June 2020 – Eternity

End Times 15, Revelation 10:1-11, A Taste Of The Future

Video Title. What is the “little book” that John was told to eat? Video details are shown below, to include credentials of the speakers.

Article Title. End Times 15, Revelation 10:1-11, A Taste Of The Future

I. Preface.

A. Let us remember the purpose for all Scripture, in that all Scriptures are based on “The Purpose Of God, (Isaiah 46:10).”

1. In our study of the End Times, we consider God’s purposes for Israel, “My people Israel.” (2 Chronicles 6:5-7).
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Chronicles%206%3A5%2D7&version=NASB

2. God has given severe warnings for those who would harm His chosen people: “And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3).

B. We will begin this article, and each following article, with a Scripture that relates to God’s plans for Israel.

1. Isaiah 1:1 “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz concerning Judah and Jerusalem, which he saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.” (Notice that the book of Isaiah was written to Jews, by a Jew (Isaiah), about Jewish things of Israel.)

2. Isaiah 65:17 ““For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind.” RSB note. This verse is part of the characteristics of the Kingdom which are written from vs 17-25. Note. A description of the Millennial Kingdom, which is preliminary to the “new heavens and a new earth” (v 17). Characteristics include Jerusalem’s being a joy instead of a burden (v 18, cf, Zech 12:2-3), “longevity (v 20; notice that sin will be punished in the Millennium); peace and security (vv 21-23), and removing of the animosity in nature (v 25; cf. 11:7-9). Read the following link. You will see that we are not in the Kingdom now.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+65%3A17-25&version=NASB

II. Introduction.

A. The opening video has a discussion on this chapter that relates to things that will happen in the future; these are things that are bad (sour), and things that are good (sweet). The bad things are not stated, but may refer to upcoming judgments, such as the trumpet judgments (Rev 15:1-16:21), and the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:11-15). The sweet things are the yet future “millennial kingdom,” (See I.B.2., above, Isaiah 65:17 and note, for a description of the millennial kingdom.), and the “eternal state” of the new heavens, new earth and new Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-2). Those whom will be left behind from the Rapture will face the upcoming Trumpet Judgments; if any of these “left behind” types come to saving faith in Christ, even during the Tribulation, they will be saved from the Great White Throne Judgment. Those whom will stand before the Great White Throne Judgment will be those whom will never have been born again. Those whom will enter the Eternal State of the New Heaven, New Earth and New Jerusalem, will be those whom will have been born again (John 3:3). Needless to say, any of whom are left behind from the Rapture will come under the judgments of God until they die, or are killed, or may survive the Tribulation. Anyone who comes to saving faith in Christ during the Tribulation will enter into the Kingdom Age; they also will enter into the Eternal State. Anyone, not coming to saving faith in Christ during the Tribulation, yet being a survivor, will suffer immediate death. Such Tribulation “unbelievers” will be raised from death at the end of the Kingdom Age to stand before the Great White Throne Judgment, and will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev 20:11-15). We will go deeper into this study of end times occupants in upcoming articles.

B. The following video shows a very special time in the lives of Jews. The Jewish family and friends in the video are seen in their weekly Sabbath observance. The warmth and love of this group of Jews is undeniable.

1. As with the prior article, you will notice that the Shabbat candles are lit by a woman. Consider this info that comes from a Jewish website: “The mitzvah of lighting candles has been given especially to women, the mainstays of the Jewish home, but it is an obligation for every home, and if no woman over bat mitzvah is present to light, the candles are lit by the man of the home.”

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/87131/jewish/How-to-Light-Shabbat-Candles.htm

2. The scriptural significance of a woman lighting the Shabbat candles is amazing. Consider that is was a woman, Mary, who brought “the Light of the world,” into the world (John 1:4-9).” Also, as in the Shabbat observance, once the light is lit, “it can not be put out,” just as the Light of Christ is forever lighting the world of darkness, enlightening everyone (John 1:9) . There is also a specific time for lighting the Shabbat candles; consider Galatians 4:4, ” But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law.”

3. Video details are shown below.

a. Leviticus 23:1-8. In this passage, God speaks to the Israelites about the feasts of God.

1 The Lord spoke again to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘The Lord’s appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations—My appointed times are these:

3 ‘For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You shall not do any work; it is a sabbath to the Lord in all your dwellings.

4 ‘These are the appointed times of the Lord, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at the times appointed for them. 5 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight is the Lord’s Passover. 6 Then on the fifteenth day of the same month there is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the Lord; for seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. 7 On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall not do any laborious work. 8 But for seven days you shall present an offering by fire to the Lord. On the seventh day is a holy convocation; you shall not do any laborious work.’”

b. The Book of Leviticus opens with the following words that identify Israel as being being the recipient of the Law.

Leviticus 1:1, “Then the Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying, 2 “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them…”

C. The Book of Leviticus closes with the following words that identify Israel as being the recipient of the Law.

Leviticus 27:34, “These are the commandments which the Lord commanded Moses for the sons of Israel at Mount Sinai.”

D. The Book of Leviticus contains much more than the Ten Commandments. The Law consists of the 613 Torah Laws, or commandments: http://www.jewfaq.org/613.htm

E. Even though the Law was given by God to Jews (Psalm 147:19), I choose to honor the Sabbath Day. I will explain some of my thoughts about honoring the Sabbath Day in a future article.

III. Translation Considerations. “The New American Standard Bible (NASB) translation was chosen for this, and other studies, because of two main reasons. First, the NASB capitalizes the first letter of pronouns that relate to God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit); not all Bible translations show that same respect for God. Second, the NASB has a history of correctness in translation.”

IV. Text: Revelation 10:1-11

The Angel and the Little Book

1 I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire; 2 and he had in his hand a little book which was open. He placed his right foot on the sea and his left on the land; 3 and he cried out with a loud voice, as when a lion roars; and when he had cried out, the seven peals of thunder uttered their voices. 4 When the seven peals of thunder had spoken, I was about to write; and I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Seal up the things which the seven peals of thunder have spoken and do not write them.” 5 Then the angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to heaven, 6 and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things in it, and the earth and the things in it, and the sea and the things in it, that there will be delay no longer, 7 but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as He preached to His servants the prophets.

8 Then the voice which I heard from heaven, I heard again speaking with me, and saying, “Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land.” 9 So I went to the angel, telling him to give me the little book. And he *said to me, “Take it and eat it; it will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be sweet as honey.” 10 I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and in my mouth it was sweet as honey; and when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter. 11 And they *said to me, “You must prophesy again concerning many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.”

V. Comments of Theologians. BKC=The Bible Knowledge Commentary. MSB=MacArthur Study Bible; NAC = New American Commentary; NKJV= New King James Study Bible; RRC=Ryrie Commentary; RSB=Ryrie Study Bible; SRN=Scofield Reference Notes; WRC= Walvoord Commentary);

A. RSB

1. 10:6 “there will be delay no longer.” I.e., when the seventh angel sounds his trumpet (11:15), the bowl judgments will be poured out (16:1-21) and the Tribulation will come to an end with the return of Christ. This will be good news to the martyrs awaiting their vindication (6:10-11).

2. 10:7 “the mystery of God.” Truth concerning God Himself, which will not be revealed until His Kingdom is established on earth.

3. 10:9-10. The eating of the little book (scroll) was to remind John that, although these truths from God may be pleasant for his taste, they were bitter when digested because they spoke of judgment. The revelation of God’s judgment, on careful reflection, should always bring heaviness of heart to the child of God. Compare Ezek 2:8-3:3.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+2%3A8-3%3A3&version=NASB

B. MAC

1. 10:1–11:14 These verses serve as an interlude between the sixth trumpet and the seventh trumpet (11:15). The seals and the bowls also have a brief interlude between their sixth and seventh judgments (7:1–17; 16:15). God’s intention is to encourage and comfort His people in the midst of the fury and to remind them that He is still sovereign, that He remembers His people, and that they will ultimately be victorious.

2. 10:2 little book. The 7-sealed scroll that is the title deed to the earth (see note on 5:1) will be fully opened and all the final judgments made visible. right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. Although Satan has temporarily usurped the sea and the earth, this symbolic act demonstrates that all creation belongs to the Lord and He rules it with sovereign authority.

3. 10:4 “a voice from heaven.” The identity of this voice is not stated.

3. 10:5 raised up his hand. This Gr. verb appears often in the technical sense of raising the hand to take an oath or a solemn vow (cf. Dan. 12:7; see notes on Matt. 5:33, 34). The hand is raised toward heaven because that is where God dwells. The angel is taking an oath.

4. 10:8 “the voice which I heard from heaven.” The identity of this voice is not stated.

