In Revelation, chapter thirteen, verses one through ten information is given concerning the Antichrist .The chapter opens with a beast having seven heads, which are the seven world monarchies, and ten horns with ten crowns who represent ten nations and their kings who will dominate during the tribulation. This beast had some attributes that were descriptive of the beast found in Daniel chapter seven displaying swiftness, power, and greed. This beast is the Antichrist who comes out of these nations and is given power and authority by the dragon (Satan).
Everyone is not impressed with the Antichrist as he rises to power and he is murdered. However, a miracle takes place, and he is restored to life, causing the world to be amazed and impressed with him – consequently, satanic worship and worship of the Antichrist increases. People begin to view the Antichrist as an extraordinary individual, and his influence escalates all over the world. This is what he wants; for his ultimate goal is to be the ruler of the whole world.
During the last half of the tribulation, which is called the great tribulation, the Antichrist becomes intoxicated with his power and vaunts himself – he blasphemy God, His name, His tabernacle, and the heavenly host.
Since the rapture, the world has been suffering from global catastrophes. The salvation message being preached to the world, bible reading, biblical study tools, etc. informed the world that God is the judging them. Therefore, God, the tribulation ministers, and converts are all seen as enemies of the world. This sentiment assists the Antichrist in making wars against believers, and he is victorious over them.
In all of this, believers assurance is that one day, Jesus will reign supreme, and the Antichrist will reap what he has sown.
In reading Revelation chapter twelve, which tells the ongoing struggle between Israel and Satan, an understanding of biblical history helps place past and future events in its’ proper order.
The chapter opens by introducing us to a woman who represents the nation of Israel. This woman who is travailing in the delivery of a child is depicted with the glory and dominion, which has been a promise to Israel in the future.
Also we are introduced to a great red dragon who is Satan, the Devil, or the old serpent. Throughout history, Satan has been busy. First, he can cause havoc and rebellion in heaven resulting in one- third of the angels being cast out of heaven to earth.
Next, he unsuccessfully attempts to kill the newly born Jesus who lived, was crucified, resurrected to heaven and in the future will return to earth to rule with a rod of iron during the millennium kingdom.
In the middle of the tribulation, there is a great war in the heavens between the archangel Michael and his angels against Satan and his angels, which ends with Satan and his host being expelled from heaven. The heavenly host rejoices that Satan is prohibited from heaven, and we are reminded that the blood of Jesus, our testimony and willingness to die for the gospel causes us to be overcomers.
Knowing his time is short and now confined to earth Satan’s anger, and wrath is fueled against Israel whom he persecutes and attempts to annihilate via a flood. God helps Israel to escape from Jerusalem into the wilderness where He protects them for three and a half years. The attention of Satan is then directed at the Godly remnant of Israel that was left in Jerusalem. His plan for them is a war, and the trauma Israel will experience is terrible!
Sometimes we do not believe the Bible. We think that God does mean what He says, but He does. Please be aware that many of the judgments that have occurred and are about to occur are similar to the plagues of Egypt; only these will be more intensified. If you believed what happen in Egypt was not fiction, then you can believe God’s judgments will occur during the tribulation. They are real folks!
In Revelation chapter sixteen, after receiving their instructions, the first angel poured out his vial and everyone that has the mark of the beast and worshipped his image breaks out in severe, foul-smelling sores. People are going to be itching and stinking. No doubt, because a large percentage of earth inhabitants will be affected, they will feel like a plague has come to the world.
The second angel pours out his vial upon the sea, and it becomes like the blood of a dead man causing every living soul in the sea to die. If marine creatures in the water have a soul, they will die. For those who eat fish, they will no longer be available or edible. This vital food supply will be extinct.
The third angel pours out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of water, which turns them to blood. Thus, the source of drinking water will no longer be accessible, and the foul-smelling blood will breed pestilence and disease. This reminds me of a poem I had to learn as a child in school from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, “Water, water everywhere and nor any drop to drink.”
Then the angel assigned to the waters declares the Law of Recompense, which allows men to get what they give. The unbelievers had shed the blood of the tribulation converts, and now they have blood to drink. There is no error in God’s judgments; eventually, everyone is rewarded for their actions.
