Closing Statements

Revelation 22:6-21

“And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.  Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” (Revelation 22:6-7)

Once again the angel reminded John that the things he has seen are from the same God who inspired the Old Testament prophets.  God has sent his angels so that his people can know what is going to happen, and can do what is necessary to prepare for those events.  Those who take action on the  warnings in this book will be blessed for doing so. 

“And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things.  Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.” (Revelation 22:8-9)

After all he had seen, John felt compelled to bow down and worship the angel that had showed him all these things. But the angel again forbade his doing so.  Once again he insisted he is only a fellow servant and not superior to the prophets or those who obey God’s word.  Worship is to be reserved for God only.

“And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.  He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” (Revelation 22:10-13)

John was instructed to leave these prophecies open so they were available to any who cared to look because the time was close enough they need to know.  It will not change people’s relationship with God.  Those who serve god will be serving him anyway, while those who do not will continue to not serve him.  When he comes it will be fast enough they will not be able to fake serving him, and the rewards will already be ready.

“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.  For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” (Revelation 22:14-15)

Those who have been obedient to God will be given access to the tree of life and the privilege of entering the new city of Jerusalem.  Those who keep turning back to their past sin and witchcraft or other religions, or are involved with sexual sin, murders, or deliberate deceit will not ba allowed such access. 

“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.  And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.“ (Revelation 22:16-17)

Revelation 1 told us this was the Revelation by Jesus Christ of the things which were to come.  Jesus again identifies himself as the sender of the message, and repeats his offer of salvation to anyone who will come to him. 

“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:18-19)

Anyone who changes the book will bring God’s judgment on himself.  If he adds to the message, he will experience all the plagues that are promised to those who do not believe God.  If he denies part of what God has said in the book, his place in the Book of Life will be blotted out, and he will not be saved.  He will lose any part of the promises to God’s people. 

“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20-21)

The Lord reminds us again his coming will be sudden and unexpected.  True believers will not be concerned about a lack of advance notice.  They will simply enjoy his blessings on their lives while they wait.

Construction of the City

Revelation 21:18-22:5

“And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.  And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.  And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.” (Revelation 21:18-21)

The wall of the city was of polished jasper stone.  The city itself was constructed of gold so pure it is like looking at fine glass.  The twelve foundations of the wall were each overlaid with precious or semi-precious stone.  Each of the twelve gates will be made of a single huge pearl. 

“And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.  And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” (Revelation 21:22-23)

There is no need for a temple or priests to pray to God because he and his son are right there all the time.  In fact they provide the light so the sun never needs to shine. 

“And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.  And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.  And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.  And there shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.” (Revelation 21:24-27)

All those who have been saved before the Lord throughout the ages, including the Millennium will live in the light of that great city, treating it as their capitol.  The gates never close because there will be no night there and people come to the city freely.  No diseases or people who do things against god aor deceives people will ever be allowed into the city, but only those whose names have been written in the book of life.

“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.   In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:1-2)

Out of the throne of God and of Christ flows a river of the water of life.  On each side of the river, along the streets are rows of the tree of life.  These trees produce twelve different kinds of fruit and every month some of the fruit ripens so that there is never a time of food shortage.    The leaves of the trees cure any health problems the different peoples may have.   

“And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.  And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 22:3-5)

The curses that resulted from Adam and Eve’s sin will be removed from the earth, so that sin will no longer separate between man and God.  They can see God’s face and live, and he provides the light they need.  They will live with him forever, as kings and priests.

New Jerusalem

Revelation 21:1-17

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” (Revelation 21:1)

II Peter 3: 10 states, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up,” and as we saw, when mankind again chooses to follow Satan rather than God, he will destroy the universe we know with fire, burning away every vestige of sin.  He will start over.

Isaiah 65:17 declares, “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.”    II Peter 3:13 refers to that promise, saying, “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” The new earth will be very different from the earth we know today, but we won’t even miss this old one.

The first thing we notice about the new earth is that there is no more sea.  Today two thirds of the earth’s surface is covered by ocean.   One function of the ocean is to serve as heat storage, moderating the earth’s temperature swings, releasing heat when the temperature drops and absorbing it when it rises.  Without the ocean our temperature swings between day and night and through the seasons would be much more extreme than they are now.    The new earth will not need such a moderating influence, so apparently there will be less extremes of temperature. 

“And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.  And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:2-4}

The mansions Christ promised us in heaven will come to earth as the city of New Jerusalem, completely refurbished and decorated like a bride fixed up in her wedding dress.  God will establish his throne in the city, living among the people and having personal contact.  There will be no more regrets or sorrows, nor will there be any more death or pain.  All the things that caused those things will be burned away when the earth is destroyed.