C. NKJV

1. 10:1 This mighty angel could be the “strong angel” of 5:2 or the angel “having great authority” of 18:1. It is unlikely that this is Michael, who is referred to by name elsewhere (see 12:7; Dan. 12:1), or Christ, since He is never called an angel in the NT. Furthermore, unlike Christ, this angel comes to earth before the time of tribulation is over.

2. 10:3-4 The devil and his hordes present themselves as fierce lions (see 9:8, 17; 1 Pet. 5:8). The victorious lion of Judah (5:5) also has an angelic servant who roars like a lion. It cannot be known what the seven thunders uttered because a heavenly voice, perhaps Christ’s, commanded John to seal up what he had heard (see Dan. 12:4, 9).

3. 10:8–11 As words of judgment, the book would make John’s stomach bitter, in the same way that Ezekiel’s spirit had become bitter (see Ezek. 3:14). The events of Ezek. 2; 3 occurred soon before God’s judgment on Judah and Jerusalem and were in effect the prophet’s commission. John may have sensed a similar commission here to prophesy his message of judgment to the world. John’s prophecy about peoples, nations, tongues, and kings may refer specifically to the remainder of the second woe (11:1–14), since there is a focus on the testimony of the two witnesses. However, the use of similar expressions in 13:7; 14:6; and 17:15 implies that John’s commission was to prophesy most or all of the Book of Revelation, a prophecy which speaks of all the events leading up to Christ’s second coming (19:11–21).

VI. Consider factors that may, or may not, be relative to the Tribulation.

A. Military Strength. As we consider the last battle of the Tribulation period (Rev 16:13-16, Campaign of Armageddon/Battle of Armageddon), let’s also consider the size of the military strength of the United States of America. Based on scripture, the United States will be one of the nations that will be involved in the attack on Israel that will occur at the end of the Tribulation (Zech 12:8-9; Zech 14:1-3). These will be armed forces personnel which will be left behind from the rapture of the Church (1 Thes 4:16-17). Only unsaved people of the armed forces of the world will be left behind, after the rapture, and will fight against Israel during the Campaign of Armageddon (Battle of Armageddon).
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zechariah+12%3A8-9&version=NASB
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Zechariah+14%3A1-3&version=NASB
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+4%3A16-17&version=NASB

1. The strength of the U.S. military forces is: 2,260,000

2. A breakdown of the strength is: 1,400,000 active duty, and 860,000 reserve personnel.

3. https://www.globalfirepower.com/country-military-strength-detail.asp?country_id=united-states-of-america

B. World Conditions. Many people are being taught that the world is in the Tribulation.

1. Based on prophetic scripture, we are not in the Tribulation. Even though there has not been a peace treaty to be made between the antichrist and Israel (Daniel 9:27), there are many Bible teachers who persist in teaching that we are in the Tribulation. Such bad teachings are made based on our current world conditions.

2. The 1931 China floods, or the 1931 Yangtze–Huai River floods, were a series of floods occurred from June to August 1931 in the Republic of China, hitting major cities Wuhan, Nanjing and beyond, eventually culminated into a dyke breach along Lake Gaoyou on 26 August. Due to the enormity of the floods of China, many people may have thought that our world was entering into the Tribulation.

a. Fatality estimates vary wildly. A field survey by University of Nanking led by John Lossing Buck immediately after the flood found “150,000 people had drowned, and that this number represented less than a quarter of all fatalities during the first 100 days of the flood.” The official report found 140,000 drowned and claims that “2 million people died during the flood, having drowned or died from lack of food”. A cholera epidemic in the subsequent year, from May 1932, was officially reported to have 31,974 deaths and 100,666 cases. A popular high-end estimate of 3.7 to 4.0 million fatalities “enjoys great currency online, helping the 1931 flood to secure its position on sensationalist lists of the world’s deadliest disasters.”

b. Consider the following link that tells of the 1931 China floods. linkhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1931_China_floods

VII. Additional information on Rev 9:13-21 can be found in a sermon of Dr. Andy Woods (Th.M., J.D., Ph.D.).

A. See YouTube: Revelation Episode 30. A Bitter-Sweet Experience. Rev. 10:1-11

B. Dr. Andy Woods has a law degree from Whittier College and a PhD in Bible Exposition from Dallas Theological Seminary. He was a Full-Professor of Bible and Theology at the College Biblical Studies in Houston, TX (2009-2016). He is currently the President of Chafer Theological Seminary and Pastor of Sugar Land Bible Church. Andy also speaks on a variety of topics at Christian Conferences worldwide. Credentials of Dr. Woods can be found on my Equipping Site Page, “About Sources.” I encourage everyone to purchase Andy’s book, “The Coming Kingdom (Andrew M. Woods). Andy’s teachings provide provide a great deal of understanding of the Bible.

VIII. Video Details Of This Article.

A. First video.

1. What is the “little book” that John was told to eat?

2. John Ankerberg Show.

3. From the series “Revelation: The Last Words of Jesus” featuring very special guests Dr. Ron Rhodes, Dr. Ed Hindson, and, Dr. Mark Hitchcock.

4. Speaker credentials, including those of the moderator, Jon Ankerberg, can be seen in the following link. https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/about-sources.

B. Second video.

1. Most Beautiful Shabbat Video Ever!!!!

2. Shabbat.com

IX. Please check my sources of information. https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/about-sources/

X. Please follow this site.

End Times 14, Revelation 9:13-21, 1/3 Of World’s Population Killed

Article Title: End Times 14, Revelation 9:13-21, 1/3 Of World’s Population Killed

Video details are shown below, to include credentials of the speakers.

I. Preface.

A. Let us remember the purpose for all Scripture, in that all Scriptures are based on “The Purpose Of God, (Isaiah 46:10).”

1. In our study of the End Times, we consider God’s purposes for Israel, “His Chosen People:” “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth” (Deuteronomy 14:2).

2. God has given severe warnings for those who would harm His chosen people: For thus says the Lord of hosts, “After glory He has sent me against the nations which plunder you, for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye” (Zech 2:8).

B. We will begin this article, and each following article, with a Scripture that relates to God’s plans for Israel.

2. Isaiah 53:4 Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. 6 All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him. (Notice that it is a spiritual healing of Israel that is written in vs 5.)

II. Introduction.

A. The opening video has a discussion on the sixth trumpet judgment of the Tribulation. The opening video must be considered with the understanding that the purpose of the Tribulation is to draw unsaved Jews to saving faith in Christ (Matt 23:38-39, Zech 12:10).

1. In this description of the sixth trumpet judgment, we see something that was not present in the fifth trumpet judgment. In 9:1, we see these words: “Then the fifth angel sounded.” Then, the judgment was poured out on the earth. In 9:13, we see these words: “The the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice.” The “voice” was that of “the Lamb, the Messiah, the risen Christ.” In Rev 9:14, the judgment of the trumpet is described. In the fifth trumpet judgment, death came to no one (9:5). In this sixth trumpet judgment, one third of the world’s population will be killed (9:15). In this sixth trumpet judgment, two hundred million military attackers are seen, who kill “one-third” of the world’s population [of those who missed rapture] (9:16). Death will be the result of fire and smoke and brimstone. The number of deaths of 1/3 of mankind is stated twice (9:15, 18). The lion-like heads of the horses (9:17) imply something other than natural horses. Some have taken this as a picture of modern warfare including the use of armed vehicles such as tanks. The passage implies terrible destruction and an awesome invading force (BKC, 9:17-19). In spite of all that is happening in the world, those “left behind earth dwellers” (Rev 3:10), persist in their sinful ways and opposition to God (9:19-20).

