It will be awesome but there will be horrible times before He returns. If we are still living, we must be strong in our faith to resist the hour of temptation that is coming. When He returns it will not be some silent secret event, Revelation 1:7 and Matthew 23:39. He will return to the same place from where He ascended, Acts 1:10-11. When He touches His feet back on earth on the Mount of Olives the earth will split with the power and glory that has been given Him by God, Zechariah 14:4.
There will be the chosen and faithful, Revelation 17:14 who have been grafted into the vine in the first resurrection, Revelation 20:5-6 that will be a part of this kingdom and reign for one thousand years.
I see that John,the Apostle,as a Jewish citzen,one among the"sand' of the sea-i.e.descendants of Abraham,saw a Beast rise up out of the sea(rose up out of the Gentile peoples/nations- Revelation 17:15),having seven heads and ten horns,and upon his horns ten crowns,and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.What's name? Revelation 13:18 says:Here is wisdom.Let him that has understanding COUNT the number of the Beast:for it is the number of a MAN;and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
/And the Beast which I saw was like unto a LEOPARD,and his feet were as the feet of a BEAR,and his mouth as the mouth of a LION:and the dragon( Revelation 13:11)gave him his Power,and his Seat(in Jerusalem),and great Authority.(In this verse 2 is revealed the ROOTS/THE ORIGIN of the Beast of sea for those who looking back in time,even from when John saw the Apocalypse and we also see from these current days,but Daniel in His vision of the future Beast of sea he wrote that he saw 4 great Beasts that came up from the SEA(from Gentile nations),diverse one from another,as follow:
The 1st was like a LION,
and the 2nd Beast like to a BEAR,
after this I beheld the 3rd like a LEOPARD;(John and we,looking back,we see 1st leopard,2nd bear, and 3rd lion-Rev.13:2)
and behold a 4th Beast,dreadful and terrible,and strong exceedingly;and it had great IRON teeth:it devoured and brake in pieces,and stamped the residue with the feet of it:and it was DIVERSE from all the(3)Beasts that were before it;and it had 10 horns(that is the Beast of sea- Revelation 13:1-whose embryo was formed in the Roman Empire-in the 4th Beast)
I considered the(10)horns(linked to the Beast of sea)and behold,there came up among them(among 10 horns-10 tribes)another little horn(the illeventh horn will rise up from the earth-from the little Israel-a Beast like a lamb,a false lamb- Revelation 13:11 combined with John 5:43-47)
Revelation is very symbolic, but it is also the GOSPEL, the revealing of Jesus Christ.
Until the spirit causes you to SEE and UNDERSTAND that the Word of God is talking to the person reading it, and that person reading those words Is the most likely the SYMBOL your reading about, you will stay in darkness.
Revelation is addressing the church, but that church is not the RCC or the Baptist, of any other denomination church.
Your the CHURCH, and WE are riding the beast with the name WHORE written in our head.
We blaspheme HIS NAME every day by not believing what he SAYS.
You were BAPTISED by his resurrection INTO HIS NAME.
Revelation 21:22 And I saw no TEMPLE (church) therein, because the Lord God Almighty and the LAMB are the TEMPLE (CHURCH) thereof.
2 Corinthians 6:16 .....for ye are TEMPLE of the LIVING GOD ....
You and Christ BECAME ONE: BY HIS RESURRECTION.
A beast has NO KNOWLEDGE of God; we ride the beast, until: We are BORN AGAIN by the words (truth and knowledge) of God.
Revelation 17:16 And the ten horns (the power of God, given to you by the truth and knowledge of God)) that thou sawest on the beast, THESE (the NEW CREATION) shall HATE the WHORE, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall ear her flesh, and burn her with fire.
Hebrews 12:29 Our God is a consuming fire ..... you WERE made ONE with Christ .... you are in, and have become the lake of fire.
Hebrews 1:7 ...and maketh his ministers A FLAME of FIRE .....
Isaiah 9:20 .... and shall EVERY MAN eat the FLESH of his own right arm ....
The Papacy and the RCC-which rides upon the MAN Beast of sea- Revelation 13:1-,the Pope,a Gentile Beast,actually a religious and satanic MONSTER having 7 heads and 10 horns,and upon his horns 10 crowns,and upon his heads a NAME of blasphemy,this religious MONSTER will do a partnership with the MAN Beast of the earth- Revelation 13:11-,who has two horns like a lamb(a false lamb,a false messiah- John 5:43-47-AN IMPOSTOR),who will manifest in days to come,probably in this year or in the next,and shall speak as a dragon- Revelation 13:11
How will be this partnership between the MAN Beast of the sea(sea are peoples,and nations,and multitudes of all tongues- Revelation 17:15),and the MAN Beast of the earth that is like a lamb,a false lamb,a false messiah,AN IMPOSTOR- John 5:43-,yeah, how will be this partnership?
Revelation 13:2 gives us the answer for this question, that is:
To the MAN Beast of sea which is like unto a leopard,and his feet as the feet of a bear,and his mouth as the mouth of a lion(actually it refers the roots of this satanic Gentile Beast- Daniel 7:4-6, yeah, to him the false messiah-the dragon-Rev.13:11-,will give his Power, and his Seat(in Jerusalem, where is the Throne of Satan),and great Authority-Rev.13:2,and Power will be given unto the MAN Beast of sea-to the last of the Popes or Papacy,for forty and two months- Revelation 13:5.By the way,this period of 42 months ruled by the last Pope sat in the Throne of the false messiah in Jerusalem is the FIRST HALF of the last week-week 70th, Daniel 9:27,so Catholicism(iron)and the esoteric and kabbalistic Judaism(the clay)both will be together to establish an Universal and satanic religious kingdom,and then will LITERALLY be fulfilled what my Lord JESUS prophesied: "...and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles(with the Pope enthroned in Jerusalem by the false messiah),until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled-that is the fullness of the Gentiles"- Luke 21:24 combined with Revelation 11:2
We are in the "Church Age" at this point; and heading toward the final version of the "Revived Roman Empire" as seen in Daniel 2:42-44. The final composite kingdom of the Antichrist is like a lion (Babylonian symbol but modern day Great Britain); a bear (Media Persian symbol also Russia) a leopard (fitting into the Greek or Mediterranean Kingdom); and the final composite Beast of the last days which encompasses the entire earth ( Daniel 7:2-8). This will come eventually with the Antichrist for "one hour" (probably the 7 Year Tribulation) taking over a kingdom of 10 Kings who are yet to have a kingdom ( Revelation 17:12).
