JESUS CHRIST WILL CONQUER SATAN

 Jesus Christ will conquer Satan

 

 

 

Hi good friends out there in internet land. I have reviewed the first eight chapters in the book of Revelation in a very detailed way giving the readers many cross references to each verse but due to time and the fact that I must move on to other writing projects in the Bible the remaining chapters (Revelation chapters 9-22) will be completely quoted with some comments at the end of the chapter. I really do desire to cross reference every verse in these chapters but this would take me way to long thus leaving out other vital biblical studies that are also needed and desired to people that are very hungry for the word of God. There will still be many interesting insights after the chapter is quoted so please enjoy the rest of the study in this fascinating last book of the Bible.

 

(1) "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stairs: (2) And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. (3) And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. (4) And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered. for to devour her child as soon as it was born. (5) And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne. (6) And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. (7) And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, (8) And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. (9) And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceived the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (10) And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before God day and night. (11) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (12) Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. (13) And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. (14) And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. (15) And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. (16) And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. (17) And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Revelation 12: 1 - 17.

 

The nation of Israel is a very interesting country and is the center land of end time biblical prophecy. There are many "Twice" regarding this nation. There has been much persecutions against Israel. They had their homeland torn from them two times. They were led as captives two times into other areas. They survived two different times when in foreign lands. They returned two different times to reestablish their country. Two is the number of division in the Bible and this is a nation that has certainly been divided.

 

From 70 A.D to 1948  Israel was dispersed and scattered. They were severally persecuted during this time period but still managed to survive as a distinct race. This is anti - Semitism. The bad news that the Bible teaches is the worst is yet to come in the last three and one half years of the future tribulation.

 

Four main characters are introduced in Revelation chapter twelve. (1) The women who is Israel. (2) The great red dragon who is Satan and the final world kingdom he will control. (3) The male child is Jesus Christ. (4) Michael is the chief angel in this context representing the angels of God. The great tribulation revolves around these four characters.

 

Israel is introduced as a great sign which is supposed to cause us to see the hand of God in history and prophecy. In this chapter there are symbols that make up her unusual clothing. Joseph had a dream in Genesis chapter 37 and the sun represented Jacob (his father). Jacob is Israel. The women gave birth to the male child who is Jesus Christ. This women is obviously Israel because there is a long list of Hebrew lineage in Matthew chapter one. It is this country and Jewish people that did more to show individuals about a personal relationship with God. They are a physical people that God allowed His Son to be born into this world.

 

Satan has a special hatred for Israel and Jesus Christ. The dragon is red because of all the wars throughout history. He has seven heads and ten horns which is symbolic of Satan but also describes a world alignment in the seven year tribulation period regarding the nations. Satan deceived one third of all the angels in eternity past. They were cast out of heaven. Satan tried to annihilate the whole race of Jews to prevent Jesus Christ from being born. Herod ordered all baby boys under two at the time of the birth of Jesus Christ to be killed.

 

Satan is known as a snake or that old serpent because he deceives people and keeps them from a saving knowledge through Jesus Christ. In verse ten Satan is referred to as the devil which means slanderer or accuser. He accuses believers day and night before the throne of God. Verse twelve says the devil is come down to you with great wrath because he knows he has a short time. He can no longer go before the throne of God and this also includes his minions.

 

Remember the prophecy in Genesis. "And I will put enmity between thee and the women, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." Genesis 3:15. Satan will lose this battle. The women bearing the child is in the first book of the Bible and the pregnant women is found in the last book of the Bible. In both cases the child (Jesus Christ) is to crush Satan. "FORASMUCH then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil:" Hebrews 2:14. Jesus Christ will rule and reign in the 1000 year millennium after the seven year tribulation.

 

In verse eleven the text writes about the tribulation saints. Jesus Christ conquered death through His blood. They will overcome Satan through the blood of the Lamb and their testimony and these strong believers will be willing to die. They will be martyrs. The word martyr mean, "A witness." They will count the cost of being a disciple of our Lord. Satan will be very angry with the Jewish people that finally placed their faith in the true Messiah Jesus Christ. They will flee to the mountains (Matthew 24: 16 - 17) and they will not stop to go back to their houses. The antichrist will allow Israel to rebuild their temple but he will turn on them when Satan is cast out of heaven. This is the point that Satan indwells the man of sin.

 

Satan has always desired to be worshipped as God which goes all the way back to Isaiah chapter 14. The antichrist will enter the newly rebuilt temple and place a statue of himself in the holy of holies proclaiming himself to be God. He will demand that all people worship him and his statue. Not only did Daniel write of this horrible truth in Daniel 9:27 and Daniel 12:11 but Jesus told about this in Matthew 24:15. This will be the abomination of desolation. I can not help to believe that many Jewish people will have their eyes opened to understand who the true Messiah is and of course His name is Jesus Christ.

