(Subjects in this Section)
As
a result of the 144,000 Jews, many came to Jesus during the first part of the
Tribulation. Some were killed.
However, during the second part of the Tribulation, Christians
will be slaughtered. They shall be hunted down, arrested, persecuted, beaten,
tormented, tortured, and finally killed, unless they renounce their faith in
Jesus Christ and worship the image. As the cries rang out against Jesus, "CRUCIFY
HIM, CRUCIFY HIM," so the cries shall ring out against the Christians that
get saved during the Tribulation. The cry may be, "Kill them, kill them."
Multitudes shall be beheaded.
Yet as a result of God's Word and also because of the two
witnesses of God, many will come to faith during the second part of the Tribulation.
In our walk with Jesus, we are called to be obedient and
never deny Him. We are to overcome all things: even the threat of going without
food, even the threat of losing our job, even the threat of being killed for
our faith in Jesus Christ. These, and many other things are brought about by
the devil against Christians, because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Through
overcoming, our faith is proved genuine. During the Tribulation, the
saints will have to make a choice of taking the mark of the beast or not being
able to buy and sell. They will have to make the choice of worshiping the image
of the beast or possibly being beheaded. By worshiping the image, they may save
their physical life for a short time, but they shall lose it for eternity. They
may have had faith in Jesus. They may have been baptized. They may have confessed
Jesus as their Savior. Nevertheless, if their faith fails and they take that
mark and worship the image—they will perish for eternity. As it is written,
WHOSOEVER SHALL SEEK TO SAVE HIS LIFE SHALL LOSE IT; AND WHOSOEVER SHALL LOSE
HIS LIFE SHALL PRESERVE IT-Lk 17:33.
Rev
12:11 tells us, THEY OVERCAME HIM BY (or because of) THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB.
The significance of the blood is best described by God's Word:
BLOOD-shed for the remission of sins-ref Mt 26:28
BLOOD-Redemption through His blood-Eph 1:7; ref Heb
9:12; 1 Pe 1:18,19; Rev 5:9
BLOOD-Justified by His blood-Ro 5:9
BLOOD-Washed us from our sins in His blood-ref Rev
1:5
BLOOD-Entered into the holiest by His blood-ref Heb
10:19
BLOOD-The church is purchased by the blood-ref Acts
20:28
BLOOD-Sanctify the people by the blood-ref Heb 13:12
BLOOD-Cleansed from all sin by the blood-ref 1 Jn
1:7
BLOOD-Propitiation through faith in His blood-Ro
3:25
BLOOD-Overcame Satan by the blood-ref Rev 12:11
BLOOD-Eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, dwelleth
in Me, and I in him-Jn 6:56
Rev 12:11 also tells us, THEY OVERCAME HIM (the Antichrist)
BY (or because of)…THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY (or message of their witness-JNT76).
No matter what came against these saints, they would not shrink back from their
faithfulness in obeying God and their testimony of Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Even if their children were taken from them and tortured; even if their children
might go hungry; even if they were slandered, tortured, and ridiculed; or even
if they were killed, they would not turn from obeying God or their testimony
of Jesus.
Rev 12:11-AND THEY LOVED NOT THEIR LIVES UNTO THE DEATH (even
when facing death they did not cling to life-JNT77) (they did not
love their lives so much as to shrink from death-NIV).
The Christians, during the Tribulation, will understand this
verse in Phili 1:21-FOR TO ME TO LIVE IS CHRIST, AND TO DIE IS GAIN. Those that
are martyred for their faith in Jesus shall understand what Paul meant, when
he said, TO BE WITH CHRIST; WHICH IS FAR BETTER-Phili 1:23.
Many saints were martyred in the first part of the Tribulation.
The second part of the Tribulation will see the greatest massacre of saints
in the history of the world.
HERE IS THE PATIENCE (or when perseverance is needed on the
part-JNT78) OF THE SAINTS (or God's people). The saints can rest
assured that the disobedient shall receive the just reward for their actions.
HERE ARE THEY THAT KEEP (or obey) THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND THE FAITH OF
JESUS (or remain faithful to Jesus)-Rev 14:12. The true saints do keep God's
commandments, which testifies of their love for God-ref Jn 14:15. The true Christians
do remain faithful to Jesus, even when confronted with death. Note the words,
WHICH KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST-Rev
12:17.
AND
I SAW AS IT WERE (or what looked like) A SEA OF GLASS MINGLED (or mixed) WITH
FIRE: AND (standing beside the sea) THEM THAT HAD GOTTEN THE VICTORY OVER (or
defeating, or been victorious over)
(1)
THE BEAST,
(2)
AND OVER HIS IMAGE,
(3)
AND OVER HIS MARK, AND
(4)
OVER THE NUMBER OF HIS NAME, STAND ON THE SEA OF GLASS, HAVING THE HARPS
OF GOD (or which God had given
them-JNT79)-Rev 15:2. Also note the sea of glass as mentioned
in Rev 4:6. Harpers are mentioned in Rev 14:2. A great multitude
is mentioned in Rev 7:9-11 that came out of the Great Tribulation. The
saints have harps in this verse, and singing is mentioned in v.3.
AND THEY SING THE SONG OF MOSES THE SERVANT OF GOD, AND THE SONG
OF THE LAMB, SAYING, GREAT AND MARVELLOUS (or wonderful) ARE THY WORKS (or the
things you have done-JNT80), LORD GOD ALMIGHTY (or Adonai, God of
heaven's armies-JNT81); JUST AND TRUE ARE THY WAYS, THOU KING OF
SAINTS (or nations, or ages)-Rev 15:3. The singing of the song of Moses
(the Old Testament) and the song of the Lamb (the New Testament) can show there
is no conflict between the Old and New Testaments. It has been considered
that the singing of the “song of Moses” could indicate that these are martyred
Jews.
WHO SHALL NOT FEAR THEE, O LORD (Adonai), AND GLORIFY THY NAME?
FOR THOU ONLY ART HOLY-Rev 15:4. Once again, fearing God is mentioned.
They were killed, because of, or for, or they had not given in to these:
THE WITNESS OF JESUS-Rev 20:4
They HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS-Rev 12:17
FOR THE WORD OF GOD-Rev 20:4
They HAD NOT WORSHIPED THE BEAST-Rev 20:4
They had not WORSHIPED THE…IMAGE-Rev 20:4
They had not received his mark UPON THEIR FOREHEADS, OR IN THEIR HANDS-Rev 20:4; ref Rev 15:2
They had not received THE NUMBER OF HIS NAME-Rev 15:2
They KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD-Rev 12:17; 14:12
They kept THE FAITH OF JESUS-Rev 14:12
They got the victory:
OVER THE BEAST-Rev
15:2
They overcame:
BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB-Rev 12:11
BY THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY-Rev 12:11
THEY LOVED NOT THEIR LIVES UNTO THE DEATH-Rev 12:11
And
They WASHED THEIR ROBES-Rev 7:14
They MADE THEM WHITE IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB-Rev 7:14
HE THAT LEADETH INTO (or is destined for) CAPTIVITY SHALL GO INTO CAPTIVITY: HE THAT KILLETH WITH THE SWORD MUST BE KILLED WITH THE SWORD. Whatever a person does to a saint must, in turn, be done to them. If a person leads a saint into captivity, they, themselves, will go into captivity. If a person kills a saint with a sword, they, in return, will be killed by a sword. HERE IS THE PATIENCE AND THE FAITH OF THE SAINTS (this is when God's holy people must persevere and trust!-JNT82)-Rev 13:10. Let us run the race that is set before us with patience. God's Word can be trusted. What has been said will surely come to pass. This exhorts the saints to be patient and endure by faith.