“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.  And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Revelation 21:5-7)

At this point God’s plan will be complete.  God himself will have made everything new, and these things are definitely going to happen because God is doing them.  Salvation is available to anyone who is willing to ask for it.  Those who accept his salvation, refusing the temptations the world offers will inherit the things god and prepared and be accepted as one of God’s beloved children.

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)

Those who are afraid to place their trust in God or chose not to believe in him, and those who have deliberately refused to live by his standard will all be cast into the lake of fire.  This includes all those who deliberately try to be offensive, those who have deliberately ignored God’s sexual plan, whether by promiscuity, homosexuality, or by sexual abuse.   People who have killed others deliberately, those who have refused to worship God himself, and those who have tried to deceive others about God, and all those who deliberately lie will be cast into the eternal fire of Judgment.  They will never escape it.

“And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.  And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.  And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:9-14)

Often driving at night, you will see the glow of a city’s lights even though hills or mountains keep you from seeing the city itself.  As the angel took John up a mountain to see the city he saw a similar glow about it, like a clear jasper stone with a light shining through it.  Around the city was a great wall.  There were three gates on each side, with an angel identified by one of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel serving as the doorman or greeter.  The wall of the city rested on twelve foundations, each marked as a memorial to one of the twelve apostles.   

“And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.  And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.  And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.” (Revelation 21:15-17)

The wall forms a square fifteen hundred miles on each side, or about the distance from New York City to Oklahoma City.  The wall is also fifteen hundred miles tall, and a hundred forty four cubits or about two hundred twenty feet thick.  

The Millennium and Judgment

Revelation 20:4-15

“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:4)

In Revelation 4 we saw the twenty four elders on the thrones of which twelve are the twelve apostles who are to judge the tribes of Israel.  In chapter six we saw the souls of those who were killed for their testimony in Christ.  I Thessalonians 4:16-17 said that all God’s people will also be present.  For a thousand years they will be with the Lord, participating in the marriage supper of the Lamb, and his awards banquet.  For a thousand years he will maintain his kingdom here on earth, known as the Millennial Kingdom.   Isaiah 11:4-9 describes conditions during the Millennium.

“But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.  And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.  And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.  And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den.  They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:4-9)

For a thousand years, things will be almost like God made them at creation with all the animals again being vegetarians, and sin punished by death immediately.  People will know God and his hatred of sin and will be afraid to disobey.  

“But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:5-6)

The first resurrection is when the believers are resurrected.  Those resurrected at that time are assured of a place with God and will not have to go through the Judgment,  Instead they will reign with him as kings and priests forever as Revelation 1:5-6 tells us.  The unsaved, however will not be resurrected until the end of the millennium. 

“And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.  And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.” (Revelation 20:7-9)

After a thousand years of imprisonment. Satan will be released for a short time, to go out and give the nations a choice whether they will follow Christ or Satan.  After a thousand year with no crime or war or disease, the same nations that followed the king of the North listed in Ezekiel 38-39 will again follow Satan.  By doing so they demonstrate again mankind’s deliberate choice of evil over Good.    This time there will be no battle. 

Instead God will just send fire from heaven that will destroy the entire earth.  II Peter 3:10 describes what happens.  “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”  God will have sterilized the entire universe, eliminating any trace of corruption or evil.

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10)

At that time Satan will be cast into the Lake of fire and molten rock along with the Antichrist and the false prophet.  He is just as much a prisoner as anyone else, and will suffer the torment of the flame forever and ever, similar to what a person who has been severely burned may suffer in a burn unit while waiting for death, except they will never die. 

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15)

All the people who lived and were not at the first resurrection will be resurrected and stand before the Great White Throne of judgment.   They will be judged on their attitudes toward God, as demonstrated by what they said according to Matthew 12:35-37.   “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.   For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”  These things will demonstrate the justness of their judgment. 

The book of life will also be opened, and each person’s name checked to verify they have not had their sins forgiven.  Those who have believed in Christ have their names permanently inscribed in the Book of Life, but the names of those who have not are blotted out according to Revelation 3:5.  For those who have believed, their sins were blotted out of the other books according to Acts 3:19 and Colossians 2:14.  This is why John 3:18 could say, “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”  For those who have believed there is no record of their sin, but for the unbelievers, their sins are recorded. 

The Battle Of Armageddon

Revelation 19:1-20:3

“And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.  And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.” (Revelation 19:1-3)

Revelation 18:20 said, “Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.”  These verses describe the rejoicing the God has punished the system that has corrupted and misled people for thousands of years with the focus on other gods, and causing millions of God’s people to be murdered.  Those who have suffered at her hand are like victims of a rapist of other criminal, just glad they will never do it to anyone else.

