Reviews and Views

…in my opinion.

Book of Revelation – Chapter 16

What follows now are the seven bowl judgments in this chapter. The vials are shallow bowls used in temple worship, filled with God’s wrath. These swallow bowls pour out swiftly upon the earth. The judgments are daunting and terrifying to consider as they fall on sinful men. We should regard much of what follows as literal.  

The First Bowl (verses 1 & 2)

God gives the command to go and pour out the bowls. Each bowl pours out one after another in quick succession. With the first bowl poured, an ulcerated and foul-smelling sore appears upon those with the beast’s mark and who worship his image. These sores bring physical torment to those rejecting Jesus Christ. They cannot find a way to relieve the pain and suffering. The following calamities hit far too rapidly for any explanation other than they come from God Himself. 

The Second Bowl (verse 3)

The second angel poured out his bowl upon the sea. The sea became “as the blood of a dead man,” and every living thing died in the world’s oceans. This is not a red tide of algae growth but something entirely different. Consider that oceans cover about 70% of the earth’s surface. Now all living things in the seas and oceans are dead. We can imagine that this judgment ends the beast’s shipping and fishing industries. Remember that such a massive change in oceanic waters could drastically affect weather patterns and rainfall. A primary worldwide food source is gone, and a reduction in oxygen from aquatic plants as the sea completely turns to blood. We can now see how this alone would start a countdown to the extinction of all life on earth.

The Third Bowl (verse 4)

The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and fountains of water, and they became blood. Freshwater is in critically short supply, causing unthinkable hardship and suffering to man and animals. But why would a compassionate and loving God cause this to happen? Look at verses 5 thru 7 for the answer.

A pause in the bowls judgment occurs as the “angel of the waters” speaks, praising God for these judgments. It is fitting (appropriate) that the water becomes blood since so much innocent blood has been spilled by those guilty of doing so. The altar speaks, representing the prayers of Tribulation saints. “They deserve it.” God is holy and just. 

The Fourth Bowl (verses 8 & 9)

The fourth angel pours out his bowl on the sun to scorch men with fire from the fierce (intense) heat. The most incredible heatwave in all history takes place. This is not global warming and is nothing that man can control. Many people will perish, and electrical use and costs sky-rockets. Systems fail because they cannot keep up with demand to keep the air-conditioner units operating. No one can work outside as the air becomes hard to breathe, and everyone’s strength wanes or fades. In reality, all the polar ice caps melt. Transportation by sea will become nearly impossible. Yet people will still not repent.

The Fifth Bowl (verses 10 & 11)

The fifth angel pours his bowl on the throne of the Beast. A judgment of darkness covers his kingdom, which is worldwide. This darkness looks pretty similar to the darkness that covered Egypt (Exodus 10:15). No amount of artificial light can chase the dark away. The dark surprises and terrifies the unrepentant. The plague of darkness will be intentional. The Jews have a historical story that the darkness was so dense that everyone stayed home with only a few courageous souls that went from the chair to the bed and back again. Terrified by the unknown, some believed that evil spirits appeared or made dreadful sounds and murmurs or experienced horrors of their consciences. Still, “they did not repent of their deeds.” This passage is the last reference to their unwillingness to repent. God made his final call to repentance in the first five plagues, with the unrepentant confirming their unbelief. The final two bowls to be poured out will include the severest of all the judgments. 

The Sixth Bowl (verses 12 thru 16)

The sixth angel poured his bowl upon the great river, the Euphrates, resulting in a dry river bed. Why? The drying up of the water prepares the kings of the east to cross into the Middle East. The time for the final war is about to take place. The Holy Land is the stage chosen by God. John tells us that he saw three unclean spirits “like frogs” come out of the mouth of the dragon (Satan), the beast (Antichrist), and the false prophet. These spirits of demons work miracles, which go forth to the kings and rulers of the earth to gather them to battle, to their doom at Armageddon. Many come to show their support for the Antichrist, while others desire to wrestle control of the world from him. Men are fooled by these spirits and incited to war. Kings and rulers believe that a stunning victory is theirs. But the evil spirits sow seeds of hate. Passions are inflamed while stirring up the world to gather together – East against West, West against East, all against God and His King, the Lord Jesus Christ. In reality, the battle of Armageddon is a fight against the Lord Jesus Christ and His hosts. We will see more of this in chapter 19. A few things to point out:

  • The symbolism of frogs speaks of uncleanness. 
  • A pause or lull appears in verse 15 before the storm. God says He will come as a thief.
  • The Tribulation saints receive instructions to watch for His coming and to continue walking in the pathways of holiness. The command here is to be prepared and remains valid for believers today. 

