joe 2:4-9) As the appearance of horses is its appearance; and as war horses, so they run. They shall leap like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains, like the noise of a flame of fire that devours the stubble, like a strong people set in battle order. Before their face the people shall be much pained; all faces shall gather blackness. They shall run like mighty ones. They shall climb the wall like men of war, and they shall march each one on his way, and they shall not break their ranks. And each one shall not press his brother; they each go in his paths. And if they fall behind their weapons, they shall not be cut off. They shall rush on the city; they shall run on the wall; they shall climb up on the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.
Faces represent both the essentials of a person and personal contact or relationship. Crowns are the power that has now come and gold is its source, divinity
Many contend that this is how the Bride Church will become, stages of development. This also corresponds to the 4 beasts of the throne room. The 1st stage of growth (calf- palmerworm ( state w/0 wings immature). The 2nd stage ( man- young adults w/wings, swarming, becomes part of the body, mature). The 3rd stage (eagle, fully mature, devours flesh like an eagle). The final stage ( caterpillar, Christ’s Body, becoming like Him, destroys all in the path).
Rev.9:8 They had hair like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth.
Symbolically/spiritually: Hair is Scripture is noted to be the power of the covering. Covering means we are accountable to someone.( 1 Cor. 11:15) The power is the covering of Christ. This is what makes us the Holy Messengers; Christ is over us through a body of believers. This means that the Bride is accountable to Christ.
(1Co 11:8-10) For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.(1Co 11:15) But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
Hair is the corporate covering of Christ through obedience and surrender to His body. The hair is a reference to the accountability that a woman has to the man. This is a type; hair to be associated with the covering that Christ gives to those who become His Wife/Bride. Hair represent the power of the headship of Christ to the whole Body.
In Joel 2 it says that the voice of the Lord will go before His army. The locusts are operating in the power of God, because He covers us by His Body. The love that unites us is the blood by which Christ’s body lives. Teeth are the devouring work of Christ appearing through us. His presence eats the flesh.
Rev.9:9 And they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle.
Symbolically/spiritually: Some contend that the breastplates always speak of righteousness in Scripture., robes of righteousness in which we have been clothed. Iron symbolizes perfecting power, iron sharpening iron. This also may signify breastplates as a part of the full armor of God, (Eph.6) and those who submit to one another. As we walk in agreement with each other, we complete our walk with God. In Joel chapter 2, this is symbolized by well-defined columns in which the Elect march. Joel 2:5 speaks of God’s army coming with the sounds of chariots, the sound of Christ’s Bride going forth into the world.
(Joe 2:5) Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.
Rev.9:10 They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. Their power was to hurt men five months.
Symbolically the stings in the tail represent the point of their message, Christ, and the result of not joining them. In Joel it says that behind them a flame burneth. Five may be literal but it also represents the grace of God. We know that worldly things distract from Christ therefore, it is really grace (5) which we bring.
(Joe 2:3) A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.
Rev.9:11. And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon.
These are not physical locusts (see Prov. 30:27), but demonic forces under the direction of the angel (see note on v. 1) named Abaddon, “Destruction” (see Job 26:6) or Apollyon, “Destroyer” (see 1 Cor. 10:10).
Abaddon or Apollyon means the Destroyer, a title often given to satan. Yet, does this mean that the function he performs here is outside the plan of God? Like many of us know, if satan can attack some part of our life, then it is a part outside of God. Many teach, however, that the destroyer is an instrument of God’s purposes (see Ex. 12:23 & Jer. 4:7-8)
In Rev. 9:11 John uses the term angel to describe Apollyon.
Symbolically/spiritually: The bottomless pit is a type for the heart. Here we are dealing with heart issues and not necessarily monsters from Hell. The imagery used here is the same as used in Ps. 64:6.
(Psa 64:6) They search out injustice, saying, We have finished hiding a hidden plot. Yea, the inward part of man and the heart are deep.
Abussos- deep, very deep hole, hole without a bottom Greek Lexicon of the NT.
Word is also used in Luke 8:31, Rom. 10:7
(Rom 10:7-8) or “Who shall descend into the deep?”; that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead. But what does it say? “The Word is near you, even in your mouth and in your heart”; that is, the Word of Faith which we proclaim;
Trumpet 6
Woe 2
Rev.9:12 One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things.
Woe is an expression of a disaster to come. These are tough times. Who will stand? Many see this as the final judgment.
Rev.9:13 Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,
A voice comes in response to the prayers of the saints (see 6:10; 8:2-6). This is a voice of clemency ( horns) signifying no more grace for those who were innocent; everyone is accountable. All must choose because there is no more time left.
Rev.9:14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.”
Release: God controls the time and the extent of the plague. Euphrates: Traditionally, the eastern boundary of the people of God, and also of the Roman Empire, the Euphrates is a symbolic restraint upon the forces of evil. Angels were released, resulting in universal spiritual warfare.
DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: Literal armies from the East move toward national Israel in preparation for the Battle of Armageddon.
Symbolically/spiritually: Euphrates means to break forth. Euphrates is a natural source of water for Babylon. Euphrates thus, symbolizes Babylonian government or world system.
Rev. 9:15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind.
Symbolically this is the harvest of men. Men represent the unsaved. Third part is the redemption of God. Mankind are those who are under the bondage of satan.
Rev.9:16 Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.
Dispensational View: I heard the number: John is unable to count the two hundred million of this demonic cavalry. Again, the description is intended to terrify.
*Symbol- horsemen armies- devil-inspired armies, counterfeit of God’s armies- Rev. 19:11-12
Symbolically/ Spiritually:
This number represents two hundred million souls as the army of the Lord, sons being brought into the kingdom; these are sold out manifested sons of God.
Rev.9:17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone.
Brimstone is a form of final judgment. Brimstone judgment is final judgment. Ten represents judgment. Brimstone is a type of judgment that Sodom and Gomorrah received (Gen. 19:24). The lake of fire and brimstone speak of final judgment that brings eternal separation.
Symbolically: The horsemen speak of the Army of God who have been through the perfecting fire, who have died to self and received His Glory ( jacinth, smoke) They are made complete being one with Christ’s body (lion’s head) and have face the final judgment (brimstone) Out of their mouth speaks of unity, speaking of the final judgment.
Rev.9:18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.
Symbolically/spiritually God’s portion (3rd part) is redeemed and have come into life, perfection. The Bride is to issue 1. Perfection 2. Glory and 3. Final judgment.
Rev.9:19 For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.
Symbolically/spiritually: Power comes from the revelation of Christ and declares last chance. Heads is the authority or power that has come to them. To reject Christ and let his revelation pass is desolation.
This maybe what is spoken of in Joel Chapter 2.
(Joe 2:1-11) Blow a trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming; it is near, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! Like blackness there is spread upon the mountains a great and powerful people; their like has never been before, nor will be again after them through the years of all generations. Fire devours before them, and behind them a flame burns. The land is like the garden of Eden before them, but behind them a desolate wilderness, and nothing escapes them. Their appearance is like the appearance of horses, and like war horses they run. As with the rumbling of chariots, they leap on the tops of the mountains, like the crackling of a flame of fire devouring the stubble, like a powerful army drawn up for battle. Before them peoples are in anguish; all faces grow pale. Like warriors they charge; like soldiers they scale the wall. They march each on his way; they do not swerve from their paths. They do not jostle one another; each marches in his path; they burst through the weapons and are not halted. They leap upon the city, they run upon the walls, they climb up into the houses, they enter through the windows like a thief. The earth quakes before them; the heavens tremble. The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining. The LORD utters his voice before his army, for his camp is exceedingly great; he who executes his word is powerful. For the day of the LORD is great and very awesome; who can endure it?
Rev.9:20 But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk.
The purpose of these plagues is to lead people to repentance. The unfortunate effect is the hardening of hearts (see Ex. 8:15-19). As you see death to self was achieved by those who repented. Regardless of all that, the sinfulness of man will still prevent some from repenting. These are the children of disobedience, a stubborn prideful group.
(Eph 2:2) in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-
(Eph 5:6) Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.
Rev.9:21 And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
Sorceries, pharmakeia (far-mak-eye-ah); Strong’s #5331: Compare “pharmacy” and “pharmacist.” Generally described the use of medicine, drugs, or spells. Later the word was used of poisoning, and then of sorcery, accompanied by drugs, incantations, charms, and magic.
Exegesis of Repentance:
3341 metanoia { met-an’-oy-ah} AV – repentance – 3567 { metavnoia }
1) a change of mind, as it appears to one who repents, of a purpose he has formed or of something he has done
Repentance is not a penance for guilt or a quick prayer for forgiveness. Repentance is a complete brokenness, a change of heart. Sin is missing the mark , really mistaken identity, and repentance is a change of mind and heart, a turning around.
In the Old Testament the classic case of repentance is that of King David,
after Nathan the prophet accused him of killing Uriah the Hittite and
committing adultery with Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba. David’s prayer of
repentance for this sin is found in Psalm 51.In the New Testament the
keynote of John the Baptist’s preaching was, “Repent, for the kingdom of
heaven is at hand” (Matt. 3:2). To the multitudes he declared, “Bear fruits
worthy of repentance” (Matt. 3:8; Luke 3:8). When Jesus began His ministry,
He took up John’s preaching of the message of repentance, expanding the
message to include the good news of salvation: “The time is fulfilled, and
the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel” (Matt.
4:17; Mark 1:15).
In Jesus’ preaching of the kingdom of God is seen the truth that repentance
and faith are two sides of the same coin: by repentance, one turns away from
sin; by faith, one turns toward God in accepting the Lord Jesus Christ. Such
a twofold turning, or conversion, is necessary for entrance into the kingdom
(Matt. 18:3). “Unless you repent,” said Jesus, “you will all likewise
perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). This is the negative, or judgmental, side of Jesus’
message. The positive, or merciful, side is seen in these words: “There is
joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke
15:10).
After Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, His disciples continued His
message of repentance and faith (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 20:21; 26:20). Repentance
is a turning from wickedness and dead works (Acts 8:22; Heb. 6:1) toward God
and His glory (Acts 20:21; Rev. 16:9), eternal life (Acts 11:18), and a
knowledge of the truth (2 Tim. 2:25).Repentance is associated with prayer (1
Kin. 8:47), belief (Mark 1:15), baptism (Acts 2:38), and conversion (Acts
3:19) and is accompanied by humility (Matt. 11:21). Repentance is God’s will
and pleasure (Luke 15:7-10; 2 Pet. 3:9), as well as His command (Mark 6:12;
Acts 17:30). It is a gift of His sovereign love (Acts 5:31; 11:18; Rom. 2:4;
2 Tim. 2:25), without which we cannot be saved (Luke 13:3).
There are many Scriptures about repentance.
Noteworthy ones are:(Rom 2:4-6) Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, and the forbearance and long-suffering, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But according to your hardness and your impenitent heart, do you treasure up wrath for yourself in a day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each according to his works;
(2Co 7:10) In fact, to be distressed in a godly way causes people to change the way they think and act and leads them to be saved. No one can regret that. But the distress that the world causes brings only death.
(Rom 2:4) Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, and the forbearance and long-suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?
Thank Goodness that the goodness of God leads to repentance.
Summary of the Trumpets (Dispensational): 1. Scorched earth, 2. Polluted sea and ships sunk, 3. Contaminated water (environmental), 4. Reduced sunlight, 5. Insects and plague (5 months) similar to the plagues sent to judge the gods of Egypt, 6. Oriental invasion (200 million), 7. Severe earthquake, kingdom future becomes kingdom present
Chapters 10-11- Outline
Elijah and Moses, parallel testimony of Jesus
Symbolically/spiritually- The two witnesses represent Spirit and Truth. It is the living and speaking of the revelation of Christ.
Revelation 10:1-11
Rev. 10:1 I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire.
Dispensational View: Between the sounding of the sixth and the seventh trumpet a dramatic interlude reveals the mission of the church while the warning trumpets are being sounded. The mighty angel, similar in appearance to the “One like the Son of Man” (1:13-16), is obviously His special envoy. His stance indicates that he has a message for the whole world. Some contend that this is Christ because He has the same description as in Rev. and Daniel, a parallel testimony of Jesus.
Great/ Mighty Angel:(Zec 1:11) And they answered the Angel of the lord who stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and behold, all the earth sits still and is at peace.
Symbolically/spiritually: This is a description of the end-time angels or sold-out believers portrayed in the full Glory of Christ. They will be operating from heaven meaning they are spiritually guided by Christ. Christ-like will be their only focus. The intimacy of their relationship shows forth His Glory.
Rev. 10:2 He had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,
*Symbol- little open book- book of Daniel- Daniel 12:9
(Dan 12:9) And He said, Go, Daniel! For the words are closed up and sealed until the end-time.
Sea symbolically/spiritually means people, first the Church and then the entire inhabitants of the world.
*Symbol- Feet on earth/sea- Formal possession- Jos. 1:2-5
Rev. 10:3 and cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars. When he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices.
*Symbol- 7 Thunders- secret sayings of God- John 12:27-30, Ps. 29:3-9
Seven thunders: The voice of the Lord (John 12:27-31; Ps. 29). Some say the 7 thunders is the full revelation of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 29:1-11 Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, Give unto the Lord glory and strength. 2 Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders; The Lord is over many waters.4 The voice of the Lord is powerful; The voice of the Lord is full of majesty.5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars, Yes, the Lord splinters the cedars of Lebanon.6 He makes them also skip like a calf, Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox.7 The voice of the Lord divides the flames of fire.8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; The Lord shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.9 The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth, And strips the forests bare; And in His temple everyone says, “Glory!”10 The Lord sat enthroned at the Flood, And the Lord sits as King forever.11 The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace.
(John 12:27-31) And My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour? But for this cause I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name! Then there came a voice from the heaven saying, I have both glorified it and will glorify it again. Then the crowd who stood by and heard said that it thundered. Others said, An angel spoke to Him. Jesus answered and said, This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world. Now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
Symbolically/spiritually: The seven thunders are the revelation truths of Christ. Christ then opens the seals and reveals these thunders through His holy prophets and apostles.
Rev. 10:4 Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them.”
The whole counsel of God has not been revealed (see Deut. 29:29; 1 Cor. 13:8-12).
This is the same scenario found in Daniel 12:4 where this same scene is played out and Daniel is told to seal the book. However, it also says that at the end-time the book shall be opened.
Rev. 10:5 The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised up his hand to heaven
Many scholars deem this as unclear and there is much that God does want us to know (see Deut. 29:29). Raised up his hand represents a solemn oath. Delay no longer refers to the fulfillment of God’s purpose. Mystery of God: See 11:15-18; Rom. 16:25, 26; Eph. 1:9, 10; 3:1-11.
DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: The mystery of God would be finished: V. 7 correlates with Dan. 9:24, the finishing of God’s final purpose concerning national Israel and the city of Jerusalem. Even though national Israel is promised deliverance, she must first experience suffering and judgment (see Jer. 15:10; 20:14-18).
Symbolically/spiritually this is the recruitment station for the end-time army of God. Christ himself swears you in.
*Symbol- Lifted up hand- oath to God- Gen. 14:22
Rev. 10:6 and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer,
The NIV translates “time no longer” as there will be no more delay. NOW is the time.
Time no longer – Revelation 10:6 and Exhortation:
Time is but an incident in the procession of eternity: a wreath of cloud on its expanse; a throb of its pendulum; a drop in its deepest ocean. There was a moment when it began; there shall be another of its pause and cessation. But we may look for this expiration of the Time Ages without alarm. We have already received the eternal life, which existed before time began, and will last when it has fulfilled its course. “The witness is this, that God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that has the Son has the life.” WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF ETERNITY; our eternal life dates from the moment of our regeneration; we know not every detail, but we awoke in the time sphere to discover that we were objects of an eternal love, and that we are destined to a life which will outlast the universe of matter. From everlasting to everlasting You are God; and You have made us partakers of Thy Divine Nature, who was and is and is to come!
The marginal of rev. 10:6 suggests another rendering, that there should be no longer delay for the finishing of the mystery of God. From times eternal God has been elaborating His secret purpose, which surely must include the overruling of evil for good; the vindication of His permission of evil; and the final restitution of all things. For long that mystery has remained unfinished. But the moment is at hand when the mystery of God will be finished, and the draping veil will be removed. Then, beloved, but not before, you will understand. Then you shall see the end from the beginning; and in God’s light, see light.
Rev. 10:7 but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.
Here we are told that just before the angles sound these thunders to the world. That first these thunders will be open to His servants and prophets of that generation. This is the unlocking of the 7th seal and the understanding of the 7 trumpets. This is exactly the message that Rev. 1:1 tells us,” the revelation of Christ will show His servants the things that will shortly come to pass.”
Symbolic Reading: But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God [YOU AND ME] should be finished [MATURED], as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.” Revelation 10:7
Rev. 10:8 Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, “Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth.”
Dispensationalist View: The little book is not the scroll which only the Lamb could unseal (see 5:1-14), since it is open (see v. 2). “The little book” is the gospel that John and the two witnesses are to proclaim (10:11; 11:3, 6, 7). It is possible, but improbable, that the reference is to chs. 12-22. Again there is much speculation about the two witnesses, yet we do know they have a parallel testimony of Jesus. Here there is much measuring which is either restoration or judgment.
Symbolically/spiritually the call is to take hold of this revelation, Christ in you the hope of glory. The little book is being opened even as you read this.
(Col 1:27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
What does Christ in you the hope of glory mean?
The Greek word for “Christ” in this passage is Christos, and it means, “anointed, anointing; the anointed One.” Its Hebrew equivalent is ‘maw-shee-akh’ and can also mean, “a consecrated person, such as a king or priest,” and is transliterated into the English, “Messiah.” Paul further adds in 2 Corinthians 4:4 that “Christ” is the “IMAGE of God” (compare Gen. 1:26-28 with 1 Cor. 15:49; 2 Cor. 3:18; Col. 3:10).
“Christ” is the ANOINTED ONE. The Kingdom is in the Holy Ghost, and the Holy Ghost is in you (Lk. 17:21). By the indwelling Spirit-“Christ in you”-the prophetic anointing produces righteousness, the priestly anointing affects peace, and the kingly anointing brings forth joy. Have you been made aware of the greatness of “Christ in you”?
The formation of CHRIST (the nature of the One Who smears with anointing) IN US quickens our mortal body and raises us from the grave of death and into effectiveness. Christians show forth the “GLORY” of God.
That means we replicate the inward Christ-like nature (LIKENESS, character, and intention) of Jesus on earth today – in an outward manner. Christ IN US the hope of GLORY (Col. 1:27).We don’t have to wait. The glory of God is REVEALED TO US, and IN US. and THROUGH US – in this ever present NOW.
What is glory? What does glory mean?
GLORY. (Is. 60:1) chabod (kah-vohd); Strong’s #3519: Weightiness; that which is substantial or heavy;honor, splendor, power, wealth, authority, magnificence, fame, dignity, riches, and excellency. In the Old Testament, “heaviness” represented honor and substance, while “lightness” was equated with vanity, instability, temporariness, and emptiness (see Judg. 9:4; Zeph. 3:4). Chabod is God’s glory—not only His honor, renown, and majesty, but also His visible splendor, which filled Solomon’s temple and will someday fill the earth (1 Kin. 8:11; Num. 14:21). From chabod are derived the names Jochebed (“Yahweh Is Glory”) and Ichabod (“Where Is the Glory?”). Also (John 2:11)
Then the word came to denote the reputation, good standing, and esteem given to a person. The New Testament doxa becomes splendor, radiance, and majesty centered in Jesus. Here doxa is the majestic, absolute perfection residing in Christ and evidenced by the miracles He performed.
At times God’s “glory” may mean the honor and audible praise which His creation give to Him (Ps. 115:1; Rev. 5:12-13).
THE GLORY OF GOD IS EVERYTHING GOD IS. That’s why right now in our mortal bodies we cannot experience all of God’s glory. But as Scripture says in 2 Cor. 3:18,“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Christ now shares His divine glory with His followers (John 17:5-6, 22), so that in their lives Christians are being transformed into the glorious image of God (2 Cor. 3:18). Believers will be fully glorified at the end of the age in God’s heavenly presence (Rom. 5:2; Col. 3:4). But in the meantime, we are moving from glory to glory. In the end of this age, the glory of God will be seen everywhere (Rev. 21:23).
Rev. 10:9 So I went to the angel and said to him, “Give me the little book.” And he said to me, “Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.”
*Symbol- eating the book- receiving the Word of God- Eze. 3:1-3
Eat: The message must saturate the personality of the proclaimer. Bitter, sweet: The message brings God’s grace, love, and mercy; but when rejected it brings inevitable judgment ( cross reference- Jer. 15:16; Ezek. 2:8; 3:1-3).
(Jer 15:16) Your Words were found, and I ate them; and Your Word was to me the joy and gladness of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Jehovah, the God of Hosts.
(Eze 2:8) But you, son of man, hear what I am saying to you. Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you.
(Eze 3:1-3) And He said to me, Son of man, eat what you find. Eat this roll, and go speak to the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat that roll. And He said to me, Son of man, cause your belly to eat, and fill your belly with this roll that I give you. Then I ate it; and in my mouth it was like honey for sweetness.
Many equate this Scripture to mean that the “little book” is the Word of God. The Lord maybe showing John that, his receiving of this word is very powerful, meaningful, and sweet in his mouth, but as John swallows it and lets it get inside of him, then he will sense the bitterness of what he has partaken of. What it means to the church is, it might be sweet to partake of this word, but it is very bitter when you let it sink in and it becomes part of you.
Rev. 10:10 Then I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter.
With the call of God there will be tribulation, yet the kingdom is righteousness, peace and joy in he Holy Ghost. The Lord also said to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world.
(Joh 16:33) I have spoken these things to you so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.
In legality we have already overcome because Jesus overcame.(1Jn 4:4) You are of God, little children, and you have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Rev. 10:11 And he said to me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.”
Our first responsibility and assignment is to take the gospel of the kingdom, the revelation of Jesus Christ to all nations thus fulfilling the Great Commission.
(Mar 16:15) And He said to them, Go into all the world, proclaim the gospel to all the creation.
(Mat 28:19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
The gospel of the kingdom must be preached as a witness
(Mat 24:14) And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in all the world as a witness to all nations. And then the end shall come.
What is the difference between the gospel and the gospel of the kingdom?
The “ gospel or good news of the kingdom,” announces that this righteous, saving, and restoring rule of God is present through the words and deeds of Jesus, including the ministry to which Jesus commissions His followers. The core concept of the “kingdom of God” is God’s saving action and the new life His acts bring to believers. Like any news, the “gospel of the kingdom” is expressed in words, but in addition to the words that announce and explain salvation, it reports the deeds that are themselves enactments or instances of salvation. Jesus not only teaches about the kingdom of God, but He also actuates God’s saving reign when He heals the blind, lame, deaf, and leprous; when He casts out demons; when He raises the dead; when He expresses God’s tender affection for the underclass and outcasts. In Jesus, that crucial part of the “day of the Lord” known as the “day of salvation” has arrived.
The Promise: The gospel of the kingdom incorporates,
First, the promise of eternal life for all who receive God’s King as Lord and Savior (John 3:16-19, 33-36).
Second, it also contains the promise of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling (Acts 2:38; Rom. 8:9-11) and empowering (John 7:38-39; Acts 1:8). With the Spirit’s enabling, each “witness” (agent or representative of the kingdom) can minister the gospel in the power of the Lord, assured that the gospel proclaimed will be confirmed by the gospel demonstrated through “signs following” (Mark 16:15-20).
Finally, the gospel of the kingdom promises that ultimately the King shall come again to consummate the rule of God upon the earth (Rev. 19:11-16; 20:1-6). Then all who believe and follow Him shall dwell forever in the eternal kingdom with Christ and the Father (John 14:1-6; Rev. 20:7-21:27).
The gospel of the kingdom of God as a message of power and promise lies at the center of the witness of the early church as it spread from Jerusalem to Samaria to the world (Acts 8:12; 20:24-25; 28:23, 31). This life is the gift our Lord Jesus gave through His dying and rising—not only that we would be “saved and gain heaven,” but also that we might be present-day agents of His kingdom, daily touching others with God’s grace, love, and power, in His name.
Revelation 11:1-19
Rev. 11:1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there.
A second interlude presents another perspective on the witnessing church, especially amid tribulation and persecution.
*Symbol- rod or reed- measuring or judging- Eze. 42:15-20
Symbolically/spiritually: This is the rod used to measure the Church. To measure in the Greek is “metreo” meaning to measure out or measure off, any space or distance with a measurer’s reed or rule, metaphorically, to judge according to any rule or standard.
We are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16); as temples we must qualify as a place for Christ to dwell. The altar is a reference to sacrifice, the dying to self which brings the Glory of Christ.
Rev. 11:2 “But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.
Dispensational: The measuring rod symbolizes either preservation or destruction (see Zech. 2:1-5:11; Ezek. 40:3-42:20); the context indicates preservation. The temple of God refers to the people of God, the body of Christ (see 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:19-22); some say this is Herod’s temple in Jerusalem, destroyed in a.d. 70; one purported to be rebuilt in the future. The altar is the altar of incense, symbolizing the prayers of the saints (see 5:8). Those who worship there are all the preserved saints. The court . . . of the Gentiles is not to be measured for protection. Forty-two months, or three and one-half years, suggests a limited time rather than literal time (see v. 3; 12:14). The horrible tribulation suffered by the Jews under Antiochus Epiphanes, which lasted from 168 to 165 b.c. (Dan. 7:25; 8:9-26; 9:24-27; 11:1-45; 12:7-12), became the symbol for all subsequent persecution of the faithful.
*Symbol- Temple measured-Church measured up to the standard of the Word of God- Eph. 4:10-16
*Symbol- Outer Court left unmeasured- Tribulation saints- Matt. 5:13
*Symbol- trodden underfoot- defeated, down-trodden- Luke 21:24
Symbolically/spiritually: Forty-two is the number of His appearing. Jesus appeared to the world for forty-two months in His natural body, and then He was glorified. Also it took 42 generations from Abraham until He appeared.
(Mat 1:17) So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
42nd Generation:
In verse 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen
generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen
generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen
generations. Actually from Shealtiel, Zerubbabel, Abiud, Eliakim, Azor, Zadok,
Achim, Eliud, Eleazar, Matthan, Jacob, Joseph, Jesus is 13 generations. Is there
a miscount? I think not. Note who is called the Christ.
# 41. Jesus # 42. ( Unto Christ-Body of Christ)
1 Pet. 2:9But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you
out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10who once were not a people but are
now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained
mercy.
Who is the chosen generation?
6= the number of man 7= the number of God 6×7=42
According to Matthew in the 17th verse, the total generations (14+14+14) would
be 42. But when we count the generations down through Jesus, there are only 41!
As we read the first sixteen verses of the book of Matthew we find that David
was the 14th generation, from David to the Babylonian captivity made Jeconiah
the 28th generation and from Jeconiah to Joseph (husband of Mary) was another 12
generations making Joseph the 40th generation. This makes Jesus, according to
the generations of law, the 41st generation so where is the 42nd generation?
There seems to be a missing generation, or is there? Note that the scripture
says UNTO CHRIST! The answer is that there is only to be one generation since
Jesus and it is a nation of sons that have been coming forth since the
resurrection of Christ! They are the CHRIST generation, those who are born of
the Spirit of the Living God. It is an eternal generation born of the Holy
Spirit of the LIVING GOD!
Rev.11:3 “And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”
DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: Vv. 1, 2 depict Jewish temple worship restored in the first three and one-half years of the Great Tribulation, also known as Daniel’s Seventieth Week. This is followed by “the abomination of desolation,” a time when the Beast will demand that temple sacrifices cease, and his image be placed in the temple to be worshiped. They will tread . . . forty-two months: This began about 605 b.c. with Judah’s captivity under Nebuchadnezzar and will likely not end until the Second Coming (see 19:20, 21; Dan. 2:34, 35). Some interpreters, however, believe this was completed in 1967, when Israel captured Old Jerusalem in the Six Day War (see Luke 21:24). Forty-two months as a time frame shows perfect harmony between Dan. and Rev. Daniel speaks of “70 weeks of years” (9:24-27), revealing that all prophetic history for this age will culminate in a final seventieth week of years. During this final seven-year period, every prophecy concerning national Israel and Jerusalem would be fulfilled literally. However, he spoke about this final week of years as being divided into two distinct three and one-half-year periods (Dan. 9:27), the last half being the Great Tribulation. This is the significance of Revelation’s 42 months (11:2), 1,260 days (11:3; 12:6), and “time and times and half a time” (12:14). See note on Dan. 9:24, 26.