 

The Jewish people will probably flee to the city of Petra. It is a city of rock in the Jordanian wilderness south of the dead sea. The martyrs of course will not be hurt by the second death but live forever with God; however, perhaps the Jewish remnant will enter into the millennial kingdom in their mortal bodies.

 

Jesus Christ will conquer Satan in His way and His timing because He is All Knowing and All Powerful so good will defeat evil. If you desire to know this God accept Jesus Christ into your heart as personal Savior and Lord by repenting of all your sins and invite the Son of God into your life. If you just made that decision it is just as important to live for Jesus Christ. We find the truth in the Bible. Abide in Jesus Christ and do the will of God. If we do this we will be on the narrow righteous path with our names written in the Lamb's book of life.

 

God bless you,

Bob D.     

 

 

 

 

THE ANTI CHRIST AND THE FALSE PROPHET

 

The antichrist and the false prophet

 

Hi good friends out there in internet land. I have reviewed the first eight chapters in the book of Revelation in a very detailed way giving the readers many cross references to each verse but due to time and the fact that I must move on to other writing projects in the Bible the remaining chapters (Revelation chapters 9-22) will be completely quoted with some comments at the end of the chapter. I really do desire to cross reference every verse in these chapters but this would take me way to long thus leaving out other vital biblical studies that are also needed and desired to people that are very hungry for the word of God. There will still be many interesting insights after the chapter is quoted so please enjoy the rest of the study in this fascinating last book of the Bible. 

 

(1) "And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. (2) And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. (3) And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed; and all the world wondered after the beast. (4) And they worshiped the dragon which gave power unto the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? (5) And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. (6) And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle and them that dwell in heaven. (7) And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them; and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. (8) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (9) If any man have an ear, let him hear. (10) He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity; he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. (11) And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. (12) And he exercised all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. (13) And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. (14) And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. (15) And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. (16) And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads; (17) And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. (18) Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast; for it is the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred  threescore and six." Revelation 13: 1 - 18.

 

Revelation chapter 13 describes two individuals that will work in conjunction with each other as dictators but more specifically with high level deception. World rulers almost never take over a country by force. They will explain the problems of the country, gain the trust of the people and then gradually rule from the inside in a settle way and in time becoming apparent that this individual has taken over the nation.

 

I personally do not believe the antichrist and the false prophet will be resisted all that much when they first make their appearance. The world is in chaos and looking for an answer. Many dictators in the past were worshipped and then believed they were God. Christians and Jews were almost always persecuted. When a remnant of believers in Christ keep their alliance to the one true God in a setting like this they will be labeled as traitors. This prophetic scenario will be a one world government, a one world economy and a one world religion. It will no longer be limited to one country. These are just some of the names the future antichrist is named in the Bible. The Little Horn (Daniel 7:8, 8:9), King of Babylon (Isaiah 14:4), Man of sin/Son of Perdition (1 Thessalonians 2:3), Beast (Revelation 13:1) and Antichrist (1 John 2:18).

 

Excessive sin will be the problems of the world but he will be persuasive in getting the masses to believe he has the answers. The antichrist is referred to the beast in verse one because he will be ruthless but initially he will not be seen as heartless. He will be seen as a benevolent leader. The beast is emerging from the sea because the ocean is a picture of restless strivings of the nations around the world. The antichrist will rise out of the chaos and confusion of the countries around the world.

 

He had according to this text 10 horns with 10 crowns on his horns. This represents political power signifying ten regions of the world. The world is now divided into ten regions. Daniel prophesied four world empires to rise in successive order (Babylon, Medo - Persia, Greece and Rome). Revelation chapter 13 shows us the culmination of world history right before the millennial reign of Jesus Christ. The central headcounters of the antichrist will be from the forth empire (Rome) in the area of Europe because this is the same region as ancient Rome. The antichrist will be able to accomplish what no other human leader was trying to accomplish which will be world dominion. He will have help from one other individual.

 

The antichrist is compared to a leopard, bear and lion which were the features of the first three empires of world history. The beast will get his power and throne from Satan. In verse three the antichrist will receive a mortal wound and be healed by Satan. Most people will think it is a miracle from God. Some people believe this will happen in the beginning of the seven year tribulation and some believe it will happen in the middle. It all depends on which expositor we are listening to but I tend to lean to the beginning of the seven year tribulation. According to verse 10 newly converted believers in Christ will suffer and die for their faith in Jesus Christ.

