

### STUDIES IN REVELATION

The Seven Trumpets – Part 3

### Jack Marshall

### STUDIES IN REVELATION

The Seven Trumpets – Part 3

### Jack Marshall

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2019 Grain of Wheat Publishing

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author. This free ebook may be copied, distributed, reposted, reprinted and shared, provided it appears in its entirety without alteration, and the reader is not charged to access it.

This study is dedicated to the body of Christ.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter One: The Fifth Trumpet

Chapter Two: The Bottomless Pit

Chapter Three: The Fullness

Chapter Four: In Those Days

Chapter Five: The Locusts

Chapter Six: The Sixth Trumpet

Chapter Seven: Two Goats

Chapter Eight: The Hour of Temptation

Chapter Nine: Four Angels

Chapter Ten: The Four Winds

Chapter Eleven: Time, Times, Half a Time

Chapter Twelve: More on the Four Angels

Chapter Thirteen: Euphrates

Chapter Fourteen: Two Myriads

Chapter Fifteen: Christ the Firstfruits

Chapter Sixteen: The Elect

Chapter Seventeen: The Second Death

Chapter Eighteen: The Mighty Angel

Chapter Nineteen: The Two Witnesses

Chapter Twenty: Witnesses

Bibliography

Introduction

This is Part 3 of my series, "Studies in Revelation – The Seven Trumpets." If you've happened upon this study and have not yet read the first two in the series, I would highly encourage you to do so. Here's the links for both studies:

Studies in Revelation – The Seven Trumpets – Part 1

Studies in Revelation – The Seven Trumpets – Part 2

There are mistakes in this presentation, not by intention, but out of ignorance. I am still and always will be learning. It has been difficult to put aside what I have inherited in order to see from a fresh perspective.

In His Grace,

Jack Marshall

Please note: All Hebrew and Greek definitions are taken from the Strong's Greek and Hebrew Dictionary unless otherwise noted. All Bible passages are taken from the New King James Bible unless otherwise noted.

### Revelation 8:2 (KJV)  
And I saw the seven angels which stood before God;

and to them were given seven trumpets.

# Chapter One

# THE FIFTH TRUMPET

Revelation 8:13-9:1 (KJV)  
13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, **Woe** (1) **, woe** (2) **, woe** (3), to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the **trumpet** of the three angels, which are yet to sound! 1 And the **fifth angel** sounded, and **I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth** : and **to him was given the key of the bottomless pit**.

In Part 1, we found that the first four trumpets are unique from the last three. This is clarified by the three "woes" mentioned above. Strong's defines "woe" as, "A primary exclamation of grief." This same word is translated as "alas" in regard to Babylon in Revelation 18:10, 16, and 19. In the New International version of scripture, Jesus used this word _seven_ times in regard to the Pharisees, indicating the "fullness" of their error (Matt. 23:32). If we take a few moments to consider the first 12 verses of Matthew 23, we will see that Jesus reveals the reason for these woes, exposing the _religious pride_ of the scribes and Pharisees which was responsible for their rejection of Christ.

The first "woe" is the fifth trumpet (Rev. 9:12). We have learned that the spiritual meaning of _five_ is _grace_ , however, it also represents _sin_. How do I arrive at this? Simple. Our hands, which represent our "works" or deeds, have _five_ fingers. Our feet, which represents our "walk" or conduct, have _five_ toes. So it is that our deeds and conduct either exemplify God's _grace_ in our lives or reflect _sin_ when we dwell in darkness.

The King James rendering of Revelation 9:1 is a bit misleading. The more accurate rendering is found in the New American Standard Bible (1977).

Revelation 9:1 (NASB77)  
1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw **a star from heaven which had fallen to the earth** ; and the key of the bottomless pit was given to him.

As we see, the "star from heaven" in the fifth trumpet had already "fallen to the earth." When was this? This was during the third trumpet. This "star" symbolizes the "Spirit of knowledge" and its subsequent "fall" in agreement with the prophet Hosea.

Hosea 4:6 (NASB77)  
6 **My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge**. **Because you have rejected knowledge** , I also will reject you from being My priest. **Since you have forgotten the law of your God** , I also will forget your children.

1 Samuel 2:3 (KJV)  
3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let _not_ arrogancy come out of your mouth: for **the Lord** _is_ **a God of knowledge** , and by him actions are weighed.

A lot has been said about knowledge in this study, so let's take another look at our seven Spirits of God on the illustration of the lampstand. I've changed it to reflect our "star from heaven which had fallen to the earth."

Wisdom is the _fountain_ of knowledge and understanding, and just counsel cannot be given apart from it. For this reason, this is the _first_ of the seven Spirits of God on our lampstand. So it is that we find the following in Proverbs.

Proverbs 4:7-13 (NKJV)  
7 **Wisdom** _is_ **the principal thing** ; _therefore_ get wisdom. and in all your getting, get understanding. 8 **Exalt her** , and she will promote you; **she will bring you honor** , when you embrace her. 9 **She will place on your head an ornament of grace** ; **a crown of glory** she will deliver to you." 10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. 11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble. 13 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; **keep her, for she** _is_ **your life**.

In the beginning, Adam and Eve were presented with the "tree" of "knowledge" (Gen. 2:9; 3:1-6). Where did this tree come from? It was placed there by our Creator, indicating that _it proceeded from the wisdom_ of our Maker (Gen. 2:8-9). In fact, before the tree of knowledge existed, "God planted a _garden_ eastward in Eden." A garden? Yes, as in _sowing and reaping_. Following this we read, "And _out of the ground_ the LORD God _made every tree grow_ ," including the "tree of life" and the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil" (Gen. 2:9) in the "midst" of the garden.

To reiterate, the "garden" of Eden represents the _divine and universal principle of sowing and reaping_ which Paul describes in Galatians.

Galatians 6:7-10 (NKJV)  
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; **for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap**. 8 For he who **sows** to his flesh will of the flesh **reap** corruption, but he who **sows** to the Spirit will of the Spirit **reap** everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in **due season** we shall **reap** if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

In the midst of the Garden of Eden are two trees. What do they symbolize? The _twofold_ outcome of _sowing_ to our flesh or to the Spirit. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil represents the _law_ of God which is necessary to oversee our behavior after the flesh, for Paul wrote, "By the _law_ is the _knowledge_ of sin" (Rom. 3:20; KJV), i.e. _the knowledge of good and evil_. Paul went on to say, "I would not have known sin _except through the law_. For I would not have known covetousness unless the _law had said_ , 'You shall not covet'" (Rom. 7:7).

Knowledge of good and evil is derived from the wisdom of our Maker. After all, through wisdom, God created all things (Psalms 104:24; 136:5; Col. 1:16-17). So it is that out of His divine wisdom issues the principle of sowing and reaping in order that humankind will be justly rendered for their actions, good or bad.

Jesus stated, "For every _tree_ is known by its _fruit_." What were Adam and Eve presented with? Two trees with "fruit" which grew out of the "ground" of the garden. Beloved, Jesus taught that the "ground" _is our heart_ and the "seed" _sown within it_ is the "Word of God" (Luke 8:11-15). So where do we find our two trees? They are _within_ us, my friend, and so it is that _we_ reap what _we_ sow, based on the knowledge and understanding we choose to embrace or reject.

So if it is true that the tree of the knowledge of good and evil symbolizes the "law of sin and death" (Rom. 8:2), then what does the tree of life represent? Paul gives us the answer in Romans 7:14.

Romans 7:14 (NKJV)  
14 For we know that the **law** (tree of the knowledge of good and evil) is **spiritual** (tree of life)...

Do you see it? "The _law_ ," i.e. the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, "is _spiritual_ ," i.e. the tree of life. For this reason the New Covenant states that God will _put his laws into our mind and write them on our hearts_ (Heb. 8:10). So the essence of His law abides in every person, regardless of their resistance or ignorance thereof. In contemporary terms, we call it the _conscience_. That being said, we should realize that the conscience was _derived_ from our Creator but _defiled_ by our upbringing (tradition), by the influence of our caretakers and society around us. It is tradition which corrupts the knowledge of God among the people of God and leads to the opening of the bottomless pit in the fifth trumpet (Matt. 15:6).

As we should realize, our two trees in the midst of the garden are the same tree and the difference is explained by Romans 7:14. For your own study, allow me to share the following illustration with you.

In this illustration, the understanding of the two olive trees is taken from Romans, Chapter 11, while our passages at the top from Ephesians 2:15-16. Our passage from the bottom is I Corinthians 15:46. What leads to the spiritual essence of the law? The cross, or _death_ to _self_.

# Chapter Two

# THE BOTTOMLESS PIT

Revelation 9:1-3 (KJV)  
1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall (which had fallen) from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the **bottomless pit**. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a **great furnace** ; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. 3 And **there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth** : and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

What does the "bottomless pit" represent? Two passages describe it quite well for us.

Genesis 6:5 (KJV)  
5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that **every imagination of the thoughts of his heart** was only evil **continually**.

Proverbs 27:20 (ESV)  
20 Sheol and **Abaddon** are **never satisfied** , and **never satisfied** are the eyes of man.

In the "days of Noah" (Matt. 24:37) we find that every imagination (serpent) of the thoughts of (Adam) men's hearts (Eve) was only _evil continually_. "Continually" agrees with "bottomless," so too our phrase " _never_ satisfied." Note our word "Abaddon" in Proverbs 27:20. This agrees with the following in the fifth trumpet.

Revelation 9:11 (KJV)  
11 And they had a **king** over them, _which is_ the **angel** of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue _is_ Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath _his_ name **Apollyon**.

When the bottomless pit is opened there arises " _smoke_ out of the pit, as the _smoke_ of a great furnace" and "there came out of the smoke _locusts_ upon the earth." Following verse 3, these locusts and their power are described until we reach verse 11 above. There we read, "And they had a _king_ over them, which is the _angel_ of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is _Abaddon_ , but in the Greek tongue hath his name _Apollyon_."

Strong's defines "Abaddon" as, "A _perishing_ ," taken from the word which means, "To _wander_ away, i.e. _lose_ oneself; by implication to _perish_ (causative _destroy_ )." "Apollyon" is defined as, "A _destroyer_ ," which is the active participle which means, "To _destroy_ fully (reflexive to _perish_ , or _lose_ ), literal or figurative." Both agree with Proverbs 27:20, emphasizing that our bottomless pit represents _the constant dissatisfaction of the human heart_ that is plainly evident today. And this dissatisfaction is not only rampant in the world, but in many of His people as well (I Cor. 1:18).

Remember, an "angel" is the _manifestation_ of _spirit_ and _word_ , individually or collectively, and can be either _human_ or _divine_. So it is that the "angel of the bottomless pit" defines the _spirit_ and _word_ of human discontent which prevails on a worldwide scale, producing the evil in which so many of us are steeped. This "angel" is a "king," denoting its _sovereignty_ and _power_.

As our illustration shows, the fifth trumpet is marked by the "fear of the Lord," not fear in the sense of being afraid of our Maker but a "fear" developed _through our own resistance_ to the Word and will of our Maker. God is sovereign, so too His Word. When we resist His truth, we bring suffering into our lives and this fear of suffering is what often turns us from our disobedience. Such is God's wisdom, however, it is not mindless fear that our Creator wishes to instill in us. Rather, it is a love for truth and for the well-being of all that He has created. God's instruction is good for us, but as each of our journeys in this life reveal, our resistance creates our torment and suffering. By resisting what is good, we testify to ourselves that it is good (Rom. 7:13).

There is yet another perspective which helps us to understand the bottomless pit and it's found in the definitions. Our word "bottomless" is defined by Strong's as, " _Depthless_ ," derived from _alpha_ as a negative particle and _buthos_ , which reads, " _Depth_ , i.e. (by implication) the _sea_."

Our word "pit" is defined by Strong's as, "A _hole_ in the ground (dug for obtaining or holding water or other purposes), i.e. a _cistern_ or _well_." When brought together with our word "bottomless," this suggests the sea whose deepest depths are unreachable by man. This being the case, compare to the following.

Revelation 13:1 (KJV)  
1 And I stood upon the sand of the **sea** , and saw **a beast rise up out of the sea** , having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

Here John sees "a _beast_ rise up out of the _sea_ ," which we considered previously in this series and identified as the seven churches in Revelation, the "Gentile" church, those who are "called" out of _all_ nations. (Author's Note: Please keep in mind that when I say "Gentile," I do so to emphasize the difference between us and the Jews, but in actuality, the beast which rises out of the sea _incorporates both_ since there is now no delineation; see Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11).

Isaiah 57:20-21 (KJV)  
20 But **the wicked** _are_ **like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest** , whose waters cast up mire and dirt. 21 _There is_ no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

"The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest." This lack of "rest" typifies the constant dissatisfaction portrayed by Genesis 6:5 and Proverbs 27:20 (See also Psalms 98:7-9).

As for our word "beast"? Remember, its thērion, defined as, "A dangerous animal." When we walk in wickedness, we are the most dangerous animal on this planet. And what is the root of this wickedness? Does it not lie in the fact that "never satisfied are the eyes of man"?

We are told that this "beast" had "seven heads." As we have learned, they are defined by the following and represent the characteristics and fullness (7) of the carnal mind.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV)  
16 These six _things_ doth the Lord hate: yea, **seven** _are_ an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look (1), a lying tongue (2), and hands that shed innocent blood (3), 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations (4), feet that be swift in running to mischief (5), 19 A false witness _that_ speaketh lies (6), and he that soweth discord among brethren ( **7** ).

What is the "fullness" (7) of our seven things in Proverbs? Sowing discord, strife, contention, which accurately describes the current state of the church and the world today. Don't these things issue from the heart and mind of man? They do.

When we contrast the opening of the bottomless pit with the beast which rises out of the sea, we have a match, our phrase "rise up" agreeing with "and there arose a smoke out of the pit." This, along with our seven heads, indicates that a "fullness" is reached, followed by an "excess" afterward (ten horns). Because this beast is formed from and rises out of the "sea," we can figuratively say that our "excess" creates a "flood." "Water" represents what issues or flows from our innermost being (John 4:10; 7:38), from the "thoughts and intents" our heart (Heb. 4:12).

Matthew 24:36-42 (ESV)  
36 "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 As were the **days of Noah** , so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as **in those days before the flood** they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, 39 **and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away** , so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two men will be in the field; **one will be taken and one left**. 41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; **one will be taken and one left**. 42 Therefore, **stay awake** , for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

Why did our Lord liken "the coming of the Son of Man" to the "days of Noah"? Would it be due to the fact that the Lord knew that _lawlessness_ would abound and the love of the many would grow cold? (Matt. 24:12) Absolutely! This is what the opening of the bottomless pit signifies, for Paul clearly stated, " _That is,_ the one (lawless one) whose coming _is in accord with the activity of Satan_ , with all _power_ and _signs_ and _false wonders_ , and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, _because they did not receive the love of the truth_ so as to be saved. And _for this reason_ God will send upon them _a deluding influence_ so that they might believe what is false, in order that _they all may be judged who did not believe the truth_ , but took pleasure in wickedness" (II Thess. 2:9-12; NASB77).

Look once more at how it is stated. In regard to "the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him" (II Thess. 2:1; NASB77), Paul states that the day of the Lord "will not come unless _the apostasy comes first_ , and _the man of lawlessness_ is revealed, the _son of destruction_ " (II Thess. 2:3; NASB77). The King James renders "man of lawlessness" as "man of sin" and the "son of destruction" as the "son of perdition," agreeing with the "angel" or _spirit_ of the bottomless pit. Have we not found that this "man of sin" denotes the fallen Adamic nature in all of us? Furthermore, what does Paul go on to say? This nature "opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, _so that he takes his seat in the temple of God_ , _displaying himself as being God_ " (II Thess. 2:4; NASB77). Do we not see that the rise of Satan in the seven churches correlates with this "man of lawlessness" escalating in the church, "whose coming (man of sin) is in accord (effectual working) with the activity of Satan"?

Why does God send a "deluding influence"? Because we, His people, do not " _receive_ the _love_ of the truth" and so are judged because we do "not _believe_ the truth." Isn't this an obvious rejection of the knowledge of God?

So what does the "bottomless pit" represent? Again, the "heart" of humankind, for Jeremiah wrote, "The _heart is deceitful above all things_ , and _desperately wicked_ ; who can know it?" (Jer. 17:9) When "every imagination of the thoughts" of our "heart" is "only evil continually," it results in a society steeped in chaos, confusion, violence, and contention, from the highest levels of our government to the man on the street.

Look once more at our passages from II Thessalonians from the English Standard Version.

2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 (ESV)  
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only **he who now restrains** it will do so until he is out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming. 9 **The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders** , 10 **and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved**. 11 Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Note how it states, "The coming of the lawless one is by the _activity of Satan_ with all _power_ and _false signs_ and _wonders_ , and with all _wicked deception_." Compare to what Jesus said in the following.

Matthew 24:24-26 (ESV)  
24 **For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect**. 25 See, I have told you beforehand. 26 So, if they say to you, 'Look, he is in the wilderness,' do not go out. If they say, 'Look, he is in the inner rooms,' do not believe it.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (NKJV)  
13 For **such** _are_ **false apostles** , deceitful workers, **transforming themselves into apostles of Christ**. 14 And no wonder! For **Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light**. 15 Therefore _it is_ no great thing if **his ministers** also transform themselves into **ministers of righteousness** , whose end will be according to their works.

Beloved, where is the "activity of Satan"? Again, _within_ the body of Christ. What begins with "false apostles" in Ephesus leads to the "synagogue of Satan" in Smyrna, which becomes "Satan's throne" in Pergamos and the "depths of Satan" in Thyatira. Does this not show that the "activity of Satan" in the first four churches leads to the removal of that which "restrains" by the time of the fifth church? (II Thess. 2:7) When the light in us is darkness, _how great_ is that darkness! (Matt. 6:23)

2 Thessalonians 2:3 (KJV)  
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for _that day shall not come_ , except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the **son of perdition**...

Look closely at our passage above and how Paul calls the "man of sin" the "son of perdition." This phrase is found just two times in the King James Version and they are the same Greek words both times.

John 17:12 (KJV)  
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, **and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition** ; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

Shortly before His crucifixion and death, Jesus prayed to the Father for His disciples. During this prayer, He states the above, clarifying what is meant by a "son of perdition." He was, of course, referring to Judas Iscariot, knowing he would betray him. In regard to Judas, He said, "None of them is lost, but the _son of perdition_ ; that _the scripture might be fulfilled_." Here we find a mystery that connects to our passages from II Thessalonians, our phrase "son of perdition" indicating a _religious betrayal_ , while our phrase "that the scripture might be fulfilled" indicating the Lord's _foreknowledge_ of the will of God according to the Word.

Paul the apostle penned these words to Thessalonica almost two thousand years ago, speaking by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and beloved, these words have been fulfilled before us as the love of the many grows cold in the midst of all of our religious motion. Understand that the "son of perdition" is the "man of sin" in "sheep's clothing" (Matt. 7:15).

# Chapter Three

# THE FULLNESS

Revelation 9:2-3 (KJV)  
2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a **great furnace**...

When the bottomless pit is opened, we see "smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a _great furnace_." Compare to the following.

Matthew 13:36-43 (NKJV)  
36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, " **Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field**." 37 He answered and said to them: "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 **The field is the world** , the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked _one._ 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, **the harvest is the end of the age** , and **the reapers are the angels**. 40 **Therefore as the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of this age**. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, 42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

The Parable of the Tares addresses "the harvest" at "the end of this age." The "end" or conclusion would be a _seven_. This being true, we should find confirmation in our illustration.

As we see, I've highlighted the last three branches of our lampstand as well as the three segments which define the Feast of Tabernacles. This shows that the _fifth_ , _sixth_ , and _seventh_ trumpets are the _spiritual fulfillment_ of the Feast of Tabernacles, beginning with the "Day" or "Blowing of Trumpets." As mentioned, _seven_ defines "fullness," so how do we derive this from the last three branches? Because the Feast of Tabernacles begins in the _seventh_ month. This shows that "fullness" is reached _by the time of the fifth trumpet_ and its effects continue through to the seventh trumpet. This is one of the reasons we read the following preceding the sounding of the fifth trumpet.

Revelation 8:13 (KJV)  
13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, **Woe** , **woe** , **woe** , to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the **three angels** , which are yet to sound!

The last _three_ trumpets are the _three_ woes, denoting a time of grief and a need for repentance that continues until a "complete witness" is given. In light of the Parable of the Tares, this would be appropriate concerning all who are cast into the "furnace of fire," agreeing with the "wailing and gnashing of teeth." Further confirmation is found in another parable which Jesus spoke in Matthew 13.

Matthew 13:47-50 (NKJV)  
47 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, 48 which, **when it was full** (7), they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. 49 **So it will be at the end of the age**. The **angels** will come forth, **separate the wicked from among the just** , 50 and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."

Do you see it? At the "end of the age" (7), marked by the fifth trumpet, the "angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire." Ah, but as Jesus stated, this happens when the "dragnet" is "full" (7).

As stated, our "furnace of fire" is described in the fifth trumpet. In conjunction with our idea of "bottomless," our "furnace of fire" illustrates the burning passion (fire) of our own fleshly lusts, provoked by God's "fiery law" (Deut. 33:2; Rom. 7:5) as He fulfills through Christ what He has determined (Heb. 12:29).

Revelation 9:2-4 (KJV)  
2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the **sun** and the **air** were **darkened** by reason of the **smoke of the pit**. 3 And **there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth** : and unto them was given power, as the **scorpions** of the earth have power. 4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men **which have not the seal of God in their foreheads**.

As we continue, we find that the "sun and the air" are "darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit." The "sun" signifies the light of the righteousness of Christ embodied in the New Covenant (Matt. 13:43) while the "air" speaks of the realm of spiritual understanding (Mark 4:4, 15; Eph. 2:2).

Our word "darkened" is the same word used in the fourth trumpet in Revelation 8:12, meaning, "To obscure." Since the true knowledge of God is rejected, the corresponding darkness that follows is the primary reason behind the opening of the bottomless pit (Matt. 6:23). Keep in mind that the opening of this pit represents the carnality of man reaching fullness which then creates the excess (flood) which is becoming evident in our time. Like a glass of water that has been filled, any addition to it causes a spill over, agreeing with the "days of Noah" and the "flood" which followed (Matt. 24:37-42).

Out of the "smoke" of obscurity and confusion, we see "locusts" come out. It is these entities which John goes on to describe and over whom the "angel" or "Abaddon" (Apollyon) is "king." To put it plainly, this "angel" or "spirit" is the manifestation of the "spirit of the world" (I Cor. 2:12; Eph. 2:2), out of which flows "evil continually" (Gen. 6:6; KJV) and drives the insatiable desires of our flesh which are "never satisfied" (Prov. 27:20; ESV). This spirit is the "prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience" (Eph. 2:2). Our word "prince" means "A first (in rank or power)," referring to the "first man Adam" (I Cor. 15:45), perfectly illustrating our disobedience within which continues to bring "sin" and "death" into the world (Rom. 5:12). The Lord confirms the effect of this bottomless pit on His people in the Parable of the Sower.

Mark 4:18-19 (KJV)  
18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the **cares of this world** , and the **deceitfulness of riches** , and the **lusts of other things entering in** , choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

Here we have it, beloved. Is it just coincidence that Jesus is describing the third ground in the parable and the Feast of Tabernacles is the third feast, beginning with our bottomless pit?

As we continue, we are told that the "locusts" are "given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power." Our word "scorpions" in Greek is skorpios, used just five times in the King James, three of these in our description of the locusts in Revelation 9. Remember, five is the number of sin or grace while three is "a complete witness" (Jones).

Locusts are known for destroying the fruitfulness of crops, so in agreement with our third "ground," they symbolize the "cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lust of other things entering in" (note that Jesus named three things). These "locusts" have "power" as "the scorpions of the earth have power." The power of a scorpion lies within its excruciating "sting."

1 Corinthians 15:55-56 (NIV)  
55 "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your **sting**?" 56 The **sting** of death is **sin** , and the power of sin is the law.

"The sting of death is sin," so the "torment" of the locusts represents the presence of sin in our lives, clarified by the Lord's description of the third ground in the Parable of the Sower.

Since the fifth trumpet is the fulfillment of the prophecy to the fifth church, this spiritual condition is reflected in its message.

Revelation 3:1 (KJV)  
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that **thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead**.

Do you see it? We have a "name" that we live but we are "dead" due to "trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1). Because of the entrance of false apostles, false "Jews," the slaying of Antipas, the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, the doctrine of Balaam, and the rise of Jezebel, the church reaches a place of utter confusion and division, of ritual and rote, of traditions and doctrines of men which make us devoid of the true spiritual life found in Christ alone.

Again, in light of the third ground in the Parable of the Sower, we find that the "locusts" are the expression or manifestation of sin, "the lust of other things entering in." No wonder the Lord stated, "You cannot serve God and mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions, or whatever is trusted in)" (Matt. 6:24; AMP).

Despite the negative overtone of the bottomless pit, we must keep in mind that five also signifies "grace." This shows that the casting of the "tares" or "wicked" into the "furnace of fire" is truly an act of grace by our Lord.

What does it mean to be "cast" into the "furnace of fire"? It means to be left in the burning passion of our own heart while in resistance to His law, bound by those things within that prevent us from realizing spiritual "rest" (Heb. 4:9). Those who learn contentment through their spiritual journey are those who truly find peace from the insatiable spirit of the world (Php. 4:11).

Luke 10:17-20 (KJV)  
17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, **even the devils are subject unto us through thy name**. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on **serpents** and **scorpions** , and **over all the power of the enemy** : and **nothing shall by any means hurt you**. 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that **the spirits are subject unto you** ; but rather rejoice, **because your names are written in heaven**.

Here we find more about "scorpions" (along with "serpents"). They are part of the "power of the enemy," "spirits" or "devils" (demons) as it were, those things in our lives that do indeed create "torment" (Rev. 9:5). No wonder John wrote that we must "test the spirits" (I John 4:1).

Why did Jesus group "serpents" with "scorpions"? Because this shows the deceitfulness of our own heart (serpents) which leads us to give in to the "sting of death" which is "sin" (scorpions). Should there be any doubt that the law of God is not evident, remember that Paul stated, "The power of sin is the law." Again, read Mark 4, verses 18 and 19, and think of this in light of reaping what we sow.

Revelation 9:4 (KJV)  
4 And it was commanded them (the locusts) that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but **only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads**.

So who are tormented by the scorpions? "Only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads." What is meant by the "seal of God"? We found our answer in II Timothy.

