Tag Archives: Second Coming of Christ

July 9, 2023 · 10:00

The King Is Coming!

Art used by permission by Pat Marvenko Smith, Copyright 1992.
Visit her “Revelation Illustrated” site at https://revelationillustrated.com/

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. (Revelation 19:11)

The heavenly wedding reception is concluded. Now it is time to ride! The next thing John saw is reminiscent of his first sight of heaven. “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter” (Revelation 4:1, emphasis mine). At that time, he was on the outside looking in. Now he is on the inside looking out. “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 (Revelation 19:11, emphasis mine). The door of heaven opens and this time he sees a rider on a white horse. However, this is not the rider on a white horse that he saw at the breaking of the first seal.[1] That rider had a crown (a stephanos not a diadēma) and a bow with no arrows, and he went out “conquering and to conquer.” We identified that rider on a white horse as the Antichrist, the Beast. However, this rider is “called Faithful and True.” He does not break His promises, and there is no falsehood in Him. He judges rightly and He executes judgment, i.e., “war” rightly.

“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” (Revelation 19:12). That His eyes are “a flame of fire,” tells us that His eyes can pierce and penetrate the hardest heart and expose it completely so that nothing is hidden. On His head, He wears many diadēmas, royal crowns. These are the royal crowns of all earthly kings combined and then some, signifying His absolute, universal sovereignty. He has a name known only to Himself. When “the Angel of the Lord” appeared to Samson’s parents, they asked His name. “And the angel of the Lord said unto him, Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it is secret?” (Judges 13:12, emphasis mine). The Hebrew word translated as “secret” is pil’ı̂y meaning “wonderful, incomprehensible, extraordinary” “Incomprehensible” seems the most fitting here. His name encompasses His essence, all that He is. When Moses asked God’s name, He answered, “I AM THAT I AM … say to the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you” (Exodus 3:14). We will never know the full extent of all that God is, not even though all eternity. His name is too wonderful for us to comprehend.

“And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God” (Revelation 19:13). The blood on His clothing is not His own, but the blood of His enemies. The Prophet Isaiah foresaw this day. “Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come” (Isaiah 63:1-4, emphasis mine).

I want to keep my focus on the Book of Revelation and not get too distracted by differing opinions on the logistics of Jesus’ Second Coming. The Prophet Zachariah says that when Jesus returns, His foot will touch down on the Mount of Olives and the mountain will split in two to the north and to the south.[2] Isaiah says He will come from Edom and Bozrah, which is in modern-day Jordan, on the eastern bank of the Jordan River. God’s Word is true and without error, but sometimes we cannot grasp the exactness of God’s plan. These differing prophecies were given to different prophets at different times and there was no collaboration among them, so they become a puzzle for us. So, without giving getting into any controversy, I put forth my opinion (which could be wrong, so do not take it as “gospel”). As I understand, Jesus first touches down at the Mount of Olives, then goes to Edom (Jordan) to take care of business there, and then heads northwest to the Jezreel to finish the battle of Armageddon. The point is that his robes will get bloody, as described.

“And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean” (Revelation 19:14). The “armies” of heaven include both His saints – the Bride – and a host of angels. Albert Barnes seems to agree. “The heavenly hosts; particularly, it would seem, the redeemed, as there would be some incongruity in representing the angels as riding in this manner. Doubtless the original of this picture is Isa_63:3; ‘I have trodden the wine-press alone, and of the people there was none with me.’ These hosts of the redeemed on white horses accompany him to be witnesses of his victory, and to participate in the joy of the triumph, not to engage in the work of blood.”[3] The white horses on which we will ride signify the victory which we will share with our King. Our white, clean linen clothing is our bridal gown with which we are dressed. “And to [the Bride] was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints” (Revelation 19:8). We return with Him, but the fight is all His.

“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 19:15-16, emphasis mine). In the beginning, God (Jesus), created ex-nihilo, out of nothing, with only the command of His Word.[4] He spoke all of His creation (except for man) into being. He said “Let there be…” and there was. The human author of Revelation, John, in his Gospel, identified “the Word” as the Creator. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Later he identifies “the Word” as Jesus. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). “The Word” is the manifested, incarnate Word of God. All of the written Word of God is wrapped up in the Person of Jesus Christ. “For the word of God is quick [i.e., “living”], and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:12-13, emphasis mine). We often take verse 12 and apply it to the Bible, which it certainly does apply. However, the following verse makes clear that “the word of God” is a Person and applies masculine pronouns to Him. The Word of God is none other than Jesus. So, here we see “a sharp sword” proceeding from His mouth. That is none other than His spoken Word. When He confronts His enemies, He will speak and they will all die immediately.

He comes to reign over the inhabitants of Earth, and His rule will be absolute. “He shall rule them with a rod of iron.” All those that have taken the mark of the Beast will die. Many who come to faith in Christ after the Rapture and manage to survive the Tribulation will see Christ return and they will enter the Millennial Kingdom in their natural bodies. Perhaps there will be others who did not come to faith in Christ, but neither did they take the mark of the beast. These too will enter the Millennial Kingdom in their natural bodies. Together, they will repopulate the earth (more on that in the next article). These are they that “He shall rule them with a rod of iron.”[5] He comes as “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS,” and of that, there will be no question.

