The Day of the Lord

Wrath, War, and then some...

The book of Revelation has not yet offered us any details about world conditions or the future. Up to this point in the Apocalypse, we still haven't seen what is to happen during the Lord's day or crisis at the coming of the Messiah. Chapters four and five of Revelation are a prelude to the book's real prophetic content. In chapter four, John writes about a vision that placed him in the presence of God. "I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, `Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this"' (Rev. 4:1).

Headquarters of the Universe

The scene of John's vision is the throne room of heaven. We see this scene several times in Revelation. It signifies God's absolute authority over his creation (Psalm 47:8). That's evident from the vision's content. John sees a brilliant throne with 24 spirit beings, or "elders," sitting around it. I Chronicles 24 describes the Aaronic priesthood's 24 divisions, each serving the temple during a set time. The apostle Paul wrote that the temple and its service were an earthly copy of the heavenly reality (Hebrews 8:5). John, in vision, sees the actual throne area and records some important details. Four great spirit beings hover about this throne. John describes these beings as "living creatures." In front of the throne stands a massive foundation. Revelation calls it a "sea of glass, like crystal" (Rev. 4:6).

The throne area manifests incredible energy. Lightning, thunder and powerful voices issue forth. God the Father sits on the throne. He appears as radiant light, diffused and reflected in all its prismatic beauty through precious jewels. Scripture often pictures God as clothed with dazzling light (Psalm 104:2; I Timothy 6:16). What John sees in vision, then, is nothing short of the seat of government of the entire universe. This scene is important to another theme of Revelation: Man's present system, with its many corrupt practices, is to be shut down and closed out. Today's world, inspired by the devil, will be replaced by the Messiah's just and merciful rule. This theme runs consistently like a thread through the book. Chapter five directs the reader's attention to those who will be responsible for this change. John observes God the Father sitting on a throne, holding an important object. "I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals" (Rev. 5:1). In Roman law, documents were sometimes sealed by seven witnesses. This emphasized that the contents of the documents were certain and true. In the Bible the number seven has the symbolic meaning of completeness (the seven days of creation, for example).

Jesus Opens the Scroll

An unexpected problem appears in John's vision. No one seems able to open and read the scroll's contents. John weeps because no one is found worthy. Then an angel proclaims that someone is deserving after all. "Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals" (Rev. 5:5). The Apocalypse identifies this someone as "a Lamb as though it had been slain" (Rev. 5:6). Revelation applies this title to Jesus. John, in his gospel, also has John the Baptist describe Jesus as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Peter uses the lamb symbol as well. He said those whom God had called were cleansed from sin. This was accomplished "with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (I Peter 1:19).

Isaiah 53:7 also has the same imagery. Here, the then-future sacrifice for sin was pictured as a lamb being led to the slaughter. This same lamb, Revelation tells us, is returning to become ruler of this world as King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 19:11-16). In John's vision, the Lamb takes "the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne" (Rev. 5:7). John then hears many voices praising and glorifying Jesus. Their message is: "You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood" (Rev. 5:9). Jesus is worthy because of what he did, giving his life for sinning humans. John then sees the glorified Jesus unrolling the scroll and breaking each of its seven seals. Here we see yet another theme of Revelation. The risen Jesus has the central role in God's plan. Having offered himself as a sacrifice for sin and brings justice and perfect government to the earth (Philippians 2:5-11). The agent of that change will be the returning Lamb, the Messiah. He will usher in the climactic event described in the visions of Revelation-the kingdoms of the world coming under his rule.

As we shall see, the information on the scroll sealed by seven seals makes up the major portion of the Apocalypse. The book will later dramatize the material through a series of visions. As John experiences the visions, he describes them, and these words become part of the book of Revelation. In chapter one, John pointed out that Jesus Christ was the source of the Revelation and that he would reveal the scenario of the future to John (Rev. 1:1).

The fourth and fifth chapters of Revelation once again highlighted the central position of the risen Jesus. The preliminaries have now been covered. We know to whom the book of Revelation is written. The message is primarily directed to God's people who have "ears to hear." God and Jesus Christ are the source for the information in John's visions. We must properly orient ourselves to the contents of the Apocalypse.

The visions are meant to graphically place the reader on the scene, as a bystander watching the events leading to the day of the Lord and beyond. A motion picture we could title 'Future World' now begins. We are in a darkened theater, waiting for the opening scenes.

Suddenly four frightening cinematic images gallop across the screen. They are the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. The Four Horsemen have a symbolic message. They represent four strands of human suffering throughout the centuries. The effects which the horsemen depict continue through time and into the last days. They are followed by two other events to occur during this time-the cry of the martyrs and cosmic disturbances. (Rev. 6:9-17).

All these events fall under six "seals." They are briefly described in a single chapter of Revelation, the sixth. They are part of a script written on both sides of a scroll (Rev. 5:1). The scroll referred to in Revelation was not the same kind of book we use today, made up of many pages bound together. It was one long sheet of parchment, rolled into a scroll. Words were written on both sides. The Revelation scroll had seven seals that had to be "opened" as a reader proceeded through it.

