Prophecy - 104- Seven last plagues continued

The following is taken from a recording of a Revelation Seminar- it has some really good insights I'd like to study. So if the wording seems odd it's because this was a live seminar transcript not written to be a paper.

May God bless us as we seek to study His word, as we seek to be blessed as we read the words of His prophecies.

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In your Bible turn to the 15th Chapter of Revelation.

This chapter serves as an introduction to the seven last plagues of God's wrath. Let's notice the first verse.

LOOK UP REV. 15:1

Rev 15:1 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.

LOOK UP REV. 15:5-8

Rev 15:5 And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:
Rev 15:6 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.
Rev 15:7 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.
Rev 15:8 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.


You'll observe that this introduction to the seven last plagues begins with another sign.
'I saw another sign' And the first reference to that was there in the 12th chapter as we began this section. 'And there appeared a great wonder in heaven' The margin will tell you the Greek 'sign' 'there appeared a great sign in heaven' and then in the 3rd verse 'there appeared another wonder' (or sign) in heaven. And now the final as far as this particular section is concerned, 'I saw another sign in heaven'. Thus we find that the sign of the display in heaven involves 3 things.

The representation of the gospel promise. The seed of the woman to bruise the serpent's head.

The revelation of the enemy, the dragon- Satan the Devil.

And then the 3rd, God's wrath.

Interestingly the source of God's wrath comes from the Most Holy Place of the Heavenly Sanctuary.
It says there in the 5th verse, (Rev. 15:5) 'And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened'

Now what section of the Heavenly Sanctuary is the tabernacle of the testimony?
The Most Holy Place where the law of God is kept.
The tabernacle of the testimony and from that Most Holy Place the wrath of God goes forth in judgment.

In fact there in the 16th chapter the first verse -
Rev 16:1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels...

The voice comes from OUT of the temple from the Most Holy Place, from between the cherubim's.

The warning has already been given.

Rev 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
Rev 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb

That's Rev. the 14th chapter 9th and 10th verses.
We find that intercession has CEASED.
Probation is CLOSED for the inhabitants of earth for all time. For if you notice that 8th verse of the 15th chapter-
Rev 15:8 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.

Now let me ask you this- what MAN had been in there?
There is ONE mediator between God and man. The man Christ Jesus.

1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus

Christ the divine intercessor, the God man, had been in the presence of God - when He steps out and no man goes in - what happens? The plagues begin, intercession has ceased, probation is closed. It's the end.

Now what is interesting from heaven's viewpoint there is a concurrence with God in this judgment. These fearful judgments. Verse 2 to 4.

Rev 15:2 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.
Rev 15:3 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.
Rev 15:4 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.

King of AGES/NATIONS the King James has 'saints' that is a very questionable source as far as the manuscripts are concerned and I think that your margin may indicate it's nations or ages.

Rev 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are thy ways, thou King of the AGES. RV

Rev 15:3 They sang the song of God's servant Moses and the song of the lamb: "Your deeds are spectacular and amazing, Lord God Almighty. Your ways are just and true, King of the NATIONS. ISV

King of nations, king of ages- but notice they concur 'just and true are thy ways thou king of saints.' From our human viewpoint we may not concur in the judgments of God. But from the heavenly viewpoint as they looked at the whole scene of the ages - just and true are thy ways.

You'll observe also here that there is a sea of glass mingled with fire. Where's the sea of glass that's spoken of before? We have to go back into the first section of Revelation - the fourth chapter sixth verse.

Rev 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

A sea of glass. And it doesn't describe anybody on that sea of glass.
The individuals that are on that sea of glass are finally described in the 15th chapter as those who have gotten the victory over the beast, his image, his mark, and the number of his name and they sing the song of Moses and of the Lamb.
This is NOT the group that sings the song no man can learn in the 14th chapter.
They sing both the song of victory under Moses and the song of the Lamb.
In the book of Hebrews how many houses are brought to view? Two.
The house of Moses and the house of Christ. Hebrews the 3rd chapter.

Heb 3:2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
Heb 3:3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
Heb 3:4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.
Heb 3:5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
Heb 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

Two houses, the house of Moses and here we are together one joining one song the song of Moses and the Lamb as they stand upon the sea of glass.

Rev 15:3 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.

Now we find also as far as the picture of Revelation in concerned in the concurrence of all these the 24 elders also join in the concurrence.
Back in the 11th chapter of Revelation beginning with the 15th verse ...

Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Rev 11:16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
Rev 11:17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

All the heavenly intelligences join in a concurrence of God's final, terrible judgments.

Now let us go to the plagues themselves in the 16th chapter. As we have noted every plague is justified. 'Just and true are thy ways thou King of nations, thou King of ages'

Now it's necessary that we understand so that we can fully perceive the significance of this part of the book of Revelation.

Every plague is justified.

And God gives the justification for it. But interestingly the events which justify God's reaction takes place in probationary time, except in the 3rd plague and interestingly there is a little difference in the 7th plague.

But everyone of the other plagues are justified by acts of man in PROBATIONARY TIME.

Let me just give you an illustration then we'll come back to it.

The first plague … 'a grievous and noisesome sore' ulcerous sore the revised version, the new King James. Now why is that given or who is it given upon? Who does it fall upon? Those who what?

Have the mark of the beast.

Now does the mark of the beast come after probation's hour closes? No.

Prior to.

This is God's reaction to what man has done in probationary time and we'll note this for each of the plagues , in other words I noted there the events which justified take place in probationary time and this is why they say just and true are they ways thou King of nations, King of ages.

Now we need to separate God's actions and God's reactions.

In salvation God acts.
'For God so loved the world..' that what? 'He gave.' He acts.
In the redemption of man He provides the means.
In judgment and in wrath He reacts.
He reacts in relationship to what man has done.
Interestingly also, we find that in His reaction we see how God views certain acts of man.

So let's briefly note each plague and the why for.

The first one though we'll read again starting with the first verse of the 16th chapter and the 2nd verse.

Rev 16:1 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.
Rev 16:2 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.

Now let's just note the warning given concerning this verse then we'll come back to that verse. Go to Rev. the 14th chapter and the 9th verse.

Rev 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand

Now what's missing between the 14th chapter the 9th verse warning and the plague?

What's the difference there?

You have to read out, NOT read in.

Ahhh, there's something missing, a call about the worshipping of the beast and his image and receiving his mark. And you find also in the 13th chapter after the deadly wound is healed they worship the dragon and they worship the beast saying who is like unto the beast, but those who receive the first plague is upon those who have the mark of the beast and upon them that worshipped his IMAGE ...not those that worshipped the BEAST or the DRAGON. There IS a differentiation there.

Now let me ask you a question, are the plagues universal?

(Hesitation from audience) No.

Then the mark of the beast is NOT universal.

Now remember here the first plague is upon those who have received the mark of the beast, which had the mark of the beast and upon them which worshipped his image.

You see there are certain points there - you already answered the question 'Are the plagues universal'. But you have also evidentially, because of your hesitancy, believed that the mark of the beast was universal.

But you see, if the mark of the beast IS NOT universal or the plagues ARE NOT universal - the mark of the beast is not universal. You can't have one - one way and one the other way. Because it's very plainly here that the first plague falls on those who worship the IMAGE and who HAD the MARK.

