Seeking Deeper Comprehension.

The study we are continuing today is from yesterday. We are going to try and comprehend everything on a deeper level, all by the grace of God.

'From WWN6(95) - Exegesis of Revelation, Part 2, The Beast and the False Prophet, pp. 2-4:

The section of the prophecy of Revelation 13 which describes the first beast, can be divided in two parts: 

1) A symbolic description of the beast itself and a brief overview of its history (vs. 1-4); and 

2) What it was to do in the time period allotted (vs. 5-7)

(((Rev 13:1  And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a BEAST rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 

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. 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 13:4  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 13:5  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. 

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. 

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.))))

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 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. 

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

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 affect 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 (ALSO) 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, 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."

In other words, was "the everlasting gospel" to be first proclaimed to the dwellers of the prophetic "earth" and then to every nation worldwide. This is historically what happened.

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

(((The word DWELL--))))  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 (see verses above). 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). (Italicized emphasis added.)

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 (ALL), 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 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 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).

Recognizing that the first beast represents the Papacy, …

(((NOTE: If you have come upon this study without reading any others, please know that this statement isn't given lightly. This hasn't been spoken hastily, but years of study has formed this conclusion and I have several studies on Daniel and Revelation that can give irrefutable proof attesting to the truth of this bold and possibly shocking statement. ))))

…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) (Italicized emphasis added.)

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 identity of this "beast power," we have given it two identifications, the United States and Apostate Protestantism. (((See previous NOTE above. These conclusions are verified in truth through much study. If you're interested in the studies, they are on Daniel and Revelation and can be found by searching my many years of studies posted.))))

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).

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. 

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. 

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: 

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. 

The final verse of Revelation 13 - verse 18 - demands careful exegesis.

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.

It can be noted as both a literal fact, and it can convey spiritual import. Use of this verse has been made by Adventist evangelists by identifying the Pope with title - VICARIVS FILI DEI - which in the Latin equals - 666. A publication recently came to this desk which claimed that this title "has long been a forgery of Adventist publishing and is thoroughly fraudulent." Documentation was given for this charge from a work by Gilbert M. Valentine, The Shaping of Adventism, published by Andrews University. Evidently someone has not done their homework, and this would include George R. Knight, who chaired Valentine's original research. It is the Catholic Church itself which admits that "the title of the Pope of Rome is Vicarious Filii Dei. This is inscribed on his mitre; and if you take the letters of his title which represent Latin numerals (printed large) and add them together they come to 666."

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)

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, 

Rev 14:7  Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. 

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.

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

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: 

Rev 14:11  And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. 

Rev 14:12  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 

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

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. (Italicized emphasis added.)

More tomorrow…. By the will of our God!

All through JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD NOW AND FOREVER!!!!!!!

End Time Events.

Because we've been discussing end time events and mentioning the Mark of the Beast and such, right now we're going to study a little bit more on this subject.

Once again, as greater minds than mine prevail, we are going to use the work of a Biblical scholar- someone who has spent their life in a thorough exegesis of the Word of God. The work of someone who welcomed a challenging mind and was more than willing to open His Bible with prayer for guidance and seek only truth. This man had to give up cherished beliefs when truth demanded, as many people have to do. When we aren't willing to accept truth, but holdfast to fallacies we are comfortable with for whatever reasons, then we are willfully blinding ourselves and while we may keep a visage of being Christ's, Satan is the one pulling the strings and tightening the blindfold- content to allow you to believe whatever you desire, so long as it is not all the truth. We shut ourselves off from Christ truly knowing us when we block His truth because HE is the way, the truth, and the life. 

Joh_14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Truth isn't easy to follow, to accept. If you say it is, then maybe for you it has been and is. Satan makes it as hard has he can for us to follow the truth, making lies so close to the truth people are deceived. Satan mixes in just enough lie to keep people from believing, all the while reassuring them that they are Christ followers and Christ knows them.

Having said all that may God help us, bless us, opening our spiritual understanding to HIS truth as we study end time events. Prayerfully these events are just around the corner ready to unfold. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, now and forever!

*******

'MARK OF THE BEAST

QUOTATIONS FROM WATCHMAN, WHAT OF THE NIGHT?

From WWN6(95) - Exegesis of Revelation, Part 2, The Beast and the False Prophet, pp. 2-4:

The section of the prophecy of Revelation 13 which describes the first beast, can be divided in two parts: 1) A symbolic description of the beast itself and a brief overview of its history (vs. 1-4); and 2) What it was to do in the time period allotted (vs. 5-7). . . .