(Commentary)
Sin
shall increase more and more during the Tribulation. An atmosphere of "every
man for himself" should prevail. The hatred of people, one for another,
will be great. But above all, the hatred toward those that profess Jesus should
be vicious.
During the second part of the Tribulation, the authorities
should be looking for Christians, as they have not worshiped the image. They
have not pledged their allegiance to the Antichrist. These Christians are considered
enemies of the state and of all people. They will be hunted down as criminals.
Once caught they can expect to be arrested, persecuted, brutally beaten and
tortured; if they do not give in and worship the image, they should finally
be beheaded. People betraying people will be commonplace. Satan and his Antichrist
intend to rid the earth of every living Christian. The government, the military,
the police, and most people will all be on their side. Very few Christians will
survive the Tribulation. Most will either renounce their faith or be brutally
murdered. In addition to this, living conditions will be extremely difficult
for everyone.
The
Tribulation is a period of time that is much like the birth pains of
a woman in labor. As the many events unfold, the situation gets worse and worse.
As the Tribulation progresses, many new terrible things occur, adding to the
already horrible events that are ongoing. It culminates with the Battle of Armageddon,
when Jesus Christ returns. At that point, the birth pains will have gotten so
bad that—if Jesus had not returned exactly when He does—no life on earth would
be saved. However, as a woman in travail brings forth new life, in the same
way, the return of Jesus and His saints to the earth begins a new era—one thousand
years of peace.
Consider these few examples. In the beginning of the Tribulation,
there are earthquakes. At the time Jesus returns, after the Tribulation of those
days, there will be the greatest earthquake ever seen, and the cities of the
nations fall. Near the beginning of the Tribulation, one-third of the creatures
in the sea that had life will die. Near the end of the Tribulation, every living
soul in the sea dies. Near the beginning of the Tribulation, one-fourth of humanity
dies from the effects of war. Near the end of the Tribulation, one-third of
the world's population dies. At Armageddon, nearly all life on earth is killed.
Sin will also continue to increase. The spread of diseases should blanket the
earth. The persecution and murder of those, who get saved during the Tribulation,
will be far worse during the second part.
It is written, AND THEY SHALL BE AFRAID: PANGS AND SORROWS
SHALL TAKE HOLD OF THEM; THEY SHALL BE IN PAIN AS A WOMAN THAT TRAVAILETH:
THEY SHALL BE AMAZED ONE AT ANOTHER; THEIR FACES SHALL BE AS FLAMES. BEHOLD,
THE DAY OF THE LORD COMETH, CRUEL BOTH WITH WRATH AND FIERCE ANGER, TO LAY THE
LAND DESOLATE: AND HE SHALL DESTROY THE SINNERS THEREOF OUT OF IT-Isa 13:8,9.
UNTO THEE SHALL IT COME, EVEN THE FIRST DOMINION; THE KINGDOM
SHALL COME TO THE DAUGHTER OF JERUSALEM. NOW WHY DOST THOU CRY OUT ALOUD? IS
THERE NO KING IN THEE? IS THY COUNSELOR PERISHED? FOR PANGS HAVE TAKEN THEE
AS A WOMAN IN TRAVAIL. BE IN PAIN, AND LABOR TO BRING FORTH, O DAUGHTER
OF ZION, LIKE A WOMAN IN TRAVAIL-Mic 4:8-10.
NATION WILL RISE AGAINST NATION, AND KINGDOM AGAINST KINGDOM.
THERE WILL BE FAMINES AND EARTHQUAKES IN VARIOUS PLACES. ALL THESE ARE THE BEGINNING
OF BIRTH PAINS-Mt 24:7,8 NIV. The NIV and JNT both use the term "birth
pains" in this verse. The NASB uses "birth pangs," and the KJV
uses "sorrows."
(Commentary)
False
Christs are mentioned in the first part of the Tribulation as being many-ref
Mt 24:5. False prophets are also mentioned in the first part of the Tribulation
as being many-ref Mt 24:11.
However, during the second part of the Tribulation, this
should increase. The false Christs and false prophets will be doing absolutely
incredible, yet deceptive, wonders and miracles. These incredible signs will
be so fantastic that, if it were possible, even the very elect would be deceived.
Deceivers will be saying to go here or there to find Christ. Religious deception
will abound.
(Scripture with commentary)
THEN
IF ANY MAN SHALL SAY UNTO YOU, LO, HERE IS CHRIST, OR THERE; BELIEVE IT NOT
(don’t believe him)-Mt 24:23.
AND THEN IF ANY MAN SHALL SAY TO YOU, LO (or look), HERE
IS CHRIST (or Messiah); OR, LO, HE IS THERE; BELIEVE HIM NOT-Mk 13:21.
There will be those that will try to mislead others into
believing that Christ is here or there. The Scriptures warn, when this happens,
do not to believe it.
FOR THERE SHALL ARISE (or appear) FALSE CHRISTS, AND FALSE
PROPHETS, AND SHALL SHOW GREAT SIGNS AND WONDERS (performing great miracles—amazing
things!-JNT83); INSOMUCH THAT, IF IT WERE POSSIBLE, THEY SHALL DECEIVE
(even) THE VERY ELECT (or chosen, if possible)-Mt 24:24.
FOR FALSE CHRISTS (or messiahs) AND FALSE PROPHETS SHALL
RISE (or appear), AND SHALL SHOW SIGNS AND WONDERS (or miracles), TO SEDUCE
(or deceive), IF IT WERE POSSIBLE, EVEN THE ELECT (or chosen)-Mk 13:22.
False Christs and false prophets shall come forth. These
shall bring forth "great" signs and "great" wonders or miracles.
The power of Satan will be behind these signs and miracles; they will be so
wondrous that, if it were possible, even the elect or chosen saints of God could
be deceived or misled.
BEHOLD, I HAVE TOLD YOU BEFORE (or in advance, or ahead of
time)-Mt 24:25.
BUT TAKE YE HEED (or be on your guard): BEHOLD, I HAVE FORETOLD
YOU ALL THINGS (in advance)-Mk 13:23. Jesus is telling His people what to expect
in advance.
WHEREFORE IF THEY SHALL SAY UNTO YOU, BEHOLD (listen), HE
IS IN THE DESERT; GO NOT FORTH (do not go out): BEHOLD, HE IS IN THE SECRET
CHAMBERS (or hidden away in a secret room-JNT84); BELIEVE IT NOT
(do not believe it)-Mt 24:26.
AND THEY (the) (people) SHALL SAY TO YOU, SEE HERE; OR, SEE
THERE: GO NOT AFTER THEM, NOR FOLLOW THEM-Lk 17:23.
Every kind of religious deception possible appears to exist
during the Tribulation, especially during the second part.
There will be those waiting for Christ to return. Others
will try to deceive them into believing that Christ is in the desert, or secret
chambers, or He is here, or there. One can expect that every conceivable trap
will be awaiting to deceive those that seek for the true Messiah. God’s Word
warns, do not believe these people. Do not follow them.
FOR AS THE LIGHTNING COMETH (or flashes) OUT OF THE EAST,
AND SHINETH (or fills the sky) EVEN UNTO THE WEST; SO SHALL ALSO THE COMING
OF THE SON OF MAN BE-Mt 24:27.
(Commentary)
As
the Tribulation continues, sin will get worse and worse. The wickedness of man
shall continue to increase. Ultimately, men, women, and children will be so
wicked, there may not be words to adequately describe it. Crimes and violence
that are even beyond what most people can imagine will be taking place. Unimaginable
brutality can be expected to overshadow the earth. It will become so bad, as
the end of the Tribulation approaches, that sin will become completely full.
The grapes will be fully ripe. In other words, sin will have reached its maximum.
It will be as it was in the day when the flood came upon the earth. It will
be as the days of Lot, when Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed.
Many that will become this way will be those that once followed
Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but Satan deceived them, and they fell.