 

I explained the first beast but the second beast is spoken of in verse eleven. This man will play the role of enslaving the minds and souls of men. This beast is cut out of the same cloth as the first beast. They are different people but will be of the same kind of person. He will have the same satanic powers. The first beast came out of the sea (antichrist) the second beast will come from the land. Since there are so many different interpretations on this I am going to choose to remain silent on this meaning. The second beast has two uncrowned horns which has nothing to do with political kingdoms. This second beast encourages false religious power. He is called the False Prophet. He will take all religious systems and put them into one. His two uncrowned horns means he will try and imitate the real Lamb who is Jesus Christ. The two beasts will be very convincing in a false way.

 

According to verse twelve the second beast exercises unlimited authority and forces people to worship the first beast (antichrist). According to verse 13 he performs great miracles. According to verse 14 he deceives the population and forces people to worship the antichrist's image in the temple. According to verse fifteen he kills all the people that will not comply. According to verse fifteen he forces people to receive the mark of the beast. According to verse 13 he makes a fire streak from the sky to the earth which is nothing more than a satanic miracle. It might be holographic technology. One way or another people get deceived. In verse 15 the false prophet gives life to the image of the first beast. He will force people to worship the image or they will be put to death. Since this is the abomination of desolation spoken of in Daniel 9:27 the image will be in the middle of the temple.

 

There will be a distinguishing way to figure out who the true believers in Jesus Christ are in this world. In that day a person will either be a beast worshiper or allegiance will be given to the one true God who is Jesus Christ. Those who choose the false way will take the mark of the beast in their right hand or their forehead. Anyone who refuses this mark will be cut off from buying or selling anything. In verse fifteen the false prophet gives life to the image of the first beast so we see the devil is imitating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. All Satan can do is imitate but he does not even have the ability to come up with something new on his own. This is why we have to be discerning in what the Bible teachers and not just be hearers of the word but doers of the word. If we understand the real we will never be deceived by the counterfeit.

 

The mark of the beast is being perfected at this very moment. Satan knows that if anyone receives this mark they will not go to heaven. I will delve into this matter much deeper when I review Revelation chapter fourteen. If you are on this side of the rapture the first thing you will want to do is get redeemed through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Now would be a very good time to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord by repenting of all your sins and inviting the Son of God into your life.

 

If you just made that decision or if you are already a Christian consider the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1 - 13. Five were wise and five were foolish. All ten had their lamps (salvation) but only five (the wise virgins) had their oil. This is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. The five foolish virgins just did not do anything. They did not give their lives over to Jesus Christ daily but the wise virgins did along with living pure and trying to do the will of God. This allows the Holy Spirit to work inside their spirit. The wise virgins go up in the rapture but the foolish virgins get left behind. Choose to be a wise virgin. I know foolish virgins and their consciences are generally very seared and they tend to over simplifying the Bible. They are not living for God. The wise virgins are far more tuned into repentance because when they sin before God they feel bad. The foolish virgins just kind of move on and live comfortable with their sins. As you can see there is a vast difference so our lifestyle has to be truly living for Jesus Christ in an honest way. We need to make a honest assessment of our heart and bring it to the throne room of God. To be wise virgins with oil is a life pleasing to God.

 

God bless you - Bob D.

 

PATIENCE, OBEDIENCE, AND FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST

Patience, obedience and faith in Jesus Christ

 

 

 

Hi good friends out there in internet land. I have reviewed the first eight chapters in the book of Revelation in a very detailed way giving the readers many cross references to each verse but due to time and the fact that I must move on to other writing projects in the Bible the remaining chapters (Revelation chapters 9-22) will be completely quoted with some comments at the end of the chapter. I really do desire to cross reference every verse in these chapters but this would take me way to long thus leaving out other vital biblical studies that are also needed and desired to people that are very hungry for the word of God. There will still be many interesting insights after the chapter is quoted so please enjoy the rest of the study in this fascinating last book of the Bible.

 

(1) "And I looked, and , lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father's name written in their foreheads. (2) And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: (3) And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. (4) These are they which were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. (5 )And in their mouth were found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. (6) And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. (7) Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. (8) And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen,that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. (9) And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, if any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, (10) The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: (11) And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever; and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. (12) Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Je'sus. (13) And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, from their labours; and their works do follow them. (14) And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. (15) And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. (16) And He that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. (17) And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. (18) And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. (19) And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. (20) And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles. by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs." Revelation 14: 1 - 20.

