Are You Ready for Hope Built Upon Faith in Jesus Christ as Your Lord and Savior. He is the Only way of Salvation and this is shown throughout this series in Revelation.
We completed the study of Revelation in our class over the past 2 months. It is my desire that all come to understand the truth of Jesus Christ and all who hear this series come to recognize that He is Lord and Savior. There is no other way to God apart from his Son. With that purpose in mind I have also included below the YouTube video series from this study.
Revelation series: #1 of 9
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride!
You have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes. Song of Solomon 4:9 (NET)
From Genesis 1 to the last verse of Revelation, we are given a portrait of Jesus Christ. Each story and each verse reveal the magnificence of who He is. On display are His Glory, Power, Grace, Humility, and Love. Every part presents the story of His love for us. He reaches forth with sacrificial love with one desire. To transform our hearts into hearts filled with joy overflowing and hope eternal. We can only find this great treasure in an intimate relationship with Him. How fitting. From the beginning, He designed the union of a man and woman. Theirs was to be a forever life relationship of love and union. An unbreakable covenant. This was a picture always of the intimate relationship between Christ and His Beloved Bride—the church.
Our hearts were created to only be fully satisfied by God. It is the most magnificent love story ever told. He willingly died to purchase His beloved bride. And rescue her from the depths of depravity to which she had fallen.
An Example of Our Love as a Bride
I heard a sermon the other day from Joel Holm. He is a pastor at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos, CA. The story he told that struck deeply in my heart. A bridegroom and his beloved bride checked into the wedding suite. Once there the bride asked to go downstairs alone quickly to get something from the shop below. Of course, he said yes. But when she got downstairs, she noticed the bar And she went in. There she seated herself on a barstool next to a handsome gentleman. He was all alone. Meanwhile, the bridegroom waited patiently for his bride. After a few drinks, she left the hotel and went out into the dark streets. Her arms linked with this stranger. We would probably think. Wow! He dodged a bullet. Better now than to find out tomorrow or even a year from now.
We like the bride, often play foolish games. And we walk away from our bridegroom. Chasing other dreams or loves. Yet, He never would forsake me. Nor does He forsake you. If you are His bride. Instead, He steps into the darkest of nights to pursue us. To find us. And to bring us home regardless of all we have done. All He desires is to safely bring us home, and to teach us of the depth of His love. When we truly understand that, he knows we will not walk away. No one and nothing could lure our hearts away. That is if we only fully understood the depth of His love for us.
The Father’s Covenant Love of Israel and Christ His Beloved Bride
“For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. And the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless, let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself. And let the wife see that she respects her husband. Ephesians 5:31-33
That was the story of Hosea in the Old Testament. His story illustrative of the love of God the Father for His beloved nation. He covenanted to love them. And even though they played the harlot, He will bring them home. One day He will bring them back to Him. That is the reason for the final cleansing of Israel during the tribulation. To Transform their heart to know and love Him. He has not forsaken His covenant to love them.
The modern-day Church is the Bride of Christ. She is taken out before the tribulation. Revelation 19 speaks of the wedding ceremony. The bride returns with her husband on the glorious day of His second coming. She rides behind Him on beautiful white horses.
Last week we completed the interlude explaining Babylon. We now enter the final chapters which are strictly linear (chronological) again. Therefore we return to immediately after the seventh bowl judgement. Christ returns to claim His earth accompanied by His beloved bride behind Him.
We are united with Him in heart, mind, spirit, and soul throughout eternity. Never forgetting how blessed I am to be His. I can hardly imagine the butterflies and excitement just to see His face. Like falling in love with Him new every moment of every hour.
The Beloved Bride of Christ Presented to the World
Then I heard what sounded like the voice of a vast throng, like the roar of many waters and like loud crashes of thunder. They were shouting:
“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the All-Powerful, reigns! Let us rejoice and exult and give him glory, because the wedding celebration of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. She was permitted to be dressed in bright, clean, fine linen” (for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints). Revelation 19:6 -8 (NET)
Always the bride has been adorned in the righteous robes of her bridegroom. Yet, for this moment in time she wears the bright clean, fine linen of her righteous deeds. Her beautiful wedding gift to her bridegroom. After the wedding, she does return to His robes of righteousness for all of eternity. She rides behind Him on white horses as He returns to earth to conquer and to set up His millennial reign. His beloved bride forever at His side.
The Conquering Bridegroom Wins with the Sword of His Mouth-His Word
Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies assembled to do battle with the one who rode the horse and with his army. Revelation 19:19 (NET)
How foolish! Humanity Believing They Could Conquer Over the Creator
Now the beast was seized, and along with him the false prophet who had performed the signs on his behalf—signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. Both of them were thrown alive into the lake of fire burning with sulfur.Revelation 19: 20 (NET)
The first two residents of Hell will be there 1000 years before the others arrive. These are the Anti-Christ and the False Prophet. But all who revolted against Jesus with them in this battle will die. Indeed they die by the Word which is sharper than any two-edged sword.