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) Since the warning in Chapter 12, was to the "inhabiters" (v. 12) of the earth, and since the second beast comes "up out of the earth" (13:11), 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 affect the understanding of Revelation 14:6. 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, 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." In other words, was "the everlasting gospel" to be first proclaimed to the dwellers of the prophetic "earth" and then to every nation worldwide. This is historically what happened. 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). (Italicized emphasis added.)

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.

In the connecting verses between the two "beasts" of Revelation 13, there is both warning and admonition. "All that dwell on the earth 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).

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) (Italicized emphasis added.)

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 identity 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. Use of this verse has been made by Adventist evangelists by identifying the Pope with title - VICARIVS FILI DEI - which in the Latin equals - 666. A publication recently came to this desk which claimed that this title "has long been a forgery of Adventist publishing and is thoroughly fraudulent." Documentation was given for this charge from a work by Gilbert M. Valentine, The Shaping of Adventism, published by Andrews University. Evidently someone has not done their homework, and this would include George R. Knight, who chaired Valentine's original research. It is the Catholic Church itself which admits that "the title of the Pope of Rome is Vicarious Filii Dei. This is inscribed on his mitre; and if you take the letters of his title which represent Latin numerals (printed large) and add them together they come to 666."

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. (Italicized emphasis added.)

From WWN7(95) - Exegesis of Revelation, Part 3, The 144,000 and the Three Angels, pp. 3-4:

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 "understanding" 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) (Bold emphasis added.)

From WWN1(87) - :

The first "beast" of Revelation 13 is likewise both political and ecclesiastical. It is given a "seat," "power," and "great authority" by the dragon - the Devil and Satan. (13:2; 12:9) The Devil boasted to Christ that the kingdoms (governments) of this world belonged to him, and "to whomsoever he would give them." (Luke 4:6) But this beast is also ecclesiastical - worship is involved. (13:4)

The second "beast" of Revelation 13 is likewise both political and ecclesiastical. It exercises all the power of the first beast whose power was derived from the dragon. (13:12, 2) It has ecclesiastical overtones - it "causeth the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first beast., whose deadly wound was healed." (13:12) But its horns of power are separated - "two horns like a lamb." This power arising out of "the earth" rather than "the sea" has been accurately identified with the American nation. From the United States is to come the suggestion of the formation of the "image to the beast." (13:14)

In the formation of this image which will demand obeisance to the beast through a mark, name, or number is a vital principle interlocked with the Third Angel's Message. The message is - "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark ..." (14:9) This is clearly defined by the "wisdom" of God. Those who accept God's wisdom have "understanding." The text says - "Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man." (13:18) The worship of the beast in principle is the worship of man. The image to the beast in principle is the setting up of an organization in which man appropriates to himself that which belongs to God alone, and causes the adherents to that organization to give their allegiance under threat of excommunication. (Bold emphasis added.)

From WWN4(87) - The Jewish Equation -- Part I:

A Look at Revelation

The book of Revelation naturally divides itself into two sections: Chapters 1-11 & 12-22. The final section contains two predominant symbols - two women and two cities - with the other symbols either as war with, or in alliance with these two women or cities.

As the final section of the prophecy opens, the power operating behind the symbols of the book of Daniel is revealed - the dragon, that old serpent, the devil or Satan. However, because of the victory of the Cross, he is pictured as defeated, and a time limit set upon his activities. He is "cast down" (12:10) and he knows he has "but a short time." (12:12)

Satan is also pictured as operating behind a facade. He gives "his power, and his seat, and great authority" to the beast, one of whose heads is "wounded to death." (13:2-3) He has his prophet, "a false Elijah," who though lamb-like speaks as a "dragon." (Comp. 13:14 with 19:20; note 13:11,13) It is this false prophet who suggests "to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had a wound by a sword and did live." (13:14)

God's response to all "of this behind-the scenes activity of Satan is a message of warning that if- anyone worships .the beast and his image shall suffer the wrath of God which is poured out in the Seven Last Plagues (14: 9-10, 15:1

During the portrayal of the Seven Last Plagues to John, he is shown the second woman - "the great whore that sitteth upon many waters." (17: 1) The woman, Babylon, (17:5,18) had been seen sitting on the River Euphrates which was dried up under the sixth plague (16:12) But when one of the angels of the plagues reveals in symbolic detail this whore, she is riding upon a scarlet colored beast. (17:3)

This beast is defined as one that "was, and is not, and yet is," and though being "the eighth" is "of the seven." (17:8,11) He is the source of the seven heads. In John's day, five had fallen - Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. One was - Rome. Daniel noted it consistently as being in two phases - pagan and papal. One was yet to come - the 2nd beast of Rev. 13, or the false prophet. (See 17:10)

The beast of Rev. 17 carrying the whore is the "yet is" phase of Satan. And it is in this connection that Revelation 17 touches Daniel 11:45. (Bold and italicized emphasis added.)

