Part XV: The Lord of the Scroll – Daniel’s 70th Week (GTrib and DOL Revisited)

Revelation Chapters 12 through 14

Review

Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven saying: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.” Then the twenty-four elders who are seated on their thrones before God threw themselves down with their faces to the ground and worshiped God with these words: “We give you thanks, Lord God, the All-Powerful, the one who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and begun to reign. The nations were enraged, but your wrath has come, and the time has come for the dead to be judged, and the time has come to give to your servants, the prophets, their reward, as well as to the saints and to those who revere your name, both small and great, and the time has come to destroy those who destroy the earth.” Then the temple of God in heaven was opened and the ark of his covenant was visible within his temple. And there were flashes of lightning, roaring, crashes of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm. (Revelation 11:15-19 NET)

God created humankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:27 NET)

The Lord God formed the man from the soil of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. (Genesis 2:7 NET)

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion for him who corresponds to him.” (Genesis 2:18 NET)

So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he was asleep, he took part of the man’s side and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the part he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. (Genesis 2:21–22 NET)

Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven saying: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15 NET)

Detailed Description

Revelation Chapters 12 thru 14

The Lord Jesus and His Holy Angels give John additional details providing “backstory” (23) and “flashback” (22) information about people and events, which is recorded in Revelation chapters 12–14:20. This information does not advance the story in time; it only provides more information and insight into previous events covered in Revelations 4 through 11. (21)

“Backstory” information will be about people, places, and events outside Daniel’s 70th Week.

“Flashback” information will be about people, places, and events that occur within Daniel’s 70th Week.

After telling the “backstory” and “flashback” information about people, places, and events, John describes the contents of the judgments that occur at the blowing of the seventh trumpet beginning in Revelation 14:6 and continuing through Revelation 14:20.

BACKSTORY: Historical Overview of Israel – The Woman (circa 2100 B.C. to the Present)

John is given an overall spiritual view of what has occurred in the history of Israel and the church. In a sense, John is given an instant replay of the battle of the ages between God and Satan. He is shown how each of God’s people has come through this incredible testing time. Essentially, these verses give us greater detail into the events of the great tribulation. (26)

Then a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and with the moon under her feet, and on her head was a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was screaming in labor pains, struggling to give birth. (Revelation 12:1–2 NET)

John informs us that he sees a great sign. The Greek word that John uses for the sign is semeion. It refers to a supernatural signal or indication that something is about to happen on Earth. Ancient people believed signs in the heavens were messages to them that changes were coming to the earth. John uses apocalyptic language that people of his time would understand. This would be no ordinary sign but a great sign meaning something extraordinary will happen. (10)

The sign that he sees is a woman. She is clothed with the sun, has the moon under her feet, and wears a garland or crown of 12 stars. The woman is pregnant, has labor pains, and is about to give birth. What is this all about? (10)

The Book of Genesis provides the answer to its meaning; it is found in the story of Joseph.

You may recall that Joseph was the favorite son of Jacob (Israel). Joseph had a dream in which his brothers, the Patriarchs of the twelve tribes, bowed down to him.

Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him even more. He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: There we were, binding sheaves of grain in the middle of the field. Suddenly my sheaf rose up and stood upright and your sheaves surrounded my sheaf and bowed down to it!” Then his brothers asked him, “Do you really think you will rule over us or have dominion over us?” They hated him even more because of his dream and because of what he said. (Genesis 37:5–8 NET)

Joseph was only 17 years of age when he had this dream, so he didn’t have enough wisdom to keep it to himself. Naturally, his older brothers resented Joseph for his arrogance. (10)

Joseph had a second dream. In this dream, his brothers and parents bowed down to him. Genesis tells what happened next:

Then he had another dream, and told it to his brothers. “Look,” he said. “I had another dream. The sun, the moon, and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” When he told his father and his brothers, his father rebuked him, saying, “What is this dream that you had? Will I, your mother, and your brothers really come and bow down to you?” His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept in mind what Joseph said. (Genesis 37:9–11 NET)

When Joseph told his father and brothers about the second dream, they scorned him even more. Yet, his father put the dream in the back of his mind and thought about it. (10)

Joseph’s dream was fulfilled years later in Egypt when Pharaoh made Joseph his second-in-command. When Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt seeking food, they did not recognize Joseph but bowed before him: (10)

When Joseph came home, they presented him with the gifts they had brought inside, and they bowed down to the ground before him. He asked them how they were doing. Then he said, “Is your aging father well, the one you spoke about? Is he still alive?” “Your servant our father is well,” they replied. “He is still alive.” They bowed down in humility. (Genesis 43:26–28 NET)

In light of this story from Genesis, the woman John sees is Israel. John does a flashback to the Jewish patriarchs and the promise God gave them to be the bearers of the Redeemer of mankind. The sun represents Jacob, the moon represents Rachel, and the 12 stars represent the 12 children or tribes of Israel. (10)

Again, the woman seen here is a spiritual picture of true Israel. These symbols have always been associated with national Israel. They are used here so that we understand that this woman represents Israel. Israel is also referred to as a woman in Isaiah. (26)

“Shout for joy, O barren one who has not given birth! Give a joyful shout and cry out, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate one [i.e., Israel after deportation with Jerusalem destroyed] are more numerous than the children of the married woman,” says the Lord. (Isaiah 54:1 NET)

The descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel) were the covenant people through whom God would bring the Messiah into the world. The woman crying out in pain symbolizes Israel suffering for centuries at the hands of the Gentiles while waiting for the birth of their Deliverer, the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. This sign reminds us that God also gave a sign in the heavens recorded in the New Testament when the Messiah was born to Mary, a descendant of the tribe of Judah. (10)

When Jesus was to be born, the Jews suffered greatly under the Romans’ cruel rule. God sent them a sign in the heavens (1) that something remarkable would happen. This sign was Bethlehem’s star, guiding the wise men (astronomers) from the East to Jerusalem and then Bethlehem. When they saw the sign in Heaven, they connected it to a great event that would happen on the earth, the birth of the King of the Jews! (1)

BACKSTORY: The first time Lucifer and his fallen angels are cast out of Heaven – the Dragon (circa the time between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2 (1))

Then another sign appeared in heaven: a huge red dragon that had seven heads and ten horns, and on its heads were seven diadem crowns. Now the dragon’s tail swept away a third of the stars in heaven and hurled them to the earth... (Revelation 12:3,4 a NET)

The next sign John sees is a great, fiery red dragon. This frightening monster has seven heads, ten horns, and seven diadems or crowns on his head. (10)

The seven heads have diadems (crowns) upon them, revealing that they are the prince demon rulers through whose empires Satan persecuted the nation of Israel. It is important to note that the ten horns are addressed independently as an extension of one of the seven heads. (26)

In apocalyptic language, the seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns represent nations and world leaders over which Satan will rule in the end times. Since the number seven often means completeness, the idea is that Satan will have complete power and authority over a world united under his control. Only God’s people, and apparently some strong-willed independent holdouts, who refuse the Mark of the Beast, do not submit to him. This is why Satan energizes his puppet world leaders to persecute God’s people. (10)

We know this is Satan because we will see later in verse 9:

So that huge dragon—the ancient serpent, the one called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world—was thrown down to the earth, and his angels along with him. (Revelation 12:9 NET)

A third of the stars that he draws with him to the earth are the angels that have chosen to follow him. Angels are often spoken of as being stars in the Old Testament. (26)

when the morning stars sang in chorus, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Job 38:7 NET)

Many people doubt the reality of a literal, personal devil. They believe the devil is just a character out of the imagination of man’s mind. They think of him as a strange character in a red suit with a long tail, horns, and a pitchfork. This image came about in the Middle Ages when the devil was portrayed this way in plays so the audience could recognize his character when he came onto the stage. (10)

Nothing could be further from the truth about what the devil is like. There is a personal devil and a spirit world that we cannot comprehend with our physical senses. Whether one believes this does not change reality. (10)

There are two passages in the Hebrew Bible that many scholars believe to refer to Satan’s origin and fall.

All of them respond to you, saying: ‘You too have become weak like us! You have become just like us! Your splendor has been brought down to Sheol, as well as the sound of your stringed instruments. You lie on a bed of maggots, with a blanket of worms over you. Look how you have fallen from the sky, O shining one, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the ground, O conqueror of the nations! You said to yourself, “I will climb up to the sky. Above the stars of El I will set up my throne. I will rule on the mountain of assembly on the remote slopes of Zaphon. I will climb up to the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High!” But you were brought down to Sheol, to the remote slopes of the pit. (Isaiah 14:10–15 NET)

In their immediate historical context, the Isaiah Scripture literally refers to the rise and fall of the king of Babylon. (10)

The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, sing a lament for the king of Tyre, and say to him, ‘This is what the sovereign Lord says: “ ‘You were the sealer of perfection, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every precious stone was your covering, the ruby, topaz, and emerald, the chrysolite, onyx, and jasper, the sapphire, turquoise, and beryl; your settings and mounts were made of gold. On the day you were created they were prepared. I placed you there with an anointed guardian cherub; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked about amidst fiery stones. You were blameless in your behavior from the day you were created, until sin was discovered in you. In the abundance of your trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned; so I defiled you and banished you from the mountain of God— the guardian cherub expelled you from the midst of the stones of fire. Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom on account of your splendor. I threw you down to the ground; I placed you before kings, that they might see you. By the multitude of your iniquities, through the sinfulness of your trade, you desecrated your sanctuaries. So I drew fire out from within you; it consumed you, and I turned you to ashes on the earth before the eyes of all who saw you. All who know you among the peoples are shocked at you; you have become terrified and will be no more.’ ” (Ezekiel 28:11–19 NET)

In contrast, the Ezekiel Scripture refers to the king of Tyre similarly. With this in mind, the wording in these verses seems to go far beyond addressing mere human kings; instead, it uses them as examples to aid us in understanding the fall of Satan. (10)

The Bible would have us understand that Satan was once called Lucifer. This name means “light-bearer.” Lucifer was God’s most perfect, splendid creation. He seemed to be the top-ranking angel and served at God’s throne. His outward appearance was iridescent, like a magnificent rainbow reflecting the glory of God. (10)

When God created Lucifer, He created him perfect in every way. People often ask, “How could a good God create an evil being like the devil?” Because there is such a contradiction of a good God creating an evil being, they conclude there must not really be a devil. Part of this reasoning is correct. God did not create Lucifer as an evil being. He created Lucifer as the most glorious of all of His angelic beings to serve Him and reflect His glory. Some scholars believe that Lucifer was God’s heavenly praise and worship leader. (10)

John reports seeing Satan’s tail pulling one-third of the stars from Heaven to Earth. Once again, we remind ourselves that John is using symbolic language. He does not mean that Satan literally has a tail or that a third of the physical stars in the sky follow Satan. He means that he could see with spiritual eyes the spiritual battles taking place in the spirit world in Heaven. (10)

Because of the sin of pride, Lucifer desired worship for himself. He led a rebellion in Heaven against God. According to John, Lucifer convinced one-third of the stars (angels) to follow him (Revelation 12:4,7,9; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6).

It was Lucifer who introduced sin and evil into God’s world. However, Lucifer and his fallen unholy angel army were defeated and expelled for the first time from heaven and sent to Earth at the speed of light! It was Lucifer who introduced sin and evil into God’s world.

So he [Jesus] said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. (Luke 10:18 NET)

While Satan lost his attempt to be worshiped in Heaven, he did not give up. His pride and hatred of God drove him to establish his worship and rule on the earth. He has done this by creating an anti-God world system. This Satan desires to live out his god-image by ruling over this world system. This will find its climax, as described in the following chapters in the Book of Revelation. (10)

Adam and Eve (1) are created; they sin and are expelled from the Garden of Eden, where they once walked with God (Genesis 3:8. Genesis 3:22-24). The sweet fellowship they shared with God is now lost, at least for now. Lucifer now has the authority or right to use the power he retained, having been an archangel of God, and also regains access to Heaven for himself and his fallen unholy angels from man (Job 1:6,7). Lucifer’s name is later changed by God to Satan, which means the accuser or adversary of man (Revelation 12:9,10; 20:2).

With his access to God, Satan constantly slanders and accuses God’s people of being unworthy of God’s grace and mercy. It is as if Satan is taunting God to cast away the believers with the same judgment God gave him. (10)

For example, in the Book of Job, (1) we learn that Satan came before God and accused Job of worshiping and serving God only to get God’s blessings (Job 1:6-12). The Lord knew Job’s heart and gave Satan permission to test Job. Bible students know that Job suffered greatly but stayed true to God.

On another occasion, we learn in Zechariah that Satan accused Joshua, the high priest, of serving God in stained garments. In other words, Joshua was not holy enough to be the high priest. The Lord rebuked Satan, forgave Joshua of any sin, and clothed him in clean garments. (Zechariah 3:1-5.)

BACKSTORY: The dragon schemes to devour the woman’s child – Satan (circa 2100 B.C. to 6 B.C.)

...Then the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that he might devour her child as soon as it was born.  (Revelation 12:4 b NET)

This dragon is said to be standing before the woman, ready to devour her child as soon as it is born. This shows that Satan was the spiritual force behind the Gentile empires that tried to subjugate and annihilate the nation of Israel. His ultimate goal through them was to kill Jesus Christ, the “Child” who would eventually rule all nations. Initially, he tried to do this when Jesus was born by having King Herod kill all the babies who were two years old and under (Matthew 2:16). God was able to warn Joseph, the father of Jesus, who then brought Him safely to Egypt. Satan was finally able to have Jesus crucified, but it was to his own demise. Little did he realize that he had sealed his own doom and allowed Jesus to redeem mankind. Because of the sinless nature of Jesus Christ, the grave could not hold Him. He was resurrected and caught up to heaven. (26)

John sees Satan confronting the woman (Israel) when she is about to give birth to a child. Satan is waiting for the child to be born to kill the baby at birth. This is not just any child Satan wants to destroy. John is talking about the birth of the Redeemer of mankind—the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. Israel is personified as the woman to give birth to the Messiah. (10)

We know from the Bible that Satan attempted to kill Jesus from the moment He was born. When the wise men asked Herod exactly where the King of the Jews was born, he directed them to Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-8) according to the prophecy in Micah 5:2. Out of fear, Herod killed all the baby boys two years old and under (Matthew 2:16). It was Satan working through Herod in this demonically-inspired act. Matthew said that this massacre fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah of Rachel weeping for her children. (Matthew 2:1-18.) Jesus was born in these circumstances of intense Jewish suffering. (10)

In addition, Matthew tells us that Satan advised Jesus to tempt God (1) by jumping off the pinnacle of the Temple (Matthew 4:5-6). This was before Jesus even began His ministry. Jesus would have died prematurely and failed to accomplish the purpose for which He was born. Although Satan failed in this attempt, he did not give up on his relentless attacks against Jesus.

Additional Satanic attempts on Jesus’ life:

Matthew 12:14, Mark 3:6 – Pharisees held a council with the Herodians to discuss destroying Jesus because He healed a man on the Sabbath day.

Luke 4:28-30 – Jews attempted to throw Him off the hill because of His first sermon in His hometown of Nazareth.

John 5:16 – The Jews persecuted Jesus and sought to kill Him for healing the impotent man on the Sabbath day.

John 5:18 – Jews sought to kill Jesus because He claimed equality with God.

John 7:30-32 – The Jewish plot to arrest Jesus with intent to kill Him for claiming He was from God.

John 7:25 – It was common knowledge that the Jews sought to kill Jesus.

John 7:40-44 – Some people desired to arrest Jesus with the intent to kill Him.

John 8:59 – Jews attempted to kill Jesus by stoning Him for claiming that He was God.

John 10:31 – The Jews again attempt to kill Jesus by stoning Him for claiming His Deity.

John 10:39 – The Jews sought to take Jesus for proving His Deity.

John 11:47 – The chief priests and Pharisees plot against Jesus.

John 11:53-54 – The Jews make a determined effort to kill Jesus.

John 11:55-57 – The Jews sought Jesus even at the Passover Feast.

John 12:9-11 – The Jews even desire to kill Lazarus because of their hatred for Jesus.

John 18:3,10,12 – Jesus was arrested by Jewish soldiers.

John 18:13-14 – Jesus was tried by Jewish leaders who had already decided on his guilt.

John 18:36 – Jesus acknowledges that it was the Jews who would kill Him.

John 18:38-40;19:1-7;12-15 – The Jews are adamant in their desire to kill Jesus.

John 19:11 – Jesus acknowledges a lesser and a greater sin in those who condemned Him to death.

John 19:16-18 – The Jews led Jesus away to be crucified.

Finally, Satan found a willing vessel in Judas, who betrayed Jesus to the Romans (Matthew 26:47-56). While Pilate had Jesus executed, Jesus made it clear that God allowed Pilate to make this decision (John 19:11).

BACKSTORY: The Male Child – Jesus (Birth circa 6 B.C. (1), Death, Resurrection, Ascension circa 31 A.D. (1))

So the woman gave birth to a son, a male child, who is going to rule over all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was suddenly caught up to God and to his throne, and she fled into the wilderness where a place had been prepared for her by God, so she could be taken care of for 1,260 days. (Revelation 12:5–6 NET)

Satan was finally able to have Jesus crucified, but it was to his own demise. Little did he realize that he had sealed his own doom and allowed Jesus to redeem mankind. Because of the sinless nature of Jesus Christ (the Child), the grave could not hold Him. He was resurrected and caught up to His throne in heaven. (26)

As the Lamb of God, Jesus bore the sins of mankind for us. He was the innocent once-and-for-all substitutionary sacrifice for sin. (10)

Isaiah prophesied this defining moment in history:

But he lifted up our illnesses, he carried our pain; even though we thought he was being punished, attacked by God, and afflicted for something he had done. He was wounded because of our rebellious deeds, crushed because of our sins; he endured punishment that made us well; because of his wounds we have been healed. All of us had wandered off like sheep; each of us had strayed off on his own path, but the Lord caused the sin of all of us to attack him. (Isaiah 53:4–6 NET)

Because Jesus had never sinned, He knew the prophecy in the Book of Psalms stating that God would not allow His soul to stay in the place of the dead or His body to decay:

Therefore my heart is glad and my spirit rejoices; my body also rests securely. For You will not abandon me to Sheol; You will not allow Your Faithful One to see decay. (Psalm 16:9–10 HCSB)

The book of Acts records the ascension or “catching up” of Jesus to Heaven:

After he had said this, while they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud hid him from their sight. As they were still staring into the sky while he was going, suddenly two men in white clothing stood near them and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up into the sky? This same Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven will come back in the same way you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9–11 NET)

John further identifies this male Child by referring to the Psalm 2 prophecies. Because Jesus is returning as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, He will rule over Israel as the King of the Jews and the nations as King of kings and Lord of lords. As God in human flesh, Jesus will rule with absolute authority and power, or as John says, “with a rod of iron (1)” (Rev. 19:15).