Now let me ask you this... what are you going to do about this counsel that I read concerning the church. Here we see this is vol. 5 page 211 on the chapter of the seal of God. Here we see that the church the Lord's sanctuary was the FIRST to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The church the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God? Let me tell you this, if somebody warned me that I was in a building that soon somebody was going to come in with a machine gun and gun everybody down and I had a little bit of warning how long do you think I'd stay there? I'd get out the first way possible if I had to go out the window.

Alright, the Lord's sanctuary is the first to receive the stroke of the wrath of God. The first plague is gonna fall on the church. Because they had the mark of the beast and they worshipped NOT the beast but his IMAGE.

You know if we read the scriptures for what it says it starts to get startling doesn't it? We've got ourselves restricted because we're reading into the Scriptures certain concepts that we think certain things are.

I read a commencement address or a synopsis of a commencement address given at Southern College a number of years ago by Dr. Leaf Crete Obison (spelled wrong) And he used as his commencement address mind you the subject the mark of the beast. That's what attracted my eye because usually that topic is an evangelistic topic and you wonder why the sum of the commencement address to a group of college seniors he would talk about the mark of the beast. And he came right down and he read carefully the 18th verse of the 13th chapter of Revelation. Let's go back, and remember let's read first the warning in the 14th chapter the 9th verse.

Rev 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

Now come over to the 18th verse of the 13th chap.

Rev 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

You worship the beast you get the mark of a man. Reliance upon man. Trusting man. The arm of flesh. And he brought out that after all the mark of the beast was the mark of conformity. The mark of conformity.

If all are required to worship at a particular time and they all do- isn't that conforming?

Also think about it, what did God in the beginning give us the power to do? To think. To choose between right and wrong. To think. And to think for ourselves. If I conform am I thinking for myself? Unless it's right. If it's not right and I conform it's what? I'm taking the road to the mark of the beast. And it says that they will have step by step yielded to worldly conformity, step by step moved in line until it will only be an easy step to take the last step.

Compromise starts out as just merely an adjustment, and it ends up as a sell out. God's people in the last hour will not compromise their faith in Christ. Here's the patience of the saints here are they that keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus. Something to think about.

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More tomorrow by the grace and will of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Father God in Heaven!

All through Him, all through His love, all in His righteousness now and forever!


AMEN.

Prophecy - 103

In noting the plagues, it becomes obvious that no plague falls without a reason.

"The curse causeless shall not come." (Prov. 26:2)

The warning was given to the final generation that to "worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark" meant only one thing, the unmixed wrath of God. (14:9-10)

Rev 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
Rev 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

To those who received this mark, the first angel directs his plague.

"A foul and loathsome sore came upon the men who had the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image." (16:2, NKJV)

If the symbols as given in these chapters are to be consistently interpreted, the image was created and worshiped by those "who dwell on the earth" meaning the place from whence the second beast arose. (13:11-12) (((The USA))))

The second plague is more difficult of interpretation than would first appear. (16:3)

Rev 16:3 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.

Is it the literal oceans that are here meant, or is "the sea" to be understood as the place where arose the first beast? (12:12; 13:1) (((Europe))))

It is singular in number.
If "the sea" is to be symbolically understood, what does the clause - "every living soul died in the sea" - mean?
The explanation given by "the angel of the waters" as to why this plague is poured out states "they have shed the blood of saints and prophets."
Who are the "they"?
The only plural antecedent would be the collective, "sea," "rivers and fountains of waters."


The third plague is the one plague of the seven which is repeated. (16:4)

Rev 16:4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.

It is directed against the sources of the sea - "rivers and fountains of waters."

However, it does not state that "every living soul" in the "rivers and fountains" dies; but the pronouncement of the angel of the waters covers both plagues.
The first beast makes "war with the saints." (13:7)
It could be assumed that blood was spilt.
The "image to the beast" issues a death decree but no where is it indicated it was carried out. (13:15)
The intent is clear, there would be bloodshed. However, similar language as used by the angel of the waters, "blood of saints and prophets," is used to describe the "woman" of Revelation 17. (See verse 6)

Rev 17:6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

Can it be that the same principle enunciated by Jesus for the generation which crucified Him, will apply to the generation which issues the "death decree" against "the remnant" of the woman's seed? (See Matt. 23:34-36)

Mat 23:34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:
Mat 23:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
Mat 23:36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

Since the death decree is issued not by the beast that came up out of the "sea," but rather by "his image," and since the "beast" did shed much innocent blood during the Dark Ages, does the doubling of the plague of blood to drink, give an indication as to when the "death decree" will be issued?

If this indication is correct, the "decree" comes after the close of human probation.

Further, from this point on in the detailing of the plagues, the wording used by John becomes more reflective of that which is to be revealed than with that which had been previously revealed. Confirming this assumption, is the fact that one of the seven angels of the seven last plagues, becomes John's instructor following the vision of the plagues. (See 17:1; 21:9)

Rev 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters

Rev 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.


The fourth angel poured out his vial "upon the sun." (16:8)

Rev 16:8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.
Rev 16:9 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.

The sun has been the object of worship from ancient times in most if not all pagan religions. The Bible recognizes such worship as a denial of the God of heaven.
Job declared that "if I beheld the sun when it shined, or the moon walking in brightness; and my heart hath been secretly enticed, or my mouth hath kissed my hand: this also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge; for I should have denied the God that is above." (Job 31:26-28)

Transferred into professed Christian religions through Rome are numerous elements of pagan sun worship. The birthday of the sun-god Mithra, December 25, is now the celebrated birthday of Jesus. Easter sunrise services are but echoing the pagan ritual of greeting the sunrise with an act of worship. Then weekly, the Christian world, for the most part, worships on the Day of the Sun.

Significant, then is the inclusion in the "everlasting gospel" (14:6) of the call to "worship Him that made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." (v. 7) God's designated day of worship as the Creator is the Sabbath. (Ex. 20:8-11) The "beast's" designated day is the Day of the Sun.

Keenan in his catechism asks the question, "Have you any other way of proving that the [Roman] Church has power to institute festivals of precept?" Then he answers - "Had she not such power, she could not have done that in which all modern religionists agree with her; - she could not have substituted the observance of Sunday, the first day of the week, for the observance of the Saturday, the seventh day, a change for which there is no Scriptural authority." (Doctrinal Catechism, p. 174)

The fifth angel pours out his vial "upon the seat of the beast." (16:10)

Rev 16:10 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,
Rev 16:11 And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

If the "sea" in the second plague does represent the area from which the "beast" arose, and as a result of the plague, every living soul died in the sea," this "seat" could not be Rome, its original seat. The prophecy in Daniel does cast some light on this problem. There a power "shall plant the tabernacle of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain" (Dan. 11:45) which is Jerusalem. This fact is further emphasized in the sixth plague.

Resultant from the plague, "the (beast's) kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain." This is an interesting use of words, "darkness" associated with the "tongue."

The victorious 144,000 do not have in their mouth "a deceitful tongue." (Zeph. 3:13; Rev. 14:5)

Zep 3:13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

Rev 14:15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

Spiritual darkness comes from deception and the corruption of the Word, for the entrance of the Word giveth light. (Ps. 119:130)

Psa 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

This plague strikes the seat of the beast from whence came spiritual "darkness" during probationary time. Now the medium - the tongue - by which that darkness was conveyed is plagued with pain.

The next plague - the sixth - is poured upon "the great river Euphrates." (16:12)

Rev 16:12 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.