Since nations are still mentioned in verses about the Millennium ( Psalm 86:9 as one example) coming to the Lord it is clear they are in God's design to be restored. For now; territorial integrity is important; although God will have to settle many disputes when He comes ( Isaiah 2:4).
God has established through the Abrahamic covenant and other promises to Joshua and Caleb that He would give the 12 Tribes inheritance of all the territory described from the "Great Sea" to the Euphrates ( Joshua 1:4). God does honor covenants though; so agreements made with those in other nations or even Israel itself say with settlements should be honored.
We also need to keep in mind Joshua 5:14 where the Angel of the Lord states He is for the Lord's army not necessarily siding with anyone. This is why God allowed Israel's enemies to prosper at times for chastisement; as was made clear in God's prophecies about Babylon and even the pagan invaders stated this (although I can't find the verse at present). It is humbling to think about this at present; we in our proud nation think the worst thing to happen would be invasion from another nation and submission but are we better than Israel and the Babylonians? This may happen before the Tribulation if He tarries (our borders are already breached BTW). Food for thought.
There are two women in Revelation, one is a harlot with a name.. Mystery, Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth. Revelation 17:5. The other is God's true church, the bride of Christ.
James 1:15 illustrates the process of sin leading eventually to death. Thus; Adam began to die in all ways once he sinned; spiritually immediately as Ezekiel 18:20 indicates it affects the soul and the death in the body continues until eventually we return back to the dust we came from. Hence; there was immediate estrangement from God when Adam and Eve hid; and God pronounced the resulting curse in childbirth; tilling the earth is sweat with thistles and thorns; etc.
We must also understand that there are those predestined to be in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world ( Ephesians 1:3-6). The opposite is true for the unregenerate as seen in Revelation 17:8. Christ's death was therefore part of a plan from before Creation where all those would hear His voice who were His sheep ( John 10:27). We must remember that His death was effective from what happened in time and space 2000 years ago. It also is retroactive; as it were in order to allow those who were of old to eventually in time and space have access to heaven (see Romans 6:9). Therefore; at the Rapture ( 1 Thess. 4:15) shall involve the Resurrection of all souls of deceased saints; followed by bodily ascension of those alive and remaining. There are some verses which seem to indicate O.T. saints may arise later on in say the Midpoint of the Tribulation or near the end; there is some debate on that question. Some already apparently were resurrected ( Matt. 27:52-56). This would have been a gleaning of the firstfruits; so to speak.
My point here is predestination and the fact that God initiates repentance ( Acts 11:18); etc. There is such a thing as godly repentance and worldly ( 2 Cor. 7:10); illustrated by that of Peter and Judas Iscariot. Genuine repentance brings life and brings sorrow at offending a Holy God; worldly sorrow only is interested in consequences of our actions; and in Judas' case he only recognized Christ as having "innocent blood"; not as God's Son to be worshipped.
Starting from the Destruction of Jerusalem in 70 c.e.
until he comes. Then there's God's Wrath coming against Satan the Devil (the Dragon, Serpent REV. chapter 12), Wild beast (Authorities, Kings, HORNS chapter 17,18), and False Religion (Babylon the Great, Prostitute Revelation 17:1-6; Revelation 20:1,10)
Revelation 17 spoken in illustration then the angel explains
Revelation 18 spoken in illustration how powerful Babylon the great is (False Religion:The Great City)
Revelation 22 spoken partly in illustration and then true talk at the end
Rather it's believed or not, the scriptures (The law passed from Heaven Psalm 83:18) has spoken. 2 Peter 1:20,21
Revelation 17:15 The waters (seas) which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues (this is all men, all creation).
Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven, and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth (old covenant) were passed away; and there was no more SEA (whores, peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues)
All men DIED (were destroyed) on the cross with Christ, the Old Law of sin and death was crucified on the cross and the New Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus was RESURRECTED.
Revelation is the REVEALING of Jesus Christ.
Only one BODY arose at the RESURRECTION, you are joint heirs of Christ resurrection. Christ ONLY hath immortality.
1 Timothy 6:19 Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY dwelling in the LIGHT (presence of God) ...
1 Corinthians 15:54 .... this mortal shall put on IMMORTALITY ......
Romans 8:29 Whom he did foreknow (he foreknew ALL creation) he did also PREDESTINATE (by his resurrection) to be conformed to the image of Christ (being raised together as ONE) ...
Jesus said that not all the towns would be preached to in Israel before the Son of Man came back ( Matt. 10:23). When we look at the seventy who went out ( Luke 10:1) we see what may be a prototype; so to speak of those sent out "two by two" in the future in regard to the two prophets in Revelation. The time of Jacobs trouble in Jeremiah 30:7 shows how the Tribulation is basically for testing of the Jewish people. In light of this; we see the 144,000 also fulfilling the role and God's judgment in Matthew 25:36 seems to be dependent on how people support or don't help out those evangelists during the Tribulation.
I have stated several times the significance that by the sixth seal everyone is aware of God and His Son in heaven and their wrath that is coming. I have also stated that even if the Rapture is hidden in meaning to some; the Resurrection and resulting emptying of tombs cannot be hidden. Thence the fear of the Lord will wake some up ( Psalm 40:3); while others harden their hearts beyond hope as we see the reactions in the Trumpet judgments (where idols continue to be worshipped); and the bowl judgments where ultimately Satan is sided with by all unregenerate to fight Christ in Armageddon ( Rev. 19; Psalm 2).
Hence; we are seeing signs and wonders as in the Old Testament but we have Christians on earth. The church; however represented by kings and priests ( Rev. 5:10 and later scriptures in the same book) is separated as the Bride of Christ from the general throng of believers. THe type of gospel preached; therefore would much like Jesus preached to the spirits in 1 Peter 3:19; more of a declaration. There will be people saved; but as I see it many at least who have garments made white ( Rev. 7:14) may be lukewarm believers left behind or at the very least it is the requirement of those who wish to bear fruit at that time. Revelation 17:8 shows how predestination affects those lost; and those saved are in the Book.
