The Book of Revelation Unveiled At Last!
CHAPTER 1: Message to the Churches
The first real message of the Book is contained in the second and third chapters – the messages to the Seven Churches. These messages come directly from Christ- they contain the direct testimony of Jesus Christ. Here Jesus takes the actual spiritual condition and functioning of these seven Churches, then existing in Asia Minor, as a prophecy of the spiritual condition and the works and accomplishments, in carrying out Christ’s Great Commission, of the true Church Of God during the seven successive periods of time up until the end of this age and the second coming of Christ.
It is significant that this book was in God’s right hand. But this was not the same kind of book we use today, made up of many pages bound together. This was a scroll, or a roll – one very long sheet of parchment, written on both sides, rolled into a scroll, and sealed with seven seals. That number is significant! Seven is God’s number denoting completion. This Book of Prophecy, then, was sealed completely closed up, so it could not be seen or read, much less understood. The Book came originally from God the Father and it was sealed.
And notice carefully, the seven seals cover the entire Book of prophecy. Its meaning was sealed – completely hidden. Now notice carefully! "And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice. Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon" (verses 2-4). Why haven’t men read that plain and simple statement? No man can open up – no man can reveal the meaning of this great prophecy. It is sealed – utterly, completely sealed – totally closed! Why, then, have MEN been trying to tell the public they could read and reveal this prophecy?
Return to Chapters
CHAPTER 2: The Seven Seals
Six of the entire seven seals are opened in this sixth chapter alone. Only one chapter is devoted to the first, Six of the seven seals. Doesn’t that strike you as peculiar? Very little space is devoted to each of these first six seals – so little that six of the seven are condensed into one single chapter. There remain yet sixteen chapters in the Book.
As we come to this pivotal sixth chapter of the Book of Revelation, remember the stage-setting – it is recording the vision of John; and although John himself actually was on an island in the Mediterranean Sea, here on the earth, he appeared, in the vision, to be taken up to the very heaven of Gods throne.The BOOK OF PROPHECY, in the form of a rolled scroll, is in the right hand of God the Father, sitting on the throne. And Jesus Christ, is standing before His Father’s throne.
Christ, the Revelator, now takes the Book of prophecy out of the right hand of God the Father, and one by one He strips off the six which sealed the prophecy. The prophetic portions of this writing of John are contained in the things that John saw, in vision. Notice, now, the first verse of chapter 6: "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals…
John is recording for us what he saw, in the vision. He saw the Lamb, Jesus Christ the Messiah, opening the ‘first of the seven’ seals. And he was invited to come and SEE what was under that first seal. "And I saw, and behold, a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer" (verse 2). What is this ‘White Horse’? It is merely a ‘symbol’. And mark well this fact! For generations men have been putting their own human interpretations on these symbols. This white horse has been interpreted many different ways.
But let’s read on: "And when he had opened the ‘second seal’…, there went out ‘another horse that was red- and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. "And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and, 10, a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine".
"And when he had opened the ‘fourth seal’…And I looked, and, behold, a ‘A Pale Horse’ and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth." verses 3-8.
And THERE are the well-known FOUR HORSEMEN of the apocalypse.
But what are these mystic four horsemen? What do these symbols represent? Who has the right interpretation? The answer is that no man, no organization of men, whether religious or otherwise, has any power or ability to reveal this meaning. Only Jesus Christ was found worthy, and able, to make this meaning known. When Jesus Christ stepped forward, in John’s vision, and stripped off the first four of the seven SEALS that sealed this prophetic roll, John merely sees what is written there! And the writing is in symbols. And God uses symbols to HIDE the meaning from men, until that meaning is revealed by none other than Jesus Christ.
Here in these first eight verses of chapter 6, we find the description of Jesus Christ revealing the writing, which is in mystic ‘symbols’; but Christ, who alone is the Revelator, has here merely opened up the words, in symbolic form but not here the meaning.
Notice the parable of the sower and the seed: "And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and NOT understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them" (Mark 4:10-12) … and then Jesus proceeded to explain in plain language the meaning of the parable to His disciples!