The Four Horsemen of Revelation

As Jesus (the Lamb) is opening each seal, John is invited to see its contents graphically depicted in a vision. John writes at the beginning of chapter six: "I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals [the first] and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, 'Come and see' " (Rev. 6:1). Each of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse is riding a different colored steed. They are a white horse, red horse, black horse and pale horse (Rev. 6:1-8). The horse colors take on specific symbolic meanings, such as red for war. Let's take a brief look at the four portraits. The white horse is mounted by a rider who "had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer" (Rev. 6:2).

Some have confused this image with the one in Revelation 19, also a rider on a white horse. A quick comparison of chapters six and 19 reveals the two riders have little in common besides riding on white horses. The horse in chapter six, for example, is bent on conquest. The intent of the rider in chapter 19 is to exact divine and just retribution for sin. "He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war" (Rev. 19:11). This rider is called "the Word of God" and "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" (Rev. 19:13,16).

The rider on the white horse in Revelation 19 is unmistakably Jesus, the triumphant Messiah coming to rule the world. Who, then, is the rider of the white horse in Revelation 6? He is accompanied by three other horses. Their riders portray destruction and death. It would not make sense for this rider to represent the returning Christ who restores peace to earth. The white horse of Revelation 6 represents those who claim they can bring humanity what only the true Messiah-Jesus-is capable of delivering. These impostors seek to conquer and destroy those who disagree with them. The second horseman's meaning is clear. He is a symbol of war. The red horse has a rider who takes "peace from the earth" and wields a "great sword." In his wake, people "kill one another" (Rev. 6:4).

A Time of Great Famine

The black horse has a rider with "a pair of scales in his hand." A voice accompanies the vision. It announces, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine" (Rev. 6:5-6). The denarius was a Roman silver coin and was equal in value to the daily wage of a working man (Matthew 20:2). Anciently, oil and wine were not luxuries. They were basic commodities of life. Grain, new wine and oil was a standard threesome describing the staples of life (Deuteronomy 7:13; 11:14; Hosea 2:8, 22).

We can see that this rider represents hunger and famine. He carries a scale to measure and carefully dole out food. This rider stands for a time when basic goods are sold at greatly inflated prices. There is a scarcity of things to eat. People are told to be careful not to harm precious foodstuffs.

The pale horse has a rider called "Death, and Hades followed with him" (Rev. 6:8).

The Greek word for "pale," chloros, elsewhere in Revelation describes the yellow-green of vegetation (Rev. 8:7; 9:4). It is here used for the telltale and sickly look of death due to a virulent pestilence.The Four Horsemen bring immense suffering to the human race. John writes, "And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth" (Rev. 6:8).

Jesus' Olivet Prophecy

That's all that Revelation tells us about these Four Horsemen. However, Jesus also speaks of the conditions represented by the Four Horsemen. (See Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21.) The disciples of Jesus had approached him, asking: "Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3).

Jesus then outlined the events to occur prior to the end of the age and the return of the Messiah. Most of the occurrences would come before and lead to the singular "sign" of Christ's return (Matthew 24:30). As does Revelation, the Olivet prophecy contains a story flow relating one event to another in general time order. Notice how Jesus began his outline of world events and how it corresponds to what is written in the book of Revelation. Jesus told his disciples: "Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying `I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows" (Mat 24:3-8).

Observe that Christ said there would be:

(1) Individuals falsely usurping his authority and power, masquerading as deliverers and saviors, political and religious;

(2) Wars and rumors of wars;

(3) Famines;

(4) Pestilences and earthquakes.

Wars, of course, sometimes lead to politically induced famines. Famines can lead to pestilences as can natural disasters such as earthquakes.Notice carefully. The four conditions that Jesus described in Matthew 24 parallel the Four Horsemen visions as described in Revelation 6. These disasters come before and only anticipate or look forward to the last days. Jesus said "The end is not yet" and these are only "the beginning of sorrows."

Various false saviors have come "in Jesus' name" throughout the centuries. These may have promised "deliverance" in terms of better religious, political, social or economic conditions. Wars have ravaged humans down through the centuries, and so have famines and disease epidemics.

The Black Death alone killed upwards of one third of the people living in Europe in the 14th century. The worldwide influenza epidemic of 1918 killed twice as many people (perhaps 20 million) as did World War I itself. In more recent times, millions have died or been wounded in just three wars-in Afghanistan, the Persian Gulf region and Kampuchea. As appalling as all these events have been, Jesus said we should not see them as necessarily synonymous with "the last days." They only give us a hint of what to expect in the end times just prior to Jesus' second coming.

The Fifth and Sixth Seals

Now we come to the fifth and sixth seals of the book of Revelation. These are also in the sixth chapter. John writes, "When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held" (Rev. 6:9).

In the Olivet prophecy Jesus also referred to this event described under the fifth seal. He mentioned it immediately after detailing the events of "the beginning of sorrows." Said Jesus, speaking to his own followers: "They will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake .... For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be" (Matthew 24:9, 21).

The fifth seal pictures a time of great tribulation-including a martyrdom for religious beliefs. The New Testament, along with Revelation, emphasizes its impact on the spiritual people of God-his own Church.

The cry of the martyrs, found in the fifth seal, represents God's people who have been "slain for the word of God" throughout the ages (Rev. 6:9). They ask the question God's people have always asked, especially when undergoing persecution: "How long, 0 Lord, holy and true until You judge and avenge our blood" (verse 10).