From WWN5(87) - The Jewish Equation -- Part 2:

The Seven Last Plagues

There is a principle to the interpretation of the revelations given in the Seven Last Plagues chapter which is frequently overlooked. All the plagues, save one, constitutes God's response to what man has done in probationary time. (The one exception is the third plague which is a repeat of, "blood" due to the death decree against the "saints". See comment, Great Controversy, p. 628) This principle of understanding Revelation 16 is easily seen by noting the first plague. (16:2) The "grievous sore" falls on those who "had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image." When was this mark received, and when was this worship begun? Before or after the close of probation? The answer is simple - prior to the close of probation. Using this same principle for the sixth plague, we find the plague itself falls "upon the great river Euphrates." (16:12) Its results carry over into the seventh plague "great Babylon comes into remembrance before God." (16:19) But what causes God to pour out this plague? The answer is that the triumvirate of evil - the dragon, beast (Rev. 13), and the false prophet (2nd beast of Rev.13) - gather the rulers of earth to Har-Magedon.

Lest there be a misunderstanding, let it be clearly understood that all the Seven Last Plagues come after the close of human probation. However, the explanation as to why the plague is poured out is distinctly separate from the plague itself. This needs to be understood and distinguished in the study of Revelation 16. Thus Revelation 16:13-16 will be fulfilled prior to the close of probation. (See use made of Rev. 16:13-14 in Great Controversy, pp. 561-562)

While the sixth plague is poured out on what is termed "the great river Euphrates," the "spirits of devils" had gathered the leadership of earth with their forces to a place with a Hebrew designation. Herein is a factor of the Jewish equation. God's wrath reveals how He views this development. To Him it is what He has always revealed it to be - Babylon, the epitome of rebellion. Thus the symbolism of "the great river Euphrates," and the fact that the "whore" is carried by the beast that "was, and is not, and yet is" who makes war with the Lamb. (Rev.17:14) But the spirits of devils do not gather their devotees to the river Euphrates, but rather to a place called in the Hebrew, Har-Magedon. . . .

Har-Magedon

In the Hebrew language - har - means, mountain. This rules out "Megiddo" for it is a valley. (Zech. 12:11) However, there is a mountain named in the Old Testament which meets linguistic requirements. It is called, har-mo'ed - Mount of the Congregation. It is described as being "in the sides of the north" or Mt. Zion "the city of the great King." (See Isa. 14:13; Ps. 48:2) By noting the objectives of Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12-14, it is he who plans to "sit upon the mount of the congregation" - har-mo'ed. To this end, the spirits of devils gather the nations of the earth. Daniel simply states - "He shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain." (11:45) To John it revealed that "the spirits of devils" coming from the dragon, beast and false prophet gather the nations to the mount of the congregation. But the prophetic message behind this symbolism is that literal Jerusalem is to be made "an holy city" from man's view-point, while God's view-point the deception is in reality, Babylon the Great. The significance to us is that when this occurs, the prophecy states - "And at that time shall Michael stand up." (Dan. 12:1) "But the true leader of all of this rebellion is Satan clothed as an angel of light. Men will be deceived and will exalt him to the place of God, and deify him. But Omnipotence will interpose, and to the apostate churches that unite in exaltation of Satan, the sentence will go forth, 'Therefore shall her plagues come in one day...'" (TM, p. 62) How near are we to the fulfillment of this Divine edict? (Bold and italicized emphasis added.)

From <http://adventistlaymen.com/Documents/MARK_OF_THE_BEAST.html>

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By the grace of God, by His will, we will study this all more in-depth tomorrow. Please, is you are offended by any of this, just pray and study. For those who are reading this and they haven't done any in-depth study into the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, it might seem preposterous. I ask that if you have found this study then you should be able to find all my studies and in them I've gone into great detail on Daniel and Revelation- go back find them, read, study, pray, pray, pray only for truth! I'm NOT asking you to believe me, or the writer of the above, or any human being. I want you to go to the Word of God and study deeply. Take everything to the Word of God. It is my prayer that eyes are opened, that the scale on blind eyes fall off, that the light of truth shine brightly and that Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior knows you when He returns to take us with Him!  This is my prayer as well, that I am known by Him in truth His truth.

All in the love of Jesus Christ our LORD, now and forever!!!!!!!

It Will Come to Pass

Continuing our study on The Final Warning.