2 Timothy 2:19 (KJV)  
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, **having this seal** , **The Lord knoweth them that are his**. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Google defines "seal" as, "Fasten or close securely." The word "sealed" is the past tense, indicating that it has been done. Keep this in mind.

As we see, the "seal" of God lies in the fact that "the Lord knoweth them that are his," so He also knows them that are not. The entrance of false apostles and false Jews into the body of Christ may confuse us, mislead us, and cause us to fall away for a time, but the Lord knows... the LORD KNOWS THEM THAT ARE HIS, for He alone sees the thoughts and intents of every heart (Heb. 4:12) and it is He alone who calls (John 6:44, 65). Those who press on to truly "know" the Lord will not be taken by what is false or "weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day" (of Trumpets) come on them unexpectedly "as a snare" (Luke 21:34-35).

Revelation 7:2-4 (KJV)  
2 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, 3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, **till we have** sealed **the servants of our God in their foreheads**. 4 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.

Revelation 14:1 (KJV)  
1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him **an hundred forty** _and_ **four thousand** , having **his Father's name written in their foreheads**.

The "seal" of God is found in the "foreheads," so we see in Revelation, Chapters 7 and 14, those who are "sealed" (past tense) or made secure by the "Father's name written in their foreheads." This illustrates those who press on to possess the "mind of Christ" (I Cor. 2:16), the "mind of the Spirit" (Rom. 8:27), who are truly "led by the Spirit" (Rom. 8:14). Because they possess the divine nature of the Christ, they "depart from iniquity (lawlessness)." Those who are not led by the Spirit are those tormented by the "locusts."

Revelation 9:5-6 (KJV)  
5 And to them (locusts) it was given that they should not kill them, but that **they should be tormented five months** : and their torment _was_ as **the torment of a scorpion** , when he striketh a man. 6 And **in those days shall men seek death** , and **shall not find it** ; and **shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them**.

If my understanding is correct, the "torment" of the locusts ends for some with the spiritual fulfillment of the "Day of Atonement," the second segment of the Feast of Tabernacles described in the sixth trumpet. This is indicated by the "five months," a time of both "sin" and a time of "grace." In his series, From the Candlestick to the Throne, Part 114, J. Preston Eby wrote the following (bolding mine):

Another beautiful aspect of this truth lies in the fact that Noah's ark floated upon the floods for five months. Five in scripture is the number of GRACE! Noah's ark floating for five months reveals to us the great truth of God's grace given to cover us until we find the answer, the solution of our problem, and all the stings of the locusts, by putting on the mind of Christ. In his book Number in Scripture E. W. Bullinger wrote, "Grace means favor. But what kind of favor? for favor is of many kinds. Favor shown to the miserable we call mercy; favor shown to the poor we call pity; favor shown to the suffering we call compassion; favor shown to the obstinate we call patience; but favor shown to the unworthy we call GRACE! This is favor indeed!" Though we have lived far beneath our privileges as mature sons of our Father, subject to the excruciating pain of the locusts' stings, our Father has covered us with His abundant grace until we could grow up enough in Christ to enter experientially into a higher place. We have been in pain and torment! And we stay in torment until the trumpet sounds and we are awakened to the realm of God's fullness. The trumpets announce the feast of the seventh month — the feast of the fullness of God! It is there on the Day of Atonement that sin-consciousness is finally and forever removed from our minds. The Day of Atonement brings us out from under the law into the power of His life within, releasing us once and for all from our torment! But until the work is complete — we are marvelously covered by His grace!

As we see, "Noah's ark floated upon the floods for five months," so this correlates with our understanding that fullness is reached by the time of the fifth trumpet and an excess or "flood" of carnality spills over, rising higher and higher around us. Yet in the midst of this, the grace of God remains, and there are those, like Noah, who are preserved through this turbulent time.

# Chapter Four

# IN THOSE DAYS

Revelation 9:6 (KJV)  
6 And **in those days** shall men **seek death** , and **shall not find it** ; and **shall desire to die** , and **death shall flee from them**.

Here we read, "In those days." Compare to the following.

Matthew 24:21-24 (KJV)  
21 For then shall be **great tribulation** , such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except **those days** should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake **those days** shall be shortened. 23 **Then** if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here _is_ Christ, or there; believe _it_ not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if _it were_ possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Here, Jesus spoke of "great tribulation," our word "tribulation" meaning a time of great pressure. So intense is it that "those days" must be shortened or "no flesh" would be "saved." But "those days" are shortened "for the elect's sake," those whom He has chosen, those whom the Lord knows are His (II Tim. 2:19).

I believe "those days" in Revelation 9:6 agrees with the Lord's discourse in Matthew 24. And what is it that Jesus warns about? "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

In the midst of the greatest pressure the world has known, the Lord warns explicitly about "false Christs" and "false prophets." Does this suggest that there would be a great influx of both at the end of the age? It does, yet at the same time we see that men shall "seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them." What is meant by this? What "death" is it speaking of? Our answer lies within the prophecy to the second church.

Revelation 2:10-11 (KJV)  
10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast _some_ of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have **tribulation ten days** : be thou faithful unto **death** , and I will give thee a crown of life. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the **second death**.

Many believers do not know that there are two deaths in scripture which is proven by verse 11 above. Our first death is pictured in the parable of Adam and Eve in Genesis. This death leads us into the self and into all of its destructive consequences. This being the case, the "second death" is our release from the self into the "glorious liberty of the children of God" (Rom. 8:21). It is this "death" which is sought for in Revelation 9 and cannot be found. And why would this be? The most obvious answer is that it is not yet the time or the season (Mark 13:32; Acts 1:7).

The Lord tells Smyrna that they "shall have tribulation ten days." As we looked at before, our "ten days" is not literal. Consider Stephen Jones' explanation of the spiritual meaning of ten (bolding mine).

Ten (yod)

Divine Order, Law

Yod is a closed hand. Because ten is also the number of the law, which brings divine order, it signifies "the works of the law."

As we wrote earlier, the number eight indicates a new beginning, a new birth in a believer. Nine is visitation and manifests the Holy Spirit's leading, training, and judgment (learning to discern right and wrong) in the life of the believer, and acts as a witness against the unbeliever to expose the secrets of his heart.

Ten is the number of divine order being reestablished one way or another through the judgment of the law (as pictured by the Ten Commandments). In other words, it manifests the actual sentence of the law which follows the gathering and presentation of the evidence. After the Holy Spirit has revealed the evidence to expose men's hearts (i.e., number nine), the Judge reveals the law. That is, he pronounces the sentence (i.e., number ten) according to the law.

Ten is the number that portrays that time of judgment when men either receive reward or come under divine judgment. One way or another, the law must be fulfilled and the divine order reestablished.

The tenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet is the yod, which means a deed or work. Because ten is also the number of the law, as seen in the Ten Commandments, the yod became a symbol of "the works of the law" (Rom. 3:20). The meaning of the number ten is based upon the divine law, because as Revelation 20:12 and 13 say, all will be judged "according to their deeds."

The tenth time Noah's name is mentioned is in Gen. 6:13, where God said,

13Then God said to Noah, "The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth."

This speaks of judgment by the divine law in Noah's day, because the people had rejected Noah's message—that is, the message of the Comforter (Menachem).

The tenth time Isaac is mentioned is in Gen. 22:3, where we see his father taking him to Mount Moriah. This pictures the great sacrifice of Christ on the cross, where the law's judgment fell upon the only-begotten Son of God, who paid the penalty for our sin and rebellion.

"Ten is the number that portrays that time of judgment when men either receive reward or come under divine judgment. One way or another, the law must be fulfilled and the divine order reestablished." As we see, our "ten days" being figurative, illustrates two possible outcomes as typified by the bottomless pit. During this time of great tribulation or pressure, all fall "under divine judgment" in order for some to experience the second death and their release from the self and all that it entails.

Jones' tells us, "The tenth time Noah's name is mentioned is in Gen. 6:13, where God said, 'Then God said to Noah, 'The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth.'" Coincidence? I think not, for if we go back just a few verses, we find the following.

Genesis 6:4-6 (KJV)  
4 There were **giants** in the earth **in those days** ; and also after that, when the **sons of God** came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare _children_ to them, the same _became_ mighty men which _were_ of old, men of renown. 5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man _was_ great in the earth, and _that_ every imagination of the thoughts of his heart _was_ only evil continually. 6 And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

Remember our passages from Genesis 6? Preceding the Lord's declaration that "the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (bottomless pit), scripture records that "there were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown." The spiritual implication is clear. These passages align with the Lord's warning in Matthew 24, verses 23 and 24, concerning the false Christs and false prophets that Jesus said would rise and show "great signs and wonders." Would these so-called "signs and wonders" cause many to exalt these religious impostors as "men of renown"? Of course, and it has been happening for some time! Never in the church's history has there been so many men and women as we see today who have become "mighty" in their spiritual reputations. Due to the technology of our age, they are everywhere; on television, radio, and the internet, and millions listen and support these religious leaders, thinking they hold the key to the mysteries of the kingdom. Ah, but what did Jesus say? "Believe it not" (Matt. 24:23).

Beloved, do we not understand that the exaltation of the flesh proceeds from the spirit of the world and not from the Spirit of Christ? Do we not recognize that in the great many ministries of our time there is much error and delusion? Can we not see the pattern they follow, mimicking one another, in order to build their great religious kingdoms which have no true power and presence? And it is this about which Jesus was very specific, showing us that they would arise en masse during this time of great tribulation. The intensity of the carnal mind which reaches its fullness in the world and the church is due to the falling away of the church! After all, as this study indicates, the rise of false Christs and false prophets began almost two thousand years ago during the lifetimes of the apostles. We've had almost two thousand years for religious deception to form into what we see today.

# Chapter Five

# THE LOCUSTS

Revelation 9:7-10 (KJV)  
7 And **the shapes of the locusts** _were_ **like unto horses prepared unto battle** ; and on their heads _were_ as it were **crowns like gold** , and their **faces** _were_ **as the faces of men**. 8 And they had **hair as the hair of women** , and their **teeth were as** _the teeth_ **of lions**. 9 And they had **breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron** ; and **the sound of their wings** _was_ **as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle**. 10 And they had **tails like unto scorpions** , and there were stings in their tails: and their power _was_ to hurt men five months.

Here we find the description of the locusts. Since all that John wrote was presented in parabolic form, we should recognize that this vision is indeed symbolic and that the "great furnace," "smoke," and "locusts" are not literal, but represent those things which we are now discussing.

As we have found, those things which arise from the "great furnace" are indicative of the human heart (Luke 24:32; Jer. 17:9). Jesus said, "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man" (Matt. 15:18-20).

Beloved, "These are the things" that produce the "smoke" (confusion) out of which arises the "locusts" or torment of the bottomless pit. The "smoke" is a result of the "fire" of the "tongue" which James said is "a world of iniquity" (lawlessness; James 3:6), while the "locusts" illustrate the corresponding effect or actions of these things which "come forth from the heart." No wonder the Psalmist wrote, "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times" (Psalms 12:6). The "furnace of earth" is the human heart (See also Ezek. 22:18-22).

"And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle." Note the phrase "like unto," so not literal but symbolic, "like unto horses." In ancient times, horses were an instrument of battle, used for their great power and strength and their ability to carry the rider into combat without faltering (Job 39:19-25). A raw and honest look around us confirms it; His people are inundated by "the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in" (Mark 4:19). As a result, our minds and hearts are steeped in carnality and in resistance (battle) to the "law of God" (Rom. 8:7).

Revelation 17:14 (KJV)  
14 **These shall** make war **with the Lamb** , and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and **they that are with him** _are_ called, and chosen, and faithful.

Revelation 19:11, 19 (KJV)  
11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold **a white horse** ; and he that sat upon him _was_ called Faithful and True, and **in righteousness he doth judge and** make war... 19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, **gathered together to** make war **against him that sat on the horse, and against his army**.

Just as we see our Lord on a "white horse," fitted in "righteousness" to "judge and make war," so too the "beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies" are "gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army."

According to Revelation 17:14, the "army" of Christ are "they that are with him," those who "are called, and chosen, and faithful." As for those who "make war against him"? Let's return to our passages from Revelation 9.

Revelation 9:7-10 (KJV)  
7 And **the shapes of the locusts** _were_ **like unto horses prepared unto battle** ; and on their heads _were_ as it were **crowns like gold** , and their **faces** _were_ **as the faces of men**. 8 And they had **hair as the hair of women** , and their **teeth were as** _the teeth_ **of lions**. 9 And they had **breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron** ; and **the sound of their wings** _was_ **as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle**. 10 And they had **tails like unto scorpions** , and there were stings in their tails: and their power _was_ to hurt men five months.

Seen on the "heads" of the locusts "were as it were crowns like gold." These crowns are not gold, but "like gold" and speak of the glory and honor of man that quickly fades with time, a "corruptible crown" as opposed to an "incorruptible" (I Cor. 9:25; Matt. 23:5-12). In direct contrast, we see that the "crown of life" is reserved for those who remain faithful to Christ (James 1:12; I Peter 5:4), promised to those who overcome in the second church of Smyrna who are "faithful until death" (Rev. 2:10).

As for the rest of our descriptions, allow me to share the following with you from J. Preston Eby and his writing, From the Candlestick to the Throne, Part 114 (bolding mine).

The locusts' faces were "as the faces of men," having the appearance of reason, intellectual credibility, and human intelligence, combined with "hair as the hair of women," the attractiveness of grace and beauty, signifying that these ministers of religion have an artificial sweetness, catching the innocent in their net. Religious ceremonies, rituals, pageantry, vestments, cathedrals, choirs, stained glass windows, teachings, etc. appear as beautiful, to be desired, and people are drawn irresistibly as one seduced by a woman. Hair also speaks of anointing, which they appear to have, but they speak and devour as lions! It further identifies them as soulical creatures, rather than spiritual beings. In the religious systems of man that which is soulical is always pawned off as being spiritual! Those who thrive on either intellectualism or emotionalism are unable to discern the difference.

Having teeth "as the teeth of lions" these take firm hold on the mind and are ultimately destructive to spiritual life. Truly they seek to devour you, they will hinder you from your growth in the life of the spirit, and rob you of your attainment unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Having breastplates "as it were of iron" they cover themselves with pretexts which make them appear unconquerable, it seems to everyone that these people are equipped with zeal to defend the cause of God, proclaiming loudly their success to which they point as proof of their being the true army of the Lord; their arguments appear to be unanswerable, carried by "wings" having "the sound" of chariots and horses running to battle, that is, the sound of irresistible power — a torrent of words carrying all before it, flying everywhere, winning for them many people, but warring against the Christ within. The wings also denote action, motivation, self-effort to ascend and move into a heavenly realm.

The locusts have tails "like unto scorpions" and there are stings in their tails. The tail is a very important component in the symbolism of this vision. The "sting" of the scorpion-tail is a picture of the spirit of error, misrepresentations of truth, erroneous concepts of God; it is the ministry of the accuser, the ministry of condemnation, sin-consciousness and spiritual abuse with its threatenings of wrath and judgment. Out of carnal understanding men proclaim as truth that which is mere superstition, legend, and folklore of a carnal interpretation of the word of God. It comes from the smoke out of the deceitfulness of the human heart. Men preach fairy tales as divine truth! It is the language of the pit, the abyss. When we walk in the kingdom of God we speak the heavenly language! When I go to Mexico I speak Spanish, for that is the language of the nation. The language of the kingdom is the language of life, light, love, encouragement, strength, redemption, transformation, revelation and blessing! The elect of God speak an altogether different language than the religious systems of man! Should an ordinary Christian wander into the midst of a people speaking the mysteries of the kingdom of God, the glories of sonship, and the truth of the great restoration of creation they would understand little, if anything, of what they hear! It would be as a foreign tongue to them, for only those blessed ones taught by the spirit of wisdom and revelation from God have understanding in the language of the heavenlies!

In one of the great passages of Isaiah the Lord announces that He "will cut off from Israel head and tail..." and then explains that "the ancient and honorable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail" (Isa. 9:14-15). Here is an interesting comparison! The ancient and honorable, or as it is in one version, the elders and the magistrates, are the leaders. They will be cut off because they have caused the people to err. In addition, the false prophet teaching lies is called the tail. False doctrine is like the sting of the scorpion. First it poisons, but it leads ultimately to madness. Power is given to the scorpions to "hurt men five months." The very thought evokes fear! Their sting won't kill you, but it can make you wish you were dead! I have known people who were in deep depression because they thought they had blasphemed the Holy Ghost — the so-called unpardonable sin. That is one of the terrible by-products of the ministry of fear and condemnation that spews forth from many pulpits. I know of some poor souls who are locked up in mental institutions because they believe they have committed the unpardonable sin. That is torment! And their torment comes from the sting of the locusts which swarm out of the smoke of religious deception! The effect of the false doctrines and religious delusions is the "sting." What is said of strong drink (Prov. 23:32) may also be said of this strong delusion: "At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder."

Our brother Eby makes it clear, does he not? Note that he speaks of "ministers of religion" and "religious systems of man" which are "soulical" and "pawned off as being spiritual." Does this mean that our "bottomless pit" speaks of religious delusion? Since these prophecies are in regard to His people, it does, and Paul confirms this in the following passages.

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 (ESV)  
9 The coming of the lawless one is by the **activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders** , 10 and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, **because they refused to love the truth and so be saved**. 11 Therefore **God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false** , 12 in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

When God's people reject knowledge, confusion follows, for Paul made it clear that when we fail to "love the truth," God sends "a strong delusion" so that we "may believe what is false." And how does He send "strong delusion"? How else but through "false christs and false prophets"? (Matt. 24:4-5, 9-11, 15, 23-26) Remember, we are in the fifth trumpet, within the unfolding of the fifth prophecy to the church of Sardis. In keeping with the idea of a "strong delusion," here is what the Lord said.

Revelation 3:1-3 (ESV)  
1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: 'The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. " 'I know your works. **You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead**. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. **Keep it, and repent**. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.

What did Jesus say? "You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead." I find it interesting that the English Standard Version and the New International Version use the word "reputation." "Reputation" is defined by Google as, "The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something." Ah, but what does Jesus follow with? "But you are dead." In other words, though we may think we are alive, in reality we are not. Furthermore, the context defines "dead" as asleep, based on the fact that Jesus said, "Wake up."

"Wake up" is "be watchful" in the King James, defined by Strong's as, "To keep awake, i.e. watch." "Wake up," and if we don't, He will "come like a thief" and we "will not know at what hour" He will come against us. "Against us"? As in "battle"? Yes! How many today fail to see that these passages refer to His people? Clearly, Jesus is not speaking to the world but to His people (See also Matt. 25:5).

Finally, we see that the fifth prophecy and trumpet align with the fifth branch of our lampstand, the "Spirit of fear." It is also the first "woe" of Revelation 8:13. With our idea of "fear" in mind, consider the following.

Acts 9:31 (ESV)  
31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. **And walking in the fear of the Lord** and **in the comfort of the Holy Spirit** , it multiplied.

Isaiah 11:1-3 (ESV)  
1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and **the fear of the Lord**. 3 **And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord**.

Job 28:28 (KJV)  
28 And unto man he said, Behold, **the fear of the Lord, that** _is_ **wisdom** ; and to depart from evil _is_ understanding.

Psalms 19:9 (KJV)  
9 **The fear of the Lord** _is_ **clean** , enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord _are_ true _and_ righteous altogether.

Psalms 34:11 (KJV)  
11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you **the fear of the Lord**.

Psalms 111:10 (KJV)  
10 **The fear of the Lord** _is_ **the beginning of wisdom** : a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Proverbs 2:1-5 (KJV)  
1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, _and_ apply thine heart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, _and_ liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as _for_ hid treasures; 5 **Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God**.

The phrase "fear of the Lord" is found 29 times in the Old Testament. Here's Stephen Jones' explanation of its spiritual meaning (emphasis mine).

Twenty-Nine (kaph-teth)

Departure

To write twenty-nine in Hebrew, they wrote two Hebrew letters: kaph-teth. This letter combination can signify the works (kaph) of the serpent (teth), but in this case the teth has more to do with the idea of surrounding or encircling. The serpent was often pictured as eating its tail to form a circle.

Twenty-nine is the number of departure. This being the last number of the series of twenties, it depicts a change from the covering of one's house into something new. Also, because the number nine has to do with the judgment of the Holy Spirit, the baptism of fire, it is preparatory to the number 30, which is about dedication to rulership.

The 29th time the name of Noah is used (Gen. 8:18, 19), he and his family are departing from the ark after the flood.

The 29th time the name Abram is used (Gen. 14:12), he is departing from the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah.

The 29th time the name Abraham is used (Gen. 20:11-13), he tells Abimelech about when he had departed his father's house.

The 29th time the name Isaac is used (Gen. 26:1), he is departing from Beer-lahairoi to go to Gerar.

The 29th time the name Jacob is used (Gen. 28:7), it says that he had left his parents and had gone to Padan-aram.

The 29th time Joshua's name is mentioned (Joshua 1:12), the tribes of Israel were being instructed as to their Jordan crossing. They were departing from the wilderness and entering the Promised Land.

The 29th time Salem or Jerusalem is mentioned (2 Sam. 15:8), Absalom was departing from Jerusalem to go to Hebron, where he was about to instigate the revolt against David.

The 29th time Jesus' name is mentioned in the book of Matthew (8:34), the people were requesting that He depart from their coasts after He had healed the demoniac.

The 29th time Jesus' name is mentioned in the book of John (4:2, 3), we read that He departed from Judea.

The 29th time Paul's name is mentioned in Acts is in Acts 16:28. The earthquake had just occurred, and the jailer assumed that the prisoners had all departed. But Paul prevented the jailer from committing suicide by telling him that no one had tried to escape.

What do you suppose is meant by "the fear of the Lord"? Is God a being who rules by intimidation and fear? Not for a moment do I believe this. Rather, the "fear of the Lord" is to perceive evil as God perceives it, to recognize that God's commandments are given for our well-being and to abide by them, regardless of our experience otherwise. Think about it. Dad tells little Johnny not to ride his bike in the street. Why? Because it's dangerous. Ah, but little Johnny is too young to perceive this, so, out of his immaturity and inexperience, he rides into the street when dad has his back turned. As a result, he is hit by a car, his bike ruined, and he suffers injury. Little Johnny has reaped the consequences of not believing his father and his resistance has led to harmful consequences. Little Johnny suffered because of his resistance to his father's will. Little Johnny was hurt because he failed to believe his father. This, beloved, is the "fear of the Lord." In regard to Jesus, we read, "And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD" (Isa. 11:3; KJV). The Lord Jesus Christ believed His Father and His Word without the need for it to be proven (Matt. 4:5-7).

I could not help but notice in Jones' explanation of 29, "This letter combination can signify the works (kaph) of the serpent (teth)." Might this agree with our understanding of the rise of Satan in the seven prophecies? I believe so. You see, my friend, even the "works of the serpent" are under the divine hand of God. For further study, I would recommend the explanation of "kaph" and "teth" online at Hebrew for Christians (https://hebrew4christians.com).

As for the idea of "departure"?

Revelation 18:4 (KJV)  
4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, **Come out of her** (Babylon the great), my people, **that ye be not partakers of her sins** , and **that ye receive not of her plagues** (stripes).

Luke 21:20-22 (NKJV)  
20 " **But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies** , then know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her **depart** , and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that **all things which are written may be fulfilled**.

# Chapter Six

# THE SIXTH TRUMPET

Revelation 9:13-15 (KJV)  
13 And the **sixth angel** sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, **Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates**. 15 And **the four angels were loosed** , **which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men**.

We now arrive at the sixth trumpet which aligns with the sixth prophecy to the church of Philadelphia. Keep in mind that the Lord did not rebuke Philadelphia but did declare several precious promises, the most significant being, "Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try (test) them that dwell upon the earth" (Rev. 3:10). Does the "hour of temptation" align with His coming "like a thief"? I believe so, for we read, "And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour... for to slay the third part of men."

The "hour" marks the beginning of a particular "day" which falls in a particular "month" and "year." If our perspective is correct, this "hour" begins the "Day of Atonement."

Remember, an "hour" and a "day" is "time," while a "month" and a "year" is a "season." As we learned, the Feast of Tabernacles, like the Feast of Passover and Pentecost, began at a certain time and season every year, i.e. the _first_ day of the _seventh_ month, our number "seven" denoting "fullness."

When the disciples asked Jesus if He was going to restore the kingdom to Israel, He clearly stated, "It is not for you to know the _times_ or the _seasons_ , which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall _receive power_ , after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be _witnesses_ unto me both in _Jerusalem_ , and in all _Judea_ , and in _Samaria_ , and unto _the uttermost part of the earth_ " (Acts 1:7-8; KJV).

Note that Jesus said "times" and "seasons," not one, but several. The Feast of Passover was at a certain time and season, so too the Feast of Pentecost and Tabernacles, so we could easily say that there are three "times" and "seasons."

In regard to the Feast of Pentecost, Jesus connected "times" and "seasons" to receiving "power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you." This power would equip them to be "witnesses" _first_ to "Jerusalem, and in all Judea," followed by "Samaria" and "the uttermost part of the earth." As indicated, the disciples would first bear testimony to "Jerusalem, and in all Judea," i.e. to God's people. Despite what our spiritual arrogance has led us to think, we are the ones in great need of His power, presence, and truth. This is made evident by the fact that we are so greatly divided in so many ways and our loyalties lie not in the truth, but in the religious systems we have chosen and continue to embrace.

Because the knowledge of God is rejected in the third trumpet and the "bottomless pit" opened in the fifth, lawlessness reaches a _fullness_ which is unprecedented since the days of Christ and the apostles (Matt. 24:12). By the time of the sixth trumpet, the church is in great turmoil and confusion, overrun by false christs and false prophets and hypocrisy or pretense ruling His people. We don't have His Spirit, truth, or power among us but many say we do.

Beloved, never in our history has Christianity been so diluted as it is today. Because of our technology, it is easier than ever for anyone to rise up and say they have the truth and then propagate it to the masses. As a result, false teachings abound and His people are being led down a path to destruction.

Proverbs 16:18-19 (ESV)  
18 **Pride** goes before destruction, and **a haughty spirit** before a fall. 19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.

What do the seven things which God hates begin with? "A proud look," agreeing with Proverbs above. Should you doubt what is meant by "pride," especially in the Christian ranks, I encourage you again to read the entire 23rd Chapter of Matthew.