“And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.  And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.  And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.” (Revelation 19:4-8)

When Babylon is destroyed things are almost ready for the marriage supper of the lamb.  At this point the Christians have separated prepared themselves to meet their Lord, having demonstrated their faith in serving him under adverse circumstances during the Tribulation.  In the parable of the ten virgins, the bridegroom’s coming has just been announced.  Any who are not completely ready at this point in time will miss out.

“And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Revelation 19:9-10)

In parable of the ten virgins and the one about the king who had to invite the street people to his son’s wedding, there were those who were not allowed in because they were not ready.  Those who were prepared got to enjoy every part of the feast however.  Those who are allowed into the Marriage Supper of the Lamb will experience all the glories of Christ’s kingdom.  The angel assures John that this is actually what God has declared.

When he heard that, John fell down to worship him as an emissary from God.  The angel forbid him to do so, declaring that he was only a servant of God as well and a spiritual brother to all who spread the gospel.  Everyone who bears true testimony to Christ has the same spirit that empowered this angel or the prophets to speak the word of God.   Only God is to be worshipped, not his representatives.  God hates the doctrine and practices of the Nicolaitanes.

“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.  His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” (Revelation 19:11-13)

The next thing John saw was the Lord Jesus Christ coming to judge and destroy the people of earth.  He is the living Word of God and his clothing is dipped in blood.  He comes as the king of all the nations of the world.

“And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.  And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.  And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 19:14)

The Christians have been resurrected and join the Lord’s army, wearing their robes of righteousness and riding white horses.  They will be strictly observers as the Lord himself will destroy the enemies with the words of his mouth.  The angel has reaped the people who don’t believe and cast them into the winepress in the valley of Armegeddon.  It is there that they will be squeeze out and the blood will run for two hundred miles, in places reaching the depth of the horses’ bridles. 

“And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.” (Revelation 19:17-18)

The scavengers are called from around the world to help dispose of the bodies of all those slain in the valley of Armageddon. Ezekiel 39 tells us it will take seven month of full time work to bury all the dead.

“And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.  And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.  And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.” (Revelation 19:19-21)

The armies of the world will be gathered by the Antichrist in a last ditch effort to defeat Christ.  The Euphrates River has already been dried up to make it easy for the eastern countries to come while those of the west will come by sea.  The Antichrist, and the false prophet will be taken and cast alive into the lake of fire, a pool of molten lava giving off sulfur fumes.  They will not even be given a trial as there is no question of their guilt.  All the rest will be killed by the sword of the Lord, and their bodies eaten by the scavengers. 

“And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.  And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.” (Revelation 20:1-3)

The Dragon, Satan will be arrested and restrained for a thousand years in the bottomless pit.  He will be unable to communicate with the world for a thousand years so he can’t mislead them anymore.   When he has served his thousand year sentence he will be released, but will only be free for a little time before re-offending. 

The Destruction Of Babylon

Revelation 18:1-24

“And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.  And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” (Revelation 18:1-2)

Another angel appears whose glory is so great he light the whole earth, announcing the destruction of Babylon.  His description of its destruction is a fulfillment of Isaiah 13:19-22.  “And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.  It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.  But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there.  And the wild beasts of the islands shall cry in their desolate houses, and dragons in their pleasant palaces: and her time is near to come, and her days shall not be prolonged.”  When Babylon is destroyed by God it will never again be inhabited by people, not even by a wandering Arab shepherd. 

“For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.” (Revelation 18:3)

False religion originated in Babylon when they built the tower of Babel as a way to reach heaven without god in Genesis 11.  In Daniel 3 they threatened to kill any who didn’t bow to the golden statue.  Under the false prophet they will again force people to worship their false god according to Revelation 13:15.  “And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” 

All the nations of the world will yield to Babylon’s demands in an effort to gain the financial and political benefits of associating with her, including her religious demands.  Jeremiah 51:7 says, “Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD'S hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad.”  Even the so-called “Christian” nations will give up their personal freedoms for Babylon’s approval.  The result will be a period of worldwide prosperity. 

“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.  For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.  Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.” (Revelation 18:4-6)

Christians and Jews will be drawn to Babylon because of her prosperity.  God warns not to fall for the allure because God is going to judge her.  If they go, they risk falling into the same mindset as Lot in Sodom, losing his own moral standards and his testimony with his family.  God warned the church of Thyatira of the consequences of going along with false religion.

“How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.  Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.” (Revelation 18:7-8)

Because they will be so powerful politically, Babylon will think they have everything under control and will be shocked and unprepared to protect themselves from attack.  Their defenses will be completely destroyed and the city burned.  They will be unable to save anything. 

