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BIBLE COMMENTARY PREFACE To the Reformers, Ancient Rome was represented by the Dragon which tried to destroy the man child Jesus. Rome next dawned a mask of false Christianity and became the Roman Catholic Church who was the Beast and Mystery Babylon of Revelation. This drunken woman of Rome sought to destroy all that was true and of God. Her period of controlling influence was limited to 1260 years. When those years were ended, her power was broken and scattered abroad. Rome's final destruction must occur at Christ's return. The Reformers believed Rome's re-emerging spirit has remained unrelenting throughout history. It continually rides the shifting sea of human governments. This wicked spirit sits in the temple of God by living in the hearts of men. According to Scripture the heart of man comprises the only "true" temple of God on the Earth. The Reformers perceived the Gospel Age as containing many chapters with four abiding players. These ageless players were: God verses Satan and the true Christians verses antichrist. To them every generation faced the same temptations and tests. (1 Corinthians 10:13-14) Antichrist was not one future individual but an embodied spirit living in every generation. His manifestation was foretold in Daniel and Revelation and the Gospels. The Reformers have shown us how that Satan buys fresh slaves in every generation. He leads them to oppose Christ and his teachings. Christians contain the Mystery hidden from the Ages, which is Christ in you your hope of Glory. Conversely, the people of Satan, embody the spirit of antichrist. Through antichrist's spirit many are linked to the great Mystery Babylon. Although people do not live in the day of Babylon's physical reality, their hearts carry its full evil. This will be explored further in the chapter called "The Book of Revelation." _______________________
----------------------------------- Antichrist Here is every verse in the Bible using the word antichrist. Consider if the old Protestant view agrees with these texts. Does John ever portray antichrist as a future individual? Could it be that Satan is hiding his person to disguise the seriousness of this hour? I Jn 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time I Jn 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. I Jn 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. II Jn 1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. "Those Old Fogies weren't so Smart!" I know some will make this comment about the Reformers. After all, they weren't: Full Gospel, Whole Gospel, Charismatic, Holiness, Fire Baptized, Fundamental, Evangelical, Strangely Warmed, Second Blessed, Deaconized, members of our Church. We are younger and, therefore, understand more than they! Think about what the Reformers did. These old "salts" were on board the good ship Zion, sailing on a sea of martyrs blood. They split the greatest darkness since the time of Christ and sealed their convictions in the opening of their own flesh. Except for God's love, you cannot get any closer to Jesus! They understood the identity of the enemy of their soul better than we. These men faced Satan's hungry maw and felt his slashing claw. They were not only roasted in word but burned in flesh. They stood victors to the end and passed to us the rich inheritance called the Word of God!! Their Children Aren't so Rugged We should not scoff too quickly at their views. Read Fox's Book of Christian Martyrs if you have the courage. Most modern Christians cannot bear reading about the sufferings recounted there. Consider the power of God upon old Christians that lived many unspeakable tribulations. In their last hour, these faithful saints clearly identified the murderous antichrist. Why should we presume to have clearer vision than martyrs who recovered the message of Salvation afresh and sealed its truth with their blood? They procured for us the Scripture and Gospel of Salvation! Today, many Christians enjoy a gospel of physical prosperity. Soul salvation is echoed across to include salvation for fleshly comfort. The joy of heaven has been enlarged to embrace the pleasures of this life. Are we hearing the true message of Christ? Are we forgetting the great commission? Have we fallen under a spell? Is antichrist truly absent? God help us. ---------------------------------------------------------------- THE WOUNDED DRAGON, Complete Commentary on Revelation chapters 12 and 13.