The simple definition of pride is given by the apostle Paul as _thinking more highly of ourselves than we should_ (Rom. 12:3). The most damning aspect of pride is to think we know when we don't, so much so that we resist anything or anyone who says otherwise. Pride destroys reasoning, for a proud person does not see their own need to be corrected. Pride is especially strong _when ignorance prevails_ because most do not wish to appear _as_ ignorant.

Because of our pride in our religions, we have embraced a number of lies for centuries; the lies of Christmas, Easter, Lucifer, and the doctrine of eternal torment (Hell). Other lies have surfaced more recently, such as the concept of the "rapture" and "born again." Yes, there is a certain amount of truth in all of these deceptions, however, we must realize that there is no such thing as a "half-truth." This is an oxymoron. Whenever we _add to_ or _take from_ the word of God in any fashion, it becomes a lie (Deut. 4:1-2). Truth, as it relates to His kingdom, is "exactly right."

Revelation 9:13-15 (KJV)  
13 And the **sixth angel** sounded, and I heard **a voice from the four horns of the golden altar** which is before God, 14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, **Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates**. 15 And **the four angels were loosed** , **which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men**.

We are considering the "sixth angel" and sixth trumpet, which means that we should consider the spiritual meaning of six. In his book, The Biblical Meaning of Numbers from One to Forty, Jones tells us that six is "vav," and, "Vav is a nail or peg in Hebrew. It is also a conjunction ("and"), for it takes a nail to connect two things."

At the website, Hebrew for Christians, we read, "The letter Vav is the sixth letter of the Aleph-Bet (Hebrew alphabet), having the numeric value of six. The pictograph for Vav looks like a tent peg, whereas the classical Hebrew script (ketav Ashurit) is constructed of a vertical line and conjoined Yod. The meaning of the word vav is 'hook,' as a connecting hook used when the mishkan (tabernacle) was assembled... The placement of the Vav suggests two of its essential connective powers: By joining heaven and earth it implies the connection between spiritual and earthly matters... Vav is therefore the connecting force of God, the divine 'hook' that binds together heaven and earth."

When I consider these definitions, I immediately think of the cross of Christ since a cross is connected by nails or pegs. In agreement, the sixth trumpet represents the "Day of Atonement," indicative of _death to self_. Also in agreement, we have six branches connecting to the central branch, typifying the joining of heaven and earth through Christ Jesus.

The "Day of Atonement" was the most solemn day of the year for the Hebrews and took place on the _tenth_ day of the _seventh_ month. Allow me to share the following with you from Kevin J. Conner's book, _The Feasts of Israel_.

We come now to the most solemn of all Feast Days, the Day of Atonement. The Day of Atonement was the Day of national and sanctuary cleansing. On this Day special sacrifices were offered for atonement. The special and peculiar offerings were those of two goats, one goat for Jehovah and the other goat for Azazel (scapegoat). One goat was slain, the other goat was taken into the wilderness by the hand of a fit man, bearing away the sins of the people.

Conner tells us, "One goat was slain, the other goat was taken into the wilderness by the hand of a fit man, bearing away the sins of the people." The spiritual fulfillment of this "Day" was seen when Jesus was baptized by John at the Jordan River.

Matthew 3:13-17 (NKJV)  
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John _tried to_ prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?" 15 But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit _it to be so_ now, for thus it is fitting for us to **fulfill all righteousness**." Then he allowed Him. 16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; **and behold, the heavens were opened to Him** , and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice _came_ from heaven, saying, " **This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased**."

Christianity teaches that Jesus died on the cross. This is true, however, _before_ He died on the cross, _He died at the Jordan River_. Doesn't water baptism represent death, burial, and resurrection? It does, and in the case of our Lord, this was a _spiritual phenomenon_ that opened the "heavens" to Him and God declared, "This is My beloved Son, _in whom I am well pleased_." At the Jordan River, Jesus fulfilled "all righteousness," His obedience evident, and there He _laid down His life_ _for the will of our Father_ (John 4:34). Beloved, it was at the Jordan River that Jesus the man became Jesus the _Christ_ , the _anointed_ Son, _fulfilling_ the law of the first goat. Ah, but Jesus also fulfilled the law of the second or _scapegoat_. Immediately after His baptism, we read the following.

Matthew 4:1 (NKJV)  
1 Then Jesus was **led up by the Spirit into the wilderness** to be tempted by the devil.

Where was the "scapegoat" taken? By the hand of a fit man "into the _wilderness_." So we see the Spirit (fit man) leading Christ "into the wilderness" to _fulfill_ the law of the second goat. Let's look once more at our illustration of the lampstand.

At the top of our illustration, we see our phrase, "Two horns like a lamb" from Revelation 13:11. As shown, this represents Smyrna and Philadelphia, joined together at the central branch. Here's what the Lord told Smyrna.

Revelation 2:9-11 (NKJV)  
9 I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know **the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but** _are_ **a synagogue of Satan**. 10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw _some_ of you into prison, **that you may be tested** , and you will have tribulation **ten days**. **Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life**. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. **He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death**." '

Compare what Jesus said to Smyrna with Philadelphia.

Revelation 3:9-11 (NKJV)  
9 Indeed I will make **those** **of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie** \-- **indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you**. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the **hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world** , to **test** those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! **Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown**.

In Smyrna, the Lord speaks of " _those who say they are Jews and are not_ , but are a _synagogue of Satan_." In Philadelphia, Jesus again speaks of "those of the _synagogue of Satan_ , _who say they are Jews and are not_ , but lie." In both the Lord mentions false "Jews," the "synagogue of Satan."

In Smyrna, the Lord states that "the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, _that you may be tested,_ and you will have tribulation _ten_ days." Since Smyrna and Philadelphia are the same branch, doesn't our "ten" in Smyrna typify the "tenth" day of the "seventh month" which is the "Day of Atonement"? What did Jesus tell Philadelphia? "I also will keep you from the _hour of trial_ (testing) which shall come upon the whole world, _to test those who dwell on the earth_."

In Smyrna, the Lord says, "Be _faithful until death_ , and I will give you _the crown of life_ ," but in Philadelphia the Lord states, "Hold fast what you have, _that no one may take your crown_." In Smyrna, they must be "faithful _until_ death" (ten days) in order to receive "the crown of life," but in Philadelphia, they must "hold fast" what they have, which _is_ this "crown." Those in Philadelphia have endured their "ten days" and are rewarded accordingly.

Smyrna aligns with the Spirit of "counsel." Furthermore, it is known as the suffering church, confirmed by the Lord's own words, "I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty" and "fear none of those things _which thou shalt suffer_ " (See also Rev. 3:18).

Hebrews 5:8 (KJV)  
8 Though he were a Son, **yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered**...

First, Smyrna or _suffering_ , followed by _obedience_ or Philadelphia. Philadelphia means, "Fond of brethren" aligning with the Spirit of "might," i.e. _strength_ , _power_ , _valor_ , or _victory_ , so those counseled in Smyrna endure their suffering and find might or victory in Philadelphia which parallels the "Day of Atonement." How is it they endure? By means of the love of God and their brethren (John 15:13; I John 1:7; 2:10). It's much easier to endure when we do it for others.

Remember, _two_ is the number of "witness," so in Smyrna and Philadelphia, we have a _divine witness_ as evidenced by the Lord's words to both, our "two horns like a lamb" (Rev. 13:11). Ah, but it is not enough to prevent the church from being a collective "false prophet" due to the other four churches which "spoke like a dragon" (Rev. 13:11). Clearly, a separation is needed.

When we bring our _second_ branch together with our _sixth_ branch, we have _eight_ , indicative of a "new beginning." I cannot help but think of the following.

1 Peter 3:18-20 (NKJV)  
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while _the_ ark was being prepared, in which a **few** , that is, **eight souls** , were **saved through water**.

These passages align with the "days of Noah" of which Jesus spoke. _Eight_ is a "new beginning," and " _eight_ souls, were saved _through water_." Once fullness is reached in the fifth trumpet, an excess begins, denoting the "flood" of _carnality_ and _deception_ which abounds at the end of the age (Rev. 12:15). Those who endure "through water" shall be saved (Matt. 24:13; Eph. 5:26).

# Chapter Seven

# TWO GOATS

Revelation 2:9 (NKJV)  
9 I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know **the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but** _are_ **a synagogue of Satan**.

Revelation 3:9 (NKJV)  
9 Indeed I will make **those** **of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie** \--indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

As we learned in the previous chapter, two goats were brought to the tabernacle on the Day of Atonement. One was slain while the other taken by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness. The spiritual fulfillment of both goats is seen in the baptism of Christ by John and the subsequent leading of Christ by the Spirit into the wilderness.

So what is the meaning of the two goats? Let's go to Leviticus for understanding.

Leviticus 4:22-24, 26 (ESV)  
22 "When a leader sins, doing **unintentionally** ( _through ignorance_ ; KJV) any one of all the things that by the commandments of the Lord his God ought not to be done, and realizes his guilt, 23 or the sin which he has committed is made known to him, he shall bring as his offering a **goat** , a **male** without blemish, 24 and shall lay his hand on the head of the goat and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before the Lord; **it is a sin offering**... 26 And all its fat he shall burn on the altar, like the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings. So the priest shall make **atonement** for him for his sin, **and he shall be forgiven**.

Leviticus 4:27-28, 31 (ESV)  
27 "If anyone of the common people sins **unintentionally** ( _through ignorance_ ; KJV) in doing any one of the things that by the Lord's commandments ought not to be done, and realizes his guilt, 28 or the sin which he has committed is made known to him, he shall bring for his offering a **goat** , a **female** without blemish, for his sin which he has committed... 31... And the priest shall make **atonement** for him, and he shall be forgiven.

In our first set of passages, we read "when a leader sins," while in our second, "anyone of the common people." Note that the first goat is "male" while the second "female." Both regard _unintentional_ sins, i.e. sins committed "through ignorance" (KJV). Also consider the following.

Numbers 15:22-29 (ESV)  
22 "But if you **sin unintentionally** , and do not observe all these commandments that the Lord has spoken to Moses, 23 all that the Lord has commanded you by Moses, from the day that the Lord gave commandment, and onward throughout your generations, 24 then if it was done unintentionally without the knowledge of the congregation, all the congregation shall offer one bull from the herd for a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma to the Lord, with its grain offering and its drink offering, according to the rule, and **one male goat for a sin offering**. 25 And the priest shall make **atonement** for all the congregation of the people of Israel, and they shall be forgiven, because it was a mistake, and they have brought their offering, a food offering to the Lord, and their **sin offering** before the Lord for their mistake. 26 **And all the congregation of the people of Israel shall be forgiven** , and the **stranger** who sojourns among them, because the whole population was involved in the mistake. 27 "If one person sins unintentionally, he shall offer a **female goat** a year old for a sin offering. 28 And the priest shall make **atonement** before the Lord for the person who makes a mistake, when he sins unintentionally, to make **atonement** for him, **and he shall be forgiven**. 29 You shall have **one law** for him who does anything unintentionally, **for him who is native** among the people of Israel and for the **stranger** who sojourns among them.

Again, concerning unintentional sins, we find two goats which serve as an _atonement_ for the people. Note how it states, "You shall have _one law_ for him who does anything unintentionally, for _him who is native among the people of Israel_ and for _the stranger_ who sojourns among them." Stranger? As in non-native? Yes.

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (NKJV)  
12 For as the body is one and has many members, but **all the members** of that one body, being many, are one body, **so also** _is_ **Christ**. 13 For **by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body** \-- **whether Jews or Greeks** , **whether slaves or free** \--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

Do you see it, beloved? In light of our passages above and Romans, Chapter 11, God in His foreknowledge determined that the gospel of Christ would extend beyond Israel to incorporate the Gentiles or all nations, allowing "one law" for "him who is _native_ among the people of Israel and for the _stranger_ who sojourns among them." God is "no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34; KJV).

Ephesians 2:11-16 (NKJV)  
11 Therefore remember that you, **once Gentiles in the flesh** \--who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands-- 12 that **at that time** you were without Christ, **being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and** strangers **from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world**. 13 **But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ**. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, _that is,_ the law of commandments _contained_ in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man _from_ the two, _thus_ making peace, 16 and **that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross** , thereby putting to death the enmity.

Here we go. Where at one time we were " _strangers_ from the covenants of promise," now, no longer, for "in Christ Jesus" we "who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." Now, allow me to share the following concerning the great Day of Atonement.

Leviticus 16:7-10, 15-16, 20-22 (NKJV)  
7 He (Aaron the High Priest) shall take the **two goats** and present them before the Lord _at_ the door of the tabernacle of meeting. 8 **Then Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats: one lot for the Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat**. 9 And Aaron shall bring the goat on which the Lord's lot fell, and offer it _as_ a **sin offering**. 10 But the goat on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make **atonement** upon it, _and_ to let it go as the scapegoat **into the wilderness**... 15 "Then he shall kill **the goat of the sin offering, which** _is_ **for the people** , bring its blood inside the veil, do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. 16 So he shall make **atonement** for the Holy _Place,_ **because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, for all their sins** ; and so he shall do for the tabernacle of meeting which remains among them **in the midst of their uncleanness**... 20 "And when he has made an end of atoning for the Holy _Place,_ the tabernacle of meeting, and the altar, he shall bring the **live goat**. 21 Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, **confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, concerning all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send** _it_ **away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man**. 22 **The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to an uninhabited land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness**.

Allow me to emphasize the beauty of the Day of Atonement and the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Not only has He spiritually fulfilled the law by becoming our great "High Priest" (Heb. 2:17; 3:1; 4:14-15; 5:1, 5, 10; 6:20; 7:26; 8:1; 9:11, 25-26), He Himself is also the _atonement_ for our sins, and not for ours only, but for the "strangers" or Gentiles, i.e. for _all nations_. Did He not die for the world?" (John 3:16) Yes, He did, and so it is that Paul could write, "For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, _who is the Savior of all men_ , _especially of those who believe_ " (I Tim. 4:10).

Our word for "goat" is the transliteration _śāʿîr_ , defined by Strong's as, " _Shaggy_ ; as noun, a _he-goat_ ; by analogy a _faun_." Ah, but our definition of "scapegoat" is " _goat of departure_ ," a compound word made up of ʿēz and _ʾāzal_ , ʿēz meaning, "A she-goat (as strong)." With this in mind, compare to the following.

Revelation 12:1-2, 5-6 (KJV)  
1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; **a woman clothed with the sun** , and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 2 And **she being with child cried** , travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered... 5 And she brought forth a **man child** (male son), who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and _to_ his throne. 6 And **the woman fled into the wilderness** , where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred _and_ threescore days.

Who is the "woman clothed with the sun"? It is "Jerusalem above" (Gal. 4:26), the New Covenant promise of God under which His people abide. Who is the "man child" (male son)? Christ in us, the hope of glory, the promised "seed" of the "woman" (Gen. 3:15; Col. 1:27; Gal. 3:16). What happens to the male son once He is birthed? He is "caught up unto God, and to his throne." This typifies the Lord's "death" at the Jordan River and the fulfillment of the first goat, the _male_ goat. As for the scapegoat which is female? This is explained by "the _woman_ " that "fled into the _wilderness_ " (See also Rev. 11:2), which represents the church in the "wilderness" of the world at large (Isa. 14:17). Ah, but our Lord also went into the "wilderness" following His baptism. My friend, He is with us all the way and through Him we overcome.

Our two goats regard sins done in ignorance. This being true, ignorance explains the "uncleanness" mentioned in Leviticus 16. Our word "uncleanness" is defined by Strong's as, "Religious _impurity_ ," taken from the root which means, "To _be foul_ , especially in a ceremonial or moral sense ( _contaminated_ )." What was the purpose of the sacrifice of the two goats? To remove this "uncleanness" from all Israel, including the leader, common people, and stranger. No wonder Jesus told His disciples, "Now _ye are clean_ through the word which I have spoken unto you" (John 15:3; KJV). At the end of the age, it will be His true Word that cleanses us.

The _Merriam-Webster Dictionary_ online defines "ignorance" as, "Lack of knowledge, education, or awareness," which makes full circle back to the following.

Hosea 4:6 (NKJV)  
6 **My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge**. **Because you have rejected knowledge** , I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

Remember that we addressed our _lack_ and _rejection_ of the knowledge of God in the third trumpet and in the symbolism of the "great star from heaven" which "fell" upon "the third part (Jerusalem) of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters" (Rev. 8:10). The name of this "star" is "Wormwood," indicating our turning from the knowledge of God to the traditions and teachings of those "who say they are apostles, and are not" (Rev. 2:2) and "those who say they are Jews, and are not," which together form the "synagogue of Satan" (Rev. 2:9). Let's return to Leviticus 4:24.

Leviticus 4:24 (KJV)  
24 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the **goat** , and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before the Lord: **it** _is_ **a sin offering**.

As we have found, our word "goat" is _śāʿîr_ , defined as, " _Shaggy_ ; as noun, a _he-goat_ ; by analogy a _faun_." Consider the following definition from the _New Unger's Bible Dictionary_.

Shaggy Goat (Heb. sa'îr, "shaggy, hairy"). The reference is clearly to demonic creatures that would dance among the ruins of Babylon (Isaiah 13:21, see marg.) and among the remains of Edomite cities (Isaiah 34:14). "He goat" or "hairy goat" is what the name commonly refers to, but in Leviticus 17:7 ("goat demons") and 2 Chron. 11:15 ("satyrs") the reference is clearly to some object of idolatrous reverence. It either refers to idols (thus NIV "goat idols") having the appearance of goats or, more likely, to the demon agencies energizing the idol in question. The demonic reference is clearly indicated by Rev. 18:2 where the language is quoted from the LXX and the word demons is used. Thus the prophet has in mind evil spirits. In Greek and Roman mythology a satyr was a sylvan god, Bacchus's companion. As a goatlike creature he had a brutal and lustful nature. The connection between Greek gods and the Hebrew representations is that of the idol and the demon power behind it.

As we see, our word _śāʿîr_ connects to the idea of "demonic creatures" or "goat demons." Does this agree with a "synagogue of Satan"? I find it interesting that this "goatlike creature" had a "brutal and lustful nature." Beloved, take a look around and tell me, is this not true in this time in which we live?

Finally, consider what we find in Revelation 18.

Revelation 18:1-4 (KJV)  
1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, **Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen** , and is become the habitation of devils **, and** the hold of every foul spirit **, and** a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3 For **all nations** have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, **Come out of her, my people** , that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

One goat is slain while the other is taken by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness. Concerning Babylon we read, "'Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters'... So he carried me away in the Spirit _into the wilderness_. And _I saw a woman_ sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns" (Rev. 17:1, 3).

Where is Babylon seated? "On many waters" or _all_ nations, "whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free," symbolized as a " _scarlet beast_ which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns." What began with Israel and the Jews extended to the Gentiles and now _all_ reside under _the blood of Christ_ (scarlet; Matt. 27:28; Heb. 9:19). This defines the church under the fulfilling of "the works of the law" (Babylon; Matt. 1:17; Gal. 4:25) until the Feast of Tabernacles is fully accomplished. As this unfolds, here is what we have.

Matthew 25:31-34, 41, 46 (NKJV)  
31 "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and **He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides** _his_ **sheep from the goats**. 33 And **He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left**. 34 Then the King will say to those on His **right hand** , 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world... 41 Then He will also say to those on the **left hand** , 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels... 46 And **these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life**."

Beloved, those who "inherit the kingdom" are those "slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held" (Rev. 6:9), aligning with the first "goat." This "goat" is "male," typifying "sons of God" (Luke 20:27-38), the _elect_ or _remnant_. The goat that is taken into the wilderness represents those who do not repent (Rev. 9:20-21), who "go away into everlasting punishment." This "goat" is "female," typifying the church. This shows that "everlasting punishment" is to be left in the "wilderness" of the world system and our own religious endeavors until we have been humbled by His divine process (Deut. 8:1-3; Isa. 14:17).

# Chapter Eight

# THE HOUR OF TEMPTATION

Revelation 3:10-11 (KJV)  
10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the **hour of temptation** , **which shall come upon all the world** , to **try** (test) them that dwell upon the earth. 11 **Behold, I come quickly** : hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

The sixth trumpet is the unfolding of the sixth prophecy. We have discussed those "who say they are Jews and are not, but lie," found first in Smyrna and then in Philadelphia. Immediately following the Lord's promise to "make them come and worship before" the "feet" of the true believers, we find our passages above, warning us of an " _hour of temptation_ , which shall come upon all the world, to try (test) them that dwell upon the earth." This "hour of temptation" parallels the "Day of Atonement," accomplishing what the Lord has determined.

Revelation 9:13-15 (KJV)  
13 **And the sixth angel sounded** , and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the **four angels** which are bound in the great river Euphrates. 15 And **the four angels were loosed** , which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for **to slay the third part of men**.

As we see, our _time_ (hour, day) and _season_ (month, year) start with "an hour," the "hour of temptation." The order is correct. The "hour" initiates the "day" which falls within the proper "month" and "year" or _season_. We have entered the spiritual fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles, beginning with the "Day of Trumpets" in the fifth trumpet and advancing to the "Day of Atonement" in the sixth.

Our word "temptation" is defined by Strong's as, "A putting to _proof_ (by experiment [of good], _experience_ [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication _adversity_." It is from the root which means, "To _test_ (object), i.e. _endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline_." That this equates to a time of difficulty is evident and its purpose clear. The hour of temptation not only indicates a time of "adversity" but also a time of "vindication," and this in keeping with the cry of the souls under the altar (faithful; elect).

Revelation 6:9-11 (KJV)  
9 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: 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not **judge** (distinguish) and **avenge** (vindicate) our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should **rest yet for a little season** , until their fellowservants also and their brethren, **that should be killed as they** _were_ **, should be fulfilled**.

Within the prayers of the fifth seal and trumpet is the purpose of the sixth seal and trumpet; _judge_ (distinguish) and _avenge_ (vindicate), reflected in the prophecy to Philadelphia where the Lord said He would keep _some_ from the hour of temptation which comes upon all the world while _others_ would be brought to the feet of those He loves (Rev. 3:9-10). The "some" are those He vindicates.

Note that the Lord tells the elect "they should rest yet for a _little season_ , until their fellowservants also and their brethren, _that should be killed as they were_ , should be _fulfilled_." In agreement, we find that the purpose of the "four angels" is to "slay (kill) the third part of men." Again, this "death" is reflected in the Lord's baptism at the Jordan River. Jesus did not physically die at Jordan but _He did die inwardly and utterly to His own will_. Immediately after, "Jesus was _led up_ by the Spirit _into the wilderness_ to be _tempted_ by the devil" (Matt. 4:1). Was this a literal wilderness? Not at all, rather, it was the "wilderness of Judea" (Matt. 3:1), indicating the _spiritual desolation_ of His people at that time (See John 1:19-51). This illustrates the "hour of temptation" which parallels the Day of Atonement, the "little season" in the fifth seal.

What is interesting to realize in the Lord's time is that everything was _business as usual_ for the masses, yet, both John the Baptist and Jesus were born, matured, and eventually entered into their ministry right underneath their noses! Yes, some were aware that something was taking place, but most weren't. God's purpose through Christ was unfolding before them but few knew it or understood its intent. This same thing is reflected in the Lord's words to His disciples in Matthew 24 where we read, "For as in the days before the flood, _they were eating and drinking_ , _marrying and giving in marriage_ , until the day that Noah entered the ark, and _did not know_ until the flood came and took them all away" (Matt. 24:38-39). "Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They _ate_ , they _drank_ , they _bought_ , they _sold_ , they _planted_ , they _built_ ; but _on the day_ that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all" (Luke 17:28-30).

Romans 9:25-28 (NKJV)  
25 As He says also in Hosea: "I will call them My people, who were not My people, and her beloved, who was not beloved." 26 "And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not My people,' there they shall be called **sons of the living God**." 27 Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel: "Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, the **remnant** will be saved. 28 For He will **finish the work** and **cut it short in righteousness** , because the Lord will make a **short work** upon the earth."

If you know your Bible, then you know that verses 25 and 26 speak of the "Gentiles," the non-Israelitish nations, i.e. all who are _called_ who are not natural descendants of the tribes of Israel but God's people by means of the New Covenant and His Spirit. This is Bible 101.

What does Paul go on to say? That those who are not His people, i.e. the Gentiles, will be "called sons of the living God." What a great and precious promise to us, beloved! No wonder John wrote, "Beloved, _now are we the sons_ (children) _of God_ , and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, _when he shall appear_ , _we shall be like him_ ; for _we shall see him as he is_ " (I John 3:3; KJV).

As Paul continues in Romans 9, he states, "Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, the _remnant_ will be saved. For He will _finish_ the work and _cut it short_ in righteousness, because the Lord will make _a short work_ upon the earth." I believe our "short work" is the "finish" of His work at the end of the age, incorporating the "hour of temptation" of the sixth prophecy which agrees with the "little season" in the fifth seal. According to Paul, this "finish" will be accomplished by the "remnant" that are "saved." Jesus echoes this understanding in the following.

Matthew 24:21-22, 31 (KJV)  
21 For then shall be **great tribulation** , such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And **except those days should be shortened** , there should no flesh be saved: **but for the** elect's **sake those days shall be shortened**... 31 And he shall send his **angels** with **a great sound of a trumpet** , and **they shall gather together his elect** from the **four winds** , from one end of heaven to the other.

Sadly, much of Christianity still wrestles with the idea of "great tribulation." Far too many still believe in a rapture of the church followed by a horrendous aftermath that comes upon the world. This concept is horribly wrong and easily disproven in our passages above.

Look closely at what Jesus said. Did He not say that "those days" of this "great tribulation" would be "shortened," agreeing with our "short work" in Romans 9? He did. Why? "For the _elect's_ sake." Our word "elect" means "chosen" (Mark 13:20), so, does it make any sense at all that they would remain behind in the rapture while the rest of the church is whisked away? Of course not! Furthermore, if Jesus said He would "keep" us from this "hour," was He suggesting we would not be here? Not at all, for what greater testimony of Christ can there be than that of the ultimate sacrifice of laying down our lives for others in the midst of difficult times? (John 15:13) Didn't Jesus, along with His disciples, not exemplify this in their own lives? Finally, Jesus said "no flesh" would be saved. Wouldn't "no flesh" incorporate "all" flesh, i.e. sinner and saint alike?

Beloved, the teaching of the rapture is an _egocentric_ doctrine, spawned by the hearts and minds of those who are bound in religious fear and unbelief. Even a casual walk through scripture shows that God seldom ever delivered any of His people _from_ tribulation _but always brought them through it!_ All the apostles understood this quite well, so much so that they taught the believers of the first century this very thing. If we will be raw and honest with ourselves and take a broad view of the world around us, it should be evident that tribulation already abounds everywhere. To say otherwise is naïve and denies reality.

