

### STUDIES IN REVELATION

The Beasts of Revelation

### Jack Marshall

### STUDIES IN REVELATION

The Beasts of Revelation

### Jack Marshall

Smashwords Edition

Copyright, 2016 Grain of Wheat Publishing

1st Revised Edition, 2019

2nd Revised Edition May 2020

3rd Revised Edition July 2020

4th Revised Edition August 2020

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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.

To my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter One: The Beasts of Revelation

Chapter Two: The Seven Spirits of God

Chapter Three: Beasts

Chapter Four: Seven Heads

Chapter Five: Four Great Beasts

Chapter Six: The Man of Sin

Chapter Seven: Four Kingdoms

Chapter Eight: Two Great Lights

Chapter Nine: Four Horsemen

Chapter Ten: The Man of Sin

Chapter Eleven: The Kings of the Earth

Chapter Twelve: Babylon the Great

Chapter Thirteen: Seven Mountains, Seven Kings

Chapter Fourteen: The Eighth Beast

Chapter Fifteen: The Mark of the Beast

Chapter Sixteen: Buy and Sell

Chapter Seventeen: Ten Horns

Chapter Eighteen: The Hour of Trial

Chapter Nineteen: Time and Times and Half a Time

Chapter Twenty: Seven Times

Chapter Twenty-One: Names of Blasphemy

Chapter Twenty-Two: The Furnace of Fire

Bibliography

Introduction

My first study on "The Beasts of Revelation" was published in March of 2016. Since that time, I have learned a great deal more about the book of the Revelation and its contents. While studying and writing on the seven "trumpets" of Revelation, I was considering the angel's explanation to John about the "beast with seven heads and ten horns" in Revelation, Chapter 17, verses 9 through 18. While pondering this, a new understanding arose in my heart and mind, one so contradictory to what I had previously believed that at first I was quite skeptical of myself. But as I researched this new understanding, I began to realize its accuracy, hence the reason for this new study.

I have never been one to agree with many of the teachings of the religious denominations of our time, for I have found over the years that much of what they adhere to has no real foundation in scripture, nor does it explain the plight of God's people, especially in this time in which we live.

The history of the Christian Church is not a noble one, for it has been laced with all manner of darkness, bloodshed, division, deception, turmoil, strife, and confusion. Yet, God _being_ God, knew before the foundation of the world how His creation would react to His omnipotence and will.

I believe the plight of the New Testament Church over the past two thousand years is accurately reflected in the nation of Israel in the Old Testament. The apostle Paul made it clear to us that "all these things happened to them as _examples_ , and _they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come_ " (I Cor. 10:11).

Beloved, we have done no better than Israel in their history, for human nature has been the same since our beginning. Ah, but God's wisdom being so far superior to our own, He is not surprised nor deterred from His purpose in all of this. And because He is a God of love and grace, it will be as He has determined through Christ His Son. In the end, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Rom. 14:11; Php 2:10-11).

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

Revelation 12:3 (ESV)  
And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems.

Revelation 13:1 (ESV)  
And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.

Revelation 17:3 (ESV)  
And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns.

Revelation 13:11 (ESV)  
Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon.

# Chapter One

# THE BEASTS OF REVELATION

In the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ, we find two particular "beasts" that figure prominently in our understanding of the visions which the Apostle John had on the island of Patmos. The first one is seen with "seven heads and ten horns" (Rev. 12:3; 13:1; 17:3), while the second one is seen with "two horns like a lamb" which "spoke like a dragon" (Rev. 13:11; ESV). The fact that the first beast is seen _three_ different times in _three_ different perspectives gives weight to the idea that we need to understand what is symbolized to truly comprehend the book of the Revelation itself.

To be perfectly honest, I held to a particular view for years which has since changed. This happened while working on a study on the "trumpets" of Revelation. When this new understanding arose in my mind, it stopped me in my tracks. At first, I was skeptical so I spent some time researching it, wondering if what had risen in my mind could be true. I now realize it is and hence the reason for this new study on the beasts.

The most important thing to realize about the book of the Revelation is found in the very first verse where John wrote, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him _to show His servants_ —things which must shortly take place." As we see, this book is not written to the world at large, but to "His servants."

Our word "servants" is the transliteration _doulos_ , which the Strong's Concordance defines as, "A _slave_ (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently therefore in a qualified sense of _subjection_ or _subserviency_ )." This word is used 126 times in the King James Version of scripture. At his website, _biblenumbersforlife.com_ , Mark Lane cites the spiritual meaning of this number as "saved from wrath." Coincidence? I don't think so; see Romans 5:9.

I have long believed that the _foundation_ of the book of the Revelation is given in Chapters Two and Three in the form of the seven prophecies to the seven churches. This is because they came from the mouth of Christ Himself. In the seven prophecies lies the mystery of God's will through His Son who is clearly "in the midst of the seven lampstands" or churches at all times throughout the visions in this book (Rev. 1:13). The seven prophecies to the seven churches set the precedent for all of John's visions. Those things which follow the prophecies illustrate and enhance the understanding of these words which our Lord spoke.

One of the most profound passages in the Bible is found in John 1:1, where we read, "In the beginning _was_ the Word, and the Word was _with_ God, and the Word _was_ God." The "Word _was_ God" in the beginning and every word which proceeds from God through His Son is "God" as well. This is the true meaning of prophecy. Once delivered from the "mouth" of God, _it is assured_ , for "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. _Has He said_ , and _will He not do_? Or _has He spoken_ , and _will He not make it good?_ " (Num. 23:19; NKJV) So it is with the words of Christ to the churches. The Lord Jesus Christ understood this quite well, stating in John, Chapter 12, verses 47 and 48, "And if anyone _hears My words_ and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects me, and does not _receive My words_ , has that which judges him— _the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day_ " (NKJV).

It should come as no surprise to us that God's Word _is_ God. After all, _words are the very essence of our existence_ , incorporating the _wisdom_ necessary to sustain our existence in both the natural and spiritual realms. No wonder Proverbs states, " _Death_ and _life_ are _in the power of the tongue_ , and those who love it (either death or life) will eat its fruit" (Prov. 18:21).

# Chapter Two

# THE SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD

Revelation 1:4 (KJV)  
4... and from **the seven Spirits which are before his throne**...

Revelation 3:1 (NKJV)  
1... 'These things says **He who has the seven Spirits of God** and the seven stars...

Revelation 4:5 (KJV)  
5... and _there were_ **seven lamps of fire** burning before the throne, which are **the seven Spirits of God**.

Revelation 5:6 (KJV)  
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having **seven horns and seven eyes** , which are **the seven Spirits of God** sent forth into all the earth.

The first thing to consider in our passages above is our number "seven." In his book, The Biblical Meaning of Numbers from One to Forty, Dr. Stephen E. Jones wrote the following:

Seven (zayin)

Completion, Spiritual Perfection

Zayin is a weapon in Hebrew. The perfect weapon is the Sword of the Spirit, by which spiritual warfare is accomplished, for "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal" (2 Cor. 10:4).

Seven is the biblical number of completion and spiritual perfection. As such, Psalm 7 speaks of the two floods by which the earth is cleansed and brought to the perfect order of the Kingdom.

Seven days completes a Sabbath cycle. In Rev. 10:7 the mystery of God is finished when the seventh angel blows his trumpet. In Rev. 16:7 "it is done" when the seventh angel pours out the seventh vial into the air. It took seven days to consecrate Aaron and his sons to the priesthood (Lev. 8:31-35) before emerging from the tabernacle on the eighth day. Joshua and the Israelite army had to march around Jericho seven days (Joshua 6:15) before the city fell.

The spiritual meaning of seven can best be illustrated by the _fruit_ of a tree (Matt. 12:33). When a tree reaches _maturity_ , it has reached its "seven," able to produce fruit for consumption and seed for further planting.

Another way to think of seven is "fullness" or "fulfilled." When a prophecy is given, it always refers to a future event, but once the prophecy _comes to pass_ , it has reached its "seven," i.e. it has been _fulfilled_ , now _manifest_ in agreement with its original declaration.

The book of the Revelation is filled with "sevens," beginning to end, however, there are _six_ very important sevens that stand out above the rest. They are the "seven stars" and "seven golden lampstands," which symbolize "the angels of the seven churches" and the "seven churches" (Rev. 1:20; NKJV). Following this, we have the seven prophecies to the seven churches in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, along with a "scroll written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals" in Revelation 5:1 (NKJV). Finally, there are "seven trumpets" in Revelation 8:2 and "seven bowls" in Revelation 15:7 (NKJV). When we add our six sevens together, we have _forty-two_. Coincidence? Not at all! Please consider.

Revelation 11:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot _for_ **forty-two** months. 3 And I will give _power_ to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy **one thousand two hundred and sixty days** , clothed in sackcloth."

See the "forty-two months"? Might this represent the _manifestation_ and _fullness_ of our six important sevens? I believe they do, and using _definition by context_ , our "one thousand two hundred and sixty days" is synonymous with our "forty-two months."

Another passage emphasizes our understanding of the "forty-two months" found in Matthew, Chapter One.

Matthew 1:1, 17 (NKJV)  
1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham...17 So all the generations from Abraham to David _are_ **fourteen** generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are **fourteen** generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the Christ _are_ **fourteen** generations.

Here we find three sets of "fourteen generations." What is three _times_ fourteen? _Forty-two_. Is this a coincidence? I don't think so. Furthermore, I believe this reveals a pattern that is relevant to the book of the Revelation. Using Matthew 1:17, here is what we have:

Abraham to David

1. Seven angels

2. Seven churches

David until the Captivity in Babylon

3. Seven prophecies

4. Scroll with seven seals

The Captivity in Babylon until the Christ

5. Seven trumpets

6. Seven bowls

_Three_ sets of _fourteen_. Jones tells us that _three_ represents "divine fullness, completeness, or perfection" and "a complete witness," while in his book, _Biblical Mathematics_ , Ed Vallowe states that it signifies "resurrection" (as in death (1), burial (2), and _resurrection_ (3)). And _fourteen_? Jones tells us it is "the number of _deliverance_ or _release_." Vallowe agrees, stating, "Fourteen is the number that represents _deliverance_ or _salvation_." So it is that we see a divine purpose in the "forty-two months," which is the _deliverance_ and _salvation_ of His people.

In the midst of our six important sevens is the most important of all, i.e. "the seven Spirits of God" in Revelation 1:4, 3:1, 4:5, and 5:6. What are these "seven Spirits"? Isaiah describes them for us.

Isaiah 11:1-5 (NKJV)  
1 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. 2 The **Spirit of the Lord** shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of **wisdom** and **understanding** (1, 2), the Spirit of **counsel** and **might** (3, 4), the Spirit of **knowledge** and of the **fear of the Lord** (5, 6). 3 His delight _is_ in the fear of the Lord, and He shall not **judge** by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears; 4 but with **righteousness** He shall **judge** the poor ( **7** ), and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. 5 **Righteousness** shall be the belt of His loins, and faithfulness the belt of His waist.

Consider the above passages in light of the fact that words are the essence of our existence. What do we have in the "seven Spirits of God"? Wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear, and finally, righteous judgment. As we see, these are not seven different "Spirits," but _seven different characteristics_ of the _one_ "Spirit of the Lord" which rested on the Lord Jesus Christ two thousand years ago and which He now possesses at the "right hand" of the throne of our heavenly Father (Rev. 5:6; Matt. 26:64; Mark 16:19; Luke 22:69; Rev. 3:21).

Would these "seven Spirits" describe the "seven stars" or "angels" to the seven churches? I believe they do, for angels _are_ "spirits" (Heb. 1:7) and the word "angel" means, "A _messenger_ " (Strong's). An angel is _the manifestation of a spirit and word_ in whatever form God deems necessary, whether human or divine. In fact, we could say that an angel defines the "work" of God through Christ and man. For this reason, John was told to "write" or address the "angel" or "works" (deeds) of each church, so the Lord began His praise and rebuke every single time with, "I _know_ your _works_ " (Rev. 2:1-2; 8-9; 12-13; 18-19; 3:1; 7-8; 14-15).

What do we read in Isaiah 11? "He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth," i.e. He shall render _righteous discipline_ (rod) in accordance with the _Word of God_ (His mouth). "And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked," i.e. He shall render this discipline by the power of the _Holy Spirit_ (breath of His lips).

# Chapter Three

# BEASTS

In the book of the Revelation, there are two meanings for the word "beast" or "beasts." The first is the transliteration zōon which is defined by Strong's as, "A live thing, i.e. an animal." This is derived from the word which means, "To live (literal or figurative)." This particular word and definition is used every time regarding the "four beasts" seen "in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne" of God, beginning with Revelation 4:6. For this reason, our "four beasts" are rendered "living creatures" in other versions of scripture. Under the spiritual meaning of four, Stephen Jones writes, "There were also four great divisions of mankind represented by the cherubim (Ez. 1:5), or the four "beasts" around the throne (Rev. 4:6). These represent all creation."

The second meaning for "beast" or "beasts" is _thērion_ , used to describe our beast with seven heads and ten horns and our beast with two horns like a lamb (Rev. 13:11). The definition of this word reads, "A _dangerous animal_." It is the diminutive of _thēra_ which means, "A wild _animal_ , as game; _hunting_ , i.e. (figurative) _destruction_." "Diminutive" means, "Extremely or unusually small" (Google), so our word "beast" defines a _small_ but _wild_ and _dangerous_ animal.

The first appearance of the word _thērion_ in Revelation is the word "beasts" in the phrase " _beasts_ of the earth" in Revelation 6:8. All total, _thērion_ is used 39 times in Revelation, for a total of 46 times in the King James New Testament. In his book, _Biblical Mathematics_ , Ed Vallowe states that 39 signifies "disease" (II Chron. 16:12), while Mark Lane also cites this number as "disease," but adds the word "adultery." Stephen Jones agrees with Vallowe and Lane, citing this number as "infirmity."

As for our number 46? Lane cites this number as "Reconstructed life: resurrection." Compare this thought to John 2:20 and I Corinthians 3:16.

In keeping with the idea of a dangerous animal, our first description of this entity with seven heads and ten horns is seen as a "great red _dragon_ " in Revelation 12:3 (KJV). In Revelation 13:1, it is called a "beast" which rises "up out of the sea" and described as "like unto a _leopard_ ," the "feet of a _bear_ ," and "the mouth of a _lion_ " (Rev. 13:2; KJV). In Revelation 17:3, it is described simply as "a scarlet beast" (NKJV). All of our descriptions agree with the idea that this "beast" is both "wild" and "dangerous."

So what is it that the Lord was trying to convey to John in his visions about these beasts? I believe Ecclesiastes gives us the answer.

Ecclesiastes 3:18-21 (ESV)  
18 I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that **God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts**. 19 For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. 20 All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth?

According to Solomon, we "are but beasts," _animals if you will_ , and God tests _us_ in order for _us_ to comprehend this. In fact, when we take a raw and honest look around us we must admit that _we are the most dangerous animal on this planet_. No wonder John's vision incorporated a leopard, bear, lion, and dragon (Rev. 13:2). When we consider the aspects of these four different "beasts," humankind exhibits all of their characteristics in a multitude of ways.

So, to be honest, what is it that makes us like animals? If my understanding is correct, it's the result of what Paul called the carnal mind (Rom. 8:6-7; KJV).

Romans 8:5-8 (ESV)  
5 For **those who live according to the flesh** set **their minds on the things of the flesh** , but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 **To set the mind on the flesh is death** , but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 **For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot**. 8 **Those who are in the flesh cannot please God**.

Here we have it, my friends. " _The mind that is set on the flesh_ is _hostile_ to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, _it cannot_." When we consider this in light of the animal kingdom, we gain understanding. Is it not true that animals are concerned only with those things that relate to form, i.e. to their earthly existence? So too the carnal mind. It is a mindset concerned with only the things of _this_ world, completely unaware that there is another realm, another state of existence that supersedes all that this world has to offer (Matt. 6:31-32).

Beloved, the carnal mind cannot "submit to God's law." It contends with even the simplest aspects of it which are reflected in the Ten Commandments. As we see in this country, many are offended by the placement of these commandments at various places, so much so that they have demanded and often succeeded at removing them completely.

In many minds, God's Word is seen as "progressive" while others "archaic," completely unnecessary in our present society. Still, others believe in no God at all and are quick to condemn and belittle those who do believe in Him. All around us the "mouth of a lion" roars against the truth of Christ through the collective movements that are now so prominent in our country, on television and Social Media, clamoring for acceptance of their immoral and godless agendas. And the saddest truth of all is, with the cruelty and stealth of a "leopard," they have pounced on our children at such young ages, they stand little chance of resistance. Behind many of these movements is the "dragon-like" power of deception and manipulation which, sad to say, is not recognized by those who are influenced by them. Like the "feet" of a "bear," this influence is far-reaching in its cause and effect.

One of the curses of the carnal mind is our inability to see the long-term effects of our fleshly desires for instant gratification as though there are no consequences to our actions. Ah, but Paul wrote, "Do not be deceived: _God is not mocked_ , for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life" (Gal. 6:7-8; ESV). Beloved, there are always consequences, and oftentimes they are worse for successive generations. Our present reality testifies of this quite readily.

Psalms 49:12-15 (ESV)  
12 **Man in his pomp will not remain;** **he is like the beasts that perish**. 13 This is the path of those who have foolish confidence; yet after them people approve of their boasts. _Selah_ 14 Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol; **Death shall be their shepherd** , and the upright shall rule over them in the morning. **Their form shall be consumed in Sheol** , with no place to dwell. 15 But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me. _Selah_

What a precious word from the Psalmist! In this, we see the consequences of living from the carnal mind. Note that the Psalmist states, "Man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish." "Pomp" speaks of man's perceived _value_ , _wealth_ , _costliness_ , and _dignity_ , that is "those who have foolish confidence" in their own abilities and have no regard for the grace of God that keeps us from utter destruction. And we see it all around us, time and time again. "Death" is our shepherd and our "form" is "consumed in Sheol (Hades), with no place to dwell." Look around you and see the plight of humanity that gives witness to this in every country across the world. There should be no doubt. We are addicted to the human form, from the highest and wealthiest to the lowest and poorest, and we are in great need of a spiritual intervention to save us from ourselves.

# Chapter Four

# SEVEN HEADS

Revelation 12:3 (KJV)  
3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having **seven heads** and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

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.

Revelation 17:3 (KJV)  
3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having **seven heads** and ten horns.

For as long as the book of the Revelation has existed, man has attempted to define the beasts of Revelation and its "seven heads." Many have attached the names of certain countries that existed in the past or exist today. Still, others have sought to identify these "seven heads" as various political or economic organizations. For me, I am inclined to go with what scripture reveals, which makes much more sense than all of these proposed theories.

Who or what are the "seven heads"? At their core, I believe they represent the following.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (ESV)  
16 There are **six** things that the Lord hates, **seven** that are an **abomination** to him: 17 haughty eyes (1), a lying tongue (2), and hands that shed innocent blood (3), 18 a heart that devises wicked plans (4), feet that make haste to run to evil (5), 19 a false witness who breathes out lies (6), and one who sows discord among brothers ( **7** ).

Take a close look at these passages and tell me what is described? Is it not the characteristics of the carnal mind (beast)? Very much so! How many characteristics are there? _Seven_ , as in "seven heads." Ah, but look at the last characteristic. It is "one who sows discord among brothers." Keep this in mind, for we will see later how this relates to the church.

If we pay close attention to our description, we see that the first five components which the Lord hates make up the whole person, _beginning_ with the "head" or "haughty eyes" (proud look; KJV) and _ending_ with "feet that make haste to run to evil." The sixth thing is "a _false witness_ who breathes out lies," defining _what we are_ , while the seventh is _what we do_ , i.e. "sows discord among brothers." Again, would this not be an apt description of the mind of the flesh which is "hostile to God"? Very much so!

If it's correct that the "beast" or _thērion_ represents the "mind that is set on the flesh," then doesn't it make sense that the "seven heads" would reflect the characteristics of this mind as listed in Proverbs? Furthermore, nowhere else in scripture do we find seven things recorded which the Lord hates and calls an "abomination."

Once again, consider the _sixth_ thing which is a "false witness who breathes out lies." Here's E. W. Bullinger's explanation of the spiritual meaning of _six_ from his book, _Number in Scripture_.

Six is either 4 _plus_ 2, i.e., man's world (4) with man's enmity to God (2) brought in: or it is 5 _plus_ 1, the grace of God made of none effect by man's addition to it, or perversion, or corruption of it: or it is 7 _minus_ 1, i.e., man's coming short of spiritual perfection. In any case, therefore, it has to do with _man_ ; it is the number of imperfection; the human number; the number of MAN as destitute of God, without God, without Christ.

The Hebrew שֵׁשׁ שִׁשָּׁה ( _shaish_ ) is supposed to be derived from the root שׂוּשׂ שִׂישׂ ( _shah-dash_ ), but nothing is known about its origin or signification.

At any rate it is certain that _man_ was created on the _sixth_ day, and thus he has the number _six_ impressed upon him. Moreover, _six_ days were appointed to him for his labour; while _one_ day is associated in sovereignty with the Lord God, as His rest.

_Six_ , therefore, is the number of _labour_ also, of man's labour as apart and distinct from God's rest. True, it marks the completion of Creation as God's work, and therefore the number is significant of _secular completeness_.

The _sixth_ thing is "a false witness who breathes out lies." In keeping with the spiritual meaning of this number, we have a match. Our number _six_ speaks of "man's world with man's enmity with God brought in" or "the grace of God made of none effect by man's addition to it, or perversion, or corruption of it," i.e. "man's coming short of spiritual perfection" (completeness or maturity).

Now, what is the _seventh_ thing listed which defines the "fullness" and "manifestation" of _what we are_? It's _what we do_ , that is, sow "discord among brothers." Altogether, these seven characteristics define the "core" essence of our seven heads.

As I end this chapter, allow me to give you one more passage that helps support our perspective concerning the "seven heads" of the "beast."

Luke 17:20-21 (NIV)  
20 Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, 21 nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' **because the kingdom of God is within you**."

Brothers and sisters, though manifested outwardly, God's kingdom is _within_. This being true, the book of the Revelation reflects the _inward struggle_ between the mind of the flesh and the mind of the Spirit from which issues the immutable Word and will and purpose of God. It does not reveal the destruction of the world at the end of time, but rather the destruction of the carnal reasoning which exist within us. We are moving toward a transformation.

# Chapter Five

# FOUR GREAT BEASTS

In John's vision, the beast which rises out of the sea is described with three _animalistic_ characteristics and one _reptilian_ ; a lion, bear, leopard, and dragon (Rev. 13:2). The wisdom of God is such that the visions of the beasts which John experienced find their origin first in the Old Testament. Consider the following from Daniel, Chapter 7.

Daniel 7:1-7 (NKJV)  
1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a **dream** and **visions** of his head _while_ on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts. 2 Daniel spoke, saying, "I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. 3 And **four great beasts** **came up from the sea** , each different from the other. 4 The first _was_ like a **lion** , and had eagle's wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man's heart was given to it. 5 And suddenly another beast, a second, like a **bear**. It was raised up on one side, and _had_ three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: 'Arise, devour much flesh!' 6 After this I looked, and there was another, like a **leopard** , which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it. 7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, **a fourth beast** , dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge **iron teeth** ; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. **It** _was_ **different** from all the beasts that _were_ before it, and **it had ten horns**.

It should be evident that the description of the "four great beasts" which Daniel saw come "up from the sea" correspond to John's vision of the beast "rising up out of the sea" in Revelation 13, i.e. the _lion_ (1), _bear_ (2), _leopard_ (3), and _dragon_ (4). This makes the "fourth beast" of Daniel's dream the "dragon" of John's vision in Revelation, Chapter 12, and again in Revelation, Chapter 13, where we read "the _dragon_ gave him his power, his throne, and great authority" (Rev. 13:2). Note that it is this "fourth beast" or "dragon" which has the "ten horns," which corresponds with John's visions.