(Excerpt)-

'Heretofore those who presented the truths of the third angel's message have often been regarded as mere alarmists. Their predictions that religious intolerance would gain control in the United States, that church and state would unite to persecute those who keep the commandments of God, have been pronounced groundless and absurd. It has been confidently declared that this land could never become other than what it has been--the defender of religious freedom. But

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as the question of enforcing Sunday observance is widely agitated, the event so long doubted and disbelieved is seen to be approaching, and the third message will produce an effect which it could not have had before.

In every generation God has sent His servants to rebuke sin, both in the world and in the church. But the people desire smooth things spoken to them, and the pure, unvarnished truth is not acceptable. Many reformers, in entering upon their work, determined to exercise great prudence in attacking the sins of the church and the nation. They hoped, by the example of a pure Christian life, to lead the people back to the doctrines of the Bible. But the Spirit of God came upon them as it came upon Elijah, moving him to rebuke the sins of a wicked king and an apostate people; they could not refrain from preaching the plain utterances of the Bible-- doctrines which they had been reluctant to present. They were impelled to zealously declare the truth and the danger which threatened souls. The words which the Lord gave them they uttered, fearless of consequences, and the people were compelled to hear the warning.

Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As the time comes for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the unction of His Spirit than by the training of literary institutions. Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power--all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. Thousands upon thousands will listen who have never heard words like these. In amazement they

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hear the testimony that Babylon is the church, fallen because of her errors and sins, because of her rejection of the truth sent to her from heaven. As the people go to their former teachers with the eager inquiry, Are these things so? the ministers present fables, prophesy smooth things, to soothe their fears and quiet the awakened conscience. But since many refuse to be satisfied with the mere authority of men and demand a plain "Thus saith the Lord," the popular ministry, like the Pharisees of old, filled with anger as their authority is questioned, will denounce the message as of Satan and stir up the sin-loving multitudes to revile and persecute those who proclaim it.

As the controversy extends into new fields and the minds of the people are called to God's downtrodden law, Satan is astir. The power attending the message will only madden those who oppose it. The clergy will put forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light lest it should shine upon their flocks. By every means at their command they will endeavor to suppress the discussion of these vital questions. The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and, in this work, papists and Protestants unite. As the movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold and decided, the law will be invoked against commandment keepers. They will be threatened with fines and imprisonment, and some will be offered positions of influence, and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to renounce their faith. But their steadfast answer is: "Show us from the word of God our error"--the same plea that was made by Luther under similar circumstances. Those who are arraigned before the courts make a strong vindication of the truth, and some who hear them are led to take their stand to keep all the commandments of God. Thus light will be brought before thousands who otherwise would know nothing of these truths.

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Conscientious obedience to the word of God will be treated as rebellion. Blinded by Satan, the parent will exercise harshness and severity toward the believing child; the master or mistress will oppress the commandment-keeping servant. Affection will be alienated; children will be disinherited and driven from home. The words of Paul will be literally fulfilled: "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12. As the defenders of truth refuse to honor the Sunday-sabbath, some of them will be thrust into prison, some will be exiled, some will be treated as slaves. To human wisdom all this now seems impossible; but as the restraining Spirit of God shall be withdrawn from men, and they shall be under the control of Satan, who hates the divine precepts, there will be strange developments. The heart can be very cruel when God's fear and love are removed.

As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel's message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit, they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren. When Sabbathkeepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them.

In this time of persecution the faith of the Lord's servants will be tried. They have faithfully given the warning, looking to God and to His word alone. God's Spirit, moving upon their hearts, has constrained them to speak. Stimulated

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with holy zeal, and with the divine impulse strong upon them, they entered upon the performance of their duties without coldly calculating the consequences of speaking to the people the word which the Lord had given them. They have not consulted their temporal interests, nor sought to preserve their reputation or their lives. Yet when the storm of opposition and reproach bursts upon them, some, overwhelmed with consternation, will be ready to exclaim: "Had we foreseen the consequences of our words, we would have held our peace." They are hedged in with difficulties. Satan assails them with fierce temptations. The work which they have undertaken seems far beyond their ability to accomplish. They are threatened with destruction. The enthusiasm which animated them is gone; yet they cannot turn back. Then, feeling their utter helplessness, they flee to the Mighty One for strength. They remember that the words which they have spoken were not theirs, but His who bade them give the warning. God put the truth into their hearts, and they could not forbear to proclaim it.