John is then told that the woman (true Israel) fled to the wilderness for 1260 days. We will see shortly that Satan will launch his final bid to destroy God’s people: first on the nation of Israel and second upon the church. There will then be those of national Israel who will escape the wrath of Satan. They will, later, become the first to accept Jesus as their Messiah. (26)

BACKSTORY: The dragon and his angels are cast out of Heaven the second time – Satan and the fallen angels are cast out by the Archangel Michael (Circa 31 A.D.)

Then war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But the dragon was not strong enough to prevail, so there was no longer any place left in heaven for him and his angels. So that huge dragon—the ancient serpent, the one called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world—was thrown down to the earth, and his angels along with him. Then I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, “The salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the ruling authority of his Christ, have now come, because the accuser of our brothers and sisters, the one who accuses them day and night before our God, has been thrown down. But they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. Therefore you heavens rejoice, and all who reside in them! But woe to the earth and the sea because the devil has come down to you! He is filled with terrible anger, for he knows that he only has a little time!” (Revelation 12:7–12 NET)

These verses witness an incredible war between Satan and Archangel Michael in heaven. This fourth personality John sees is Michael, along with his angels. Michael is mentioned five times in the Bible (Daniel 10:13,21;12:1; Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7). Again, Michael is one of the archangels of God. He is also the guardian angel of God’s people, Israel, and the New Israel of God (Daniel 10:21;12:1).

Out of His sovereign desire to reveal Himself to us, the Creator of the universe needed a people through whom He could make Himself known. He could not reveal Himself to us in the fullness of His glory without destroying us with His manifested presence. He needed a people group. God could have chosen any people group. As we learn in the Bible, He chose Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants as the ethnic people through whom He would reveal His redemptive plans and purposes on the earth. (21)

God did not choose the Jewish people because they were better than any other group. He chose them because He found in Abraham a man who believed in the One True God and followed Him. Abraham’s descendants, later known as the Jews, were not unique because of some inherent superiority but because of their high calling:

For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. He has chosen you to be his people, prized above all others on the face of the earth. It is not because you were more numerous than all the other peoples that the LORD favored and chose you—for in fact you were the least numerous of all peoples. Rather it is because of his love for you and his faithfulness to the promise he solemnly vowed to your ancestors that the LORD brought you out with great power, redeeming you from the place of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. So realize that the LORD your God is the true God, the faithful God who keeps covenant faithfully with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, but who pays back those who hate him as they deserve and destroys them. He will not ignore those who hate him but will repay them as they deserve! So keep the commandments, statutes, and ordinances that I today am commanding you to do. (Deuteronomy 7:6–11)

While the Jews were the first of God’s people, the Creator made it clear that He would also call a people to Himself from among the Gentiles. In all three divisions of the Hebrew Bible, the Law (Torah), the Prophets (Nevi’im), and the Psalms (K’tivim), the Lord revealed that He would include Gentiles as part of “My people.”

From the moment God called Abraham, He told Abraham that he would be a blessing to all the families of the earth.

I will bless those who bless you, but the one who treats you lightly I must curse, and all the families of the earth will bless one another by your name.” (Genesis 12:3 NET)

God’s covenant people would include “whosoever will” as they responded to the revelation He gave through Abraham.

Before God even brought the Hebrews into the Promised Land, He reached out to the Gentiles and said,

Cry out, O nations [Gentiles], with his people, for he will avenge his servants’ blood; he will take vengeance against his enemies, and make atonement for his land and people. (Deuteronomy 32:43 NET)

The psalmist calls the Gentiles to worship the Lord:

Praise the Lord, all you nations! Applaud him, all you foreigners! (Psalm 117:1 NET)

Isaiah spoke of the Messiah who would come from the seed of Jesse, the father of King David. (21)

He prophesied that the Gentiles would seek Him:

At that time a root from Jesse will stand like a signal flag for the nations. Nations will look to him for guidance, and his residence will be majestic. (Isaiah 11:10 NET).

Luke tells the story of Simeon, a devout Jewish man waiting for the Messiah to appear. The Lord told him he would not die until he saw the Messiah.

When Jesus was presented at the Temple, Simeon prophesied:

“Now, according to your word, Sovereign Lord, permit your servant to depart in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: a light, for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32).

Simeon was referring to Isaiah’s prophecy where the Lord said of the Messiah:

he says, “Is it too insignificant a task for you to be my servant, to reestablish the tribes of Jacob, and restore the remnant of Israel? I will make you a light to the nations, so you can bring my deliverance to the remote regions of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6 NET)

It is evident, from the writings of Paul, that God has not called two separate peoples but one people. Paul says that true Israel is made up of those who are the children of faith in Christ, not merely those who are born of Jewish descent:

Now this secret was not disclosed to people in former generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, namely, that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 3:5–6 NET)

Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh—who are called “uncircumcision” by the so-called “circumcision” that is performed on the body by human hands—that you were at that time without the Messiah, alienated from the citizenship of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who used to be far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, the one who made both groups into one and who destroyed the middle wall of partition, the hostility, when he nullified in his flesh the law of commandments in decrees. He did this to create in himself one new man out of two, thus making peace, and to reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by which the hostility has been killed. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, so that through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer foreigners and noncitizens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, because you have been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:11–22 NET)

As Western believers, we must understand that Christians are part of “the Israel of God” and have become “one new man” with them. The Church is not Israel but is joined with Jews as the “one new man,” also known as the new “Israel of God.”

But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that matters is a new creation! And all who will behave in accordance with this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on the Israel of God. (Galatians 6:14–16 NET)

Speaking symbolically, Jewish believers are not grafted into the Christians’ wild olive tree, but Christians are grafted into the cultivated Jewish olive tree. Furthermore, the Jewish branches that were broken off will be grafted back into the Jewish olive tree.

Now if some of the [Jewish] branches were broken off, and you, a [Gentile] wild olive shoot, were grafted in among them and participated in the richness of the [Jewish] olive root, do not boast over the [Jewish] branches. But if you boast, remember that you do not support the [Jewish] root, but the [Jewish] root supports you. Then you will say, “The [Jewish] branches were broken off so that I [a Gentile] could be grafted in.” Granted! They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but fear! For if God did not spare the natural [Jewish] branches, perhaps he will not spare you [a Gentile branch]. Notice therefore the kindness and harshness of God—harshness toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness toward you, provided you continue in his kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. And even they [Jewish branches]—if they do not continue in their unbelief—will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut off from what is by nature a [Gentile] wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated [Jewish] olive tree, how much more will these natural [Jewish] branches be grafted back into their own [cultivated Jewish] olive tree? (Romans 11:17-24 NET)

While Abraham is the natural father of the Jewish people, he is the spiritual father of all true believers.

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female—for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:26–29 NET)

He is “Our Father Abraham.”

For this reason it is by faith so that it may be by grace, with the result that the promise may be certain to all the descendants—not only to those who are under the law, but also to those who have the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (Romans 4:16 NET)

It is not as though the word of God had failed. For not all those who are descended from Israel are truly Israel,
 nor are all the children Abraham’s true descendants; rather “through Isaac will your descendants be counted.” This means it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God; rather, the children of promise are counted as descendants. (Romans 9:6–8 NET)

But you, brothers and sisters, are children of the promise like Isaac. (Galatians 4:28 NET)

But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that matters is a new creation! And all who will behave in accordance with this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on the Israel of God. (Galatians 6:14–16 NET)

All Christians are spiritually Jews:

For a person is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision something that is outward in the flesh, but someone is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is of the heart by the Spirit and not by the written code. This person’s praise is not from people but from God. (Romans 2:28–29 NET)

Zechariah saw this “One New Man” company of people when he wrote:

The Lord who rules over all says, ‘In those days ten people [a representative number] from all languages and nations will grasp hold of—indeed, grab—the robe [tzitzit] of one Jew and say, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” ’ ” (Zechariah 8:23)

Through Messiah, God has made way for all people to be His people, regardless of ethnic or national background, skin color, gender, economic status, social position, education, life achievements, age, language, customs, or traditions. No human barriers keep us from being in God’s Kingdom family. All of His people will be forever in His glorious presence.

Only those who have faith in Christ are considered God’s people. According to Paul, if one is born Jewish and rejects Christ, he is not considered part of God’s people. This is the same for a Gentile who also rejects Christ.

No one has ever seen God. The only one, himself God, who is in closest fellowship with the Father, has made God known. (John 1:18 NET)

All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son decides to reveal him. (Matthew 11:27 NET)

So Jesus answered them, “I tell you the solemn truth, the Son can do nothing on his own initiative, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he does, and will show him greater deeds than these, so that you will be amazed. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. Furthermore, the Father does not judge anyone, but has assigned all judgment to the Son, so that all people will honor the Son just as they honor the Father. The one who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. “I tell you the solemn truth, the one who hears my message and believes the one who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned, but has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the solemn truth, a time is coming—and is now here—when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, thus he has granted the Son to have life in himself, and he has granted the Son authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. (John 5:19–27 NET)

Everyone who denies the Son does not have the Father either. The person who confesses the Son has the Father also. (1 John 2:23 NET)

Everyone who goes on ahead and does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God. The one who remains in this teaching has both the Father and the Son. (2 John 1:9 NET)

God has only provided one way of salvation: through the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. (1)

I tell you, many will come from the east and west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, but the sons of the kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 8:11–12 NET)

Then one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is more to your advantage to have one man die for the people than for the whole nation to perish.” (Now he did not say this on his own, but because he was high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the Jewish nation, and not for the Jewish nation only, but to gather together into one the children of God who are scattered.) So from that day they planned together to kill him. (John 11:49–53 NET)

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you! How often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you would have none of it! Look, your house is left to you desolate! For I tell you, you will not see me from now until you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ” (Matthew 23:37–39 NET)

It is commonly believed that Satan resides in hell, but this is not what Scripture teaches. (26)

In the Book of Job:

The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” And Satan answered the Lord, “From roving about on the earth, and from walking back and forth across it.” (Job 1:7 NET)

From the writings of Job and the prophet Zechariah, it is evident that Satan had access to heaven. He often went there to accuse believers before God. This is what he did with the high priest Joshua in the book of Zechariah: (26)

Next I saw Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan, “May the Lord rebuke you, Satan! May the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Isn’t this man like a burning stick snatched from the fire?” (Zechariah 3:1–2 NET)

Satan was constantly accusing God’s righteous saints of improprieties. (26)

John explains to us the spiritual warfare and rebellion that occurred in Heaven. John tells us that Michael and his angels fight a war against the dragon and his angels. John identifies the dragon as the devil and Satan. The word devil means “slanderer” or “false accuser,” while Satan means “adversary.”

After Jesus paid the price for our sin and sins on the cross through His death, burial, and resurrection, God the Father had enough, and Michael and his angels kicked Satan out of heaven.

He has destroyed what was against us, a certificate of indebtedness expressed in decrees opposed to us. He has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. Disarming the rulers and authorities, he has made a public disgrace of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Colossians 2:14–15 NET)

Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. (John 12:31 NET)

Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, he likewise shared in their humanity, so that through death he could destroy the one who holds the power of death (that is, the devil), and set free those who were held in slavery all their lives by their fear of death. (Hebrews 2:14–15 NET)

The devil has come down with great wrath because he has a short time. (26)

Therefore you heavens rejoice, and all who reside in them! But woe to the earth and the sea because the devil has come down to you! He is filled with terrible anger, for he knows that he only has a little time!” (Revelation 12:12 NET)

FLASHBACK: The Great Tribulation begins – Michael ceases to guard (circa the Fourth Seal is opened)

Michael is an important figure, for in Daniel, he is said to be the restrainer of Satan for the people of Israel and the Church:

However, I will first tell you what is written in a dependable book. (There is no one who strengthens me against these princes, except Michael your prince. And in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood to strengthen him and to provide protection for him.) (Daniel 10:21–11:1 NET)

The Hebrew term “strengthen” is “Chazak,” which means binding or restraining. Michael’s role is to watch over the nation of Israel and the New Israel of God to restrain Satan, his fallen angels, and demons. (26)

Satan has been furiously attacking Israel and the New Israel of God since he was cast out. However, he was restrained from the fullness of his fury by Michael the Archangel for about 2000 years.

Even before the cross, Satan’s demons knew there was a time when they would face judgment unless they could derail God’s plan of salvation.

When he came to the other side, to the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were extremely violent, so that no one was able to pass by that way. They cried out, “Son of God, leave us alone! Have you come here to torment us before the time?” (Matthew 8:28–29 NET)

At the midpoint of Daniel’s 70th week, the Archangel Michael “will arise” or “will stand up,” which can also be interpreted as “will stand aside” and cease his restraint. (26)(29)(30) Think of a soldier coming to the attention position, which prevents them from responding to threats.

This final period is also addressed by Daniel:

“At that time Michael, the great prince who watches over your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress unlike any other from the nation’s beginning up to that time. But at that time your own people, all those whose names are found written in the book, will escape. (Daniel 12:1 NET) 

Michael comes to attention like a soldier, thus allowing Satan to freely vent his final fury on the nation of Israel and the Church. God allows this to bring Israel to national repentance and purify the Church. (26)

At the moment that Michael ceases to guard over Israel and the New Israel of God, the fourth seal is broken, and the Great Tribulation begins.

BACKSTORY: Satan declares war on all Christians, both Jew, and Gentile (circa A.D. 31)

Now when the dragon realized that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. But the woman was given the two wings of a giant eagle so that she could fly out into the wilderness, to the place God prepared for her, where she is taken care of—away from the presence of the serpent—for a time, times, and half a time. Then the serpent spouted water like a river out of his mouth after the woman in an attempt to sweep her away by a flood, but the earth came to her rescue; the ground opened up and swallowed the river that the dragon had spewed from his mouth. So the dragon became enraged at the woman and went away to make war on the rest of her children, those who keep God’s commandments and hold to the testimony about Jesus. (Revelation 12:13–17 NET)

Using apocalyptic symbolism, John says that the woman (the Nation of Israel) was given two wings of a great eagle to fly safely into the wilderness (desert). The Lord has used this wording before as a figure of speech. When the Lord delivered the Hebrews from Egypt, He brought them into the desert and cared for them for 40 years. (10)

Exodus reads:

‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt and how I lifted you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. (Exodus 19:4 NET)

Similar wording is found in Deuteronomy:

Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, so the Lord spread out his wings and took him, he lifted him up on his pinions. The Lord alone was guiding him, no foreign god was with him. (Deuteronomy 32:11–12 NET)

Satan is absolutely incensed that he has been kicked out of heaven, and his final doom is imminent. He first launches his attack against the “woman,” or nation of Israel. Israel is then said to flee to a place prepared for her and dwell there for “a time and times and half a time,” or 1260 days (Revelation 12:6; 12:14). Since this period refers to the last three and a half years of the Seventieth Week, it can be concluded that these parenthetic passages speak for themselves as to where they are to be put in the overall context of Revelation. The faithful remnant of Israel, most likely the 144,000, is believed to flee to a city known as Petra. Petra is situated within mountains, and the heights of its sides are 200 to 1000 feet.” It has one narrow entrance, and from a tactical standpoint, it is virtually impregnable. It is located in Edom (Jordan), which is one of the areas that is said to escape the control of the Antichrist (Daniel 11:41). This is because God will prepare this city for the 144,000 to take refuge in during the tribulation of the Antichrist. (26)

Because he is unable to destroy the Jews who escape, Satan then launches the second prong of his attack against the rest of the woman’s offspring: (26)

So the dragon became enraged at the woman and went away to make war on the rest of her children, those who keep God’s commandments and hold to the testimony about Jesus. (Revelation 12:17 NET)

Consistently, this term has always referred to Christians throughout Revelation. Further confirmation that the Church will be attacked is given by Jesus in the Olivet Discourse: (26)

“Then they will hand you over to be persecuted and will kill you. You will be hated by all the nations because of my name. (Matthew 24:9 NET)

Remember, in context, Jesus was talking to His disciples. He says that they (the church), not only the nation of Israel, will be delivered to tribulation. His disciples will be hated for His name’s sake. Therefore, only those who have the “testimony of Jesus Christ” will be given up to this persecution. We are informed in Revelation: (26)

But they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. (Revelation 12:11 NET) 

Satan deceives the nonbelievers to embrace the “New World Order” of peace and unity while persecuting God’s people who refuse to take his mark. Because they are deceived by Satan, those who take his mark will now accuse the believers of being obstacles to world peace and enemies of the State. (10)

Those who take the Mark of the Beast think this will help them overcome their struggles to survive and prosper. But it is a tragic deception. (10)

In the letters to the seven churches (1), the assemblies were told repeatedly to overcome and persevere. Many false believers and prophets will rise up and attempt to deceive the true believer. These false brethren will begin to betray and hate the true disciples of Jesus (Matthew 24:10).

Then many will be led into sin, and they will betray one another and hate one another. (Matthew 24:10 NET)

However, the real overcomers are those who are willing to die for their faith. (10)

Jesus said:

I tell you the solemn truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces much grain. The one who loves his life destroys it, and the one who hates his life in this world guards it for eternal life. (John 12:24–25 NET)

It will truly be a time when God will separate the “wheat” from the “tares.” (26)

THE WAR ON THE SAINTS INTENSIFIES (Circa 31 A.D.)

Satan realized he was the victim of the greatest sting operation of all time! He was defeated by the very crucifixion of Jesus he had instigated (1 Corinthians 2:6-8). Michael the Archangel then drives Satan and his unholy fallen angels back out of Heaven and back to the Earth for the second time (Revelation 12:7-9). No longer can Satan appear before God in Heaven to accuse us (Revelation 12:10). Furthermore, all that had been accused by Satan since the fall of mankind have now overcome him by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony for which they were willing to die (Revelation 12:11. Colossians 2:13-15. Hebrews 11:13. Hebrews 11:32-40). 

Satan also realizes his time is short and filled with anger; he intensifies his war (Revelation 12:12) on Israel (Revelation 12:13).

Jesus warned His disciples that Jerusalem would be attacked. This happened in the first Jewish revolt against the Romans. The war lasted seven years from 66-73 A.D. Titus invaded Jerusalem and burned the city and the Temple in 70 A.D. Jesus had already told His disciples to flee to the mountains.

Some scholars believe that this was the complete fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy. (34) However, despite legends, Titus did not go into the Holy of Holies in the Temple. While there are clear parallels, Jesus’ words are in the context of the period of the Great Tribulation, which John is now describing (Matthew 24:15-28). This is similar to what happened when the Romans attacked Jerusalem, except this time, the situation is so bad the Lord will have to intervene through the coming of Jesus.

Jesus explains:

For then there will be great suffering unlike anything that has happened from the beginning of the world until now, or ever will happen. And if those days had not been cut short, no one would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. (Matthew 24:21-22 NET).