The Seventh Seal (verses 17 thru 21)

The seventh angel pours out his bowl into the air. God declares, “It is done!” The atmosphere is dramatically affected by violent flashes of lightning, thunder sounds and peals, and a great earthquake. The effects of this calamity carry to the establishment of Christ’s kingdom on earth.

No one has seen or experienced such an extreme earthquake as this one, even in the historical record. 

  • This great earthquake is so strong as none has been like it since man has been upon the earth. The major cities of the nations fall from this great earthquake; cities such as Paris, Berlin, London, Beijing, St. Petersburg, Washington D.C., Los Angels, Dallas, and Atlanta, to name a few. Jerusalem (the great city) splits into three parts. Elevated, the city of Jerusalem stands above the surrounding region, flattened into a plain. A series of geophysical alterations to Jerusalem and its surrounding area will conclude when the Lord Jesus Christ returns. When He steps onto the Mount of Olives, the mount will split in two, and a new valley running east and west will be created. A spring of water will flow year-round from Jerusalem to the Mediterranean and Dead Seas, causing the desert to bloom like a rose. The final effect of this great earthquake is to prepare the earth for the millennial rule of Christ. Please refer to Zechariah chapter 14 for more details. 
  • This earthquake is so massive that the topography of the entire earth is changed. Where mountains existed before now, only flat plains mark the landscape. Every island on the planet disappears. This is due to extreme tectonic plate movement. Will the earth’s landmasses look like they did pre-Flood in Noah’s time? Some scholars think so, creating one continent so travel during the millennium kingdom period could be made without ships or planes. Yet, the Scripture remains silent about modes of travel during the period of the Millennial Kingdom.

Those who survive this devastation caused by the earthquake face bombardment with giant hailstones, about 100-pounds each. The damage is unimaginable. John MacArthur stated, “The Greek term translated ‘about one hundred pounds’ described the most weight a normal man could carry, anywhere from 90 to 135 pounds.” Refer to his book Because the Time is Near, page 259.

The seventh bowl is the 21st judgment upon the earth and the planet’s inhabitants. It is the final judgment. You should note that this final bowl judgment does not bring about the world’s end. Instead, the Lord Jesus Christ returns to earth at this time, establishes His earthly kingdom, and rules for one thousand years (chapter 20). Yet, still, it is the end of civilization as we have known it. 

Next, the Religion of Babylon – Chapter 17

March 13, 2024 Posted by | Bible, Last Days, Revelation | , , , | Leave a comment

Book of Revelation – Chapter 15

Welcome to the shortest chapter in Revelation. It serves as a preview of the rapid judgments of chapter 16. Here we join John as we witness the final divine punishments of God’s wrath against sinful and rebellious humanity. In this great scene, we see a sea of glass mixed with fire and countless Tribulation saints victorious over the Beast, his image, his mark, and the number of his name. They stand on the sea of glass with harps. Such a marvelous sight to behold, I’m sure.

  • The sea of glass speaks of tranquillity (peacefulness and calmness). The scene before us is calm and stable and typifies the Church at rest and God’s living Word.
  • The sea of glass mixed with fire is a picture of believers standing firmly for Christ under the test of fire, having their feet planted on the Word of God.

They begin to sing the song of Moses (Exodus 14) and the Lamb. It is about the Lord Jesus Christ’s millennium kingdom reign.

NOTE:

In Zechariah 14:16-17, all the world shall go up from year to year to worship the KING, the LORD of hosts, and keep the feast of tabernacles. No rain falls on those that do not attend worship annually.

In verse 5, John explains that the doors of the heavenly temple open, and out walks seven angels, each prepared to deliver the final judgments of God. They dress in pure white linen, fastened with golden belts (verse 6). Each angel receives a bowl full of the wrath of God from one of the four beasts before God’s throne (verse 7). This site was both breathtaking and frightening as we watched.

From God’s glory and His power, smoke begins to fill the heavenly temple. So thick is the smoke that no man could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were satisfied. At this point, the temple area remains sealed or shut to angels and men during the Tribulation hour’s final 42-months (or 3.5 years). God’s throne, which symbolizes mercy and love, is closed to the public until this period of judgment ends. When completed, all may approach the mercy seat again. But until that time, all is hazy and dark because of the smoke filling the temple (verse 8).

