Monthly Archive for December, 1998

Revelation 13:11-18

Published on December 31, 1998 in Revelation. 2 Comments
Read Introduction to Revelation

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666“

We now turn to the second beast of this chapter, the beast out of the Earth. This is the religious leader of the Revived Roman Empire.

Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon.

The first beast came out of the sea (v.1) but the second beast comes out of the Earth. Some think that this beast is a Jew from Palestine because of the term “Earth.” There is no evidence for this.

The second beast masquerades as a lamb with two horns. The “two horns like a lamb” is a difficult phrase to interpret. The “horns” represent authority. This beast has two horns and the first beast had 10 horns. At the same time, this beast is like a lamb that is a mild creature. This gentle-mannered creature will deceive people with his mild mode of operation.

The second beast has special demonic powers of communication for he can speak like the devil [dragon]. Apparently, he is the false prophet who speaks for the first beast. He represents world ecumenical religion. He looks like a lamb but speaks like a dragon. He looks like the Lord Jesus (John 1:29; Revelation 5:6) but speaks like the devil. He pawns himself off as the Lamb, the Messiah.

The dictator of the Revived Roman Empire will eventually destroy this religious system (17:16). God will cast him along with the first beast into the Lake of Fire (19:20; 20:10).

And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

The second beast does the bidding of the first beast by receiving the delegation of authority of religion. He occupies a secondary role. The false prophet [the second beast] is the head of worldwide ecumenical religion. His purpose is to encourage worship of the dictator of the Revived Roman Empire.

He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.

The second beast persuades people to worship the first beast by performing miraculous signs. He is a wonder worker. In this, he operates as the personal prophet for the dictator of the Revived Roman Empire. The Greek indicates that he repeatedly performs these miracles so that a momentum of wonders occurs. The word “great” indicates that these will be extraordinary miracles. Present day miracle fakers are no match for this false prophet. The purpose of these signs is to authenticate the authority of the first beast.

Some people think that this “fire come down from heaven” is an imitation of the miracle of Elijah (1 Kings 18:38). His hope is to confuse biblical miracles with satanic miracles.

And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.

The second beast sets up an image of the first beast. The book of Revelation evelation refers to many images (Revelation 13:14-15; 14:9, 11; 15:2; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4). The first beast accepts worship as he sits in the temple in Jerusalem. This is the abomination of desolations of which Daniel and Jesus warned us.

“…who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4).

Satan designed the miracles of the second beast to “deceive.” The word “deceive” means to “wander, mislead, lead astray.”

“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

Not all miracles are of God, for the second beast performs these miracles in the presence and authority of the first beast (13:2). No discerning Christian trusts any and every miracle. He or she must ask the question, “Is this miracle demonic or divine?”

He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

The second beast gives breath and the power to speak to the image of the first beast. This is his second deception. The word “image” is more than a copy but represents the reality of the thing. This image symbolizes the religious authority of the first beast and is the force behind his world wide power. This image had the power to convince people to kill those who did not worship the first beast.

He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads,

The second beast will require everyone to wear the mark of the first beast. All men of every state in life must receive this mark in a prominent place – the forehead. This will easily categorize those who worship the beast and those who do not.

The word “mark” means an impression made by a stamp. The beast will brand, like so many cows, those who belong to him.

and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

The second beast restructures the economy of the world. Without this mark, no one could buy or sell even the necessities of life. This will exclude any believer who takes a stand for Christ. By this disenfranchisement, all believers will lose all their civil rights. Many believers will die because they refuse to accept the mark.

Here is wisdom.

There is wisdom in understanding the implications of the mark of the beast.

Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.

The attempts to find hidden meanings in the 666 are legion. This leads to futile conjecture. Nowhere does the Bible use gematria [mystical interpretation] as a system of interpretation. It does use numbers symbolically but this is different from gematria. This passage explicitly says that 666 is the number of man. All attempts to identify the name of the world dictator to come by running scenarios of numbers are futile.

The word “calculate” means to reckon, compute, count. The believer must calculate the number of the beast. The mark of the beast has something to do with mankind being central to reality. This is similar to humanism today. Humanism is not humanitarianism. Humanitarianism is simply people helping people in need. Humanism is about mankind being central to reality. Mankind will solve its own problems. People can get along without God. This religion promotes worship of mankind. Religion takes our eyes off God.


Principle:

Christianity is a threat to world religion.


Application:

During the Tribulation, there will be one world government, one world religion and one world economic system. Anyone who refuses to conform to these systems will die. This is the Devil’s final attempt to gain the worship of the world.

