Revealing Eschatology.

The Power and Glory of God's Creation.

Before we proceed with the book of Revelation we must note here that we cannot go into great detail some of the things about Revelation that have been spoken of and given in this site. That being the numbered title pages seen on our home page. The reason we recommended that you follow the pages chronologically given in that order so as to minimize our writings, as well as they being better understood as one would read them. So you may see at times a note given to refer to these pages for certain information being spoken about in the book of Revelation we are presenting. With that being understood and said we begin this study on the book of Revelation. We will begin in chapter 4 where John was brought to heaven and before the throne of God.

Beginning in Rev. 4-6 we read; "---and in the midst of the throne, four beasts* full of eyes before and behind. (v.7) And the first beast was like a lion and the second beast like an ox and the third beast having the face of a man, and the fourth beast like a flying eagle. (v.8) And the four beasts had each of them respectively, six wings; around and within they are full of eyes." First, the word beasts* seen here is not the same as in chapters 13 and 17. Here above, it is to mean in the singular "zoon," and in the plural "zoe." And it is to mean "any living creature," whether it be man or animal. But in chapters 13 and 17, the word is "therion" to mean a wild beast, whether it be man or animal. The representation and explanation of who and what these 4 living creatures are here in chapter 4 and chapters 13 and 17 as to what they represent there, are given on page 15 of this site; Commentary on Zechariah. There it explains in detail what these living creatures are who would become the beast kingdom in the end time. (also given in pages 7-11,14).

These four living creatures say in verse 8, "They have no cessation day or night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and who is, and who is coming." We see at this point in time of the prophecy, the living creatures worshiping God. But a rebellion occurs by these 4 living creatures, where they will no longer glorify him as their creator, this can be seen in the following verse.

Rev. 4-9-10, "And when the living creatures shall *(future tense) give glory, honor and thanksgiving to him who sitteth upon the throne who liveth forever and ever, the four and twenty elders shall* fall down before him who sitteth upon the throne, and they shall* worship him who liveth forever and ever and they shall* cast their crowns before the throne saying, "Worthy art thou, O Lord our God, to receive glory, and honor and power, because thou didst create all things, and for thy pleasure they were and are created." These verses indicate that there will come a time that these 4 living creatures will turn against God and no longer glorify him, as it is also seen concerning the 24 elders who were round about the throne. Verse 8 showed us that the 4 living creatures were worshiping God at that time, but in verses 9-10, we see they no longer worship him, but "shall" worship him again. When the prophecy and rebellion is completely fulfilled.

Rev. 5-1-5. "And one of the elders saith to me "Weep not! Behold the lion which is of the tribe of Judah, the root of David prevailed to open the book and shall loose the seven seals of it."

Rev. 6-1-2. "And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four creatures saying, as with a voice of thunder-Go! And I saw and lo! A white horse, and he (the living creature) that was sitting upon it, having a bow, and there was given unto him a crown and he went forth conquering, and in order that he might conquer." As was noted, the command in verse 1, "Go!" and the obedience of it in verse 2, "and he went forth", shows that the word "erchomai" (Go) is to be taken in that sense. The word "erchomai" means either to come or go, but the context shows us it is to mean "go." So here we see the living creature going forth on the white horse to conquer, to fulfill the command and commission given him. It is these 4 living creatures seen in chapter 4 that would go forth upon these horses seen in these first four seals. It is these same creatures who would represent and become the beast in its final form when the prophecy would come to pass. And the beast in its final form is the beast of the sea and the beast of the earth seen in Rev. 13-1-2 and 13-11-12.

When these final judgments would arrive and be fulfilled, the great stone (Dan. 2-34) smites the image upon the feet "Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, and the gold broken to pieces "together." This shows us it takes in the whole earth and all earthly power, and all world dominion in its final consummation, and not just the beast itself.

Rev. 6-3-4. "And when he opened the second seal I heard the second creature saying, Go!" And there went forth another horse, fiery colored, and to him (the creature) who sat upon it was given power to take away peace from the earth---."

Rev. 6-5-6. "And when he opened the third seal I heard the third creature saying, Go! And I beheld and lo! a black horse, and he (the creature) who was sitting upon it having a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard as it were a voice in the midst of the four creatures saying, "A choenix of wheat for a denarius, and three choenixes of barley for a nenarius; and see thou mayest not injure the oil and the wine." Bread by "weight" always means scarcity. When God describes through Ezekiel (4-10,16,17) the famine during the seige of Jerusalem, he says, "Thy meat which thou shalt eat shall be by "weight"---, and drink water by "measure." This is what the voice in the midst of the four creatures declares. The usual price of a choenix was one-eighth of a denarius, so here in this famine, it's eight times its usual price. So there will be great scarcity for those who cannot afford it, causing famine; when a denarius can only buy one choenix. "Injure not the oil and the wine." Corn, oil and wine are three words often linked together to give the idea of plenty. This lets us know here that though there is plenty, its high cost of obtaining it will result in famine and scarcity. Therefore these high and unfair prices will bring for many scarcity and famine.

Rev. 6-7-8. "And when he opened the fourth seal I heard the voice of the fourth creature saying, Go! And I saw, and behold a livid horse, and he (the living creature) who was sitting upon it, his name was death; and the grave followed after him; and authority was given to them over the fourth part of the earth to kill with the sword, and with famine and with pestilence, and by the wild beasts of the earth." These pestilences will cause death, which is followed by the grave, thus authority is given both of them. The commission given death here, has a relation to "the beginning of sorrows" seen in Matt. 24-8, which there and here are said to be "wars, famines and pestilences." These are the agencies used by "death" here in these judgments, and these are followed by the result, the grave. Wild beasts also will be commissioned here to cause death. But here, the meaning is not so much to mean wild beast animals as such, though they do kill, but the wild beasts of the earth, "men." As noted, the word "beast" in chapters 13 and 17 is "therion" to mean a wild beast. And this beast of the earth is not an animal or group of animals, but a kingdom made up of men. So in these kingdoms of the earth there would contain these "wild beasts of the earth."

Now that the fourth seal has been opened, we no longer see or hear of these 4 creatures until we come to Rev. 7-11; for they had been given their commission and had gone forth to execute it over "the fourth part of the earth."

Rev. 6-9,11. "And when he opened the fifth seal I saw under the alter the souls of those who had been slain on account of the word of God, and on account of the testimony which they held." And they cried out, how long for vengeance? And they were told, "---yet a little while until both their fellow servants and their brethren that were about to be killed as they, should be fulfilled." This killing is seen in Rev. 13-7,15 and 17-6. The seals cover the whole period in brief, the details are given afterward and are seen in the trumpets and vials.

Rev. 6-12-17. "And I saw when he opened the sixth seal, a great convulsion took place, and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the full moon became as blood; and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, as the fig tree casteth her untimely figs when shaken by a mighty wind. And the heaven departed---every mountain and island were moved out of their places. (Every man)--hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; and said to the mountains and rocks, fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?" We have here in this sixth seal that which will take place shortly after the tribulation of those days, and shortly before the second coming of Christ. These six seals are a summary of the judgments distributed over the whole book, of what will occur in "the Day of the Lord," up to his second coming.

Rev. 7-1-8. In reading these verses all is clear here. This tells us that this sealing will take place before the events of the prophecy are to be fulfilled. It tells us who will recieve the seal of God, that being 144,000 from the 12 tribes of Israel.

Rev. 7-9-17. "After these things I saw, and lo, a great multitude, which no one was able to number, out of every nation, and of all tribes and peoples, and tongues standing before the throne, and before the Lamb, arrayed with white robes, and palm branches in their hands." In Rev. 7-1-8 were seen a definite number of Israelites, but here an uncountable number of Gentiles. For this vision carries us to the end, just as the preceding vision of the sealing carried us back to the beginning before the tribulation was to be executed. Thus showing us two distinct companies, first Jews then Gentiles. Here we can also see that the church of God are composed of both Jew and Gentiles. They are seen here "in heaven" after the tribulation through which they went through.