Again according to the dispensationalist interpretation, the Jewish temple will be restored in the first three and one-half years of the Great Tribulation, also known as Daniel’s Seventieth Week. This will be followed by the “abomination of desolation,” a time when the beast will demand that temple sacrifices cease and his image be placed in the temple and worshiped. They will tread forty-two months which began around 605 b.c. with Judah’s captivity under Nebuchadnezzar and will likely not end until the Second Coming. Some interpreters, however, believe this was completed in 1967, when Israel captured Old Jerusalem in the Six Day War (see Luke 21:24).
*Symbol- sackcloth- mourning, sorrow, judgment- John 3:5-8
Symbolically two is the number of witnesses Heb. 6:18 says,”(that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, …”. His disciples were sent out by two to establish His witness Also out of the mouth of 2 witnesses, a thing shall be established. People who broke specific statutes of the law of Moses in the OT were put to death by stoning. Stoning was usually carried out by the men of the community (Deut. 21:21), upon the testimony of at least two witnesses, who would then cast the first stones. There is much speculation on who the two witnesses are. Here are some of the views:
The two witnesses, identified as the two olive trees and the two lampstands, are symbols of the spiritually militant church proclaiming the gospel by signs and wonders. The beast that makes war against them (v. 7) is a description of the persecution of the church, not just two individual prophets. The witnessing church is resurrected even after intense persecution. According to the dispensationalist viewpoint, the two witnesses are supposed to be either Moses and Enoch or Moses and Elijah—two prophets who boldly proclaim God’s truth. Some think these two witnesses are Enoch and Elias, who are to return to the earth for a time. The beast or the Antichrist who is the head of one-world government will kill them, but not until they finish their testimony. As said the two witnesses are believed to be either Moses and Enoch or Moses and Elijah. Enoch and Elijah escaped physical death by translation; Moses was sovereignly taken from the grave and glorified (see Gen. 5:24; 2 Kin. 2:11; Matt. 17:3; Jude 9). There are some dispensational authors who feel this view is not consistent with the context because the two witnesses are killed and then resurrected. They feel this is unlikely with respect to the glorified men. Whether or not they are literally Moses and Enoch or Moses and Elijah, these two men will certainly manifest power equal to these OT prophets. This is confirmed in the various symbolisms: fire proceeds from their mouth, they shut heaven, so that no rain falls, they turn (waters) to blood, and they work many other signs and miracles. The beast (who is the leader of a coalition, which will be termed “The United States of Europe”) finally kills them, but not until they finish their testimony (v. 7).
Symbolically/spiritually: The two witnesses represent Spirit and Truth. It is the living and speaking of the revelation of Christ. Believers witness with both their mouths and their walk. If Christ is truly in you, then the fruit of your walk will show this. True worshippers worship in Spirit and in Truth (with their mouths and with their walk).
John 4:23-24 “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.24 “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
The prophets are the two witnesses of Rev. 10:7 & 11. They are only able to do this in the fullness of the two witnesses, Spirit and Truth. This means they have digested the Word, become living epistles (2 Cor. 3:3) (and they now live it as well as speak it). The sackcloth represents the affliction that is necessary to qualify for the fullness of the two witnesses. In Phil. 3”10 we see that the sufferings, represented as sackcloth, bring resurrection, and power, defined as Glory.
In this interpretation, the two witnesses could be YOU AND I! The Lord is saying I will give of Myself to the two witnesses. He is giving of Himself, Spirit and Truth so they may impart the revelation of Christ.
Another interpretation of the 2 witnesses:The TWO WITNESSES in Revelation 11 carry a Word that has the ability to BAPTIZE WITH FIRE, they are TOUCHSTONE [Gk: tormented] ministries that are designed to test what peoples works are made of [1 Cor 3:11-15]. In Revelation 11 when they were killed – i.e. to separate from union and fellowship – the people celebrated and gave gifts to one another.
To send gifts means to celebrate the MARRIAGE SUPPER or the FEAST OF TABERNACLES [proper], meaning they were trying to celebrate the Marriage Supper of the Lamb without being BAPTIZED – i.e. CLOTHED – in the appropriate UNDERSTANDING of it, and in the process they REJECTED the very grace that God sent to give them UNDERSTANDING [i.e. stand + under = baptized]. UNDERSTANDING is the fruit of EXPERIENCE, so when we STAND UNDER or immerse ourselves deeper in what in being unveiled to us then the EXPERIENCE of what we’ve done IN CHRIST is UNDERSTOOD. The sad thing is that a lot of people will reject the grace that God has sent to His people to call them to the Marriage but because they 1) are not CLOTHED or BAPTIZE Din what is being unveiled to them and 2) as a result don’t receive the OIL OF UNDERSTANDING that will enabled them to make the journey to the Marriage Supper then what they try to do is compensate for the lack they have.
In Matthew 22, the Parable of the Marriage Feast, God sends out TWO WITNESSES to call them that were bidden to the marriage, verse 3 denotes the FIRST WITNESS and verse 4 denotes the SECOND WITNESS, but they didn’t come. So then God sends His Witnesses out again but not to them that were twice called but to those that know nothing of the things of God. The thing is this; in verse 11 when God noticed that there was a man that didn’t have a GARMENT on – i.e. that he wasn’t clothed in the UNDERSTANDING of – what he wasn’t baptized into becoming ONE with what was being unveiled to him – then God bound him hand and foot and cast him into outer darkness.
Many scholars say the two witnesses are unexplained symbols in the book of Revelation.
The Power of the Two {Witnesses} Principle.
Two is better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he fall; for he has not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat; but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:19-20
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. 2 Corinthians 13:1
And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth {or humility}. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceeds out of their mouth and devours their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this wise be killed. These have power to shut heaven that it rains not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over the waters to turn them to , and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will. Revelation 11:3-6
How can two walk together except they are agreed or appointed? Amos 3:3
The number “TWO” carries a wide range of and kingdom meaning, but we shall be brief in our focus for today and grow from here…
In present truth understanding, the number “TWO” represents in part, “WITNESS, COVENANT, TESTIMONY, AGREEMENT, and the UNION {UNITY} of which it produces in its divine appointment together.” In WITNESS, it is the same principle of Jesus’ sending out his disciples by two, in appointed ministry fathers and sons, and that concerning Christ his witness is not of his own self. In COVENANT, it recognizes that there is at least two to form an appointed covenant. In TESTIMONY, it reveals the principle of testament or testator, the one recognizing the other for the testament to be in force. In AGREEMENT, the number two reveals the significant and extraordinary power of the two {two even three gathered together in HIS name}. And in UNION {UNITY} it reveals the birthing of the desired purpose and intention of what the TWO are given to BE and to DO. For there is POWER in the Principle of TWO – HIS two Witnesses…The Principle and Purpose of the Two…
Before Adam was put to sleep by the Lord God himself, there was no reference or mention of the sinister serpent. When the Lord affirms the two becoming one in Genesis 2 {Husband and Wife}, and that whatever God joins together, let no one put asunder, following in chapter 3 verse 1 you hear of the subtle and sneaky serpent. Why? For in a sense, the serpent was attracted now to the POWER of the Two Witnesses which was to produce and manifest after their kind, according to God’s intended purpose. When the serpent saw the two as ONE, he knew he was diametrically oppose to the power of Witness, Covenant, Testimony, Agreement, and Union {UNITY}. As long as Adam the man was the discussion of the day, prior to the creation and formation of the woman {Wombed Man, female man, man with a womb – via, MAN – read also Genesis 5:2} you hear of no beguiling serpent or any attempt to beguile…until…
Truth is, our ONE-ness together in the appointed and divine dimensions of God flushes out of the bushes and brushes the serpent, the nemesis, the diametrically opposed adversary and worthy opponent… some would say. In one sense, YOU create your own enemy, the divinely ordained resistance that is earmarked and highlighted throughout scripture. Your coming forth also brings out of the hidden places your greatest challenge, your appointed opposition mandated of God for our testing, buffeting, scourging, and maturity. God forms the light and creates darkness, He makes peace and creates evil, “I the Lord do all these things” according to the words of Isaiah the prophet.
When the Lord affirmed who Job was, satan was furious and made every attempt to shake job to the core. For in this, it was the principle of what God had spoken concerning Job, and not what a man himself had merely affirmed concerning Job. Your adversary is not necessarily after your stuff, or your toys, but is drawn to engage in conflict and contesting with you for what you were born to BE and to DO. For out of the glory of the Lord we came, and satan showed up to check out what God was doing.
The POWER of the TWO Witnesses, as referenced in Revelation 11 misleads many in their perceptions to interpret these two witnesses from a literal text. The two witnesses of Revelation 11 is a word picture, a kingdom principle, what God sees in the principle of TWO. It’s a metaphor, yet it is a revelation of the POWER of TWO.
In Revelation 11, bear in mind, as with the other over 400 references of the Old Testament mentioned in the Book of Revolution {Revelation} that the bible defines the bible, the word of God is its own interpreter, and in light of the fact {Yeah, TRUTH} that God has more to say about the power of the two witnesses than mathematical calculations and colorfully illustrated charts. God is after the realization through the revelation of HIS TWO Witnesses. In scriptural application, the 2 becomes 1. The 2 produces after its kind. And the 2 reveals HIS purpose in their appointed union and synergistic and energizing force…
Prostitution is diametrically oppose to MARRIAGE {Power of the Two Witnesses}. It competes against marriage. The same as Jezebel, a spirit, force, and mentality, it comes to deter and sway the attention of the saints from the intensity of the King and HIS kingdom. Same as Jeroboam, the first dispensationalist {lol} of scripture attempting to sidetrack God’s people from the real Feast of Tabernacles of the 7th month to the 8th month. It is a contrary and negative evil force against what God has joined together {The appointed saints and the appointed Feasts}. It comes to put asunder and to distract through divisiveness God’s people from God’s HOLY THING any way it can.
Satan is intimidated and shaken in his boots at the TRUE and Genuine POWER of the TWO Witnesses. When apostles and elders {Two Witnesses} work together in establishing relationships and kingdom community in the church and the region, or when apostles and prophets align together for the region, the serpent is flushed out, exposed for what it really is. When a true marriage is made in heaven and manifested on earth, the carnal nature of man is so bent on finding fault with the marriage, perhaps asserting “It is an illusion, a farce, or phony, or that the husband and wife are fake or scam, for no one can be that in love one with another!” they say. In their estimation, something must be seriously wrong with that marriage, for the husband and wife are deeply in love one with each other…
Satan is intimidated and shaken in his boots at the radiant glory of the kingdom producing the church. That’s why he sends church splitters, hell raisers, and hair raisers in assemblies to become a distraction to God’s people and the vision and spiritual momentum, impetus, and drive of that local ministry, moving from focus to hocus pocus. I have seen many precious leaders wounded into deep despair over the ravages and devastating effects of the ruthless and relentless drive of those whose peculiar nature is to destroy appointed assemblages of the Lord. From political wars over positions and pulpits, gift magnification and suspicion, whispers, slander, mistrust, backbiting, gossip, to mere performances, the goal is to steal, kill, and destroy, to grind to dust the very fiber and fabric of that genuine and authentic assemblage or immobilize it from reaching its mission and mandated thrust, via, Kingdom Advancement…
Apostles of the Spirit by the grace of the Lord bestows no honor and inheritance to those who subvert whole assemblies, speak evil of dignities, or is presumptuous and self-willed toward kingdom alignment, divine government, and appointed leadership of the Lord. Apostles with elders should not release mantles onto covenant breakers or those who break appointed lineage through offenses, insurrection, or strife. Ascension ministries should not be party {or partner} with covenant breaking entities. Where there is envying and strife there is confusion and every evil work.
Satan is intimidated and mad as hell at two of the most needed dimensions in the local church, Apostolic Impartation and Prophetic Activation and the maturing, retooling, power-fueling, and equipping of the saints. These two words are foreign to a vast many in the Western Church. Instead of Apostolic Impartation we substitute with man centered, performance based, and needs oriented ministry. For Prophetic Activation we tend to relegate the prophetic to soulish stuff people want to hear with a great void and absence of prophesying corporate purpose and destiny, the strategies and logistics, operations, and designs of the kingdom.
O, Beloved, when the hand {5-fold Ascension Ministries} of Paul lights fire {Holy Spirit} to the wood {humanity} in Acts 28, out comes the serpent to fasten to Paul’s hands {ascension ministries} only to be shaken off into the fire and consumed! What a kingdom blessing, the power of the hand ministry, not distracted, disabled, or disengaged from its purpose, not defined by the bite of Paul’s hand while lighting the fire to the wood {out comes the serpent}, and not dismayed, denied, defied, deterred, discouraged, disdained, or delayed {Ezekiel 12}. Amen and amen…
In closing, thank God for the POWER of the TWO Witnesses, for what can stop the power of TWO, the true Power of Agreement, the Power of Testimony {Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy}, The Power of covenant, the power of UNITY? Note below some highlights and confirmations of the TWO Witnesses Principle and enjoy.
Note below…
Moses – Elijah
Logos – Rhema
Christ the Head – Christ the Body
Word – Spirit
The Spirit – and the Bride
The Evening – and the Morning
The Cross Vertical – The Cross Horizontal
The Bride – Bridegroom
Father – to Son
Apostle – Prophet
Sun Clothed Woman – Man child
Impartation – Activation
Deborah – Barak
Kingdom – Church
Purpose – Destiny
Apostles – Elders
Kings – Priests
O.T. – N.T.
Husband – Wife
Heaven – Earth
Christ the Head – Christ the Body
Mt. Zion – Jerusalem
I AM that I AM {I and my Father are one}
Conclusion: TWO WITNESSES
Two Witnesses
Spirit and Truth
Who are the two witness spoken of in Revelation chapter 11 and what do they have to do with us? As with all the book of Revelation we must dig out the truth from the word of God. When it comes to witnesses, I first seek the words of our Lord to find the true purpose of witnesses.
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established (Matt. 18:16).
But what are they trying to establish as true? According to the next verse we see that they are to vindicate Jesus before the world.
This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses (Acts 2:32).
And since the world has not yet been convinced that Jesus is who He says He is, then we must believe that our ‘witness’ must be deficient in some way. Without a doubt we can all agree that the modern church recognizes that hypocrisy has destroyed the true witness of Christ. So what are we missing, or what standard satisfies as a true witness of Christ?
But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).
Jesus declares that His true worshipers will worship Him in SPIRIT AND TRUTH and that anything less than this misses the mark. Jesus is letting us know that true worshipers (or witnesses) are what He is seeking out. They are ‘two’ because they establish the truth and also because they must aspire in both Spirit and Truth.
I see these witnesses as those who “Profess what they Possess”. They not only declare what is Christ, they live it. They are a great end time army of believers who will take the Glory of God into the nations. They will live in the light as He is in the light and they show forth the transforming power of a life wholly submitted to the Lord.
Rev.11:4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.
Many believe the God of this earth is satan, but the God of this earth is Jesus Christ. Jesus said in Matt. 28:18-19: “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority is given to Me in Heaven and in earth. Therefore go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” All authority belongs to Christ who has given it to us. Ps.24:1 says, “The earth is Lord’s, and the fullness of it; the world, and those who dwell in it.”
In Revelation 12:12, we read this about “the god of this world:” Notice this is world system not the earth. “The devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time.“The word translated as time in that verse is KAIROS, which means “a limited, definite portion of time. His KAIROS, is short. It is of limited duration.
W. Kenyon taught this: “The universe was made for earth. The Earth was made for man and man was made for God.” MANKIND IS CREATED FOR GOD.
Genesis 1:28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it;( GUARD, PROTECT, PUT A HEDGE ABOUT THE EARTH) have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
YOU WERE CREATED TO RULE! Ps. 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein. (Psa 115:16) The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
(Isa 45:18) For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. KJ
The dominion of the earth belongs to man. Gen. 1:28.Some proclaim that man has a 6,000 year lease upon the dominion of the earth.
Short summary of the 6,000 year lease: We know that God re-created life on earth 6 Days and rested on the 7th Day. With the Lord 1000 years is as one day. According to this, His 7 Days of Re-Creation can represent 7000 years. The 7th Day Sabbath can also represent the 7th Millennium (1000 year Sabbath) during which time the Messiah will rule on earth for 1000 years when he returns at his 2nd Coming. Adam was created on the 6th Day of the Week and was told that he would die on the day that he sinned. Adam lived to be 930 years old and died within the 1000 years per day definition. Man’s time is also limited to 6 Days or 6000 years.
The two witnesses in verse four of Revelation 11 are normally portrayed as two persons who are given certain powers to “witness” against the antichrist and his plans. Verses in the New Testament and Old Testament help us to better understand Rev. 11:3.
*Symbol- 2 olive trees- anointed witnesses- Zec. 4:3,12,14
Symbolically/spiritually we see that the two witnesses are the two olive trees and the two candlesticks. Zechariah 4:1-14 gives insight into the nature of these two witnesses.
*Symbol- 2 candlesticks- light bearers- Zech. 4:3,12,14
(Zec 4:1-14) And the angel that talked with me came again and awakened me, as a man that is awakened out of his sleep. And he said to me, What do you see? And I said, I see, and behold, a lampstand, all of it gold, and a bowl on its top, and its seven lamps on it, and seven pipes to the seven lamps on its top; and two olive trees beside it, one on the right of the bowl, and the other on the left of it. And I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, Do you know what these are? And I said, No, my lord. Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, This is the Word of Jehovah to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says Jehovah of Hosts. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain; and he shall bring forth the top stone with shoutings, Grace! Grace to it! And the Word of Jehovah came to me, saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house. His hands shall also finish it; and you shall know that Jehovah of Hosts has sent me to you. For who has despised the day of small things? For they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel. These seven are the eyes of Jehovah which run to and fro through the whole earth. And I answered and said to him, What are these two olive trees on the right of the lampstand and on its left? And I answered again and said to him, What are the two olive clusters beside the two golden pipes, emptying the golden oil from themselves? And he answered me and said, Do you not know what these are? And I said, No, my lord. And he said, These are the two sons of fresh oil who stand by Jehovah of the whole earth.
Symbolically/spiritually: In verses one and two a description or type is given for the two witnesses. A lamp stand or menorah. In the menorah there is one candlestick with a bowl on top and three branches coming out of both sides. These branches are the two olive trees and the two candlesticks.
Zerubbabel means begotten in Babylon. He was a type of Christ or a type of the Son of Man. He led Israel out of captivity to build the temple and the altar.
(Hag 1:1-7) In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, the Word of Jehovah came by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high Priest, saying, So says Jehovah of Hosts, saying: This people says, The time has not come, the time that Jehovah’s house should be built. Then came the Word of Jehovah by Haggai the prophet, saying, Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your finished houses, and shall this House lie waste? And now so says Jehovah of Hosts: Set your heart on your ways; you have sown much and bring in little; you eat, but you do not have enough; you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you dress, but no one is warm; and he who hires out himself hires himself for a bag full of holes. So says Jehovah of Hosts: Set your heart on your ways.
Rev. 11:5 And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner.
*Symbol- Fire out of mouth- fiery law, judgment of God- 2 Kings 1:5; Deut. 33:2
Symbolically/spiritually: This speaks of the perfecting fire of God. The witnesses, Spirit and Truth, promote carnal death. This also shows the things which offend carnal men and which lead them to attack the two Witnesses ( Spirit & Truth) and become their areas of perfecting. If carnal men try to hinder by their man made doctrines then their doctrines will kill them; they will have to die to that: self, man made or worldly doctrines in the church.
Dispensationalist interpret this literally.
Rev. 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.
Spiritually/symbolically: Heaven speaks of so called Christians without water (Spirit). These are the ones who do not have Christ in them. The witnesses bring perfection by exposing carnal so called Christians, causing a drought in them who do not have Christ in them by bringing them to accountability. They cannot justify a lack of relationship with Jesus Chris even with all their religious activity,. The witnesses gather into a unified voice ( prophetic voice) which brings life ( the blood of Christ) and tribulation (plagues) whoever they go. Their power is to make the word life and to afflict carnality through their witness.
1 Chronicles 16:20-22 When they went from one nation to another, And from one kingdom to another people,21 He permitted no man to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes,22 Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.”
Rev. 11:7 When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them.
Dispensational: The beast from the bottomless pit is pictured as actually functioning before the description of his origin, which is additional evidence that the visions are not in chronological order (see 13:1-10; 17:6-18). Make war is an appropriate description of the persecution of the church militant, not of just two individual prophets.
Symbolically/spiritually: The exact Greek translation here is instead of when they finish their testimony…” to being “Even while they perform their witness…” The witness is primarily to the church. Our power now is in death. As Jesus said in John 17, “ He will lay down his life that He may take it up again.” We will let ourselves be overcome and die completely to self so that we can show the principalities of the earth who they are truly against, Christ in us not just us. As we offer ourselves as sheep, it provides the path of Love that bring in many.
Rev. 11:8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.
Spiritually/spiritually, pneumatikos (pnyoo-mat-ik-oce): An adverb denoting a symbolical or spiritual sense. In 1 Cor. 2:14, the word is used to describe why natural reasoning cannot comprehend things of the Spirit. They are discerned pneumatikos, with the aid of the Holy Spirit. Here Jerusalem is called “Sodom” for its gross spiritual perversity and “Egypt” for opposing God’s purposes and plans.
Dispensational: Their dead bodies: Literally “their corpse,” in the singular, not plural, symbolizes the body of Christ that now appears to have been overcome (v. 7). The great city is not literally the physical city of Jerusalem, but spiritually the world in rebellion against God. Sodom symbolizes immorality, and Egypt symbolizes the political oppression of the people of God in this world where our Lord was crucified.
Symbolically/spiritually: Witness to the worldliness ( Sodom and Egypt) in verse 4 speaks of the Harlot who rises up against the Elect. As an attempt to bring the Church into perfection, bring truth to her, the Harlot will attempt to kill. However the Harlot cannot kill the true Church, Christ’s Glory
Rev. 11:9 Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves.
Their dead bodies is literally “their corpse,” singular again. Three-and-a-half days describes a very brief time, in contrast to the period of persecution (see 20:7-10). The second occurrence of their dead bodies is plural, indicating the individual members of the body of Christ. The final indignity was to leave them unburied. Those who dwell on the earth:
Peoples, tribes, tongues and nations symbolically/spiritually represents the carnal church or worldly church populace. They are in contrast to the unredeemed inhabitants if the earth and the Elect. The names are used in conjunction with each other give insight to the common nature of the many waters the Harlot sits on.
Kindred= Jacob’s descendents in the Old Testament, today God’s representatives or witnesses to the world.- Christians- Greek- Phule- all the persons descending from tone of the twelve sons of the patriarch Jacob. These people are part of the church, yet they are bound by greater ties than their ties to Christ. The following definitions show these bonds and why the are considered the Many Waters that the Harlot rides on. Rev. 17:1,15)
Tongue= Speaking the same thing, bound by doctrine. Greek- Glossa- a tongue, the language or dialect used by a particular people distinguishing them from that of other nations. Groups bound by common doctrine. Although this separates each group, it gives the person a false sense of being right and part of the right group. Pride brought the judgment of the languages at the Tower of Babel. It is still represented by the worship of diverse doctrines within the Church. Christ is not the author of division, a house divided.
People= Those who gather together like a denomination, bound by denominationalism. Greek- Laos- a people, people group, tribe, nation, all those who are of the same stock and language. Once they gather under the banner of a doctrine, the next step is denominational separation. People can be more devout loving their church and its doctrines than loving Christ.
Nation= The called but not the chosen, bound by pride- Greek- Ethnos- Paul uses the term for Gentile (non Jewish) Christians. Ethnos is the root ethnic which is the pride of one’s heritage. This term is used to show although they are worshippers (like Gentile believers), they are not the chosen. This term was used in the Old Testament to mean those not worshipping the true God. Combine the OT and NT meanings and we see a type of prideful behavior worshipping the wrong things, things of self, carnality.
Symbolically/spiritually: The Harlot cannot get rid of the true Church. The Harlot cannot bury the true Church in the ground, no amount of carnality can hide Christ’s Glory. They cannot fight against Christ and many will turn on the harlotry of the church. We will discuss the Harlot in Revelation Chapter 17.
Rev. 11:10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.
The two witnesses, identified as the two olive trees and the two lampstands, are symbols of the spiritually militant church proclaiming the gospel by signs and wonders. The beast that makes war against them (v. 7) is a description of the persecution of the church, not just two individual prophets. The witnessing church is resurrected even after intense persecution. According to the dispensationalist viewpoint, the two witnesses are supposed to be either Moses and Enoch or Moses and Elijah—two prophets who boldly proclaim God’s truth. The beast or the Antichrist who is the head of one-world government will kill them, but not until they finish their testimony. This is the Second interlude: two witnesses (11:1–14). Very specific time periods are specified. These correspond with time periods in Daniel 9 and 12. He sees Jerusalem trampled for forty-two months (vv. 1–2) and two unnamed witnesses prophesy for 1,260 days (3). They are divinely protected from their enemies and given power to bring drought and plagues (5–6).
In Jesus day the enemies of Jesus thought they had power over Him and His witness.
John 19:11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”
God was in control then and He is in control now.
Symbolically/spiritually: The Elect will seem to have no power They will ignore them and make merry at their expense They will honor each other as men do. . In the Greek honor means the giving of gifts. They will consider the witnesses to lack proper credentials.
Rev. 11:11 Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them.
Many deem this to means 3 ½ years. This symbolically/spiritually will mean the time in which power will come to the Elect. This is the apostolic power of the Elect revealed to the world. Their message will be God-given. No longer will men be able to hide behind false doctrine or religious man-made doctrines.
Rev. 11:12 And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them.
Dispensational: Come up here: The witnessing church, symbolized by the two witnesses, is resurrected. In historical times and places the witnessing church has appeared to be destroyed, only to be resuscitated and revived by God (see Ezek. 37:1-14). With reference to the final resurrection of the church, this event is proleptic and not sequential (see 1 Thess. 4:13-17).
Symbolically/spiritually: The Elect/Bride will ascend spiritually, not literally, and be transformed and transfigured (raptured in His Presence) as in the account of Jesus being transfigured at the Mount of Transfiguration.
(Mat 17:2) And He was transfigured before them. And His face shone as the sun, and His clothing was white as the light.
(Mat 17:2) And He was transfigured before them. And His face shone as the sun, and His clothing was white as the light.
In Rev. 21:10 the angel takes John up to a high mountain to see the Wife of the Lamb. This verse is revealing the same thing symbolically/spiritually. These witnesses will ascend spiritually as a body of believers. The ascension takes their witness to the world.
Rev. 11:13 In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.
God’s judgment falls on the world because of the persecution of His people (18:1-19:10). Seven thousand is a symbolic, not a literal, number, representing that which is complete but limited. The rest still have an opportunity to repent, but apparently they do not. They respond with fear and give glory to God only because of the tremendous manifestations of His power.
Symbolically/spiritually: This is the great perfecting of the harvest woes. This is a time when the Wife of the Lamb will put on her completed glorious wedding robe.
Rev. 11:14 The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly.
Woe means curse.
The third woe is only for “those who destroy the earth” (v. 18).DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: Dispensationalists view vv. 3-14 as follows: The two witnesses are believed to be either Moses and Enoch or Moses and Elijah. Enoch and Elijah escaped physical death by translation; Moses was sovereignly taken from the grave and glorified (see Gen. 5:24; 2 Kin. 2:11; Matt. 17:3; Jude 9). There are some dispensational authors who feel this view is not consistent with the context because the two witnesses are killed and then resurrected. They feel this is unlikely with respect to the glorified men. Whether or not they are literally Moses and Enoch or Moses and Elijah, these two men will certainly manifest power equal to these OT prophets. This is confirmed in the various symbolisms: fire proceeds from their mouth, they shut heaven, so that no rain falls, they turn (waters) to blood, and they work many other signs and miracles. The beast (who is the leader of a coalition, which will be termed “The United States of Europe”) finally kills them, but not until they finish their testimony (v. 7).
The third woe flows immediately after the second. This is the last terrible event for man, very little time is remaining.
7th Trumpet
Rev. 11:15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
The seventh trumpet presents the consummation of God’s reign (10:6, 7). This completion of the Trumpets is told in Chapter 10 and carried forward into Chapter 11.
DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: In spite of the fact that much heavy judgment and suffering must come, vv. 15-19 anticipate the glory of the coming reign of Christ on Earth. Although Satan is temporarily the god of this age or world system(2 Cor. 4:4), Jesus Christ is going to take back this planet and set up a new one. Satan’s days are numbered and Jesus Christ is going to conquer the kingdoms of this present world and set up His eternal kingdom. The people on earth are in rebellion from God and they have tried to lock Him out of their whole world system with its governments, schools, sciences, arts, and social systems. However, Jesus is Lord and He will set up a whole new kingdom here on earth and crush the rebellion, which is a rebellion against love.