What is this plague? It is something which dries up the waters of the river, and the drying is for a purpose - "that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared."

Each plague, except for the THIRD, is directed toward what man did in probationary time.

For example, the first plague came upon those "which had the mark of the beast and upon them which worshipped his image" ACTIVITY during probationary time.

The description of this activity which brings the sixth plague follows in verses 13-14, 16, verse 15 being parenthetical.

Rev 16:13 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.
Rev 16:14 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.
(Rev 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. )
Rev 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

To understand the import of what took place during the last remnant of time, one must understand the imagery of the sixth plague - the river Euphrates, and its waters.

Significantly, one of the angels of the seven last plagues tells John - "Come hither, I will shew thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters." (17:1)

Yet, when John is shown the judgment on this woman, he sees her sitting upon a scarlet colored beast. (17:3)

Further, he is told that "the waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues." (17:15)

The only vision, previous to the explanation of the "whore" where John could have seen her on "many waters", is during the vision of the seven last plagues.

This whore is "Mystery Babylon the Great" (17:5) the great antitype of ancient Babylon which sat on the River Euphrates.

Even as literal Babylon was situated on the Euphrates, so where this antitypical Babylon will be situated is also revealed.

In the explanation as to why this plague is given, we are informed that the "spirits of devils" gather the leadership of "the whole world" to a place called in the Hebrew tongue, "Harmagedon." (16:16)

The Hebrew word, Har-mo'ed, means the Mount of the Congregation or Jerusalem. (See Isa. 14:13; Ps. 48:2)

Isa 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north
Psa 48:2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.

There is also another connection of thought in regard to Babylon and Jerusalem.

This woman whom John saw on the river Euphrates is called "that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth." (17:18) This "great city" is described elsewhere as the city "which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified." (11:8)

Rev 11:8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

The conclave at the Mount of the Congregation is religious in nature, motivated by the spirits of devils emanating from the dragon, beast, and false prophet. (16:13)

Rev 16:13 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.

They gather together for "the war (Gr. polemos) of the great day of God Almighty." (16:14) In the explanation given concerning the "whore" it states that these powers "make war with the Lamb." (17:14)

Rev 16:14 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.
Rev 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

The plague itself is something which dries up the river, in other words, the support of the people and multitudes. What could cause those who once supported the woman to turn upon her? (17:16)

Rev 17:16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

The seventh plague involves a great earthquake and hail. (16:18, 21)

Rev 16:18 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.
Rev 16:21 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.

Another scripture indicates that, just prior to the earthquake and hail, the temple of God is opened in heaven and "there was seen in His temple the ark of His covenant" which contains the Law of God. (11:19)

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

Paul writes, "The Law worketh wrath." (Rom. 4:15)

Rom 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

Coming from the darkness of the fifth plague, what greater revelation could arrest the attention of the inhabitants of the earth than the meaning of the Law of God in all of its reality? Sensing their deception, and the eternal loss involved, where would the rage of those who have lost all in the battle of life be vented?

The purpose of this plague is to prepare the way for "the kings of the east." (16:12)

Rev 16:12 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

Again the "type" needs to be invoked. Cyrus, who overthrew Babylon came from the "east" and with him were other kings. (Dan. 5:31) Cyrus is pictured in prophecy as the Liberator of the captive people of God. (Isa. 44:28-45:4) When Christ comes the second time, He comes as "King of kings and Lord of lords" to set the captives free. (Rev. 19:11-16; Phil. 3:20-21)

Rev 19:11 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.
Rev 19:12 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.
Rev 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
Rev 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
Rev 19:15 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.
Rev 19:16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Php 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Php 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

When the seventh angel pours out his vial into the air, "a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the Throne" declares - "It is done."

A series of events involving the earth are pictured to John as following this declaration from the Throne. A great earthquake,
Babylon divided into three parts,
the "cities of the nations" fall, "
every island fled away,
and the mountains were not found."

A judgment call must again be made.
Are these literal happenings, or is symbolic prophetic language still being used?
It is obvious from context that "Babylon" is a symbolic term and is applied to the "harlot." (17:18).

Then are the "cities of the nations" the national units of the great international city?

Does the symbolism stop here, and the "islands" and "mountains" are to be understood literally?

The seventh plague itself is described as hail, every stone being "about the weight of a talent." (16:21)

It is said to be "exceeding great."

This can be understood only as literal language.

While men "blasphemed God," those who have been looking at the transgression of earth's inhabitants from heaven's perspective declare, "Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments." (16:7)

Rev 16:7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

The first section of the book of Revelation closes with similar language as is found in this 16th Chapter.

Under the seventh angel of the Trumpets, and the Third Woe are described events when God takes unto Himself, His great power and reigns. (11:15-19) These MUST be considered as parallel with the time of the seven last plagues.

*******

By the grace of God we will study more on the Seven Last Plagues tomorrow, this isn't something we can take lightly. More in detail tomorrow.

Please Lord, bless us as we read and seek to understand, to know. By YOUR grace!


Amen.

Prophecy - 102

1995 Aug -- XXVIII -- 8(95) -- EXEGESIS OF REVELATION -- The Seven Last Plagues -- Part 4 --


In the pronouncement of the Third Angel a warning was given that if ANYONE worshipped the beast or his image, that one "shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God." (14:9-10)

Rev 14:9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
Rev 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the WRATH OF GOD, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:


In the vision beginning with Chapter 15, this wrath is described as being the Seven Last Plagues. (v. 1)

Rev 15:1 And I saw another SIGN in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the WRATH OF GOD.

The format for the giving of this vision is the same as was the format of Revelation 12 - a great wonder is seen in heaven - the screen upon which the divine revelation is portrayed. (The Greek word for "WONDER" in Rev. 12:1, and "SIGN" in Rev. 15:1 is the same)

These plagues are defined as the seven last plagues.

The first reference to "plagues" in Revelation is in connection with the sixth trumpet. (9:20)

Rev 9:20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these PLAGUES yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk

This would indicate that the fulfillment of the "trumpets" in the time sequence of the book of Revelation PRECEDES the final wrath of God, and therefore, is NOT a parallel prophecy.

The second reference to "plagues" is noted in reference to the Two Witnesses which are given authority "to smite the earth with all PLAGUES, as often as they will." (11:6)

Rev 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all PLAGUES, as often as they will.

It is interesting to note that in the Greek text, the word "WOUND" is used to translate the "PLAGUE" received by one of the heads of the beast of Revelation 13.

In verses 3 and 12, the phrase is "plague of death," while in verse 14, it is "the plague of the sword."

Rev 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his DEADLY WOUND was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.
Rev 13:12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose DEADLY WOUND was healed.
Rev 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the WOUND BY A SWORD, and did live.

These previous plagues as described under the sixth trumpet, and the wound received by the beast are ministered by earthly forces--
while the seven last are directly ordered by God, and placed under seven angels who come from the Throne of God with their mandate. (15:5-6)

Rev 15:5 And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:
Rev 15:6 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.

*******

Verses 2 - 4 are interpolated like Rev. 16:15, and serve as an interlude as does Rev. 19:1-4.