In this parallel, some of the survivors of the Satan-inspired Roman destruction of Jerusalem on September 8, 70 AD (20) went to Masada (which means Citadel), where they were protected from the Romans for three and a half years until it was destroyed by the Romans on March 31, 74 AD (20) (Revelation 12:14). In the future the 144,000 Jews will be protected in Petra from the Antichrist for three and a half years.

Again, the woman represents Israel. John explains that the Lord supernaturally protects and cares for (nourishes) Israel during this three and one-half year period. This situation is similar to when God provided manna in the desert for the children of Israel (Exodus 16:4) and nourishment for Elijah when he was in the desert (1 Kings 17:2-4). God can still take care of His people supernaturally and will do so during the Great Tribulation.

As King David said:

I was once young, now I am old. I have never seen a godly man abandoned, or his children forced to search for food. (Psalm 37:25 NET).

During the parallel Roman destruction of Jerusalem, Satan attempted to annihilate all of the Israelites; however, some hiding under the earth in tunnels (19) around Jerusalem escaped to be dispersed throughout the world while the Romans were focused on annihilating those living in Masada (Revelation 12:15,16).

The devil, or Satan, referred to as “the serpent’’ (Genesis 3:1-15), seeks to drown the woman, but the ground opens up to divert the water. The Bible often uses flood terminology to symbolize great evil and distress.

Isaiah described such times:

So shall they fear The name of the Lord from the west, And His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. (Isaiah 59:19 NKJV). 

In this parallel, the water symbolizes Satan’s army pursuing the woman (Israel). Figuratively speaking, the tunnels diverted the water so the Jews could escape during the Roman destruction of Jerusalem.

There are also numerous examples in the Hebrew Bible of God using the natural elements to destroy His enemies and the enemies of His people. God drowned Pharaoh and his army while they were pursuing the children of Israel. (Exodus 14:28; Exodus 15:4-6;15:19; Deuteronomy 29:2,3; Joshua 24:7; Psalms 106:7-11; Psalms 136:13-15; Hebrews 11:29)

What we do know for sure is that they are believers who keep the commandments of God. This certainly refutes Western Christian teaching that salvation by grace through faith means that believers are free from the commandments of God. There will be no casual, cultural, carnal, worldly, half-committed believers during this time.

As Jesus said:

The person who has my commandments and obeys them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will reveal myself to him.” (John 14:21 NET)

James, a half-brother of Jesus, said:

 “So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself. (James 2:17 NET)

When Satan realized he could not destroy Israel, he turned to war on the rest of God’s people, the Church.

So the dragon became enraged at the woman and went away to make war on the rest of her children, those who keep God’s commandments and hold to the testimony about Jesus. (Revelation 12:17 NET)

Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering. And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.To him belongs the power forever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:8–11 NET)

FLASHBACK: The Antichrist – The Beast from the Sea (Circa the Fourth Seal is Opened)

The following passages from chapter 13 paint an incredible picture of what will happen to believers when the rider on the fourth horse uses his power over a fourth of the earth or the saints. He will kill with the sword and hunger because believers cannot buy or sell if they do not take his mark. He will also kill by the beasts of the earth (Revelation 6:8). The words “Great Tribulation” are the only ones appropriate in describing this period of human history. (26)

Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, and on its horns were ten diadem crowns, and on its heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast that I saw was like a leopard, but its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. The dragon gave the beast his power, his throne, and great authority to rule. (Revelation 13:1,2 NET)

Revelation chapter 13 reveals a portrait of the Antichrist as he takes world control and begins his persecution of God’s elect. Remember that these verses in Revelation chapter 13 are written immediately after Michael has stood at attention (i.e., at the Fourth Trumpet), thus allowing Satan to fully vent his anger and fury. They, too, follow the exact sequence of events outlined by Paul and our Lord. (26)

Using apocalyptic symbolism, John sees a beast coming out of the sea. Ancient people, including John’s readers, were terribly frightened by the sea. To them, the sea was synonymous with the bottomless pit (Revelation 11:7; 13:1; 17:8). (21)

People living in Bible times did not understand that there was a bottom to the sea. When they dropped an anchor, it never reached the bottom. When a ship sank, people believed it descended forever into a bottomless watery darkness. They were also frightened by the Leviathan, a sea monster or beast that stirred up the ocean, causing chaos and death (Job 41). (21)

In John’s Greco-Roman world, the Greeks worshiped the mythical Poseidon as the god of the sea. He was a fierce god with a violent and vengeful temperament. He is depicted carrying a three-pronged spear called a trident. (21)

It was the practice of the Romans to adopt Greek gods and give them Roman names. The Roman name for Poseidon was Neptune. Before people went to sea, they sacrificed to Poseidon/Neptune to pacify him and ask for a safe journey. Similarly, today’s believers ask the One True God for His traveling mercies when making long flights over the ocean. (21)

When John says he saw a beast coming out of the sea, it was, for his first-century readers, the most frightening symbolism he could use. Like Poseidon/Neptune and Leviathan, the first false messiah empowered by Satan will be a frightening figure who will cause great chaos and destruction on the earth. Speaking apocalyptically, the Beast from the Sea (i.e., the Antichrist or Anti-Messiah) and the Beast From the Earth (i.e., the false prophet) will stir up the sea; that is, the masses of people on the Earth. (21)

Revelation 17:15 confirms that sea or water represents people’s is the correct interpretation.

It reads:

Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw (where the prostitute is seated) are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages. (Revelation 17:15 NET)

Furthermore, his fierce and violent nature will take vengeance against the believers for not submitting to him. John says this Beast From the Sea has seven heads, ten horns, and ten crowns on the ten horns. He also has a blasphemous name on his heads. John observes that the Beast is like a leopard, his feet like a bear, and his mouth like a lion (Revelation 13:2). So that God’s people will not be deceived, John clearly states that Satan, the dragon of Revelation 12:3, is the one empowering this false messiah. (21)

The fourth and final beast that Daniel saw (1) complements the iron portion of the statue, which symbolizes the Roman Empire.

“After these things, as I was watching in the night visions a fourth beast appeared—one dreadful, terrible, and very strong. It had two large rows of iron teeth. It devoured and crushed, and anything that was left it trampled with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that came before it, and it had ten horns. (Daniel 7:7 NET)

This empire is said to be exceedingly strong as it stamps out and destroys the former empires. This beast is also said to have ten horns, which are the same as the ten toes of Nebuchadnezzar’s statue. What Daniel is shown in his vision correlates exactly with what Nebuchadnezzar was also shown (1) (Daniel 2). This reveals how amazingly consistent God’s word is. (26)

Here then, is what is to be understood concerning these beasts from Daniel :

• In God’s eyes, Babylon is like a lion with one head.

• Medo-Persia is like a bear, and it also has one head.

• Greece is like a leopard, which is said to have four heads.

• Rome is an indescribable beast, and it is said to have one head and ten horns.

Combining all the features of these beasts into one great beast would create a beast with seven heads: Babylon one, Medo-Persia one, Greece four, and Rome one. This beast also would have ten horns, along with features pertaining to a lion, a bear, and a leopard. Amazingly, this is exactly what the Apostle John sees when he is given a view of the rise of the Antichrist during the midpoint of the Seventieth Week. While, like Daniel, on the shores of the Mediterranean, John writes:

Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, and on its horns were ten diadem crowns, and on its heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast that I saw was like a leopard, but its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. The dragon gave the beast his power, his throne, and great authority to rule. (Revelation 13:1,2 NET)

John and Daniel describe the same creature, but John describes a composite that Daniel saw as being successive. This is because John describes the beast in its final form when the Antichrist takes control of the ten kings of the revived Roman Empire. Right after the vision of these beasts, the Antichrist is introduced in the Book of Daniel. Daniel was considering the ten horns of the fourth beast, which symbolized the revived Roman empire, when he saw a “little horn” come up among them and overthrow three of the ten horns, or kings (Daniel 7:8). Daniel relates that this horn had the eyes of a man, and it was speaking pompous words. Daniel was grieved in his spirit and wanted to know more about this last world empire with ten horns and about the little horn: the Antichrist (Daniel 7:19-20). Daniel also saw that this little horn was making war against the saints and prevailing against them (Daniel 7:21). (26)

Finally, an angel revealed to Daniel more about the Antichrist:

“This is what he told me: ‘The fourth beast means that there will be a fourth kingdom on earth that will differ from all the other kingdoms. It will devour all the earth and will trample and crush it. The ten horns mean that ten kings will arise from that kingdom. Another king will arise after them, but he will be different from the earlier ones. He will humiliate three kings. He will speak words against the Most High. He will harass the holy ones of the Most High continually. His intention will be to change times established by law. They will be delivered into his hand For a time, times, and half a time. (Daniel 7:23–25 NET)

Greater details are now given concerning the Antichrist. First, there will arise ten kings out of the old Roman Empire who will form a coalition. Then will arise the Antichrist; he will be different from them and will take over the rule of three of the first ten kings. He is different from the first ten kings because he will not arise from the Roman Empire, as revealed in Daniel chapter eight. This Antichrist will be given “a time and times and a half a time”, or three and a half years, to persecute and prevail over the saints of God. However, this time allotment will be cut short by God as the heavenly courts are convened and the Antichrist’s power is broken (Daniel 7:26).

FLASHBACK: Satan and the Antichrist – The Dragon and The Beast from the Sea (Circa the Fourth Seal is opened)

One of the beast’s heads appeared to have been killed, but the lethal wound had been healed. And the whole world followed the beast in amazement; they worshiped the dragon because he had given ruling authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast too, saying: “Who is like the beast?” and “Who is able to make war against him?”The beast was given a mouth speaking proud words and blasphemies, and he was permitted to exercise ruling authority for forty-two months. So the beast opened his mouth to blaspheme against God—to blaspheme both his name and his dwelling place, that is, those who dwell in heaven. The beast was permitted to go to war against the saints and conquer them. He was given ruling authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation, and all those who live on the earth will worship the beast, everyone whose name has not been written since the foundation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was killed. If anyone has an ear, he had better listen! If anyone is meant for captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed by the sword, then by the sword he must be killed. This requires steadfast endurance and faith from the saints. (Revelation 13:3–10 NET)

John here describes a composite of the same four beasts Daniel saw (Daniel 7:1-8). In this particular passage, John describes them in their final form, under the absolute authority of the Antichrist and Satan. The ten horns are said to have ten crowns. This indicates that the ten kings have now given their authority to the beast and rule as kings under his direction. John also reveals that one of the seven heads looked as if it were wounded or slain. This confirms that the Antichrist is an eighth king but rules from one of the seven heads (Revelation 17:11). A good way to understand this would be to think of the seven heads as seven houses with seven owners. The seven owners would be the demon princes who ruled the Gentile empires that the seven heads represent (Daniel 10:20). Say one of the owners dies, and a new owner buys one of the seven houses. He would be an eighth owner, but there would still be only seven houses. There would not be eight houses. In the same sense, we are to understand that the seven heads are seven kingdoms (houses), and they are also seven kings (owners). One of the former kings (owners) was defeated, so his head was slain. The Antichrist is to be the eighth king (owner) and rules from one of the seven kingdoms (houses). This was determined to be the Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) head from the four-headed empire of Greece. The revival of the head of this beast is twofold. In the physical, it takes the form of the resurrection to life of the Antichrist. In the spiritual, it involves the installation of a new demonic prince who will revive the rule of the fallen Asia Minor head and restore its dominion. The Antichrist himself is the embodiment of a demonic prince and a human being, the seed of Satan (Genesis 3:15). John also relates that this beast was like a leopard, indicating that the Grecian empire would be the most prominent part of this last world kingdom. Since, at this point, the Antichrist is revealed for whom he really is, as outlined by the Apostle Paul (2 Thessalonians 2:3), it is said that the whole world will marvel at the beast and worship the dragon, or Satan. The Antichrist is now given the authority to continue for 42 months. This passage now times itself as occurring at the midpoint of the Seventieth Week. The Antichrist is said to persecute God’s people for “a time and times and half a time,” which is 3 1/2 years, or 42 biblical months. (26)

From this, we are to understand that when the Archangel Michael ceases to protect God’s people, Satan will empower the Antichrist and attempt to destroy God’s people. Through the Antichrist, Satan is given authority over believers for 42 months. It is stated that he will make war with the saints and overcome them (Revelation 13:7). These persecuted saints are “those who are the offspring of Israel and have the testimony of Jesus” (Revelation 12:17). (26)

Daniel agrees with John on this scenario:

He will speak words against the Most High. He will harass the holy ones of the Most High continually. His intention will be to change times established by law. They will be delivered into his hand For a time, times, and half a time. (Daniel 7:25 NET)

Then with smooth words he will defile those who have rejected the covenant. But the people who are loyal to their God will act valiantly. These who are wise among the people will teach the masses. However, they will fall by the sword and by the flame, and they will be imprisoned and plundered for some time. When they stumble, they will be granted some help. But many will unite with them deceitfully. Even some of the wise will stumble, resulting in their refinement, purification, and cleansing until the time of the end, for it is still for the appointed time. (Daniel 11:32–35 NET)

In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus said that His disciples would be handed up to tribulation and they would be hated by all nations for His name’s sake. (26)

“Then they will hand you over to be persecuted and will kill you. You will be hated by all the nations because of my name. (Matthew 24:9 NET)

This will be a period of time when many will be martyred for identifying with Jesus. Only those who are truly His will overcome. Remembering that the letters to the seven churches were written to warn believers of this time is vital. Jesus also declared that His disciples must not heed the words of the false teachers and preachers but persevere and follow Him. In Revelation chapter 13, John sees that everyone who “dwells on the earth” will worship Satan and the Antichrist. The term “earth dwellers” always refers to unbelievers. This is because believers are not of this world. (26)

“If the world hates you, be aware that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you do not belong to the world, but I chose you out of the world, for this reason the world hates you. (John 15:18–19 NET)

Next, we are told by John,

If anyone has an ear, he had better listen! (Revelation 13:9 NET)

Where have these words been seen before, and to whom do they relate? This phrase was used seven times in reference to the congregations of the seven churches in Asia Minor. (1) This phrase becomes extremely important because it is employed as a reminder to those believers who will now enter the great tribulation. As we have seen, this phrase consistently applies to the churches of Revelation. Yet, most scholars do not feel that the church will be on earth at this time. Our Lord knew that His disciples would be there, and He had John tell them: (26)

If anyone is meant for captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed by the sword, then by the sword he must be killed. This requires steadfast endurance and faith from the saints. (Revelation 13:10 NET)

In this passage, Jesus proclaims to His church that if they could understand and comprehend what the Spirit said to the seven churches, they had better apply it because the time has now come. This is the moment when the false disciples will show their true colors and the true disciples may lose their lives for following Jesus. (26)

Jesus said that false prophets would arise and show great signs and wonders. (26)

Then many will be led into sin, and they will betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will appear and deceive many, and because lawlessness will increase so much, the love of many will grow cold. (Matthew 24:10–12 NET)

Their power will be so amazing that, if possible, even the “elect,” or His true disciples, could be deceived. I do not believe we know how unbelievable these miracles may very well be. Many in the church today are lulled by phony faith healers and those who employ imaginative spiritual gimmicks to obtain money. Imagine what will happen to the church when a man arrives with all the authority and power Satan offers. This man then announces to the church that he is the Second Coming and has the absolute power to back up his claims. History already provides us with the answer. The Christian church in Germany was lulled to sleep by Adolf Hitler, who even supported his rise to power. These very same believers looked the other way when the Holocaust began. There was a faithful remnant, but the vast majority was captured by the absolute satanic magnetism of Hitler. God help us when the Antichrist arrives on the scene because many will deny Christ, and others will be slaughtered, not knowing what hit them. (26)

In his attempts to deceive the world, the Beast appears resurrected from a mortal wound to one of his heads. (21)

Since Satan cannot resurrect people from the dead, this is clearly a deception. (21)

We do not know if John is referring to the Antichrist himself or the resurrection of the ancient Beast system of Babylon/Rome in the form of an anti-God, one-world system. The Beast system seems to be personified in the Beast person, the Antichrist. As world leaders represent their governments, the Antichrist and the system he leads merge. Satan uses this deception as a counterfeit of the true resurrection of Jesus and the two witnesses. (21)

The way the world responds to this counterfeit miracle is self-condemning. When the Beast kills the two witnesses, those who oppose God celebrate (Revelation 11:10). When they are resurrected, the people are frightened but do not turn to God. However, when the people believe the Beast has been resurrected, they marvel at the supposed miracle and follow him. The people not only follow the Beast, but they also worship him:

they worshiped the dragon because he had given ruling authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast too, saying: “Who is like the beast?” and “Who is able to make war against him?” (Revelation 13:4 NET)

This adoration of the Beast is in direct contrast to the worship of the One True God expressed in the Song of Moses:

Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you?—majestic in holiness, fearful in praises, working wonders?  (Exodus 15:11 NET)

Instead of glorifying God, the people glorify the Beast. John notes that by worshiping the Beast, the people actually worship the dragon (Satan), who gives power to the Beast. It is at this time that Satan believes he has finally dethroned God. He is killing the believers while at the same time deceiving the world into worshiping him. In his mind, this is his ultimate triumph over God and the Lamb. (21)

This supposed victory by Satan takes us back to when he tempted Jesus in the desert (1). In that story, Satan showed Jesus all the world’s kingdoms and offered them to Him if He would bypass the cross and worship him (Satan) instead. Jesus rebuked Satan by quoting the Scripture that only the One True God is to be worshiped. (Matthew 4:8-11; Deuteronomy 6:13.)

In the Book of Revelation, Satan believes he has accomplished through the Antichrist what he failed to accomplish with Jesus, the true Messiah. But Satan, the master of deceit, deceived himself as his apparent victory is short-lived. (21)

At this time in history, Satan’s agent, the Antichrist, embodies the ultimate in ego, arrogance, self-deception, and self-exaltation. Inspired by Satan, he believes he is the true messiah who will solve the world’s problems. Satan fills the Antichrist with hatred for the One True God to further his worship in place of God. With his heart and soul controlled by Satan, the Antichrist speaks blasphemous words against God, God’s name, God’s abode in Heaven, and God’s people in Heaven who worship the One True God. (21)

Paul calls him the lawless man of sin who exalts himself even above God. He is empowered by Satan to perform counterfeit miracles and deceives those who reject the truth of God’s Word.