The others were killed by the sword that extended from the mouth of the one who rode the horse and all the birds gorged themselves with their flesh. Revelation 19:21 (NET)
The Millennial Reign with Jesus and His Beloved Bride
In discussion of the millennial reign of Christ there are so many different ideologies taught; however, why? If God says 1000 years, why should we doubt Him. Some believe that we are currently living in the millennium. However, does it appear things are free from demonic influence? Is Jesus on His Throne in Israel? I have read and studied the A-millenialists and the pan-millenialists views. And I do not believe scripture supports their conclusions. There is no reason to second guess what God has said.
Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while. Revelation 20:1-3 (NKJV)
Note: Must be released for after 1000 years, that is to complete the proof of God’s Absolute Justice in His final judgment. I will explain this further later in this post.
His Beloved Bride Rules with Him–
Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their foreheads and on their hands; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Revelation 20:4 NASB
We will reign with Him. And the tribulation martyrs will also be resurrected to reign with Him as priests. Therefore, how can it be possible that we are in the millennium now if the tribulation martyrs are to reign with Him? I believe God said it and I trust His prophecy to be true.
The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years. Revelation 20:5-6 (NASB)
The Saints have positions of power during the millennium. Meanwhile, the resurrected martyrs will be priests of God.
Then as the millennium comes to an End
When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations which are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the war; the number of them is like the sand of the seashore. Revelation 20:7-8 (NASB)
So why would God allow this? In so doing, He is magnifying the truth of His grace and justice in what He is about to do. Satan after a thousand years in exile, did not change at all. His fate is justly deserved. Also, humanity cannot blame Satan for their fate.
Entering the millennium are also some who never bowed to the Antichrist nor received his mark. They will be in non-glorified bodies and able to marry and have children. The sinful nature of humans born during this time period shows forth. In a perfect world ruled by Jesus, everything will be perfectly, morally managed. Yet, the fact that they follow the commands does not mean that there is a true heart change.
Many will not truly trust Jesus as Savior. They will remain occupied doing their own things and relishing in themselves. Especially as you notice, when everything is good—they do not consider there to be any need of Him. Very similar to the Garden of Eden, many will have their own ideas of themselves. These will easily follow Satan when loosed, exposing those whose hearts were never transformed. Those who never truly loved, adored and worshipped the King of Kings.
God Intervenes-the Battle Ends Before It Begins
And they came up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city, and fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:9-10 NASB
No harm presented itself against the bride of Christ or Christ Himself
Judgment at the Throne of God
Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled, and no place was found for them.And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.
All are judged according to their deeds and even they know at that point their guilt. But there is one more chance. If their name was found in the book of life, they are saved because of having put their faith in Jesus Christ. If not, they are justly condemned.
And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them; and they were judged, each one of them according to their deeds.Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20: 11-15
Notice Death and Hades were also thrown into Hell to never rise again.
The New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also, there was no more sea. Revelation 21:1 (NKJV)
Remember that when God created the world He spoke of the First Heaven (our atmosphere), the second heaven which is the Galaxy system, and the third heaven where God resides on His throne. It is not clarified here; but, most likely He is referring to either the 1st or the 2nd heaven or both. As we also know that there is no sun or moon to light the skies. But given He spoke heaven and earth into being, He can again.
Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2 (NKJV)
Imagine that! New Jerusalem takes on the appearance of its inhabitants—the Beloved Bride of Christ. Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us.
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:3-5 NKJV
These Words are true and faithful!! Amen.
And He said to me, “Itis done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, [e]unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:6-8 (NKJV)
The New Jerusalem—The City for the Beloved Bride of Christ
Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. Revelation 21:9-13 NKJV
Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall.The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. Revelation 21:14-16 NKJV
A New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem minimally 4 Dimensional
Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel. The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. Revelation 17-21 (NKJV)
The Beloved Bride is with Her Love—He is Our Light, Our Joy, Our Provider
But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations intoit. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Revelation 21:22-27 (NKJV)
What A Wondrous Pure River of Life Flowing for the Beloved Bride
And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:1-2 (NKJV)
And Even More Amazing
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. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever. Revelation 22:1-5 (NKJV)
A Reminder to the Beloved Bride of Christ- The Time Is Near
Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. “Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation 22:6-7 NKJV
John was overwhelmed by all he saw.
Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” And he said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.” Revelation 22:8-11 NKJV
Jesus Testifies to the Churches—His Beloved Bride
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” Revelation 22:12-13 (NKJV)
Hold on my beloved bride, my love, my heart and wait just a little longer. I am coming for you.
Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. Revelation 22:14-15 (NKJV)
Never has any part of Revelation been veiled in mystery. He sent His angel to declare the truth to His beloved bride. We can be assured He will perform all this for His love never ends.
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star” And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:16-17 NKJV
A Warning for All Who Teach Falsely
For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, Godshall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22:18-19 NKJV
I Am Coming Quickly my Beloved Bride
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.”