In each of these interludes, we are taken back to the original vision given to John when "a door was opened in heaven" and John was instructed by "the first voice" to "Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter." (4:1)

He sees a throne "set in heaven" upon which sat the Eternal Majesty.
Around the throne sat 24 elders, while before the throne were "seven torches of fire burning" declared to be "the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth," representing the omnipotence (horns) and omnipresence (eyes) of the Lamb. (4:5; 5:6; Hab. 3:4; Zech. 4:10)

Hab 3:4 And his brightness was as the light; he had horns coming out of his hand: and there was the hiding of his power.

Zec 4:10 For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.

Also before the throne, there is "a sea of glass like unto crystal." (4:6)
In the midst of the throne are four living creatures, and "a Lamb as it had been slain." (4:6; 5:6)

The interlude of Revelation 15:2-4 returns to the setting of the vision of the open door with its sea of glass; but here it is "mingled with fire" rather than merely being "clear as crystal."
(Compare 4:6 with 15:2)

Rev 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto CRYSTAL: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

Rev 15:2 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.

Could the "fire" be symbolic of the means by which the ones standing on the sea of glass were victorious over the beast and his image and purified so as to be fitted to be in the presence of God? (See Mal. 3:2-3; Luke 3:16)

Mal 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's FIRE, and like fullers' soap:
Mal 3:3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.

Luk 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with FIRE.

There are some parallels between THIS vision and the vision of Rev. 14:1-5, as well as some distinct differences.

Here it is stated that those who stand on the sea of glass are victors "over the beast and over his image," while such a conclusion concerning the 144,000 on Mount Sion can only be inferred.

The 144,000 sing an unique song, while those standing on the sea of glass sing the song of Moses and the Lamb, the words of which are given.

Another question arises, how far back in time must we go to find victors over the beast?

Is the "beast" only that phase of the beast which had a wound by the sword and did live?

That is the emphasis used in previous identification of the beast in connection with "his image." (13:12, 14)

Rev 13:12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
Rev 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

However, the beast has "seven heads" which, depending on the interpretation given to the seven heads, could reach back to Egypt the first power to "persecute" the corporate people of God.

Of interest in this connection, "the song of Moses" is introduced. All of these factors must be programmed into any exegetical study of these verses.

After recording this interlude, John's attention is returned to the "seven angels having the seven last plagues."

He sees the open temple - "the tabernacle of the testimony" - from which these angels are to come.

This is none other than the Most Holy Place of the HEAVENLY SANCTUARY wherein is the ark of the covenant with the Law of God.

John has seen this tabernacle before as the vision of the trumpets was concluded. (11:19)

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

Another parallel between these two revelations is that God in Chapter 11 is declared to have taken His "great power, and has reigned," while in Chapter 15, "the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from His great power."

This assumption on the part of God brings forth His wrath in judgment, and no "man" is able to "enter the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled. (15:8)

Rev 15:8 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.

Intercession has CEASED, for there is but "One mediator between God and men, the Man, Christ Jesus." (I Tim. 2:5)

1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus

Next John hears a voice described as "a great voice out of the temple." (16:1)

Rev 16:1 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.

It is a mandate from the throne. (See 16:17)

Rev 16:17 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.

To the seven angels, the command is given - "Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth."

Little have we realized what the mercy of God has been, and what the wrath of God against sin is.

We have tried to reconcile the God of the Old Testament with how we perceive the God of the New Testament.

In our finite perceptions we have not realized the hatred God has toward sin, nor the significance of the separation that took place when on the cross, Christ became verily sin for us, nor the full significance of the fact that "in the midst of the throne" has "stood a Lamb as it had been slain." (5:6) But when that Lamb steps aside and when no longer His blood pleads for the sinful race, and the wrath of God unmixed falls upon the unsheltered heads of the devotees of the beast and his image, then will all know that the Eternal God is the same God as is revealed in both the Old and New Testaments.

*******

This is so TRUE!

We don't want to think that there WILL be a time when PROBATION IS OVER!!! We want to imagine that there won't be a split second between the last decided case and the coming of our Lord and Savior. The Bible tells us a different story though.

There will be a people SEALED and a people UNSEALED but MARKED!

This is FACT! This is NOT FICTION!

WAKE UP EVERYONE! You are either sealed by God or marked by the Beast! What decides? WE DO! We make the choice no one makes it for us, not a single person, not God, not Satan- WE MAKE THAT DECISION!

People are RESPONSIBLE for their own eternal life, or if they choose, eternal death.

WE decide whether or not to ACCEPT the offer of Salvation, the GIFT of Salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, our Savior! If we do not accept this offer and this way of life in our Savior then we are not going to have salvation.

When we are sealed by God we are His and we will be able to live through the horrors of the seven last plagues and they will not touch us. We will be able to live through the all consuming fire of the wrath of God that is let loose upon those who choose to disobey Him, those who choose to receive the mark of the beast, those who choose to allow themselves to be deceived, by the GRACE and MERCY of our Savior we will be HIS, depending fully upon Him and His righteousness. Please Lord, please SEAL us as yours so we may live in the darkest times ahead. We do not deserve Your mercy and grace, we are sinners, filthy sinners.

Only through YOU!


Amen.

Prophecy - 101

This study is guided by the thought paper of William Grotheer. He was a former SDA member who clearly saw and revealed the apostasy within the SDA corporate church. A lot of what he wrote on makes a person think for themselves, study for themselves. He's not trying to convince anyone to believe as he believes, any more than I am trying to get a single person to believe what I believe. I would much rather everyone study for themselves. Study, study, study, study, study! We can never cease to study God's word, never. We need to pray and ask for guidance and clear understanding. When we face things we aren't sure about we have to keep praying and keep studying, never giving up but always receptive to the truth as God will reveal it to us. If we don't have this very REAL active faith, this very REAL active belief in God then we need to pray harder, pray for a clean heart, for a renewed spirit. Satan is going to do all he can to keep as many people as he can with him and he'll stop at nothing to deceive us, nothing. With an open heart, with an open mind all before God may we study and understand. Let the Holy Spirit bring us all the enlightenment we need, and may we never be discouraged, never despair of being in our Savior's will, wholly His.


Thought Paper - Watchman What of the Night- 1995 Jul -- XXVIII -- 7(95) -- EXEGESIS OF REVELATION -- THE 144,000 AND THE THREE ANGELS -- Part 3 --


The first vision given to John after he was told, "Here is wisdom," is a climax to a series of revelations given in the previous chapters.

He was told that "all that dwell on the earth shall worship" the first beast, except those whose names are in "the book of life of the Lamb." (13:8)

Rev 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the
world.

It was also stated that those who would "not worship the image of the beast should be killed." (13:15)

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

In Chapter 12, it was declared that those who overcome "the dragon" do so "by the blood of the Lamb," and these "loved not their lives unto death." (12:11)

Rev. 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Now John sees a company with the Lamb on mount Sion, 144,000.

This number stands in direct CONTRAST to the "all" who worship, the dragon, beast, and image. (13:4, 15)

Rev 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who [is] like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
Rev 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.


These are commandment keepers; they have no other gods before Jehovah Elohim. (Ex. 20:2-3)

Exo 20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Exo 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Further, they do not bow down to, nor serve any "image." (Ex. 20:4-5)

Exo 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
Exo 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me

God honors them for their FIDELITY in the midst of universal apostasy by placing His name in their foreheads.

The 144,000 on mount Sion, the remnant of the seed the of the woman who face the death decree in the warfare with the dragon, are also revealed in the first section of the book.

(Chapter 7) There these victors are portrayed as having "washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (v. 14)

Rev 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

The picture is heightened by further comparison.