“And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.” (Revelation 18:9-10)

The governments of that day will be upset when Babylon is destroyed because it will mean the loss of much of their influence.  At the same time they will hate her demands, eventually destroying her to get out from under her domination.  Revelation 17:16-17 says, “And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.  For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.”  Babylon will be destroyed for her abuse of power, and no one will come to her rescue because they are afraid the others will turn on them.

“And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more: The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.  And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.” (Revelation 18:11-14)

Babylon will be the biggest market for all kinds of luxuries, and every day goods.  They will trade for everything including livestock, weapons, slaves, and religious beliefs of men.  When Babylon is destroyed all those markets will disappear.   The entire world’s economy will suffer a tremendous recession as a result.

 “The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!  For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off, And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!  And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.” (Revelation 18:15-19)

The recession affects not only the producers, but the lack of demand affects to fuel producers and the shipping companies.  The whole world will regret the decision to eliminate Babylon, realizing it has caused many of their problems.   

“Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.” (Revelation 18:20)

Those who have suffered most as a result of Babylon’s power and wickedness will be free to rejoice over her destruction. Knowing she has received fitting judgment and will never again harm other people. 

“And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.  And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.” (Revelation 18:21-24)

When it is destroyed, Babylon will never be occupied.  The prophecies of Isaiah 13 and 14, and of Jeremiah 50 and 51 will be fulfilled.

Babylon The Great

Revelation 17:1-18

“And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.  And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.  And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. ” (Revelation 17:1-6)

One of the angels came to John and offered to explain the destruction of Babylon to him.   The vision John saw is of a woman being carried by a beast having seven heads and ten horns.  The woman is dressed lavishly, as a rich prostitute, decked with gifts from her lovers and drinking a golden goblet of wine.  She is identified three different ways.  First  she is called “Mystery”, and Proverbs 5:6 warns that a prostitute doesn’t want people to know what she is really doing,  “Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them.”  

She is also called “Babylon the Great”.  While many have interpreted this passage to refer to Rome, only one city has ever been known as Babylon the Great.  Finally she is called the “Mother of harlots and abominations of the earth.”  False religion started in Babylon with the construction of the tower of Babel, known to history as the temple of Marduk.  Anthropologists link the world wide stories of the flood to the Babylonian version known as the Gilgamesh Epic, and many of the gods of religions around the world are based on the ancient Babylonian gods. 

Throughout history, false religion has sold itself to political leaders, changing their beliefs to fit the desires of the system they live support.  It has been responsible for some of the most horrible wars in history, with many directed against the people of God.  Under the Assyrians, the Babylonians, and the Greeks, Babylon forced the religion of the day on her subject peoples.  America was settled by people seeking to escape religious persecution on behalf or rulers seeking greater power, and the present Jihad movement in the Middle East is just such a conflict. 

“And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.  The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.  And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.  And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.” (Revelation 17:7-11)

John was amazed by the richness and beauty of the woman.  The angel explains what the different things mean and that it shouldn’t cause any surprise.  As he explains, the beast with the seven heads represents a satanic system of government.  It is founded on seven different empires of history, the seven mountains or kings.  Five had already had their day, The Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Persians, the Greeks, and the Parthians or Selucids.   The Roman empire was in power and the eastern part would remain until about 565 AD.  The Byzantine  or sixth Empire ruled only a short time before being pushed out by Moslem forces around 650 BC.  Under all those empires, Babylon was a major religious center, even after they had lost their political power.  The Antichrist’s government arises out of the same Satanic philosophy and is part of the same plan.

“And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.  These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.  These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (Revelation 17:12-14)

The Empire at the end of time will be divided into ten geographic and political districts with their own governments, answerable to the central government similar to the states in the United States.  According to Ezekiel 38:13, some of them oppose the actions taken in the Middle east, and Daniel 7:24 tells us that the Antichrist will personally take control of them, eliminating any opposition.  They will be united in their opposition to Christ and will follow the Antichrist in his attempt to take God’s place.

“And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.  And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.  For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.  And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:15-18)

The water where the woman is carried by the beast is comprised of the various political, religious and ethnic groups around the world.  Though the political powers have used the prostitute, false religion, they hate her demands and power over them.  When the opportunity arises they will turn on her, fulfilling God’s prophecy against Babylon, as found in Isaiah 13 and 14, and Jeremiah 50 and 51. 

The Seven Last Plagues

Revelation 15:1-16:21

“And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.