Some of these people were those whom GOD sent (a) STRONG
(or powerful) DELUSION, (causing them to go astray-JNT85) THAT THEY
SHOULD BELIEVE A (or the) LIE: (The result will be) THAT THEY ALL MIGHT BE DAMNED
(or condemned) WHO BELIEVED NOT THE TRUTH, BUT HAD PLEASURE (or delighted) IN
UNRIGHTEOUSNESS (or wickedness). They chose to do their own will and refused
to let Jesus reign over them. THEY RECEIVED NOT (or refused) THE LOVE OF THE
TRUTH, which is God's Word (that could have saved them-JNT86)-ref
2 Thes 2:10-12.
Many, in this present generation, are the same people the
Scriptures are referring to during the Tribulation.
(Scripture)
It
is written, regarding the time of the Tribulation, NEITHER REPENTED THEY OF
THEIR MURDERS, NOR OF THEIR SORCERIES, NOR OF THEIR FORNICATION, NOR OF THEIR
THEFTS-Rev 9:21.
AS...IN THE DAYS OF LOT...THUS SHALL IT BE IN THE DAY...THE
SON OF MAN IS REVEALED-Lk 17:28,30.
It shall be EVEN AS SODOM AND GOMORRHA. They gave THEMSELVES
OVER TO FORNICATION-Jude 7.
They will DECLARE (or parade) THEIR SIN AS SODOM,
THEY HIDE IT NOT-Isa 3:9.
The earth will be filled with violence-ref Gen 6:11;
Mt 24:37; Lk 21:26.
THE WICKEDNESS OF MAN shall be GREAT IN THE EARTH-ref
Gen 6:5.
Hatred
abounded during the first part of the Tribulation, however, as birth pains,
hatred increases even more during the second part of the Tribulation.
It is written, THEN SHALL MANY…HATE ONE ANOTHER-Mt 24:10.
AND BECAUSE INIQUITY (or wickedness) SHALL ABOUND (or increase), THE LOVE OF
MANY (or most) SHALL WAX (or grow) COLD-Mt 24:12.
It
is written, THE DISCIPLES said...WHAT SHALL BE THE SIGN OF THY COMING?
JESUS...SAID...THERE SHALL BE FAMINES...IN DIVERS PLACES-Mt 24:3,4,7; ref Mk
13:8; Lk 21:11.
Lam 5:10 gives a picture of famine. It is written, OUR SKIN
WAS BLACK LIKE AN OVEN BECAUSE OF THE TERRIBLE FAMINE.
The two witnesses of God have the power to shut up heaven that it rain not in the days of their prophecy. Exactly what area will not receive rain is not clearly shown. It may be surmised that it will include Israel and some other parts of the Middle East. Living conditions will become increasingly difficult.
During the second part of the Tribulation, diseases continue to increase. AIDS may take more and more lives. New diseases will likely come forth. Some may be far worse than AIDS with no known cures. Old diseases, once thought to be eradicated, are expected to return. Some current diseases may develop immunity to existing medicines so that nothing will stop them. These things will increase as birth pains of a woman in labor.
During the second part of the Tribulation, the living conditions will continue to be horrible. In addition, the two witnesses of God will bring many plagues upon the earth, making conditions even worse. There will be food shortages, numerous killings and thefts, hate, and disease will abound with much suffering. There will be earthquakes increasing, wars and rumors of wars, an increase in sin, and religious deception.
Rev
8:13-AND I BEHELD (or watched), AND HEARD AN ANGEL (or an eagle) FLYING THROUGH
THE MIDST OF HEAVEN (or in midair). Note, the eagle may denote swiftness. The
angel was SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE, WOE, WOE, WOE, TO THE INHABITERS (or people)
OF THE EARTH. The angel was warning of three woes that were yet to come. These
woes were BY REASON OF (or because of) THE OTHER VOICES (or blasts) OF THE TRUMPET
OF THE THREE ANGELS, WHICH ARE YET TO SOUND (their shofars or trumpets)!
The first four trumpets were confined to the first part of
the Tribulation. They appear to give us details about the Russian-Arab invasion
of Israel and its results upon the earth.
The last three trumpets (five, six, and seven) occur at a
later time than the first four. They are each referred to as a "woe."
These are even worse than what had preceded them. The last three trumpets appear
to come after the midst of the Tribulation. Trumpet five appears to be during
the second part of the Tribulation. Trumpet six is nearing the end of the Tribulation.
Trumpet seven is the Battle of Armageddon.
(Commentary)
During
or near the beginning of the second part of the Tribulation, the bottomless
pit is opened. A great smoke comes forth, and out of the smoke comes a form
of locust. These locusts go forth as a massive army all over the earth. They
are instructed not to hurt any vegetation, but only the people that do not have
God's seal in their forehead. They do not kill; instead, they torment the people
of the earth for five months with a sting like a scorpion.
It will be so agonizing that people will seek to die, but
death shall flee from them.
Some form of a locust
Ascended out of the smoke that came out of the bottomless pit
They have a type of sting like a scorpion
They do not hurt the grass, or any green thing nor any tree
They hurt only people for five months that do not have the seal of God in their foreheads
The sting does not kill
The sting hurts so badly that men will seek death, but shall not find it
These locusts have a mission; they are prepared to battle
They have the power and authority to hurt men
They have what appears to be a gold-colored crown on their heads
They have faces like men
They have hair like a woman, possibly indicating long hair
They have big, strong teeth
They have some kind of armor, which is like iron
Because of this armor, it may be very difficult to kill them
They have wings, they can fly
Their wings make much noise
There will be many of them
They will go quickly to accomplish their mission
Their tails may curve upward
Their stings are in their tails like a scorpion
(Commentary)
The
two prophets of God were introduced just prior to the midst of the Tribulation.
One is Elijah, and the other appears to be Moses. God gives them power to fulfill
their mission. They should prophesy 1260 days or until near the end of the Tribulation.
They shall bear witness of the things that God gives them to say and will stand
for the truth in the face of the lies of the Antichrist, false prophet, and
other false witnesses.
They will be clothed in sackcloth. During their ministry,
it can be expected that many will come against them to try to hurt or kill them.
However, those who try will find that they will be devoured and killed by fire,
which comes forth through the speaking of the two witnesses. Their lives are
protected by God. Despite the great power of the Antichrist, they cannot be
killed until the days of their prophecy are fulfilled.
During the 1260 days that they are witnessing and prophesying,
there should be no rain. This may only pertain to Israel or parts of the Middle
East. One could only imagine how horrible the conditions will be in Israel with
no rain for the last three and a half years of the Tribulation. This also accounts
for why the Euphrates is dried up, in Rev 16:12, near the end of the second
part of the Tribulation.
They will also bring upon the earth all sorts of plagues
as often as they wish. They will be able to turn the waters to blood. This also
accounts for the rivers and fountains becoming blood, in Rev 16:4, during the
second part of the Tribulation.
They will be greatly hated by the world, because they tormented
the people of the earth with the many plagues that they brought.
(Commentary)
The
"whore," as has already been covered, is the Roman Catholic Church,
which encompasses the entire world during the first part of the Tribulation.
Sometime during the second part of the Tribulation, this "one-world church"
shall be destroyed. She shall be hated by the ten kings and possibly the Antichrist,
also. They shall burn her with fire. Her judgment is from the Lord. Exactly
when it happens, during the second part of the Tribulation, seems very difficult
to pinpoint. It may be when the Antichrist moves into the temple. Some others
believe it could be at the end of the Tribulation. Both positions seem possible.
In the Scriptures, the words "Babylon is fallen"
are repeated together twice. The first "is fallen" represents the
whore of Rome. The second "is fallen" is that great city of Rome,
but may also denote the Babylon of old. Some, who may not understand the Babylonian
cult becoming part of the Roman Catholic Church, have mistakenly thought the
Babylon mentioned here would be a rebuilt Babylon, in Iraq, where it once was.