The 144,000 receive "His Father's name."
These "follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth." (14:4)

Rev 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

*******

The high point of this last section of Revelation before the Millennial reign is that "the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready." She is clothed in"fine linen, clean and white," a righteousness obtained by the blood of the Lamb.

Rev 19:6 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.
Rev 19:7 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.
Rev 19:8 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.

There is another "knitting" back into the first section.

The victors of "Laodicea" sit with "the True Witness" (Gr. ho martus) on His throne. (3:21)

Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

They REFUSE to worship the dragon, beast and image - they KEEP the commandments - and they HAVE the "witness" (Gr. marturian) of Jesus Christ.

They are the "remnant" of the woman's seed, the "Queen" - the wife of the Lamb accepting only "His Father's name."

The 144,000 with the Father's name in their foreheads "the seal of God" (Rev. 7:3)

Rev 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have SEALED the servants of our God in their foreheads.

- are in contrast to the "ALL" who worship the beast and receive "a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads." (13:16)

Rev 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads

With the emphasis on "the blood of the Lamb" as the means of victory, the 144,000 have nothing in their hands to bring, simply to the Lamb they cling. *******AMEN!

Those who trust in the merits of their own works - Cain worship - receive a mark in their right hand.

*******

John next heard a duo singing "a new song" in which the 144,000 unite their voices.

These voices are accompanied "by harpers harping on their harps." (14:2-3)

Rev 14:2 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:
Rev 14:3 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.

"The voice of many waters" is the voice of "the Son of man." (1:15)

Rev 1:15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.

The voice "of a great thunder" is God Himself.

Zephaniah seeing "the remnant of Israel" who do no iniquity, neither is a "deceitful tongue found in their mouth," foretells that the Lord God "will joy over (them) with singing." (3:13, 17)

Zep 3:13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.
Zep 3:17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.


[See John 12:28-29….

Joh 12:28 Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.
Joh 12:29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

... and note the phrase, "lightnings and thunderings and voices" associated with descriptions of the Throne of God in Revelation 4:5; 16:17-18.]

Rev 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Rev 16:17 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.
Rev 16:18 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.

An interesting question for consideration is why, and what is the "new song" which only God, the Lamb and the 144,000 will sing together.

The 144,000 are indicated as having been "redeemed from among men."

Rev 14:4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were REDEEMED from among MEN, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

James White made an insightful observation on this point.

He wrote: "Not out of their graves; no, no, - 'from among men.' They must, therefore, be the living saints who are changed to immortality at the coming of the Lord." (R&H, May 9, 1854, p. 124; emphasis his)

These are declared to be "the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb." Here again is the Divine Duo with a stated relationship of the 144,000 to Them. This entwining picture should be carefully considered:

1) The 144,000 are with the Lamb on mount Sion with God's name in their foreheads.

2) The Lamb and God sing a "new song" in which only the 144,000 can unite their voices.

3) The 144,000 become "first fruits" to God and the Lamb.

If James White's observation first penned in 1850 is correct, and we believe it is, this relationship between the 144,000 and the Divine Duo is further heightened by the fact that those who are translated without seeing death put on "immortality" in contrast to the "incorruption" of the resurrected saints. (I Cor. 15:51-54)

1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 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.
1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1Co 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

The word translated, "immortality" (athanasia) is used only three times in the New Testament, twice in I Corinthians 15:53-54,

and once in I Tim. 6:16.

1Ti 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Here in these related verses is a clear suggestion that the 144,000 will share in an attribute of God as did the exalted Jesus who had laid aside this prerogative to accomplish redemption. This resurrected Christ is also called, "the first fruits." (I Cor. 15:23

1Co 15:23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

There is an interpretation read into these verses which designates the 144,000 as the instruments by which God brings together the "great multitude" of Revelation 7:9

Rev 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands

Inasmuch as the 144,000 are discussed in both Revelation 7, and 14, we need to pause and consider the two prophetic pictures together.

In Revelation 7, the question is asked, "Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?" (v. 13 NKJV) There is no question but that the great multitude are arrayed in white robes. The text so states. (7:9) It also declares that the "multitude" come from "all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues."

Applying the same question asked by "one of the elders" in Chapter 7 to Revelation 14 in regard to the 144,000, the answer is - they result from the Three Angels' Mesages, which are likewise given not only to "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people" (14:6)

Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people

... but also to them "that dwell on the earth."

The 144,000 are not only "redeemed from among men," but also are "redeemed from the earth." (14:3)

Rev 14:3 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.

Here a judgment call must be made once again.

Are we to interpret "earth" as the symbolic "earth" of the continuous prophecy of Revelation 12 & 13, or do we interpret the word as applied to the planet as a whole?

From the picture in Revelation 14, must be added the descriptive concept of the 144,000 -

"in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God." (v. 5)

In other words, "they keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." (v. 12)

Compare Rev. 14:5

Rev 14:5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

with I Peter 2:22,

1Pe 2:22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth

... and consider the basic revelation of Chapter 12 - the "Seed" of the Woman, the Man-child, and the "remnant of her seed" which keep the commandments of God, and have the witness of Jesus. (12:17) Where then does the "great multitude" enter the picture?

In Rev. 14:13 "a voice from heaven" is heard. The Holy Spirit speaks - "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth."

There is a point of time from which those who die in the Lord are called "blessed." The text would suggest that point as the beginning of the Three Angels' Messages.

We next turn our attention to the Three Angels and their messages. Immediately we face a problem. How are we to identify these angels, as symbols or real angels?

We have said that they represent a movement.

We have perceived that movement to be the Adventist Movement.

However, there are more than three angels in Revelation 14.

Besides the three which "fly in the midst of heaven," there are three other angels: two come "out of the temple," and one "out from the altar." (vs. 15-18)

Rev 14:15 And ANOTHER ANGEL came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
Rev 14:16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
Rev 14:17 And ANOTHER ANGEL came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
Rev 14:18 And ANOTHER ANGEL came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

One from the "temple" and the one from the "altar" are involved with "the great winepress of the wrath of God" and "the city." (vs. 19-20)

Rev 14:19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.
Rev 14:20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

The previous reference where "temple," "altar," and "city" are associated together is Rev. 11:1-2.

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

The references previous to Rev. 11:1, where the "altar" is seen is in Chapters 8 & 9. There it is called, "the golden altar before the throne." (8:3; 9:13)

Our problem is that if we interpret the three angels flying in the midst of heaven as an earthly movement, how can we interpret the last three as literal?

If all are symbolic of "movements," what movements do the last three represent?

How do we interrelate these angels which come out of the temple with the two temple scenes of Chapter 11:1, 19?

Rev 11:1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
Rev 11:19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

Either we say that they mean something different in Revelation 14, or we say that they must be given a consistent identification in each reference where the term is used.

Whichever interpretive decision we make, we come face to face with the realization that there are still areas in the book of Revelation that need prayer and study. *******AMEN!

A suggestive interpretation of the angels of Revelation 14 might be found in the designation of the sixth angel.

He had "authority ("power" - KJV) over the fire." (v. 18 Gr.)

Rev 14:18 And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

In Revelation 16,the angel of the third plague is spoken of as "the angel of the waters." (16:5)

Rev 16:5 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.

Throughout the ENTIRE BOOK, angels are given specific responsibilities in carrying out the directives that come from the throne of God.