Acts 14:22 (KJV)  
22 **Confirming** the souls of the disciples, _and_ **exhorting** them to continue in the faith, **and that** we must through much tribulation **enter into the kingdom of God**.

Finally, should you still wish to hold to the idea of a rapture, let me share the following.

Matthew 24:8 (NIV)  
8 All these are the beginning of **birth pains**.

When Jesus responded to His disciples concerning the end of the age, He spoke of false christs, wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes. He then states, "All these are the _beginning_ of _birth pains_ ," likening tribulation to the conception and eventual birth of a child.

In the natural, birth pains begin shortly after conception and become _increasingly worse_ over a nine month period (40 weeks). The worst of these pains is felt at the delivery. This being true, then it reflects the idea that the tribulation which began in earnest during the days of the apostles _would continually worsen until the end of the age_. In agreement, Paul wrote the following.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 (KJV)  
1 But of the **times** and the **seasons** , brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that **the day of the Lord** so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, **as travail upon a woman with child** ; and they shall not escape.

Our word "travail"? It means, "A _pang_ or _throe_ , especially of childbirth." And the "woman" in this passage? It's the church. See Galatians 4, verses 21 through 31, and Revelation 12, verses 1 through 5 for clarification. Compare Revelation, Chapter 16, verse 15, with verse 2 above.

Beloved, the "travail" of the _called_ leads to the birth of the _chosen_. After all, we must first be called to be chosen. So it's a given that those who are faithful are those whom called and chosen, endure to the end of the age. Furthermore, the "woman" or church cannot be removed from all of this for she is the vessel through which the "male son" is birthed (Rev. 12:1-5).

As you can see, I do not believe in the rapture of the saints. However, I do believe in the resurrection _from_ the dead and the resurrection _of_ the dead. The resurrection _from_ the dead will come at the end of the age while the resurrection _of_ the dead will follow after (Rev. 20:4-6). That being said, the resurrection _from_ the dead is the spiritual fulfillment of the Day of Atonement. This spiritual phenomenon is the release from our current state in "trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1), from our "bondage of corruption _into_ the glorious liberty of the children of God" (Rom. 8:21; KJV).

# Chapter Nine

# FOUR ANGELS

Revelation 9:13-15 (KJV)  
13 And the **sixth angel** sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, **Loose** the **four angels** which are **bound** in the great river **Euphrates**. 15 And the **four angels** were **loosed** , which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.

As we see, there are "four angels which are bound in (at) the great river Euphrates." We are told these "four angels" are "prepared for an hour, and a day (time), and a month, and a year (season), for to slay the third part of men."

As previously mentioned, "angels" are the _manifestation_ of the Spirit and Word of God, which can take any form. As we have learned, the "seven stars are the _angels_ of the seven churches" (Rev. 1:20), revealed in Isaiah, Chapter 11, as the _seven Spirits of God_ , the attributes of His wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear, and judgment.

With Moses, "the _angel_ of the LORD appeared unto him in a _flame of fire_ out of the midst of a bush" (Exod. 3:2; KJV), while the children of Israel experienced His manifestation in the wilderness as "the LORD went before them by day in _a pillar of a cloud_ , to lead them the way; and by night in _a pillar of fire_ , to give them light; to go by day and night" (Exod. 13:21; KJV). As we see by these examples, the Spirit and Word of God can manifest in any form He chooses.

So who are the "four angels"? I believe their first appearance is given in Revelation, Chapter 6, in the first four seals as _the four horsemen_. Their second appearance is found in Revelation, Chapter 7.

Revelation 7:1-4 (KJV)  
1 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. 2 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** , 3 Saying, **Hurt not** the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, **till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads**. 4 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.

These passages are found in the opening of the sixth seal, aligning with the sixth trumpet. In keeping with the fact that we read " _bound_ in (at) the great river Euphrates," we see our "four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, _holding_ the four winds of the earth" which are given to " _hurt_ the earth and the sea." The fact that they are told "hurt not" tells us that they are in fact "bound" until a particular time and season. How long are they bound? Until the spiritual fulfillment of the Day of Atonement as noted in Revelation 9:14.

"All the world" is signified by the "four corners" since _four_ is the "world" number (Bullinger; Jones; Vallowe). Again, this is in keeping with what Jesus said to Philadelphia concerning the "hour of trial (temptation; KJV) which shall come upon _the whole world_ (four corners)" (Rev. 3:10). In agreement, consider what follows in Revelation 7 after the sealing of His servants.

Revelation 7:9-10, 13-14 (KJV)  
9 After this I beheld, and, lo, **a great multitude** , which no man could number, **of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues** , stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb... 13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, **What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?** 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. 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.

Following the sealing of the servants of God or 144,000 from "all the tribes of the children of Israel" (Rev. 7:4), John sees "a great multitude, which no man could number, _of all nations_ , and kindreds, and people, and tongues." When one of the elders asked John, "What are these which are arrayed in white robes? And from whence came they?" John states, "Sir, thou knowest." And what does this elder say? "These are _they which came out of great tribulation_." Doesn't this disagree with the idea of a rapture? It does. Wouldn't "all nations" include both Israel and the Gentiles? It would. Would the idea of "great tribulation" define what is meant by our "four winds"? It would, and we will consider this in the next chapter.

When compared to Paul's dissertation in Romans, Chapter 11, we have the "remnant" or 144,000 (Rom. 11:1-7), followed by Israel (Rom. 11:2, 7-15), followed by the Gentiles (Rom. 11:11-15). Paul goes on to describe Israel as the "good olive tree" and the Gentiles as the "wild olive tree" which is grafted in (Rom. 11:17, 24). So the work of God in Christ incorporates everyone, my friend, no exceptions, for "God so loved the _world"_ (John 3:16).

Our four angels are "holding the four winds of the earth" so "that the wind should not blow." To gain a complete understanding, let's take time to consider what is meant by these "four winds" and the fact that they are held back for a time.

# Chapter Ten

# THE FOUR WINDS

Matthew 24:31 (KJV)  
31 And he shall **send his angels** with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall **gather together his elect from the four winds** , from one end of heaven to the other.

Mark 13:27 (KJV)  
27 And then shall he **send his angels** , and shall **gather together his elect from the four winds** , from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

There are only three references in the New Testament in regard to our "four winds," but they are enough to give us "a complete witness" (Jones). The first two are found above while our third reference is in Revelation 7:1 from the previous chapter. Do all of them connect and agree? They do, for the Strong's Concordance defines our word "winds" as anemos, derived from the base of the word aēr, translated "air" seven times in the New Testament. What does "air" represent? The realm of spiritual understanding.

In the Old Testament, the phrase "four winds" is used six times (Jer. 49:36; Ezek. 37:9; Dan. 7:2; 8:8; 11:4; Zech. 2:6). Six denotes man's enmity with God (Bullinger, Vallowe), so the essence of these four winds are given in order to address our rebellion. The context of each of the six passages in the Old Testament reveal this to be true.

The word for "winds" in the Old Testament is rûaḥ, defined by Strong's as, " _Wind_ ; by resemblance _breath_ , i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figurative _life, anger, unsubstantiality_ ; by extensive a _region_ of the sky; by resemblance _spirit_ , but only of a rational being (including its expression and functions)." According to Strong's, this word is translated "Spirit" or "spirit" 232 times in the Old Testament.

Hebrews 1:7 tells us, "He maketh his angels spirits." "Spirits" is the word pneuma, defined by Strong's as, "A current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze." For this reason, the New International Version renders this as, "He makes his angels winds."

Hebrews 1:7 is a quote from Psalms 104:4, where we read, "Who maketh his angels spirits" (KJV). Our word "spirits"? It's rûaḥ as given above. So in all of this our reference to the "four angels" and "winds" is a reference to four particular "spirits" or manifestations of the Spirit and Word of God. Let's reconsider Isaiah, Chapter 11, for more understanding.

Isaiah 11:1-4 (KJV)  
1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the **spirit of the Lord** shall rest upon him, the **spirit** ( **1** ) of wisdom and understanding, the **spirit** ( **2** ) of counsel and might, the **spirit** ( **3** ) of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not **judge** after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But **with righteousness shall he judge** ( **4** ) the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

As I mentioned earlier in this study, the "seven Spirits of God" are not actually seven different spirits. Rather, they are attributes which indicate the "fullness" of the ONE Spirit of the Lord that rested upon Jesus Christ. As Isaiah shows, the "spirit of wisdom and understanding," which is the first and seventh branch in our illustration, are given as one "spirit," so too the "spirit of counsel and might" and "knowledge and fear." The last "spirit" is "with righteousness shall he judge." Take a look at our illustration.

Note where I have highlighted the central branch of the lampstand where each of the branches connect. If we consider it in this fashion, we will see that there are but four branches, due to the fact that the first and seventh branch are the same branch, so too the second and sixth and the third and fifth. This would make the central branch the fourth branch to which the other three connect and intersect.

So what do our "four winds" symbolize? All of our branches and all of the seven attributes of the ONE Spirit of the Lord working in the midst of His people! By means of His wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear, and righteous judgment, we are being brought to a "new heavens" and a "new earth" by means of the cross of Christ.

Matthew 24:31 (KJV)  
31 And he shall **send his angels** with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall **gather together his elect from the four winds** , from one end of heaven to the other.

Mark 13:27 (KJV)  
27 And then shall he **send his angels** , and shall **gather together his elect from the four winds** , from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

Returning to our previous passages, we see that He will "gather together his elect from the four winds." Now that we understand their meaning, consider the following.

1 Thessalonians 4:17 (KJV)  
17 Then **we which are alive** _and_ **remain** shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Does our word "air" incorporate the "four winds" since "winds" are simply the movement thereof? As we know, these "four winds" are seen in the following.

Revelation 7:1 (KJV)  
1 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.

In agreement with what Christ stated, the "four winds" are mentioned in regard to the sealing of the servants of God. Are the "servants of God" the "elect" of which Jesus spoke in Matthew 24 and Mark 13? They are!

These "winds" are "given to hurt the earth and the sea" (Rev. 7:2). Since our "four winds" are summed up in the central branch of "judgment (righteousness)," we find further understanding in Ezekiel, Chapter 14.

Ezekiel 14:12-20 (NKJV)  
12 The word of the Lord came again to me, saying: 13 "Son of man, when a **land** (earth) sins against Me by **persistent unfaithfulness** , I will stretch out My hand against it; I will cut off its supply of bread, send **famine** ( **1** ) on it, and cut off man and beast from it. 14 Even _if_ these **three men** , Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver _only_ themselves by their righteousness," says the Lord God. 15 "If I cause **wild beasts** ( **2** ) to pass through the **land** (earth), and they empty it, and make it so desolate that no man may pass through because of the beasts, 16 even _though_ these **three men** _were_ in it, _as_ I live," says the Lord God, "they would deliver neither sons nor daughters; only they would be delivered, and the **land** (earth) would be desolate. 17 "Or _if_ I bring a **sword** ( **3** ) on that **land** (earth), and say, 'Sword, go through the land,' and I cut off man and beast from it, 18 even _though_ these **three men** _were_ in it, _as_ I live," says the Lord God, "they would deliver neither sons nor daughters, but only they themselves would be delivered. 19 "Or _if_ I send a **pestilence** ( **4** ) into that **land** (earth) and pour out My fury on it in blood, and cut off from it man and beast, 20 even _though_ **Noah, Daniel, and Job** _were_ in it, _as_ I live," says the Lord God, "they would deliver neither son nor daughter; they would deliver _only_ themselves by their righteousness."

First of all, note that the Lord mentions "three men" in regard to the judgment He describes to Ezekiel. Three is the number of "a complete witness" (Jones) as well as "resurrection" (Vallowe). And to whom does this refer? "Noah, Daniel, and Job." Coincidence, or do these three men typify some things pertaining to the last days and the end of the age?

"Noah" connects to the "days of Noah" (Matt. 24:37; Luke 17:26), while "Daniel" to the "abomination of desolation" (Matt. 24:15; Mark 13:14). As for "Job"? He aligns with the sixth trumpet, for we read in Job 13:15, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him" (See Rev. 9:15).

Note that I've bolded "land" throughout these passages. This is the transliteration ʾereṣ, which Strong's defines as, "To be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land)." This explains what is meant by the "inhabitants of the earth" in Revelation 17:2, 8:13, 12:12, and 17:2. Beloved, the "land" in these passages refers to the people of the land, and in this case, it refers to His people.

As shown, when a "land" sins against the Lord due to "persistent unfaithfulness," He brings judgment in the form of four things; famine, wild (noisome; evil; KJV) beasts, sword, and pestilence. These four components carry a spiritual application as evidenced by the Lord's own words in Matthew 24.

Matthew 24:3-8 (NKJV)  
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? **And what** _will be_ **the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?** " 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For **many will come in My name** , saying, 'I am the Christ,' and **will deceive many**. 6 And you will hear of **wars and rumors of wars**. See that you are not troubled; for all _these things_ must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be **famines** , **pestilences** , and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these _are_ the beginning of sorrows.

In Ezekiel 14, we have four specific things. In Matthew 24, we also have four things, our word "earthquakes" somewhat misleading, for the Strong's Concordance defines it as, "A commotion" (see Heb. 12:25-29). In other words, the four things spoken by Ezekiel and emphasized by Christ leads to the "commotion" that exists in both the church and the world today. Proof? Look at what Ezekiel states next.

Ezekiel 14:21 (NKJV)  
21 For thus says the Lord God: "How much more it shall be when I send My **four severe judgments** on **Jerusalem** \--the **sword** and **famine** and **wild (evil) beasts** and **pestilence** \--to cut off man and beast from it?

Here we have it. "Four severe judgments" brought upon "Jerusalem," the people of God (Heb. 12:22; I Peter 4:17) due to our "persistent unfaithfulness."

The "sword" in Ezekiel agrees with the "wars and rumors of wars" in Matthew 24 and reflects the evident contention and division in Christianity today (Matt. 10:35). The "famine" in Ezekiel agrees with the "famines" mentioned by the Lord, "not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord" (Amos 8:11). Our "pestilence" (plagues) in Ezekiel agrees with the "pestilences" (plagues) in Matthew 24:7, referring to the "stripes" which Jesus spoke about in Luke 12, verses 47 and 48, and the "plagues" and "bowls" in Revelation, Chapters 15 and 16. Finally, we have "wild beasts," or more appropriately, "noisome" or "evil beasts" (KJV). These "wild beasts" represent those who come in Christ's name and "deceive many" (see II Peter 2:12; Jude 1:10; also consider Revelation, Chapter 13, in its entirety). Brought together, the "four winds" characterize God's "four severe judgments on Jerusalem," His church, for their "unfaithfulness" (pictured as "Babylon" in Revelation). As our illustration shows, the fourth branch is judgment through righteousness, "for the Lord our God is righteous in all the works which He does, though we have not obeyed His voice" (Dan. 9:14).

Daniel 7:2-3 (KJV)  
2 Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the **four winds of the heaven** strove upon the **great sea**. 3 And **four great beasts came up from the sea** , diverse one from another.

Here in Daniel we see "four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea." Note that they are "winds" from "heaven," emphasizing the work and call of God to all humankind (great sea). Our word "strove" is the only time this word appears in the Old Testament and means to "rush" or "burst forth." I immediately think of the four horsemen who "burst forth" as the Lamb of God opens each seal as well as our "four angels" and "winds" which "burst forth" once they are loosed. As a result of this action, "four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse from one another." Might this align with II Thessalonians 2, verses 3 and 6 where we are told that "the man of sin is revealed" and "may be revealed in his own time"? I believe so. The descriptions of these "four great beasts" coincide with the description of the beast which comes up out of the sea in Revelation 13, i.e. the church.

Ezekiel 14:22-23 (NKJV)  
22 Yet behold, there shall be left in it a **remnant** who will be brought out, _both_ sons and daughters; surely they will come out to you, and you will see their ways and their doings. **Then you will be comforted concerning the disaster that I have brought upon Jerusalem, all that I have brought upon it.** 23 **And they will comfort you, when you see their ways and their doings; and you shall know that I have done nothing without cause that I have done in it," says the Lord God.**

What is the purpose of the "four winds"? According to Ezekiel, to yield a "remnant" of "sons and daughters" whose "ways" and "doings" will "comfort" His people. Does this not agree with Romans 9:27? These "sons and daughters" define those who "repent" in the sixth trumpet (Rev. 9:20). Finally, let's consider the following from Ezekiel 37.

Ezekiel 37:1-14 (KJV)  
1 The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of **the valley which** _was_ **full of bones** , 2 And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, _there were_ very many in the open valley; and, lo, _they were_ **very dry**. 3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. 4 Again he said unto me, **Prophesy upon these bones** , and say unto them, **O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord**. 5 Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; **Behold, I will cause** breath **to enter into you, and ye shall live** : 6 And **I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put** breath **in you, and ye shall live** ; and ye shall know that I _am_ the Lord. 7 **So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together,** bone to his bone. 8 And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: **but** _there was_ **no** breath **in them**. 9 Then said he unto me, **Prophesy unto the** wind **, prophesy, son of man, and say to the** wind **, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the** four winds **, O** breath **, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live**. 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, **and the** breath **came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet,** an exceeding great army. 11 Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, **Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost** : **we are cut off for our parts**. 12 Therefore **prophesy** and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; **Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel**. 13 **And ye shall know that I** _am_ **the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,** 14 **and shall put my** spirit **in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land** : then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken _it_ , and performed _it_ , saith the Lord.

Not only did Ezekiel see bones but "they were very dry." Might this indicate where we stand today? Has it not been almost two thousand years since the days of Christ and the apostles and the glory that was the New Testament Church? Have we not been inundated by the increase of false apostles and Jews, traditions and teachings of men, and all manner of superstition and speculation in the Christian ranks? When I think of "dry bones," I cannot help but think of Hebrews 4:12, where it states "joints and marrow." "Soul" equates to "joints" and "marrow" equates to "spirit." What did Paul say? "For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones" (Eph. 5:30); not "blood," but "bones." Beloved, we are a deeply integral part of all that He is doing.

Revelation 3:1 (KJV)  
1... I know thy works, **that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead**.

By the time of Sardis, we are saturated by all manner of religion and very little spirituality, our commitment to Christ defined by routine. What was once a living and vibrant collective organism of life is now a "valley" of "dry bones." Ah, but this is prophecy, and as Ezekiel reveals, it leads to something glorious, for within the "four winds" of God's judgment is found the "breath" or life of His living Word to those who have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying. So we read, "Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, and shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord." Does this suggest a resurrection? It certainly does, and furthermore, look again at how it's recorded. "And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, and shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord." "Own land"? As in perhaps the "Promised Land"? Yes, but not "up there" somewhere, but right here on this earth in view of the world (See Rev. 21:1-3); not a physical "land" or place but a spiritual position in Christ.

See the underlined words in Ezekiel 37? All of these words are the same Hebrew word and definition. It's our transliteration rûaḥ, more often than not translated as "Spirit" or "spirit" in the King James Old Testament, used 378 times total. Whether "wind" or "spirit," it is evident that it illustrates the work of God's Spirit among His people. And let us not forget that "He makes His angels winds" (Heb. 1:7; ESV).

In verse 10 we read, "So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, _and they lived_ , and stood up upon their feet, _an exceeding great army_." When we bring the passages from Ezekiel 37 to the sixth trumpet, are we seeing the "first resurrection"? (Rev. 20:4-5) Does our phrase "and they lived" agree with I Thessalonians 4:17 and those "who are _alive_ and _remain_ "?

Should we doubt that the "four angels" of Revelation 7 are the same "four angels" of Revelation 9, we need only consider their purpose. In Revelation 7, verses 2 and 3, they are "given to hurt the earth and the sea." In Revelation 9, "their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt." This "hurt" is "to slay (kill) the third part of men" (Rev. 9:15; KJV), reiterated in verse 18 where we read, "By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths" (KJV). Our word "slay" and "killed" are the same Greek word. How is it we know this is a good thing? The following shows us.

Revelation 9:20-21 (KJV)  
20 And **the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues** (stripes) **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: 21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

"The rest of the men _which were not killed by these plagues_ yet _repented not_." Those who were not "killed" are those who did not repent. This means that those _who are_ "killed," repent.

As for our word "plagues"? It's important to know that it's plēgē and means, "A stroke; by implication a wound; figurative a calamity." This same word is used in the following.

Luke 12:47-48 (KJV)  
47 And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not _himself_ , neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many _stripes_. 48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of **stripes (** plēgē), shall be beaten with few _stripes_. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

As we see by the Lord's explanation, "plagues" are "stripes" which speak of the corrective judgment of the Lord illustrated by the "four winds." This same word is used in Revelation, Chapters 15 and 16 in regard to the "seven last plagues" as well as Babylon in Revelation 18, verses 4 and 8. Look once more at our passages concerning the souls under the altar.

Revelation 6:9-10 (KJV)  
9 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: 10 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**?

What is the unified cry of the souls under the altar? "Judge and avenge." Our word "judge" confirms our stance, agreeing with the "four severe judgments" brought upon Jerusalem. As for "avenge"? This means "vindicate," which is twofold in its fulfillment, defining the separation that takes place when judgment is rendered. Those who are faithful until the end are vindicated as the true "sheep" of God's pasture while those who are not remain as "goats." So it is that Jesus summed up the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, stating, "And these (the unfaithful) shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous (faithful) into life eternal" (Matt. 25:31-46). I must mention too that "everlasting punishment" does not mean to be punished unendingly but speaks of the Lord's corrective action on those who continue to resist His will. Once corrected, this punishment ends. Logic dictates that unending punishment has no purpose since its purpose is correction, not destruction. If anything is truly destroyed, it is those things in our heart and mind which propagate bad behavior. Beloved, we are His children, and as children, it is necessary for us to be corrected by His abounding love and grace.

# Chapter Eleven

# TIME, TIMES, HALF A TIME

Revelation 8:1 (KJV)  
1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was **silence in heaven** about the space of **half an hour**.

Following the revelation of the _remnant_ out of the _twelve tribes of Israel_ , and the _Gentiles_ which follow after in Revelation 7, we arrive at the seventh seal where, once opened, we have "silence in heaven about the space of half an hour." Half an hour is an hour _divided_ in half. Might this agree with the " _dividing_ of time" mentioned in Daniel 7:25 and the "half a time" in Revelation 12:14? I believe so. In keeping with this, let me share the following illustration.

Here we have another illustration of the lampstand which also reflects the three great Feasts of Israel, however, this illustration reveals how the "time, and times, and half a time" unfolds.

First of all, consider that each branch of the lampstand represents the "light" or "Day" of each particular segment of the three Feasts of Israel. The spaces between represent the "Night" or "darkness" which follows each "day."

At the bottom of our illustration, we see that the Feast of Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles together incorporate what is known as the "last days." I derive this from the following.

Acts 2:14-21 (NKJV)  
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is _only_ the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 'And it shall come to pass in the **last days** , says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of **the great and awesome day of the Lord**. 21 And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'

The spiritual fulfillment of the Day of Pentecost is recorded in Acts, Chapter 2. There we find 120 (12 x 10) of the Lord's disciples who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the Lord's promise to them in Acts, Chapter 1, verses 4 through 8. During this spiritual phenomenon, there were those who mocked them, accusing them of being "full of new wine" (Acts 2:13; KJV). In response, we see the apostle Peter "standing up with the eleven" and declaring the prophecy of Joel.

What does Peter say? "But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 'And it shall come to pass in the _last days_.'" "Last days," my friend, which means _more than one_ , and according to Peter, these "last days" began with the spiritual phenomenon of the Day of Pentecost. As the illustration shows, this is marked as "time." Please consider.

Galatians 4:1-5 (NKJV)  
1 Now I say _that_ the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, 2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. 3 Even so we, **when we were children** , **were in bondage under the elements of the world**. 4 But when **the fullness of the time had come** , God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Here we find what is meant by "time" in " _time_ and times and half a time" (Rev. 12:14). According to Paul, "when the _fullness_ of the _time_ had come, God sent forth His Son." So "time" incorporates the birth and the subsequent ministry of Christ to the Jews as well as the spiritual fulfillment of the Day of Pentecost and what followed after.

Following the "Day" and "Night" (time) of Pentecost, we enter into the "times of the Gentiles," our word "times," _plural_ , suggesting more than one "Day" and "Night." This aligns with the "Day" and "Night" of "Trumpets" and the "Day" and "Night" of "Atonement" in our illustration.

Luke 21:24 (KJV)  
24 And they (Jerusalem) shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and **Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles** , until **the** times **of the Gentiles** be fulfilled.

What Jesus said here aligns with the following.

Revelation 11:2 (KJV)  
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for **it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty** _and_ **two months**.

Isn't the "holy city" Jerusalem? It is, so we see in John's vision a reiteration of the Lord's statement in Luke 21:24.

Matthew 12:40 (NKJV)  
40 For as Jonah was **three days and three nights** in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be **three days and three nights** in the heart of the earth.

When the scribes and Pharisees wished to see a sign from Jesus, He responded, "An evil (world) and adulterous (church; Babylon) generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah" (Matt. 12:38-39). As we see, this "sign" was " _three days_ and _three nights_ in the _heart_ of the _earth_." As we see in our illustration, this incorporates the spiritual fulfillment of the "Day" and "Night" of "Trumpets," the "Day" and "Night" of "Atonement," and the "Day" of the "Feast of Tabernacles."

When we reach the seventh and final branch, note that we have only "light" or "Day." There is no space which follows to represent the "Night." So we have just "half" a day or "half a time."

John 2:17-22 (NKJV)  
17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, _"Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up."_ 18 So the Jews answered and said to Him, "What **sign** do You show to us, since You do these things?" 19 Jesus answered and said to them, " **Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up**." 20 Then the Jews said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?" 21 **But He was speaking of the temple of His body**. 22 Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.

In keeping with the Lord's "zeal" for the Father's "house" (Acts 2:36; I Tim. 3:15; Heb. 3:6), and in keeping with Matthew 12:40 and the idea of a "sign," Jesus told the Jews, "Destroy this temple, and in _three days_ I will raise it up." The destruction of the spiritual temple of God is revealed in the first four prophecies to the seven churches, incorporating the "Day" and "Night" of Pentecost which precedes the three "days" of Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles. As seen in our illustration, the third and final "Day" is the _seventh_ and _final_ branch of the lampstand, signifying the _end of the age_ and the _resurrection of the dead_. This is our "half a time."

Daniel 12:2 (KJV)  
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, **some to everlasting life** , and **some to shame** _and_ **everlasting contempt**.