2. This study of the end times will continue through the Tribulation, spend time in the Kingdom Age (Millennium), and find its way to the Eternal State of the new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem. We will focus on Scriptures that should be of extreme importance to Jews. We will show how “left behind Gentiles” and “left behind Jews” come to know Christ as Lord and Savior during the Tribulation, and enter in the Kingdom Age. The Jews were dispersed from their homeland of Israel in A.D. 70, when the city and Temple were destroyed by the attacking Romans, under the command of General Titus Vespasianus Augustus. Josephus claims that 1.1 million people were killed during the siege, of which a majority were Jewish [Siege of Jerusalem (70 BC)- Wikipedia]. The Jewish prophet, Jeremiah, prophesied in the year 606 B.C., that God said that He would gather all scattered Jews to Jerusalem (Jer 31:10). In 1881 A.D., Jews in Russia began returning to the promised land of Israel, totaling 24,000. In 1948, Israel was declared to be a state by the United Nations; in that year 120,000 Jews returned to Israel. At the end of the year 2015, the Jewish population of Israel had swollen to 6,251,000. In 1948 the State of Israel was proclaimed by David Ben Gurion on 14 May. The next day Israel was invaded by five Arab armies. The first Arab-Israeli war began. https://www.differentspirit.org/evidence/israel.php. Jews have been returning to Israel in a state of unbelief (in Christ). At the end of the Tribulation, when Israel is at the brink of being annihilated by the forces of the unbelieving world (Rev 16:12-16), “believing Jews” will call on Christ, “in belief,” to save them (Zech 12:9-10). A blessing for each Gentile believer in Christ is found in Ephesians 3:6 and Romans 11:11-24. The promised blessing is that Gentile believers will be grafted into the blessings that have been promised to Jewish believers. Isaiah (698 B.C.) prophesied that Israel would become a nation in one day (Isaiah 66:7-8). U.S. President Harry S. Truman recognized the new nation on the same day that Israel was proclaimed to be a state.
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/creation-israel#:~:text=On%20May%2014%2C%201948%2C%20David,nation%20on%20the%20same%20day.

B. The following video shows a very special time in the lives of Jews, which is the Sabbath. The Jewish family in the video are seen as they prepare themselves for their weekly Sabbath observance. A spirit of humility toward each other, and toward God, is easily detected in the expressions of each family member.

Video details are shown below.

1. The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week: 1 “Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts. 2 By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done” 3 Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. (Genesis 2:1-3).

2. The Sabbath is Holy To The Lord; it is God’s Gift To The Jews. “Tomorrow is a sabbath observance, a holy sabbath to the Lord. 29 See, the Lord has given you the sabbath (Exodus 16:23).

3. The Sabbath is a sign between God and the Jews. “12 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 13 “But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you. 14 Therefore you are to observe the sabbath, for it is holy to you….16 So the sons of Israel shall observe the sabbath, to celebrate the sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant.’ 17 It is a sign between Me and the sons of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day He ceased from labor, and was refreshed.” (Exodus 31:12-17).

4. Consider the Jewish greeting “Shabbat Shalom,” which mean “Sabbath Of Peace.” Shabbat/Sabbath begins on Friday of each week at sunset, and ends on Saturday at sunset.

5. The Sabbath, can be no time of week, other than from Friday evening at sunset until Saturday evening at sunset. The seventh day is the seventh day. No one can use an excavator to dig up the seventh day of the week and plant it within the boundaries of any other day. I have heard some people say, “some other day of the week is my Sabbath.” Please understand that the Sabbath is a day that is a sign between God and the Jews, and that the Sabbath is confined to the borders of “sunset on Friday and sunset on Saturday.”

IV. Text: Revelation 9:13-21

The Sixth Trumpet—Army from the East

13 Then the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 one saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” 15 And the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released, so that they would kill a third of mankind. 16 The number of the armies of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. 17 And this is how I saw in the vision the horses and those who sat on them: the riders had breastplates the color of fire and of hyacinth and of brimstone; and the heads of the horses are like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths proceed fire and smoke and brimstone. 18 A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which proceeded out of their mouths. 19 For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents and have heads, and with them they do harm.

20 The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as not to worship demons, and the idols of gold and of silver and of brass and of stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk; 21 and they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries nor of their immorality nor of their thefts.

A. RSB

1. 14-15 These “four angels” (demons) are released in order to kill one-third of the remaining population of earth. Added to the one-fourth who were killed under the fourth seal judgment (6:4) these two judgments alone destroy one-half of the population, not including those who are killed by wars, famines, and diseases. “the hour” (v 15). Lit, this particular hour.

2. 18 “by these three plagues.” I.e., by the fire, smoke and brimstone.

3. 20 The religion of many will involve demon and idol worship.

4. 21 “sorceries.” I.e., magical arts, potions, and poisons (see Gal 5:20; Rev 18:23, 21:8, 22:15). From the Greek word, we derive the English word “pharmacies..” This chapter shows (1) the reality of some of the activity of the unseen world of Satan and demons and (2) the hardness of human hearts.

B. NKJV

1. 13 The fact that John heard a voice instead of a symphony of the voices of all the martyrs (6:9, 10), and a voice of authority instead of an angel’s voice (8:3–5), indicates that the speaker is the Lamb who was slain and has redeemed His people (5:9).

2. 14-16 The great river Euphrates is the eastern boundary of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants in Gen. 15:18, as well as the geographic area from which powerful enemies like Assyria and Babylon came to invade Israel (see Is. 8:5–8). It may represent the seat of Satan’s former victory (in the Garden of Eden). The release of the four angels at the exact hour and day is in keeping with apocalyptic literature’s portrayal of God’s sovereign control of the timing of His plan (see Dan. 9:24–27). The army of … two hundred million will kill a third of mankind, under the command or influence of the four angels who were released. A third of humankind could number in the billions. Coupled with the former destruction of one-fourth of humanity, over one-half of the world’s population will have been killed

3. 17-19 Although it is the horsemen for whom the number of two hundred million is given (v. 16), the horses they ride and their killing power are primarily described. There are similarities between the horses of the sixth trumpet judgment and the locusts shaped “like horses” (v. 7) of the fifth trumpet. The mention of breastplates (vv. 9), the comparison with lions (vv. 8), and the power in their tails (vv. 5, 10) could suggest that these two passages offer different perspectives on the same demonically inspired force. This is unlikely, however, because the locusts are not given authority to kill (v. 5), but only to torment, while the horses kill a third of mankind.

4. 20-21 The rest of mankind who do not repent does not include those who “have the seal of God on their foreheads” (v. 4; 7:2–4). The unwillingness to repent despite the incredible devastation of the plagues is reminiscent of Pharaoh’s attitude toward most of the plagues that came upon Egypt (see Ex. 7:22; 9:7). Repent here means to change one’s mind about ungodly works, to stop trusting demons and idols and to turn to the Lord Jesus Christ in faith (see Luke 24:47; Acts 26:20).

VI. Consider.

A. As we consider the last battle of the Tribulation period (Rev 16:13-16), let’s consider the nation of India. The Indian Armed Forces are under the management of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Government of India. With strength of over 1.4 million active personnel, it is the world’s second-largest military force and has the world’s largest volunteer army. It also has the third-largest defence budget in the world. India may also be a main player in the attack on Israel in the Battle of Armageddon, which may also be the ending of the campaign of Armageddon, which begins in Rev 16:12, and continues through 19:21. See the immediately following link in reference to the Indian armed forces.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Armed_Forces#:~:text=The%20Indian%20Armed%20Forces%20are%20under%20the%20management%20of%20the,defence%20budget%20in%20the%20world.{[18] above, adds 800,000 reserve personnel to the 1.4 million active duty personnel.]}

B. Let’s consider with the premise that many are making about our world being in the Tribulation. Based on prophetic scripture, we are not in the Tribulation. Even though there has not been a peace treaty to be made between the antichrist and Israel (Daniel 9:27), there are many Bible teachers who persist in teaching that we are in the Tribulation. Such false teachings are made based on our current world conditions. But, let’s consider another horrible time in world history, which is the genocide of Central Africa. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genocides_in_central_Africa

1. In the 20th century, ten million people were murdered in various remote parts of Central Africa. It was not a single genocide but a collection of ethnic wars which raged from Sudan, the Congo, through to Uganda and Rwanda.

2. Details of Central African Genocide.

a. In the southern region of the Sudan, two million people belonging to various Nilotic peoples including Dinka, Nuer and Shilluk were killed by Sudanese Arabs from the North.

b. Roughly five and a half million died in the Congo, mainly during the Second Congo War but also in relatively smaller holocausts such as the Ituri conflict and the mass murder of Pygmies known as “Effacer le tableau”.

c. In Uganda, 300 thousand people were murdered during the regime of Idi Amin and 500 thousand during the rule of his successor, Milton Obote. Amin’s genocides targeted the Acholi and Lango peoples; these two groups went on to kill other groups (mainly the Baganda) under Obote’s regime.

d. In the early 1970s, over 150 thousand Hutu people were killed by Tutsi people in Burundi by order of General Michel Micombero. Twenty years later, one million Tutsi people were killed by Hutu people during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

e. In the Rwandan genocide, the people who had been the victims in Burundi (the Hutu) killed the ethnic group that had killed them (the Tutsi), and these new victims later played a role in the Congo genocide.

f. In all of these deaths, the victims were killed by people from a different ethnic group. Ten million deaths occurred in close proximity.