And in exactly the same manner, we find in this sixth chapter of Revelation a prophecy cloaked mysteriously in ‘symbols’ which have HIDDEN the true meaning from men these 1850 years! And so, if we want to really understand, we must do as those disciples did – we must go to Christ, who alone is the true Revelator – and since His message to us of this day is now the written word of God- the Bible – we must look to see where in His written Word, Jesus Christ explains to us, the same identical events which are represented by these symbols.
Did Jesus, explain these same events of this world crisis at the close of this age – these turbulent world-war days leading to the day of the Lord, and the Second Coming of Christ? He did! When His disciples came to Him on Mt. Olivet – He revealed His parables – they to whom it was given to know these mysteries – came to Him privately, and asked Him: "Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the Sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world"?(age)(Matthew 24:3) Jesus gave, in plain language, a startling prophecy of these very world conditions of TODAY, and our immediate future!
What DO the SEALS Mean?
Here, is the explanation of the ‘symbols’ of Revelation 6! Here is the ‘key’ that opens up the meaning of the seals! This tremendous Olivet prophecy is recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. Here in plait language Jesus Christ reveals the true meaning of the seven seals that covered the entire prophecy of the Revelation!
From Matthew’s account, read the first four stages of events Jesus foretold: "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows." Matt. 24:4-8.
Here is the high-spot summary of world news from 31 A.D. until now!
Notice this consistent principle: Once a condition which Jesus predicts sets in, it remains continuous up until His very second coming! Notice a consistent principle in this prophecy of Matthew 24, and of the 6th chapter of Revelation. SEVEN successive things, or events, are to occur. As an example: The very first condition Jesus foretells is that of FALSE ministers, misleading and deceiving, not the few, but the many!
That condition set in almost immediately. Paul wrote of it, and said this spirit of iniquity was already working, even as he wrote! And it has never relaxed or ceased, but rather has developed in intensity, until the whole world, as distinctly prophesied, has become deceived and misled as to these Bible truths!
The next thing Jesus said would occur was WARS, and rumors of wars. There were wars in those days. But wars have not stopped. They have grown progressively worse and worse, more and more horrible and destructive, until today, we face the question of whether human life can survive the next atomic and hydrogen bomb war! as Scripture says truthfully, law breaking and sinful men get worse and worse – and not better and better, as men like to believe!
And so Jesus named these four things: 1st, FALSE TEACHING about Christ, doing away with His true message. 2nd, WARS, climaxing at this crisis at the close of this age in WORLD WARS – nation against nation. We are now in the second recess between stages of World Wars! 3rd, FAMINE, and 4th, epidemics of DISEASE which follow in the wake of great famines and wars.
The first two world wars have occurred. Rumors of wars will continue. Next to strike the earth are famine, disease epidemics and World War III – all of such staggering magnitude as this world has never dreamed! But now compare that with the first four seals of Revelation 6. Here is the revelation of Jesus Christ. Here is Jesus’ own interpretation, in plain language, of these symbols of the four horsemen. Return to Chapters
CHAPTER 3: The Amazing Comparison
The first was a White Horse. Many men, using human interpretation, have looked over into the 19th chapter of Revelation, where we find the description of the return of Christ pictured as coming on a white horse, and have made the great error of deciding that this first seal, since it is a white horse, pictures the second coming of Christ. But Christ’s own revealing of the meaning is that this white horse of the first seal pictures exactly the opposite – those preaching a false Christ, different from the New Testament! It refers to this Great Deception that is hiding God’s truth.
All war is the result of violating the Law of God, which Jesus lived and taught! The false teaching of doing away with the law of God, and the Government of God, and endorsing the ways of men, led inevitably to wars, which have grown progressively more frightening and colossal in scale, until it is now questionable whether the world can survive another war, unless God steps in to intervene!
The second seal pictures a ‘Red Horse’ – the color of blood – and this horseman, as Jesus Himself reveals, is WAR. "And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword." Rev.6:4.
The third horse is the FAMINE: "And when he had opened the third seal…,And I beheld a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice… "A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine" (Rev. 6:5-6).
And, fourth, following in the wake of famine, disease epidemics "And I looked, and, behold, a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell [the grave] followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with the sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth." Rev. 6:8.