 

Revelation chapter fourteen is a series of scenes probably more near the end of the tribulation period. The fact that Jesus Christ will triumph over the evil forces at the end of the day of the Lord has got to give us a great deal of joy. God will only allow Satan to go so far before He intervenes and finishes His will for this world. In Revelation chapter 12 we had to see Satan's fury and in Revelation chapter 13 we had to see his diabolical plan to enslave humanity. Jesus Christ is adored as the Lamb by His sheep in this chapter.

 

The 144,000 Jewish people were first introduced in chapter seven and we see them mentioned again in chapter fourteen. It appears that God will miraculously preserve this group throughout all seven years. Since approximately 60% of the population of the world will die in this time period that will be a miracle because this group will be hunted down because they will refuse the mark of the beast.

 

In verse three they will sing a new song before the throne of God and the Elders. They will be unique because no one else will be able to learn this song. The purpose of the hymn will be praise to God because of His sustaining power in times of great trials. There is something very distinct about a believer that went through much with very little and depended on God and His power. God allows pressures and troubles to test our character. We have to deal with problems because this is supposed to teach us to trust God in difficult situations.

 

Verse four talks about their virginity. Some believe this is their refusal to marry and some believe this is their refusal to commit spiritual fornication but most people believe it is both combined together incorporated in their lives. The 144,000 will be the redeemed from among men as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. Not only will this group be the first to get redeemed through the blood of Jesus Christ but they will understand the Old Testament in how their ancestors gave God their firstfruits.

 

According to verses 6 - 11 three angels will fly through the atmosphere over the earth and proclaim the everlasting gospel. Usually the redeemed in Jesus Christ do that job but in this case God chooses to allow angels with unction to passionately preach that there is eternal life through Jesus Christ. The term the gospel of the kingdom is empathies that Jesus Christ is about to rule for 1000 years. In this age of grace we will not hear that term because the seven year tribulation has not even started nor will it until after the rapture of the church cumulating the age of grace.

 

Verse seven has empathies on Creation which hopefully will straighten out the people on earth that believe in evolution. Verse eight has empathies on the destruction of fallen Babylon which is a false religious system that gives homage to Satan. The first fall of Babylon will be when the antichrist gets rid of this system because it is taking eyes off him. The second fall of Babylon is in Revelation chapter eighteen with the destruction of an economic and commercial system. People set up evil and God eventually destroys the system.

 

In verses 9 - 11 the third angel warns the inhabitants of planet earth not to worship the beast or take his mark. If they do they will drink of the wine of the wrath of God forever. No one will be able to plead ignorance because this message will be simple and clear. There may be different motives of individuals in that day receiving the mark such as fear or it may be deliberate but the same result will take place because the Bible says they will go to an eternal hell. This subject is so pivotal in the Bible that God the Father for the most part only trusted His Son to expand on the subject of Hades in the word of God.

 

In verses 12 - 13 blessed are the dead who die in the Lord is the opposite of everlasting separation from God because they are going to an eternal heaven. For a true believer in Christ death is an entrance to heaven. We can not go until God is finished with our lives. We did not choose when we were born and we will not choose when we will die. Only those who are raptured into heaven will never experience death. These people that the apostle John was referring to will be patient, obedient and keep their faith in Jesus Christ. They are the tribulation saints who will be martyred in the seven year tribulation period.

 

In verses 14 - 20 two kinds of harvests are described for us in symbolism. In verses 14 - 16 is the first harvest and it is the reaping of the wheat. It is from a parable that Jesus gives us in Matthew 13: 39 - 43. In these verses Jesus does not do the dividing Himself but watches the separation of wheat and tares for the purpose that not one believer in Him (wheat) is judged with the tares. The separating is done by angels just prior to the second coming. A certain set of believers will be carefully selected by Jesus Christ Himself to be protected from the final war and they will go into the millennial reign with the true Messiah and repopulate the earth. It will be a sad day for the unbelievers because they will go to hell.

 

The second vision is found in verses 17 - 20. This particular harvest is done by an angel from the Temple of heaven. The reaping is done for the purpose of a vintage of wrath. There will be clusters of grapes gathered in this harvest and they will be cast into the great winepress of the wrath of God. There is no separation here because all are unbelievers and destined for destruction. The place is just outside the city which is Jerusalem. According to Zechariah 14:2 all nations will be gathered against Jerusalem and according to Zechariah 14:3 Jesus Christ will fight these countries.

 

According to verse 20 blood will stand to the bridles of the horses for a distance of 200 miles from Jerusalem. People have measured this valley and it is about 200 miles. "For thus saith the Lord of Hosts; After the glory hath He sent Me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye." Zechariah 2:8.