3. As we consider the current conditions in the world today, it is easy to see that the past and current conditions of African genocide are far greater in severity than those that are being experienced in the USA today, and in any other part of the world.
https://www.businessinsider.com/genocides-still-going-on-today-bosnia-2017-11

VII. Additional information on Rev 9:13-21 can be found in a sermon of Dr. Andy Woods (Th.M., J.D., Ph.D.).

A. See YouTube: Revelation Episode 29. The Sin God Hates Rev. 9:13-21

VIII. Video Details Of This Article.

A. First video.

1. What happens during the sixth trumpet judgment?

2. John Ankerberg Show.

3. From the series “Revelation: The Last Words of Jesus” featuring very special guests Dr. Ron Rhodes, Dr. Ed Hindson, and, Dr. Mark Hitchcock. To obtain this entire series, please visit https://www.jashow.org/resources/the-…

4. Speaker credentials can be seen in the following link. https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/about-sources/

B. Second video.

1. How to light Shabbat candles?

2. Yahaduton

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End Times 13, Revelation 9:1-12, Demonic Attacks

Article Title: End Times 13, Revelation 9:1-12, Demonic Attacks

I. Preface.

A. Let us remember the purpose for all Scripture, in that all Scriptures, are based on “The Purpose Of God, (Isaiah 46:10).” In our study of the End Times, we consider God’s purposes for Israel, “His Chosen People” (Deuteronomy 14:2). We will begin this article, and each following article, with a Scripture that relates to God’s plans for Israel.

B. Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. (The Lord’s promise is not only to deal with the stain of sin, but with the nature from which it springs, per “The Prophecy of Isaiah, J. Alec Motyer.”)

II. Introduction.

A. The opening video tells about the trumpet judgments that accompany the sounding of the fifth and sixth angels. But, in this article, we will consider only the trumpet judgment that comes from the sounding of the fifth angel. We will consider those who will be left behind from the rapture, that will be hurt by demons that appear as locusts. But, the previously sealed 144,000 Jews of Rev 7:3-4, will not be hurt. No one will be killed, but their pain will be so severe that they will attempt suicide, with death not being successful. The locusts are those demons of Noah’s time, Gen 6:1-4 (Nephilim, partly fallen angel, partly human, due to the genetic tampering of the human race by the fall and resulting curse.) Gen 6:8-9, “Noah was blameless.” “Noah’s genetics had not been tampered with.” Neither had the genetics of Noah’s sons and daughters in law been tampered with, in order for the Messiah to be born, which took place through the blood line of Noah’s son, Shem.)

B. The locusts that are seen in Rev 9:3 “come out of the earth” to torment those whom will be left behind during the Tribulation (other than the 144,000 sealed Jews). These fallen angels are being held in the bottomless pit (Rev 9:1-3), since the days of Noah, for the purposes of God, when He releases them through the sound of the fifth trumpet (Rev 9:1). Consider the following scriptures. Paste the following video title in your youtube search window: “Revelation Episode 28. The Reality of Demons. Revelation 9:1-12,” and listen to a video discussion of this subject. The specific teaching on the topic of fallen angels begins at 16:00 and runs through 39:00.

1. 1 Peter 3:19-20 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rev+3%3A19-20&version=NASB
2. Genesis 6:1-4 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=gen+6%3A1-4&version=NASB
3. Genesis 6:8-9 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=gen+6%3A8-9&version=NASB
4. Jude 6-7 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jude+6-7&version=NASB
5. Hebrews 13:2 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=heb+13%3A2&version=NASB
6. 2 Peter 2:4-5 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+pet+2%3A4-5&version=NASB

IV. Text: Revelation 9:1-12.

The Fifth Trumpet—the Bottomless Pit

1 Then the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from heaven which had fallen to the earth; and the key of the bottomless pit was given to him. 2 He opened the bottomless pit, and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke of the pit. 3 Then out of the smoke came locusts upon the earth, and power was given them, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 They were told not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 And they were not permitted to kill anyone, but to torment for five months; and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings a man. 6 And in those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, and death flees from them.

7 The appearance of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle; and on their heads appeared to be crowns like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men. 8 They had hair like the hair of women, and their teeth were like the teeth of lions. 9 They had breastplates like breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots, of many horses rushing to battle. 10 They have tails like scorpions, and stings; and in their tails is their power to hurt men for five months. 11 They have as king over them, the angel of the abyss; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek he has the name Apollyon.

12 The first woe is past; behold, two woes are still coming after these things.

A. RSB

1. 9:1 “a star” represents an intelligent creature, apparently “the angel of the abyss” (v 11). Notice the “he” in verse 2. “the bottomless pit.” Lit., the shaft of the abyss. For other uses of this phrase, see Luke 8:31; Rom 10:7; Rev 9:11, 11:7, 17:8, 20:1,3. Luke 8:31 indicates that this is the abode of the demons.

2. 9:3 “locusts.” That these creatures come from the abyss and are described in unusual terms in verses 7-11 indicate that they are demonic.

3. 9:4-5 The limitations that God places upon the activities of these creatures show that He is still in full control of these events. Only the 144,000 will escape the torment on people.

4. 9:6 “Suicide,; though desired, will be impossible.

5. 9:7-10 In describing these creatures John often has to use the word “like.” (my note: “similie”…[“like” and “as”] as opposed to “metaphor.”)

6. 9:10 Two glands in the tail of a scorpion emit a poison that produces a painful, but usually not a lethal wound.

7. 9:11 “Abaddon…Apollyon.” Both words mean “destruction.”

B. MAC

1. 9:1 “a star fallen from heaven.” Unlike the other stars that will have fallen (6:13; 8:8), this one will be an angelic being (cf. v. 2)—probably Satan himself (v. 4; 12:7; see notes on Is. 14:12–14; Luke 10:18). “bottomless pit.” Lit. “pit of the abyss.” Mentioned 7 times in Revelation, it always refers to the prison where some of the demonic hordes are incarcerated, the place of severest torment and isolation (vv. 1, 2, 11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1, 3; see notes on 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6, 7).

2. 9:3 “locusts.” A grasshopper-like insect that descends in swarms so thick they can obscure the sun and strip bare all vegetation. In the 1950s a locust swarm devoured every growing thing for several hundred thousand square miles in the Middle East. These are not normal locusts, however, but specially prepared ones that are merely the outward form of demons, who, like locusts, will bring swarming desolation (see notes on Joel 2:2, 4). “Like” appears 9 times in John’s description; he finds it difficult to describe what he sees in a way the reader can understand. “scorpions.” An arachnid that inhabits warm, dry regions and has an erect tail tipped with a venomous stinger. A scorpion’s victim often rolls on the ground in agony, foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth in pain. The demons in locust form are able to inflict the physical—and perhaps, spiritual—pain like the scorpion (v. 5).

3. 9:4 “men who do not have the seal of God.” Everyone on earth except the two groups mentioned in chap. 7—the 144,000 Jewish evangelists and their converts (see note on 7:4).

4. 9:5 “five months.” The normal life cycle of locusts is 5 months, usually from May to Sep.

5. 9:6 “seek death and will not find it.” The tormented will find no relief. Even their unimaginable attempts to end their misery in suicide will be unsuccessful.

6. 9:7 “faces of men.” Probably a reference to these demonic creatures as rational, intelligent beings.

7. 9:8 “women’s hair.” Jeremiah 51:27 refers to locusts having bristles like hair. “lions’ teeth.” They are fierce, powerful, and deadly (cf. Jer. 51:27).

8. 9:9 “breastplates of iron.” Breastplates were designed to protect the vital organs and sustain the life of the warrior. These creatures are invulnerable.

9. 9:10 “five months.” See note on v. 5.

10. 9:11 Abaddon . . . Apollyon. Although locusts normally have no king (Prov. 30:27), these demonic creatures do. His name in both Heb. and Gr. means “destroyer.” There is a hierarchy of power among the demons, just as among the holy angels. Apparently, “the angel of the bottomless pit” is one of Satan’s most trusted leaders or possibly Satan himself.

11. 9:12 “One woe.” The first of the final 3 trumpets (see note on 8:13).