However, careful study, of Revelation chapters 17-19, should show clearly that
the old Babylon does not fit the description given in the Revelation. Any attempt
to rebuild the Babylon of old would not nullify that this is Rome.
The ten kings shall utterly or completely destroy the Roman
Catholic Church. Some believe the Roman Catholic Church shall try to compete
with the Antichrist. Consequently, they believe that when the Antichrist moves
into the temple in Jerusalem and proclaims himself to be God, at that time,
the "great whore" shall be destroyed. Others believe that it will
occur at the time of the seventh vial—the approximate time that Jesus returns.
The wording of other translations appear to indicate that
it is the ten kings and the Antichrist that hate the whore and shall
destroy her.
The
ten kings and Antichrist hate the whore.
No wailing or mourning of the people is mentioned.
The length of time for her destruction is not specifically
given.
She is destroyed by the ten kings and possibly the beast-ref
Rev 17:16.
Her judgment is of the Lord-ref-Rev 19:2.
She is destroyed by fire-ref Rev 17:16.
The whore may be destroyed about the time that the Antichrist
declares himself to be God; however, this is not made clear in the Scriptures.
No
mention is made of the woman being hated by the ten kings.
There is great mourning.
Her judgment comes in one hour-ref Rev 18:10.
The Lord God judges her-ref Rev 18:8.
She shall be burned with fire-ref Rev 18:8.
She shall be thrown down with violence-ref Rev 18:21.
The destruction of the whore and the destruction of the city
are similar, but there are certain differences. It is possible that these could
be two separate events, at two different times. There is no mention that the
ten kings shall destroy Rome as they do the great whore. Should the great whore
be destroyed around the beginning of the second part of the Tribulation, it
appears the ten kings would be present in Rome to destroy her with fire; however,
the Antichrist should be in Jerusalem at the temple. (Note Rev 18:8.)
The destruction of Rome may not come until later in the Tribulation.
However, it seems certain that it will not be at the time of Armageddon, because
the merchants and shipmasters are crying over her. If it were at the time of
Armageddon, they should be fleeing for their lives, and saying, TO THE MOUNTAINS
AND ROCKS, FALL ON US, AND HIDE US FROM THE FACE OF HIM THAT SITTETH ON THE
THRONE, AND FROM THE WRATH OF THE LAMB-Rev 6:16. Again, the Scriptures are not
clear regarding the exact time that Rome shall be destroyed, but it could possibly
be near the end of the Tribulation.
(Commentary)
There
are many verses that deal with the last few days immediately before the end
of the Tribulation. There are many verses pertaining to the short period
immediately after the Tribulation, but prior to the actual Battle of Armageddon.
There are a great many verses referring to the actual Battle of Armageddon and
the physical return of Jesus Christ to the earth as the King of kings and Lord
of lords. This period is one day long. Then there are more verses dealing with
the days immediately after the Battle of Armageddon, including the judgment
of the nations.
It would seem impossible to put these hundreds of verses
into a chronological order, since the time period involved is of such a short
duration. There may be more verses in the Bible dealing with these few days,
than any other comparable period of time. The events happen in rapid succession.
There appear to be several "key" verses that God's
Word gives us. These verses, through "His wisdom," enable us to rightly
divide much of this brief period into a chronological order.
One person might comment, "What difference does it make
if every verse could be put in an accurate chronological order, as long as they
are simply all included?" The fact that God's Word enables us to do it,
gives an indication that He, in His mercy, may have some special "pearls
of wisdom and knowledge" for those that diligently labor in "His"
beautiful Word.
In the following verses, the "key phrases" appear
in bold print. These "key phrases" can be joined with the same phrases
in other verses to give an order of events, in some cases, expanding God's message
on this time period. Within some of these verses, God gives an order of events.
Some of these "key phrases" occur:
at the end of the Tribulation,
or just after the Tribulation but before Armageddon,
or during Armageddon, etc.
By putting these various verses together, other "key"
phrases appear that enable us to bring in many other verses. Through this process,
the entire chronological picture finally emerges.
The spirits of Satan, the Antichrist, and the false prophet go forth to gather the nations of the world for the Battle of Armageddon
Two hundred million horsemen are advancing; they are called the kings of the east
One-third of men are killed
The Euphrates River is dried up
The power of the holy people will be broken
The two prophets of God are killed; the earth rejoices
Their bodies lay in the street of the great city for three and one-half days
The judgment of Israel during the Tribulation
* He that endures to the end shall be saved
Approaching the Battle of Armageddon
There are signs in the heavens, the sun, the moon, the stars, and in the earth
After three days and an half, the spirit of life enters into the two prophets of God, and they stand up
Great fear fell upon them which saw them
They ascend up to heaven, and their enemies beheld them
The same hour there was a great earthquake
The tenth part of the city fell; seven thousand were killed; the second woe is past
There appears to be another great earthquake (the sixth seal)
The sun is dark, the moon as blood, before the day of the Lord
The host of heaven dissolved
The seven thunders
There should be time no longer
The Tribulation ends
The sun is dark, and the moon does not give her light
The sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining
The sea and waves are roaring
Men's hearts are failing them for fear for looking after what is coming
Multitudes in the valley of decision
The stars of heaven fall (angels)
The heavens shall tremble: The powers of heaven shall be shaken
The heavens depart as a scroll
Every mountain and island moved
Men hide in the rocks of the mountains, and say, "Fall on us and hide us from Him that sits on the throne"
There is silence in heaven (the seventh seal)
The sign of the Son of Man appears
All the tribes of the earth shall mourn
Heaven opens
Jesus Christ returns on a white horse
Jesus comes in the clouds with power and glory
Jesus comes with fire
Jesus comes with lightnings
Every eye shall see Him
Jesus’ feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives
Who shall be able to stand?
The saints return with Jesus
They shall look upon Jesus Whom they have pierced
The mystery of God should be finished (the beginning of the seventh trumpet)
The seventh trumpet
The wrath of Jesus
has come
The temple of God opens
Lightnings, voices, thunderings, earthquake, and great hail
The kings of the earth and the Antichrist are gathered to make war against Jesus
The Battle of Armageddon is at hand
The land is full of silver, gold, and idols
It is done
The day of the Lord is darkness
The judgment of Israel at His coming
The judgment of the heathen at Armageddon
Nothing shall deliver them in the day of the Lord; sin shall be removed from the land in one day
Everything shall be brought low
Jesus has waited a long time
It is neither light nor dark
Jesus asks, "When the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith?"
The Lord goes forth to fight
The Lord’s feet stand upon the Mount of Olives
The end of the Antichrist
The kingdom of the Antichrist is destroyed
How the Lord fights: with His Word
With fire; the earth and people are burned
With volcanoes
With earthquakes
With lightnings, thunders, the world’s greatest earthquake, and hail; (Jerusalem splits into three parts, the cities of the nations fall) (every island fled away, the mountains were not found)
With whirlwinds
The great winepress, the earth is reaped
The great winepress, Israel (the blood came unto the horses’ bridles)
The earth melts and changes; the earth reels back and forth like a drunkard; the earth is moved exceedingly
God’s enemies submit
A great number of people are dead
The birds gather to eat the flesh of the dead bodies
The number of people left alive are just a few
Satan is bound for 1000 years; he is cast into the bottomless pit; a seal is set upon him that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years should be fulfilled
The kingdoms of the world are become the kingdoms of Jesus
(Commentary)
As
the Tribulation is gradually nearing the end, God unleashes seven bowl or vial
judgments. As they are poured out, it may be that Elijah and Moses will execute
them, in much the same manner, as Moses did thousands of years ago.
The first vial: sores that come upon men.