 

There is much biblical content in this chapter but I especially liked the part when the tribulation saints will be patient, obedient and place strong faith in Jesus Christ. If you do not know the Lord now may be a good time to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord by repenting of all your sins and inviting the Son of God into your life. This is the most important decision you will ever make in your life because it is for your eternity. Christians need to obey the word of God, live for Jesus Christ and do His will. We get one life in these mortal bodies and we should take it serious for the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

God bless you,

Bob D.                   

 

JOHN LOOKED AND SAW MERCY CHANGE TO JUDGEMENT

 John looked and saw mercy change to judgment

 

 

 

Hi good friends out there in internet land. I have reviewed the first eight chapters in the book of Revelation in a very detailed way giving the readers many cross references to each verse but due to time and the fact that I must move on to other writing projects in the Bible the remaining chapters (Revelation chapters 9 - 22) will be completely quoted with some comments at the end of the chapter. I really do desire to cross reference every verse in these chapters but this would take me way to long thus leaving out other vital biblical studies that are also needed and desired to people that are very hungry for the word of God. There will still be many interesting insights after the chapter is quoted so please enjoy the rest of the study in this fascinating last book of the Bible.

 

(1) "And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them is filled up the wrath of God. (2) And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over the image, and over his mark and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. (3) And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. (4) Who shall not fear thee, O Lord and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. (5) And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened: (6) And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girdled with golden girdles. (7) And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever. (8) And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled." Revelation:15 1 - 8.

 

Revelation chapter fifteen is the shortest chapter in this book. Chapter fifteen and sixteen go hand in hand because they both describe two aspects of the same serious of events. We can see how heaven anticipants the final seven judgments that will come upon the earth. There seems to be a solemn yet joyous anticipation because after the wrath of God Jesus Christ rules for 1000 years.

 

Verse one comes right out and says there will be seven more judgments. Each judgment gets successively more severe. The receptions are people that have rejected Jesus Christ. The term another sign is just simply another of the same kind as before. Seven different angels will administer these judgments. The world is satanic at this point and the beast is still ruling the world. The word finished is the same word Jesus used when He was on the cross and then died. This is important because people on the earth for the most part have rejected the finished work of Jesus Christ for their pardon and God is running out of patience. I guess I could say we can either accept the "Finished" work of Jesus Christ for our life or God will "Finish" us.

 

In verses 2 - 4 there is a crowd of redeemed saints standing on a sea of glass mingled with fire. There was a sea of glass in chapter four which probably symbolized a group of believers that got snatched up to heaven in the rapture of the church and at rest before the throne of God. This is a sea of glass mingled with fire. Fire is a symbol of judgment. The tone of these three verses is the believers in heaven are very upset with the way the tribulation saints were martyred. The believers that were just put to death seem to be right near the other set of believers and there seems to be great love. On the one hand there is praise and worship to God in victory but on the other hand indignation against the people that did this in boldness against God. The apostle Paul said to live is Christ and to die is gain. We have some misconceptions regarding this place called heaven because often times we associate indignation with sin but God does assure us that our future tense salvation win be sinless. We will not be able to transgress against God. Most people would ask how but this is a bit of a mystery. All I know is God could never allow sin in His kingdom so this is something for us to look forward to in our final destination.

 

They sing the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. The song of Moses is a Jewish song remembering how the Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt. As they sing this song they will remember their experiences of horror on earth and understand that they are forever delivered from suffering and death. In perfect harmony this song leads into the song of the Lamb. Jesus Christ brought about this deliverance and as a result they became joint - heirs in the heavenly kingdom of God.

 

The apostle John then had the privilege of seeing the holy of holies in heaven. Remember the earthy tabernacle was only made to portray truths that would have an ultimate fulfillment in heaven's temple. The earthly priests in the Old Testament paralleled our High priest Jesus Christ in the heavenly tabernacle.

 

The brazen alter of sacrifice showed there is only one way to God and there would have to be an innocent sacrifice and this would bear the guilt of the person making the sacrifice. There was only one light in the earthly temple and this was to show that God alone can give illumination for understanding divine truths. There was the alter of incense so the priests had to continually burn incense. This is a picture of our prayers continually going into the presence of God. On the day of atonement the high priest would have to select a spotless lamb and offer it on the alter for the sins of the people. This mirrored what Jesus Christ did in the New Testament when He died on the cross for our sins. There is so much I could say but there were symbols placed in the Ark as a continual witness that man is sinful and deserving of the judgment of God. The good news is that the mercy seat was intended to prefigure The Lamb of God whose blood would not just cover but take away the sins of people. There is mercy for all who come in faith to Jesus Christ.