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Revelation 22:20-21 (NKJV)
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Let’s rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has prepared herself.” It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he *said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.’” And he *said to me, “These are the true words of God.” Revelation 19:7-9 (NASB)
As we concluded Chapter 16 last week, we studied the final bowl judgements. These were sent directly from the heavenly Temple. They demonstrated justice being rightly poured out. Yet, avoid thinking we should mourn the loss of Babylon. We are given this nonlinear interlude to discuss and understand the necessity of Babylon’s fall. It provides us perspective as to why this is necessary. It is the act of a just and righteous God. Furthermore, the 6th and 7th bowl judgements usher in Armageddon. Only then does Christ Return to earth as the victorious King.
The wedding of the Lamb is now complete. Therefore, we know that as His bride we will begin the wedding feast of the Lamb on return to earth. Here on the newly reclaimed earth. Will it be a 1000-year feast? Perhaps. Tradition has that the wedding feast does extend for many days. Would it not be amazing to think it will extend throughout the millennium?
Some say that chapters 17 and 18 of Revelation are the most difficult to understand. There are many theories to guess who is Babylon. Yet, I contend that they are not difficult to understand. When we consider the Old Testament prophecies with the new, Babylon is clearly defined. Allow scripture to interpret scripture.
“Hallelujah! Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God,because His judgments are true and righteous. For He has judged the great prostitute who was corrupting the earth with her sexual immorality. And He has avenged the blood of His bond-servants on her.” Revelation 19: 1-2 NASB
Should We Mourn Mystery Babylon’s Fall
Multiple times we have read “Babylon has fallen. Essentially demonstrating the ultimate importance of that truth. Babylon has always been the essence of evil ideology. It is man’s attempt to be God. He wanted to overthrow God. Was that not the central ideology of Satan as well? Did not Adam sin because he was enticed by the idea that he could be God? And Cain wanted to worship God his way. Never considering God had provided a means of salvation by grace. He chose to even kill his brother. Why? Envy. Because his own humanistic designed sacrifice was rejected. At the same time God accepted his brother’s humbly obedient sacrifice.
The Spread of Spiritual Apostasy from the Beginning
Eden was located along the southern Euphrates River. This was the same region as the Tower of Babel . The tower represented humanity’s attempt to reach God by human endeavor alone. Their Desire? To become as powerful as God by human effort. God scattered the people and confused their language. But the false belief system led by Nimrod and his wife continued. This was a system of idolatrous worship. From it sprung Baal worship, and the worship of Asherath (also known as Ishtar). Indeed, all false religions against God came out of the same idolatrous ideology. In fact, these same false doctrines tainted our modern-day Christian celebrations. Easter with its Easter bunny has glimpses of Ishtar the fertility goddess. Christmas has yuletide logs, symbolic of the worship of the solstice or sun worship.
Babylon must be destroyed. Why? It embodies humanistic desires to outdo and overthrow God. Therefore, we must never mourn her destruction. Rather rejoice in His victory. Now is the time to warn sinners. Today we must tell of His Grace, Love, and Mercy. Proclaim His perfect plan of salvation. Today is the day they may turn to Him.
What is Mystery Babylon versus Babylon does anyone mourn her?
Mystery Babylon is the Spiritual ideology driving the political/commercial Babylon. That is an important distinction in understanding chapters 17 and 18 of Revelation. So, as we look at these chapters. I hope to shed some light demonstrating how to distinguish the truth in God’s word.
Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came. And talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.” Revelation 17:1-2 (NKJV)
Throughout Scripture, God refers to idolatrous worship as fornication and harlotry. Truly idolatry symbolizes the turning away from true love to fulfill selfish desires. Precisely including self-worship or the worship of anything apart from God.
So, he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet. (She was) adorned with gold, precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. And on her forehead a name was written:
MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT. THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Revelation 17:3-5 (NKJV)
This “harlot” symbolizes all the evil ideologies driving the evil activities of humanity throughout the world. Note: she is riding the Anti-Christ representative of her control over him at the beginning. She is symbolic of the apostate church as well.
Mystery Babylon Explained—No Never Mourn Her Demise
And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. When I saw her, I wondered greatly. And the angel said to me, “Why do you wonder? I will tell you the mystery of the woman. And of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns. Revelation 17: 6-7 (NASB)
The infiltration of all false religious systems are responsible for the death of so many. They teach human abilities as a means to salvation. This leads to many dying in their sin. Additionally true saints have been martyred by false religious leaders. Should we mourn the death of this ideology?
“The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and go to destruction. And those who live on the earth, whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast, that he was, and is not, and will come. Revelation 17:8 (NASB)
This refers to both the King and a Kingdom. There will be a reformation of a Roman Empire (kind of). We do not know if that is pre-rapture or post rapture. But it is believed that the Mystery Babylon—the spiritual apostate church does rise out of Rome. That is shown by her sitting on seven hills. Multiple references also demonstrate that this rebirth of a union of 10 Kings is the 7th and then 8th Kingdoms referred to in Daniel. The 8th Kingdom being the Anti-Christ taking over the rule of all during the second half of the tribulation. (The little horn arising from the 10). That is the explanation of
Revelation 17:9-13 (NASB)
Here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains upon which the woman sits, and they are seven kings; five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; and when he comes, he must remain a little while. The beast which was, and is not, is himself also an eighth and is one of the seven, and he goes to destruction. The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour.These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast.
