The Resulting Scene In Earth And Heaven Rev.14

Revelation 14

Revelation 14:1-2

The Resulting Scene In Earth And Heaven (chaps. 14-15)


The 144,000 on Mount Zion (Rev_14:1-5)

In Rev_14:1-20 and Rev_15:1-8 various other details of the world scene in heaven and earth are introduced in preparation for the final series of seven bowl judgments in Rev_16:1-21 and the judgments in chapters 17-18.
First, another view is given of the 144,000 who were standing on Mount Zion with the Lamb. It is reasonable to conclude that this is the same group mentioned in Rev_7:4-8, except that here they are in a later period of the Tribulation. Chronologically the vision anticipates the triumph of the 144,000 still intact at the time of Jesus Christ’s return from heaven to earth. In contrast with many others who become martyrs, these people live through the period. But they are not the only ones to survive, as many Gentiles and Jews will turn to Christ in the end time and somehow escape martyrdom and be honored to welcome Christ at His return.
Again the scene in heaven is dramatic with a loud noise similar to rushing waters… thunder, and harpists (cf. “thunder” in Rev_4:5; Rev_6:1; Rev_8:5; Rev_11:19; Rev_16:18; Rev_19:6).

Revelation 14:3-5

John wrote, And they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. These singers were apparently a heavenly group. They could be the multitude in white robes mentioned in Rev_7:9-17. But there is no justification here for symbolizing Mount Zion as heaven. It is better to take the chorus as the 144,000 (cf. Rev_14:1) who had not yet died and would still be on earth at the literal Mount Zion.
Reference to the purity of the 144,000 could be recognition that during the difficult times of the Tribulation they could not have led normal married lives. Or it may refer to spiritual purity, often symbolized by virginity (cf. 2Ki_19:21; Isa_37:22; Jer_18:13; Jer_31:4, Jer_31:21; Lam_2:13; Amo_5:2). In 2Co_11:2 the concept of virginity is extended to the entire church, including both sexes.
Some people believe that the 144,000 will be evangelists in the Great Tribulation. But there is no indication that the 144,000 were preachers or prophets; their testimony was largely from their moral purity and the fact that they were not martyred like many others. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. John further stated, They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. The word “firstfruits” suggests that these converted Israelites precede many others who at the Lord’s second coming will turn to Him (Zec_12:10; Rom_11:15, Rom_11:26-27). They were also described as blameless (amōmoi, a word used of sacrificial animals without defect) and as those who, living in a period of great satanic deception, were free from lying. The passage as a whole is a prophetic foreview of the triumph of the 144,000 when Christ returns.

Revelation 14:6-8

The message of the three angels (Rev_14:6-12)
John was then given a vision of an angel carrying a message called the eternal gospel. The angel was commissioned to bring his message to every group of people on the earth. Because of the word “gospel,” some have felt that this was a message of salvation or the good news of the coming kingdom. The context, however, seems to indicate otherwise, for the message is one of judgment and condemnation. The angel announced, Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. So the “eternal” message seems to be a message of God’s righteousness and judgment rather than a message of salvation.
The first angel was followed by a second angel who announced that Babylon the Great, which intoxicated others (the nations of the world) with her adulteries, has fallen.

Revelation 14:9-12

A third angel followed with another judgment that worshipers of the beast and his image who receive his mark will be objects of God’s wrath and will be destined for eternal torment along with Satan, the demon world, and all unsaved people. The everlasting character of this judgment is stated plainly in Rev_14:11 : The smoke of their torment rises forever and ever, and they will have no rest. Those who keep God’s commandments and are faithful to Him will need patient endurance (Rev_14:12; cf. Rev_13:10). The doctrine of eternal punishment, though unpopular with liberal scholars and difficult to accept, is nevertheless clearly taught in the Bible. Jesus and the Apostle John say more on this subject than does all the rest of the Bible. Here is the patience of the saints - Here the faith of the true Christians shall be proved; they will follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, they keep the commandments of God, and are steadfast in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes ἡ ὑπομονη, patience or perseverance, is taken for the reward of these virtues; the text therefore may be thus understood: Here is the reward of the perseverance of the true Christians; for although they die for the testimony of Jesus, yet they shall be unutterably blessed.

Revelation 14:13

The blessing of the faithful saints (Rev_14:13)
After the solemn pronouncement of the third angel John heard a voice from heaven commanding him, Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. To this the Holy Spirit added the promise, they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.
This passage is often quoted in regard to God’s general blessings on all Christians, but the context indicates that the blessing is especially for those who die in the Great Tribulation. For them it is a blessed release from persecution, torture, and trial and a deliverance into the glorious presence of the Lord.

Revelation 14:14-16

The messages of the second group of three angels (Rev_14:14-20)
John in his vision next saw seated on a white cloud one like a Son of Man wearing a crown of gold and holding a sharp sickle. Though some have identified “a Son of Man” as an angel, it is more probable that it is Christ Himself who is frequently called “the Son of Man” (cf. Rev_1:13). In the Book of Matthew alone this title is ascribed to Christ more than 25 times (Mat_8:20; Mat_9:6; Mat_11:19; Mat_12:8, Mat_12:32; Mat_13:41; etc.). The sickle in His hand suggests judgment. And this is supported by the messages of the three angels (Rev_14:15-20).
An angel called out to Christ to reap, because the harvest of the earth is ripe. The ripeness is in the sense of withered or overripe (exēranthē). What follows is judgment as the sickle is swung… over the earth.

Revelation 14:17-20

Another angel had a sharp sickle, and a fellow angel commanded him to gather… clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine, because its grapes are ripe. Here a different word is used for ripe (ēkmasan), meaning “to be fully grown” or “in prime condition.” The grapes were full of juice and ready for harvest. In obedience the angel gathered the grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God’s wrath. They were trampled there outside the city, probably Jerusalem (cf. “the great city” in Rev_11:8).
The custom was to produce grape juice by trampling on grapes in a winepress. The result here, however, is different. Blood flowed out of the press rising as high as the horses’ bridles for a distance of 1,600 stadia, about 180 miles. While this distance may be literal and may designate the area of judgment as around the city of Jerusalem, it is of course impossible for the blood to reach a height where it would touch horses’ bridles. What this affirms is a tremendous bloodletting in which blood is spattered as high as the bridles of horses. This is a graphic picture of a great slaughter (Isa_63:1-3). Other Scriptures (e.g., Rev_16:14; Dan_11:40-45) make it clear that there will be a world war of tremendous scope underway at the time of the second coming of Christ, and this may be a partial fulfillment of these prophecies.
Taken as a whole, Rev_14:1-20 on the one hand refers to the preservation of the 144,000 through the Great Tribulation. And on the other hand it graphically declares some of the terrible judgments that will be inflicted on the world which rejects Christ and follows Satan’s substitute for the Lord.

Matthew chapter 24 and 25

MATTHEW CHAPTER 24 AND 25

The following study will provide much light on the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, correct many errors concerning the rapture, and help in a better understanding of the end of the age and the fulfillment of Rev. 6 – 19 during the Seventieth Week. These chapters picture a series of events that are in consecutive order as given. The occasion of this discourse was when the disciples showed Christ the beauties of the temple. Jesus then said, “There shall not be left one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down.” This brought forth three questions as follows:

“Tell us when shall these things be?”