There is Christ’s own explanation of the four horsemen! But this brings us to the present time. This is only the beginning of the prophecy! Now let us come to the very next prophesied event that will rock this world to its foundations!
The GREAT Tribulation
Literally dozens of prophecies in both Old and New Testaments describe this colossal world event. To explain all that is written about it, in the Bible prophecies, would require the full length of many articles. It is important to know – and to be prepared – for you need have no fear, if you heed and seek the protection of God!
In Matthew 24. Remember, we are now in the time of the second intermission of world war. Famines and disease epidemics have increased in magnitude in recent years, but the final great worldwide famine and disease epidemic has not yet struck. These events brought us to verse 8. We are already into these events, but we haven’t reached the final fury of them. So notice, now, what is said of these things: "All these are the beginning of sorrows." Matt. 24:8.
These things, even, are only the beginning of sorrows – or, more properly translated – of Tribulation! Yes, when we come to the full fury of the famine and disease epidemics, and what undoubtedly will be the continuance of world war, that will be the very beginning of the Much-prophesied ‘Great Tribulation’! And that is now the next event that God is warning this world is coming. Let us notice exactly how Jesus explained this ‘fifth’ world-shaking event in plain language. "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake." Matt. 24:9.
Notice, Jesus used two pronouns – "They" and "You." Then they shall deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you." Remember this: In New Testament Bible language the pronoun "You," unless otherwise clearly defined, refers either to truly converted Christians, or to the nations Judah or Israel. If it is speaking spiritually and individually, the pronoun "You" refers to those who have received God’s Spirit. If the context is speaking nationally, it refers to Israel or Judah or both. In this particular comparison with the account in Mark 13 and Luke 21 makes it very evident that Jesus used this pronoun in the DUAL sense, including both, those having Gods Spirit, and Israelites as nations!
Another key to nearly all prophecies is a DUALITY in nearly everything in God’s PLAN in working out His purpose! There was the first Adam, and Christ the second Adam. There was the Old Covenant, and there is the NEW. This duality runs through the entire plan of God. It runs also through the prophecies. There is usually a former, typical, and then a final antitypical fulfillment of many prophecies. Not understanding this vital key, many are in total error in their attempts to understand or explain prophecies.
This tribulation did actually occur, in the typical forerunner sense, to the nation Judah, in 70 A.D. But that was merely the early type, and forerunner of the great National Captivity Yet To Occur. This is described more plainly in the modern English of the Moffatt translation of Luke’s account of this same prophecy. Luke 21:23-24: "For sore anguish will come upon the land and wrath on this people; they will fall by the edge of the sword, they will be carried prisoners to all nations, and Jerusalem will be under the heel of the Gentiles till the period [Times] of the Gentiles expire."Just before the return of Christ.
ALSO a Religious Persecution
Turn again to Matthew 24: "And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved… For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be… For there shall arise false Christ’s, and false prophets, and shall show great signs, and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." Matt. 24:10-13, 21, 24.
This is also speaking individually of truly Spirit-begotten Christians who have become so lukewarm, so out of prayerful contact with God that they will not be accounted worthy to escape all these things. And that phase of this Great Tribulation is very clearly brought out in the opening of the fifth seal of Revelation 6: "And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto everyone of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled." Rev. 6:9-11.
Here is the Great Tribulation! And this fifth seal pictures it as a time of martyrdom of some of those who have received God’s Spirit! Notice, verse 9 which describes those that were slain, in a former and a typical Tribulation – God is going to take vengeance by sending His plagues on the persecuting powers! And those plagues of the Day Of The Lord – the time of God’s vengeance upon this great persecuting power- the ten nation combined military power in Europe- will occur at the precise time of the second coming of Christ!
And that is speaking of the final Great Tribulation. It will be a time of WAR and national invasion and captivity of God’s nations of Israel! These prophecies refer to the so-called Lost Ten Tribes of Israel. Where are they, who are they today?
The surprising answer is found in ‘The United States and Britain in Prophecy’ Found on Page1 of the America And Britain’s Future Free Library. Notice, this Tribulation and this martyrdom of some members of the true Church of God must occur and be completed BEFORE the second coming of Christ.
When Will the END Of Man’s Rule Come?