The apostle Paul speaks of this end-time Antichrist:

Now regarding the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to be with him, we ask you, brothers and sisters,not to be easily shaken from your composure or disturbed by any kind of spirit or message or letter allegedly from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not arrive until the rebellion comes and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, and as a result he takes his seat in God’s temple, displaying himself as God. Surely you recall that I used to tell you these things while I was still with you. And so you know what holds him back, so that he will be revealed in his own time. For the hidden power of lawlessness is already at work. However, the one who holds him back will do so until he is taken out of the way, and then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will destroy by the breath of his mouth and wipe out by the manifestation of his arrival. The arrival of the lawless one will be by Satan’s working with all kinds of miracles and signs and false wonders, and with every kind of evil deception directed against those who are perishing, because they found no place in their hearts for the truth so as to be saved. Consequently God sends on them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false. And so all of them who have not believed the truth but have delighted in evil will be condemned. (2 Thessalonians 2:1–12 NET)

Daniel’s visions were partially fulfilled in historical personalities such as Antiochus Epiphanes and later in the Roman emperors of John’s time. But this Antichrist is the final prophetic manifestation of Daniel’s little horn who also speaks great words of blasphemy, as we learn in Daniel 7:8,11,20,25. (21)

For our understanding, John adds that Satan’s efforts to be worshiped and rule over humankind through his Antichrist will last for 42 months or three-and-a-half years. This is the same time the Gentiles occupy Jerusalem and the two witnesses prophesy (Revelation 11:2-3). (21)

Since Satan works through the Antichrist to kill God’s people on earth, as we learned in Revelation 12. We might say that this is his “jihad” against true believers. While the One True God providentially protects Israel and believers who identify with the Jewish people, the Antichrist attacks any and all believers he can find. (Revelation 12:17; 13:7.) (21)

Although Satan working through the Antichrist can overcome and kill many believers, the believers are the real overcomers. While Satan can kill their bodies, he cannot kill their souls, which John has already seen in Heaven before the throne of God. (21)

Jesus gave the following words of encouragement to believers being persecuted for their faith: (21)

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28 NET)

To further confirm that Daniel’s little horn is ultimately fulfilled in John’s Antichrist, Daniel was told that the little horn he saw would also persecute and overcome God’s people for three-and-one-half years until he is destroyed at the coming of the Son of Man. (Daniel 7:25, where three-and-one-half-years are referred to as “a time and times and half a time.”) (21)

Tragically, Satan’s deception is worldwide. Everyone worships the Antichrist except believers (those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life) and a remnant of independent-minded survivalists. So it seems there are three groups distinguished during this time:

• Those who have the mark of God,
• Those who have the Mark of the Beast, and
• A third group that had not worshiped the Beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. (21)

Many in this third group will survive the tribulation and be alive when the Lord returns. Jesus will rule over them in His Messianic Kingdom. (21)

God’s Word is clear. Everyone living at this time must choose whether to worship Satan through the Antichrist or the One True God through the real Messiah, the exalted Son of Man, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah: Jesus of Nazareth. (21)

John concludes this part of his vision by exhorting people to hear (which includes heeding) his words. He warns those persecuting God’s people that they will pay the same consequences for their evil actions. God is sovereign. God will judge Satan, his false messiahs, and those who follow and worship the Beast. Just as God’s judgments are sure and true, so are His promises to His people. Believers can persevere in faith, knowing that they will overcome. (21)

But they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. (Revelation 12:11 NET)

FLASHBACK: The False Prophet – The Beast from the Earth (Circa the Fourth Seal is Opened)

Then I saw another beast coming up from the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but was speaking like a dragon. He exercised all the ruling authority of the first beast on his behalf, and made the earth and those who inhabit it worship the first beast, the one whose lethal wound had been healed. (Revelation 13:11–12 NET)

John now sees another beast as if his vision of the Beast From the Sea was not terrifying enough. This second beast will be the ruler over all of the false prophets arriving on the scene. His intention is for us to understand that this other beast, like the first, is empowered by Satan. John sees this beast coming out of the earth, a human counterpart to the Satanic Antichrist. (21)

Whereas the Antichrist is described as one with political power, John describes this beast religiously. He says the beast coming out of the earth has two horns like a lamb but speaks like a dragon. Symbolizing his false identification with the true Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. His speaking like a dragon indicates that his words will be straight from Satan himself. (26)(21)

We should be able to understand what John means by this description. This person pretends to be a “man of God” but is, in reality, a “man of Satan.” He is a false prophet, or as we say, a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” (21)

When Jesus first began His ministry, He warned those listening about false prophets:

“Watch out for false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are voracious wolves. (Matthew 7:15 NET)

In the same sermon, Jesus says that we can know whether people are from God by the spiritual fruit in their lives. (21)

You will recognize them by their fruit. Grapes are not gathered from thorns or figs from thistles, are they? In the same way, every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree is not able to bear bad fruit, nor a bad tree to bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will recognize them by their fruit. (Matthew 7:16–20 NET)

Paul refers to this inward character as the “fruit of the Spirit.” (21)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22–23 NET)

Paul contrasts it with the “works of the flesh.” (21)

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God! (Galatians 5:19–21 NET)

Paul admonishes us to develop the fruit of the Spirit by being led by the Holy Spirit: (21)

But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so that you cannot do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16–18 NET)

The devil can counterfeit charisma, but he cannot counterfeit character manifested as the fruit of the Spirit. Believers must refrain from following charismatic personalities who do not have character. There will be many such people in the end times. (21)

In His prophetic outline of the end times, Jesus warned us against false prophets: (21)

And many false prophets will appear and deceive many, (Matthew 24:11 NET)

Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe him. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. (Matthew 24:23–24 NET)

John’s readers understood his warnings in the context of their times. The Roman Empire was vast and powerful, but emperor worship united the empire. Realize bowing down to the emperor’s statue was not so much a religious act as a political one. (21)

The emperor represented the empire—its policies, gods and goddesses, way of life, etc. Bowing down to the emperor’s statue was how one showed loyalty to the empire. This was not a problem for the pagans as they added the emperor to their list of deities. But, of course, believers in the One True God could not bow down to the emperor’s statue. They could not “fix their sandals (1)” in front of the statue or at the altar dedicated to the emperor. (21)

These believers’ refusal to bow before the emperor was considered disloyal to the empire. Those who refused to do so were persecuted, exiled, or martyred. This is what caused the crisis among the seven congregations. The believers were being persecuted over this issue, which is why Jesus gave this revelation to John, encouraging them to endure to the end. (21)

The situation in Rome is repeated in these last days, anti-God, one-world system. Just as Satan inspired emperor worship to unify the Roman Empire, he uses the same strategy to unite this last representation of all the ancient empires that opposed God. (21)

Thus, the New World Order political system must have a New World Order religious system. The false prophet is the leader of this global religion. He is the counterpart to the priests who served the imperial cult of emperor worship. He is the ultimate embodiment of all previous false prophets in that he is fully and completely anointed by Satan. His demonically inspired “job description” is to get the people to worship the Antichrist. As previously noted, when the people worship the Antichrist, they really worship Satan. Since true believers cannot do this, they are considered enemies of the state. (21)

The apostle Paul looked into the future and saw this time in the latter days when many professing believers would fall away from the One True God, at which time the Antichrist would appear. (21)

Paul writes,

Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not arrive until the rebellion comes and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction.He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, and as a result he takes his seat in God’s temple, displaying himself as God. (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 NET)

Deceptive Sign and Wonders by the False Prophet

He performed momentous signs, even making fire come down from heaven in front of peopleand, by the signs he was permitted to perform on behalf of the beast, he deceived those who live on the earth. He told those who live on the earth to make an image to the beast who had been wounded by the sword, but still lived. The second beast was empowered to give life to the image of the first beast so that it could speak, and could cause all those who did not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (Revelation 13:13–15 NET)

John carefully notes that this false prophet “is granted” the power to perform miraculous signs and wonders. He will perform miracles of biblical proportions and will cause the world to worship the Antichrist. This means that God allows him to have the power to deceive people because they do not want the truth. They prefer to believe lies, so God providentially allows this deception as their judgment. This we must understand—if we reject the truth of God’s Word, He will allow us to be deceived as our judgment. This is just and right. (1) (21)

The apostle Paul explains:

The arrival of the lawless one will be by Satan’s working with all kinds of miracles and signs and false wonders, and with every kind of evil deception directed against those who are perishing, because they found no place in their hearts for the truth so as to be saved. Consequently God sends on them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false. And so all of them who have not believed the truth but have delighted in evil will be condemned. (2 Thessalonians 2:9–12 NET)

Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows, because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. (Galatians 6:7–8 NET)

Since Satan is a very powerful being, he can perform some mighty acts that seem to humans to be miracles. But God has limited what Satan can do. We recall that when Moses performed miracles before Pharaoh, the ruler’s magicians could duplicate some but not all of them (Exodus. 7:10–8:19). This is why believers must not follow signs and wonders. The deceiver, Satan, has the ability to duplicate some of them. (21)

Just because someone can perform miracles does not necessarily mean that person is from God. We must test the spirits and know those who labor among us so we will not be deceived. We must follow those who have demonstrated the fruit of the Spirit and not just the gifts of the Spirit. This is especially important in these end times when many false prophets are among us. (21)

John says that Satan empowers the false prophet to do great signs, including making fire come down from Heaven. This miracle reminds us that Elijah brought fire down from Heaven several times. One was when he challenged the prophets of Baal, and on another occasion, when King Ahaziah sent groups of 50 men to seize Elijah (1 Kings 18:36-38; 2 Kings 1:9-12). (21)

For three and one-half years, God’s two witnesses breathe fire out of their mouths to destroy those who seek to kill them. They also do miracles such as preventing rain, turning water into blood, and striking the earth with plagues (Revelation 11). Now Satan works his “fire miracle” and other signs and wonders through the false prophet. (21)

In Bible times, it was important for the pagan priests to strike fear in the hearts of the masses so they would fear and worship the local deity. One of the many ways they did this was to deceive the people into thinking the god or the image of the god was speaking to them. They used demonic utterances, magic, concealed speaking tubes, crude sound machines, gravity, pulleys, levers, and other simple mechanical devices that seemed to cause the god or the image to speak. Of course, it was all a deception. (21)

John records that Satan is going to use this same deception. He puts the idea in the mind of the false prophet to tell the people to make an image of the Beast. He will also tell the world to make an image of the beast (i.e., the Antichrist); this image they are to create will be given breath (spirit) and the ability to speak. The image will most likely be an idol that people make, inhabited by demons. (26)

By now, the people are so completely deceived that they obey the command to worship the image of the Beast. Anyone who does not worship these images or idols will be killed. (26)

Once again, this is Satan’s way of getting the people to worship him since he is the power behind the image. Those who refuse to worship the Beast are to be killed. (21)

John refers to the image four times in this chapter and six more in the Book of Revelation (Revelatio n 14:9,11; 15:2; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4).

While those who worship the image may prolong their lives for a season, God will judge them with further devastation and cast them into hell with the Antichrist and the False Prophet, where they will be in their own torment forever (Revelatio n 14:9-11).

John’s first-century readers were used to seeing statues of the emperor and the many Greco-Roman gods throughout the empire. They were used to “the gods” speaking to their worshipers. Because our modern world is so different from the world of the Bible, it is sometimes hard for us to understand that worship practices described in the Bible were the norm. For example, all ancient empires promoted the belief that the emperor was the human incarnation of the high god the people worshiped. How convenient for the emperor. Making statues of the emperor and forcing people to worship the statue was not new to the Romans, although they perfected the practice. (21)

We return to the Book of Daniel for an example. Bible students will recall that King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold about 90 feet high (Daniel 3:1). We don’t know if the image was of Nebuchadnezzar himself or the Babylonian high god commonly called Ba`al. It doesn’t really matter since Nebuchadnezzar was considered the representative of Ba`al. Worshiping the emperor was the same as worshiping the god. (21)

Nebuchadnezzar sent out a decree that, at a certain time, everyone was to bow down and worship the image. The call to worship was announced by the sound of a great symphony of music. Anyone who refused to bow down to the image would be thrown into a fiery furnace.

Daniel writes:

Then the herald made a loud proclamation: “To you, O peoples, nations, and language groups, the following command is given:When you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, trigon, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must bow down and pay homage to the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has erected. Whoever does not bow down and pay homage will immediately be thrown into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire!” (Daniel 3:4–6 NET)

In one of the Bible’s best-known stories of faith and courage, three Jewish men—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego—refused to bow down to the statue. Some informers told the king about their disobedience. King Nebuchadnezzar went into a rage. He brought the three men before him and told them they would be thrown into the fiery furnace unless they bowed before the statue. He even bragged that no god could help them if they refused. (21)

This is how Shadrach (Hannaniah), Meshach (Mishael), and Abed-Nego (Azariah) (Daniel 1:7) answered the king:

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to King Nebuchadnezzar, “We do not need to give you a reply concerning this. If our God whom we are serving exists, he is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and he will rescue us, O king, from your power as well. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we don’t serve your gods, and we will not pay homage to the golden statue that you have erected.” (Daniel 3:16–18 NET)

Nebuchadnezzar went into another rage. He commanded that the fiery furnace be heated seven times hotter. He then commanded some officers to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego and throw them into the furnace. By this time, it was so hot that the flames consumed the officers as they threw the three men into the inferno. (21)

Keeping a safe distance, Nebuchadnezzar looked into the furnace and was astonished by what he saw. He turned to his advisors and said:

Then King Nebuchadnezzar was startled and quickly got up. He said to his ministers, “Wasn’t it three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied to the king, “For sure, O king.” He answered, “But I see four men, untied and walking around in the midst of the fire! No harm has come to them! And the appearance of the fourth is like that of a god!” (Daniel 3:24–25 NET)

Nebuchadnezzar got closer to the mouth of the furnace and called Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He instructed them to come out and acknowledged that they were servants of the Most High God. When they left the furnace, the king’s servants saw that the fire had not touched them. (21)

Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the door of the furnace of blazing fire. He called out, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the most high God, come out! Come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego emerged from the fire.Once the satraps, prefects, governors, and ministers of the king had gathered around, they saw that those men were physically unharmed by the fire. The hair of their heads was not singed, nor were their trousers damaged. Not even the smell of fire was to be found on them! (Daniel 3:26–27 NET)

King Nebuchadnezzar praised the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed- Nego, threatened anyone who spoke against their God, and promoted all three men. Hallelujah! (21)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego believed the One True God would deliver them from death in the furnace. But regardless of the outcome, they would continue to worship the One True God and no other. The One True God was exalted because of their faith and courage, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were honored. (21)

The lesson for us is clear. In John’s time and the end times of the Book of Revelation, God will deliver some and not others. This is according to His sovereign plan for our lives. Whether He chooses to deliver us or not, we must have the same faith, courage, and commitment as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. We must not “fix our sandals (1)” before the anti-God one-world system in an attempt to save our lives. (21)

Whether we live or die, we do so “as unto the Lord.” The way we face this choice will bring glory to God. This will be our greatest testimony when people see our faith and courage in times of persecution. Furthermore, when Jesus returns, He will destroy all who spoke against His Father, and we will be promoted and honored to serve Him in His Kingdom. That is a far more glorious future than denying our Lord to escape a little persecution. God will be with us as He was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He will give us the faith and courage to stand strong. We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. (21)

But they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. (Revelation 12:11 NET)

Paul adds the following word of encouragement:

However, God’s solid foundation remains standing, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from evil.” (2 Timothy 2:19 NET)

Summary of the activities of the false prophet. (21)

He:

• Presents himself as a religious figure (Revelation 13:12).
• Forces everyone to worship the Beast (Revelation 13:12).
• Performs signs and wonders (Revelation 13:13).
• Deceives the people (Revelation 13:14).
• Can only do what God allows (Revelation 13:14).
• Calls for making an image of the Beast (Revelation 13:14).
• Seems to make the image come alive (Revelation 13:15).
• Attempts to murder those who refuse to worship the Beast (Revelation 13:15).
• Forces people to take the Mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:17).

The Mark of the Beast

He also caused everyone (small and great, rich and poor, free and slave) to obtain a mark on their right hand or on their forehead. Thus no one was allowed to buy or sell things unless he bore the mark of the beast—that is, his name or his number. This calls for wisdom: Let the one who has insight calculate the beast’s number, for it is man’s number, and his number is 666. (Revelation 13:16–18 NET)

John is next informed that the number of the beast is the number of a man, which is 666. In Scripture, the number six is often used to symbolize a fallen man. Seven is the number of completeness, and six falls one short of seven. Man has fallen short of perfection since Adam’s sin. Since the number of God is seven, the number of the Holy Trinity would be 777 (e.g., Seven Seals, Seven Trumpets, Seven Bowls). The Antichrist is claiming to be god, so the number of his unholy trinity would be 666. (26)

This whole period of the Seventieth Week will be an unparalleled time, the likes of which will never again be duplicated. As a final act of worship inspired by Satan, the false prophet will cause all ruled by the Antichrist to have a mark identifying them as followers and worshipers of the Antichrist. This will either be a mark, the name of the beast, or the number of his name. No one will be able to buy or sell anything unless they have bowed in allegiance to the Antichrist and are physically identified as one of his. Through this method, the Antichrist will obtain control over the entire economy of the Middle East and the world. The mark of the Antichrist may be a UPC code that will be read during a purchase, a tattoo that must be shown when purchasing, or an implanted device, etc. We do not know with certainty, and it is not wise to look at current trends toward a cashless society and identify them as the system that will initiate the mark of the beast. It must be recalled that with the opening of the second and third seals, the world will suffer large-scale wars and the crash of its economic system. So any trends we now see may not be significant in the middle of the Seventieth Week. (26)

As previously noted, God’s people and a remnant of an independent-minded group refuse the mark. This mark will distinguish those who take it from those who have God’s mark, which John explained in Revelation 7. The Mark of God protects believers from His judgments on the unbelievers, while the Mark of the Beast protects the unbelievers from being persecuted by the Antichrist. Before this terrible time is over, people will have to choose to either worship God or the devil. (21)

Since the Antichrist will be the head of a brutal totalitarian, anti-God, one-world system, only people with his mark can buy and sell anything. As mentioned previously, some will not take the Mark of the Beast, but neither will they accept Jesus as their Savior, Lord, and Redeemer. This will be a great opportunity for God to supernaturally provide for His people. What an awesome time it will be for the people of God. It will be as it was when the Lord supernaturally provided for Elijah and when Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes (1 Kings 17:1-7; John 6:1-14). (21)

John explains that people will take this mark on their right hand, forehead, or both. This is a further Satanic counterfeit and copy of God’s original command to the Jewish males in Bible times. God instructed the people to “wear” His words: (21)

You should tie them as a reminder on your forearm and fasten them as symbols on your forehead. (Deuteronomy 6:8 NET)

The Mark of the Beast is also a perversion because Jewish men bind God’s Word on the left hands and arms (not the right), symbolically keeping God’s Word near their hearts. As an observant Jew, Jesus would have kept this commandment and worn these symbols of God’s Word and prayer. (21)

John explains that the mark is the name of the Beast or the number of his name. This is another attempt to counterfeit what the Lord has promised His people. (21)

The Lord made the following promise to the overcomers at the Philadelphia congregation:

The one who conquers I will make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will never depart from it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from my God), and my new name as well. (Revelation 3:12 NET)

We learned in Revelation 7:3 and Revelation 9:4 that God put His seal on the foreheads of the believers.

Revelatio n 22:4 adds that God’s people “shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads.”