Rev. 7-11. "And all the angels were standing around the throne, and the elders and the four creatures, and they fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God,---." It is here again we meet with the elders and the 4 creatures, as they fell on their faces and worshiped God. For we see at this point in time, as noted, we are brought forward to the end of the tribulation and beyond where all is fulfilled. All dominion has been put down under the feet of Christ. For we have seen here that the multitude in heaven are they who had come out of the tribulation, indicating that the rapture had occurred, and all dominion has been destroyed, and the great day "of God's wrath has come and who will be able to stand?" Thus we see these living creatures falling on their faces and worshiping God, their Creator.

Chapter 8 brings us back to the beginning, just as chapter 7 here brought us to the end. That beginning being the execution of the judgments that were seen in the prior chapters. Rev. 8-1, "And when he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about a half an hour." This silence marks very solemnly the pause between the prayers and the fulfillment of those prayers. God is about to execute his judgment and wrath upon the world. The answer is formally announced in the preparation of the seven angels to sound their trumpets, declaring war against Satan and all his hosts. This is what is now seen by John. Rev. 8-2-6 tell us that the seven angels are each given a trumpet to sound when commanded to do so. Here in verse 2, they stand at the ready. Verses 3 and 4 has another angel standing at the alter having a golden censer. The incense and prayers of all the saints are then offered upon the golden alter that was before the throne, and they went up before God. Verse 5 tells us that God is now about to answer the prayers of all the saints that have cried out to him for so long.

Rev. 8-5. "The angel took the censer, and filled it from the fire of the alter and cast it unto the earth; and there were thunderings, lightenings and voices, and a convulsion." God has spoken. He has now willed that his word be fulfilled, and his judgments have now been cast upon the earth, (v.6) "And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets made themselves ready that they might sound them."

Rev. 8-7, "The first (angel) sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth;---." The hail and fire mingled with blood cast upon the earth, is what was cast down by the angel seen in Rev. 8-5, representing the judgments of God that were released upon the earth. The answer to the prayers of the saints. The hail and fire always represents in scripture, God's judgments.

Rev. 8-7, "---and the third part of trees was* (past tense) burnt up, and all green grass was* burnt up." When taking this text literally, though it is meant to have a more spiritual meaning; this would be the condition of the third part of the grass and trees on the earth. When the prophecy would begin, they would "have been " burnt up. Our recent history confirms this fact. By 1989-90 these facts became public in the news media by the scientists who released that information.

The second, third and fourth trumpets speak the same voice, "a third part of," what the context speaks of. These were to be the conditions of the earth and its environment as the trumpet soundings progressed, where these signs would be seen globally on the earth.

1st trumpet, "And the third part of trees was burnt*(past tense) up, and all green grass was burnt* up." 2nd trumpet, "And the third part of the sea (sea of peoples) became* blood. And the third part of the creatures* (animal or human) which were in the sea, and had life* died, and the third part of the ships were destroyed." 3rd trumpet, "And the third part of the waters became* wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter." 4th trumpet, "The third part of the sun was smitten* (was effected), and a third part part of the moon, and a third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise." The language given here are figures of speech to have a deeper and spiritual meaning, but when taken in a general literal sense, these are the conditions to be seen on earth at that time. These verses tell us that these will be the general conditions of the earth and its environment at that time of what the context discloses. And these are the signs that would be present when these four trumpets will have been sounded. And who can deny that they all have arrived and have become fact for at least a decade now?

The beginning fulfillment of the prophecy can be seen after the 4th trumpet is sounded, for there we have a warning given us, after these events would have occurred. "And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpets of the three angels, which are yet to sound!" (Rev. 8-13). Before continuing, what must be understood here is that much of the book of Revelation was given in a symbolic, parabolic and figurative language. Given us in this way, to make us aware of the spiritual meanings behind it, for that is the main message intended of what to look to concerning its literal fulfillment. The key to understanding this is that it is God's judgment on the church as well as on the world. That which scripture calls "the falling away" that would occur "before" the tribulation would begin.

The phrase "the third part of men" is a symbolic phrase that points to those in the body of Christ, the church. This can be seen in Zech. 13-8-9, where God speaks of the world and symbolically divides two groups of people. The unsaved are seen in the number two thirds, and the saved by the number one third. "And it shall come to pass, that in all the land (the world here) saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire (judgment), and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried; they shall call on my name, and I will hear them; I will say, it is my people; and they shall say, the Lord is my God" (see also Dan. 11-35,12-10 and Mal. 3-2-3). The one third are God's people. In Revelation 8-9, the one third are pictured as being dead or killed. This is seen in Rev. 11-7,13-7 and 13-15. They have been killed spiritually, for the church which they belonged is no longer the fountain of life. Much of the body of Christ has been overrun with false gospels and false prophets, and no longer bring rivers and fountains of the living waters of life; they have become Wormwood. The figures of speech, trees, sea, creatures, rivers, and etc. can be seen in their context to represent the church. The death of the "third part of man" must be understood in that respect and in the same way as the death of the two witnesses in Rev. 11-7; they, and others, die spiritually.

A list of the figures of speech used in the 4 trumpet verses that represent the church will be given here, with the Bible being the interpreter. 1. Creature(s)--Ezek. 1-5, Mark 16-15, 2 Cor. 5-17, Col. 1-15, Rev. 4-6. 2. Trees--Proverbs 15-4, Psalms 1-3, Ezek. 31-8-9, Mark 8-24, Jude 12. 3. Grass--Matt. 13-26, Mark 4-28, 1 Peter 1-24, James 1-10-11. 4. Waters--Gen. 49-4, Psalms 22-14, 2 Peter 2-17, Jude 12, Rev. 17-15. 5. Rivers--Isa. 32-2, John 7-38, Rev. 17-15. 6. Sea--James 1-6, Jude 13, Rev. 17-15. 7. Moon-Sun--Judges 5-31, Jer. 15-9, Mal. 4-2, Matt. 13-43, Rev. 12-1,21-23,22-16. 8. Stars--Dan. 8-10, Jude 13, Rev. 8-12,12-4,22-16. 9. Light(s)--2 Phil. 2-15, 1 Thess. 5-5, and etc. 10. Ships (vessels) congregation (s), sanctuary, temple, individual, in the sea and in the church of the world.

In the first trumpet, the trees represent the congregations of the body of Christ, where it is said that a third part of these have been "burnt up" at the time of this sounding. The green grass here represents the individual, and all are seen as being "burnt up." This means Satan using the beast and false prophet "shall wear out the saints," and for others the loss of morals and morality. These have withered away and become "burnt up." (Psalms 1-3). At the second angel's sounding, "as it were," to mean figuratively speaking, "a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea;---." The word "mountain" here is symbolic to mean a "kingdom" with a king. This is seen in Rev. 17-9-10, in Daniel and elsewhere in scripture. This mountain kingdom burning with fire represents God's judgments on her because of her actions. This kingdom was cast into the sea, a figure of speech of her coming downfall seen in chapters 17 and 18. The creatures in "this sea" are men (peoples) that had life, "died". They died spiritually as well as physically. The third part of the ships, "vessels" destroyed represent man as an individual as well as collectively, to mean a congregation and congregations. A third of these congregations would be destroyed.

At the third angel's sounding it is said there fell a great star from heaven, burning "as it were," to mean figuratively speaking, like "a torch, a lamp or light, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers and fountains of waters." This great star that fell from heaven seen as falling upon these waters at this 3rd sounding, is what Rev. 9-1 speaks of there; "the star that "had fallen from heaven" when John seen it, there seen as being on the earth. Scripture tells us that Satan and his followers come as angels of light. This great star seen in the 3rd angel's sounding is this "torch or light" beginning to effect the "waters" of the earth. These congregations of rivers and fountains of waters that help bring forth life, through the grace of God, Christ and the Holy Spirit are at that time becoming polluted. (see John 7-38). The name of the star is called Wormwood, to mean bitter, polluted, and not fit to intake, to digest. These waters made bitter represent people and congregations, that now hold false doctrines, false prophets and fallen believers, causing many to spiritually die because of these "bitter waters" they were made to drink.