When compared to the Parable of the Tares and the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, the end of the age is marked with a _separation_ , a "dividing _of_ time" or "day" _from_ "night," "light" _from_ "darkness," confirmed by our passage from Daniel, again, illustrated by the _seventh_ branch of the lampstand, our "half a time." As we see, the completion of raising up the spiritual temple of God will be at the time of the seventh and final trumpet.

1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 (KJV)  
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that **we which are alive** _and_ **remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep**. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the **trump of God** : and **the dead in Christ shall rise first** : 17 Then **we which are alive** _and_ **remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds** , to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Despite the traditional take on these passages, I believe the "trump(et) of God" in these passages _is not the seventh trumpet_ , for Paul did not declare it as such. Instead, it is another trumpet or significant prophecy found within the sixth trumpet, indicative of the spiritual fulfillment of the great "Day of Atonement" and the resurrection "from" the dead as opposed to "of" the dead. This "trumpet" is recorded in Revelation 10, verses 1 through 7. Please consider.

Philippians 3:10-11 (KJV)  
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 **If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead**.

Consider Vincent's treatment of "the resurrection of the dead" (bolding and underlining mine).

The resurrection of the dead (τὴν ἐξανάστασιν τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν).

Rev., more correctly, _from_ the dead. Lit., _the resurrection_ , _that_ , _namely_ , _from the dead_. Compare Acts 4:2. This compound noun for _resurrection_ is found only here, and expresses the rising _from_ or _from among_ (ἐξ), which is further emphasized by the repetition of the preposition ἐκ ( _from_ ). The kindred compound verb occurs Mark 12:19; Luke 20:28; Acts 15:5, but in neither passage of raising the dead. The word here does not differ in meaning from ἀνάστασις, commonly used, except that the idea is more vividly conceived as a rising _from_ the earth. See Matthew 22:31; Luke 20:35. The phrase _resurrection of_ or _from the dead_ does not often occur in the Gospels, and _resurrection_ ἐκ _from_ the dead only twice in the New Testament, Acts 4:2; 1 Peter 1:3. For the phrase, see on Luke 16:31. _Resurrection of the dead_ is a generic phrase, denoting the general resurrection of the dead, bad and good. _Resurrection from the dead_ , in the only two passages where it occurs, signifies resurrection unto life. In 1 Peter 1:3, it is applied to Christ.

The _first_ resurrection is the resurrection _from_ the dead, a "resurrection unto life," described in the sixth trumpet in Revelation 10, verses 1 through 7. The _second_ resurrection _of_ the dead follows at the time of the seventh trumpet. For this reason Jesus said He would "raise it up" after "three days." Beloved, "He was speaking of the _temple of His body_ ," which temple we are (I Cor. 3:16).

# Chapter Twelve

# MORE ON THE FOUR ANGELS

Revelation 7:1 (KJV)  
1 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.

In our passage above we see our "four angels," "four corners," and "four winds." Together, we have _twelve_ (3 x 4 = 12), the number of "governmental perfection and divine authority" (Bullinger; Jones; Vallowe), revealing the hand of God in all that is taking place.

The "four corners" align with the prophecy to Philadelphia concerning the "hour of temptation, which shall come upon _all the world"_ (Acts 11:1-18). As we discovered, our "four winds" denote the four branches of our lampstand incorporating the "seven Spirits of God" out of which proceeds the "four severe judgments" of Ezekiel 14 and Matthew 24.

If we note the passage which precedes those in Revelation 7, it helps to further confirm the purpose of the "four angels" and "four winds."

Revelation 6:17 (KJV)  
17 For **the great day of his wrath** is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Beloved, the "four angels," "four corners," and "four winds" comprise "the _great day_ of his wrath." Note that our statement in the sixth seal comes _just before_ the appearance of the "four angels" in Revelation 7 and the sealing of the servants of God, which "sealing" takes place _after_ this statement and _just before_ the opening of the seventh seal in Revelation 8:1. It is sandwiched between them. Reconsider what Jones wrote concerning the spiritual meaning of _twenty_ ( _redemption_ ; bolding mine).

The number 20 appears 288 times in the Bible. This is of particular interest, because there are two groups of 144,000 in the book of Revelation. The first group is in Revelation 7, and these are pictured as warriors being sealed by their captain. It was a custom in those days that warriors who emerged from battle unscathed were given a mark on their forehead to signify that they had been divinely protected. This is the meaning given in Ezekiel 9:4 as well.

Beloved, our first group of 144,000 is taken from "all the tribes of the children of Israel" (Rev. 7:4), therefore _they are Jewish_ as opposed to Gentile. This would include the 120 who were baptized by the Holy Spirit in the upper room in Acts, Chapter 2 and fulfilled what Jesus told the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, that " _salvation_ is of the _Jews_ " (John 4:6, 22).

According to scripture and history, what followed the Day of Pentecost was astounding in its own right, for the apostles of Christ went forth as He commanded them, becoming witnesses to "Jerusalem," "all Judea and Samaria," and finally "to the end of the earth," i.e. to all other _nations_ (Acts 1:8). As history proves, many were martyred for the sake of Christ. Ah, but whether martyred or not, all the faithful gave up their lives for Him. All of these souls are represented in the first group of 144,000. They are the _elect_ of God in the fifth seal whose sacrifice for Christ brings the _judgment_ and _vengeance_ (vindication) which follows after the opening of the seventh seal in accordance with Peter's declaration in I Peter 4:17. Remember, the opening of the seals is the _revelation_ of God's purpose through Christ while the sounding of the trumpets is the _fulfillment_ of these revelations.

Once the four angels are "loosed" in the sixth trumpet, John describes the following.

Revelation 9:16 (KJV)  
16 And the **number** of **the army of the horsemen** _were_ **two hundred thousand thousand** : and I heard the number of them.

Following the loosing of the four angels at the "great river Euphrates" we read, "And the _number_ of the army _of_ the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand." When we consider this carefully, I believe it means that this "army" _belongs to_ the "horsemen." Which horsemen? _The four horsemen of the first four seals_ , so the "four angels" _are_ the four horsemen of the first four seals, and these four horsemen are the four angels and winds of Revelation 7 and 9. After all, where else do we find four horsemen? Remember, the first four prophecies, seals, trumpets, and bowls are unique from the last three which are described as three woes in Revelation 8:13. This agrees with Paul's statement that "the _law_ brings _wrath_ " (Rom. 4:15; ESV). As we learned in Part 1, the four horsemen are the _manifestation_ (angels) of _the spiritual work of the law_ through Christ in the church.

Our phrase, "Two hundred thousand thousand" is misleading, inaccurately rendered in the King James. When rendered properly, it should read, "Two myriads of myriads," so in the Young's Literal translation we read, "And the number of the forces of the horsemen is _two myriads of myriads_ , and I heard the number of them." We'll come back to this.

Revelation 9:15, 20-21 (KJV)  
15 And **the four angels were loosed** , which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for **to slay the third part of men**... 20 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: 21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

What is the purpose of the four angels? In keeping with the "loud voice" of the souls under the altar, "to slay (kill) the third part of men" (Rev. 6:11; Ezek. 5:1-5). This aligns with the Lord's admonition to Smyrna where He declared, "Be thou _faithful unto death_ , and _I will give thee the crown of life_ " (Rev. 2:10; KJV).

When we note the context of our passages in Revelation 9, we have two things revealed. First, the four angels or "winds" are "loosed," which leads to the "killing" or death of some by these four angels. The loosing of the four angels (winds) is the "four severe judgments" brought upon "Jerusalem," His church. Through these judgments, those who are "killed by these plagues (stripes)" speaks of those who repent. Since "the rest of the men _which were not killed_ by these plagues _yet repented not_ ," then those _who are_ "killed" _are those who repent_. This fits perfectly with the Day of Atonement and agrees with the fifth seal.

Revelation 6:11 (KJV)  
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, **until their fellowservants also and their brethren,** that should be killed as they _were_ **, should be** fulfilled.

Do you see it? Those in the fifth seal are told to "rest yet" for a "little season" (short work; Rom. 9:28) until their "fellowservants also and their brethren, _that should be killed as they were_ , should be _fulfilled_ " (complete). "As they were" agrees with the 144,000 of Revelation 7, while "that should be killed" and "fulfilled" agrees with the 144,000 in Revelation 14:1. Just as the first group were "killed," so too the second, for they are "fellowservants" and "brethren." The first group is Jewish, the second Gentile (of all nations). The first group is past but the second group follows after. When compared to Paul's dissertation in Romans, Chapter 11, this is explained by the "wild olive tree" or Gentiles grafted into the "good olive tree" of Israel (Rom. 11:17, 24; KJV) and the "remnant" that arises out of both (Rom. 11:4-5).

Revelation 9:16-19 (KJV)  
16 And the number of the army of the horsemen _were_ two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having **breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone** : and the heads of the horses _were_ as the heads of lions; and **out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone**. 18 **By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths**. 19 For their power is in their mouth, **and in their tails** : for **their tails** _were_ **like unto serpents** , and had heads, **and with them they do hurt**.

As John continues his vision, he describes the "army of the horsemen," telling us that they have "breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone." The fact that they are "breastplates" (the chest ("thorax")) suggests that the "second death" abides in their hearts, their own lives utterly and completely turned over to the will of God in Christ.

As we see, "fire and smoke and brimstone" issue "out of their mouths," the message of the cross or "second death" evident in their being. It is by "these three," i.e. the "fire" and "smoke" and "brimstone" by which the "third part of men" are "killed." Understand that the "second death" of the self is accomplished within our being and becomes evident by the words we speak (Matt. 12:34; Luke 6:45).

Beloved, not only does the "third part" define Jerusalem collectively speaking, it also denotes the "soul," for we are spirit first, followed by mind, and finally our soul. This agrees with Matthew 10:39 where we read, "He who finds his life (soul) will lose it, and he who loses his life (soul) for My sake will find it."

It cannot be coincidence that the "fire and smoke and brimstone" points to the "second death" of Revelation. In Revelation 20:14, the "second death" is called "the lake of fire," while in Revelation 21:8, it is called "the lake which burns with fire and brimstone" (See also Rev. 14:10; 19:20; 20:10). I cannot help but think of what Jesus said in the following.

Luke 17:26-30 (KJV)  
26 And as it was in the **days of Noe** (Noah), so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. 27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe (Noah) entered into the ark, **and the flood came, and destroyed them all**. 28 Likewise also as it was in the **days of Lot** ; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29 But **the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained** fire and brimstone from heaven **, and destroyed** _them_ **all**. 30 Even thus shall it be **in the day when the Son of man is revealed**.

First, Jesus referred to the "days of Noah," aligning with our _fifth trumpet_ and the "flood" of carnality (Rev. 12:15) which precedes the "days of Lot." That being said, the "days of Lot" aligns with our _sixth trumpet_ , the "fire and brimstone from heaven" indicative of the "second death."

"For _their power is in their mouth,_ and _in their tails_ : for _their tails_ _were_ _like unto serpents_ , and had heads, _and with them they do hurt_." Our word "serpents" is the transliteration _ophis_ which Strong's defines as, "(Through the idea of _sharpness_ of vision); a _snake_ , figurative (as a type of sly cunning) an artful _malicious_ person, especially _Satan_." This word is used a total of 14 times in the King James. And fourteen? It is the number of "deliverance or release" (Jones; see Matthew 1:17). Bullinger states, "Fourteen being a multiple of _seven_ , partakes of its significance; and, being double that number, _implies a double measure of spiritual perfection_."

We read " _sharpness_ of vision" and "sly cunning." Compare to the following.

Matthew 10:14-16 (KJV)  
14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, **shake off the dust of your feet**. 15 Verily I say unto you, **It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment** , than for that city. 16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: **be ye therefore wise as serpents** , and harmless as doves.

Within the context of "Sodom and Gomorrha" which includes our "fire and brimstone," the Lord tells His disciples, "Be ye therefore _wise_ as _serpents_ , and _harmless_ as _doves_." This, beloved, is the _nature_ of the army of the horsemen, of those whose "power is in their mouth, and in their tails." The "power" of this army is "in their mouth" first, followed by "in their tails." I cannot help but think of what Jesus said in Luke 4:8. "Get thee _behind me_ , Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, _and him only shalt thou serve_." This agrees with our "woman clothed with the sun" where the "moon" or Old Covenant Law is seen " _under_ her feet" (Rev. 12:1).

Luke 10:17-20 (KJV)  
17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, **even the devils are subject unto us through thy name**. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, **I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you**. 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, **because your names are written in heaven**.

What did Jesus tell the seventy (7 x 10)? "Behold, I give unto you _power_ to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means _hurt_ you." Does this align with Revelation 2:11 where Jesus said, "He who overcomes shall not be _hurt_ by the second death," as well as with those who are killed in the sixth trumpet? Those who die to self and embrace the will of God in Christ will not and can not be deceived by the subtle manipulations of the false christs and false prophets that abound, for "in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God" (Rev. 14:5).

Since four is the number of a "foundation," we find further confirmation and understanding of the "Day of Atonement" in the following.

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (NKJV)  
10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder **I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it**. But **let each one take heed** how he builds on it. 11 For **no other foundation** can anyone lay than that which is laid, **which is Jesus Christ**. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation _with_ gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, **because** it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work **, of what sort it is**. 14 **If anyone's work which he has built on** _it_ **endures, he will receive a reward.** 15 **If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire**.

Beloved, what is the purpose of the "hour of temptation"? "To _test_ those who dwell on the earth" (Rev. 3:10). What did the Lord tell Smyrna? "The _devil_ is about to throw some of you into prison, _that you may be tested_." (Rev. 2:10). What does Paul say in regard to the _foundation_ of Jesus Christ? "If anyone builds on this foundation," then "the _Day_ will declare it, because _it will be revealed by fire_ ; and _the fire_ will _test each one's work_ , of what sort it is." Look once more at our passages from Revelation 9.

Revelation 9:16-18 (KJV)  
16 And the number of **the army of the horsemen** _were_ two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having **breastplates of fire** , and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses _were_ as the heads of lions; and **out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone**. 18 By **these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone,** which issued out of their mouths.

The "Day will declare it," Paul said, which is the spiritual fulfillment of the "Day" of Atonement, a time of testing what is built upon the " _foundation_ of the apostles and prophets," Jesus Christ "the chief cornerstone" (Eph. 2:20; KJV). It is a day of _vindication_ for some and _shame_ for others during the most difficult time this planet has known (Dan. 12:1-2).

This "day" is also reflected in Revelation 11:1 where we read, "Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, ' _Rise_ and _measure_ the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there.'" As we have found, when something is measured, it's given a number, which is our 144,000 (12 x 12 x 1000). As for John being told to "rise"? Would this typify that the "dead in Christ" rise first?

Revelation 9:13-14 (KJV)  
13 And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard **a voice from the four horns of the golden altar** which is before God, 14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in **the great river Euphrates**.

Note that the "voice" that tells the sixth angel to "loose the four angels" comes from "the _four horns_ of the _golden altar_ which is before God." Vincent's tells us it is literally "one voice," and in regard to the "altar," to see Revelation 8:3.

Revelation 8:3 (KJV)  
3 And another angel came and stood **at the** **altar** , having **a golden censer** ; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer _it_ with **the prayers of all saints** upon **the golden altar which was before the throne**.

Now, consider Vincent's explanation of our passage above (bolding mine).

At the altar (ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον)

The best texts read θυσιαστηρίου, which justifies the Rev., " _over_ the altar." For _altar_ , see on 6:9. Interpreters differ as to whether the altar meant is the _brazen_ altar, as in 6:9, or the altar _of incense_ , as in 9:13. There seems to be no reason for changing the reference from the brazen altar (see on 6:9), especially as both altars are mentioned in this verse. The officiating priest in the tabernacle or temple took the fire for his censer from the brazen altar, and then offered the incense upon the golden altar.

Censer

See on 5:8.

Incense

See on 5:8.

Offer it with the prayers (δώσῃ ταῖς προσευχαῖς)

Lit., _should give it unto the prayers_. Rev., _add it unto the prayers_. So that the prayers and the incense might ascend together. Προσευχή is always used of prayer to God.

Golden altar

The altar of incense. Exodus 30:1-6; 39:38.

The "golden altar" of incense is connected to the "brazen altar" by means of the "fire" taken from it, so this ties the " _voice_ from the four horns of the golden altar" to the "loud _voice_ " of the souls under the altar in the fifth seal and both to the "fiery law" at God's "right hand" (Deut. 33:2).

Revelation 6:9-10 (KJV)  
9 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: 10 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?

What does the "loud voice" cry? " _Judge_ and _avenge_ our blood on them that dwell on the earth." Any way you slice it, the meaning is obvious. In the loosing of the four angels, we see _judgment_ and _vindication_ , defined by the "fire" of the altar that is necessary to "slay" or "kill" the "third part of men." Those who are "killed" are vindicated while those who are not continue to be judged.

Who are the "souls under the altar"? Again, they are the "faithful," the "dead in Christ" which Paul stated must "rise first" (I Thess. 4:16). They are the elect of God.

The "four angels" are the four horsemen of the first four seals which represent the _manifestation_ of the spiritual fulfillment of the law and the prophets through Christ our Lord (Matt. 5:17). Beloved, the "law of the Lord is perfect, converting the _soul_ : the testimony of the LORD is sure, making _wise_ the simple" (Psalms 19:7).

Paul wrote that the "law" of God is the "ministry of _death_ " and " _condemnation_ " (II Cor. 3:7-9). This is why we see "Death" as the _fourth_ horseman and "Hades followed with him" (Rev. 6:8). In our illustration, the _fourth_ branch _is_ "judgment," agreeing with our perspective.

Our word "condemnation" in II Corinthians 3:9 is defined by Strong's as, " _Sentencing adversely_ (the act)," taken from the root which means, "To _judge against_ , i.e. _sentence_." This reveals that the "ministry of condemnation" is a "ministry of judgment," again, agreeing with the _fourth_ branch of our lampstand and the _fourth_ horsemen in the _fourth_ seal.

My friend, think very carefully about this. The purpose of the law of God has always been _death_ to _self_. For this reason, in the beginning, Adam and Eve "died" when they ate of the "fruit" of the tree of knowledge (the law), for a grain of wheat must fall into the ground and _die_ or it _remains alone_ (John 12:24). And what did the Lord say in the beginning? "It is not good that man should _be alone_ " (Gen. 2:18). Perhaps Paul had this in mind when he wrote, "Apart from the law, sin lies dead. _I was once alive apart from the law_ , but when the _commandment_ came, _sin came alive and I died"_ (Rom. 8-9; ESV).

Paul describes our "death" as pictured in Adam in the following.

1 Corinthians 15:22 (NKJV)  
22 For as in (just like) Adam **all die** , even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

Now, the following from Hebrews.

Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV)  
27 And as **it is appointed for men to die once** , but **after this the judgment**...

Beloved, "it is _appointed_ for men to die once" and it is _appointed_ that "judgment" follows after. As pictured in Adam, our first death brings us into the realm of the "self" in order to show us by our own resistance that "self" is not the path to well-being, that happiness and contentment cannot be acquired when we are solely concerned about our own existence. That being said, the "second death" is to truly awaken to this fact and fully comprehend the truth of God that when we _lose our souls for His sake_ , we arise to walk in love and fulfill the very law that "killed" us. No wonder then that it is by _faith_ , by _believing_ what the law of the Lord truly represents in its entirety. Jesus summed it up so eloquently in the following.

Matthew 22:36-40 (NKJV)  
36 "Teacher, which _is_ the great commandment in the law?" 37 Jesus said to him, " _'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'_ 38 This is _the_ first and great commandment. 39 And _the_ second _is_ like it: _'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'_ 40 **On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets**."

In agreement, Paul recorded the following.

Galatians 5:14 (NKJV)  
14 For **all the law is fulfilled in one word** , _even_ in this: _"You shall love your neighbor as yourself."_

All of this helps explain why the first four prophecies, seals, trumpets, and bowls are unique from the last three. Out of the manifestation of the "works of the law" issues His three "woes" in regard to our disobedient and rebellious nature (Rev. 8:13).

# Chapter Thirteen

# EUPHRATES

In the fifth seal, we reach fullness, and in our sixth seal the four angels are loosed. When fullness is reached, any addition becomes an excess which spills over. This typifies a flood.

Revelation 9:14 (KJV)  
14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, **Loose** the four angels which are **bound** in the great river **Euphrates**.

Where are the four angels bound? "In (at) the great river Euphrates." Why Euphrates? Consider Vincent's treatment (bolding mine).

In the great river (ἐπί)

Rev., more correctly, _at_.

Euphrates

_The Euphrates was known as the great River_ , _the River_ , _the Flood_. It rises in the mountains of Armenia, breaks through the Taurus range and runs south and southeast until it joins the Tigris in lower Babylonia. Its total length is from 1,600 to 1,800 miles, and it is navigable for small craft twelve hundred miles from its mouth. It was the boundary-line of Israel on the northeast (Genesis 15:18; Deuteronomy 1:7; Joshua 1:4. Compare 2 Samuel 8:3-8; 1 Kings 4:21). It thus formed the natural defense of the chosen people against the armies of Assyria. The melting of the mountain snows causes an annual flood, beginning in March and increasing until May. These floods became an emblem of the judgments inflicted by God upon Israel by means of Babylon and Assyria. The brook of Shiloah which flowed past Zion and Moriah was a type of the temple and of its mighty and gracious Lord; and the refusal of allegiance to God by the chosen people is represented as their rejection of the waters of Shiloah which flows softly, and their punishment therefore by the bringing in of the waters of the mighty and great river (Isaiah 8:5-8; compare Jeremiah 17:13). To the prophets the Euphrates was the symbol of all that was disastrous in the divine judgments.

"To the prophets the Euphrates was the symbol of all that was disastrous in the divine judgments." Does this align with our "four severe judgments" of Ezekiel? I believe so.

From the fifth trumpet to the sixth, _we have the fullness which leads to the flood_. In the fifth trumpet, we have the "bottomless pit," the "furnace of fire" from which the "smoke" ascends and the "locusts" arise, symbolizing the "cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering" into our hearts which chokes the truth of God's living and active Word among us (Mark 4:19; KJV).

Until the sixth seal, the four angels are _bound_ , but once we reach this time and season, they are _loosed_ and an excess begins to flow from the recesses of men's hearts, creating the intense tribulation that is even now manifesting itself across the world. This excess is reflected in the "days of Noah" where we read, "And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was _only evil continually_ " (Gen. 6:5; KJV).

2 Thessalonians 2:1-8 (NKJV)  
1 Now, brethren, **concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him** , we ask you, 2 not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. 3 Let no one deceive you by any means; for _that Day will not come_ **unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition** , 4 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. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 **And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time**. 7 **For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains** _will do so_ **until He is taken out of the way**. 8 And **then the lawless one will be revealed** , whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

In agreement with our fifth and sixth trumpets and the end of the age, Paul elaborates on the "coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." It is apparent that this "Day will not come unless the _falling away_ comes first, and the _man of sin_ is revealed, the _son of perdition_." Our "man of sin" and "falling away" is reflected by the rise of Satan in the church in the first four churches. The "son of perdition" stamps this with a religious association, confirmed by our phrase "falling away."

As for the "man of sin"? It is any and every Adamic spirit of man which " _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." This agrees with the "proud look" of Proverbs 6:17 and the "haughty spirit" of Proverbs 16:18. Also compare with what our Lord said in the following.

Matthew 24:15 (NKJV)  
15 "Therefore when you see the _'abomination of desolation,'_ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, **standing in the holy place** " (whoever reads, let him understand)...

The "holy place" is the first segment of the "temple of God," which "temple" we are (I Cor. 3:16-17). As for the "abomination of desolation"? This refers to the "seventh" which is an "abomination" to God in Proverbs 6:19, i.e. "one who sows discord among brethren." Would this explain what Paul meant by the "man of sin" sitting "as God in the temple of God"? It would. It is not an individual but the essence of the "first man Adam," the earthiness of the fleshly man (I Cor. 15:47), the mind of the flesh embraced as spiritual when it is not.

"And now you know _what is restraining_ , that _he may be revealed in his own time_. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; _only He who now restrains_ _will do so_ _until He is taken out of the way_." When something is restrained, it is bound, so when we arrive at our sixth trumpet, we see this restraint "taken out of the way."

What has restrained this "man of sin" and "son of perdition" for so long? The Spirit and Word and will of God and the advent of the proper time and season, the spiritual fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 (KJV)  
1 **But of the times and the seasons** , brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2 For yourselves know perfectly that **the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night**. 3 For when they shall say, **Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them** , as **travail upon a woman with child** ; and they shall not escape.

Again, the "woman with child" represents the church of Christ, while "travail" refers to tribulation. We find a parallel in the following.

Revelation 12:1-2, 15-17 (KJV)  
1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; **a woman clothed with the sun** , and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: 2 And **she being with child** cried, **travailing in birth** , and **pained to be delivered**... 15 And **the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman** , that he might cause her **to be carried away of the flood**. 16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, **and swallowed up the flood** which the dragon cast out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the **remnant** of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

As Vincent shows, the "great river Euphrates" is symbolic of the "flood" of "divine judgments" that are necessary to bring some to repentance. As we see, we have a parallel in our passages above where "the serpent cast out of his mouth water _as a flood_ after the woman, that _he might cause her to be carried away of the flood_. And the _earth_ helped the woman, and the _earth opened her mouth_ , and _swallowed up the flood_ which the dragon cast out of his mouth." How is it that the "earth" helps the woman? John tells us.

1 John 4:1, 5-6 (ESV)  
1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many **false prophets** have gone out into the world... 5 **They are from the world** ; therefore **they speak from the world, and the world listens to them**. 6 We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; **whoever is not from God does not listen to us**. **By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error**.

Beloved, the "earth" speaks of the carnal mind, the mind of form. Since "false prophets" are "from the world," _then their minds are carnal_ , not spiritual. As a result, they contrive doctrines and teachings of men which have no basis in the Word of God. What proves these doctrines false is when they are embraced by the world. Two very good examples are Christmas and the story of Lucifer, two stories which are very much in error. Who doesn't celebrate Christmas or embrace the idea of Lucifer as a fallen angel? Ah, but this is how the "earth" helps the woman, the true believers, for it exposes the lies for what they are, i.e. the carnal imaginations of religious men and women who are false. The Lord's own words define this "flood" at the end of the age.