The second vial: the sea becomes as the blood of a dead man.
Every living soul in the sea died.
The third vial: the rivers and fountains of waters become
as blood. People now have blood to drink.
The fourth vial: it is poured out upon the sun. Men are scorched
with great heat and fire.
The fifth vial: darkness upon the seat of the Antichrist.
The sixth vial: the Euphrates River is dried up, so the way
of the kings of the east might be prepared.
(Commentary with Scripture)
A
massive military force of two hundred million troops, from the east, head for
Israel during the latter portion of the second part of the Tribulation (or the
Great Tribulation). This military force appears to be from China and other eastern
nations. Meanwhile, four angels are bound at the great river Euphrates. When
they are let loose, one-third of the world’s population will be killed, apparently,
by this huge military force.
Some have speculated that it is a war between the eastern
and western parts of the empire, that is, between the two separate feet of the
image of Nebuchadnezzar. The kingdom shall be divided. The kingdom is partly
strong and partly broken. The iron and clay do not cleave to each other or mix
together-ref Dan 2:41-43. As the kings of the east march to Israel, they are
met with the forces of the west or north.
(Commentary with Scripture)
A
massive military force of two hundred million troops, from the east, head for
Israel during the latter portion of the second part of the Tribulation (or the
Great Tribulation). This military force appears to be from China and other eastern
nations. Meanwhile, four angels are bound at the great river Euphrates. When
they are let loose, one-third of the world’s population will be killed, apparently,
by this huge military force.
Some have speculated that it is a war between the eastern
and western parts of the empire, that is, between the two separate feet of the
image of Nebuchadnezzar. The kingdom shall be divided. The kingdom is partly
strong and partly broken. The iron and clay do not cleave to each other or mix
together-ref Dan 2:41-43. As the kings of the east march to Israel, they are
met with the forces of the west or north.
While this appears to be true, it is actually a gathering
of the forces of the world to the place of the Battle of Armageddon. The spirits
of Satan, the Antichrist, and the false prophet go forth to gather the armies
of the world.
Using this chart as a guideline, you may speculate and fill in your own figures.
Estimated world population at the time of the Rapture. 6,000,000,000 | |
Rapture, not as many as most believe. | ? |
Tribulation, 1st part, ¼ world's population killed. | ? |
Many others also die, murdered, earthquakes,diseases, famines, etc. | |
Total people left at the midst of the Tribulation. | ? |
Tribulation, 2nd part, many martyred. | ? |
Many others also die, murdered, earthquakes, diseases, etc. |
? |
1/3rd of the world's population is killed. | ? |
Total people left at the end of the Tribulation. | ? |
Battle of Armageddon, many are killed. | ? |
After Armageddon, few people are left alive. How many? | ? |
During
the first part of the Tribulation, one-fourth of the world’s population was
killed as a result of war.
During the second part, it is even worse, as one-third of
what is left of the world’s population is now killed. The four angels were released.
Note the wording, THE…ANGELS WERE LOOSED...TO SLAY (or kill). Consequently,
masses of people are killed. Some may contend that the angels do the killing.
However, it would appear that the actual slaying is accomplished by the massive
army and their weapons-ref Rev 16:12; 9:16-18.
Rev 9:16-AND THE NUMBER OF THE ARMY OF THE HORSEMEN (or cavalry
soldiers, or mounted troops) WERE TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND, THOUSAND (or two hundred
million): AND I HEARD THE NUMBER OF THEM. John did not count them, but rather
heard the number of how many there were. It is interesting to note, China has
boasted that they can field an army of two hundred million troops. The huge
military armada goes forth into Israel. They do not know what awaits them. They
do not realize that the Battle of Armageddon lies ahead, at which time they
will be as grapes trampled in a winepress.
As
the sixth vial is poured out, the end of the Tribulation should be approaching.
Rev 16:12-AND THE SIXTH ANGEL POURED OUT HIS VIAL UPON THE
GREAT RIVER EUPHRATES; AND THE WATER THEREOF WAS DRIED UP. Rev 11:6, had
shown that the two witnesses HAVE POWER TO SHUT HEAVEN, THAT IT RAIN NOT IN
THE DAYS OF THEIR PROPHECY. The days of their prophecy are 1260. It appears
the rain has been stopped for nearly 42 months. As a result, the great river
Euphrates has finally dried up.
It is also written, THE NEW WINE IS DRIED UP...THE HARVEST
OF THE FIELD IS PERISHED. THE VINE IS DRIED UP...EVEN ALL THE TREES OF THE FIELD,
ARE WITHERED…THE HERDS OF CATTLE ARE PERPLEXED, BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO PASTURE...THE
RIVERS OF WATERS ARE DRIED UP, AND THE FIRE HATH DEVOURED THE PASTURES-Joel
1:10-12,18,20. Note vial four, TO SCORCH MEN WITH FIRE-Rev 16:8.
Why has the river Euphrates dried up? It is written, (in
order) THAT THE WAY OF THE KINGS OF (or from) THE EAST MIGHT BE PREPARED-Rev
16:12; ref Rev 9:14. A two hundred million man army has been advancing toward
Israel from the east-ref Rev 9:16. They finally arrive at the great river Euphrates,
but because there has been no rain for a long period of time, the river has
dried up. Thus, "the way of the kings of the east" is now prepared.
They can cross the river. The Tribulation is almost over. The Battle of Armageddon
is very close.
It is reported that the Euphrates River is approximately
1700 to 1800 miles long, ranging up to about two-thirds of a mile wide.
As mentioned previously, the lack of rain, during the second
part of the Tribulation, is one of the items which make it clear that the two
witnesses are here on the earth during the second part.
The seventh vial should be listed under the section dealing
with the Battle of Armageddon.
Trumpet 5 Locusts | Moses had brought a different kind of locust |
Vial 1 Sores | Moses brought boils on the Egyptians |
Vial 2 Sea becomes as | Moses turned waters to blood in Egypt blood |
Vial 3 Rivers and fountains | Moses turned waters to blood in Egypt become blood |
Vial 4 Men scorched with heat and fire | |
Vial 5 Darkness | Moses brought darkness in Egypt |
Vial 6 Euphrates dried up | Elijah caused it not to rain in the past |
(Commentary)
From
the time that the Antichrist moves into the temple in Jerusalem through the
end of the Tribulation (which is 3 ½ years), he will have scattered or broken
the power of the holy people. Then all these things will be finished.
God's anger is aroused against Israel. He hides His face
from them. Israel shall be devoured. Many evils and troubles shall come upon
them. God will provoke Israel to anger with a foolish nation.
The Lord does these things, because they are a very froward
generation. They have done much evil. They have turned to other gods. They have
turned aside from the ways of God and corrupted themselves. They have done much
evil in the sight of the Lord and have provoked Him to anger with the work of
their hands. They have moved Him to jealousy with that which is not God and
with their vanities; they do not understand what their latter end will be. They
have no faith.
The meat offering and the drink offering is cut off from
the house of the Lord.
During the second part of the Tribulation, there is no rain
upon Israel and surrounding areas. Thus, the fields are wasted, and the crops
have perished. The vines are dried up, and the trees are withered away. The
wild animals are crying. The rivers have dried up; fires have burned up much
of the wilderness.
In vial four (ref Rev 16:8,9), men shall be scorched with
great heat. Perhaps, as a result of this and the lack of rain, the fires have
burned all the trees of the field.
The invaders of Israel have cast lots for and sold the children
of Israel.
The day of the Lord is at hand.
The Lord will have compassion on His servants, when He sees
that their power is gone.
(Commentary)
The
time period may be approximately one to three and a half days before the end
of the Tribulation. The two prophets of God have been witnessing for 1260 days.
They have been standing for the truth. Most of the world has rejected their
message. The Revelation foretold how they would be killed, but then rise from
the dead.