This 4th angel's sounding is now to include Israel as well as the church when it would be sounded. This refers us to Rev. 12-14, where the woman, Israel, is seen clothed with the sun. Here the sun represents Christ, who is called the "Sun of Righteousness" in Mal. 4-2, Luke 1-78 and Rev. 22-16. The moon also represents Christ, "the moon under her feet" as being their light, as well as the light of the church, and holds dominion over all. The reverence to the sun and moon is seen in Rev. 21-23, "For the Lamb (God) is the light thereof." That which caused the third part of the day and night not to shine are Satan's followers. This is seen in Jude 13, "Wandering stars to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever." These are they that caused a third part of the body of Christ to be darkened by this 4th trumpet's sounding. We read in 2 Phil. 2-15 what we represent. "---Among whom ye shine as lights in the world." This is also seen in Matt. 5-14-16 and 1 Thess. 5-5-7, where we read; "Ye are all the sons of light,--the sons of the day, we are not of the night, nor of darkness." This means our light should shine even during the night. "Therefore, let us not sleep, as others; let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep (stop shining), sleep in the night;--." They have no light and are now in darkness.

As was noted, when the conditions of the first 4 trumpet soundings will have sounded, the 5th angel would then soon begin to sound his trumpet as John recorded. "---An angel flying in the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!"

Rev. 9-1-11. This group seen being released here, are being released under "certain limits of power of destruction" given them by God. The star (v.1) is given the key so that he can open this bottomless pit. (v.3) And out of the pit smoke, and out of the smoke locusts upon the earth; and unto them was given power (like scorpions). Verse4, "--it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any trees;---."These verses help confirm the fact that this is figurative and symbolic language to have a "spiritual meaning" and not a literal meaning. The very diet of locusts is vegetation and not "flesh". It is said that the life of a locust is about 5 months. Continuing in verse 5, "But (hurt) only those men which have not the seal (protection) of God in their foreheads. And it was given to them that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months;---." So we see these locusts in the following verses as being something other than a "natural locust of the earth," but are represented as being "locusts" here. And their diet of which they wish to "hurt" is given here as being "grass, green things, and trees." And yet they are told to "hurt" only the "men" who have not the seal or protection of God for 5 months. It is clear here that this figurative and symbolic language, the grass, green things and trees, represents God's people here. And verse 11 tells us they had a king over them called in Greek Apollyon (Destroyer). Who fits this description but Satan, who is seen as being "king" over these locusts?

We read in 2 Thess. 2-3-4, "let no man deceive you by any means; for (that time shall not come), except there come a falling away "first", and that man of sin (Satan, using the beast) be revealed, the son of perdition (son of destruction); who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he (the beast) as God sitteth in the temple (naos-inner sanctuary) of God, showing himself that he is God." (v.6) "And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time." What "withholds" the prophecy's fulfillment is what Paul just said, that "the falling away must come first". (v.8) "And then shall that Wicked be revealed ( Satan using the beast), whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming. (v.9) Whose coming is after the working of Satan---." To mean Christ's coming after the fulfillment of the end time prophecy. Paul is telling us here that the iniquity (sin) will continue until there is a great falling away from the Lord throughout the church body and the secular world at large. Then that Wicked one will come, Satan using the beast of the sea and earth, using all power and signs and lying wonders to fulfill the prophecy of the end of the age. Which then shall the Lord destroy with the brightness of his coming.

We return and continue to where we left off in Rev. 9-5-6, "And to them ( these locusts) it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months. And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and (even so) death shall flee from them." This occurs to those who have not the seal, the protection of God in their foreheads. Though they will be tormented for those five months, death shall flee from them. After they survive these five months, they shall be protected by the seal of God in their foreheads from death. Then death shall flee from them till all is fulfilled.

Rev. 9-12, "One woe is past; behold, there come two woes more hereafter." We are told here that after these five months pass, this first woe would be past or fulfilled, with 2 woes remaining. But we are not told when they are to come, but we are told of when the second woe has past. It is seen in Rev. 11-14 as being after the testimony of the two witnesses had come to an end. This then also tells us that the sixth trumpet was sounded after the first woe had past, and the second woe had began. So we see the 6th trumpet being sounded sometime when the second woe would begin, and end when the witnesses would have ended their testimony.

The word "abyss" is the Greek "abussos" to mean bottomless, "bottomless pit." Scripture refers it to the lower regions as being the abode of demons, out of which they can be let loose. It is found 7 times in Revelation, 9-1-2,11;11-7;17-8;20-1,3. In 9-1-2 the R.V. has "the pit of the abyss." There in Rev. 9-1-11, when the 5th trumpet is sounded we read; "And the fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star fallen* (not fall as in the A.V.) to the earth; and there was given to him the key of the pit of the Abyss." We see this star or angel "had fallen" from heaven  when John saw it. This is also seen in Isa. 14-12 and Luke 10-18. But in Rev. 20-1-2, John saw an angel having the key to the Abyss and a great chain in his hand, in order to put Satan INTO the Abyss and shut him up until a thousand years be completed. Where thereafter, he must be loosed for a short time. Now here in the 5th trumpet we see this fallen star as a "fallen angel" and to him was given the key to OPEN the pit of the Abyss, which indicates that the thousand years were now over. And this fallen angel, Satan, is allowed to let loose his demon spirits for a short time (Rev. 20-1-2). But he is still chained by a "great chain," representing he will be limited and under the control and command of God. And these are they that were reserved for future judgment under "chains of darkness" and "everlasting chains" (2 Peter 2-4; Jude 6). The great chain seen in Rev. 20-1-2 is "everlasting chains" that would "contain and limit his actions."

Rev. 20-7 tells us that after the thousand years, "Satan will be loosed out of his prison and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth-Gog and Magog- to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore." This loosing out of the Abyss and their numbers are seen in the sounding of the 5th and 6th trumpets. Under the control of God, the pit of the Abyss was opened in the 5th trumpet in order for this particular group to be released to fulfill God's prophetic word. Whereas in the 6th trumpet, the rest that were allowed to be released were to "deceive and gather the nations in the four corners of the earth, and these nations are called "Gog and Magog." And the leaders of these hordes are seen in what comes out of their mouth. "Out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet." They are spoken of as "singular individuals, "that is the beast and false prophet, but they are not, they are many, as is seen in the following verse. "For they are the spirits of devils (many demons), working miracles, (which) go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty." (Rev. 16-13-14).

Rev. 9-13-21. The 6th angel sounds his trumpet and then was told to "Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men." Verses 16 through 19 tells us their number, their description and their power and authority given them. We see they are different from the first group released in Rev. 9-1-11, and they also have more power. These were given power to "slay the third part of men," (verses 18-19) "By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. For their power is in their mouth---." The first group had power in their tails like scorpions to sting and torment, but not kill, and only for five months. In the 6th trumpet, the second group released also had tails to inflict injury. "For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails; for their tails (were) like unto serpents,---." So we see both groups having tails like serpents to inflict injury, and WHO is the serpent? Rev. 12-9 tells us, "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 what was released in the 6th trumpet to slay a third part of men with fire, smoke and brimstone that comes from their mouth and tails. The lies that Satan and his followers spew out from within and without the church of Christ. Causing evil, misery and death. Not only literal but spiritual as well. Verses 20 and 21 tell us that the rest of the men which were not killed in this way did not repent of their works of their hands, and of the devils they were worshiping, and their idolatry of worshiping gold, silver, brass, stone and wood, that cannot see, hear nor walk; Neither did they repent of their murders, sorceries, fornication and thefts." The meaning here is they were totally consumed in these things and materialism, and became damned by these acts.