Matthew 24:37-44 (NKJV)  
37 But as **the days of Noah** _were,_ **so also will the coming of the Son of Man be**. 38 For as in **the days before the flood** , they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 **and did not know until the flood came and took them all away** , so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 40 Then two _men_ will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. 41 Two _women will be_ grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. 42 Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the **thief** would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an **hour** you do not expect.

In agreement with the "flood," the "coming of the Son of Man" is likened to "the days of Noah," incorporating the "days before the flood" and the "flood" itself. Our phrase "did not know" aligns with I Thessalonians 5 and His coming as a "thief" and those who are "taken" align with the "sudden destruction that cometh upon them."

Ah, but one is "left." Does this not denote that there will be those who recognize this "flood" and its corresponding effects? It does, and this, my friend, is the army of the horsemen in the sixth trumpet. They are those who overcome.

Revelation 9:3-5, 7 (KJV)  
3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 And it was commanded them that they should not **hurt** the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; **but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads**. 5 And to them it was given that they should not **kill** them, but that they should be **tormented** five months: and their torment _was_ as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man... 7 And the shapes of the locusts _were_ like unto **horses prepared unto battle** ; and on their heads _were_ as it were crowns like gold, and their faces _were_ as the faces of men.

In the fifth trumpet, we see our "locusts," and they "hurt" "only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads." "And to them it was given that _they should not kill them_ , but that _they should be tormented five months_." So the "hurt" of the "locusts" is "torment," and this "torment" is likened to "scorpions." As we have found, this speaks of the "sting" of death, which is "sin" (I Cor. 15:56), confirming that which arises out of the hearts of humankind.

In the fifth trumpet, our sin or lawlessness reaches fullness, but in the sixth trumpet, this lawlessness is brought into the forefront of our society as various collectives clamor for acceptance. What used to be immoral behavior hidden behind closed doors now brazenly marches in the streets of society, demanding acceptance by one and all. No longer are we embarrassed by our bad behavior, rather, we endorse it and expect others to do so as well.

Remember, Jesus likened tribulation to "birth pains" (Matt. 24:8), so the increase of man's carnality and wickedness is a matter of intensity as we approach the end of the age. "Great tribulation" is not something that begins at a certain time, rather, it _evolves_ and _grows like the womb of a mother_ until it peaks at "travail," and society, as well as the church, is crippled under its burden. As Paul stated, "We know that the whole creation has been groaning _as in the pains of childbirth_ right up to the present time" (Rom. 8:22; NIV).

Revelation 17:14 (KJV)  
14 **These shall make war with the Lamb** , and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him _are_ called, and chosen, and faithful.

Revelation 19:11-16 (KJV)  
11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him _was_ called Faithful and True, **and in righteousness he doth judge and make war**. 12 His eyes _were_ as a flame of fire, and on his head _were_ many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he _was_ clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: **and his name is called The Word of God**. 14 **And the armies** _which were_ **in heaven** followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on _his_ vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Beloved, "His name is called the Word of God" and the "war" that is even now evident is a war against the righteous nature of God's Word and kingdom. While many of us live in relative comfort within the confines of our various routines, drugs flood into every corner of our country, arriving daily at various cities throughout our nation, producing epidemics of meth, cocaine, heroine, ecstasy, prescription opioids and more. Drug cartels from other countries are making billions on the backs of the American public. Due to this, murder rates rise and our youth are captured by the love of money.

Infighting is now worse than ever and our federal government is an embarrassment to its people, our politicians more interested in accusing each other than in leading America in a fair and just manner. As a consequence, this has trickled down to the streets of our city, dividing us against one another in a way that has never been seen before.

Our moral boundaries are being crushed by all manner of sexual perversion which has been brought into our public schools, assaulting the innocence of our children who do not have the maturity or ability to withstand its influence.

Countless collectives and the strength of the media has influenced our nation in ways that we don't even comprehend, giving rise to a mindset of insanity that is taking this country further and further down a path of utter destruction. Brothers and sisters, this is the world at large and it is imploding! Can it get worse? Yes it can! Remember, we are evolving and once the restraint is removed at the time of the sixth trumpet, we will only fall further.

As for God's people? All that we are considering should bring us to much repentance, for we, as the "light of the world," have failed our calling, allowing the doctrines and commandments of men to override the true gospel of Christ. Yet, _this is prophecy_ , foreordained by God, therefore inevitable.

Revelation 9:19 (KJV)  
19 **For their** power **is in their mouth** , and **in their tails** : for their tails _were_ like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.

Proverbs 18:20-21 (NIV)  
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. 21 **The tongue has the** power **of life and death, and those who love it** (either death or life) **will eat its fruit**.

It is by the "fruit" of our own "mouth," the "harvest" of our "lips," that our "stomach" or _appetites_ are "filled" or _satisfied_. Ah, but as we have found, the "eyes of man are _never_ satisfied" due to the deceitfulness of the heart (Prov. 27:20). Few understand or consider the long-term effects which follow after our need for instant gratification.

In our "tongue" is found "the _power_ of life and death." So we read in Revelation 9:19, "For their _power_ is in their _mouth_ ," indicating that the words of the army of the horsemen are the words of life (Php. 2:16; I John 1:1).

"For their power is... _in their tails_ : for _their tails were like unto serpents_ , and had heads, and with them they do hurt." Note that their tails "were like unto serpents." Our phrase "were like" is defined as, " _Similar_ (in appearance or character)." Again, compare to the following.

Matthew 10:16 (KJV)  
16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore **wise as serpents** , and harmless as doves.

Matthew 16:21-23 (NKJV)  
21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, **and be killed** , and **be raised the third day**. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" 23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."

Can we even imagine what the disciples felt when Jesus told them that He "must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day"? Peter was so moved by this that he took the Lord aside and "began to rebuke Him, saying, 'Far be it from you, Lord; this shall not happen to you!'" Ah, but what did Jesus say? " _Get behind me_ , Satan!" "Behind me"? Yes, as in "tails like unto serpents." You see, beloved, the message of the cross is the message of life, but "to those who are perishing," it is "foolishness" (I Cor. 1:18).

# Chapter Fourteen

# TWO MYRIADS

Revelation 9:14-16 (KJV)  
14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the **four angels** which are bound in the great river Euphrates. 15 And the **four angels** were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay (kill) the third part of men. 16 And **the number of the army of the horsemen** _were_ **two hundred thousand thousand** : and **I heard the number of them**.

Look at our phrase, "The number of the army of the horsemen." To reiterate, the "army of the horsemen" refers to the "army" which _belongs to_ the "horsemen" and the "horsemen" _are the four horsemen in the first four seals_. Why do I say this? Because nowhere else in Revelation do we find four horsemen described _except in the first four seals_. These horsemen symbolize the power (horse) and authority (rider) of the implementation of the living Word of God through Christ, His "divine order being reestablished one way or another through the _judgment_ of the _law_ " (Jones).

Hebrews 1:7 states, "He makes his angels _winds_ " (NIV), so when the "four angels" are "loosed," so too the "four winds" or "four severe judgments" of Ezekiel's prophecy, agreeing with "the judgment of the law" of which Jones speaks. As previously noted, the three Feasts of Israel are an integral part. Now, let's take a moment to consider the following passages.

Revelation 17:9-13 (KJV)  
9 And here _is_ the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman (Babylon) sitteth. 10 And there are (they are also) seven kings (ESV): five are fallen, and one is, _and_ the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, **he must continue a short space**. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, **even he is the eighth** , and is of the seven, and **goeth into perdition**. 12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings **one hour** with the beast. 13 **These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast**.

In regard to the woman, "Babylon," John sees her on the back of the "beast," indicative of the _dangerous_ and _carnal nature_ of humankind (Rev. 17:7). Babylon "corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children" (Gal. 4:25), His people "under the law" (Rom. 3:19; Gal. 3:23; 4:5; Gal. 5:18).

The angel tells him, "The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and _shall ascend out of the bottomless pit_ , and go into perdition." This _ascension_ agrees with the opening of the bottomless pit in our fifth trumpet and the "rise" of this beast in Revelation 13:1. This "beast" goes "into perdition," agreeing with the "son of perdition" in II Thessalonians 2:3, indicating a "falling away" and religious betrayal.

As the angel continues, he states, "And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman," Babylon, "sitteth." "And they are also seven kings (correct rendering; ESV)." Who are these "seven mountains" and "kings"? As we have learned, they speak of the seven things which form an "abomination" to God (Prov. 6:16-19) which also speaks of the seven churches in Revelation. So it is that the angel goes on to say...

"Five are _fallen_ (a proud look [1], lying tongue [2], hands that shed innocent blood [3], heart that deviseth wicked imaginations [4], feet that be swift in running to evil [5])...

... and _one is_ (a false witness that speaketh lies [6])...

... and _the other is not yet come_ (he that soweth discord among brethren [7]; FULLNESS)."

The "other" that is "not yet come" refers to "fullness" since it is the seventh "mountain" and "king," aligning with the fifth trumpet and the "Day of Trumpets" which begins the "Feast of Tabernacles" in the seventh month.

The seven things which are an "abomination" to God aptly describe the mind of the flesh which is "death" (Rom. 8:6), so if we are raw and honest about our current situation, we should recognize that this mind is quite evident in His church. For more reasons than we wish to admit, we have been and continue to be divided on every hand. And as for sin and its corresponding bondage? It's just as rampant in the church as it is the world.

We then read, "And when he (the seventh) cometh, he must continue a short space." Our "short space" is the "little season" of Revelation 6:11, 20:3 and 7, and Romans 9:28. It is also the "one hour," the "hour of temptation" when the "ten horns" or "kings" "receive power as kings." Brought together we have the fullness of the "times of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24; Rom. 11:25).

Revelation 17:14-17 (KJV)  
14 **These shall make war with the Lamb** , and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him _are_ called, and chosen, and faithful. 15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

"These shall make war with the Lamb." Who are "these"? They are Babylon, the beast with seven heads and ten horns (the church under the fulfilling of the law), and the "eighth" beast who "is of the seven" (Rev. 17:9-13).

This "eighth" beast is the beast which comes up out of the earth in Revelation 13:11 (the _collective_ false prophet; _spirit of error_ ). Together, they "make war with the Lamb," i.e. the _sacrificial nature_ of Christ (self-denial; the message of the cross).

Remember the spiritual meaning of four? It is the "city number," typifying a _foundation_ (Bullinger). So in the first four horsemen or "angels," we have what is meant by the " _foundation_ of the world" (Matt. 25:34; Luke 11:50; Rev. 13:8).

The "foundation of the world" is the law of God reflected in His Two Covenants. Careful study of the symbolism in the creation story reveals that these Two Covenants were given to oversee the behavior of humankind since our beginning, symbolized by the "two great lights" on the _fourth_ day (Gen. 1:16), the "lesser light" of the Law to rule the "night" of our being and the "greater light" of the Promise to rule the "day" of our being (Gen. 1:16-18; see also I Thess. 5:5). The Two Covenants are exemplified by the _manifestation_ (four angels) of His divine law via His wisdom, counsel, knowledge, and judgment out of which issues His fear, might, and understanding (three woes) and lie beneath all of humankind's movement from the beginning of the ages and "throughout all ages, world without end" (Eph. 3:21; KJV).

The fact that the _fourth_ Spirit of God _is_ "judgment" aligns with our perspective and with the divine principle of sowing and reaping, the basic foundation of the Two Covenants or testimonies of God's "living and active" Word (Heb. 4:12; ESV). As our illustration shows, it also signifies the Lord's death on the cross who became the "judgment" for the world (John 3:16; 12:31; 16:11; Rom. 5:18).

John writes, "And the _number_ of the army of the horsemen were _two hundred thousand thousand_ : and _I heard the number of them_." As we found, this particular phrase is rendered incorrectly. For this reason, the Young's Literal Translation as well as the Emphatic Diaglott render it "two myriads of myriads."

The transliteration of "thousand" is _myrias_ , which the Strong's Concordance defines as, "A _ten-thousand_ ; by extension a ' _myriad_ ' or indefinite number." If this definition is at all accurate, then "two myriads of myriads" would indicate two groups (two myriads...) taken out of a third and much larger group (... of myriads).

Ah, but let's consider the context a little closer! What did John go on to say? "And _I heard the number of them_." If we stay with the idea of "two myriads of myriads" and the fact that John "heard the number," here is what we find.

Revelation 9:16 (YLT)  
16... and the number of the forces of the horsemen _is_ two myriads of myriads, and I heard the number **of them**.

Revelation 7:4 (KJV)  
4 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**.

Beloved, there are but two times in Revelation that John actually "heard the number." Both are given above. The same Greek words are used both times in the phrase, "Heard the number." So if we take this at face value, our phrase "two myriads" refers to what John saw in Revelation 7 and Revelation 14, to both groups of 144,000.

In Revelation 7, our first group is taken from each of the "twelve tribes of Israel" (Rev. 7:4-8), a large number from a larger number, the 144,000 out "of all the tribes of the children of Israel" (Rev. 7:4). As stated before, this represents the Jewish segment of "firstfruits," those who are now the "dead in Christ." The fact that it is _twelve_ thousand from each of the _twelve_ tribes and not ten or fourteen, stamps this sealing with the spiritual meaning of "divine government" (Matt. 19:28). Our second group is found in the following.

Revelation 14:1-5 (KJV)  
1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him **an hundred forty** _and_ **four thousand** , **having his Father's name written in their foreheads**. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, **as the voice of many waters** , and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: 3 **And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred** _and_ **forty** _and_ **four thousand,** **which were redeemed from the earth**. 4 These are they which **were not defiled with women; for they are virgins**. These are they which **follow the Lamb** whithersoever he goeth. **These were redeemed from among men** , _being_ the **firstfruits** unto God and to the Lamb. 5 And **in their mouth was found no guile** : for they are without fault before the throne of God.

Following the presentation of the beast which rises out of the sea and the beast which rises out of the earth in Revelation 13, John sees another group of 144,000 standing with the "Lamb on the mount Sion (Zion)." For a long time, I believed this was the same group as given in Revelation 7, but now recognize that this group represents the _Gentile_ portion of the _remnant_ (Rom. 11:5). This is confirmed by our phrase "the voice of many waters" which is described as the Gentiles or nations by Revelation 17:15 (See also Rev. 1:15; 17:1; 19:6).

Note that we read, "And they sung as it were a _new song_ before the throne, and before the four beasts (living creatures), and the elders: _and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand_ , which were redeemed _from_ the earth." This "new song" is defined as the " _song_ of Moses, the servant of God, and the _song_ of the Lamb" in Revelation 15:3. It was Moses who received the _law_ at Mount Sinai, denoting the first group of 144,000, and it was Christ who exemplified its _spiritual nature_ , thus our second group (See Exodus 15:1-21 for the song of Moses; see also Deuteronomy 31:30 and 32:1-44).

Note that the 144,000 of Revelation 14 must "learn" the "song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb" (Rev. 15:3). Not surprisingly, we find our 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 15. Please consider.

Revelation 15:1-4 (KJV)  
1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. 2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: **and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark,** _and_ **over the number of his name** , stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. 3 And **they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb** , saying, Great and marvellous _are_ thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true _are_ thy ways, thou King of saints. 4 Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for _thou_ only _art_ holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

In Revelation 14, the 144,000 must " _learn_ " the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb, but in Revelation they " _sing_ the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb." What takes place between is outlined in Revelation 14, verses 6 through 20. Compare verse 2 above with the following.

Revelation 14:8-13 (KJV)  
8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. 9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, **If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive** _his_ **mark in his forehead, or in his hand,** 10 **The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb** : 11 **And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.** 12 Here is the patience of the saints: here _are_ they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, **Blessed** _are_ **the dead which die in the Lord** from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

The 144,000 that stand on Mount Zion with the Lamb are those "that had gotten the victory _over the beast_ , and _over his image_ , and _over his mark_ , and _over the number of his name_." Clearly this is the Gentiles (nations), for the rise of the beast takes place _after_ the defeat of the "great red dragon" in Revelation 12 (Rev. 12:7-9). Ah, but we must also keep in mind that the Gentiles are grafted into Israel, hence becoming one with them (Rom. 11:24). So it is that following the gospel of Christ extending to the world, then the mention of "peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues" (Rev. 17:15; KJV) includes _all_ people of every nation, even Israel and Judah.

"These are they which were not defiled with women," i.e. by the "harlots" of Babylon (Rev. 17:5).

"For they are virgins," i.e. the five wise "virgins" (Rev. 14:4; KJV) in the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25. "These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth" (John 10:14, 27), regardless of the cost and rejection by their own.

"These were redeemed from among men" and like their Jewish companions, become the " _firstfruits_ unto God and the Lamb" (Rev. 14:4; I Cor. 15:23; James 1:18). The 144,000 of Revelation 14 have united with the 144,000 of Revelation 7, becoming the 288,000 that typify the kingdom of God on earth (I Chron. 25:7; 27:1).

"And _in their mouth was found no guile_ : for they are _without fault_ before the throne of God" (Rev. 14:5; KJV). Ah, here we go, beloved; the most precious thing of all. "And in their mouth was found no guile," none whatsoever. The English Standard and New International Versions render this as "no lie." Their word is God's Word, their doctrine the Lord's doctrine, their understanding His understanding, their mind His mind, the mind of Christ, the true mind of the Spirit.

1 John 2:21 (NKJV)  
21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that **no lie is of the truth**.

# Chapter Fifteen

# CHRIST THE FIRSTFRUITS

Revelation 9:16 (YLT)  
16... and the number of the forces of the horsemen _is_ **two myriads of myriads** , and I heard the number of them.

Within the parameters of the sixth trumpet we find "the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean" who follow Christ "on white horses" (Rev. 19:8, 14). This "army" is "two myriads of myriads," two groups of 144,000 (two myriads...) taken from "all the tribes of the children of Israel" and "a great multitude which no man could number" (... of myriads; Rev. 7:4, 9; KJV). These are the "faithful," those who have persevered and thus separated from the "called" (Matt. 22:1-14). We find further confirmation in I Corinthians, Chapter 15.

1 Corinthians 15:22-23 (KJV)  
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 **But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming**.

The context of I Corinthians, Chapter 15, concerns the "resurrection from the dead" (Php. 3:11) and the "resurrection of the dead" (I Cor. 15:12), the most important concepts pertaining to the gospel of Christ. In the first eleven passages, Paul describes the bodily resurrection of Christ and those who saw Him after His death on the cross. In verses 12 through 19, Paul establishes the fact that "if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen," our "faith is futile" and we are still in our sins (I Cor. 15:16-17).

Finally, and with all confidence, Paul comes back with, "But _now_ Christ is risen from the dead, and _has become_ the _firstfruits_ of those who have fallen asleep. For since _by man_ came death, _by man_ also came the resurrection of the dead" (I Cor. 15:20-21).

"By man came death," Paul said, so it follows that "by man" comes "the resurrection of the dead." What began with the "death" of the "first man Adam" in Genesis culminates in the death _and_ resurrection of the "last Adam" (I Cor. 15:45; Rev. 20:4-6; KJV).

When we arrive at verse 22 in I Corinthians 15, Paul states, "For as in (the first man) Adam _all_ die, even so in (the last Adam) Christ shall _all_ be made alive." Did Paul say "all"? Yes he did, so think about this. Didn't Christ, who knew no sin, become sin for you and me? Yes he did (II Cor. 5:21). In doing so, what sins were taken away, some or all? If you said all, then you are correct, and this establishes the fact that "all" shall be "made alive" at the "resurrection _of_ the dead" (Rev. 20:5).

Our word "resurrection" is the transliteration _anastasis_ which means, "A _standing up_ again." When we bring this to the concept of sowing and reaping, we have a better understanding. What does a seed do once it falls into the ground and dies? It _stands up again_ , does it not? (John 12:24) Yes, so it comes as no surprise that a little further in I Corinthians 15, Paul uses this very thing to explain the resurrection (I Cor. 15:35-58).

Ah, but what is it that actually stands up? If it's true that the " _seed_ is the Word of God" as Jesus taught in the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:11), then wouldn't it be the "Word of God" which stands up afterward? It would! No wonder then that in Revelation 19 when John saw the Christ on the white horse he declared, "His name is called _The Word of God_." This, my friend, is the mystery! What is sown is the Word and what is reaped is the Word. Now, look once more at our passages.

1 Corinthians 15:22-23 (KJV)  
22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 **But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming**.

See our word "order"? This is the transliteration _tagma_ , defined as, "Something orderly in _arrangement_ (a _troop_ ), i.e. (figurative) a _series_ or _succession_." Vine's tells us that tagma is "a more concrete form" of the word taxis, which means, "An arranging, arrangement, order" and goes on to state that it is "especially a military term, denoting 'a company,'" and references I Corinthians 15:23 above. Strong's defines it as "a troop" and Google defines "troop" as, "Soldiers or armed forces." All of this agrees with our "armies in heaven" (Rev. 19:14).

By now, you should see where this is leading. When Paul declared "every man in his own order," he was using the military idea of an army which agrees with our perspective concerning our sixth trumpet. What is this order of which Paul speaks? "Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming." This statement certainly deserves attention because it is twofold in its implication and does not mean what it appears like on the surface.

First of all, consider our phrase, "Christ the firstfruits." Was Paul referring to just the Lord? No, he was not. Our word "Christ" means "anointed" and speaks of anyone which God anoints. Ah, but the truth is, God never really anoints anyone. Instead, He anoints His Word, so if someone is anointed, it is because God has anointed His Word in them. This is why John recorded that Jesus Christ was the Word "made flesh" (John 1:14; KJV) and Paul wrote, "For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ" (I Cor. 12:12).

Who else in whom His Word was found did God anoint? Was it not the 120 who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the upper room? (Acts 2:1-4) This being the case, consider the following.

Revelation 14:1, 4 (KJV)  
1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an **hundred forty** _and_ **four thousand** , having his Father's name written in their foreheads... 4 These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, _being_ the **firstfruits** unto God and to the Lamb.

As we see, we have come full circle back to our 144,000, which John called "the _firstfruits_ unto God and to the Lamb." This, my friend, is the first "order" or "troop" of I Corinthians 15:23. What follows? "They that are Christ's at his coming." Would this be the rest of His church; those who are called but not chosen and faithful? I believe so. This understanding establishes why there is a first and second resurrection. The _first_ resurrection is the " _first_ -fruits unto God and to the Lamb" while the _second_ resurrection is "the rest of the dead," the remainder of the body of Christ (Rev. 20:5). No wonder John wrote, " _Blessed and holy_ _is_ _he_ that hath part in the _first resurrection_ : on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be _priests_ of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." Only those who overcome receive this privilege (Rev. 3:21).

If my understanding is correct, the first resurrection is signified by the Lord's baptism at the Jordan River and therefore establishes this resurrection as the spiritual fulfillment of the "Day of Atonement." I derive this from the fact that when Jesus was baptized by John that "the _heavens_ were opened to Him" at this time. Note that it says "heavens," not "heaven." According to Paul, there are _three_ of them (II Cor. 12:2). This is symbolized by the _three areas_ of the Tabernacle of Moses; the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place.

It was on the literal Day of Atonement only that the High Priest was allowed to enter into the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle of Moses. Hebrews shows that Christ Jesus _is_ our High Priest (Heb. 3:1, 5-10; 6:20; 9:7). In order for the High Priest to enter the Most Holy Place, he had to pass through the Outer Court and the Holy Place. This entrance into the Most Holy Place defines, in type, all three "heavens" being opened to Christ on the Day of Atonement (His baptism). So it is that the writer of Hebrews sums this up beautifully in the following.

Hebrews 9:11-12 (NKJV)  
11 **But Christ came** _as_ **High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands** , that is, not of this creation. 12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, **but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all** , having obtained eternal redemption.

For further study, allow me to share the following illustration with you.

As we see by the layout of the Tabernacle of Moses, the "law of sin and death" applies to the outward man of the soul (II Cor. 4:16), while the "law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus," i.e. the _spiritual nature_ of the law itself, applies to the inward man of mind and spirit (Rom. 8:2), that which frees us from "the law of sin and death."

Only the priests were allowed to enter the temple, which aligns with John's statement in Revelation 1:6—"And made us a kingdom, _priests_ to his God and Father" (ESV). Beloved, now every believer has the right to come "boldly to the throne of grace (Most Holy Place), that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16), and never before has there been such a need for us to seek this grace as we see today.

# Chapter Sixteen

# THE ELECT

Despite how much we have covered, we are still considering the sixth prophecy and trumpet. We have learned that the "four angels" which are "loosed" speaks of the four horsemen in the first four seals, representing the _manifestation_ (angel) of the _spiritual fulfillment_ of God's divine law through Christ (Matt. 5:17-18), revealed _in type_ in the three great Feasts of Israel; Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles.

The fifth prophecy and trumpet is the "Day of Trumpets," the opening of the "bottomless pit" and the revealing of the "son of perdition." This symbolizes the church's struggle with "the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in," choking the Word, and becoming "unfruitful" (Mark 4:19). It also reveals the removal of the restraint of the "man of sin" or "son of perdition" and the corresponding "flood" of carnality that follows.

The sixth prophecy and trumpet reveals the great "Day of Atonement," the "second death" of the "message of the cross" (I Cor. 1:18) in those who are "killed" by the "four severe judgments" of Ezekiel 14. Those "killed" are those who, along with the 144,000 of Revelation 7, become the " _firstfruits_ to God and to the Lamb," forming a total of 288,000. These are the "armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean" which follow the Lord "on white horses" (Rev. 19:14), the "fine linen" symbolic of righteousness (Rev. 19:8). These are the "dead in Christ" (I Thess. 4:16).

Since the prophecy of Sardis and the fifth trumpet fall on the first branch of Tabernacles which begins in the _seventh_ month, it designates the "fullness" of the times (Luke 21:24; Rom. 11:12, 25; Eph. 1:10), marking the need for the Lord's intervention in the affairs of men (Gal. 4:4).

When we arrive at Philadelphia and the fulfilling of the sixth trumpet, it signifies the great "Day of Atonement," the "first resurrection" _from_ the dead, which is so sorely needed to eradicate the confusion which is quite evident among the people of God. Beloved, the divisions of Christianity are a product of the carnal mind, so it is evident that _there can never be unity without the mind of the Spirit_. For this reason, Christianity has become "desolate," even as the scribes and Pharisees of Jesus' time (Matt. 23:38).

"The number of the army of the horsemen," our "two myriads of myriads," is also the _remnant_ , taken from "all the tribes of the children of Israel" and the "great multitude which no man could number" (Rev. 7:1-4, 9; 9:16), who recognize the need for judgment and repentance among the people of God. Their purpose is clarified in Revelation 19:15 where we read, "And out of his mouth goeth a _sharp sword_ (Word of God), that with it he should _smite the nations_ : and _he shall rule them with a rod of iron_ (corrective judgment of God): and he treadeth the winepress of the _fierceness_ (passion) and _wrath_ (law) of Almighty God" (Rev. 19:15). "Wrath" points to the following.