How Wonderful the Next Verse jumps forward to remind us not to mourn
These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” Revelation 17:14 (NASB)
That will be at the end. Yet, God is even in control here. Mystery Babylon (the spiritual apostasy) is destroyed by the Kings of the Earth to then worship only the Antichrist. This happens midway through tribulation. Without their knowledge, it was God directing them to destroy this evil religious system.
And he *said to me, “The waters which you saw where the prostitute sits are peoples and multitudes, and nations and languages. And the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the prostitute and will make her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and will burn her up with fire. For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purposeby having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God will be fulfilled. The woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth.” Revelation 17: 15-18 (NASB).
Political/Commercial Babylon
Then, there is the political/commercial Babylon which is reborn. Many speculate where this could be; however, God was very clear in the Old Testament Prophecy that when He ultimately destroys Babylon—no stone is left standing. (Isaiah 13:17, 19-21 and Jeremiah 50:39-40). Many prophecies have a near and a far fulfillment. Although Babylon was overtaken and somewhat destroyed when the Mede/Persians overtook the Babylonian Empire, there are stones still standing. There are people still present. And there are crops that grow. Therefore, it is not finished. That is why I do believe that Babylon will be rebuilt. May be during the tribulation or uncertain when exactly. Yet, it is interesting to know in 2017 the United Nations sent an expedition of people to begin a project of nominating Babylon for UNESCO Preservation of Cultural sights.
After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated from his glory. And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird.For all the nations have fallen because of the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed acts of sexual immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich from the excessive wealth of her luxury.” Revelation 18:1-3 NASB
Rejoice in God’s Goodness Even in her Destruction
Spiritually, socially, and politically, she had fallen into the darkest depravity of all. Capital of the new One World Order. Even the Apostate Church was destroyed by the Kings of the first half of the tribulation. Yet, before her final physical destruction, God calls any who believe on Jesus Christ to come out. His grace reaches out to the true believers always.
I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive any of her plagues; for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her offenses. Pay her back even as she has paid and give back to her double according to her deeds. In the cup which she has mixed, mix twice as much for her.To the extent that she glorified herself and lived luxuriously, to the same extent give her torment and mourning; for she says in her heart, ‘I sit as a queen. And I am not a widow. (I) will never see mourning.’ For this reason in one day her plagues will come, plague and mourning and famine, and she will be burned up with fire; for the Lord God who judges her is strong. Revelation 18:4-8 (NASB)
In all her boasting, God will destroy the city.
Humanity will Mourn for Babylon
“And the kings of the earth, who committed acts of sexual immorality and lived luxuriously with her, will weep and mourn over her when they see the smoke of her burning,standing at a distance because of the fear of her torment, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’ “And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, because no one buys their cargo anymore—cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; every kind of citron wood, every article of ivory, and every article made from very valuable wood, bronze, iron, and marble; cinnamon, spice, incense, perfume, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, and cargo of horses, carriages, slaves, and human lives. Revelation 18:9-13
No longer will they have the desires of their heart
The fruit you long for has left you, and all things that were luxurious and splendid have passed away from you and people will no longer find them.The merchants of these things, who became rich from her, will stand at a distance because of the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning,saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, she who was clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls; for in one hour such great wealth has been laid waste!’ And every shipmaster and every passenger and sailor, and all who make their living by the sea, stood at a distance,and were crying out as they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What city is like the great city?’
And they threw dust on their heads and were crying out, weeping and mourning, saying, ‘Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had ships at sea became rich from her prosperity, for in one hour she has been laid waste!’Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her.” Revelation 18:14-20 NASB
Do Not Mourn as the 6th and 7th Bowl Judgements are Enacted
Remember last week? The 6th bowl judgements dry up the river Euphrates. The water for movement is gone. Furthermore, the armies of the east and west can join forces. Then the 7th bowl was great hail stones falling with a massive earthquake.
Then a strong angel picked up a stone like a great millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, “So will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down with violence, and will never be found again. And the sound of harpists, musicians, flute players, and trumpeters will never be heard in you again; and no craftsman of any craft will ever be found in you again; and the sound of a mill will never be heard in you again; and the light of a lamp will never shine in you again; and the voice of the groom and bride will never be heard in you again; for your merchants were the powerful people of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your witchcraft.
And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slaughtered on the earth.” Revelation 18:21-24 (NASB)
What will be her destruction?
Will the earthquake swallow up the entire city? Or perhaps fire and brimstone as was Sodom and Gomorrah with no stone left? Maybe both. At any rate as Theodore Epp concluded.