 

I only gave a brief review of the earthly temple but we need to remember the apostle John was Jewish. He understood what the temple was comprised of and the meaning of the whole biblical scenario. When he looked at the temple in heaven he was used to seeing the mercy of God through His Son Jesus Christ. This time when John looked he saw a change in the very essence of the sanctuary in heaven. Now it was a place where he saw the final seven judgments to be sent to planet earth. He was used to seeing this as a place where people were reconciled to God. The throne of mercy had at this point become a throne of judgment against those who rejected the Lamb of God. The reminders of sin in the Ark were uncovered and witnessing against a sin filled Christ rejecting world. Not only will man be in a position at this point in the tribulation period where they rejected the mercy of God but to add insult to injury they martyred most believers in Christ.

 

The reminders of sin in the Ark are now at this point uncovered and witnesses against a Christ rejecting world. Man will refuse the pardon of God at this point in the day of the Lord. As a result the seven different angels will be handed seven different bowls of judgment. When these angels execute their mission the heavenly temple will be closed until the wrath of God is finished. If individuals have ample light and reject it only God will choose when judgment takes place in that person's life. Revelation chapter fourteen showed us the last harvest in the tribulation. That is why Revelation chapter fifteen had to be written. There is no longer any grace.

 

It is dangerous to harden our heart when the grace of God is so gracious. I often times find myself falling on my face before God because I see my sins. I know there is mercy because of what Jesus Christ did for me at the cross. It is a good thing to plead for mercy so God can pardon us through His Son Jesus Christ. I trust that people reading this article will do the same. If not the only other alternative is judgment as we see so clearly in Revelation chapter fifteen.

 

God bless you,

Bob D. 

 

THE INTENSITY OF THE JUDGEMENTS BECOME WORSE.

 The intensity of the judgments become worse

 

 

 

Hi good friends out there in internet land. I have reviewed the first eight chapters in the book of Revelation in a very detailed way giving the readers many cross references to each verse but due to time and the fact that I must move on to other writing projects in the Bible the remaining chapters (Revelation chapters 9-22) will be completely quoted with some comments at the end of the chapter. I really do desire to cross reference every verse in these chapters but this would take me way to long thus leaving out other vital biblical studies that are also needed and desired to people that are very hungry for the word of God. There will still be many interesting insights after the chapter is quoted so please enjoy the rest of the study in this fascinating last book of the Bible.

 

(1) "And I heard a great voice out of the temple, saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. (2) And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. (3) And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man; and every living soul died in the sea. (4) And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood. (5) And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus. (6) For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. (7) And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments. (8) And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. (9) And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. (10) And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain. (11) And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds. (12) And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. (13) And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. (14) For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of the great day of God Almighty. (15) Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. (16) And he gathered them together unto a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. (17) And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. (18) And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. (19) And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. (20) And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. (21) And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great." Revelation 16:1 - 21.

 

In Revelation chapter fifteen we saw the final decision of God to close the gates of heaven for pardon of sins. Remember God sees the future and knows if an individual will never turn to Him. Did you ever see one of those strange cases when God spares the life of a reprobate and they do turn to Jesus Christ? Sometimes they even do mighty works for the kingdom of God.

 

A great voice commends the seven angels in verse one to release the final seven bowl judgments. They are dressed in white robes and golden vests. Much of these judgments has to do with the martyred saints. According to verse two very painful sores come upon the inhabitants in this world and they will probably be more painful than cancer. According to verse three the second angel poured his bowl into the sea and it will turn to blood and every living thing in the sea died. In Revelation chapter eight only one third die in a similar judgment but when this second bowl judgment hits the earth everything dies. As man continues to harden his heart the wrath of God gets worse.

 

In verses four to seven the third angel pours out his bowl into the rivers and springs of water. This will make it very hard for people to drink and survive. It is probable that because the world required blood in martyrdom God will give them blood. In verses eight and nine the forth angel will pour out his bowl on the sun and people will be scorched with fire. The heat caused men to blasphemed God and as a result they did not repent to ultimately give God glory. If we choose to repent we can go to the next step in time and give God the glory. From a human point of view this could be a nuclear exchange.

 

The fifth angel will pour his bowl on the throne of the beast and his kingdom will then be filled with darkness. The world is separated into ten different regions now and some prophecy experts believe this will be the earthly kingdom of the antichrist. While this may be true he will still reside in the Europe area and there will no doubt be an inner circle for the man of sin. This darkness falls on his kingdom and will be the same experience that happened in Egypt. Regardless of where anybody would be if they were in the middle of this darkness it would be oppressive. A person would be able to feel this nightmare. There may be a strategic reason God does this because the other armies around the world will probably jostle for position for battle purposes. Notice in the midst of their pain they did not repent. Their heart will only get harder.