"Say, Who was that Masked Man?" Revelation 12:1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: The woman of Revelation 12:1 was faithful Israel. She consisted of Hebrews like Abraham, David, Simeon, and Joseph who believed God. She was also composed of Gentiles like the Moabitess, Ruth and Jericho's harlot, Rahab, who by faith joined true Israel. Their faith linked with Mary's and blessed the seed of Adam. The faith of God's true Israel brought forth the Messiah. The Gentile's inclusion into God's Israel underscores one truth. Faith is more important than blood line or flesh. The symbols around this woman perfectly match the symbols of Joseph's dreams. Thus we call this woman Faithful Israel, the true and lasting Israel of God. Israel's Blood line was only blessed when joined with faith and will only continue to be blessed through faith. This is in full agreement with the Old Covenant! Faith is God's only eternal covenant that brings Salvation and God's promises. Israel's Home Coming Rev. 12:2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. Micah 5:2-3 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. 3 Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. Reading Micah 5:2-3, in the light of Revelation 12:2, brings fresh insight to this "Christmas" prophecy. Most of Israel was a faltering lot when Jesus came. The Jews were following a perverted form of their religion concocted in Babylon, called the Talmud. Jesus condemned this false imitation because it nullified the true religion of Israel. (Mark 7:13) In Revelation 12 the woman called Faithful Israel exercised here faith and brought forth Jesus the Messiah. Once Messiah appeared, Israel's lost remnant began to return to God. Many Jews gladly believed on Jesus and came from all around to hear him and his disciples. (Acts 4:16, 32, 14:1) At last, the Gospel went everywhere! This Good News was also heard and received by a remnant of the lost or deported tribes of Israel. (Acts 26:7, James 1:1)The Gentiles received the Gospel as prophesied and became one in the family of God. They were inducted into the woman called Faithful Israel. This was the same woman that had previously brought forth the man child Jesus. To become a part of Faithful Israel you must receive the God of Israel. To be included is to have the testimony of Jesus. (Rev. 12:17) This agrees with Joel's message of, "...whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Being part of true Israel is only found in Jesus Christ. Fleshly Israel will only be restored in Jesus Christ. Jew and Gentile alike enjoy the benefits as one people in him. To take another view of this is to deny the Gospel !Caution! Deadly Danger! We now clearly understand our identity as part of the commonwealth of Israel. Therefore, don't be taken captive by legalistic Judaizers who teach the law assures Salvation and as an Israelite you must live under law. This is deadly legalism and will spoil your Salvation! Faith in Jesus is our only hope of Salvation. Remember the law is forever and is forever only fulfilled in Jesus Christ! (Romans 8:3-5) Reflecting on the Jesuit's Work The Reformers firmly believed faithful Israel was extant in the Church. Evidence of this belief is seen all throughout their writings. Lacunza the Jesuit disagreed and argued for a distinct separation of the two. This separation was one of his major themes. He strongly contended for a fleshly Jewish restoration and maintained that the Church had not part in that renewal. Why was Lacunza denying the long held unity of faithful Israel and the Church? Was Lacunza a diligent Bible scholar or a man with a mission? Why would a Jesuit attempt to assign so many blessings to the unbelieving Jews? Hadn't the Jesuits been among their worst persecutors in Europe? Perhaps a more pressing issue had arisen. ____________________________
----------------------------- Rome was seeking to disarm the Reformation. If the Protestant believer was devalued and striped of his priesthood, he might turn again to an earthy Roman priest. As long as people understood they were kings and priests in God they were free men. "And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel." (Exodus 19:6) "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." (Revelation 5:10) Who rightfully possesses the blessings of Abraham? Who will be a kingdom of priests unto the nations? Rome says the Pope possesses and assigns the gifts of God. Lacunza says fleshly Israel inherited the blessings of Abraham. The Reformers declared the believer enjoys both! Christ is the promised blessing of Abraham and we may reach out and receive Him though faith! All of the blessing of Abraham and all of the gifts of God become ours through Jesus Christ. (Galatians 3:14) The Man Child Revelation 12:5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. The man child is Jesus, whom the Devil tried to destroy at birth. Jesus takes his seat at the right hand of God. The Dragon
Revelation 12:3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, (the fallen angels) and did cast them to the earth... This dragon is naturally symbolic of Satan, but his numerous heads, etc. give him a second significance. He is symbolic of Satan inhabiting heathen Rome. There, the Babylonian religion was honed to a sharp edge as the Romans served the Mythological gods. The Triumph of the Cross