The events in the end-time increase to such fever pitch, however, that the existence of the human race itself will be in doubt. Jeremiah wrote of this period and the events that immediately follow. He cried out: "Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it; and it is the time of Jacob's trouble" (Jeremiah 30:7). Daniel called it "a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation" (Daniel 12:1). It is the same time described by Jesus in Matthew 24:21. This distress would climax in the death of mankind if Christ failed to intervene in human affairs (verse 22).

Immediately after the great tribulation of the fifth seal come cosmic disturbances. John writes: "I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth" (Rev. 6:12-13).

Compare this description of the sixth seal with what Jesus said will follow the great tribulation. "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken" (Matthew 24:29). Both in Revelation and in Matthew 24, these heavenly signs follow the great tribulation.In the sixth chapter of Revelation, then, we have these six conditions mentioned. Each is described under its own seal:

(1) False Christs;

(2) Wars;

(3) Famines;

(4) Disease epidemics;

(5) The great tribulation;

(6) The heavenly signs or cosmic disturbances.

So far, these events parallel those Jesus cited in the Olivet prophecy.

After Heavenly Signs-God's Wrath

What follows the heavenly signs according to the book of Revelation? The last verse of chapter six tells us, "The great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?"

The prophet Joel put the day of God's wrath into chronological perspective. He wrote, "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood"-two heavenly signs-"before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord" (Joel 2:31). Here we have an important sequence. The heavenly signs occur immediately after the great tribulation, or Satan's wrath, and before the day of the Lord.

Disturbing portents in the atmosphere and environment begin shortly before the return of the Messiah. Great earthquakes are striking the earth. These are persistent features of divine visitation in the Bible (Isaiah 2:19; 13:13; 24:17-20; Haggai 2:6). The atmosphere is darkened as sunlight is blocked out. The moon appears blood-red. The "stars"-meteors-fall to the earth. The sky is "receding as a scroll." The mountains and islands are moved out of their places.

Everyone will be mortally afraid when God's final wrath or the day of the Lord strikes. People will scream in terror, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!" (Rev. 6:16). The "wrath of the Lamb" is an unusual expression-used only once here in Revelation. Elsewhere the Bible calls this time "the wrath of God."

This wrath of God is a basic theme in the Bible. The "day of the Lord" is a day of wrath and retribution (Isaiah 2:10-21; 13:6-16; Zephaniah 1:14-18). It isn't spiteful hate, but God's response to stubbornly unrepented of sin that has caused untold misery and suffering among humans.

The sixth chapter of Revelation then takes us right up to the time when God fully intervenes in the affairs of mankind during the last days. He does this by sending plagues and destruction of increasing severity to our planet. However, God cannot send the full fury of his wrath on the earth before he provides protection for his people. The scene temporarily switches in Revelation to show us what is happening to those who are obedient to him.

More next time...

The Fall of Babylon

A 'System" or a "City"?

This is one of those areas of prophecy study that contains some debate. We will present this topic primarily in terms of Babylon as a worldwide system. However, my personal feelings correlate back to the Festival issues and those that have not been fulfilled. I will include a "counterpoint" to describe this view.

In the 17th chapter of Revelation, John records his vision of another hideous and distorted creature. "I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns" (Rev. 17:3). The woman has a name on her forehead: "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH" (Rev. 17:5). She is pictured as being drunk with the blood of the saints. That is, she persecutes and martyrs the people of God.

Chapters 17 and 18 portray the judgment of God upon this great madam-the mother of harlots-and the "scarlet beast" she rides or controls. In Old Testament prophecy, the image of a harlot is commonly used as a metaphor for false religious worship (Isaiah 1:21; Ezekiel 16:15). Isaiah mocks Babylon by calling her "virgin daughter" (Isaiah 47:1).

The "Scarlet Beast"

What is this strange "scarlet beast" with seven heads and 10 horns, carrying the harlot woman? This beast ridden by the woman exists through time right to the second coming of Christ. The 10 horns of the beast arise in the last days. They Bible states they represent 10 rulers who receive political power at the very end of this world's civilization and just before the Messiah's intervention.

The Apocalypse tells us these horns fight the returning Christ. John writes: "The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast . . . . These will make war with the Lamb and the Lamb will overcome them" (Rev. 17:12-14).

To what, then, do the "seven heads" refer (Rev. 17:3)? John tells us in verse nine: "The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits." These heads correspond to seven successive kings, controlling powerful empires (verse 10). These, in turn, are "ridden" or manipulated by the "woman." The final "head," king or empire has not yet appeared. "When he comes, he must continue a short time" (verse 10).

The 10 horns or kings pool their power to form one empire under a super-dictator, the final or seventh head of "the beast." They "have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast" (Rev. 17:12). That is, the seventh head is also called "the beast" just as the whole system is like a beast.

A Different Beast

We must be careful not to confuse the seven heads and 10 horns of the beast in Revelation 17 with another beast having the same number of heads and horns. It is described in Revelation 13. The beast in Revelation 13 is depicted in the following terms: "[It] was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion" (Rev. 13:2). Notice the animals mentioned-a leopard, a bear and a lion.

Daniel, the seventh chapter, also describes this same beast. The prophet Daniel saw a vision of four beasts rising from the sea. "The first was like a lion . . . a second, like a bear." Then, he said, "After this I looked, and there was another, like a leopard .... The beast also had four heads." Still later, Daniel said, "I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast . . . . It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns" (Daniel 7:4-7).