The same trials have been experienced by men of God in ages past. Wycliffe, Huss, Luther, Tyndale, Baxter, Wesley, urged that all doctrines be brought to the test of the Bible and declared that they would renounce everything which it condemned. Against these men persecution raged with relentless fury; yet they ceased not to declare the truth. Different periods in the history of the church have each been marked by the development of some special truth, adapted to the necessities of God's people at that time. Every new truth has made its way against hatred and opposition; those who were blessed with its light were tempted and tried. The Lord gives a special truth for the people in an emergency. Who dare refuse to publish it? He commands His servants to present the last invitation of mercy to the world. They cannot remain silent, except at the peril of their souls. Christ's ambassadors

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have nothing to do with consequences. They must perform their duty and leave results with God.

As the opposition rises to a fiercer height, the servants of God are again perplexed; for it seems to them that they have brought the crisis. But conscience and the word of God assure them that their course is right; and although the trials continue, they are strengthened to bear them. The contest grows closer and sharper, but their faith and courage rise with the emergency. Their testimony is: "We dare not tamper with God's word, dividing His holy law; calling one portion essential and another nonessential, to gain the favor of the world. The Lord whom we serve is able to deliver us. Christ has conquered the powers of earth; and shall we be afraid of a world already conquered?"

Persecution in its varied forms is the development of a principle which will exist as long as Satan exists and Christianity has vital power. No man can serve God without enlisting against himself the opposition of the hosts of darkness. Evil angels will assail him, alarmed that his influence is taking the prey from their hands. Evil men, rebuked by his example, will unite with them in seeking to separate him from God by alluring temptations. When these do not succeed, then a compelling power is employed to force the conscience.

But so long as Jesus remains man's intercessor in the sanctuary above, the restraining influence of the Holy Spirit is felt by rulers and people. It still controls to some extent the laws of the land. Were it not for these laws, the condition of the world would be much worse than it now is. While many of our rulers are active agents of Satan, God also has His agents among the leading men of the nation. The enemy moves upon his servants to propose measures that would greatly impede the work of God; but statesmen who fear the Lord are influenced by holy angels to oppose such propositions with unanswerable arguments. Thus a few men will

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hold in check a powerful current of evil. The opposition of the enemies of truth will be restrained that the third angel's message may do its work. When the final warning shall be given, it will arrest the attention of these leading men through whom the Lord is now working, and some of them will accept it, and will stand with the people of God through the time of trouble.

The angel who unites in the proclamation of the third angel's message is to lighten the whole earth with his glory. A work of world-wide extent and unwonted power is here foretold. The advent movement of 1840-44 was a glorious manifestation of the power of God; the first angel's message was carried to every missionary station in the world, and in some countries there was the greatest religious interest which has been witnessed in any land since the Reformation of the sixteenth century; but these are to be exceeded by the mighty movement under the last warning of the third angel.

The work will be similar to that of the Day of Pentecost. As the "former rain" was given, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the opening of the gospel, to cause the upspringing of the precious seed, so the "latter rain" will be given at its close for the ripening of the harvest. "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: His going forth is prepared as the morning; and He shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth." Hosea 6:3. "Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for He hath given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain." Joel 2:23. "In the last days, saith God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh." "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Acts 2:17, 21.

The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the

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former rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close. Here are "the times of refreshing" to which the apostle Peter looked forward when he said: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus." Acts 3:19, 20.

Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers. Satan also works, with lying wonders, even bringing down fire from heaven in the sight of men. Revelation 13:13. Thus the inhabitants of the earth will be brought to take their stand.

The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God. The arguments have been presented. The seed has been sown, and now it will spring up and bear fruit. The publications distributed by missionary workers have exerted their influence, yet many whose minds were impressed have been prevented from fully comprehending the truth or from yielding obedience. Now the rays of light penetrate everywhere, the truth is seen in its clearness, and the honest children of God sever the bands which have held them. Family connections, church relations, are powerless to stay them now. Truth is more precious than all besides. Notwithstanding the agencies combined against the truth, a large number take their stand upon the Lord's side.'

From <http://www.whiteestate.org/books/gc/gc38.html>

(((What a message. It hardly seems pertinent to our day and age. To imagine such things taking place. We've talked about one scenario that could bring about a law to worship on Sunday, and that same scenario is applicable to the above. To have such a revival close to the end it could all fall into place. Those same people preaching a return to God will be eager to hear messages, only Satan will destroy the message of truth and in its place set up one of lies that will sooth the ears, the conscience of those not desirous of the hard truth.  The Holy Spirit will work in those who are God's just as the evil spirit will work in those who are not God's.  To think there will come a time in our future that here in the United States people will be locked up, imprisoned, and enslaved for preaching truth seems incomprehensible.