VI. Consider.

A. As we consider the last battle of the Tribulation period (Rev 16:13-16), let’s consider the nation of India. The Indian Armed Forces are under the management of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Government of India. With strength of over 1.4 million active personnel,[16][17] it is the world’s second-largest military force and has the world’s largest volunteer army.[18] It also has the third-largest defence budget in the world. India may also be a main player in the attack on Israel in the Battle of Armageddon. Consider the paragraphs below that were a part of the previous article.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Armed_Forces#:~:text=The%20Indian%20Armed%20Forces%20are%20under%20the%20management%20of%20the,defence%20budget%20in%20the%20world.{[18] above, adds 800,000 reserve personnel to the 1.4 million active duty personnel.]}

B. There is a teaching that concludes that the events of the Book of Revelation took place at the time of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D. But, no such records show that one-fourth of the world’s population have been killed, as is stated in Rev 7:8. Neither has there been another world killing of one-third of the world’s population, as is stated in Rev 9:18. The events of the Book of Revelation’s judgments, and the Battle of Armageddon (Rev 19:17-21), have not yet happened. The events of Revelation, Chapters 6-22, are yet to happen. All of the nations of the world have not been gathered against Jerusalem (Zech 12:3;14:2-3). All of the nations of the world have not been destroyed by Christ (Zech 12:9). Christ has not yet ascended from Heaven and stood on the Mount of Olives (Zech 14:4), with the result of Him being King over all the earth (Zech 14:9). All of the nations of the Earth have not gone to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Zech 14:16). No great armies from the orient have attacked Israel while crossing over a dried up Euphrates River. But, consider China of today, who has a military of 2,035,000 active duty personnel and 510,000 reserve personnel.

C. Based on prophetic scripture, we are not in the Tribulation. Even though there has not been a peace treaty to be made between the antichrist and Israel (Daniel 9:27), there are many Bible teachers who persist in teaching that we are in the Tribulation. Such false teachings are made based on our current world conditions. But, let’s consider another horrible time in world history, which is the genocide of Central Africa. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genocides_in_central_Africa

2. Details of Central African Genocide.

a. In the southern region of the Sudan, two million people belonging to various Nilotic peoples including Dinka, Nuer and Shilluk were killed by Sudanese Arabs from the North.[1]

b. Roughly five and a half million died in the Congo, mainly during the Second Congo War [2] but also in relatively smaller holocausts such as the Ituri conflict and the mass murder of Pygmies known as “Effacer le tableau”.

c. In Uganda, 300 thousand people were murdered during the regime of Idi Amin[3] and 500 thousand during the rule of his successor, Milton Obote.[4] Amin’s genocides targeted the Acholi and Lango peoples; these two groups went on to kill other groups (mainly the Baganda) under Obote’s regime.[5]

d. In the early 1970s, over 150 thousand Hutu people were killed by Tutsi people in Burundi by order of General Michel Micombero.[6] Twenty years later, one million Tutsi people were killed by Hutu people during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.[7]

f. In all of these deaths, the victims were killed by people from a different ethnic group. Ten million deaths occurred in close proximity.

VII. Additional information on Rev 9:1-12 can be found in a sermon of Dr. Andy Woods (Th.M., J.D., Ph.D.).

A. See YouTube: Revelation Episode 28. The Reality of Demons. Revelation 9:1-12.

VIII. Video Details Of This Article.

A. Revelation Chapter 9/Demons/Hell/Woe/Angels/Trumpet.

B. fxswan Last 996 subscribers.

C. Fifth and sixth angels sound their trumpets which are the first and second woes releasing the demons currently held in hell and the four mighty demons bound at the Euphrates all of which torment humans who worship the antichrist and his image, all as described by the apostle John in the Bible at Revelation chapter 9.

IX. Please check my sources of information. https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/about-sources/

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“Red and Yellow, Black and White,” (you know the rest!)

John 3:16 New American Standard Bible

16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

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Let Praise Fill Our Streets

Let praise fill our streets!

When someone comes against you, ask, “Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?” Those words worked for me!

Psalm 150

1 Praise the Lord!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty expanse.
2 Praise Him for His mighty deeds;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.

3 Praise Him with trumpet sound;
Praise Him with harp and lyre.
4 Praise Him with timbrel and dancing;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
5 Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!1

Hezekiah Walker New Video “Every Praise”
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Ephesians 6:12 – New American Standard Bible

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

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End Times 12, Revelation 8:1-13, Trumpet Judgments 1-4

Click on the image and see the text. Click on the arrow and see the video; details follow.

I. Introduction.

A. The opening video tells about the seven trumpets, which are judgments that commence after the casting of the censer in Revelation 8:5. Video information relates to all seven of the trumpet judgments, but in this article we will discuss only the first four trumpet judgments. It will be when Christ opens the seventh seal in Rev 8:1, that all seven trumpet judgments are opened by seven angels. Likewise, it will be when the seventh trumpet angel is sounded in Rev 11:15, that the seven bowl judgments are poured out by seven angels, which is described in Rev 15:1-21. In this study, we find three woes (Rev 8:13, 9:12, 11:14, 12:12). Each woe warns of coming judgment (BKC, [8:13] see below, IV). It is important to know that the events that are shown in this video do not relate to born again believers in Christ, whom will not be on earth at the time of the Tribulation, but will be present in Heaven with God.

B. Just as the flood of Noah’s time was not identified as being the wrath of God, it is clear that God’s wrath was upon those who dwelt upon the earth [Gen 6:13; 7:17-23), “Then God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth]. It is also clear that God’s judgment on “those who dwell on the earth,” (Rev 3:10), will also be “God’s wrath,” (Rev 6:1-19-21). Through the flood, God’s covenant with Abraham was made, who was the descendant of Noah’s son, Shem. (Gen 12:1-3). The covenant blood line of Abraham flows through the blood line of the Jews, through “Israel’s/Jacob’s” son, Judah [Gen 29:35]. It was through Judah’s bloodline that Christ came to be Israel’s Messiah, and the Savior of the World (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 3:30). Through the judgments of the Tribulation, God will draw Israel (Jews) to faith in Christ for salvation (Matthew 23:39; Zechariah 12:9-10) but, they must believe in Christ as Messiah (John 3:16), or face the consequences of their unbelief (John 3:3; John 3:18; Rev 20:15).

C. The severity of God’s judgments is shown in the Seal Judgments where one-fourth of mankind will be killed (Rev 7:8). One-third more of remaining mankind will be killed in the Trumpet Judgments (Rev 9:18). It is important to know that only those who do not know Christ as Lord and Savior will be left behind from the rapture of the church (John 14:2,3,6), and will come under God’s Tribulation judgments . The church is the bride of Christ (2 Cor 11:2), whose spirit is as righteous as the Spirit of Christ (2 Cor 5:21), and dwells within the Spirit of Christ (2 Cor 5:17). The Spirit of Christ dwells within the spirit of each born again believer in Christ (Col 1:27); and will be given eternal rewards by Christ (2 Cor 5:10). The risen Christ will escort His raptured bride to the marriage of the Lamb (Rev 19:7-8), and to the Presence of God in Heaven where the bride will remain until Christ and His bride return to earth at the end of the Tribulation for the Battle of Armageddon (Rev 19:14; 19:11-21). No groom, especially Christ, will beat up His bride on the way to the wedding altar. The born again believers in Christ will be removed from the earth at the time of the rapture, so that God can deal with unbelieving Jews, to draw them to saving faith in Christ. There is nothing about the Judgments of the Tribulation than can make any believer of the bride of Christ more holy. But, Jews who call on Christ in belief during the Tribulation will be as spiritually righteous as are the raptured believers in Christ.

II. Translation Considerations. “The New American Standard Bible (NASB) translation was chosen for this, and other studies, because of two main reasons. First, the NASB capitalizes the first letter of pronouns that relate to God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit); not all Bible translations show that same respect for God. Second, the NASB has a history of correctness in translation.”

III. Text: Revelation 8:1-13.

The Seventh Seal—the Trumpets

1 When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.

3 Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer and filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it to the earth; and there followed peals of thunder and sounds and flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

6 And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound them.

7 The first sounded, and there came hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.

8 The second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea; and a third of the sea became blood, 9 and a third of the creatures which were in the sea and had life, died; and a third of the ships were destroyed.

10 The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters. 11 The name of the star is called Wormwood; and a third of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

12 The fourth angel sounded, and a third of the sun and a third of the moon and a third of the stars were struck, so that a third of them would be darkened and the day would not shine for a third of it, and the night in the same way.

13 Then I looked, and I heard an eagle flying in mid-heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels who are about to sound!”

IV. Comments of Theologians. BKC=The Bible Knowledge Commentary. MSB=MacArthur Study Bible; NAC = New American Commentary; NKJV= New King James Study Bible; RRC=Ryrie Commentary; RSB=Ryrie Study Bible; SRN=Scofield Reference Notes; WRC= Walvoord Commentary);

A. RSB

1. 8:1 “broke the seventh seal.” With the breaking of the 7th seal comes the 2nd series of judgments-the 7 trumpets. Apparently the judgments announced by the trumpets follow chronologically those of the other seals.

2. 8:4 The “prayers” likely petition God to judge evil and to inaugurate His kingdom quickly. A token judgment follows (v 5).