Revelation 17:10,11. John says there are 7 kings ,5 have lived and died 1 is alive now and 1 will come in the future but rule for a short time. Verse 11 the beast is the antichrist (that was and is not) that lived in the past and died, and comes back as the 8th king but in the past when he lived he was one of the 7 kings. That why Revelation says several times he rises from the pit. God balances things and He does things for a reason. He took Elijah and Enoch to heaven breaking the normal rules because he was going to break the rules to allow the beast and the false prophet to ascend from the pit. Isa 14:9 is the antichrist arrival into hell. ISA 14:16 says is this the MAN that made the earth to tremble. 14:9 hell from beneath is moved.. 14:10 art thou also become as weak as we? 2 reasons this has not been understood until now, angels and humans are not in the same part of hell, an angel is invulnerable and is use to having unlimited freedom. Worst thing God can do is chain him from head to toe. Fire would have no effect on him. 2nd thing is chaper 14 jumps back and forth through time and talks about Satan then switches to talking about the antichrist. This is done on purpose to withhold the truth until the time is right and that time is now!
I believe 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 can be useful in giving us insight on understanding other scriptures and that insight might in return give us more understanding of 2 Thessalonians 2
Such as Revelation 16:8-11 and Revelation 17:12-14. This evil mindset can only be accomplished if the Holyspirit role has changed in a way that it's not functioning today.
Even non believers wouldn't behave in this manner while the restrainer is present.
Here in Revelation 16 and 17 you see the true condition of man's heart apart from the restraint of the Holyspirit.
Even non believers will repent but turn back.
John 1:9 must won't apply during this time.
This is what happens when darkness is manifested in man.
In 2 Thessalonians 2 on one hand we see the eschatology view and on the other hand we see the condition of man's heart without God's spirit.
I believe the Holyspirit spirit will be in the world as he was in the OT bringing people to Christ.
Thanks Jimbob. The narrative on the anti-Christ in The Revelation has received different interpretations - of which I'm not quite certain which one is best.
Using the Scriptures you've shared, I tend to understand it in this way:
a. Revelation chapter 12 is clearly referring to Satan & his dealings with Israel. I realize that some understand that the 'woman clothed with the sun' is the 'Church', but I don't share this view in light of the passage.
b. Revelation chapter 13. Unlike Satan (the dragon), a beast now arises from the sea. Because of the complex attributes of this beast, it can't represent a single person/entity. Rather, I interpret verse 1 as that of the satanic power that resided within the world's great powers (verse 1: seven heads, ten horns, ten crowns are explained in Revelation 17:8-14), and these exhibit the evil emanating from Satan, culminating in the anti-Christ.
c. Revelation 13:3: one of the beast's heads which was wounded to death & then healed, seems to be the last empire, of Rome, that is for now dead, but will one day revive in the person of the Anti-Christ. So my understanding that it isn't anti-Christ that is wounded & revived, but the Roman Empire, from which he arises. What form this empire takes one can only guess, with other nations in league with her.
d. Revelation 12:9: Satan is indeed "cast out into the earth with his angels", but Revelation 13:1 are the satanic empires of which anti-Christ will emerge ( Daniel 7:7,8 gives us view of this - particularly v8: "the little hornlike the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things").
e. Revelation 13:11: I attribute to the rising of the false prophet, exercising the power of the first beast, doing miracles, making & giving life to anti-Christ's image, killing the disobedient, & requiring the mark of anti-Christ upon all. Here is the unholy Trinity: Satan, the anti-Christ (the healed & restored head of the devilish empires that arose in history), & the false prophet.
Revelation 16:12 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 of the kings of the east might be prepared.
Revelation is very, very symbolic, so we have to try to understand what the symbols represent, in their relation to the kingdom of God, YOU becoming the image of Christ, ONE with the WORD.
Angels are messengers send by the spirit of God, so this angel is pouring out God's message on the Euphrates.
The Euphrates (symbolic) is a river, a river is water, and another scripture in Revelation says:
Revelation 17:15 ....the waters which thou sawest, where the whore sits, are peoples and multitudes, and nations and tongues ......ALL mankind, unfaithful to there creator ..... from lack of KNOWLEDGE ......
All God's words are for each person in this sea of humanity, so when God's message (the spirit of truth and life) is poured out on YOU, YOU began to come to TRUTH and become a faithful wife, TRUTH in you, instead a wife of another, LIES and DECEPTION in you.
THE WAY (Christ is truth, life, and the way) of the KINGS (Christ is King of Kings) is prepared ....and when Christ has FINISHED HIS WORK IN YOU, there will be:
Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth (a faithful wife; baptised in truth and life) ...and there was no more sea ....peoples, nations, tongues: WHORES; Christ WORDS have OVERCOME lies and deception.
WHAT IS THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION spoken of by Daniel
Matthew 24:15 Therefore when YOU SEE the abomination of desolation; spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the HOLY PLACE (whosoever readeth, let him understand).
You are the HOLY PLACE, the temple of GOD.
Christ was talking to those around him, so this APPLIED to them, as well as us, it was AT HAND, near to be reality.
Daniel 12:11 From the time the daily sacrifice (of animals) shall be TAKEN AWAY, and the abomination that maketh desolate SET UP, there shall be one thousand three hundred and thirty five days.
What is this 1,335 days? It's the changing of the COVENANTS, Christ coming as sinful flesh, and defeating
death; LIFE by Spirit, not blood.
Before the resurrection; LIFE was in the BLOOD, after the resurrecting, LIFE was from the Spirit.
Matthew 23:38 Behold your HOUSE is left unto you DESOLATE.
Man is THE HOUSE, now desolate without INHABITANT, it died on the cross.
Revelation 18:19 .....for in ONE HOUR (MAN, sinful fleshes death on the cross) is she made DESOLATE.
Revelation 17:17 ...and SHALL MAKE HER DESOLATE AND NAKED ..
Psalms 69:25 Let their habitation (house) be DESOLATE; and NONE dwell in their tents.
Isaiah 5:9 ...of a truth many houses shall be desolate ....
Are you DESOLATE; or has the Spirit of LIFE COME TO YOU?
Romans 8:2 For the LAW of the SPIRIT OF LIFE in Christ Jesus, has made us FREE from the LAW of sin and death.
Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over HIS OWN HOUSE, whose house you are ...
You died on the cross; and become DESOLATE, no LIFE, you were raised a body, a new creation, life no longer of the blood; but OF THE LIFE OF CHRIST, by the Spirit of our Father.
Colossians 1:27 ...this mystery .....Christ in you ....
I probably do sound authoritative, Paul said several times it was HIS gospel; isn't the gospel, Christ's gospel, was Paul being arrogant, or had he been taught by the spirit what the kingdom is ----Christ in you ---
Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the KINGDOM of GOD has COME unto you.