Maybe, just maybe it will happen this way, but only time will tell it all. Right now in many countries people are imprisoned for their faith, for preaching their faith to others. We don’t feel that evil touch here in the United States and it seems impossible that we ever would, yet right not, others are feeling it.

The Bible tells us this--

Mat 10:19  But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 

Mat 10:20  For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. 

Mat 10:21  And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 

Mat 10:22  And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 

Mat 24:7  For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 

Mat 24:8  All these are the beginning of sorrows. 

Mat 24:9  Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 

Mat 24:10  And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 

Luk 12:51  Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: 

Luk 12:52  For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. 

Luk 12:53  The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 

Whether or not these are world-wide prophecies, or locational, we have to comprehend that as they occur anywhere in our world  - they are coming to pass. If we wait for a particular prophecy to affect us when in truth it is meant for another and we blind ourselves to that truth, we will miss things unfolding.

As the golden head of the statue in the book of Daniel depicted Babylon, it wasn't ever meant to depict China.  When the prophetic chest and arms of silver indicated Medo-Persia, it wasn't geared toward Australia. As the brass skirt of the statue was Greece, it could never be fulfilled by the Americas. Prophecy will come to pass and there is time and place for things to happen. We cannot be found looking through narrow vision, blinder guided towards one thing only to miss the unfolding of it elsewhere.  Especially today as we live in a world of instant communication world-wide, we'd be very remiss to keep our blinders on.  Even with the telephone invention one hundred and forty-two years ago we did not have the access to each other we do today, on the level we do today. The visual ability to see something happening half way around the world instantaneously is a much more recent occurrence and something those living even fifty years ago only thought to be science FICTION.

Will things come to pass as mentioned? Yes, they will, but by the Grace of God we will not be found watching in the wrong direction for things to unfold.

The Final Warning will go forth for ALL MANKIND make no mistake, it will happen, which side of that warning do you want to be on? Do you want to be on the side giving the warning and suffering for it? It's much better to be on that side than the side unheeding of the message. Perhaps you want to be on the side of those heeding the message anew, praise God for that as well.

May we only ever seek TRUTH, and may we only ever HEED that truth when it is revealed to us! All through the grace of our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, now and forever!!!!!!!

All Will Have A Choice.

Continuing our study of The Final Warning….

(Excerpt)-

'But not one is made to suffer the wrath of God until the truth has been brought home to his mind and conscience, and has been rejected. There are many who have never had an opportunity to hear the special truths for this time. The obligation of the fourth commandment has never been set before them in its true light. He who reads every heart and tries every motive will leave none who desire a knowledge of the truth, to be deceived as to the issues of the controversy. The decree is not to be urged upon the people blindly. Everyone is to have sufficient light to make his decision intelligently.'

(((When sin entered existence in practice Lucifer, a covering angel was filled with pride. One third of the angels decided Lucifer was the one to follow, not God. At one point every single angel in existence including Lucifer were God's, loving God, serving God, wanting for nothing. As soon as Lucifer was tempted and led away sin was conceived in him, it was born inside him and when that happened life everywhere watched. Would Lucifer throw Himself on the mercy of God the Father and God the declared Son to be? No. He let sin have its way in him and the plan that was determined before sin was birthed in Lucifer, was put into action. The plan for the eradication of sin so that it could never even tempted another. Sin itself would be completely gone once the plan was enacted and seen through to its end. And all the worlds, all life everywhere comprehended the necessity for the whole of sin to have its way. A cup needed to be filled completely and utterly so that never would there be any doubt the penalty for death and the end of all sin - contained any wrong-doing.

Every single human being alive before the image of the beast and the beast enforce their mark will have an opportunity for the light of truth to enter their hearts. We don't KNOW what being given that opportunity entails. We KNOW it will  happen though because NONE will be able to say they weren't offered truth, that God was unfair. Every person who chooses darkness rather than light, even if they aren't aware ( and most won't be ) will be shown that opportunity they were given and shown their rejection of it- they will have NO choice but to comprehend they rejected the truth that would save them. 

Christ is in that TRUTH, He is the TRUTH, He will give all the TRUTH that will keep them from receiving the mark of the beast. He will give ALL the truth that will save them! Even those who may not be in a position to receive the mark, they will have their own testing, the whole world will be looking on and partaking of the worldly events underway. We KNOW how worldwide news has become instantaneous for most people. News went from morning and evening newspapers, morning and evening news shows on television, to news at our fingertip on mobile phones.  People comprehend when a worldwide event occur and how that news spreads it's our reality.))))