This question refers to the above statement of Jesus concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, which was fulfilled in 70 A.D. by the Romans, (Ref. Dan. 9:26; Luke 21:20-24. This question fully answered in these scriptures.

“What shall be the sign of thy coming?”

This question does not concern the rapture, but the second coming of Christ to the earth with the saints. The disciples new nothing of the rapture for that was reserved for Paul to reveal (Ref. 1Cor. 15:51-58). The disciples had often heard of the Second Advent, (Ref. Mt. 18:1; 19:28). This is further proven by Luke (Ref. Lk. 21:29-33). This question is fully answered in Matthew chapter 24 versus 4-26, 37-39; Mk. 13:5-23; Luke 21:8-19. These passages give the signs of Christ’s second coming that have to do with the answer to this question.

Signs of the Second Coming of Christ

False messiahs before the middle of the Week, or the setting up of the abomination of desolation, (Ref. Mt. 24:4-5, 15; Mk. 13:5-6; Luke 21:8; Dan. 9:27).

Wars and rumors of wars, (Ref. Mt. 24:6; Mk.13:7; Luke 21:9).

Nations against nations, (Ref. Mt. 24:7; Mk. 13:8; Luke 21:10).

Famines, pestilences and earthquakes, (Ref. Mt. 24:7; Mk. 13:8; Luke 21:11).

Persecution of the Jews by all nations, (Ref. Mt. 24:9; Mk. 13:9-11; Luke 21:12).

Many offenses and betrayals, (Ref. Mt. 24:10; Mk. 13:12-13; Luke 21:16).

False prophets before the middle of the Week, (Ref. Mt. 24:11, 15; Dan. 9:27).

Iniquity abounding and love waxing cold, (Ref. Mt. 24:12).

The gospel of the kingdom to be preached again as a witness to all nations, (Ref. Mt. 24:13-14).

The abomination of desolation set up, (Ref. Mt. 24:15; Dan. 9:27; 12:7-11; Rev. 13:1-18; 14:9-11; 20:4-6).

Flight of Israel into the wilderness, (Ref. Mt. 24:16-20; Mk. 13:14-18; Isa. 16:1-5; Ezk. 20:33-35; Hos. 2:14-16; Psa. 60:8-10).

The great tribulation days, (Ref. Mt. 24:21-22; Mk. 13:19-20).

False messiahs after the middle of the Week, (Ref. Mt. 24:23-26; Mk. 13:21-22).

False prophets after the middle of the Week, (Ref. Mt. 24:23-26; Mk. 13:22).

Conditions of the days of Noah repeated, (Ref. 24:37-39).

Fearful sights and distress on the earth, (Ref. Luke 21:11).

Great signs in the Heavens, (Ref. Luke 21:11; Acts 2:16-21).


All these signs, as well as many others, must take place before the second coming of Christ which the disciples had in mind. This proves that the coming asked about by the disciples was not the rapture, but the Second Advent at the end of the tribulation period.

The first nine signs will be fulfilled down to the middle of the week when the abomination of desolation will be set up, as stated in Mt. 24:15. The first four signs were given and then Jesus said, “All these are the beginning of sorrows.” The word “sorrows” means “birth pangs” and refers to the agonies of Israel under the ten kings and the whore (Babylon) in the first three and one-half years of the Week. The “birth pangs” must continue until Israel comes to birth at the end of the Week. This means that, from the first sign to the last, there is to be an increase of these sorrows. They are to last throughout the whole Week. Perhaps they will begin sometime before the Week, for Israel seems to be persecuted when Antichrist makes the covenant with her to protect her for seven years, [Ref. Dan. 9:27].

There are three questions that naturally rise at this juncture, in view of this method of exposition:

QUESTIONS
How do we know that Israel is the one primarily dealt with in these chapters instead of The Church or Christians?



THE REASONS ARE


Jesus is speaking to the Jews and is answering a question which is purely Jewish, for it concerns their Messiah and His coming to deliver them.
The deceptions by false messiahs primarily concern Israel.

The fifth sign above can be harmonizing only with what is prophesied of Israel and their times of sorrows.

The sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth signs are also connected to these days of “birth pangs,” and times of sorrows and the end of the Week.
The time of the fulfillment of all these things is during one generation at the end of that age, for those who suffer these things are blessed only upon condition that they endure to the end of the age.

“The gospel of the kingdom” is Jewish and is the good news that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, because of the nearness of the King of the Jews. This gospel will be preached during the tribulation as “a witness to all nations,” and then shall come the end.

The abomination of desolation proves a Jewish connection, [Ref. Mt. 24:15; Dan. 9:24-27.]

The fleeing of the Jews in Judea proves a Jewish connection, [Ref. Mt. 24:16-20; Isa. 16:1-5; Ezk. 20:23; Hos. 2:14; Psa. 60:8-10; Rev. 12:6-17; Dan. 11:41-45].

The “Sabbath day” which would limit the flight of Jews from the Antichrist to a mile proves a Jewish connection, [Ref. Mt. 24:20-22; Jer. 30:1-7; Dan. 12:1].

The great tribulation primarily concerns Israel.

The “elect” in Mt. 24:21-26 are Jews, as proven in Mt. 24:31: Isa. 11:11.
The coming of Christ, referred to in the question, is to deliver Israel and fulfill all the prophecies of their restoration, [Joel 3: Zech. 14:1-21; Rom. 11:24-29].

The judgment of the nations is based upon how they have treated the Jews or “brethren”, [Mt. 25:31-46.

In none of these passages could we insert the Church or Christians, for they are raptured before “all these things,” [Ref. Luke 21:34-36].

QUESTION 2

Are these things fulfilled in one particular generation? That they are fulfilled in one and the last generation of that age is clear from the following:

“The days of Noah” refer to one generation only, (Ref. Mt. 24:37-39; Gen. 7:1).

That one generation only is referred to in these chapters is stated in Mt. 24:34, and clearly taught in the parable of the fig tree.

Jesus plainly promised that some would escape “all these things” and such could not be true if they were being fulfilled throughout the ages.

Some will “endure to the end” and such could not be unless those who endure were not living at the end of that age.

The abomination of desolation will be set up in the middle of the Week shows that the first nine signs immediately preceding this can easily be fulfilled in the same generation (Ref. Mt. 24:15).



QUESTION 3

If these things are to be fulfilled during the last generation of that age, what signs are being fulfilled today to show us that we are near the Second Advent and can look for the rapture at any time? The above signs are concerning a definite period just before the end of that age and after the rapture of the Church, as has been proven. If the Church is to escape “all these things” above then all of them must be fulfilled after the rapture of the Church.



3. “And the End of the Age?”


This end of the age is the same “end” mentioned in Mt. 24:13-14. It was a familiar subject of the disciples, as was also His coming, for He had often spoken to them of both.
(Ref. Mt 13:37-42; 49-50; 22:13; 24:3; 25:31-46). This third question is fully answered in Mt. 24:27-25:46; Mk. 13:24-37; Luke 21:24-33.