There is another dream recorded in the book of Daniel which I believe also aligns with our beasts in Revelation, however, it was not Daniel who had it, but Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. This dream was given by the Lord to the king but it was Daniel who was given the details and understanding of the dream which the king himself could not even remember (Dan. 2:1-5). Here's the dream as recounted by Daniel.

Daniel 2:31-35 (KJV)  
31 Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness _was_ excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof _was_ terrible. 32 This image's **head** _was_ of **fine gold** , his **breast and his arms** of **silver** , his **belly** and his **thighs** of **brass** , 33 His **legs** of **iron** , his **feet** part of **iron** and part of **clay**. 34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet _that were_ of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. 35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

As we see, Nebuchadnezzar's dream was _the image of a man_ , consisting of a "head" of "fine gold," "breast" and "arms" of "silver," "belly" and "thighs" of "brass," "legs" of "iron," and "his feet part of iron and part of clay."

The first thing to notice is that we have _four_ different metals in this image, which I believe correlate with the _four_ beastly features of Daniel's dream and John's vision in Revelation 13. The second thing to consider is the body parts. When given as described above we have:

1. **Head** of fine gold

2. **Breast** and **arms** of silver

3. **Belly** and **thighs** of brass

4. **Legs** of iron

5. **Feet** of iron and clay

When viewed in this fashion, we _begin_ with number _one_ , the "head," to _end_ with number _five_ , the "feet," which just happens to correspond to our passages in Proverbs 6, where we also begin with the "head" or "haughty eyes," and end with the " _feet_ that make haste to run to evil" (Prov. 6:16-18; ESV). As previously mentioned and I emphasize, the _sixth_ thing in Proverbs speaks of _what we are_ while the _seventh_ of _what we do_.

The spiritual meaning of _five_ is "grace" (Bullinger, Jones, Vallowe), but it is also the number of "sin" (Author), for "where _sin_ abounded, _grace_ abounded much more" (Rom. 5:20). The fact that we have _five_ fingers on each hand and _five_ toes on each foot signifies our "works" (hands) and "walk" or conduct (feet) in this world; conduct that, without exception, reflects both _sin_ and _grace_ in everyone's life.

When we break down our body parts in the list above, here is what we have:

1. Head

2. Breast

3. Arms

4. Belly

5. Thighs

6. Legs

7. Feet

As we see, there are _seven_ body parts. Might this agree with the "seven heads" of the beasts in Revelation? I believe it does. As for the "ten horns"?

Daniel 2:41-42 (KJV)  
41 And whereas thou sawest the **feet** and **toes** , part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. 42 And _as_ the **toes** of the feet _were_ part of iron, and part of clay, _so_ the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.

As Daniel continues to describe the dream to Nebuchadnezzar, he brings in the ten "toes" of the feet which would correspond to the "ten horns" of the beasts in Revelation. So we have a match, and the spiritual meaning behind all of this is greatly enhanced by the fact that we have _two_ different dreams in the book of Daniel which point to the _three_ different perspectives of John's visions of the beasts in Revelation. All of them are synonymous and describe various perspectives of the same thing, i.e. the carnal mind with which all of us do battle. "By the mouth of _two_ or _three_ witnesses every word shall be established" (Matt. 18:16; II Cor. 13:1). First, Nebuchadnezzar, followed by Daniel and John.

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream (Daniel, Chapter 2)

1. Head

2. Breast

3. Arms

4. Belly

5. Thighs

6. Legs

7. Feet

Ten Toes

Ecclesiastes 3:18 (ESV)  
18 I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that **God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts**.

In Nebuchadnezzar's dream we have the _image of a man_ , but in Daniel's dream and John's visions, we have a "beast." The wisdom of Solomon confirms our stance; _man_ is but a _beast_ , again, the most dangerous one on this planet.

# Chapter Six

# THE MAN OF SIN

Allow me to state the obvious. Nebuchadnezzar's dream was _the image of a man_ , clarified by the fact that it had a head, breast, arms, belly, thighs, legs, and feet. If it is true that this corresponds with John's visions of the beasts in Revelation as well as with our seven things the Lord hates, then we should be able to confirm this elsewhere in scripture. Please consider.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 (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.

Of whom was Paul speaking when he described the "man of sin," the "son of perdition"? Is this an individual destined to rise in the future as some suppose, called the Antichrist? Not for a moment do I believe this and here's why.

What does this "man of sin" do? He " _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_." Take a moment to consider this and tell me, is this not an apt description of pride and arrogance? And what do the seven things God hates begin with? "A _proud_ look" (Prov. 6:17; KJV).

Furthermore, what or where is the "temple of God"? Paul tells us.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (ESV)  
16 Do you not know that **you are God's temple** and that God's Spirit dwells **in you**? 17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, **and you are that temple**.

Beloved, we, _collectively speaking_ , are "God's temple." It is not our buildings or sanctuaries, _it is us_ , as "living stones," which are "being built up a _spiritual house_ , a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (I Peter 2:5). And where does the "man of sin" set himself up as "God"? In the "temple of God," i.e. _within our heart and mind_. Also, note that Paul called this "man of sin" a "son of perdition."

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.

Friend, this is the only other time where the phrase "son of perdition" is used and it is the same Greek words used in II Thessalonians 2:3. What does this mean to you and me? In keeping with the context of Paul's declaration in II Thessalonians, I believe it means that Paul is speaking of religious _deception_ and _betrayal_ due to _arrogance_! With this in mind, reconsider Proverbs 6.

Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV)  
16 These six _things_ the Lord hates, yes, seven _are_ an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 a false witness _who_ speaks lies, **and one who sows discord among brethren**.

Strong's defines "brethren" as "a _brother_." For this reason, other translations render this as "brothers." My point? What God calls an "abomination" is "one who sows discord among _brothers_ " (ESV). This does not refer to the world at large, my friend, rather, it refers to those of us who profess belief in Christ Jesus and are part of the spiritual "house" of God. All of us who make up this spiritual house of God are considered brothers (and sisters), are we not?

Our word "discord" means "strife." It is the form of the word which means, "A _contest_ or quarrel." With this in mind, consider the following.

1 Corinthians 3:1-7 (NKJV)  
1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual _people_ but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able _to receive it,_ and even now you are still not able; 3 **for you are still carnal**. For where _there are_ **envy** , **strife** , and **divisions** among you, **are you not carnal and behaving like** _mere_ **men**? 4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I _am_ of Apollos," **are you not carnal**? 5 Who then is Paul, and who _is_ Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.

Ah, here we go. "When one says, 'I am of Paul,' and another, 'I am of Apollos,' are you not _carnal_?" Paul says. Is it any different when we declare, "I am a Catholic" or "I am a Baptist"? End of discussion, my friend; strife and division testify of _carnality_ and we cannot talk our way around it. Do we need further proof?

1 Corinthians 1:10-13 (NKJV)  
10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, **that you all speak the same thing, and** _that_ **there be no divisions among you, but** _that_ **you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment**. 11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's _household,_ that there are contentions among you. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

Here Paul pleads with his Corinthian brethren, stating that " _all_ speak the same thing, and that there be _no divisions among you_ , but that you be _perfectly joined together_ in the _same mind_ and in the _same judgment_." Why was Paul so concerned about this? Would it have something to do with what Jesus said in the following?

Matthew 12:25 (NKJV)  
25 But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: " **Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation** , and **every city or house divided against itself will not stand**.

These are the Lord's own words so let's take them at face value. "Every kingdom _divided against itself_ _is brought to desolation_ , and _every city or house divided against itself will not stand_." So let me ask you, is Christianity divided? Is there strife and division among us? Have we placed our loyalty and commitment with our religious "labels" rather than the Lord?

"Every city or house divided against itself will not stand," Jesus said. Does this explain what Paul meant when he said "that Day will not come unless the _falling away_ comes first"? Is our falling away evidenced by the divisions among us? Yes, I believe it is.

As for Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the _image of a man_? Is it possible that this dream was a picture of the "man of sin" and the "son of perdition" of which Paul wrote; not an individual as some suppose, but a description of the carnal essence (man of sin) which works in all of us, even in the realm of religious things (son of perdition)? I am inclined to think so.

1 Corinthians 15:22 (ESV)  
22 For **as in Adam** all die, so **also in Christ** shall all be made alive.

"As in Adam all die." How can this be? Because the story of Adam is a _representation_ of every one of us who enters this earthly realm and soon _dies inwardly_ due to the _rise_ of our carnal and sinful _nature_ (Rom. 8:6; Eph. 2:1). It is this _nature_ which is symbolized by the "man of sin" and the beast with seven heads and ten horns. It is what many call the "human nature," which is steeped in the _pride_ and _arrogance_ of the human form and its various attachments to _this_ world.

# Chapter Seven

# FOUR KINGDOMS

Daniel 2:32-33 (NKJV)  
32 This image's **head** _was_ of **fine gold** , its **chest and arms** of **silver** , its **belly** and **thighs** of **bronze** , 33 its **legs** of **iron** , its feet partly of iron and partly of clay.

The beast with seven heads and ten horns is described as having _four_ distinct features; a lion, a bear, and a leopard, given power and a throne and great authority by a "dragon" (Rev. 13:2). In Nebuchadnezzar's dream, we also find _four_ elements given as "fine gold," "silver," "bronze" (brass), and "iron." Do they correlate? I believe they do. Let's begin with the "head" of "fine gold."

"Fine gold" is symbolic of _deity_ or the _divine nature_ (Job 23:10; I Peter 1:7; II Peter 1:4; Rev. 21:21). For this reason, much of the Tabernacle of Moses was fashioned with or overlaid by solid gold. In keeping with this, Paul wrote the following.

1 Corinthians 3:11-13 (NKJV)  
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.

In agreement with Paul, Peter wrote this:

1 Peter 1:7 (KJV)  
7 That the trial of your faith, **being much more precious than of gold that perisheth** , though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ...

No doubt about it, gold is symbolic, and given the fact that the "head" of the image was gold, it speaks to us of the _mind_ and _faith_ of man which takes precedence over and controls all the other parts of his body. For this reason, Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar, "You, O king, are a _king_ of _kings_ " (Dan. 2:37).

Why do I say "faith of man"? Because all that we do in this world is an _act of faith_ , of what we _believe_ , whether secular or religious, whether in the wisdom of _this_ world or the wisdom of God. What we believe translates to _what we do_ , even in the simplest of things. I believe I will get paid at my job, so, I get up each morning and go to my job. I believe that the coffee maker will make coffee when I turn it on. I believe the car will start when I turn the key. You get my point. And isn't it true that these things are an action of my thought or thinking? Of course, so again, the "head of gold" speaks of the _mind_ and its corresponding acts of _faith_ by which we function every day.

The "head of fine gold" correlates with "the mouth like the mouth of a lion." As stated before, our entire existence is based on our _wisdom,_ our _knowledge_ and _understanding_ , without which we would not be the fearful but wondrous creation that we are (Psalms 139:14). Death and life are in the _power_ of our _tongue_ (Prov. 18:21), i.e. within the realm of thought and thinking.

Out of one's faith or belief, one speaks. Is this not true? And today, more than ever, we have a great number of people who are speaking quite boldly and unashamedly, even though their agendas are godless and carnal, so the "mouth of a lion" is certainly appropriate, representing the misplaced faith and thinking that propagates death (Rom. 8:6).

"Silver" speaks of _redemption_ (Exod. 30:11-16; Zech. 11:12-13; I Peter 1:18-20) and correlates with "the feet of a bear." Remember that "feet" denote our _walk_ or _conduct_ in this life which is first _natural_ (I Cor. 2:14), then _carnal_ (Rom. 8:6-7), thereby indicating the need to be _redeemed_ from our sinful and rebellious ways.

The silver incorporates the "chest and arms," so in conjunction with the "feet," this illustrates our "works" or "deeds" as typified by what proceeds from our _heart_ (chest; Matt. 15:18), what we _embrace_ , what we do with our _hands_ (deeds; Matt. 15:19-20). Our _walk_ or _conduct_ is synonymous with our _works_ or _deeds_ and is always the result of our faith in man or God.

"Bronze" (brass) speaks of _judgment_. God tells us that if we do not listen to His voice that the heavens will be as _brass_ (Deut. 28:13-23) which is God's _judgment_ upon man (Num. 21:5-9; Job 40:18; Isa. 4:4; Rev. 1:12-15).

The brass is found in the "belly and thighs." These are the areas of the _womb_ and the _penis_ which typifies _the universal principle of sowing and reaping_ (Gal. 6:7-10), the _foundation_ of God's judgment in our lives. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for _whatever a man sows_ , _that he will also reap_ " (Gal. 6:7; NKJV).

The brass correlates with the "leopard" features of the beast.

Jeremiah 13:23 (NIV)  
23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the **leopard** its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.

Here we have it. Apart from the redeeming work and grace of God through Christ, we cannot change ourselves, therefore, His judgment is indeed both _necessary_ and _beneficial_ to our lives.

The fourth and final metal in Nebuchadnezzar's image of a man is "iron" (clay is not a metal). Iron typifies our " _bondage_ to _corruption_ " (Rom. 8:21) as reflected by Israel's captivity in Egypt (Deut. 4:20; 28:48; I Kings 8:51). To be more specific, it signifies "death," which is not so much our passing from this planet, but a _state of being_ due to our "bondage" (Eph. 2:1) of the "fear of death" (Heb. 2:15). For this reason, no part of the Tabernacle was fashioned from this metal.

The iron is found in the "legs" and "feet" of the image, and again, it is the _fourth_ and _final_ metal found. The legs support the torso and along with the feet, are responsible for our movement. Perhaps, for this reason, Paul wrote, "Therefore, just as _sin came into the world_ through _one man_ (the man of sin), and _death through sin_ , and so _death spread to all men_ because all sinned" (Rom. 5:12; ESV). The beloved disciple, John, speaks clearly of our plight in the following passage.

1 John 5:19 (KJV)  
19 And we know that we are of God, **and the whole world lieth in wickedness**.

The iron correlates with the "dragon" in our beast with seven heads and ten horns. This should come as no surprise for the Strong's Concordance defines this word as "(To _look_ ); a fabulous kind of _serpent_ (perhaps as supposed to _fascinate_ )." Should there be any doubt as to what this "dragon" represents, we read in Revelation 12:9, "So the great _dragon_ was cast out, that _serpent of old_ , called the _Devil_ and _Satan_ , who _deceives_ the whole world." "That serpent of old" connects the dragon to the serpent seen in Genesis 3:1 which further defines the wicked _nature_ and _deceitfulness_ (imaginations) of the human heart (Jer. 17:9). No wonder Paul stated, "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; _but became vain in their imaginations_ , and their _foolish heart was darkened"_ (Rom. 1:21; KJV), and again, " _Casting down imaginations_ , and _every high thing_ that exalteth itself against the _knowledge_ of God, and bringing into captivity _every thought_ to the obedience of Christ" (II Cor. 10:5; KJV).

The exponential principle of sowing and reaping is also seen in the "serpent" of Genesis and the "dragon" of Revelation. What begins with the _one_ in Genesis ends with the _many_ in Revelation, for the "dragon" represents a many-membered _collective_ entity.

When we consider the creation story in Genesis, we will find that the first _four_ "days" of creation are unique from the last three. This important pattern is repeated in Revelation in the first _four_ prophecies to the churches (Rev. 2:1-29), the first _four_ seals of the book sealed with seven seals (Rev. 6:1-8), and the first _four_ trumpets and bowls (Rev. 8:7-13; 16:1-9). This being true, the spiritual meaning of _four_ enhances our understanding. Here's Bullinger's explanation from _Number in Scripture_.

Now the number four is made up of three and one (3+1=4), and it denotes, therefore, and marks that which follows the revelation of God, namely, His creative works. He is known by the things that are seen. Hence the written revelation commences with the words, "In-the-beginning God CREATED." Creation is, therefore, the next thing—the fourth thing, and the number four always has reference to all that is created. It is emphatically the number of Creation; of man in his relation to the world as created; while six is the number of man in his opposition to and independence of God. It is the number of things that have a beginning, of things that are made, of material things, and matter itself. It is the number of material completeness. Hence it is the world number, and especially the "city" number.

The fourth day saw the material creation finished (for on the fifth and sixth days it was only the furnishing and peopling of the earth with living creatures). The sun, moon, and stars completed the work, and they were to give light upon the earth which had been created and to rule over the day and over the night (Gen 1:14-19).

Four is the number of the great elements—earth, air, fire, and water.

Four are the regions of the earth—north, south, east, and west.

Four are the divisions of the day—morning, noon, evening, and midnight. Or in our Lord's words, when He speaks of His coming at evening, midnight, cock-crowing, or in the morning (Mark 13:35). We are never to put off His coming in our minds beyond tomorrow morning.

Four are the seasons of the year—spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Four are the great variations of the lunar phases.

Bullinger writes that _four_ "is the _world_ number, and especially the 'city' number." City number? Yes, as in a _foundation_ , for most buildings are constructed on a _foundation_ with four sides (Rev. 21:16).

What else does Bullinger tell us? "The fourth day saw the material creation finished (for on the fifth and sixth days it was only the furnishing and peopling of the earth with living creatures). The sun, moon, and stars completed the work, and they were to give light upon the earth which had been created, and to rule over the day and over the night (Gen 1:14-19)." As this suggests, the finishing of the material creation established the foundation of the world which made it ready for "the furnishing and peopling of the earth." So on our first four days of creation, God established the "the foundation of the world" (Matt. 13:35; 25:34; Luke 11:50; John 17:24; Eph. 1:4; Heb. 4:3; 9:26; I Peter 1:20; Rev. 13:8; 17:8). Since the natural typifies the spiritual (Rom. 1:20), this correlates with our pattern in Revelation.

Our lion, bear, leopard, and dragon, and gold, silver, brass, and iron reflect the inward foundation out of which all humankind functions. As we go forward in our faith in man or a Higher Power, we sow and reap the consequences of our actions, continually corrected or rewarded by the spiritual working of God's immutable Word in this earth in which we dwell so that our faith will be in what is true.

# Chapter Eight

# TWO GREAT LIGHTS

The fact that the first four seals are unique from the last three, so too the prophecies, trumpets, and bowls, speaks of a spiritual understanding, i.e. of the foundation of the world. This foundation is typified by the four metals in Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel, Chapter 2, Daniel's dream of four great beasts in Daniel, Chapter 7, and by the four particular "beasts" of John's vision of the beast with seven heads in Revelation, Chapter 12. And what is the "foundation of the world"? It is the moral essence of God's law, reflected in the first four days of creation; see Romans 13:10.

When considering the seals in Revelation, we see this same separation of four and three, the first four seals revealing four horses and riders which are unique from the last three seals.

Revelation 6:1-8 (KJV)  
1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. 2 And I saw, and behold **a white horse** : and he that sat on him had a bow; and a **crown** was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. 3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. 4 And there went out **another horse** _that was_ **red** : and _power_ was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. 5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo **a black horse** ; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and _see_ thou hurt not the oil and the wine. 7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. 8 And I looked, and behold **a pale horse** : and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

As we have discovered, the lion, bear, leopard, and dragon features of the beast with seven heads correlates with the gold, silver, brass, and iron of Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the image of a man. In keeping with this pattern, I believe the four components in both also correlate with the four horsemen of the first four seals as shown below:

1. Gold >> Lion >> White horse and rider

2. Silver >> Bear >> Red horse and rider

3. Brass >> Leopard >> Black horse and rider

4. Iron >> Dragon >> Pale horse and rider

Is it simply coincidence that in our first four seals, we have both a horse or "beast" and a rider or "human"? Does this bring the idea of man together with his beastly characteristics as we have considered? I believe it does.

Beloved, what is the foundation of the world which God established during the first four days of creation? As mentioned, it is the moral essence of God's law, so could we not also say that it is the divine implementation of faith and its subsequent judgment or reward? We could, and further proof is found on the fourth day of creation itself.

Genesis 1:14-19 (KJV)  
14 And God said, **Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night** ; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: 15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. 16 And God made **two great lights** ; the **greater light to rule the day** , and **the lesser light to rule the night** : _he made_ the stars also. 17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, 18 And **to rule over the day and over the night** , and **to divide the light from the darkness** : and God saw that _it was_ good. 19 And the evening and the morning were the **fourth** day.

On the fourth day, God created "lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night." He made "two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night." These "two great lights" were given to "rule over the day and over the night" and again "to divide the light from the darkness." Before we consider the meaning of these "two great lights," consider the following.

Romans 1:18-20 (ESV)  
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 **For what can be known about God is plain to** them, **because God has shown it to them**. 20 **For** his invisible attributes **, namely, his** eternal power **and** divine nature **, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,** in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Do you see it, my friend? What can be known about God is made plain to us. How? By "the things that have been made." Beloved, there is no greater testimony of truth than that which has been placed into creation, set before us so that we might understand His "eternal power and divine nature." No wonder then that Jesus used natural things to explain spiritual realities.

One of the most profound teachings is the Parable of the Sower in Matthew, Chapter 13, Mark, Chapter 4, and Luke, Chapter 8, which sets forth the universal principle of sowing and reaping in relation to the entire world. This principle was established on the third day of creation (Gen. 1:9-13) which marks it as "a complete witness" (Jones), with "divine perfection" (Bullinger), and that "God is in it" (Vallowe).

On the fourth day, we have "two great lights." Of course, these two great lights are the sun and the moon, but they testify of something much greater, something spiritual in intent. Paul describes this in the following.

2 Corinthians 3:5-11 (ESV)  
5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who has made us competent to be ministers of a **new covenant** , not of the letter but of the Spirit. For **the letter kills** , but **the Spirit gives life**. 7 Now if **the ministry of death** (lesser light), carved in letters on stone, came with such **glory** that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its **glory** , which was being brought to an end, 8 will not **the ministry of the Spirit** (greater light) have even **more glory**? 9 For if there was **glory** in **the ministry of condemnation** (lesser light), **the ministry of righteousness** (greater light) must far exceed it in **glory**. 10 Indeed, in this case, what once had **glory** has come to have no **glory** at all, because of the **glory** that surpasses it. 11 For if what was being brought to an end came with **glory** , much more will what is permanent have **glory**.

1 Corinthians 15:40-42 (ESV)  
40 There are **heavenly bodies** and **earthly bodies** , but the **glory** of the **heavenly** is of one kind, and the **glory** of the **earthly** is of another. 41 There is one **glory** of the **sun** , and another **glory** of the **moon** , and another **glory** of the **stars** ; for star differs from star in glory. 42 **So is it with the resurrection of the dead**. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable.

In I Corinthians 15, Paul speaks of "heavenly bodies" and "earthly bodies" and the "glory" of each. The "heavenly bodies" refer to the sun, moon, and stars. What do all of them have in common? _Light_. And what is the spiritual parallel? When we compare the idea of "glory" in I Corinthians 15 with II Corinthians 3, we find that it denotes the "glory" of the "lesser light" of the Old Covenant in contrast with the "greater light" of the New, both which are summed up in "the resurrection of the dead, the core principle of both the Old and New Testament scriptures (Author's Note: When understood correctly, the _universal principle of sowing and reaping_ accurately defines the concept of _resurrection_ ).

Galatians 4:21-26 (ESV)  
21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law (lesser light), do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. 24 Now **this may be interpreted allegorically** : these women are two covenants (lesser light and greater light). One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.

Based on I Corinthians 15, II Corinthians 3, and Galatians 4, we see that our "two great lights" typify the "light" or "glory" of the "two covenants" of God, what we know today as the Old Testament (Covenant) and the New Testament (Covenant). The first is "from Mount Sinai," indicating the law which God delivered to Moses and Israel, symbolized by Abraham's slave woman, Hagar. And the second? It speaks of "Jerusalem above" who "is free, and she is our mother." This speaks of Abraham's wife, Sarah. And the difference between them?

Romans 7:14 (KJV)  
14 For we know that the **law** (Hagar) _is_ **spiritual** (Sarah)...

What does Paul say? "We know that the law," i.e. the Old Covenant as represented by Hagar, "is spiritual," i.e. "above," represented by Sarah. This tells us quite clearly that within the law lies a spiritual essence. What is this essence? It is the nature of the Giver Himself which is His divine love (Matt. 22:35-40; Rom. 13:10; I John 4:16).