Christianity is a threat to world religion. Because Christianity claims to be mutually exclusive, world ecumenical religion must put it down. Unity at all costs will be the theme of the future in order to obtain syncretism in religion. World religion must eliminate religions that claim distinction.

The false prophet speaks sweetness and light but deals in death when it comes to Christians. This will require the dissolving of nationalism. Therefore, all nations will surrender their sovereignty to the dictator of the Revived Roman Empire. A single credit card for the world will give him global economic power. This will intimidate dissenters to get with the “program.”

The Devil uses the system of religion to deceive. He wants mankind to act independently of God. To do this, he systematizes belief as well as behaviour. There is nothing more misleading than religion. Religion is the ultimate weapon of the Devil.

Revelation 13:1-10

Published on December 30, 1998 in Revelation. 0 Comments
Read Introduction to Revelation

“Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints“

We are still in a parenthesis of personages that began at chapter twelve. Chapter 13 brings us to the sixth personage, the beast out of the sea. This person is the central person of the Tribulation (13:1-10).

John describes two beasts, one from the sea and one from the land in this chapter. The first’s beast’s sidekick is the beast out of the land (13:11f).

Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.

Beasts prophetically represent kings and kingdoms. John interprets the seven heads in 17:9-10. This seems to imply that the mountains are symbolic of kingdoms.

The beast out of the sea represents the head of the Revived Roman Empire. The old Roman Empire became modern Europe. In the Tribulation, ten nations from Europe will form the Revived Roman Empire. The city of Rome will be the capital of this Empire. Later in the Tribulation, the world ruler will move his capital to Babylon (Revelation 17:16-18; 18:16-19).

The fourth beast of Daniel also had 10 horns (Daniel 7:7-8; cf. Revelation 13:3; 17:3, 7). The fourth beast is the Roman Empire. The “little horn” is that case is the world ruler. Revelation 13 is an explanation of Daniel 7.

“After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns” (Daniel 7:7).

“The ten horns are ten kings
Who shall arise from this kingdom.
And another shall rise after them;
He shall be different from the first ones,
And shall subdue three kings” (Daniel 7:24).

Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion.

The three animals of this verse refers to the empires of Greece [a leopard, Daniel 7:6], Medo-Persia [a bear, Daniel 7:5] and Babylon [a lion, Daniel 7:4]. All these beasts combine into one beast in our passage, the beast not identified by a specific animal in Daniel.

The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority.

Satan directly gave this beast his power. 2 Thessalonians 2:9 says that the lawless one worked miracles, signs and wonders.The Devil gave the world ruler three things:

1) “Power” can refer to miraculous powers (2 Thessalonians 2:9; Hebrews 2:4; Acts 22:22; 6:8). He will perform miraculous deceptions (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

2) “His throne” refers to his ruling authority. He is king of the world during the Tribulation.

3) “Great authority” refers to the extent of his rule. His authority extends beyond the 10-nation confederacy (v.7).

And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed.

One of the seven heads (kingdoms) received a mortal wound by a sword (v.14). This government fell. When Satan resurrected this kingdom, it caused worldwide wonder. This is the resurrection of the old Roman Empire to the Revived Roman Empire.

To which of the seven heads does this refer? 17:8-11 indicates that it is the seventh kingdom. It is the head that “was” (old Rome) and “is not” (present Rome) and “is about to come” (the Revived Roman Empire). In verse two, the beast represents a composite of the kingdoms of Babylon, Greece and Medo-Persia, so it appears that the beast is the world ruler of future kingdoms (13:1,2; 17:8,9).

And all the world marveled and followed the beast.

The word “marveled” means to wonder. Satan overcame the whole world by miraculous workings. The phrase “all the world” indicates that this deception will be worldwide. Maybe they will see this by satellite. This does not necessarily imply that he currently rules over the world.

So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”

The healing of the beast’s mortal wound causes people to worship the dragon (Satan) and the beast (the world ruler). This is the way that Satan gets people to worship in his counterfeit religion. Their worship extended to the point that they felt that no one could defeat him. In their minds, the beast was invincible. The Bible calls this “strong delusion” (2 Thessalonians 2:11). This is the religion of the Tribulation. Satan designs all religion to worship him. He wants people to do good independently of God.

And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months.

Blasphemy of the beast continued for the last three and a half years of the Great Tribulation (11:2,3; 12:6,14). Satan gives the beast outstanding speaking ability so that he is able to persuade people of all cultures.

Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven.

The beast’s religious activity is to blaspheme God and all that He represents. Satan even blasphemes the church in heaven.

It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them.

The beast made war with the Tribulation saints. It will cost many saints their lives to take a stand for God in the Tribulation. Yet, more people will come to Christ by their death than by their lives.