“On the basis of Old Testament prophecies concerning the destruction of Babylon and from the details given in Revelation 17 and 18, it appears that Babylon must be rebuilt in order to be destroyed as prophesied. The time of the prophesied destruction will be during the Day of the Lord.
It is possible that Rome will be the ecclesiastical capital of the world during the first three and a half years of the Tribulation and reguilt Babylon will be the political and commercial capital of the world during the last three and a half years. Only time will reveal the exact fulfillment of all of these details. [1]
Look around you. It is amazing how the whole stage is being set. Only God knows when. Yet, we must never mourn. Rejoice our wedding and wedding feast are ever nearer each day. Keep your eye focused on Jesus Christ, our love and our bridegroom. He will return for us soon.
Never Mourn, Rejoice for Our King Returns to Reign on Earth
And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war.His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. Revelation 19: 11-12 NASB
A name only He Knows—what intimacy within the Godhead. This name beyond our compression or understanding. Even greater than mighty counselor, provider, protector and Saviour.
He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses.From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19: 13-16 NASB
How Appropriate to Never Mourn-they Did it to Themselves
Despite all His patience. After all they had seen of their own destruction. Still they rose up against the Lord who died for their sins, refusing to accept Him as Lord. The epitome of self and arrogance.
And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh. Revelation 19: 19-21 NASB
[1] Epp, Theodore H., Practical Studies in Revelation, Back to the Bible Publication, Lincoln, NE, 1969 page.301
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
To me (God) belongeth vengeance and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
Deuteronomy 32:29, and 35 (KJV)
Jonathan Edwards preached a sermon entitled, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”. It was based on Deuteronomy 32. Edwards ends the sermon with one final appeal. “Therefore let everyone that is out of Christ, now awake and fly from the wrath to come.” That exact sentiment I would like to say today. It fits Revelation 14:9-16:21. There we find the ultimate destiny of those who worship the beast during the final parts of the tribulation. Yet, even that suffering is minor compared to their eternal destiny. Their eternal destiny occurs after the great white throne judgement. Throughout eternity they will be reminded it was their own choices that brought them there.
Now let us move linearly forward to the seventh trumpet that rings in the seven bowl judgements. Remember those living on earth already faced the plagues resulting from humanities perpetration of evil upon mankind. This during the seven seal judgments. They faced the plagues perpetrated from Satan’s wrath against the human race during the trumpet judgements. The deceiver truly hates the human race. After all they were created later than the angels. Furthermore they were weaker than the angels. Yet, God loved them with great affection, grace, and mercy. Concepts that may be foreign to angels.
To help with understanding God’s wrath being poured out, I do want to point out some facts from Deuteronomy 32 and then move fully into our text in Revelation.
(God) is the Rock. His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment. A God of truth and without iniquity. Just and right is He. Deuteronomy 32:4-5 KJV
God is unchanging and His ways are perfect. His righteousness and justice are also perfect.
An Ultimate Destiny of Wrath Despite God’s Rich Blessing Upon Them
They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.
Deuteronomy 32: 5 KJV
Who corrupted them? They themselves. Yet, out of love God.
As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
So the Lord alone did lead (the people), and there was no strange god with Him. Deuteronomy 32: 11-12 KJV
He tried to awaken them. Never did He present them with other desires to turn them away from His gaze. His care and love remained steadfast.
He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields; and He made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock;
Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink the pure blood of the grape.
But Jeshurun (Israel) waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation. Deuteronomy 32:13-15
God enriched each person and the nation with wealth and provision. Yet, they grew fat, arrogant, and forsook the one providing them with every blessing. What a kick in the face to God who loved and cared for them.
An Ultimate Destiny Determined By One’s Own Choice
They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger.
They sacrificed unto devils, not to God. To gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not.
Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee.
Deuteronomy 32: 16-18 KJV
And what made it worse. Not only did they do this; but they drew away all the others into idolatrous worship and pagan ideologies. Sin is like a cancer that continues to grow within a society. Yet, how longsuffering and patient has God been.
And when the Lord saw it, he abhorred them, BECAUSE OF THE PROVOKING OF HIS SONS, AND OF HIS DAUGHTERS.
And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.
They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust.
The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs…
O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
Deuteronomy 32:19-25, 29 KJV
Ultimate Destiny in The Seven Bowls of Wrath
All the years of waiting, while providing a means of salvation. Yet, a large portion of humanity determinedly turn their backs on God. Mock His name and refuse to accept His Atoning Plan of Salvation. He gave it all to provide a way. The wrath against sin He poured out on His own Son, so He could justify all who would accept this gift of salvation. Still, so many walk away. Set up false worship or proclaim themselves undeserving of any punishment, believing themselves more righteous than God Himself. It is no wonder that at some point God’s wrath would be poured out on all who deny Him. The marvel is it has not occurred already.