The kingdoms: Literally “kingdom,” in the singular, represents all “who dwell on the earth.”
Symbolically/spiritually: The trumpet must happen in us. The kingdoms inside you must become the kingdoms of our Lord. You must be sold out completely. Corporately during time of the 7th trumpet, Christ will take dominion over His chosen people. This says the spiritualist must be understood spiritually. First Christ will become Lord of all kingdoms and then the final woe.
John 5:19 states: “The whole world system is most certainly under the control of the evil one.” Nevertheless, the kingdoms of this world shall be the kingdoms of our God.
(Daniel 7:18 ;22) ‘But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.’ 22“until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.
Citizens of the kingdom of God are not to be of this world only in it.
(1 Jn. 2:15-18) 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
(1 John 4:4-6)You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
The Reclamation of the Kingdoms of this World
Transforming this world to the culture of the kingdom of God is a work of God that first takes place in the hearts and lives of sons of the Father. The old evil world systems and ungodly ways will be as ashes beyond the holy fires of God’s cleansing.
The mountain of God is being established over all the mountains of this world.
Isa 2:2-3: Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. 3 Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.”
Mountains in the Bible often refer to authority. The authority of the kingdom of God has power to reign through His sons over all the mountains of this world.
All the areas of life now under the authority of other gods shall be returned to the authority of Christ when, as mature sons of Father, we really believe the words of God. All religious and secular gods – every idol that man has set up will be destroyed. Even now things which have been set up by false gods and secular godless systems are beginning to crumble before our eyes.
All evil authority that the enemy has over life in this world was given over to him by mankind. Jesus has defeated the enemy destroying the enemy’s authority over this world. The ONLY authority that the enemy now has is the power relegated to him by man. The entire world waits for mankind to believe the provision of Spirit God in us to destroy the works of the enemy and release the kingdom works of God to rule and reign on earth.
False powerless religion has been used as a tool to deceive mankind into believing that the enemy is still so powerful that there is nothing we can do to stop his reign on earth. The enemy working through false doctrines and religious spirits has convinced many Christians that they do not have power and authority to stop the rule of the enemy. Our warfare now is a battle for faith – faith to believe what Christ Jesus has already done and faith to bring it to pass in the world.
Rev. 11:16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God,
All of heaven rejoices as the Lord takes dominion both in us and in the world.
Rev. 11:17 saying: 1 “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.
Rev. 11:18 The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, And those who fear Your name, small and great, And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”
Symbolically/spiritually: The revelation of Christ’s dominion makes those without life angry. These who are left are given one last chance. Now that Christ is in control, everyone will have to decide.
Acts 2:20-21The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.21 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’
Summary of The seven trumpets 8:2–11:18.
The setting: the golden altar (8:2–6). Then seven angels standing before the throne are given trumpets (v. 2).
Before the trumpets sound, however, another angel beside the altar offers incense and the prayers of the saints up to God. The prayers ascend and immediately the angel takes coals of fire from the altar and hurls them to the earth, accompanied by thunder, lightning and earthquakes (3–5).
The trumpets (8:7–11:18). Now the angels begin to sound their trumpets in sequence. As each sounds, a fresh judgment strikes the reeling earth.
The first trumpet: earth (8:7). A third of the land area is devastated by fire.
Second trumpet: sea (8:8–9). A third of the seas are polluted.
Third trumpet: river (8:10–11). A third of the fresh waters are made bitter, taking many lives.
Fourth trumpet: sun (8:12). The sun and moon and even the stars darken.
Fifth trumpet: first woe—demonic locusts (8:13–9:12). As John watches, a great vulture (not “eagle”) drifts through the gloom-shrouded skies, crying out in a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth” (8:13).
The judgment of the two trumpets described in chapter nine are called woes. The first woe comes as the Abyss is opened (9:1–2). This “bottomless pit” was considered to be a prison for demons and disobedient spirits. The creatures released are described as locusts, which sting like scorpions, and are given power to torment men (3–6). The description seems to indicate they are more than insects (7–11).
Sixth trumpet: second woe—cavalry (9:13–21). A mounted cavalry is released to kill a third of mankind (9:13–16). The mounts are no natural animals, for they have leonine heads and breathe out sulfurous flames (17–19).Despite these two awesome woes, the survivors of mankind refuse to turn to God, or to repent of their idolatry and immorality (20–21; see Sorceries).
First interlude: the little scroll (10:1–11). John sees a mighty angel coming down from heaven. He holds a small scroll which has been opened (vv. 1–2). Part of the angel’s message is not to be shared (3–4). But John reports that the angel announces that now, at last, history is about to close (5–8). John eats the little scroll and stands ready to “prophesy again” (9–11).
Second interlude: two witnesses (11:1–14). Very specific time periods are specified. These correspond with time periods in Daniel 9 and 12. He sees Jerusalem trampled for forty-two months (vv. 1–2) and two unnamed witnesses prophesy for 1,260 days (3). They are divinely protected from their enemies and given power to bring drought and plagues (5–6).
When they have finished the work God set for them, “the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit” attacks and kills them (7). The world rejoices as the witnesses lie dead in the streets of Jerusalem (8–10; see Spiritually). Then after three-and-a-half days, they are resurrected and called up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies look on (11–12). Their departure is marked by earthquakes and destruction, which so terrify the survivors that they acknowledge God’s hand (13). This marks the passing of the second woe (14).
Seventh trumpet: third woe—voices in heaven (11:15–18). God is about to take His kingdom.
Symbolic/Spiritual Summary 8:2-11:18- 7 Trumpets:
The final judgment will come for the inhabitants of the earth and the kings of the earth (v. 14)
The world becomes the Lord’s (v. 15)
Rewards are given to the saints who have endured until the end. ( v. 18)
The inhabitants of the earth see the end (v. 18)
The restoration of all things begins, a new heaven and a new earth created because Christ has removed the veil that separates the 2 realms (v. 19)
Rev. 11:19 Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.
John reminds his readers that they are continuously in the presence of the throne, in the temple of God . . . in heaven. The throne is the ark of His covenant, specifically the Mercy Seat (see Ex. 25:8, 9, 10-22; Heb. 9:23-26), a reminder of God’s faithfulness in remembering His people.
*Symbol- Heavenly temple- true sanctuary of God- Heb. 8:1-2
(Heb 8:1-2) Now the sum of the things which we have spoken is this: We have such a High Priest, who has sat down on the right of the throne of the Majesty in Heaven, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
“ Which the Lord pitched and not man”–This is the temple not made with hands; the true sanctuary of God in in you.
*Symbol- Ark of testament/covenant- Glory-throne of God- Ps. 80:1; 99:1
Great hail symbolically/spiritually represents the judgment of man. This is the Great Judgment, the last judgment as far as the inhabitants of the earth are concerned. Great in the Greek is “megas” and that means big, enormous. This is the last judgment before the Great White Throne Judgment.
Revelation 12:1-17
Chapter 12-13 Outline:
The Two Beasts and The People of God
The woman clothed with the sun (Gen. 37:9; Is. 49:1-13; Is. 666:7-8)
The male child (Ps. 2:7-9; Dan. 7:13-14)
The dragon and a third of the stars (sometimes referred to as 1/3 of the angels)(Rev. 12:9) the devil
Chptr 12 is a recapitulation of redemptive history, a certain anticipation of present victory and future triumph
The beast empires of 13:1-3 (Dan. 7:1-8)
Eight beasts or eight beast empires/kingdoms (Rev. 17:10-11)
The unholy trinity, antichrist, beast, false religion or false prophets (Rev.13:2- 4,11-13)
The significance of 666 (Greek word for mark is charagma, means picket fence or slave)
Keep in note as we study this chapter that much of Chapter 12 of Revelation is a recapitulation of redemptive history, certain anticipation of present victory and future triumph.
Rev. 12:1 Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.
In this series of visions, specific events are pictured symbolically. We are thus enabled to see the spiritual reality and meaning of events in our historical experience, such as the birth of the Messiah, together with Satan’s continuous attempts to destroy Him before He completed His redemptive work, and His exaltation, followed by the resultant persecution of His church. Knowing that they share in His victory will enable His people to endure patiently any future afflictions.
A great sign points to a genuine reality. The woman symbolizes God’s people, the faithful remnant of Old-Covenant Israel (see Gen. 37:9; Is. 7:14; 26:17, 18; 49:1-13; 66:7, 8), through whom the Messiah came forth (12:4, 5).
*Symbol- A woman- The true Church, Bride of Christ- Eph. 5: 23-32; Rev. 21, 22.
Symbolically/spiritually: The woman is the Church. The book of Revelation is about washing or cleansing the Church or the woman to make her a wife worthy of Christ, the Bride.
Ephesians 5:23-27 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
Matthew 13:33 Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.”
* Symbol-Sun, moon, stars- Glory of the Godhead in Resurrection- Gen. 1:14, 1 Cor. 15:41.
The Church here (the woman) is depicted from a spiritual perspective in all her Glory, the way Christ created her. She is clothed with the sun, with Christ (the Son). The moon depicts the Body of Christ since it reflects the light of the sun (Son). Symbolically the sun, the moon, and the stars show the path of Glory obtained within her. The twelve stars are the apostolic authority (crown) given to her by Jesus Christ. Jesus gave the kingdom to his apostles. Luke 22:29 “And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me,
Joseph sees this in his dream in Genesis 37:9 Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.”
*Symbol- 12 stars- Twelve last day apostles
Woman clothed with the sun(Son)
Moon under her feet
Crowned with 12 Stars
This order produces the Manchild Ministry. If you reverse the order, or scramble things up, what do you produce or get? Religion, rebellion, chaos, anarchy, confusion.
Hebrews 12:27, all that can be shaken is removed, what remains and is stable is Kingdom, Isaiah 33:6
Rev. 12:2 Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.
Symbolically/spiritually: Verses 1 & 2 of Revelation 12 represent the first of three marvelous signs (semeion). The marvelous signs are the woman, (12:1), the dragon (12:3) and the Angels. (15:1)
The first sign is the pregnant woman (the true Church or Elect/Bride) emerging from the traditional church. Spiritualist see this as the birthing process for the manifested sons of God., the Elect, the Bride of Christ.
Is. 66:7-8 “Before she was in labor, she gave birth; Before her pain came, She delivered a male child.8 Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, She gave birth to her children.
(Rom 8:19) For the earnest expectation of the creation waits for the manifestation of the sons of God.
Symbolically the woman in Rev. 12 was clothed with the Sun {Sun of Righteousness}, the moon {lunar, lunatic} under her feet {Luke 10:19} & a garland of 12 Stars upon her head. She was crowned with the government & thoughts of God to birth for HIS desire. Had she had been clothed with the moon, the sun under her feet & the stars sitting on her lap then she would have birthed forth disorder, chaos, anarchy & confusion!
Rev. 12:3 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads.
*Symbol- red dragon- devil, serpent, satan- Rev.12:9, 20:2
The red dragon of v. 3 is identified in v. 9 as the devil (see Is. 27:1). Seven heads represent complete authority, intelligence, and cleverness, but not wisdom (see Prov. 1:7). Ten represents earthly completeness, which is therefore limited. Horns are a symbol of physical or political strength. Seven diadems represent political authority.
*Symbol- 7 heads- seven world kingdoms- Matt. 4:9, Rev. 11:15
*Symbol- 10 horns- 10 kingdom empires of the antichrist- Dan. 7:7, Rev. 17:3-16.
Symbolically/spiritually: God’s authority- Seven is the number of Godly perfection; heads are interpreted as authority.
Ten horns (10) the number of judgment and horns (types of clemency). These are the ones God uses to bring judgment to the whore.
The projections of the altar of burnt offering (Ex. 27:2) and the altar of incense (Ex. 30:2) at the four corners were called horns. By laying hold of these horns on the altar of burnt offering a person found safety (1 Kin. 1:50, 2:28) if his alleged offense was accidental (Ex. 21:14).
Horns of Clemency: Horns represent the heart of the 10 kings who are with the Harlot first, but who turn on her when they realized that she misled them. They wanted to serve God, but pride blinded their eyes until the Lamb lifted the veil.
From, a spiritual perspective this is satan seen by the use of 7 heads, being he tester/tempter of mankind.
The mature Manchild ( Christ in us) will crush his head Gen. 3:15
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He will bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”
We are putting the last enemy under Gods’ feet or making him His footstool. LAST ENEMY MADE GOD’S FOOTSTOOL
Ps. 110:101 The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” Acts 2:35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” Heb. 10:12-13 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.
Rev. 12:4 His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.
Dispensational-A third of the stars of heaven (v. 4) is a symbolic representation of angelic beings (see 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6; Ezek. 28:1-19). From the beginning (see Gen. 3:15), the obsession of the dragon has been to thwart the purpose of God being worked out through the woman, the messianic community, and through the Messiah, her Child. DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: A woman is national Israel. The twelve stars symbolize the 12 tribes. She is pictured as a married woman in labor, about to give birth to a faithful Jewish remnant. In pain indicates the remnant’s agony throughout Jewish history.
The red dragon is satan. Seven diadems identify him with the last of the Gentile rulers who will be represented by the Beast (see 13:1-10; Dan. 7:8). Some scholars feel that a third of the stars of heaven is symbolic of the angels who cast their lot with Satan in his rebellion against God. They are the “principalities and powers” against whom all believers “wrestle” (see Eph. 6:12).
Symbolically/spiritually: Ten is the number of tribulation and judgment, the ten plagues of Egypt, the Ten Commandments and Dan. 1:11-15 are examples of the ways in which God used ten to bring tribulation and judgment, so that His Glory can be revealed.
Daniel 1:11-15 So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,12 “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink.13 “Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants.” 14 So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days.15 And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies.
Symbolically/spiritually– Satan’s Plan Against God:
*Symbol- falling stars- apostate saints, falling- Jude 13, Gen. 15:5
The enemy’s plan is not just targeted against the church (woman) but against the child (the Remnant or Elect). 1/3 part of the stars of heaven symbolically/spiritually are carnal Christians, cast to the earth, becoming an enemy of God hindering any spiritual movement or revival. The carnal mind is an enemy of God The Word says:
Matthew 24:10-12 “And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.11 “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.12 “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
Mark 13:11-1212 “Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.13 “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
These are the events that will reveal the abomination of desolation in the Holy Place. Symbolically/spiritually this is a place in which the spirit of antichrist is on the throne of the hearts of many of God’s people.
How satan entices the Church:
Isaiah 9:15-16The elder and honorable, he is the head; The prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail.16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed.
Symbolically/spiritually the tail are false prophets. This is how satan deceives the church through false doctrines, and feel good preaching sometimes called seeker friendly preaching. Here worldliness caused by carnal Christians will cause the Manchild (Remnant/Elect/Bride) to be born. Those who desire more in their relationship with Christ will hear the call to come out from her (Rev. 18:4).
Rev. 12:5 She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.
The Child was sent to rule, literally, “to shepherd,” with a rod of iron, a symbol of firmness, but not tyranny (see Ps. 2:7-9; Dan. 7:13, 14; Acts 1:9). The total revelational event of Jesus Christ is here telescoped between His birth and His enthronement. DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: From the Jewish remnant (v. 2), Christ the male Child is born to rule all nations. The remnant will be intimately identified with the throne of Christ in the millennial kingdom.
According to the spiritualist Rev. 12:5 should read : She (the woman) bore a Male Child (the Remnant) who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. (ruling and reigning now with Christ) And her Child was caught up to God and His throne (spiritually).
Symbolically/spiritually: Manchild/Bride/Manifested sons of God are the overcomers (Rev. 2:16-17), who will rule with a rod of iron (v. 5) The rod of iron stands for a word of correction given in love.
Psalm 2:8-10 Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession.9 You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’ ”
The rod is the Word of God; Jesus is the Living Word of God.
(Isa 11:1) And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
Rev. 12:6 Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.
The woman no longer represents the messianic community that brought forth the Messiah, but is now the church that the Messiah brought forth. The reason for the flight is given in v. 13. A place prepared by God is where He protects and lovingly provides for His people. One thousand two hundred and sixty days is the consistent symbol for affliction and persecution of the witnessing church. See notes on 11:3; 12:14.DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: National Israel is evidently to be providentially protected during the Great Tribulation by some type of flight. The wilderness here could be Petra in Edom (see Dan. 11:41; Matt. 24:16).
*Symbol- prepared wilderness by God- place pf preservation-Ex. 3:18, Deut. 8:1-16
Symbolically/spiritually the Manchild/Manifested sons of God feed her. This shows that their ministering tales place as a wilderness experience. Feeding her shows the love of the Elect for the Church and desire to see it come forth as a pure spotless Bride.
Rev. 12:7 And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,
The casting down of satan results from a great battle between the hosts of heaven and the hordes of hell. In this battle, heaven’s warriors force Satan and his demons forever from the heavenly realm. But we must note that victory/enforcement of satan’s defeat is not achieved solely by the angels, but also by believers’ use of spiritual weapons. The angels fight, but God’s saints provide the “fire-power.” This is clearly shown by v. 11, “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” The angels did not overcome the accuser alone; the saints were in partnership through prayer-warfare; the angels were God’s means for administering the victory, which prayer enforced. Notice the mention of Michael, the archangel (v. 7, one of four places where he is mentioned in Scripture). In each mention, spiritual warfare is clearly implied. This is true in Dan. 10 where Michael’s involvement in battle to victory is the direct result of Daniel’s fasting and prayer (see Dan. 10:1-4, 12, and 13).
Symbolically/spiritually Michael means “who is as or like God.” Michael is the angel that said the Lord rebuke you satan.
A Word about Spiritual Warfare/Joyfare
Spiritual warfare can be over-emphasized and under-emphasized. Some blame every sin, every conflict, and every problem on demons that need to be cast out. Others completely ignore the spiritual realm and the fact that the Bible tells us our battle is against spiritual powers. The key to successful spiritual warfare is finding the biblical balance. Jesus sometimes cast demons out of people and sometimes healed people with no mention of the demonic. The apostle Paul instructs Christians to wage war against the sin in themselves (Romans 6) and to wage war against the evil one (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Jesus is our ultimate example for spiritual warfare. Observe how Jesus handled direct attacks from Satan when He was tempted by him in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Each temptation was answered the same way—with the words “It is written.” Jesus knew the Word of the living God is the most powerful weapon against the temptations of the devil. If Jesus Himself used the Word to counter the enemy, do we dare to use anything less?
My former pastor always liked to call it spiritual joyfare and there is a reason. Spiritual warfare is enforcing the defeat of Satan that happened at the cross of Jesus Christ. Satan was completely defeated at Calvary. God placed the enforcing of Satan’s defeat in the hands of His believers, and He has given them the authority. Satan, however, will not recognize his defeat until forced to do so by the servants of Christ. It is a joy to enforce this defeat not a drudgery. As I heard someone say the enemy is ripped, stripped and on his belly in the dust facedown.
We wage warfare/joyfare with the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God and through genuine praise and worship to God. Finally, we remember that while we wage spiritual warfare/joyfare against Satan and his demons, not every sin or problem is a demon that needs to be rebuked. We must be led by Holy Spirit. We also must remember the warfare is accomplished.
THE WARFARE IS ACCOMPLISHED
The war of the ages was fought and won 2,000 years ago. We must acknowledge and appropriate the bounty of His victory. To fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12) is to arm ourselves with settled conviction that the warfare is accomplished. It is a finished work. To participate in spiritual joyfare (I call it joy fare)apart from the revelatory truth that our adversary has been conquered is asking for defeat.
The Hebrew and Greek words for “faith” speak of things that are certain, settled, and established. Be assured that Jesus has finished the work. The weapons of our joyfare are mighty “through God” (2 Cor. 10:3-6) — what He did! This is not the Joshua syndrome of “taking the land,” but the higher ground of Ephesians that He took it! In Christ we sit, walk, and stand, postured in the heavenlies with His victory (Eph. 2:6; 4:1; 6:14). We are not fighting to whip the devil. He has no power! The good fight of faith is to believe, receive, and appropriate Calvary’s spoils!
The only battles the enemy has deceptively won are those where one is motivated by fear. We stand on the solid resurrection ground of Jesus’ finished work. Otherwise, we will cover ourselves with sweat and beat the air as paul said.(1 Cor. 9:26).
The Old and New Testament are filled with examples of our Lord’s victory over the king of darkness. Messiah went forth to crush the serpent’s head (Gen. 3:15). He subdued the leader of the land of wickedness, stripping him from head to foot (Hab. 3:13). The Bible reveals eight absolutes about our glorious King, declaring that:
Jesus triumphed over principalities and powers (2 Cor. 2:14; Col. 2:15).
Jesus bound the strong man (Jer. 31:11; Mt. 12:29; Lk. 11:22).
Jesus slew the dragon (Ps. 74:13, 91:13; Is. 27:1; 51:9).
Jesus killed the giant (I Sam. 17).
Jesus judged the prince (Jn. 12:31; 16:8-11).
Jesus dismantled satan’s kingdom (Heb. 2:14-15; I Jn. 3:8).
Jesus abolished death (Is. 25:8; Hos. 13:14; Rom. 6:9).
Jesus divided the spoils (Lk. 11:22; Rom. 16:20).
Jesus didn’t go to hell (Eph. 4:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:18-19) to finish the victory. He went there to announce it! The complete and total triumph of our Lord is best summed up in His own words, uttered just prior to His epochal achievement at Calvary. The ancient serpent left no trailing influence upon the Rock (Prov. 30:19)!
“I will not talk with you much more, for the prince of the world is coming. And he has no claim on Me.’ (He has nothing in common with Me; there is nothing in Me that belongs to him, and he has no power over Me.) Jn. 14:30, AMP
Fallen Angels: The Scriptures reveal both good angels and evil angels. The evil entities are those angels who rebelled with Lucifer and were cast out of heaven with him. Their minds and understanding have been covered with the horrible darkness of deception—the same tactic Satan still uses to lead his victims astray. They were created in God’s original order to do His will, as those angels who continue in obedience to His throne. But these “did not keep their proper domain” (Jude 6) and are now agents of the adversary, bound under his dark dominion and serving Satan’s rebellious enterprises.
The same spiritual conflict, contemporaneous with vv. 1-6, is now described in the heavenly realm. Michael, in the tradition of Judaism, is one of seven archangels and the guardian champion of Israel (see Dan. 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9). The dragon and his angels were defeated by the total event of Jesus Christ (see Matt. 12:28; 28:18; Luke 10:17-19; John 12:31, 32; Col. 2:15). DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: Michael has a unique place in the destiny of national Israel (see Dan. 12:1). Here, Michael is involved in the expulsion of Satan from heaven . . . to the earth in the middle of the Great Tribulation (see Dan. 10:10-14).
Rev. 12:8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.
Symbolically/spiritually satan is cast down from a high and lofty position. Carnality is the seat of authority in satan’s kingdom. (John 14:10) Jesus said, “for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing or finds no place in Me. (John 14:30). Satan can only work in our minds through carnality. The Elect chooses victory by denying satan authority, not bowing to carnality.
Rev. 12:9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Symbolically/spiritually the image of satan as an enormous spiritual giant waiting to destroy our lives is ruined. He can only work where he is given the power to work. He goes about “as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.“ (1 Pet. 5:8) We have to give him permission. Satan is unveiled and his lies are revealed. Many times it is not satanic evil demons that we need to battle but our own fleshly desires. His evil spirits live on our pride, lust and fleshly ways.
The good news is Jesus Christ utterly defeated the devil, principalities, and powers,” (Col 2:15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
Rev. 12:10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.
John’s prophecy in ch. 12 conveys the same essential message as Dan. 7, the primary difference being that John writes after Christ’s first coming, victorious death, resurrection, and ascension (v. 5). Vv. 1-17 relate: 1) the ongoing warfare on Earth (v. 9); 2) the overcoming ability of the redeemed because “the kingdom” has come (v. 10); 3) the two-edged truth that their victories often cost martyrdom (v. 11); and 4) the basis of their triumph: the Cross (“the blood of the Lamb”) and the authority of God’s Word (“the word of their testimony”—v. 12). Various interpretive systems see this at different times within redemptive history. The mixture of pre-, a-, and postmillennial viewpoints has often fragmented the church, rather than providing a common base of wisdom for each group to receive while embracing one another as, presently, we all face a common Adversary (v. 9). Seeing that no complete interpretive scheme will be verified until after Christ comes, our wisdom is to embrace the Cross as our salvation and our source of overcoming victory. Then we can enter the conflict in confidence, knowing we shall triumph even though circumstances temporarily set us back. In the time of conflict, it will make no difference who was “right,” but only that we were on the Messiah’s side in this agelong spiritual struggle.
The text provides two indisputable facts: 1) the kingdom of God has already established triumph over the Serpent (vv. 9, 10); 2) still, those engaged in conflict in the name of the Lamb sometimes are vanquished to death (v. 11). Breadth and balance is given to our perspective. The presence of the kingdom at this time calls each believer to responsible spiritual warfare and anticipated victories. Yet, at the same time, the presence of evil struggles for survival; though “cast down,” the Serpent writhes viciously. Thus our temporal situation is often a fierce and sometimes painful struggle, seeming to issue in an indeterminate standoff before our Enemy. But he only has “a short time,” until finally the kingdom to come (v. 10) shall become the kingdom accomplished (Rev. 19-22). Let us do battle in faith and with faithfulness and, looking to that day of His ultimate kingdom, know the Holy Spirit is preparing us for kingdom victories today. Dan. 7:21- 22.
Daniel 7:21-22 “I was watching; and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them,22 “until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.
Now refers to the first advent (v. 5). This is His kingdom “not of this world”; it must not be understood in terms of an earthly political kingdom. The accuser: Job 1:6&2:7
Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.
Job 2:7 So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord, and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.
(1Jn 4:4) You are of God, little children, and you have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
Now that satan is revealed he can now be brought down. Again, the good news is Jesus Christ utterly defeated the devil, principalities, and powers,” (Col 2:15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” Why do we battle with a defeated foe?
Rev. 12:11 “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
There is no greater biblical declaration of faith’s confession. Those facing the cataclysmic travail of the last days endure it with a constant statement of the overcoming power of the blood of the Lamb and of the word of their transforming faith in Christ. Some of those declaring Christ’s ultimate victory with their own lips (6:9; 11:7) face the fury of satan’s most vicious and personal attacks against them. Yet, their faith is unwavering, the result of an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the heart of faith’s confession, based in God’s Word and the Blood of the Lamb, whose victory has provided the eternal conquest of satan.
With Christ’s victory over satan, we see these who have maintained their confession of faith and thereby share in His victory. With their sins blotted out and their declaration of Jesus’ redemptive work in their lives, they silence the attempts of the prince of darkness to intimidate God’s children. His accusing voice of condemnation and guilt is swallowed up in the triumph of Calvary. Declare your abiding faith in the accomplished work of the Cross, and constantly participate in Jesus’ ultimate victory, overcoming satan by the power of the Cross and the steadfastness of your confession of faith in Christ’s triumph.
The Weapon of the Blood: This passage portrays satan as cast down to the Earth, confronting and accusing the citizens of the kingdom of God. The primary weapon of the people of God against Satan is the blood of the Lamb. The blood of Christ, the Lamb, causes the people of God to prevail because it answers all of the enemy’s accusations. satan controls and defeats humankind through guilt and accusations. He is a “blackmailer.” However, the saints know that the blood has satisfied all of the charges against them, joined them to God, and provided them with every necessary provision to defeat satan. The blood has established an unassailable bond with a sovereign God that prevents satan from separating the embattled Christian from God’s eternal and complete resources. God has declared us righteous and victorious through the blood of Christ.
They overcame him by appropriating the victory of the finished work of Christ, by the public confession of their faith and patient endurance, even in the face of martyrdom (see 13:10). The church’s constant posture under the authority of the Cross’s victory by the blood of the Lamb and steadfastness to the promise and authority of God’s Word—the word of their testimony—is the key to their overcoming.
Our Daily Confession: Today I testify personally to what the Blood of Jesus does for me.
Through the Blood of Jesus I am redeemed out of the hand of the devil. Through the Blood of Jesus all my sins are forgiven. Through the Blood of Jesus I am justified, made righteous, just as if I had never sinned. Through the Blood of Jesus I am sanctified, made holy, set apart to God. My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, redeemed, cleansed, justified and sanctified by the Blood of Jesus. Through the Blood of Jesus every curse for disobedience is broken. Through the Blood of Jesus every blessing of obedience is mine!