At the end of Revelation chapter, eleven John is once again given a glimpse of heaven. As the final woe starts, an angel sounds the seventh trumpet, and John hears great voices in heaven, declaring the sovereignty and reign of Christ.
He sees the twenty-four elders worshipping God and thanking Him for the reign of Christ, His righteous judgment of the nations, and His reward to believers.
The chapter closes with John seeing the ark (which represents God covenant with His people) in the heavenly temple.
Similar to the closing of the seventh seal judgment, there are thundering, lightning, hail, and an earthquake. I think the elements are trying to alert earthlings to the disaster that is about to befall them.
Before John discloses the next final set of seven judgments (which are called vial or bowl judgments), he shares information in the following three chapters of Revelation on the main characters and events of the tribulation period. Keep reading future blogs to learn about them.
As I begin to blog on chapter eleven, I must remind you that Revelation is not written chronologically. This particular chapter talks about events and two witnesses that will be living on earth during the first half of the tribulation period.
At the beginning of the tribulation, the Antichrist will make a covenant with the Jews permitting them to build their temple in Jerusalem and offer their sacrifices according to the Mosaic Law. This is why John was told to measure out the temple. During the last forty-two months of the tribulation, which is known as the great tribulation, the Antichrist breaks his covenant with the Jews, and he and Gentile persons will desecrate the temple and holy city.
Two witnesses clothed in sackcloth will be God’s ministers assigned to ministry in Jerusalem. The witnesses are also called olive trees and candlesticks. Their actual identity is unknown; however, they perform miracles like those done by Moses in Egypt. Men will fear them for fire proceeds out of their mouth to kill anyone who would bodily threaten them. At the end of their three and a half years’ ministry, God will allow the Antichrist to kill these two witnesses. Their bodies will lie on the street of Jerusalem unburied for three and one-half days while the people who rejected their preaching celebrate over their demise. Then the Spirit of Life re-enters their bodies, and they stand up, causing great fear to come on the onlookers. A great voice from heaven calls to them, and they ascend to heaven in a cloud.
The two witnesses will be ministering during the early stage of the Antichrists’ rise to power. Since his ultimate goal is to be the world dictator, their message is not one that he will receive or desired propagated. He will probably be the instigator behind many attempts to kill these witnesses. I can only imagine during the tribulation as things become more restrictive, and the economy changes, the media broadcasting will come under the influence of the Antichrist. So, when he finally succeeds in the murder of the witnesses, he will feel exhilarated and will have it all blasted on the media for everyone to behold. This is how the world will get to see the death and unexpected resurrection of the witnesses.
Within the same hour of the two witnesses’ ascension, there is a tremendous earthquake in Jerusalem that destroys a tenth part of the city and kills seven thousand men. This finally gets the attention of men, and they begin to praise God.
Between the sounding of the sixth and seventh trumpet, John sees a gigantic angel descend from heaven with a small open book in his hand and physical attributes that represented: God’s covenant with man, strength and judgment. This angel places his left foot on the earth, his right foot on the sea which denotes authority over the whole earth, and then he cries out with a loud lion roar.
Seven thunders began to talk, and John started to record what they said but then was instructed not to do so. Have you ever been told to hush when it is thundering because God is talking or mad with the world? Well, now we know that thunder talks. Isn’t it amazing to understand the elements have a voice? The creations of God are awesome.
The gigantic angel made an oath to God concerning end time events no longer being delayed and the revelation of the mystery of God (God’s reason for the plan of salvation) being disclosed. I have often wondered why God permitted sin, and since He knows our beginning from the end why He did not just make the earth inhabited with only believers. My questions will be answered, and I am sure you too probably have a few.
John was instructed to take the book from the angel and eat it. It was sweet in his mouth but bitter in his stomach. The word can be easily consumed; however, digesting and applying it is difficult. Also, the thought of the return of Jesus to earth is wonderful, but the events that must take place before his return is gut retching.
Finally, though John is in prison on the Isle of Patmos, he is informed his ministry days are not over; for he has yet to appear before kings and nations of people.
The second woe begins with the sixth angel sounding his trumpet and told to loose the four angels which were bound in the Euphrates River. Because these angels were bound they are part of Satan’s kingdom and in accordance with God’s timetable loosed at His set time.