The reader should note that the four beasts in Daniel 7 had seven heads because the leopard alone had four heads. Daniel tells us these four successive powers would govern from his time down to the coming of the ruling Messiah (Daniel 2:37-44). According to Daniel the fourth beast or kingdom would have 10 successive "horns," "kings" or kingdoms.

Daniel wrote, "The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth .... The 10 horns are 10 kings who shall arise from this kingdom" (Daniel 7:23-24). These 10 horns of the fourth beast of Daniel 7 coincide with the 10 horns of the fourth beast in Revelation 13:1-10. Three of these are subdued by a "little horn" (Daniel 7:20-25). The remaining seven horns are pictured as the seven heads in Revelation 17, over which the woman sat.

By reading the verses in Daniel 7, it's clear that the prophet is also talking about a religious authority who "shall persecute the saints of the Most High" (verse 25). This is none other than the "woman" of Revelation 17. The returning Christ destroys this woman's power along with that of the final "horn" or revival (Daniel 7:23, 26-27).

This "woman" is identified as "that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth" (Rev. 17:18). Revelation refers to her as a harlot who sits in control of "peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues" (Rev. 17:15). She has authority to coerce and compel."

Babylon's" Worldwide Influence

The harlot woman is the force behind the throne. The "beast," of course, wields the real power. It represents the political-military presence. But the woman rides the beast. She directs its activities, molds and shapes its ruling philosophy and ideals. Thus, she stands for false religious ideology and philosophical dogma.

What John is depicting, then, is a powerful organization that promulgates and enforces certain religious, social and political laws. It is the moving spirit behind human society. But it is, as Revelation has shown us, a depraved system. For this reason, the Messiah comes to crush it.

John hears an angel shout: "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a habitation of demons, a prison for every foul spirit" (Rev. 18:2). The city called "Babylon" stands as the symbol for this anti-God system that has swayed and oppressed the human race.

To the citizens of the world, however, the system does not appear evil at all. On the contrary, it seems to offer mankind that which it has always sought. For example, it brings great economic prosperity to the nations of the world. Most of chapter 18 is taken up with this theme.

An Economic SuperPower

"Babylon the great" is seen as an economic market of great breadth and power. That is the source of its wealth, a prerequisite for world domination. Political and military power, of course, is dependent on economic power. Without money, it's not possible to buy guns or wield influence.

Revelation shows us that Babylon is fabulously wealthy. The list of imports and exports that this power controls is impressive (Rev. 18:11-15). The merchandise index here is similar to the one found in Ezekiel 27:12-24. There the Phoenician city of Tyre is the metaphor for a power that controls world trade.

Babylon makes businessmen rich and ushers in general prosperity. John writes: "The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, for no one buys their merchandise anymore" (Rev. 18:11). They cry, "Alas, alas, that great city that was clothed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! For in one hour such great riches came to nothing" (Rev. 18:16-17). The traders throw dust on their heads, crying out, "Alas, alas, that great city, in which all who had ships on the sea became rich by her wealth!" (Rev. 18:19).

That is one reason the nations will be tricked into fighting the returning Christ. They will have been deceived into thinking they had a good thing going. Babylon the great had brought international trade and prosperity, perhaps a false sense of peace. However, God judges the system and destroys it. "For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication" (Rev. 19:2).

After John sees Babylon destroyed in vision, he hears an angel announcing a royal victory celebration hosted by the Lamb. It solemnizes God's establishment of his universal reign on earth (Rev. 19:6). Revelation paints the festival as a great wedding party in which Christ (the Lamb) and his faithful followers (the Bride) consecrate their union (Rev. 19:7-9). The symbol-the bride of Christ-represents God's Church. The apostle Paul explained that in the spiritual realm the union between husband and wife illustrates the relationship of Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:23-24, 31-32).

The angel calls the animal world and birds of prey to a separate supper feast (Rev. 19:17). The beasts are to dine on the bodies of all those who opposed the returning Christ (Rev. 19:18). This feast stands in grim contrast to the joyous marriage banquet of the Lamb.

Alternative View of 'Mystery Babylon'

There is a split in understanding exactly what the bible refers to as Babylon. Obviously, it relates the new Babylon to the old city itself. A corrupt, sinful perversion that displeased God. Many who study prophecy feel the end times Babylon refers to the 'world system' we discussed above. However, there is a significant amount of scripture that indicates this could be the United States or one of it's greatest cities. One needs to think twice about this in light of the enemies bent on destroying New York's financial center following Sept. 11, 2001.

It is interesting to note that the U.S. is mysteriously absent from most end times events. The nations described in the prophetic books include the middle east, Europe and Asia, but there is no mention of the U.S. specifically. The reason that many feel the prophecies relating to end days Babylon refer to the United States come from the description of it:

The greatest economic power in the world
Lifted up in pride
Dwells securely and is Heavily Fortified
A river divides it's land
Awesome from it's beginning
A 'mighty kingdom'
Land given to her pleasures
Hammer of the whole earth
Land of enchantments
Multitude of sorcery
Mixed peoples in a land of plenty
Made all drink of the wine of her fornication
Whore of the world

Well, that is a pretty good case for the USA. Further evidence comes from descriptions of the acutal destruction of this 'Babylon'.