Through the Blood of Jesus the way to perpetual communion with the Father has been opened and no man can shut it. Through the Blood of Jesus I am heir and possessor of all the riches of my Father’s eternal Kingdom. The Blood of Jesus speaks for me today from the mercy seat of God’s throne in Heaven. Therefore, the devil has no place in me, no power over me, no unsettled claims against me. The song of the Lamb surrounds me today with eternal victory and joy. I overcome the world, the flesh and the devil through the Blood of Jesus!
The power of a surrendered Christ -in -us life is our greatest weapon against satan. The ultimate victory is not loving our lives unto death, giving up our selfish life.
Notice I never capitalize satan; no credit given to him.
Giving Up Selfish Life:
Did not love their lives to death: Dying of Self:
DYING TO SELF/CRUCIFYING THE FLESH (Getting rid of selfishness)
Gal. 5:24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their lower corrupt nature with its passions and appetites. (Rom 8:13) For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify( put to death) the deeds of the body, you shall live.
They that are of Christ Jesus; they that belong to Christ Jesus; being “led by (His) Spirit” (Gal. 5:18) have crucified the flesh. (Rom 6:11) Likewise count yourselves also to be truly dead to sin, but alive to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
They nailed the flesh to the cross once for all when they became Christ’s, on believing and being baptized (Ro 6:3, 4): they keep it now in a state of crucifixion (Ro 6:6)(Gal. 2:20) so that the Spirit can produce in them, comparatively uninterrupted by it, “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22).
Man, by faith, is dead to the former standing point of a sinful life, and rises to a new life (Gal. 5:25) of communion with Christ (Col 3:3). The act by which they have crucified the flesh with its lust, is already accomplished ideally in principle.
DEAD, BURIED, RAISED, SEATED WITH CHRIST
(Col 3:1-4) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Be mindful of things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life has been hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ our Life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.(everything He is)
Legally As Colossians 3:3 says, “ For you are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (which is to be TOGETHER AS ONE and hidden renders one as UNSEEN!) Therefore the enemy is rendered powerless for he cannot see INTO God!
Legally WITH CHRIST :
We Were CRUCIFIED, (Gal. 2:20, Romans 6:6, Gal. 5:24)
We DIED, (Romans 6:8, Col. 2:20,Col. 3:3, Romans 6:10-11)
We were BURIED, (Romans 6:4-5, Col. 2:12)
We were QUICKENED/MADE ALIVE (Col. 2:13, Eph. 2:5)
We were RAISED, (Col. 3:1, Eph. 1:19-21, Eph. 2:6, Col. 2:12)
We ASCENDED, (Eph. 2:6,Eph. 4:8)
and We are SEATED in HEAVENLY places IN Christ Jesus! ( Eph. 2:6) FAR ABOVE ALL PRINCIPALITIES AND POWERS AND EVERYTHING IS UNDER OUR FEET (Eph. 1:20-23)
But the practice vital aspect, or outward conformation of this life, must harmonize with the tendency given to the inward life” (Gal. 5:25) We are to be executioners, dealing cruelly with the body of sin, which has caused the acting of all cruelties on Christ’s body with the affections-“with its passions.” Thus they are dead to the law’s condemning power, which is only for the fleshly, and their lusts (Gal. 5:23).
How to enforce that state of crucifixion and ascension:
Reckon (makeup your minds)yourselves dead to sin and alive to Christ. Rom. 6:11
Stop responding to what you see: lust of the eye, lust of the flesh, pride of life.
Make no provision to gratify lust: Romans 13:14 says, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” If we make just a small provision for the lust, it will rule over our body (Romans 6:12). If we don’t make the provision, sin is less likely to occur.
Acknowledge God’s ownership of your body: God paid a high price for you. He sent His own Son to die in your place. We are obligated to live according to God’s desires and not sin’s desires. Let Christ live and reign in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:13
It takes time.(1 Peter 4:1-2 ). Crucifixion is a slow, painful death. When we crucify our sinful desires; IT IS A PROCESS.
Get your mind off yourself. Use your freedom to serve others in love. Serving others in love IS (becoming a living sacrifice)The solution to the flesh problem, is not trying not to sin. But rather living in service. Christianity is not about trying not to commit sin, but rather about becoming a living sacrifice. Paul talks about this in Romans 7. Whenever he tried not to covet, that activated the law of his members (the flesh) and caused him to do exactly what he intended not to. Trying not to sin activates the flesh, perhaps because it puts the focus on ourselves. Trying to serve others deactivates the flesh, perhaps because it takes the emphasis away from ourselves.
Quit seeing yourself as a sinner, but the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus; become more righteousness conscious instead of sin conscious.
Romans 6:6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. Galatians 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. Galatians 6:14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Rev. 12:12 “Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.”
The defeat of the Devil causes rejoicing among God’s people, but woe among people of the world. Note the intensification of evil workings of hell as the Age progresses and the Adversary knows he has a short time.
Woe is a state of intense hardship or distress, disaster and horror. Sad to say the inhabitants of the earth tend to only respond to the natural, therefore expect to see worldwide trouble. When the world starts looking for answers, Christ will be there to minister to them through us. The world will be looking for help from world economic depression, natural disasters, maybe even unhindered demonic activity. Could we be living in this time right now? Only God knows His plan for this world, yet we know that if we are still here we will be spared. This show the favor of God. In the book of Exodus this was the testimony of the Egyptians (a type of world) that God was with Abraham
Rev. 12:13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child.
The dragon (v. 13), because he has already been defeated (Col. 2:14, 15), is relentless in retaliative efforts, struggling to retain claim on the planet he has lost. Thus, he persecuted the woman, the witnessing church (vv. 4-6; John 15:18-21). Two wings of a great eagle (v. 14): The prototype was God’s protecting and nourishing His people in their deliverance from bondage in Egypt (see Ex. 19:4). In vv. 15, 16 the serpent utilizes all resources to destroy the woman. The flood symbolizes the peoples of the world (see 17:15; Is. 17:12). The earth: God’s creation is one of His resources to preserve His people (see Ex. 15:12). Frustrated in his failure to destroy both the Messiah and His community, the dragon makes war with individual members of the witnessing church (v. 17). DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: According to this view of vv. 13-17, when the dragon is cast forth upon the Earth, he immediately begins to persecute Israel; however, as previously noted, Israel is given divine deliverance in her place, prepared for protection. When he realizes he cannot touch national Israel, he pursues the rest of her offspring who are openly and actively ministering as witnesses of Jesus Christ (see 7:3-8; Matt. 24:15-20)
Rev. 12:14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent.
*Symbol- Eagles’ wings- Holy Spirit transport- Acts. 8:39, Is. 40:31
Symbolically/spiritually the eagles are Eagle Christians or the Bride/Elect. The Eagle Christians are overcomers. They fly with eagles’ wings transported by Holy Spirit. We taught earlier in this series on Eagle Christians.
Overcomers are produced through a wilderness experience. A wilderness experience produces the Glory of God. Many will not endure the wilderness, others may tire of the tribulation. This is where the end time separation of the Harlot and the Bride begins.
Dispensational-A time and half a time is translated as 3 ½ years or first dispensation.
Rev. 12:15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood.
*Symbol- Flood out of the serpent’s mouth- lies, armies, propaganda of satan- Is. 59:19
Symbolically/spiritually: A flood is made of water, and the water is a type of words. A mass of destructive lies sent to separate the Harlot and the true Church. This is where God allows a strong delusion to be sent and part of the church(Harlot) will believe a lie and will not believe the truth.
2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie,12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
A pact will be made with the devil, refer back to the synagogue of Satan in the letters to the churches and see that this is among them.
The synagogue of satan is another word for the spirit of antichrist. It is a lying spirit sent forth from satan to infiltrate the Church and give birth to the harlot church.
Rev. 12:16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth.
The earth is symbolic of carnality. Satan finds his home in the carnality of the church. The separation has begun of the True Church/Elect and the Harlot Church.
John 16:2-4a “They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things will they do to you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, you may remember that I told you of them…………………
Some make a comparison between the Philadelphia Church (True Church/Elect) and the Laodicean Church (Harlot /Apostate Church) existing on the earth at the same time.
We know from history and archaeology that Laodicea was “one of the richest commercial centers in the world, so that we have a picture here of the church in an affluent society” It was famous for its banking, the basis of Babylonian-type economies fashion (in particular the manufacture of clothing from black wool) and it boasted of its medical profession and its famous medical school. Laodicea also produced some famous skeptic philosophers. It was also a famous pleasure resort for the physically strong and prosperous, and a health resort for the sick and boasted a circus and three stately theatres. It was therefore consumed by the worldliness and entertainment. In the Church of the Laodiceans the Word of the Lord to this Church is: “Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” —Revelation 3:17 This Church has received more prosperity, gifts, and ministry than any previous Church. Though it is quick to testify about these blessings, this Church is exposed by the Lord as being spiritually immature (blind and naked). However, this prosperity is not the primary cause of their spiritual blindness and nakedness. Their problem rests in the fact that they do not recognize their spiritual need—”and have need of nothing” (Revelation 3:17). They are satisfied with the things they possess and are not seeking after the One who gave all this. Could this be the Laodicea/ Apostate/ Harlot Church of today?
The Philadelphia Church on the other hand was and is the Church of Love. John describes the church in Philadelphia as the faithful church and the church that stood at the gateway of a great opportunity. Jesus addresses Himself to this church as “ the One who is Holy and the One who is true.” Philadelphia represents those who are destined to overcome through love, to remain holy and true. Philadelphia, speaks of an overcoming Church that is experiencing this manifest presence and power of the Lord. They have contended for, and gained an open door into the operation of the supernatural wherever they are. Of this Church the Lord said: …I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it: for you have a little strength…—Revelation 3:8
Notice the contrast between these two present-day Churches. In Philadelphia, the Lord has set before them an “open door” into the revelation of His manifest presence and the operation of the Supernatural in their midst. In Laodicea, He is outside of the Church knocking upon a “closed door,” seeking out any individual that is still able to hear His voice, inviting them to turn aside and commune with Him.
Rev. 12:17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Enraged, orgizo (or-gid-zoe); Strong’s #3710: Compare “orgy” and “orgiastic.” To provoke to anger. In the NT the verb is always in the passive, “to be provoked to anger.” The word describes a passion that is furious and raging with a desire for revenge. It is so intense a passion that it will terminate by attempting to kill. Christians are to avoid that kind of intense wrath (Matt. 5:22; Eph. 4:26).
(Eph 4:26-27) Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil.
Anger leads to strife and wrath and should be dealt with; it is a work of the flesh.
(Gal 5:19-20) Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties,
Rev. 13:1-18
Rev. 13:1-Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.
I stood: Dispensationalist: The preferred reading is “he stood” (that is, the dragon). A beast rising up out of the sea is a mirror-image of the dragon, called forth from the peoples of the world (17:15) as an ally in his war against the saints (v. 7). The crowns are on the ten horns (political power), not on the seven heads (the source of authority), which is the dragon who delegates his authority to the monster (vv. 4, 7). The beast represents an incarnation of politico-social evil.
The beast is from the antichrist spirit of lies and deception which satan has impregnated the earth (world system) and even has root in the Harlot Church.
(Dan 7:2-7) Daniel spoke and said, In my vision by night I was looking: and behold, the four winds of the heavens were stirring up the Great Sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, different from one another. The first was like a lion and had eagle’s wings. I watched until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on its feet like a man. And a man’s heart was given to it. And behold another beast, a second, like a bear. And it raised itself up on one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said this to it: Arise, eat up much flesh. After this I saw, and lo, another, like a leopard, which had four wings of a bird on its back. The beast also had four heads; and rulership was given to it. After this I looked in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, frightening and terrifying, and very strong. And it had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the rest with its feet. And it was different from all the beasts before it; and it had ten horns.
*Symbol- sand of the sea- physical, fleshly seed of humanity- Gen. 13:16, 22:17
*Symbol- 1st beast- antichrist’s kingdom- Dan. 7
Symbolically:
Beast has: Seven heads- God’s authority, seven is the number of godly perfection, 7 heads here are interpreted as authority, not Godly just looks that way
Ten Horns- Ten the number of judgment, horns, type of clemency. These are the ones used to bring judgment to the whore.
Ten Crowns- kings of judgment, kings of the earth. The kings of the earth are the redeemed, but are carnal, serving mammon and take their authority from the world system. (Rev. 17:2)
Blasphemous name- Blasphemy (blasphemia) means in the Greek 1) slander, detraction, speech injurious to another’s good name 2) impious and reproachful speech injurious to divine majesty. ( sounding religious, but speech laced with more of the world than the Spirit.)
Religious/Pharisaical Spirit: “The letter kills, but the spirit gives life” (2Co 3:6) who also has made us able ministers of the new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit makes alive.
The Pharisees were a self-righteous group.
There are still those today who measure themselves by others, rather than by the Word of God. They seem to think if they are just a little better than someone else, then they are right with God. They may be right with God, but it is not because they are more righteous than someone else, but, rather because they are obeying the commands of the Father. The Pharisees elevated themselves above all others; they were a self-righteous group.
The Pharisees were desirous of doing their religious acts to be seen of men. (Matthew 23:5). (Matthew 6:2). The Pharisees wanted someone to pat them on the back and pronounce them righteous. They wanted the praise of men. There are a lot of showmen in religious Memphis. Those who love the praise of men. Jesus said the Pharisees, “said and did not do.” Hear Him in Matthew 23:3, “all things therefore whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe; but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do.
The Pharisees had made the commandments of God of none effect by their traditions. The Pharisees had placed their own ideas over and above the revealed truth of God’s Word. Their traditions had made void the word of God.
Another error of the Pharisees was that they drew near to the Lord with their mouth, but their hearts were far from Him. (Matthew 15:7-9).
The Pharisees loved the titles and the chief seats in the Synagogues.
Lastly, the Pharisees rejected the counsel of God, “But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected for themselves the counsel of God, being not baptized of him” (Luke7:30).
Counteracting the Pharisaical spirit
Put on His righteousness
True and pure hearts of humility
Grace, mercy, forgiveness, yielding to the Holy Spirit not traditions. See Gal. 1:13-14
True worshippers in Spirit and in Truth.
Take the last place, be a servant
Take up the full counsel of God
Rev. 13:2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.
Dispensationalist: This monster is a composite of Daniel’s pictures of past political powers (see Dan. 7:2-7). There were 8 Beastly Empires in Roman history: Julius Caesar, Augustus, Tiberius, Caliqula, Nero, 4 Emperors in one year ( Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian), Titus and Domitian.
Symbolically: The beast’s nature is revealed through symbolic descriptions:
Leopard: The beast is the visible judgment of God.
Hos. 13:2-7 And now they sin more and more, and have made themselves a molten image of their silver, and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen. They say of them, Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves. Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud and as the early dew that passes away, as the chaff storm-driven out of the floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney. Yet I am Jehovah your God from the land of Egypt, and you shall know no God but Me. For there is no Savior besides Me. I have known you in the wilderness, in the land of great dryness. According to their pasture, so were they filled. They were filled and their heart was lifted up. Therefore they have forgotten Me. Therefore I will be as a lion to them; as a leopard by the way I will watch them.
These Scriptures were written to address the issue of disobedience and that God is watching and judging as a leopard. In Daniel the same beast is seen as having authority
in the last time.
Dan. 7:6 After this I saw, and lo, another, like a leopard, which had four wings of a bird (birds speak of evil spirits) on its back. The beast also had four heads; and rulership was given to it.
The book of Daniel uses four to mean the last kingdom and beast which are references to the last days.
Bear: feet- power (crushing feet) of the beast to get to the heart( crush/remove ribs) and take authority over the flesh.
Daniel 7:5“And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and had three (perfection)ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: ‘Arise, devour much flesh!’
Lion: mouth-Sounds religious (roar of the lion), but it is revealed as a counterfeit (wings plucked out). In Daniel we see that it does not have God’s heart as its source, but man’s carnal heart.
Daniel 7:4“The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.
Satan gives it authority and a place to sit through the lies and the carnal hearts of men.
Rev. 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.
One of his heads . . . wounded is a parody of the Lamb. (Gen 3:15) And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He will bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel. The symbol represents either empires or individual emperors (17:10) or the antichrist himself. The spiritual principle is the same with either interpretation.
Symbolically/spiritually: The beast originally had seven heads. The Elect will reveal the path of satan operating through the heart, the carnal church exposing the carnality and wounding one head to death. The six heads remaining mark its nature (six is the number of man) springing from out of the heart of carnal man. not of God. Marveled: The world now makes the Beast/Harlot an object of wonder and love.
Antichrist:
The antichrist is known by many different names in the Bible. Here are the many different names of the Antichrist: The Little Horn (Daniel 7:8; 8:9-12), A King of Fierce Countenance (Daniel 8:23), The Prince That Shall Come (Daniel 9:26-27), The Willful king (Daniel 11:36), The Man of Sin (2 Thessalonians 2:3), The Man of Perdition (2 Thessalonians 2:3), Antichrist (1 John 2:18), The Beast (Revelation 13:3) , False Prophet.
The unholy trinity would be the antichrist, the beast and the false prophet (Rev. 13:2-4, 11-13).
The term antichrist appears only in the letters of First and Second John. However, the spirit of antichrist appears all over and throughout history. There is more than one interpretation of antichrist. I will simplify them into three.
1. The “Principle of Evil” View: Here antichrist is the personification of an evil principle or power(s) or philosophies that are always at odds with the church overall. At different times throughout history, certain movements such as communism have been associated with or as the “antichrist”. Similarly, some believe that good and evil will continue to grow along together and that the evil is in fact antichrist.
2. The view that religions, institutions and even empires are the Antichrist: At one time the Roman Empire was viewed as such. Some have called Islam antichrist. Even the Papacy has been accused.
3. Finally, there is the persistent view that a person will manifest as the antichrist: This view holds that a person will show up at a time in history and will be a major antagonist to the church. Of course this can mean satan himself to some. More than a few men have been already designated the antichrist, from Muhammad to Napoleon to Hitler and Mussolini and even Luther was accused. Here we have the “man of sin” concept of one who opposes and exalts himself against God as characterized in 2 Thes. 2:3-4.
(2Th 2:3-4) Let not anyone deceive you by any means. For that Day shall not come unless there first comes a falling away, and the man of sin shall be revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself forth, that he is God.
Essentially, antichrist means against Christ. Or it could also mean a substitute for Him. The doctrine of antichrist showed up in the 1st century just as Christian theology was being formulated.
Recognizing The Spirit of Anti-Christ
Beloved, every spirit believe not, but prove the spirits, if of God they are, because many false prophets have gone forth to the world. 1 John 4:1
A fundamental Christian truth is that we are in a spiritual war and not a worldly war. (Eph. 6:12 ; 2 Cor. 10:3,4) One of our enemies is the spirit of antichrist. Anytime we come under a spiritual influence without discerning what spirit is at work we are vulnerable to deception. Deception means we are fooled by something that looks like the real thing. Because it is very subtle we need to recognize the character of the spirit of antichrist.
A SPIRITS CONFESSION
We notice John says “in this know ye the Spirit of God; (paraphrased) every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit which does not confess Jesus is not of God. This is the spirit of antichrist.” 1 John 4:2,3
Simply put, antichrist denies Christ. We can know a spirit by its confession as well as its fruit. We’ve often challenged a spirit directly by demanding: “You spirit behind (these words, this desire, or this teaching ) is Jesus Christ Lord? Did He come in the flesh?” When the spirit is of God a tremendous flow of praise to Jesus frequently pours forth from the spirit into our minds and hearts. On the other hand a spirit which is not of God may be silent or pour forth cursing and blasphemy. John says simply they will fail to confess Jesus. This is a fundamental way to recognize the spirit of antichrist.
THE LIFE AND MESSAGE OF FALSE PROPHETS
We are to test the spirits, John says, because there are many false prophets. The spirit of antichrist will especially try to infiltrate prophetic ministry. While Paul tells us to discern the message of prophets (1 Cor.15:14) ; and Peter tells us to recognize the lifestyle of false prophets (2 Peter 2) John tells us to test the spirits” of the prophets. (1 John 4)
It is possible for people who live right, to speak, feel and do things that seem right, but the spirit be wrong. The spirit of God puts Jesus at the focal center. The spirit of antichrist will often simply not acknowledge Jesus and elevate something else instead, a church, a ministry, a person.
LIES AND DECEPTION
“Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist…”( 1 John 2:22)”Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist” (2 John 7)
Another characteristic of the spirit of antichrist is deception. Under its influence people become deceived and spread lies believing them to be the truth. We must beware of this angel of light. (2 Cor. 11:14) This spirit can deceive Christians. Because of this spirit believers will oppose true leadership with lying accusations. The character of the accuser is frequently angry, divisive, and refuses to handle the issue in a biblical manner. Even when confronted with absolute evidence to the contrary, the deceived person will maintain the accusation and believe the deception. The Spirit of God never inspires this behavior, and the church we must learn to never give it a place.
On the other hand, when the spirit of antichrist is given a place by leadership certain features emerge. False leadership will perpetuate these concepts, division, control, anger, discord.
THE MISSING CROSS
The work of the antichrist may look like real Christianity and it can fool even the elect (the Word says if possible Matt. 24:24); But in 2 Timothy 3:5 Paul said such deception will have “a form of religion but deny the power”. What power is being denied? The power of miracles will be there to deceive. It will have all the forms we expect in church. It is power of the cross that will be denied! THE CROSS OF CHRIST IS THE POWER OF GOD! (1 Cor.1:18) Before you brush this off be careful, Jesus said this spirit is already here and working! “for the word of the cross to those indeed perishing is foolishness, and to us–those being saved–it is the power of God,” 1 Cor. 1:18
FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD
Even if we confess Christ’s death and resurrection, the spirit of antichrist does not want us to take the cross personally and die to ourselves. Beware of grace without repentance, discipleship without cost or Jesus as helper instead of master.
“We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.(2 Cor.4:10) Without the cross, the spirit of antichrist works in ways appealing to the world. Some may call this a social gospel or “feel good, seeker-friendly preaching.”
“They are of the world, therefore what they say is of the world and the world listens to them.” ( 1John 4:5)
The spirit of antichrist will try to shift the focus of the church in order to be relevant, attracting people by giving itself to the most recent trends. Instead of asking “What does Jesus want?” The concern becomes “What do the people want?” When the spirit of antichrist invades the church, the leadership fear offending the unspiritual and begin to resist the plans of the Holy Spirits. The “high calling of Christ” is voted down, the “lowest common denominator” is voted up.
“Friendship with the world is emnity with God” (James 4:4)
Yet Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever and he builds his church. If it is Jesus we show forth, rather than ourselves, He will be relevant to anyone He touches.
THE FATHER AND THE SON
“Such a man is the antichrist. He denies the Father and the Son” (1 John 2:22)
The final characteristic that we will cover is the denial of the Father and the Son. Whenever we find the Father or the Son separated in some manner we see the work of the spirit of antichrist. This is immediately apparent in the cults and very liberal churches. It is the Father and the Son together who are worshiped and glorified. They are seated together in heaven. Jesus asked the Father to give the Spirit. The Son and the Father are one. They are not separated, or doing one thing or another.
STAND FIRM
Let us discern the work of the spirit of antichrist and guard ourselves. Only God’s Spirit can reveal deception, and only God can restore. Ask God to reveal if this spirit has found a place in your life. When we see others under the influence of such a spirit we restore them in humility and gentleness realizing how easily we can be deceived. If a church is under the influence of the spirit of antichrist we must move with prayer and a broken heart. Grumbling around the body plays into this spirits hands. We must go privately and humbly to those suspect, or keep it to ourselves as God may lead. Above all, we fight the good fight and bind this spirit in prayer whenever it is appropriate.
Now unto him that is able to guard you from stumbling, and to set you before the presence of his glory without blemish in exceeding joy,(Jude 1:24) For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. (2 Corinthians 7:10)
Rev. 13:4 So 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 him?”
Symbolically/spiritually: The worldliness of the Harlot Church increases its measure of wonder, enhancing its attractiveness to the world system, allowing satan to be worshipped through his worldly power. A question: Is this happening now?
Rev. 13:5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.
Dispensational: He was given . . . blasphemies by the dragon. He was given authority by God (v. 7), over those “who dwell on the earth” (vv. 7, 8; Forty-two months) literally 3 1/2 years.
Spiritually/symbolically: 42 in Revelation numbers the months before satan’s perceived power appears to the world. Also this will take place forty-two months after tribulation or at the end of the first dispensation.
Rev. 13:6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.
Christ prophesied that as the world hated Him, it would hate those who are His and show forth His nature. The Elect will invoke much criticism and hatred.
(John 15:18) If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.
John also said in 1 John 3:3: “Do not marvel, my brothers, if the world hates you.”
Blasphemy is irreverent speech that calls what is human “divine,” what is evil “good,” and what is good “evil.” In the Greek blasphemy (blasphemia) to slander, detract, and speech injurious to another’s good name, impious and reproachful speech injurious to divine majesty. His name is the character of God revealed in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. And may also be translated “even” or “that is.” His tabernacle, those who dwell in heaven, are God’s people, the church. They are not those who dwell on the earth (v. 8)
Rev. 13:7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.
Here the emphasis is that satan will have power over certain elements of the church (every nation, tribe, tongue).
Tribe, tongue and nation is the carnal worldly church populace. They are in contrast to the redeemed, the Elect, and the unredeemed, the inhabitants of the earth.
Rev. 13:8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
The inhabitants, unredeemed of the earth who have never accepted Jesus as Savior will worship him, satan.
The Book of Life is God’s register of the redeemed. From the foundation of the world refers to before the Creation (1 Pet. 1:20).
From the foundation of the world these things have already happened:
The Lamb was slain (1 Pet. 19:20, Rev. 13:8)
The Church was conceived (Eph. 3:6-11)
Names were written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Rev. 13:8)
We were an image on the inside of God (we come from the Father’s heart); the image and likeness of Himself. (Gen. 1:26; 1 John 3:2)
THE BOOK OF LIFE
A book is a collection of written sheets, bound together along one edge and protected by a cover. In Bible times a book was usually preserved on a scroll, a roll of papyrus, leather, or parchment. “Book” is from the Hebrew “cepher” (Strong’s #5612) which means “writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book.” Its root “caphar” (Strong’s #5608) means “to score with a mark as a tally or record, (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, celebrate.” The Greek word for “book” is “biblos,” from which we get our word “Bible.” Figuratively, to eat the book speaks of partaking of the Word of God. The Book of Life carries the idea of registering citizens; a sealed book is one with its contents unrevealed.
There may be a literal tangible book, the Book of Life, however, symbolically the Book is a people with the Lamb’s nature (Rev. 14:1-5; 21:27). In other words believers are the Book. Paul wrote that the general assembly and Church of the firstborn are registered in Heaven (Heb. 12:23). Christians are living epistles, known and read of all men, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God (2 Cor. 3:1-3). The revelation of Jesus Christ is being written in the hearts of a people commissioned to go throughout the earth (Rev. 1:11)–“the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (see Phil. 4;3; Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 21:27).
Another interpretation is that the Book of Life is about Christ, the One “who is our life” (Col. 3:4). This “Lamb’s book of (zoe) life” (Rev. 21:27), is about Him, and His intention to perform His purposes through us His people, His Word made flesh.
Many believe that carnal Christians do not have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life because they do not have His nature.
(Rom 8:6) For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
(Mat 6:24) No one can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
Here is another opinion: Your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life from the foundations of the earth. It is a book of your destiny. Ps. 139:14-16.
(Psa 139:14) I will praise You; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are marvelous and my soul knows it very well. My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret and skillfully formed in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my embryo; and in Your book all my members were written, the days they were formed, and not one was among them.
(Psa 40:7-8) Then I said, Lo, I come, in the volume of the Book it is written of Me; I delight to do Your will, O My God; and Your Law is within My heart.
Your name can be blotted out. (Rev 3:5) He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Slain from the foundation of the world:
At the end of this passage we see that the Lamb was Slain from the Foundation of the World; not sacrificed by a loving God. Remember, the moment the foundation of this mind formed and laid the world of good and evil, the Lamb of God (our proverbial innocence) was slain. In Adam’s fear and sense of separation we all lost our innocence as the Sonsof God
FOUNDATION–STRONGS; 2602, To Conceive, to Establish the Knowledge of Good and Evil as a universal sense of Duality in the heart of man), brought about by One Man’s disobedience! STRONGS; 2598 Foundation also means; To cast Down to the earth realm, To Disrupt the Harmony which existed before the World of God and Evil was founded. This foundation is what we now know as the Carnal or flesh mind of Adam.
We see here that it was the disobedience of the 1st Adam, (Adam/Eve) that caused this realm of death to reign. A mistaken identity (sin) took away our innocence we had with the Lamb of God. The 2nd Adam(Jesus Christ) laid the foundation to death and freed us from a sin consciousness and there we (self) died and our real identity came back in view.