Those who choose the mark and name of the Beast will be judged by God and separated from Him for eternity in their own hell. Those who choose the mark and name of God will be persecuted by the Beast but will overcome in life and in death and live forever in the presence of God. (21)

John expects his first-century readers to know the identity of the Beast. The number of his name is 666. In Hebrew and Greek, the letters of the alphabet have numeric values. For example, in Hebrew, the alef is 1, the bet is 2, the gimel is 3, the dalet is 4, etc. (21)

In the first century, Nero was the only Roman emperor whose name in Greek may have equaled the number 666. Nero certainly persecuted the believers unmercifully. Furthermore, many believed that Nero would come back to life after he died in A.D. 68. However, if John had received his Revelation around A.D. 96, this would have been too late for anyone to believe that Nero would have been resurrected. And this one thing we know for sure: Nero did not come back to life. (21)

The significance of the Name of the Beast is that it is “The Name of Blasphemy.”

Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, and on its horns were ten diadem crowns, and on its heads a blasphemous name. (Revelation 13:1 NET)

Thus no one was allowed to buy or sell things unless he bore the mark of the beast—that is, his name or his number. This calls for wisdom: Let the one who has insight calculate the beast’s number, for it is man’s number, and his number is 666. (Revelation 13:17–18 NET)

Blasphemy is an anti-Yahweh or anti-Christ word or deed—to claim God’s attributes, be Messiah, deny the Holy Spirit, deny the trinity, the cross, or even deny God’s declarations—are all blasphemy. Satan has always wanted to be like God. He wishes to be considered equal to or even greater than God.

Satan blasphemed when he said,

I will climb up to the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High!” (Isaiah 14:14 NET) 

If we look at the verse, we see that the Name of the Beast is not simply a name of blasphemy, but it is “the” name of blasphemy. It is the highest blasphemy—it claims to possess the attributes or nature of the God of the Bible. The Name of the Beast is a claim to be equal to or greater than God and the Messiah. The Name of the Beast will contain or imply some form of Anti-Christ doctrinal or creedal language that will exalt another above God.

We know that the Antichrist will be the premiere representative of a faith that worships not the God of the Bible but the adversary, Satan disguised as God. The god of the Antichrist will not only be God’s enemy, but he will masquerade as the Most High God.

This masquerading serves two purposes. First,  it fulfills Satan’s desire to be like God. Secondly, it confuses and deceives mankind into offering their worship to him instead of God.

In Revelation chapters 12 and 13, John has outlined the entire spiritual history of the nation of Israel. At the beginning of Revelation chapter 14, he then shows the 144,000 who are the firstfruit of national Israel to believe in Jesus Christ as Messiah. Thus, he contrasts those who are sealed with the name of God with those who are sealed with the name of the Antichrist. When reading these parenthetic verses, it must be understood that they are written in the period after the seventh trumpet of God’s wrath is blown, ending the Seventieth Week in Revelation. Since Israel has concluded the Seventieth Week, John gives a brief spiritual overview of how the salvation of national Israel came to pass earlier. Basically, John is giving greater detail on how these events unfolded from the midpoint of the Seventieth Week to its conclusion. (26)

FLASHBACK: The Lamb and the 144,000 (Firstfruits of National Israel Saved)(Circa after the Seventh Trumpet is Blown)

Then I looked, and here was the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him were one hundred and forty-four thousand, who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. I also heard a sound coming out of heaven like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. Now the sound I heard was like that made by harpists playing their harps, and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one was able to learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been redeemed from the earth. These are the ones who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed from humanity as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb, and no lie was found on their lips; they are blameless. (Revelation 14:1–5 NET)

John presents the great conflict of the ages and its final outcome on national Israel, the church, and the unbelieving world. (26)

In a vision, John sees the Lamb standing on Mount Zion. The Lamb is Jesus, who conquered Satan, sin, and death. Why does John say he sees Jesus standing on Mount Zion? In the Bible, Mount Zion symbolizes the place of God’s dwelling. So when John says he sees Jesus standing on Mount Zion, his readers understand him to mean that Jesus is standing in the place where God rules over the nations from Jerusalem. (21)

John presents the great conflict of the ages and its final outcome on national Israel, the church, and the unbelieving world. John is again shown the 144,000 who were sealed at the inauguration of the Day of the Lord, preceding the breaking of the seventh seal. The 144,000 will be divinely protected during the trumpet judgments and are the first of the tribes of Israel to be redeemed. After being led out of hiding back to Jerusalem, the 144,000 are pictured standing with Jesus on Mount Zion. (26)

There is a literal, earthly Mount Zion in Jerusalem that we call the Temple Mount. Unfortunately, this is where the Dome of the Rock Islamic Shrine (i.e., it is not a temple) is currently located. Its presence dramatically symbolizes the spiritual battle for Jerusalem and God’s holy mount. (21)

However, long before there was an Islamic structure, Mount Zion was the place God chose to reveal Himself to the Hebrews and the world. This is where Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice to God (Genesis 22). In Abraham’s time, Mount Zion was referred to as Mount Moriah. This is the same location David purchased at the cost of 50 shekels of silver and then built an altar to the Lord (2 Samuel 24:24). Mount Zion is where Solomon built the Temple to the God of Israel (1 Kings 6). It is where Jesus taught, as recorded in the Gospels (John 10:22-30). It is the same general area where Jesus had His Passover meal with His disciples, after which He was arrested, tried, and crucified (Matthew 26–28). (21)

Incredibly, since Israel liberated Jerusalem in 1967, Muslim religious leaders claim there never was a Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount. However, if there never was a Jewish Temple on the Temple Mount, why do they (and the world) refer to the location as the Temple Mount? (21)

In 1925 the Supreme Moslem Council published an official Muslim guide to the Temple Mount called A Brief Guide to Al-Haram Al-Sharif. Page four of this document asserts: (21)

The site is one of the oldest in the world. Its sanctity dates from the earliest (perhaps from pre-historic) times. Its identity with the site of Solomon’s Temple is beyond dispute. This, too, is the spot, according to universal belief, on which “David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.” (21)

While not specifically named, Mount Zion is also the place where the Holy Spirit came to the disciples on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). This outpouring of the Spirit of God most likely occurred at Solomon’s Porch on the Temple Mount. Jesus will return to this sacred place where He will rule over the nations (Psalms 2). (21)

God’s people, those who follow the Lamb, will rule with Him from this holy mount (Revelatio n 20:1-4). No wonder John sees Jesus standing on Mount Zion. (21)

The writer of Hebrews explains:

But you have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the assembly and congregation of the firstborn, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous, who have been made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks of something better than Abel’s does. (Hebrews 12:22-24).

Psalms 2 speaks about the Son of God ruling over the nations from Mount Zion. The psalmist tells how God is laughing at the puny counsels of world leaders conspiring to overthrow Him. He then explains God’s plan to exalt His Son to rule over the nations from Mount Zion. Meditate on these words that will certainly fill your heart with joy: (21)

The one enthroned in heaven laughs in disgust; the Lord taunts them. Then he angrily speaks to them and terrifies them in his rage, saying, “I myself have installed my king on Zion, my holy hill.” The king says, “I will announce the Lord’s decree. He said to me: ‘You are my son! This very day I have become your father! Ask me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the ends of the earth as your personal property. You will break them with an iron scepter; you will smash them like a potter’s jar!’ ”(Psalms 2:4-9 NET).

Alongside Jesus, John sees 144,000 Jewish, which he introduced to us earlier after the opening of the Sixth Seal (1) (Revelation 6:12). (21)

These 144,000 were sealed preceding the breaking of the seventh seal, which inaugurated the Day of the Lord. They were divinely protected during the trumpet judgments and are the first of the tribes of Israel, national Israel, to be saved. After being led out of hiding back to Jerusalem, the 144,000 are pictured standing with Jesus on Mount Zion. (26)

Then I saw another angel ascending from the east, who had the seal of the living God. He shouted out with a loud voice to the four angels who had been given permission to damage the earth and the sea:“Do not damage the earth or the sea or the trees until we have put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.” Now I heard the number of those who were marked with the seal, one hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed from all the tribes of the people of Israel: (Revelation 7:2–4 NET)

Then I looked, and here was the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him were one hundred and forty-four thousand, who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. (Revelation 14:1 NET)

Again, the 144,000, 12,000 from each Tribe, will be of earthly Israel, the literal seed of Abraham, living at that time, and not of a mystical or spiritual Israel. Though the “Twelve Tribes” were long ago lost among the nations, their whereabouts are not unknown to God. (8)

When John says he sees them standing on Mount Zion, he wants his readers to be encouraged that he sees them (and us) standing with the Lord in the place of victory over Satan and those who seek to kill them. (21)

We learned in Revelation chapter 7 that the Lord sealed this company of people to protect them from His further judgments. John says they are sealed on their foreheads, but he does not identify the seal.

Here, and in other places, we learn that this seal is God’s name (YHVH or Yahweh (1)). (Revelation 14:1.) All of God’s people will have God’s name written on their foreheads:

They were told not to damage the grass of the earth or any green plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their forehead. (Revelation 9:4 NET)

The Lord promised to write God’s name, the name of God’s city (the New Jerusalem), and a new personal name on each of the believers in the letter to the church of Philadelphia (1).

The one who conquers I will make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will never depart from it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from my God), and my new name as well. The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ (Revelation 3:12–13 NET)

Also, the Lord promises His people that we will see His face and His name will be on our foreheads (Revelatio n 22:4).

This is an apocalyptic way of saying that God knows those who belong to Him and that they are citizens of His holy city. (21)

It is a threefold assurance that the Lord will place:

• God’s name on them,
• The name of His city on them, and
• His own new name on them.

This is the Lord’s way of saying in terms they would understand that the One True God is their God and that they are His people forever. They belong to Him and are citizens of God’s eternal city, the New Jerusalem, and the Lord will give them a new name that reflects their relationship with Him. This is an ancient way of communicating going back to the Book of Numbers when God said He would put His name on the children of Israel and bless them. (24)

The LORD spoke to Moses: “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is the way you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “The LORD bless you and protect you; The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” ’ So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” (Numbers 6:22–27 NET)

Although this “marking of believers” in honor of a deity is foreign to Western people, it was a common practice in Bible times, as we learned from Deuteronomy:

You should tie them as a reminder on your forearm and fasten them as symbols on your forehead. (Deuteronomy 6:8 NET)

It is still practiced by people in the East. For example, people in India wear a mark on their foreheads to express their devotion to a particular deity.

As John contemplates this most incredible scene, he hears a heavenly sound so loud he likens it to the sound of many waters and loud thunder.

I also heard a sound coming out of heaven like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. Now the sound I heard was like that made by harpists playing their harps, (Revelation 14:2 NET)

The sound of many waters is deafening. The sound of loud thunder is ear-splitting. Compared to the awesome power of the voices in Heaven, the voices of those calling people to worship the emperor are no more than a whisper. Again, it is better to worship the One True God than to “fix your sandals” (1) before the emperor (the anti-God, one-world system). (21)

Responding to the call to worship, John hears the sound of harps, which was the instrument King David used to praise the Lord. Heaven is getting ready for a great big praise and worship service. When the heavenly call to worship is heard, 144,000 souls on Mount Zion sing a new redemption song before the four living creatures and elders in Heaven, including God our Father.

and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one was able to learn the song except the one hundred and forty-four thousand who had been redeemed from the earth. These are the ones who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed from humanity as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb, and no lie was found on their lips; they are blameless. (Revelation 14:3-5 NET)

John gives further information about this company of the redeemed. He did not mean for us to understand his statements literally. He is describing their moral character and spiritual life. John says four things about them:

1. He says they are virgins who have not defiled themselves with women. By this statement, John does not mean these men never had sex with a woman. This is not a statement about physical celibacy. He uses spiritual language to tell us they had kept themselves from idolatry, which the Bible calls spiritual adultery and fornication. (21)

They did not receive the Mark of the Beast or prostitute themselves with Babylon the Great, the Mother of prostitutes, and the detestable things of the earth.

On her forehead was written a name, a mystery: “Babylon the Great, the Mother of prostitutes and of the detestable things of the earth.” I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints and the blood of those who testified to Jesus. I was greatly astounded when I saw her. (Revelatio n 17:5–6 NET)

In other words, they are spiritually pure. Using the language of the Book of Revelation, they had not defiled their garments. (21)

The second beast was empowered to give life to the image of the first beast so that it could speak, and could cause all those who did not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (Revelation 13:15 NET)

They did not submit to the spiritual seduction of the Antichrist and his enticements, even under the threat of death.

When God gave the Ten Commandments (1) to the Hebrews, He said,

“You shall have no other gods before me. (Exodus 20:3 NET)

Worshiping other gods or loving the things of the world more than we love God defiles us morally and spiritually. Whenever the Children of Israel committed this sin of idolatry, God spoke of it in terms of infidelity to Him, as a spouse would be unfaithful in marriage.

For example, when the Lord called backsliding Israel to repentance, He expressed Himself with these words:

She has gone up on every high mountain and under every green tree, and there played the harlot…. So it came to pass, through her casual harlotry, that she defiled the land and coWhen Josiah was king of Judah, the Lord said to me, “Jeremiah, you have no doubt seen what wayward Israel has done. You have seen how she went up to every high hill and under every green tree to give herself like a prostitute to other gods. Yet even after she had done all that, I thought that she might come back to me. But she did not. Her sister, unfaithful Judah, saw what she did. She also saw that I gave wayward Israel her divorce papers and sent her away because of her adulterous worship of other gods. Even after her unfaithful sister Judah had seen this, she still was not afraid, and she too went and gave herself like a prostitute to other gods. Because she took her prostitution so lightly, she defiled the land through her adulterous worship of gods made of wood and stone. (Jeremiah 3:6,9 NET)

Another example from the Old Covenant:

But approach, you sons of omen readers, you offspring of adulteresses and prostitutes! At whom are you laughing? At whom are you opening your mouth and sticking out your tongue? You are the children of rebels, the offspring of liars, you who practice ritual sex under the oaks and every green tree, who slaughter children near the streams under the rocky overhangs. Among the smooth stones of the stream are the idols you love; they, they are the object of your devotion. You pour out liquid offerings to them, you make an offering. Because of these things I will seek vengeance. On every high, elevated hill you prepare your bed; you go up there to offer sacrifices. Behind the door and doorpost you put your symbols. Indeed, you depart from me and go up and invite them into bed with you. You purchase favors from them, you love their bed, and gaze longingly on their genitals. (Isaiah 57:3–8 NET)

You can find this terminology throughout the Hebrew Bible—in Hosea and Ezekiel 16 and Ezekiel 23, for example. For example, it can also be found in the New Testament, in 2 Corinthians 11:2 and James 4:4. It is the common expression in the Bible about worshiping idols or anything in the world that we desire more than God. John uses these phrases repeatedly in the Book of Revelation when he refers to the act of spiritual immorality (Revelations 14:8; 17:2,4; 18:3,9; 19:2).

The apostle Paul had this spiritual purity in mind when he wrote:

Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—alive, holy, and pleasing to God—which is your reasonable service. Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:1–2 NET)

This same John wrote in one of his letters:

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him, because all that is in the world (the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the arrogance produced by material possessions) is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away with all its desires, but the person who does the will of God remains forever. ( 1 John 2:15-17).

2. John says that they follow the Lamb wherever He goes. Once again, John did not mean they were walking behind Jesus. He meant that they were His disciples. (21)

Jesus explained this in the following way:

I tell you the solemn truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it produces much grain [fruit]. The one who loves [prefers or puts first] his life [psuche] destroys it, and the one who hates [does not prefer or put first] his life [psuche] in this world guards it for eternal life [zoe]. If anyone wants to serve me, he must follow me, and where I am, my servant will be too. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. (John 12:24–26 NET)

The Greco-Roman (Western) version of Christianity teaches that salvation by grace means believers are free to live their lives apart from the constraints of the Law. This is a perversion of the biblical meaning of grace. God’s grace is His provision that sets us free from ourselves, not from the commandments of God. The Adam-like nature in believers resists such a statement because it wants to live its rebellious, self-centered life. Furthermore, the biblical meaning of Law is not legalism, as it is in the West, but teaching or instruction. Yes, we are saved by grace, but if our salvation is real, it will be evidenced by covenantal works of Spirit-inspired loving-kindness. Although we have been taught and believed differently, Jesus was clear on this matter. (21)

He said:

God manifests Himself to those who obey Him. If we don’t want to obey the commandments of the Lord, why do we say we are His followers? ...The person who has my commandments and obeys them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will reveal myself to him.” (John 14:15,21 NET)

3. John says that this company of people is the firstfruits of the redeemed of Israel. These 144,000 represent 12,000 men from each of the tribes of Israel who will remain faithful to Christ. They are precursors (i.e., the firstfruits) of others from among Israel who will be redeemed.

We know what he means by being redeemed. We have been bought out of slavery to Satan, sin, and death by the precious blood of Jesus. But what does he mean by the word firstfruits? In the Bible, God told the Hebrews to bring the firstfruits of their harvest to Him (Exodus 23:19). This was the way God chose for the people to dedicate their harvest to Him.

During the Feast of Unleavened Bread (1), there was a Feast of Firstfruits (1) (Yom HaBikkurim) of the barley harvest to God. The Feast of Shavuot (Pentecost) (1) was a Feast of the Firstfruits of the wheat harvest. (Leviticus 23.) The people would wave their offerings before the Lord. In this way, they acknowledged that the whole of the harvest belonged to Him. By accepting their firstfruits wave offering (1), the Lord promised that He would bless the rest of their harvest. That is, the idea of firstfruits is dedication. (21)

This company of the redeemed was wholly and completely dedicated to God. May we who claim to follow Jesus be so dedicated to our Lord that we would give ourselves to Him as a human wave offering. (21)

Or, as Jesus said:

But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33 NET)

As we give ourselves and all that God has given us to Him first, He promises to bless the rest of our labors with fruitfulness. We do not have to seek “all these other things if we seek God.” God automatically provides them for us. (21)

4. John says these redeemed have no deceit or false confession of faith. They are what they say in that they live their faith and convictions in their everyday lives. They do not act worldly sometimes and spiritual at other times. They have not embraced a false religion. They have not compromised by “fixing their sandals” (1) and have not taken the Mark of the Beast to save their lives. As a result, John says they are without fault before the throne of God. (21)

May the same be said of us today. May it be said that we live out what we believe in our everyday lives: that we do not compromise our convictions to be accepted by the world; that we are not content with a watered-down religious version of our faith that entertains us, tells us what we want to hear, or makes us feel good; that we also will be found faultless when we appear before the throne of God. (21)

As Jude writes:

Now to the one who is able to keep you from falling, and to cause you to stand, rejoicing, without blemish before his glorious presence,to the only God our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen. (Jude 1:24–25 NET)

The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) Revisited

The 144,000 are on Mount Zion in Israel, fulfilling the Feast of Tabernacles (Hb. Sukkot) (aka, Feast of Booths). Israel has repented and accepted her Messiah, and Jesus has triumphantly led her through the wilderness. The Feast of Tabernacles commemorates when Moses led Israel through the wilderness to the Promised Land. It will now be fulfilled with the Lord’s leading of the 144,000 and the rest of the Jewish remnant out from Edom to Israel. As the 144,000 ascend Mount Zion, they may very well sing Psalm 118, known as the Psalm of Ascension. This psalm speaks of Israel’s chastening by the Lord, their final salvation, and the recognition of Jesus as their Messiah. It was commonly sung by Israel during the celebration of this great feast.