 

The sixth bowl (the judgment I am talking about now) is a bigger extension of the sixth trumpet which is written about in Revelation chapter nine. In chapter nine the Eastern armies had a very limited strike into the Middle East. In this judgment the Euphrates River is completely dried up and at this point these armies have more leverage to work with because they will be able to walk straight through the river.

 

In verse eleven the unholy trinity is mentioned who will be Satan, the antichrist and the false prophet. Demon spirits proceed from them working miracles for the earthy purpose of the leaders of the world to be deceived because it seems like Europe will fight an army in the East. In Joel 3: 12 - 14 the Old Testament says the nations will be "Awakened" so the bottom line is the deceiving miracles will be a mute point because all armies from every direction of the world will be headed for the valley of decision or Armageddon. The end result is blood will stand to the horses' bridles for two hundred miles in the Jordan Valley.

 

At the same time of the battle of Armageddon a great earthquake and literally take place of the likes that the world has never seen or experienced. Everything around the world will be leveled. The islands will be done and the mountains will not be there in their original state. Stones weighing 100 pounds will fall from heaven (that has never happened) but true to form man will blaspheme God because of the hail. This is what happens when we build our house on sinking ground instead of the solid rock foundation of Jesus Christ. When bad takes place evil comes out of our hearts and vial comes out of our months. This seventh angel will deliverer the most severe wrath better referred to as the seventh bowl judgment. The devastation will be so bad that cities will be destroyed, the land will be ripped apart, the continents around the world will be changed and all the mountains around the world will be shifted in elevation.

 

This is such a sad scenario because millions of soldiers will be slaughtering each other in and around Israel. The cities around the world will be reduced to nothing. At this point if it were up to man and his hardened heart people will destroy the whole world but in Revelation chapter nineteen Jesus Christ will stop man from destroying all life in this world and bring a new world eventually ruling from Jerusalem for one thousand years. "And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." Matthew 24:22. The seven year tribulation period will still be seven years but the Bible says Jesus Christ Himself will have to come in the second coming and literally stop man from destroying all life.

 

This is your classic scenario when the gates of atonement will be closed and people are stuck with their hardened hearts. Only fear and hate will be in their souls. No love, peace or joy because only turmoil inside and out will be present. I do not want this for my present or future. To have Godly purpose with love is way better than hate/fear in my heart with judgment around me and no hope. It would have to be overwhelmingly obvious that Jesus Christ is the answer and to live for Him with patience, obedience and faith is the narrow way to eternal life. This is way better than the wrath of God.

 

 

God bless you,        Bob D.

   

RELIGIOUS BABYLON AND WORLD EMPIRES

 Religious Babylon and world empires

 

Hi good friends out there in internet land. I have reviewed the first eight chapters in the book of Revelation in a very detailed way giving the readers many cross references to each verse but due to time and the fact that I must move on to other writing projects in the Bible the remaining chapters (Revelation chapters 9-22) will be completely quoted with some comments at the end of the chapter. I really do desire to cross reference every verse in these chapters but this would take me way to long thus leaving out other vital biblical studies that are also needed and desired to people that are very hungry for the word of God. There will still be many interesting insights after the chapter is quoted so please enjoy the rest of the study in this fascinating last book of the Bible.

 

(1) "AND there came of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgments of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: (2) With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. (3) So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. (4) And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication. (5) And upon her forehead was a name, written,  MYSTERY, BAB'Y- LON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. (6) And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. (7) And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell you thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. (8) The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. (9) And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. (10) And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. (11) And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. (12) And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. (13) These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. (14) These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. (15) And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. (16) And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh and burn her with fire. (17) For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. (18) And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth." Revelation 17: 1 - 18.

 

Revelation chapter seventeen does talk about the present (in that future time) but more so gives a flashback regarding the dynamics behind the Revived Roman Empire and their rise to rule the world. Chapter seventeen depends on our knowledge of the book of Daniel, other books and previous chapters in the book of Revelation. Two figures that are written about in this chapter are the Harlot and the seven headed ten horned beast.