3. 8:7 Though the implications are staggering, there is no reason not to understand this and the other judgments plainly.

4. 8:8-9 The impact of this judgment on the world economy is beyond imagination.

5. 8:11 “Wormwood.” Many species of wormwood (a woody herb) grow in Palestine, and all have a strong, bitter (but not poisonous) taste, which causes the plant to be used as a symbol of bitterness, sorrow, and calamity. This plague will make a third part of the fresh water supply of the earth unfit for human consumption.

6. 8:12 This could mean that the 24-hour cycle of day and night will be shortened to 16 hours or that the power of the sun, moon, and stars will be reduced by one third.

B. NKJV

1. 8:1 The seventh seal on the scroll (5:1) is opened, finally allowing it to be unrolled. Silence in heaven for about half an hour seems to mark a brief but significant break between the unsealing of the scroll (6:1–8:1) and the trumpet judgments (8:6–11:19). This silence is broken only by a heavenly offering and “the prayers of all the saints” (vv. 3, 4). It is, however, the eerie silence before the storm as all of heaven awaits the coming judgment.

2. 8:2 The judgments of the seven trumpets unfold in a pattern parallel to the unsealing of the seven-sealed scroll (6:1-8:1). This has led some to conclude that both describe the same time period from different angles, but greatly increased severity of the trumpet judgments makes this unlikely. The sounding of a trumpet had more than one significance in the OT. It was used to gather the Lord’s people (see Num. 10:7, 8), to assemble the Lord’s army (see Num. 10:9), to announce a new king (see 1 Kin. 1:34–39), and to proclaim the Year of Jubilee (see Lev. 25:9). In this context, the sounding of trumpets indicates a declaration of war.

3. 8:7 When the first angel sounds the trumpet, a storm of hail, fire, and blood breaks forth. This incredible blend of destruction and horror sounds like a combination of the imagery of the first (see Ex. 7:19, 20) and seventh (see Ex. 9:22–25) plagues of God upon Egypt. A third here could be figurative for widespread, but not yet complete, destruction.

4. 8:8, 9 A great mountain burning suggests a massive island volcano erupting explosively over a far-flung section of ocean waters. The description of the effects on the sea, however, indicates that this is much more than windblown pollution from volcanic ash. The sea becoming blood and the creatures in the sea dying are like an extension of the first plague on the Egyptians, the turning of the waters of the Nile River into blood (see Ex. 7:17–21).

5. 8:10 “Star” here translates the same term used for the angelic star in 9:1 and for Christ as “the Bright and Morning Star” in 22:16. But the precise meaning of each word must be carefully interpreted in its context. Here the star seems to be a huge asteroid that falls from heaven to earth, burning like a torch as it enters the atmosphere. The star could fall on a third of the rivers and … springs by disintegrating as it passes through the earth’s atmosphere. It is also possible that the pollution of the headwaters of a number of the world’s major rivers and underground water sources could rapidly spread to a third of the planet’s waters.

6. 8:11 Wormwood is a plant found in the Middle East, known for its bitter taste. Here and elsewhere (see Lam. 3:19) the term is figurative for bitterness. Normally wormwood is not poisonous, but the plague of the third trumpet involves effects far more potent than the taste of this bitter plant: many men die from the water. Rapid pollution of a third of the world’s drinking water would set off a chaotic crisis.

7. 8:12 Reference to darkening the sun, moon, and stars is reminiscent of the ninth plague upon Egypt (see Ex. 10:21, 22), and of the heavenly disturbances involved in Christ’s description of His second coming (see Matt. 24:29, 30). It is also similar to the phenomena of the sixth seal (6:12). A third of the day did not shine could mean that the sun, moon, and stars will not be seen for several hours of the normal cycle of day and night. But probably what is meant is that the intensity of light during the day and night is reduced by a third because of cosmic and atmospheric disturbances (vv. 7, 8, 10).

8. 8:13 Woe, woe, woe refers to the impact of the three remaining … trumpet judgments on the unbelieving inhabitants of the earth. The first woe is the fifth trumpet (9:12); the second woe is the sixth trumpet (11:14). The third woe is said to be “coming quickly” and may be the same as the seventh trumpet (11:15–19), although that is not stated. If not, the final woe may be focused on Babylon, the great harlot, because of the climactic use of “woe” (translated alas in 18:10, 16, 19).

V. Consider.

A. There is a teaching that concludes that the events of the Book of Revelation took place at the time of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D. But, no such records show that one-fourth of the world’s population have been killed, as is stated in Rev 7:8. Neither has there been another world killing of one-third of the world’s population, as is stated in Rev 9:18. The events of the Book of Revelation’s judgments, and the Battle of Armageddon (Rev 19:17-21), have not yet happened. The events of Revelation, Chapters 6-22, are yet to happen. All of the nations of the world have not been gathered against Jerusalem (Zech 12:3;14:2-3). All of the nations of the world have not been destroyed by Christ (Zech 12:9). Christ has not yet ascended from Heaven and stood on the Mount of Olives (Zech 14:4), with the result of Him being King over all the earth (Zech 14:9). All of the nations of the Earth have not gone to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Zech 14:16). No great armies from the orient have attacked Israel while crossing over a dried up Euphrates River. But, consider China of today, who has a military of 2,035,000 active duty personnel and 510,000 reserve personnel.

B. The events of the judgments of God in the Tribulation show that God will be in control of every seal, trumpet and bowl judgment. It is not by happenstance, or by Satan’s actions, that any judgment will take place. In this 8th chapter of Revelation, we see the preciseness of God’s hand in the judgments. There are four angels sounding four trumpets, which release four trumpet judgments. 8:7: 1/3 of the earth will be burned up, and 1/3 of the trees burned, and all of the green grass burned up. 8:8: 1/3 of the sea will become blood. 8:19: 1/3 of the creatures in the sea will die; and 1/3 of the ships will be destroyed. 8:10: a great star from heaven will fall on 1/3 of the rivers and on the springs and waters. 8:11: 1/3 of the waters will become bitter, and many will die. 8:12: 1/3 of the sun and moon and stars will become darkened (This could mean that the 24-hour cycle of day and night will be shortened to 16 or that the power of the sun, moon, and stars will be reduced by 1/3…RSB).

C. At this time in world history, there are many people who teach that we (the world) are in the Tribulation, due to current world conditions. But, as we can see from the statistics of the Russian Revolution, of a hundred years ago, our present world conditions are minuscule in relation to those which were present in Russia. Undoubtedly, there were those in the Russian Orthodox Church who may have thought that they were in the Tribulation. In today’s world, the difficulties that we are facing are nowhere near the level of atrocities that the Russian people had during their five years of revolution.

1. The Russian Civil War was a multi-party civil war in the former Russian Empire immediately after the two Russian Revolutions of 1917. There were an estimated 7,000,000–12,000,000 casualties during the war, mostly civilians (November 7, 1917 – June 16, 1923). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Civil_War

2. The Russian Orthodox Church (Russian: Русская Православная Церковь) is traditionally said to have been founded by Andrew the Apostle, who is thought to have visited Scythia and Greek colonies along the northern coast of the Black Sea. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Russian_Orthodox_Church

D. It is because of such lack of proper Biblical teaching that believers in Christ must study eschatology, in context, and realize that the tribulation relates to unbelieving Israel and has no bearing on born again believers in Christ. A study of Matthew 24, out of context, will not provide an understanding of the “yet to come” judgments of God on “those who dwell on the earth” (Rev 3:10). The Old Testament scriptures can not be omitted from a teaching of the end times, which is yet to come. Consider Joel 2:2.

1. “A day of darkness and gloom, A day of clouds and thick darkness. As the dawn is spread over the mountains, So there is a great and mighty people; There has never been anything like it, Nor will there be again after it, To the years of many generations” (Joel 2:2).

2. RSB note: Re: Joel 2:1-11. The locust army is regarded as a foretaste of an invading army in the “day of the Lord,” i.e., in the tribulation period.

3. The invading army of Joel 2:1-11 relates to an attack on Israel, as we have discussed in V.A., above. The books of Old Testament prophecy relate to God’s Word that was given to Jewish prophets, which were given to Jews, about Jewish things. Gentiles will be blessed through Jews (Gen 12:1-3).

4. Based on prophetic scripture, we are not in the Tribulation. Those in the Tribulation will have a fearful view of Christ, “And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn,” (Matt 24:29). Believers in Christ are not told to look for, or prepare for the antichrist, or anything of the Tribulation. Believers in Christ are told to be “looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus” (Titus 2:13), “who rescues us from the wrath to come” (1 Thes 1:10).