On top of Mount Zion, the 144,000 will also sing a new song. This song is first sung by the redeemed church that sings before the throne of God, the four living creatures, and the elders. Again, this shows the great multitude’s distinction between the elders and the living creatures, who do not join in this song. No one could learn this song except the 144,000 who were on Mount Zion with Jesus. This group seen with Jesus consists of virgins who are said to follow Jesus wherever He goes. They are also said to be the first fruits of the redeemed of Israel and are without fault before God. Since they have now trusted Jesus, their sins are no longer remembered before God. This is a great truth for all who believe in Christ’s atoning work at Calvary. (26)

The Feast of Tabernacles concludes the fulfillment of the seven feasts of Leviticus. As seen, they will each be fulfilled exactly as they were fulfilled in our Lord’s first advent. (26)

Flashback: The Three Angels (Circa The GTrib immediately after the Fourth Seal is Opened but before the DOL commences)

God will not leave the world without a witness of His gospel during the great tribulation. God’s final warnings to the earth will be seen during the fourth seal; at the initiation of the great tribulation, three angels go out to warn the world of God’s impending judgment against those who take the mark of the beast.

Jesus told His followers that the gospel would be preached to all the world; then the end, or the “end of the age,” would come:

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole inhabited earth as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14 NET)

This demonstrates that the Day of the Lord cannot begin until the gospel is preached to the entire world. This evangelism will never be accomplished by the church, as most believe. Although many will be saved through the disciples’ witness during the great tribulation, God has an even more efficient way of proclaiming the gospel. His foolproof method is revealed in Revelation chapter 14. (26)

After writing about the first national Israel to be saved, John, in Revelation 14:6, goes back to the midpoint to show the destiny of the church and those who followed the Antichrist. (26)

The First Angel – The Eternal Gospel

Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead [mid-heaven], and he had an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. He declared in a loud voice: “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has arrived, and worship the one who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water!” (Revelation 14:6–7 NET)

We first are shown an angel (1) with the eternal gospel that will be proclaimed to everyone on Earth. This first angel will warn the world that the moment of God’s judgment is almost upon them. The world is also warned that they are not to worship the Antichrist but rather to worship the true God who created the things on the earth. This will be a literal angel who, at the beginning of the Great Tribulation, will travel the entire earth proclaiming the eternal gospel and culminate when the Day of the Lord begins. (26)

Here is the first and only place in the Bible where an angel is commissioned to preach the Gospel. An angel could not tell Cornelius how to be saved; he could only tell him to send for Peter for that purpose (Acts 10:3–6). In this “Gospel Age,” only redeemed men can preach the Gospel, but at the “End Time,” just before the return of the Lord, an angel will go forth to preach the “Eternal Gospel.” The word “Gospel” means “Good News.” (8)

This Angel will present truth in the midst of the greatest spiritual deception ever perpetrated upon humanity. It will be a true witness to counteract the deceptive witness of the Antichrist and the False Prophet. Angels have always wanted to play an active role in God’s redemptive plan, and now they can participate.

They were shown that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things now announced to you through those who proclaimed the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things angels long to catch a glimpse of. (1 Peter 1:12 NET)

Five forms of the Gospel are mentioned in the New Testament, and we must distinguish carefully between them. (8)

1. The Gospel of “The Kingdom”

This is the “Good News” that God purposes to set up a Kingdom on this earth over which David’s Son, JESUS, shall reign, as prophesied. (8)

Luke writes:

He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:32–33 NET)

Two preachings of this Gospel of the Kingdom are mentioned; one past, beginning with the ministry of John the Baptist and preached by Jesus and His Disciples, but it ended with the rejection of Jesus as King. This Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached again after the Church is removed (raptured). It will be the fulfillment of this prophecy. (8)

Jesus said,

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole inhabited earth as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14 NET)

This does not refer to the Gospel of the Grace of God preached to the nations. Although the Gospel of the Kingdom is a Gospel of Salvation, it is NOT for “Salvation” but “as a testimony” or witness. It is the announcement that the time has come to set up the Kingdom. It will be preached first by Elijah the forerunner and by others who shall be commissioned to bear the news to all nations to proclaim the Coming of Christ as King to occupy the Throne of David and to regather Israel to the Promised Land. (8)

Look, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the Lord arrives. He will encourage fathers and their children to return to me, so that I will not come and strike the earth with judgment.” (Malachi 4:5–6 NET)

2. The Gospel of the “Grace of God”

But I do not consider my life worth anything to myself, so that I may finish my task and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news [to the gospel] of God’s grace. (Acts 20:24 NET)

This is the “Good News” that Jesus Christ, the rejected King, died on the Cross for our Salvation. This form of the Gospel is described in many ways. (8)

It is called the “Gospel of God” (Romans 1:1) because:

• Its source in the Love of God (John 3:16),
• Its Character is “Grace” (Acts 20:24),
• Its subject is Christ (2 Corinthians 10:14), and
• It is the Power of God unto Salvation (Romans 1:16).

It is also a “Glorious Gospel” because it speaks of Him who is in the Glory, has been Glorified, and is bringing many sons to Glory (1 Timothy 1:11; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Hebrews 2:10). (8)

And it is the “Gospel of Peace” because it makes peace between the sinner and God and brings peace to the soul (Ephesians 6:15). (8)

3. Paul’s “My Gospel”

This is the same as the “Gospel of the Grace of God,” or of Salvation, with the additional revelations made to Paul concerning the Church (Ephesians 3:1–7) and Israel. (Romans 11:1–36). (8)

They show that the work of the law is written in their hearts, as their conscience bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or else defend them, on the day when God will judge the secrets of human hearts, according to my gospel through Christ Jesus. (Romans 2:15–16 NET) 

But get up and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this reason, to designate you in advance as a servant and witness to the things you have seen and to the things in which I will appear to you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you to open their eyes so that they turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (Acts 26:16–18)

4. The “Eternal Gospel”

Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, and he had an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language, and people. He declared in a loud voice: “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has arrived, and worship the one who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water!” (Revelation 14:6 NET)

This is what the Angel preaches in this chapter. It is neither the “Gospel of the Kingdom” nor of “Grace.” Its burden is not Salvation but Judgment. “Fear God, and give glory to Him: for the hour of his judgment has arrived.” It is “Good News” to Israel and all who are passing through the “fires of Judgment” because it declares that their troubles will soon end in the judgment and destruction of the Antichrist. It calls on men to worship God as “Creator” rather than “Saviour.” It is called the “Eternal Gospel” in that Patriarchs and Prophets proclaimed it from Eden through time, not because it saves men for all eternity. (8)

Our message of Salvation by the Grace of God through Jesus is:

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31 NET)

The First Angel’s message is:

“He declared in a loud voice: “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has arrived, and worship the one who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water!” (Revelation 14:7 NET)

Men reject the human messenger, and they will also reject the Angelic messenger; they will not believe even though One (Jesus) rose from the dead. (8)

So the rich man said, ‘Then I beg you, father—send Lazarus to my father’s house (for I have five brothers) to warn them so that they don’t come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they must respond to them.’ Then the rich man said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ He replied to him, ‘If they do not respond to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” (Luke 16:27–31 NET)

5. Another Gospel

Lastly, there is “Another Gospel” (Galatians 1:6–12, 2 Corinthians 11:4), which is not another, and which Paul repudiated. It is a perversion of the true Gospel and has many seductive forms, and teaches that “faith” is not sufficient to Salvation, nor able to keep and perfect, and so emphasizes “Good Works” (Colossians 2:18–23, Hebrews 6:1;9:14). The Apostle pronounces a fearful “Anathema” upon its preachers and teachers. (8)

But even if we (or an angel from heaven) should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be condemned to hell [anathema]! As we have said before, and now I say again, if any one is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let him be condemned to hell [anathema]! (Galatians 1:8–9 NET)

The Second Angel – The Fall of Babylon Proclaimed

A second angel followed the first, declaring: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great city! She made all the nations drink of the wine of her immoral passion.” (Revelation 14:8 NET)

Following the proclamation that God’s final judgment is at hand, John sees and hears a second angel who adds to the first proclamation with a more specific statement about this judgment. He identifies the end-time, anti-God, one-world system with Babylon. This second angel, who immediately follows the first angel, announces the destruction of the false religion “Babylon the Great.” The angel uses the phrase “Is fallen” twice to stress that Babylon will have two falls or destructions:

• The false religious system is destroyed first at the midpoint of the Seventieth Week.
• The city of Babylon is judged and destroyed second after the Day of the Lord.

John mentions the name Babylon five additional times, all in the context of judgment (Revelatio n 16:19; 17:5; 18:2,10,21). Then, as recorded in Revelatio n 17–18, the angel pronounces God’s imminent judgment on Babylon. (21)

Ancient Babylon was established by Nimrod. It was the first empire, and the Satanic religion Nimrod established became the mother of all future pagan religions. The Babylon of Daniel’s time was an evil empire and an evil city with an evil religion. It is the empire we discussed previously when studying Daniel’s prophecies. Nebuchadnezzar was the head of gold and set up the image people were forced to worship. (21)

Babylon was the archenemy of Israel and the Jewish people. When Nebuchadnezzar was king, Babylon attacked Judah in 606 B.C. and finally conquered Jerusalem in 586 B.C. To the Hebrews, the Babylonian empire, civilization, and religion represented the epitome of Satan’s world system. Because Babylon was Judah’s worst enemy and the mother of all pagan, anti-God religions, Isaiah and Jeremiah prophesied its destruction. Significantly, the angel pronouncing God’s judgment on Babylon in the Book of Revelation uses the identical words Isaiah and Jeremiah used. (21)

Isaiah’s prophecy is recorded in Isaiah 21. Toward the end of his prophecy, Isaiah wrote:

Look what’s coming! A charioteer, a team of horses.” When questioned, he replies, “Babylon has fallen, fallen! All the idols of her gods lie shattered on the ground!”(Isaiah 21:9 NET).

Jeremiah’s prophecies against Babylon are recorded in Jeremiah 50–51. He warns God’s people to flee Babylon before the coming judgment:

Get out of Babylonia quickly, you foreign people. Flee to save your lives. Do not let yourselves be killed because of her sins. For it is time for the Lord to wreak his revenge. He will pay Babylonia back for what she has done. Babylonia had been a gold cup in the Lord’s hand. She had made the whole world drunk. The nations had drunk from the wine of her wrath. So they have all gone mad. But suddenly Babylonia will fall and be destroyed. Cry out in mourning over it! Get medicine for her wounds! Perhaps she can be healed! (Jeremiah 51:6-8 NET).

John says that Babylon is a city, but he does not say which city—and for a good reason. In John’s day, it was not wise to speak against Rome. When someone wanted to write something negative about Rome or the Roman Empire, they used the code word “Babylon.” Believers often do the same today when speaking of the established world system.

In the first century, Jews and early Christians saw the Roman Empire and the city of Rome in the same light as ancient Babylon. The empire and the city were one and the same. It was the most powerful and cruel empire in history. It was a pagan system that promoted emperor worship and persecuted Jews and Christians. Like ancient Babylon, Rome was the archenemy of God and His people. (21)

When the apostle Peter wrote his first letter, he used the code word Babylon to refer to Rome.

The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you, and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. (1 Peter 5:13–14 NET)

John does the same here, talking about the Rome of his day. It was a city that opposed God and God’s people. However, John’s words are clearly more far-reaching than first-century Rome. Because of its Satanic nature, power, and persecution of God’s people, the word Babylon became the word of choice to describe anti-God civilizations throughout history. John is not only writing about first-century Rome but also the final anti-God, one-world system that is in place in the end times. (21)

The Third Angel – The Doom of Antichrist’s Followers Proclaimed

A third angel followed the first two, declaring in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and takes the mark on his forehead or his hand, that person will also drink of the wine of God’s anger that has been mixed undiluted in the cup of his wrath, and he will be tortured with fire and sulfur in front of the holy angels and in front of the Lamb. And the smoke from their torture will go up forever and ever, and those who worship the beast and his image will have no rest day or night, along with anyone who receives the mark of his name.” (Revelation 14:9–11 NET)

The third angel God sends forth warns the world not to take the mark of the beast. The world is told that whoever worships the beast and receives his mark will taste the wrath of God. Again, from the text, it can be demonstrated that these angels are making their announcements sometime during the tribulation (i.e., after the 4th Seal was opened) of the Antichrist, but before the wrath of God (i.e., the Day of the Lord) has come upon those who have received the mark and worshipped the beast. Because of these warnings, God will accept no excuses for anyone who takes the mark of the Antichrist. (26)

One either chooses to serve God or Satan; there will be no middle choice. Those who choose the Antichrist will be hit so severely with God’s furious wrath that it will make their heads spin. They are also informed that they will spend eternity separated from God in the lake of fire. The consequences of taking the beast’s mark will be severe and final. John encourages the saints to persevere: (26)

This requires the steadfast endurance of the saints—those who obey God’s commandments and hold to their faith in Jesus. (Revelation 14:12 NET)

Those who do not bow down to the Antichrist are said to be “those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” These are the “wheat” among the “tares.” During this persecution, it will not matter if you claim “a personal relationship with Jesus” or claim you have “accepted Him as your Savior.” What is relevant is whether or not you take the mark of the beast. If you take the mark, it is a sign that you are indeed a false disciple.

James said:

“So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself. (James 2:17 NET)

Those who persevere and do not receive the mark may die, but God will bless them. This will be a time when believers must overcome by the blood of the Lamb and love, not their lives to death. (26)

But they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die. (Revelation 12:11 NET)

Through the message of these three angels, God will make clear to the world the gospel of Jesus and the consequences for refusing to put their faith in Him. (26)

Not only is God now ready to administer the final judgment on this end-time Babylon, but He will also judge those who are part of it. The angel uses graphic language to describe God’s judgment. First, he says they will drink of the cup of the wrath of God “poured out full strength” (Revelation 14:10). What did he mean by the phrase full strength? (21)

Because good drinking water was not always available, people in Bible times drank wine at their meals and festive occasions. However, they didn’t want to get drunk, so they diluted their wine with water. They normally mixed three parts of water with one part of the wine. This is where we get the term watered-down. The people knew that drinking wine not diluted with water could lead to drunkenness, and drunkenness could lead to idolatry and immorality. This behavior could lead to the judgment of God. Because of this natural cause and effect, when people wanted to talk about the judgment of God, they often referred to a cup of undiluted wine. It was a figure of speech that everyone understood. (Jeremiah 51:6-8; Jeremiah 25:15-32.) The angel in the Book of Revelation uses the same expression in his pronouncement of God’s impending judgment.

It is repeated in Revelatio n 16:19;17:2;18:3. (21)

With this knowledge, we can understand what the angel means when he says the people will drink the cup of God’s wrath in full strength. He means God’s judgment will not be diluted or watered down with His mercy. For those who took the Mark of the Beast, the time for God’s mercy is over. There is no point in God continuing to offer it to the people. They have already drunk— full strength—the cup of the Antichrist’s Babylon. Now they will drink, full strength, the cup of God’s wrath! (21)

In language anyone can understand, the angel gives graphic details of the horrible fate of those who drink the undiluted cup of God’s wrath.

The word is tormented (Revelation 14:10). The angel uses biblical imagery to describe this torment as one of fire and brimstone, which is burning sulfur. The universally-known example in the Bible of this fire and brimstone form of God’s judgment is Sodom and Gomorrah. (21)

Genesis reads:

Then the Lord rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah. It was sent down from the sky by the Lord. So he overthrew those cities and all that region, including all the inhabitants of the cities and the vegetation that grew from the ground. (Genesis 19:24–25 NET)

When Abraham saw God’s judgment,

“he He looked out toward Sodom and Gomorrah and all the land of that region. As he did so, he saw the smoke rising up from the land like smoke from a furnace. toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain; and he saw, and behold, the smoke of the land which went up like the smoke of a furnace" (Genesis 19:28 NET). 

Jesus connected God’s holy judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah with God’s final judgment on the wicked during the Day of the Lord. In addition, Jesus revealed that the rapture occurs in conjunction with the Day of the Lord. The very day the Day of the Lord begins!

Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot, people were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building; but on the day Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be the same on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day, anyone who is on the roof, with his goods in the house, must not come down to take them away, and likewise the person in the field must not turn back. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it. I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. There will be two women grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.”
 (Luke 17:28–36 NET)

Since Heaven is forever, so is Hell. While Heaven is a place of endless joy and rest in the presence of God, hell is a place of endless suffering. There will be no relief—ever. (21)

This is a most awful warning. Again, any man who worships the Beast and receives his ‘Mark’ on his forehead or hand, his doom is fixed FOREVER. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the Holy Angels and of the Lamb, and the smoke of his torment shall ascend forever and ever, and they shall have no rest day or night. If “Eternal Punishment” is taught nowhere else in the Bible, it is taught here, and if here, why is it not true as to other classes of sinners? Just think of the horror of remorse in the “Lake of Fire,” as these worshippers of the Beast shall recall the “Mark of the Beast” as it was imprinted on their forehead or right hand with their own consent because of their desire to enrich themselves in the markets of their day. (8)

As Abraham saw God’s judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, so Jesus, the Lamb of God, and His holy angels will see the consequences of this judgment on the wicked. This is a real place of torment and separation from God. (21)

Our time in this life is short, and it passes quickly. Eternity is forever. Using human words, we could say that eternity passes by very slowly. Since God’s people will live with God for eternity while the wicked suffer the consequences of their sins forever, surely God’s people can patiently endure short-term hardship and persecution. (1) (21) Say amen, or oh my!

The apostle Paul gives the following words of assurance:

 For I consider that our present sufferings cannot even be compared to the glory that will be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18)

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will trouble, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us! For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor heavenly rulers, nor things that are present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35–39 NET)

John further substantiates that salvation by grace does not mean believers are free from the obligation to live holy lives. He specifically says this word of encouragement is for those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. Since God’s judgment is imminent, those who die in the Lord are blessed, for they will no longer suffer. While God’s righteousness is a free gift of God to those who accept it, John adds that the works of the believers will follow them to Heaven.