Once the two prophets of God (Elijah and presumably Moses)
have finished their witnessing, they are killed by the Antichrist. Their dead
bodies shall lie in the street of Jerusalem and will not be put into a grave.
All the world should be able to see that the Antichrist overcame them and killed
them. This will further prove to the world that the Antichrist is really God,
and that taking the mark and worshiping the image was the right thing to do.
The people of the world will be happy. These two prophets
brought numerous plagues against the world and tormented the people. They had
shut off the rain; it rained not in the days of their prophecy. Now that they
are dead, the people of the world will give gifts one to another and rejoice.
They, undoubtedly, think that the rain will return and the plagues will cease.
For 3 ½ days, the bodies of the two prophets shall remain
in the street.
(Commentary)
The
Scriptures have given many reasons why the Tribulation will come. Some of these
include: to feed Israel with judgment, to execute judgment, to destroy the fat
and strong of Israel, because Israel has forgotten the God of their salvation,
and they have not keep in mind the Rock of their strength (which is Jesus),
to cause Israel to seek Jesus and be obedient to His Word, and to destroy the
sinners out of the land.
During this time, two-thirds of Israel will be cut off and
die, but one-third shall be refined and brought through this horrible period.
This is a judgment upon Israel during the Tribulation. Israel
is the focal point of what is happening during this period. As a result of this
judgment upon Israel, multitudes will come to Jesus.
Jesus shall come unto them that turn from their transgressions.
Upon the house of David and Jerusalem, the Lord will pour out the Spirit of
grace and of supplications. It is written, SO ALL ISRAEL SHALL BE SAVED-Ro 11:26.
Then Jesus will reign over and rule the entire earth, from
Jerusalem, for one thousand years.
BUT
HE THAT SHALL ENDURE (or holds out, or stands firm) UNTO THE END, THE SAME SHALL
BE SAVED (or delivered)-Mk 13:13.
There will be numerous troubles and obstacles during the
Tribulation for the person that desires to follow Jesus, including being hated,
persecuted, thrown into prison, and killed. Further obstacles will include false
religions, false Christs, and misuse of God’s Word or religious deception, just
to mention some. Nevertheless, the person that endures to the end will be delivered.
If, by God’s mercy, they survive to the end, they will enter the Millennium
in their physical bodies when Jesus Christ returns.
Many, however, will be killed for their faith in Jesus during
the Tribulation. They will return with Jesus, at Armageddon, in their new spiritual
bodies. It is written, Lk 21:19-IN YOUR PATIENCE POSSESS YE YOUR SOULS (by standing
firm you will save yourselves-NIV). Patience is needed for the follower of Jesus.
We need to learn to be patient, to trust in Jesus, and wait upon Him.
Satan
will do everything possible to stop what is about to happen. For 3 ½ days, the
dead bodies of the two prophets shall remain in the street. Then, all of a sudden,
something incredible happens. The two witnesses come back to life; they stand
upon their feet while their enemies actually witness this happening. Tremendous
fear and terror grips all who see this. Suddenly, their enemies seem to recognize
that these two prophets really were of God and that the Antichrist is not God.
They now realize that the Battle of Armageddon is close at hand and that they
may soon perish and be eternally lost.
Then there is a voice from heaven, which says, "Come
up hither." The two prophets of God ascend up to heaven in a cloud in the
sight of their enemies. This appears to happen at the end of the Tribulation,
or immediately after the Tribulation.
Consider the following. Here you are laughing and celebrating,
because the Antichrist (whom you believe to be the true God) has killed the
two witnesses. Then, all of a sudden, the two witnesses come back to life as
was prophesied. All of a sudden you understand that the Antichrist is really
of Satan and that you were deceived. You now realize that you have taken the
mark of the Antichrist, and there is no forgiveness—you have committed an unforgivable
sin. You cannot be forgiven. You will perish to hell. There is no way out. You
now realize the Battle of Armageddon is about to explode and that the return
of the true Messiah, Jesus Christ, is about to take place; you will be dead
in a few days. You begin to panic. Tremendous terror will now come into the
hearts of those that see the two witnesses come back to life. Some may begin
to scream, "No, no, it isn’t possible!" But it will be too late.
The same people, who were giving gifts one to another, are
now so terrified, some fall over dead from fear of what is soon to happen.
Armageddon is about to explode. As the days of Noah were, so shall it be at this time. Right up to near the very end, people will not believe what is about to transpire. However, just before the end, they seem to realize what is about to happen, but, by then, it is too late.
Rev
11:13-AND THE (very) SAME HOUR WAS THERE A GREAT EARTHQUAKE, AND THE TENTH PART
OF THE CITY (of Jerusalem) FELL (or collapsed), AND IN THE EARTHQUAKE WERE SLAIN
(or killed) OF MEN SEVEN THOUSAND. It appears that, within minutes of the two
witnesses being raptured, a great earthquake will strike Jerusalem. The temple
of the Antichrist could be one of the structures to crumble. A tenth of Jerusalem
falls, and seven thousand people are killed in the earthquake. This will only
add to people’s fears.
AND THE "REMNANT" (some translate this word as
"rest") WERE AFFRIGHTED (or awestruck, or terrified), AND GAVE GLORY
TO THE GOD OF HEAVEN. Who is this "remnant"? Some think they are unbelievers
that were spared and gave glory to God, but did not repent. However, would the
wicked, who have committed an unforgivable sin and are doomed to eternal death,
give glory to God at this time and under these circumstances?\
The Scriptures show, during the midst of the Tribulation,
Satan goes forth to make war WITH THE "REMNANT" OF HER SEED (Israel),
WHICH KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, AND HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS CHRIST-Rev
12:17. It is further written, THOUGH THE NUMBER OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL BE
AS THE SAND OF THE SEA, A "REMNANT" SHALL BE SAVED-Ro 9:27. We presume
this to be the remnant that is giving glory to God, as they understand that
Jesus, their Lord and Savior, is about to return with glory and great power.
Rev 11:14-THE SECOND WOE IS PAST; AND, BEHOLD, THE THIRD WOE COMETH (or is coming) QUICKLY. The sixth trumpet is past or finished. This seems to place the death of the two prophets between the sixth and seventh trumpets. We have already seen that the sixth trumpet is nearing the end of the Tribulation and the seventh trumpet is the Battle of Armageddon, which is immediately after the Tribulation of those days. This would further confirm that the death of the two witnesses is at, approximately, the end of the Tribulation.
The
"sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood" is another
key phrase. These words denote the period just "before" the great
and terrible day of the Lord, which is the Battle of Armageddon. With these
verses, the Tribulation appears to be coming to an end.
There shall be a great earthquake. This is followed by the
sun becoming darkened so much that it is as if it were night, and the moon can
be expected to have a red color. This may be a transition period, as AFTER THE
TRIBULATION…THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT-Mk 13:24 NASB; ref Joel 3:15.
It is written, Joel 2:31-THE SUN SHALL BE TURNED INTO
DARKNESS, AND THE MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE THE GREAT AND THE TERRIBLE
DAY OF THE LORD COME.
Rev 6:12,17-AND I BEHELD WHEN HE HAD OPENED THE SIXTH SEAL,
AND, LO, THERE WAS A GREAT EARTHQUAKE; AND THE SUN BECAME BLACK AS
SACKCLOTH OF HAIR, AND THE MOON BECAME AS BLOOD…FOR THE GREAT DAY OF HIS
WRATH IS COME.
Acts 2:20-THE SUN SHALL BE TURNED INTO DARKNESS, AND THE
MOON INTO BLOOD, BEFORE
THAT GREAT AND NOTABLE DAY OF THE LORD COME.
The
end of the Tribulation is at hand.