Revelation 12:1 (ESV)  
1 And a great sign appeared in heaven: a **woman** clothed with the **sun** , with the **moon** under her feet, and on her head a crown of **twelve stars**.

What do we find on the fourth day of creation? The creation of the sun, moon, and stars. How did John describe the "great sign" which "appeared in heaven"? "A woman," i.e. Jerusalem above, "clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars." In agreement with the fourth day of creation, we have all three "lights in the firmament of the heaven _to divide the day from the night_." We find further confirmation in the following.

John 8:12 (NKJV)  
12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, " **I am the light of the world**. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have **the light of life**."

Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV)  
14 **You are the light of the world**. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all _who are_ in the house. 16 **Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven**.

Ah, my friends, here we have it, the natural testifying of the spiritual. As all of us know, the light of the moon is merely a reflection of the sun's light. So it is that the "moon" is seen "under" the "feet" of the "woman clothed with the sun," for the Old Testament law of God is _superseded_ by the New Testament Promise, the _natural_ by the _spiritual_ (I Cor. 15:27; Eph. 1:22). As Paul told the Galatians, "The son of the slave was born _according to the flesh_ (will of man), while the son of the free woman _was born through promise_ (will of God)." The first falls under the "letter" that "kills" while the second speaks of "the Spirit" that "gives life." Beloved, the "son of the slave" denotes our _soul_ while the "son of the freewoman" denotes our _spirit_.

Paul is clear; the Old Covenant law of God is "the ministry of death" and "condemnation," nonetheless, it contains a "glory" as typified by the light of the moon; it is the "lesser light" that rules over the "night." Ah, but "the ministry of the Spirit" is what truly "gives life" and "exceeds much more in glory" (II Cor. 3:9; NKJV). It is the "greater light" which rules the "day" (I Thess. 5:5).

In the beginning, our Creator formed "two great lights" on the _fourth_ day of creation to bear witness of His Two Covenants to all humankind and every generation, to testify of the _foundation of the world_ which dictates the movement of everyone from beginning to end. All that God has purposed through Christ find their fulfillment through the "law" (Old Covenant) and the "prophets" (New Covenant).

Matthew 5:17-20 (NKJV)  
17 " **Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill**. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, **till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law** **till all is fulfilled**. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches _them,_ he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds _the righteousness_ of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

In His sermon on the mount, Jesus was clear. He did not come to "destroy the Law or the Prophets" but "to fulfill," and "one jot or tittle (smallest detail) will by no means _pass_ from the law till _all_ is fulfilled." Paul clarifies, stating, "For we know that the _law_ is _spiritual_ " (Rom. 7:14; KJV). When the "lesser light" is put into our minds and written in our hearts by the Spirit of the living God (Heb. 8:10), we are _transformed_ (Rom. 12:2), so much so that there is no longer any need for a law, for "Christ is _the end of the law_ for righteousness to every one that believeth" (Rom. 10:4; KJV). We transcend the glory of the Old to walk in the New. This is the work of God in Christ in humankind.

# Chapter Nine

# FOUR HORSEMEN

Allow me to reiterate what I said in the last chapter. The fact that the first four seals are unique from the last three, so too the prophecies, trumpets, and bowls, speaks of a spiritual understanding that reflects the foundation of the world. This foundation is typified by Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the gold, silver, brass, and iron in the image of a man in Daniel, Chapter 2, the four great beasts of Daniel's dream in Daniel, Chapter 7, and John's visions of the lion, bear, leopard, and dragon features associated with the beast with seven heads in Revelation, Chapters 12, 13, and 17 (Author's Note: A careful study of the first four days of creation also reveal this foundation as the wisdom, understanding, counsel, and might of our Creator; see Isaiah 11:1-4).

What is the foundation of the world? It is the implementation and working of faith, underpinned by our "two great lights," the Two Covenants, Old and New, what the Lord called the "Law" and the "Prophets." This being true, it begins with God's law, for the law cannot become spiritual without being an integral part of our being; and it is; see Romans 7:14-25.

Our pattern is set; four and three. So it is that when the "Lamb" of God, i.e. Christ, opens the first four seals, we see four different horsemen, which again correlate with what we have discussed so far. Here's our list from the last chapter.

1. Gold >> Lion >> White horse and rider

2. Silver >> Bear >> Red horse and rider

3. Brass >> Leopard >> Black horse and rider

4. Iron >> Dragon >> Pale horse and rider

To put it plainly, I believe the four horsemen are defined by the Lord's remarks in Matthew 5:17, i.e. they represent _the fulfilling of the law and the prophets_. What did our Lord say? "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle (smallest detail) _will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled_ " (Matt. 5:18). Where does this _fulfillment_ take place? Within the hearts and minds of His people! (Luke 17:21) In confirmation of the Lord's declaration, here is what we find in Revelation 21:1.

Revelation 21:1 (NKJV)  
1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, **for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away**. Also there was no more sea.

Beloved, it is not until we reach the end of Revelation that we find "the _first_ heaven and the _first_ earth" having "passed away." Not for a moment do I believe this is literal. Rather, the "first heaven" and "first earth" refer to the working of the carnal mind under the divine auspices of God's law while the "new heaven" and "new earth" refer to the working of the spiritual mind by the Spirit of life from God (Rom. 8:2; Rev. 11:11). Remember, the law _is_ spiritual, therefore it must become so within the framework of our being, and this can only be accomplished by the Spirit of the Lord (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13).

Revelation 6:1-2 (ESV)  
1 Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, "Come!" 2 And I looked, and behold, **a white horse**! And its rider had a **bow** , and **a crown was given to him** , and he came out **conquering, and to conquer**.

The "horse" in each of our seals represents "power," also typifying "war" or "battle." For this reason, we read in Revelation 17:14, "These," i.e. _the beast with seven heads and the eighth beast_ , "will _make war_ with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them." In Revelation 19:11 we read, "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, _a white horse_. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness _He judges and makes war_." Is our "white horse" in the first seal the same "white horse" in Revelation 19:11? I believe it is.

Job 39:19-25 (NKJV)  
19 " **Have you given the horse strength**? Have you clothed his neck with thunder? 20 Can you frighten him like a locust? His majestic snorting strikes terror. 21 He paws in the valley, and rejoices in _his_ strength; He gallops into the clash of arms. 22 He mocks at fear, and is not frightened; nor does he turn back from the sword. 23 The quiver rattles against him, the glittering spear and javelin. 24 He devours the distance with fierceness and rage; **nor does he come to a halt because the trumpet** _has_ **sounded**. 25 **At the** _blast of_ **the** trumpet he says, 'Aha!' He smells the **battle** from afar, the thunder of captains and shouting.

The rider of each horse represents "authority" (James 3:3), for the rider holds the reigns and controls their movement. So we have both "power" and "authority" symbolized by each horse and rider. And remember, with each horse and rider, we have both a "beast" and a "man." No wonder James wrote, "If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and _does not bridle his tongue_ ," _just as a horse is bridled_ , "but deceives his own heart, _this one's religion is useless"_ (James 1:26; NKJV; see also James 3:2-3, 8).

The first horse is "white" which correlates with the " _head_ of gold" in Nebuchadnezzar's dream and the " _mouth_ of a lion," confirmed by the statement, "And a _crown_ was given to him." A _crown_ is placed on the _head_. White signifies "righteousness" (Rev. 19:8) which agrees with the gold which signifies God's "divine nature" (Rom. 1:20; ESV). Beloved, even in the worst of us is found God's divine nature. After all, is it not God who breathes the "breath of life" into each and every one of us? (Gen. 2:7; KJV) Ah, but understand that only by God's grace through Christ can we be made righteous in His sight.

Psalms 7:11 (KJV)  
11 **God judgeth the righteous** , and God is angry _with the wicked_ every day.

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 145:17 (KJV)  
17 **The Lord** _is_ righteous **in all his** ways, and holy in all his **works**.

"The Lord is _righteous_ in all his ways, and holy in all his _works_ ," and so it is that the white horse and rider represent the _initiation_ of the _spiritual fulfillment_ (works) of the law and the prophets in the church through Christ our Lord. He goes forth "conquering, and to conquer," from the right hand of the throne of our heavenly Father (Rev. 3:21), executing the Father's will in accordance with His divine Word. Jesus made this clear, stating, "My meat is _to do the will of him that sent_ me, and _to finish his work_ " (John 4:34; KJV). Beloved, as a "life-giving Spirit" (I Cor. 15:45), Christ Jesus is _finishing_ the work of God on this earth as it was purposed. He is "the _Lion_ of the tribe of Judah" (Rev. 1:5).

Revelation 6:3-4 (ESV)  
3 When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come!" 4 And out came **another horse, bright red**. Its rider was permitted **to take peace from the** earth, so that men should slay one another, **and he was given a great sword**.

In the first horse and rider, we see the _initiation_ of the living Word of God through Christ in the earth going forth "conquering, and to conquer." When we consider the second seal, we see "another horse, bright red." Our word "red" means, " _Fire-like_ , i.e. (special) _flame-colored_ ," taken from the Greek transliteration _pyr_ , which means, " _Fire_ " (See Matt. 3:11).

Luke 12:49 (ESV)  
49 " **I came to cast** fire **on the earth** , and would that it were already kindled!

Our word "fire" in this passage is our word _pyr_. These words from our Lord explain our second horse and rider. We then read, "Its rider was permitted to _take peace_ from the earth... and he was given a _great sword_."

Matthew 10:34-39 (ESV)  
34 " **Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth.** I have not come to bring peace, but a sword **.** 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

The "sword" in the hand of Christ defines the _division_ created by the living Word of God in our lives as it brings to bear that which is needed to " _divide_ the _day_ from the _night,_ " "the _light_ from the _darkness,_ " i.e. the "soul" from the "spirit" within our being (Gen. 1:14, 18; Heb. 4:12; KJV).

The red horse and rider correlate with the _silver_ in the chest and arms and "feet of a bear" in John's visions. As we know, silver speaks of _redemption_ (Exod. 30:11-16).

Deuteronomy 33:2 (NKJV)  
2 And he said: "The Lord came from Sinai, and dawned on them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran, and He came with ten thousands of saints; from His **right hand** _came_ a **fiery law** for them.

Where is Christ seated? At the _right hand_ of the Father (Matt. 22:44; 25:33-34; 26:64; Acts 2:33; 7:55-56), and "from His _right hand_ came a _fiery law_ (fire-law) for them," so our red horse and rider speaks of the _living Word_ (Heb. 4:12; ESV) of God's _fiery law_ through our Lord Jesus Christ that challenges our _hearts_ and _deeds_ (chest and arms) and thus our _walk_ or _conduct_ in life (feet of a bear).

Revelation 6:5-6 (ESV)  
5 When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come!" And I looked, and behold, **a black horse**! And its rider had a **pair of scales** in his hand. 6 And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!"

When the _third_ seal is opened, we see a "black horse," which correlates with the "belly" and "thighs" of "brass" in Nebuchadnezzar's dream and the "leopard" of John's visions. It was on the _third_ day of creation when the waters were "gathered together unto one place" and the "dry land" appeared (Gen. 1:9-10; KJV), allowing for the "earth" to " _bring forth grass_ , the _herb yielding seed_ , and the _fruit tree yielding fruit_ after his kind, _whose seed is in itself_ " (Gen. 1:11; KJV). In keeping with the _third_ day of creation, the "belly" and "thighs" are the areas where the womb and penis are found, so in both, our _universal principle of sowing and reaping_ is clearly emphasized.

Light denotes "good works," (Matt. 5:16), which reflects _righteousness_ (Rev. 19:8). "Black" is _the absence of light_ , revealing our need to be redeemed from our "works of darkness" (Rom. 13:12; Eph. 5:11).

"Scales" are used to measure.

Leviticus 19:35-36 (ESV)  
35 " **You shall do no wrong in judgment** , in measures of length or weight or quantity. 36 **You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin** : I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.

Proverbs 16:11 (ESV)  
11 A **just balance and scales** are the Lord's; **all the weights in the bag are his work**.

Ah, here we go. "All the weights in the bag are _his_ work," not ours, so when we consider the third horse and rider we see the need for the righteous judgment of the Lord in every person, for there is but "one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy" (James 4:12). "Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the _leopard_ his spots?" (Jer. 13:23; ESV). Neither can we redeem ourselves.

Revelation 6:7-8 (ESV)  
7 When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, "Come!" 8 And I looked, and behold, **a pale horse**! And **its rider's name was Death** , and **Hades followed him**. And **they were given authority** over a fourth (fourth part; KJV) of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.

The fourth seal reveals "a pale horse," and we are not left to wonder about its rider, for we are told "its rider's name was _Death_ , and _Hades_ followed him." This correlates with the "legs of iron" and the "dragon."

What did Paul call the law which was delivered to Israel so long ago? The "ministry of _death_ " and " _condemnation_ " (II Cor. 3:7, 9). This being the case, would "condemnation" actually define what is meant by "Hades"? I believe it does, for our word "Hades" means " _unseen_." Please consider.

John 3:3 (ESV)  
3 Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Matthew 13:13-14 (ESV)  
13 This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: "'You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.

1 John 2:11 (NKJV)  
11 But he who hates his brother **is in darkness and walks in darkness** , and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Beloved, "seeing" refers to our _perception_ , to our ability to understand the _life_ and _work_ of God's living Word in our lives, and come to the place where we walk in it. If this is true, then our inability to _see_ or _perceive_ His kingdom results in condemnation, does it not? When we are unable to "see" the kingdom of God, would we not then be in "Hades"? Jesus told the hypocritical Pharisees of His time, "You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, _you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are_ " (Matt. 23:15; NIV). Doesn't the phrase "as you are" speak of a present spiritual condition?

In II Corinthians 3:9, Strong's defines our word "condemnation" as, " _Sentencing adversely_ (the act)." It is taken from the root which means, "To _judge against_ , i.e. _sentence_." These definitions lead to the following.

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

Who is the rider of the fourth seal? "Death." What follows "after this"? "Hades" (hell; KJV). So what is Hades? Is it not _a state of being_ like "death" (Eph. 2:1) where we exist in the _condemnation of our unrighteousness_ which is continually exposed by God's righteous nature as reflected in His living and active Word? (Heb. 4:12; ESV)

Our fourth horse and rider are synonymous with the "iron" in the "legs" and "feet" of Nebuchadnezzar's image, again reflecting our _walk_ or _conduct_ (legs and feet) "according to the course of _this_ world, according to the _prince of the power of the air_ , the _spirit_ who now works in the _sons_ of _disobedience_ " (Eph. 2:2). The "prince of the power of the air" is symbolized by the "dragon," which we know to be "that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world" (Rev. 12:9). Here's further confirmation.

Hebrews 2:14-15 (KJV)  
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; **that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil** ; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

As we see, it is the "devil" that holds "the power of death." Our word "devil" means, "A _traducer_." Google defines "traduce" as, "To speak maliciously and falsely of; slander; defame: to traduce someone's character." Sound familiar? It should, for the evidence of this spirit is more prominent than ever across every segment of our society, from the highest positions of our government to the man on the street. What is our seventh characteristic in Proverbs 6:19? "One who _sows discord_ among brothers" (ESV). Does this not agree with our idea of "a _traducer_ "? No doubt about it, death is in _the power of our tongue,_ and death is being sown all across this planet (Prov. 18:21).

First, Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the image of a man where we find _gold_ , _silver_ , _brass_ , and _iron_. Second, Daniel's dream of _four great beasts_ with the characteristics of a _lion_ , _bear_ , _leopard_ , and a _fourth beast_ with "great iron teeth" and "ten horns" (which correlates with our legs, feet, and toes of _iron_ ; see Daniel 2:41-42; 7:7). Third, John's vision of the beast with seven heads and ten horns, also bearing the characteristics of the _lion_ , _bear_ , and _leopard_ , as the _dragon_ gives to it its authority. Finally, four horses and four riders, each one correlating with and exemplifying the _foundation of the world_ which our Creator established in the beginning, placing the "two great lights" in the heavens to testify to us of His eternal power and divine nature incorporated into His Two Covenants.

Finally, in keeping with our understanding of our "beast" in Revelation 13 as a _small_ but _wild_ and _dangerous_ animal, consider what Paul wrote in the following.

Romans 11:17-18 (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.

In Romans 11, Paul likens the nation of Israel as "a _cultivated olive tree_ calling them the " _natural_ branches" (Rom. 11:24; NKJV). Ah, but the "Gentiles" or all other nations? He likens us as "a wild olive tree." Strong's defines this word as, "An _oleaster_ ," a compound word derived from _agrios_ , which means, " _Wild_ (as pertaining to the _country_ ), literal ( _natural_ ) or figurative ( _fierce_ )," and _elaia_ , which means, "An _olive_ (the tree or the fruit)." Does this not agree perfectly with the idea of our beast with seven heads and ten horns?

# Chapter Ten

# THE MAN OF SIN

When we bring all of our symbolisms together, what is it that we see? What was the Lord seeking to show John in his visions of the beast with seven heads and ten horns? As we have learned, the seven heads of this beast are described by the _six_ things the Lord hates, the _seventh_ which He calls an abomination, i.e. "one," _individually and collectively speaking_ , "who sows discord among brothers" (Prov. 6:16-19; ESV). These seven things constitute the characteristics of the carnal mind which "is death" (Rom. 8:6), represented by our "pale horse" and rider (Rev. 6:8).

The lion, bear, leopard, and dragon features regarding the beast should agree and complement our understanding of the seven heads, so too our gold, silver, brass, and iron, and our four horses and riders; and they do. How do we know? By the following which Paul wrote.

Romans 7:7-14 (ESV)  
7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! **Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin**. I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, "You shall not covet." 8 But **sin** , **seizing an opportunity through the commandment** , **produced in me all kinds of covetousness**. **Apart from the law, sin lies dead**. 9 **I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died**. 10 **The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me**. 11 For **sin** , **seizing an opportunity through the** commandment, **deceived me and through it killed me**. 12 So the **law** is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. 13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! **It was** sin **, producing death in me through what is good** , **in order that sin might be shown to be** sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. 14 For we know that **the law is spiritual** , but **I am of the flesh** , **sold under sin**.

If we consider these passages carefully, we discover an understanding that brings all of our symbolisms together.

What did Paul say? "I was _once alive_ apart from the law, _but when the commandment came_ , _sin came alive_ and I died." Here Paul is not talking of physical death but of the spiritual position of our hearts and minds (Eph. 2:1). And who of us can argue this point? Tell little Johnny that he cannot play in the street and what happens? He waits until your back is turned and rushes to play in the street!

So what did Paul say about the law of God? "So the _law_ is holy, and the _commandment_ is holy and righteous and _good_." Ah, but what happened because of the law? "Did that which is _good_ ," i.e. the law, "then, bring death to me? By no means! IT WAS SIN, producing death in me _through what is good_ ," i.e. the law, "in order that sin might be shown to be sin."

Back to little Johnny. Was his mother's warning good or bad? No doubt about it, it was good, but Johnny cannot "see" or _perceive_ this due to his _immaturity_. He doesn't realize that playing in the street puts him in danger of being struck by an automobile! Ah, but his mother knows this, therefore, she gives him the "commandment" not to do it.

Beloved, this is Paul's argument in Romans 7 as he seeks to make us understand the effects of the law. Simply put, _the law is what provokes sin in us_! And sin? _It is you and me resisting what's good for us!_ Do we need proof? If we are raw and honest about it, we see it all around us. Our present societal structure is based almost entirely on what is bad for us. What you and I take for granted has brought us to the precipice where we stand today, where Americans are more sick and diseased than ever. Did these sicknesses and diseases just appear out of the air? Of course not! They are the result of our _own disobedience_ and the _lawlessness_ of all the successive generations that came before us. For the sake of convenience, we have introduced all manner of chemicals into our food, drink, and homes without regard for their effects upon the human body. And we are continuing to manufacture a great variety of pleasures and conveniences out of which come all manner of problems, both physical and mental. My friend, this is the curse of the carnal mind that cannot truly perceive the following.

Romans 13:8-10 (NKJV)  
8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for **he who loves another has fulfilled the law**. 9 For the commandments, _"You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not bear false witness," "You shall not covet,"_ and if _there is_ any other commandment, are _all_ summed up in this saying, namely, _"You shall love your neighbor as yourself."_ 10 **Love does no harm to a neighbor** ; therefore **love** _is_ **the fulfillment of the law**.

What is the moral essence of the law? All of it is "summed up in this saying, namely, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' _Love does no harm to a neighbor_ ; therefore _love is the fulfillment of the law_." No harm, beloved, no harm, which means that we should not be devising things which bring mental or physical problems into our lives, regardless of their convenience or so-called benefits. But why have we? Profit! Our _love of money_. When Paul wrote that it was the "root of all evil" (I Tim. 6:10; KJV), he spoke by inspiration of the Spirit. When we consider the misery that besets us today, we can attribute most of it to this very thing.

In Romans 7, Paul gives us an understanding of how the law provokes sin. As he continues his letter to the saints in Rome, and in agreement with his explanation in II Corinthians 3, verses 5 through 11, Paul calls the law of God the "law of sin" (Rom. 7:23, 25) as well as the "law of sin and death" (Rom. 8:2), stating quite clearly that it _resides in our members_ (Rom. 7:23).

Beloved, the law of sin and death is just that, _a law_ , not just carved in stone or written down, but an _integral part_ of our being. For this reason, and regarding the "man of sin" in II Thessalonians 2, Paul calls it "the _mystery_ of _lawlessness_ " (II Thess. 2:7). No wonder Paul exclaimed, "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this _body of death_?" (Rom. 7:24). And what does he follow with? "I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the _law_ of God, but with the _flesh_ the _law_ of sin. There is therefore now no condemnation (Hades; Hell) to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk (conduct themselves) according to the _flesh_ , but according to the _Spirit_. For _the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus_ has made me free from _the law of sin and death_ " (Rom. 7:25-8:2).

How do we eliminate the law of sin and death? By another and _greater_ law (Gen. 1:16), the "law of the _Spirit of life_ in Christ Jesus." Our phrase "Spirit of life" takes us to the following.

Revelation 11:11 (KJV)  
11 And after three days and an half **the Spirit of life from God** entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

This passage regards the "two witnesses" in Revelation, Chapter 11. In Revelation 11:7, and in keeping with Revelation 17:14, we are told that "the _beast_ that ascends out of the bottomless pit will _make war_ against them, _overcome_ them, and _kill_ them." Is this "beast" which "ascends" a different beast than what we have been discussing? No, it is not! How do we know? It's in the phrase "bottomless pit." This phrase is derived from two words, _alpha_ and _bythos_. _Alpha_ refers to the first letter of the Greek alphabet used "as a negative particle" in conjunction with _bythos_ , which means, " _Depthless_ , i.e. (special) (infernal) ' _abyss_ '" (Strong's). Our word _bythos_ is a variation of the word which means, " _Depth_ , i.e. (by implication) the _sea_." Furthermore, our word "ascends" is the same Greek word rendered "rise up" in Revelation 13:1, defined as, "To _go up_ (literal or figurative)." This idea of going up or _ascending_ is not literal but correlates with II Thessalonians 2:4 and the "man of sin" who " _exalts_ himself." What all of this tells us is that the "bottomless pit" in Revelation 11:7 is actually the "sea" in Revelation 13:1 (see also Luke 8:31 and Romans 10:7).

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 death of these two witnesses is then pictured as "dead bodies" which "lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified" (Rev. 11:8). And why are they dead? Because the "Spirit of life" is no longer present as indicated by Revelation 11:11. So the need for this "Spirit of life" once again becomes evident. So what do we see in this symbolism? I believe it's explained by the following.

Matthew 15:8-9 (NKJV)  
8 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 9 And **in vain they worship Me** , **teaching as doctrines the commandments of men**.' "

Mark 7:8, 13 (NKJV)  
8 "For laying aside the commandment of God, **you hold the tradition of men**... 13 **making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down**..."