VI. Additional information on Rev 8:1-13 can be found in a sermon of Dr. Andy Woods (Th.M., J.D., Ph.D.).

A. See YouTube: Revelation Episode 27. Creator and Judge. Revelation 8:1-13

VII. Video Details Of This Article.

A. The Seven Trumpets of Revelation 8-11

B. REVELATION ONE THREE PUBLISHING

VIII. Please check my sources of information. https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/about-sources/

IX. Please follow this site.

End Times 11-Revelation 7:9-17-A Multitude-Martyrs & Survivors

Click on the image and see the text. Click on the arrow and see the video; details follow.

I. Introduction.

A. The opening video is about the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles. The importance of things of “Jewishness” will be discussed in this article, as they relate to the time period that immediately follows the Tribulation. The information that is provided in this article is very important to an understanding of the “end times study.” Credentials of the video speakers can be found in I.M. The conclusion to this article has good scriptural information on the current situation of our country, and of the world.

B. In this article there we are still in the pause between the sixth and seventh seal judgments of the Tribulation. In End Times 10, we saw the sealing of 144,000 Jews, who were left behind from the rapture of the church (1 Cor 15:50-54); God will seal these chosen Jews for salvation, service, and personal protection. These Jews will serve as missionaries to the whole world during the tribulation until Christ comes from Heaven with His raptured saints and angels at the Battle of Armageddon (Matt 24:14; 29-31; Zech 14:5; Rev 19:11-21). In this article we will see “a Great multitude,” which will include mainly Gentiles. Because there will be more than 144,000 Jews that will be left behind from the Rapture, and will not be of those that were sealed in Rev 7:4, the Great Multitude will also include Jews. At this time in history, Jews are returning to Israel from all over the world, but in a state of unbelief (in Christ). It will not be until the Battle of Armageddon that these unbelieving Jews (whom will be left behind from the rapture) will call on the Name of Christ “to save them (from annihilation;” Matt 24:22-23; Zech 12:10). (The elect of Matt 24 are Jews, Deu 14:2).

C. It is common-place among non-Jewish teachers to remove the “Jewishness” from the period of time that immediately follows the Tribulation; all too often, the word that is used to identify that time period is “the millennium.” However, the correct name is not “millennium,” but “Kingdom,” or Kingdom Age. Millennium relates to the length of time of the Kingdom age, which will be one thousand years (Rev 20:1-7).

D. In Exodus 19:5-6, God promised the Jews that they would be a Kingdom of priests and a holy nation. It will be at the event of Zech 14:10, that the Jews will accept the offer of being a Kingdom “to God.” In 2 Sam 7:8-16, God describes the government of the Kingdom, which is called the Davidic Kingdom. In Isaiah 2:1-4, God describes the conditions of the Kingdom.

E. The gospel (good news) of the Kingdom (Matt 24:14) is that of, the Abrahamic Covenant (Rev 12:1-3) and of the Davdic Covenant (2 Sam 7:8-16). It was the gospel of the Kingdom that was the subject of the preaching of John the Baptist (Matt 3:2), of Christ (Matt 4:17), of the disciples (Matt 10:7), and of the seventy (Luke 10:1,11). The gospel of the “death, burial and resurrection of Christ” (1 Cor 15:1-8) will also be included in the preaching of the 144,000 Jews; this is because our Lord will be “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (Rev 19:16), and will teach and rule and reign from Jerusalem (Isa 2:1-4) for one thousand years (Rev 20:4), which will be for the duration of the Kingdom Age.

F. In Matt 3:2, John the Baptist tells the Jews that “the Kingdom of Heaven” is at hand, which meant that Israel was being offered the Kingdom at that time; but the Jews would have to accept Christ as Messiah in order for them to receive the Kingdom. In Matt 4:17, Christ repeated the challenge of Matt 3:2, and He went on teach about the Kingdom (expounding on Isa 2:1-4). The prophecy of Isa 7:14, with its fulfillment in Matt 1:23, that Christ is “God with you,” was the factor of acceptance for Israel to enter the Kingdom (“the Kingdom of heaven is at hand”). “Repent” has a lexicon meaning of: 3340. metanoeó. Transliteration: metanoeó. Definition: to change one’s mind or purpose. Usage: I repent, change my mind, change the inner man (particularly with reference to acceptance of the will of God), repent.

G. Because national Israel did not accept Christ as Messiah, Christ removed the promise of the Kingdom from them, ” Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people, producing the fruit of it” (Matt 21:43). If he kingdom of God has been taken from them….the kingdom of God is the sphere of true faith in God …The Lord is saying to these Jews that, because they had rejected Him, they could not enter the kingdom of God, for “except a man be born again, he can not see the Kingdom of God (John 3:3). From whom was the kingdom of God taken? It seems clear the “you” refers to the generation to whom the Lord was speaking. To whom would the kingdom be given? By application, “the nation bringing forth the fruits thereof,” may mean any generation which will turn to Christ; but in its strict interpretation it refers to the nation Israel when she shall turn to the Lord and be saved before entering the millennial kingdom. (Things To Come, pp 90-91, J. Dwight Pentecost).

H. The Shepherd in 7:16-17 tells the truth of the Shepherd in the twenty-third Psalm, where He will be the Shepherd. The 23rd Psalm is often used for hospital visits and graveside sermons. But, as we see in today’s life, there are many problems of life that will not go away. However, in the Kingdom Age, every verse of the 23rd Psalm will be fulfilled through the Messiah, Christ. The Jews are the direct object of the psalm, but the peacefulness of the Kingdom age will affect saved Gentiles too.

I. The temple in 7:15 will be the millennial Temple that is promised in Ezekiel 37:26-28, and seen in Ezekiel 40-48. In Ezekiel 10:1, the Glory of God is seen by Ezekiel departing the Temple. In Ezekiel 43:4, the Glory of the Lord is seen entering back into the Temple. It was prior to the destruction of Jerusalem, and the Temple, in 586 B.C., that Ezekiel had the prophetic vision of the Glory of God departing the Temple. There has been a lot of discussion about a temple being built in Jerusalem, but this “news headline temple” will only be a structure; it will not have the Glory of God dwelling within the temple. The tribulation temple is written in Rev 11:1-2, 13:14-15, and will be built under the authority of the antichrist (Daniel 9:27; 12:11-12), prior to the beginning of the last 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation. The white horse of Rev 6:2 represents the antichrist and is shown in the opening of the tribulation; he goes about deceiving those of whom will be left behind from the rapture, “in a stealth manner” (1 Thes 5:3). The antichrist will enter the tribulation temple and present himself as God (2 Thes 2:4) during the first half of the Tribulation.

J. The tabernacle in 7:15 relates to the Feast of Tabernacles, where God “tabernacled” with the Jews during the forty-years of their wilderness experience. During the wandering of the Jews, God provided all of their needs. During the upcoming Kingdom Age, God will also tabernacle with saved Jews through Messiah/Christ.

K. Prophecy tells of the blessings that God has made for the Jews, and will provide for all of their needs during the Kingdom age. Isaiah 2:1-4 provides a quick look at the peaceful conditions of the Kingdom age. Zech 8:12-13 tells of the blessings that God will provide for the Jews. Zech 10:1-2 and Ezek 34:26 are often sung from Christian songbooks, “Showers of Blessing,” but the verses relate to the blessings that God will provide for saved Jews during the Kingdom age.

L. Jewish festivals will also be observed during the Kingdom age, by Jew and Gentile saved people.

a. Feast of Tabernacles/Booths. Zech 14:16 “Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths. 17 And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, there will be no rain on them.” Feast of Tabernacles historical background can be found in Lev. 23:33–36; Num. 29:12–38; Deut. 16:13–17. “The nations that went against Jerusalem” (Zech 14:16) relates to Gentiles who came to saving faith in Christ before Christ ended the Battle of Armageddon (Rev 19:11-21).

b. In addition to the Feast of Tabernacles, two other feasts will be celebrated in the Millennium, i.e., 1) Feast of the New Year (Ezek. 45:18–20) and 2) Passover (Ezek. 45:21–25) (MAC).

M. The opening video shows a discussion on the Feast Of Tabernacles. An article that I wrote on this particular feast can provide important information on the subject of this article. The key speakers of the opening video of this article,, and of the first and second videos in the article are Avner Boskey, Michael Brown, and Michael Rydelnik. The credentials of Brown and Rydelnik can be found in my Equipping Site Page, About Sources: https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/about-sources/
The article that I wrote on the Feast of Tabernacles can be seen by clicking on the following link:
https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/2019/10/11/israel-feast-of-tabernacles-god-tabernacles-with-his-people/

III. Text: Revelation 7:9-17.

9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying,

“Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying,

“Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”

13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and where have they come from?” 14 I said to him, “My lord, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them. 16 They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

IV. Comments of Theologians. MSB=MacArthur Study Bible; NAC = New American Commentary; NKJV= New King James Study Bible; RSB=Ryrie Study Bible; WRC= Walvoord Commentary); SRN=Scofield Reference Notes.