And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.  And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.  Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.” (Revelation 15:1-4)

The events described here seem to happen between the time the Lord takes out his and the angel casts the wicked into the winepress.  The ones who have gone through the tribulation without yielding to Antichrist are standing on the sea or lake of glass with flames mixed in and shining through it.  They are all playing harps, and singing songs of praise, thanking God for his wonderful plan and rejoicing that all nations will finally acknowledge him as God.

“And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.

And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.  And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.  And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.” (Revelation 15:5-16:1)

Next John saw the temple in heaven opened again and the angels having the seven last plagues of God’s wrath sent out.  They are instructed to empty the vials or containers on the earth. 

 “And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.” (Revelation 16:2)

The first plague is like lesions or boils on the skin of every person who has accepted the mark of the beast or worshipped his image.  They are oozing pus and smell horrible, in addition to being very painful, and make people miserable.  This resembles the plague of boils in Exodus 9:8-11.

“And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man; and every living soul died in the sea.   And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.” (Revelation 16:3-4)

The second angel empties his plague on the ocean and the water congeals like a dead person’s blood clots in the veins within a few hours.  Unable to swim or get oxygen, every animal in the ocean died.  The third angel poured his plague on the fresh water, and it all turned to blood. 

“And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.  For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.  And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.” (Revelation 16:5-7)

Because they have been so bloodthirsty, murdering God’s people the angels consider it only fair that the people be given nothing but blood to drink.  The plague is reminiscent of the plague in Egypt in Exodus 7:14-25, when the waters of the Nile turned to blood, killing the fish and making the river stink.  This time, however, it is all the fresh water.

“And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.  And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.” (Revelation 16:8-9)

Earlier, the sun had been blocked by smoke and ash and the length of the days changed.  Now the it is like there is a huge solar flare that intensifies the heat the sun put out people are not only sunburned but physically burned by the heat.  People are miserable and curse God because of the heat, rather than asking him to forgive them. 

“And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.” (Revelation 16:10-11)

The fifth angel pours his vial over the Antichrists capitol, and the sky is blacked out completely, but does not shield them from the heat.  Already suffering from thirst and sores and the heat, and unable to produce enough electricity to run their air conditioning, people become even more resentful and irritable, but they still don’t acknowledge their sin.  This plague resembles the plague of darkness described in Exodus 10:21-23.

“And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.” (Revelation 16:12)

The Euphrates River has been running since the beginning of the world and has supplied Babylon with water since the tower of Babel was built.  When the sixth angel pours out his plague the Euphrates river stops running in preparation for the Eastern nations to participate in the final attack on Jerusalem. 

“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come 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.” (Revelation 16:13-14)

The devil, the Antichrist, and the false prophet all conspire to incite the entire world to final attempt to defeat God’s plan in a concerted attack on Christ.   Zechariah 14:3 says, “Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.”

“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” (Revelation 16:15)

Once again we are reminded that there will be no advance warning signs of the Lord’s coming.  Those who have accepted and faithfully served him will be prepared and have nothing to worry about.  Those who have not trusted him will be revealed in all their shame. 

“And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.  And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.  And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.  And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.” (Revelation 16:17-21)

With all the armies of the world gathered in the valley of Armageddon, the last angel pours out the last plague and announces the end.  When he does, there is the biggest earthquake the world has ever seen, accompanied by what seems to be a massive thunderstorm.  Jerusalem is divided into three parts, and the capitols of all the nations collapse.  The islands are shaken into the sea, and the mountains displaced by the violence of the earthquake.  To top it all off, there is a hailstorm with hailstones weighing seventy five pounds each, that destroys almost everything that survives the earthquake.  Babylon will  also be judged by God.

End Of Antichrist’s Reign.

Revelation 14:1-20

“And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.  And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.  These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.  And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” (Revelation 14:1-5)

Next John saw the hundred forty four thousand standing on mount Zion with the Lord.  Each one has the identifying seal or mark of the name of God written in their forehead.  These are the ones described in Revelation 7.  There is a multitude of musicians playing a song in heaven on harps but the only humans who can learn it are the hundred forty four thousand who have been faithful to God during the antichrist’s reign.  They are Jewish young men who have not surrendered to natural desires, but have chosen to follow Christ in every situation, even at the risk of their own lives.   They have had their sins forgiven and stand before God without fault, just as every Christian will, but these are the first fruits, the first ones harvested.    

“And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” (Revelation 14:6-7)

In this vision, and angel spreads the gospel to every people on earth, warning them of the judgment to come and the need to worship and obey God.  In Revelation 11, we saw the two witnesses who will be heard around the world, and this appears to reference the preaching.   Romans 1:18-20 says, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.  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.”  Mankind has never had an excuse for not knowing God, but he will make an extra effort to be sure they don’t in that day. 