Brothers and sisters, it is not the world that's the problem, rather, _it's the world in the church_ , bringing all manner of doctrines, teachings, and "commandments of men" which make "the word of God of no effect." And what is the result? "Dead bodies." What is a dead body? James tells us that it's "the _body_ _without the spirit_ " (James 2:26; KJV). This being true, then our "dead bodies" in Revelation 11:8 represent a " _form_ of godliness" that denies its " _power_ " (II Tim. 3:5; KJV), for the "power" of any collective lies in its spirit. Reconsider the following in light of this understanding.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-8 (NKJV)  
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**.

Where is the "man of sin" found? "He sits as God in the _temple of God"_ which "temple" we are. Who does this "man of sin" oppose? "All that is called God or that is worshiped." So to whom was Paul referring when he said "falling away"? Is it not God's people, i.e. the church? Of course, and further confirmation is seen in the messages to the seven churches in Revelation. An honest look at these prophecies clearly reveals this falling away as Paul described in our passages above.

Despite the negative aspects of all that we are considering, we find in this the immutability of the living Word of God, for the prophecies to the seven churches in Revelation _have_ and _are coming to pass_ exactly as the Lord predicted. As He continues to fulfill the Father's will through the law and the prophets, sin has increased in the church due to this irrefutable "law of sin and death" which works _in_ our members (Rom. 7:23; 8:2). It works as intended, producing death in us "through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin."

Beloved, the "Spirit of life from God" has long since departed from the church, but according to Revelation 11:11 and II Thessalonians 2:8, the time is coming when the Lord Himself will consume this "man of sin," this "son of perdition" "with the breath (spirit) of His mouth" and He will "destroy" him "with the brightness of His coming (appearing)."

In the gold, silver, brass, and iron, and the four horsemen of Revelation, we see the execution of the spiritual fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Due to this, the "man of sin" has risen by degree from within our being (the sea), usurping the place of God in the temple of God. Ah, but it will change as we approach the end of the age, for the Word of God has determined that His kingdom will arise and strike "the _image_ (of a man) on its feet of iron and clay," and break "them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze (brass), the silver, and the gold" will be "crushed together," and will become "like chaff from the summer threshing floors" as the "wind" of His Spirit, the "breath of His mouth," carries them away "so that no trace of them" is found (Dan. 2:34-35). Before I close this chapter, let me leave you with the following thought.

Revelation 13:14-15 (NKJV)  
14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an **image** to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15 **He was granted** _power_ **to give breath to the** **image** of the beast, that the **image** of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the **image** of the beast to be killed.

Daniel 2:31 (KJV)  
31 Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great **image**. This great **image** , whose brightness _was_ excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof _was_ terrible.

In Revelation 13, our word "image" is defined as, "A _likeness_ , i.e. (literal) _statue_ , _profile_ , or (figurative) _representation_ , _resemblance_." In Daniel 2:31, our word "image" means, "An idolatrous _figure_ ," corresponding to the word which means, "To _shade_ ; a _phantom_ , i.e. (figurative) _illusion_ , _resemblance_ ; hence a representative _figure_ , especially an _idol_." As we see, our definitions agree.

In Genesis 1:26 and 27 we read, "Let Us make man in Our image," and again, "So God created man in His own image." So what is an image? Since "God is Spirit" (John 4:24; NKJV) and "in the beginning was the Word" (John 1:1; NKJV), then an "image" is both _Spirit_ and _Word_. This defines the "Us" and "Our" in Genesis 1:26.

So, is the "great _image_ " in Nebuchadnezzar's dream the " _image_ to the beast" in Revelation 13? I believe it is, for again, the symbolisms in all that we have considered define the law of sin and death in our members and the resulting carnality because of it.

What do we read? "He (It) was given power to _give breath_ to the image," i.e. this beast which comes up out of the earth (Rev. 13:11) promotes the "spirit" and "word" of this "image"! Ah, but _this spirit_ is a "spirit of error" (I John 4:6; KJV). As we continue, we will establish this understanding.

# Chapter Eleven

# THE KINGS OF THE EARTH

Nebuchadnezzar's dream, as interpreted by Daniel, placed him as the "head of gold" on the image of a man, followed by three other kingdoms that would arise afterward. A little research shows that this symbolized four "natural" and literal kingdoms; Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Italy (Roman Empire). Ah, but Paul wrote, "However, the spiritual is not first, _but the natural_ , and _afterward the spiritual_ " (I Cor. 15:46). So it is that we are considering the spiritual aspects of Nebuchadnezzar's dream, for it is the spiritual implications which are important.

As we have learned, the four natural kingdoms represented by the gold, silver, brass, and iron in Nebuchadnezzar's dream agree with the "four great beasts" of Daniel's dream and with the lion, bear, leopard, and dragon features of John's visions in Revelation. We've also found that they correlate with the four horsemen of the first four seals and are indicative of the _foundation of the world_ into which all of us are born, our existence on this planet overseen by the "two great lights" or Two Covenants of God. This foundation is the innate law of God within our being, the law of sin and death of which Paul spoke at length in Romans, Chapters Seven and Eight. This law is also reflected in our universal principle of sowing and reaping which is _twofold_ , establishing the _foundation_ of our Two Covenants. Always remember, the law cannot become spiritual if we don't possess it, and we do; _it is in our members_ ( _conscience_ ; Rom. 2:15-16; 7:23).

When Daniel explained the dream to Nebuchadnezzar, he stated quite plainly, "This is the dream. Now we will tell the interpretation of it before the king. You, O king, are a _king of kings_. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, strength, and glory; and wherever the children of men dwell, or the beasts of the field and the birds of the heaven, He has given them into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all-- _you_ _are_ _this head of gold_." Being a king, Nebuchadnezzar was followed by three other "kings" and kingdoms. So we have _four_ kings, the spiritual meaning of this number again denoting a "foundation."

There is a phrase found 11 times in the King James New Testament, _nine_ of which are in the book of the Revelation. It is "kings of the earth." The first appearance in Revelation is found in the following.

Revelation 1:5 (KJV)  
5 And from Jesus Christ, _who is_ the faithful witness, _and_ the first begotten of the dead, and the **prince** of the **kings of the earth**. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood...

Jesus Christ is "prince (a _first_... in rank or power) of the kings of the earth." Revelation 17:14 also states that Christ is "king of kings." But didn't Daniel say that Nebuchadnezzar was a "king of kings"? He did, but remember, first the natural followed by the _spiritual_.

The fact that this phrase is found 11 times in the King James Bible is not without spiritual understanding. Here is part of Stephen Jones' explanation of its spiritual meaning.

Eleven (yod-aleph)

Imperfection, Disorder, Incompleteness

To write eleven in Hebrew, they wrote two Hebrew letters: yod (hand) and aleph (strength). These signify the hand (outworking) of one's strength. Man's works apart from God are imperfect and out of order, and so they come ultimately to disintegration.

Eleven is the number of imperfection, disorder, or being out of order. Jacob had only eleven sons remaining at home after Joseph was lost and presumed dead. This portrays a measure of disorder. Only when Joseph was found and reunited with his brethren was there the order of divine government—the number 12.

Israel was rebellious against God ten times from the time they left Egypt to the day the twelve spies gave their reports (Num. 14:22). God then judged them, saying that they would have to spend 40 years in the wilderness. As we showed earlier, ten indicates the judgment of the law. But then the people refused to accept God's judgment, and this became their eleventh sin—disorder. They attempted to conquer Canaan on their own but failed miserably (Num. 14:39-45). It does not work to do the right thing at the wrong time, nor to do the wrong thing at the right time. Both manifest disorder.

Also of note is the fact that it was an eleven-day journey from Mount Horeb to Kadesh-Barnea, where the 12 spies gave their report and where Israel committed their eleventh act of rebellion against God.

According to Jer. 39:2, the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem in the eleventh year of King Zedekiah. Again, to emphasize disorder, God gave Ezekiel a revelation about the destruction of Tyre "in the eleventh year" (Ez. 26:1) and also of Egypt "in the eleventh year" (Ez. 30:20).

After Judas betrayed Jesus and hanged himself, this left just eleven disciples. As they contemplated the soon-coming day of Pentecost, Peter understood that eleven disciples constituted a number of disorder. He also understood that Judas had played the role of Ahithophel (Psalm 109:8) and that, therefore, he should be replaced (Acts 1:20).

So the disciples cast lots (Acts 1:26), and Matthias replaced Judas, making the total number of disciples back to twelve—divine government. Matthias served temporarily as a stand-in (Acts 1:26) until Jesus appeared to Saul and called Him to the ministry (Acts 9:5). God then trained him for fourteen years before commissioning him on his first missionary journey (Gal. 2:1; Acts 13:2) and renaming him "Paul" (Acts 13:9).

"Imperfection, disorder" and "incompleteness" correlates with our "kings of the earth" due to our number 11. As for nine? Here's a part of Stephen Jones' explanation of its spiritual meaning.

Nine (teth)

Visitation

Teth is a snake in Hebrew. It can also signify being surrounded, for the snake was often pictured in a circle swallowing its tail.

The number nine speaks God's "visitation." This is a Hebraism that pictures God as an Investigator "visiting" a person, city, or nation to expose the hearts, gather evidence, and "see" firsthand, as it were, the truth of a matter. It is much like a divine court case where the evidence is uncovered and presented to the judge for judgment. In Luke 19:43 and 44, Jesus says to the temple in Jerusalem,

43For the days shall come upon you when your enemies will throw up a bank before you, and surround you, and hem you in on every side, 44and will level you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave you one stone upon another, because you did not recognize the time of your visitation [Greek: episcope, "bishopric, overseer"].

In this case, the time of visitation was the three-year period of Jesus' ministry from 30-33 A.D., where God manifested in human flesh to "visit" Judea and Jerusalem and to test the hearts of the people. (Jesus is called a Bishop or Overseer in 1 Peter 2:25.) In another sense, Jesus was the Heavenly Fruit Inspector. Jesus found a few whose hearts were right, and these formed the branches of the good fig tree that brought forth good fruit (Jer. 24:5-7). The majority, however, along with the religious leaders, were of the evil fig tree (Jer. 24:8-10). The good figs were Jesus' disciples and the converts of the early Church, who were expelled from the land (by persecution), in order that God might spare them from the coming judgment forty years later.

The idea of "visitation" is shown in the Old Testament. For believers, it has a positive connotation, as in Gen. 50:24, 25, Psalm 106:4, and Jer. 27:24. Their visitation results in salvation or deliverance. However, for unbelievers, it carries a negative result, as we see in Ex. 32:34, Lev. 18:25, Isaiah 10:3, and Jer. 10:15. The Hebrew word for "visitation" in the Old Testament is peqadah, and the Septuagint Greek equivalent is episcope.

In his book, _Number in Scripture_ , Bullinger wrote the following:

The number _nine_ is a most remarkable number in many respects. It is held in great reverence by all who study the occult sciences; and in mathematical science it possesses properties and powers which are found in no other number.*

* Among others may be mentioned (1) that the sum of the digits which form its multiples are themselves always a multiple of nine; e.g., 2 x 9 = 18 (and 1+8=9); 3 x 9 = 27 (and 2+7=9); 4 x 9 = 36 (and 3+6=9); 5 x 9 = 45 (and 4+5=9), etc., etc.; and so with the larger numbers: 52843 x 9 = 475587 (and 4+7+5+5+8+7=36, and 3+6=9). (2) The sum of its multiples through the nine digits = 405, or 9 times 45.

It is the _last_ of the digits, and thus marks the _end_ ; and is significant of the _conclusion_ of a matter.

It is akin to the number _six_ , six being the sum of its factors (3x3=9, and 3+3=6), and is thus significant of the _end of man_ , and the summation of all man's works. _Nine_ is, therefore, THE NUMBER OF FINALITY OR JUDGMENT, for judgment is committed unto Jesus as "the Son of man" (John 5:27; Acts 17:31). It marks the completeness, the end and issue of all things as to man—the judgment of man and all his works.

Does Jones' explanation agree with Bullinger's? I believe so, for we read, "The number nine speaks of God's 'visitation.' This is a Hebraism that pictures God as an Investigator 'visiting' a person, city, or nation to expose the hearts, gather evidence, and 'see' firsthand, as it were, the truth of a matter. It is much like a divine court case where the evidence is uncovered and presented to the judge for judgment." Doesn't this agree with Bullinger and the number nine as "the number of finality or judgment"?

Like our number 11, nine correlates with the "kings of the earth" mentioned in Revelation. Might this indicate that it is the "kings of the earth" which are visited and investigated as Jones stipulates? Would this be due to the "disorder" found within the purview of these "kings"?

Beloved, we are not talking about literal kings. Rather, we are considering the spiritual implications and what they represent within the mind and heart of humankind. The "kings of the earth" in Revelation are not literal. Rather, they represent the "sovereignty" of _the law of sin and death within_ that holds sway over our lives due to its spiritual working. Remember, it is the law which provokes sin in us, so the seven characteristics of Proverbs 6:16-19 fit neatly within this understanding.

"Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" John declares (Rev. 13:4), and apart from Christ, _the answer is no one_. None of us have the capacity to overcome the carnal nature, my friend, and the evidence is all around us as the church and the world spin headlong into more chaos and confusion than ever before. Apart from Christ our Lord, we can do nothing (John 15:5). If there is any good whatsoever that issues from our heart and mind it is due to the grace of God in our lives. Just as one who is gifted with talent apart from their own ability, so too anyone who exemplifies Christ on this earth is gifted apart from their own ability. For this reason, Paul wrote, "But _by the grace of God I am what I am_ : and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: _yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me_ " (I Cor. 15:10; NKJV).

In our phrase "kings of the earth," the word "kings" means, "Through the notion of a _foundation_ of power; a _sovereign_ (abstract, relative or figurative)." Think _inward_ , my friend, about the struggle we have endured about right and wrong, good and evil. Be honest and you will realize that the "kings" of our "earth" perfectly illustrate our _battle with_ and _resistance to_ the goodness of God. This is why John said that Christ was "prince (ruler) of the kings of the earth," for He alone, by the authority of our heavenly Father, is the only one who can defeat these powers in our life by the life-giving Spirit which He is.

I can certainly relate to what I am saying, for my own life has been fraught with my own demons and struggles. Had it not been for the grace of God, I would not be here today and able to share my studies with others. And, I have learned beyond any doubt that my greatest enemy is my own "self," my way of thinking and doing which was cultured into me as a child, just as it was in all of us.

It is critical to this study to understand that the "kings of the earth" incorporate the _sinfulness_ (lawlessness) and _carnality_ that exists in all of us. Their "foundation of power," their _sovereignty_ if you will, _is within_. "We do not wrestle against _flesh and blood_ , but against _principalities_ , against _powers_ , against _the rulers of the darkness of this age_ , against _spiritual hosts of wickedness_ in the heavenly places" (Eph. 6:12). Beloved, the "heavenly places" incorporate the _invisible_ realm of our _hearts_ and _minds_ , our _thoughts_ and _intents_. Our words "principalities," "powers," and "rulers" agree with our understanding of "kings." Now, allow me to share the following illustration with you.

As we see in our illustration, the "kings of the earth" are defined by the red text while the "fulfilling of the law and the prophets" by the blue text. The fact that they are "kings of the _earth_ " takes us to the following.

1 Corinthians 15:46-49 (NASB95)  
46 However, **the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual**. 47 The **first man is from the earth, earthy** ; the second man is from heaven. 48 **As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy** ; and as is the heavenly, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 Just as we have borne **the** image **of the** earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.

Do you see it? Beloved, it is the "first man," referring to Adam in the garden, who "is from the _earth_ , _earthy_ " and "as is the _earthy_ , so also are those who are _earthy_ " and again, "just as we have borne the _image_ of the _earthy_." When Adam and Eve "died," they fell into the "dust" realm, into the "serpent" and "dragon" realm (Isa. 65:25), the carnal realm, and so too do we, for Adam and Eve represents every single soul that has been born into this natural plane since our beginning (I Cor. 15:22). This is divinely ordained by our Creator and easily confirmed by the misery and destruction which we have propagated since the dawn of time.

In this day and hour, many stand up in their self-righteousness and arrogance, seeking to convince us that we can do this ourselves. No, we cannot, _not without divine intervention_. If this were not true, then _how do we_ explain the chaos and confusion that has reigned over this planet for countless generations? _How do we_ explain the multitude of problems which exist among us; the violence and death that saturates our existence? Truly the "mystery of lawlessness" is just that, _a mystery_ , and it will not turn without the Lord's intervention in the affairs of man, just as it was in the days of Noah, Moses, and Israel.

# Chapter Twelve

# BABYLON THE GREAT

Like our four horsemen, Babylon too is a "mystery" (Rev. 17:5). Remember the following?

Matthew 1:17 (NKJV)  
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David _are_ **fourteen** generations, from David until the **captivity in Babylon** are **fourteen** generations, and from the **captivity in Babylon** until the Christ _are_ **fourteen** generations.

Three sets of fourteen which equals "forty-two." If we bring this to the following in Revelation, it will help clarify why there are three sets.

Revelation 17:14 (ESV)  
14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are **called** and **chosen** and **faithful**."

Abraham to David (Called)

1. Seven angels

2. Seven churches

David until the Captivity in Babylon (Chosen)

3. Seven prophecies

4. Scroll with seven seals

The Captivity in Babylon until the Christ (Faithful)

5. Seven trumpets

6. Seven bowls

Revelation 11:1-2 (NKJV)  
1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 **But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot** _for_ forty-two **months**.

As we see, the "court which is outside the temple" is "given to the Gentiles" (nations), and "they will tread the _holy city_ underfoot for forty-two months." Note how John changes "court" to "holy city," indicating that the "court" _represents_ the "holy city" which is "Jerusalem," _the body of Christ_ (Gal. 4:21-31; Heb. 12:22; Rev. 21:2). This is appropriate since anyone from the twelve tribes could enter the "outer court" of the Tabernacle.

In his book, _The Tabernacle of Moses_ , Kevin J. Conner wrote, "The Court itself was open to all Israelites to worship. _It was opened to all those who had been redeemed_. It was the largest area seen in connection with the Tabernacle. But there was still a proper way of approach. Even though the Court was uncovered, there was a prescribed way in which one was to enter." As all of us should know, our "entrance" today is by faith in the death and resurrection of Christ (Heb. 10:19-22).

Our "forty-two months" indicates that the church _will continue to be trampled_ until all that has been purposed concerning her has been fulfilled. I believe this agrees with Galatians 4:25, where we read, "Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia (the law); she corresponds to the _present Jerusalem_ , for she is _in slavery_ with her children" (ESV). Does this not agree with our pattern in Matthew 1:17, which indicates that the church will experience " _captivity in Babylon until the Christ_ "? This being the case, I believe this is what is reflected by Revelation 11:2. Again, we must think in spiritual terms, not natural.

Galatians 4:24-25 (NKJV)  
24... which things are symbolic. **For these are the two covenants** : the one from Mount Sinai **which gives birth to bondage** , which is Hagar-- 25 for this Hagar is **Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children**...

Two covenants; and the first is "from Mount Sinai," i.e. _the law_ , "which gives birth to bondage," symbolized by Hagar. The fact that Hagar _was_ a "bondwoman" (KJV) or "slave" (ESV) is indicative of the _bondage_ of which we speak.

Galatians 4:26 (NKJV)  
26... but the **Jerusalem above is free** , which is the mother of us all.

In direct contrast to "Jerusalem which now is" is "Jerusalem above." One "city" but _two_ different spiritual positions. We have already seen that "Jerusalem above" is in Revelation 12:1, seen as "a woman clothed with the sun." So where is "Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children"? My friend, she is represented by "Babylon." How do I know? Please consider.

Revelation 12:6 (NKJV)  
6 Then the **woman** (clothed with the sun) fled into the wilderness, where she has **a place prepared by God** , that they should feed her there **one thousand two hundred and sixty days** (42 months).

The sixth verse of Revelation 12 indicates that the "woman clothed with the sun," i.e. _Jerusalem above_ , "fled into the wilderness" for a period of "one thousand two hundred and sixty days" or "forty-two months." This agrees with Revelation 11:2.

Revelation 17:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, "Come, **I will show you the judgment of the great harlot** who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication." 3 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.

Where did the "woman clothed with the sun" flee to? "The _wilderness_." Where did the Spirit take John? "Into the _wilderness_." What did John see there? "The _judgment_ of the great harlot," _Babylon_ (Rev. 17:5). Does this not indicate that when _Jerusalem above_ entered the "wilderness," she went into "captivity," _becoming Babylon_? And why do we see "Jerusalem above" fleeing to the wilderness in the first place? Why do we read "where she has _a place prepared by God_ "? Our answer is found in what Moses said to Israel after their exodus from Egypt.

Deuteronomy 8:1-3 (ESV)  
1 "The whole commandment that I command you today you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the Lord swore to give to your fathers. 2 **And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years** in the wilderness, that **he might** humble you, testing you **to know what was in your heart** , whether you would keep his commandments or not. 3 And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, **that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord**.

Here we go! Just as it was necessary for Israel to leave Egypt and go into a literal wilderness, so too we must enter our "wilderness," so that _He_ can _humble_ us, _test_ us, and _know what's in our hearts_ , and that _we might come to know_ that "man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord"!

Isaiah 1:19-23 (NKJV)  
19 If you are **willing** and **obedient** , you shall eat the good of the land; 20 but if you **refuse** and **rebel** , you shall be devoured by the sword"; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. 21 **How the faithful city has become a harlot!** It was full of justice; righteousness lodged in it, but now murderers. 22 Your silver has become dross, your wine mixed with water. 23 Your princes _are_ rebellious, and companions of thieves; everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, nor does the cause of the widow come before them.

Beloved, Babylon in Revelation is another symbolism of the Old Covenant Law of God under which we must remain until it becomes spiritual, but in Revelation 12, the situation is reversed, for it starts with the New Covenant (Jerusalem above; Rev. 12:1) to become the Old Covenant (Jerusalem in bondage; Rev. 12:6) all over again. And why is this? Because like Judah and Jerusalem of old (Isa. 1:1), we have _refused_ and _rebelled,_ and "the faithful city _has become_ a _harlot!"_ This agrees with Paul's declaration in II Thessalonians 2:3, the "falling away" that precedes the "day of Christ" (II Thess. 2:2; KJV). Further proof is found in the following.

Revelation 18:16 (KJV)  
16 And saying, Alas, alas, that **great city** , that was clothed in **fine linen** , and **purple** , and **scarlet** , and decked with **gold** , and **precious stones** , and **pearls**!

See our phrase "that was clothed"? It's _past tense_ , indicating that at one time, this "great city" _was clothed_ in _fine linen_ (righteousness), and _purple_ (royalty), and _scarlet_ (the blood of Christ), and "decked with _gold_ , and _precious stones_ , and _pearls_!" (Rev. 21:10-23) Does this not show that the phrase "great city" speaks of the church?

Our phrase, "great city," is used nowhere else but in Revelation for a total of _ten_ times. _Nine_ of those times it refers to Babylon (Rev. 11:8; 14:8; 16:19; 17:18; 18:10, 16, 18, 19, 21), but the _tenth_ time it refers to "Jerusalem above" (Rev. 21:10). Coincidence? I think not! After all, wouldn't this be the reason we read, "Babylon is _fallen_ , is _fallen_ , that _great city_ "? (Rev. 14:8; KJV) If Babylon did not refer to the church, then why is she described as "fallen"? (II Thess. 2:3)

_Nine_ is our number for "visitation" and "judgment," while _ten_ "is the number of _divine order being reestablished_ one way or another through the _judgment of the law_ " (Jones). Bullinger states, "Ten is one of the perfect numbers, and signifies _the perfection of Divine order_... Completeness of order, marking the entire round of anything, is, therefore, the ever-present signification of the number _ten_. It implies that nothing is wanting; that the number and order are perfect; _that the whole cycle is complete_." Would this be why we see "ten horns" on the beast? It is, and we will discuss this later in the study.

Revelation 11:1-2 (NKJV)  
1 Then I was given a reed like a measuring rod. And the angel stood, saying, "Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar, and those who worship there. 2 **But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot** _for_ **forty-two months**.