Rev. 13:9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear. (This is said 8 times in Revelation: 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6, 13, 22; 13:9)
Literal meaning: Listen, listen, listen! Are we really listening?
Rev. 13:10 He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
The Lord’s words of judgment upon Judah (Jer. 15:2, 3) become words of counsel and encouragement. The persecuted are to maintain a patient trust in God to work out His purposes, and are not to adopt the methods of the beast and the dragon. The same words are used.
(Jer 15:2-3) And it will be, if they say to you, Where shall we go? Then you shall tell them, So says Jehovah: Those who are for death, go to death; and those for the sword, to the sword; and those for the famine, to the famine; and those for the captivity, to the captivity. And I will set over them four kinds, says Jehovah; the sword to kill, and the dogs to tear, and the birds of the heaven and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.
Symbolically/spiritually: He that leads into captivity shall go into captivity. Captivity talks about a surrendered life to the Lord, leading is leadership. If you are going to lead in the Body of Christ then you must be sold out (captive) to Him. It must no longer be you but Christ who lives in you. Gal. 2:20. Many lead and minister in their natural strength, talents which are good. But if you want to minister effectively, you must have deep intimate relationship with the Lord. Your public potential is dependent upon your private devotion. He that kills with the sword must be killed with the sword.
If you are preaching/teaching the Truth (Word of God), the Revelation of Christ, then your life must be “ Christ in you the hope of Glory.” Col. 1:27 Revelation must be applied to your own life. Our ministry is not trying to fix people for God but turning our eyes inwardly and letting God fix us first. That is true leadership. In this way the Lord can minister to others through us. He is the patience and faith of the saints. As I have said many times, it is not our faith and our patience but God’s. Ministry is a product of surrender and obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Zec 4:6) This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.
It is not living for Christ or even doing ministry for Christ; no one can live for Christ, but Christ. It’s Christ in you the manifested glory of God.
The Crucified Life
I am crucified with Christ: neverthless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (Romans 6:6)
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.(Galatians 5:24)
Dead With Christ
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. (Romans 6:8)
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances. (Colossians 2:20)
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:3)
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3)
For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he lives, he lives unto God. Likewise reckon (count on it) ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:10-11)
Joined One Spirit
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:17)
Christ Lives In Me (Christ in me the manifested glory)
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 1:26-28)
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (Ephesians 4:6)
Christ Is My Life, life to Him, life to my family, life to ministry.
Rev. 13:11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon.
*Symbol- 2nd beast- false prophet- Rev. 19:20
Another beast, identified as the false prophet (16:13; 19:20; 20:10), is like a lamb, a symbol of the priesthood of the imperial cult, enforcing the worship of Caesar, performing great signs (v. 13), such as demonic magic and ventriloquism, which deceive those who dwell on the earth (see Deut. 13:1-5; Matt. 24:24; 2 Thess. 2:9). Out of the earth (v. 11): The imperial cult first arose in provincial Asia. The mark (v. 16) is a counterfeit of “the seal of the living God” (7:2-4), validating a citizen’s loyalty to the emperor. DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: In vv. 1-18 dispensationalists see the emergence of the beast and his false prophet. This phase of world history will be characterized by the following conditions: 1) A world ruler is empowered by Satan (vv. 2, 4); 2) he and Satan share the worship and adulation of most of the world (vv. 4, 8, 12, 15); 3) the ruler emerges as the ultimate military power (v. 4); 4) his power and authority extend throughout the Earth (v. 7); 5) he harasses and persecutes all those whose faith is in Jesus Christ (vv. 6, 7).The beast (v. 1) is the Antichrist. He is the last great ruler of the Gentile world powers. Rising up out of the sea (v. 1) is symbolic of his arising out of chaotic political events (see Is. 7:20). He is in complete rebellion against the true God and certainly parallels the satanic ruler of Dan. 7. His deadly wound (v. 3), said to be healed, most likely refers to the resurrection of an imperial form of government thought extinct. Because of the intensity of the antichrist spirit of the Beast himself, coupled with the system he represents, it seems highly unlikely, however, that he represents any form of Christianity. In every dimension, he is antichrist (see 2 Thess. 2:3-12; 1 John 2:22; 4:3). Another beast . . . out of the earth (v. 11) is the False Prophet. He serves as the Antichrist’s mouthpiece. He poses as a true prophet, but directs people to worship the first beast (vv. 12-14). It is interesting that the most significant sign of the Antichrist is attributed to the False Prophet, namely, the physical sealing with the mark . . . of the beast, his number . . 666 (v. 18).
(Dan 7:2-7) Daniel spoke and said, In my vision by night I was looking: and behold, the four winds of the heavens were stirring up the Great Sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, different from one another. The first was like a lion and had eagle’s wings. I watched until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on its feet like a man. And a man’s heart was given to it. And behold another beast, a second, like a bear. And it raised itself up on one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said this to it: Arise, eat up much flesh. After this I saw, and lo, another, like a leopard, which had four wings of a bird on its back. The beast also had four heads; and rulership was given to it. After this I looked in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, frightening and terrifying, and very strong. And it had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the rest with its feet. And it was different from all the beasts before it; and it had ten horns.
Symbolically/spiritually: The other beast is the false religion of the two witnesses. This is carnal worship. The head was healed in verse 3.The head signifying religious authority. The best will have a religious covering, denotes a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Many will not be able to discern or distinguish between the gospel of the kingdom and another gospel preached with evil intent.
(2Co 11:3-4) But I fear lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, so your thoughts should be corrupted from the simplicity due to Christ. For if, indeed, the one coming proclaims another Jesus, whom we have not proclaimed, or if you receive another spirit, which you did not receive, or another gospel, which you never accepted, you might well endure these .
Rev. 13:12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
Symbolically/spiritually: This beast (false religion) will rise up an take authority in the worldly person/s and will infect the Church. In dominion here this beast will finally propagate false misguided prophets.
Rev. 13:13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.
Symbolically/spiritually: Fire from heaven is used as a sign from God throughout the Bible I.e. Elijah and he 50 men (2Kings 1:10), priest of Baal (1Kings 18:24). In Luke when the disciples wanted to use this form of witness probably impress others, Jesus accused them of being guided by a wrong spirit.
(Luk 9:54-55) And seeing, His disciples James and John said, Lord, do You desire that we command fire to come down from Heaven and consume them, even as Elijah did? But He turned and rebuked them and said, You do not know of what spirit you are.
Wonders here (Gk. meion) is usually translated signs. Whatever their signs they will not contain the power of Christ. Signs and wonders of the Saints will speak of the Glory of Christ and draw people to the revelation of Christ; you shall know them by their fruit.
False Signs and Wonders: Tests:
Check for the fruit.
Does it speak of the character of Christ?
Or the character of the antichrist?
Is it done in love, 1 Cor. 13?
How much of Christ do you see?
Is God for them?
Rev. 13:14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.
Notice the signs are only signs to those who operate with the beast in them ( dwell on the earth).
Rev. 13:15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.
There will be signs by which people are deceived because they are seeking signs of man rather than those of God.
To be killed: They will believe that only their doctrines will be truth. If you do not agree then symbolically it will cause a death to self in you; you will seek God.
Rev. 13:16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, NKJV
Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: KJV
*Symbol- mark of the beast- unpardonable sin, triune man (spirit, soul and body) in sin under satan- Rev. 14:9-11
Symbolically foreheads has to do with the carnal mind. See Rev. 14:1 (Rev 14:1) And I looked, and lo, the Lamb stood on Mount Zion. And with Him were a hundred and forty-four thousands, having His Father’s name written in their foreheads.
We have His name written on our minds.(Rev 3:12) Him who overcomes I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will go out no more. And I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven from My God, and My new name.
Notice NKJ says on the hand and KJ says in the hand. Same with in their foreheads and on their foreheads.
The right hand is significant indicating covenant, taking the mark would bring you into covenant, agreement, authority and relationship.
God’s Right Hand:
God’s Right Hand is used many times in Scripture to depict covenant relationship. Here are a few:
(Psa 18:35) You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; and Your right hand has held me up, and Your gentleness has made me great.
(Mar 14:62) And Jesus said, I AM! And you will see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power and coming in the clouds of the heaven.
(Act 7:55) But being full of the Holy Spirit, looking up intently into Heaven, he saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
(Rom 8:34) Who is he condemning? It is Christ who has died, but rather also who is raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
(Eph 1:20) which He worked in Christ in raising Him from the dead, and He seated Him at His right hand in the heavenlies,
We are in Christ seated with him in the heavenlies.
(Col 3:1) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God.
(Heb 1:3) who being the shining splendor of His glory, and the express image of His essence, and upholding all things by the word of His power, through Himself cleansing of our sins, He sat down on the right of the Majesty on high,
(Isa 41:10) Do not fear; for I am with you; be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will make you strong; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.
(Isa 41:13) For I, Jehovah your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
(Psa 44:3) For they did not get the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, and Your arm, and the light of Your face, because You favored them.
Rev. 13:17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Symbolically/spiritually: The mark of the best is the number of man (13:17-18)= 666. The number 666 is a figurative number. Six is the number of man. (carnality) Three is the number of completion; therefore three 6’s represent complete carnality.
Symbolically/spiritually this spiritual mark is to show those sold out to the carnal/ worldly message. These may also be hypocrites who make the world drunk (confused) within the Church.
Rev. 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.
More Discussion on the Mark of the Beast:
Since neither the Hebrew nor Greek language possessed a separate numerical system, the letters of their alphabets carried numerical value. Hence, the symbolic number of the beast is the sum of the numerical values of the separate letters of his name. The monster may be the last of many pseudo-messiahs (Matt. 24:24; Mark 13:22).
(Mat 24:24) For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders; so much so that, if it were possible, they would deceive even the elect.
(Mar 13:22) For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give miraculous signs and wonders in order to seduce, if possible, even the elect.
Pseudo-messiahs are those to arise in history who manifest the spirit of antichrist. See 1 John 2:18, 19, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7. The dragon has developed a counterfeit trinity in his spiritual warfare against the church. Opposed to this is the reality of the true Trinity-Unity: God the Father who sends His Son, the Lamb, who pours out His Holy Spirit and seals His saints, represented by the woman and her offspring, who dwell in heaven and whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. The spiritual warfare and the tribulation will continue until the Second Coming of Christ. Six again is the number of man or carnality.
Rev. 13:16-18
THE MARK–Literal or spiritual/symbolic or both?
“And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their forehead.” (Revelation 13:16). “If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out…” (Revelation 14:9-10). the number of the beast, 666 (Rev. 13:18), many scholars feel that this was Nero, or more specifically to the idea that Nero would return alive to lead the armies of Satan against God. In Hebrew and Greek, letters of the alphabet also served as numbers, and in this case the numerical value of “Nero Caesar” amounts to 666, the number of the beast.
However, the Greek word used here for “mark” is “charagma.” Eight times, and all in the book of Revelation, it is translated as “mark,” and means: an engraving, an impressed mark. Many scholars interpret this as the mark meaning picket fence or barcode.
Look at your food labels. Many say that this BARCODE is the mark. UPC (The Universal Product Code ) is a barcode symbology that is widely used in Canada and the United States for tracking trade items in stores. This barcode does in fact have three unexplained 6’s. The three sixes do in fact represent the number of a man. Now we have the invention and the technology which has merged as a chip. We have all heard of this new verichip called the mark. With out THIS chip, which has all your information INCLUDING bank card (etc.), you cannot buy or sell and are looked at as a criminal. Many future laws that will apply are now being formulated. Be ready for.
However, some contend that scripturally “graven” is interpreted in Acts 17:29, and it is in this latter reference that we find the explanation or key as to what the MARK involves in its relationship to man, for this mark is brought about by ART and by MAN’s DEVICE.
“For as much then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, GRAVEN by art and man’s device.”
The Greek word for “art” is techni” meaning: art, skill, craft, technology; and thus speaks of the work of the hands, or handiwork, and has its correlation to that which is received in “the right hand,” as spoken of in Revelation.
The word “devices” is from the Greek “enthumesis” meaning: INWARD THINKING, or inner thought, which deals with our mental activity, and pertains to the forehead.
Thus we have the ENGRAVING BY HANDIWORK, and the CONTROLLING OF OUR THINKING. That which would seek to place its image upon us, dealing with the work of our hands, and the brainwashing of our minds, to think according to its nature and purpose. Also notice that the mark was received in the hand or forehead in the King James Version of Scripture. The Literal Exegesis Bible says “ and he has all both minute and mega, rich and poor, liberated and servant, to be given a tattoo in their right hand or in their foreheads; so that no one is able to market or sell, except them having the tattoo or the name of the beast or the number of his name.”
Pursuing this a bit further, we find another Greek word closely akin, it is “charakter”, translated as “express image.” Hebrews 1:3, “Who being the brightness of glory, and the EXPRESS IMAGE of His person…” Speaking, of course, of Christ Jesus, and then by extension, of His anointed ones who partake of His divine nature and are conformed to His image, so as to also become expressions, or manifestations of the substance of God, as revealed through His, and our character. Thus, the MARK speaks of that handiwork and the inward thinking which brings forth an expression of character in line with the very source from which the mark comes. Either we will express the character of God, or the character of the bestial system of this world. It is not speaking only of an outward form, which could be covered with a masquerade for a time, but it refers to that INNER QUALITY OF CHARACTER WHICH IS BEING DEVELOPED IN US, which in due time shall be revealed, for “the day shall declare it.”
The “mark of the beast” is the direct opposite to the “MARK OF GOD,” and is an imprint of the nature and character of this world’s bestial system. The challenge to OVERCOME this mark of the bestial has been with us a long time– ever since “The Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to KEEP (guard) it.” (Genesis 2:15).
There was a beast waiting to place its mark upon the Adam. “The serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made.” (Genesis 3:1). And in Revelation we again have this charge to guard against the beast, and the system which it represents.
We find that the IMPRINT was made when Eve responded to the serpent’s argument, which caused her to “take of the fruit,” which had been forbidden her. Immediately the mark was in her forehead, and then in her hand. Adam joined her in this receiving of the mark. And having taken the imprint– they began to manifest the nature, character of the bestial, in selfish, rebellious, minding the flesh behavior.
In Revelation, again the hand and the mind are involved with the mark of the beast– the influence that causes one to think and act according to the ways of the world.
It is this flesh nature that identifies us with this world’s carnality. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, sedition, heresies, envying, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: – they that do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” But then in contra-distinction to such negativism, we find that the new Christ nature bears a far different imprint, for “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” (Galatians 5:19-23). O, to bear the mark of God!
Not only is the bestial mark stamped upon or in the nature of man, to influence his thinking, and his handiwork, but we live under the mark of the beast by living in this commercialized world order. “That no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” If we buy a car, a home, clothes, food, pay taxes, etc. it is all under the mark of the beast. Whether we use a barter system, or silver coins, we have to do business according to our culture and order of society.
The name, nature, character of the beast (666) touches every facet of our natural life. Yet Jesus had no trouble with this, and He instructed the people to “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” (Mark 12:17). So when faced with the demand for tribute money, He said to Peter, “Lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for Me and thee.” (Matthew 17:27). He used the money of the system to pay the tribute of the system, and in doing so, He made sure that no one could say He owed them anything. Even though HE TRULY BELONGED TO A DIFFERENT ORDER, THE HEAVENLY, yet He submitted to the present order, while He maintained a PURE SPIRIT un-touched by that order. He did not rebel against that society, for such rebellion would have defiled Him, having partaken of the world’s spirit of rebellion. He gave the system its due, and therefore was free of any obligation to it.
Paul reaffirmed this, when he said, “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man anything, but to love one another.” (Romans 13:7-8).
Another aspect to be considered is the governmental mark. “And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion.” Again we find this beast first mentioned in the Old Testament, in Daniel’s vision. He saw “four great beasts come up from the sea diverse one from another… like a lion… like to a bear… like a leopard… and a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible.” (Daniel 7:3-7). These have long been understood to represent governmental systems which imposed their order upon the people of their day. But each one also represents a spirit-characteristic that is part of this world’s order. In John’s vision all the beasts were combined into one, indicating that no matter which phase or time one considered, they all were a part of the over-all bestial system.
The lion “was made to stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.” This indicates the beast’s approach to reason and humanity, appearing as if to benefit man, and to understand the needs of man, but secularism and humanism are a part of this world, and they have nothing in common with the mark of God. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9). His WAYS and THOUGHTS reveal His mark, and are an expression of His character.
The second beast was given the command to ‘Arise, devour much flesh. ” Whether by war, oppression, religious persecution, paganism, or whatever, you have to “buy and sell” according to its order, or be devoured. Indeed, if you want to climb the corporate ladder of success, you will have to devour all those that get in your way. The spirit of this beast is “devour, or be devoured.” And yet in the final analysis to take this mark is to be consumed thereby.
Of the third beast, the leopard, “dominion was given unto it.” The lust for power and control, to rule over others, is a strong characteristic of the bestial system of this world. The spirit of this beast is found in every avenue of society– religious, political, economical, etc. It craves dominion– and so opposite of the Spirit of Christ, Who said, “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11). There is no building of a personal kingdom today, without the mark– i.e. the actions and thinking of this beast.
The fourth beast has no name, but is dreadful and terrible, and exceeding strong– made to destroy, for “it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet.” The tyranny, the cruelty, the ravenousness– “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” The end thereof are the ways of death! Gladly do we turn from its mark, to receive the mark of God, for He said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10).
It matters not which traits of the mark of the beast are found in us, thank God, He can erase, purge, take away that image, and then humble us, transform us, mold and shapen us into a new image– for “As we have born the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” (1 Corinthians 15:49).
The very subtleness of this bestial system is that it deceives men into thinking they will have life only if they yield to its spirit, and do things its way. If you want to get ahead in this world, you must conform. And so they “worship the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him.” Put it in present day language, “who can fight city hall?” Day by day allegiance is paid “to the system.” Yet if we are motivated by this SPIRIT OF THE WORLD, we will surely bring forth after its kind.
The mind-control of the beast produces character manifestations which are so unholy. Mental imagery that is far opposite of the truth. God gave Ezekiel insight concerning “what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chamber of his imagery,” and what he saw was “every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed upon the wall round about.” (Ezekiel 8:12, 10). They BORE THE MARK, and they THOUGHT according to its kind– bestial. What went on in the chambers of their imagery was totally unholy, unpleasing to God.
Thank God we can “be renewed in the spirit of our mind, ” (Ephesians 4:23), and when we BEAR THE MARK OF GOD, we will THINK according to His kind. “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good repot; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, (we will) think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8).
The Mark of the Lord or the Mind of Christ. Philippians 2:1-11; Revelation 14:1; 1 Corinthians 2:16: Revelation 3:12
No doubt about it, there is a real warfare going on– and to this bestial system is given “to make war with the saints, and to overcome them.” But it is a momentary victory, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.” (Proverbs 24:16). Therefore, “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.” (Micah 7:8). The ultimate victory belongs to our Lord, and those who put their trust in Him.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
And that there shall arise those who OVERCOME this whole bestial system, is sure, for later on John writes, “I saw… them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over the number of his name.” (Revelation 15:2).
The message is one of OVERCOMING– “more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” (Romans 8:37).
What rejoicing fills the heart when we realize that GOD has a mark which He is engraving upon His people, and it CANCELS OUT the mark of the beast completely. He is bringing forth a new creation order wherein His own divine nature shall find expression in every man.
“For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:29).
Thus, “we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
There is such a desire within to be freed from every trait of the bestial. Even our language reveals how much we have borne its image. Dumb like an ox, stubborn as a mule, sly as a fox, wise as the serpent, silly as an old hen, etc. Character traits of the flesh which reveal the mark of the bestial.
“And all that dwell on the earth worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If any man have an ear, let him hear.” (Revelation 13:8-9).
O let us HEAR IT! If our names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, WE WILL NOT WORSHIP THE BEAST, because we will worship our Redeemer who has “made us free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2).
“Here is wisdom, Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.”
Six has long been recognized as the human number, the number of man as destitute of God. It is also the number of man’s labor as apart and distinct from God’s rest. It speaks of the realm of the flesh in all its humanism independent of God. Therefore 666 bespeaks the culmination of human pride in independence of God, and opposition to Christ. It signifies the mark of the beast upon man brought to its zenith. It is flesh in all its wicked, carnal glory.
They who worship the beast, and are under his mark, “the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God which is poured out.” (Revelation 14:10). For, “The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.” (Romans 1:18). Why this expression of the wrath of God?
It is HIS ENERGY FORCE sent forth to cleanse and purge until every man is free from the mark of the beast, and engraved with the mark of God. Wrath is part of God’s love. It is simply letting the law of sowing and reaping come into effect.
The beast symbolizes the flesh, the world, the devil. Its name bespeaks of its nature, its character. And its number depicts it reaching its full expression. Knowing this we understand that the issue may not be one of getting a “tattoo” on our forehead or hand, or having a social security number, or any other type of personal identification– the challenge is to “gain the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark,” by yielding ourselves completely to Christ– until we are fully ONE IN HIM. Then all the marks of the beast are erased, cancelled out, and only His image will be seen. Clearly John saw the conflict, awesome and terrible, as the beast rises out of the sea– but the revelation does not end with this negative view. It is a “revelation of Jesus Christ,” and He is totally triumphant, therefore John sees the overcomer gaining the victory– and ultimately all creation freed from the ‘tyranny of the flesh, and brought into the fullness “of His life.
Literal, physical, spiritual or symbolic, we as believers will not take the mark of the beast but rather have the Mark of God.
Symbolically the Rev. 13 beast rises from the subconscious sea and conscious earthly will (Inquisitions, Witch hunts, condemning people, and on down to personal greed, malice, and low self esteem), but the new city, the new mankind of unveiled Spirit and spiritual understanding will emerge thereafter in each generation, for the Christ ‘was, is, and is to come,’ in us, through us and as us. Christ shall return to “be admired IN all who believe.”
2 Thes. 1:10 when He (Jesus) shall come to be glorified in His saints and to be admired in all those who believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that Day.
Rev. 14:1-20
Chapter 14 Outline:
The People of Glory
A.. The 144,000, pure without deceit, blameless
Six angelic proclamations:
Everlasting gospel- fear God and give Him glory
The fall of Babylon
Warning against worship of the beast and receiving his mark ( v.12- pivotal in Revelation
Son of Man’s judgment (Dan. 7:13-14)
Angel commands the harvest of righteousness
Harvest of judgment (an anticipation of Armageddon)( 19:17-21)
These angels are followed by 7 more who carry the bowls of the wrath of God (Ch. 15)
Rev. 14:1 Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads.
The vision of persecution abruptly changes to a vision of the church in glory. Insights into the culmination of the Great Tribulation (vv. 1-20).The one hundred and forty-four thousand symbolize all faithful saints (see note on 7:4-8). Mount Zion is a spiritual reality (see Heb. 12:22-24) expressing the communion of the saints, not a geographical location. The Father’s name is a deliberate contrast with “the name of the beast” (13:16, 17).
DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: The 144,000 represent the Jewish remnant sealed and consequently spared from the Great Tribulation. They are closely identified with the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and Mount Zion, typical of the seat of kingdom power in Jerusalem. They are the same as those referred to in 7:1-8.
*Symbol- Mt. Zion- ruling power of the Son -David’s Tabernacle (without veil)- Heb. 12:22-24; Acts 15:15-18
Mt. Zion- Place of His Presence–There is a place of His Manifest Presence where we are called to live, that is, abide forever. In the Old Testament, the place of His Presence is Zion. In the New Covenant, the place of His abiding presence is still Zion, but now Zion is within.
Symbolically,144,000 –The Redeemed from Among Men. These 144,000 are the Church, God’s Israel according to faith. (This is a symbolic number containing 12x12x1000. Remember the 24 elders, representing Old and New Testament saints and the cattle on 1000 hills, meaning all hills!) Yes, the remnant of the Jews are there with the converted Gentiles! All are made one in Christ Jesus. These are the wise virgins of Matthew 25. This true Israel is not defiled with the woman called Mystery Babylon (World System). We shall stand on Zion (in His presence which is within) with Christ as his faithful Israel, the Israel of God. “But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels.”
This is Christ and His Elect on Mt. Zion representing the New Jerusalem, the Bride of Christ. In a study of New Jerusalem you will discover that the walls are 144 cubits. These are the sold out and marked with the Glory of God. (Hebrews 12:22-29) Also known as the Bride of Christ.
(Heb 12:22-29) But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born who are written in Heaven, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape, those who refused him that spoke on earth, much more we shall not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from Heaven, whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will not only shake the earth, but also the heavens.” And this word, “Yet once more,” signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, so that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear, for also, “Our God is a consuming fire.”
Rev. 14:1b having His Father’s name written on their foreheads.
The Good News is as Believers we have received the Mark of God. Scripture says we have received a circumcision of the heart.(Rom 2:28-29) For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that outwardly in flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart; in spirit and not in letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.
Rev. 14:2 And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps.
The new song is a song of redemption, which only the redeemed can understand. They are spiritual virgins who have remained true to the Lord, not having prostituted themselves through idolatry. They are without fault, unblemished because they are in Christ and are thus an acceptable sacrifice.
*Symbol- harps- prophetic spirit, worship- 1 Chron. 25:1
Symbolically/spiritually these are the 144,000 which speak with the unified Revelation voice of God. They speak with one accord with the authority of God. This is the voice that Hebrews just referred to as coming from heaven. Symbolically we are the heavens who allow God to speak to the world with the authority of Christ. Thunder is God’s voice of authority being heard with His presence and increases with the number of voices that are speaking with one accord. In Ex. 20: 18-19 the thunder showed that God was on the mountain.
(Exo 20:18-19) And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. And when the people saw, they trembled, and stood afar off. And they said to Moses, You speak with us, and we will hear. But let not God speak with us, lest we die.
It also is a revelatory voice for those who have ears to hear, a revelation of God’s desire. Harps represent the Revelation voice of God (prophetic voice) given to those who have received the revelation In Joel 2:11 we see that the Lord’s voice goes before (Greek pantyn, in their face) His army.
(Joe 2:11) And Jehovah shall utter His voice before His army; for His camp is very great; for strong is He who does His Word. For the day of Jehovah is great and very terrible; and who can stand it?
Rev. 14:3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.
NEW SONG- spiritually, symbolically- This is the revelation of Christ coming in power of the 144,000 to declare deliverance to the earth. This is more than a song; it is an attitude of the heart, sold- out worship of our Lord through actions and the revelation of Christ we possess.
This song will be bitter/sweet, sweet to those who truly love and bitter to those who are critical and judgmental and miss the delivering hand of God at work.
your new name.
(Psa 40:3) And He has put a new song in my mouth, praise to our God; many shall see it (the song sung) and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
Symbolically/spiritually:Going back in the old covenant under types and shadows and bringing in the twelve tribes, twelve thousand in each tribe and if we do the math we come up with 144,000.
When looking at this 144,000 we can’t look at this as a literal number but it has to be seen as a metaphor. This 144,000 is a man but its not a man in the sense as a singular man; its the Christ Man, [ as a corporate body ] this Christ we know is a perfect man, complete and is the divine mind in all of humanity. The Corporate Christ has been perfected and is complete.
Eph.4:13 till we all come in the unity [ one mind ] of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man [ Christ ] unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
This is the 144,000 is the Christ man [ metaphor ] a Corporate Christ, that comes to the knowledge of their identity and begin to walk in the power and authority of that new name that is written in their foreheads [ the knowledge is proclaiming, [ I am that I am ] That’s mine and your new name.
Rev. 14:4 These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.
Symbolically/spiritually virgins are those have not soiled themselves. All the 144,000 are virgins by this definition. Anyone who has received satan’s mark of carnality will not rule with Christ. This verse confirms that there will be a generation on the scene that will keep their garments spotless and provide a path through which others may enter. This is a generation married to Christ, betrothed, the appearing of the Bride. Paul says in 2 Cor. 11:2-3:
(2Co 11:2) For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy. For I have espoused you to one Man, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I fear lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, so your thoughts should be corrupted from the simplicity due to Christ.
Symbolically/spiritually- Firstfruits: The term first fruits comes from the harvest and stands for the tithe of the harvest to the Lord. Jesus fulfilled that in that He is the first fruit.(Rom 11:16) For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
There will be a great harvest of God in the end-time and the first fruits are a group of people (the 144,00/Bride) who are the first return of the harvest. God has chosen these people, the Bride/Elect to bring the message to the Church and to the world. The 144,00 Firstfruits Company is to be compared to the Apostles 144,000 divided by 12= 12,000 which is called the portion of Jacob.