“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). I heard Amir Tsarfati,[6] who is an Israeli citizen and living near the Jezreel Valley (Armageddon), recently comment that he has noticed an increase in the number and variety of birds migrating through the valley. Perhaps God is calling them in preparation for the feast on “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” who will perish instantly from the “sharp sword” that proceeds from the mouth the “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

“And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon” (Revelation 16:16, emphasis mine). “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” (Revelation 19:19, emphasis mine). The “Battle of Armageddon” is a misnomer because it will not be much of a battle at all. The Word will go out of Jesus’ mouth, and instantly, it will all be over.

“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” (Revelation 19:20, emphasis mine). The Antichrist and his false prophet get no trial. They are sent directly to the “lake of fire burning with brimstone,” i.e., Hell, for all eternity. What about Satan, the Dragon? We will see in the next chapter.

“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 19:21). Just like that, the battle is over and Jesus reigns victoriously. However, that is not the end of the story. The best is yet to come!

How about you, reader? Will you be on the winning side? If you do not know the Savior, do not wait any longer. The time is short. Please read my page on “Securing Eternal Life.”

Notes:

[1]  Revelation 6:1-2

[2]  Zechariah 14:4

[3]  Albert Barnes, Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible, (Published in 1847-85; public domain).

[4]  Genesis 1

[5]  Psalm 2:9; Revelation 2:27; 12:5

[6]  Amir Tsarfati – Behold Israel

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July 2, 2023 · 10:00

Heavenly Wedding Reception

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. (Revelation 19:7)

I have never been a bride, so I have no idea how a bride feels when the big day comes, and all her wedding plans come to fruition. She gets to take center stage at the wedding ceremony and later at her reception. It is a day for which she has prepared for months – picking the perfect bridal gown, selecting the perfect colors for her theme, selecting the floral arrangements, picking the perfect venue, choosing her wedding party, etc. It must be exhausting, yet exhilarating when the day finally comes.

Soon, I will experience the greatest wedding ever as part of the Bride that will join her Groom at a heavenly wedding. It will be a wedding unmatched by the grandest royal wedding ever seen on Earth. However, before the party starts, John sets up the scene.

“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” (Revelation 19:1-2, emphasis mine). These “people in heaven” are Christians who died in Christ,[1] Christians who did not die but were raptured,[2] and those who missed the Rapture, but came to faith in Christ during the Tribulation and died for their faith.[3] These praise and worship God for His “true and righteous” judgments. All that God does is true and right. All the judgments of the Tribulation had a twofold purpose: (1) to give a final opportunity for people to repent and turn to Christ, and (2) to punish those who continue to reject God’s free offer of salvation. The psalmist put it succinctly when he said, “The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works” (Psalm 145:17). In His righteousness, He avenges the blood of His martyred saints. The Lord says, “To me 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 32:35). Of the time of Tribulation, Jesus said, “For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled” (Luke 21:22).

“And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever” (Revelation 19:3). The whole heaven celebrates the demise of the “great whore.”[4] I believe this takes place in the immediate future of the Revelation timeline. At this point, Jesus is ready to return to Earth as King of kings and Lord of lords to destroy Babylon the Great for all eternity. So, the praise of these saints is given in the past tense as if the deed has already taken place.

“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” (Revelation 19:4-5). We see the 24 elders[5] and the four beasts[6] once more. As discussed in a previous article,[7] the 24 elders are possibly the patriarchs of the 12 tribes of Israel plus the 12 Apostles, but at any rate, they represent the redeemed of all time. The four beasts represent God’s creation: the wild animal kingdom, domesticated animals, birds, and mankind. These give constant praise to God.

In the first five verses of this nineteenth chapter, we see the word “Alleluia” repeated three times, which seems appropriate for the triune Godhead reflecting His perfection. “Alleluia” is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew word “hallelujah” which means “praise Yahweh” (the LORD). Interestingly, the word appears nowhere else in Scripture, neither in the OT nor the NT, except here in this chapter of Revelation.[8] There are many references to giving praises to God, however, that particular word is only used here. That makes its significance all the greater! The call to worship is directed to “all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.” “Ye” is a plural, second-person pronoun. “All” is all-inclusive. In Texas, we would say, “all y’all” to include everyone and exclude no one. All “His servants” includes all the saints, and all the host of angels of all kinds and stations; all “that fear Him, both small and great.” Imagine the thunderous praise given to the Almighty Creator of Heaven and Earth!

“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” (Revelation 19:6). Praise the Lord! Alleluia! The Lord – the master, owner, and possessor of Heaven and Earth, the great potentate and sovereign – God – the One and Only true, triune God – omnipotent – almighty, all-powerful – reigns – He has absolute authority and rule over His creation, the universe, and all it contains.