Revelation 12: 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come Salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. Now Is Come Salvation Because of the Cross, Satan is cast out of his high and heavenly abode. Jesus said, "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out." (John 12:31) Through Christ's triumph, men have obtained Salvation and the Devil has been brought down in defeat. Though Satan is defeated, he still wants to fight. He now walks upon the earth and there continues the fight. Our job is to extend Jesus' heavenly victory among the nations. We have many mighty weapons to accomplish this task and shall tread down our enemy. The Blood, Word, and Testimony The Power of His Christ Jesus has given us the Gospel of the Kingdom to set men free. The blood of the lamb cleanses from sin as God's Spirit of power converts the heart. Satan fights to destroy the witness of God's messengers but shall at last be defeated. The Good News of the Kingdom shall win the day! A Short Time A long lived being like Satan considers the time since Calvary to be very brief. Therefore, he is doing his best to carry out his mischief. He knows Jesus will return and end his day of slaughter. Until Jesus comes, we must put on our armor and meet the foe! Woe to the ... Earth Because of the victory of the Cross, Satan as antichrist was cast down to the earth. Thus, an unparalleled age of testing began for God's elect. We now find ourselves in the unique and long tribulation of prophecy. {Soon to reach 2000 years} The catching away of the saints will end that long period of testing.Consider the physical contrast between those under the law and under grace. 1. Under the Old Covenant, God's people were physically protected while they lived righteously. When Israel turned from God they were physically punished. What could be simpler? 2. New Covenant people are given mighty spiritual power but are warned of sure physical persecution and tribulation. Their trouble comes as a direct consequence of Satan's hatred. New Testament Christians are not given a physical kingdom but look for the eternal reward. The reason for this discrepancy is that Satan was cast down to earth through the Cross! When that happened the heavens were opened in full spiritual power but the earth became a great battlefield. Remember, we are promised both spiritual victory and a physical struggle. Jesus always taught both principals. Christians from every century will form the unnumbered multitude that comes out of great tribulation. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man..." (1 Cor. 10:13) Through the Fire and Flood Revelation 12: 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. 13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. 14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. 15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. 16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
He Persecuted the Woman Here is a picture of the early Church as Faithful Israel being persecuted by Satan. Many true believers were killed in the arenas of Rome yet their faith flourished. At last Satan spewed forth a lie that nearly caught the woman but she escaped.A Flood After the Woman Satan's lie was the creation of a false Church. This was established by the Caesar Constantine, who was a sun worshiper until the end of his life. This imitation Church was built on mass baptisms with no conversion of heart. Heathen practices were introduced into Church meetings. The power of the Holy Ghost and the preaching of the Word were replaced by: idols, relics, and charms of human bones. The clergy and multiplied popes were rift with immorality and vice. Through this universal Church, Satan sat in the "heart temple" and declared himself God. Fly into the Wilderness With the massive corruption of faith, true believers had to find another place of worship. These believers had to vanish from view or bow to idolatry. The true Church as Faithful Israel continued to live but went into hiding for the next 1260 years. Anyone who did not embrace the idolatrous philosophy of this official Church was horribly persecuted. Some of this story can be found in the History of the Waldenses.____________________
------------------------------------------------- 1260 Days The dragon was Satan living in heathen Rome. When old Rome died, its spirit resurrected into the Beast. This Beast was the Devil sitting in the counterfeit Church of Rome. Thereby, the Dragon's persecution extended through the 1260 day-years of the woman's wilderness hiding. The woman was pursued by one spirit inhabiting in two consecutive monstrosities. The truth of this allegation can be seen through the Roman Church's massacre of 50 million Enter the Beast Revelation 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 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 gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. (The coming chapter on Revelation, 17, will cover the deadly wound at length.) 4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? _____________________
--------------------------------------- The Beast which I Saw