“And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” (Revelation 14:8)

The first record of Babel declares it part of Nimrod’s kingdom in Genesis 10.  It became known as Babel after God confounded the languages to stop their building the tower and rejecting his command.  A king Named Belus claimed Babel in 2284 BC.   Later, the Akkadian king Sargon claimed Babel.  It was occupied by many groups before Nebuchadnezzar became emperor, about 605 BC.  It was subsequently conquered by the Persians, and by the Greeks in 331 BC.

After Alexander the Great’s death in 323 BC, the Greek Empire was split between his generals, with Babylon going to the Seleucid dynasty.   In 275 the Seleucid Empire moved its capitol to Seleucia and Babylon was left with ony a very small population.  Peter spoke of the church at Babylon in I Peter 5:13.  “The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son.”  It remained an important center of Christianity until after 650 AD, when the Moslem religion largely took over the region. In the 1800’s a village still occupied the site when archaeologists began excavation.

In 1983, Saddam Hussein commenced reconstruction of the city of Babylon, but was forced to stop in 2003 by the gulf war.  In 2006, the UN committed themselves to restoring the city, and it was opened for tourism in 2009.  This is in accord with the passage in Zechariah 5:5-15 which indicates the city will be rebuilt.  Near the end of the Antichrist’s reign, the angel announces the destruction of Babylon.  Another angel warns of the danger of worshiping the beast or accepting his mark. 

“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” (Revelation 14:9-12)

God will pour out his wrath on those who have worshiped the Antichrist and his statue, receiving his mark as indicators of their worship.  They will experience the eternal flame and suffering Jesus foretold repeatedly.  The Christian faith is again said to rest on the belief that the wicked will be judged.

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” (Revelation 14:13)

Right up to very end people will be dying for their faith in the Lord.  As the Holy spirit says, those who die are blessed because they no longer have to suffer and can rest.  They will not lose their rewards. 

“And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.  And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.” (Revelation 14:14-16)

The Lord had already reaped the first fruits, the hundred forty four thousand.  Now John saw him sitting on cloud waiting the signal to begin the harvest, with his sickle in his hand.  When another angel gave the signal, Jesus reaped his children immediately. 

“And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.  And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.  And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.  And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.” (Revelation 14:17-20)

An angel was then sent to reap the wicked for judgment.  He reaped them, and threw them into the winepress where they would be squeezed out, just outside the city.  The blood ran to the horse’s bridles, in places as much as thirty inches deep, for a distance of about two hundred miles.  

The False Prophet

Revelation 13:11-17

“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.  And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” (Revelation 13:11-12)

The second beast that appeared to John has two horns like lambs horn, symbolizing his power yet appearing relatively harmless.  At the same time, he speaks like the dragon, Satan and has access to the power Satan has given the first beast.  He works at getting people to worship the Antichrist and his government.  This second beast, like the first, is led and controlled by a single individual, but is actually a religious organization.  

From the Pharaohs of Egypt, to the Emperors of Japan and the queen of England or the Dalai Lama and the various Islamic sects today, rulers have used religion to strengthen their control of their people, and the antichrist will be no different.   In the Islamic tradition of the Mahdi, Jesus, the Masih or Messiah will come to Damascus, dressed in yellow robes.  He will join the Mahdi in eliminating evil.  He will slay the Dajjal or false religions and unite mankind, breaking the cross.  Though he does not believe in Allah, the Antichrist will use the Islamic religion to establish his kingdom.

“And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” (Revelation 13:13-14)

Posing as Jesus Christ, the false prophet will be able to do miraculous seeming things that impress many people, and convince them that he is the true Messiah.  As we were told earlier, he exercises all the powers of the Antichrist.  II Thessalonians 2:9-11 describes the powers he will exercise and their purpose.  “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.”

While he will have supernatural power, much of what the false prophet does is illusion such as some of our modern day magicians do.  God will cause those who have rejected him to be more suggestible so they fall more easily for the tricks. 

“And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” (Revelation 13:15)

One of the things that the false prophet will do is produce an image or figure of the beast that speaks, and execute anyone who will not worship the statue.  Having seen some of the very lifelike figures in some of the amusement parks, I suspect he will use some similar type of technology to protect the real man. 

“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: And 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.  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.” (Revelation 13:16-18)

Jews were required to wear a star and Nazi’s were expected to wear a swastika in Nazi Germany to identify them.  People wearing a swastika were able to obtain whatever was available, while those wearing stars were refused even basic food.  The false prophet will have similar authority, forbidding those who do not have the proper markings, either of a special sign, or the name or his id number on either their hand or their forehead. 