The disciples had asked Jesus when His Coming would occur, and the end of this AGE! The false preaching was not the end. The wars and rumors of wars were not the end. But in Matthew 24:14, Jesus interrupted to tell them WHEN the end shall come after the very event now taking place. "And this gospel ‘Good News’ of the WORLD RULING GOVERNMENT OF GOD shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
There is Jesus’ answer. He had warned them of false prophets deceiving MANY – saying that Jesus was the Christ – but doing away with His message of the coming Kingdom Of God – ruled by His Laws – the whole world has been deceived into believing that God’s law and God’s rule over our lives is done away! Men have been deceived into believing they could practice the traditions of men in worshipping Christ! But Jesus Himself said (Mark 7), "IN VAIN do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men…making the Word of God of none effect through your TRADITION."
But, just before the end of man’s rule, Jesus said: "this GOOD NEWS OF THE KINGDOM" – the announcement of the Government of God – the rule of God – the Commandments of God – the same Gospel that JESUS brought – shall go to all the world for a Witness unto All Nations – and then shall the end of Mans Rule come.
Men have confused the Great Tribulation that is coming, with that period revealed in more than 30 prophecies in the Bible as the Day Of The Eternal or, the Day of the Lord. In Matthew 24:29. Notice carefully what the great religious leaders of this world seem never to have learned: "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken" (Matthew 24:29).
Astronomical Signs
There are to be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. But these heavenly signs occur Immediately After The Great Tribulation. In Revelation 6 "And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, 10, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth…, and the moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth…" Rev. 6:12-13.
And "For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand ?" Verse 17. Here in this 6th chapter of Revelation, as these six seals are opened, we have 1st, false preachers; 2nd wars climaxing in world wars; 3rd, famines; 4th, disease epidemics; 5th, Great Tribulation – martyrdom ; 6th, the heavenly signs, in the sun, moon, and stars. And then what is to follow this sixth seal?
The Day Of Gods Wrath – and that, is the great Day Of The Lord! In the prophecy of Joel in the Old Testament. "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord. "Joe12:31. Now here in Joel 2:31 we see that these heavenly signs in the sun and moon must occur before the Day Of The Lord. Return to Chapters
CHAPTER 4: Tribulation is Not the Day of the Lord
You Need Not Fear Or Worry over these things coming on the earth. In this same prophecy reported by Luke, regarding the world disturbances now ahead – Jesus ended His Olivet prophecy with these assuring words: "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted Worthy to Escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Luke 21:36. May God help you to be one of those studying the prophecies, watching world events, and praying always that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things!
WHY These Plagues?
For 6,000 years God has sent His messages to mankind. In love God revealed His Law – His way of life that would lead to everything good and desirable – to our first parents. God has sent all His prophets with HIS message of peace, revealing to mankind the way to peace and happiness – but men have rejected the message, and killed the prophets. They put to death God’s Son who brought the Good News of The Kingdom Of God – they martyred Jesus’ apostles who went out into the world with the message of God’s way of life, and God’s Rule over our lives.
Through them God has pleaded with this stiff-necked and self-willed world for 6,000 years. God has warned the world of where its own ways will finally lead – to the total annihilation of human life from this planet! But men would not heed. They Will Not Heed Today. They continue, even now, to devise forces of destruction that will result in the suicide of the human race, unless God does intervene.
But God is about to step in and speak to this rebellious world in the only language the world will heed – God will now punish this world for its evil! As any loving parent punishes his child who will not listen to kind and loving admonition, – the world will at last be forced to turn from its ways to seek God and His Ways that lead to peace and everything good. God will prevent the suicide of humanity. He will save this evil world from itself. And that is the period coming, described in more than 30 different prophecies scattered through both Old and New Testaments, as The Day Of The Lord, which shall lead directly into the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST, to bring us, WORLD PEACE! At last.
God’s Wrath Restrained
As we begin the 7th chapter of the Book of Revelation, we find that the Day Of The Eternal – the time of these terrible plagues God shall send – is to be held up temporarily, until another event of God’s doing takes place.
Notice the introduction of chapter 7 of this greatest prophecy ever written: "And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. " Rev. 7:1-4.