Here comes the Bride! However, before proceeding, I want to share some things about a Jewish wedding, particularly a Galilean wedding, since most of Jesus’ ministry focused in the Galilean region, and all of His disciples were Galileans. Hence, they could relate to His illustrations, where those illustrations make little sense to us who are so far removed. Some of this I learned from a documentary DVD entitled Before the Wrath.[9] During His earthly ministry, Jesus made many references to weddings and marriage. Indeed, His first miracle was to turn water into wine at a wedding in Cana.[10]

In the Galilean custom, there was a betrothal before the marriage. We recall that Jesus’ mother, Mary, was “betrothed” to Joseph. We read in Matthew’s Gospel, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was [betrothed] to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily” (Matthew 1:18-19, emphasis mine). The betrothal was a written contractual agreement that was legally binding. Even though the couple lived apart during the betrothal period, they were considered to be married. Mary, coming up pregnant (and not by Joseph) created a serious breach of contract. Mary could be charged with adultery, and, at Joseph’s discretion, could be put to death by stoning.

To affect the betrothal, the prospective groom came to the bride’s father, in the presence of the town’s people as witnesses, and presented the written proposal/marriage contract that both the groom and bride signed. The groom presented a gift, something like a dowry, to the father of the bride. This was not a purchase price for the bride but rather “insurance” in case something happened to the groom before the marriage took place. In such a case, the bride would be taken care of.

Next, the groom offered the bride a cup of wine called the “cup of joy.” At any point in this process, the bride was free to accept or reject the proposal. If she agreed to the proposal, she would drink from the cup. The groom would then take and drink from the cup as well. Then he would say, “I will not drink of this cup again until I drink it anew with you in my father’s house.”

The groom would then return to his father’s house to build a bridal chamber as an addition to his father’s house for his bride. The process took about a year, and it was up to the groom’s father to determine when the room was ready. Ultimately, the father controlled when the wedding would take place. The bride, in the meantime, had her own preparations to make for the wedding. Not only did she have to make her wedding gown, but she needed to start collecting the things she would need to set up housekeeping.

Once the groom completed the bridal chamber and with the father’s approval and at the father’s direction, he would go get his bride. This usually occurred in the middle of the night when the whole town was sleeping. The groom sounded a ram’s horn that alerted the town that he was going for his bride. The whole town joined the parade. The bride had been ready long before this day arrived. She slept in her bridal gown. She kept her lamp full of oil and even kept some extra. Neither she nor the groom knew the day or the hour when this event would take place, but she was ready.

The groomsmen prepared a litter for the bride to sit in as they lifted her off the ground and carried her to the place the groom had prepared for her. This was known as “flying the bride” to the groom’s house. Once at the house, all those that could fit entered the house to celebrate, and they celebrated for seven days (one week). When the house was full, the doors were closed and no one else could enter.

With this understanding, we can clearly see what Jesus taught about His second coming, particularly as it relates to His Bride, the Church. At the Last Supper, Jesus presented His contract to His Bride. “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. (Matthew 26:26-28, emphasis mine). The “contract” was signed with His body and blood. He called it “the new testament” or “covenant” or “contract.” The Bride was His disciples and those that would succeed them in faith. They all took the cup and drank of it in acceptance of the covenant. The betrothal was in effect. Jesus then said, “But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matthew 26:29).

Before adjourning from their Passover meal, Jesus prepared His Bride for what would come. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3, emphasis mine). This is the Groom’s promise that He is going to prepare a place for His Bride, and when the Father gives His approval, the Groom will sound the trumpet and descend to get His Bride, the Church, so that she can spend eternity with Him.

Now, while the Groom is away, the Bride must busy herself in preparation for the marriage. Jesus told a parable[11] about “a certain nobleman” (Himself) going away on a journey to receive a kingdom. Before leaving, He gave His stewards, ten of them, each equal amounts of money to invest in His kingdom. With that, He charged them saying, “Occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13). That is what the Bride is to do while the Groom is away preparing a place for her. There was also the matter of the “gifts” the Groom gives His Bride as “insurance.” That comes in the form of the Holy Spirit,[12] who Paul calls the “seal”[13] or guarantee of the promise.

In the meantime, the Bride awaits the shout, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him” (Matthew 25:6). However, the Bride cannot join her Groom in ordinary clothes, she must be changed. The Apostle Paul provides insight into this transformation. “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. (1 Corinthians 15:51-53, emphasis mine). In another place he says, “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not [go before] them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, emphasis mine). Just as the Galilean bride was “flown” to the groom’s house, so will the Bride of Christ be flown to His house.

When that happens, the marriage will take place. “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” (Revelation 19:7, emphasis mine). John records “the marriage of the Lamb” just prior to Jesus’ return to Earth as King of kings and Lord of lords, but that would seem to make the marriage a rushed affair. Thinking back on the Galilean wedding; the festivities went on for seven days. That would parallel Daniel’s final week[14] – seven years. In the Galilean wedding, the festivities started when the bride entered the groom’s house. For the Church, that begins when the trumpet sounds and Jesus calls “Come up hither” (Revelation 4:1). Then during those seven years, as Bride will be examined, not for punishment, but for rewards. “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:9-10, emphasis mine). “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15, emphasis mine). All this will take place in Heaven during the seven years of Tribulation on Earth.

Therefore, I see John’s report as the culmination of the wedding feast as the Bride prepares to follow her Bridegroom as He receives His kingdom. “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 19:8). Above we considered the “judgment seat of Christ” where our “works” will be evaluated and rewards will be allocated based on how those works survive a “trial by fire.” All who stand before the judgment seat of Christ are saved by the blood of Christ, and nothing can annul that. However, our works here on earth will determine the rewards with which we will be clothed. Will our wedding gown be a nice, plain, unremarkable, white gown or will it be really fancy and decked out with elaborate lace and sparkling jewels? Either way, it is the “whiteness” that really matters.