And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation.

The beast rules over the entire world (Daniel 7:23).

All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

The beast also develops a worldwide religion and demands that everyone in the world worship him (2 Thessalonians 2:4). This is a universal church. The only exception to those who worship him are those who have their names in the Book of Life.Jesus was not only slain in the first century, He was slain from eternity in terms of God’s eternal plan (Ephesians 1:4).

If anyone has an ear, let him hear.

John exhorts people who read the book of Revelation to go positive to what he is saying. His challenges to the churches (chapters 2-3) also carried this command. It will be difficult to heed this command under the pressure of the entire world turning to a universal religion. However, there is no invitation to the church here. This is a challenge to the Tribulation saints.

He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword.

If a saint listens to the challenge of verse nine, then he may go into captivity or be killed with the sword. The underlying principle here is that of retribution. It is not God’s will for believers to take things into their own hands. God will take vengeance on those who persecute believers. He who kills by the sword will die by the sword. The way a person lives is the way they will die. The beast and his troops will die the way they live.

Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

Believers must exercise great patience (steadfastness of soul) and faith during the Tribulation. Patience is not passiveness. It is fidelity in the face of terrible pressure. They operate on faith and not by retaliation.


Principle:

The Tribulation is a period of power politics and one world religion.


Application:

One day a Revived Roman Empire will arise out of Western Europe. A world ruler will surface who will be a demon-possessed political dictator of the Revived Roman Empire.

The Revived Roman Empire is made up of a ten-nation confederacy under the authority of a world ruler. We should take note of what is happening in Western Europe. Individual nations are giving their authority to the European Community (EC). This is the United States of Europe.

Revelation 12:13-17

Published on December 29, 1998 in Revelation. 0 Comments
Read Introduction to Revelation

“Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ“

Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child (Revelation 12:13).

God cast Satan out of heaven to earth. “Earth” is the theatre whereby God works out the angelic conflict and the test of man in that conflict. Israel is a central player in that program.

The persecution of Israel [the woman] here is the beginning of the Great Tribulation.

But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent (Revelation 12:14).

God gave Israel special supernatural powers to flee from Satan (Matthew 24:16). These are Jews who accepted Jesus as the Messiah in the first half of the Tribulation (Matthew 24:14). God always preserves a godly remnant.

The length of Satan’s persecution of Israel is “a time and times and half a time.” This is three and a half years (Daniel 7:25; 12:7).

So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood (Revelation 12:15).

This “flood” may be a huge flood of soldiers sent by the Antichrist. Satan seeks to exterminate the remnant of Israel from the face of the earth.

But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth (Revelation 12:16).

God intervened into nature and supernaturally delivered Israel from this peril of the Antichrist’s armies.

And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:17).

The word “rest” means remnant. This is a godly remnant. God always keeps a godly remnant for Himself. These are clearly Tribulation saints.


Principle:

God calls upon Christians to resolve the angelic conflict in terms of how he lives out his individual life.


Application:

This passage gives much information about Satan. There are many myths about Satan, most of which originated from him. Many people think Satan is in hell. But he is not. He never has been. Though God will cast him into hell on a future day, but he is not presently in hell. Other people picture the Devil as a red monster with forked tail, cloven hoofs, horns and a pitchfork. That too is a fairy tale.

The Devil loves to give distortions of himself so that we miss the real issue.The fact is, we face issues where fallen angels [demons] seek to undermine our Christian lives. One reason God placed us here on earth is to show that Satan did not have to fall. Jesus is the prime example of someone who overcame Satan and his temptations.

Revelation 12:7-12

Published on December 28, 1998 in Revelation. 2 Comments
Read Introduction to Revelation

“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. ‘Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time‘”

And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,

The fourth personage is “Michael” the archangel (Jude 9). In heaven, Michael and his angels will fight with Satan and his demons toward the end of the Tribulation period.

Michael is a principal figure of the book of Daniel (10:12-21; 12:1). He was the guardian angel of Israel. Thus, this continues the theme of Israel during the Tribulation.

but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.

Satan and his demons will not win the war of heaven. They will be cast out of heaven in the middle of the Tribulation period, the beginning of the Great Tribulation. Fallen angels [demons] will never go back to heaven again. Up until this time, they conducted a relay service between earth and heaven. They constantly carried messages to Satan.

So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

This verse finally identifies who the “dragon” as the Devil and Satan who deceives the whole world. He deceives the world by the beast (13:11) and the false prophet (20:11).