Today there is considerable discussion whether the mark is some kind of RFID chip or if it is some symbol such as that worn by many Moslems on their arm or forehead to make them readily identifiable.   There is also a great deal of speculation as to what the symbol and number actually mean.  We don’t need to worry about it at this time.  It will become abundantly clear when the time comes.

The Beast

Revelation 13:1-10

“And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.   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: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.” (Revelation 13:1-2)

Daniel 7:3-8 describes the sequence of empires that would arise in Babylon, using a lion to represent the Babylonian Empire, a bear to represent the Persian Empire, and a Leopard to represent the Greek Empire.   A fourth beast, the Roman Empire is different from all the others and will conquer the earth, breaking it apart.  Out of its remains come ten horns which, according to Daniel 7:24 represent ten kingdoms that will arise out of those earlier empires.

 A little horn arises out of those ten horns, the one we call the Antichrist that Daniel 7:25 describes.  “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.”  Daniel 8:24 confirms that his power comes from Satan.  “And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.”  

“And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.” (Revelation 13:3)

Knowing that the heads represent nations or governments it is obvious that the wounded head is a government that has been almost wiped out.  Daniel 11:14-16 made it clear that the king of the north that preceded the Antichrist had defeated and almost wiped out the Islamic government of the king of the south.  Later, in Daniel 11:40, we are told “And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him…,” clearly indicating that the government has been rebuilt.  It seems likely that that Islamic alliance is the head which is rebuilt.  The rest of Daniel 11:40-41 are explained in Revelation 17.

“And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:4)

The Islamic religion teaches that at the time of the end, when Christ returns, there will be a redeemer of Islam, known as the Mahdi, who will rule for several years before the Judgment, ridding the world of evil and bringing the entire world to the Islamic religion.   Many of the Jihadist leaders are seeking to become the Mahdi, and such a belief will provide incentive for the Islamic groups to follow and worship the Antichrist if he restores Islamic unity. 

The Moslem religion did not exist until after the collapse of the Roman Empire, and we know that the Antichrist comes out of it.  Daniel 11:37-38 says he sets himself above every god, and honors a god his ancestors didn’t know about.  ”Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.   But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.”   

“And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.  And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.  And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.  And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Revelation 13:5-8)

Once again, scripture teaches that the Antichrist will only be in power forty two months or three and half years.   He will blaspheme the God of heaven, and his religion and those in heaven.  He will do his best to destroy all those who believe in God, and will be worshipped by all those who have rejected Christ’s atonement for their sins.  Daniel 7:25 tells us almost exactly the same thing.  “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.”

“If any man have an ear, let him hear.  He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” (Revelation 13:9-10)

Once again we are warned to listen to what the angels have told John.  God will bring judgment on the wicked.  The Christian faith rests on God’s judgment of the world and rewards of those who believe.  As Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Israel’s Role

Revelation 11:19-12:17

“And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” (Revelation 11:19)

The old Jewish temple was modeled on the temple in heaven according to Hebrews 9:23-24.  “It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.   For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:”   The ark of the covenant or testimony represented God’s contract with Israel, and sat at the very heart of the temple.  According to Hebrews 9, that earthly templ;e depicted God’s plan for all of humanity, even though it was specifically for the Jews. 

The appearance of the temple in heaven emphasizes God’s special relationship with the Jews, as a picture of his love for those who believe in him.  Daniel 9:24 tells us, “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.”  God has designated seventy weeks or sevens of years to bring Israel to the place where he wants them, a total of four hundred ninety years. 

“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.” (Daniel 9:25)

The command to build Jerusalem was given about 495 BC.  Please note that there is considerable debate among historians as to the actual date, with the traditional date commonly set at 535 BC.  Records discovered in Babylon indicate the later date is more accurate.    Forty nine years after Cyrus gave the command, when Darius died and Artaxerxes became emperor, the temple and city were built, but the wall was not completed until during Artaxerxes reign, amid growing unrest.  Four hundred thirty four years after Artaxerxes assumed the throne. The wise men from the east began their journey to find the infant Messiah, Jesus.

“And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.   And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” (Daniel 9:26-27)

Later Jesus was executed, and the city of Jerusalem was razed by the Roman Empire in 66 AD.   Israel did not even exist as a nation until it re-established in 1948.  Even today, they are under constant attack.  The treaty with Israel begins the last seven years of God’s dealing with Israel, known as the tribulation.  The primary purpose of the tribulation is to turn Israel unto God, although the entire world will be affected by it. Chapter twelve focuses on Israel’s role in history.

“And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.” (Revelation 12:1-2)

The vision of the woman has a great deal of similarity to the dream Joseph had in Genesis 37:9-10, and is clearly a reference to the nation of Israel.  Messiah’s birth had been predicted for a thousand and more years, and finally the time came, about 7 BC.