Revelation 12:6 (NKJV)  
6 Then the **woman** (clothed with the sun) **fled into the wilderness** , where she has **a place prepared by God** , that they should feed her there **one thousand two hundred and sixty days**.

No doubt about it, the "holy city" is to be trampled by the nations for "forty-two months." No guesswork here! So it is that the "woman fled into the wilderness, where she has _a place prepared by God_." As mentioned, this reveals our need to be judged (I Peter 4:17), which is the reason she goes into the "wilderness" (Deut. 8:1-3). What does the "wilderness" represent? Please consider.

Isaiah 14:16-17 (NKJV)  
16 "Those who see you will gaze at you, _and_ consider you, _saying:_ ' **Is** **this the man** who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms, 17 who made the world as a wilderness and destroyed its cities, _who_ did not open the house of his prisoners?'

For us as believers, _the world is a wilderness_ , a desolate place in regard to spiritual food and drink (Matt. 3:1; Heb. 3:7-13). Are we not _called out_ from the world (which is what the word "church" means)? We are, and so it is that we find in Isaiah, "Is this the _man_... who made the world as a wilderness?" What "man" is Isaiah referring to? If we back up a few verses in Isaiah 14, we find it is "the _king_ _of_ _Babylon_ " (Isa. 14:4). Coincidence? I don't believe it is! And I believe that this king or "man" points to the " _man_ of sin" in II Thessalonians 2:3, as indicated by our illustration in the last chapter. Being the "head" and "king of kings," the "king of Babylon" is indicative of _all_ the "kings of the earth" in Revelation (Rev. 1:5; 6:15; 16:14; 17:2, 18; 18:3, 9; 19:19; 21:24).

How many times do we find the phrase "kings of the earth" in Revelation? _Nine_ , just like our phrase "great city" with "Babylon." Another coincidence? Not at all! Our number _nine_ stamps all of this with the necessity of the _judgment_ of God upon His church until the "forty-two months" is finished, which would be the _fulfillment_ of _all_ seven prophecies to the seven churches in Revelation (I Peter 4:17).

What did the angel tell John? "Come, I will show you the _judgment_ of the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom _the kings of the earth committed fornication_ , and _the inhabitants of the earth_ were made drunk with the _wine of her fornication_." See our word "fornication"? It means, " _Harlotry_ (including _adultery_ and _incest_ )." One cannot be guilty of harlotry unless they are committed to another. So it is that " _the faithful city has become a harlot_ " due to her _unfaithfulness_ to the Lord (II Cor. 11:2-4).

Ephesians 5:22-27 (NKJV)  
22 **Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord**. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, **just as the church is subject to Christ** , so _let_ the wives _be_ to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 **that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,** 27 **that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish**.

In light of what we are considering, our passages from Ephesians align perfectly. What does Paul say? Christ "loved the church and _gave Himself for her_ , that He might _sanctify_ and _cleanse her_ with the washing of water by the word." Spiritually speaking, our need to be "cleansed" by the Lord is reflected in the following.

Revelation 17:3-5 (NKJV)  
3 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. 4 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and **the filthiness of her fornication**. 5 And on her forehead a name _was_ written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

See our word "filthiness"? Strong's defines this as, " _Impurity_ (the state moral)." It's taken from a compound word which is described as, "From <G1> (a) (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of < **G2508** > (kathairo) (meaning _cleansed_ ); _impure_ (ceremonial, moral [ _lewd_ ] or special [ _demonic_ ])." Our word "cleanse" in Ephesians 5:26 is "< **G2508** >."

To summarize, Babylon represents the Old Covenant Law of God which Paul further defined as the "law of sin" and the "law of sin and death" (Rom. 7:23, 25; 8:2) as well as "the ministry of death" and "condemnation" (II Cor. 3:7, 9). Since the covenants of God relate to His people, then our "great city" again defines _all_ of His people under _the fulfilling of this law_ until the "forty-two months" has run its course.

# Chapter Thirteen

# SEVEN MOUNTAINS, SEVEN KINGS

Revelation 17:9-10 (ESV)  
9 This calls for a mind with wisdom: **the seven heads are seven mountains** on which the **woman** is seated; 10 **they are also seven kings** , **five of whom have fallen** , **one is** , **the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while** (short space; KJV)."

Though the beast with seven heads appears in Revelation, Chapters 12 and 13, it is not until Chapter 17 that John is given an understanding. "The _seven heads_ are _seven mountains_ on which the _woman_ is seated." Who is this "woman"? She is "Babylon," indicative of the Old Covenant Law of God (Rev. 17:1-7).

We have already considered the idea that the "seven heads" point to the seven things which God declares as an "abomination" in Proverbs 6, verses 16 through 19, which is an accurate description of the working of the carnal mind. However, as is often the case with scripture, there is more that needs to be understood.

"The seven heads are seven mountains," says the angel to John. Our word "mountains" is the transliteration _oros_ , defined by Strong's as, "A _mountain_ (as _lifting_ itself above the plain)." Please consider.

Matthew 5:14 (NKJV)  
14 You are the light of the world. A **city** that is set on a **hill** cannot be hidden.

Our word "hill"? It's _oros_ , the same word used in Revelation 17:9. It should say "a city that is set on a _mountain_ ," not a "hill."

How many churches in Revelation? Seven. How many "heads" and "mountains" are there? Seven. So the "seven heads" or "mountains" _refers to the seven churches_ in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3 (though we should always keep in mind that there is but _one_ church). Our number _seven_ is used to present to us the purpose of God in the church as it unfolds via the seven prophecies to these churches. When the _seventh_ and _final_ prophecy unfolds, we will have reached the "fullness" of God's purpose through Christ.

"They are also seven kings," "they" being the "seven heads" and "mountains." This is explained by the following.

Revelation 1:6 (NKJV)  
6... and has made us **kings** and priests to His God and Father, to Him _be_ glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

As we have found, the "kings of the earth" speak inwardly to our struggle with the law of sin and death in our members. Despite what tradition may have led us to believe, when we are first called of God we are full of all manner of selfishness and carnality. It doesn't just disappear from our lives. For this reason, we must pass through our "wilderness," through tribulation and judgment so that we might be "transformed by the renewing" of our minds that we "may prove what is that _good_ and _acceptable_ and _perfect_ will of God" (Rom. 12:2). Note that we have "good," then "acceptable," then "perfect;" _three_ stages which suggest the _resurrection_ life of our Lord which makes this a reality in our lives.

You may find this understanding a bit controversial in light of tradition, however, take a moment to consider my perspective. Why was John given the revelation of Jesus Christ? "To show His _servants_ —things which must shortly take place" (Rev. 1:1). Beloved, this book is not meant for just anyone; _it is meant for His servants_. And our word "servants"? Remember, it is the transliteration _doulos_ , which the Strong's Concordance defines as, "A _slave_ (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently therefore in a qualified sense of _subjection_ or _subserviency_ )." You see, my friend, in the body of Christ many are "involuntary" servants, not understanding God's true purpose in the earth, so they are content with ritual and rote. On the other hand, those who have pressed on to further understand His will and His Word are "voluntary" servants, having discovered that the intent and purpose of God has not changed since He first promised Abraham that "in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed" (Acts 3:25; Gen. 12:3; 22:18); see Romans 1:1 and I Corinthians 7:21-23.

Where is the "woman," i.e. Babylon, "seated"? On the beast with seven heads and ten horns. What does Babylon represent? Our "captivity in Babylon," i.e. His people _under_ the Old Covenant Law of God, or more specifically, _under_ _the fulfilling of this law_ _and the prophets_.

"They are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only a little while." When we compare this to our passages from Proverbs 6, we have the following:

The Kings of the Earth

Five are Fallen:

A Proud Look

A Lying Tongue

Hands that Shed Innocent Blood

A Heart that Devises Wicked Plans

Feet that are Swift in Running to Evil

One is (What We Are):

A False Witness Who Speaks Lies

The Other is Not Yet Come (What We Do):

One Who Sows Discord Among Brethren

Now, if we compare our list above to the seven churches in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, even a cursory examination of the seven prophecies to these churches reveals _the rise of Satan in the church_ and the subsequent "falling away" which Paul declared in II Thessalonians 2:3.

"And when he does come he must remain only _a little while_ (short space; KJV)." This refers to the seventh "head" or "king." Our number _seven_ denotes "fullness" and correlates with _the end of the age_. The _seventh_ and _final_ prophecy and church is Laodicea.

Revelation 3:14-17 (NKJV)  
14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 I know your works, that **you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot**. 16 So then, **because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth**. 17 **Because you say** , 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'-- **and do not know** that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked...

By the time we reach the seventh church, we are "lukewarm" and the Lord states, "I will vomit you out of My mouth." Why? Because _we_ say, "'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'— _and do not know_ " that we "are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked." Is this not a clear indication that the church is deceived? And what is the clearest evidence of this? Her _division_ , which is continually maintained _by her religious pride and arrogance_ ; see Daniel 4:37.

Revelation 17:9-10 (ESV)  
9 This calls for a mind with wisdom: the seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman is seated; 10 they are also seven kings, five of whom have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come, and when he does come he must remain only **a little while** (short space; KJV)."

Consider our phrase "a little while" in Revelation 17:10, rendered a "short space" in the King James. This is the same word used in the phrase "short time" in the following.

Revelation 12:12 (NKJV)  
12 Therefore **rejoice** , **O heavens, and you who dwell in them**! **Woe** to **the inhabitants of the earth and the sea**! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a **short time**."

First note the contrast in these passages. " _Rejoice_ , O heavens, and _you who dwell in them!"_ Ah, but " _woe_ to _the inhabitants of the earth and the sea_ (first man Adam)!" Beloved, the "earth and the sea" translates to our spiritual position on this planet, to our _carnality_ (earth; dust) and _wickedness_ (Isa. 57:20).

Our "short time" agrees with the following.

Revelation 20:1-3 (NKJV)  
1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is _the_ Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; 3 and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a **little while** (little season; KJV).

Our "little while" is rendered "little season" in the King James. The same Greek phrase is used in the following.

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.

Last, but certainly not least, our "short time," "little while," and "little season," which all seem to be synonymous, correlates with the following.

Romans 9:25-29 (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**." 29 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."

Our "short work"? It's our "little while" or "short space," a "short time" and "little season," all of which reveal the work of God in righteousness in His people which will produce a "remnant" which "will be saved."

# Chapter Fourteen

# THE EIGHTH BEAST

Revelation 17:11 (ESV)  
11 As for the beast that **was** and **is not** , **it is an eighth** but **it belongs to the seven** , and **it goes to destruction** (perdition; KJV).

Our word "destruction" is rendered "perdition" in the King James, used 18 times in the New Testament. The spiritual meaning of this number is " _oppression_ or _bondage_ " (Jones, Vallowe). It is also _three sixes_ or "666" (Rev. 13:18). Another coincidence? Not at all.

Note the phrase, "As for the beast that _was_ and _is not_." This indicates the event which took place with this beast as recorded in Revelation, Chapter 12.

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.

This is the first appearance of our beast with seven heads and ten horns, seen as "a great red dragon" in Revelation 12:3. Following the birth of the "male child" by the "woman clothed with the sun" (Rev. 12:5), we see "war in heaven," and this "great dragon was cast out... _he was cast out into the earth_ , and his angels were cast out with him."

Remember, John was told to "write the things _which you have seen_ ," so the vision of the birth of the "male child" (male son; NASB95) by the "woman clothed with the sun" signifies the coming of Christ to the Jews which began with the baptism of Christ by John the Baptist (Matt. 3:13-17) and the Lord's subsequent ministry to them as recorded in the four gospels. Having been chosen by the Lord to be one of His disciples, John, the "beloved disciple," beheld the glory of the Christ for over three years as He went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil (Acts 10:38). He also witnessed the intense opposition of the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees and knew that they were the ones who condemned Him to the cross. In no uncertain terms, Jesus told the Jews, " _You are of your father the devil_ , and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a _murderer_ from the beginning, and _does not stand in the truth_ , because _there is no truth in him_. When _he speaks a lie_ , he speaks from his own resources, for _he is a liar and the father of it"_ (John 8:44). Does our "great dragon," called "that old serpent," the "devil, and Satan," not refer to the Jews at this time? (Rev. 12:9; KJV) I believe it does.

We read, "She bore a male Child _who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron_. And her Child was _caught up to God and His throne_ " (Rev. 12:5). Who was the first to receive this privilege? In every respect, it was the Lord Jesus Christ (See Rev. 2:26-27; 3:21). Wasn't His birth, baptism, and ministry a matter of the New Covenant Promise of God? It was (See Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:8-13).

The casting out of the "great dragon" defines the "is not" of Revelation 17:11, but to better understand, we need to also consider the following.

Revelation 17:7-8 (NKJV)  
7 But the angel said to me, "Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns. 8 The beast that you saw **was** , and **is not** , and **will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition**. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that **was** , and **is not** , and **yet is**.

Our beast with seven heads and ten horns " _was_ , and _is not_ , and _will ascend_ out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition." "Was" answers to the "great dragon" in Revelation 12, while "is not" regards his casting out. "And yet is" and "will ascend" aligns with what was to come, so the angel tells John, "It is an _eighth_ (new beginning; Jones) but _it belongs to the seven_ , and it goes to _destruction_ (perdition; KJV)." Our phrase "will ascend" correlates with Revelation 13:1 and 11:7, our phrase "rise up" (KJV) meaning, "To _go up_ (literal or figurative; II Thess. 2:4)." As a matter of study, all of this corresponds to the fifth trumpet, where we see the opening of the "bottomless pit" (Rev. 8:1).

Now, think about this. If the "great dragon" is a _religious_ entity in Revelation 12, what would the reappearance of this entity be in Revelation 13? Would it not be another _religious_ rising? And wouldn't the difference between the two lie in the fact that the first was _Jewish_ but the second is _Gentile_ (all nations)? Would this be what is meant by Revelation 11:2 where we read that the "outer court" or "holy city" is " _given_ to the _Gentiles"_ or _"nations"_ (NASB95)?

Revelation 13:2 (NKJV)  
2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like _the feet of_ a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. **The** dragon **gave him his power, his throne, and great authority**.

The "eighth" beast " _belongs_ to the seven." Our phrase "belongs to the seven" refers to the seven heads of the "scarlet beast" (Rev. 17:3). So once the "great dragon" is "cast out," what did John see in Revelation 13? Our beast with seven heads again where "the _dragon_ gave him his power, his throne, and great authority." Ah, but this "power" and this "throne" and this "great authority" are now confined to the "earth" and not "heaven," for once the Lord rose to the right hand of God, _the works of the law became insufficient as an approach to God_. No longer could the Jews (or anyone) worship God in a literal temple or by any of the ordinances of the Old Testament Law (Col. 2:14). "Neither was _their place found any more_ in heaven" (Rev. 12:8; KJV).

So where do we find this "eighth beast" who "belongs to the seven"? Beloved, he is described in Revelation 13 _immediately after_ the beast with seven heads and ten horns.

Revelation 13:11-12 (ESV)  
11 Then **I saw** another beast **rising out of the** earth. It had **two horns like a lamb** and **it spoke like a dragon**. 12 It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed.

Where was the "great dragon" (Satan) cast? "Into the earth" (Rev. 12:9). Where does our "another beast" rise from? " _Out_ of the _earth_." Since there are _seven_ heads and kings in the first beast, then this would be the "eighth" beast, would it not?

Our eighth beast has "two horns like a lamb" but speaks "like a _dragon_ " (just as the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees of Jesus' time). This indicates a _religious entity_ (two horns like a lamb) laced with _deception_ (spoke like a dragon), and careful study identifies this entity as a "false prophet" in Revelation 16:13, 19:20, and 20:10, agreeing with our "false witness who speaks lies" (Prov. 6:19; NKJV). Might this point to the surge of "false Christs and false prophets" which Jesus said "will arise" (ascend out of the _sea_ or _bottomless pit_ ) and "perform _great signs_ and _wonders_ , so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect"? Doesn't our phrase "perform _great signs_ and _wonders_ " agree with Revelation 13:13 where we read, "It performs _great signs_ , even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people?" (ESV)

What did John record concerning Laodicea? _We say_ we are "rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," however, _we do not know_ that we are "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked" (Rev. 3:17). Doesn't this indicate that the church at the end of the age would be filled with _religious pride_ and _greatly deceived?_ What else would it mean? And Paul understood this quite well and by inspiration of the Spirit, describes this spiritual stupor in the following.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV)  
1 But understand this, **that in the last days there will come times of difficulty**. 2 For people will be **lovers of self** (1; PRIDE), lovers of money (2), **proud** (3), **arrogant** (4), abusive (5), disobedient to their parents (6), ungrateful (7), unholy (8), 3 heartless (9), unappeasable (10), slanderous (11), without self-control (12), brutal (13), not loving good (14), 4 treacherous (15), reckless (16), **swollen with conceit** (17), lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God ( **18** ), 5 **having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power**. **Avoid such people**.

"Having the appearance of godliness" ( _two horns like a lamb_ ; Smyrna and Philadelphia), but "denying its power" ( _spoke like a dragon_ ; Ephesus, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Laodicea). How many things did Paul list when describing this "appearance of godliness"? _Eighteen_ , again, _three sixes_. Coincidence? I think not. Consider the following about this eighth beast.

Revelation 13:16-18 (ESV)  
16 Also **it causes all** , both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, **to be marked** on the right hand or the forehead, 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the **mark** , that is, **the name of the beast** or **the number of its name**. 18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for **it is the number of a man** , and his number is **666** ( **18** ).

Beloved, the "mark" of the beast "is the number of a man." What "man"? Not an individual as some suppose but the "man of sin," which defines the _Adamic nature_ in all of us which "opposes and exalts" itself "above _all_ that is called God or that is worshiped" (II Thess. 2:4). And Paul went on to say "son of _perdition_ " (KJV), clearly proposing that this _Adamic nature_ would establish itself as a _religious force_. John states that this eighth beast goes "into _perdition_ " (Rev. 17:11; KJV).

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.

2 Thessalonians 2:3, 6 (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**... 6 And now ye know what withholdeth **that he might be revealed in his time**.

These are the only two times we find our phrase "son of perdition." And to whom does Jesus refer? Judas Iscariot, _one of the twelve He chose_ , and all of us know that it was Judas who betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver (Matt. 26:14-16). Might this suggest the "love of money" and point to our time where this same thing is happening?

Our eighth beast _is_ a deceiver, and should there be any doubt, we read the following as we continue with its description.

Revelation 13:13-18 (ESV)  
13 **It performs great signs** , even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, 14 and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast **it deceives** those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an **image** for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. 15 And it was allowed to give breath to the **image** of the beast, so that the **image** of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the **image** of the beast to be slain. 16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, **to be marked on the right hand or the forehead** , 17 so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the **name of the beast or the number of its name**. 18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for **it is the number of a man** , and his number is 666.

Compare these passages to the following.

Revelation 19:20 (KJV)  
20 And the **beast** was taken, and with him the **false prophet** that **wrought miracles** before him, with which he **deceived** them that had received the **mark of the beast** , and them that **worshipped his image**. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

When we compare Revelation 19:20 with our description of the beast rising out of the earth, we have a match. Our phrase "wrought miracles" corresponds to "it performs great signs." Our " _mark_ of the beast" corresponds to " _marked_ on the right hand or the forehead," and our phrase "worshipped his image" to the references to "image" in Revelation 13, verses 14 and 15.

What is this "image"? Would it be Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the _image of a man_ , our "man of sin," the "son of perdition" which we have considered throughout this study? To be even more precise, reconsider the following.

Revelation 13:15 (ESV)  
15 And **it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast** , so that **the image of the beast might even speak** and might **cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain**.

What does our beast of the earth or "false prophet" do? It gives "breath" to the "image" of the first "beast." Then the _image itself_ speaks and demands worship of itself. Beloved, how does an "image" accomplish such things? As we previously considered, we were created in God's _image_ , and God is both _Spirit_ and _Word_ (Gen. 1:26). As _spiritual_ beings in a _human_ form, we too are beings of _spirit_ and _word_. So, "image" refers to the _spirit_ and _word_ of any person or collective _reflected_ in their _passion_ (spirit) and _message_ (word). When we think of this in light of the many preachers and teachers that abound today, it is easy enough to find examples. And how many of these preachers and teachers are quick to condemn anyone who doesn't buy into their message, thus "slaying" them verbally, especially those "sinners" out there?

Now, should there be any doubt as to what this eighth beast represents, consider the phrase "false prophet" in Revelation 19:20 with Revelation 16:13.

Revelation 16:13 (KJV)  
13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs _come_ out of the mouth of the **dragon** (Rev. 12:3), and out of the mouth of the **beast** (Rev. 13:1), and out of the mouth of the **false prophet** (Rev. 13:11).

Who or what is this eighth beast? Clearly, it is a " _false_ prophet," i.e. a " _false_ witness who speaks lies" and "sows discord" (Prov. 6:19). By no means is this an individual, but speaks _collectively_ of _every_ false Christ and false prophet that has risen since the days of Christ and the apostles. As mentioned earlier, the rise of Satan in the church is quite evident in the seven prophecies to the seven churches (Rev. 2:2, 6, 9-10, 13, 15, 24).

Revelation 20:10 (KJV)  
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the **beast** (Rev. 13:1) and the **false prophet** (Rev. 13:11) _are_ , and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Finally, we have a third passage where we find our phrase "false prophet." And three? It's the number of "a complete witness."

# Chapter Fifteen

# THE MARK OF THE BEAST

Revelation 13:16-18 (NKJV)  
16 He (it) causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, **to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads** , 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number _is_ 666.

The beast which comes up out of the earth symbolizes the "false prophet" (Rev. 16:13; 19:20; 20:10), a _collective entity_ which overshadows the New Testament Church, responsible for the teachings and traditions of men which make the Word of God of no effect (Matt. 15:6). Almost all of the division in Christianity today can be attributed to our differences in doctrine and our allegiance to our religious leaders and labels.

As John wrote, "It," i.e. the beast of the earth, "causes _all_ , both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to _receive a mark_ on their _right hand_ or on their _foreheads_." The false prophet does not give the mark, rather, it "causes all" to "receive" it. This being the case, then who gives this "mark"? Our answer goes back to the book of Genesis and the story of Cain and Abel.

Genesis 4:1-5 (NKJV)  
1 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, "I have acquired a man from the Lord." 2 **Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel**. Now **Abel was a keeper of sheep** , but **Cain was a tiller of the ground**. 3 And in the process of time it came to pass that **Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord**. 4 **Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat**. And **the Lord respected Abel and his offering** , 5 but **He did not respect Cain and his offering**. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.

Most everyone has heard of Cain and Abel. As our passages show, Cain was the _firstborn_ and called "a tiller of the ground" while "Abel was a keeper of sheep." "In the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the _fruit of the ground_ to the Lord. Abel also brought an offering, however, it was "the _firstborn of his flock_ and of their fat." We immediately see a marked difference between their offerings.

Our phrases "tiller of the ground" and "fruit of the ground" both signify our own "works" (Gen. 3:17-19), illustrated by the fact that a farmer must till the ground in order to sow the seed and reap what he has planted. This agrees with _sowing_ to our _own_ flesh (Gal. 6:8; ESV).

Our phrases "keeper of sheep" and "firstborn of his flock" signify _faith_ and _obedience_ to the moral nature of the law of God, for Abel perceived the need for a sacrifice apart from his own works. This would correlate with sowing to _the_ Spirit (Gal. 6:8; ESV).

Not surprisingly, the Two Covenants are reflected in the offerings of Cain and Abel. In Galatians 4:22, where Paul addresses these covenants, he speaks of Abraham's sons, Isaac and Ishmael, where the same understanding applies. The first son, Ishmael, was "born according to the flesh," corresponding to Cain, while the second son, Isaac, was born "through promise" (Gal. 4:23), corresponding to Abel. To be more specific, this relates to the following.

1 Corinthians 2:14-16 (NKJV)  
14 But the **natural man** does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know _them,_ because they are spiritually discerned. 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.

Here, Paul tells us that "the _natural man_ does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." This is pictured in Cain and Ishmael.