Here arises the bane of all good men. Of all the wicked governments in all generations, this Beast epitomizes the worst. His spirit is one with the Dragon. He is particularly odious, in that this Beast takes on the guise of good and identifies with the divinity of Jehovah. All the good and Godly men of previous centuries knew who this beast was. Luther felt his breath upon his neck but escaped. John Hus knew the flaming anger of his wrath. John Wesley understood his Identity and John Bunyan spent 12 years, as the prisoner of his spirit. These all named the Beast outright and without apology. The translators of the King James Bible included a barb toward the Beast on their introduction page. Before 1900, very few considered another identity. This Beast trampled righteous men wherever they were found. Righteous men named him quickly and without debate! His Power, His Seat, and Authority Godly men once spoke with one voice. This Beast was none other than the Roman Catholic Church. This Church was the creation of a heathen Caesar Constantine. For 1260 years it held unprecedented power in political and spiritual matters. Kings were set up and brought down by the word of the Popes. Men's souls were saved or lost at the whim of this Beast. Only through the redistribution of the Bible was Satan's kingdom broken. Today, the leaders of Rome still bemoan the wide spread use of the Bible. They maintain tradition and office are higher authorities than God's Word. Our present Government has also picked up this beastly attitude. Why must our children be separated from the only truth that can give them a good life? Apparently, the brute of Hell has come to Washington. Please, read any Protestant commentary from the previous century to confirm our contention. You cannot miss in your search; just be sure it was written before 1900. I am including one quote from Matthew Henry's. Please look into the rest of what is said by our Brother Henry. He will shed light, on more than you might imagine. Matthew Henry understood the beast and said, "The source and spring of his (the Beast's) authority,...the dragon, he gave him his power, and seat, and great authority...A dangerous wound given him, and yet unexpectedly healed...by the healing of the wound the introducing of the popish idolatry, the same in substance with the former, (Speaking of old Heathen Rome.) only in a new dress." _______________________
--------------------------------------------------- War Upon God's People Revelation 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Continue Forty and Two Months How long did this Beast hold sway in the earth? His power extended for 1260 Days or day years. Daniel uses the same day year principal on occasions. Through this time the Beast was outwardly victorious. I use to describe this period as the time of the back-slidden Church. The Spirit of God soundly rebuked me for my misstatement. These apostates never were God's Church but were the offspring of Satan from their birth! From the time the Heathen Emperor Constantine took power over the visible Church, until the effectual Reformation arrived was 1260 years. Old commentaries on prophecy give specific dates for these events. However, don't be too rigid on which event is the principal fulfillment. Remember, the 70 years of Babylonian Captivity arrived at different times for different groups. The restoration of Judah also came at different times for varying groups. There was a sort of sliding scale applied to each end of the prophetic ruler, because there was more than one deportation and returning. Likewise, several steps brought in the apostasy of the visible Church and several steps marked deliverance from that apostasy. Therefore, the entrance of Satan and the liberation of the Word of God can be correctly tied to one or several dates on each end of the 1260 years. A sort of sliding scale appears, with the years working out correctly for more than one set of events. Protestant interpreters don't always pick the same events but the total time frame works out with chilling accuracy. Illustrating the Prophecy The Dragon with Seven Heads (Heathen Rome) passed its power to the Beast. (The Roman Church) This was accomplished when the heathen Caesar Constantine founded the Roman Church while using his ancient Babylonian religion as a guide. Under Babylon's false religion, a Pope and Cardinals maintained central control and every religion was blended into one.The Roman Church of today proudly states its temporal authority was inherited from Constantine. Thus, the prophetic details describing the Beast's origin and reign, perfectly reflect the history of Catholicism. The actions of that Church equally confirm its dark heritage. War with the Saints The Roman Church made war on the saints of God for 1260 years. Millions were killed for their faith and love of Christ. This Beast used a cloak of religion, to exploit the souls of men. Rome discouraged true conversion of heart at every turn. The feet of idols were kissed in worshipful love, along with the toe of the Pope. Lost souls heaped adoration upon this Apostasy, which at last became the meat and joy of demons. A Just Recompense 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. At last the Reformation and living Gospel has sprung forth in these last days. The true Reformation was the open preaching of the Gospel to the world. Wars in the Reformation period were shadows of the judgment God holds in store for the Great Apostasy. This wicked system with its leader the Devil, will be judged and bound by Jesus through the Millennium. Those people who worshipped the beast, will at last be judged after the 1,000 year reign of Christ. Notice, the beast has lost his power but is not dead. He stands by watching the rise of the next monster who shares the same wicked spirit. The False Prophet Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. 12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. 15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