Destruction in one day and in one hour
No-one shall be able to dwell there
She will be plundered
She shall not be inhabited
Trapped but unaware
Her wealth is cut off
The army is destroyed
It's defenses are penetrated
Men of war are terrified
Brought down like lambs to the slaughter
Her images are broken in pieces
Destruction allows demons to possess the land

Quite a sobering list of descriptions and events. One finds it easy to believe that this end times Babylon is more than a 'system' or 'philosophy'. In short, we need to be open to further interpretation.

The Event of the Ages

The book of Revelation now describes one of the most important events of human history. It is the coming of the Messiah or Christ to reinstate God's government on this earth and to reward God's faithful people. Revelation announced this singular event earlier: "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" (Rev. 11:15).

Once again, the second coming is proclaimed in a vision and recorded in Revelation 19. In this vision, John sees the returning Christ in sharp focus. He is symbolically riding on a white horse, and making war against Satan's political and religious system. John writes, "I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army" (Rev. 19:19).

Christ destroys the armies and captures "the beast" and the false prophet alive. Both of them are thrown into a "lake of fire" and quickly burned up (Rev. 19:20). (See II Thessalonians 1:7-10 which shows Jesus as coming from heaven in flaming fire to obliterate the wicked.)

Satan Bound for 1000 Years

One final act must be carried out before Christ officially becomes "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Rev. 19:16) over the remaining inhabitants of the earth. In vision, John sees an angel having a key to the "bottomless pit." He is carrying a massive chain.

John writes, "He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit" so that Satan "should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished" (Rev. 20:1-3).

At last, God has removed the destructive spirit of Satan from the affairs of man. The government of God-bringing peace, prosperity and spiritual health-comes to the human race. Now the wonderful world tomorrow can begin.

More to come next time...

AntiChrist

Wars and Rumors of Wars... The False Christ

Regardless of the timing of the Rapture, the other events of the Tribulation happen in a fairly straight forward manner. This is an overview of the heart of the tribulation. We won't be covering the entire book of Revelations, but below you can see the "Seals" that are opened and the results.

Two Theaters of Events

One must keep in mind that there are two series of events taking place during the Tribulation. One on earth, and another in the spirit realm. While the earth is suffering through plagues, war and a host of other horrible events... there is a celebration in Heaven for the "bride" of Christ and the "groom" (Jesus).

The 7th seal (not shown here) includes 7 plagues which are probably the worst part of the Tribulation.

Using the Pre-Tribulation Rapture

I personally lean toward the pre-trib timing of the Rapture for the reasons I'll provide below. Of course, as a believer, I would like to be snatched away prior to the calamity that will come. I also must prepare to be 'in the world' during this time.

On the 12th month of the year on the civil calendar (Ellul 1) begins a 40 day "Teshuvah". This is translated as a "return" or "repentance". At 30 days into this period (Tishri 1 on the time line) there will begin the coronation in heaven. The "Tzaddikim" or rightous ones will be present in heaven on this day.

If you recall what the bible says about the day of judgement... "The court was seated" and "the books were opened". This refers to the "book of life". Basically, all people on Tishri 1, 600X will fall into one of three categories.

1. The Tzaddikim (aka: Righteous ones)
2. The Average

3. The Rashim (aka: Evil ones)

This day is known as a Yom haDin or "day of judgement". The word actually means "the gates were opened". This is the day that believers in Christ will be "raptured" or taken up to heaven to begin the coronation. At the same time on earth, corresponding events will be taking place. While the believers are celebrating, the average and evil will be left on earth for the period of 7 (years).

Unfortunately, this will be a time like has never been or ever will be again, according to the bible. All of the disasters mentioned in the book of Revelation will happen during this period. The good news is that those "average" folks will have the chance to accept and believe in Christ during this period. Some will indeed die, but will join the others already in heaven. Others will live to see Christ return with his "bride" (believers). The bible has a lot to say about what will happen to the "Rashim" or evil ones. Some people, no matter how much proof they will be provided in those last days, will refuse to believe. If you're still on the fence, I hope this blog site will changed your mind.

Now, keep looking back at the timeline. Ironically, according to Festival timing... on that Tishri 1, 6000 the Jews will lay the foundation of their new altar (remember they have been waiting almost 2000 years to rebuild it). As per Jewish law, they will begin cleansing sacrifices on this altar for 10 days. That brings us to Tishri 10, 6000. This just happens to be Yom Kippur (The day of Atonement). It also is the date that daily temple sacrifices will begin. It is also known as "the gates were closed". It may be that the rapture takes place over the 10 day period. This is also the date that the false messiah will sign a contract with the Jews which is to guarantee their peace and safety... probably in light of what has just happened (the Rapture). However, the bible states clearly that "when they say peace... sudden destruction comes".

The temple will be under construction for a period of time, but must be completed by the middle of the 7 year period on Nisan 10. It could be a temporary structure. Remember in the old testament that the temple was actually a tent and was used for years. This Nisan 10 date will be the exact day that the world figure we call the antichrist will present himself in the temple, stop all sacrifices, and claim to be the Messiah. The bible calls this the “abomination that causes desolation”. Ironically, this event will occur on Passover... the same day that Christ entered the temple claiming to be God. Remember that the Anti-Christ tries to mimic God in many ways. Satan believes that we can all be like God, and every deception he creates is an attempt to mimic God’s power and authority.