“And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.  And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.” (Revelation 12:3-4)

The dragon is Satan as we see from Revelation 12:9.  “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”  The stars represent the angels which followed him when he was cast out of heaven.  The seven heads, ten horns and seven crowns represent various governments under Satan’s power throughout history that have tried to destroy Israel, preventing the fulfilment of God’s plan, as we will see in Revelation 17.

“And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.  And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.” (Revelation 12:5-6)

Despite Satan’s best efforts. Christ was born and fulfilled what was needed to provide salvation.  After his resurrection, he was caught up into heaven in Acts 1.  In Matthew 24:15-16. Jesus warned the disciples there would come a time when they would have to flee from Jerusalem. 

“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.  Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” (Revelation 12:7-12)

Satan’s forces were defeated and cast out of heaven by the archangel, Michael and his forces.  They came to the earth, and are attempting to deceive the whole earth.  Satan is no longer able to stand and accuse those who oppose him because Christ has paid for the sin and stands as their advocate.   Knowing he has been defeated and that ultimate defeat is just ahead, Satan is desperate and will attack and destroy everything in his desperation. 

“And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.  And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.” (Revelation 12:13-14)

Seeing the destruction of Israel as his last chance, Satan will cause the nations of the world to turn on her half way through the tribulation, led by the Antichrist.  As Jesus warned the disciples they will need to flee to the mountains to a place God has prepared where they will be protected for three and a half years during the Antichrist’s reign.  Many believe that place will be the ancient Nabataean city of Petra, although scripture never says so. 

“And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.  And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.” (Revelation 12:15-16)

The Antichrist’s forces will be unable to destroy the Jews with ordinary military attacks, but Satan will attempt to destroy them by flooding the area where they have taken refuge.  God will cause the flood to be diverted, saving the Jews.

“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Revelation 12:17)

Frustrated in his attempt to destroy the Jewish people, Satan will then attack the Jewish people who had not gone to Israel, and the Christians around the world in a last ditch effort to change the outcome. 

The Two Witnesses

Revelation 11:1-19

“And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.  But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.” (Revelation 11:1-2)

In Ezekiel 40-47, Ezekiel sees a vision of a man measuring the land and dividing it up among the people who return to Israel from the countries of the world.  He describes it as time when the Jews turn to God, offering the ancient sacrifices and worshipping him fully.  The king of the North’s treaty with Israel and defeat of the surrounding nations will free Israel to rebuild the temple and worship God as they once did, and many who desire to worship will take advantage of the opportunity, according to Daniel 11:1.  “He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do: and he shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him.” 

At the same time, there will be a widespread rejection of god by many in the land, and John was told not to mess with the land outside because it has been given over to the unbelievers.  After the Antichrist comes to power, the entire city of Jerusalem will be controlled by the unbelievers for three and a half years.

“And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.  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 proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.  These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.” (Revelation 11:3-6)

God will give two special witnesses power and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, apparently in Jerusalem.  They are special to God, and will be protected by him, miraculously sending fire from their mouths to burn their opponents and kill them.  They have been given control of natural phenomena, controlling the weather and the spread of pollution and disease. 

Because of the statement in Revelation 10:11, “…Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings,” many think John will be one of the two witnesses.  Based on other things Jesus said, it may well be true.  Some believe Elijah will be the other witness. 

“And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.  And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.  And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.  And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.” (Revelation 11:7-10)

When their time of ministry is complete, the one thousand two hundred sixty days, they will be killed in Jerusalem by satanic power.  for three and half days their bodies will be left lying in the street with photos broadcast to the entire world, extolling the antichrist’s power to eliminate these men who have stood against him.  There will be a great celebration that they can no longer oppose what is happening.  

“And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.  And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.” (Revelation 11:11-12)

One can only imagine the consternation when the two witnesses are restored to life and ascend into heaven on camera. 

“And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.” (Revelation 11:13)

To further shake people up, when the Two witnesses ascend into heaven, there will be an earthquake that destroys one tenth of the city of Jerusalem, killing seven thousand people.  The survivors will finally give God the glory.

“The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.” (Revelation 11:14)

Daniel 12:11-12 told us, “And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.”  Just thirty days after the two witnesses are killed, the antichrist’s kingdom will be destroyed, when the seventh trumpet sounds.

“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15)

When that seventh trumpet sounds, Christ will establish his earthly kingdom.  He will reign for eternity. 

“And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.  And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.” (Revelation 11:16-18)

When Christ takes the throne, the twenty four elders thank God for finally ending the rebellion and taking control.  They look forward to the judgment and rewards of mankind. 

“And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” (Revelation 11:19)