(Jas 1:18) Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
(1Co 15:20-23) But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
God has chosen and quickened the Revelation of Christ to the Firstfruits Company/Elect/Bride so they could be the apostolic beginning for the Book of Revelation. (Rev 1:1) The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:
According to 1 Cor. 15: 23 the firstfruits are the first to rise during the end-time resurrection The order of resurrection or stepping over the grave first (Christ has already done it). This is the manifestation of the sons of God.
(Rom 8:23) And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
The Bride will have ears to hear; beguiled Christians do not have ears to hear.
Rev. 14:5 And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.
Only those in whom Christ is manifest can be blameless.
(Zep 3:12-20) I will also leave in your midst a poor and weak people, and they shall trust in the name of Jehovah. The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity nor speak lies, and a deceitful tongue shall not be found in their mouth; for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. Jehovah has turned off your judgments; He has cast out your enemy. The king of Israel, Jehovah, is in your midst; you shall not fear evil any more. In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear not! Do not let not your hands droop, Zion. Jehovah your God is mighty in your midst; He will save, He will rejoice over you with joy; He is silent in His love; He rejoices over you with joyful shout. I will gather the afflicted ones from the appointed place; they were from you, a lifting up of reproach over her. Behold, at that time I will deal with all those who afflict you. And I will save her who is lame, and gather her who was driven out. And I will give them for a praise and for a name in all the land of their shame. In that time I will bring you, even in the time that I gather you; for I will give you for a name and for a praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, says Jehovah.
Angel 1
Rev. 14:6 Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—
Everlasting, aionios (ahee-oh-nee-oss); Strong’s #166: Compare “eon.” Perpetual, unchanging, of unlimited duration, eternal, age-long, unending. The word may denote that which is without either beginning or end (Rom. 16:26; Heb. 9:14); without beginning (Rom. 16:25; 2 Tim. 1:9); without end (Luke 16:9; 2 Cor. 5:1; Rev. 14:6).
The gospel is everlasting, in contrast to the provisional Old Covenant, and is intended to be heard universally. It is good news to those who respond to it but judgment to those who refuse it.
Fearing ( in awe of ) God and giving Him Glory through Christ is the hope of that Glory. Showing the full revelation of Chris by the gospel you live gives God the greatest Glory. Revealing Christ declares your fear (awe of) and reverence of God.
(Col 1:27) For to them God would make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory,
Symbolically/spiritually- Every nation, tribe, tongue and people- see Rev. 5:6- This is the carnal worldly church populace.
Symbolically/spiritually this revelation is going to those who sit or take their strength from worldliness.
Them That Dwell on the Earth- not just the inhabitants of the earth but may mean those who are content with their lives of self-direction and self-fulfillment. The everlasting gospel is aimed first at the church and then at the unredeemed world.
Rev. 14:7 saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”
Fear God means holy reverence. Give Him Glory means this is about praising Him in deed as well as in word. Angel 1 is the first message to fear (be in awe of) Him and give Him Glory. Fearing God is more than just respecting the power of God. It is a deep consuming belief that honoring Him is the only worthwhile purpose in life.
(Mat 10:38) And he who does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.
Worldliness and pride veil many Christians from understanding the deep and abiding relationship with God.
Giving Glory to Him- Christ in us is our only hope of Glory. Reckoning ourselves dead to self but alive to Christ increases His life in us infusing our life with an ever more visible witness of His Glory.
We have defined Glory before, but here it is again.
“WHAT IS THE GLORY OF GOD?”
Hebrew = “kabowd (kaw-bode)” = “properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness; glory, honor, glorious, abundance, riches, splendor, reputation .” Greek = “doxa” = “glory” = KJV-dignity, glory (-ious), honour, praise, worship.
Vine’s adds that “doxa” means, “splendor, brightness, magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace, majesty; a most glorious condition, most exalted state.” “doxa” is from “dokeo” = “to think” = The GLORY OF GOD is the MIND OF CHRIST!
Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth will be filled With the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, As the waters cover the sea.
“Glory is the essence of His being, the visible manifestation of who and what His is, which must be outworked and expressed in the visible realm through His people.”
“Glory is the weightiness and volume of the divine nature or its perceptible manifestation, tangible to the senses, as God moves from the invisible to the visible, from the abstract to the concrete, thus saturating the realm, the people, and the arena He enters.”
His GLORY is His GOODNESS (Ex. 33:17-19; compare Num. 14:21; Psa. 72:19; Isa. 6:3; Ezek. 43:2; Hab. 2:14; and Rev. 18:1).
FOUR MAJOR OLD TESTAMENT PICTURES OF GLORY:
LET THERE BE LIGHT Gen. 1;3
THE PILLAR OF CLOUD AND FIRE (SHEKINAH)(see Ex. 16:10; 24:17; 40:34; 1 Kg. 8:11; and 2 Chron. 5:14
THE ARK OF THE COVENANT (1 Sam. 4:21).
ZION (Psa. 102:13,16). Psalm 19:1; 97:6; 2 Corinthians 3:9
The GLORY of God is summed up in one word, ONE NAME-the Name of JESUS ( Ezek. 1:1,4-5,10,28 with Jn. 1:14).
The Glory of God is JESUS, His NAME or NATURE (all that He is, has, does)! See Isa. 22:23; Isa. 63:1; Hab. 3:3; Lk. 9:29-32; Jn. 17:5; Acts 7:55; Rom. 3:23; 11:36; 1 Cor. 2:8; 2 Cor. 4:6; Eph. 3:21; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:3; 3:3; 2 Pet. 1:17; and Rev. 4:11; 21:23.
THIS GLORY IS TO BE SHARED WITH AND MANIFESTED THROUGH A COVENANT FAMILY! See Deut. 5:24; Isa. 40:5; 60:1-2; Jn. 11:40; 17:22,24; Rom. 8:18; 9:23; Eph. 1:18; Phil. 4:19; Col. 1:27; 3:4; 1 Thess. 2:12; 2 Thess. 2:14; 2 Tim. 2:10; Heb. 2:10; 1 Pet. 4:13-14; 5:4,10;2 Pet. 1:3; and Rev. 21:10-11.
THIS GLORY IS TO BE MANIFESTED IN AND THROUGH A PEOPLE-WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE? 5 BIBLICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE GLORY OF GOD (see Psa. 19:1; 97:6 with 2 Cor. 3:9)
Psalm 19:1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.
Ps. 97:6 The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples see His glory.
2Cor. 3:9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.
RIGHTEOUSNESS- Psalm 104:31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever; May the Lord rejoice in His works. 2 Cor. 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
EXCEEDING
ETERNAL
WEIGHTY
Psa. 138:5; Isa. 58:8; Ezek. 43:1-2; Lk. 2:9; Jn. 2:11; 1 Cor. 15:40-41 with 2 Cor. 3:18; and Jude 1:24).
JOYFUL
WE HAVE BEEN CHOSEN TO MANIFEST HIS GLORY-WE ARE PART OF HIS GLORIOUS CHURCH (a many-membered Companion of like nature and ability)! See Psa. 45:13; Isa. 4:2; 11:10; 60:13; Rom. 8:21; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 5:27; and Tit. 2:13!
Angel 2
Rev. 14:8 And another angel followed, saying, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”
In the OT, Babylon was a center of idolatry, the occult, and immorality. In the NT, it is sometimes a cryptic name for Rome (see 18:9, 10; 1 Pet. 5:13). From the perspective of the eternal God, that great city, the world in every generation, has already been judged and is fallen (see Is. 13; 21:9; Jer. 51). The wine of the wrath of her fornication: Idolatry, worshiping the monster, inevitably results in the drinking of the cup of God’s wrath in judgment (see Ps. 75:8; Jer. 25:15, 16; 51:7). DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: In this view of vv. 6-8, although Babylon is a symbol of the satanic world system, it is possible such a system could be centered in a literal city. Historically, there has been speculation that geographical Babylon may be restored in modern-day Iraq. Whether symbolic or literal, Babylon will have great religious and political significance in the last days (see chapters. 17; 18; Is. 13).
Babylon, symbolically/spiritually represents the captivity that sin and worldliness brings to the children of disobedience. Babylon is a Harlot gone into full perdition. Babylon is not necessarily a place but a condition of the heart. It is a heart hardened to the revelation of Christ. Babylon/worldliness causes the Church to fall from her spiritual place and become the Harlot. Babylon in a sense is the distilled essence of a rejecting people, those who longer bear fruit.
Angel 2 tells us carnal religion is now defeated by the truth of Christ’s Glory. Symbolically/spiritually true worshippers worship Him in Spirit and Truth and will carry the candlestick and be seen s the witnesses of Christ to the world. The world will no longer be confused and no longer drunk by hypocrisy.
This should read the great city, man’s carnal religious system, has fallen!
Angel 3
Rev. 14:9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand,
Tormented with fire: There can be no compromise in the spiritual conflict (see 19:20; 20:10; Matt. 18:8, 9; Mark 9:43-48).
We have entered into much discussion about the mark. Dispensationalists interpret the mark literally meaning: an engraving, an impressed mark. Spiritually/symbolically the mark is a mark of carnality, a decision in the mind/forehead that is made visible in action, the hand. It depicts worldliness in the heart of man.
Rev. 14:10 “he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
Wine is symbolic of evil when given in the context of worldliness but also a symbol of joy and peace when the Lord is the subject. Wine is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Wine is also part of the Sacrament that was clearly observed by Christ (Luke 22:14-20) and commanded by Him (Matt. 28:19-20).
Symbolically/spiritually this is a cup of wrath, the measure of sin, that when full brings wrath. It is also a dispenser, which brings the wrath. Cup is also mentioned in Rev. 16:19 and Rev. 18:6.
Fire and brimstone- bad judgment just like the smell of brimstone. Brimstone being a from of final judgment This is the type of judgment that Sodom and Gomorrah received (Gen. 19:24). The lake of fire and brimstone speak of final judgments that bring s eternal separation.
Rev. 14:11 “And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”
Smoke symbolizes represents Glory: pillar of smoke, smoke on the mountain etc. All speak of His Presence.
Symbolically/spiritually this is an act of God’s love and patience with the disobedient. God’s love is seen in their chastening because their torment will bring Glory if they finally repent and make straight paths for their feet. (Heb. 12:13)
Rev. 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
This is an encouragement for those who endure.(Mat 24:13) But he who endures to the end, the same shall be kept safe.
The fact of judgment (vv. 9-11) shows the need for patience in faith and obedience.
Rev. 14:13 Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
Rest, anapauo (an-ap-ow-oh); Strong’s #373: From ana, “up,” and pauo, “to make to cease.” The word describes a cessation from toil, a refreshment, an intermission.
The voice from heaven is perhaps that of the Lamb proclaiming the second of the seven beatitudes. From now on is from the moment of the Lamb’s finished work and victory (see 5:6-14; 12:5, 11). The Spirit may be the voice, or this may be an antiphonal response by the Holy Spirit. Rest represents a dramatic contrast to v.11. DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: In vv. 9-13 a third angel announces the full fury of the wrath of God on all those who worship the beast. The believing Jewish martyrs will suffer physical death, but those who worship the Antichrist will experience eternal punishment (see 20:10-15).
Labors are defined in Strong’s Dictionary as a beating, trouble, intense labor tied with trouble and toil. This is the thing from which we must rest. The Lord will do the work. This is entering into His rest.
(Heb 4:9-11) So then there remains a rest to the people of God. For he who has entered into his rest, he also has ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Therefore let us labor to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of unbelief.
Symbolically/spiritually the voice of the Bride goes before the army (Joel 2).
(Joe 2:11) And Jehovah shall utter His voice before His army; for His camp is very great; for strong is He who does His Word. For the day of Jehovah is great and very terrible; and who can stand it?
The Bride will speak out of Heaven operating from such a spiritual place they may even see Christ face to face as Moses did.
Rev. 14:14 Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.
John views a picture of the Final Judgment, first of believers (see 1 Thess. 4:15-17; John 5:28, 29), followed immediately by that of unbelievers (see Joel 3:13). DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: The scope of the coming judgments and preview of Armageddon are revealed. This passage depicts a time of separation of the wicked from the righteous, and the focus will be God’s final dealing with Earth-dwellers (see Matt. 25:31-46).
*Symbol- sharp sickle- reaping instruments, harvest time- Mark 4:26-29
*Symbol- white cloud- Shekinah glory cloud- Ex. 14:19-20
Symbolically/spiritually the white cloud is Christ’s glorious Bride.
(2Th 1:7-11) And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
Angel 5
Rev. 14:15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.”
Another angel delivered the command of the Judgment from the temple, possibly because Jesus specifically disclaimed any knowledge of the time of this event (see Matt. 24:36; Mark 13:32).
*Symbol- harvest of the earth- reaping of the saints- Matt. 13:37-43
Again symbolically/spiritually the cloud is the Bride/Parousia of Christ.
Rev. 14:16 So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.
The sickle is the final work of the two-edged sword. The harvest is ripe, the sickle is designed to separate much like the parable of the wheat and the tares.
Matt. 13: 24-30 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Angel 6
Rev. 14:17 Then another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
Symbolically angel 6 calls forth Harvesters to perfect the Harvest of God. The plowman will overtake the reaper, and the reaper will overtake the sower.
(Amos 9:13) Behold, the days come, says Jehovah, that the plowman and the reaper shall draw near, the treader of grapes, and he who draws along the seed. And the mountains will drip must, and all the hills will be dissolved.
Notice the angel comes out of the temple, signifying the Bride operating from the temple, face to face with Jesus.
Angel 7
Rev. 14:18 And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire, and he cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripe.”
Another angel came in answer to the cries of those under the altar. Symbolically/spiritually only those who have been tried by fire can be used in the harvest. Those who have died to self bring the fruit of righteousness. The grapes, fruit of the Vine, saints are full y ripe, have a full life shown forth in the fruit. The true Vine is Christ Jesus, abiding in Him.
(John 15:1-8) I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away. And every one that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bring forth more fruit. Now you are clean through the Word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered. And they gather and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done to you. In this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, so you shall be My disciples.
Rev. 14:19 So the angel thrust his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
*Symbol- winepress of God’s wrath- Dispensational- Armageddon- Is. 63:1-4
Symbolically/spiritually those who are the vine of the earth are not in the True Vine; they have not borne fruit. The great winepress is the squeezing out of life of those who are of the vine of the earth.
Many believe this alludes to the natural lifespan of man shown in:
(Psa 90:10) The days of our years are threescore years and ten; (70) and if by strength they are fourscore years, (80) yet their pride is labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
Of course, sin shortens life through disobedience, for “ the wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:23.
However, my philosophy is that this is Old Covenant and we in the New Covenant have been restored and reconciled to 120 years as a lifespan.
Whatever your thinking is we shall live until we are satisfied.
(Psa 91:16) With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.
Understanding the Wrath of God
WRATH – the personal manifestation of God’s holy, moral character in
judgment against sin. Wrath is neither an impersonal process nor irrational
and fitful like anger. It is in no way vindictive or malicious. It is holy
indignation-God’s anger directed against sin. God’s wrath is an expression
of His holy love. If God is not a God of wrath, His love is no more than
frail, worthless sentimentality; the concept of mercy is meaningless; and
the Cross was a cruel and unnecessary experience for His Son. The Bible
declares that all people are “by nature children of wrath” (Eph. 2:3) and
that “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness” (Rom.
1:18). Since Christians have been “justified by His blood, we shall be saved
from wrath through Him” (Rom. 5:9). The magnitude of God’s love is
manifested in the Cross, where God’s only Son experienced wrath on our
behalf.
Rev. 14:20 And the winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the horses’ bridles, for one thousand six hundred furlongs.
Outside the city suggests retribution for those who compelled Jesus to suffer “outside the gate” (see Heb. 13:12, 13). Dispensational: The number associated with the amount of blood should be regarded as qualitative, not quantitative, heightening the utter gruesomeness of the scene (see Is. 63:2-6).
Symbolically/spiritually this is a work for those who have not qualified themselves as the Bride, New Jerusalem and have not received the mark of the Beast or worshipped his image.
Translators had much difficulty with this passage in Revelation.
Again symbolically/ spiritually the trampling down of the winepress is only for those who have not qualified themselves as the Bride. The horses bridle tell us what kind of test this is. It is the test of obedience, holding on until the end. The press is designed to squeeze of everything that is not Christ, Kingdom remains.
(Heb 12:26-28) whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will not only shake the earth, but also the heavens.” And this word, “Yet once more,” signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, so that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear,
The 1600 furlong may have to do with running the race. It is the distance associated with a race/course which is 16oo Greek feet long.
The blood coming out of the winepress to the depth of the horse’s bridles may be translated symbolically as this: Life comes from running the race until the end. For those who finish the course there is a prize of Christ’s grace. The focus is not on the blood but on the bridle. The horse’s bridle speaks of obedience In James 3 we see this:
(Jas 3:2-3) For in many things we all offend. If anyone does not offend in word, the same is a full-grown man, able also to bridle the whole body. Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, so that they may obey us, and we turn about their whole body.
Rev. 15:1-8
Prelude to Vials
Rev. 15:1 Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.
Dispensational: Preparation is made for the consummation of the Judgment with the introduction of seven angels who will empty the seven bowls (16:1-21). While the seals and the trumpets picture partial judgments, the seven bowls picture judgments that are about to be consummated, and thus are the last.
Symbolically/spiritually there are three marvelous signs in Revelation (Rev. 12:1; 12:3; 15:1). Three is the number of completion.
Sign 1 (Rev. 12:3) We see the pregnant woman. This is the time the Elect/Bride will begin to emerge from the traditional church.
Sign 2 (Rev. 12:3) This is satan trying to stumble the Elect/Bride before they can be birthed into a gathering. This is a time when great tribulation comes against those sold out to Christ.
Sign 3 (Rev. 15:1) We see the Elect/Bride gathering as the holy messengers of God. They will separate themselves from the world and rise up as soaring eagles. They will be the people mentioned in Joel 2.
(Joe 2:28-32) And it shall be afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams; your young men shall see visions. And also I will pour out My Spirit on the slaves and on the slave women in those days. And I will show wonders in the heavens, and in the earth, blood and fire and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of Jehovah. And it shall be, whoever shall call on the name of Jehovah shall be saved; for salvation shall be in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, as Jehovah has said, and in the remnant whom Jehovah shall call.
The seven angels/messengers symbolically/spiritually are those who will declare this revelation to the church. In Rev. 1:20 they are defined as holy angels, messengers to the church. These represents those who keep, teach and dispense the truth about the book of Revelation. They has ascended and are able to operate out of the throne room.
Rev. 15:2 And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.
Like indicates a simile. A sea of glass mingled with fire is suggestive of the deliverance of Israel at the Red Sea, with its waters reddened by the pillar of fire. The emphasis is on the safety of the redeemed.
*Symbol- sea of glass- tranquility of God’s presence- Rev. 4:6
*Symbol- mingled with fire- fiery trials of tribulation- Job 23:10
Symbolically/spiritually the sea of glass is having your hearts judged and perfected by fire. And then experiencing the tranquility of God’s presence. The spoken witness of the seven angels/messengers is a harp by which these messengers begin the timeline of judgment of God. Harps represent the Revelatory voice of God given to those who have received the revelation. In Joel 2:11 we that the Lord’s voice goes before His army. In the Greek, the word is “paniyn” or in their face.
(Joe 2:11) And Jehovah shall utter His voice before His army; for His camp is very great; for strong is He who does His Word. For the day of Jehovah is great and very terrible; and who can stand it?
Harps are also mentioned in (Rev 14:2) And I heard a voice from Heaven, like the voice of many waters and like the voice of a great thunder. And I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps.
These verses describe the Remnant, the Overcomer. The Remnant believes they can overcome the world through faith. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world even our faith” (1 John 5:4). The Remnants are the Overcomers. To overcome means to subdue. In the Genesis mandate is the blessing to be fruitful, multiply, replenish, subdue and take dominion. These are five blessings, expectations, empowerments and responsibilities. The word subdue in Hebrew is kabash meaning to tread down, subjugate, subdue or bring into subjection. In the New Testament the Greek word is nikao meaning to subdue. The Remnant believes they are born of God and through faith subdue the world for Christ. These scriptures confirm this belief. Let’s read these scriptures exchanging the word overcome with the word subdue.
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh (subdues) the world: and this is the victory that overcometh (subdues) the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4)
“I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome (subdued) the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome (subdued) the wicked one. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:13-17)
These verses are clear Christ gave His disciples the power to subdue the earth and bring it into subjection to Christ. As you can see the Remnant is destined for dominion. Other promises include:
PEACE
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome (subdued) the world.” (John 16:33)
“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome (subdued) them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
TREE OF LIFE
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh (subdues) will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7)
NO HARM IN THE SECOND DEATH
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh (subdues) shall not be hurt of the second death.” (Revelation 2:11)
HIDDEN MANNA
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh (subdues) will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.” (Revelation 2:17)
POWER OVER NATIONS
“And he that overcometh (subdues) and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.” (Revelation 2:26)
CLOTHED IN WHITE RAIMENT
“He that overcometh (subdues), the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (Revelation 3:5)
PILLAR IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD
“Him that overcometh (subdues) will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” (Revelation 3:12)
SIT WITH CHRIST ON HIS THRONE
“To him that overcometh (subdues) will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame (subdued), and am set down with my Father in his throne.” (Revelation 3:21)
DEFEATED SATAN
“And they overcame (subdued) him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:11)
VICTORY
“And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory (subdued) over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.” (Revelation 15:2)
The Remnant/Overcomer understands their call to invade, influence and subdue the world with the Gospel of the Kingdom of God.
Rev. 15:3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: 1 “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!
Moses sang a song of redemption following the crossing of the Red Sea (Ex. 15:1-18), which is now the song of the Lamb, a celebration of God’s judgment, power, and sovereignty.
Christ Jesus is the King of the saints. Symbolically/spiritually the angels/messengers/elect (144,000) are sold out to the Lord Jesus, the Christ. Worshipping in Spirit and in Truth they speak the message to the whole world and are strong in their praises. Only the redeemed can sing the song of the Lamb.
(Exo 15:2) Jehovah is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will glorify Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.
Rev. 15:4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested.”
Symbolically/spiritually the angels/messengers are the manifest judgments. As men observe the lives of the Elect/Bride and their favor with God, they will be without excuse
Summary: Seven signs 11:19–15:4. Dispensational
The setting: the ark of the covenant (11:19).
The signs (12:1–15:4). Now John reports a vision that appears in the heavens and is clearly identified as a “sign” (v. 1).
The woman, dragon, child, Michael (12:1–17). The vision is of a pregnant woman, about to give birth. A dragon (Satan) seeks to devour the child who “was to rule all nations with a rod of iron” (2–4). The child is snatched up to heaven and the woman hides in the desert. Again a 1,260—day period is specified (5–6).
John then observes a war in heaven, in which Satan and his *angels are hurled down to earth (7–9).
Then a voice announces from heaven that “salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God… have come” (10; see Kingdom of God). Satan is overcome but furiously strikes out “because he knows that he has a short time” (11–12)
The dragon seeks to destroy the woman who gave birth to the child, but she is safely hidden by God (13–16). The raging (see Enraged) dragon turns to make open war on those who “have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (12:17).2. The beast from the sea (13:1–10). Now John watches as a horned beast emerges from the sea (v. 1). His shape reflects the form given Gentile world powers in Daniel 7. This beast is energized by satan and followed by a worshiping world (2–4).
Again the forty-two-month period is specified. During it the beast holds power and makes war on the saints (5–10).
The beast from the earth (13:11–18). John then sees another beast, emerging this time from the earth. He resembles a lamb but speaks like the dragon (11). He performs miracles to authenticate the claims of the first beast (12–14) and forces the people of the beast to worship his image (15–17). The “number” of this beast is given as 666.
The Lamb and the 144,000 (14:1–5). Next, John’s sees the Lamb, returned to earth and standing on Mount Zion (v. 1). The 144,000 are with Him and are honored for their total commitment in following Him (2–5).
Six proclamations (14:6–13). At this point three angels are seen. The first announces to all humanity the Good News (gospel) (6–7; see Everlasting). The second announces the fall of Babylon the Great (8). The third announces the endless doom and torment of all who worship the beast and exhorts patient endurance on the part of the saints (9–13). Then a voice from heaven is heard, pronouncing a blessing on the dead “who die in the Lord from now on” (13).
The final harvest (14:14–20). When John looks up, he sees a figure, crowned and seated on a cloud (14). Angels, equipped for harvest, cry out to Him. The gathering and the trampling out begin, and blood gushes from the city for a distance of some 180 miles!
The seven angels and the song of the Lamb (15:1–4). Again John peers into heaven and sees seven angels who will bear the “seven last plagues” that complete God’s wrath (15:1). God is praised for His holiness and the vindication of His name that will come when at last all nations must prostrate themselves before Him (15:2–4).
Rev. 15:5 After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened.
Testimony, marturion (mar-too-ree-on); Strong’s #3142: Compare “martyr” and “martyrology.” Proof, evidence, witness, proclamation of personal experience. The tabernacle, which evidences God’s presence, is a testimony to the covenant between Him and His people.
The tabernacle of the testimony is, literally, “the tent of witness,” the exact word describing the ancient tabernacle in the Greek text of Ex. 40:34, 35. From this heavenly counterpart of the earthly tabernacle, the seven angels come forth to execute judgment.
Symbolically/spiritually this is the kingdom of heaven, the holy place revealed to the world by our relationship with Jesus. Christ’s presence within us opens heavens for the world. This is a true testimony being lived out daily. The Elect have no fear of man nor lust for the world.
Rev. 15:6 And out of the temple came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure bright linen, and having their chests girded with golden bands.
The angels are dressed as priests. These same garments are worn by the high priest when he goes to inquire of God. Seven angels again symbolically/spiritually are seven (perfection) messengers, the Elect.
Six angles followed by 7 more who carry the bowls of the wrath of God.
Rev. 15:7 Then one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God who lives forever and ever.
*Symbol- seven vials/bowls- temple vessels poured out- 1 Kings 7:50
Symbolically/spiritually angels here is the same word used in Rev. 8:14 and is translated eagles. These are the 100-fold overcomers, sold out believers who operate in the fullness of Christ. These eagles are the ones who gives the vials. The bowls or vials represent vessels poured out in complete obedience.
Rev. 15:8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no one was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
Smoke: See Is. 6:1-4. Glory: See Ex. 40:34, 35; 1 Kin. 8:10, 11. No one was able to enter: The mercy seat is now inaccessible. No further petitions or intercessions will be heard until the Final Judgment is completed.
*Symbol- smoke of God’s glory- blinding glory, permitting no entry- Ex. 19:18
Symbolically/spiritually, “no one was able to enter the temple”, means no one who has not overcome the flesh, carnality can enter the temple. The antichrist breeding area must be destroyed in the heart.
Rev. 16:1-21
Vial 1
Rev. 16:1 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.”
God and God alone makes the final judgment.
Wrath is poured out symbolically/spiritually on the earth (carnality), which is any thought, word, or deed of self will that is counter to the will of God.
Rev. 16:2 So the first went and poured out his bowl upon the earth, and a foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image.
While the seven bowls have certain similarities to the seven trumpets, there are pronounced differences. The plagues introduced by the trumpets were partial and constituted a call to repentance. The bowls are the execution of total judgment when there is no more hope of repentance. The first four bowls affect the environment; the last three, the realm of the monster. The brief, rapid descriptions suggest simultaneous, rather than successive, actions. The descriptive details are not to be understood physically, but as terrifying calamities.
The first judgment is similar to the sixth Egyptian plague (see Ex. 9:9-11).
Symbolically/spiritually the sore is visible, spiritual mark upon carnal Christians and reveal those who love this world.
Mark of the Beast
We have discussed the mark of the beast in detail in previous lessons.
Symbolically/spiritually the mark of the beast is a sore which shows carnality. There are 3 types of carnal people .
Carnal meaning sensual, worldly, nonspiritual; relating to or given to the crude desires and appetites of the Flesh (5 senses) and body. The apostle Paul contrasts “spiritual people”-that is, those who are under the control of the Holy Spirit-with those who are “carnal”-those under the control of the flesh (1 Cor. 3:1-4; Rom. 8:5-7). The word “carnal” is usually reserved in the New Testament to describe worldly Christians.
Carnal and loving it.
(2Th 2:11-14) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie, so that all those who do not believe the truth, but delight in unrighteousness, might be condemned. But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brothers beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Carnal and denying it.