Thus we could say that the first angel of Revelation 14 was given the "authority" to see that the everlasting gospel with its specific emphasis for earth's last hour was implemented. This he did through the Advent Movement.

From this viewpoint, the "angels of God" in Revelation are REAL BEINGS - "ministering spirits" - placed in charge of God's plans and purposes to bring about the full realization of the victory of "His Christ." (12:10)

Considering the messages of the first three angels of Revelation 14, as we seek to let the text speak, we face problems in harmonizing what the text says with what our tradition has read into these verses.

The first angel comes in the midst of heaven "having the everlasting gospel." (14:6)

It is age-long (aionion); the same gospel as promised to Eve in the beginning, and realized in the victory of the Man-child. It is to go not only to "them that dwell on the earth," but also to "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people."
It carried a specific message. "The hour of God's judgment is come."
"Is come" (elthen) is in the past tense (Gr. aorist).
When this angel gives its message, the judgment has commenced.
The message of the first angel is NOT a message telling of something to come, but a PROCLAMATION of what HAS begun - God's judgment hour.
Further it is connected with three imperatives:

1) "Fear God,"
2) "Give glory to Him," and
3) "Worship Him who made."

This message could not be given until the Judgment had begun in Heaven no more than the Spirit could come on Pentecost until the enthronement of Christ as High Priest in the Heavenly Sanctuary. (See Acts 2:33)

Act 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Thus the first angel began to sound AFTER 1844, NOT before.

It is also a historical fact that the Movement directed by this angel did not see the sanctuary truth of the final atonement of the great High Priest, or the Sabbath truth until AFTER October 22, 1844.

Further, since this message is a part of the age-long gospel, it will continue to be proclaimed till the close of all human probation.

The other two which follow only JOIN their voices with this first angel.

The second angel proclaims - "Babylon is fallen, is fallen."
Again, this is in the past tense (epesen).
When this angel sounds, there is an ACCOMPLISHED FACT.
In fact, the reason for the fall of Babylon - "because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication" - is in the Greek perfect tense (pepotiken), indicating COMPLETED action.

The message of this angel is that the "nations" to whom "the everlasting gospel" was to be proclaimed, INSTEAD of accepting it, chose to drink of Babylon's wine under religious duress.

The third angel joins the other two. However, in John's recording of this message, he places it in the present tense -

"If any man is worshiping (proskunei) the beast and his image, and is receiving (lambanei) a mark ...." (14:9)

This message, therefore, except in a warning of what will be, cannot be "present truth" until the "mark" is in place, and the proclamation to worship is made.

It needs to be kept in mind that the cause to worship this beast is contingent on the fact that "the deadly wound was healed." (13:12)

When we consider the "wisdom" and "under-standing" given to John in the previous chapter (13:18), we discover that the basic element in this warning is against the worship of man for the "beast" is a man!

The third angel joins his voice in warning that the rejection of the everlasting gospel's imperatives -

"Fear God, and give glory to Him ... and worship Him who made" -

- and in its place, worshiping man in whatever form that may take, brings "the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture." (14:10)

In the final confrontation when all that dwell on the face of the earth bow in worship to the beast that had a deadly wound and "was healed," there will be a "remnant of Israel" who, as the Three Worthies before them, refuse to bow to the image - they will keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." (14:12)

It will be a trying ordeal for it will reveal the "endurance" (patience - KJV) of the saints. "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." (Matt. 24:13)

Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

This verse - 14:12 - is interesting in that not only do the "saints" keep the commandments of God, they ALSO keep the faith of Jesus.

We hear much about "keeping" the commandments of God, but we hear little, if any thing, about keeping the faith of Jesus.

This word, "keep" (tereo) is the same word as used in the blessing pronounced upon those who "keep those things which are written" in the book of Revelation. (1:3; 22:7, 9)

John uses this word frequently in both his Gospel and first Epistle. In these books, it is used primarily with keeping the commandments, and the sayings of Jesus.

We might ask, does the keeping of the faith of Jesus mean entering into the experience He entered, in both Gethsemane and Calvary, where unable to see through the darkness, He simply prayed, "Thy will be done. Father into thy hands I commend my spirit."

Will the 144,000 who go with the Lamb "withsoever He goeth," have also gone with Him through their Gethsemane and Calvary?

" One thing will certainly be understood from a study of Revelation, - that the connection between God and His people is close and decided. "
(TM, p. 114)

*******

We who despise hardships. We who run to the pharmacy at the least sign of discomfort. We who bemoan our existence so often when we lack the things we believe we need, deserve, desire. We who are taught that any anxiety is a bad thing. We who are raised to believe that depression is a state we must shun at all costs - rather than use it to examine our lives and learn to develop a trust in God unlike any can imagine. We who are so incredibly far from where we need to be- is it ANY wonder at all that there will be so few people who have the true FAITH of Jesus? We suffer and we are supposed to suffer. We aren't supposed to like it at all. We need to put our lives in God's hands NOW, not later. We need to develop a trust in God that can withstand everything and anything Satan wants to throw at us. We have to submit to God, we need to learn this submission. God will NOT force us to love Him. God will NOT force us to trust Him. God will NOT force us to believe. We have a choice and making that choice decides our eternal fate. It's a choice that needs to be made so much more often than people realize. It's a choice we make throughout our daily lives in ALL we do. Are we REALLY, HONESTLY letting our Savior guide our every action? Is that too much to ask of us sinners? I didn't ask are we really doing everything right? You might say that's what His guiding our every action means, but it isn't. We are sinners, we are humans, we are fallible, we will make mistakes, we will fail, we will mess things up bad, but if we are really doing ALL we can to put our Savior in all we do then we are choosing Christ. When we fail to choose Christ we are sinning every bit as much as the sinful action. It's putting Christ second, it's putting other things before God that causes us to fail. We need to ask ourselves if we ARE putting Christ first in our choices. If we're afraid to even ask ourselves that question we need to pray so much more than we are doing now. Christ is our Salvation. Christ is our Rock. Christ is Everything. We need the FAITH of JESUS, a faith that is fully in God in all things.


Please Lord, help us! We are desperately in need of Your help. We don't always see a way out of our situations, a way to be Yours in all things, help us find a way PLEASE!


Guide us.
Love us.
Forgive us.
Please…forgive us.

All in YOUR righteousness!


Amen.

Prophecy - 100

More from the thought papers of Elder Grotheer on the study of Revelation. May God help us to find all the truth we need to find, not being deceived by Satan. Protect us Lord as we study others interpretations, help us to glean the wisdom from what we read and only further our understanding of Your truth. Bless us Lord, we ask this in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ and thank you because we know you are able to do all things. In Your love!

*******

Recognizing that the first beast represents the Papacy, then one criterion which determines where our names are placed is our attitude toward Roman Catholicism.

This includes much more than mere Sunday observance. The doctrine of the Trinity - basic in Romanism, the Eucharist, and other issues enter the picture. Little wonder then that the admonition follows -

"If any man have an ear, let him hear." (13:9)

In Rev. 13:10 an unique comment is made - "Here is the patience and faith of the saints." It is found again in Revelation 14:12, and only in these two texts in Revelation.

Do these serve as "brackets" for the revelation that is given between? If so, then this call to observe the steadfastness of "the saints" is associated with the activities of the second beast of chapter 13 and the giving of the Three Angels' Messages.

The second beast came "up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon." (13:11)

Two things of importance need to be noted.