Going to the 6th trumpet, we see there that this countless number were released at the Euphrates river, and at a very specific time in order to kill the third part of men. That phase of the prophecy would occur at the time of the "falling away" that was prophesied to come. Where then, this countless number of demons would be released to bring in that phase spoken of in the 6th trumpet. That which would then concern Israel, God's covenant land promise given the remnant of Israel of becoming a nation again in the land of their forefathers; and God's saints throughout the world. The Persian Gulf War was to be the catalyst that would bring about the dragon continuing the persecution of the woman, to mean Israel, that brought forth the man child Christ (Rev. 12-13). After the sounding of the 6th trumpet, we see in chapter 10, a mighty angel coming down from heaven with an "open book" in his hand, crying like a lion, not fear, but a shout of power. Then we are told that the seven thunders spoke something that John was told not to write. The angel then swears by God and all that he created that "henceforth, there shall be no longer (a) delay." So the context indicates that there is more to this prophecy that must be fulfilled before God's prophecy and kingdom can come in to its completion. What the seven thunders spoke in Rev. 10-4, can "in part" be seen in Rev. 10-11. "And they*(original texts-the voices or seven thunders) say to me, "Thou must again prophecy against* (original texts) peoples, and nations, and tongues and many kings." This indicates that after the beast recieves authority to its consummation, it would be needed to prophecy "again" against peoples, nations, tongues and kings.

The open book represents that God's judgments had begun, the seals in chapter 5 had been opened by the Lamb, the 5th trumpet had been sounded and been fulfilled to where the 1st woe had past, to which then the 6th trumpet had sounded to bring in that phase of the prophecy. Then after the prophecy of chapter 11 was to be fulfilled, it tells us that the 2nd woe is to be seen as fulfilled and past. Where in time the beginning of the 3rd and final woe would come in. But Rev. 10-11 tells us there would be a need to prophecy again after that time, for the prophecy was yet to be completed. The beast had not fully come out of the Abyss in its final form as yet. So "They* say to me, thou must again prophecy against* peoples, and nations, and tongues, and many kings." The open book in the angel's hand represented that there was much more of the prophecy to be fulfilled and revealed.

We read in Rev. 11-1, "Rise and measure the temple (naos) of God,---." The word temple here is "naos" to mean "sanctuary" a "holy place" of God where God's presence dwells. The New Covenant tells us that the "naos" or sanctuary of God dwells within each individual by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we as individuals are a temple in which God dwells. John is told to measure the temple (naos) of God, the alter, and those who worship within the temple sanctuary of God. These are seen as being sanctified and protected. "But the court that is without the temple (naos) cast without, and measure it not; because it is given up to the Gentiles; and the holy city shall they thread underfoot forty and two months."

Rev. 11-3, "And I will give* unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophecy (1260 days)---." This we see will be the time given the Gentiles and the two witnesses. We read in Rev. 11-7, "And when they shall have finished* their testimony, the beast that cometh up*(continues to come up, but yet not in its final form) out of the Abyss shall*(future tense) make war against them (the witnesses), and shall* overcome them, and kill them." We see here that after their testimony time is finished, the beast that is continuing to come out of the Abyss, at this point begins to war against them, overpowers and "kills them." Rev. 11-14 tells us that at that time; "The second woe is past; behold, the third woe cometh quickly." We see that once this second woe is fulfilled, the 3rd woe "cometh quickly", but not immediately. So we can see between this second and third woe, an interval of time between them.

We also need to know more about who these two witnesses are that are spoken about here in chapter 11. Today's revised versions of the Bible refer to these two witnesses as "men." This is seen in Rev. 11-6 in these revised books. But when we go to the original texts of scripture, for one, the KJV; it nowhere states in these verses of chapter 11, that they are seen to be "2 men." Even in these revised versions, the word "men" is only seen in Rev. 11-6 and nowhere else. The translators of scripture "assumed" they would be 2 men, for it is why they inserted the word "men" in that verse. Yet when looking to scripture it shows us that women can be called by God to testify also.

When looking to the original texts of scripture beginning in Rev. 11-3, we nowhere see the word "men" in these verses. In verse 3 we see they are called "two witnesses" who shall prophecy for 1260 days. In verse 4 they are called, or are to represent "two olive trees" and "two lampstands." In verse 5, the word or term used of these 2 witnesses is "them"---injure them,---fire goes forth from "their mouth." Verse 6 reads "these" have authority. This is the proper translation here. It is not as some translate it "these men", for these words were inserted there by them. During the days of "their" prophecy--, and "they" have authority--to smite--as often as "they" will. We read in verse 7, When "they" shall have finished "their" testimony--makes war upon "them"--overcome "them"--kill "them." Verse 8, --"their" dead "body"* shall lie--. All critical texts of scripture show in verse 8 the word "body" as "singular," as is the word "corpse" in the first part of verse 9, they shall look upon "their corpse",--and do not suffer "their corpses to be---." In verse 10 we read, the earthdwellers rejoice over "them"--because these "two prophets" tormented them. In verse 11, a breath from God entered into "them" and "they" stood---. Fear fell upon those who beheld "them." Verse 12, "They" heard a loud voice,-- and "they" ascended up to heaven in the cloud, and "their" enemies beheld "them." So we have seen throughout these verses, that "nowhere" is seen the word "men," or that they were to be 2 men, as they have translated it.

The evidence given here shows that they could be 2 men, 2 women, or a man and a woman. But if they were to be "2 men", why did the Holy Spirit go to such lengths in terms and wordings that "exclude" the word "men.?" The word "men" is always mentioned throughout the Bible, why not here in these verses? Also, why does verse 8 and the 1st part of verse 9 show these two in a "singular" body, rather than in the plural "bodies?" There we see that these "two" are seen as "one," why? All the evidence in these verses bring in the conclusion that these two witnesses are to be a man and a woman brought together as "one" in a union of marriage under God's eyes.

Christ began to make this very distinction at his resurrection, where he chose his first two witnesses to be female. This is seen in Matt. 28-1 where it states that "Mary Magdalene and the other Mary (the mother of James) went to look at the tomb." (v.9) "Suddenly Jesus met them," where they then worshiped him. And Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." Here we see that the first witnesses to testify the fact of Christ's resurrection were women and not men. Thus, if this can be accepted by Christianity today, why not the fact that the two witnesses seen in chapter 11 of Revelation be a male and female united in marriage, as the evidence brought forth of God's word confirms.

Rev. 11-14 tell us that at that time "the second woe is past; behold, the third woe cometh quickly," but not immediately. Rev. 11-15 tells us that the 7th angel sounded, and verse 18 tells us that "thy wrath is come." That time also comes for judging the dead, rewarding the prophets and saints and those that fear his name, "and destroy them which destroy the earth." WE then read in Rev. 11-19, "And the temple (naos) of God which is in heaven was opened, and there was seen the ark of his covenant in his temple;---." This shows us that at the time of these judgments, it has also come time for the restoration, not only of the church, but his people Israel; the fulfillment of all his covenant and prophetic promises, concerning the land  and the throne (2 Sam. chap.7). The ark of the Old Covenant stood closely connected to and with the "tabernacle" and Moses; with the land and Joshua; with the kingdom of David; and with the temple and Solomon.

Rev. 11-15-19 brings us to the time of God's wrath and the fulfillment of his word, where now there is to be "no more delay" (10-6). "When the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished" (Rev. 10-7). Chapter 6 through 11 gives the view of that portion of the prophecy, where the beast and false prophet are on the earth all that time. This is seen in Rev. 11-7 where the beast wars against the witnesses. Chapter 12 gives us a view that lead us to the revelation of the beast and false prophet in chapter 13.