(2Ti 3:1-5) Know this also, that in the last days grievous times will be at hand. For men will be self-lovers, money-lovers, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, unyielding, false accusers, without self-control, savage, despisers of good, traitors, reckless, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying the power of it; even turn away from these.
This last verse refers to carnal Christians.
Those who are lovers of this world more than God.
(Heb 12:15-17) looking diligently lest any fail of the grace of God, or lest any root of bitterness springing up disturb you, and by it many are defiled,(lest there be any fornicator, or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright.
For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected; for he did not find any place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears).
Vial 2
Rev. 16:3 Then the second angel poured out his bowl/vial on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died.
This plague is similar to the first one in Egypt (Ex. 7:17-21).
(Exo 7:17-21) Thus says Jehovah, In this you shall know that I am Jehovah. Behold! I will smite with the rod that is in my hand upon the waters in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. And the fish in the river shall die, and the river shall stink. And the Egyptians shall hate to drink of the water of the river. And Jehovah spoke to Moses, Say to Aaron, Take your rod, and stretch out your hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their canals, and upon their pools, and upon every reservoir of their waters, that they may become blood. And blood shall be throughout all the land of Egypt, both in wooden and in stone vessels. And Moses and Aaron did so, as Jehovah commanded. And he lifted up the rod and struck the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants. And all the waters in the river were turned to blood. And the fish in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river. And there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.
Symbolical/spiritual meaning: Only those who die to self will be able to receive the full revelation of Christ. Christ’s life/blood in the Elect who are now dead men dispenses this death. The life is in the blood. Blood here is in reference to life or redemptive life. Vial 2 declares the life which comes by defeat, death to self. through the lives of the Saints/Elect brings soul life to the sea, the Church. Blood= Life -Dead Man=Elect through Christ in them.
Vial 3
Rev. 16:4 Then the third angel poured out his bowl /vial on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood.
Unlike the Egyptian plague, which affected only the waters of Egypt, every source of Earth’s fresh water is now affected, indicating complete judgment.
Symbolically/spiritually the lives of the Elect are poured out (vial) bring life (blood) to the hearts of the carnal (fountains of water) , making abundant life visible and attainable. The local ministries (rivers) will also feel the effect of this judgment.
Rev. 16:5 And I heard the angel of the waters saying: 1 “You are righteous, O Lord, The One who is and who was and who is to be, Because You have judged these things.
Symbolically/spiritually the angels of the waters equals messengers to the Church.
Rev. 16:6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, And You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due.”
God’s judgment is retributive justice, of equal weight with the crime.
Symbolically/spiritually the shedding of the blood means that they have helped bestow or shed forth the life of the saints.
Rev. 16:7 And I heard another from the altar saying, “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.”
Dispensational: The voice of the martyrs (see 6:9, 10; 8:3) affirms the right of God to vindicate them.
Symbolically/spiritually righteous judgment means no one is judged unless they are in full knowledge of the truth and choose to reject it.
A Word about Judgment:
JUDGMENT—discernment or separation between good and evil. The essence of the idea of judgment is that by this means God delivered—overthrowing evil.
As Judge, God judges among people and their actions according to the standards of His law. Judgment can refer either to this process of discernment or to the punishment meted out to those who fall under His wrath and condemnation (John 5:24). Judgment is against sin not against people.
In the Bible the most important judgment is the final judgment, the ultimate separation of good and evil at the end of history. The precise time of this judgment is appointed by God (Acts 17:31), but it remains unknown to man (Matt. 24:36).
From earliest times it has been recognized that God Himself is the Judge of mankind (Gen. 18:25), and that He has the power and wisdom to judge with righteousness, truth, and justice (Ps. 96:13; 98:9). The final judgment is a task given specifically to God’s Son (John 5:22; Acts 17:31) to conclude His work as mediator, deliver His people from sin, and destroy all God’s enemies. God’s people are associated with Christ in the exercise of this judgment (1 Cor. 6:2-3; Rev. 20:4).
The final judgment will be comprehensive in scope, it will include all people and nations from the beginning of the world to the end of history (Matt. 25:31-46; Rom. 14:10-12), as well as fallen angels (2 Pet. 2:4).
The death of Jesus Christ is unique among these judgments of history. Through His death God paid the judgment price demanded by mankind’s sin. The death and resurrection of Jesus are the foundations on which sinners are saved (Is. 53:5) through their trust in Him as Lord and Savior.
God’s role as judge is reflected in the leadership functions of political officials, who uphold order in society and execute judgment on evildoers (Rom. 13:1-7). The rulers of Israel bore special responsibility in this respect (Deut. 16:18-19), as do the leaders of the church today (Matt. 18:17-18). Believers also have a responsibility to judge matters of wrongdoing among themselves (Matt. 18:15), but this should always be done fairly and with compassion. Believers are never to take over the task of judgment that belongs to God alone (Heb. 10:30).
Vial 4
Rev. 16:8 Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl/vial on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire.
No matter how intense the suffering, the people, having lost the capacity, did not repent. Like Pharaoh their hearts are stubbornly defiant.
Symbolically/spiritually the sun represents greater glory, The sun as a heavenly body represents His glorious boy of people (the Bride) or the natural light of the world. Symbolically the sun, moon and stars in many context of Scripture represent His glory.
(1Co 15:40-42) There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies. But the glory of the heavenly is truly different, and that of the earthly different; one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. So also the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption;
Symbolic/spiritual meaning: Power is given to Him (Bride Church)(represented as the sun) so the Glory that appears through them will scorch the earth. This scorching, spirit of burning will happen in the Bride first ,then the carnal Christians, then the world.
(Isa 4:4) when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from its midst by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning.
(Mat 13:43) Then the righteous shall shine out like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Rev. 16:9 And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory.
Blasphemed comes from the word blasphemia which means slander, detraction, speech injurious to another’s good name, impious and reproachful speech injurious to Divine majesty. Blasphemed the name of God is to distract from God through carnal actions.
Symbolically/spiritually this is speaking of men who will curse God instead of repent. Some even blaspheme God by denying the bodily presence of Jesus Christ. This again is the spirit of antichrist which promote a life independent of Christ. The spirit of antichrist infiltrates the Church and gives birth to the Harlot Church. They believe they can have it their own way, sit on their own throne and guide their own lives. They even commit the original sin which says , “I can be God.” They worship the world while claiming to be Christians.
Not giving God glory shows a refusal to die to self which brings God glory. These are compromisers not overcomers. It is contrary to Rev. 12:11.
(Rev 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 until death.
Vial 5
Rev. 16:10 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain.
The throne/seat of the beast for John and his readers was the capital of the empire, Rome (see 2:13; 13:2).
Symbolically/spiritually the seat/throne of the beast is the riches and pleasures of this world,worldliness/carnality. It is the desire to be like God (carnality), the original sin. Lucifer’s sin Is.
Eve was tempted on the enemy’ suggestion to be like God when shw was already like God.
The beast’s kingdom is Babylon, and to dwell there is to dwell in pain and darkness. All worldliness will be evil (darkness) and painful, even to the inhabitants of the earth. Satan seats himself on the throne of the hearts of mankind because they want to be like God and make their own decisions.
(1Ti 6:9-10) But they who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which plunge men into destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all evils, of which some having lusted after, they were seduced from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Rev. 16:11 They blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds.
Symbolically/spiritually again the blasphemy is not so much about cursing God but diminishing God. Destruction here refers to destroying the world’s riches and pleasures, great devastation more severe than anything in history. Pressure and pain will intensify. Their deeds or fruit will bear witness against them that they belong to the spirit of antichrist. Pains here refer to anguish and sores depict ulcers caused from emotional stress.
Vial 6
Rev. 16:12 Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared.
The Euphrates, the last barrier to total destruction, is removed (9:14-21), clearing the way for invasion from the east. The Parthians from beyond the Euphrates symbolize all future military invasions that would destroy the empire. Frogs symbolize the demonic work of this unholy, counterfeit trinity. The false prophet: See 13:11-18; 19:20; 20:10. Although totally unaware of it, they are being used by God to accomplish His purpose, to gather them to the battle (see 19:19-21; 20:7-10). That great day is when the total redemptive purpose of God will be consummated in both salvation and judgment.
Symbolically/spiritually Euphrates is the source of water for ancient Babylon. Euphrates dried up means truth will dry up the rivers of lies of the beast and make way for the kings (Elect/Bride) of the earth to reach the last strongholds of sin. The east means the Elect/Bride have entered the sanctuary through the eastern gate. Jesus entered through the Eastern Gate of the Temple. During the time of the First Temple the Eastern Gate (also called Shushan or HaKohan gate) was the main entrance into the Temple area. It was also the gate that Jesus entered on a humble donkey in His triumphal entry. According to Jewish tradition the Messiah (Mashiach) will enter Jerusalem from the east. The gate has a special holiness; legend has it that the Shechinah (Divine Presence) used to appear through this gate and will appear again, and that in the meantime it must be left untouched.
Neh. 3:29 “…the gate that looketh toward the east: And the glory of the Lord came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east.”
Ezekiel 44:1-3 Then he brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, which faces east; and it was shut. And he said to me, “This gate shall remain shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it; for the LORD, the God of Israel, has entered by it; therefore it shall remain shut. Only the prince may sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by way of the vestibule of the gate, and shall go out by the same way.”
Ezekiel also saw a vision of the eastern gate of Jehovah’s house.
(Eze 11:1) And the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the eastern gate of Jehovah’s house, which faces eastward
Rev. 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
This judgment is similar to the Egyptian plague in Ex. 8:2-8.
*Symbol- 3 frogs- unclean, evil spirits- Rev. 16:13-14
Symbolically/spiritually frogs symbolize lying spirits coming out of the mouths of the dragon, beast and false prophets. The false prophet, beast and dragon are degrees of deception and symbolize levels of sin, the dragon being the fullness of the antichrist spirit. They do miracles and signs that appeal to the carnally minded.
Rev. 16:14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
Signs, semeion (say-mi-on); Strong’s #4592: Compare “semeiology,” “semeiotic,” “semaphore”, sign, mark, token. The word is used to distinguish between persons or objects (Matt. 26:48; Luke 2:12); to denote a warning or admonition (Matt. 12:39; 16:4); as an omen portending future events (Mark l3:4; Luke 21:7); to describe miracles and wonders, whether indicating divine authority (Matt. 12:38, 39; Mark 8:11, 12) or ascribed to false teachers and demons (Matt. 24:24; Rev. 16:14).
Symbolically/spiritually satan will offer some sign, semeion, to bring forth doubt in God’s judgment. This may be some kind of lie about God to distract and harden the hearts of people against God and be his enemy,
Again this is similar to the Egyptian plagues of frogs where the Egyptian priest duplicated.
Frogs ultimately are symbols of deception. The also represent judgment as do the plagues of Egypt (locust, hail, etc.) The frogs of Revelation represent lying spirits of the Beast ( coming out his mouth). They do miracles or present signs that appeal to the carnally minded. In addition the imagery shows us that the lies they tell will be so obvious. The thrust of the frogs is the accountability we are under to see with spiritual eyes, not self-centered carnal eyes.
The Great Day of the Lord:
Literally taken:The Day of the Lord is a biblical term and theme used in both the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and the New Testament. A related expression is the Great Day as in “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.” which appears in both Old and New Testaments. The meaning of the phrases may sometimes refer to temporal events such as the invasion of a foreign army and capture of a city but it may also be related to predicted events in a later age of earth’s history including the final judgment and World to Come. The expression may also have an extended meaning in referring to both the first and second comings of Jesus Christ.
The “Day of the Lord”, the “Lord’s Day”, is usually taken to refer to the Christian weekly day of rest. Some say that the “Lord’s Day” mentioned in Revelation 1:10 is the first day of the week. Others say it refers to “the already realized heavenly enthronement of the Lord Jesus.” Dispensationalist list the Day of the Lord as a date, a time period, the 7th dispensation, one of the 7 days that man equates to time.
Symbolically/spiritually the day of the lord is not a date, a time period, it is not one of the 7 days that man equates to time. It is a rest, it is a consciousness you are elevated into. It’s above the realm of the heavens and you find rest in the heavenlyie. It is a conscious state of knowing I AM.
(2Pe 3:10) But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a rushing noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat. And the earth and the works in it will be burned up.
Rev. 16:15 “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.”
The Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly and demands watchfulness on the part of the followers of Christ. It will be an indescribable blessing to those who are spiritually prepared, but a last warning for those who are not watching.
Symbolically/spiritually- Watch signifies the watchmen on the wall as he fulfills the command of Jesus.
(Mar 13:30-33) Truly I say to you that this generation shall not pass away until all these things occur. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour no one knows, no, not the angels in Heaven, nor the Son, but the Father. Take heed, watch and pray, for you do not know when the time is.
Garments symbolize covering either evil or righteous, defiled or beautiful (Rev. 1:13) In this case garments would signify keeping a beautiful covering, acknowledging robes of righteousness given to believers. And nakedness as being stripped, undone and/or exposed ( Rev. 3:17).
The Laodecian Church was spoken of by Jesus as being wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.
Christ is not a thief but He comes as one to remove the wicked. This is correlated with the parable of the talents in Matt. 25:14-30
(Mat 25:29) For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will abound. But from him who has not, even that which he has shall be taken away from him.
Rev. 16:16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.
Armageddon, or “Harmageddon,” may refer to the Mount of Megiddo, at the upper entrance to the Plain of Esdraelon, Israel’s chief battlefield in ancient time (see Judg. 5:19; 2 Kin. 9:27; 23:29; Zech. 12:11). The thought may not necessarily a literal military conflict, but, in any case, is a spiritually decisive conflict involving the final overthrow of the enemy by the power of Almighty God. This is the first mention of Armageddon. Occurs again in Chapter 19.
DISPENSATIONAL INTERPRETATION: Vv. 12-16 present a parenthetical view of the final end-times world war, known as “the Battle of Armageddon.” Demonic spirits, under the control of satan, antichrist, and the false prophet, work deceptive miracles and manipulate the rulers of the world, causing them to gather in a great show of military strength against national Israel. Armageddon is located in the northern part of the plains of Jezreel.
Symbolically/spiritually
God will totally surround the enemy of Babylon (world system, worldliness, captivity to sin) at Armageddon ( meaning in Hebrew to pour upon and to surround, take, or seize).
Armegeddon is a place of final decision. It has its origin in the Greek words periecho- to surround or encompass, to take possession of, to seize and epicheo- to pour in or upon. Symbolically God will surround you, giving you no place to run, then He will pour out His presence upon you. Armageddon or hill of Meggiddon is spoken of in Zech. 12:11:
(Zec 12:10-11) And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.
These are gathered together to do battle. The real culprit is not satan because he is defeated but the soulish realm or carnality. These are deceitful or lying signs which is antichrist.
(Joh 8:44) You are of the Devil as father, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and did not abide in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own, for he is a liar and the father of it.
(1Jn 2:22) Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He who denies the Father and the Son is antichrist.
(2Th 2:8-12) And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the breath of His mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming, whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceit of unrighteousness in those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, so that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie, so that all those who do not believe the truth, but delight in unrighteousness, might be condemned.
Vial 7
Rev. 16:17 Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!”
Into the air: The Judgment is universal. It is done: The Judgment is complete. The great city, called Babylon, was initially Rome, the empire and its capital, symbolizing the judgment of God in the rise and fall of nations and empires throughout history, as well as at the end. People who have hardened their hearts choose to curse God rather than to repent.
Symbolically/spiritually
This is a reference to the air of 1 Thess. 4:17 :“ Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall ever be with the Lord.”
The vials are poured out progressively: vial 1 earth, vial 2- seas, vial 3- rivers, fountains vial 4- sun, vial 5- seat of the beast, vial 6- air.
Vial 7 accomplishes man’s perfect redemption. Just as Jesus Christ said ,”It is finished John 19:30 then this statement shows the perfection of the Saints.
Rev. 16:18 And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth.
Symbolically/spiritually
Voices, thundering and lightnings speak of God’s voice in us and a great earthquake of the shaking done in the last days.
(Heb 12:26-28) whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will not only shake the earth, but also the heavens.” And this word, “Yet once more,” signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, so that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear,
Rev. 16:19 Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.
We will discuss Babylon in detail in Chapter 17.
Symbolically/spiritually
The great city mean New Jerusalem, divided speaks of its citizens.
Babylon (worldliness) is squeezed as in a great winepress which is the fiercest of his wrath.
Rev. 16:20 Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.
Symbolically/spiritually
Islands symbolically always speak of individualism and mountains false religions. Both of these will be completely gone. Some infer that the mountains are the 7 mountains of influence in culture: Business, Government, Media, Arts & Entertainment, Education, Family, Religion and these will become one.
(Rev 11:15) And the seventh angel sounded. And there were great voices in Heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ. And He will reign forever and ever.
Individualism must be removed in us. Jesus prayer the prayer in John 17. It is answered.
(John 17:20-21) And I do not pray for these alone, but for those also who shall believe on Me through their word, that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.
Rev. 16:21 And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.
A talent is approximately 93 pounds. Talent here may be a play on words; the real meaning is a world collapse.
Symbolically/spiritually
Great hail represents the judgment of man. Great in the Greek is megas and that means big, enormous. This is perhaps the last judgment before the Great White Throne Judgment.
SUMMARY:The seven bowls 15:5–16:21. (Dispensational)
The setting: the tent of witness (15:5–16:1). On command seven angels pour out the bowls of wrath on the earth (see Testimony).
Seven bowls (16:2–21).
First bowl: earth (16:2). Sores break out on the followers of the beast.
The second bowl: sea (16:3). All living things in the sea die.
Third bowl: rivers (16:4–7). All the fresh waters turn to blood.
Fourth bowl: sun (16:8–9). The sun flares and sears the earth.5. Fifth bowl: throne of the beast (16:10–11). Darkness and anguish follow.
Sixth bowl: Euphrates (16:12). The river is dried up.
Interlude: three unclean spirits (16:13–16). Finally demons are loosed to move the leaders of all the nations to gather for battle against God (14; see Signs). The armies gather and assemble at a place called in Scripture Armageddon (15–16).7. Seventh bowl: the cities of the nations (16:17–21). The earthquakes and natural disasters destroy the cities.
Another Theory About the 7 Plagues:
What About the Seven Last Plagues?
How Could We Possibly Bring Those on Ourselves?
Revelation 16:1-21
1st Plague: Foul and loathsome sores fell ONLY on those who had the mark of the beast and worshipped his image.
This disease could be caused by the very same food that those who REFUSE to take the Mark of the Beast are NOT allowed to buy and eat! That’s why it will ONLY affect those who HAVE the Mark! The food supply today, especially flesh food, is SO diseased with Mad Cow Disease, Foot and Mouth Disease, E. Coli, Salmonella and other contaminants that it’s not hard to understand how man could be responsible for this plague.
2nd Plague: The sea became the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.
The difference between the blood of a dead man and the blood of a live man is – Oxygen. The seas are already terribly polluted and the fish and other sea creatures are dying by the millions because of lack of oxygen in the water..
3rd Plague: The rivers and fountains of waters became blood.
It may be that this is referring to the pollution in the rivers and streams that are even now causing the waters in certain areas to turn red.
4th Plague: The sun had the power to scorch men with fire.
Skin cancer is already becoming epidemic, NOT primarily because of the sun, but because of the rich Western diet, too much animal fat, sugar and processed food.
Baylor University performed an experiment which involved two groups of animals: one group was given the standard American diet, as noted above. The other group was given a highly nutritious diet. Then both groups of animals were exposed to ultraviolet light rays, simulating the sun. In the group eating the standard American diet, 25% developed skin cancer. In the group eating the highly nutritious diet, NOT ONE animal developed skin cancer.
So it’s the rich American diet that is responsible for skin cancer. (Note: For thousands of years, our ancestors lived outdoors and worked outdoors. Skin cancer was virtually unheard of until the last 50 or 60 years.
5th Plague: The throne and the kingdom of the beast was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain. This may be physical darkness and/or severe spiritual darkness. Nuclear bomb blasts or volcano eruptions from Scalar wave weather modification meddling, could both cause physical darkness.
6th Plague: The great river Euphrates dried up to make way for the kings of the east. Three unclean spirits like frogs came out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, for they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. (This plague requires a long spiritual explanation.)
7th Plague: Noises and thunders, and lightnings: and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: . . . .and every island fled away, and the mountains were not found And there fell upon men great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent.” The great earthquake and massive storm could easily occur as a result of weather control – – – out of control!
At the conclusion of Chapter 16 and Lesson 6, I want to present all the views of eschatology (if that is possible) and the rapture.
There are DIFFERING VIEWS between those who are teaching ESCHATOLOGY on many points i.e.: Some are PRETERISTS (believing the major prophecies including the book of Revelation have already been fulfilled), some are FUTURISTS ( believing the prophecies of Revelation are still to be fulfilled in the future) , some are HISTORICISTS, (fulfillment has been progressive over the last 2000 years) and some are ALLEGORISTS, (that Revelation is not literal but allegorical or symbolic.)
4 VIEWS OF REVELATION
The Idealist/Spiritual View
The first view of Revelation is the idealist view, or the spiritual view. This view uses the allegorical method to interpret the Book of Revelation. The allegorical approach to Revelation was introduced by ancient church father Origen (AD 185-254) and made prominent by Augustine (AD 354-420). According to this view, the events of Revelation are not tied to specific historical events. The imagery of the book symbolically presents the ongoing struggle throughout the ages of God against Satan and good against evil. In this struggle, the saints are persecuted and martyred by the forces of evil but will one day receive their vindication. In the end, God is victorious, and His sovereignty is displayed throughout ages. Robert Mounce summarizes the idealist view stating, “Revelation is a theological poem presenting the ageless struggle between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. It is a philosophy of history wherein Christian forces are continuously meeting and conquering the demonic forces of evil.”{2}
In his commentary on Revelation, late nineteenth century scholar William Milligan stated, “While the Apocalypse thus embraces the whole period of the Christian dispensation, it sets before us within this period the action of great principles and not special incidents; we are not to look in the Apocalypse for special events, both for the exhibition of the principles which govern the history of both the world and the Church.”
The symbols in Revelation are not tied to specific events but point to themes throughout church history. The battles in Revelation are viewed as spiritual warfare manifested in the persecution of Christians or wars in general that have occurred in history. The beast from the sea may be identified as the satanically-inspired political opposition to the church in any age. The beast from the land represents pagan, or corrupt, religion to Christianity. The harlot represents the compromised church, or the seduction of the world in general. Each seal, trumpet, or bowl represents natural disasters, wars, famines, and the like which occur as God works out His plan in history. Catastrophes represent God’s displeasure with sinful man; however, sinful mankind goes through these catastrophes while still refusing to turn and repent. God ultimately triumphs in the end.
The Preterist View
The second view is called the preterist view. Preter, which means “past,” is derived from the Latin. There are two major views among preterists: full preterism and partial preterism. Both views believe that the prophecies of the Olivet discourse of Matthew 24 and Revelation were fulfilled in the first century with the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70. Chapters 1-3 describe the conditions in the seven churches of Asia Minor prior to the Jewish war (AD 66-70). The remaining chapters of Revelation and Jesus’ Olivet Discourse describe the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans.
Full preterists believe that all the prophecies found in Revelation were fulfilled in AD 70 and that we are now living in the eternal state, or the new heavens and the new earth. Partial preterists believe that most of the prophecies of Revelation were fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem but that chapters 20-22 point to future events such as a future resurrection of believers and return of Christ to the earth. Partial preterists view full preterism as heretical since it denies the second coming of Christ and teaches an unorthodox view of the resurrection.
Church historians trace the roots of preterism to Jesuit priest Luis de Alcazar (1554-1613).{8} Alcazar’s interpretation is considered a response to the Protestant historicist interpretation of Revelation that identified the Pope as the Anti-Christ. However, some preterists contend that preterist teachings are found in the writings of the early church as early as the fourth century AD.{9}
Crucial to the preterist view is the date of Revelation. Since it is a prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem, preterists hold to a pre-AD 70 date of writing. According to this view, John was writing specifically to the church of his day and had only its situation in mind. This letter was written to encourage the saints to persevere under the persecution of the Roman Empire.
Preterists point to several reasons to support their view. First, Jesus stated at the end of the Olivet Discourse, “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (Mt. 24:34). A generation usually refers to forty years. The fall of Jerusalem would then fit the time Jesus predicted. Second, Josephus’ detailed record of the fall of Jerusalem appears in several ways to match the symbolism of Revelation. Finally, this view would be directly relevant to John’s readers of his day.
The Historicist View
The third view is called the historicist approach. This view teaches that Revelation is a symbolic representation that presents the course of history from the apostle’s life through the end of the age. The symbols in the apocalypse correspond to events in the history of Western Europe, including various popes, the Protestant Reformation, the French Revolution, and rulers such as Charlemagne. Most interpreters place the events of their day in the later chapters of Revelation.
Many adherents of this position view chapters 1-3 as seven periods in church history. The breaking of the seals in chapters 4-7 symbolizes the fall of the Roman Empire. The Trumpet judgments in chapters 8-10 represent the invasions of the Roman Empire by the Vandals, Huns, Saracens, and Turks. Among Protestant historicists of the Reformation, the antichrist in Revelation was believed to be the papacy. Chapters 11-13 in Revelation represent the true church in its struggle against Roman Catholicism. The bowl judgments of Revelation 14-16 represent God’s judgment on the Catholic Church, culminating in the future overthrow of Catholicism depicted in chapters 17-19.{14}
The Futurist View
The fourth view is the futurist view. This view teaches that the events of the Olivet Discourse and Revelation chapters 4-22 will occur in the future. Futurist divide the book of Revelation into three sections as indicated in 1:19: “what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later.” Chapter 1 describes the past (“what you have seen”), chapters 2-3 describe the present (“what is now”), and the rest of the book describes future events (“what will take place later”).
Futurists apply a literal approach to interpreting Revelation. Chapters 4-19 refer to a period known as the seven-year tribulation (Dan. 9:27). During this time, God’s judgments are actually poured out upon mankind as they are revealed in the seals, trumpets, and bowls. Chapter 13 describes a literal future world empire headed by a political and religious leader represented by the two beasts. Chapter 17 pictures a harlot who represents the church in apostasy. Chapter 19 refers to Christ’s second coming and the battle of Armageddon followed by a literal thousand-year rule of Christ upon the earth in chapter 20. Chapters 21-22 are events that follow the millennium: the creation of a new heaven and a new earth and the arrival of the heavenly city upon the earth.
Futurists argue that a consistently literal or plain interpretation is to be applied in understanding the book of Revelation. Literal interpretation of the Bible means to explain the original sense, or meaning, of the Bible according to the normal customary usage of its language. This means applying the rules of grammar, staying consistent with the historical framework, and the context of the writing. Literal interpretation does not discount figurative or symbolic language. Futurists teach that prophecies using symbolic language are also to be normally interpreted according to the laws of language.
Symbols, figures of speech and types are all interpreted plainly in this method, and they are in no way contrary to literal interpretation. The very existence of any meaning for a figure of speech depends on the reality of the literal meaning of the terms involved. Figures often make the meaning plainer, but it is the literal, normal, or plain meaning that they convey to the reader. Futurists acknowledge the use of figures and symbols. When figurative language is used, one must look at the context to find the meaning. However, figurative language does not justify allegorical interpretation.
Futurists contend that the literal interpretation of Revelation finds its roots in the ancient church fathers. Elements of this teaching, such as a future millennial kingdom, are found in the writings of Clement of Rome (AD 96), Justin Martyr (AD 100-165), Irenaeus (AD 115-202), Tertullian (AD 150-225) and others. Futurists hold that the church fathers taught a literal interpretation of Revelation until Origen (AD 185-254) introduced allegorical interpretation. This then became the popular form of interpretation when taught by Augustine (AD 354-430).{19} Literal interpretation of Revelation remained throughout the history of the church and rose again to prominence in the modern era.
There are also many Different Views on the Rapture:
Among premillennialists, theories exist about the time of the church’s departure to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thess. 4:13–17): the pre-tribulational rapture, the mid-tribulational rapture, and the post-tribulational rapture. These three theories place the rapture at the time of John’s ascension to heaven (Rev. 4:1), at the time when the two prophets ascend to heaven (Rev. 11:11–12), and at the end of the series of seven bowls (Rev. 16:15), respectively.
The Scriptural references concerning the rapture or being caught up are:
2 Corinthians 12:4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.
Jude 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
Revelation 4:1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.”
Revelation 12:5 She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.
There is a high interest in writings and teachings about the end-times among Christians and non-Christians alike. Unfortunately, much confusion and controversy have resulted from the various contradictory teachings regarding the proper interpretation of the end-times Scriptures. Here are some viewpoints about the rapture and other views as well.