The term “Devil” is both a title and a descriptive term of his activity. The word “devil” literally means to cast through. Metaphorically, it means to slander. The New Testament uses this word three times for a gossips and slanderers. (1 Timothy 3:11; 2 Timothy 3:3; Titus 2:3). Sins of the tongue are characteristic of the Devil. This is why many local churches have no spiritual punch. The Devil loves to defame Christians.

“Satan” means adversary. He accuses us before God. Satan deceives the whole world. He is a beautiful creature. He is on top of the pile of angels in hierarchy. He does not have red skin or wear a red union suit. That modern portrayal has no basis in the Bible. It is a fairy tale. He deceives the whole world by beauty and a good without God.

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

An announcement of the coming of the millennial Kingdom causes people to break out into praise. They sing of salvation, the salvation provided by the coming of Christ. They praise God’s “strength,” His inherent power that will crush the power of Satan.

They affirm that the kingdom of our God has come, and the millennial reign of Christ begun. Jesus defeated the accuser of the brethren.

Accusing the brethren is the Devil’s current job. Just as he brought accusations against Job (chapter one), he brings accusations against us.

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

The two means of victory over Satan are 1) the blood of the Lamb and 2) the word of testimony. The angels used these two means to defeat Satan.

We should translate the word “by” as “because of.” It is because of the blood of the Lamb that victory comes. This is the blood shed on Calvary’s cross. This is Jesus’ sacrificial death for sins.

Once people become Christians, they have a testimony. Their love for Christ will be great, and they will be willing to sacrifice their own lives for Christ. In contrast to the deception of Satan, the testimony of the saints sets forth the truth of the gospel. Our testimony is one of our most valuable possessions.

It made no difference to these people whether they lived or died. Note Paul’s attitude toward death,

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain…. For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:21, 23, 24).

“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

Do you have the belief you must live out a seventy year life? That wasn’t Paul’s attitude. He was willing to shorten his life for the cause of Christ. Life will go on without us. We are not as important as we often think we are. There will be a few people who will miss us, this life is just a proving ground for eternity. Death is the beginning of eternity for us.

‘Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time”

The Devil’s days are numbered. Because he only has three and a half more years to do what he has to do, he vents his spleen. His program will come to an end and he will wind up in the Lake of Fire.


Principle:

Satan tries to prosecute Christians but Jesus our defense attorney has enough evidence to free us from the charges.


Application:

Jesus defeated Satan. He came to an ignominious defeat. Why should we be deceived by his misrepresentations? Our defense attorney, Jesus Christ, makes appeal for us in the courts of heaven.

As in any kind of war, it is important to know the strategy of the enemy. If we do not know the plan of attack, we will be vulnerable to Satan’s war on our souls. If the Christian does not realize that he is at war with a supernatural being, he will be most vulnerable to his attack.

People who slander other Christians do the work of the Devil (Titus 2:3). Whenever we slander other Christians, we do the work of the Devil.

The Devil today deceives people into thinking that they are going to get to heaven by good works.

“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!” (2 Corinthians 11:3-4).

Revelation 12:1-6

Published on December 27, 1998 in Revelation. 0 Comments
Read Introduction to Revelation

“Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth. And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born. She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne. Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days“

Chapters 12-15 view prophecy from the viewpoint of the people in the Great Tribulation [the last half of the seven years].Seven personages appear in chapters 12-13 — a woman clothed in the sun; the red dragon; the male Child; Michael the archangel; the offspring of the woman; the beast out of the sea (the world dictator) and the beast out of the earth (the false prophet). These two chapters do not advance the chronological sequence of the book of Revelation. The chronology resumes in chapter sixteen.

Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.

We meet the first of seven personages in chapters 12-13 in verse one, a woman clothed with the sun. This woman is a “sign.” This is the first of a series of signs (12:3; 13:13-14; 15:1; 16:14; 19:20). A sign is a symbol, of what God is about to reveal. It carries the idea of a wonder. Usually these signs are a warning of something ominous on the horizon. Though this sign appeared in heaven, the events take place on earth.

This woman symbolizes Israel (Genesis 37:9-11) who produced the Messiah. The “twelve stars” may allude to Joseph and his eleven brothers, the twelve patriarchs of the twelve tribes of Israel. The focus is still on Israel.

Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.

Israel birthed Jesus in His first coming (Romans 9:5). Satan has always attacked the line of Judah, the line of the Messiah. The Devil did everything in his power to prevent the first coming of Christ. The main point is not the birth of Christ but a focus on Israel as the situation from which Christ came.

Now Jesus is about to arrive in His Second Coming. Though Israel rejected Him in the first coming but in His Second Coming, they will accept Him as Messiah.

And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads.