Rev. 12-1, "---a woman arrayed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars;---." This takes us back to Genesis chapter 37, and in reading Joseph and his father Jacob understood the "sign" or dream's meaning. Here in 12-1, the woman is the sign of Israel, seen here as representing the nation as a whole. And in verse 3 another sign is given in heaven, Satan, the woman's enemy. Then we read in verse 6, that a place was prepared for her, where she will be protected for 1260 days, at the time of the prophecy's fulfillment. But before this occurs Rev. 12-7 tells us that there was war in heaven between the angels of God and the angels of Satan. But they prevailed not, "and the great dragon and his angels were cast unto the earth (Rev. 12-9). "And when the dragon saw that he was cast to the earth, he pursued the woman (Israel) which brought forth the man child (Christ). And there was given to the woman the two wings of the great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, unto her place,---." This pursuing of the woman Israel is seen in verses 15-16 using those means but failed in doing so. And verse 17 tells us that "the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the rest of her seed,---." While "she is nourished there a time and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent."

From Rev. 12-13 to 13-8 effects what concerns Israel, the saints, and the earth as a whole. But this time is seen as the period taking us back to "before" Rev. 11-13. Where here it shows us how the beast came to be, whom Satan would give all authority to after these things should be fulfilled. The time given the woman Israel and the two witnesses, the 1260 days "from the face of the serpent", brings us back to when the 1st woe began. When the call rang out by the flying eagle in Rev. 8-13, "Woe, woe, woe, to those that dwell upon the earth---." 2 Thess. chapter 2 is an important link when studied in connection with Rev. chapter 12. "Ye know what (neut.) holdeth him (the lawless one) fast, that he (the lawless one-the beast) may be revealed in his time." It cannot be a person who holds the lawless one fast, for the word is in the neuter gender. It can only be a "place", and that place is "the pit of the Abyss," seen in Rev. 9-2, out of which the beast was to ascend. "And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent; who is called the devil, and Satan, he who decieveth the whole world; he was cast down unto the earth, and his angels were cast down with him."

As was noted, Rev. 12-13 to 13-8 are the results seen on earth after Satan had been cast to the earth, and now has but a short time. Taking us back to the period before 11-13 and to Rev. 9-2. Thus the warning given in 8-13 by the flying eagle. This cry is given after the 4th trumpet had sounded. The sounding of the 5th trumpet shows Satan's arrival, "I saw a star from heaven "fallen"---."  In Luke 10-18, Jesus said, "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven." And "there was given to him (Satan) the key of the pit of the Abyss." And "he opened the pit of the Abyss," beginning the 1st woe.

Rev. 12-13-17 give us the events that occur from Revelation chapter 9 to 11-14, leaving only the 3rd woe or 7th trumpet to be sounded. Chapter 13 gives us a description of these two beasts, as it concerns the earth at large. There we read that Satan will give him his power, throne and great authority for 42 months. This time and authority given the beast occurs when the 7th trumpet is sounded, that being the 3rd woe. Rev. 12-13-17, the time of the 1st and 2nd woe. "When the dragon saw that he was cast to the earth, he pursued the woman which brought forth the man-child. And there was given to the woman the two wings of the great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, unto her place, where she is nourished there a time, times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent." Her "place" being where she had become a nation, in the land of their forefathers, Israel. The land that God had given her just as he promised would occur in the end times.

"And the serpent cast out of his mouth after the woman, water as a river, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood." The "water" that is "like a river" that the serpent spews out is what we read in Rev. 17-15. "The waters which thou sawest, where the harlot sitteth are peoples, and multitudes, and nations and tongues." The serpents's instruments, peoples, nations and tongues, to war against the woman Israel, to take her away "from her place," as a nation and people. But we see during this time he fails in that attempt. "But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the rest of her seed, who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus. And he stood upon the sand of the sea." Here we see the earth or "land" helped the woman keep her place, by swallowing up the flood of peoples sent against the woman Israel. During her wars with the Arab nations she gained much "land," and that land helped her keep her place. These expanded borders of land helped to secure her and make her stronger defensively; so that the land swallowed up the flood sent against her.

We see failing in these attempts to destroy the woman Israel, he turns his forces against the remnant of her seed, here both Jew and Gentile, and the two witnesses. As he continues at that time to make war with the rest of her seed, he uses the beast as it comes out of the Abyss to do away with the witnesses; which is then seen as being the end of the 2nd woe (Rev. 11-14). At this time the 2nd woe is past, the dragon has failed to destroy the woman and her seed, enraged he now calls up the two beasts to carry out his final plans. It is from the Abyss that he calls upon to accomplish this. "And I saw out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits, as it were frogs. For they are demon spirits working miracles, which go forth to the kings of the whole world to gather them together to that battle of that great day of God, the Almighty." What he now calls up is seen in Rev. 13-1-18, the 2 beasts.

Rev. 14-1-5 speaks of those that were sealed in chapter 7, before the judgments were to begin. At this time we see they have come through the time, times, and half a time out of harm from the dragon, and here seen as standing victorious with the Lamb. All those of Christ that were sealed and protected. This brings us to the time that the 2nd woe has ended as has the testimony of the witnesses, where it is seen that they were overcome and "killed." Where now the dragon stands upon the sand of the sea to call up the beast. It is here we stand when the 7th trumpet or 3rd woe is about to be sounded shortly. But before the 7th trumpet is sounded, we are given the events of Rev. 14-6-20. But first a warning is given us. Here John sees an angel flying in mid-heaven having the everlasting gospel to announce unto those that dwell on the earth, and unto every nation and tribe, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, "Fear God, and give glory to him; because the hour of his judgment is come;---." The voice of the second angel, tells us that the 2nd woe has now past, and the final and 3rd woe is about to be sounded; "Fallen, fallen, is Babylon the great, which hath given all the nations to drink of the exciting wine of her fornication." This is the first mention of Babylon in this Revelation seen in chapters 17-18, and it looks forward in anticipation of the pouring out of the last vial, which brings upon her destruction. The voice of the 3rd angel tells us that now the 3rd woe or 7th trumpet is about to be sounded. Rev. 14-9-11, "If anyone worshipeth the beast and his image, and receiveth his mark---.And they have no rest day and night, who worship the beast---." The words "who worship" and "receiveth" speaks present tense, to indicate that the 3rd woe is now about to begin when this announcement was made by the 3rd angel.

In Rev. 14-12-13, a warning and consultation is given to the saints."--Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth." From "henceforth" refers to the time and beginning of the 3rd woe or sounding of the 7th trumpet. Rev. 14-14-20, Now that the hour of God's wrath had come, we read; "And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud I saw one sitting like unto the son of man, having upon his head a golden crown and in his hand a sharp sickle." We see this is the last time this title is used in the Bible. This connects the Lord Jesus with the earth, and here used as being the "harvest of the earth." Here he has a crown of gold on his head. He is on the cloud and unseen on earth, but the effects of the sharp sickle in his hand will soon be made known, this is the symbolism being presented here.

"And another angel came out of the temple (naos) crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, "Put in thy sickle, and reap; because the hour is come to reap; because the harvest of the earth is ripe." The Old Testament connects this harvest with judgment as can be seen in Joel 3-13; "Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe," and this is mentioned in connection with the vintage. "Come ye down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great." The vine is the vine of the earth; the harvest is the harvest of the earth. "And he that sat upon the cloud put forth his sickle upon the earth; and the earth was reaped." Here is seen "the hour of judgement" which has come. It is 2 Thess. 1-6-8 that we have here. This would be when the time would come for him to gather "out of his kingdom all things that offend " (Matt. 13-41). The harvest is judicial as is seen in Jer. 51-33, "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; the daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor, it is time to thresh her; yet a little while and the time of her harvest shall come." We see Babylon is mentioned in the verses immediately preceding this harvest (Rev. 14-8,17,18 identify it with Jer. 51-33 for "the harvest is the end of the age." And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.