Here is the final member of the Unholy Trinity. This monster though not physically seen holds power in the minds and service of men. Communism follows his biding today, as Hitler did in the past. Some have said the United States embodies his spirit. Our nation started with the horns of a LAMB, (gentle and meek) but in these later times speaks with the voice of a dragon. (Our leaders spew forth lies and legalize the slaughter of our most innocent.) All the Power of the First Beast The Beast of Roman Catholicism once captivated the nations in mind and soul. The many people outside of its sphere were lost because Rome hid the Gospel from the world! Today's present False Prophet shares an equal sin. He is anti-Gospel and is a reincarnation of the Roman spirit of antichrist. The question is not who he is in name but what he is in spirit. This monster leads many groups that oppose Jesus and the Scriptures. When people seek the favor of God through any path apart from Jesus alone, they become part of the False Prophet that is now in the earth! Would not Worship the Image Before the Reformation our fathers had no option but to lose their faith or lose their life. They made a wise choice and we have reaped a wealth of glory. Today, with a weakened Beast things seem more calm. However, the False Prophet still carries a bag of lies. Through him the spirit of antichrist still lives. We defeat his lies with the truth of God's Word. We break his power by separating from his physical kingdom. Presently, God is saving Roman Catholics by the multiplied thousands. We lovingly admonish these to come out of Babylon and not partake of her wrath. The Pope and Priests do not hold the keys of eternal life. Jesus alone holds these keys with all believers. Many Catholics are coming to understand this truth. We call these to make their final break to freedom. They must defend their future generations from the false teachers, which maintain the ancient errors of heathen Rome. With love we call everyone out of Babylon. We also call those in dead and unbelieving Protestant groups to depart and enter the move of God. Like the children of Israel in the wilderness, we must follow the cloud as it moves. Two Horns like a Lamb Notice, the False Prophet has no royal crowns. He has two horns that symbolize two regions of power. This is comparable to the two legs of the image of Daniel. In Daniel these legs represented the divided Roman Empire and Divided Roman Church. The idol's two feet illustrated the Eastern and Western division of Rome and the division of the Eastern and Western churches. Could two horns represent a single minded, two pronged power in the near future? Could this power be today's Eastern and Western nations? Will these unite into a Super Rome? Will Communism or Capitalism be the guiding principal the end time government? When Jesus returns to earth, our form of human government will hold no significance. Our eternity depends upon this small question. When Christ appears, "Shall he find faith?" The False Prophet is already living in the hearts of many men. Our Reformation fathers believed one individual could never fulfill the quantity of wickedness, ascribed to the antichrist. They observed that he was an evil spirit, moving from one host to the next. Arm in Arm, or in a Line? I differ with many Reformers in identifying the False Prophet. Most Reformers envisioned the False Prophet and the Beast reigning together. Thus, the Beast was the Roman Church, while the Bishops and Priests were the False Prophet. In retrospect I conclude the False Prophet was not concurrent with the Beast. He is rather a subsequent monstrosity which arrives after the 1260 years of the Beast. Rev. Alexander Hislop agreed with this in principal. Consequently, the False Prophet now reigns while the Church of Rome survives in a weakened state. This Prophet is our modern day manifestation of antichrist and will remain until the coming of Jesus. The aim of his work is the ultimate evil which is the destruction of men's souls. All who refuse Christ's Gospel are joined to his kingdom. ______________________
-------------------------------------- Both monsters will be present at the return of Christ because they are a single Satanic Spirit. Today old Roman Heathenism is having a revival. The ancient spirit and religion of Nimrod's Babylon is growing. This will be the final target of the judgment of God as Revelation so clearly denotes. The Heat of Battle We do not debate a future manifestation of antichrist. However, to forget the present antichrist is an act of spiritual disarmament. It would be better to wrongly deny any future antichrist, than to neglect the battle at hand. The present moral climate of the world and unbridled slaughter of innocents exceed all holocausts of the past. In the United States, at least 1/4 of the new babies are exterminated with their mother's approval. I know of no greater evil than this, except the extermination of all life. In the future, antichrist will have his puppets and do his worst until the Coming of Jesus. However, please don't miss him today! Fight the Devil now and stay ready for Jesus! We are placed here by God for today's battle. He Deceiveth Them The False Prophet is the spirit of antichrist and will ambush you from many sides. As always he is using, the old snare of political power. Today, the love of money, greed, pride, and pleasure are distracting men from seeking God. Religious