Still, His patience has endured for those who would accept Him. He will not lose a one of those whom He knows are His. Those have been known to Him from the beginning as He lives out side space and time while entering space and time at the same time. After all He is God. There is an orderliness of time, though He sees it all at once. He does everything in the “fulness of time”. His perfect timing we cannot truly question.
As we close out Revelation 14, the angels are preparing for the seven bowl judgements. Once more we see a glimpse into heaven and the heavenly tabernacle where God enters.
The Ultimate Destiny of the Seven Bowl Judgements
Time has come to an end for those who have chosen to deny Christ. They had spit upon His kindnesses and mocked Him to His face. Now it is time to harvest the evil. This is the significance of 14:14-20 tells us.
Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was one like a son of man, with a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. And another angel came out of the temple, calling out with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe.” Then He who sat on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped. Revelation 14:14-16 NASB
God is the Father in the Temple
God the Father is the one in the temple and says when. And the judgements pouring forth from God’s wrath against sin begins.
And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle. Then another angel, the one who has power over fire, came out from the altar; and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe.” So the angel swung his sickle to the earth and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God. And the wine press was trampled outside the city, and blood came out from the wine press, up to the horses’ bridles, for a distance of 1,600 stadia. Revelation 14:14-20 NASB
1600 Stadia is 186 miles. That is a lot of bloodshed. Still that is only the beginning.
In Heaven, God Begins the Final Seven Plagues of Ultimate Destiny for Sin
Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels who had seven plagues, which are the last, because in them the wrath of God is finished.
And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who were victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God. Revelation 15: 1-2 NASB
Remember this sea of glass mixed with fire we saw in Revelation 4:6. This is God the Father’s throne. Only now the martyrs are standing there awaiting justice for their cruel deaths at the hands of other humans to be poured out on all who refused Christ for refuge and salvation.
And they *sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying,
A“Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear You, Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All the nations will come and worship before You. For Your righteous acts have been revealed.”
Revelation 15: 3-4 NASB
Ultimate Destiny in the Tribulation Coming from Heaven’s Temple
After these things I looked. And the temple of the tabernacle of testimony in heaven was opened. The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out of the temple, clothed in linen, clean and bright, and their chests wrapped with golden sashes. And one of the four living creatures gave the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power. No one was able to enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished. Revelation 15: 5-8
Remember the Egyptian Plagues? God very specifically designed the plagues to prove only He IS God Almighty. Each plague proved the inability of their gods to deal with anything. They are false gods—with some phony demon driven illusions of miracles. God is the miracle maker, no them. So, I we look at the seven bowls of wrath, we will see they too are very specifically designed.
Then I heard a loud voice from the temple, saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” Revelation 16: 1 (NASB)
First 3 bowls of the Ultimate Destiny to Those Bearing the Mark
Everyone who received the mark of the beast will be afflicted first with open sores. This is not merely a third as we saw in the seal judgements. Instead, this is worldwide. The sores are open gaping wounds like Job or Lazarus suffered from.
So, the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth. A harmful and painful sore afflicted the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image. Revelation 16:2 NASB
Then came the second and the third first affecting the seas and then the rivers until all waters become blood. This one even comes with an explanation at to why they must drink blood.
The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became blood like that of a dead man. Every living thing in the sea died. Then the third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of waters. They became blood.
And I heard the angel of the waters saying, “Righteous are You, the One who is and who was, O Holy One, because You judged these things. For they poured out the blood of saints and prophets. (Therefore) You have given them blood to drink. They deserve it.”And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.” Revelation 16: 3-7 NASB
How appropriate. They thought nothing of killing the righteous. Nor of shedding the blood of the Saints. Therefore, now all they have is blood to drink.
Ultimate Destiny in the 4th, 5th, and 6th Bowls of wrath
And the fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun. (The Sun) was given power to scorch people with fire. And the people were scorched with fierce heat. Yet they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues. They did not repent so as to give Him glory. Revelation 16:8-9 NASB
The sun that normally provides light, warmth, and energy will become a deadly killer. With no fresh water to drink, earth’s inhabitants will face extreme heat. The scorching heat will melt the polar ice caps, which some estimate would raise the level of the world’s oceans by 200 ft., inundating many of the world’s major cities and producing further catastrophic loss of life (cf. Amos 9:5, 6). The resulting disruption of ocean transportation will make it difficult to distribute the dwindling resources of food and water.[1]
How appropriate for those who worship “Mother Earth, the moon and the stars. They do not worship the one who created everything. God who holds everything together in the palm of His hand.
10 And the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues because of pain, and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pain and their sores; and they did not repent of their deeds. Revelation 16:10-11. NASB
Note: now they blame God? Thought they did not believe He held it all together? Which is it?
The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east. Revelation 16:12 NASB
This is preparation for the great war to follow. Now east meets west in battle.
Har-Magedon (Armageddon)–Preparation for War begins
And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the entire world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.
(“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and people will not see his shame.”) And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon.
The world’s Kings believe they can defeat the Lord God Almighty—what fools.