And another angel came out of the alter, who hath authority over its fire; and he cried with a loud voice to him that had the sharp sickle, saying; "Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for her grapes are fully ripened. And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even up to the bits of the horses, to the distance of a thousand six hundred furlongs" (about 180 miles). This takes in the final judgements of this book. Both of these angels seen here represent the sevants of "the Lord of the earth " (Rev. 11-4). What is seen here is a fore-announcement of the 6th vial (Rev. 16-12-16) and of the great battle of Harmagedon. It is to this that Joel refers where we read; "the press is full, the fats overflow."

Rev. 15-1-8 gives us the situation at that time before the seven vials and final judgments are released upon the earth. These events would then close up the events seen in chapters 16,17 and 18. Chapter 19, the last vision seen in heaven tells us that the Son of Man himself executes those judgments, as it also reveals his coming. "And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous; seven angels having the last seven plagues because in them was completed the wrath of God." These seven plagues follow on from the sounding of the 7th trumpet. That trumpet that expands into the seven vials, and is the 3rd woe trumpet. The sign of this sounding is given to us next. "And I saw as it were, a glassy sea mingled with fire;---." In Rev. 4-6, it was "like crystal," calm, here, fire is mingled with it, indicating judgments had begun, and shows us those "that had gotten the victory from the beast. From his image, and the number of his name standing before the glassy sea having harps of God." We see the judgments had begun for at least three and a half years, for the 2nd woe has past, and the 3rd woe is about to sound. Though there are yet judgments to come, those here are seen as being victorious and would continue to be protected by God throughout the rest of the judgments that would follow. And these are they who "sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb,---." At the time of these judgments, the reason for the song is given with the words "Thy righteous judgments were manifested." They were revealed to the world, and would continue to their fulfillment. These words agree with the closing words of the "song of Moses" (Deut. 32-41-43). "Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people; for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people."

"And after these things I looked, and the temple (naos) of the tabernacle of the testimony was opened in heaven; and the seven angels who had the seven plagues, came forth out of the temple arrayed with precious brilliant stone, and girt about their breasts with golden girdles. And one of the four zoe (living creatures) gave to the seven angels seven golden vials full of the fury of God, who liveth forever and ever."

Here we see the "naos," the holy of holies of the tabernacle, opened to release the seven angels from the presence of God. Again, the Zoe or living creatures are seen here as initiating the judgments about to be poured forth in their fullness. The Zoe, the living creatures are related to "creation" and to the "earth." The Zoe are now about to be given their authority by the dragon that stood on the shore of the sea (Rev. 13-1) in this final rebellion. These judgments are to clear the earth of all that causes creation's groanings, so as to bring in the new heaven and earth.

Rev. 16-1 to 18-24 consists of the judgments introduced with the sounding of the 7th trumpet, which completes "the mystery of God" by the pouring out of these 7 vials. The next and last vision seen in heaven, introduces the actual fulfillment and coming of the Lord Jesus, bringing us to the conclusion of the end of the age prophecy. When we were told of the sounding of the 7th trumpet in Rev. 11-15, from there we have been taken back to reveal to us important events in order to understand more clearly the relationship of these visions to each other. The effects of the last and 7th vial is to bring up "great Babylon into remembrance," which is the judgment on Babylon seen in chapters 17 and 18. "And I heard a loud voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go forth, and pour out the seven vials of the fury of God into the earth. And the first went forth, and poured out his vial into the earth; and there broke out a noisome and grievous sore upon the men who had the mark of the beast, and those who were worshipping his image." We see when the 1st vial is poured out, a "noisome and grievous sore" came upon the men and those who were worshipping the beast and his image. The word "noisome", Greek "kakos" is to mean "bad in character", while "grievous"-poneros"-has a stronger meaning and is used of Satan, "the malignent one." The word is also used of demons. So these word meanings tell us that those who have the mark of the beast, and who are worshipping his image, are bad in character and actions and have become malignent like Satan and his demons.

"And the second poured out his vial into the sea, and it became as the blood of one dead; and every living soul died in the sea." This is figurative speech, for we know that creatures of the "sea" have "life" but they do not have "souls." Here this speaks of "the sea of peoples who have souls." A sea of peoples of all kinds from which the beast comes out of in Rev. 13-1. This can also be seen in Rev. 17-15, where the waters or sea represent peoples, nations and tongues. These are they who died in this "sea" being spoken of here in this 2nd vial. "And it became "as the blood of one dead," a figure of speech to mean "spiritually dead."

"And the third poured out his vial into the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood---, so "thou has given them blood to drink" because of these judgments. This 3rd vial is similar and refers us to the 3rd trumpet, where it is seen there that many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. Speaking as being literal waters, they had become polluted, so they "became blood" in the sense that those who drank from them died.

"And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire." We see here that power was given the "him the sun," to scorch men with fire. This refers us to Mal. 3-2 where Christ is represented there as being "like a refiner's fire", and seen in Rev. 22-16 as being "the bright morning star." Mal. 4-1 speaks of this time of judgment. "Behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven; and the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be as stubble." And "men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which had power over these plagues; and they repented not to give him glory." We see God has the power over these plagues, and Christ represents the "sun" who has been given that power. This is seen in Mal. 4-1-2, "---and that day that is coming will set them on fire. By "the sun of righteousness." Christ's judgments being poured down on them .

"And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the throne of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, and blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds." They blasphemed God because of their "pains" and "sores" due to the 1st vial that had been poured out. The "noisome and grievous sore" had now become "painful sores", for they had become much more severe. The word "pain" here is "ponos", to mean the consequences of toil, working, laboring, and etc. The kingdom of the beast at this time "was full of darkness." Moral darkness because of their sins; their condition has become a condition of moral and spiritual depravity. They have become like the demons and Satan, "the malignant one."

"And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared." This vial is similar and refers us to the 6th trumpet, where is seen that 200 million demon spirits were released at the river Euphrates to slay the third part of men. This 6th vial fulfills that which began when the 6th trumpet was sounded. We see when the 6th angel poured out his vial upon the Euphrates, "that the water thereof "was dried up." For the waters "had been dried up" since the 6th trumpet's sounding, so that "the way of the kings from the east might be prepared," to fulfill the prophecy. Who and what they are and what their objective is, is given us in verse 14, the following verse. "They are the spirits of devils (released in the 6th trumpet) working miracles which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty." And the leaders of this great horde are seen in verse 13; "Unclean spirits coming out of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet."

This going forth to gather the kings of the earth, began when the 6th trumpet was sounded. It began with the Persian Gulf War. This war encompassed all of the Euphrates River, beginning from Turkey down to the Persian Gulf, from one end of the Euphrates to the other. Turkey allowed the allied airbases there, from which they would go out on their bombing missions. The part of the Euphrates said as being "dried up" was the Euphrates Valley that the ground troops used to cross. Though very muddy in some areas, they were still able to cross on foot. Using the Euphrates Valley in this way was the very means that ended the war. The Iraqi troops became trapped at the Euphrates River because they had no way to cross to escape. All avenues of escape had been destroyed by allied bombings, thus they surrendered. "That the way of the kings of the east might be prepared." It is seen in our history, that the Persian Gulf War became the very reason to find a solution to bring peace throughout the Middle East. This began to fulfill the pouring out of the 6th vial; to make way for the Arab nations and the kings of the east. That which would concern the Palestinians, Israel, the saints and the world. This is what John saw in Rev. 16-13-14. And we see during this time that the demon spirits are gathering the kings and their armies together, John hears the voice of Christ saying; "Behold I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame."

Here the saints receive encouraging words, "I am coming," so "be watchful," for "I am coming as a thief." The world at large will not see this coming, for to them the world goes on as usual, and sadly this greatly applies to much of the body of Christ as well. Much of the body of Christ today has "fallen asleep" and are no longer watching for Christ's coming. Here the 6th vial brings us to the point where everything is seen to be in readiness; where all that is left now is the pouring out of the seventh vial. "And the seventh angel poured his vial upon the air; and there came forth a loud voice out of the temple from the throne saying; "It is done." To understand the gravity of the pouring out of this vial, note that he pours it out upon the air. The atmosphere which circumvents the "entire globe." It is being poured upon the entire world, representing here "its consummation." This is the final act, which brings on the opening of heaven and the coming forth of Christ himself to this battle seen in Rev. 19-11-18. But before this occurs, we are told of the destruction of Babylon in chapters 17 and 18. But it parallels with the pouring out of this seventh vial.