Revelation 6:17 (KJV)  
17 For **the great day of his wrath** is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Note that this statement follows _after_ the opening of the sixth seal (Rev. 6:12-16) and _before_ the opening of the seventh seal (Rev. 8:1). As we have found, what's recorded between is quite revealing.

Revelation 7:1-4 (KJV)  
1 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. 2 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, 3 Saying, **Hurt** not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, **till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads**. 4 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.

"The great day of his wrath is come," John records, and before he sees the seventh seal opened he observes "four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth." The "four winds" are the "four severe judgments" of Ezekiel 14, given "to _hurt_ the earth and the sea." Here again is what Jesus told Smyrna.

Revelation 2:10-11 (KJV)  
10 **Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer** : behold, **the devil shall cast** _some_ **of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days** : **be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life**. 11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

In Smyrna, the Lord tells them not to fear those things which they shall suffer and that the "devil" would cast some, _not all_ , "into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days." He then exhorts them to "be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life... he that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death." When we bring this to the message to Philadelphia, we find confirmation of the Lord's promise to Smyrna.

Revelation 3:9-11 (KJV)  
9 Behold, I will make them of **the synagogue of Satan** , which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation (shall not be hurt), **which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth**. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, **that no man take thy crown**.

"The _devil_ shall cast some of you into prison" correlates with "the synagogue of Satan" in Smyrna and Philadelphia while the "hour of temptation" corresponds to the "ten days" of "tribulation" and the Lord's promise to "keep thee from the hour of temptation." How many days did the disciples wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit? Ten! Coincidence? I think not!

Those kept are those _sealed_. This is confirmed by the fact that the "four winds" _are withheld_ until these "servants of our God" _are_ sealed. Please consider.

John 6:27 (ESV)  
27 Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. **For on him God the Father has set his seal**."

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV)  
21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, **and has anointed us** , 22 and **who has also put his seal on us** and **given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee**.

Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV)  
13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, **were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit** , 14 **who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it** , to the praise of his glory.

How is it we are "sealed"? "With the promised Holy Spirit." As Paul states, "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, _and has anointed us_ , and _who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee_." This "guarantee" is "our inheritance," which in Jewish times was the "adoption" or _placing of a son_ (Rom. 8:15, 23; Gal. 4:5), reflected in the baptism of Christ. Beloved, this is no light thing, for the baptism of His Spirit for some will parallel that precious "Day of Pentecost" once again when the power of God will be made evident in a people.

Perhaps I am wrong about this but I see an obvious distinction between the "gift" of the Holy Spirit and the "baptism" of the Holy Spirit. The first is given to _lead_ us while the second is given to _empower_ us. The first is in part but the second is fullness, evidenced by the fact that it is a "baptism," an _immersion_ if you will into the divine presence of the Father and the Son. The first is truly a gift but the second comes as a matter of the Lord's will, just as it was with the 120 in the upper room. Not everyone receives this baptism for it is received only after we have been thoroughly counseled and taught by the Lord through our tribulation.

All of this corresponds to the following.

Revelation 20:1-3 (KJV)  
1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the **dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan** , and bound him **a thousand years** , 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and **set a seal** upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, **till the thousand years should be fulfilled** : and after that he must be loosed a little season.

Our phrase, "Till the thousand years should be _fulfilled_ " (complete) is explained in the fifth seal. Note that "Satan" is "loosed" only _after_ the "thousand years" is "fulfilled" (complete).

Revelation 6:11 (KJV)  
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should **rest yet for a little season** , until their fellowservants also and their brethren, **that should be killed as they** _were_ **,** should be fulfilled (till the thousand years should be fulfilled).

Our word "fulfilled" means, "To _make replete_... _satisfy_... _finish"_ (Strong's), so the fulfillment of the "thousand years" is the _finish_ or _completion_ or _last_ of the _number_ of the 144,000 in Revelation 14. After all, once we reach the end of the age, there are no more overcomers left to consider. What is interesting is how our passage above is worded in other translations.

Revelation 6:11 (NKJV)  
11... until both _the number of_ **their fellow servants and their brethren** , **who would be killed as they** _were,_ **was completed**.

Revelation 6:11 (NIV)  
11... until _the number_ **of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed**.

Revelation 6:11 (ESV)  
11... until _the number_ **of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been**.

In all three versions we find "the _number_ of their fellow servants." Does this connect these "fellow servants" to our 144,000, the "number" which John heard in Revelation 7:4? I believe so. Even without the addition of this word, it would still make sense, our word "servants" in Revelation 6:11 aligning with our phrase "servants of our God" in Revelation 7:3.

Our word "servants" in Revelation 7:3 is _doulos_ , which means, "A _slave_ (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)," while our word "fellowservants" (KJV) in Revelation 6:11 is _snydoulos_ , a compound word of _syn_ and _doulos_ which means, "A _co-slave_ , i.e. _servitor_ or _ministrant of the same master_ (human or divine)." Please consider.

Mark 13:24-27 (KJV)  
24 But **in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light** , 25 And **the stars of heaven shall fall** , and **the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken**. 26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming **in the clouds** with great power and glory. 27 And then shall he send his angels, **and shall gather together his** elect **from the four winds, from the** uttermost part of the earth **to the** uttermost part of heaven.

Compare what Jesus said with what John wrote concerning our sixth seal. Keep in mind what Jesus said in verse 27 about the "elect."

Revelation 6:12-13 (KJV)  
12 And I beheld when he had opened the **sixth seal** , and, lo, there was a **great earthquake** ; and **the sun became black** as sackcloth of hair, and **the moon became as blood** ; 13 And **the stars of heaven fell unto the earth** , even as **a fig tree casteth her untimely** (unripe) **figs** , **when she is shaken of a mighty wind**.

Beloved, the "great earthquake" (a shaking, a shock; Vine's) of the sixth seal refers to the "tribulation" or great shaking of which Jesus spoke in Mark 13 (Heb. 12:25-29). "The sun became black" agrees with "the sun shall be darkened" while "the moon became as blood" correlates with "the moon shall not give her light." Finally, "The stars of heaven fell unto the earth" agrees with "the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken."

Also note that "the stars of heaven" are likened to "a fig tree" which "casteth her untimely (unripe) figs, when she is shaken of mighty wind."

Remember the story of the fig tree which Jesus cursed? It's found in Matthew 21, verses 17 through 22 and Mark 11, verses 11 through 26. Mark's rendition is best, for the context reveals several things, not the least of which is that the "time of figs was not yet" (Mark 11:13). This being true, consider what Paul told Timothy.

2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV)  
2 Preach the word; **be instant in season, out of season** ; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

"Be instant in season" _and_ "out of season," Paul wrote. Would this be the reason that Jesus "cursed" the fig tree? Perhaps, for a spiritual lesson was certainly given here. What does the "fig tree" represent? It represents the elect of God. Not surprisingly, the very first mention of a fig tree is Genesis 3:7 after Adam and Eve ate of the tree of knowledge.

So what follows everything mentioned in the sixth seal? "And _then_ shall he send his angels, and _shall gather together his elect from the four winds_ , from the _uttermost part of the earth_ to the _uttermost part of heaven_." This gathering of the "elect" is symbolized by our two groups of 144,000. The "uttermost part of heaven" is the 144,000 in Revelation 7, i.e. the "dead in Christ," and the "uttermost part of the earth" is the 144,000 in Revelation 14, i.e. "we which are alive and remain." The following clarifies this.

1 Thessalonians 4:15-18 (KJV)  
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that **we which are alive** _and_ **remain** unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent **them which are asleep**. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and **the dead in Christ shall rise first** : 17 Then **we which are alive** _and_ **remain** shall be **caught up together with them** in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

When we consider these passages carefully, we find _two_ groups of people; "we which are alive and remain" and "them which are asleep" (see also I Thess. 4:13-14). Using definition by context, those "which are _asleep_ " would be "the _dead_ in Christ," the souls "under the altar" in the fifth seal (Rev. 6:9).

In verses 13, 14, and 15 of I Thessalonians, the same Greek word is used for "asleep" (vss. 13, 15) and "sleep" (vs. 14). Strong's defines this as, "To _put to sleep_ , i.e. (passive or reflexive) to _slumber_ ; figurative to _decease_." How do we know that this defines the souls in the fifth seal? Consider.

Revelation 6:11 (KJV)  
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that **they should rest** yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they _were_ , should be fulfilled.

Our phrase, "They should rest"? Strong's defines it as, "To _repose_ (literal or figurative [ _be exempt_ ], _remain_ ); by implication to _refresh_ ," so the "dead in Christ" or souls under the altar are the elect, the faithful, who are "at rest" (asleep) in the presence of God and Christ (See also Rev. 14:12-13). No wonder in regard to "them which are asleep" that Paul exhorted us to "sorrow not, even as others which have no hope" (I Thess. 4:13; KJV). When Jesus said He would "gather together his _elect_ from the four winds, from _the uttermost part of the earth_ to _the uttermost part of heaven_ ," He was referring to "we which are alive and remain" (uttermost part of the earth) who are united with the "dead in Christ," i.e. "them which are asleep" (uttermost part of heaven) at the end of the age. For further study about "rest," see Hebrews, Chapter 4, verses 1 through 11.

Revelation 14:13 (ESV)  
13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write this: **Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on**." "Blessed indeed," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!"

# Chapter Seventeen

# THE SECOND DEATH

Revelation 19:20 (KJV)  
20 These both were cast alive into **a lake of fire burning with brimstone**...

Revelation 20:10 (KJV)

10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the **lake of fire and brimstone**...

Revelation 20:14

14 And death and hell were cast into the **lake of fire**. **This is the second death**.

Revelation 21:8 (KJV)  
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in **the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death**.

In Revelation 20:14, the "second death" is called "the lake of fire." It is also called "the lake of fire burning with brimstone" (Rev. 19:20), the "lake of fire and brimstone" (Rev. 20:10), and the "lake which burneth with fire and brimstone" (Rev. 21:8).

Our word "lake" is defined by Strong's as, "A _pond_ (large or small)." This word appears _five_ times in Revelation, every occurrence in regard to the second death. What does _five_ represent? _Sin_ or _grace_ (Rom. 5:20).

Our word "fire" is defined as, "' _Fire_ ' (literal or figurative)." This same word is used by the Lord in regard to "hell fire" and "everlasting fire" in Matthew 5:22, 18:8 and 9, and 25:41 (the Parable of the Sheep and Goats), and in the phrase "furnace of fire" in Matt. 13:42 and 50 (the Parable of the Tares).

Matthew 13:41-43 (KJV)  
41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 **And shall cast them into a furnace of fire** : there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Revelation 9:2 (KJV)  
2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a **great furnace** ; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

Our word "furnace" is defined by Strong's as, "A _furnace_ ," taken from the root which means, "To _set on fire_ , i.e. _kindle_ or (by implication) _consume_." This word is found only four times in the King James, two of these in Revelation (Rev. 1:15; 9:2).

Despite the traditional take, to be cast "into a furnace of fire" is an act of _grace_ , for the "fiery law" of our Creator is not given to bring us into unending torment, but to "consume" our unrighteousness. This is what the writer of Hebrews meant when he quoted Deuteronomy 4:24 and stated, "For our God is a _consuming_ fire." If we consider the rest of Deuteronomy 4:24, it goes on to state, "A _jealous_ God." In this instance, "jealous" means, "Fiercely protective or vigilant of one's rights or possessions" (Google).

Our word "brimstone" is especially interesting. Here's Vine's treatment.

**Original Word:** θεῖον, theion

**Usage Notes:** originally denoted "fire from heaven." It is connected with sulphur. Places touched by lightning were called theia, and, as lightning leaves a sulphurous smell, and sulphur was used in pagan purifications, it received the name of theion, Luke 17:29; Rev. 9:17, 18; Rev. 14:10; Rev. 19:20; Rev. 20:10; Rev. 21:8.

As we see by Vine's definition, "brimstone" speaks of "fire from heaven." This word is used just _seven_ times in the New Testament, _six_ of them in Revelation. The first time it is used is by the Lord in the following passages.

Luke 17:28-29 (KJV)  
28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; 29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and **brimstone** from heaven, and **destroyed** _them_ all.

If what the Lord said concerning the "days of Lot" applies any at all to our passages from Revelation, then we can deduct from this that the purpose of the "fire and brimstone" is _destruction_ , but again, not unending torment but salvation through "fire" (Matt. 3:11; I Cor. 3:13). This agrees with Revelation 21:8 where we read, "But the _fearful_ , and _unbelieving_ , and the _abominable_ , and _murderers_ , and _whoremongers_ , and _sorcerers_ , and _idolaters_ , and all _liars_ , _shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone_ : which is the second death."

Hebrews 12:28-29 (NKJV)  
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God _is_ a **consuming fire**.

Our word "consuming" is the transliteration _katanaliskō_ , which means, "To _consume utterly_." This is a compound word derived from _kata_ and _analiskō_. _Analiskō_ means, "To _use up_ , i.e. _destroy_." So again, it is evident that the purpose of the "lake of fire" is to utterly consume our unrighteousness by means of His divine process in our being.

# Chapter Eighteen

# THE MIGHTY ANGEL

Revelation 10:1-3 (KJV)  
1 And I saw **another mighty angel** come down from heaven, **clothed with a cloud** : and **a rainbow** _was_ **upon his head** , and **his face** _was_ **as it were the sun** , and **his feet as pillars of fire** : 2 And **he had in his hand a little book open** : and he set his **right foot upon the sea** , and _his_ **left** _foot_ **on the earth** , 3 And cried with a **loud voice** , as _when_ a lion roareth: and when he had cried, **seven thunders uttered their voices**.

Despite how far we have come, we are still within the parameters of the sixth trumpet. Following the advent of the second death which leads to the repentance of those who are "killed" by His "four severe judgments," John sees "another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire." Does this describe the Lord Jesus Christ? I believe it does. I also believe it aligns with the following.

1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 (KJV)  
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that **we which are alive** _and_ **remain** unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For **the Lord himself** shall **descend from heaven with a shout** , **with the voice of the archangel** , and with **the trump of God** : and **the dead in Christ shall rise first** : 17 Then **we which are alive** _and_ **remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds** , to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Tradition has long taught that these passages speak of the seventh trumpet, however, if our passages in Revelation 10 agree with I Thessalonians 4, _this is clearly not the case_ , for the seventh trumpet doesn't sound until Revelation 11:15.

Who is this "mighty angel"? Again, it is Christ, for He Himself said that the "sons of God" are " _equal_ to the _angels_ " (Luke 20:36) and Paul stated that He is a "life-giving Spirit" (I Cor. 15:45).

Our word "archangel" means, "A _chief angel_ ," taken from the root which means, "To be _first_ (in political rank or power)." Friend, _no one is first but Christ_. "The voice of the archangel" is _the voice of the Lord Himself_.

As for the "trump of God," remember that a trumpet is the unfolding of prophecy, and in these passages it does not say the "seventh" trumpet.

"The dead in Christ shall rise first," Paul stated, describing them as those "which are asleep" in the sense of spiritual "rest" (Rev. 6:11; Heb. 4:10). As we learned, the "dead in Christ" are the souls "under the altar" (Rev. 6:9) for it is imperative for them to rise _first_ because it is _their_ message which needs to be heard.

In the hand of Christ a "little book" is "open." Why "little"? Because it agrees with the "short work" of Romans 9:28 and the "little season" of Revelation 6:11, 20:3, and 20:7-15. The fact that it is "open" suggests that it is now to be "revealed" or made evident, the "little season" is about to begin in accordance with the Lord's will.

The "shout" of I Thessalonians 4 is the "loud voice" of Revelation 10 resulting in "seven thunders" which utter "their voices." Since _seven_ is "completion," it is "finished" for those who have repented (Rev. 10:7). This connects to our word "fulfilled" in Revelation 6:11.

What do these "seven thunders" symbolize? One possible answer is found in the following.

Revelation 6:1 (KJV)  
1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were **the noise** (voice) **of thunder** , one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

Our word "thunders" in Revelation 10:3 is the plural of "thunder" in Revelation 6:1. Our word "voices" in Revelation 10:3 is the same word as "noise" in Revelation 6:1. This word is phōnē and means, " _Disclosure_ ; a _tone_ (articulate, bestial or artificial); by implication an _address_ (for any purpose), _saying_ or _language_ " (Strong's). Compare with Hebrews 12:26 where we read, "Whose _voice_ (phōnē) then _shook_ the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I _shake_ not the earth only, but also heaven" (KJV).

Note how John states it in Revelation 6:1. "And I _saw_ when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I _heard_ , as it were the noise (voice) of thunder." So first John "saw" then "heard" thunder. What causes thunder? Lightning. So we can derive from this that when the Lamb opens each seal, _lightning takes place_. Lightning is a force of nature from above, so it represents the _heavenly_ or _spiritual revelation_ and _working_ of His glory that issues from the throne of God (Rev. 4:5).

Matthew 24:27 (KJV)  
27 For as the **lightning** cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; **so shall also the coming of the Son of man be**.

Our word "lightning" is the transliteration _astrapē_ which means, " _Lightning_ , by analogy _glare_ ," taken from the word which means, "To _flash_ as lightning." Do the opening of the seals coincide with what Jesus said above? I believe so, for the "coming of the Son of man" has been taking place since His ascension almost two thousand years ago, unfolding before us as the seven trumpets. Furthermore, the Lord would have known even then that John would receive the visions of Revelation which would align with the understanding of the things of the kingdom of God.

Since there are _seven_ seals, we have _seven_ "lightnings" out of which follows "seven thunders," indicating that the _fullness_ of God's purpose is reached and issues forth in unprecedented glory (Rev. 4:5; 8:5; 11:19; 16:18). In confirmation, we read the following.

Revelation 10:7 (NIV)  
7 But in the days when the **seventh angel** is about to sound his trumpet, **the mystery of God will be accomplished** (complete), just as he announced to his servants the prophets."

In agreement with our "seven thunders" we read, "The mystery of God will be accomplished (complete; 7), just as he announced to his servants the prophets." What is this "mystery"? Beloved, it is "the mystery of godliness" (I Tim. 3:16; KJV) which is Christ in us, the _hope_ of _glory_ (Col. 1:27).

Our phrase, "In the days when the _seventh angel_ is about to sound his trumpet" indicates that the seventh angel is _yet to sound_. This confirms that our "mighty angel" _is_ the _seventh_ angel _which appears during the sixth trumpet_ to those who are watching for His appearing (Matt. 24:42; 25:13; 26:40; Mark 13:35; I Thess. 5:6). Since this is Christ Himself, we have the fulfillment of Paul's declaration in I Thessalonians 4:16.

As we have learned, our phrase, "The dead in Christ shall rise _first_ " refers to the " _first_ resurrection" (Rev. 20:4-5), but there is another company or "troop" described as those who are "alive and _remain_." Our keyword here is "remain."

Revelation 11:13 (KJV)  
13 And **the same hour was there a great earthquake** , and the tenth part of the city fell, and **in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand** : and the **remnant** were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

See our word "remnant"? Strong's defines it as, " _Remaining_ ones." In Romans 11:5, the word "remnant" means, "A _remainder_." So those who are "alive" and " _remain_ " is another reference to those who endure to the end, the "uttermost part of the earth" or _elect_ of God (Matt. 24:13; Mark 13:27).

In fulfillment of Hebrews 12, verses 25 through 29, we read, "The same hour was there a great earthquake." Due to this "earthquake," we see "seven thousand" men "slain." In Part 1 of this series, we found that the "seven thousand men" is explained by Romans 11:4 and again refers to the elect of God, 1,000 for each of the seven branches. The fact that "seven thousand" are "slain," along with the context, reveals to us that we are at the _end_ of the age, the _fullness_ of the times. The "second woe" is about to pass and "the third woe cometh quickly" (Rev. 11:14; KJV).

Beloved, the passages of I Thessalonians do not describe the general resurrection _of_ the dead but the resurrection _from_ the dead, typified by the Lord's baptism and the "Day of Atonement" in our illustration. It is the resurrection of the " _firstfruits_ unto God and to the Lamb" (KJV; Rev. 14:4; 20:4-6). It is those who rise up out of the _earthy_ or _carnal nature_ of the "first man" (I Cor. 15:47-49; Rev. 14:3-4) to truly walk after the Spirit (Rom. 8:1). Consider the following from Philippians, Chapter 3.

Philippians 3:10-11 (KJV)  
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the **resurrection of the dead**.

Here's Vincent's treatment of the "resurrection of the dead" (bolding and underlining mine).

The resurrection of the dead (τὴν ἐξανάστασιν τὴν ἐκ νεκρῶν).

Rev., more correctly, _from_ the dead. Lit., _the resurrection_ , _that_ , _namely_ , _from the dead_. Compare Acts 4:2. This compound noun for _resurrection_ is found only here, and expresses the rising _from_ or _from among_ (ἐξ), which is further emphasized by the repetition of the preposition ἐκ ( _from_ ). The kindred compound verb occurs Mark 12:19; Luke 20:28; Acts 15:5, but in neither passage of raising the dead. The word here does not differ in meaning from ἀνάστασις, commonly used, except that the idea is more vividly conceived as a rising _from_ the earth. See Matthew 22:31; Luke 20:35. The phrase _resurrection of_ or _from the dead_ does not often occur in the Gospels, and _resurrection_ ἐκ _from_ the dead only twice in the New Testament, Acts 4:2; 1 Peter 1:3. For the phrase, see on Luke 16:31. _Resurrection of the dead_ is a generic phrase, denoting the general resurrection of the dead, bad and good. _Resurrection from the dead_ , in the only two passages where it occurs, signifies resurrection unto life. In 1 Peter 1:3, it is applied to Christ.

Let's face it. Most everyone has heard of the resurrection _of_ the dead but few understand that there is a resurrection _from_ the dead. That there is a difference should be evident, for Christ the Lord exemplified life in all that He said and did. When raising Lazarus, Jesus did not say, "I will one day be the resurrection," rather, He said, "I _am_ the resurrection, _and_ the life" (John 11:25; KJV). Beloved, there is a spiritual place in Christ that few have known since the days of Christ and the apostles.

Revelation 10:2-4 (KJV)  
2 And he had in his hand **a little book open** : and he set his **right foot** upon the **sea** , and _his_ **left** _foot_ on the **earth** , 3 And **cried with a loud voice** , as _when_ a lion roareth: and when he had cried, **seven thunders uttered their voices**. 4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, **Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not**.

First we have the "little book," our "remnant" and "short work" (Rom. 9:27-28). Then the "mighty angel" cries "with a loud voice" and "seven thunders uttered their voices." As John was about to "write," a "voice from heaven declares "seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not." Our phrase "seal up" is our transliteration sphragizō, which means, "To _stamp_ (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literal or figurative); by implication to _keep secret_ , to _attest_." When I read "security or preservation," I immediately think of Noah and his family who were kept secure and preserved through the flood. Our word "attest" is also enlightening, meaning, "Provide or serve as clear evidence of" and "declare that something exists or is the case" (Google). Is our "seven thunders" another reference to the remnant?

We then see the mighty angel place his "right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth." Compare to the following.

Matthew 25:31-33 (KJV)  
31 **When the Son of man shall come in his glory** , and **all** the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth _his_ sheep from the goats: 33 **And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left**.

Not surprisingly, our words "right" and "left" are the same Greek words used in Revelation 10. As for the word "foot" in Revelation 10:2, consider the following.

Matthew 22:44 (NKJV)  
44 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, till I make your enemies your **footstool** " '?

Our word "footstool"? It's the same word as "foot" in Revelation 10:2. Would the placing of the Lord's feet upon the "sea" and "earth" indicate the fulfillment of Matthew 22:44? I believe so, for we are at the precipice of the seventh trumpet where the kingdoms of this world are about to become the "kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ" (Rev. 11:15).

As for the "enemies"? We've already defined them as the "beast," the "false prophet," the "devil," and "death" and "hell." No wonder Paul wrote, "The _last_ enemy that will be destroyed is death." Note that none of these "enemies" are people. Instead, it speaks of the eradication of the _carnal mind_ (beast), the _spirit of error_ (false prophet) and of _accusation_ (devil), along with the present state of death and hell in our being which is swallowed up "in victory" (I Cor. 15:51-58).

As for the "sea and the earth"? This suggests the beast which rises out of the sea and the beast which comes up out of the earth (Rev. 13:1, 11), i.e. the _church_ , which consists of both "sheep" and "goats," as illustrated by Laodicea.

Look once more at Revelation 10:4 where we read, "And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, _Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered_ , and write them not." Might this agree with those who are "sealed" in Revelation 7?

John 3:31-34 (ESV)  
31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. 33 **Whoever receives his testimony sets his** seal **to this, that God is true**. 34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.

Ephesians 1:13-14 (NKJV)  
13 In Him you also _trusted,_ after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, **you were** sealed **with the Holy Spirit of promise** , 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

As we have found, our phrase "seal up" is the transliteration sphragizō. This same word is used in our passages above. As Ephesians shows, it is the "Holy Spirit of promise" which seals those who receive His testimony "that God is true." This same "seal" is found in the following.

Revelation 20:1-3 (KJV)  
1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, **and bound him a thousand years** , 3 And **cast him into the bottomless pit** , and shut him up, **and set a** seal **upon him** , that he should deceive the nations no more, **till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season**.

Is the "thousand years" literal? Perhaps. However, it should be evident that it speaks of the first resurrection as confirmed by the passages which follow (Rev. 20:4-6). For Satan to be "bound" for a "thousand years" suggests that he is bound by the gathering together and rise of the elect (Matt. 24:31), the firstfruits, whom, because they are sealed, have the true testimony of God in the earth.

Once the thousand years or 144,000 is "fulfilled" or complete, the "little season" begins. God "will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, because the LORD will make a short work upon the earth. And as Isaiah said before: 'Unless the LORD of Sabaoth (hosts) had left us a seed, we would have become like Sodom, and we would have been made like Gomorrah" (Rom. 9:28-29; Isa. 1:9; 10:22-23). This statement clarifies just how serious the end of the age shall be, where a remnant are all that remain. The reference to "Sodom" and "Gomorrah" aligns with the Lord's statements about the "days of Lot" in Luke 17, verses 28 through 37. Doesn't this point to our sixth trumpet, our "fire and smoke and brimstone"?