“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, emphasis mine). “He” is probably the same angel that spoke to John in Revelation 17:1.[15] He makes what is probably one of the greatest understatements thus far: “Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Blessed indeed! God has blessed me all my natural life far beyond what I deserve. I cannot begin to imagine the blessing of being in the presence of God, and “These are the true sayings of God.” John is so overwhelmed by what he has witnessed that he falls down to worship the angel. The angel quickly prohibits John from worshiping him. In the OT we often find “the angel of the Lord” accepting worship, which no ordinary angel would ever dare to do. This is how we recognize “the angel of the Lord” as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus. He is God and worthy of worship. Here we are given a solid reason for studying prophecy: “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” God promises that before He does anything, He will reveal it to His prophets. “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:9-10). Amen!

How about you, reader? Will you be seated at the marriage supper of the Lamb? If you do not know the Savior, do not wait any longer. The time is short. Please read my page on “Securing Eternal Life.”

Notes:

[1]  1 Thessalonians 4:16

[2]  1 Thessalonians 4:17

[3]  Revelation 6:9; 7:9, 14; 14:1-5

[4]  Revelation 18:1-2

[5]  Revelation 4:4, 10; 5:6, 8, 11,14; 7:11, 13; 11:16; 14:3

[6]  Revelation 4:6, 8; 5:6, 8, 14; 6:1, 6; 7:11; 14:3

[7]  The First Sight | Ernie’s Musings (erniecarrasco.com)

[8]  Revelation 19:1, 3, 4, 6

[9]  Before the Wrath (Official Film)

[10]  John 2:1-11

[11]  Luke 19:11-27

[12]  John 14-16

[13]  2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30

[14]  Daniel 9:27

[15]  Beast-Riding Harlot | Ernie’s Musings (erniecarrasco.com)

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June 25, 2023 · 10:00

The Collapse of Babylon

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)

I must confess a bit of confusion as I consider this next chapter in the Book of Revelation. In the previous chapter, we saw Mystery Babylon, the controlling religious system of the Tribulation period, destroyed by the Antichrist and the world leaders that used her to gain power and control over the people of the earth. “And the ten horns [i.e., the world leaders] which thou sawest upon the beast [the Antichrist], these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire” (Revelation 17:16, emphasis mine).

However, we hear “another angel” – possibly the same Gospel angel of Revelation 14:8 – repeating similar words. “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. 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 18:2-3, emphasis mine). As we read further, on the surface, it appears as if the descriptions of “Babylon the Great” apply to Mystery Babylon, but she is also called “that great city Babylon, that mighty city!” (18:10). Because of the several references to merchants and commerce, most scholars see this Babylon as the commercial center of the Antichrist’s (the Beast) government. Then there is all the talk about the rulers of the world having “committed fornication with her” (18:3, 9). That is similar language applied to Mystery Babylon in the previous chapter. If this Babylon is just a commercial and political center, then why does the angel urgently call, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues” (18:4)?

Perhaps my confusion finds resolution in amalgamating the two – a religious and commercial/political center. Clarence Larkin says, “If ‘Mystery Babylon’ was destroyed in the previous chapter then she cannot appear in this chapter, and the ‘City’ here described must be a literal city called Babylon…”[1] Most end-times prophecy teachers would agree with that. I can accept that; however, I suggest that the seat of both the “One-World” religious system and the “One-World” ruling system exist together in the same place. The demise of the religious system at the hands of the ruling system would leave a “residue” of the former so that the remaining ruling system (that of the Beast) would retain many of the same attributes; hence, the similar language used in condemnation of the city. Also, the “kings of the earth” and the “merchants” that lament the demise of “that great city” are probably not part of the “ten horns” over which the Beast rules; the cabal of the Beast are the ones that made “her desolate and naked … and burn[ed] her with fire” (Revelation 17:16). So, for the sake of simplicity, let us agree with those who say this Babylon is the commercial and political center of the Beast’s power after Mystery Babylon is removed.

The next question that comes up concerns the city, Babylon. Is the text to be taken literally or symbolically? Does the text refer to the literal Babylon in Iraq, or is it a “code name” for a different city and system? Those who suggest that Babylon is symbolic say that the term was used by the early church as a code name for Rome and the Roman Empire. They will cite Peter’s epistle where he says, “The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son” (1 Peter 5:13, emphasis mine). “This epistle was written from Babylon, but scholars are divided as to whether this refers literally to Babylon in Mesopotamia or symbolically to Rome. There is no tradition that Peter went to Babylon, and in his day, it had few inhabitants. On the other hand, tradition consistently indicates that Peter spent the last years of his life in Rome. As a center of idolatry, the term ‘Babylon’ was an appropriate figurative designation for Rome.”[2]

However, that carries with it a certain degree of speculation based on “tradition,” which may or may not be valid. On the other hand, we are looking beyond the time of John, the human author of Revelation, into the end-times. Regardless of whether Peter was referring to actual Babylon or to Rome does not necessarily mean that John was referring to Rome in his account. When we read the text as we should – “if the plain sense makes sense, then look for no other sense or else you will end up in nonsense” – there is no indication that it should be taken in any other way than literally.