"And there were lightnings, and voices, and thunders; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since man was on the earth, so mighty an earthquake, or so great. And the great city became divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell; and great Babylon came into remembrance before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath." Rev. 19-17-18 bring us to the events of the pouring forth of the seventh vial. "I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in mid-heaven, "Come, be gathered together unto God's great supper; that ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of chief captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit thereon, and the flesh of all, both free and bond, both small and great." The seventh vial is about to be poured out, and here in Rev. 19-17-18, the cry goes out to all the fowls flying in mid-heaven to gather themselves to the great supper prepared by God. It is here at this time that John states, "And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war with him that sitteth on the horse, and with his army." It is in the course of that time (unknown) that the 7th vial is poured out. That vial representing the outcome of this battle which are seen in the following verses. "And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet who wrought the miracles before him with which he deceived those that had received the mark of the beast, and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire which burneth with brimstone."

Here is seen the fall of Babylon, the beast and false prophet called the harlot. Where the following judgments are seen in Rev. 16-20-21 concerning the earth as a whole. "Every Island fled away, and mountains were not found, And a great hail, as of a talent's weight, falleth out of heaven upon men; and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; because the plague thereof is exceedingly great." This final judgment is that which comes forth from the mouth of Christ seen in Rev. 19-21, after Babylon's fall. "And the rest were killed with the sword of him that sitteth upon the horse, which sword proceedeth out of his mouth; and all the birds were satiated with their flesh." Here we have come to the final judgment to be fulfilled before the second coming of Christ occurs, that time being unknown to man. So we see God's judgments in this book of Revelation ending here, where the remaining time for the world is unknown, and known only to him.

These many verses in Revelation tell us that at Christ's coming, it FULFILLS all promises and judgments given us throughout scripture. We have seen in these many verses that all earthly dominion, authority and flesh have been destroyed. And though the rapture is not seen or given us in these verses, it certainly occurred at Christ's coming to pour out the wrath of God on the ungodly; those left behind to be judged according to their works. Since these verses clearly show this, then how, as many teach and make others believe can there be an earthly millennium with Christ and "earthly flesh?" We read in 1 Cor. 15-50, "Now this I say brethren, that "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption." This verse tells us that sinful flesh and blood cannot "cohabit" nor inherit, live in or be any part of God's kingdom on earth or anywhere else. As we read in 1 Cor. 15-51-57. "Behold I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be (need to be) changed. For this corruptable (sinful body) MUST put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immorality. So when this corruptable shall have put on incorruption and this mortal shall have put on immorality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, "Death (sin) is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting" O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death "is sin"; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.' E are told in 1 Cor. 15-23-26, "But every man in his own order; Christ (and) the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's (the dead and those alive), at his (second) coming. Then (comes) the end, when he shall have delivered (at the prophecy's fulfillment) up the kingdom to God (the body of Christ), even the Father; when he shall have put down "all rule and authority and power." Until then, "He must reign (in heaven), till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death." And scripture tells us that sin and death is "the Devil." And we read in 1 Cor. 15-54-55, "Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, "O death (sin and the Devil) where is thy sting? For the sting of death is sin (the Devil); but the victory comes through our Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God the Father."

There is "No Millennium," as many teach and make others believe. Chapter 19 of Revelation shows us that all the promises and judgments are fulfilled with the coming of Christ  to bring in a new order. A new heaven and a new earth, at a day and hour known only to the Lord. Like some of the other chapters given in Revelation, chapter 20 was put there to give us other details and events not given as yet in those chapters. That being how Satan came to be "inprisoned" so that God's will could be fulfilled on earth, being the church age of grace brought in through his Son Jesus Christ. And it is there at the Cross that "one of the 7 heads of the beast received a sword wound to the head." That "head" that received that sword wound was Satan (Gen. 3-15). After the fulfillment of Rev. 20-4-6 has been completed, Satan must be set loose again for a short season, to fulfill God's word seen in the scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation.

Just as we have seen chapters 6-11 given in a general chronological order then taken back in chapters 12-14 to before chapter 6, to show us how Satan, his followers, the beast and false prophet came to be, so it is here in chapter 20. John was shown and brought to the point of the Lord's coming in chapter 19, where Christ is about to hand over all to the Father; now John is to be given further revelation concerning these things. What is important to understand here is Rev. 9-1, there John said he saw "a star FALLEN to the earth, and there was given to him (the fallen star angel) the key of the pit of the Abyss." Where then Satan and his demons "were loosed for a little season." And we see this "loosing from the Abyss" occurred with the sounding of the 5th trumpet. Now in chapter 20, the Lord gives John further revelation of how all this Revelation he received  would come about, by bringing John back to its early beginnings then to a further revelation, chapters 21-22.

Rev. 20-1-7."And I saw an angel descending out of heaven, having the key of the Abyss, and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold of the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,---." Here we see he is "bound", not "locked up", as with a key. No he was "bound" with "a great chain" that was in the angel's hand. And it is said he was bound this way for "a thousand years." A "chain" is used to "restrict, restrain and control" an animal or individual. So it is here with Satan, he is limited in his activities by God, he is "restrained and under God's control for a thousand years. This occurred when Jesus triumphed at the Cross. This is where Satan received his sword-wound to the head (Gen. 3-15). His healing is seen in Rev. 13-3, where it became healed through the beast, that Satan gives all his authority to, as well as his throne.

Satan was bound in this way for a thousand years to fulfill God's plan of bringing in the church age that Christ came to establish and die for. While Satan is "bound" in this way for a thousand years; Rev. 20-4, "And I saw thrones and they sat upon them; and those that were beheaded on account of the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God." This here refers us to Luke 22-30 and Matt. 19-28 where we read; "And Jesus said unto them, verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory (in heaven), ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." The thrones and those who sat upon them are the apostles and others seen here that died in the Lord. This is part of the first group resurrected while Satan is restricted and bound for a thousand years. The next group resurrected is given in the following words of Rev. 20-4. "And whosoever did not worship the beast nor YET his image (at this resurrection the beast "was not as yet"), and did not receive the mark on their foreheads and on their hands, BOTH (both groups resurrected seen here) lived again and reigned with Christ a thousand years." Verse 5 explains this reign with Christ for a thousand years while Satan is "bound up." But we see that "the rest of the dead (or group to be resurrected) lived not again (were not raised) UNTIL (this first) the thousand years be finished." And it is said that "this is the first resurrection." So we see that what consists of this "1st resurrection" is the first group of whom some would sit on thrones to judge, but all would reign with Christ for THAT thousand years. Where then after that time, the 2nd group, "the rest of the dead," would be resurrected. AS the verse reads, "until the thousand years should be finished." And this is called "the first resurrection." The last part of  verse 6 tells us what their station would be; "They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall (also) reign with him a thousand years. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who hath part in the (this) first resurrection; over these the second death hath not power---."

So we see here that there are two resurrections, or groups resurrected in what is called "the first resurrection." More importantly we see here that they are spaced "a thousand years apart from each other." We see the 1st group in this "1st resurrection" where some were given thrones and authority reigned with Christ a thousand years. Where the rest of the dead were not resurrected until that thousand years had ended. When that time "had ended," they were resurrected to be priests of God and Christ. And they also would reign with Christ for a thousand years. The first group were given a reign with Christ for a thousand years. So also would the 2nd group be given a thousand years to reign with Christ in heaven. And this is called "the first resurrection." Though in fact there are two groups resurrected, nonetheless, it is called "the first resurrection, with a total reign in heaven of not a thousand years, but of a reign of two thousand years, and this is called "the thousand years." THE first resurrection, THE thousand years.