Next, in Chapter 16, the Bowl Judgments

March 4, 2024 Posted by | Bible, Last Days, Revelation | , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book of Revelation – Chapter 14

The picture that has unfolded thus far…is that of a world ruined by man. With the seals broken and restraint removed, passions in the human heart, long restrained by God, have been allowed to come to full flower and fruit. The harvest has been one of complete chaos on earth. Trumpets blowing, a world ruled by Satan casts a picture of an even darker hue over the planet. The world has united beneath the banner of the Beast. Hailed as a messiah, the Antichrist receives worship for himself and the dragon. John Phillips commentary, page 177.

What proceeds next is not a chronological sequence of events but rather panoramically (or wide view) with details that follow later.

Before us is a picture of a world rescued by God; starting in chapter 14 to the end of chapter 20. This period covers the final throes (violent pain and struggles) of the Great Tribulation, the Battle of Armageddon, the Golden Millennial Age, the last rebellion of Satan, the Great White Throne Judgment, and on to the edge of eternity. John Philips commentary, page 177.

In chapter 14, our view returns to heaven as celebrations and preparations occur. In verse 1, we have the Lamb (the Lord Jesus Christ), a heavenly mount Zion (since Christ has not come to earth yet), and the 144,000 Jewish evangelists. None of the 144,000 are missing. They stand before God, the living creatures, and the 24 elders in heaven. When they arrived or how they got there is untold to us. These 144,000 are with Jesus wherever He goes. They will enter the millennial kingdom as living men, most likely continuing their evangelistic work throughout the 1,000 years. While only redeemed people will enter the millennium kingdom, the children born to them will not all believe in Jesus, hence the need for evangelism.

144,000 are with Jesus wherever He goes.

A magical sound of harps and voices fills heaven and earth with joy. There is something unique about these 144,000 besides their new song. No other age has produced a company like this, a veritable army of militant believers marching unscathed through every form of danger. They denied the dragon (Satan), baited the Beast (Antichrist), and gave the lie to the False Prophet.

DEFINITION:
To “give the lie” is an English expression meaning exposing a lie or showing a thing is not as represented.

Three angels appear, commissioned with messages, announcements, and warnings for the earth’s inhabitants. 

  1. The first angel preaches the everlasting gospel to everyone on earth (verse 6). The message is in verse 7. God remains merciful and willing to forgive the sinner. Humanity has a final call from God to repent or die. The angel appears in the sky, “flying in mid-heaven,” where the sun appears at its high point at noon. He is out of the reach of the Antichrist, and his ministry is unhindered.
  2. A second angel (verse 8) cries out, “Babylon is fallen.” This proclamation anticipates the complete collapse of the Beast’s political, economic, and religious system. Revealed details are in chapters 17 and 18.
  3. A dire (terrible and urgent) choice is the subject of this third proclamation. The third angel declares the final judgment for those who worship the Beast or his image or receive his mark. The punishment is to be torment with fire and brimstone in the presence of angels and the Lord Jesus Christ. This judgment is horrendous, a never-ending agony never meant for man, but evil men will face it for eternity.

But God’s warnings go unheeded by most of the sinful world. With issues now apparent, the alternatives are unmistakable. “Worship me, or be doomed!” cries the Beast. “Worship Me or be damned!” declares the Lord Jesus Christ. Notice that the message is urgent, short, plain, and unique. No hope exists for those who worship the Beast, bow before his image or receive his mark.

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them. During the Tribulation, the saints’ labors will be exhausting and challenging work. But when they go to heaven, their record will follow with them.

Now we view two harvests: the grain harvest and the grape harvest. John sees a white cloud, one sitting on the cloud, a golden crown, and a sharp sickle. 

  • One sitting like a son of man is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the reaper here.
  • The white cloud represents His glory and majesty.
  • The golden crown is not a king’s crown but the crown worn by victors in war or athletic events.
  • Used to harvest grain, the sharp sickle, held with both hands spread apart and swept back and forth, would cut off the grain stalks to ground level.

In verse 15, a 4th angel comes out of the heavenly temple. This angel is coming from the very presence of God the Father. Given the go-ahead to execute the judgment, the angel tells Jesus to “Put in your sickle and reap…” It is now time! Earth’s harvest is ripe.

Such a harvest is related to Christendom or its remains, since this harvest is religious. The great separation of the wheat (true believers) from the tares (weeds or false believers) begins. So Christ thrust his sickle on the earth, reaping done (verse 16).