Look at a few important points. First, the preceding words show that the judgments of the Day Of The Lord have come. But God holds it back. They are restrained until the 144,000 and the Great Multitude are protected. Return to Chapters
CHAPTER 5: Who Are The 144,000?
You have probably heard many interpretations. Men are unable to interpret this prophecy. The first thing to notice is that the TIME of the sealing of this 144,000 is yet in the future – it is after the Great Tribulation and the heavenly ‘signs’, and just before the plagues of God’s Judgments! It has not happened yet! Second, this prophecy is plain, and means just what it says – 144,000 of the 12 tribes of Israel – 12,000 of each tribe. Where are they today, where are the lost ten tribes? See the extensive America And Britain In Prophecy in the America And Britain Future Free library.
But these 144,000 are not all! "After this I beheld, A Great Multitude which no man could number, of all nations, and kindred’s, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands … And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, you know. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." Rev. 7:9, 13-14.
They are sealed by Gods Spirit in their minds. In chapter 14:1, you will see that it is the Father’s name that is written there. Jesus’ very last prayer for His Church was that they would be kept in the FATHER’S name. Today we find the churches of this world under every possible man made name; many named after men. But 12 times in the New Testament His own Church is named The Church Of God.
Who Constitute the Innumerable Multitude?
Now how about this innumerable multitude? They have come through THE Great Tribulation. God will not send His frightful Plagues to punish the world, until He has first sent a great warning. God has warned the world through all His prophets – through His Son Jesus Christ – He is warning the world right now through this very work. But God is a God of mercy and compassion. He will yet warn this world once again – by signs, in the sun, the moon, and the stars. God will leave men no excuse.
And after the Great Tribulation, when" men are seized with stark terror at these supernatural signs, multiplied thousands will at last recognize that it is really God warning them! Yes, multiplied thousands who hear this warning from God will not heed it now. They are deceived. They still believe and follow their various human leaders, or groups. Their minds are not fully opened to recognize this as God’s last warning to this world!
The Seventh Seal Opened
Now Chapter 8. Here is the opening of this seventh seal. And what is this seventh seal? Remember, as each seal was opened, John recorded what he saw, in his vision. In every case, the things he saw were symbols – but these symbols represent actual world events occurring in a definite time-order. So notice what John saw, when this seventh seal was opened: "And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets." Rev. 8:1-2.
John sees the Seven Trumpets! Here is the third vital key to this Book of Revelation. The seven trumpets are, of course, symbols. They represent real world events to come. These "trumpets" are not, as so many have believed, contemporaneous with the seven SEALS.
These trumpets are plagues which God shall send in physical punishment of the forces of evil in this world. Notice, at the end of the sixth of these trumpets, how they are plainly called PLAGUES: "And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk." Rev. 9:20.
What Do the Trumpets Symbolize?
The TRUMPET was always blown as a warning of war, or approaching armies. When Israel turned a deaf ear to all God’s prophets – God punished ancient Israel by sending the armies of Assyria to conquer them. When Judah disobeyed worse than Israel, God sent the armies of the Chaldeans to conquer them. As God steps in to punish the whole world – All Nations, for their law breaking, which is destroying them and bringing such suffering and unhappiness on all their peoples, the ‘Trumpets’, or alarms of war, are sounded. Notice: "And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree." Rev. 7:1. Return to Chapters
CHAPTER 6: God’s Children Protected
These winds were held back from blowing these seven trumpets until the sealing of the 144,000 and the great innumerable multitude that came out of the Great Tribulation, from all nationalities and peoples.They who repent and turn to GOD for protection are first brought under protection, so that just as God protected Israel when He poured out the plagues on ancient Egypt, so shall He protect ‘All’ who rely on Him from these plagues now about to come on This World.
And, incidentally, the plagues God sent on Egypt in the days of Moses were a direct type of these plagues that shall be poured out on this world. Those protected from those ancient plagues were taken under Moses to the promised land. Those saved from these plagues will be taken by Christ into the KINGDOM OF GOD – to be established on earth with headquarters in Jerusalem.