A. RSB

1. 7.9 “a great multitude.” This multitude is composed of many racial and geographic groups who will be redeemed during the Tribulation (v 14). In these difficult days, many will find Christ as Savior.

B. NKJV

1. 7.9-10 “The great multitude,” in addition to praising God and the Lamb for providing salvation. Palm branches were typically waved by crowds at victory celebrations (see John 12:13).

2. 7.14 This vast multitude has come out of the great tribulation, referring to “the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world” (3:10). In view of the great loss of life during this time period, martyrdom is most likely the means of their escape. Tribulation was already being experienced by the church in John’s day (see 2:10; Acts 14:22). However, the great tribulation, predicted in Dan. 12:1, will be of an intensity “such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matt. 24:21).

3. 7.15 Temple actually refers to the inner sanctuary of the temple rather than the outer courts (11:19).

4. 7.17 (This) recalls Ps. 23. The Lord who is the Shepherd in Ps. 23:1 is equated here with the Lamb. Both King David and the great multitude (v. 9) will “dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Ps. 23:6), with Christ as their shepherd. (my note: The 23rd Psalm is a picture of the kingdom age of the millennium.)

C. MAC

1. 7.1-7.17. 144,000 Jewish evangelists on earth (vv. 1–8) and 2) their converts in heaven (vv. 9–17).

2. 7:9 “a great multitude.” While the tribulation period will be a time of judgment, it will also be a time of unprecedented redemption (cf. v. 14; 6:9–11; 20:4; Is. 11:10; Matt. 24:14). all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues. All the earth’s people groups. white robes. See note on 3:4. palm branches. In ancient times, they were associated with celebrations, including the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev. 23:40; Neh. 8:17; John 12:13).

3. 7:10 “Salvation belongs to our God.” Salvation is the theme of their worship, and they recognize that it comes solely from Him.

4. 7:13 white robes. See note on 3:4. The white garments of all the redeemed (cf. 6:11; 7:9, 13; 19:8, 14) speak of holiness and purity. Such white robes are reserved for Christ (Matt. 17:2; Mark 9:3), holy angels (Matt. 28:3; Mark 16:5), and the glorified church (19:8, 14). In the ancient world, white robes were commonly worn at festivals and celebrations.

5. 7:14 the great tribulation. See notes on 3:10; 6:1, 9, 12. These people didn’t go with the raptured church, since they were not yet saved. During the 7-year period they will be saved, martyred. Though it is a time of unparalleled judgment, it is also a time of unparalleled grace in salvation (cf. Matt. 24:12–14). washed their robes. Cf. 19:8. Salvation’s cleansing is in view (see Titus 2:11–14). blood of the Lamb. This refers to the atoning sacrifice of Christ (cf. 1:5; 5:9; Rom. 3:24, 25; 5:9).

6. 7.15 “His temple.” This refers to the heavenly throne of God (see note on 11:19). During the Millennium there will also be a temple on earth—a special holy place where God dwells in a partially restored, but still fallen, universe (see Ezek. 40–48). In the final, eternal state with its new heavens and earth, there is no temple; God Himself, who will fill all, will be its temple (21:22).

7. 7:17 “shepherd.” In a beautiful mix of images, the Lamb has always been the Shepherd (Ps. 23; John 10:14ff.; Heb. 13:20).

D. SRN

1. 7.14a The great tribulation is the period of unexampled trouble predicted in the passages cited under that head from Psalms 2:5 to Revelation 7:14 and described in Revelation 11-18. Involving in a measure the whole earth Revelation 3:10 it is yet distinctly “the time of Jacob’s trouble” Jeremiah 30:7 and its vortex Jerusalem and the Holy Land. It involves the people of God who will have returned to Palestine in unbelief. Its duration is three and a half years, or the last half of the seventieth week of Daniel. (See Scofield “Daniel 9:24”). Revelation 11:2; Revelation 11:3.

2. 7.14b The great tribulation will be, however, a period of salvation. An election out of Israel is seen as sealed for God Revelation 7:4-8 and, with an innumerable multitude of Gentiles Revelation 7:9 are said to have come “out of the great tribulation” Revelation 7:14. The great tribulation is immediately followed by the return of Christ in glory, and the events associated therewith Matthew 24:29; Matthew 24:30.

E. NAC

1. 7.9 Verses 1-8 show the sealing of the 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel; the remainder of the chapter focuses on those who come from beyond the Jewish community and are yet included as the beneficiaries of the grace of God. In vv 9-12, the focus is on those who come from beyond the Jewish community and are yet included as the beneficiaries. John sees this multitude standing before the throne, in front of the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches. The white robes are understood to be imputed righteousness or holiness. Some have suggested that those white robes represent glorified bodies. The palm branches indicate a festive season of joy and victory, and were often a part of the Feast of Tabernacles. When the Lord made His triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem, palm leaves were strewn in the way before Him, as well as waved over Him as He rode into the city.

2. 7.10 The text proceeds to describe God in two ways; first, God is the one who sits on the throne; and second, as the Lamb.

3. 7.11-12. “all the angels that surround the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures. Here, the angels who are standing around the throne are clearly distinguished from the elders, and perhaps even from the four living creatures. The elders are not angels. The four living creatures quality as angels, though distinct from those standing around the throne. All of these are moved to the worship of God.

4. 7.13-14. The verse does not say how “the great company of Gentiles” exactly have made their exit from the great tribulation. The assumption of martyrdom might be appropriate but is not necessary in every case. The robes represent the spiritual attire of these tribulation saints, but they have been made white through washing in the blood of the lamb. (Mine: some will be martyred, and some will die from other causes.)

5. 7.15-17. Those who have come out of the tribulation find themselves before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in the temple.

V. Conclusion.

A. The Tribulation is shown in Chapters six through nineteen in the Book of Revelation. There are many people who are teaching that, either, the Tribulation is an allegory, or is with us now. I have shown in many scriptures that neither of those considerations are true. More common now is the teaching that we are in the Tribulation now. Such teachers take Matthew 24 out of context, by not connecting it to the Old Testament prophecies that show that the Tribulation relates to Israel, and that the signing of a peace treaty between the antichrist and the Jews will bring in the Tribulation.

B. In view of the current lawlessness that is spreading out through much of the USA and the world, what can we say about its Biblical application? First of all, there is no Biblical prophecy that puts us in the Tribulation. There is, however, a verse of scripture that has applied to many times in world history, and was spoken to Christians by the Apostle Paul, and has no bearing on the Tribulation: “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come” (2 Tim 3:1). Concerning the fall, and the resulting curse, Gen 19:1-25 tells of the sin that gripped the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah being “exceedingly grave” (Gen 18:20). The Civil War of the USA had 618,222 deaths. The Spanish Flu of 1918 affected 500 million people, and killed 100 million of them. In World War I there were 20 million deaths and 21 million wounded. World War II was the deadliest military conflict in history. An estimated total of 70–85 million people perished, which was about 3% of the 1940 world population. During the Korean War, nearly 5 million people died. In 1978 an estimated 1,353,000 total deaths in North and South Vietnam occurred during the period 1965–1974. The situation that we are experiencing now, as severe as it is, is another product of the fall of Adam and Eve (Gen 3:14-19). It is not sin or catastrophy that will cause God to rapture His people out of this world. But, it will be when a predetermined number of people come to saving faith in Christ, which is called “the fullness of the Gentiles” (Rom 11:25, “For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.”) As I have written on the timing of the Tribulation, it will follow the rapture of the church, after Israel and the antichrist enter into a peace treaty; such an event has not yet happened; but, it will happen. The “difficult times” that we are experiencing in the world now are miniscule, in relation to the seven years of God’s Tribulation judgments, which will escalate in severity until the Battle of Armageddon occurs; this spiritual battle is won by Christ, being followed by His raptured saints, all whom are coming to earth from Heaven (Rev 19:11-21, Zech 14:1-5).

VI. Additional information on Rev 7:9-17 can be found in a sermon of Dr. Andy Woods (Th.M., J.D., Ph.D.).

A. See YouTube: Revelation Ep. 26 So Great a Salvation. Rev.7:9-17

VII. Video Details Of This Article.

A. Messianic Jewish Reflections on the Feast of Tabernacles

B. ASKDrBrown

VIII. Please follow this site.

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