In the last division of the book of Revelation we have scenes in heaven and events on earth during the final seven years of that age – Daniel’s Seventieth Week – happenings between the rapture of the Church and the second coming of Jesus Christ back to the earth with the “Bride” (Church) to reign for ever (Ref. Rev. 6:1-22:5).

Not one detail of Rev. 4:1-19:21 that concern any event on earth have been fulfilled as yet, but will all be fulfilled after the rapture and at the second coming of Christ. Revelation 20 reveals a thousand year reign of Christ on the earth to put all enemies under His feet and bring an end to rebellion (Ref. Rev. 20:1-10; Eph. 1:10; 1Cor. 15:24-28). Revelation 21:1–22:5 reveals the eternal reign of God, Christ, and the saints on earth after all rebellion has been put down.

If one will take all these events as being literal and in consecutive order as to fulfillment, there will be no mystery about the Book of Revelation, and it will not be hard to understand. We must remember, however, that if we do not keep in mind that every detail of Rev. 4-22 is to be fulfilled after the churches – after the rapture of the Church – we will immediately become confused regarding the fulfillment of “these things which must be hereafter” the churches.

The World’s Last Dictator

Revelation Chapter 13

In chapter 12 the conflict in Heaven ended with Satan’s defeat and his final overthrow from Heaven. He is cast out of Heaven onto the earth. Here in Revelation chapter 13 we have a detail description of his all-out effort on the earth just prior to his being cast into the bottomless pit. It is his last drive to defeat the program of God and establish his own kingdom.
Now we know that Satan is a spirit-being and that he cannot operate effectively on earth except as he does through the passions and personalities of man. He embodies himself in men in order to get what he wants (not physically but mentally as he has a body of his own). He knows his time is short, so he comes in rage and fury to do as much damage as he possibly can. In Chapter 12 we saw the fact of Satan’s hostility; here in chapter 13 we see the means of that hostility. The two worst rebels in all of human history appear on the scene. They are called “beasts.” They are not animals, but men. They are called beasts because of the cruelty of their reign.

The Lamb who holds the title deed to the earth is to come shortly and take over His possession. Satan knows this therefore this is his last all-out effort to throttle the divine plan. It is “woe” time for the world, the day of Satan’s greatest miracles. Demonism at its height will produce a reign of terror throughout the earth. This is the period prophesied by the Apostle Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:7-11, when that wicked one shall be revealed, “Whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.”

The chapter before us prophesies the activity of the two beasts on the earth after the church has been caught up to Heaven to be with her Lord. The first beast appears out of the sea [Ref. Rev. 13:1-10)], while the second comes up out of the earth [ref. Rev. 13:11-18]. Both are Satan-controlled men, so that actually there is in this chapter a trinity of the evil dragon and his two associates. Satan always has been a clever imitator, a device he has used successfully to deceive men. Here in the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, we see the Satanic trinity, Satan’s imitation of the divine trinity [Ref. Rev. 16:13].
Rev. 13: 1&2
The phrase “the sand of the sea” indicates Satan’s position as usurper of the earth and of his power over its people. The “sand” pictures the many people who will make up the nations, “the number of whom is as the sand of the sea” [Ref. Rev. 20:8]. Satan sees the sea of nations in their restlessness and political agitation [Ref. Isa. 17:12; 57:20; Rev 17:15], and so he stands upon the earth about to proceed in his final struggle for supremacy.
The first beast has “seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns and upon his heads the name of blasphemy” [Ref. Rev. 13:1]. It is clearly stated that he is a man vs. 18, but it is also affirmed twice that he comes out of the abyss [Ref. Rev. 11:7; 17:8], which means he is in league with Satan and energized by Satan. The heads speak of wisdom, the horns confederated power, and the crowns represent ruling authority. The restless world will be desperate for a leader, and this man will represent to the unregenerate mass of humanity what will appear to be the solution to the world’s ills. But all of his genius and ability only combine in blasphemy against God.
The description of this emerging dictator in vs. 2, namely, “like unto a leopard…a bear…and a lion,” is prophesied by Daniel. We should notice here that this beast is a composite of the previous world powers. He combines in himself the abilities and characteristics of the leaders, of the three world empires preceding the Roman Empire, the swiftness of the leopard, the overpowering tyranny of the bear, and the wild ferocity of the lion.
Rev. 13:3
Three times in this one chapter the wound of the beast is mentioned, and in all three verses it is made clear that the wound brought death, but that the beast was restored again [Ref. vs. 3, 12,14]. Satan’s masterpiece of deception will be a clever imitation of Christ. Christ, the seed of the woman, is God incarnate. Antichrist, the seed of the serpent, might well be Satan incarnate. As God raised Jesus from the dead, Satan will or could raise his representative from the dead, for he has certain powers over death [Ref. Heb. 2:14]. Revelation 11:7; 17; 8, 11 says that the beast goes into the place of departed spirits, and then is raised up out of that place of departed spirits. In Rev. 17:8 four things are said of him: “The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition.” This indicates quite clearly that the antichrist has been on the earth before.
There is a striking similarity between the antichrist and Judas Iscariot in scripture as an identity to the antichrist. These two only are called “the son of perdition” [Ref. John 17:12; 2 Thess. 2:3]. Judas is the only man of whom it is said that Satan himself entered into him [Ref. Luke. 22:3].
The antichrist is not a system, but a person. When the prophetic scriptures speak of the antichrist, the masculine pronoun “he” is used. While he is the head of the final apostate system, he nevertheless a man, the man who is being looked for by many and whose advent seem to be drawing near. After the true Church has been raptured, and the restraining power of the Holy Spirit has been removed, this coming one will become earth’s dictator.
We are moving toward a “one world system,” that is a unified political system and a unified religious system. The first beast will be the head of a great confederation of nations. It will be the final form of the last great Gentile world power prior to Christ’s second coming to the earth. It is this one great world ruler on whom Daniel focuses attention in the last six chapters of his prophecy. He is the “little horn.” In Daniel 7:8, the “king of fierce countenance” in Daniel 9:26, the “willful king” in Daniel 11:16.
A world which has been denying the resurrection of Christ for centuries now accepts the fact that here is a man who has conquered death. After having denied the One who is the Truth, the world in amazement believes a lie. “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness “Ref. 2 Thess. 2:11-12.