Sometime during this 7 year period, 144,000 Jews will become evangelists to the entire world. Possibly, they will realize that Christ was indeed the Messiah when they see believers disappear at the rapture. Unfortunately, other Jews will not believe until they see antichrist enter their temple. At that time they will realize how wrong they had been. As an interesting side note: Many religions have totally slaughtered this particular area of scripture. For example, Mormens believe that the 144,000 is actually the number of people that will be saved! That would mean 99% of their own church members are going to hell. Others have manipulated these verses to mean they are Christian travelers, Americans, etc. These are all incorrect. It is sad to me… because we must have an understanding of the Jewish faith to see the fulfillment of the Christian faith. The Jewish faith was God’s original plan… and the Christians were “grafted into the tree”. But I digress…

There will be a spirit of anti-christ (meaning an anti-God sentiment) globally after the Rapture. This makes sense because all the believers are gone! It is at this time that the greatest nation on earth is destroyed. I personally believe that this is the United States (or some of it's greatest cities). NOTE: There is another opinion that 'Babylon' refers to the global economic system. We'll cover that possibility in a future topic.

Fallen! Fallen is... She has become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every unclean and detestable bird. For all the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries. ...for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes. Give back to her as she has given; pay her back double for what she has done. Mix her a double portion from her own cup. Give her as much torture and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself. She will be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her. "When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. Terrified at her torment, they will stand far off and cry: `Woe! Woe, O great land, land of power! In one hour your doom has come!' The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes any more.

NOTE: The Old Testament books have a lot to say regarding prophecy as well. A good example is in Isaiah. You can get a good overall view of what will happen by studying the 10 kings of ancient days. Those kings and their battle methods correlate to things that will happen during the wars of the 7 year tribulation. We won't go into detail here but the Kings relate to specific years of the tribulation.

The Jewish Kings and the correlating Tribulation year:

Yotham 1st Year

Ahaz 2nd Year

Hezekiahrd 3rd Year

Mariassah 4th Year

Amon 5th Year

Josiah 6th Year

Jehoahaz, Jehoikim, Johoichin & Zedekiah All 7th Year

In the beginning of the first year of the tribulation, the false messiah will have made a treaty with Israel. This would be Tishri 10, 6001... just a few days after the rapture of all Christians happens and 144,000 Jews accept Jesus (this uses the pre-trib rapture view). Russia may be the spark that ignites the tribulation since it's economy is nearly collapsed. They will destroy a great nation (?) in the first 14 days. Rev 18:17 'In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!' During the panic, the European false messiah will rise to power virtually over night to help solve this global catastrophe.

The treaty with Israel would be signed on Tishri 10, 6000. This occurs on the festival of Yom Kippur or The Day of Atonement. The result of this leader coming to power will bring about the start of the "seals" of the book of Revelation. In short, this will begin with a time of spiritual deception (false Christ), multiple wars, resulting famine, and various plagues. This is a result of the power given to the antichrist.

The Bible gives us SPECIFIC dates and number of days for this time period. There is no mistaking God’s plan.

These events will all occur within a 42 month (3 1/2 year) period. Keep in mind this is all based on the 30 day month Jewish calendar. The Bible states that EXACTLY 1260 days after the signing of the covenant, this man will present himself in Jerusalem, enter into the newly built Jewish temple, and claim himself to be Christ. If you go 1260 days past Yom Kippur in any given year, you just happen to fall EXACTLY on Aviv 10. This is the same day about 2000 years before that Jesus entered the temple. Hopefully you are beginning to see how this is not just by coincidence. All these dates and events have been pre-arranged!! I’ve said it a hundred times… the festivals are to be a rehearsal of God’s appointments with mankind.

This event, known as the abomination of desolation will defile the Jewish holy place. The Jews will begin to see that this man they thought was their Messiah, is in fact a false messiah. The next 3 1/2 years will be the worst time on earth since creation. The Bible says if it were not that God himself cut these days short, no man would survive. Indeed only a small fragment of the population remaining at that time will make it to the end of this period.

A thorough review of the book of Daniel will give you insight to the following information if you desire a more detailed look.

From the available Biblical and Jewish sources, we know that this man will likely come to power in Europe, will come to power as a man of peace, will undoubtedly have Jewish roots, and will be seen as the Messiah by Israel (and probably the Muslim world as well).

The antichrist will be in charge of a 10 nation group (previously 13, but reduced to 10 somehow) comprised of the old Roman empire nations. The Bible describes the make-up of this last kingdom and after almost 2000 years, it was "revived" on January 1, 1993. It is the European Community or EU (European Union) if you will. In Europe, it is known simply as the EU or EC and has been in the news daily for the past several years. Plans are in the works for a EC national card since many of the nations already have a national I.D. card. Of course, the Bible has already predicted all of these events, and in Revelations it says that no man will be able to buy or sell without the mark of the beast (antichrist). We are told that in the final 3 1/2 years of the rule by antichrist, people will be required to have a mark on their hand or forehead before they are allowed to buy or sell anything. Letters of the Hebrew and Greek alphabet have number assignments, as do words. The Bible says the number of this antichrist is the number of a man, and it is 666. There is a possible second opinion on this “666” verse. I will also cover that in another topic date.