Still, some will claim that the original Babylon was destroyed fulfilling OT prophecy. Against Babylon, Isaiah prophesied, “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” (Isaiah 13:20, emphasis mine). Similarly, Jeremiah prophesied, “And they shall not take of thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations; but thou shalt be desolate for ever, saith the LORD … And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwelling place for dragons, an astonishment, and an hissing, without an inhabitant … Her cities are a desolation, a dry land, and a wilderness, a land wherein no man dwelleth, neither doth any son of man pass thereby.” (Jeremiah 51:26, 37, 43, emphasis mine). The question we must ask is, have these prophecies been fulfilled literally? Frankly, the answer is a resounding NO! So, if they have not been fulfilled, and because the Word of the Lord is true and trustworthy, then they must be yet future.

Larkin gives a detailed history of Babylon beginning with its origins at the Tower of Babel.[3] Nebuchadnezzar made Babylon one of the wonders of the world. It retained its splendor after the conquering by the Persians and later the Greeks. After that, the city degraded but continued to be inhabited even during the time of the early church. Larkin, citing ancient historians, says that “the Jews left from the Captivity still resided there in large numbers, and in A.D. 60 we find the Apostle Peter working among them, for it was from Babylon that Peter wrote his Epistle (1 Pet. 5:13).”[4] The city, albeit no longer “great,” continued to be inhabited.

Larkin continues, “In A.D. 917 Ibu Hankel mentions Babylon as an insignificant village, but still in existence. About A.D. 1100 it seems to have again grown into a town of some importance, for it was then known as the ‘Two Mosques.’ Shortly afterward it was enlarged and fortified and received the name of Hillah, or ‘Rest.’ In A.D. 1898 Hillah contained about 10,000 inhabitants, and was surrounded by fertile lands and abundant date groves stretched along the banks of the Euphrates.”[5] Obviously, the prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Revelation concerning the demise of Babylon are yet future, so the modern Babylon (Hillah) is certainly a contender for the one described in this chapter of Revelation.

However, some end-times prophecy students protest that this modern Babylon is too underdeveloped and too insignificant to qualify as the “great city” described in these verses. Currently, the population of Hillah (i.e., Babylon) is around 455,700;[6] that is about the size of Omaha, NE, USA, which is almost twice the size of the state capital, Lincoln. Just how “great” does it need to be for it to be of significant? With the technology we currently have in the world, the Beast could set up his headquarters anywhere and operate without any problems. If he needs a castle, he could have one built in less than a year. There is no reason, logistically or biblically for the Babylon of Revelation not being located in the original site of ancient Babel/Babylon.

“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, emphasis mine). As I noted earlier, I believe Revelation 18 is an amalgamation of Mystery Babylon and political Babylon, the seat of the Beast’s power. As Larkin pointed out, Babylon had a large population of Jews in Peter’s day. In a way, Peter was calling them out at that time to come out of her. During the Tribulation, the false religion of the Beast will be headquartered in the same place as the Beast, in Babylon. The call to “come out of her” is not only a call to leave the false religion, but to flee the city itself because of the coming judgment, but more so to leave the false religion and not be “partakers of her sins.” The sins of the false religion as well as the sins of the city “have reached unto heaven.” The charge seems to carry a double application, which is why I think this chapter applies to both Mystery Babylon and Babylon “the great city.”

“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. (Revelation 18:7, emphasis mine). Her self-aggrandizement reminds me of the Church of Laodicea.  “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17, emphasis mine). Although this aptly applies to Mystery Babylon, we need to keep in mind that the “religion” of the Beast and the Beast are tightly linked.

“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. 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. And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more” (Revelation 18:8-11, emphasis). While there still remains some hints of Mystery Babylon in these verses, the application is clearly to “that great city Babylon.” Here we see the prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah concerning the demise of Babylon fulfilled in full.

Revelation 18:12-14 describe the lost trade for which the merchants of the world mourn. “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, emphasis mine). We saw Mystery Babylon destroyed by the Beast and his ten horns in the previous chapter, and now her city and her center of influence is laid waste.

“Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her” (Revelation 18:20). From this time and forevermore, false religion has been removed from the earth. All the false religions spawned from Babylon, that persecuted the saints of God, are crushed into dust. This is cause for great rejoicing in heaven. The only One worthy of worship will now reign on Earth.

“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” (Revelation 18:21). As a millstone cast into the sea suddenly disappears from view leaving only ripples which soon subside, so will be the sudden destruction of Babylon the Great and all she represents without leaving a single ripple.

Next, the true Christ, the Lord of lords and King of kings comes to set up His kingdom on Earth for 1000 years. We will see that in the next chapter.

How about you, reader? Are you prepared to meet the coming King of kings and Lord of lords? If you do not know the Savior, do not wait any longer. The time is short. Please read my page on “Securing Eternal Life.”

Notes:

[1]  Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation, Illustrated, (Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, Philadelphia, 1919), p. 155.

[2]  New American Standard Bible, The Open Bible Expanded Edition, (Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, 1985), p. 1258.