Some say the rapture will take place in secret; in other words, Jesus will come like a “thief in the night”.
Some say that this applies just to the non-believers, not to the believers. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 says, “Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in night. While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.”
Included in this opinion is that since the rapture takes place in secret, the non-believers will not see the Lord and will wonder where the believers went. Matthew 24:29-31 says, “But immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of heavens will be shaken and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with a great trumpet and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”
Some say the rapture can take place at anytime.
Others cite 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 which they say makes it very clear that the rapture will not take place until a great falling away of the so-called Christians and the antichrist reveals himself in the temple: “Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him, that you may not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.”
Some Bible teachers claim that this passage refers to the Second Coming /Second Advent and not to the rapture.
Some refute that we will not be here when the antichrist reveals himself on earth.
Others say that 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 shows that the saints will still be here when the antichrist reveals himself in the temple as an abomination of desolation. Others point to Matthew 24:15-31 which indicates that the rapture will not take place until the abomination of desolation occurs in the temple.
Some believe that the saints will not go through the seven-year tribulation period.
Some Christians believe that the second coming is distinct from the rapture in that the Lord comes with His saints and actually touches earth.
Some say the book of Revelation proceeds in a chronological order with occasional references back to the past or what just transpired recently.
Some believe that there will be people saved after the rapture.
Some refute the belief of a physical rapture at all. According to this view the rapture is happening now.
So, you can see there is much dispute and debate.
The word RAPTURE does not appear in the text of any translation of the Bible, in any language. The Greek word is harpodzo (1 Thess 4:13-18) or caught up. Other similar words are epiphania , manifestation or appearance and parousia, coming.
“CAUGHT UP” are the words used by many when referring to THE RAPTURE. The words “CAUGHT UP” are not found in the Young’s Concordance for 1 Thessalonians 4:17. However, “CATCH” is listed under that Scripture. That word appears 13 times, and is translated six different ways: catch, catch away, catch (caught) up, pluck and take by force.
Also we must clarify the different views of the rapture and the 2nd Coming of Christ/Second Advent: According to some Bible scholars, prophetic Scriptures seem to speak of two separate events—the Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ. The Rapture will occur when Jesus Christ returns for his church. This is when all true believers in Christ will be taken from the earth by God into heaven (1 Corinthians 15:51-52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
The Second Coming is when Jesus Christ returns with the church to defeat the antichrist, overthrow evil and then establish His thousand year reign (Revelation 19:11-16). Some view this as the same event.
THE PRE-TRIB VIEWPOINT OF THE RAPTURE
Pre Tribulation Rapture = The Rapture will occur before the seven year tribulation- Rev. 4:1.
The person who crystallized the modern Pre-Trib viewpoint of the rapture was a man named John Darby (1800-1882). Darby was born in London and was trained in the law. He practiced law for only one year before he was overcome by a deep spiritual struggle that finally led to a decision to enter the ministry. He became an Anglican priest but quickly became disillusioned when the church decreed that all converts would have to swear allegiance to the King of England. Darby considered this to be a compromise with the Lordship of Christ.
Darby decided to leave the Anglican Church. In the years following, he and other dissenters from the established state church inaugurated a movement that came to be known as the Plymouth Brethren. In 1826 Darby broke one of his legs, and during the long convalescence that followed, he engaged in an intensive study of the Scriptures that convinced him of the clear distinction between the Church and Israel. He also became convicted of the imminent return of Jesus. Thus, by 1827 he had developed the fundamental principles that would come to characterize a new theological system that would be called Dispensationalism.
After John Darby refined the concept, it spread rapidly throughout Europe and America. The viewpoint has always been blessed by gifted communicators. In 1878 the very first best-selling prophecy book incorporated the idea. It was Jesus is Coming by William E. Blackstone (1841-1935) In 1909 the very first study Bible ever published — The Scofield Study Bible — developed the scriptural arguments for the viewpoint in detail. Then came the amazing charts and diagrams of Clarence Larkin (1850-1924) in his book Dispensational Truth.
Harry Ironside (1876-1951), the popular pastor of the Moody Memorial Church in Chicago, preached the concept in his sermons and books during the 1930’s and 40’s. In 1970 Hal Lindsey published The Late Great Planet Earth and once again the viewpoint was expressed in a best seller, later a book, “88 Reasons Jesus Will Come in 1988. “The 20th Century ended with the view being espoused in the “Left Behind” block-buster series of books written by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. Charles Capps preached and taught the end of the 6,000 year lease on the earth in the 1990’s meaning Jesus would return in the year 2000.
Over the years there have been many controversies on the Pre-Trib viewpoint. The one launched in the 1970’s by Dave MacPherson. MacPherson argued that the whole notion of a Pre-Tribulation Rapture was given to Darby when he attended a Charismatic prayer meeting in Scotland in 1830 where a 15 year old girl, Margaret MacDonald, went into a state of ecstasy during which she declared there would be a Rapture prior to the Tribulation. MacPherson asserts: “Darby borrowed from her, modified her views, and then popularized them under his own name without giving her credit.” Some refute that belief entirely saying there is not factual historical basis for this.
Many ancient writings have been and are being discovered that contain intimations of a Rapture separate and apart from the Second Coming. It is claimed that the 2 comings are : One for the Church and the other with the Church, described by different phrases, the Day of Christ and the Day of the Lord.
One of the early Church Fathers, The Shepherd of Hermas, writing in the early 2nd Century, makes an interesting observation about “the great tribulation that is coming.” He says, “If then ye prepare yourselves, and repent with all your heart and turn to the Lord, it will be possible for you to escape it, if your heart be pure and spotless, and ye spend the rest of the days of your life in serving the Lord blamelessly.”
In medieval times evidence of pretribulational thinking can be found in the recently discovered sermon attributed to Ephraem the Syrian. This sermon, which was written sometime between the 4th and 6th Centuries, encourages believers to prepare themselves for meeting the Lord because “all the saints and elect of God are gathered, prior to the tribulation that is to come, and are taken to the Lord lest they see the confusion that is to overwhelm the world because of our sins.” Scholars believe this text was derived from the writings of the original Ephraem who lived from 306 to 373 AD. He was one of the leading theologians of the early Byzantine Church.
According to this view the New Testament teaching of hope and comfort concerning the Lord’s return are meaningless if one must endure a Great Tribulation. Since the Tribulation is a pouring out of God’s wrath on those who have resisted the truth, how could Christians be subject to this wrath?
This view points out that the church is absent whenever the Great Tribulation is mentioned in Matt. 24 or Rev. 4-18. The implication is that the church is not on earth at this time. This position states that references to saints or God’s Elect are not the church but Jews who believe during the Great Tribulation.
In the 1920’s the Dispensationalist view was adopted by many Pentecostal denominations such as the Assemblies of God, Foursquare Church, and Pentecostal Holiness.
The Post-Tribulation Rapture View: Rev. 16:5
In the post-tribulation rapture view, the rapture occurs sometime after the tribulation period. Christ’s coming in the air and his coming to the earth are seen as two phases of a single event. In this view of the rapture, when Christ returns, the church is caught up with Him, and then immediately returns with Him to the earth.
The post-tribulation rapture position can be traced back to the early days of the church, and is generally associated with an amillennial or postmillennial position of Christ’s return. In particular, the historical Catholic position is post-tribulation and amillennial, resulting in the argument is that the historic belief of Christianity has been that of post-tribulation rapture.
It should be obvious that the position of Catholicism cannot be assumed to be the position of Christianity as a whole. The Bible is the source of doctrine, not any particular organization, person, or historical tradition. If one were to accept antiquity as the prime decider of doctrine, then one would have to give Gnosticism even more weight than Catholic doctrines! As shown previously, the writings of the early church fathers support the idea that immanency (and by implication, a pre-tribulation rapture) was understood by the early church. The historical Catholic position of a post-tribulation rapture did not arise until the time of Constantine, and so does not enjoy any greater antiquity than the pre-tribulation rapture view.
The post-tribulation rapture view absolutely requires an allegorical interpretation of scripture, with the argument is that there are obviously instances in the Scriptures where “the literal hermeneutic does not work”. This assumption of failure on the part of a literal interpretation is very much based on the perceived need to identify Israel and the church, such that the NT church is the New Israel, and OT Israel is the Old Church. This is essential because the OT (Daniel 9:24) makes it clear that the tribulation period has special significance specifically for the nation of Israel, so much so that the tribulation is referred to as the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7)
In order to see the church in the tribulation period, the post-tribulation rapture must advocate an identity relationship between national Israel and the NT church. This equivalence is obtained by using a “spiritual” or “theological” method of interpretation which allows the re-interpretation of OT Scripture in the light of NT revelation. The end result is a non-literal method of interpretation that imbues special meaning to Scripture passages – both prophetic and non-prophetic – that are deemed allegorical, and thus must be interpreted figuratively. Which passages are allegorical and which are literal is either dependent on other theological constructs, or simply left to the discretion of the interpreter.
Timing of the Rapture has always been a heated debate. The constant expectancy of the First Century Church was that His return was imminent, could happen anytime. Statements in the New Testament about the speed of the Lord’s coming: shortly, immediately, suddenly.
No-Rapture View: This view includes: The word “rapture” is nowhere to be found in the Bible, neither is it taught there. There is no Scriptural support for it. This escapist philosophy is pure fiction. Their Views:
We are not taught to escape reality in the Scripture, but rather to face it knowing that God will work all things out for our good (Rom. 8:28-30). When Jesus Christ returned he gathered the elect of all the ages into his kingdom. We as believers now live in the kingdom of God. We need to learn to focus on the spiritual and not the physical. The value, the power and the need are in the spiritual realm and not the physical. The purpose of the rapture, then, is not to remove the saints from the world prior to the final infidel persecution under the antichrist, but to gather them to Christ at His coming to execute judgment in the earth that He might be glorified in them and marveled at by them (2 Thess. 1:10). He will be glorified in their being manifested in glory with Him and acting as co-adjudicators and co-regents with Him (Col. 3:4)
Other Views:
Mid Tribulation Rapture = The Rapture will occur midway into the seven year tribulation (after 3½ years) before the GREAT TRIBULATION. Rev.11:11-12.
Pre Wrath Rapture = The Rapture will occur midway into the GREAT TRIBULATION and before the Day of God’s Wrath and the Battle of Armageddon.
Partial Rapture = The Rapture will occur before the seven year tribulation for those that are ready. Others will be tested to verify their faith and there will be multiple raptures throughout the Tribulation.
This is referred to as the Firstfruits Rapture. According this view:
Why a Special Rapture?
The concept of the Firstfruits Rapture is the variety of resurrections and raptures in the Bible. Enoch and Elijah were both translated into heaven without seeing death. The Head of the Church, Jesus Christ, has already been resurrected and is currently in heaven performing his function as our High Priest (Heb. 3:1-2). These easily understood truths pave the way for a more detailed understanding of the two phases in the rapture of the Church.
The doctrine of the Firstfruits Rapture is closely related to the doctrines of Grace and Works. The doctrine of Grace pertains to the salvation of the spirit, and the legal term justification is the most descriptive term of what took place at the moment of salvation. Positional sanctification has also been used to describe the believer’s position in Christ as a saved individual. By contrast, the doctrine of Works is related to the believer’s spiritual growth and maturity, and the most frequently used term for this process is sanctification or progressive sanctification. 1 Peter 1:9 calls this progressive sanctification the “salvation of the soul.”
2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to “rightly divide” the Word. The difference between Grace and Works is one of the most fundamental divisions in Scripture. By grace our spirits are saved by faith in Christ. We then have positional sanctification. Our souls are being saved by obedience to Christ. We are being progressively sanctified. This progressive sanctification will determine our reward and final standing in the Kingdom of God. The following Scriptures refer to this process of progressive sanctification:
Phil 1:6 (KJV) Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
1 Peter 4:19 (KJV) Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing as unto a Faithful Creator.
James 1:21 (KJV) Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
The Firstfruits Rapture can probably best be described as a special entrance into heaven before the trials of the tribulation start. It is an exemption from the final exam for those Christians who have already demonstrated their Christian maturity during the course of this life. The following Scriptures describe this exemption:
2 Peter 1:10-11 (KJV) Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if you do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Luke 21:36 (KJV) Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
In the 2 Peter 1:10-11 passage we see again a reference to an “entrance” or door offered to those mature Christians who “give diligence” as characterized by the Philadelphia Church. Luke 21:29-36 is a scripture addressed to the Church. This Scripture is an exhortation for believers to pray that they would be accounted worthy to escape all seven years of the tribulation. The word “watch” refers specifically to a state of readiness or preparation for the Lord’s return.
The following Scripture describes the Firstfruits Rapture of the watchful Christian, but it is often misinterpreted as referring to a saved and an unsaved individual:
Mat 24:40-42 (KJV) Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
Preterist View: The “preterist” or “contemporary-historical” view, interprets the visions In Revelation as belonging primarily to the first century. The preterist view (the Latin word praeter means “past”) maintains that it is a symbolic description of the Roman persecution of the church, emperor worship, and the divine judgment of Rome. Some preterists advocate that Revelation is concerned solely with the destruction of Jerusalem, the temple, and the old era of apostate Judaism in a.d. 70. Everything in the Book of Revelation, with the one exception of the ultimate return of Christ, has already taken place.
Some hold to a different understanding of the ‘End Times’ which does not seem to include the Rapture of the Church. They believe a doctrine labeled One New Man (Jew & Gentile believers together) but believe that the One New Man will take the gospel to both through world evangelism. At that point, Jesus will return to earth at His Second Coming and establish His kingdom upon the earth. Those Christians who continue to assist the Jews during their time of sorrow will be ushered into the kingdom. For those Christians who do not help the Jews, they will be turned away!
Spiritualist View’s interpretation of 1 Thess.4:13-18 “BUT I WOULD NOT HAVE YOU IGNORANT, BRETHREN, CONCERNING THEM WHICH ARE ASLEEP (this Scripture is primarily about the departed/dead saints in Christ) THAT YE SORROW NOT, EVEN AS OTHERS WHICH HAVE NO HOPE (the Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection). FOR IF WE BELIEVE THAT JESUS DIED AND ROSE AGAIN (we all believe that), EVEN SO (in like manner) THEM ALSO WHICH SLEEP (are dead) IN JESUS WILL GOD BRING WITH HIM (Jesus). FOR THIS WE SAY UNTO YOU BY THE WORD OF THE LORD, THAT WE (Biblical believers) WHO ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN (on earth) UNTO THE COMING OF THE LORD SHALL NOT PREVENT (precede) (have any advantage over) THEM WHICH ARE ASLEEP. FOR THE LORD HIMSELF SHALL DESCEND FROM HEAVEN (Acts 1:11, Jesus went directly from earth to Heaven and shall return “in like manner” directly from Heaven to earth. No rapture back to heaven for a later third coming!) WITH A SHOUT, WITH THE VOICE OF THE ARCHANGEL, AND THE TRUMP(et) OF GOD: AND THE DEAD IN CHRIST SHALL RISE (Greek word, anistemi: to set up or be resurrected) FIRST: THEN WE WHO ARE ALIVE (“We shall not all die, but shall be changed/transformed/transfigured” (1 Cor 15:51) AND REMAIN (on the earth in the air (“aer”) SHALL BE CAUGHT UP (made one) (harpazo) TOGETHER (at the same time) WITH THEM (the dead in Christ) IN THE CLOUDS TO MEET THE LORD IN THE AIR (the “great cloud of witnesses” that will “be made perfect” with us on earth when Jesus brings their spirits “with Him” to be united with their bodies resurrected out of the ground “first” into the air [aer] with us in the air, on the surface of the earth): AND SO SHALL WE (for) EVER BE WITH THE LORD (in the air [aer] here ON earth forever). WHEREFORE, COMFORT (reassure) ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS.” (Notice, the Lord “descended from Heaven” before we are “caught up” to Him; just as the “New Jerusalem” came down to dwell with us–Rev. 21:2.)
Again their views include:
They teach that since the word “rapture” is nowhere to be found in the Bible, neither is it taught there. The word “rapture” really means “great joy, as in ecstasy, an overwhelming feeling absorbing the mind.” In other words, maybe the idea of being caught up can have more than one implication and meaning. There is no Scriptural support for a literal rapture. This escapist philosophy is pure fiction. They contend we are not taught to escape reality in the Scripture, but rather to face it knowing that God will work all things out for our good (Rom. 8:28-30).
We are moving from one place to another. We have been translated in the Spirit. We are being transformed, our soul. And we shall be transfigured, our body. The FULL journey is our destiny.
When Jesus Christ returned he gathered the elect of all the ages into his kingdom. We as believers now live in the kingdom of God. According to this view the purpose of the rapture, then, is not to remove the saints from the world prior to the final infidel persecution under the antichrist, but to gather them to Christ spiritually at His coming to execute judgment in the earth that He might be glorified in them and marveled at by them (2 Thess. 1:10). He will be glorified in their being manifested in glory with Him and acting as co-adjudicators and co-regents with Him (Col. 3:4)
According to this view: We are awaiting the LAST/SEVENTH Trumpet. The final trumpet is the TIME table. The LAST trumpet heralds the RETURN of our Lord Jesus, the RAISING from the dead those who are asleep in CHRIST. When we will be gathered together to HIM who IS Coming to RULE the NATIONS of EARTH~
(Matthew 24:29-31 KJV) , (Luke 17:26-30 KJV) &(John 17:15 KJV) all verify this.
The rapture is happening within you. Jesus is appearing in His Body.
(Mat 24:23) Then if anyone says to you, Behold, here is the Christ! Or, Here! Do not believe.
(2Co 5:16) So as we now know no one according to flesh, but even if we have known Christ according to flesh, yet now we no longer know Him so.
For this view these verses take on a different meaning:
(1Th 4:16-17) For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall ever be with the Lord.
The good news is, “THE DEAD IN CHRIST M-U-S-T RISE FIRST” (to that POSITION OF SONSHIP TO GOD) then we who are alive and remain will join them “IN THE CLOUDS” of HEAVEN to NOURISH THE EARTH with RAIN FROM ABOVE.
The book of Revelation tells of seven trumpets sounded by seven angelic beings at the end of the age. The drama builds through each event announced by a trumpet blast until the seventh and final angel sounds. His announcement is the finale, the last and greatest event: The return of Jesus Christ to inaugurate the Kingdom of God on earth.
“Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’” (Revelation 11:15).
“The last trumpet” announces Christ’s return to rule over the earth. The messages of Revelation along with Matthew 24 shows that the timing is critical; that human governments are in the process of destroying the earth. Jesus comes not only for spiritual salvation, but also to save humankind from destroying itself.
Christ comes to the earth at the time described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 to fulfill the countless prophecies about the coming of the Messiah, the King of Kings, to save the world. They say it is unreasonable to say that He comes briefly only to leave, not to return for years!
The ancient prophecy of Zechariah confirms the immediacy of Christ’s intervention on the heels of history’s greatest crisis.
“Behold, the day of the LORD is coming…For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; the city shall be taken, the houses rifled, and the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, but the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then the LORD will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives” (Zechariah 14:1-4).
Throughout the Bible, “the Day of the LORD” refers to the time of God’s intervention in human affairs. It does not come subtly, stretched out over years, but rather with suddenness and with force. This is the precise sense of the Greek word translated “shall be caught up” in 1 Thessalonians 4:16.
Quote from John Pitts Jr., “How can you miss out on that which you carry on the inside. Heaven is a dimension it goes where you go! Jesus teaches us in Mat 6:10 our declaration is, His Kingdom come His will be done IN EARTH (in US before on earth-2 Cor 4:7) as it is (now) in heaven! From the place WE are presently sitting WE release what God has placed in US! Mat 10:8; Eph 2:6.”
No Rapture view proclaims that Jesus Christ is held in the heavenlies until the restoration of all things.
(Act 3:20-21) And He shall send Jesus Christ, who before was proclaimed to you, whom Heaven truly needs to receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of His holy prophets since the world began.
They give these evidences that Jesus Christ is not coming back physically until these things happen
LAST ENEMY MADE GOD’S FOOTSTOOL
Ps. 110:101 The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” Acts 2:35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” Heb. 10:12-13 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. See also Eph. 4:13, Heb. 10:12-13, James 5:7, Matt. 24:42-44; 25:13, Mark 13:33-37, Luke 12:40; 21:34-36, Eph. 6:18, 1 pet. 4:7.
THE RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS
(Act 3:20-21) 20 “and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom Heaven truly needs to receive (retain) Gk. 2983- of that which when taken is not let go,) until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of His holy prophets since the world began.
3.UNTIL WE ALL COME TO THE UNITY OF THE FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD, TO THE MEASURE OF THE STATURE OF THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST
Ephesians 4:11-16 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
CHURCH BE CLEANSED, GLORIOUS, WITHOUT SPOT OR WRINKLE
(Eph 5:25b-27) even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it 9 the church)with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present it to Himself as the glorious church, without spot or wrinkle or any such things, but that it should be holy and without blemish.
THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM MUST BE PREACHED AS A WITNESS TO ALL NATIONS
(Mat 24:14) And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
The gospel of the kingdom incorporates:
First, the promise of eternal life for all who receive God’s King as Lord and Savior (John 3:16-19, 33-36).
Second, it also contains the promise of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling (Acts 2:38; Rom. 8:9-11) and empowering (John 7:38-39; Acts 1:8). With the Spirit’s enabling, each “witness” (agent or representative of the kingdom) can minister the gospel in the power of the Lord, assured that the gospel proclaimed will be confirmed by the gospel demonstrated through “signs following” (Mark 16:15-20).
Finally, the gospel of the kingdom promises that ultimately the King shall come again to consummate the rule of God upon the earth (Rev. 19:11-16; 20:1-6). Then all who believe and follow Him shall dwell forever in the eternal kingdom with Christ and the Father (John 14:1-6; Rev. 20:7-21:27)
The important thing is that we do those things now that give glory unto God and the things that we would want Christ to find us doing at his return, as the truth that we can not know the hour of his return.
I agree that you should not have an escapist mentality. You should not be thinking about getting out of here but focus on enlarging the Kingdom while you’re here, being about the Father’s business. Pray that you become so full of Him that He flows out of you soaking those around you.
THE LORD APPEARS IN THE SAINTS BEFORE HE APPEARS IN THE AIR, RAPTURED IN HIS PRESENCE.
Views on the Millennium
Post millennial- Jesus will return after the millennium
A millennial- There will be no literal 1000 year reign.
Premillennial- Jesus will return before the millennium.
Historic classic premillennialism was the position of the Church fathers, most notably Ignatius (c. 35-107) and Polycarp (c. 69-155). Also Papias (c.60-130), the close friend of Ignatius; all were discipled by John the author or Revelation.
Many other questions are brought to view about the millennial. When do the 1000 year reign occur? Where do Jesus and His saints reign?
Biblical Texts referring to the Millennium:
Rev. 2:26-27- Overcomers will rule the nations
Rev. 5:10- The redeemed will reign on the Earth
1 Cor. 6:2- Christians will administer justice
Luke 19:17-19- Rule over 10 cities, rule over 5 cities
Acts 1:6-7- Kingdom will be restored to Israel
Matt. 2:2- Jesus born King of the Jews
Luke 23:38- Jesus died King of the Jews
Matt. 19:28- Jesus and the 12 will sit on thrones judging Israel
Matt. 5:5- The meek will inherit the earth
Dan. 7:13-14- Saints rising from the earth to receive
17:27- and possess the kingdom
Zech. 14:16-19- Nations will come to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles
Another view on the snatching away: by Martin Zender
I believe that Jesus Christ will descend from heaven, for that’s what 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4, clearly says He will do. I believe that the dead in Christ will be rising first. I believe that those who are alive at that time will be snatched away. This is the Scriptural term: “snatched away.” These people will be snatched away, then, not raptured. (Looking up these words in the dictionary, I find them to mean: “snatched away”).
I believe that these people will rise (which means “to go up”) to meet the Lord in the air (which is what we breathe), in clouds (which are “masses of visible vapor”). The passage is plain enough. What is to keep mature believers from believing it?
Three things. Because of what the Christian religion has done with this passage, many serious-minded saints simply cannot swallow a literal rendering. Secondly, along this same line, some saints equate “literal” with “unspiritual.” Thus, these serious-minded people constantly seek secret, allegorical meanings to plain, literal passages.
For instance, even though clouds are often found in the air, and the same word, nephele, is used by Jesus in Luke 12:54 to describe what produces a rainstorm, these allegory-minded believers take the clouds of 1 Thessalonians to be clouds of saints. Hm. These do produce rainstorms on occasion, but only during church picnics.
Only once in the New Testament is nephele used figuratively. In Hebrews 12:1, we read of a cloud of witnesses. But a rule of Scriptural interpretation (for those who care for rules) is: literal if possible. As the saints of 1 Thessalonians are rising to meet the Lord in the air, a literal rendering of nephele is not only possible, but probable.
The cloud that led Israel in the wilderness, though physical, was as spiritual as could be. It was spiritual, not in its molecular structure, but in that God employed it for His purposes. This cloud served as a divine guidepost. The clouds of 1 Thessalonians? These hide heavenly doings from the gaze of earthlings. It is as spiritual as can be.
As for rising in the air to meet the Lord, the dead rising first, and the saints always being together with the Lord, I have not been initiated into the “secret, allegorical meanings” of these phrases. Neither have I any idea how one could be disappointed in the literal rendering, or be desirous of a more spiritual chain of events than those listed. You just can’t please some people, I guess.
Thirdly, many believers fail to distinguish the body of Christ from the bride of the Lambkin. That is, they do not appreciate the different destinies of Israel saints and proselytes (Israel “wannabees”)—who embrace the evangel of the Circumcision—and the mix of Jews and Greeks who embrace Paul’s evangel of the Uncircumcision (see Galatians 2:7). Without this key, many doors just won’t open. One of them is the door to the glory of 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4.
Not all living people who believe in Jesus when He descends from heaven will be snatched from Earth’s tribulation to meet Him in the air. (If the number of those who embrace the evangel of Paul today is any indication of how many will embrace it then, the number will be very small and the event very quiet; the vast majority of believers today are Circumcision believers. So forget, if you can, the pilotless jetliner scenario of page 2). Scripture clearly states (in Revelation, chapter 7) that there are to be a hundred forty-four thousand out of Israel, sealed on their foreheads, whom God will preserve through (not out of) the day of indignation. Concurrently, a “vast throng” (Revelation 7:9) of saints will have attained martyrdom, precluding any possibility of them being snatched from harm’s way.
Now, if one assumes the saints of Revelation, chapter 7 to be the same saints of 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4, one must “spiritualize away” the clear teaching of 1 Thessalonians, to make it fit the clear teaching of Revelation.
May the reader of these lines now realize that these two passages are not meant to fit, but are rather describing the distinct destinies of two distinct peoples, or groups of believers. Israel is to become “a kingdom and a priesthood for God,” and “they shall be reigning on the earth” (Revelation 5:10). This is the “bride company,” the “kingdom saints,” the “overcomers,” whatever you want to call them. Those of Christ’s body, however, shall be “displaying the transcendent riches of His grace among the celestials” (Ephesians 2:6-7). This is a different realm altogether.
Everything should now make sense. The saints of Christ’s body are snatched away in the air and transferred to the realm of their ministry. It’s practical. Kingdom saints who live through the day of indignation remain on the earth, for Earth becomes their place of business for the eon.
What to do until Jesus comes back literally/physically:
WATCH AND PRAY
Matt. 24:42 “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.43 “But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.44 “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Matt. 25:13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. Mark 13:33 “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.34 “It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch.35 “Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning—36 “lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping.37 “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch! ”Eph. 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—1 Pet. 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
BE READY
Luke 12:40“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Luke 21:34-36“But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.35 “For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.36 “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
KEEP UNITY
Eph. 4:3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
BE PATIENT
James5:7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.
OCCUPY, DO BUSINESS AND INCREASE
The parable of the nobleman:
(Luke 19:12-13) He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
The word occupy means to busy oneself, to trade, to do kingdom business AND TO INCREASE, until He comes.
Believers in Jesus Christ should never break fellowship about such things as the timing of the rapture of the church or lack of rapture. Mature Christians can have different viewpoints as to the timing of such events as the rapture, the tribulation, and the Second Coming. There are many different views held by sincere believers in Christ. As we also stated in reference to the rapture, we must remember that, particularly in regard to prophecies of the end times, we see throughv a glass darkly, and topics of such uncertain interpretation should never be a division between believers.
When asked my opinion on all the rapture or non- rapture views I always say: “Wherever Jesus is, that is where I am going to be.” Whether we are raptured literally or walk into His Kingdom, the point is to be ready, occupy and do business (increase) until He comes.