"But _he who is spiritual_ judges all things," says Paul. This is pictured in Abel and Isaac. Should there be any doubt about the difference between them, please consider.

Hebrews 11:4 (NKJV)  
4 **By faith Abel** offered to God **a more excellent sacrifice than Cain** , through which he obtained witness **that he was righteous** , God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.

1 John 3:11-12 (NKJV)  
11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12 not as **Cain** _who_ **was of the wicked one and murdered his brother**. And why did he murder him? **Because his works were evil and his brother's righteous**.

" _By faith_ Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which _he obtained witness_ _that he was righteous_." So it is that John wrote that Cain's "works were evil" and Abel's "righteous." For this reason, Cain killed Abel. Might this reflect the same actions of the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees against Jesus Christ? Now, after Cain's horrendous act, we read the following.

Genesis 4:8-15 (NKJV)  
8 Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. 9 Then the Lord said to Cain, "Where _is_ Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know. _Am_ **I my brother's keeper**?" 10 And He said, "What have you done? **The voice of your brother's blood cries out to Me from the ground**. 11 So now you _are_ cursed from the earth, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. 12 When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you. A **fugitive** and a **vagabond** you shall be on the earth." 13 And Cain said to the Lord, "My punishment _is_ greater than I can bear! 14 Surely You have driven me out this day from the face of the ground; I shall be hidden from Your face; I shall be a **fugitive** and a **vagabond** on the earth, **and it will happen** _that_ **anyone who finds me will kill me**." 15 **And the Lord said to him, "Therefore, whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold**." And the Lord set a mark on Cain **, lest anyone finding him should kill him**.

Our word "keeper" in "keeper of sheep" is defined by Strong's as, "To _tend_ a flock, i.e. _pasture_ it; intransitive to _graze_ (literal or figurative); generally to _rule_ ; by extensive to _associate_ with (as a friend)." Our word "keeper" in Genesis 4:9 is defined as, "To _hedge_ about (as with thorns), i.e. _guard_ ; generally to _protect, attend to_ , etc." Both definitions complement each other, showing that "the message" we have "heard from the beginning" is "that we should love another."

Due to Cain's disobedience, we find him telling the Lord that he would be a "fugitive and a vagabond on the earth, and it will happen that anyone who finds me will kill me." What does the Lord say in response? "'Therefore, whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.' And the Lord set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him."

Beloved, _it was the Lord who marked Cain_ , and in Revelation 13:16, _the same thing applies_. What is this "mark"? It is the "mark" of the law. How do we know? By the statement, " _Vengeance_ shall be taken on him _sevenfold_." Please consider.

Romans 3:5-6 (NKJV)  
5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? _Is_ **God unjust who inflicts wrath** (vengeance; KJV)? (I speak as a man.) 6 Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?

Romans 12:19-21 (NKJV)  
19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather **give place to wrath** ; for it is written, " **Vengeance is Mine, I will repay** ," says the Lord. 20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Hebrews 10:30 (NKJV)  
30 For we know Him who said, " **Vengeance is Mine, I will repay** ," says the Lord. And again, " **The Lord will judge His people**."

Romans 4:15 (ESV)  
15 For **the law brings wrath**...

As we see, vengeance and wrath go hand in hand, and these passages make it clear that vengeance belongs to God, that He will repay. "The Lord will judge His people." How does the Lord inflict "wrath" (vengeance)? By means of His law, "for _the law brings wrath_."

In Genesis 4:15, our word "mark" confirms our viewpoint. This is the Hebrew transliteration _ʾôt_ , which Strong's defines as, "A _signal_ (literal or figurative), as a _flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence_ , etc." The first appearance of this word is found in the following.

Genesis 1:14 (KJV)  
14 And God said, Let there be **lights** in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for **signs** (ʾôt), and for seasons, and for days, and years...

Our word "signs"? It's our word for "mark." What do our "lights" signify? His Two Covenants. What is the purpose of these covenants? "To divide the day from the night," i.e. the "natural" from the "spiritual." Here's further confirmation.

Genesis 9:12-13, 17 (KJV)  
12 And God said, This _is_ the **token** (ʾôt) **of the covenant** which I make between me and you and every living creature that _is_ with you, for perpetual generations: 13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a **token** (ʾôt) **of a covenant** between me and the earth... 17 And God said unto Noah, This _is_ the **token** (ʾôt) **of the covenant** , which I have established between me and all flesh that _is_ upon the earth.

Do you see it? "This is the token" or mark, "of the covenant," said God to Noah. So it is that the "mark" of the beast which the false prophet causes all to receive refers to the Old Covenant Law of God. As for the "right hand or on their foreheads"? (Rev. 13:16)

Exodus 13:9, 16 (NKJV)  
9 It shall be as a **sign** (ʾôt) **to you on your hand** and as **a memorial between your eyes** , that **the Lord's law may be in your mouth** ; for with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt... 16 It shall be as a **sign** (ʾôt) **on your hand** and as **frontlets between your eyes** , for by strength of hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt."

Deuteronomy 6:4-8 (NKJV)  
4 "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord _is_ one! 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a **sign** (ʾôt) **on your hand** , and they shall be as **frontlets between your eyes**.

Deuteronomy 11:18 (NKJV)  
18 "Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a **sign** (ʾôt) **on your hand** , and they shall be as **frontlets between your eyes**.

In Exodus, Chapter 13, the Lord instructed Moses to consecrate to Him "all the firstborn." I immediately think of Cain, Adam's firstborn son.

After Moses instructed Israel to "remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage," He gave them the instructions for the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover) which they would observe once they entered the Promised Land (Exod. 13:2-22). Twice in Exodus and Deuteronomy, Moses told them, "It shall be as a _sign_ to you on your _hand_ (right hand) and as a memorial between your _eyes_ (forehead)." All of these passages are a _type_ of the "mark" on the "right hand" or "forehead" in Revelation 13.

The "right hand" typifies the _power_ and _authority_ we submit to (Exod. 15:6; Matt. 26:64; I Peter 3:22) while the "forehead" typifies the _will_ of this _power_ and _authority_ to which we submit (Rom. 8:5; Rev. 17:13). And to whose will do all of us answer if not the will of our Maker (even when we don't know it)? Isn't the proof of God's law seen in every country throughout the world, i.e. _within the laws of each society_ , though they may differ somewhat? Where did these laws originate from if not from our own conscience which was given us by our Maker?

The idea of "unleavened bread" speaks to the following.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8 (NKJV)  
7 Therefore **purge out the old leaven** , that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 8 **Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the** unleavened _bread_ **of sincerity and truth**.

Cain, _natural_ , Abel, _spiritual_. "The spiritual is not first, _but the natural_ , and afterward the _spiritual_ " (I Cor. 15:46). The law of God presides over the natural part or _soul_ while the spiritual aspects of His law preside over our _spirit_. This is true for everyone who lives on this planet, for we are both a natural and spiritual creation within ourselves. We are spiritual beings going through a human experience.

# Chapter Sixteen

# BUY AND SELL

Revelation 13:16-18 (ESV)  
16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead, 17 **so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark** , that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name. 18 This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.

Revelation 13:17 tells us that "no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark, that is, the name of the beast or the number of its name." The "name" denotes the "nature" of the beast whereas the "number of its name," i.e. 18 or three sixes (666), agrees with this nature, the characteristics of the "man of sin" and "son of perdition" in II Thessalonians 2:3 as listed in II Timothy 3, verses 1 through 5. There is another group of passages that correlate with II Timothy 3, found in Galatians, Chapter 5.

Galatians 5:18-21 (NKJV)  
18 But **if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law**. 19 Now the **works of the flesh** are evident, which are: adultery (1), fornication (2), uncleanness (3), lewdness (4), 20 idolatry (5), sorcery (6), hatred (7), contentions (8), jealousies (9), outbursts of wrath (10), selfish ambitions (11), dissensions (12), heresies (13), 21 envy (14), murders (15), drunkenness (16), revelries ( **17** ), and the like ( **18** ); of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told _you_ in time past, that **those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God**.

What did Paul say? "But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." Could we not say then that when we are not "led by the Spirit," we are? We could. For this reason, Hebrews records the New Covenant Promise in Chapter 8, ending with, "In that He says, 'A new covenant,' He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away" (Heb. 8:13). As this shows, the Old Covenant is both "obsolete" and "growing old," however, it has not yet passed away. Again, see Matthew 5:17-20 and Revelation 21:1.

As we have learned, Cain was a "tiller of the ground," which signifies the "works of the flesh," for Genesis 2:7 reads, "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground" and Genesis 3:19 tells us, "In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return." "Dust" speaks of our human form and its "labor" and attachments (See Bullinger's explanation of the number six); see also Isaiah 65:25.

Just as II Timothy 3 gives us 18 things to consider, so too Galatians 5, but there's a difference. Note how Paul lists 17 things, followed by "and the like." Seventeen, as in seven heads and ten horns? Ah, but "and the like" sums it up and points to our "eighth" beast once again, giving us 18, and pointing to the "mark" of the beast.

In II Timothy 3:5 we read, "Having a form of godliness." This shows that in Galatians 5, Paul describes the "man of sin" but in II Timothy 3, he describes the "son of perdition." I also find it interesting that in Galatians 5, Paul begins his discourse on the "works of the flesh" with "if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." Doesn't this agree with our understanding of Romans 7, as well as "Babylon" in Revelation? (See also Rom. 3:10-19)

As for "buy or sell"? The Lord Himself defines this for us.

Matthew 16:24-27 (NKJV)  
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life **will lose it** , but whoever **loses his life** for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he **gains** the whole world, and **loses** his own soul? **Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?** 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then **He will reward each according to his works**.

Here we go, my friends. "What will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Jesus said. It is this which defines our "buy or sell," after all, buying and selling is just that—exchange. Also note how the Lord put it—"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Do you see that either way, we "lose" our life or soul in one form or another?

Still another aspect of "buy or sell" is found in the following and agrees perfectly with verse 27 above.

Galatians 6:7-8 (ESV)  
7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for **whatever one sows, that will he also reap**. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Isn't sowing and reaping also an exchange? So it is that Jesus went on to say, "For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works."

There is yet one more confirmation of our perspective in I John.

1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)  
15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and **the boasting of what he has and does** \--comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

"The boasting of what he has and does." Is this not an exchange? What a man "has and does" pretty much sums up his life, does it not? What we have and do (exchange) defines our works or deeds, and it is this by which we are rewarded, either good or bad.

The King James renders "boasting of what he has and does" as "pride of life." Consider this treatment from Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament.

The pride of life (ἡ ἀλαζονεία τοῦ βίου)

Rev., _vainglory_. The word occurs only here and James 4:16, on which see note. It means, originally, _empty_ , _braggart talk_ or _display_ ; _swagger_ ; and thence an insolent and vain assurance in one's own resources, or in the stability of earthly things, which issues in a contempt of divine laws. The _vainglory of life_ is the vainglory which belongs to the present life. On βίος _life_ , as distinguished from ζωη. _life_ , see on John 1:4.

It is evident by this description that "pride of life" points to our "proud look" of Proverbs 6. Note that Vincent tells us that this "word occurs only here and James 4:16."

James 4:16 (KJV)  
16 But now ye rejoice in your **boastings** : all such rejoicing is evil.

Here's Vincent's treatment on "boastings."

Boastings (ἀλαζονείαις)

Only here and 1 John 2:16. The kindred word ἀλαζών _, a boaster,_ is derived from ἄλη _, a wandering_ or _roaming;_ hence, primarily, _a vagabond, a quack, a mountebank._ From the empty boasts of such concerning the cures and wonders they could perform, the word passed into the sense of _boaster._ One may boast _truthfully;_ but ἀλαζονεία _is false_ and _swaggering_ boasting. Rev. renders _vauntings,_ and rightly, since _vaunt_ is from the Latin _vanus, empty,_ and therefore expresses _idle_ or _vain_ boasting.

The kindred word for "boastings" is derived from the word which means " _wandering_ or _roaming_." With this in mind, reconsider the following about Cain.

Genesis 4:14 (KJV)  
14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a **fugitive** and a **vagabond** in the earth; and it shall come to pass, _that_ every one that findeth me shall slay me.

Our words "fugitive" and "vagabond" mean "waver" and "wander" respectively, which agrees with the characteristics of the carnal mind which always shows "an insolent and vain assurance in one's own resources, or in the stability of earthly things, which issues in a contempt of divine laws."

What do we read in Revelation 13:16? "It causes all," and again in Revelation 13:17, "so that no one can buy or sell." Does this not include everyone? I believe it does, confirmed by the following.

Romans 3:19 (NKJV)  
19 Now we know that whatever the **law** says, **it says to those who are under the law** , that **every mouth** may be stopped, and **all the world** may become guilty before God.

Beloved, the whole world lies under His law whether they acknowledge it or not. How do we know? Because His divine principle of sowing and reaping reflected in His Two Covenants is relevant to every soul on this planet; there are no exceptions. God's spiritual foundation is "the foundation of the world" and applies to all, for apart from the law, we certainly cannot discover its spiritual essence. The truth is, even in the world, our struggle between good and evil is apparent, but once we are drawn by the Father to Christ, it becomes even more evident as we awaken to our spiritual path and the need to be delivered from the "man of sin" which abides in our being. Is this not the difference between those who believe and those who don't? Think about it. When we were without Christ, we gave little or no thought to God's will, but once called, we begin to see the vanity of this world and the things in it. Where once we wandered through this world without any real purpose but our own self-satisfaction, we begin to recognize that there truly is another purpose for us. Beloved, what shall we give in exchange for our souls?

# Chapter Seventeen

# TEN HORNS

Revelation 17:11-14 (ESV)  
11 As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. 12 And **the ten horns that you saw are ten kings** who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive **authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast**. 13 **These are of one mind and hand over their power and authority to the beast**. 14 **They will make war on the Lamb** , and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful."

Daniel 7:7 (ESV)  
7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, **a fourth beast** , terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had **great iron teeth** ; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. **It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns**.

In Revelation 13, our beast with seven heads and ten horns has four features associated with it; lion, bear, leopard, and dragon (see Rev. 12:3). This agrees with Daniel's dream recorded in Daniel, Chapter 7. As we see, the "fourth beast" had "great iron teeth," which correlates with the legs and feet of iron in Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel, Chapter 2. Iron is the fourth and final metal, so in keeping with our order, the "fourth beast" is the "dragon" (Rev. 13:2).

In Daniel 7:7, we read that the fourth beast "was different from all the beasts that were before it." A lion, bear, and leopard are all animals, however, a "dragon" is a reptile. Strong's defines "dragon" as "a fabulous kind of serpent." And what did Jesus say to the religious leaders of His day? "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires" (John 8:44; ESV). Could Jesus have been any clearer?

According to Daniel 7, the "ten horns" are found on the "dragon," and, according to Revelation 13:2 we're told, "And to it," i.e. the beast of the sea, "the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority" (ESV). Notice our word "throne." We'll come back to this in a moment.

Remember, in Revelation 12, the "great dragon" was "cast out" of heaven and down "to the earth" (Rev. 12:9), there to remain until God's purpose is fulfilled. So we find that in Revelation 13, we have "another beast coming up out of the earth" (Rev. 13:11). This "another beast" is the "great dragon," symbolic of the collective "false prophet" who "exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence" (Rev. 13:12; ESV; see also II Tim. 4:1-4). This agrees with Revelation 13:2 which states, "And to it (i.e. the beast of the sea) the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority" and "they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast" (Rev. 13:4; ESV). (Author's Note: I like the ESV rendering better regarding our "beasts" because it doesn't use a gender).

What did Jesus say to the religious leaders of His day? "Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?" (Matt. 23:33; NKJV) Did you know that the Lord never used the terms "serpent" or "viper" except with the religious leaders of His time? And the same is true concerning John the Baptist (Matt. 3:7). Might this suggest that a "serpent" always proposes a religious entity, i.e. one who may embrace the law but not the "spirit" of it? So it comes as no surprise that all of this agrees perfectly with the seven prophecies to the seven churches where we see the rise of Satan in the church. No wonder Christ was so specific about deception in Matthew, Chapter 24 (Matt. 24:4-5, 9-12, 15-26).

Stephen Jones tells us, "Because ten is also the number of the law, which brings divine order, it signifies 'the works of the law.'" He goes on to state that 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)" and "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." So it is that the work of Satan in the church signifies the "letter" of the law which "kills," i.e. the "ministry of death" and "condemnation" as opposed to the "ministry of the Spirit" and "righteousness" (II Cor. 3:5-11; NKJV).

Revelation 2:12-13 (NKJV)  
12 "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, 'These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 I know your works, and where you dwell, **where Satan's throne** _is_ _..._

Revelation 13:2 (ESV)  
2 And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear's, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and **his throne** and great authority.

In Revelation 2:13, note the phrase, "Where Satan's throne is." This correlates with Revelation 13:2 where we read, "And to it," i.e. the beast with seven heads and ten horns, "the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority." Since the seven heads and ten horns refer to the church, then it makes perfect sense that the "dragon" or collective false prophet "belongs to the seven." Whether we wish to acknowledge it or not, deception entered into the church long ago and has grown exponentially since then. Again, the proof is seen in the great divisions of Christianity which are all around us. We are a divided kingdom (Matt. 12:25-26).

2 Timothy 4:1-4 (NKJV)  
1 I charge _you_ therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season _and_ out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 **For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine** , but according to their own desires, _because_ they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 **and they will turn** _their_ **ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables**.

Here we see the result of deception. "For the time will come when they," i.e. the church, "will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." When we "turn away" from "truth," we turn to deception, believing "fables." Who else is Paul speaking of if not the church?

Our word "fables" is defined by the Strong's Concordance as, "A tale, i.e. fiction ('myth')." In other words, doctrines which are solely based on men's imaginations and not on truth.

Matthew 24:3-5, 9-11, 23-26 (ESV)  
3 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 close of the age?" 4 And Jesus answered them, "See that no one leads you astray. 5 **For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray**... 9 " **Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death** , and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then **many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another**. 11 **And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray**... 23 **Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There he is!' do not believe it**. 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**.

In His discourse in Matthew 24, the Lord made it clear that false apostles and false Christ's would rise and that many would "fall away." Does this agree with the "falling away" of II Thessalonians 2:3? It certainly does, for as we have found the "man of sin" sets himself up in the "temple of God" to become the "son of perdition" (as Judas betrayed Jesus).

Revelation 17:11-14 (ESV)  
11 As for the beast that was and is not, it is an eighth but it belongs to the seven, and it goes to destruction. 12 And **the ten horns that you saw are ten kings** who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive **authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast**. 13 **These are of one mind and hand over their power and authority to the beast**. 14 **They will make war on the Lamb** , and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful."

Daniel 7:7 (ESV)  
7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, **a fourth beast** , terrifying and dreadful and exceedingly strong. It had **great iron teeth** ; it devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet. **It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns**.

Returning to our passages from Revelation 17 and Daniel 7, the angel tells John, "And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings, who have not yet received royal power, but they are to receive authority as kings for one hour, together with the beast. These are of one mind and hand over their power and authority to the beast. They will make war on the Lamb."

Horns are an extension of the head and symbolize the "power" and "authority" (and aggression) which issues from the mind (will), agreeing with the statement, "These are of one mind (will) and hand over their power and authority to the beast." In keeping with the "seven heads," this "mind" is the carnal mind, the mind of form, which is death (Rom. 8:6), a mind in "enmity against God," agreeing with, "They will make war on the Lamb."

Another key to understanding our "ten horns" is seen in the phrase "one hour."

Revelation 3:3, 10 (NKJV)  
3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, **and you will not know what** hour I will come upon 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.

Matthew 24:36 (KJV)  
36 But of that day and hour knoweth no _man_ , no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

Matthew 24:42-44 (KJV)  
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not **the Son of man cometh**.

When the Lord discussed the end of the age with His disciples, He mentions "hour" four different times, two of which we see in Matthew 24:42-44. Is this the same "hour" mentioned in Revelation 3:3 and 10? I believe it is, and I believe Revelation 3:10 defines Revelation 3:3. It's the "hour of trial."

What is an hour? It is sixty minutes or 6 x 10. Mark Lane cites 60 as meaning "earthly king" while Vallowe cites "pride." Both are appropriate since man's dominion is almost always based on pride. Would the idea of 60 point to the "man of sin" setting himself up in the "temple of God," i.e. an "earthly king" as opposed to a spiritual "king" and "priest"? (Rev. 1:6).

Six is the number of man's "enmity" with God (Bullinger) while ten, our number of horns, means, "Divine order being reestablished one way or another through the judgment of the law" (Jones). How long do the horns "receive authority as kings"? One hour. So our "ten horns" and "one hour" are connected; it is the "hour of trial" which Jesus mentioned in Revelation 3:10. Not surprisingly, His promise to keep some from this hour is given to the sixth church, Philadelphia (one of the churches He didn't rebuke), which is just before the seventh and final church, Laodicea, or end of the age.

It is important to mention that the Lord's teaching in Matthew, Chapter 24, actually ties to Matthew, Chapter 23, and Matthew, Chapter 25, for once the Lord finishes His remarks about the "hour" in Matthew 24:50, He follows with and emphasizes this understanding with a parable.

Matthew 25:1 (NKJV)  
1 "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to **ten virgins** who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

How many horns? Ten. How many "virgins"? Ten. Coincidence? I don't believe so. Please consider.

2 Corinthians 11:1-4 (NKJV)  
1 Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly--and indeed you do bear with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For **I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present** _you as_ **a chaste virgin to Christ**. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, **as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness** , so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches **another Jesus** whom we have not preached, or _if_ you receive a **different spirit** which you have not received, or a **different gospel** which you have not accepted--you may well put up with it!

Though many members, the body of Christ is one, and she is clearly a female in a spiritual sense (Eph. 5:22-33). So it is that Paul speaks collectively, telling the believers in Corinth, "I have betrothed you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ." What was Paul's fear? That their "minds" would be "corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" by "another Jesus," a "different spirit," and a "different gospel," which would, of course, be the result of false Christ's and false prophets. What do we read in Revelation 17:13? "These" ten horns "are of one mind" with the beast (carnal mind).

Revelation 19:19-20 (NKJV)  
19 And I saw the **beast** (with seven heads and ten horns), the **kings of the earth** (the law of sin and death), **and their armies** (ten horns), **gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army**. 20 Then the **beast** (with seven heads and ten horns) was captured, and with him the **false prophet** (two horns like a lamb but spoke like a dragon) who worked signs in his presence, by which he **deceived** those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image (armies).

Here we find the "beast" with seven heads and ten horns. Since the beast with seven heads represents the church, so too the horns, for they are merely _extensions_ of the head; _it is all one entity_. Along with this beast is "the kings of the earth," which defines "the law of sin and death" (Rom. 8:2) and its power and authority amongst God's people. Finally, we have "their armies," i.e. a "body of troops" (Strong's) who are in league with the beast and the kings of the earth. Would this not be those who "are of _one mind_ and hand over their _power_ and _authority_ to the beast"? Of course, so our "ten horns" refers to the "armies" of the beast and the false prophet, a _collective force_ made up of those who "will not endure sound teaching."

( **Author's Note** : Due to what is called the "Kai Explicative Principle," I must wonder if the phrase "the kings of the earth and their armies" actually defines the "beast." We would read it as, "And I saw the beast, _even_ the kings of the earth, and their armies." This makes sense in light of the fact that immediately following the descriptions in verse 19, we read, "Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet." Where did the "kings of the earth and their armies" go between verses 19 and 20? Would this not suggest that the "beast" _is_ "the kings of the earth, and their armies"? Also remember that the correct rendering of Revelation 17:9 is, "The seven heads are seven mountains... and they," i.e. the seven mountains, "are seven kings" (NASB95). For the article on the "Kai Explicative Principle," visit my website at www.grainofwheatpublishing.org under "Teachings").