It is written, Rev 10:5-AND THE ANGEL WHICH I SAW STAND UPON
THE SEA AND UPON THE EARTH (or land) LIFTED (or raised) UP HIS HAND TO HEAVEN,
Rev 10:6-AND SWARE BY HIM THAT LIVETH FOR EVER AND EVER.
Note the fact that God lives forever and ever is reiterated. And it is He WHO
CREATED HEAVEN, AND THE THINGS THAT THEREIN ARE, AND THE EARTH, AND THE THINGS
THAT THEREIN ARE (or what is in it), AND THE SEA, AND THE THINGS WHICH ARE THEREIN
(or what is in it). Again, the fact that God created all things is restated.
This can also reflect the omnipotence of God, as He deals in judgment with a
world that is in rebellion to Him. He then swears THAT THERE SHOULD BE TIME
NO LONGER (there will be no more delay-JNT110).
The meaning of "time no longer" is not clearly
defined. In carefully studying the order of events, these verses seem to apply
to the very end of the Tribulation, just prior to the events that take place
"after the Tribulation of those days." The words, "time no longer"
may denote the end of the Tribulation. Armageddon is on the horizon,
and Jesus Christ is about to return in vengeance and judgment upon a rebellious
world. A new age, the Millennium, is close at hand.
The
Tribulation ends. Approximately one-half or more of the world's population has
died. The armies of the world are gathering for the Battle of Armageddon. Approximately
seven years prior to this time, people were mocking about such a thing as "a
Tribulation" and multitudes dying. Many of those mockers are now dead.
The birth pangs are now at their strongest. A thousand years
of peace is about to be born. Jesus is about to return. Much of what is left
of the world's population is about to be killed.
(Commentary)
It is a common mistake for people to say that the Battle of Armageddon will take place at the end of the Tribulation. This is incorrect. First, the Tribulation must end. Then there are several events that will take place "immediately after the Tribulation," before Armageddon explodes and Jesus returns. First, the sun becomes darkened. Along with this, the moon shall not give her light. This could indicate that the sky becomes clouded all over the world, as the sun may be on one side of the earth and the moon on the other side. What causes the clouds to do this is not mentioned. However, numerous earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other phenomena should be occurring around this time, which could explain the sky being heavily overcast.
God’s
Word says the people should blow a trumpet in Zion. Sound an alarm. Let all
the inhabitants of the earth tremble, for the day of the Lord cometh. There
is a great and strong people. The sea and the waves are roaring. Huge tidal
waves can be expected.
Just a few days before, people were confident that the one
sitting in the temple in Jerusalem, the Antichrist, was God. During the last
3 ½ years, nearly all people had taken his mark. They had worshiped the image
of the beast. But then, the two prophets of God rose from the dead and ascended
into heaven. The people have become terrified, as they now seem to realize they
have chosen the Antichrist over the Christ. They are so fearful that many of
them will have heart attacks and fall over dead for fear of what is about to
come. The Battle of Armageddon is about to explode. Even the mighty men shall
cry. People’s hands will be faint. They will be afraid.
All nations are gathered against Jerusalem. The houses shall
be ransacked and the women raped.
A great multitude of people are gathered in Israel and the
"valley of decision." They have come from far away. God is about to
judge the heathen. The day of the Lord is coming. It is cruel. God’s wrath and
fierce anger will cause the land to be desolate. The sinners are about to be
destroyed.
Then there are a series of verses using some of the following
wording, "the stars of heaven fall, the powers of heaven shall be shaken,
the heavens depart as a scroll, and every mountain and island were moved."
As the Battle of Armageddon is approaching, Satan and his angels can be expected
to come against Jesus as He returns. A host of angels (represented by stars)
fall from the sky, as figs fall from a fig tree when it is shaken by a great
wind. The powers of the heavens will be shaken.
The heaven (or sky) will depart (or recede) like a scroll
when it is rolled up. Mountains and islands will move out of their places.
Throughout the world, those that are able will be hiding
in the mountains. They will be afraid, as they will now understand that the
great day of the Lord’s wrath is come.
In heaven, there is silence for about half an hour. The great
and terrible day of the Lord is at hand. The heavens open. Jesus is about to
return.
Lk 21:26-MEN'S HEARTS FAILING THEM FOR FEAR, AND FOR LOOKING AFTER THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE COMING ON THE EARTH.
Zeph 1:14-THE GREAT DAY OF THE LORD IS NEAR, IT IS NEAR, AND HASTETH GREATLY, EVEN THE VOICE OF THE DAY OF THE LORD: THE MIGHTY MAN SHALL CRY THERE BITTERLY.
Zech 14:1,2-BEHOLD, THE DAY OF THE LORD COMETH, AND THY SPOIL SHALL BE DIVIDED IN THE MIDST OF THEE. FOR I WILL GATHER ALL NATIONS AGAINST JERUSALEM TO BATTLE; AND THE CITY SHALL BE TAKEN, AND THE HOUSES RIFLED (or ransacked), AND THE WOMEN RAVISHED (or raped); AND HALF OF THE CITY SHALL GO FORTH INTO CAPTIVITY (or exile), AND THE RESIDUE (or rest) OF THE PEOPLE SHALL NOT BE CUT OFF (or taken) FROM THE CITY.
Joel 3:2-I WILL ALSO GATHER ALL NATIONS, AND WILL BRING THEM DOWN INTO THE VALLEY OF JEHOSHAPHAT, AND WILL PLEAD (or enter into judgment) WITH (or against) THEM THERE FOR MY PEOPLE AND FOR MY HERITAGE ISRAEL, WHOM THEY HAVE SCATTERED AMONG THE NATIONS, AND PARTED (or divided up) MY LAND.
Joel 3:12-15-LET THE HEATHEN BE WAKENED, AND COME UP TO THE VALLEY OF JEHOSHAPHAT: FOR THERE WILL I SIT TO JUDGE ALL THE HEATHEN ROUND ABOUT. PUT YE IN THE SICKLE, FOR THE HARVEST IS RIPE: COME, GET YOU DOWN; FOR THE PRESS IS FULL, THE VATS OVERFLOW; FOR THEIR WICKEDNESS IS GREAT. MULTITUDES, MULTITUDES IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION: FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD IS NEAR IN THE VALLEY OF DECISION. THE SUN AND THE MOON SHALL BE DARKENED, AND THE STARS SHALL WITHDRAW THEIR SHINING.
Isa 13:4-10-THE NOISE OF A MULTITUDE IN THE MOUNTAINS, LIKE AS OF A GREAT PEOPLE; A TUMULTUOUS NOISE OF THE KINGDOMS OF NATIONS GATHERED TOGETHER: THE LORD OF HOSTS MUSTERETH THE HOST OF THE BATTLE. THEY COME FROM A FAR COUNTRY, FROM THE END OF HEAVEN, EVEN THE LORD, AND THE WEAPONS OF HIS INDIGNATION, TO DESTROY THE WHOLE LAND. HOWL YE; FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD IS AT HAND; IT SHALL COME AS A DESTRUCTION FROM THE ALMIGHTY. THEREFORE SHALL ALL HANDS BE FAINT, AND EVERY MAN'S HEART SHALL MELT: AND THEY SHALL BE AFRAID: PANGS AND SORROWS SHALL TAKE HOLD OF THEM; THEY SHALL BE IN PAIN AS A WOMAN THAT TRAVAILETH: THEY SHALL BE AMAZED ONE AT ANOTHER; THEIR FACES SHALL BE AS FLAMES. BEHOLD, THE DAY OF THE LORD COMETH, CRUEL BOTH WITH WRATH AND FIERCE ANGER, TO LAY THE LAND DESOLATE: AND HE SHALL DESTROY THE SINNERS THEREOF OUT OF IT. FOR THE STARS OF HEAVEN AND THE CONSTELLATIONS THEREOF SHALL NOT GIVE THEIR LIGHT: THE SUN SHALL BE DARKENED IN HIS GOING FORTH, AND THE MOON SHALL NOT CAUSE HER LIGHT TO SHINE.