The prophetic symbolism does not connect this beast with the other beasts - there is no common denominator, the multiple heads or horns which mark the other beast symbols are missing.

Only two horns are noted.
No prophetic, or literal time factors are associated with this second beast.
He doesn't speak as "THE dragon," but simply "as A dragon."

"His two horns are like the horns of a lamb." The symbolism combines the two representations which in Chapter 12 are pictured as in deadly conflict, the dragon and the Lamb.


This beast "exerciseth all the power (authority - exousia) of the first beast."
Is this saying that its authority is derived from the same source as the first beast, or is it stating that its controlling influence is as extensive as was that of the first beast, or both?

The evident time of prophetic emphasis for the second beast is after the deadly wound of the first beast "was healed." (v. 12)
Is it then, that we are to consider the exercise of, and source for its authority?
If so, the activities of this beast, as described in Chapter 13, would not find fulfillment until AFTER 1929, when the deadly wound began to be healed. But when was it "healed"?

One of the wonders which this beast performs is to make "fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men." (v. 13)
This beast is defined as "the false prophet." (19:20)
The allusion to fire coming down from heaven, being done by a prophet, calls to mind, Elijah who is to come before "the great and dreadful day of the Lord." (Mal. 4:5)
This is telling us two things:
1) In the final confrontation, there will be a reversal of evidence. The false and deceptive will produce what will appear to be genuine evidence of Divine manifestation. And
2) This second beast is a religious power seeking to fulfill the role of Elijah.

In determining the identify of this "beast power," we have given it two identifications, the United States and Apostate Protestantism.

In the transitional verses from the first beast to the second, is found the dictum - "He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity."

This is interpreted as having been fulfilled in taking the Pope captive, and by declaring the government of the Papacy at an end in 1798, thus concluding the 1260 prophetic days.

It was at this time, as the Papacy ceased its domination over "the kings of the earth," that the United States came into existence as a nation - "coming up out of the earth."

However, to so interpret, excludes the identification as Protestantism, because Protestantism arose in the area prophetically identified as "the sea," and over two hundreds years before the downfall of the Pope.

We can respond that it is Apostate Protestantism that is being identified since the symbol is termed, "the false prophet." If this be so, then one must ask, "When did Protestantism become apostate?" To this, we have responded that this state resulted from the rejection of the First Angel's Message. And textually the First Angel's Message is placed in the setting of this prophetic revelation to John, with the Second Angel proclaiming the fall of Babylon, of which the "false prophet" is one part. (Rev. 16:13, 19)

In recognizing this "beast" as a religious power we must also recognize two other factors of prophecy.

1) As noted above, the prophetic emphasis in Revelation 13 is on the activities of the "false prophet" after the "deadly wound was healed." This extends the time element for the main thrust of "apostate" Protestantism well over 100 years from the above date (1844) set for its inception.

2) This religious force causes the "image" to be formed. (13:14) The "image" to the first beast would be religio-political even as the Papacy was and is. It must also be understood, that this "religious" power says to those "that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast." This clearly indicates that the political power through which the "image" will be formed is democratic, the electorate is asked to grant the authority. But the "life" of this image is given to it by the "false prophet." (13:15)

Penalties for failure to come into line are twofold:
1) The "false prophet" initiates economic sanctions (13:16-17).
2) The created "image" of the union of church and state - issues the death decree (13:15).

The final verse of Revelation 13 - verse 18 - demands careful exegesis. It can be noted as both a literal fact, and it can convey spiritual import.

Rev 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

A spiritual truth is also hidden in this number and "wisdom." The Greek text reads - "For a number of man, it is" - no article, and the word for man is anthropos. Six is one shy of seven, which is a Biblical perfect number, but it is a combination of three sixes, three being another perfect number. Thus the number 666 could be interpreted as perfected imperfection. This even carries overtones of "six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work." Man in the worship of the works of his hands - Cain worship - and self glorification, cannot "Fear God and give glory to Him ... and worship Him who made ..." providing for man, the seventh day of rest, which is the essence of the First Angel's Message. (14:6-7) The Third Angel's Message also addresses this issue. "If any man worship the beast," but the "beast" is man in the height of his imperfection and rebellion against God.

This full picture justifies Thayer's definition of "the Wicked" one, "the man of sin," as "he in whom all iniquity has as it were fixed its abode" (II Thess. 2:8.) (See Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, p. 48, art. anomos) This is the one which the "false prophet" leads those who dwell on the earth to worship.

In contrast to this, comes the next vision given to John.

*******

More tomorrow… so much to study! So much to contemplate. Please Lord help us, give us the wisdom we need.

By Your Grace!

By Your Love!


In You Lord always!!!


Amen.

Prophecy - 99

'We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts' (II Peter 1:19)

Continuing our study, may God bless us and open our understanding to His truths. All praise, all thanksgiving, all worship, all honor, all glory to our God!

*******

As the description and comment on the first beast is concluded, there is found a clause that will be repeated several times in the ensuing revelation - them "that dwell on the earth." (13:8, 12, 14-2x; 14:6; 17:2)

Rev 13:8 And all THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Rev 13:12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth THE EARTH and THEM WHICH DWELL THEREIN to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

Rev 13:14 And deceiveth them THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them THAT DWELL UPON THE EARTH, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people

Rev 17:2 With whom the KINGS OF THE EARTH have committed fornication, and the INHABITANTS OF THE EARTH have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.


Since the warning in Chapter 12, was to the "inhabiters" (v. 12) of the earth

Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the INHABITERS OF THE EARTH and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

-- and since the second beast comes "up out of the earth" (13:11),

Rev 13:11 And I beheld another BEAST COMING UP OUT OF THE EARTH; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.

-- is this phraseology to be restricted to the area prophetically designated the earth?
Or is to be given the concept which we give to earth - the whole planet?

***The answer to this question will even effect the understanding of Revelation 14:6.****

Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

Should the text read as in the KJV - "unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people."

Or, should the conjunctive, kai, (AND) be given its alternate meaning with the text reading, "unto them that dwell on the earth, ALSO to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people."

G2532
καί
kai
kahee
Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; AND, ALSO, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words: - and, also, both, but, even, for, if, indeed, likewise, moreover, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yea, yet.

In other words, was "the everlasting gospel" to be FIRST proclaimed to the dwellers of the prophetic "EARTH"-- (Which we've noted in the past is the United States) -- and THEN to every nation worldwide. This is historically what happened. (Historically in the early-to mid 1800's the prophecies were opened and the prophecies ALL point to the message of the everlasting gospel, salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord and His return. This began in earnest in the United States first and this is historical.)

Does this fact, therefore, help us to read aright as prophetic language - "them that dwell on the earth."

In the Greek New Testament text of the United Bible Societies different Greek words are used in the various verses in Revelation 12, 13, 14, and 17 for the word, "dwell" in the clause, "that dwell on the earth."

ONLY in Chapter 13, is the Greek word the same for "dwell" in verses 8 and 14.

However, in the Received Text (Textus Receptus), the same word for "dwell" (katoikeo) is used consistently in Rev. 12:12; 13:8, 14; 14:6; and 17:2.

If this is then to be interpreted prophetically, it adds a different dimension to the understanding of where the final events will be focused.

Those "that dwell on the earth" will "worship him (the beast)" (13:8). They will be deceived into making an image to the beast (13:14). They will become intoxicated with the wine of the harlot (17:2).