Note: An agreement in the EC in January of 2002 resulted in a unified currency called the Euro. The next action will result in a cashless society. With no cash to use, it is obvious that either a card or implant will be required for trade. The EC is in the process of tagging all livestock with computerized chips. These chips provide all the health information, breeding, location and owner information needed for the EC's trade requirements. Chilling events to say the least! Remember, this is not science fiction, it is happening today. In December of 2001 a physician on the east coast was the first human to have an ID chip implanted in his body.

By the 2nd year of the Tribulation, Israel will be attacked on all fronts by the Arabs. Syria's forces will invade from the north including the Golan and West Bank, Saudi Arabia from the south, and the Palestinians from the Gaza strip. Just as in the ancient days of Tiglat Pileser III (the Assyrian King), Russia will be asked to come to aid. At some point Damascus will be destroyed. The Jewish state will be divided prior to this happening (possibly from the Mennonite Zion group or an independent Palestinian State).

Unfortunately, by the third year of the tribulation, following a Jewish peace treaty, Russia will attack Israel (Tishri 1, 6003?) while their defenses are down. God will perform a dramatic miracle at this time, totally defeating the Russians (Tishri 10, 6003?). The bible says that fire and stones will rain down from heaven and the whole world will know that it was the Lord that defeated them. There will be a dramatic acceptance of Jesus by Israel as a whole. The EC's false messiah leader however, will also have attacked the Russians. The leader will, at the midpoint of the Tribulation, enter the temple, claim to be God, and make Jerusalem his headquarters. Some Jews, now exposed to the true Messiah will reject him and flee to the wilderness into Jordan and the area of Petra in the Succot Valley, bringing elements of the Tabernacle with them.

The false messiah will place his image in the temple for worship. Of course, by this point he is indwelt by Satan. Just as Jesus Christ became God in the flesh, the anti-christ will become Satan in the flesh. Fear of this powerful figure will bring the Asians into conflict with this EC leader in the 5th year. Their 200-million man army will cross the Euphrates river according to the bible to wage war in the Valley of Meggido (the battle of Armageddon).

Like lightening out of the east, Christ will return to the Mt. of Olives (with his bride) to defeat the armies (who all have rejected Him). There will be a great earthquake (the greatest in the history of the world) splitting the city in two on Yom Kippur, Tishri 10, 6007. This will have completed the 2520 day prophecy.

WOW… I know that was a ton of information. And if we covered all the biblical and festival references here it would take me a year. This is just a starting point for you to do your own study. And, of course my blog will continue next time...

The Rapture

Talk About Global Chaos!

The Rapture is the snatching away of believers during the Tribulation. There is debate over the timing of this event. Some say it happens at the start of the Tribulation, some say it occurs in the middle, and still others claim it happens at the end. Remember, we now understand the significance of the Festivals and how they are a picture of future events. Those in the past were fulfilled by Chirst in perfect timing EXACTLY on their specific days.

The unfulfilled festivals that take place during the Tribulation will take place with the same precision... they are no exceptions.

The Bible states that the dead in Christ will rise first (those who have previously died but who believed in Jesus) this will be the resurrection promised by Jesus for all believers. The Bible goes on to say those (believers) who are alive and remain will be caught up with Him (Jesus) to meet the Lord in the air. DO NOT confuse this with Christ's second coming at the end of the tribulation. He will first come to get the believers, and will later return with the believers to battle at armageddon and to establish the permanent home for the 1000 years.

Understand that there are two theaters going on at the same time ... one in heaven and one on earth. The reason for taking away the believers is so that the coronation and the marriage supper of the lamb can be celebrated. Once again, if we look at the Jewish festivals, we can understand what will be happening here.

The Jewish Wedding Festival
The meaning behind this ceremony in regards to our future and God's gift to us is such a beautiful festival, we really should not try to explain it all in one page. If you have the time, you may want to study more on this festival to understand the deeper meaning behind it... but here is the condensed version.

When a Jewish couple wishes to marry, the groom's father approaches the girl's father with a proposal and complete marriage plans. The two men agree on a price to be paid (a dowry) and the agreement is sealed with a toast of wine. The future bride enters the room and the groom asks her to be his bride. This is her decision, and hers alone. She can accept this groom and proposal, or she may not. If she does, validation of the couple's agreement is a gift given by the groom. He has to offer it in the presence of at least 2 witnesses and say "behold you are consecrated unto me with this gift according to the laws of Moses and Israel".

A written contract is made listing the times, dates, places and celebrations in preparation for the marriage. This "ketubach" was kept in the bride's possession until consummation of the marriage. The first part of this 2 part ceremony then concludes with a toast of wine with the witnesses.

The groom then departs and assures his bride of his promise to build a home for her and return to get her for the ceremony. The bride did not know when this would be. She could know when it was near, however. It usually took a year to prepare her new home which was an addition built on his own father's house. The bride was to remain true and lived for the day of his return. The impending return of the groom was to influence her behavior and actions during the wait.

At the return of the groom, members announced the arrival with a loud shout as he is seen approaching the house with torches of fire. Rather than the groom entering the bride's house, the bride was to stop everything and go to meet him instead. The couple and wedding party return to the groom's home for the marriage ceremony. After their consummation (a 7 day period), the bride was unveiled to the guests and they live their future together in the father's house.