unification is growing in power and leading men away from the message of the Gospel. This apostate unification feeds on the pride of the flesh and lust for acceptance. Oh, that we craved God's acceptance in the same measure. Drug use is increasing which is one arm of Spiritualism. Witchcraft and Satanism have reemerged with defiant attitudes. All of these evils are part of the False Prophet that Revelation foretold. A Hidden Identity Many say that wicked forces are swirling and giving promise of a single emerging personality that will rule the world. Don't be fooled by the Devils old trick. Antichrist has already come and is destroying souls now. Today's present swirling is the very False Prophet we were warned about. A storm of ungodliness is presently sucking our generation into the heart of Hell. NOTHING could be worse! We must at this moment cast out the life line and pull another soul from the fire. This can only be accomplished if we return to the Book and Spring of our Salvation. Never fail to meet the foe in the present day of battle. Tomorrow's battle has not come. Look, the enemy now stands before us and has long been on the field. An Image to the Beast Daniel Chapter 2 told of an image whose iron and clay feet would not stick tougher. Because of this picture we understand that a one world government will not emerge. After the fall of apostate Christian Rome, wars and divisions shall continue until Christ's coming. Wicked nations will only find unity in their opposition to Christ and his Word. (Matthew 24:7 & 22) The name of the FALSE PROPHET is the key to understanding his real identity. Prophecy is knowledge and the False Prophet enjoys his power through the false doctrine that he advances. Since the False Prophet has no crowns and no capitol city, he is a philosophy. The Prophet is false teaching and doctrine symbolically personified. The Prophet is building an image to the former Beast, which does not mean Rome will be restored again. If Rome were restored the False Prophet would also have seven heads. The Prophets artistic icon is his recreation of Rome's great deception. Rome's false doctrine and antichrist philosophy lifts idolatry higher than God and gives worship to a lie. Thus, the image of the Beast is speaking today. His false doctrines are uttered everywhere. These lies have passed from the Dragon to the Beast to the False Prophet and now to the image of the Beast. These old deceptions of antichrist are:
These three lying frogs (Revelation 16:13) can now be found in all false sects, religions, and governments. The Word of God will defeat them and set men free. God's Word teaches us that:
Proverbs warned about the wicked woman who would draw the young man into death. This woman is comparable to Mystery Babylon. Please, be warned that her appearance will hold great attraction for the ones who are set as her quarry. Oh people, listen to wisdom and hide God's Word in your heart. Therein is the only path to eternal life. We cannot spend the night with the Mysterious Woman and stand in the morning upon Zion. Christian Love is never an excuse for spiritual or natural adultery. The Mark of the Beast Revelation 13:16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: 17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. The Number of His Name In the section called The Mark Principal we touched on the Mark of the Beast. This mark is reflected in many places throughout the Bible. The image of Nebuchadnezzar is a prime example. This golden idol was six cubits wide and 60 cubits tall. The sixty is expressed in three twenties. These measurements are not 666 but are a close reflection. We cannot help but discern that there is a connection. Imagine, on a day in ancient Babylon, the music plays and young men are commanded to worship the image. We are the unseen observers that suddenly have a second picture flash into our minds. This is the image of the Beast, also bearing the multiple of six. We next hear whispers from the enemies of God: "Why don't you bow? Who do you think you are? Everybody is doing it! Don't you want to love and get along? Don't you know what will happen if you refuse?" Receiving a Mark Suddenly, without contemplation everyone is marked! Whose mark have you receive? God's Mark? Satan's Mark? A physical mark in the future, can have no more impact on us than choosing a life of wickedness today. The eternal effects of a physical marking can not carry a greater curse, than a life time of sin and choosing the ways of Satan. To lush our mind in the lusts of the flesh today, is to receive the mark in our heads. To perform acts of wickedness becomes the marking of our hand. By receiving these marks, we become fair game for the devils who are presently loosed from the pit. Bugs or Devils? "A Rose by Any Other Name is Still a Rose" Revelation 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. 3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. A Fallen Star When Satan was cast to the earth not only Christians were targeted. Those who lived in darkness were also pursued by fresh hordes from Hell. Although demons have long afflicted the earth, the den of battle rose to a new fevered pitch after the cross! Scorpions Jesus clearly defined scorpions as demons. Locusts Scorpions have a powerful sting and normally come as few. However, these apocalyptic creatures are compared to locusts in number. Locusts fly as a cloud and devour all of their prey. Mankind is defined as the prey of these ravenous creatures of affliction. Today, these demons are swarming down upon the earth rendering pain and suffering to the race of Adam. Not one escapes the suffering except the redeemed of the Lord. ____________________