James said:

 “So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself. (James 2:17 NET)

Please, let us get beyond the Western Christian teaching of cheap grace and live our lives fully dedicated to God’s will and ways. (21)

The Blessed Dead

Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: ‘Blessed are the dead, those who die in the Lord from this moment on!’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “so they can rest from their hard work, because their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:13 NET)

This is blessedly true of all saints but refers to those who die after the False Prophet has commanded that all who will not worship the “Image of the Beast” shall be killed.” (Revelation 13:15). This is settled by the words “from this moment on.” This warning is given for the benefit of those who, on that day, shall be tempted to compromise with evil to preserve their lives. Better to live and reign with Christ a 1000 years than with the Antichrist for about 1.75 years. This special class of dead who “Die in the Lord” will be blessed because they will be delivered from the trials and sufferings of the “Day of the Lord” and will receive the “Crown of Life.”

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.’ (Revelation 2:10–11 ESV)

Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 NET)

They shall rest from their labors of stemming the tide of the iniquity of those days, and their works follow with them. During the “Day of the Lord,” they are loyal to God and have no prospect before them but martyrdom, hence the need at this time for a special message of blessing to those who are faithful until death. What a contrast between the “Blessed Dead” and those with the “Mark of the Beast.” The former will rest from their labors, while the latter shall not rest day or night. (8)

FLASHBACK: The Rapture of the Believers – Reaping the Earth’s Harvest of the Righteous (Circa after the Sixth Scroll Seal is opened)

We previously discussed the Rapture of the Believers (1) in Revelations 7:

After these things I looked, and here was an enormous crowd that no one could count, made up of persons from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb dressed in long white robes, and with palm branches in their hands. They were shouting out in a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God, to the one seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels stood there in a circle around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they threw themselves down with their faces to the ground before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Praise and glory, and wisdom and thanksgiving, and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” Then one of the elders asked me, “These dressed in long white robes—who are they and where have they come from?” So I said to him, “My lord, you know the answer.” Then he said to me, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb! For this reason they are before the throne of God, and they serve him day and night in his temple, and the one seated on the throne will shelter them. They will never go hungry or be thirsty again, and the sun will not beat down on them, nor any burning heat,because the Lamb in the middle of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:9–17 NET)

This passage of scripture provides another presentation of the rapture of faithful believers. John sees the exalted Son of Man ready to reap the spiritual harvest of the earth. He was the “Sower” and shall be the “Reaper.” He is sitting on a white cloud and wearing a crown of gold. He has a sharp sickle in His hand with which He will reap the “ripe harvest” of human souls. An angel comes from the throne of God with the message that it is time for the Son of Man to reap the harvest. (21)

Then I looked, and a white cloud appeared, and seated on the cloud was one like a son of man! He had a golden crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Then another angel came out of the temple, shouting in a loud voice to the one seated on the cloud, “Use your sickle and start to reap, because the time to reap has come, since the earth’s harvest is ripe!” So the one seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped. (Revelation 14:14–16 NET)

God, our Heavenly Father, informs the groom, the Lord Jesus Christ, that it is time to get His bride! (Matthew 22:1-14; Matthew 25:1-13; John 14:1-3)

John’s vision connects to Daniel’s, which pictured the Son of Man coming with the clouds of Heaven.

I was watching in the night visions, “And with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man was approaching. He went up to the Ancient of Days and was escorted before him. To him was given ruling authority, honor, and sovereignty. All peoples, nations, and language groups were serving him. His authority is eternal and will not pass away. His kingdom will not be destroyed. (Daniel 7:13–14 NET)

Jesus Himself connected John’s vision with Daniel’s when He said to Caiaphas,

But Jesus was silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:63–64 NET)

In Matthew 13, Jesus told two parables about sowing and reaping. As He always did, Jesus put His teachings in terms of the culture and the everyday life experiences of the people, so they could relate to what He was telling them. Since his listeners were agricultural people, Jesus often used agricultural expressions to teach them spiritual truths. (21)

In the second parable, Jesus likened the righteous to wheat and the unrighteous to tares.

He presented them with another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a person who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. When the plants sprouted and bore grain, then the weeds also appeared. So the slaves of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Then where did the weeds come from?’ He said, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the slaves replied, ‘Do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No, since in gathering the weeds you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned, but then gather the wheat into my barn.” ’ ” (Matthew 13:24–30 NET)

While growing in the field, tares look so much like wheat that, until the wheat matures, it’s hard to tell one from the other. It is wise to wait until the grain appears on the wheat before trying to separate the two. (21)

Jesus said He and the angels would separate the righteous (human wheat) from the unrighteous (human tares) in the great end-time harvest of souls. The righteous are those who have the Seal (Mark) of God, and the unrighteous are those who have the Mark of the Beast. (21)

Jesus further explained:

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world and the good seed are the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. As the weeds are collected and burned with fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather from his kingdom everything that causes sin as well as all lawbreakers. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. The one who has ears had better listen! (Matthew 13:36–43 NET)

Jesus repeats His teaching:

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea that caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, they pulled it ashore, sat down, and put the good fish into containers and threw the bad away. It will be this way at the end of the age. Angels will come and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 13:47–50 NET)

The Hebrew prophets used similar biblical imagery to speak of God’s judgments. (21)

Jeremiah wrote:

For the Lord God of Israel who rules over all says, ‘Fair Babylon will be like a threshing floor which has been trampled flat for harvest. The time for her to be cut down and harvested will come very soon.’ (Jeremiah 51:33 NET)

Jesus told His disciples that His angels would first gather the “wheat” in His barn, and then they would commence to reap and burn the “tares.” It was also revealed, in other passages, that the Lord Himself would descend as the wheat (i.e., believers) was gathered.

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be suddenly caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:16–18 NET)

Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man arriving on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet blast, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:30,31 NET)

It must be noted that two reapings are being presented within this text. The first reaping typifies the Lord descending to the earth to meet His elect, who have been gathered by the angels:

Then I looked, and a white cloud appeared, and seated on the cloud was one like a son of man! He had a golden crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. Then another angel came out of the temple, shouting in a loud voice to the one seated on the cloud, “Use your sickle and start to reap, because the time to reap has come, since the earth’s harvest is ripe!” So the one seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped. (Revelation 14:14–16 NET)

FLASHBACK: The Seventh Trumpet Blast – The Third Woe – Reaping the Earth’s Harvest of the Unrighteous at the Battle of Armageddon

After the believers have been gathered by the Son of Man, Jesus the Messiah, it will be the angel’s job to do the reaping and the burning of the tares (i.e., the unbelieving world). (26)

Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man arriving on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet blast, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:30,31 NET)

The second reaping is then carried out by an angel, who is ordered to do so by another angel who has power over fire. This typifies the reapers, whose fires will burn the tares as the “vineyard of the earth” is harvested.

The “Harvest of the wheat and grapes (vintage)” is Judicial. That is, they are for the purpose of Judgment. The account here adds detail to the Third Woe describing how the world’s armies will be gathered for the Battle that takes place on the Great Day of God, the Almighty, at Armageddon.

Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. Another angel, who was in charge of the fire, came from the altar and called in a loud voice to the angel who had the sharp sickle, “Use your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes off the vine of the earth, because its grapes are now ripe.” So the angel swung his sickle over the earth and gathered the grapes from the vineyard of the earth and tossed them into the great winepress of the wrath of God. Then the winepress was stomped outside the city, and blood poured out of the winepress up to the height of horses’ bridles for a distance of almost two hundred miles. (Revelation 14:17–20 NET)

This is the outcome for those who have sided with the Antichrist. The imagery here is of a great winepress that is being trampled by Jesus. This is to occur outside the city of Jerusalem, on the plains of Megiddo. As these men are trampled, their blood will fly into the air up to the horse’s bridle, which is approximately four feet. The text is not referring to the depth of blood flow but rather how high it splatters as the Son of God tramples these men. Their blood splattering is likened to that of grapes as they are being trampled upon in the winepress. This decimated army’s blood stains will be seen for 1600 furlongs or 200 miles. Armageddon will be a most terrible and bloody battle. (26)

It will cover the whole of Israel and extend as far south as Edom and Bozrah. (26)

In Joel, we have a description of this Wheat and Grape Harvest (Vintage):

Proclaim this among the nations: “Prepare for a holy war! Call out the warriors! Let all these fighting men approach and attack! Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears! Let the weak say, ‘I too am a warrior!’ Lend your aid and come, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves to that place.” Bring down, O Lord, your warriors! Let the nations be roused and let them go up to the valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit in judgment on all the surrounding nations. Rush forth with the sickle, for the harvest is ripe! Come, stomp the grapes, for the winepress is full! The vats overflow. Indeed, their evil is great! Crowds, great crowds are in the valley of decision, for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision! The sun and moon are darkened; the stars withhold their brightness. The Lord roars from Zion; from Jerusalem his voice bellows out. The heavens and the earth shake. But the Lord is a refuge for his people; he is a stronghold for the citizens of Israel. (Joel 3:9–16 NET)

The biblical imagery of this harvest relates to the harvest of grapes. The angel says that the clusters of grapes are ready to be harvested. They are fully ripe, meaning their time has come. While literal grapes at the harvest are full of juice, these human grapes are full of evil. (21)

During the grape harvest, the reapers would cut the clusters of grapes and bring them to a winepress, a pit lined with rock and sealed with a hard substance such as plaster. Workers would pile the grapes on the winepress and then stomp on the grapes to press out the juice. The juice would flow through a hole near the bottom into the vat. (21)

At harvest time, this stomping on the grapes to turn out the new wine was a joyous celebration that included singing and literally dancing on the grapes. Wineries still do this today and often invite their patrons to participate in their “wine-stomping festival.” (21)

While God’s harvest of the righteous is a time of great joy, His harvest of the grapes of the unrighteous is not. It is a time of God’s wrath.

Daniel also sees the reaping of the harvest of the righteous in Revelation 14:14-16 and the reaping of the harvest of the unrighteous grapes of wrath in Revelation 14:17-20.

The angel says to Daniel:

“At that time Michael, the great prince who watches over your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress unlike any other from the nation’s beginning up to that time. But at that time your own people, all those whose names are found written in the book, will escape. Many of those who sleep in the dusty ground will awake— some to everlasting life, and others to shame and everlasting abhorrence. (Daniel 12:1–2 NET)

So what does the New Testament say?

When Jesus’ disciples asked Him about these great end-time events, Jesus said He would send His angels to blow the trumpet and gather His own after the tribulation.

Matthew records these words of Jesus:

“Immediately after the suffering of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man arriving on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet blast, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:29-31).

Paul writes to the believers at Corinth and Thessalonica about the same event. His Corinthian letter says the following:

Listen, I will tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a moment, in the blinking of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. (1 Corinthian s 15:51–52 NET)

The “last trumpet” does not correlate with the “seventh trumpet” of Revelation 11:15. Paul was drawing upon the practice of the Roman army to illustrate the removal of the church from the earth. The “first trumpet” signaled the troops to break camp. The “last trumpet” was the signal to begin to march (Josephus, Jewish War, 3.89-92) (33). The “last trumpet” will signal the removal of the church to heaven. (32)

Paul writes to the Thessalonians:

Now we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also we believe that God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep as Christians.For we tell you this by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will surely not go ahead of those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be suddenly caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 NET)

Joel used similar words when he prophesied about God’s great judgment at the end of the age: (21)

Let the nations be roused and let them go up to the valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit in judgment on all the surrounding nations. Rush forth with the sickle, for the harvest is ripe! Come, stomp the grapes, for the winepress is full! The vats overflow. Indeed, their evil is great! (Joel 3:12–13 NET)

Because Jesus suffered God’s winepress of judgment for us, those who oppose Him must suffer in their own winepress. While all good people hate to think of humans suffering in this way, this judgment, detailed in the next chapters of Revelation, is God’s answer to the prayers of His people. God is a God of mercy, but those who will not accept His mercy must experience His just judgments. We must all decide – holy wrath or holy mercy. What will you choose? (21)

The “WINEPRESS” is the winepress of the “FIERCENESS AND WRATH OF ALMIGHTY GOD.” Revelatio n 19:15.

The Prophet Isaiah describes Christ’s role in it.

Who is this who comes from Edom, dressed in bright red, coming from Bozrah? Who is this one wearing royal attire, who marches confidently because of his great strength? “It is I, the one who announces vindication, and who is able to deliver!” Why are your clothes red? Why do you look like someone who has stomped on grapes in a vat? “I have stomped grapes in the winepress all by myself; no one from the nations joined me. I stomped on them in my anger; I trampled them down in my rage. Their juice splashed on my garments, and stained all my clothes. For I looked forward to the day of vengeance, and then payback time arrived. I looked, but there was no one to help; I was shocked because there was no one offering support. So my right arm accomplished deliverance; my raging anger drove me on. I trampled nations in my anger, I made them drunk in my rage, I splashed their blood on the ground.” (Isaiah 63:1–6 NET)

Armageddon will be a most terrible and bloody battle. It will be the time of which the Prophet Isaiah speaks when the land shall be drenched with blood.

Wild oxen will be slaughtered along with them, as well as strong bulls. Their land is drenched with blood, their soil is covered with fat. For the Lord has planned a day of revenge, a time when he will repay Edom for her hostility toward Zion. (Isaiah 34:7–8 NET)

In a later blog article, we will cover more details of the Battle of Armageddon.

The “Vintage” is of the “Vine of the Earth.” Israel was a “Vine” brought out of Egypt and planted in Canaan.

You uprooted a vine from Egypt; you drove out nations and transplanted it. (Psalm 80:8 NET)

But when God looked for it to bring forth “edible grapes,” it brought forth “sour grapes” and fruit unto itself.

I will sing to my love— a song to my lover about his vineyard. My love had a vineyard on a fertile hill. He built a hedge around it, removed its stones, and planted a vine. He built a tower in the middle of it, and constructed a winepress. He waited for it to produce edible grapes, but it produced sour ones instead. So now, residents of Jerusalem, people of Judah, you decide between me and my vineyard! What more can I do for my vineyard beyond what I have already done? When I waited for it to produce edible grapes, why did it produce sour ones instead? Now I will inform you what I am about to do to my vineyard: I will remove its hedge and turn it into pasture, I will break its wall and allow animals to graze there. I will make it a wasteland; no one will prune its vines or hoe its ground, and thorns and briers will grow there. I will order the clouds not to drop any rain on it. Indeed Israel is the vineyard of the Lord who commands armies, the people of Judah are the cultivated place in which he took delight. He waited for justice, but look what he got—disobedience! He waited for fairness, but look what he got—cries for help! (Isaiah 5:1–7 NET)

Israel was a fertile vine that yielded fruit. As his fruit multiplied, he multiplied altars to Baal. As his land prospered, they adorned the fertility pillars. (Hosea 10:1 NET)

When the Lord of the “Vineyard” sent His servants for the “Fruit of the Vineyard,” the husbandmen beat one, killed another, and stoned another. At last, He sent His Son, Him they took and cast out of the Vineyard and slew.

“Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a fence around it, dug a pit for its winepress, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to tenant farmers and went on a journey. When the harvest time was near, he sent his slaves to the tenants to collect his portion of the crop.But the tenants seized his slaves, beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other slaves, more than the first, and they treated them the same way. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and get his inheritance!’ So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will utterly destroy those evil men! Then he will lease the vineyard to other tenants who will give him his portion at the harvest.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? For this reason I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. The one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, and the one on whom it falls will be crushed.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they realized that he was speaking about them. They wanted to arrest him, but they were afraid of the crowds, because the crowds regarded him as a prophet. (Matthew 21:33–46 NET)(cf. Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19)

According to this parable, the Jewish and Roman leaders who crucified Jesus at least suspected He was the Messiah. However, they wanted to maintain their position and power over Israel – His inheritance – and thus had Him killed.

When day came, the council of the elders of the people gathered together, both the chief priests and the experts in the law. Then they led Jesus away to their council and said, “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, and if I ask you, you will not answer. But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” He answered them, “You say that I am.” (Luke 22:66–70 NET)(cf. Matthew 26:63-64)

So Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He replied, “You say so.” (Luke 23:3 NET)(cf. Matthew 27:11; Mark 15:2) 

While “Jesus the Man” stood before the religious and civil judges, “Jesus the God” was simultaneously in the future where He was seated on the Great White Throne of Judgment. Then and there, these judges bowed before Him, JESUS THE JUDGE (John 5:22,27; Acts 10:42; Romans 2:16), and declared Him to be the Son of God, King of Kings (over Jews and Gentiles), and Sovereign Lord!

You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had, who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. He humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death —even death on a cross! As a result God exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow —in heaven and on earth and under the earth— and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5–11 NET)

That is what I believe Jesus meant by the seemingly enigmatic statements, “You say so” or “You say that I am.”

If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. (John 3:12,13 NET)

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God—the one who is, and who was, and who is still to come—the All-Powerful! (Revelation 1:8 NET)

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end!) (Revelation 22:13 NET)

Jesus said to them, “I tell you the solemn truth, before Abraham came into existence, I am!” (John 8:58 NET)

So Pilate said, “Do you refuse to speak to me? Don’t you know I have the authority to release you, and to crucify you?”Jesus replied, “You would have no authority over me at all, unless it was given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of greater sin.” (John 19:11 NET)

So Pilate asked them, “Do you want me to release the king of the Jews for you?” (For he knew that the chief priests had handed him over because of envy.) (Mark 15:9–10 NET)

Then Jesus Himself became the “True Vine,” of which His disciples are the branches.

“I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener.He takes away every branch that does not bear fruit in me. He prunes every branch that bears fruit so that it will bear more fruit. You are clean already because of the word that I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me—and I in him—bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing. (John 15:1–5 NET)

The “Vine of the Earth” is the Antichrist and all who belong to his pernicious system.

Another angel, who was in charge of the fire, came from the altar and called in a loud voice to the angel who had the sharp sickle, “Use your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes off the vine of the earth, because its grapes are now ripe.” (Revelation 14:18 NET)

How can a good God who is grace, mercy, and compassion pass judgment for destruction and suffering?

Do I actually delight in the death of the wicked, declares the sovereign Lord? Do I not prefer that he turn from his wicked conduct and live? (Ezekiel 18:23 NET)

The answer is that God does not cause this suffering. Mankind causes this due to the hardness of his heart. It is the result of the evil in people’s hearts to live their lives without God. His Great MERCY is extended to all equally, and He waits patiently for all to accept it.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be like your Father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:43-45 NET)

Or do you have contempt for the wealth of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, and yet do not know that God’s kindness leads you to repentance? (Romans 2:4 NET)

The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some regard slowness, but is being patient toward you, because he does not wish for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9 NET)

How blessed is the one who does not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand in the pathway with sinners, or sit in the assembly of scoffers! Instead he finds pleasure in obeying the Lord’s commands; he meditates on his commands day and night. He is like a tree planted by flowing streams; it yields its fruit at the proper time, and its leaves never fall off. He succeeds in everything he attempts. 
Not so with the wicked! Instead they are like wind-driven chaff. For this reason the wicked cannot withstand judgment, nor can sinners join the assembly of the godly. Certainly the Lord guards the way of the godly, but the way of the wicked ends in destruction. (Psalm 1:1–6 NET)

Nevertheless, when the point is reached that a person or persons, by an act of their will, decide to never change from serving evil (Satan) to serving good (God), then the only thing left is a JUDGMENT of WRATH that will keep them that have chosen to serve Satan from affecting the MERCY to be received by those that have chosen to serve God.