The antichrist will possess an attractive and fascinating personality. His exceptional qualities of wisdom, daring, and leadership will draw to himself the highest admiration from people all over the world. He will be admired for his military prowess, for many shall say “who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” [Ref. Rev. 13:4].
Rev. 13:4-6
The wondering of vs. 3 is followed by worship. Spiritism, which is a form of demon worship and which has advanced with rapid strides in the last century, will reach its zenith during the latter half of the tribulation. While the eternally triune God is being blasphemed by the antichrist millions will worship Satan who controls the man of sin. This is he of whom the Apostle Paul wrote, “who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as god sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is god” [Ref. 2 Thess. 2:4].
The worship of the first beast is enforced by another beast that is called three times “the false prophet” [Ref. Rev. 16:13; 19:20]. Like the first beast, he is a real person, a man who is subordinate to and dependent upon the first beast, as the first beast is subordinate to and dependent upon Satan.
This second beast is seen “coming up out of the earth” [Ref. Rev. 13:11], or more accurately, out of “the land,” meaning the ancient land of Palestine where Christ was born and died. In appearance he is “like a lamb” imitating the Lamb of God and Israel’s Messiah. This clever deception arises in the same land where Jewish prophets announced that the Messiah would appear.
We see in this chapter a world religion under one head with all worship controlled by him. In order to procure results in getting people to worship the first beast, he performs miracles thereby demonstrating that he possesses supernatural ability. We should bear in mind first that a miracle is not necessarily of God. The worship of the antichrist in the tribulation will be forced upon the people even as it was in the ancient days. And at last Satan finds a man who will accept what Christ rejected, and through him will direct the worship of the entire inhabited world. Even now Satan has his forerunners of the antichrist leading many to worship him [Ref. 2 Cor. 11:13-15].
Rev. 13:7-12
The beast makes war with the saints. Now the “saints” here are not the believers of the “church age.” Not all saints are in the church. There were saints in Israel before the Church came into being, and there will be saints on earth during the tribulation after the Church has been caught up to Heaven. Israel and the Church are not the same nor does God deal in the same way with each. The saints mentioned in our verse are saved during the tribulation [Ref. Rev. 7].
For some time the beast is quite popular. His personality, military prowess, great intellect, and ability to empress himself will capture the hearts and the worship of the masses. But suddenly he turns against the Jewish saints at Jerusalem. We must remember he has made a covenant with the Jews, but in the middle of the week he will break that covenant [Ref. Dan. 9:27]. When he comes he will promise them peace in the land of Palestine. The nation will accept him as the promised Messiah and the fulfillment of Abraham’s covenant. But the peace he offers the Jews is a false peace. Daniel prophesied that he “by peace shall destroy many” [Ref. Dan. 8:25]. He will move into Palestine, desecrate the restored temple [Ref. 2 Thess. 2:4]; Rev. 11:1-2], and institute a religious system that will become the worship of Palestine and of the entire earth. He will recognize no religion other than the worship of Satan through himself. Because the people refused to kneel to God’s Christ, they must in that day bow to the devil’s antichrist. His subordinate the second beast, called the “false prophet” [Ref. Rev. 16:13; 19:20; 20:10], will assist the antichrist in enforcing his false religious system.
Rev. 13:13
This second beast is the false prophet who works to support the antichrist. He is an administrator of the affairs of Satan. As a means of impressing the people favorably, he performs miracles. This is a means of accomplishing his purposes. He substantiates his claims by demonstrating supernatural control over the forces of nature.
These signs are religious in character. There is the sign of fire from Heaven. This has been one way that God revealed Himself in history. He sent fire from Heaven upon Sodom and Gomorrah [Ref. Gen. 19:24]. He sent fire from Heaven to slay Nadab and Abichu [Ref. Lev. 10:1-2]. He sent fire from Heaven to Mount Carmel in answer to the prayer of Elijah [Ref. 1 Kings 18:38]. Similar miracles will have been performed by the two witnesses [Ref. Rev. 11:3-6], so that the false prophet’s duplication of such wonders will serve an aid in causing the masses on earth to worship the beast. Now consider the last words spoken to the 400 silent years: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: and he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse” [Ref. Mal. 4:5-6]. Here is a promise that Elijah would come before the second coming of Christ to the earth. We see here that Elijah is one of God’s two witnesses in Revelation 11. We will learn from this the reason why the false prophet calls down fire from Heaven. The devil and his associates know the prophetic Scriptures. So, by imitating the miracles of Elijah through the false prophet, Satan hopes to convince the nation Israel that the false prophet is Elijah, and that the man to whom this Elijah is pointing is none other than Israel’s Messiah, who ought to be worshiped. Oh the cleverness of Satan’s wiles.
Rev. 13:14
Here we see the purpose for the miracles of the false prophet. The real purpose for the miracles was to prepare the minds of the people for the announcement in vs. 14. The false prophet will attempt to lead the people to finance the building of a great image in Jerusalem, thereby making Jerusalem the center of a world-wide religious system. Once again Satan is imitating what is predicted in the prophetic Scriptures. Satan knows that Jerusalem was the center of Christ’s activities when He came to earth the first time, and that it will be His capital city when He comes again at the Second Advent to reign on earth [Ref. Mt. 24:15-24], and see where Christ is referring to these same events [Ref. Mt. 24:21] where our Lord identifies the time period when the false prophet and the antichrist appear on the scene in the Great Tribulation.
Rev. 13:15
We see here that when the image speaks(given breath), the whole world, Jews, Gentiles, Roman Catholics, protestants, whatever they are, will worship the image or be killed if they refuse to.
Rev. 13:16-17
We have here now the mark of the beast. It is an identifying mark indicating that the one bearing it both worship the beast and submits to his rule. To be without the mark will label one as a traitor to government. In order to remain alive one must be able to buy and sell, and these things he will be permitted to do only if he can show the mark of the beast.
There are forerunners today of this intricately planned system which will control world commerce, the latest of these being the European common market. The day will come when the producer and the consumer, the seller and the buyer, will be powerless under the control of the antichrist. Capital and labor are struggling for control of this now, but at that time both will be controlled by the beast. Anyone who is outside of his vast control will be ruthlessly boycotted. No one will employ you or be employed by you. All classes of society are included. No exceptions will be made. All will worship the beast or die.
Rev. 13:18
The Word of God says, “It is the number of a man.” We know that man was created on the sixth day. We know further that seven is the number of completion or perfection. Six then is short of seven, so that man at his best is still imperfect. We know that the antichrist will be the fullest manifestation of man at his best, but any man at his best is a poor imitation of Jesus Christ.
What the world needs is Jesus Christ, not the antichrist. If you have not received God’s Son, do so at once. Trust Him now for eternal life.

LIVING IN THE POWER OF THE BELIEVER PRIESTS LIFE


The Spirit-filled life is not a mystical, unattainable lifestyle that God offers but keeps just out of reach. It is a life of process--a life of becoming under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Under our Lord Jesus Christ, through His Spirit the essence of each believer priest is shapeable, teachable and flexible; Christ is in the business of building pillars. So we are to deal with foundational truths, to our life in Christ and growth in Him. To do that we must give time to a consideration of the sacraments.

The word “sacrament” is derived from a Latin word that refers to an oath of allegiance. In church terminology, it refers to the practice of a sacred ritual as a declaration that trust is being placed in the potential power of that exercise and that faith is being made manifest by the action taken.

The church’s concept of a sacrament proposes the participation of two parties: God has made the provision, being the initiating party, has made a deposit of gracious provisions. For our part we also have made a deposit; our faith to believe and our willing obedience to participate. The two sacraments most common in the life of the Church are the sacraments of water Baptism and the Lord’s Table.