Now a 5th angel emerges from the temple in heaven in verse 17, from the presence of God the Father. He carries a sharp sickle and is identified as the reaper of this next harvest and not Jesus, who was the reaper in the first harvest. Followed by a 6th angel who has the title of “the one who has power over fire.” This harvest has to do with the world. Since the 6th angel comes from the altar, his appearance means that it is time for those prayers of the Tribulation saints to be answered. He shouts to the 5th angel with the sharp sickle, “put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from earth’s vine because her grapes are ripe.” So the angel swings his sickle, gathers the clusters, and throws them into the winepress of the wrath of God (verse 19).

Verse 20 tells us blood flows from the winepress of God’s wrath. So much blood that it is 4 feet deep (up to a horse’s bridle) and stretches 200 miles (about the length of Israel). In a series of purgings, we start in the Valley of Jezreel on the plain near Megiddo. The 6th angel from the altar is in charge, but the scene is the work of both angels (5th and 6th). Eventually, the Battle of Armageddon encompasses the entire nation of Israel. This Battle is global in its involvement as the world’s armies meet in the Middle East for the final holocaust of history. They are there to fight against Christ taking earth over as the rightful King, who holds the deed to the earth. As the Battle of Armageddon rages, the Church will not be present as the Rapture occurred before this Battle (chapter 4, verse 1).

“Still, it is difficult to imagine that they could produce a flow of blood ‘up to the horses’ bridles’ for a distance of 200 miles. A better interpretation, whether there are actual horses involved or not, sees this as hyperbole to suggest the slaughter in which blood will splatter into the air profusely along the whole length of the Battle. When the slaughter reaches its peak, blood could flow deeply in troughs and stream beds. As this passage indicates, Armageddon will be a slaughter rather than a battle.”

Refer to John MacArthur, Because The Time Is Near, page 242.

Next is the shortest chapter in Revelation, Chapter 15.

February 25, 2024 Posted by | Bible, Last Days, Revelation | , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Book of Revelation – Chapter 13

The Two Beasts: Antichrist and the False Prophet

First, we will look at the Antichrist, sometimes referred to as the Beast. He has all the devil’s characteristics, a political figure who knows no bounds in achieving what he desires. If there ever was a violent and deceptive leader of men, he is it. The Antichrist will be the final or last of the Gentile kings. Crowned by an apostate world, he will accept the title of Lord and Messiah. The world will obey him because of love or follow him through fear.

Out of the sea (of humanity) rises the first beast in verse 1. He is handsome to look upon, but the good looks hide the awful secret inside. There are seven heads, ten horns, ten crowns, and the name blasphemy written upon his heads. Sounds fantastic, not really. He is the visible expression of the invisible devil in every way. As he gathers power, he rules over a ten-nation confederacy from the old Roman Empire. Though the Antichrist wears ten crowns, Jesus Christ wears many crowns.

In verse 2, the Beast has characteristics like a leopard. It describes his nature as ferocious (brutal and cruel), wild, harmful, and immutable (unchanging). And his feet were like the feet of a bear which represents how he treats those in his way. The Beast leaves a trail of blood behind him. With no remorse, any enemy caught in his tenacious (firm or tight) grip is torn to pieces and left to bleed to death. Like the mouth of a lion, he is raging and tearing and harmful. Out of his mouth proceed great blasphemies of profanities against God.

But, in verse 3, it appears that the Antichrist is assassinated or killed midway through the Tribulation hour (see Daniel 11:45). Satan uses this opportunity to perform a resurrection, a counterfeit to Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Once the Antichrist appears alive, his prestige soars. Afterward, the Antichrist will declare himself God and sit in the Temple in Jerusalem during the Tribulation (2 Thessalonians 2:4 and Matthew 24:15). After this happens, alive again, all the world wonders after him. Humanity is overwhelmed by the Antichrist’s power and authority that Satan has given him.

Verse 4 states that millions will now believe in the Antichrist and begin to worship him and the devil, Satan. Later, we see that the second beast (false prophet) enforces this worship.

As discussed earlier, the Antichrist has a big mouth and spouts off a lot of profanity concerning God and heaven. He mocks the Almighty and continues to do so for the last 3.5 years of the Tribulation period. Satan intensifies this profanity because the devil speaks through the Antichrist since his “resurrection.” Let’s consider the following thought-provoking theory:

  • During the first 42-months (of 3.5 years) of the Tribulation, the Antichrist acts under the influence of Satan.
  • In chapter 12, Satan is cast out of heaven and sent to earth, where he incarnates himself into Antichrist’s dead body. By doing so, the beast resurrects from the dead though mortally wounded. The counterfeiter (Satan) dwells in the Antichrist’s body for the final 42-months or 3.5 years, claiming deity.