The second “sign” is the fiery red dragon. This dragon tried to thwart the first coming of Christ 2000 years ago. This is the Devil himself acting through a world-ruler. In 12:9, John calls him Satan.The “seven heads” represent seven empires that will ruled over Israel. The 10 horns represent a 10 nation confederation with 10 kings (Daniel 2:41-45; 7:20-21, 24). These kings reign concurrently with the world ruler (Daniel 7:7; 13:1). Daniel has similar descriptions of this person (Daniel 7:7-8,24). The “diadems” represent regal power. He rules over world governments. This is a picture of a revival of the Roman Empire (13:1) which will represent 10 European governments.

His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth.

The “stars of heaven” are probably false religious leaders of Israel, “The prophets who teach lies are the tail…” (Isaiah 9). The “tail” of Satan represents his power that throws false teachers into the world scene. These false prophets are Satan’s mouthpieces for spreading his lies. Satan draws world civil leaders into to his confederacy of 10 nations by deception.

And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.

Satan attempts to destroy the messianic line and thus negate the influence of the newborn Child (Revelation 12:4). Herod tried to destroy the Messiah when he was born by murdering babies two years and under. Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt to protect Jesus from Herod (Matthew 2:16-18). Satan again attempts to thwart Jesus in His Second Coming.

She bore a male Child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron.

Israel brings forth a “male Child” who will rule the nations of the world with a “rod of iron.” This is Jesus Christ (Psalm 2:9; Revelation 19:15).

And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.

The catching up of the Child to heaven is an allusion to Jesus’ ascension. John goes from the birth of Jesus to His ascension in two short verses. God puts assurances in place that the Second Coming of Christ will occur.

Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

The women fled into the wilderness where God protected her for three and a half years. Israel will flee into the wilderness at the beginning of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:16). God supernaturally protects Israel by a special power for these three and a half years.


Principle:

God providentially protects His own.


Application:

Even in the face of Satanic attempts to destroy her, Israel will always exist, for God keeps His unqualified and unilateral covenants (contracts). Satan is in the business of waging war with Jesus. Satan failed to destroy Him during His first coming because He ascended to heaven. The ascension is proof of his failure to destroy Jesus. Because he failed to destroy Christ, he turns to destroy Israel but God gives special supernatural protection to Israel.

If God protects Israel, He will do the same for the church. Christians wage war on three fronts: the world, the flesh and the Devil. The Devil’s objective is to get us to act independently of God.

“Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:10-11).

The strategy of Satan is to accuse Christians (Job 1:6-11) but our defense attorney, Jesus Christ, personally defends us (1 John 2:1,2). Satan wants Christians to experience anxiety, for anxious people do not trust a sovereign God (1 Peter 5:7-9). Satan willingly “gulps down” Christians who worry (1 Peter 5:8).

Revelation 11:15-19

Published on December 26, 1998 in Revelation. 0 Comments
Read Introduction to Revelation

“Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying:

“We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
The One who is and who was and who is to come,
Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.
The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come,
And the time of the dead, that they should be judged,
And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints,
And those who fear Your name, small and great,
And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”

Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail“


The seventh trumpet and the six bowls covers chapters 11:15-16:16. The trumpets include the bowls. Between the blowing of the seventh trumpet (11:15-18) and the six bowls are three separate interludes (12:1-14:20).

This section of Scripture sets forth the assumption by Christ of His Kingdom.

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying,

A dramatic introduction to the seventh trumpet begins with an exciting announcement. God now openly exercises His judgments on man and His sovereign reign over the world. This trumpet extends to the Second Coming of Christ and announces the elimination of all obstacles to Christ’s reign over the world. This is the fulfillment of the purpose of the world where Christ will glorify God in time on earth. This is Christ’s reign over the world as King Jesus, King of the World.

“The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”

The kingdoms of the world were always Christ’s by right. Now He claims them at the end of the Tribulation as His own. Rule of the earth now proceeds from the rule of man to the rule of God.

This is no temporary victory. Instead, this victory will go beyond the 1000 reign of Christ into eternity – “forever and ever.” The first 1000 years establishes Christ’s authority on earth. Man will never again rule. Jesus will reign forever.

“Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:24-26).

And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God,

At this proclamation the 24 elders fell on their faces in worship. Time has come for God to deal with the nations and take reign of the world.

saying:

“We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty,
The One who is and who was and who is to come,
Because You have taken Your great power and reigned.

John describes God as “Almighty” (1:8; 4:8; 15:3; 16:7, 14; 19:6, 15; 21:22) and eternal (is, was, is to come). God will take this great power and reign. “Almighty” means that God possesses all power and authority. God is sovereign and supreme over the world. Therefore, they offer thanks to God that He is in control and now He exercises that control. There will be no more tyranny. Not since the fall of Adam has there been freedom from the tyranny of man and of man’s government. Jesus will straighten out all injustice at that time.