This is HUGE. I hope a light went off in your brain.

Now even if you only have slight experience with the Bible, I think you may be able to see some significance here. Remember, this wedding festival was practiced long before Christ was alive, and long before the Bible was in print, yet the Bible and events that happened 1000's of years later correspond to even the smallest details of this celebration. Remember, these festivals teach us about the past, they show us what to do in the present, and they have a prophetic application as well.

Just as the dowry (price) was decided. God the Father told us that he would send his son to pay the "price" for all of us. The Bible states "for you are bought with a price". After the "plan" was established, a proposal of salvation was given to all mankind in a written ketubach (the Bible). Just like the wedding festival's book, it contains events, times, dates and specifics regarding God's future appointments with man. The "plan" was sealed when Jesus lifted a glass of wine in the presence of his witnesses . Are you seeing the big picture? There is more...

Jesus said he would go to prepare a place for us IN HIS FATHER'S HOUSE and would return again for his bride (believers). This arrangement was secured by the Holy Spirit who protects the "purchased bride" until Christ"s return. When the groom (Jesus) returns for his bride (believers), he will come with a shout and note this: the bride (believers) will be caught up together to meet him, just as it happens in the Jewish wedding!

The bible then tells us there will be the marriage celebration in heaven (for a period of 7) which will correspond to the tribulation on earth. At the end of the celebration (and end of the tribulation period) Christ will return with his bride (the raptured believers) to "unveil" her before those witnesses on earth.

Rev 19:7 "Let us rejoice and give honor to Him, for the marriage of the lamb is come, and his wife has made herself ready".

You see, bible prophecy is not so mysterious if we have the information to work with! I hope you will read this page a second time if this is new to you. The end of the Tribulation and return of Christ centers around this beautiful wedding festival.

Back to the Rapture
Keeping the Festivals, the Rapture will occur on a Rosh Hashanah between 6000 and 6007. Considering the 3 possibilities of it's timing, we have a pre-trib, mid-trib and post-trib possibility. The most likely of these is the pre-tribulation model, but let's take a look at all three:

Pre Tribulation Rapture
This would likely occur on Tishri 1, 6000 (Rosh Hashanah). Ten days later on Tishri 10, 6000 (Yom Kippur) several things will have happened:

1) There will be the "rapture" or catching away of all believers
2) 144,000 "Firstfruits of the Tribulation" become believers and begin their preaching to the remaining non-believers
3) Construction of the new Jewish temple has begun, and animal sacrifices will resume during this time
4) The destruction of the greatest nation on earth (or 'Babylonian System')
5) The (EU) European Community meets and gives power to a new ruler in what will probably be an emergency session
6) The new leader guarantees a peace treaty with Israel for her protection against her enemies

Remember, the believers in Christ will be taken away at the time of the rapture. This will probably set the stage for the other events that take place. This will no doubt be the most traumatic event in all of human history for those left behind. The events that follow a Pre-Trib model seem to make the most sense. People disappear, the world is in fear and chaos. Along with the trumpet judgements... war, famine, and pestilences result. A False-Christ is brought to power. Christ returns with believers (a period of '7') 7 years later at the end of the Tribulation.


Mid Tribulation Rapture
This would likely occur on Tishri 1, 6003 or 6004 (Rosh Hashanah)

1) There will be the "rapture" or catching away of all believers
2) In the chaos, Anti-Christ comes to power and goes to the Temple
3) He takes advantage of the 'disappearance' of millions by providing some explanation that the world accepts (Remember this is going to be traumamatic for those left behind. How will this be explained to the world? It could be something wild like UFO's :)
4) Says the world was purged of 'intollerant' people, he claims to be God
5) The Abomination in the Temple has thus happened
6) Anti-Christ begins his reign of terror for the remaining 3 1/2 years

There is some evidence to suggest that the Rapture will be explained to those left behind as an alien abduction. Some texts do refer to a deception so great that even those that will become believers (during the trib) will be confused. The panic, fear and choas will be unimaginable. This view promotes a demonic deception and explains the rapture as a 'cleansing of the earth' of intollerant people. This explanation would fit well into the Mid Trib model.

Post Tribulation Rapture
This would likely occur on Tishri 1, 6007 (Rosh Hashanah).

1) There will be the "rapture" or catching away of all believers
2) Believers are spared the final judgements
3) Coronation and Marriage supper take place in heaven for 7 days
4) The destruction of Mystery Babylon occurs
5) Nations gather in the Megiddon Valley to wage war (against Christ)
6) Christ returns with His 'Bride' (raptured believers) to stop Armegeddon

Can you imagine the chaos that will occur when people physically disappear from earth? This will be the most glorious day for believers, but a day of horror for those left behind. If you picture every believer gone from the face of the earth, you can imagine the explanations given for the missing. The Bible states 'men's hearts will fail them' looking at those things which are coming to pass.

NOTE: I would like to suggest everyone read the "Left Behind" book series. It is a work of fiction, but is based on the tribulation. It is a good read, and you will learn what this time in history may be like. They have been on the NY Times best selling books list over and over. Again, I strongly (and seriously) recommend reading them.

And we'll continue next time...