'The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty, for it is the point of truth especially controverted. When the final test shall be brought to bear upon men, then the line of distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. While the observance of the false sabbath in compliance with the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an avowal of allegiance to a power that is in opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, in obedience to God's law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator. While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of the beast, the other choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal of God.'

(((As we talked about recently, it seems almost incomprehensible how the Sabbath will be the seal, and the worship on Sunday the mark of the beast. I'm not afraid to say it, not at all. It DOES seem like something completely and utterly impossible especially in the United States. We wouldn't find it too impossible to believe if it happened in a communistic country, where the political heads of the country make the laws and there is no democratic process. They'd tell all their people that they have to worship on Sunday or face persecution and that is what would take place.  We truly do have NO problem understanding that, do we? Right now in several countries the Bible is banned, being a Christian is punishable, we know this to be truth, don't we? As truthfully we know that NOTHING is impossible with God. For God to bring to pass all that is prophesized in His word is truth.

There is so much proof, historical prophetical proof, exegetical proof to believe that Sunday worship is the mark of the beast- yet the majority of the world, the majority of Christians can't comprehend that truth. Their hearts are blinded to the truth, they are allowed to be blind because they choose darkness rather than light.

Tell me, is there any scenario in which you can imagine the United States passing a law to worship on Sunday?   In truth, such a law was already made in the past. Go to this link, or just look it all up on the internet you'll see our past holds various laws related to Sunday.

http://www.encyclopedia.chicagohistory.org/pages/1221.html

I know you may be thinking, but in our day and age it will never happen…

More tomorrow on all this- by the will of our LORD, all in the love of our Savior, Jesus Christ now and forever!!!!!!!

The Mark of Allegiance, Who Do You Worship?

(Excerpt)  The Final Warning.

'With the issue thus clearly brought before him, whoever shall trample upon God's law to obey a human enactment receives the mark of the beast; he accepts the sign of allegiance to the power which he chooses to obey instead of God. The warning from heaven is: "If any man worship the beast

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and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation." Revelation 14:9, 10.'

(((Mark in the forehead, mark in the hand- and the wine of the wrath of God. Tell me, is the wrath of God symbolic of something? Or is God holding a cup that can be filled with wrath? A literal cup? We know the Book of Revelation is FILLED with symbolism so why shouldn't the mark that goes in the forehead or hand be symbolic? Why do people think there is going to be a literal physical mark? Our forehead are symbolic of our thoughts, our brain. Right behind the forehead is our brain, right? And our hands, what do we do with our hands? If I put up my hand in front of you what is it symbolic of? What am I telling you? Generally I am telling you to stop, don't come closer, stay where you are.  I'm halting you with my hand gesture. And if I gesture you to come closer with my hand, you understand that too. Our hands in some countries can seal a deal, yes? A handshake. So having a mark in our hands, is it possible our actions are involved?  Here we have a *beast* and an *image of the beast* who is going to cause all who worship them to receive a mark.  IF the mark was a blatant mark NO ONE would accept it, or rather few would. In fact, if people KNEW there was a BEAST and an IMAGE to the BEAST, they'd run away, but they don’t. These are symbolic things and to comprehend them we need to know what they are. The Beast is a religious political system and so is its image, and a religious political system has laws. If the laws of that system aren't followed then you aren't worshipping in that system. If you are worshipping in that religious political system then you are following the laws of that system. And ALL who follow the laws of that system are giving their assent, they are accepting the laws, they are following the actions those laws call for. The mind and the hand are marked as followers of that system by the actions agreed to and carried out.  Now, let's read that first paragraph again… ))))

'With the issue thus clearly brought before him, whoever shall trample upon God's law to obey a human enactment receives the mark of the beast; he accepts the sign of allegiance to the power which he chooses to obey instead of God. The warning from heaven is: "If any man worship the beast

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and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation." Revelation 14:9, 10'

(((To follow the religious political systems means not following God's system, God's truth. It is contrary to God's law, is has to be. However, it has to appear so incredibly close to the truth that many are deceived. Many are going to receive the mark because they choose to belief a lie, rather than the truth. They will be blind to the truth because it's a choice they make to be blind. They will go with the mainstream, because the MANY are those who go the broad way. This alone should give us a cause to pause to comprehend why the narrow way is narrow and why only few find it. The mark of the beast is going to be real, it is prophesized and it will come to pass. Will people be aware? All but God's very elect will be deceived. May WE ALL be among His very elect!  More tomorrow by the GRACE and MERCY, LOVE and WILL of our LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST! Now and forever!))))

Warnings.