The Seventh Bowl of Wrath-Ultimate Destiny for Blasphemy
Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl upon the air. And a loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, “It is done.” There were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder. Also, there was a great earthquake. (One) such as there had not been since mankind came to be upon the earth. So great an earthquake was it, and so mighty. The great city was split into three parts. And the cities of the nations fell. Babylon the great was remembered in the sight of God, to give her the cup of the wine of His fierce wrath. Every island fled, and no mountains were found.Huge hailstones, weighing about a talent each, *came down from heaven upon people. And the people blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, because the hailstone plague *was extremely severe.
(100-pound hailstones, imagine that)
[1] McArthur, John, McArthur Study Bible, Revelation 16: 8
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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. Revelation 14:1-3 KJV
Before we go further, I want to pause and help everyone to understand where we are. And how we got there. I see the linear portions of text moving chronologically. Intermittently there are nonlinear interlude portions. The nonlinear style of writing placed in these interludes assists in the understanding of the passages. Furthermore, these interludes provide also one brilliant beam of Hope amid horrific times of darkness and despair.
Thus far we have witnessed the Revelation of Jesus with Chapter 1. This demonstrated His deity, as well as the absolute Sovereignty, Power, Grace and Glory of the Triune God. Remaining in chronological order then the church age was present in chapters 2 and 3. As Chapter 4 occurs, we are introduced to the throne room as the rapture has just occurred. There is great celebration and rejoicing as Jesus steps into take the title deed to the earth in chapter 5. But that begins the opening of the seven seals in chapter 6.
Each seal judgement represented the evil perpetrated by humanity’s own hand. Pride, selfishness, and hunger for power. As we reached the 7th seal and it’s impending 7 trumpets, we paused for an interlude. There we were introduced to the 144,000 Jewish missionaries. What a brilliant beam of Hope amid horrific darkness. God never abandoned His plan of Salvation even when watching the worst of human behavior destroying itself. Also in Chapter 7 we are introduced to the martyrs. Multitudes of every tribe and nation are saved at that time.
Brilliant Beam of Hope Amid the Trumpet Judgements
Lest anyone lose hope while reading the book of revelation, God stops to explain with these nonlinear interludes. Some of these interludes span from before the point we are currently looking at. And then overviews into the hope filled future. Some find these interludes confusing. But one must read them as they truly are. That is with the mindset recognizing many of these span a much larger story. Their purpose are to make sense of the current linear story.
That is where we have been. The first 4 trumpet judgements were presented in Revelation 8. They occurred immediately following a great global earthquake precipitated by the hurling of a fireball to earth. This meteor made up of all the agonizing prayers of the saints set on fire. Satan and his demons are released on the earth to hurl their wrath. Satan is angry because he no longer had access in heaven to accuse the brethren. In chapter 9, more demons are released that to further torture humans. These had been chained until this point in time. Particularly, they desire to torture the Jewish nation and anyone who professes Christ as Lord and Savior.
A Closer View Before Moving Forward
Chapter 10 is a reminder of the bitter-sweetness of Jesus reclaiming the earth. Bittersweet because next come the bowl judgements. These judgements come from the Holy Tabernacle of God in heaven. These judgements are necessary to cleanse the nation of Israel and the earth. Nothing occurring to this point persuaded hardened rebels to repent. Instead, many became more insolent with time.
This is followed by chapter 11. Therein, the tabernacle on earth is measured and found wanting. Proof that none are righteous, no not one. Yet, once more we are told of God’s gracious love. He provided two witnesses to lead the people toward righteousness. But they were rejected as well. Indeed, the people rejoice at the death of these witnesses. They do not repent. This despite watching them come back to life. Not even as they see them transported into heaven. All this right before their eyes.
A nonlinear chapter that Brings explanation, fear and hope
As we looked at chapter 12, we were introduced to the story of Satan and Israel. Certainly, he has desired to destroy every remnant of Israel. He thought he could prevent God’s plan from coming to fruition. Yet even in Chapter 12 we see God’s brilliant beam of hope as He promises to protect Israel. He will do this even as the worst of the tribulation unfolds.
So, we have reached chapter 13. This chapter describes a nonlinear view of the unholy trinity. Although these span the full time of the tribulation, we are introduced to their details. Satan always wants to micmic God. The unholy trinity consists of Satan, the Anti-Christ, and the false prophet. Therefore this chapter is to give further details of them. Thus, expanding our knowledge of what has been happening.