First, our growth and depth of life as believer priests of Christ’s depend on our moving beyond initiation experiences. Growth requires our seeing those truths and practices we’ve already obeyed (like water baptism) taken on and live out that truth.
Second, we need to rethink discipline of water baptism so we can sensibly and sensitively relay that truth to others. As believer priests, we are given the opportunity to teach and influence new believers, so it is to their advantage and ours that we deepen our insights and understanding of the truths of the Spirit.
Third, there are to many Church’s where water baptism is not being taught, either in the depth of its meaning or in the clarity of its biblical mandate by our Lord Jesus. Water baptism is a personal responsibility, personal in that Jesus has commanded it of each one of us!, It is not a religious idea or ritual. Hear it loved one, Baptism is as important as the great commission, Jesus told His disciples to go to the world, preach the gospel and “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:29). Baptism is a straight forward matter of obedience to Christ. Let’s look at (Acts 10:44-48). Though the group at the house of Cornelius had been filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter still directed that they be baptized in water. Baptism is one of life’s greatest opportunities to be a witness!


DEPTH OF MEANING


Though we have been baptized, fully acknowledging its importance, we’re still called to abide in the truths baptism expresses. So how can we live more fully in the power of those principles as believer priests? The Holy Spirit opens us up to the fullness of the truth, Jesus Himself identified this as a fundamental issue in water baptism (let’s look at Matt. 3:14, 15) Peter tells of the promise awaiting us when we come to the waters of baptism. “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized,” he says “and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

BAPTISM AND THE DEATH OF THE OLD MAN


The apostle Paul reveals to us another aspect of baptismal truth:

(Rom. 6:3, 4) Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Paul shows baptism not only as an act of obedience and an opening to the Holy Spirits fullness to us, but also as an action of Him who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in us. (Rom. 8:11). Being baptized and resurrected with Christ means allowing the life-giving Spirit of God to resurrect you on a daily basis, lifting you above the dead habits of the past and into newness of life for today and tomorrow.






BAPTISM AND CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART


(Col. 2:11, 12) In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

With this picture of our death, burial and resurrection into the newness of life in Christ, God’s Word presents the figure of the Old Testament rite of circumcision. We need to capture this, because a brief moment of insight into the implications of baptism as circumcision can reveal a very powerful but practical truth. In baptism God wants to cut away flesh. That is, He wants to remove carnality from our lives--things that are meaningless to the needs for which He has created us, there are excessive aspects of our behavior that God wants to remove from our lives. There are many realms of fruit bearing capacity in our lives that are only waiting their obedience to Jesus--our circumcision via water baptism. We should see baptism not as a ritual to be performed but rather a truth to be experienced! The analogy of circumcision makes it clear that baptism is a time when God cuts away “flesh” as we come under His order and releases power to bring about His promised life and purpose through us, so these things happen in the privacy of our hearts as our Lord works His will and power in us.


BAPTISM AND DELIVERANCE


(1Cor. 10:1, 2) Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under a cloud; all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.

A picture of the children of Israel “all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea”. They have come through a pathway of deliverance by the Hand of God. The Bible uses the miraculous moment of the sea’s parting to give us pure insight into the kind of blessing God is ready to impart at our water baptism. Listen, loved one, Water baptism is intended to be our deliverance as well by the hand of God. Things to which we have been enslaved, the fetters by which we’ve been shackled, the snares in which we’ve been entangled through actions of our adversary--when deliverance is needed from hellish oppression, all have been broken by the hand of God. Water baptism is not a church tradition; it is a truth a miracle provision of God to start our lives in His realm of our newness of life as a believer priest.
All this that we may possess the promise and be able to arise and walk in the life-giving power of our living Lord and Savior! These are the truth principles demonstrated in water baptism. Each is a present reality awaiting the believer priest’s obedience. When the sinless Son of God submitted to be baptized, the heavens opened up to Him, the Spirit descended upon Him and the Father spoke from heaven. These blessings also await the believer priest who will follow Jesus in baptism.
“The Heavens opened” means that the realm of invisible reality became perceptible--the spiritual realm became a functional, perceived action for the believer priest’s life. A realm of relationship with Jesus Christ where the invisible is not mysterious to us, but instead is perceived as an action in which we function with confidence with the Spirit dwelling in us. Christ wants us to be as comfortable relating to the things of the Spirit as we are to operating in the physical realm. We need to abide in the fullness that baptism provides, a part of which is seeing (or realizing) the Fathers approval, just as He said to Christ, this is my Son in whom I am well pleased--the same joyous realization will be ours as well--our Heavenly Father say’s I am pleased with you.

PRINCIPLE


Jesus, commanded to all who receive His gift of life, as well as the gift of salvation, is that they be baptized in water. This is a call not merely to observe a duty but, more importantly, to experience the provisional truth of Christ’s Word. Obedience to this command means setting one’s self on a river like pathway of submission to the Lordship of Christ--a commitment to pursue a believer priest’s life as one dead to sin but alive to God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

THE CHURCH RAPTURED - PART TWO

V. The signs of the Rapture


We may say, and be entirely scriptural, that there are no signs of the rapture as there are of the Second Advent. There never was a sign required to come to

pass or a prophecy to be fulfilled before the rapture. The rapture could have taken place any time in the past since the apostles, and can take place any

time now, or in the future, without a sign or prophecy being fulfilled. If there were certain things to be fulfilled first before the rapture then we would

be looking for those things to be fulfilled first instead of looking for the rapture as the Lord said, and Paul taught.


VI. The Lord’s Comings are Practical Doctrines


These doctrines of the Lord’s events (the rapture and second coming) are two of the most practical and fruitful ones in Scripture. They are real incentives

to holiness [1Jn. 3:1-3]; profitable in exhorting to watchfulness and faithfulness [Mt. 24-25;1Jn. 2:28]; patience [Jas. 5:7-8]; death to self [Col. 3:3-5];

endurance [1Pet. 1:7; 4:13]; holy conversation and godliness [2 Pet. 3:11-13]; soberness and righteousness [Titus 2:11-13]; consolation [1Thess. 4:13-18];

blamelessness [1 Cor.1: 4-8]; pastoral diligence and purity [ 1Pet.5: 1-4]; sincerity [ Phil.1: 9-10]; mildness [ phil.4: 5-6]; and hope [ 1Cor. 15].
The rapture will be to the saints the beginning of eternal and ever increasing joy and glory. The second coming will be to Israel and all righteous earthly

nations the beginning of eternal and ever increasing blessing and favor for believers entering the millennium.

Before considering many proofs that the rapture of the Church takes place before the fulfillment of any event, as revealed in Rev. 4:22, let us emphasize

again the importance of the threefold division of the book of Revelation as stated by Jesus Christ, Himself.

Since “these things” of Rev. 4-22 must be “after these things” of Rev. chapters 1-3 which concerns the churches, then “these things” must be after the

churches. Therefore, any interpretation which mixes the “things” of the Churches with the “things” which must be after the Churches is false and in direct

contradiction to the Lord’s statement and teaching of a threefold division of the Revelation in chapter 1:19; 4:1.