The nations were angry,

A pagan world loyal to the Antichrist in the Tribulation now shows its anger to Christ (Psalm 2:1-5). The nations of the world meet the anger of God with their own anger. He will rise rebelling against God’s program. God meets anger with wrath. Man will receive his just desert.

and Your wrath has come,

God’s wrath is omnipotent; man’s is impotent. While people in heaven rejoice, those on earth seethe in anger. They will express this anger by one final rebellion against God in a world war, the battle of Armageddon.

And the time of the dead, that they should be judged,

One day God will cast Hades into the Lake of Fire.

And that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints,And those who fear Your name, small and great,

God will judge the righteous dead at this the time in the Millennial Kingdom. God will reward Israel after their resurrection for faithfulness in the Tribulation (Daniel 12:1-3; Revelation 20:3-4).

And should destroy those who destroy the earth.”

God will even things up at the Second Coming of Christ. He will balance the ledger at that time.

Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple.

Another dramatic scene closes the chapter. John looks into a temple in heaven. There he saw the ark of the covenant. The ark of the covenant was in the Holy of Holies. The ark indicates God’s presence. The ark also represents God’s mercy and faithfulness. We cannot enter the presence of God without the blood sacrifice of Christ.

The opening of the temple reveals the glory of God. People will see God’s glory; God will manifest Himself fully. The glory of God will explode upon men. Men will see this in His judgments.

And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.”

Atmospheric disturbances result from the opening of the temple in heaven. All these signal judgment. God has no option but to judge man. John will resume the introduction of the seventh trumpet in chapter sixteen where he will give the full details.


Principle:

We live in the day of the silent sky but there will come a day when Jesus will assert Himself sovereign over the world.


Application:

Jesus will come one day to take over the governments of the world. He will take reign of the earth. He will finally declare Himself to be King of the world. Today we live in the day of the hushed heaven. God is not presently asserting His rights in the world in the absolute sense. He does not judge man according to His aberrations. There will come a day when that will end.

At the present time, we are “a stranger here” (Psalm 119:19). Our “citizenship” is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Believers are not in step with the world. We march to a different drumbeat, the drumbeat of heaven. We do not buy into the world’s ideas or values. They live for themselves; we live for God.

Today, people are at bat. There will be a day when that will cease. Man’s Day will come to an end and God’s Day will begin. One day God’s forecasting clock will strike suddenly and surely. Only God knows the timing.

God will rule in one universal government over the world. In the Millennium, God assumes complete control over the world. He finally takes what is rightfully His. No wonder the elders fell down in worship. When we recognize God’s sovereign working in the world and in our lives, it instills worship in our hearts.

Revelation 11:11-14

Published on December 25, 1998 in Revelation. 0 Comments
Read Introduction to Revelation

“Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly“

Now after the three-and-a-half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet,

The two witnesses will rise from the dead in the midst of their worldwide party, to the great shock of the world. Their worldwide party will come to a sudden stop. God waits for three and one half days to guarantee their death so that there would be no question that it is He who raises them from the dead.

Can you imagine this event being broadcast for three and a half days on worldwide television? After focusing their cameras on these two dead bodies, they then rise from the dead. It will be sensational.

and great fear fell on those who saw them.

Great fear fell on those that observed this ascension. The world went from a worldwide party one moment, to deep fear the next. This fear does not cause them to turn to Christ as the only answer.

And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them.

God translated the two witnesses to heaven. Picture a camera crew following the bodies of these two witnesses as they ascend to heaven! The enemies of the witnesses gawk at the resuscitation and ascension of the witnesses. They recognize that God did this, yet they hardened their hearts toward Him. This is what happens when people become negative toward God and His will.

We who believe in Christ’s death for our sins will experience ascension as well. This is our destiny. Death cannot claim the Christian. Death itself is defeated.

In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Within the same hour, a great earthquake kills one tenth of the city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem sits on a major geological fault. This is God’s vindication of killing the two witnesses.

Some people turn to God when they see this spectacle. However, this may simply be an acknowledgment of God’s power.

The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe is coming quickly

The third “woe” will transfer all men to Satan because they didn’t receive the truth (chapter 13).

This verse concludes the parenthesis beginning at 10:1. Beginning with the next verse, God resumes the chronology of the book with the seventh trumpet. The seventh trumpet carries us to the Second Coming of Christ. The seventh trumpet comes quickly on the heels of the sixth trumpet.


Principle:

Sheep give birth to sheep.