The first four of these trumpet-plagues are described in chapter 8 as winds that blow on the earth, trees, rivers, and seas. You will read that in verses 6 through 12, chapter 8 of the Book of Revelation. The last three trumpets are called Wow’s, because of the terrible Wow that shall befall the forces of evil on earth. This is stated in the 13th and last verse of chapter 8. The first Woe, which is also the fifth trumpet, is described in chapter 9, verses 1-11. The power that causes the destruction is interpreted in Revelation 17:8-14. There we learn that A REBIRTH OF THE ANCIENT ROMAN EMPIRE is the power which emerges. This verse shows this FUTURE POWER will be a WAR-making, revived fascist power. It is described in prophecy as a power to the NORTH of Jerusalem, because the prophecies always speak from the focal point of the Holy Land – to the north, and west.
The second Woe, with its symbols of horses and horsemen, is interpreted by Ezekiel 38:4,15, and is also referred to as an event in the Day Of The Eternal, in Joel 2:4. This refers to a tremendous military power! They come with an army of two hundred million! Think of it – an army of two hundred million! World events are now moving rapidly to make possible the creation of an Asian army of that unbelievable manpower! Yes, it’s time to wake up to what’s taking place today – the true significance of the time in which we live, and where it is leading!
The Two Witnesses
Before the-Third Woe- the last trumpet – we find the two witnesses described. Men have every possible interpretation of these witnesses. Notice the time element. They end their mission (described in chapter 11) at the time of the end of the second ‘woe’. (Verses 12-14.) Their mission lasts only three and one half years. So, contrary to erroneous human interpretations, their mission has not as yet even begun. They have supernatural protection, and they give out God’s last warning to the evil powers of earth delivered through human instrumentalities, before this final Trumpet sounds. They are to be killed by "THE BEAST," symbol of a power described in Revelation 13 and 17, and identified by Daniel 2 and 7 as the resurrection of the ancient ROMAN EMPIRE NOW FORMING IN EUROPE!. Now comes the third woe – the seventh and last trumpet. What is this seventh trumpet?
The Last Trumpet
In many other prophecies it is recorded that the second coming of Jesus Christ to this earth – shall occur at the time of the last trump! Jesus who came to earth over 1900 years ago, taught the way of living which men rejected, was put to death, resurrected from the dead, and ascended to heaven – this same Jesus is coming again as world ruler, to rule all nations, and to enforce the way to PEACE! And His coming shall occur at the last trump. You will find that in I Corinthians 15:52; I Thessalonians 4:16; Matthew 24:3l.
We know from these prophecies that this trumpet is the time for the actual appearing of Christ as WORLD RULER! But what else is described? Notice the sounding of the seventh trumpet. "And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever" (Rev. 11:15). It is announced that the world rule of Jesus Christ over all nations has arrived. All human government on earth shall fall under the power of God.
Men have never wanted God’s rule – even though it is the only way to peace. And so the rulers of human governments over mankind are angry! They shall have been deceived by false teaching into believing that this is the ANTI-Christ! They shall fight against Christ and His rule over the earth.
The Seven Last Plagues
"And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God." Rev. 15:1. The Moffatt translation renders it, "For they complete the wrath of God." In the 14th chapter, and 10th verse of Revelation, it is stated that these seven last plagues are to be poured out "in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb." "The Lamb" is a symbol representing Jesus Christ.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." Matt. 25:31-34.
Jesus Christ is coming to rule. The KINGDOM OF GOD is a kingdom – a government, bearing rule over every other kingdom on earth. But the Kingdom of God also is described by Jesus and throughout the Bible as a family finally grown into the great World Ruling Nation. Jesus taught that we may inherit the Kingdom of God, but only by first being given Gods Spirit, and then being born into Gods Family.The Apostle Paul said plainly that flesh and blood – that is, a human – cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. It is not a human kingdom. It is a kingdom into which humans may be finally born, when they are changed – converted, from human to Spirit.
Now notice. At Christ’s coming, the dead in Christ are to be resurrected.The living in Christ(1Cor 15:50 -54) shall be changed – converted – from human to Spirit. They are then born into the Kingdom of God. They then come into their inheritance of the Kingdom of God. And Jesus will then say, "Come, ye blessed of my Father – inherit the Kingdom prepared." Jesus Christ is then sitting on His throne as KING OF THE WORLD. When He comes the seven last plagues are poured out.