Thus, it is erroneous for instance, to place the historical birth and ascension of Jesus Christ into the 12th chapter of Revelation, identifying Him as the

manchild when the manchild and all that is related thereto are among the “things” which must be after the churches. For the same reason it is wrong to say

that any seal, trumpet, or vial of the book has been fulfilled, or that the 144,000 Jewish remnant could be some religious group of this age, or coming out

of this age.

We must therefore always keep in mind that the fulfillment of all these “things which must be hereafter” including the “things” concerning the two witnesses,

the beasts, the mark of the beast, the great whore (Babylon), and numerous other things will be after the Churches. And, any teaching which violates this

fact in any degree will lead to a wrong understanding of the book of Revelation.

The Rapture of the Church
The rapture of the church is also called “the coming of the Lord” but not ever the second coming of Christ. At this coming He does not appear visibly to the earth but in the air to catch up, or rapture the dead and living saints who rise together to meet the Lord in the air. There are many ideas about these two events, which have made it difficult to distinguish one from the other that it is no wonder that many have found themselves involved in a labyrinth difficulty, from which they are unable to extricate themselves. This event is purely a new Testament doctrine and was first revealed to Paul as a special revelation [1Cor. 15:51-58), while the second coming of Christ is not only a New Testament doctrine, but one of the chief themes of the Old Testament. The Old Testament, prophets never saw the New Testament Church, much less the rapture of the Church.

These two events cannot be mixed and still be clear. The Scriptures that apply to one do not apply to the other. Not one of the passages under the Second Advent refers to the rapture of the Church, and not one of those below refers to the second coming, as can be seen upon examination of them. There is not one passage in the Bible that refers to both events as if they were one. They are two distinct events separated by several years and not two phases or stage of one coming. The rapture takes place several years before the literal advent of Christ to the earth. When Christ meets the saints in the air He takes them back to heaven with Him and presents them to the Father where they remain while the tribulation is running its course on earth. The saints are in heaven before God, and not in the air, from the time of the rapture to their coming again with Christ to reign as kings and priests [Ref. Luke 22:30]. This seems clear from the fact that the saints are judged, and are given their rewards and partake of the marriage supper in heaven and not in the air. Christ departs from heaven at His coming to earth and not from the air, [Rev.19:22:11-21; 2 Thess. 1:7-10. The rapture must first take place before Christ can come back to earth with His saints. At the rapture the Lord is coming from heaven, as far as the air or earthly heavens, and the saints are to be “caught up to meet Him in the air.” At this event the Lord is not to be raptured, but the saints. At the Second Coming the saints are not to be raptured, neither is Christ, but both will come back to the earth together. The rapture takes place before the tribulation, while the Second Advent take place after the tribulation is in place. The rapture may occur any moment. The Second Advent cannot occur until all the signs come to pass and certain prophecies are fulfilled.
We have separated these two events, as they should be separated, for the sake of clearness and because they are always distinct in Scripture. This subject has no part in the chief theme of Revelation, but it forms an integral part of the book. The following points will help the reader to distinguish the rapture from the second coming and give a scriptural understanding of this New Testament revelation.

1. The fact and manner of the Rapture
We need not be ignorant concerning this subject when it is fully and clearly revealed in many passages of the New Testament. The fact and manner of the rapture are clearly revealed in the following Scripture: Lk. 21:34-36; Jn. 14:1-3; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-58; 2 Cor. 5:1-8; Eph. 5:27; Phil. 3:11, 20-21; 1Thess. 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-17; 5:9, 23; 2Thes. 2:1, 7-8; Col. 3:4; Jas. 5:7-8; 1 Jn. 2:28; 3:2; 1Pet. 5:4. Not one of these passages refers to the Second Advent. We shall not use any verse in Mt. 24 and 25 in this connection, for there is not one in those chapters which refers to the rapture, as will be seen. We shall deal only with those passages which refer to the rapture as follows;

A .Parousia means “personal coming or appearance” and is used of both the rapture and the revelation of Christ. At the rapture, Christ appears personally in the air to meet the saints while at the Second Advent He appears personally to mankind on earth with His saints. This word is generally translated “coming,” hence the rapture and the revelation are both called “the coming of the Lord” but they are two different comings, and for two different purposes. The word is used in this connection in 1Cor. 15:20-23; 1Thess. 2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23; 2 Thess. 2:1; Jas.5:7-8; 1 Jn. 2:28. All these passages are clear as referring to the rapture [1 Thess. 3:13; 5:23] refer to the time when the Father pronounces the saints “blameless” before His throne in heaven after Christ has first met the saints in the air and has taken them to heaven and presented them “before God.”

“The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints” in these passages refers then to the time of His coming back to heaven with the saints to be presented to the Father at the time of the rapture, and not to the time when He comes to the earth with the saints at the Second Advent. We are made “blameless” to be preserved forever in that state at the time of the rapture, and not at the time of the revelation, 1 Jn. 3:1-3; Phil. 3:21; 1Thess. 3:13; 5:23; Col. 3:4. The last reference (2 Thess. 2:1) refers to the rapture also, as is proven from the Greek esposunagoge, which means a complete collection or gathering of all the dead in Christ and all the living in Christ, from all parts of the earth, and out of all denomination and ages to meet Christ in the air. We are gathered “unto Him” at the rapture and not at the revelation Heb. 21:34-36; Jn.14:1-5; 1 Cor. 15:51-58; 2 Cor. 5:1-8; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 2 Thess. 2:6-8.

This event is called in Phil. 3:11 “the resurrection of the dead,” or literally, “the out-resurrection,” that is, the resurrection from out among the dead” is frequently used in the New Testament and includes the resurrection for the just and unjust, Jn.5:29; Acts 24:15. The “out-resurrection” is used only in the above passage and implies the resurrection of some, the former of these two classes the others being left behind, Rev. 20:1-7. These dead “rise first,” then the living who are saved will be “caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air,” 1Thess. 4:13-18. All the above passages, as well as those below on the rapture, can be easily harmonized by the reader with these few thoughts on the subject.

B. Phaneros, which means “to shine, be apparent, manifest, or be seen,” is used in 1Jn. 2:28; 3:2; 1Pet. 5:4; Col. 3:4. The English translation is “appear” and means that Christ is to appear to the saints in the air at the rapture and will not appear to the world until His second coming. The rapture will include Old Testament saints and the Church saints who are saved in the scope of redemption from Adam until the rapture, 1Thess. 4:13-18; 2 Thess. 2:1, as explained above. We do not mean to say that the scope of redemption ends with the rapture, for it is eternal as we shall see.

The “trump of God” (1Thess. 4:16) is not the same as the seventh trumpet of Rev. 11:15; 13:18. One is at the rapture of the Church and the Old Testament saints, while the other is at the rapture of the man-child; one is the trumpet of God, the other is the trumpet of the seventh trumpet angel; one is to call about one single event which takes place “in the twinkling of an eye” [1Cor. 15:51-58], the other is to call about many events which are days in duration [Rev. 10:7]; one is a trumpet of blessing, the other is a trumpet of “woe” [Rev. 8:13; 12:12]; one is at or before the beginning of the Seventieth Week, the other is in the middle of the Week; one is before the saints (represented by the twenty-four elders) are caught up, the other is after the elders are already in heaven; one is before the seven seals and first six trumpets (Rev. 6:1-9:21), the other is after them. Thus, we do not need to confuse this trumpet and rapture of the Church with the seventh trumpet and rapture of the man-child.