 

When the apostle John saw the Harlot he was probably repulsed. She is the embodiment of evil. She is comprised of many jewels. The royalty she wears is luxurious and she held a cup in her hand. On the outside was very rich gold but on the inside was evil. Sounds like many people that I know. Written on her forehead is, "Mystery Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth." She was drunk with the blood of the believers in Christ. The harlot was sitting on a creature just as evil as her so birds of a feather flock together. Kings committed adultery with her and she corrupted most of the people on planet earth. In fact I can even say the people in this world became drunk with her immorality. She was drunk and the people got drunk so this sounds like a bar as individuals drink alcohol with each other and end up intoxicated which is the opposite of being sober.

 

Initially in this passage we read terms like whore, harlot and adultery. This is a spiritual departure from God. Harlot specifically is a counterfeit religion contrary to Jesus Christ. The Old Testament gives the principal in Isaiah 1:21. Ezekiel in chapter sixteen (the Old Testament) defines spiritual adultery as a group who took the gifts of God because of His grace and then in return started to worship them thus rejecting the Creator and worshiped the creation. In Nahum chapter three being a harlot is connected with witchcraft. "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4.  As we can see if an individual or group goes in these directions it is the direct opposite of who Jesus Christ is so the key is we have to make a proactive choice to follow Him. The reason why God does not want us getting involved in this is because these are attitudes that simply reject the way of God. If we go to far because we got to friendly with the world system then this is spiritual adultery.

 

We are referred to as the bride of Christ. The one thing we should not be doing is playing around with a false religion because we belong to Jesus Christ. 

 

The great harlot symbolizes a false religious system and remember she was successful in seducing the Kings of the earth which inevitably goes down to the common man. That is a false brand of Christianity but this is not watered down Christianity. The second is so boring that it will not encompass all the religions of the world.

 

Remember the title of the harlot. Mystery Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth. Babylon originated on the plains of Shinar under Nimrod and he was not only a leader but revolted against God as a mighty hunter of men in defiance of the Lord. Babylon comes from the word Babel and they tried building a tower whose top would reach into the heavens. They were not dumb people so they knew this would not happen but they did desire to go high to study the stars and engage in astrology. Later in Isaiah chapter forty seven God not only judged Babylon but remembered she labored in sorceries and astrology from her youth leading into a cluster of sins to a point that God had to do something about judging this group.

 

Daniel was held captive in the seventh century B.C. He was surrounded by an inner circle that engaged in black magic from the roots of Babylon. The mystery of the women in the book of Revelation had a gold cup which represented her corrupt teachings. When a religion has roots in Babylon which includes black magic, contact with demons such as séances, false miracles, witchcraft, sorcery and astrology and then puts on a luxurious appearance of royal clothes this appeals to the sensual nature of people. In this context the text says she will eliminate all who oppose her and that is why the women is drunk with the blood of the saints. Religious Babylon has passed throughout history to the powers to be until Ancient Rome but the apostle John was saying that this will be revived and will control the last world power in the book of Revelation.

 

In verse seven this beast had seven heads and ten horns. The seven mountains or the seven hills are referring to the city of Rome. There was a Babylonian religious system in this area at the late first century and will revive itself in the seven year tribulation period. When the apostle says five have fallen, one is and the other is still to come he is talking about the Babylon in the days of Nimrod which was the original. Here is a list of the seven empires. (1) Assyria (2) Egypt (3) The Babylonian empire in the day of Daniel (4) Medo - Persia (5) The Greek empire (6) The Babylon in Rome in the first century (7) The future revival of the Roman empire.

 

The seventh has ten horns on it which is either the antichrist ruling over the ten regions of the world or ten nations from the old Roman empire probably in the European community area or both at the same time. Ancient Rome has not existed for centuries but according to the Bible it will be revived. Mystery religious Babylon will be well received by people and it may even be their hopes for peace and prosperity but it will be false and directly against the will of God. Many leaders around the world have openly admitted that they gave their souls to the devil and draw huge crowds. They are now in a position to be deceived by Satan. This is for eternity.

 

Babylon the Harlot symbolizes a worldwide religious system which seduces many people into demonic deception. This system and the antichrist will be using each other because they are both selfish. When the antichrist is possessed by Satan in the middle of the tribulation period and proclaims himself as God he will not have much of an interest for the Harlot and that will be the start of the destruction of this system.

 

We have a choice in our life who we are going to follow. I am doing my best to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and it is hard because the road is narrow. If you see the masses go to a satanic deception run the other way. The best defense is a good offence. Now may be a good time to accept Jesus Christ into your heart as personal Savior and Lord by repenting of all your sins and invite the Son of God into your life.

 

Christians need to live for Jesus Christ. We find our hope and direction in the Bible. (13) "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in therat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (15) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Matthew 7: 13 - 15.

 

God bless you,      Bob D.