It would also appear when the "whole" earth is meant rather than its use as a prophetic symbol, the word, "dwell" is NOT used, but rather HOLOS, meaning entire, is associated with the word, "earth." See 13:3.

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

In the connecting verses between the two "beasts" of Revelation 13, there is both warning and admonition. "All that dwell on the earth (PROPHETIC EARTH United States - NOT HOLOS) shall worship the first beast" with but one exception, those whose names are "written in the book of life of the Lamb" do not do so (13:8).

Rev 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

This is important to note- this means that ALL in the United States WILL worship the first beast UNLESS their names are written in the LAMB'S book of life! And is it possible this is a progression that the MARK which people will possess will start HERE in the United States? We've talked about the mark before and noted logically that while a lot of people are expecting to be forced to submit to some freaky computer chip implant, or bar code mark- this isn't how it will be given at all- more on that later. This is just a thought- one of many that keeps us studying and searching for the truth that will one day be fully realized, even if we have yet to comprehend we are warned, we are watching, and we are praying.

I want to read the verse noted above and substitute the words United States where it is indicated the prophetic term for earth is used and not the whole world earth term.

Rev 13:8 And all THAT DWELL IN THE UNITED STATES shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Rev 13:12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth THE UNITED STATES and THEM WHICH DWELL THEREIN to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

Rev 13:14 And deceiveth them THAT DWELL IN THE UNITED STATES by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them THAT DWELL IN THE UNITED STATES, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

Rev 14:6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them THAT DWELL IN THE UNITED STATES, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people

Rev 17:2 With whom the KINGS OF THE UNITED STATES have committed fornication, and the INHABITANTS OF THE UNITED STATES have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

Now this changes the entire picture of HOW people truly believe prophecy will be unfolded, doesn't it?

It fits better though, it really does. It fits so much better when we consider the verses that tell us people will be marrying and given in marriage as it was in the days of Noah. IF everyone in the world was caught up in the mark it presents a whole new outlook. The waiting for globalization to take place. The looking for a suspicious mark that would make everyone in the whole world receive it or they couldn't buy or sell. Think about that logically for a moment. We have SO incredibly many places in our world that don't even have a monetary system set up like the huge western world cultures. We have many individual monetary systems. I'm NOT saying it's on the realm of the impossible though- remember Satan loves to deceive and he's more than happy to encourage things to come to pass as a wide majority might expect so those people can point at the seemingly unfolding prophecies and deceive many! I am saying that we have to take into consideration that it is highly possible that the United States will be the focus of the mark of the beast. So let's examine this as a possibility at the least...


Rev 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea (Europe/Middle East), having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. (This beast is proven to be the Papacy - 7 blasphemous heads- 10 horns- 10 crowns)
Rev 13:2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. (A composite beast of which the Papacy is having become the culminating beast that would live until Christ's return)
Rev 13:3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. (The papacy receive what many thought was a death blow in 1798 but obviously the papacy survived that deadly would and was healed and yes- many wondered that it could recover from such a blow.)
Rev 13:4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? (Satan gives the papacy its power and many worship Satan inadvertently, unknowingly, uncaringly. There are no other forces exactly like the papacy- none make war with the papacy- not any longer.)
Rev 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. (The papacy reigned for 1260 years - 42 prophetic months.)
Rev 13:6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. (In many of its beliefs the papacy has blasphemed against God, His name, His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.)
Rev 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (The papacy has faced great animosity worldwide and has overcome that animosity in many, many ways. There are many ambassadors to the Vatican, and more added all the time.)

FUTURE-- ?

Rev 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (The U.S. will worship the Papacy ((Remember this is Satan we are dealing with, and deception is his greatest tool, the worship of the Papacy in the U.S. will NOT necessarily be a blatant worship- meaning the whole of the U.S. will NOT convert to Catholicism. However the whole of the U.S. aside from those who are truly God's will be deceived into worshipping the papacy power, the beast, in spite of itself.)
Rev 13:9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
Rev 13:10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.


Rev 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. (The beast power of democracy- seemingly good and right and yet the controlling power is corrupt and evil.)
Rev 13:12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. (The papacy wielded and wields a deceptive power, a hidden power very political as well as religious. This democratic power that controls the U.S. is also a religious/political power no matter how much the political power tries to divorce itself from all things religious. In spite of itself the U.S. worships the first beast - a false religious/political power exactly like the Papacy.)
Rev 13:13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, (Elijah made fire come down from heaven and exposed the pagan religion at work. In these last days it will be the beast of the U.S. that will make fire come down from heaven- and in truth haven't we? Weren't we the ones to wield the first nuclear explosions that changed the course of history? Something to think about.)
Rev 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. (People in the U.S. are deceived by the seeming miracles that occur here- the grand inventions, the American dream, the American way, the pride of the U.S.A. - are we making an image to the beast? Do we encourage our political parties to profess their belief in Jesus Christ? There has been great controversy over whether our current president truly believes in Jesus Christ. There is great controversy over the incoming political candidates and their stance on religion and Jesus Christ. The U.S. is a huge image- truly- of that first beast, only in such away many will NEVER see it, many never want to see it.
Rev 13:15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. (Power to the image- we can only imagine how this will come to pass but we see more and more governmental control all the time- the 'big brother' aspect of our lives has grown by leaps and bounds and show NO signs of lessening. Is it possible the worshipping is as one worshipping a golden calf? They worshipped that calf that had NOTHING at all to do with the One True God. They worshipped a THING that to our thinking is nothing at all religious. Worshipping something doesn't necessarily have to mean it's a known religion, not by a long shot. )
Rev 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: (Our actions and thoughts- we act from the beliefs we have in our thoughts. We are marked by our beliefs. We all will have to choose whether to believe God or Satan, and our thoughts and actions will reveal our marked state.)
Rev 13:17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. (We cannot forget how at the beginning of the book of Revelation we read this--(((Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. )))) What if… and it's a big what if… this is a spiritual buying and selling? Seriously. Is it possible? If we receive the mark of the beast- of Satan we most certainly cannot buy gold tried in fire from God, we most certainly cannot offer to sell to anyone anything Godly if we do not possess anything truly from God. These are marks that GOD sees! We aren't told they will be visible marks known to man. We are told we will receive the mark if we are Not God's. God also seals people-(((Rev 9:4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. )))) There is a mark and a seal and while so many are concentrating on the tiny 666 devilish marking on the back of a fictional anti-christ's head, and concentrating on being controlled by a government power that forces them to accept numbers to label them (don't we have that with our social security numbers already?) these people are being deceived! It's much more logical to believe that Satan- who knows those who are marked as His and those who are not- will be AFTER those who are not and will make an effort to destroy all those who are not his by any means possible.)
Rev 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. (When people receive the mark of the beast, when people choose Satan over God, they are bowing down to the Papacy which is the head of all things ungodly. The papacy is the most deceptive of all evils and all things that deceive imitate this great deception of the dragon.)


Now I'm not saying I'm right with all this, I'm really not. But I am saying we have to consider all things and not just get set in our ways to the point that we are deceived ourselves.


May God bless us as we continue our studying! Help us Lord, help us! We want to buy of you gold tried in fire! We need Your eye salve! We have to have YOUR raiment! Please Lord! Please!


Thank you God! Thank YOU! All praise, all glory, all honor to YOU always!

In Christ forever!

Amen.