II. The Purpose of the Rapture

The purpose of the rapture is to take all the saints out of the world before the tribulation comes and to resurrect the just who are dead, in order that they may have fulfilled in them, the purpose for which God has saved them. Jesus told the disciples that some would escape the terrible things that were to transpire on the earth in the last days. He said, “pray that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things [of Mt. 24-25; Luke. 21:1-19, 25-28] that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man,” [Luke. 21:34-36]. This passage is practically the same in essence as Jn. 14:1-3.
These two passages are the only ones in the gospels that are clear concerning the rapture. Jesus did not reveal this mystery. It was revealed by Paul many years later by revelation of our Lord to Paul, [1Cor. 15:51. The disciples did not have the slightest idea as to how they were to escape (therefore they were told to pray concerning escape), unless the thought that Christ would deliver them from these things through His power. The “how” was not revealed or even mentioned before Paul explained how they were to escape. Now in the light of the mystery revealed we can see that the rapture is what Christ had in mind when He spoke of some being worthy to escape these things. The Thessalonians were taught that they could expect the living to be taken out of the world, but some were confused as to whether the dead believers would have a part in the rapture, so Paul explained in his first epistle that both the living and the dead would be “caught up” to meet Christ in the air, [1Thess.4; 13-18]. In this passage we have the purpose of the rapture expressed “so shall we ever be with the Lord.” It is to enable the saints to escape the tribulation days and serve God in all eternity in whatsoever capacity He chooses.

This rapture is the first of a series of raptures that will take place during the first resurrection. Beside this rapture there will be the rapture of the man-child [(Rev. 7:1-3; 12:5; 14:1-5], the rapture of the great multitude of tribulation saints [Rev. 6:9-11; 7:9-17; 15:2-4; 20:4], and the rapture of the two witnesses [Rev.11: 3-13]. The teaching of more than one rapture is not only required and stated in the above passages, but necessary to make clear what Paul meant when he said, “every man in his own order,” [1Cor. 15:20-23]. The Greek word for “order” tagma and occurs only here. It is used in the Septuagint of a body of soldiers and an army, [Num.2: 2; 2Sam. 23:13]. It means a company of or body of individuals. In order for every man to be raptured “in his own order” or company there must be different companies of redeemed people saved and raptured at different periods. There are four different redeemed companies for which we will see.

Summarization of the purpose of the rapture:
A. To receive the saints to Himself, [Jn. 14:1-3; Eph. 5:27; 2 Thess. 2:1].
B. To resurrect the dead “in Christ” from among the wicked dead, [1Cor. 15:21-23; 51-58; 1 Thess. 4:13-17; Phil. 3:11; 20-21: Rev.20: 4-6].
C. To take the saints to heaven where they will receive judgment for works done in the body; receive their rewards; and partake of the marriage supper, [Jn. 14: 1-3; Col. 3:4; 1 Thess. 3:13; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 19:1-11.
D. To change the bodies of saints to immortality, [1 Cor.15: 21-23, 51-58; Phil.3: 20-21].
E. To present the saints before God the Father, to be forever with Him, 1 Thess.3: 13; 4: 13-17.
F. To make the saints “whole” in body, soul, and spirit, [1 Thess. 3: 13; 5:23. The Greek word translated “unto” in 1 Thes. 5:23 would better be translated “at” to make the passage clear, as it is translated in [1 Thes. 2: 19; 3: 13.
G. To receive the fruit of the early and latter rain. [Jas. 5:7].
H. To cause the saints to escape the tribulation and “all these things,” and stand before the Son of Man, [Lk.21: 34-36; 2 Thess. 2: 7-8; Rev. 4:1; 1 Thess. 5:9.
I. To remove the hinderer of lawlessness, [2 Thess. 2:1-8].
J. To permit the revelation of the Antichrist, [2 Thess. 2:1-8].

III Qualifications for Partakers in the Rapture
The qualifications for partakers in the rapture are also revealed in the Scripture listed above. The one and only necessary requirement, whether dead or alive, is to be “in Christ,” [1 Thess. 4:16-17; 2 Cor. 5:17; 1 Cor. 15:23].
This qualification is expressed in a nine-fold way in Scriptures; one must

A. Be “Christ’s,” [1 Cor. 15:23; Gal. 5:24]
B. Be “in Christ,” [1Thess. 4:16-17; 2 Cor. 5:17].
C. Be “blessed and holy,” [Rev. 20:4-6].
D. “Have done well,” [Jn. 5:28-29].
E. Be in “the way, the truth, and the life,” [Jn. 14:1-6].
F. Be “worthy,” Luke. 21:34-36].
G. Be in “the Church” or “the body of Christ,” [Eph. 5:27; 1 Cor. 12:13. The body of Christ and the Church are the same, [Eph.1: 22-23; Col. 1:18, 24].
H. Purify “himself, even as He is pure,” [1 Jn. 3:2-3; 2 Cor. 7:1; Gal. 5:16-24; Heb. 12:14].
I. Be without “spot or wrinkle… and without blemish,” [Eph. 5:27]

If one has met these scriptural qualifications, what more could he do? This implies that a person going up in the rapture is walking “in the light as He is in the light,” [1 Jn. 1:7; 2:6; 9-11; 3:8-10; 5:5, 18]. Being “in Christ” means that one is a “new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ,” [2 Cor. 5:17-18]. Again, “They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh (of Gal. 5:19-21) with the affections and lusts,” [Gal. 5:24]. What more qualifications could God require? It will be noticed that these nine points on qualifications are quoted from Scriptures definitely dealing with the rapture of the Church. It is the maintenance of the holy walk “in Christ” at the time of the rapture or at the time of death as the case may be.

Why should some be protected and others have to go through the tribulation and be martyred? This is easily answered when we consider that at the rapture everyone "in Christ" is taken up and there are no real Christians left. Those who are martyred in the tribulation are those who have refused to walk in the light and live “in Christ” and are not ready to go at the time of the rapture; else they would go as well as all others in Christ. They are saved after the rapture, having realized by then their mistake of not heeding the many warnings to be ready at any time. They will become determined to be faithful even unto death, which will be their only prospect of having a part in the first resurrection. Those who are not martyred but are taken through the tribulation and are on earth at the second coming of Christ will be permitted to enter the Millennium as an earthly people, who will make a part of the subjects of Christ’s Kingdom over whom the raptured saints will reign forever.

IV. The Time of the Rapture
The time of the rapture, like the Second Advent, is not definitely stated as to the day or hour but we do know that it will take place before the tribulation and the revelation of the Antichrist, as will be proven.