It is after that time we read, "And when THE thousand (the last thousand) years are completed, Satan shall be LOOSED out of his prison---." Here John and we are brought back to that time when he would be loosed and how he would be loosed. John was given that revelation in Rev. 9-1-12, where we see that this occurred in the sounding of the 5th trumpet. "And the fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star from heaven fallen to the earth; and there was given to him the key of the pit of the Abyss." The key that the angel held in his hand seen in Rev. 20-1-3 when he had bound Satan up for that duration of time. And here he is to allow Satan to be loosed by giving him the key to unlock the Abyss. To be loosed for a little season. From chapter 9 on, we are told in this book why he must be loosed for a short season, which we know to be the fulfillment of God's will, in order to bring in the coming of his Son Christ, and to destroy all evil, dominion and authority.

Rev. 20-7-9 give a short history of the events that we have seen in the prior chapters, then brings us forward again beginning in Rev. 20-10 to 22. "And when the thousand years (the final 1000 yrs.) are completed, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together for the battle (Rev. 16-16;19-19-21); the number of whom is as the sand of the sea." Here "Gog and Magog" represent the nations as a whole. Ezekiel chapters 38-39 records the war and cause that would begin and continue this gathering of nations called "Gog and Magog" here from the four corners of the earth; for the battle of "the great day of God Almighty." The final outcome of the battle occurs in Rev. 19-19-21. Those released at the sounding of the 6th trumpet "at the river Euphrates" was the judgment that began the prophecy that would continue to its fulfillment. And they went up upon the breadth of the earth and encompassed the camp (tabernacle) of the saints, and the beloved city; and there came down fire (judgments from God) out of heaven, and devoured them."

"And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet, and they shall be tormented day and night forever and ever." This verse is important to note here in that scripture makes clear that the Devil's destruction comes after all dominion, sin and death are conquered. And here we see that fulfillment, for Satan has now been cast into the lake of fire along with the beast and false prophet. And scripture is clear that this then brings in the eternal state, and not a 1000 year earthly reign with Christ living with and ruling "sinful flesh." 1 Cor. 15-24-26, "Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; When he shall have put down all rule all authority and power. For he must REIGN, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy (that) shall be destroyed is death (the Devil)."

We see that the destruction of the beast, false prophet and Satan bring upon the great judgment. The Great White Throne, and not a millennium. 1 Cor. chap. 15 tells us otherwise. No, no millennium, it's over, it's done, and it is the time of judgment. Rev. 20-11, "And I saw a great White Throne, and him that sat thereon, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and no place was found for them." This is perhaps the time of 2 Peter 3-10-12, for it is "the Day of the Lord."

Rev. 20-12-14, "And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of the things written in the books, according to their works." Nothing is known about the contents of these books, but we know that the "book of life" contains names. The words "according to their works" implies judgment under these conditions, but scripture is silent here. One thing seems clear here that the true believers of God cannot be here; for the standing of the true believer is not "of works" but is of grace. "---And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

Chapter 21-1 to 22-21 speaks of the great hope and fulfillment of all those who are in Christ and the Lord God Almighty; the new heaven, the new earth, the new Jerusalem, and everlasting life with the Father and Son in total purity and harmony. Rev. 21-1, "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth were past away, and there was no more sea." All will be "new". The word "new" is "kainos," as meaning "in kind, in quality." The heaven will be "new", the earth "new"; for then there will be "no more curse," therefore no more sin, suffering and sorrow. Rev. 21-2-8, "And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming out of heaven from God, prepared (original texts, lit. being prepared) as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither sorrow, nor mourning, nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain; because the former things are passed away."

"And he that sitteth upon the throne said, "Behold I make all things new. And he saith, "Write; because these words are faithful and true." And he said to me, it is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that thirsteth of the fountain of the water of life, freely. He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and whore-mongers, and sorcerers, and idolators, and all liers, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death."

Rev. 21-9-27, "Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife." We are clearly told that the holy city represents in part, "the bride." So when the angel says to John, "Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife---and he showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem descending out of heaven from  God," here we have that better "country," and the "city" which the O.T. saints looked to, which is that "heavenly calling." We also see that the names of "the gates" of the city are "the names of the 12 tribes of Israel" (Rev. 21-12). While the names "in the foundations" are "the names of the 12 apostles" of the Lamb (v.14). This then is what Abraham and his seed looked for, the heavenly city. Now the church is part of Christ, he being the bridegroom. And the apostles form part of the bride, which here represents the city, the heavenly Jerusalem; and she is called the bride. And not the church of Christ, for the church of Christ is part of the bridegroom. In essence the members of the body of Christ are part of the bridegroom, Christ, whereas the elect O.T. saints and the apostles form the bride, the holy city the new Jerusalem. "Abraham looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God" (Heb. 11-10). Here is that city, and here are the foundations; and God is its maker and builder.

We read in John 5-28-29, "Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." Everyone will be resurrected at the time of Christ's return after "the 1st resurrection" and fulfillment of the prophecy of Revelation. No one will be left in the grave. Therefore this verse cannot possibly be teaching of two resurrections (the good and the evil) by one thousand years. The thousand year reign on earth with Christ as many teach and make others believe. It is speaking of a single time, the time for all to be judged, the good to eternal life, the evil to eternal damnation. Jesus calls it "the hour that is coming." We see this judgment day when we look to 2 Peter 3-10-13, "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night; in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works therein (everything therein) shall be burned up.----Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."

Those who teach that following the tribulation Christ will return to this sin-cursed world among sinful man to set up an earthly throne and reign for a thousand years, is a teaching and system of their own making in how they interpret scripture. As we have seen, the scriptures show us very clearly that all of God's timetable concerning the rapture of the believers is at the time of the end, which is after the tribulation and fulfillment of prophecy.

When the New Testament age has finished its course, the end will come. God does not have another age in view, like the 1000 year reign-age that many teach. God states in 1 Peter 4-7, "But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." We read in 1 Cor. 10-11, "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." We see "ends" is plural to indicate that this is the last age for everything. It is the last age for national Israel, for the New Testament church, for the nations, for wickedness, and for bringing the gospel. This is made clear in John 5-28-29, "Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in which ALL that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation."

When Christ is ready to come and end this present world's existence, it will be at a time when the world is going about its business, God tells us this in Luke 17-26-30. "And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed." God tells us in 2 Tim. 3-1-5, "This know also, that in the last days preilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affections, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away."

Many people have the idea that this world can go on and on. And many believers have been led to believe that this world is presently in the church age, and after that God has planned for a future golden age, the millennium age being taught and believed; which then will be followed by the end of the world. This is what many teach and believe, but when we carefully read the Bible we find many clear statements that we are in the final age of this world's existence. This final age began with Pentecost 2000 years ago and will end with the return of Christ, which brings about the end of the world. We read in Acts 2-17, "And it shall come to pass in "the last days," saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and daughters shall prophecy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams." God is saying that the last days have come (Pentecost) and during these last days it is God's will to evangelize the world . Why would he call this age of evangelizing the "last days?" To make clear to us that there is not another "age" to follow as far as this present world is concerned. This is seen in Matt. 24-14 where we read; "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and "then shall the end come." Here the Lord is saying when the age of preaching the gospel is finished, then the end will come. What then follows is a new heaven and a new earth. We see this in 2 Peter 3-13, "--nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."

The Bible most clearly teaches that the end of this present age is the end of the world. The beginning of the end of the world can be seen in Rev. 16-17-21. "The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a loud voice from the throne, saying, "IT IS DONE!" Therefore all should take heed and take to heart the warnings and blessings given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord God Almighty.

Rev. 22-13-14, "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city."

Rev. 22-17, "The Spirit and the Bride say, Come! And let him who hears say, Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life."

Rev. 22-20-21, "He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon!" Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen."

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