Taking this from yesterday I want to study it more closely- reading all the Bible verses given. May God bless us with comprehension that will only, ever draw us closer to Him!

(Excerpt)

'CHAPTER 38

The Final Warning

"I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." Revelation 18:1, 2, 4.

(((We do NOT want to be among those receiving the plagues. If only no one had to receive them. Sadly, many will not choose to know God, to know Christ as their Savior, preferring to believe the delusions Satan has used since the first sin by mankind. ))))

This scripture points forward to a time when the announcement of the fall of Babylon, as made by the second angel of Revelation 14 (verse 8),is to be repeated, with the additional mention of the corruptions which have been entering the various organizations that constitute Babylon, since that message was first given, in the summer of 1844.

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

(((We know that Babylon fell originally in 539 BC, Revelations was written long after that, so when we read of Babylon in a future prophecy it truly is prophetic Babylon which will fall.))))

 A terrible condition of the religious world is here described. With every rejection of truth the minds of the people will become darker, their hearts more stubborn, until they are entrenched in an infidel hardihood. In defiance of the warnings which God has given, they will continue to trample upon one of the precepts of the Decalogue, until they are led to persecute those who hold it sacred. Christ is set at nought in the contempt placed upon His word and His people. As the teachings of spiritualism are accepted by the churches, the

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restraint imposed upon the carnal heart is removed, and the profession of religion will become a cloak to conceal the basest iniquity. A belief in spiritual manifestations opens the door to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and thus the influence of evil angels will be felt in the churches.

(((We can't fathom one commandment alone causing great persecution by its being kept. There is a lot we can't comprehend fully because we do NOT know the exact conditions that will be happening at the time. Right now in my society I can't comprehend it, but ask those of the Holocaust if they'd ever have imagined what happened to them, happening. The subtly of things - horrific things- can be so deceiving. Things ARE set in motion for this sort of situation to occur. There will be catalysts that cause everything to fall into place. We can't know every single detail. The reason for prophecy is to foretell what is going to come to pass in such a way that it strengthens the faith of God's people. Prophecy isn't for mass confusion, why would God do that? And yet again I hear the faint voice of the naysayers telling me that everyone puts their own spin on the Bible, every verse can be taken differently by different people so it really doesn't matter what you believe. Truth is subjective to the interpreter. I honestly can't comprehend that God would give truth and then leave it up to us to believe whatever we want to believe. The prophecies will come to pass, as they have since they were given. NOTHING is going to stop the rest of prophecy from taking place and we do NOT have to figure out how. Is anything impossible with God? No.))))

Of Babylon, at the time brought to view in this prophecy, it is declared: "Her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." Revelation 18:5. She has filled up the measure of her guilt, and destruction is about to fall upon her. But God still has a people in Babylon; and before the visitation of His judgments these faithful ones must be called out, that they partake not of her sins and "receive not of her plagues." Hence the movement symbolized by the angel coming down from heaven, lightening the earth with his glory and crying mightily with a strong voice, announcing the sins of Babylon. In connection with his message the call is heard: "Come out of her, My people." These announcements, uniting with the third angel's message, constitute the final warning to be given to the inhabitants of the earth.

(((A final warning. There has to be a final warning, one last warning, one last cry of alarm for people to hear and heed, or, hear and not heed. Come out of Babylon, come out of the sins. The sins of Babylon reach to heaven. Those sins will no longer be ignored. The cup is filled and once it is filled it will only overflow. A single sin placed in a sin filled cup will not overflow because our God will step in once the fulness is reached and that drop will be stayed. We need to heed the warning and come out of Babylon before it is too late! Please do not wait, waiting too long to heed this warning has an eternal fate that cannot change.))))

Fearful is the issue to which the world is to be brought. The powers of earth, uniting to war against the commandments of God, will decree that "all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond" (Revelation 13:16), shall conform to the customs of the church by the observance of the false sabbath. All who refuse compliance will be visited with civil penalties, and it will finally be declared that they are deserving of death. On the other hand, the law of God enjoining the Creator's rest day demands obedience and threatens wrath against all who transgress its precepts.

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

(((You see, we can't imagine such a thing happening in our world today, not in America at least. Could we imagine a country like Russia and China enacting such laws? We could a lot easier than America because already they have such restrictions on religion. But here in the land of the free, can we imagine such a law? No. Something stops us from imagining. Satan stops us. Satan puts it in our hearts that this can't happen, it's impossible. Yet, I say HE IS WRONG! If God says it, then it WILL come to pass! Things will fall into place. God will, that we will be HIS and not Satan's!))))

More tomorrow by the grace and mercy of our LORD and SAVIOR. All in His love!