Joel 1:15-ALAS FOR THE DAY! FOR THE DAY OF THE LORD IS AT HAND, AND AS A DESTRUCTION FROM THE ALMIGHTY SHALL IT COME.
As
the Battle of Armageddon approaches, the host of angels fall down from heaven.
The powers of the heavens are shaken. (We wonder if this could be the beginning
of the Battle of Armageddon in the heavens, before Jesus reaches the earth—a
battle in the spiritual realm.) Satan knows that he has but a short time left.
He and his angels can be expected to fight viciously. Satan does not want to
be cast into the bottomless pit.
The angels shall fall from the sky. The powers of the heavens
shall be shaken.
The heaven (or sky) departs (or recedes) as a scroll is rolled
up, and every mountain and island move out of their places. We might consider
that the mountains and islands moving may be the result of a great earthquake.
(During the actual Battle of Armageddon, which will be far worse, every island
fled away and the mountains were not found-ref Rev 16:20.)
It
is written, Mt 24:29-AND THE STARS (which is denoting angels) SHALL
FALL FROM HEAVEN (or the sky), AND THE POWERS OF (or in) THE HEAVENS
SHALL BE SHAKEN.
Lk 21:26-FOR THE POWERS OF HEAVEN SHALL BE SHAKEN.
Rev 6:13-AND THE STARS (or angels) OF HEAVEN (or
sky) FELL UNTO THE EARTH, EVEN AS A FIG TREE CASTETH (or drops) HER UNTIMELY
FIGS, WHEN SHE IS SHAKEN OF A MIGHTY (or strong) WIND.
Isa 34:4-AND ALL THEIR HOST (or angels) SHALL FALL
DOWN, AS THE LEAF FALLETH OFF FROM THE VINE, AND AS A FALLING FIG FROM THE
FIG TREE. Four verses later, the words are used, "IT IS THE DAY OF
THE LORD’S VENGEANCE." This is the time approaching Armageddon.
Rev 6:14-AND THE HEAVEN (or sky) DEPARTED (or
receded) AS A SCROLL WHEN IT IS ROLLED TOGETHER (or rolled up); AND EVERY
MOUNTAIN AND ISLAND WERE MOVED OUT OF (or from) THEIR PLACES.
Note the words of Rev 6:14, in comparison with Isa 34:4-AND
THE HEAVENS (or sky)
SHALL BE ROLLED TOGETHER AS A SCROLL.
Rev
6:15-AND THE KINGS OF THE EARTH. Here are those that reigned over men, but now
all their earthly authority will do them no good. AND THE GREAT MEN (or princes),
AND THE RICH MEN. Consider, all their money will do them no good at this time.
AND THE CHIEF CAPTAINS (or generals). Their authority over the military will
do them no good at this time. AND THE MIGHTY MEN, AND EVERY BONDMAN (or slave),
AND EVERY FREE MAN, HID THEMSELVES IN THE DENS AND IN THE ROCKS OF THE
MOUNTAINS. Here are the greatest men of the earth, as well as the slaves. They
are fearful, terrified, and trying to hide.
Rev 6:16-AND (they) SAID TO THE MOUNTAINS AND ROCKS, FALL
ON US, AND HIDE US FROM THE FACE OF HIM THAT SITTETH ON THE THRONE (which
is God the Father), AND FROM THE WRATH (or fury) OF THE LAMB (which is Jesus).
When Jesus came the first time, He came as the Lamb of God to give His life
a ransom for many. His forgiveness, His mercy has been available to all that
would open the door of their heart and receive it by faith. However, now, He
comes as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He comes with wrath and fury against
those that refused His forgiveness and mercy. The two prophets of God had been
telling people what was going to happen, but they would not believe. As a result
of the two prophets being raised from the dead and ascending to heaven, in the
sight of multitudes, the people now know the things they said were true.
Rev 6:17-FOR THE GREAT DAY OF HIS (or Their) WRATH IS COME;
AND WHO SHALL BE ABLE TO STAND? That great day, covered by numerous Scripture,
is Armageddon. They know that Jesus is about to return. They know Armageddon
is about to explode. They know that their future is sealed—a future that includes
hell and the lake of fire. For once they have taken that mark and worshiped
the image, there is no forgiveness. There is no repenting. There is no hope.
Ja 5:1-God tells the rich men, GO TO NOW, YE RICH MEN, WEEP
AND HOWL FOR YOUR MISERIES THAT SHALL COME UPON YOU.
Note the wording from the previous verses:
Isa
2:10,19,20 covers the period just before Armageddon. It is written, ENTER INTO
THE ROCK, AND HIDE THEE IN THE DUST, FOR FEAR OF THE LORD, AND FOR THE
GLORY OF HIS MAJESTY. AND THEY SHALL GO INTO THE HOLES OF THE ROCKS, AND INTO
THE CAVES OF THE EARTH, FOR FEAR OF THE LORD, AND FOR THE GLORY OF HIS MAJESTY,
WHEN HE ARISETH TO SHAKE TERRIBLY THE EARTH. IN THAT DAY A MAN SHALL CAST HIS
IDOLS OF SILVER, AND HIS IDOLS OF GOLD, WHICH THEY MADE EACH ONE FOR HIMSELF
TO WORSHIP, TO THE MOLES AND TO THE BATS.
Isa 2:21 NIV-THEY WILL FLEE TO CAVERNS IN THE ROCKS AND TO
THE OVERHANGING CRAGS FROM DREAD OF THE LORD.
Multitudes of mocking and scoffing people that didn’t believe
a short time before are now fleeing for their lives. They are terrified. They
are trying to escape the wrath of Jesus as He returns. But where can they hide?
The greatest earthquake, since man has been alive, is about to occur. The entire
earth is about to be shaken.
Note, these verses are in perfect harmony with Rev 6:15-17.
As Jesus returns, He will shake terribly the earth.
The scriptural evidence, particularly the wording of the
sixth seal, seems to leave little doubt that it represents the period
just prior to Jesus returning at Armageddon.
Rev 8:1-AND WHEN HE HAD OPENED (or broke) THE SEVENTH SEAL (Jesus breaks the seventh seal), THERE WAS SILENCE IN HEAVEN ABOUT THE SPACE OF (or what seemed like) HALF AN HOUR. The seventh seal follows the sixth seal. The sixth seal was at, approximately, the end of the Tribulation. With the introduction of the seventh seal, the Battle of Armageddon is at hand. There is silence. The great and terrible day of the Lord is at hand. The heavens are preparing to open. The mystery of God is nearly finished. The temple of God is about to open, and the ARK OF HIS TESTAMENT (or covenant) will be seen-Rev 11:19.
Jesus is about to return.
The sun is darkened; the moon does not give her light
The day of the Lord is near, even at hand
The stars withdraw their shining
A strong people; men of war
They run back and forth in the city
The sea and the waves are roaring
Men’s hearts fail them for fear
All hands will be faint
Every man’s heart shall melt
They shall be afraid
The mighty men cry
Their faces shall be as flames
The nations are brought to the Valley of Jehoshaphat
Their wickedness is great
Multitudes in the valley of decision
The kingdoms of nations are gathered together
They come from the end of heaven
The day of the Lord cometh, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger
The sinners shall be destroyed
The stars (or angels) fall from heaven
Their host shall fall down
The powers of the heavens shall be shaken
The heaven departed as a scroll
Every mountain and island were moved
Kings, great men, chief captains, mighty men, every bondman, every free man hide in the rocks
They say, "Hide us from (the Father and Jesus)"
The great day of His wrath is come
He ariseth to shake terribly the earth
There is silence in heaven (the seventh seal)
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