[3]  Genesis 11:1-9

[4]  Larkin, p.157.

[5]  Ibid.

[6]  Hillah – Wikipedia

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June 11, 2023 · 10:00

Vile Vials

Image used by permission of artist Pat Marvenko Smith, Copyright 1992.
Visit her “Revelation Illustrated” site at https://revelationillustrated.com/.

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 16:1)

In the words of an old country-western song, “Turn out the lights; the party’s over.” According to my understanding, we have arrived at the final 21 months of the seven-year Tribulation. The first three and one-half years brought the seven seal judgments.[1] When Jesus, the Lamb, breaks open the seventh seal, the seven trumpets begin to sound.[2] Around the midpoint of the Tribulation, according to Daniel the Prophet, the Antichrist, a.k.a. the Beast, defiles the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. If he was not recognized when he confirmed “the covenant” securing peace for Israel, which initiated the seven-year Tribulation, there will be no doubt about his identity at this time.[3]

As we follow the progression of the judgments, we notice that they become increasingly severe. At the same time, there is no indication that one judgment ends when another begins. With a few exceptions, the effects of the judgments continue throughout the Tribulation period. There are wars, economic collapses, famines, pandemics, natural disasters, and more, and now things are about to get worse.

“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” (Revelation 15:7, emphasis mine). John does not tell us which of the four beasts gives the seven vials (or “bowls”) to the angels, but I think it might be the third beast having “a face as a man.”[4] I come to that conclusion because the judgments that come upon the earth, while they affect all of nature, are aimed at a sinful and rebellious human race. The other beasts (lion, calf, and eagle) represent the animal kingdom which does not have a sin nature. “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 16:1). Here it comes!

“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, emphasis mine). This “grievous sore” only affects those having the “mark of the beast.” With the advancement of modern technology, things like RFID chips, which can be embedded under the skin, or quantum dot tattoos[5] (that can not only contain all of one’s personal information, including health, financial, and social credit records, but they can be tracked) already exist and can easily be used as “the mark of the beast.” Because these things penetrate the body, it is possible that the human body will react to the foreign invader and produce these sores. In the case of the quantum dot tattoos, right now they are being promoted as a way to vaccinate people while also providing proof of vaccination. Many of the proposed vaccines of the mRNA type have the potential of modifying a person’s DNA. I have heard that altering a person’s DNA by only one percent renders them no longer human. If that is true, that person (being no longer human) loses any possibility for salvation – Jesus died for humans. Also, considering that only those with the “mark” contract these horrible sores implies that not all earth dwellers take the mark of the beast. These are either Tribulation saints that have survived in the midst of all these judgments or those who potentially will be saved before Christ returns.

“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” (Revelation 16:3, emphasis mine). The sea does not turn into blood; “it became as blood,” which suggests some sort of pollution. When the second trumpet sounded, a third part of the sea was turned to blood.[6] However, here all the ocean waters are affected; all marine life dies. Imagine the stench of the rotting flesh and the potential for the spread of diseases!

“And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood” (Revelation 16:4, emphasis mine). Here the waters are turned into blood, just like in the plagues of Egypt.[7] In that case, the plague lasted only seven days; here there is no indication of cessation.  What does one drink when there is no water to drink? All soft drinks are made with water. Alcoholic drinks do not quench thirst, and worse, they promote dehydration. Then imagine the chaos resulting from an intoxicated population! Milk might work, but the climate alarmists want to do away with cows, so that option may not be available.

While things here on earth are dire, in heaven God’s righteousness is acknowledged and celebrated. “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, emphasis mine). To us, the judgment may seem like cruel and unusual punishment, but God is always righteous in all of His acts. I have often stressed God’s mercy, even during this time of Great Tribulation. He gives mankind every opportunity to repent, but they rebelliously continue to reject Him. Even when they recognized that the judgments are from God, they curse God rather than repent.

“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, emphasis mine). The adage “When you’re in a hole, stop digging” is lost on these people. The fact that they have already pledged their allegiance to the Antichrist has sealed their doom. They are beyond redemption.

“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, emphasis mine). Notice that this darkness is localized. It is only “upon the seat of the beast,” or the capital of the Antichrist. There is debate as to where his seat will be located. Some think that his capital will be in Rome, the seat of the old Roman Empire. Others suggest that it might be Jerusalem since it is there where he desecrates the Temple.[8] Still others believe it is literal Babylon as we shall see later. The argument against today’s Babylon is that it is insignificant on the world stage, unlike its historical past. However, considering modern technology, any place can serve as a control center; so why not Babylon? Wherever “the beast” chooses to make his capital, it will experience such a dreadful darkness that it causes the inhabitants to “gnaw their tongues for pain.”

“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. 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 16:12-14, emphasis mine).

If I have not done so in previous articles, I need to make it clear now. The Antichrist will not rule the entire world. He wants to, but he will not achieve his goal. The Asian nations, China, North Korea, India, Pakistan, and many of Muslim nations, will oppose his rule. The Muslim nations, because they are monotheistic, will reject him when he demands to be worshipped as God. China and many other Asian nations desire their own domination of the world. They do not want to submit to the leadership of “the West.” These “kings of the east” will be enticed by the demonic spirits sent by the “unholy trinity” (the dragon, the beast, the false prophet) to come against the Antichrist. He thinks he will finally crush his opposition, but little does he know that this is God’s doing “to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” We learn in the next verses that this is the infamous “Battle of Armageddon.”