The fight is on for the Tribulation saints during these final 42-months as we pass verse 7. It is good to remember that this is not the Church since it is in heaven already. Satan will battle the Church as we return with Christ in chapter 19, verse 14, and those who also refused the beast’s mark in chapter 20, verse 4. The Antichrist controls the whole world by this time because so many stand amazed by this self-styled deity taking control. They willingly submit to his authority. But a remnant will not bow. Verse 9 tells us to take heed to these words and think seriously about the days in our future.

Revelation 13:10 speaks of captivity and dying by the sword. This verse is meant to be a caution to the suffering saints of the Tribulation. During this time, there is nothing for them but to endure to the end. God’s people are called to endurance and faith. The world is engulfed in a great hour of trial and temptation. All but the elect of God are deceived. As the first beast is to be met by patience and faith (verse 10), the second beast must be opposed by true wisdom (verse 18). Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible commentary.

Next, we will look at the second beast, the False Prophet. This mysterious person acts as the propaganda chief for the Antichrist. In verse 11, this beast came out of the earth, not the sea. Out of the earth may indicate that the False Prophet is Jewish with his chief function is to glorify the first beast (i.e., the Antichrist.) In the description of two horns like a lamb identifies him with Christianity and speaking as a dragon ties him in with Satan. The False Prophet is a liar. He has a deceptive appearance and is a religious fake fulfilling Matthew 24:24.

But he will have a dynamic appeal. Exercising all the power of the Antichrist, he will cause all of earth’s inhabitants to worship the Antichrist, especially after he is wounded, dies, and regains life again. He performs outstanding (or “lying”) wonders, making fire fall from the sky for all to see. Why does he do all this? To deceive everyone and urge them to set up an image of the Antichrist in the new Temple in Jerusalem. Doing so prepares the earth’s inhabitants for idolatry. Once installed, Antichrist’s statue becomes alive with the ability to speak. To not worship this image means death to anyone refusing. Loyalty to the Antichrist will mean a mark of “666” will be given to all, both rich and poor, free or enslaved men. This mark must be in their right hand or foreheads. Those who do not have this mark may not buy or sell anything—computer systems will enslave the earth’s population during the Tribulation hour. We don’t have to look much farther than the Social Credit System used in China today (2022) to understand how this is possible—acting as an international identification system utilizing a laser tattoo or implant device placed in the right hand or forehead. Somewhere in the individual’s ID number will be the number “666,” similar to a prefix. We cannot know who the Antichrist is until he arrives on the scene. And he cannot arrive on the scene until the Church is raptured home to heaven. Still, God’s Word admonishes (advises) the Christian to be wise (see Matthew 10:16), especially as the day of Christ’s return approaches (see Hebrews 10:25).

BE FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH.

Next, in Chapter 14, the world is rescued by God, preparations in Heaven.

February 15, 2024 Posted by | Bible, Last Days, Revelation | , , , , | Leave a comment

Book of Revelation – Chapter 11

What about the future facing the unrepentant? It was the worst of times. Foolishness reigns in the heart of evil men. A terrible season of darkness plagues the sturdiest of souls, but nothing except judgment awaits those deluded (lied to or deceived) by the Beast. But there is a bright side to this very dark picture.

Taking a rod or reed, the apostle John proceeds to measure the temple of God (erected during the Tribulation hour, this is the 3rd temple), the altar, and those that worship therein. It’s a measurement of their spirituality. The Jews’ spirituality falls short. The Gentiles trample the Holy City of Jerusalem under their feet for 42 months or 3.5 years (the last half of the Tribulation period). So, now God sends two witnesses before the people in Jerusalem. Given great power, these two men prophesy, telling them what will happen to them in the future and to repent.