The Unholy Trinity and Their Darkness upon the Earth
And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore.Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten crowns, and on his heads were blasphemous names. Revelation 13:1 (NASB)
Most manuscripts read “he stood,” referring again to the dragon, or Satan (cf. 12:9, 17). He takes a position in the midst of the nations of his world, represented by the sand of the sea. a beast. Lit. “a monster” (cf. 11:7), which describes a vicious, killing animal. In this context, the term represents both a person (Antichrist) and his system (the world). The final satanic world empire will be inseparable from the demon-possessed man who leads it.1
Satan has been searching for the perfect Antichrist for ages. He has no idea when Christ is returning. Therefore, he has prepped many throughout the ages. Each time God thwarted his plan of annihilation of the nation and the Savior. But finally, one emerges who fits all the criteria. This is the antichrist that emerges at the beginning of the tribulation. He will be part of the final Roman empire which may begin with the alliance of 10 countries. One will arise as the emperor who promises peace. Watch this as John describes the antichrist as multiple animals representing his strength being a culmination of all the empires that came before—Bablyonian, Persian, Greek, and then Roman.
A Powerful Antichrist With Characteristics of Every Prior Emperor
And the beast that I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne, and great authority. Revelation 13:2 (NASB).
Satan attempts to imitate the healing power of Christ. He displays publically recovery of a badly wounded Antichrist. But it is appearance only. Despite this imitation, the crowds believe. Then the crowds begin to worship both Satan and the Beast.
I saw one of his heads as if it had been fatally wounded, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; Revelation 13: 3-4(NASB)
The Antichrist was very elegant of speech with great authority. This was easy for 3.5 years during the first half of the tribulation. Remember, he came to rule promising peace. Then he becomes more tyrannical. The people still worship him.
A mouth was given to him speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. Revelation 13:5 NASB)
Then, half-way through
And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. Revelation 13:6 (NASB)
He became more and more aggressive toward the saints.
It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority was given to him over every tribe, people, language, and nation. All who live on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written since the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slaughtered. Revelation 13:7-9 (NASB)
A Brilliant Beam of Hope in Darkness
Notice that all those who are written in the book of life of the Lamb since the foundation of the world cannot be touched by the Anti-Christ. He may be able to torment, torture, and even kill the body—but not the soul.
If anyone has an ear, let him hear. If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints. Revelation 13: 10 (NASB)
The Third part of the Unholy Alliance—the false prophet.
This spiritual leader will come out of the one world church. He will draw all to worship Satan and the Anti-Christ. He will do so with a lamb like voice. But his words are like a dragon creating discord.
Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon. He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who live on it worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of the sky to the earth in the presence of people. And he deceives those who live on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who live on the earth to make an image to the beast who *had the wound of the sword and has come to life. Revelation 13:11-14.
A False Prophet Who Leads the Apostate Church with Fake Miracles
So, this false prophet who leads the people in worship is all about their worshiping the Antichrist. He creates a monument or statue for them to bow before. This image or statue then becomes representative of their worship of the antichrist. The false prophet then causes the image made to appear to speak and breath. Maybe an AI version?
And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause all who do not worship the image of the beast to be killed. And he causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hands or on their foreheads, and he decrees that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six. Revelation 13: 15-18 (NASB)
One Brilliant Beam of Hope Amid Such Dark Times
It is no wonder that God in His grace once more reminds us that we are safe and secure in Him. After revealing the darkness of the earthly realms under the rule of Satan, the Antichrist and the False prophet. He now leaps forward to the Millenium for a moment so we might see what awaits the faithful who belong to Him.
Then I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had His name and the name of His Father written on their foreheads. Revelation 14:1
The Lamb will stand upon Mount Zion to reign during the millennial reign of Christ. But for now, He wants us to see that this is the truth we hope for. This is the graciousness of God toward us. In such dark times, lets us look forward. There we look toward the beam of hope yet to be ours. He did not lose even one of the 144.000. They were sealed by the Holy Spirit.
And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. And they *sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one was able to learn the song except the 144,000 who had been purchased from the earth. These are the ones who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are celibate. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from mankind as first fruits to God and to the Lamb. And no lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless. Revelation 14: 2-5 (NASB)
Vision of the Angel with the Gospel—Another Beam of Hope
And I saw another angel flying in midheaven with an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation, tribe, language, and people; and he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the heaven and the earth, and sea and springs of waters.” Revelation 14:6-7 NASB
Wow. In addition to the 144,000 and the two witnesses, there will be an angel teaching the gospel message as well to all who might listen.
And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.” Revelation 14:8
This was big and great news. Yet, as we move forward through the book, we will be given two full chapters devoted to Babylon. Remember this interlude has jumped way past all of the remaining plagues and the battle which is called the battle of Armageddon which happens with the second return of Christ.
Doom for Worshipers of the Beast
Then another angel, a third one, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is mixed in full strength in the cup of His anger; and he will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; they have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:9-11
The Ultimate Beam of Hope for Those who Believe in Him
What a wondrous God to place these nonlinear interludes so we might better understand His magnificent patience in dealing with all the people of this world.
Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and [their faith in Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.” Revelation 14: 12-13
Never forget, we too are sealed by the Holy Spirit as noted in Ephesians 1:13,14. We will not be present for the tribulation if we know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our life. Yet, knowing all this we must be ever busy telling others about Christ. And we, above all others, need to lay aside all else to follow Him.
1 McArthur, John; McArthur Study Bible Revelation13:1
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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