Jesus speaks now. “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). He is not speaking to the Church because the Church is with Him in heaven. No, this is addressed to those saints that are suffering through the Tribulation. They are studying this book. They see the signs. They know the sequence of events. They know what comes next. They are watching. They know that they need to hang on for just 21 more months. Jesus here encourages them to remain steadfast and faithful in their trials. They will be blessed, as they watch the heaven split open and their long-awaited Lord descend on a white horse followed by all of His saints. Hang in there, Saints! It will not be much longer. Jesus comes “as a thief,” but not to these saints; they are expecting Him. The sudden surprise of His appearing is reserved for God rejecting sinners.

“And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon” (Revelation 16:16). God is the one gathering all the armies of the world into this one valley. The name in Hebrew means Mount Megiddo and it actually refers to the valley north of this mountain. “This valley in northern Israel extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the Joran River south of Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee). It covers an area of roughly 380 square kilometers or 146.7 square miles. The blood of Jesus’ enemies will fill this “winepress” as high as a horse’s bridle. It is “the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Revelation 19:15).”[9]

“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” (Revelation 16:17, emphasis mine). That is it! It is over! What follows describes the result of this final battle.

“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 16:18-21, emphasis mine).

Earthquakes of 5.5 magnitude and above are on the increase albeit rarely publicized and occurring in locations where earthquakes are rare. The earth is groaning. “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:22). At the beginning of the Tribulation when the sixth seal is opened, we are told that there was “a great earthquake” great enough to blot out the sun and turn the moon blood red.[10] So great is this earthquake that it causes heaven to appear as if it is rolled up like a scroll. That earthquake is small compared to this one. This one is greater even than those that split the “fountains of the deep” at the time of the Great Flood.[11] The earthquake causes “the great city” (Jerusalem) to split three ways. This will not be a localized earthquake. It will eradicate islands and demolish mountains. The tectonic upheaval created by this earthquake will spawn volcanoes worldwide, spewing dust and ash high into the atmosphere. Increased evaporation from superheated oceans will send water vapors high into the atmosphere to return to the earth as massive hailstones weighing in excess of 120 pounds.

Men on earth recognize that these things are truly “an act of God,” and rather than repent, they curse and blaspheme God. The text says that at this time “Babylon came in remembrance before God.” That does not mean God had forgotten and then suddenly said, “Oh yeah! I forgot about Babylon.” No, God’s timing is always perfect, and He does not forget (which, by the way, is why hell is eternal. Sin offends the Eternal God eternally and the only remedy is the sin-atoning, sin-covering blood of Jesus.). The time has come for Babylon to be judged. We will see that in the chapters that follow.

I take no pleasure when I think about the horrors that will come upon mankind during the Tribulation. That is why I am writing this series on the Book of Revelation. I hope that my efforts will lead as least some to avoid the judgments that are coming. And, if they do not heed the warnings before the Rapture of the Church and the coming Tribulation, perhaps they will reconsider during the Tribulation while they still have a chance. Reader, if you do not know the Savior, do not wait any longer. The time is short. Please read my page on “Securing Eternal Life.”

Notes:

[1]  Revelation 6

[2]  Revelation 8-9

[3]  Daniel 9:27

[4]  Revelation 4:7

[5]  An Invisible Quantum Dot ‘Tattoo’ Could Be Used to ID Vaccinated Kids : ScienceAlert

[6]  Revelation 8:8

[7]  Exodus 7:14-25

[8]  Daniel 9:27; 11:45; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:4

[9]  Harvest Time | Ernie’s Musings (erniecarrasco.com)

[10]  Revelation 6:12-14

[11]  Genesis 7:11

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June 4, 2023 · 10:00

Prelude to the End

This image is copyrighted. Image source: https://revelationillustrated.com/

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. (Revelation 15:1)

We are nearing harvest time. Chronologically (as I see it), one year and nine months remain in the Great Tribulation. The first six seals[1] brought us to the mid-point of the seven-year Tribulation or the first three and one-half years. The trumpet judgments[2] ushered in the last three and one-half years, and the final trumpet[3] unleashes the final seven plagues or bowl judgments that culminate in the Lord’s return. We stand at the precipice of the end.

John says, “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” (Revelation 15:1). In Chapter 12, John speaks of a sign he saw in heaven. The sign,[4] while symbolic of the persecuted nation of Israel, correlated to an actual celestial event that occurred on September 23, 2017. It was a conjunction of three planets in the constellation Leo forming a crown of 12 stars over the constellation Virgo. Meanwhile, Jupiter wandered around in the “womb” of Virgo for about nine months before exiting from between her feet as in birth. The once-in-7000-year event fit John’s vision perfectly.