The scene is Jerusalem and the rebuilt Tribulation temple. You will notice that this temple has nothing to do with the Church, which is already in heaven. Somehow the Jews regained possession of the Temple site and the right to do something with it. We can assume that the Masque of Omar is rubble with a beautiful new Temple to God in its place. Israel had entered a seven-year pact with the Beast. With his encouragement and support, defying the Arabs, they rebuilt this temple. We are at the mid-point of the seven-year Tribulation period. Unfortunately for the Jews, they have entered into a covenant with death and an agreement with hell (Isaiah 28:15). The Beast honors his commitments in the beginning of this seven-month contract because that works in his interest. However, “halfway through the period, there will be a change of policy, possibly connected with the downfall of Russia and possibly connected with the emergence of the Beast in his new character as ‘the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit” of verse 7, John Phillips commentary, page 146.

Two witnesses make their appearance at this time. Their witness lasts for 1,260 days or 3.5 years. Given great power or authority, they proclaimed God’s message of doom upon the unrepentant. Both men wear sackcloth, a coarse, rough fabric woven from flax or hemp, acting both as a token of mourning for Israel and a call to repentance. Their ministry runs through much of the period covered by the trumpet judgments, then they are slain during the second woe of the sixth trumpet.

Who are these two witnesses? Unknown, since John does not mention them specifically by name. Some scholars guess them to be Elijah, Enoch, Moses, or John the Baptist, with many reasons given for each one. It is not important who they are, or John would have written their names down for us to know. What can be said is that these witnesses are human beings, and there are two of them; that is what we know for sure. These two possess supernatural weapons such as the power to shut heaven and bring drought, turn water to blood, and bring disease or plagues, including calling down fire from heaven. Invincible, the world detests and fears them. Untouchable by man, the Beast finally kills them at the end of the 1,260 days. Left in the streets of Jerusalem with no burial or grave for them, a worldwide holiday is declared. People celebrate their death by presenting gifts to each other. With their lights snuffed out, the world is truly in darkness. It is a wonderfully comforting thought that all of God’s people are immortal until God is through with them. And when you have completed your mission, He will remove you from the earth to heaven.

The location of their death is called “spiritually Sodom and Egypt, where our Lord was crucified” from verse 8. Known as Jerusalem, the name Sodom emphasizes vice, and Egypt points out the vanity that has now enthroned itself in the city of violence. So for 3.5 days, the entire world watches their dead bodies left in the dirty streets with celebrations all around, shown on all television networks, internet, smartphones, and computers.

Then, the unthinkable happens! God puts the spirit of life back into their broken bodies, making them whole again. They stand upright on their feet. No wonder fear grips the heart of those watching at the scene and on media. In front of everyone, up goes the two witnesses in a cloud away from their enemies below. With a great voice, God called them home. As this occurred, a great earthquake shook Jerusalem. One-tenth of the city lies in rubble. Seven thousand men died that day, not counting women and children. Those that survived grudgingly acknowledged that there was a living God, but that impression did not last. No salvation, just a bunch of scared folks! With the second woe completed, the third and final woe comes quickly.

Seventh Trumpet – Crowning of the King

Immediately, the seventh trumpet blasts (verse 15). Heaven is the scene, but earth finds out about the crowning of Jesus, enraging the earth’s inhabitants.

NOTE:
Remember that chapters 6 through 11 run concurrently with chapters 12 through 19:15 or side by side during the Tribulation period, explaining why the King returns in chapter 11, verse 15, and chapter 19, verse 16.

As the King returns, praise and worship services begin in heaven as an act of gratitude. Satan’s reign has finally ended because the King has come to earth! Verse 17 is a prayer to Christ. Yet the wicked are upset over the King’s return. They want things to remain as they are, but a lot of things start to happen with His return.

(1) In their anger, the nations gather their armies to make war against Christ, the returning King, and His army of saints. You can guess who wins this conflict. What were they thinking?

(2) God’s wrath comes as the King returns. Christ kills or severely injures the nations gathered, rules over them with a rod of iron, and treads the winepress of God’s wrath.

(3) The wicked are judged at the end of the King’s 1,000-year reign (chapter 20, verses 11 to 15).

(4) The faithful prophets and saints, small and significant, are rewarded at the end of the 1,000-year reign. Do not confuse this with the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). Rewards presented here are for those faithful during the Kingdom Age for those who did not rebel and follow Satan at his release from the pit. The promise to destroy those who destroyed the earth is a referral to those spirit beings who followed the destroyer, Satan. Their destruction is separate from that of the nations of man. Lastly, amid lightning, voices, thundering, an earthquake, and great hail, God spares His covenant people (Israel).

Next is chapter 12 – the woman clothed with the sun, crowned with stars, and the red dragon.

February 7, 2024 Posted by | Bible, Last Days | , , , , , | Leave a comment

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