An evil man is rebellious to the core. He does not fear God, for he is too proud to recognize and give up his sin. The words he speaks are sinful and deceitful; he does not care about doing what is wise and right. He plans ways to sin while he lies in bed; he is committed to a sinful lifestyle; he does not reject what is evil. (Psalm 36:1–4 NET)

God, the one who has reigned as king from long ago, will hear and humiliate them. (Selah) They refuse to change, and do not fear God. (Psalm 55:19 NET)

Turn away from evil and do what is right! Strive for peace and promote it! The Lord pays attention to the godly and hears their cry for help. But the Lord opposes evildoers and wipes out all memory of them from the earth. (Psalm 34:14–16 NET)

The MERCY for the future of those who have chosen to serve God trumps the present MERCY extended to all, resulting in the removal and eternal incarceration of those who have chosen to serve evil.

It is terrible to show partiality to the wicked, by depriving a righteous man of justice. (Proverbs 18:5 NET)

If the wicked are shown mercy, they do not learn about justice. Even in a land where right is rewarded, they act unjustly; they do not see the Lord’s majesty revealed. (Isaiah 26:10 NET)

The Lord abhors the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness. (Proverbs 15:9 NET)

The Lord approves of the godly, but he hates the wicked and those who love to do violence. (Psalm 11:5 NET)

You reprimand arrogant people. Those who stray from your commands are doomed. (Psalm 119:21 NET)

The wicked have no chance for deliverance, for they do not seek your statutes. (Psalm 119:155 NET)

If the righteous are recompensed on earth, how much more the wicked sinner! (Proverbs 11:31 NET)

Yes, look! Those far from you die; you destroy everyone who is unfaithful to you. (Psalm 73:27 NET)

The Lord protects those who love him, but he destroys all the wicked. (Psalm 145:20 NET)

May sinners disappear from the earth, and the wicked vanish! Praise the Lord, O my soul! Praise the Lord! (Psalm 104:35 NET)

Let anyone who has no love for the Lord be accursed. Our Lord, come! (1 Corinthians 16:22–23 NET)

Remember, refusal of the greater MERCY leaves only the WRATH. (1)

The wicked have decided to never change from evil to good, unrighteous to righteous, and wicked to godly.

There is no Mercy for the Wicked

Detailed Description

Revelation Chapters 15 thru 18

Please see the following link for a detailed description of Revelation Chapters 15 thru 18:

Part XVI: The Lord of the Scroll – Daniel’s 70th Week (BBP, GTrib, DOL, and The Days of Mourning (DOM) Revisited)

His-Story (History) Series:

• Part I: The Lord of the Scroll – Fellowship Lost!
• Part II: The Lord of the Scroll – The Two Kingdoms
• Part III: The Lord of the Scroll – The Revelation of the King!
• Part IV: The Lord of the Scroll – The Death of the King
• Part V: The Lord of the Scroll – The Re-Birth of the King!
• Part VI: The Lord of the Scroll – Salvation
• Part VII: The Lord of the Scroll – Revelation of the King’s Bride!
• Part VIII: The Lord of the Scroll – Revelation of the King of Kings!
• Part IX: The Lord of the Scroll – The Lord of Hosts
• Part X: The Lord of the Scroll – When will the King of Kings Return?
• Part XI: The Lord of the Scroll – Daniel’s 70th Week (God’s Throne Room)
• Part XII: The Lord of the Scroll – Daniel’s 70th Week (The Beginning of Birth Pains (BBP))
• Part XIII: The Lord of the Scroll – Daniel’s 70th Week (The Great Tribulation (GTrib))
• Part XIV: The Lord of the Scroll – Daniel’s 70th Week (The Day of the Lord (DOL))
• Part XV: The Lord of the Scroll – Daniel’s 70th Week (GTrib and DOL Revisited)
• Part XVI: The Lord of the Scroll – Daniel’s 70th Week (BBP, GTrib, DOL, and The Days of Mourning (DOM) Revisited)
• Part XVII: The Lord of the Scroll – Daniel’s 70th Week (DOM, Cleansing the Temple (CT), The Kingdom Age (KA), Great White Throne Judgment (GWTJ) Revisited)
• Part XVIII The Lord of the Scroll – Daniel’s 70th Week (KA, GWTJ, and Ages of the Ages (AoA) Revisited)

Shalom
(Security, Wholeness, Success)
Peace

Dear friend, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul. 
(3 John 1:2 NET)

(1) Select the link to open another article with additional information in a new tab.

(2) Note: Those not able to choose for themselves (1) (e.g., aborted babies, mentally challenged, etc.) are also in Heaven.

(3) The Greek word used here for air is “aer,” which refers to the lower denser atmosphere. This contrasts with the Greek word “aither,” speaking of the upper thinner atmosphere. For example, a Greek would stand on Mount Olympus (6,403 feet high) and point up to “aither” and down to “aer.”

(4) Realize God does, at times, approximate by rounding off numbers. For example, Exodus 12:40,42 states that Israelites were in Egypt for 430 years, but Genesis 15:13 and Acts 7:6 approximate this by rounding it down to 400 years. Based on this, the Church Age could last until 2300 AD or whatever the highest number is that rounds down in God’s math (e.g., 2400 A.D.).

(5) Maranatha is the transliteration of the Koine Greek word that means “Our Lord Come!” (KJV 1 Corinthians 16:22). This word captures what our attitude should be concerning our Lord’s return. That is, while we are not to be complacent or anxious about His return, we should live such that if Jesus were to return at any moment, we would not be ashamed but rather prepared, excited, and filled with joy to see Him! (1 John 2:28. Ephesians 5:15,16).

(6) Rogers, A. (2017). Mustard Seeds and Mountains. In Adrian Rogers Sermon Archive (Mt 16:27–17:21). Signal Hill, CA: Rogers Family Trust.

(7) https://beforethewrath.com/

(8) Larkin, C. (1919). The Book of Revelation: A Study of the Last Prophetic Book of Holy Scripture (p. 124). Philadelphia, PA: Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate.

(9) Got Questions Ministries. (2002–2013). Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered. Logos Bible Software.

(10) Booker, R. (2012). The lamb and the seven-sealed scroll. Destiny Image.

(11) The addition of “and see” (καὶ ἴδε or καὶ βλέπε [kai ide or kai blepe]) to “come” (ἔρχου, erchou) in 6:1, 3–5, 7 is a gloss directed to John, i.e., “come and look at the seals and the horsemen!” But the command ἔρχου is better interpreted as directed to each of the horsemen. The shorter reading also has the support of the better witnesses

 Biblical Studies Press. (2006). The NET Bible First Edition Notes (Re 6:1). Biblical Studies Press.

(12) (www.hearthstonelegacy.com/ when the skies turned to black the locust plague of 1875.)

(13) Traditionally, we have called this event “The Rapture,” although this word does not appear in most Bible translations.  The word rapture comes from the Latin, Rapare, which means to “take away” or “snatch out.” The word with the meaning of rapture in the Bible is the Greek word harpozo.  This Greek word harpozo is literally translated as “caught up” and has the following meanings: to carry off by force or rescue from the danger of destruction. 

The catching away or rapture of the Church will occur during the Great Tribulation before God’s wrath is poured out during the Day of the Lord.

Jesus will carry us off by force when He removes us through the territory of the Prince of the Power of the Air (lower denser atmosphere (3)) who will apparently attempt to interfere with our leaving Earth (Ephesians 2:2). Jesus will rescue us from the danger of destruction by taking us to Heaven before the outpouring of God’s wrath during the Day of the Lord.

(14) Matthew, a Jew, wrote primarily to the Jews, presenting Jesus Christ as King of the Jews. Mark, a Jew, presented Jesus as a Servant and wrote to the Romans. John, a Jew, presents Jesus as the Son of God and writes to all men. Luke, a Greek, writes primarily to the Greeks. And because the Greeks were fascinated with Aristotle’s ideal republic and Plato’s ideal man, Luke writes of Jesus as the Son of Man, the perfect Man.

 Courson, J. (2003). Jon Courson’s Application Commentary (p. 295). Thomas Nelson.

(15) Luke’s Ethnic Background. Scholarly opinion has been divided on the question of Luke’s ethnic background. In general, two views are proposed:

(1) Luke was a Gentile Christian: This view is based mainly on the internal evidence of the Gospel and Acts: the superior quality of the Greek language, the avoidance of Semitic words (except Amen), the omission of gospel traditions about Jesus’ controversies with the Pharisaic understanding of the Law and about what is clean or unclean, the transformation of Palestinian local color and details into Hellenistic counterparts. These and similar factors have been cited to identify the author as a Gentile Christian, i.e. one converted to Christianity from paganism.

The argument is sometimes pushed still further to maintain that the author was actually a Gentile Christian of Greek origin or an Antiochene Greek. This is based on Paul’s statement in Col 4:11–14, where three persons are listed as his Jewish-Christian co-workers, but Luke seems to be listed among other, presumably, Gentile-Christian collaborators. For instance, K. Lake years ago claimed that the early tradition identified Luke as “an Antiochene Greek” (“Luke,” in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church [New York: Scribner, 1922] 1. 719); and more recently, K. H. Rengstorf (Evangelium nach Lukas, 11) has called him a Gentile Christian, indeed of Greek origin. Many others have followed this view (e.g., W. K. Hobart, A. von Harnack, P. Vielhauer, G. B. Caird, W. G. Kümmel, A. Plummer, W. Manson, J. Schmid).

(2) Luke was a Jewish Christian. The view that the author was a Jewish Christian, i.e. a convert from Judaism, is based mainly on the interest displayed in Luke-Acts in the OT and its phraseology, the author’s alleged Palestinian language, and the Epiphanian tradition (Panarion 51.11) that he was one of the seventy-two disciples; sometimes the mention of Lucius as among Paul’s “kinsmen” (Rom 16:21) is also invoked. Among supporters of this view, one may cite A. Schlatter, B. S. Easton, E. E. Ellis, W. F. Albright, N. Q. King, B. Reicke.

For reasons that I shall try to set forth below, I regard Luke as a Gentile Christian, not, however, as a Greek, but as a non-Jewish Semite, a native of Antioch, where he was well educated in a Hellenistic atmosphere and culture.

Fitzmyer, J. A. (2008). The Gospel according to Luke I–IX: introduction, translation, and notes (Vol. 28, pp. 41–42). Yale University Press.

(16) …The emphasis here would be that the Pharisees confront the kingdom in Jesus. They do not need to look all around for it because its central figure is in front of their eyes…

 Bock, D. L. (1996). Luke: 9:51–24:53 (Vol. 2, p. 1416). Baker Academic.

(17) A Full Circle Rainbow over Australia, Image Credit & Copyright: Colin Leonhardt (Birdseye View Photography)

(18) Rosenthal, Marvin (1990). The Pre-Wrath Rapture of the Church. World Publishing

(19) “Warren’s findings, together with the discovery of Reich and Shukron described in the recent news reports, fully support Josephus’s statements relating to the tunnels beneath Jerusalem and the use to which they were put during the Roman siege of 70 A.D. These underground passages enabled many inhabitants of Jerusalem to exit the city and flee both south to Masada and, via Nahal Qidron and other wadis heading from Jerusalem eastward toward the Dead Sea, to the Machaerus fort lying just east of that sea, which was actually closer to Jerusalem than was Masada. (Josephus describes the large number of refugees who gathered at Machaerus.). The circumstances as now known leave little doubt that quite likely beginning even before the siege had begun, groups engaged in hiding the Temple treasures, the books, and other items listed in the Copper Scroll — as well as those ancient writings of the Palestinian Jews known as the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were found centuries later in caves near the wadis leading out of Jerusalem. Norman Golb is the Ludwig Rosenberger Professor of Jewish History and Civilization at the University of Chicago and the author of “Who Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls?” (Simon & Schuster, 1995).” Read more here: https://forward.com/opinion/11873/newly-discovered-tunnel-may-once-have-carried-dead-00675/

(20) http://www.livius.org/articles/concept/roman-jewish-wars/roman-jewish-wars-5/

(21) Booker, R. (2013). the Victorious Kingdom. Destiny Image.

(22) interruption of chronological sequence (as in a film or literary work) by interjection of events of earlier occurrence…

 Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). In Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Merriam-Webster, Inc.

(23) 1984: a story that tells what led up to the main story or plot (as of a film)

 Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). In Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Merriam-Webster, Inc.

(24) Booker, R. (2011). The overcomers: series- understanding the book of Revelation. Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image.

⁵⁵ tn BDAG 352–53 s.v. ἐξουσία 2 [potential or resource to command, control, or govern, capability, might, power] states, “Also of Satan’s power Ac 26:18.” It is also possible to translate this “the domain of Satan” (cf. BDAG 353 s.v. 6 [the sphere in which power is exercised, domain]) Biblical Studies Press. (2006). The NET Bible First Edition Notes (Ac 26:18). Biblical Studies Press.

(25) Reid, A. (2004). Daniel: Kingdoms in Conflict (P. Barnett, Ed.; p. 146). Aquila Press.

(26) Salerno, Jr., Donald A., (2010). Revelation Unsealed. Virtualbookworm.com Publish-ing, Inc.

(27) Richards, L. (1997). Every angel in the Bible (p. 18). T. Nelson.

(28) Van Groningen, G. (1988). God, Names Of. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 1, p. 884). Baker Book House.

Yahweh, then, is the name par excellence of Israel’s God. As Yahweh he is a faithful covenant God who, having given his Word of love and life, keeps that Word by bestowing love and life abundantly on his own.

(29) Witherington, B., III. (2006). 1 and 2 Thessalonians: a socio-rhetorical commentary (p. 211). Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

“But what of the Restrainer being removed from the scene? Nicholl (30) has shown that the LXX rendering of Dan. 12:1a refers to Michael standing aside or passing aside, which precipitates unprecedented tribulation for the people of God.”

(30) Nicholl, Colin. “MICHAEL, THE RESTRAINER REMOVED (2 THESS. 2:6–7).” Journal of Theological Studies, vol. 51, no. 1, 2000, pp. 27–53.

“In conclusion then, there is a good case for supposing the restrainer removed in 2 Thess. 2:6-7 to be Michael. For Michael could legitimately be, and indeed was, viewed as a celestial restrainer, based on Daniel 10-12, and, significantly, he was also understood by contemporary interpreters as ‘passing aside’ or ‘withdrawing’ (Dan. 12:rn) just after a reference to the eschato­ logical antagonist’s setting up of his royal tents near or at the temple mount (11:45a) and immediately before a reference to the breaking out of the final, unequalled tribulation upon God’s people (12:1b).”

(31) Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). In Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Merriam-Webster, Inc.

 A season’s yield of grapes or wine from a vineyard

(32) Hughes, R. B., & Laney, J. C. (2001). Tyndale concise Bible commentary (p. 559). Tyndale House Publishers.

(33) 4. (89) When they are to go out of their camp, the trumpet gives a sound, at which time nobody lies still, but at the first intimation they take down their tents, and all is made ready for their going out; (90) then do the trumpets sound again, to order them to get ready for the march; then do they lay their baggage suddenly upon their mules and other beasts of burden, and stand, at the place for starting, ready to march; when also they set fire to their camp, and this they do because it will be easy for them to erect another camp, and that it may not ever be of use to their enemies. (91) Then do the trumpets give a sound the third time, that they are to go out in order to excite those that on any account are a little tardy, that so no one may be out of his rank when the army marches. (92) Then does the crier stand at the general’s right hand, and asks them thrice, in their own tongue, whether they be now ready to go out to war or not. To which they reply as often, with a loud and cheerful voice, saying, “We are ready.” And this they do almost before the question is asked them; they do this as filled with a kind of martial fury, and at the time that they so cry out, they lift up their right hands also. 

Josephus, F., & Whiston, W. (1987). The works of Josephus: complete and unabridged (p. 643). Hendrickson.

(34) Antiochus represented himself as a manifestation of Zeus. He issued coins with an image of Zeus, but it was his picture on the coins. Antiochus [partially] fulfilled much of the prophecy in Daniel 8. He forbade the Jews to practice their ancient faith or in any way worship the One True God. (21)

Antiochus went on a rampage against the Jews. From 167–165 B.C., Antiochus stopped the Temple rituals and ordered the burning of the Torah. In the Temple, he erected a statue of Zeus bearing his own image. He built a new altar dedicated to Zeus, on which he offered a sacrificial pig. He then poured the pig’s blood over the Torah. (21)

Antiochus erected shrines and altars throughout Israel and forced the people to make sacrifices to the Greek gods. Those who disobeyed were tortured, killed, or both. This period of time was one of the most gruesome in the long, sad history of the persecution of the Jewish people. Without God’s intervention, they would have surely perished from the earth.

Antiochus knew he already had considerable support from the Hellenistic (nonreligious) Jews. He anticipated that the rest of Israel would fall behind them, but he seriously miscalculated. Under the godly priest Mattathias and his five sons, the third known in history as Judas Maccabaeus (i.e., Judah the Hammer), a guerrilla-style resistance began. Within three years, Antiochus and his Syrian army were driven from Israel in 165 B.C.

After his departure, the immediate priority of faithful Jews was the cleansing and rededicating of the temple built atop Mount Moriah in Jerusalem. An abomination, the parading of a heathen deity in the likeness of man into the temple built for God, had made the temple a desecrated desolation for three years. This temple cleansing resulted in a new, joyous holiday for the Jewish people. The festival of Hanukkah (i.e., the feast of the dedication or festival of lights) celebrates the defeat of Antiochus. It is celebrated for eight days, starting seventy-five days after Yom Kippur, Israel’s Day of Atonements, on the twenty-fifth day of Kislev (Chislev) (1).

Then came the feast of the Dedication in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple area in Solomon’s Portico. (John 10:22–23 NET)

These actions of Antiochus Epiphanes are [a partial] “fulfillment” of the daily sacrifice being removed. The sanctuary thrown down “an abomination” that Daniel writes about in Daniel 8:11.

The male goat acted even more arrogantly. But no sooner had the large horn become strong than it was broken, and there arose four conspicuous horns in its place, extending toward the four winds of the sky. From one of them came a small horn. But it grew to be very big, toward the south and the east and toward the beautiful land. It grew so big it reached the army of heaven, and it brought about the fall of some of the army and some of the stars to the ground, where it trampled them. It also acted arrogantly against the Prince of the army, from whom the daily sacrifice was removed and whose sanctuary was thrown down. The army was given over, along with the daily sacrifice, in the course of his sinful rebellion. It hurled truth to the ground and enjoyed success. (Daniel 8:8–12 NET)

(##) For a higher number reference, see: The Feasts of Israel – Passover (1) references