Application:

The greatest enemy of Christianity is false religion. Religion always distorts the truth. It is the greatest enemy of the Christian. Although much of religion portrays itself as sweetness and light, much of it is ghoulish. Christian testimonies that contrast the message to the Devil’s lies will always suffer persecution.

God expects believers to share Christ in our own vernacular and culture. Shepherds do not give birth to lambs but sheep give birth to sheep. Pastors and professional church leaders must depend on their sheep to give birth to sheep. If people in the congregation do not give witness to their testimonies, that particular local church will not shine brightly.

Revelation 11:7-10

Published on December 24, 1998 in Revelation. 0 Comments
Read Introduction to Revelation

“When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth“

When they finish their testimony,

No child of God can die until he finishes his testimony. Some Christians possess no sense of purpose. “I am of no account here. Why does the Lord keep me here?” As along as we are alive, God has a purpose for us.

the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them.

After the two witnesses complete their testimony, a beast from the bottomless pit kills them. The book of Revelation refers to this “beast” 36 times. This verse is the first occurrence. A “beast” in prophetic literature portrays two things: 1) a king and 2) a kingdom (Daniel 7). This beast represents world government (11:7).

These two witnesses stood against the religious and political system of the beast. The source of the beast’s authority is straight out of the pit. It is a satanic system. This satanic system goes to war against the two witnesses. World government will not allow testimonies such as these to go out to the world if they can keep from it. The beast kills the two witnesses publicly.

And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt,

The religious system of Satan puts the dead bodies of the two witnesses on display in the street to show that the beast has dominion over them and what they represent. Their bodies lie in the streets of Jerusalem which is symbolically called “Sodom and Egypt.” Sodom is a symbol of moral corruption, perversion and degradation. God obliterated this city this city along with Gomorrah. “Egypt” reduced Israel to slavery. Two cities, one representing perversion and the other representing persecution, are a picture of the city of Jerusalem in the Tribulation.

where also our Lord was crucified.

This identifies the place where the beast killed the two witnesses – the city of Jerusalem.

Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations will see their dead bodies three-and-a-half days,

People from all over the world will see the testimony of the beast – the dead bodies of the two witnesses for Christ. This is possible through satellite television.

and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves.

This government of the Antichrist exhibits barbarism and ghoulish behavior by allowing the dead bodies to lay in the street for 3 ½ days. Television cameras will focus on them as the party continues.

And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth

People around the world will throw a party because of the defeat of the two witnesses. They will even give each other gifts in celebration of the victory of the beast. The message of the two prophets tortured the people of the world mentally and caused them great distress. They could not bear their message. They hated objective dogmatism. That is why they were so glad to get rid of them. Religion is full of sweetness and light until you oppose it.


Principle:

For as long as we are alive, God has a plan for us.


Application:

God has a plan for all Christians and we are invincible until that plan is done. We need not fear any man or devil. The Devil can do nothing to us without divine permission (Job 1). As long as we are alive, God has a purpose for us. Until we die, we still have a testimony to the world.

The only exception to the principle we just discussed is the “sin unto death” whereby we impose our self will over God’s will. If we refuse to give testimony, God may then choose to remove us from this planet because we do not bear fruit.

Revelation 11:3-6

Published on December 23, 1998 in Revelation. 0 Comments
Read Introduction to Revelation

“And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire“

“And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”

Two witnesses will come on the scene and prophesy for 1260 days [42 months] dressed in sackcloth. Sackcloth is a sign of mourning and grief. They grieved the whole period of the reign of the Antichrist. It grieved them to preach a message of doom.

Some think that these witnesses are Elijah and Moses but the Book of Revelation does not specify who they are. There is some evidence for one of these witnesses being Elijah because Malachi prophesied that he would come back before the day of the Lord comes (4:5). Both Moses and Elijah were in the Transfiguration scene of Christ (Matthew 17:3). Others think that these two witnesses are Enoch and Elijah. Probably the best way to interpret these men is that they come with the powers of Moses and Elijah. Their main role is to prepare for the coming of the Messiah like John the Baptist prepared for the coming of Christ in the first advent.

These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth.

John depicts these two witnesses as “two olive trees and the two lampstands.” This is an allusion to Zechariah (Zechariah 4:2-14). People used olive oil for lamps. The combination of Olive trees and lampstands may allude to the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

“So he answered and said to me:
‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel:
‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
Says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).

The two witnesses needed to depend on the ministry of the Holy Spirit. They needed supernatural help. This is what makes any ministry great – the power of the Holy Spirit.

And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner.