WAR IN HEAVEN

Revelations 12

This book of Revelation is one of the most wonderful in all the Word of God, and the chapter before us is one of the most picturesque in the book. It is the great “sign” chapter. The word “wonder” in versus 1 and 3 is semeion, translated “sign.” There are two “wonders” (or signs) in this chapter, the first being a “great wonders” and the second called “another wonder.”
This is a chapter of “great” things. Note: “a great wonder” (verse1);” a great red dragon” (verse 3); “great wrath” (verse 12; and “two wings of a great eagle” (verse 14). The signs are only a part of the chapter, for in addition to the signs there is the struggle, the salvation, and the safety.
The Signs:
Rev. 12:1-6 First, there is the sign of the woman clothed with the Sun.
This is the second of four representative women mentioned in the Revelations.
1. Jezebel who represents paganism [Ref. Rev. 2:20].
2. Israel [ref. Rev. 12:6].
3. The scarlet woman who represents the apostate church [ref. Rev. 17:1].
4. The Lambs Wife, the true church [ref. Rev. 19:7].
The woman before us as a “sign” is symbolical. But of whom is she a symbol? Clearly this woman represents Israel, and the rest of the chapter is going to reveal to us that there is war in the spiritual realm, for the control of the universe. The war began with the fall of Satan, and will continue until the great and terrible day of the Lord shall bring this war to a close. All of these symbols mentioned in these versus are found in the earlier chapters of the book of Genesis. The woman, the sun, the moon, the stars, the man-child, the seed, the dragon, “the old serpent which is the devil and Satan;” all of these are to be found in the opening paragraphs of the Bible.
God created the woman who represents the “elect” of the race “Israel” in order that she might become the channel of His redemption through the Son Jesus Christ. We must look beyond mere Israel to the greater vision of the whole plan of redemption as Israel rejected the Savior, now the church is the channel by which God uses to bring forth His redemption through the Son [ref. Gal. 3:16]. Here God takes the promises out of the realm of the mere literal progeny of Abraham and back to the third of Genesis, where we see that Jesus Christ was the focus of view. Why were there a chosen people? In order that there might be a line for the Lord Jesus Christ to complete the Father’s will. Why was there a holy land? In order that there might be a place to erect the cross to crucify the Lord Jesus, that He would be resurrected to Heaven to the right hand of the Father.
Between the second and third versus of our chapter we see that the woman who was clothed with all authority is presented as crying with great travail. This entrance of sin into the human race, the fall, has taken place between these two versus; nevertheless, the promises of God are sure and certain in Christ.
Only of Israel can it be said that she brought forth this “child” who is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ [ref. Heb. 2:16]. He is the Seed of the woman [ref. Gen. 3:15].
There are three significant events in Christ’s life, namely, His Incarnation, Ascension, and Second Coming to earth to rule.
The second sign is of the “great red dragon.” There is no problem identifying the dragon. He is: That old serpent called the devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world [ref. Rev. 12:4].
He is seen by John as having “seven heads.” Seven speaks of completeness, and the head of wisdom. Of him it is written, “Thou sealest up the sun, full of wisdom” [ref. Ezek. 28:12]. The devil is a master strategist and deceiver. His past is recorded in Isaiah 14:12-15. His present activity is seen in part in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; 11:13-15. His “ten horns and seven crowns upon his heads “speak of his usurped authority whole governments are in his power, and through them he operates.
The dragon is seen here standing before “the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born” [ref. Rev. 12:4]. The devil has been at war with God’s Son ever since the divine pronouncement in Genesis 3:15. The devil is determined to obliterate God’s witness in the world [ref. Gen.6; Mat. 2:13; Luke 4:28-29; Mt. 4:6].

The Struggle:
Rev. 12:7-9 this entire chapter is one of conflict. Here we see events to take place during the last half of the tribulation, the last three-and-one-half years of Daniel’s seventieth week. This period actually begins with the blowing of the seventh trumpet in [ref. Rev. 11:15-19] and concludes at the end of chapter 19. It brings Israel to the forefront in God’s plans.
We can see the prophetic gap of the present Age of Grace, between versus 5 & 6, the Church has been “caught up” “Shall be seized” “harpagesometha” for this reason Satan wages war with the woman, who is Israel.
Let us observe an important verse in Daniels prophecy. “Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days” [ref. Dan. 10:14; 12:1; this will all be fulfilled in the Great Tribulation [ref. Rev. 12].
The war is decisively won by Michael and his angels. Satan and his angels are cast out of heavens to the earth. This marks the end of Satan’s rule in the air. The prince of this world is cast out. He had access to all of the heavens, through limited [ref. Job 1:6]. Now his access to them comes to an end.

The Salvation:
Rev. 12:10-12 All Heaven rejoices over the victory won by Michael and his angel. Never again will Satan cross the threshold of Heaven. Little wonder there is spontaneous outburst of praise. “The salvation” is not that of the soul now, nor even of the body at Christ’s coming, but is a wide and comprehensive thought embracing the overthrow of the enemy and the deliverance of creation from its present pain and agony [ref. Rom. 8:21]. “The Power” refers to the irresistible might which shall crush all opposing authority—whether satanic in the heavens or human on the earth. “The kingdom must be understood here in its largest extent, as embracing the heavens and the earth. This is the final phase of God’s great plan of salvation. While it has not already “come,” the end is in sight. In that day there will be no occasion to pray, only praise.
Michaels’s first weapon was “the blood of the Lamb.” The blood of the Lamb is ever the fortress of saints and of angels.
God’s Word, the Sword of the Spirit, forever settled in Heaven. They, who believe it, identify themselves with it, and testify to it, are assured of victory.
The one who yields all to God cannot possibly lose a battle. Battles are fought and won by blood, by the word of God, and by surrendering our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Safety:
Rev. 12:13-17 the prophetic scene before us depicts his complete expulsion from the air, after which the full force of his diabolical work will be against those on the earth at the time [ref. Rev. 12:12].
The result of that war is a blessing in Heaven but “WOE” on earth. This woe is the last in the predicted series of three [ref. Rev. 3:13; 9:12; 11:14; 12:12]. The word “woe” is used as a divine denunciation. Whenever God pronounces a woe there is judgment ahead. This third woe jupon the earth, aimed first at Israel, is more severe than any of the former. There reason is obvious. “He (the devil) knoweth that he hath but a short time.” As soon as he is cast down to the earth, he at once proceeds to make war against the woman (Israel).
Those who are protected are the Jews who are loyal to God. The eagles wings suggest the miraculous swiftness by which God will help them escape [ref. Exod. 19:4: Due. 32:11-12]. The period of time that these believing Jews are protected is referred to a as “a time, and times, and half a time.” This period is further described as “a thousand two hundred and threescore days” [ref. Rev. 12:6], or “forty and two months” [ref. Rev. 11:2; 13:5].
The words “as a flood” indicate symbolic language. A flood of evil propaganda issuing out of the antichrist’s mouth which will spread throughout the world about Israel and her people [Ref. Isa. 59:19].
By divine intervention God raises up a standard against the enemy of His people. God has a wilderness, a place of safety and security for His people in the time of their calamity.
Baffled at every turn, Satan turns against a small remnant of faithful Jews in an attempt to exterminate them. There will be, then, an attack upon the large body of Jews and also upon the remnant that are left behind by those who fled.
This remnant is the witnessing ones of the 144,000 mentioned in chapter seven. But they are destined to survive the attacks upon them, having been sealed for this purpose [ref. Rev. 7:2-4].