Now he sees another “sign” in heaven. This time he sees seven angels. Sometimes in Scripture, angels are described as stars. In the Book of Job, God responds to Job, “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding … When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4, 7, emphasis mine). Understanding the parallelism of Hebrew poetry, we conclude that “the morning stars” and “the sons of God” refer to the same thing – angels. Similar references are made at the beginning of this book. “The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches” (Revelation 1:20, emphasis mine). We deduce that these “angels” are actually the human pastors of these seven churches. However, there may be a double meaning implied here. “Star,” in Greek, is astēr referring to any celestial luminary object. “Angel,” on the other hand is aggelos, meaning a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, or a messenger from God. That certainly applies to human pastors. It is reasonable to conclude that the use here applies to both, i.e., churches have human pastors that watch over them and they also have God’s angels watching over them.

Later on, we see Satan, the dragon, cast out of heaven, “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 12:4, emphasis mine). “The stars of heaven” refers to a third of the angels that follow Satan that are cast out of heaven along with him. Considering all of these examples makes me wonder if this sign that John saw “in heaven,” which he says are “seven angels,” might also be the stellar grouping of stars known as the Pleiades, a.k.a. “the Seven Sisters.” It is just a thought. Regardless, these angels have the seven last plagues, and these plagues carry the full force of God’s wrath.

“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” (Revelation 15:2). “Sea” often refers to humanity. Here it is seen as “mingled with fire,” which connotes torture or suffering. These are the Tribulation saints who are saved after the Rapture of the Church. They have survived through the Tribulation. Note that they “had gotten the victory over the beast [i.e., the Antichrist], and over his image,[5] and over his mark.”[6] The fact that they are standing in heaven with harps shows that they died for their faith in Christ and for their rejection of the Antichrist. These are those that survived part of the Tribulation and paid for it with their lives. Even so, there will be some Tribulation saints that will survive to the end when Christ returns, especially those of Israel. “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn” (Zechariah 12:10, emphasis mine).

“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” (Revelation 15:3). They sing “the song of Moses,” which is the song the children of Israel sang after crossing the Red Sea.[7] It is a song of liberation from captivity. In like manner, they sing “the song of the Lamb” which also speaks of liberation from the bondage of sin and death. The Apostle Paul writes, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:15-17). And Jesus said, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

The song continues: “Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.” People today marvel at the technological advancements of mankind. Technology has arrived at the point where transhumanists foresee the integration of man and machine in the very near future. People are so distracted with their gadgets that they fail to look up in wonder at the greatness of the universe or look around in awe of the Creation. With all that man has accomplished, they look no further than what man has done and cannot see what God has done. These people in heaven do not miss it. They recognize the “marvelous” works – beyond all human comprehension – of the Lord – the supreme authority – God – the supreme divinity – Almighty – omnipotent, all-powerful, matchless in power and strength. “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37). God is true and righteous in all that He does, and all that He says will come to pass. “I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 24:14).

“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 15:4). The answer to that question these days is “no one.” There is no fear of the Lord in the world today. Even among many so-called “evangelicals” (more like “evan-jelly-fish”), the fear of the Lord escapes them. They have taken God’s Word and perverted it in order to gain “converts” – noses and butts in the pews. Not in all cases, but in a majority of the large “mega-churches” you will find “acceptance” of the “alphabet” pervert community, ordination of women “pastors,” and entertaining services that even make the devils dance. Even Southern Baptists[8] are on that slippery slide. However, what these saints are saying is that one day soon – and very soon – that will all change when all people, all nations (ethnos), will fear God and worship Him. “That at the name of Jesus every knee [will] bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue [will] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). For many, that will be too late.

“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” (Revelation 15:5-6). That these angels proceed out of the innermost part of the heavenly tabernacle alludes to the innermost being of God Himself. This is it! The fullness of God’s wrath is about to be spilled out on a sinful and rebellious world.

“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” (Revelation 15:7). We find a description of the four beasts in Revelation 4:6-8. However, which one of the four this is, we are not told – probably the one with the human face since all of these judgments are directed at humans. This beast has seven golden “vials” or bowls that contain the “full of the wrath of God.” For the last 5 ¼ years, the world has experienced the wrath of God, but now, the full force of it is about to be turned loose. As if to make a theological point, it is the full wrath of God “who lives forever and ever” – the everlasting God, the Alpha and Omega, the One without beginning or end, the Eternal God.

“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” (Revelation 15:8). Clarence Larkin makes an interesting observation here. “When the Tabernacle was finished by Moses, and the Temple by Solomon, there was a ‘cloud,’ the ‘Shekinah Glory,’ but no smoke. Ex. 40:34-36. 1 Kings 8:10-11. The ‘cloud’ means GRACE, the ‘smoke’ means JUDGMENT. Isa. 6:1-4. Ex. 19:18.”[9]

Things are about to get really bad, and that is putting it mildly. Jesus said, “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened” (Matthew 24:22). Reader, if you do not know the Savior, do not wait any longer. The time is short. Please read my page on “Securing Eternal Life.”

Notes:

[1]  Revelation 6-7

[2]  Revelation 8-9

[3]  Revelation 11:15

[4]  The Woman and the Dragon

[5]  Revelation 13:14-15

[6]  Revelation 13:16-18

[7]  Exodus 15:1-22

[8]  I Am A Baptist

[9]  Clarence Larkin, The Book of Revelation, Illustrated, (Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, Philadelphia, 1919), p. 139.

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