In Revelation 12:3, we see our seven-headed beast as a "great red dragon" with "seven _crowns_ upon his _heads_ " (KJV), however, in Revelation 13:1, we see our seven-headed beast rising out of the sea and "upon his _horns_ ten _crowns_." First, crowns on the "heads," then crowns on the "horns." The "crowns" on the horns typify the "one hour" where the "ten horns" or "kings" receive "royal power" (Rev. 17:12; ESV). Since there is nothing past the ten horns and crowns, this marks _the end of the age_ , agreeing perfectly with the _seventh_ and _final_ church, the church of Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22).

As the Lord continues His discourse concerning the "day" and the "hour" and the end of the age, He states, " _Then_ the kingdom of heaven _shall be likened to ten virgins_." "Then" when? Again, at the end of the age and the "day" and "hour" where He comes like a "thief" (Matt. 24:23).

Matthew 25:2-5 (NKJV)  
2 Now **five** of them were **wise** , and **five** _were_ **foolish**. 3 Those who _were_ foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, **they all slumbered and slept**.

When we reach the seventh church of Laodicea, the Lord states, "I know your works, that you are neither _cold_ nor _hot_. I could wish you were _cold_ or _hot_. So then, because you are _lukewarm_ , and neither _cold_ nor _hot_ , I will vomit you out of My mouth" (Rev. 3:15-16). Not cold, not hot, _but a mixture of both_ , creating a "lukewarm" situation. This agrees with our parable above, the "cold" typifying the five "foolish" virgins and the "hot" typifying the five "wise" virgins as we approach the end of the age and the "hour of trial."

"But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept." This brings us to the next chapter.

# Chapter Eighteen

# THE HOUR OF TRIAL

Matthew 25:2-5 (NKJV)  
2 Now **five** of them were **wise** , and **five** _were_ **foolish**. 3 Those who _were_ foolish took their lamps and took no **oil** with them, 4 but the wise took **oil** in their vessels with their lamps. 5 But while the bridegroom was delayed (lingered), **they all slumbered and slept**.

The ten virgins in our parable correlate with the "ten horns" on the beast of the sea, the body of Christ at the time of Laodicea, a mixture of "cold" and "hot," "foolish" and "wise," and, "while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept." This points to the "hour of trial" (temptation; KJV) which Jesus spoke about in Matthew 24:36, 42, 44, 50, Mark 13:32, and Revelation 3:10.

In keeping with our parable, Jesus said in Mark 13:35, "Therefore, be on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the _evening_ , at _midnight_ , or _when the rooster crows_ , or in the _morning_ — in case he should come suddenly and find you _asleep_ " (NASB95). Note the four divisions which Jesus named; evening, midnight, rooster crows, or morning. In regard to a Hebrew day and night, these are the four watches of the night. This gives us a better understanding of I Thessalonians 5:2 which reads, For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night" (KJV).

Our word "temptation" (trial; NKJV) is defined by Strong's as, "A putting to proof... by implication adversity."

In light of our parable as well as II Thessalonians 2:3, I believe our "hour of trial" is reflected in the following record in Matthew, Chapter 26.

Matthew 26:36-45 (NKJV)  
36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called **Gethsemane** , and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there." 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me." 39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You _will."_ 40 Then He came to the disciples **and found them** asleep, and said to Peter, "What? **Could you not watch with Me** one hour? 41 **Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation**. **The spirit indeed** _is_ **willing, but the flesh** _is_ **weak**." 42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." 43 **And He came and found them** asleep **again, for their eyes were heavy**. 44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, " **Are** _you_ **still sleeping and resting**? Behold, the hour **is at hand** , and **the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners**.

"Gethsemane" means, " _Oil-press_ " (Strong's), which agrees with the "oil" in our Parable of the Ten Virgins. As Jesus prayed each time, He returned to find His disciples asleep. After the third time, He said, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the _hour_ is at hand, and _the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners_." Immediately following this we read, "And while He was still speaking, behold, _Judas_ , _one of the twelve_ , with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from _the chief priests and elders_ of the people" (Matt. 26:47).

Who was it that betrayed the Lord? It was " _Judas_ , one of the twelve" along with "the _chief priests_ and _elders_ of the people," i.e. the _religious leaders_ of the Jews. Again, I believe this is symbolized by the "great red dragon" of Revelation 12.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 (NKJV)  
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**... 6 And now you know what is restraining, **that he may be revealed in his own time**.

Is it just a coincidence that Paul called the "man of sin" the "son of perdition," the same as Judas Iscariot? (John 17:12) Is it just another coincidence that Judas worked with the "chief priests and elders of the people" to betray Jesus? Too often we forget that it was not the world which condemned Jesus to the cross, rather, it was His own people. When we read the 23rd Chapter of Matthew, we are given an overview of why Jesus denounced the Pharisees so severely and reflected in this is the current religious hypocrisy of our own time. How did Jesus end the parable of the ten virgins?

Matthew 25:13 (NKJV)  
13 **Watch** therefore, for you know neither the **day** nor the **hour** in which the Son of Man is coming.

What did Jesus tell His disciples? "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation." Never in the history of the church has there been such a need to "watch and pray," for the existence of carnality and hypocrisy in His body has never been more prominent than it is today. We are truly living in "perilous times" (II Tim. 3:1; KJV).

"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." Brothers and sisters, it is important to understand that this does not refer to a literal "day" or "hour," for Peter wrote, "Do not overlook this fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (II Peter 3:8; ESV). Might this "one day" point to the "thousand years" described in Revelation, Chapter 20? Also consider what Paul said in light of this thought.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (ESV)  
1 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the **day** of the Lord **will come like a thief in the night**. 3 **While people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape**. 4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that **day** to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, **children of the day**. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6 So then **let us not sleep** , as others do, but **let us keep awake and be sober**. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 But since **we belong to the day** , let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

"While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,'" (think of the erroneous teaching of the rapture), "then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." Does this not align with the Laodicean church and its corresponding attitude of "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," yet we do not know that we are "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked"?

Returning to II Thessalonians 2:3 we read, "And now you know what is restraining, that he," i.e. the man of sin, the son of perdition, "may be revealed in his own time" said Paul. Please consider.

2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 (NKJV)  
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**. 9 The coming of the _lawless one_ **is according to the working of Satan** , with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all **unrighteous deception** among those who perish, **because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved**. 11 And **for this** reason **God will send them strong delusion** , **that they should believe the lie** , 12 **that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness**.

No doubt about it, these are some of the most sobering words Paul ever recorded. As indicated, the "mystery of lawlessness" was "already at work" in Paul's day, yet it was restrained so that it could be "revealed in his own time." What is this restraint? The "spirit of prophecy" (Rev. 19:10; KJV); the Word and will of God, and when the "lawless one" is "revealed," the "Lord will consume" him "with the breath (Spirit) of His mouth" and "destroy" him "with the brightness of His coming (parousia; appearing or presence)." I believe this coincides with His coming at the end of the age. Do we have a parallel in scripture? We do.

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.

What restrains? The "time appointed by the Father." During this time, we remain "in bondage under the elements of the world" until "fullness" is reached. Jesus spoke of this.

Luke 21:20, 22, 24 (NKJV)  
20 " **But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies** , then know that **its desolation** is near... 22 For **these are the days of vengeance** , that **all things which are written may be** fulfilled... 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And **Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are** fulfilled.

Here we have it. When we see "Jerusalem," i.e. the church, "surrounded by armies" i.e. the ten horns, "then know that its desolation is near." (See Rev. 20:7-9) Does this agree with the Lord's own words where He said, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation"? (Matt. 12:25)

"These are the days of vengeance," as purposed by "all things which are written" being "fulfilled" (law and the prophets). During this time the church "will fall by the edge of the sword (II Thess. 2:3; Heb. 4:12), and be led away captive (Matt. 1:17; Babylon) into all nations," "trampled by Gentiles (the nations) until the times of the Gentiles (nations) are fulfilled." Paul addresses this same understanding in Romans 11.

Romans 11:25-27 (NKJV)  
25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that **blindness in part** has happened to Israel until **the fullness of the Gentiles has come in**. 26 And **so all Israel will be saved** , as it is written: _"The Deliverer will come out of_ _Zion_ _,_ _and He will turn away ungodliness from_ _Jacob_ _;_ 27 _for this is My covenant with_ them, _when I take away their sins."_

What did Paul mean by "the fullness of the Gentiles"? Would it correlate with Galatians 4:4, where Paul spoke of the "fullness of the time"? And when this fullness was reached, what did God do? "God sent forth His Son." Why did God do this? "To redeem those who were under the law." This would be the Jews, right? So again, this has nothing to do with the world and everything to do with His people (Rom. 2:28-29).

Does the "fullness of the time" for the Jews reflect the "fullness" of the "times of the Gentiles"? Again, I believe so, and as with the Jews, so with the Gentiles or nations. This explains why we see our seven-headed beast rising out of the sea in Revelation 13:1. The "sea" represents "peoples, multitudes, nations and tongues" (Rev. 17:15), i.e. all nations (Israel and the Gentiles), whom through Christ, have been made a part of His body since the days of the apostles. And we have done what the Jews did, allowing our pride in our established religious leaders and collectives to cause us to fall away. For this reason, Paul stated the following.

Romans 11:20-22 (NKJV)  
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**.

Now, you may think I'm splitting hairs, but I must point out the difference between the "fullness of the time," singular, and the fullness of the "times," plural. Please consider.

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

Here we see our woman clothed with the sun, i.e. Jerusalem above, while in "the wilderness," "nourished for a time and times and half a time." This phrase is also found in the book of Daniel.

Daniel 12:7 (NKJV)  
7 Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who _was_ above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that _it shall be_ **for a time, times, and half** _a time_ _;_ and **when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these** _things_ **shall be finished**.

If I am correct in my understanding, we have "time" first, which agrees with Galatians 4:4. Then we have "times," which agrees with Luke 21:24 and Romans 11:25. This leaves "half a time," or as the King James renders it, "A dividing of time" in Daniel 7:25.

Daniel 7:23-25 (NKJV)  
23 "Thus he said: 'The **fourth beast** shall be a fourth **kingdom** on earth, which shall be different from all _other_ kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, trample it and break it in pieces. 24 The **ten horns** _are_ ten kings _who_ **shall arise from this kingdom**. And **another shall rise** after them; he shall be different from the first ones, and shall subdue three kings. 25 **He shall speak** _pompous_ **words against the** Most High **, shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law**. Then _the saints_ **shall be given into his hand** for **a time and times and half a time** (dividing of time; KJV).

We've made full circle, arriving back to our "fourth beast" or "great dragon." In agreement with Daniel 7:10, our "ten horns" "arise from this kingdom." Ah, but "another shall rise after them; he shall be different from the first ones, and shall subdue three kings. He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High," and "the saints shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time" (dividing of time).

In all of our descriptions, what stands out is the fact that the saints of God will be persecuted and powerless against all of this. What also stands out is the "pompous words," which I believe aligns with II Thessalonians 2:4. If this is true, then the "another" which rises "after them" (ten horns), speaks of our "eighth" beast (Rev. 17:10-11), our collective "false prophet," also called the "son of perdition." Look once more at what Paul said in II Timothy 4.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NKJV)  
3 For **the time will come when** they **will not endure sound doctrine** , but **according to** their **own desires** , _because_ they **have itching ears** , they **will heap up for themselves teachers** ; 4 and they **will turn** _their_ **ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables**.

Who is "they" in these passages? The church! And what will God's people do? "They will heap up for themselves teachers" who will "turn their ears away from the truth" and preach "fables." So in Daniel 7, we first read, "The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom," and then we read, "And another shall rise after them." Does this not agree with the fact that it is the church that heaps "up for themselves teachers"? In other words, we are the ones who allow, support, and endorse the false Christ's and false prophets of our time! Now, for further study, let's revisit the following.

Romans 11:25-27 (NKJV)  
25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that **blindness in part** has happened to Israel until **the fullness of the Gentiles has come in**. 26 And **so all Israel will be saved** , as it is written: _"The Deliverer will come out of_ _Zion_ _,_ _and He will turn away ungodliness from_ _Jacob_ _;_ 27 _for this is My covenant with_ them, _when I take away their sins."_

Note what Paul said when he quoted from Isaiah 59. "The Deliverer will come out of Zion." Compare this to Revelation 14:1-5.

"And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob," not Israel, but "Jacob." The name "Jacob" means, "Heel-catcher (i.e. supplanter)" (Strong's); see Genesis 27:36. "Supplant" means, "To trip up or to overthrow" (Google). Beloved, when the Word speaks of us as "Jacob," it refers to our need for a change of our own will and nature; see Genesis 32:24-32.

# Chapter Nineteen

# TIME AND TIMES AND HALF A TIME

Let me share the following illustration with you concerning the "time and times and half a time."

As you can see, this is an approximate idea of how the golden lampstand in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle may have looked like, having _seven_ branches, with _three_ on the left side and _three_ on the right side, attached to the central shaft in the middle. In this illustration, our branches represent the three great Feasts of Israel; the Feast of Passover, the Feast of Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles (See Exod. 12:1-23; Lev. 23:4-5; Deut. 16:1-3; Exod. 12:18; 23:15; Lev. 23:6-8; Deut. 16:3-4; Lev. 23:10-14; Exod. 23:16; Lev. 23:15-21; Deut. 16:9-12; Acts 2:1; Lev. 23:24-25; Lev. 16; 23:27-32; Exod. 23:16; Lev. 23:34-44; Deut. 16:13-15). It's important to note that the three great Feasts of Israel were all in conjunction and alignment with seedtime and harvest (sowing and reaping; see Galatians 6:7-10).

The Feast of Passover has _three_ segments; Passover, Unleavened Bread, and the Sheaf of Firstfruits. This correlates with the first _three_ branches of the lampstand. Pentecost stands alone, represented by the central branch. Finally, we have the Feast of Tabernacles, and like Passover, it has _three_ segments; the Day of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and the "Day" or Feast of Tabernacles proper. This does, of course, correlate with the last _three_ branches of our lampstand.

See the faint outline of the cross? The central beam of the cross correlates with the central branch of the lampstand. When viewed this way, we see the _spiritual fulfillment of the law_ pictured through the work and cross of Christ and typified by the three feasts (think "times and seasons;" see Acts 1:7; II Thess. 5:1-3).

Each branch of the lampstand represents a particular segment of each of the three Feasts of Israel. God calls the light "day" (Gen. 1:5), so for each branch, we have "light" or "day." The spaces between each branch represent "night." As previously mentioned, "day" is not literal, rather, it symbolizes the _manifestation_ of a particular "time" and "season" of God's will and Word.

With a little study, we will find that the Feast of Passover and its three segments was spiritually fulfilled through Christ and His disciples up through and including the "Day of Pentecost." As shown, the "Day of Pentecost" is the central shaft of the lampstand, for it was through the death and resurrection of Christ that the disciples were able to be endued with power from on high (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7; Acts 1:4, 8).

Galatians 4:4-5 (NKJV)  
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.

The "fullness of the time" connects to "God sent forth His Son." As all of us know, Christ became our "Passover" and continues to be our "unleavened bread of sincerity and truth" (I Cor. 5:7-8). He is also the "firstfruits" (I Cor. 15:23). Following this, we read of the "Day of Pentecost" in Acts, Chapter 2, where His disciples waited in the upper room and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the _spiritual fulfillment_ of the Feast of Pentecost. What's left? _The spiritual fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles in three segments_ ; the Day of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles proper.

As the illustration shows, the "last days" began with the Day of Pentecost. This is verified by the following.

Acts 2:14-17, 20 (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... 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**.

When we compare Peter's words to that of the prophet Joel, we will find that he made a slight change to what Joel said. In Joel 2:28 we read, "And it shall come to pass _afterward_ ," while Peter says, "And it shall come to pass _in the last days_." Was Peter mistaken? I don't believe so, for Peter was speaking by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, understanding fully well that the "last days" were beginning with the spiritual fulfillment of the Day of Pentecost and would end with "the great and awesome day of the Lord," i.e. the _third_ and _final_ segment of the Feast of Tabernacles. For this reason, I have marked the "Last Days" as that which began with Pentecost and continues to the end of the age which includes this spiritual fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles.

In keeping with Galatians 4:4, I've marked the central branch as "Time." "Time" incorporates all three segments of Passover as well as the "Day" and "Night" of Pentecost as indicated by Galatians 4:4-5. This helps clear up an understanding in one of the Apostle John's letters.

1 John 2:18 (NKJV)  
18 Little children, **it is the last hour** ; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the **last hour**.

What did John write? "It is the last hour." To which "hour" was John referring? I believe it was the last hour of the "Day of Pentecost" leading into the "Night" of the same which precedes the spiritual fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles. Since "Night" signifies "darkness," then the advent and rise of "Antichrist" corresponds. This agrees with the seven prophecies to the churches, where we see the entrance of false apostles and the "synagogue of Satan" in the first two prophecies (John 9:4; Rev. 2:2, 9).

So what follows "Time"? It's "Times," right? Since this word is in plural form, it includes the "Day" and "Night" of "Trumpets" and the "Day" and "Night" of "Atonement." Both end with the "Feast of Tabernacles" proper which is the _seventh_ and final branch of the lampstand. Since no space follows this seventh branch, we have "Day" only, no "Night." So it is that we have " _half_ a time" (See Rev. 21:25; 22:5).

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.

In keeping with the Lord's own words, we find our "three days and three nights" in the illustration, beginning with Pentecost and ending with Tabernacles. As for the "heart of the earth"? That's _you and me_ , beloved, reflected in the fact that in Revelation, Jesus remains in the _midst_ of the churches at all times.

John 2:18-21 (NKJV)  
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** (forty and six; KJV) 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**.

As our illustration shows, the spiritual application of "destroy this temple" correlates with the crucifixion of Christ and the "day" and "night" of Pentecost, agreeing with John's assessment in I John 2:18. Both history and scripture show that the religious segment of the Jews continued to persecute the apostles as they did the Lord, so it should come as no surprise that He knew that "the temple of His body" would be destroyed. It's also interesting to note that the literal destruction of the temple took place in 70 CE, when the Roman army, led by the future Emperor Titus and his second-in-command Julius Alexander, besieged the city of Jerusalem and destroyed the temple. I am fascinated by the fact that it was 70 CE, which is 7 x 10, our number of "fullness" times "the number of divine order being reestablished one way or another through the judgment of the law (as pictured by the Ten Commandments)" (Jones).

As all of us know, Christ rose from the dead after three days and three nights, however, another understanding is seen in the _spiritual fulfillment_ of the Feast of Tabernacles. As shown, the "three days" which Jesus spoke of refers to the "Day of Trumpets," the "Day of Atonement," and the "Feast of Tabernacles" proper. As already mentioned, the "Day of Trumpets" and the "Day of Atonement" typify the "Times" in "time and _times_." When we reach the seventh branch or "Feast of Tabernacles" proper, we reach our "half a time" or "fullness," the _fulfillment_ of the " _times_ of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24).

Acts 3:19-21 (NKJV)  
19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 **whom heaven must receive until the** times **of restoration of all things** , which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.

As shown, "heaven" has received Jesus Christ "until the _times_ of restoration of all things." For this reason, His return will not be until "all things which are written" are "fulfilled" (Luke 21:22). "Written"? Yes, as in scripture, as in the law and the prophets of which our three feasts are part.

Ephesians 1:7-10 (NKJV)  
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in **the dispensation of the fullness of the** times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both **which are in heaven** and **which are on earth** \--in Him.

As we see, our idea of "the fullness of the times" was nothing new to the apostle Paul. In this "dispensation of the fullness of the times" (Day of Trumpets and Day of Atonement), we see that Christ will " _gather together in one all things in Christ_ , both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him." This agrees with the following.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NKJV)  
16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. **And the dead in Christ will rise first**. 17 **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. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Would the "dead in Christ" be those "which are in heaven" and "we who are alive and remain" those "which are on earth"? I believe so. In agreement, Jesus said the following.

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**.

# Chapter Twenty

# SEVEN TIMES

There is another story in Daniel, Chapter 4, concerning Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, which I believe relates to our beasts in Revelation. In this chapter, we find that Nebuchadnezzar had another dream which Daniel interpreted.

Daniel 4:10-17 (NKJV)  
10 "These _were_ the visions of my head _while_ on my bed: "I was looking, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great. 11 The tree grew and became strong; its height reached to the heavens, and it could be seen to the ends of all the earth. 12 Its leaves _were_ lovely, its fruit abundant, and in it _was_ food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, the birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches, and all flesh was fed from it. 13 "I saw in the visions of my head _while_ on my bed, and there was a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven. 14 He cried aloud and said thus: **'Chop down the tree** and cut off its branches, strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts get out from under it, and the birds from its branches. 15 Nevertheless leave the stump and roots in the earth, _bound_ with a band of **iron** and **bronze** (brass), in the tender grass of the field. Let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and _let_ him graze with the beasts on the grass of the earth. 16 **Let his heart be changed from** _that of_ **a man, let him be given the heart of a beast, and let seven times pass over him**. 17 'This decision _is_ by the decree of the watchers, and the sentence by the word of the holy ones, **in order that the living may know that the** Most High **rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men**.'

Once Nebuchadnezzar shared this dream with Daniel, he was given the interpretation.

Daniel 4:19-26 (NKJV)  
19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts troubled him. _So_ the king spoke, and said, "Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you." Belteshazzar answered and said, "My lord, _may_ the dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation concern your enemies! 20 The tree that you saw, which grew and became strong, whose height reached to the heavens and which _could be seen_ by all the earth, 21 whose leaves _were_ lovely and its fruit abundant, in which _was_ food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and in whose branches the birds of the heaven had their home-- 22 **it** _is_ **you, O king, who have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown and reaches to the heavens, and your dominion to the end of the earth**. 23 And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, 'Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump and roots in the earth, _bound_ with a band of iron and bronze in the tender grass of the field; let it be wet with the dew of heaven, **and let him graze with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him** '; 24 **this is the interpretation** , O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: 25 They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, **and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the** Most High **rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses**. 26 **And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump** _and_ **roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules**.

Following Daniel's interpretation of the dream, we read the following.

Daniel 4:28-37 (NKJV)  
28 All _this_ came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of the **twelve** months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. 30 The king spoke, saying, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?" 31 While the word _was still_ in the king's mouth, a voice fell from heaven: "King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! 32 And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling _shall be_ with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; **and seven times shall pass over** you, **until you know that the** Most High **rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses**." 33 That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles' _feathers_ and his nails like birds' _claws._ 34 **And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the** Most High **and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion** _is_ **an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom** _is_ **from generation to generation**. 35 All the inhabitants of the earth _are_ reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and _among_ the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, "What have You done?" 36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, **all of whose works** _are_ truth **, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down**.

As we have learned, Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the image of a man recorded in Daniel, Chapter 2, parallels our beast with seven heads and ten horns. Why was Nebuchadnezzar chosen to have this dream? Because he was _king_ of _Babylon_ , called a "king of kings" by Daniel (Dan. 2:37), typifying the "man of sin" and "son of perdition." Daniel also told him, "But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar _what will be in the latter days_ " (Dan. 2:28). Is this an inference to the "last days"? Perhaps, for the details of this dream foreshadow this present time (Dan. 2:35).

In Revelation 18:7 we see that "Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth" (Rev. 17:5) states, "I sit as _queen_ , and am no widow, and will not see sorrow." If she is "queen" of Babylon, then where is the "king"? As we have found, the "king" of Babylon, being "king _of_ kings," represents the "kings of the earth" in Revelation, and the "kings of the earth" represent the corporate "man of sin" in all of us, the _Adamic nature_ (carnal mind) that seeks to oppose and exalt itself "above all that is called God or that is worshiped" (II Thess. 2:4). These "kings" are within, due to the law of sin and death which works in our members, symbolized by the beast with seven heads and ten horns (Rev. 17:9-14).

Revelation 17:18 (NKJV)  
18 And the woman whom you saw **is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth**."

Our "woman," Babylon, representing God's people under the fulfilling of the law (Hagar), i.e. "Jerusalem which now is" (Gal. 4:25), "reigns over the kings of the earth." Why is this? Because it is the law of God which provokes the power of sin within us and through which we are also judged.