Daniel 7:22 Until the Ancient of days COMES, and judgement (like the judgement of Solomon) was given to the saints of the most high; and the time came that the saints POSSESSED the KINGDOM.
Revelation 17:16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall HATE the whore, and shall make her desolate, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
Revelation 17:17 For God has put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to AGREE, and give their (the saints) kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God be fulfilled,
Revelation 17:18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
I will humble myself, and hopefully not appear so arrogant and authoritative.
The word of God is like a great treasure hunt, one scripture is the key to another scripture, and so on. The scriptures put together are the KEYS TO THE KINGDOM.
Isaiah 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, HERE A LITTLE, and THERE A LITTLE:
BUT NOTICE; since the spirit of Christ wrote the words, the spirit of Christ must teach your what the words mean.
Isaiah 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to his people.
Most of God's words are HIDDEN in parables and dark sayings.
Psalms 78:2 I (the spirit of Christ) will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Revelation 19:10 ...for the testimony (words) of Jesus IS THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY.
For your questions, has words been twisted by man's carnal mind, YES.
Psalms 56:5 Every day they wrest (twist) my words ........
Are God's words being fulfilled? YES
Psalms 90:9 ...we spend our years as a tale that is told.
Hebrews 4:3 ... the works (WORDS) WERE FINISHED from the foundation of the world.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my words be that goeth forth out of my mouth, they shall not return unto me void, but it MY WORD shall accomplish that which I PLEASE, and IT (the WORD) shall prosper in the thing where unto I sent IT (the WORD)
The four winds of prophecy; a symbol, of the spirit of Christ.
John 3:8 the wind bloweth where it listeth (where God CAUSES it to blow), and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whether it goeth (it's the WORK of God): so is every one that is BORN OF THE SPIRIT.
Daniel 7:2 ....the four winds of heaven strove upon the great SEA (water)( Revelation 17:15) ....
Do I believe in miracles and wonders? YES, what greater miracle than creation:
Psalms 104:30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, THEY ARE CREATED, ( 2 Corinthians 5:17) thou renewest the face of the earth.
The mark of the beast requires a post of its own, I will send a second post.
He is the eighth and is of the seventh. The seventh hath fallen. Behold the rise of the ten horns. Gird yourselves. To God be all praise and the glory... In Jesus Christ name
The Antichrist will utilize the desperation at this point as well as the supposed invincibility shortly afterwards in killing the two prophets and breaking the covenant to bring out the dreaded "mark of the beast." Before this; the false one world religion (see Revelation 17:3) will have persecuted the true believers on earth at that time; but after that the false religions themselves along with true Christians will be destroyed as Satan only wants worship for himself. It is a means to an end to consolidate power and God allows it for that last 3 1/2 years to fulfill his purposes as we also see spelled out in Daniel 12.
That period no doubt will affect either 1/4 of the earth in total or be concentrated in 1/4 of the earth. I would expect the USA to be affected with much of this; and/or the mideast areas. It depends if we are Babylon; if we ARE then such things seem to come in one hour or near the end of the Tribulation if not it is possible that we are exploiting much of the world in the beginning.
This is beyond the scope of the seals specifically but relates to how quickly one place may fall as compared to others; it seems not affecting the "oil and wine" could literally refer to the oil industry in my opinion althouh traditionally it has been thought to be like the wine fancy food for rich people still around while others starve which seems to have been foreshadowed with COVID as it seems to me the rush on the state stores occurred at that point and also then oil actually was cheap. It doesn't seem like alcohol anyway has gone up in price; an interesting sidenote. Eventually gold and silver don't save in the day of wrath (I'll let you find the verse). In the sixth seal we see everyone hiding from the wrath of God but by the end of the Tribulation they are FIGHTING God. That is a far cry from Revelation 5:13 which if it occurs after the rapture shows praise of the Lord initially. Israel must go through all this to wake up
The beast, the dragon and the antichrist tare Satan, it's his unholy trinity, Satan is the great imitator imitating God throughout the centuries in the the most egregious way, it's mockery. 2 Corinthians 11:14 , Revelation 20:10 , 1 Peter 5:8 , 1 John 4:1 , Revelation 13:4 ,
Babylon the great is deception, confusion, the confusion which people spread: Revelation 17:1 Come hither; I will shew to thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many peoples.
Events seem to be GOD's timing = Noah Genesis 6,7, Abraham 14 generations, to David as references in Matthew 1:17, including within those 400+ years in Egypt, Abraham himself being old before birth of Isaac. & Genesis 15:16.
Revelation 6:9,10,11, Revelation 17:14-17, James 5:7,
it appears to me that the final martyr of GOD's beloved, will ignite. Like the other events in the written Word.
Hebrews 1:13, Matthew 24, Mark 13,
As a loving Father, HE appears to be balancing the mercy of HIS will, that none should perish of the people; Matthew 18:14, 2Peter 3:1-18, & mercy for HIS children, Hebrews 11:6-40,
Are Named and Identified one in the same bcause Many of us see how The anti-christ Is named Identified in the Bible
Ezekiel 25:18 God has named, judged and sentenced to death when He say's He will bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.
Start @ Ezekiel 28:12 The King of Tyrus is the example, he is also the dragon, the beast who ascends out of the bottomless pit, and goes into perdition in Revelation 17:8
John 17:12 identifies him as the one who is lost, the son of perdition.
perdition:Loss of the soul; eternal damnation.Hell.Utter ruin
You are so right Chris. I only hope that a great many Catholics will be saved after the Rapture of the true Body of Christ to Heaven. They will see - hopefully, once and for all - that they have been deceived by the Roman religion and will finally cling to Christ alone for their salvation. May the good Lord open their eyes, as He did for me, that they will flee from the bondage of the papal system and put their complete trust in the King of kings and the Lord of lords and His free gospel of grace.
Amen Steve. Roman Catholicism has sufficiently perverted the Truth & ensnared it's adherents for too long leaving most incapable, even unwilling, to break free.
That the papacy in recent times permitted the laity to read the Scriptures for themselves, when only the clerics were once empowered to read & give understanding to it, was an important event to the freeing of many. No doubt many are now hearing from God's Word as 'thus saith the Lord ' and not, 'thus saith the Church '. That Christ is sacrificed at every Mass would rank very high on the list of RC abominations. But God is able to set many free as they consider the true state of their souls.