Revelation 12:7-9 (KJV)  
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; **neither was their place found any more in heaven**. 9 And **the great dragon was cast out** , that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

To be "cast into the bottomless pit" is to be "cast out into the earth," for as we have learned, the "bottomless pit" refers to the deceitfulness and wickedness of the human heart which correlates with the "earthy" or carnal nature of the "first man Adam" (I Cor. 15:45-49).

We read, "Neither was their (the dragon and his angels) place found any more in heaven." Does this agree with the separation that takes place at the end of the age because the "goats" and "tares" are gathered "out" of His kingdom, which kingdom is _heavenly_? Understand that when the end of the age comes, _it is no longer necessary for His chosen to be tested_ , for they have endured to the end and received the "crown of life" (Rev. 2:10; 3:11). And once they possess the mind of Christ, the true mind of the Spirit, isn't the _adversarial_ and _accusatory_ and _fallen_ Adamic nature brought to an end? It will be, my friend, it will be. And when does this take place? In the sixth trumpet, on that great "Day of Atonement."

Revelation 10:8-11 (KJV)  
8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, **Go** _and_ **take the little book which is open** in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth. 9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, **Take** _it_ **, and eat it up** ; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. 10 **And I took the little book** out of the angel's hand, **and ate it up** ; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter. 11 And he said unto me, **Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings**.

Finally, John is told to "take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel" and to "eat it up." What does it mean to "eat"? As we found, it signifies the "will" of God and the "finish" of His work (John 4:34). And why John? Please consider.

Matthew 19:28 (KJV)  
28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, **ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel**.

Here we see why the Lord told John, "Thou must _prophesy again_ before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings." Just as Moses and Elijah appeared to Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration, establishing the "witness" of the "law" and the "prophets" (Matt. 17:1-13), so too His beloved disciples reside at His throne with Him (Rev. 4:4), at perfect rest within the mind, counsel, and will of God in Christ. They are the "spirits of just men made perfect" (Heb. 12:23; KJV) who, like Moses and Elijah, bear witness of His will. The first resurrection is accomplished once we become truly united with the "dead in Christ."

Here's the reality. Christianity is divided by doctrine in so many ways that it is nearly impossible for anyone to say that they have the truth as it is in Christ. Yes, many say they do but their works testify against them. Beloved, the Bible is a spiritual work and must be perceived in spirit, its understanding derived not from colleges or seminaries or so-called spiritual experts and leaders but by the humble in heart and mind.

As this study testifies and hindsight proves, the messages to the churches are clear about the rise of Satan in the church. This does not refer to a fallen angel with an army of demons, rather, it refers to the fallen spirits of men and women who are steeped in the carnal mind and yet proclaim to have the mind of Christ. When the Lord warned about the _adversary_ (Satan) and _accuser_ (Devil) in the church, He was warning us about the rise of false christs and false prophets among us (Matt. 24:4-5, 9-11, 15, 23-26).

The "synagogue of Satan" is not some organization _outside_ the body of Christ but the existence of religious pride and carnality _within_ it. It consists of many who embrace Christ as Lord, who attend weekly religious services, give tithes, have Bible studies, seek converts, and submit to their religious leaders and denominations without question. They are those who believe they have the truth, so much so that they reject anything that stands against what they embrace, many to the point of religious hatred and anger and rejection of others that would parallel the hateful, religious crusades so long ago that clearly was an affront to the name and nature of our Lord.

Beloved, the church of God is the called of God and does not consist of those whom we approve among ourselves (II Cor. 10:12). God knows them that are His and this despite the confusion and separation that exists. He alone knows the "elect," His chosen, the 144,000, who will be found worthy to attain the resurrection _from_ the dead (Luke 20:34-38). With all that I've said, consider once more what we read in Revelation 10:2.

Revelation 10:2 (KJV)  
2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his **right foot upon the sea, and** _his_ **left** _foot_ **on the earth**...

In the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, the "sheep" are at the "right hand" while the "goats" on the left. When we bring this to Revelation 10:2, it defines a _separation_ of one from the other, also confirmed by the Parable of the Tares and the Parable of the Net. The "right foot" aligns with the "sheep" and the "left foot" the goats.

Think about this. When Jesus came to the Jews where did He go to find His disciples? Was it to the religious system of the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees? No, it was not! Rather, He went _outside_ of the religious structure of His day and found those whose hearts were longing for deliverance and a change from the present societal mindset in which they lived. Will this happen again at the end of the age? I believe so and our evidence is seen in the message to the church of Laodicea.

# Chapter Nineteen

# THE TWO WITNESSES

Revelation 10:11; 11:1-2 (KJV)  
11 And he said unto me, Thou must **prophesy again** before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings. 1 And there was given me **a reed like unto a rod** : and the angel stood, saying, **Rise** , and **measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein**. 2 But **the court** which is without (outside) the temple leave out, **and measure it not** ; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty _and_ two months. 3 And I will give _power_ unto my **two witnesses** , and **they shall prophesy** a **thousand two hundred** _and_ **threescore days** , clothed in sackcloth.

Following the mighty angel which comes down from heaven, the seven thunders, and the eating of the little book, John is told, "Thou must prophesy again." Our word "again" is defined as, " _Anew_ , i.e. (of place) _back_ , (of time) _once more_ , or (conjecture) _furthermore_ or _on the other hand_ " (Strong's). "Once more" gives the idea that John is starting over, however, this time he presents us with an entirely new picture which is the understanding of the "two witnesses."

Immediately following the injunction to "prophesy again," John is given "a reed like unto a rod." Our word "rod" is also found in the following passages.

Revelation 2:27 (KJV)  
27 And he (that overcomes) shall rule them with a **rod** of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

Revelation 19:14-15 (KJV)  
14 And the armies _which were_ in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a **rod** of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

Upon receiving the "reed (plant, pen) like unto a rod (sceptre)," John is told to "rise." When I searched this word in the Englishman's Concordance, I found it used just once in Revelation but 144 times in the King James New Testament, many times in regard to resurrection. Coincidence? What about the following?

Revelation 21:17 (NKJV)  
17 Then he measured its wall: **one hundred** _and_ **forty-four cubits** (144), _according_ to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.

What is the purpose of a wall? Is it not for protection from without? Might this suggest that the resurrection life of Christ is what truly keeps us from the wickedness of the world at large? What did Jesus say about those who attain the resurrection? They are "equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection" (Luke 20:36). Would this be why the "measure of a man" is the measure "of an angel"?

Does our 144 connect with the 144,000, the "firstfruits unto God and the Lamb" (Rev. 14:4) since the "glory of God" (1,000) is seen on the "city" of God? (Rev. 21:23)

Note that "the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones" (Rev. 21:19), of which there are twelve listed (Rev. 21:19-20). Immediately following we are told that "the twelve gates" in the wall "were twelve pearls." This is two twelves, which multiplied together equals 144. Immediately following we read, "And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun (New Covenant), neither of the moon (Old Covenant), to shine in it: for the glory of God (1,000) did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof" (Rev. 21:22-23).

John was told to "rise." Strong's defines this word as, "To waken... i.e. rouse (literal from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figurative from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence)." Does he typify the "dead in Christ" who "rise first"? (I Thess. 4:16) I believe so, for John was most certainly "dead" in every sense of the word, having obtained the "rest" of God in his own life where he had "ceased from his own works, as God did from His" (Heb. 4:10). Had he not just eaten the little book, signifying that the will of God was all that mattered? You see, my friend, to be "dead in Christ" is a present reality, a place of being where we are completely at "rest" in Christ even while we live on this earth. These are the elect.

If I have this right, and in keeping with I Thessalonians 4, here is what aligns in Revelation.

1. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God (The mighty angel; Rev. 10:1-7).

2. And the dead in Christ shall rise first (John; Rev. 10:8-11:1; 144,000 in Revelation 7).

3. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord (Rev. 11:3-14; 144,000 in Revelation 14).

In agreement with what we have considered in this study, it's my understanding that the "two witnesses" are described in Revelation 11:1 as "the temple of God" and the "altar." As we know, the "altar" is the "dead in Christ." Would this make the "temple" those who are "alive and remain" until His coming at the end of the age?

When something is "measured," it is given a number, so the number which John "heard" is the 144,000 of Revelation, Chapters 7 and 14, for a total of 288,000, representing both Jew and Gentile. These are the souls under the altar in the fifth seal (Rev. 6:11; 7:4; 9:16) which includes those who are "killed" by the "four severe judgments" on "Jerusalem" (the church), again, the elect or chosen of God who endure to the end of the age (Matt. 24:13, 31). Paul confirms this in Romans 9:27, stating, "Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, the remnant will be saved."

The innumerable number (Rev. 7:9) corresponds to the "outer court" or "holy city" in Revelation 11:2, which is not measured, while the "remnant" correlates with "the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein," which is measured. Again, the "remnant" are the 288,000, the overcomers in the seven churches. Keep in mind that this number is not literal, but symbolic. As Jones wrote, "This number is found in connection with David's kingdom in the Old Testament. Since Psalm 20 was written by David, and is prophetic, we can say that David's kingdom was a type of the Kingdom of Christ as pictured in the book of Revelation. David had 288,000 warriors—24,000 from each of the 12 tribes (1 Chron. 27:1)—as well as 288 trained singers (1 Chron. 25:7)."

When we understand that the 288,000 are the "two myriads," then we understand who our "two witnesses" are. They are the elect or chosen of Christ. Jesus taught this difference in the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matt. 20:1-16) and the Parable of the Marriage of the King's Son (Matt. 22:1-14). Remember our passages from Ezekiel?

Ezekiel 14:21-23 (NKJV)  
21 For thus says the Lord God: "How much more it shall be when I send My four severe judgments on Jerusalem--the sword and famine and wild beasts and pestilence--to cut off man and beast from it? 22 Yet behold, **there shall be left in it a** remnant **who will be brought out** , _both_ sons and daughters; surely they will come out to you, and you will see **their ways and their doings**. Then you will be comforted concerning the disaster that I have brought upon Jerusalem, all that I have brought upon it. 23 And they will comfort you, when you see **their ways and their doings** ; and you shall know that I have done nothing without cause that I have done in it," says the Lord God.

What does the Lord tell us? That out of the "four severe judgments on Jerusalem" there "shall be left in it a remnant who will be brought out, both sons and daughters," and when we "see their ways and doings" we will be "comforted concerning the disaster" that He brought upon us. We will understand that He has done "nothing without cause."

Looking once more at our illustration of the lampstand, we see our phrase "two horns like a lamb." These are the two churches, Smyrna and Philadelphia, which in turn, typify the elect. Remember, two is the number of "witness." Since these two churches are an integral part of the seven, they, along with the other five, symbolize what we see in Revelation 11, verses 1 and 2. Within the called (all seven churches) are the chosen, out of which arises the faithful or remnant.

To better understand the "two witnesses," let's go to the following passages from Zechariah.

Zechariah 4:1-6 (NKJV)  
1 Now the angel who talked with me came back and **wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep**. 2 And he said to me, "What do you see?" So I said, "I am looking, and there _is_ **a lampstand of solid gold** with a bowl on top of it, and on the _stand_ **seven lamps** with seven pipes to the **seven lamps**. 3 **Two olive trees** _are_ by it, **one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left**." 4 So I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, "What _are_ these, my lord?" 5 Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, "Do you not know what these are?" And I said, "No, my lord." 6 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.

Ah, beloved, here we go. Just as John was told to "rise" as from sleep, so Zechariah was "wakened," "as a man who is wakened out of his sleep" and the angel asked him, "What do you see?" And Zechariah saw a "lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it" out of which "seven pipes" went to the "seven lamps." Does this align with our illustration of the lampstand? "Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left." This agrees with the following.

Revelation 11:3-4 (NKJV)  
3 And I will give _power_ to my **two witnesses** , and they will **prophesy** one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth." 4 These are the **two olive trees** and the **two lampstands** standing before the God of the earth.

What is the purpose of the "two olive trees"? To give oil to the lampstand. Oil is indicative of the anointing which is responsible for the spiritual working of the law (Zech. 4:11-14; Rom. 7:14), so we can easily say that the "two witnesses" are the Word and Spirit of God in the midst of His people. Would this not be incorporated into our Two Covenants, Old and New, since "the law (Old Covenant) is spiritual (New Covenant)"?

Zechariah 4:11-14 (NKJV)  
11 Then I answered and said to him, "What _are_ these **two olive trees** \--at the right of the lampstand and at its left?" 12 And I further answered and said to him, "What _are these_ **two olive branches** that _drip_ into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden _oil_ drains?" 13 Then he answered me and said, "Do you not know what these _are?"_ And I said, "No, my lord." 14 So he said, "These _are_ the **two anointed ones** , who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth."

"What are these two olive trees?" Zechariah asks, but also asks, "What are these two _olive branches_ that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains"? Clearly, there is a difference. How does the angel answer? "These are the _two anointed ones_ , who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth." Paul clarifies these "two olive branches" or "anointed ones" in Romans, Chapter 11.

Romans 11:7 (NKJV)  
7 What then? **Israel** has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and **the rest were blinded**.

What do find in this passage? "Israel" and the "elect," the called and chosen; those under the law and those in whom the law becomes spiritual. The "elect" are the 120 (10 x 12) who were baptized by the Spirit in the upper room. Were these not the "anointed ones" in their time? What did Jesus tell them? "But _you shall receive power_ when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be _witnesses_ to Me" (Acts 1:8). Without His power, we are not a true witness (II Tim. 3:5).

Romans 11:17-24 (NKJV)  
17 And if some of the **branches** were broken off, and you, being **a wild olive tree** , were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree, 18 do not boast against the **branches**. But if you do boast, _remember that_ you do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, " **Branches** were broken off that I might be grafted in." 20 Well _said._ Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the **natural branches** , He may not spare you either. 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in _His_ goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. 23 And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut out of **the olive tree which is wild by nature** , and were grafted contrary to nature into **a cultivated olive tree** , how much more will these, who _are_ **natural** _branches_ _,_ be grafted into their own olive tree?

When we consider Romans, Chapter 11, we find that the "cultivated olive tree" refers to natural Israel while the "olive tree which is wild by nature" refers to the Gentiles (non-Israelitish nations). This agrees with the understanding that the gospel began with Israel and the Jews first, then through the apostles Peter and Paul, delivered to the Gentiles. And what is it that separates natural Israel from the Gentiles? Is it not in essence the Law and the Promise, the Old Covenant and the New? Didn't the Lord's death on the cross bring the _ordinances_ of the law to an end (Col. 2:13-14) and establish a new beginning, marked by the spiritual working and fulfillment of the law as it went forth into all the world? (Mark 16:15)

The "natural" olive tree or _Israel_ is found on the left side of the lampstand while the "wild" olive tree or _Gentiles_ on the right. Is it just a coincidence that Smyrna is on the _left_ and Philadelphia on the _right_ , agreeing with our "two olive branches" and the placing of the Lord's feet in Revelation 10? For further study, let me share the following illustration with you.

As we see, there is much more to be considered concerning the two witnesses than what first meets the eye, but I will leave that for your own study. Suffice it to say that when we awaken to the truth of the Two Covenants, we see the will of God for His people and for the world.

Two Olive Trees – Israel (cultivated; Word of God) and the Gentiles (wild; Spirit of God).

Two Olive Branches – The Elect/Chosen (dead in Christ and we which are alive and remain).

Two Lampstands – The "lesser light" of the Law (Old Covenant and the church in the wilderness; Jerusalem which now is) and the "greater light" of the Promise (New Covenant and the church in heaven; Jerusalem above); Smyrna and Philadelphia.

For further understanding about "branches," I would encourage you to read the Parable of the Vine and Branches in John, Chapter 15, verses 1 through 8. Pay close attention to the fact that Jesus mentioned "fruit" (John 15:2), "more fruit" (John 15:2), and "much fruit" (John 15:5, 8). In this I see the " _called_ , and _chosen_ , and _faithful_ " (Rev. 17:14). Beloved, everyone has a purpose in His kingdom.

# Chapter Twenty

# WITNESSES

Revelation 11:3 (KJV)  
3 And I will give _power_ unto my two **witnesses** , and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred _and_ threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

The transliteration of the word "witnesses" is _martys_ , defined by Strong's as, "A _witness_ (literal [judicially]) or figurative [genitive]); by analogy a " _marytr_." This word is used a total of 35 times in the New Testament. Here's Jones' explanation of its spiritual meaning.

Thirty-Five (lamed-hey)

Vindication

The number thirty-five in Hebrew was written with the letters lamed (authority) and hey, which, at the end of a word, means "what comes from." The number itself, then, indicates "what comes from authority. When there is an unresolved question or dispute among men, a ruling is necessary from a higher authority. And so thirty-five is the number of vindication.

Ed Vallowe says it is the number of hope, but he offers no convincing proof in his book, Biblical Mathematics.

The 35th time the name Abram appears is in Gen. 14:23 where he tells the king of Sodom that he will not take so much as a shoelace of the spoils of war, "lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich'." Abram was concerned that the king of Sodom would vindicate the wickedness of the city essentially by bribing Abram.

The 35th time the name Abraham appears is in Gen. 21:3,

3And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac.

Abraham and Sarah had waited patiently for many years for the promised son. No doubt many shook their heads, saying, "Poor Abraham; when will he ever learn?" But when Isaac was born, it vindicated their faith.

The idea of vindication carries with it some sort of closure, or conclusion. In this sense, the 35th time the name Isaac appears is in Gen. 26:8,

8And it came about, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out through a window, and saw, and behold, Isaac was caressing his wife Rebekah.

The context of this verse is that Isaac and Rebekah had gone to the land of the Philistines, and Isaac had told them that Rebekah was his sister. The 35th time that Isaac's name is used in Genesis brings this deception to a conclusion. It does not vindicate Isaac, but it does vindicate Abimelech, as the next few verses show.

The 35th time the name Jacob appears is in Gen. 29:4. Jacob has arrived in Padan-aram (Haran) and is looking for his uncle Laban. He asks some local men if they knew Laban, and they do. Thus, he has concluded his trip, and his purpose was vindicated.

The 35th time the name Joshua appears is in Joshua 3:5,

5Then Joshua said to the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you."

Israel had reached the Jordan River, and the people were about to cross into the Promised Land after being in the wilderness forty years. It was the conclusion of their long journey. It was the time of vindication for all those who retained the hope of returning to the Promised Land, as God had promised. The wonder that God did at this time was to cause the waters of the Jordan River to be blocked upstream, so that the Israelites were able to cross the river on dry ground. God vindicated their faith.

In the New Testament, the 35th time the name Jesus appears is in Matt. 9:15. The disciples of John had come to Him, questioning why they and the Pharisees fasted, but Jesus and His disciples did not fast. Jesus vindicated Himself and His disciples in verses 15-18,

15And Jesus said to them, "The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16But no one puts a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and a worse tear results. 17Nor do men put new wine into old wineskins...

The 35th time the name Paul appears is in Acts 17:10. The apostle and his friends in Thessalonica had been opposed by the Jews in the synagogue and had caused Jason to be arrested for helping Paul. Jason posted a bail and was released. Then we read,

10And the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea; and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so.

We see here that the Scriptures vindicated the Berean synagogue for its open mindedness and desire to know the truth. The vindictive and jealous leaders of the synagogue in Thessalonica were NOT vindicated in this account.

Google defines "vindication" as, "Proof that someone or something is right, reasonable, or justified." Our definitions, along with Jones' explanation, clarify what is meant by a true witness of the gospel of Christ.

As shown in Strong's, our word "martyr" comes from this definition. For this reason, _Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words_ records, "The Greek word 'martur' may also be used (whence Eng., 'marytr,' one who bears 'witness' by his death) denotes 'one who can or does aver (state or assert to be the case; Google) what he has seen or heard or knows.'" With this in mind, consider the following.

Hebrews 9:16-17 (NASB95)  
16 For where a **covenant** (testament; KJV) is, **there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it**. 17 **For a covenant is valid** _only_ **when men are dead, for it is never in force while the one who made it lives**.

Beloved, a covenant is a will which is executed _only after_ the death of the one who made it. For this reason, Christ died, setting in motion the New Covenant. "It is never in force while the one who made it lives." Now, let me remind you of the following.

Revelation 6:9-10 (KJV)  
9 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: 10 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?

Remember our word "avenge"? It means, "To _vindicate_." And who is it that is vindicated? Those that are " _slain_ for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held." Like Christ, those who _lay down their lives_ for the gospel of the kingdom are those who are true "witnesses" of His Word. This is what separates the faithful from those who are called and chosen. They have pressed on to lay down their lives for His sake.

Revelation 20:4 (KJV)  
4 And **I saw thrones, and they sat upon them** , and **judgment was given unto them** : and _I saw_ **the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God** , and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received _his_ mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; **and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years**.

The "souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God" are those who persevere until the end of the age, confirmed by the fact that they "had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." This is the 144,000 on Mount Zion with the Lamb in Revelation, Chapter 14, for we read in Revelation 15 concerning them, "And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and _them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name_ , stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints" (Rev. 15:2-3; KJV).

Revelation 11:3, 5-6 (KJV)  
3 And I will give _power_ unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred _and_ threescore days, **clothed in sackcloth**... 5 And if any man will hurt them, **fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies** : and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. 6 **These have power to shut heaven** , that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: **and have power over waters to turn them to blood** , and **to smite the earth with all plagues** (stripes), as often as they will.

Beloved, what is it that separates a true witness from one who is not? Would it not be "power" as evidenced by our passages above? As we see, our two witnesses "have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy" and "power over waters to turn them to blood" and "to smite the earth will all plagues (stripes), as often as they will."

Our phrase "shut heaven, that it rain not" is indicative of Elijah the prophet (James 5:17, while "power over waters to turn them to blood" is indicative of Moses (law), so in both we have the "law" and the "prophets" as Jesus stipulated (Matt. 5:17). "To smite the earth with all plagues (stripes), as often as they will" correlates with "I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them."

1 Corinthians 2:15-16 (NKJV)  
15 But **he who is spiritual judges all things** , yet he himself is _rightly_ judged by no one. 16 For _"who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?"_ **But we have the mind of Christ**.

There are many things that people do in order to better humankind. Organizations abound where effort is made to alleviate the suffering of the human condition. However, there can be no greater accomplishment than arriving at the place where one is truly "spiritual" in every sense of the word, for the spiritual man or woman who possesses "the mind of Christ" operates from the unconditional love and wisdom of the Father and the Son.

Beloved, the world system is laced with good and evil, but even the good is corrupt more often than not. Man's carnal efforts to help his fellow man often spring from evil intentions which are hidden beneath the charitable effort (I Cor. 13:1-3). Ah, but a spiritual person who knows contentment and recognizes the vanity of this world of form will not be taken by the "love of money" (I Tim. 6:10) nor a desire for reputation and credit (Matt. 23:5-7).

I don't believe anyone would argue that our Lord was a spiritual being whose testimony of the kingdom of God was indisputable. His love, grace, wisdom, and purpose forever shifted the course of humankind in a manner that has not been duplicated since. However, my friend, He is not finished! As this study indicates, the trumpets of God are the words of our Lord to the seven churches, and these words are words of power which are leading us to the fulfillment of the Father's purpose in His people. Heaven and earth shall pass away but His words will never pass away (Matt. 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33), for they are the words of our Creator in heaven whose boundless wisdom and mercy is bringing us to a wondrous conclusion at the end of this age, turning the hearts of His children to their fathers (Mal. 4:6). "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" (Rev. 22:20)

Thank you for reading my book. It is my sincere hope that it encouraged and enlightened you in your walk with Christ. If so, won't you please take a moment to leave me a review at your favorite retailer? Thank you!

Jack Marshall

**About the Author** :

I was born in California in 1957 but raised in Oklahoma, where my experience with Christianity began at the age of 19. After several years of attending various denominational and non-denominational churches, my love for the Bible and desire to understand the scriptures became a vital part of my life. Ordained in my twenties, I spent several years ministering in homes, jails, and churches. Through in-depth study for the past 42 years, I have discovered that the message of scripture is truly one of hope, love, and encouragement for the entire world.

Connect With Me:

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Other books by Jack Marshall

The Dream – Through the Eyes of Sowing and Reaping

Times and Seasons – An Alternative View of the Day of the Lord

Hell, No! An Alternative View of Hell

The Rapture – Yes or No?

Studies in Revelation – The Beasts of Revelation

The Parable of the Sower

Studies in Revelation – The Second Death

The Unpardonable Sin

Studies in Revelation – The Beast of the Earth

Eastward in Eden

Deep Sleep

The Serpent – An Alternative View of the Devil

Studies in Revelation – The Fullness of the Times

Studies in Revelation – Babylon the Great

Death, Burial, Resurrection – The Divine Process of God in Humankind

Dead Men's Bones – A Case Against Eternal Torment

Studies in Revelation – The Two Witnesses

Studies in Revelation – The Seven Trumpets – Part 1

Studies in Revelation – The Seven Trumpets – Part 2

**Bibliography**

Reference:

E.W. Bullinger (1837-1913), Number in Scripture: Its Supernatural Design and Spiritual Significance, Public Domain, 1921

Biblical Mathematics, Keys to Scripture Numerics, Evangelist Ed F. Vallowe, 1998

The Biblical Meaning of Numbers from One to Forty, Dr. Stephen E. Jones, Copyright 2008, God's Kingdom Ministries, www.gods-kingdom-ministries.net

Bible Numbers for Life, Mark H. Lane, biblenumbersforlife.com

Dr. James Strong (1822-1894), Strong's Concordance, First Published 1890

Marvin R. Vincent (1834-1922), Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament, First Published 1887

Hebrew for Christians, John J. Parsons, www.hebrew4christians.com

The Feasts of Israel, Kevin J. Conner, City Christian Publishing, Copyright 1980

The New Unger's Bible Dictionary, Merrill F. Unger, Originally Published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois, Copyright 1988

Google, www.google.com

Merriam-Webster Dictionary, www.merriam-webster.com

Bible Translations Used:

KJV, King James Version, Public Domain, 1611

NKJV, New King James Version, Published by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Complete Bible 1982

NIV, New International Version, Biblica, Zondervan and Hodder & Stoughton (UK) (licensed commercial rights), 1973 (NT), 1978 (OT)

ESV, English Standard Version, 2001: Crossway Bibles, a ministry of the Good News Publishers of Wheaton, Illinois, U.S.; Apocrypha 2009 by Oxford University Press

NASB77, Lockman Foundation, First Published, 1963, Copyright 1960

Young's Literal Translation of the Holy Bible, Robert Young, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Copyright 1898

Emphatic Diaglott, Benjamin Wilson, Fowler and Wells, New York, Published 1864