So what does all of this have to do with Nebuchadnezzar's second dream? First of all, note the phrase "twelve months" in Daniel 4:29. The spiritual meaning of _twelve_ is "governmental perfection and divine authority" (Jones, Bullinger, Vallowe). Jones tells us, "It follows 11, which is the disorder preceding this perfection." As we have found, the phrase "kings of the earth" is found 11 times in the King James New Testament.

Next, we must consider the reason for Nebuchadnezzar's judgment. Was it not due to his pride? It was, for following his judgment we read, "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. _And those who walk in pride_ He is able to put down." No doubt, this agrees with Proverbs 6:16-19.

Why is Laodicea judged so severely? Because _we_ say, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing." (Rev. 3:17). This aligns with Nebuchadnezzar's remark, "Is not this great Babylon that _I have built_ for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?" "I have built," said Nebuchadnezzar, clearly indicating this king's misplaced confidence in his own abilities due to his intense pride.

The Lord then tells Daniel, "Let his heart be changed from that of a man, _let him be given the heart of a beast_ , and let _seven times_ pass over him." The "heart of a beast" correlates with the _beast_ with seven heads and ten horns, our "seven times" with the "seven heads." Our "seven times" again speaks of "fullness" (Gen. 4:15).

Beloved, consider the reality of where we stand today in light of all that we have considered. Keep in mind too that the Word of God _is_ God and cannot be challenged as to its efficacy and accuracy. The seven prophecies to the seven churches are not hopeful suggestions or descriptions of what _might_ happen to God's people, rather, because it issues from the throne of our Maker, _it is assured_. This being true, we can easily look back over the past two thousand years and see how all of it has come to pass in exactly the way the Lord declared. Since the days of Christ and the apostles, we have fallen far from the purity and power of the true gospel of the kingdom. We have traded the ordinances of the Old Testament law for our own buildings and rituals and religious methods, which have little or no effect upon the conscience of those who participate (Heb. 9:9-10).

Brothers and sisters, we have been flooded by false Christ's and false prophets, men and women who unashamedly stand before us, boast in their religious titles, and declare false doctrines like the rapture and eternal torment, all the while ignoring the tribulation and unrighteousness that is so clearly evident among His own people. Like Nebuchadnezzar, they boast of their great ministries and works, and have no problem saying, "God said." But they are false, my friend, top to bottom, bound by the love of money and their pride. Why else would the Lord say, "I will vomit you out of my mouth"? (Rev. 3:16).

Due to the intense pride of the religious collectives that exist all around us, few will receive the message of this study or agree with the understanding I have presented, for our religious hypocrisy is such that we do not wish to see ourselves as anything but "good."

Beloved, let scripture interpret scripture; connect the dots. The dreams of Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel align with the visions of John in Revelation. These are not coincidences nor are they recorded for our reading pleasure. The Lord has given us the means to understand the book of the Revelation, but it must be done in the utmost of humility and accepted for what it says. The judgments of this book are not upon the world but upon His own people, for we are "the light of the world. A city that is set on a _mountain_ " that "cannot be hidden" (Matt. 5:14; I Peter 4:17-19).

Why must the Lord judge us? Because our resistance to the Word and will of God must first be corrected; after all, _we set the example for the world_ , and if the light in us is darkness, "how great is that darkness!" (Matt. 6:23)

Revelation 19:19-20 (NKJV)  
19 And I saw the **beast** , (even) the **kings of the earth** , and their **armies** , **gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army**. 20 Then the **beast** was captured, and with him the **false prophet** who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the **lake of fire burning with brimstone**.

If what we have considered throughout this study is true, then what we see in Revelation 19 reveals the resistance of God's people to His will and Word. Note that the "false prophet" is seen with the "beast," just as it is in Revelation 13.

As for the "lake of fire"? Despite what tradition has led us to believe, it is not speaking of eternal torment. For further study, consider the sixth trumpet in Revelation 9, verses 13 through 21. Also compare the idea of this "lake of fire" with what the Lord said in the following.

Matthew 3:10 (NKJV)  
10 And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit **is cut down and thrown into the fire**.

Matthew 13:40-42 (NKJV)  
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.

Matthew 25:41 (NKJV)  
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**...

Despite our desire to contrive a doctrine such as eternal torment (endless punishment), the "lake of fire" is not what most think it is. If we consider Deuteronomy 33:2 along with I Corinthians 1:18 and Matthew 16:24-28, we will find that the "lake of fire" typifies the "preaching of the cross," _the message of self-denial_ which Jesus taught and incorporates the necessary judgment to bring us to our "death" to self (second death).

Finally, I must mention the following regarding Nebuchadnezzar's dream. Please consider.

Revelation 13:3 (NKJV)  
3 And _I saw_ **one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed**. And all the world marveled and followed the beast.

The mortal wound of the beast? It's reflected in Nebuchadnezzar's judgment in Daniel, Chapter 4, due to his pride. The healing of this deadly wound? It agrees with the following.

Daniel 4:26, 34 (NKJV)  
26 And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump _and_ roots of the tree, **your kingdom shall be assured to you,** after you come to know that Heaven rules... 34 And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, **lifted my eyes to heaven** , and my understanding returned to me; and **I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever** : For His dominion _is_ an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom _is_ from generation to generation.

And what was the purpose of this judgment? "In order that the living may know the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, gives it to whomever He will, and sets over it the lowest of men" (Dan. 4:17).

What happened after Nebuchadnezzar's judgment was fulfilled? "At the end" of the "time" of his judgment, he lifted his "eyes to heaven" and his "understanding" returned to him and he "blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever." The fact that it was "seven times" reveals to us that when the Lord's reckoning reaches its _fullness_ , it will yield the results He intended.

# Chapter Twenty-One

# NAMES OF BLASPHEMY

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**.

Revelation 17:3 (KJV)  
3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, **full of names of blasphemy** , having seven heads and ten horns.

Our word "blasphemy" in both passages is the transliteration blasphēmia, which means, "Vilification (especially against God)." "Vilification" means, "Abusively disparaging speech or writing" (Google). This word is found 19 times in the King James New Testament. Here is Stephen Jones' explanation of the spiritual meaning of 19.

Nineteen (yod-teth)

Faith and Hearing

To write nineteen in Hebrew, they wrote two Hebrew letters: yod-teth. These signify the hand (outworking) of the serpent (wisdom). This can, of course, be seen in a negative sense, for the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. But when viewed in the positive sense, we see Jesus Christ as the Serpent on the pole in the wilderness, picturing Jesus Christ on the Cross, as Jesus in John 12:32, 33,

32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself. 33But He was saying this to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die.

The number 19 in Hebrew was meant to illustrate the fact that one must have faith in Christ and His cross, where He died as the Serpent on the pole. Those who listen to Moses and look upon Him (Num. 21:9) are those who hear and who have faith.

The number 19 includes two things: faith and hearing. Though we have said little up to now about the Hebrew letters themselves, it would be helpful to do so now. The 19th letter of the Hebrew alphabet is the kof, which literally means "the back of the head." The word picture has to do with hearing God's voice in "the back of your head (mind)." The Hebrew word for "voice" is kol, which begins with the kof. When God spoke to Elijah, it was not through the tempest, the earthquake, or the fire, but the "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:11, 12). Jewish author, Lawrence Kushner, says in his Book of Letters, p. 68, 69,

" _Kof_ is one of the letters made by two marks. Hay is the other. The lower mark of the kof is man calling G-d. But G-d also calls man. With the upper mark of the kof He whispers very softly to see if you are really listening. kol d'mama daka. A voice which is still and small. A little girl. The daughter of a voice, God's voice, bat kol. Like an echo. Always listen.

"Such is kof. The voice by which man allows G-d to be present by calling: Holy (Kadosh)."

It is significant that this Hebrew letter is in two parts. The first pictures God reaching down to man by speaking to him; the second pictures man responding to God by faith. This is the force behind the number 19. It has two parts to it: God's voice and faith. Hence, it requires God to make a declaration before man can respond to His voice.

There are 19 people of faith in the great faith chapter, Hebrews 11. It begins in verse 3 with "By faith we..." Verse 4 says, "By faith Abel..." Verse 5 says, "By faith Enoch..." The 19th one listed is in verse 32, "By faith the prophets..." All of them heard the voice of God, and this produced faith in them, by which they preached the Word and even suffered for it at the hands of those who could not hear.

In Paul's great discussion of justification by faith from Romans 3:21 to 5:2, he uses the word "faith" nineteen times, and then the word is not used again until Romans 9:30. Paul also says in Eph. 2:8,

8For by grace [5] you have been saved [14] through faith [19]; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.

Five plus fourteen equals nineteen. Faith is a gift from God, because it depends totally upon God speaking first. One cannot hear God until God speaks and He opens our ears to hear. We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). In Jer. 31:18 (KJV) the prophet prays, "Turn Thou me, and I shall be turned, for Thou art the Lord my God." We can only respond to God when He takes the first step.

What does Jones tell us? "To write nineteen in Hebrew, they wrote two Hebrew letters: yod-teth. These signify the hand (outworking) of the serpent (wisdom). This can, of course, be seen in a negative sense, for the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God." Does this correlate with our understanding of the rise of Satan in the seven churches? I believe it does.

Bullinger states the following about the spiritual meaning of 19.

NINETEEN is a number not without significance. It is a combination of 10 and 9, and would denote the perfection of _Divine order_ connected with _judgment_. It is the _gematria_ of Eve and of Job.

John 10:31-33 (ESV)  
31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?" 33 The Jews answered him, "It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you **but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God**."

Consider the Jew's statement in verse 33 with the following.

2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (NKJV)  
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**.

In this study, we considered the fact that Paul also called the "man of sin" the "son of perdition." I don't believe for a moment that this is coincidental. Paul was being specific, letting us know that the "son of perdition" consists of the "man of sin," the Adamic or worldly nature entering into the body of Christ and setting itself up "as God in the temple of God." It would be what Jesus called a "wolf" in "sheep's clothing" (Matt. 7:15; 10:16). Would this not exemplify the very definition of "blasphemy"?

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**.

Revelation 17:3 (KJV)  
3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, **full of names of blasphemy** , having seven heads and ten horns.

In scripture, name denotes the "character" of an individual, whether man or God (Gen. 17:1; 32:28). Note that in Revelation 13:1, we see "the name," _singular_ , "of blasphemy," while in Revelation 17:3, we see the beast "full of names," _plural_ , "of blasphemy." The King James is poorly rendered and should also be "names" in Revelation 13:1. So the multiplied characteristics of the beast in its "fullness" equates to _blasphemy_. When we consider the seven characteristics of the carnal mind given in Proverbs 6, verses 16 through 19, we have a match. The "one" who "sows discord among brethren" _is the church_ , my friend, for we place far too much emphasis on our religious labels than we do the truth of Christ. How many religious leaders would be willing to drop these labels for truth and leave behind their established positions of power and wealth for the sake of the Lord? Very few, my friend, very few.

Revelation 2:8-9 (KJV)  
8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; 9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and **I know** **the** blasphemy **of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but** _are_ **the synagogue of Satan**.

Smyrna is the second church of the seven in Revelation and is known as the "suffering" church due to the Lord's statement in verse 9. It was one of the two churches that Jesus did not rebuke; Philadelphia is the other.

As we see, Jesus told them, "I know the _blasphemy_ of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are _the synagogue of Satan_." As Paul explained, "For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but _he is_ _a Jew who_ _is one_ _inwardly_ ; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, _not in the letter_ ; whose _praise_ is not from men _but from God_ " (Rom. 2:28-29).

See our phrase "not in the letter"? This agrees with Paul's dissertation in II Corinthians, Chapter 3, concerning the difference between the "letter" that "kills" and the "Spirit" that gives "life" (II Cor. 3:5-11). Today, many have the "letter" of the Word but few have the "Spirit" of it, and the result is the influx of false doctrines and commandments of men. Beloved, if we are a "synagogue of Satan" or give our allegiance to such, then we are an _adversary_ (devil, Satan) to God and Christ regardless of what we confess (II Cor. 11:14). It will not be otherwise.

Due to our religious pride (which is evident in Laodicea), very few of us will admit that the church is symbolized by the beast with seven heads and ten horns because fewer still see our need for judgment due to erroneous teachings like the rapture. The false Christ's and false prophets of this hour thrive on the fact that they paint the church as "special," thereby excluding us from "great tribulation" and suffering as though God overlooks our carnality and division despite what scripture says. The political correctness of the world has risen its ugly head in the church.

It is heartbreaking to see how many of God's own have been taken by these false assumptions, so much so that they are willing to "make war" with those who are not. We have done no better than the Jews in Jesus' day, who reached a religious pride and fullness in their own time which was so all-consuming that they rejected the very one who was spoken of in their writings.

If what I have presented in this study is not true, then how do we explain the great division and confusion called "Christianity" from the days of the apostles up to this present time? How do we account for all the religious denominations that now exist? How do we account for all the sin, suffering, and condemnation that has been imposed upon the hearts and minds of so many for the past two thousand years? Jesus said, "By this _all_ will know that you are _my_ disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). Where, amid all this confusion, is found this love?

Let me be raw and honest, beloved. Where do we find justification for our denominational names and for claiming that we alone have the truth? How can we stand against one another in doctrine and not see that it has and continues to cause division every single day? No, we may not stand in our pulpits and preach against the congregation down the street (although some do), but _our labels_ speak very loudly. We are divided, and a kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; it will not be otherwise.

The world is not moved by our beautiful sanctuaries, large congregations, or our religious popularity. Do they not see through our religious facades? Do they not recognize the confusion and hypocrisy that we refuse to admit to? Many do, and so the world passes us by because they recognize the blasphemy we don't.

If one takes time to study, they will find that all along and especially at the end of the age, there is a separation within His kingdom, a _division_ if you will that is made evident by the Parable of the Tares (Matt. 13:24-30; 36-43), the Parable of the Net (Matt. 13:47-50), and the Parable of the Sheep and Goats (Matt. 25:31-46). This "division" is seen in the illustration of the lampstand, marked by the phrase "half" or "dividing of time." This "dividing of time" is just that, a _separation_ of "day" _from_ "night," light _from_ darkness, good _from_ bad, wheat _from_ tares, and sheep _from_ goats. Not surprisingly, the Parable of the Sheep and Goats is connected to the Lord's teachings concerning the end of the age in Matthew, Chapter 24. Perhaps Paul had this in mind when he wrote the following.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 (NKJV)  
1 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that **the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night**. 3 **For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape**. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 **Therefore let us not sleep** , as others _do,_ but let us watch and be sober. 7 **For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.** 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and _as_ a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

Revelation 3:3 (NKJV)  
3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. **Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you**.

Again, the interpretation is clear. When speaking to Sardis, Jesus warned them, "Therefore if _you_ ," Sardis, i.e. _the church_ , "will not watch, _I will come upon you as a thief_ , and you will not know what hour I will come upon you." This tells us that those who say "peace and safety" are those who are deceived by the false Christ's and false prophets and "sudden destruction" will come upon them during the "day of the Lord."

So where is the hope of God's people in all of this? It's given in the Parable of the Tares.

Matthew 13:41-43 (NKJV)  
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!

# Chapter Twenty-Two

# THE FURNACE OF FIRE

Matthew 13:41-43 (NKJV)  
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!

I fully intended to end this study with the last chapter, but after pondering the "furnace of fire" mentioned above, I felt it would be good to give one last perspective.

When the Lord explained the Parable of the Tares, He stated, "He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, the _good seeds_ are the sons of the kingdom, but the _tares_ are the sons of the wicked one. The enemy who sowed them is the devil, _the harvest is the end of the age_ , and the reapers are the angels. Therefore as _the tares are gathered and burned in the fire_ , _so it will be at the end of the age_ " (Matt. 13:37-40; NKJV). We then arrive at our passages above where once again the Lord states, "The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out," _not in_ , "of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness, _and will cast them into the furnace of fire_."

And why must the Lord "gather out" of His kingdom? Because the "tares" are in it, as evidenced by the Laodicean church's lukewarm condition and the prophecies to the first four churches.

The Parable of the Tares aligns with the prophecy to Laodicea where the Lord declared, "You are neither cold nor hot" (Rev. 3:15), the "hot" typifying the "good seeds" or "sons of the kingdom" and the "cold" typifying the "tares" or "sons of the wicked one." Ah, but Jesus said "you are neither," i.e. not "cold" or "hot," but "lukewarm," therefore He promised to "vomit" us out of His mouth (Rev. 3:16). This would equate to gathered "out of His kingdom" and cast "into the furnace of fire." What might be the reason why the Lord's declaration is so severe? Like our mortal wound of Revelation 13:3, we find our answer in the book of Daniel.

Daniel 3:1-6 (NKJV)  
1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an **image** of gold, whose height _was_ **sixty** cubits _and_ its width **six** cubits. He set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 And King Nebuchadnezzar sent _word_ to gather together the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the **image** which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 So the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered together for the dedication of the **image** that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up; and they stood before the **image** that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 Then a herald cried aloud: "To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 _that_ at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, _and_ psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, **you shall fall down and worship the gold image** that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; 6 and **whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace**."

First we see that Nebuchadnezzar "made an _image_ of gold, whose height was _sixty_ cubits and its width _six_ cubits." Remember our meaning of _sixty_ and _six_? _Sixty_ denotes "earthly king" and "pride" (Lane, Vallowe) while _six_ denotes man's "enmity" with His Maker (Bullinger). Our number is two sixes or "66," i.e. the number of "witness" and man's "enmity." Does this relate to "the number of a man" which John records as "666"? (Rev. 13:18) I believe it does. The difference, of course, is _one_ six, and perhaps the reason for this is that Nebuchadnezzar was _before Christ came_ and brought to light the New Covenant Promise. While _two_ means "a double witness," _three_ means "a complete witness" (Jones). Before Christ, the Law of God involved Israel and the Jews, but now? Now the Law of God incorporates the whole world; both Jew and Gentile (Rom. 2:9-10).

As for the "image" itself? I must wonder if it was not a statue of Nebuchadnezzar himself which he dreamed about in Daniel, Chapter 2. That being said, this image was not made of gold, silver, brass, and iron; rather, it was _all gold_ , indicating _deity_. This correlates perfectly with II Thessalonians 2, verses 3 and 4. Compare the idea of this "image" to the following (See also Rev. 15:2; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4).

Revelation 13:14 (NKJV)  
14 And he (beast of the earth; collective false prophet) deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an **image** to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.

Revelation 14:9-11 (NKJV)  
9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, "If anyone worships the beast and his **image** , and receives _his_ mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of **the wine of the wrath of God** , which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. **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 ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his **image** , and whoever receives the mark of his name."

Here we see our "beast with two horns like a lamb" who speaks "like a dragon," the _collective false prophet_ , who tells those who "dwell on the earth" (carnal-minded) "to make an _image_ to the beast." It is evident that those who worship "the beast and his image" are those who are "tormented with fire and brimstone."

Revelation 19:19-20 (NKJV)  
19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 Then the **beast** was captured, and with him the **false prophet** who worked signs in his presence, by which he **deceived** those who received the mark of the beast and **those who worshiped his image**. **These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone**.

In agreement with Revelation 13, we see our "beast," i.e. "the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army." This illustrates the deceived church against Christ and those who have overcome (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). We then see that the "beast" and the "false prophet" are "captured" and "cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone."

The "lake of fire" is called the "second death" in Revelation 20:14. Ah, but what did Jesus promise those in Smyrna? "He who overcomes _shall not be hurt by the second death_ " (Rev. 2:11). This brings us back to our story in Daniel.

Daniel 3:10-18 (NKJV)  
10 You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, _and_ psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the gold image; 11 **and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace**. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: **Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego** ; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. **They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up**." 13 Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, " _Is it_ true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, _that_ **you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up**? 15 Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, _and_ psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and **you fall down and worship the image which I have made** , _good!_ **But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace**. And who _is_ the god who will deliver you from my hands?" 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that _is the case,_ **our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace** , **and He will deliver** _us_ **from your hand** , O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that **we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up**."

What do we find in our story? Three Jews (a complete witness), Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who refused to worship the "gold image" which Nebuchadnezzar set up. As a result, we read the following.

Daniel 3:19-25 (NKJV)  
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace **seven times more** than it was usually heated. 20 And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who _were_ in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, _and_ **cast** _them_ **into the burning fiery furnace**. 21 **Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their** _other_ **garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace**. 22 **Therefore, because the king's command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego**. 23 **And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace**. 24 **Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste** _and_ **spoke, saying to his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?" They answered and said to the king, "True, O king."** 25 **"Look!" he answered, "** I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God **."**

The first thing to notice is that the king had the fire of the furnace heated "seven times" hotter than normal. I cannot help but believe that this relates to the "seven times" of Daniel 4:16, 23, 25, and 32, and the "seven heads" and "mountains" of the beast in Revelation. So hot was the furnace that it killed the men who "took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego."

And what happened once they were cast into the furnace? The king saw " _four_ men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; _and they are not hurt_ , and the form of the fourth _is like the Son of God_." "They are not hurt"? Yes, as in "shall not be _hurt_ by the second death." Know, beloved, that those who overcome are those who while "walking in the midst of the fire," endure to the end to see Christ appear and arise within their being. Look once more at the following passages.

Revelation 13:14 (NKJV)  
14 And he (beast of the earth; collective false prophet) deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an **image** to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.

Revelation 14:9-11 (NKJV)  
9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, " **If anyone worships the beast and his image** , and receives _his_ mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of **the wine of the wrath of God** , which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. **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 ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his **image** , and whoever receives the mark of his name."

What is the reason we are cast into the lake of fire and "tormented with fire and brimstone"? It is due to the fact that we _worship_ the "beast _and_ his image." If the beast illustrates the deceived church and its image the "man of sin" and "son of perdition," then those who love and adore their religious leaders, collectives, and doctrines above the Lord are those who are "tormented."

Beloved, the "fire and brimstone" of Revelation 14 is the "second death" (Rev. 21:8), again, the message of the cross (Gal. 5:11). The torment of the "fire and brimstone" is synonymous with "the wine of the _wrath_ of God." What works _wrath_? It's His "fire-law" (Deut. 33:2; Rom. 4:15). So to be cast into the lake of fire is to be placed under the ministry of death and condemnation rather than the ministry of the Spirit and life. When we exist in this state, we remain subject to sin and its torment, for all of our religious ritual and rote is insufficient in bringing us to Christ.

Despite what tradition has led us to think, the lake of fire is not Hell or eternal torment. As mentioned, it represents the "fire-law" (Deut. 33:2) of God's divine nature which torments all of us when we walk according to the dictates of our carnal mind. For this reason, we read, "And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name" (For further study, compare this to the fifth and sixth trumpets). As long as our allegiance remains with our religious leaders and denominational structures instead of Christ, we will not find "rest," for true worship is "in Spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24; Heb. 4:1-11).

In conclusion, let it be clear that I do not stand against any denomination or religious collective; rather, I stand against the religious pride and arrogance that supports these structures and continues to blaspheme the name of Christ due to the false doctrines and prevailing attitude of claiming to possess the truth.

If we will be honest, we must admit that Christianity has become desolate and lifeless. Despite the many who claim to be hearing from the Lord, few truly are. Instead, we have exchanged the glory of His cross for the glory of men. Ah, but there is coming a change, beloved, for we are told that "these will make war with the Lamb, _and the Lamb will overcome them_ , for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and _faithful_ " (Rev. 17:1). As we approach the end of the age, the Lord is cleansing and sanctifying His church "by the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish" (Eph. 5:26-27).

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 40 years, I have discovered that the message of scripture is truly one of hope, love, and encouragement for the entire world.

Connect With Me:

**Friend me on Facebook** : <https://www.facebook.com/GrainOfWheatPublishing>

**Grain of Wheat Publishing Website** : http://www.grainofwheatpublishing.org

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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?

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

**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

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

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

The Tabernacle of Moses, Kevin J. Conner, Copyright 1976, City Christian Publishing

Google, www.google.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

NASB95, New American Standard Bible, Lockman Foundation, First Published, 1963, Copyright 1960