How does Billy Graham or the "daughters" of the Whore of Babylon enter into the text? Revelation 17 deals with a false Christian church. Each and every description on the makeup of this harlot is on continual display by the papacy. They are false teachers, false apostles. The Apostolic line concluded with the Apostles; Paul was the last of them. The popes have no connection with them. They are wolves in sheep's clothing. The true Church of Christ is made of those who have a relationship with Him; not through a particular denomination. The true Church of Christ is centered on Jesus; He is the Rock of our faith, not Peter. Peter was not a pope. He was never called that by Jesus nor the other Apostles. Jesus Christ started His Church with Jewish believers, who then spread the correct gospel of grace (not works, like Rome contends). Neither Jesus Christ nor any of the Apostles had anything to do with the establishment of Roman Catholicism; they wouldn't be a part of her false teachings. Do what I and a lot of other former Roman Catholics have done: embrace the Lord Jesus Christ and His correct teachings, and don't fall prey to the false dictates of a sinful man in Rome. Once you become a true Christian and are indwelt with His Holy Spirit, your eyes will be open to just how false the papacy is, and you will flee their idolatrous, blasphemous practises of praying to statues, a wafer, and placing anything else before God, as Rome does with their version of "Mary".
The Catholic church has been doing its work, with the biblical reputation that is written in the scriptures.
While governments destroy the lives of people, creating tent cities for the homeless, famine on the horizon in some places of the world, the church is doing the work feeding and clothing those who are the victims!
If the church would speak out the truths of Christ, preaching the law and the gospel, instead silent , condemning those who help create this world we live in.
Amerika, Russia, China, Europe, greedily, selfishly, have turned out this generation we see now! Unfortunately, with the different cultures, there has not risen one with the faith that would be recognized by the world!
With the help of lawyer's we see a world spoken of by Jesus. The truths of which are more apparent with each passing day.
Time, such as these are not much different from those when the white man took the Indians land from them.
The church is like the cross worn around the neck of the white man, as the Indian says we will wait to see if this cross effects the heart of man!
I find it interesting that Billy Graham was closely associated with the RCC during his many preaching events , did they not even call them crusades ? The great whore has daughters too , who are they ?
It will be awesome but there will be horrible times before He returns. If we are still living, we must be strong in our faith to resist the hour of temptation that is coming. When He returns it will not be some silent secret event, Revelation 1:7 and Matthew 23:39. He will return to the same place from where He ascended, Acts 1:10-11. When He touches His feet back on earth on the Mount of Olives the earth will split with the power and glory that has been given Him by God, Zechariah 14:4.
There will be the chosen and faithful, Revelation 17:14 who have been grafted into the vine in the first resurrection, Revelation 20:5-6 that will be a part of this kingdom and reign for one thousand years.
God bless,
RLW
What is adultery in God's eyes?
Is it adultery in the FLESH, or adultery against God in our BELIEFS?
Psalms 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Revelation 17:5 And upon HER head was a name written: MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS (adulteresses) AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.
Which is more important to God, removing ministers that commit adultery in the flesh, or sin against God in their beliefs and teachings.
If the are corrected in their BELIEFS, they want sin in the flesh.
God Bless YOU!
You quoted Rev.13:1-2:
I see that John,the Apostle,as a Jewish citzen,one among the"sand' of the sea-i.e.descendants of Abraham,saw a Beast rise up out of the sea(rose up out of the Gentile peoples/nations- Revelation 17:15),having seven heads and ten horns,and upon his horns ten crowns,and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.What's name? Revelation 13:18 says:Here is wisdom.Let him that has understanding COUNT the number of the Beast:for it is the number of a MAN;and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
/And the Beast which I saw was like unto a LEOPARD,and his feet were as the feet of a BEAR,and his mouth as the mouth of a LION:and the dragon( Revelation 13:11)gave him his Power,and his Seat(in Jerusalem),and great Authority.(In this verse 2 is revealed the ROOTS/THE ORIGIN of the Beast of sea for those who looking back in time,even from when John saw the Apocalypse and we also see from these current days,but Daniel in His vision of the future Beast of sea he wrote that he saw 4 great Beasts that came up from the SEA(from Gentile nations),diverse one from another,as follow:
The 1st was like a LION,
and the 2nd Beast like to a BEAR,
after this I beheld the 3rd like a LEOPARD;(John and we,looking back,we see 1st leopard,2nd bear, and 3rd lion-Rev.13:2)
and behold a 4th Beast,dreadful and terrible,and strong exceedingly;and it had great IRON teeth:it devoured and brake in pieces,and stamped the residue with the feet of it:and it was DIVERSE from all the(3)Beasts that were before it;and it had 10 horns(that is the Beast of sea- Revelation 13:1-whose embryo was formed in the Roman Empire-in the 4th Beast)
I considered the(10)horns(linked to the Beast of sea)and behold,there came up among them(among 10 horns-10 tribes)another little horn(the illeventh horn will rise up from the earth-from the little Israel-a Beast like a lamb,a false lamb- Revelation 13:11 combined with John 5:43-47)
The vision of Daniel fulfilled LITERALLY
Revelation is very symbolic, but it is also the GOSPEL, the revealing of Jesus Christ.
Until the spirit causes you to SEE and UNDERSTAND that the Word of God is talking to the person reading it, and that person reading those words Is the most likely the SYMBOL your reading about, you will stay in darkness.
Revelation is addressing the church, but that church is not the RCC or the Baptist, of any other denomination church.
Your the CHURCH, and WE are riding the beast with the name WHORE written in our head.
We blaspheme HIS NAME every day by not believing what he SAYS.
You were BAPTISED by his resurrection INTO HIS NAME.
Revelation 21:22 And I saw no TEMPLE (church) therein, because the Lord God Almighty and the LAMB are the TEMPLE (CHURCH) thereof.
2 Corinthians 6:16 .....for ye are TEMPLE of the LIVING GOD ....
You and Christ BECAME ONE: BY HIS RESURRECTION.
A beast has NO KNOWLEDGE of God; we ride the beast, until: We are BORN AGAIN by the words (truth and knowledge) of God.
Revelation 17:16 And the ten horns (the power of God, given to you by the truth and knowledge of God)) that thou sawest on the beast, THESE (the NEW CREATION) shall HATE the WHORE, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall ear her flesh, and burn her with fire.
Hebrews 12:29 Our God is a consuming fire ..... you WERE made ONE with Christ .... you are in, and have become the lake of fire.