No one will fool with these two prophets. They will have the power to deal harshly with anyone who threatens them. No one can kill them for they are invincible until God finishes His testimony through them. God removes that protection later when both of them are killed. Christians cannot die until God is finished with them.

These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire”

The two witnesses have authority to execute miracles. They have the power to stop rain like Elijah (1 Kings 17:1f). They have the ability to propel plagues on the world similar to those of Moses’ day. They will be newsmakers. They will have a sensational ministry albeit a devastating ministry.


Principle:

The power of any ministry is dependent upon the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit.


Application:

The same Holy Spirit who will empower the two witnesses will empower us if we allow Him to do His work through us. These witnesses understand the importance of grace in their lives. Effective ministry does not come by force of personality but by the power of the Holy Spirit. True ministry does not come from human success.

Revelation 11:1-2

Published on December 22, 1998 in Revelation. 0 Comments
Read Introduction to Revelation

“Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 “But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.”


Chapter eleven continues the parenthesis beginning at chapter ten.  Since this section of Revelation is a parenthesis, there is no advance in chronology in chapters ten and eleven.   The seventh and last trumpet will sound in verse fifteen.

The theme of chapters ten and eleven is the heralds of Christ’s Second Coming.  Chapter presented ten the angelic heralds, now we turn to human heralds.

Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there.

John was to take a measuring instrument and measure the temple, altar and those that worship there.  This was a measurement of the Holy of Holies of the Tribulation temple, not the outer courtyard. God is measuring out the things pertaining to the Jews, not Gentiles.  They are in unbelief about the Messiah whom the temple represents.  They stubbornly reject the Messiah.  The outer courtyard was the court of the Gentiles.  God is not interested in measuring the Gentiles at his point. 

The “temple” represents the religion of Israel and the people of Israel at the time of the Tribulation.  Unbelieving Jews will build the Tribulation temple.  This has nothing to do with the true purpose of God’s original temple, which is to reveal Jesus Christ and His work.  The false prophet will sponsor the Tribulation temple.  In addition, the dictator of the Revived Roman Empire will place a gold statue of himself in the Holy of Holies as part of a peace treaty.  This statue will not erected until the alliance is made.  This is the “abomination of desolation” (Da 9:27; 11:31; 12:11; Mt 24:15; 2 Th 2:4; Re 13:14-15). 

Two dictators worship in this temple: 1) the Gentile political leader of the Revived Roman Empire and head of ecumenical religion during the Tribulation (13:1-9).  2) The false prophet, a Jew, who is the dictator of Palestine (13:10f).  Jesus has two witnesses and the Devil has his two witnesses.

“Those who worship” are not true believers.  True believers ran to the mountains.  Although these religious Jews had an altar, it was a meaningless ornament.  Much of Christianity even today does not understand the meaning of the cross.  Symbolism supersedes the finished work of Christ in their minds. 

Israel will not truly believe until they “look on Him whom they pierced” (Ze 12:10).  That will also be the point of their national salvation (Ro 11:26).  Nevertheless, the Father watches over the Jews even as Hosea watched over his adulterous wife.  Even in apostasy, God watches over His people.  He marks them off for judgment if they do not repent. 

“But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles.

John was not to measure the courtyard [the outer court].  Gentiles were allowed to go into the outer court but not into the temple proper.  The Gentiles will trample the outer court for forty-two months.  God gives John specific instructions not to measure the court outside the temple.  This is not a Gentile issue at this point.  

“And they will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months.

The idea of 1,260 days come from Daniel 7:25, “time, two times, and a half a time.”  The 42 month length of the Great Tribulation is literal (11:3; forty-two months of 30 days each).  Gentiles will control the temple for this period.  The Tribulation will last seven years but the Great Tribulation will only last for the last half of the Tribulation, the 42 month period.  It is the later period to which the book of Revelation gives the most attention.  This period will end with the Second Coming of Christ. 

The Tribulation divides into two 3 ½ years.  The later 3 ½ years is the Great Tribulation.  A world ruler will desecrate the temple at the beginning of the forty-two month [3 ½ years] Great Tribulation and will establish a shrine of idolatry to himself.  He will proclaim himself to be God (Da 9:27; 12:11; 2 Th 2:4; Re 13:14-15).  The “times of the Gentiles” will end at the Second Coming of Christ (Lu 21:24) to establish His Millennial kingdom.


PRINCIPLE: Religion blinds people to the truth.


APPLICATION: The Great Tribulation will be the greatest period of religion the world has ever known.  Religion has always been the worst blinder to truth.  Satan will use religion as the basis for his counter revival. 

Rome will have a world dictator who will be in charge of a world-wide ecumenical religion during the Tribulation.