The Great KEYS
So the seventh Trumpet, then, like the seventh Seal, is divided into seven parts – the seven last plagues. The seven last plagues – constitute – the seventh trumpet, just as the seven trumpets are, and constitute, the seventh SEAL. The seven seals cover the whole prophecy! This sequence and sevenfold arrangement of events is the one great key to the long-closed Book of Revelation. The seven last plagues complete the wrath of God – they are the last seventh part of the seventh seal, and a part of the seventh SEAL. They show the coming of Christ Christ to bring this world peace – by forcing the nations to be governed by the government of God – and God governs by His laws!
Yes, Christ the only way to peace and happiness, and to live forever. The world has not known that way now it shall be compelled to find it. God loves this world. He will intervene to save it!
Now to conclude the keys to the Book of Revelation. Chapter 12 is an inset chapter, injected into the main story-thread. Just as any writer will stop his narrative at a certain point, to go back and sketch a different scene involving different characters and events, bringing them up to, and connecting them with, his story-thread at that juncture, so here John pictures the True Church from the time prior to Christ’s birth (verse 4) and the 1260 years of persecution when the Church was forced to flee completely beyond the bounds of organized government persecution. The True Church has always survives.
The church, of Chapter 17 is the great false church. Revelation 12 brings the story of the true Church to the present, when Satan, knowing he has just a short time (verse 12), persecutes the true Church, pictured as a remnant or small in number, and keeping the Commandments of God (verse 17). See ‘The Amazing 2000 Year History Of The True Church Of God’ on Page 2 of the America And Britain’s Future Free Library.
The13th chapter is another inset, picturing the symbolic "beast" and the second two-horned "beast." Chapter 14 shows the three angel messages, proclaiming the fall of our present world through the seven last plagues; and the warning against the ‘Mark Of The Beast’ which the world has been deceived into accepting. Chapters15,16 describe THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES, which are the seventh trumpet. These are God’s judgments against this world’s false system. Rev. 18:4,10.
Chapters 17 and 18 picture the revived Roman Empire and the great False Church with her daughter churches (17:5) deceiving all nations (17:2, 15 and 18:3). Israel, America and Britain, is today deceived! We are God’s people, Israel, as Israel was in Egypt when God’s plagues were on Egypt! And God calls us out (Rev.18:4) and tells us to keep His Commandments! The 19th chapter shows the second coming of Christ, and the 20th, the thousand year reign on earth (Rev. 5:10) and Great White Throne Judgment, – 21st and 22nd chapters, the new heaven and new earth.- This is fully detailed in ‘God’s Holy Days’ on Page 3 of the America And Britain’s Future Free Library. Return to Chapters
CHAPTER 7: Where Are We Today in Prophecy?
Do you realize where we stand today? We are in the semi-chaotic lull between the second and third world wars. But one thing is prophesied for NOW! One of these prophesied events is taking place this instant. In His great Olivet prophecy, which was the very key to the symbols of Revelation, the disciples asked Jesus privately what would be the sign of His coming, and the end of – today’s world!
When Jesus told them of the many who would go forth preaching in His Name, proclaiming that Jesus is the CHRIST, yet deceiving the world as to Christ’s Gospel- that was not the end. The famine and the pestilence to come was not the sign of His coming and of the end of this world. The series of WORLD WARS was not the sign of His coming, and of the end. It is only in verse 14 of this prophecy that He gave it. Notice the tremendous significance of this: "And this gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a WITNESS unto all nations; and then shall the end of man’s rule on earth come." Matt. 24:14.
Jesus Christ proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom of God – which is the GOOD NEWS of a peaceful world tomorrow. Men went out proclaiming Christ- they appropriated His Name and the prestige of His Name in order to deceive the world, and to hide from the world the MESSAGE that Christ brought. But, in this end-time, when the end of this age is close, this same Good News of the Kingdom of God – the coming World Ruling Government of God -and the Family of God – this same Good News has once again been announced to the world! That prophecy was being fulfilled in ‘The World Tomorrow’ broadcast and telecast, and in ‘The Plain Truth Magazine.‘ And now by those who remain.
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Summary, Herbert Armstrong, Free Library Copy
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