Hebrews 1:7 ...and maketh his ministers A FLAME of FIRE .....
Isaiah 9:20 .... and shall EVERY MAN eat the FLESH of his own right arm ....
God BLESS YOU!
.
How will be this partnership between the MAN Beast of the sea(sea are peoples,and nations,and multitudes of all tongues- Revelation 17:15),and the MAN Beast of the earth that is like a lamb,a false lamb,a false messiah,AN IMPOSTOR- John 5:43-,yeah, how will be this partnership?
Revelation 13:2 gives us the answer for this question, that is:
To the MAN Beast of sea which is like unto a leopard,and his feet as the feet of a bear,and his mouth as the mouth of a lion(actually it refers the roots of this satanic Gentile Beast- Daniel 7:4-6, yeah, to him the false messiah-the dragon-Rev.13:11-,will give his Power, and his Seat(in Jerusalem, where is the Throne of Satan),and great Authority-Rev.13:2,and Power will be given unto the MAN Beast of sea-to the last of the Popes or Papacy,for forty and two months- Revelation 13:5.By the way,this period of 42 months ruled by the last Pope sat in the Throne of the false messiah in Jerusalem is the FIRST HALF of the last week-week 70th, Daniel 9:27,so Catholicism(iron)and the esoteric and kabbalistic Judaism(the clay)both will be together to establish an Universal and satanic religious kingdom,and then will LITERALLY be fulfilled what my Lord JESUS prophesied: "...and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles(with the Pope enthroned in Jerusalem by the false messiah),until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled-that is the fullness of the Gentiles"- Luke 21:24 combined with Revelation 11:2
Get ready
We are in the "Church Age" at this point; and heading toward the final version of the "Revived Roman Empire" as seen in Daniel 2:42-44. The final composite kingdom of the Antichrist is like a lion (Babylonian symbol but modern day Great Britain); a bear (Media Persian symbol also Russia) a leopard (fitting into the Greek or Mediterranean Kingdom); and the final composite Beast of the last days which encompasses the entire earth ( Daniel 7:2-8). This will come eventually with the Antichrist for "one hour" (probably the 7 Year Tribulation) taking over a kingdom of 10 Kings who are yet to have a kingdom ( Revelation 17:12).
Since nations are still mentioned in verses about the Millennium ( Psalm 86:9 as one example) coming to the Lord it is clear they are in God's design to be restored. For now; territorial integrity is important; although God will have to settle many disputes when He comes ( Isaiah 2:4).
God has established through the Abrahamic covenant and other promises to Joshua and Caleb that He would give the 12 Tribes inheritance of all the territory described from the "Great Sea" to the Euphrates ( Joshua 1:4). God does honor covenants though; so agreements made with those in other nations or even Israel itself say with settlements should be honored.
We also need to keep in mind Joshua 5:14 where the Angel of the Lord states He is for the Lord's army not necessarily siding with anyone. This is why God allowed Israel's enemies to prosper at times for chastisement; as was made clear in God's prophecies about Babylon and even the pagan invaders stated this (although I can't find the verse at present). It is humbling to think about this at present; we in our proud nation think the worst thing to happen would be invasion from another nation and submission but are we better than Israel and the Babylonians? This may happen before the Tribulation if He tarries (our borders are already breached BTW). Food for thought.
We must also understand that there are those predestined to be in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world ( Ephesians 1:3-6). The opposite is true for the unregenerate as seen in Revelation 17:8. Christ's death was therefore part of a plan from before Creation where all those would hear His voice who were His sheep ( John 10:27). We must remember that His death was effective from what happened in time and space 2000 years ago. It also is retroactive; as it were in order to allow those who were of old to eventually in time and space have access to heaven (see Romans 6:9). Therefore; at the Rapture ( 1 Thess. 4:15) shall involve the Resurrection of all souls of deceased saints; followed by bodily ascension of those alive and remaining. There are some verses which seem to indicate O.T. saints may arise later on in say the Midpoint of the Tribulation or near the end; there is some debate on that question. Some already apparently were resurrected ( Matt. 27:52-56). This would have been a gleaning of the firstfruits; so to speak.
My point here is predestination and the fact that God initiates repentance ( Acts 11:18); etc. There is such a thing as godly repentance and worldly ( 2 Cor. 7:10); illustrated by that of Peter and Judas Iscariot. Genuine repentance brings life and brings sorrow at offending a Holy God; worldly sorrow only is interested in consequences of our actions; and in Judas' case he only recognized Christ as having "innocent blood"; not as God's Son to be worshipped.
Jesus said Yes! Matthew 24
Starting from the Destruction of Jerusalem in 70 c.e.
until he comes. Then there's God's Wrath coming against Satan the Devil (the Dragon, Serpent REV. chapter 12), Wild beast (Authorities, Kings, HORNS chapter 17,18), and False Religion (Babylon the Great, Prostitute Revelation 17:1-6; Revelation 20:1,10)
Revelation 17 spoken in illustration then the angel explains
Revelation 18 spoken in illustration how powerful Babylon the great is (False Religion:The Great City)
Revelation 22 spoken partly in illustration and then true talk at the end
Rather it's believed or not, the scriptures (The law passed from Heaven Psalm 83:18) has spoken. 2 Peter 1:20,21
Only time will tell
Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven, and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth (old covenant) were passed away; and there was no more SEA (whores, peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues)
All men DIED (were destroyed) on the cross with Christ, the Old Law of sin and death was crucified on the cross and the New Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus was RESURRECTED.
Revelation is the REVEALING of Jesus Christ.
Only one BODY arose at the RESURRECTION, you are joint heirs of Christ resurrection. Christ ONLY hath immortality.
1 Timothy 6:19 Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY dwelling in the LIGHT (presence of God) ...
1 Corinthians 15:54 .... this mortal shall put on IMMORTALITY ......
Romans 8:29 Whom he did foreknow (he foreknew ALL creation) he did also PREDESTINATE (by his resurrection) to be conformed to the image of Christ (being raised together as ONE) ...
God bless you
Jesus said that not all the towns would be preached to in Israel before the Son of Man came back ( Matt. 10:23). When we look at the seventy who went out ( Luke 10:1) we see what may be a prototype; so to speak of those sent out "two by two" in the future in regard to the two prophets in Revelation. The time of Jacobs trouble in Jeremiah 30:7 shows how the Tribulation is basically for testing of the Jewish people. In light of this; we see the 144,000 also fulfilling the role and God's judgment in Matthew 25:36 seems to be dependent on how people support or don't help out those evangelists during the Tribulation.