With the loosing of the angels came a two-million-man military force in a colorfully described armor on horses that were unique in appearance and capability. The horses’ heads were like a lion and they spewed fire, smoke, and brimstone out of its’ mouth. Its’ serpentine tail was capable of also hurting mankind. Thus, these horses were capable of attacking from their front and rear. The destruction and ferocity of these horses are real for the fire, smoke and brimstone killed one-third of the remaining population which means before the seventh trumpet is sounded half of the world’s population will be dead.
What is amazing is the killing of men was done by horses and not other human beings. Commentators question again like the previous judgment whether we should take this judgment as literal or symbolic. Either way, you choose, half of the world population is dead.
Despite all the adverse judgments, men still did not repent from their evil doings, demon worship, idolatry, murders, sorceries, thefts, and fornication. Can you tell me what it will take to open the eyes of men to the error of their ways? Is there anything that will cause them to repent?
As chapter nine begins, the fifth angel sounds his trumpet, and a star (angel) falls from heaven to earth with a key to open up the bottomless pit. In the Bible, the pit is defined as a place of detention, imprisoning chamber, an abyss, a place where evil is shut up and bound. After the pit is open smoke can be seen rising from it to heaven darkening the atmosphere and sun.
Along with the smoke came demon locusts which were given authority to torment the men worldwide that did not have the seal of God in their foreheads for five months. Ordinarily, locusts usually devour all green vegetation in their path; however, these were prohibited from doing so. They could discern humans from vegetation, and their focus was on humans. These locusts were likened to scorpions in their attack; for their tail, which was similar to a scorpion’s tail administered a painful sting that made humans want to die but was unable to do so.
Verses seven through ten gives a vivid description of the locusts, which could be seen as an overwhelming military force. These intelligent creatures were ferocious, attractive, cruel, not easily penetrated, loud, and vociferous.
As I previously stated, there is order in the spirit realm; so the locust had a king named Abaddon or Apollyon, which interpreted means destruction or destroyer. This king was not only king over the locusts, but also the pit.
The first woe is past, and there are two more to come.
As I am writing this blog, my mind is being stretched, and I need to share some thoughts with you.
There has been much discussion, debate, and speculation on Revelation, chapter nine. Questions have been posed on whether the events in these next two judgments are real, or symbolic. I believe that just as we are told of beings in heaven that does not look like us humans, beings are existing and functioning in the spirit realm that we may find hideous.
Sci-fi movies, producers, and writers have already exposed us to creatures from other planets. In these films, we have seen our planet invaded, and our futile attempts to annihilate these invading creatures. Up until the tribulation, this has all been imaginary. What if things are about to change? As seen in many movies, the invisible becomes visible to the horror and surprise of mankind. Remember, during the tribulation, things are not going to be business as usual.
As humans, our reality is limited to this earthly realm. Could it be during the tribulation the earth realm will openly interact with the spirit realm? Whether the demonic host is symbolic of actual military devices, an invading army, or an unseen force as some have assumed all I can say, “Look out world.”
Before the last three trumpets are sounded an angel flies in the mid-heaven declaring, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth.” These three woes are to alert the inhabitants of the seriousness of the events that will shortly take place. The definition of woe is calamity, sorrow, misery, grief. There are three woes which mean things will be intensified by threes.
The next two trumpets judgments take us into the spirit world. As believers, we need to know that there is another realm that is more real than earth. In this realm, there are two kingdoms: God’s kingdom and Satan’s kingdom. Each of these kingdoms has spirit beings that follow the instruction of their leader. There is a hierarchical system in place, and there are location and role assignments.
In reading the scriptures on the next two trumpets judgments we are introduced to demonic locust that came out of a bottomless pit, an angel that is king over the pit and its occupants, angels that are bound at a specific location, and demonic horses with a lion head and tail like a serpent. All of these things are part of Satan’s kingdom, and from God’s kingdom, we are exposed to a gigantic angel.
Many have questioned if these demonic beings should be taken literal, or are they symbolic? You decide; I will not try to determine what they are but rather share what they will do.
The Teacher's Pick 