I have stated several times the significance that by the sixth seal everyone is aware of God and His Son in heaven and their wrath that is coming. I have also stated that even if the Rapture is hidden in meaning to some; the Resurrection and resulting emptying of tombs cannot be hidden. Thence the fear of the Lord will wake some up ( Psalm 40:3); while others harden their hearts beyond hope as we see the reactions in the Trumpet judgments (where idols continue to be worshipped); and the bowl judgments where ultimately Satan is sided with by all unregenerate to fight Christ in Armageddon ( Rev. 19; Psalm 2).
Hence; we are seeing signs and wonders as in the Old Testament but we have Christians on earth. The church; however represented by kings and priests ( Rev. 5:10 and later scriptures in the same book) is separated as the Bride of Christ from the general throng of believers. THe type of gospel preached; therefore would much like Jesus preached to the spirits in 1 Peter 3:19; more of a declaration. There will be people saved; but as I see it many at least who have garments made white ( Rev. 7:14) may be lukewarm believers left behind or at the very least it is the requirement of those who wish to bear fruit at that time. Revelation 17:8 shows how predestination affects those lost; and those saved are in the Book.
FOR THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY DOTH ALREADY WORK:
I believe 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 can be useful in giving us insight on understanding other scriptures and that insight might in return give us more understanding of 2 Thessalonians 2
Such as Revelation 16:8-11 and Revelation 17:12-14. This evil mindset can only be accomplished if the Holyspirit role has changed in a way that it's not functioning today.
Even non believers wouldn't behave in this manner while the restrainer is present.
Here in Revelation 16 and 17 you see the true condition of man's heart apart from the restraint of the Holyspirit.
Even non believers will repent but turn back.
John 1:9 must won't apply during this time.
This is what happens when darkness is manifested in man.
In 2 Thessalonians 2 on one hand we see the eschatology view and on the other hand we see the condition of man's heart without God's spirit.
I believe the Holyspirit spirit will be in the world as he was in the OT bringing people to Christ.
God bless you Brother.
Using the Scriptures you've shared, I tend to understand it in this way:
a. Revelation chapter 12 is clearly referring to Satan & his dealings with Israel. I realize that some understand that the 'woman clothed with the sun' is the 'Church', but I don't share this view in light of the passage.
b. Revelation chapter 13. Unlike Satan (the dragon), a beast now arises from the sea. Because of the complex attributes of this beast, it can't represent a single person/entity. Rather, I interpret verse 1 as that of the satanic power that resided within the world's great powers (verse 1: seven heads, ten horns, ten crowns are explained in Revelation 17:8-14), and these exhibit the evil emanating from Satan, culminating in the anti-Christ.
c. Revelation 13:3: one of the beast's heads which was wounded to death & then healed, seems to be the last empire, of Rome, that is for now dead, but will one day revive in the person of the Anti-Christ. So my understanding that it isn't anti-Christ that is wounded & revived, but the Roman Empire, from which he arises. What form this empire takes one can only guess, with other nations in league with her.
d. Revelation 12:9: Satan is indeed "cast out into the earth with his angels", but Revelation 13:1 are the satanic empires of which anti-Christ will emerge ( Daniel 7:7,8 gives us view of this - particularly v8: "the little hornlike the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things").
e. Revelation 13:11: I attribute to the rising of the false prophet, exercising the power of the first beast, doing miracles, making & giving life to anti-Christ's image, killing the disobedient, & requiring the mark of anti-Christ upon all. Here is the unholy Trinity: Satan, the anti-Christ (the healed & restored head of the devilish empires that arose in history), & the false prophet.
I suppose your referring to:
Revelation 16:12 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 of the kings of the east might be prepared.
Revelation is very, very symbolic, so we have to try to understand what the symbols represent, in their relation to the kingdom of God, YOU becoming the image of Christ, ONE with the WORD.
Angels are messengers send by the spirit of God, so this angel is pouring out God's message on the Euphrates.
The Euphrates (symbolic) is a river, a river is water, and another scripture in Revelation says:
Revelation 17:15 ....the waters which thou sawest, where the whore sits, are peoples and multitudes, and nations and tongues ......ALL mankind, unfaithful to there creator ..... from lack of KNOWLEDGE ......
All God's words are for each person in this sea of humanity, so when God's message (the spirit of truth and life) is poured out on YOU, YOU began to come to TRUTH and become a faithful wife, TRUTH in you, instead a wife of another, LIES and DECEPTION in you.
THE WAY (Christ is truth, life, and the way) of the KINGS (Christ is King of Kings) is prepared ....and when Christ has FINISHED HIS WORK IN YOU, there will be:
Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth (a faithful wife; baptised in truth and life) ...and there was no more sea ....peoples, nations, tongues: WHORES; Christ WORDS have OVERCOME lies and deception.
God Bless YOU!
Matthew 24:15 Therefore when YOU SEE the abomination of desolation; spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the HOLY PLACE (whosoever readeth, let him understand).
You are the HOLY PLACE, the temple of GOD.
Christ was talking to those around him, so this APPLIED to them, as well as us, it was AT HAND, near to be reality.
Daniel 12:11 From the time the daily sacrifice (of animals) shall be TAKEN AWAY, and the abomination that maketh desolate SET UP, there shall be one thousand three hundred and thirty five days.
What is this 1,335 days? It's the changing of the COVENANTS, Christ coming as sinful flesh, and defeating
death; LIFE by Spirit, not blood.
Before the resurrection; LIFE was in the BLOOD, after the resurrecting, LIFE was from the Spirit.
Matthew 23:38 Behold your HOUSE is left unto you DESOLATE.
Man is THE HOUSE, now desolate without INHABITANT, it died on the cross.
Revelation 18:19 .....for in ONE HOUR (MAN, sinful fleshes death on the cross) is she made DESOLATE.
Revelation 17:17 ...and SHALL MAKE HER DESOLATE AND NAKED ..
Psalms 69:25 Let their habitation (house) be DESOLATE; and NONE dwell in their tents.
Isaiah 5:9 ...of a truth many houses shall be desolate ....
Are you DESOLATE; or has the Spirit of LIFE COME TO YOU?
Romans 8:2 For the LAW of the SPIRIT OF LIFE in Christ Jesus, has made us FREE from the LAW of sin and death.
Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over HIS OWN HOUSE, whose house you are ...
You died on the cross; and become DESOLATE, no LIFE, you were raised a body, a new creation, life no longer of the blood; but OF THE LIFE OF CHRIST, by the Spirit of our Father.
Colossians 1:27 ...this mystery .....Christ in you ....
God Bless YOU!
I probably do sound authoritative, Paul said several times it was HIS gospel; isn't the gospel, Christ's gospel, was Paul being arrogant, or had he been taught by the spirit what the kingdom is ----Christ in you ---
Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the KINGDOM of GOD has COME unto you.
Daniel 7:22 Until the Ancient of days COMES, and judgement (like the judgement of Solomon) was given to the saints of the most high; and the time came that the saints POSSESSED the KINGDOM.
Revelation 17:16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall HATE the whore, and shall make her desolate, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
Revelation 17:17 For God has put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to AGREE, and give their (the saints) kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God be fulfilled,
Revelation 17:18 And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
I will humble myself, and hopefully not appear so arrogant and authoritative.
God Bless you!
The word of God is like a great treasure hunt, one scripture is the key to another scripture, and so on. The scriptures put together are the KEYS TO THE KINGDOM.
Isaiah 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, HERE A LITTLE, and THERE A LITTLE:
BUT NOTICE; since the spirit of Christ wrote the words, the spirit of Christ must teach your what the words mean.
Isaiah 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to his people.
Most of God's words are HIDDEN in parables and dark sayings.
Psalms 78:2 I (the spirit of Christ) will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Revelation 19:10 ...for the testimony (words) of Jesus IS THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY.
For your questions, has words been twisted by man's carnal mind, YES.
Psalms 56:5 Every day they wrest (twist) my words ........
Are God's words being fulfilled? YES
Psalms 90:9 ...we spend our years as a tale that is told.
Hebrews 4:3 ... the works (WORDS) WERE FINISHED from the foundation of the world.
Isaiah 55:11 So shall my words be that goeth forth out of my mouth, they shall not return unto me void, but it MY WORD shall accomplish that which I PLEASE, and IT (the WORD) shall prosper in the thing where unto I sent IT (the WORD)
The four winds of prophecy; a symbol, of the spirit of Christ.
John 3:8 the wind bloweth where it listeth (where God CAUSES it to blow), and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whether it goeth (it's the WORK of God): so is every one that is BORN OF THE SPIRIT.
Daniel 7:2 ....the four winds of heaven strove upon the great SEA (water)( Revelation 17:15) ....
Do I believe in miracles and wonders? YES, what greater miracle than creation:
Psalms 104:30 Thou sendest forth thy spirit, THEY ARE CREATED, ( 2 Corinthians 5:17) thou renewest the face of the earth.
The mark of the beast requires a post of its own, I will send a second post.
God Bless YOU!
The Antichrist will utilize the desperation at this point as well as the supposed invincibility shortly afterwards in killing the two prophets and breaking the covenant to bring out the dreaded "mark of the beast." Before this; the false one world religion (see Revelation 17:3) will have persecuted the true believers on earth at that time; but after that the false religions themselves along with true Christians will be destroyed as Satan only wants worship for himself. It is a means to an end to consolidate power and God allows it for that last 3 1/2 years to fulfill his purposes as we also see spelled out in Daniel 12.
That period no doubt will affect either 1/4 of the earth in total or be concentrated in 1/4 of the earth. I would expect the USA to be affected with much of this; and/or the mideast areas. It depends if we are Babylon; if we ARE then such things seem to come in one hour or near the end of the Tribulation if not it is possible that we are exploiting much of the world in the beginning.
This is beyond the scope of the seals specifically but relates to how quickly one place may fall as compared to others; it seems not affecting the "oil and wine" could literally refer to the oil industry in my opinion althouh traditionally it has been thought to be like the wine fancy food for rich people still around while others starve which seems to have been foreshadowed with COVID as it seems to me the rush on the state stores occurred at that point and also then oil actually was cheap. It doesn't seem like alcohol anyway has gone up in price; an interesting sidenote. Eventually gold and silver don't save in the day of wrath (I'll let you find the verse). In the sixth seal we see everyone hiding from the wrath of God but by the end of the Tribulation they are FIGHTING God. That is a far cry from Revelation 5:13 which if it occurs after the rapture shows praise of the Lord initially. Israel must go through all this to wake up
Babylon the great is deception, confusion, the confusion which people spread: Revelation 17:1 Come hither; I will shew to thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many peoples.
Revelation 6:9,10,11, Revelation 17:14-17, James 5:7,
it appears to me that the final martyr of GOD's beloved, will ignite. Like the other events in the written Word.
Hebrews 1:13, Matthew 24, Mark 13,
As a loving Father, HE appears to be balancing the mercy of HIS will, that none should perish of the people; Matthew 18:14, 2Peter 3:1-18, & mercy for HIS children, Hebrews 11:6-40,
Ezekiel 25:18 God has named, judged and sentenced to death when He say's He will bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee.
Start @ Ezekiel 28:12 The King of Tyrus is the example, he is also the dragon, the beast who ascends out of the bottomless pit, and goes into perdition in Revelation 17:8
John 17:12 identifies him as the one who is lost, the son of perdition.
perdition:Loss of the soul; eternal damnation.Hell.Utter ruin
2 Thessalonians 2:3 The Son of Perdition
That the papacy in recent times permitted the laity to read the Scriptures for themselves, when only the clerics were once empowered to read & give understanding to it, was an important event to the freeing of many. No doubt many are now hearing from God's Word as 'thus saith the Lord ' and not, 'thus saith the Church '. That Christ is sacrificed at every Mass would rank very high on the list of RC abominations. But God is able to set many free as they consider the true state of their souls.
While governments destroy the lives of people, creating tent cities for the homeless, famine on the horizon in some places of the world, the church is doing the work feeding and clothing those who are the victims!
If the church would speak out the truths of Christ, preaching the law and the gospel, instead silent , condemning those who help create this world we live in.
Amerika, Russia, China, Europe, greedily, selfishly, have turned out this generation we see now! Unfortunately, with the different cultures, there has not risen one with the faith that would be recognized by the world!
With the help of lawyer's we see a world spoken of by Jesus. The truths of which are more apparent with each passing day.
Time, such as these are not much different from those when the white man took the Indians land from them.
The church is like the cross worn around the neck of the white man, as the Indian says we will wait to see if this cross effects the heart of man!