Luke 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. 18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Acts 5:16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. ----------------------------------------------- The locusts of Exodus came upon Egypt as a judgment. God's wrath was ended by casting the locusts into the Red Sea! Likewise, through the blood of Jesus these locusts of Hell are driven from our lives! It is the Blood of Jesus that cleanses us from sin and gives us the victory over the hoards of Satan! "And the LORD turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts, and cast them into the Red sea; there remained not one locust in all the coasts of Egypt." (Exodus 10:19) Non-Vegetarians In the garden, the serpent was cursed to crawl on his belly and eat dust. Thus, Satan's meat became the creature of dust called man. Man's fleshly nature of sin, serves as Satan's meat and joy. Similarly, these locust are not plant eaters and do not feed as mortals. Coming from the pit of Hell they are spiritual animals and demonic fiends. Their forage is the unseen fallen nature of humanity which when found excites them to frenzied attack. The Bottomless Pit The Bottomless pit has a busy door. These are the beings who pass its portals:
Those escaping from Satan's kingdom. "He brought me up also out of an horrible pit." (Psalms 40:2-3) Darkness Against Light When Jesus came the earth was in darkness. Those without Christ remain in gross darkness. These cursed demon-locust come from the kingdom of darkness and afflict Adam's fallen race. Isaiah 60:1-3 "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. 3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising." John 1:4-5 "In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." The Sting 1 Corinthians 15:55-56 "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law." The Seal of God 2 Cor 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. Eph 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your Salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, When Death Flees Revelation 9:5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. 6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. 7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses {Powerful} prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, {Spiritual Power.} and their faces were as the faces of men. {Fallen Angels} 8 And they had hair as the hair of women, {In Subjection To Their Head Satan. } and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.Should not Kill Mark 9:43-44 "And if thy {EYE, HAND, FOOT} offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into Hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." Matthew 25:41 "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:" They Should be Tormented The kingdom of Satan offers nothing but everlasting torment. Death is not an escape from suffering. Man's physical death is always near but his spiritual oblivion is forever elusive! Here are the torments associated with the locust from Hell.
Luke 16:24 ". . . cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame."
Mark 5:7-8 "And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. 8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit."
1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."
Matthew 18:34 "And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
Revelation 14:11 "And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name."
1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" Demons of the Earth Revelation 9:9 And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; {Hearts Full Of Unmerciful, Hateful Judgment.} and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. {Rushing With The Fury Of Hell In Mass} 10 And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: {Sting Of Sin} and their power was to hurt men five months. {The Day Of Grace} 11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon. {The Prince Of Destruction Or The Devil} John 10:10 "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Five Months The number five signifies Grace in biblical numerology. Though this is one of the more difficult numbers in that study, its symbolic meaning is generally accepted. God takes the little we have and multiplies it to more than enough for the need. This is seen in: five stones, five fish, and five ministry gifts of the church. Also, "Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs," that showed the special favor or gift he was enjoying. Therefore, five indicates the Grace of God. Five months are understood to represent our present day of grace.
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------------------------------------------- Joining months with the number five places boundaries upon the normally unbounded concept of grace. The months indicate a limited period when grace is available. This period of time is today, the day of Grace for fallen man. The door will not always be open and our personal opportunity of coming is as short as our life. A Hidden Surprise! Scripture uses five months in one other place. This is the time of Elizabeth's hiding during the latter part of her pregnancy. By comparing Elizabeth's hiding to our present day of Grace we discover an interesting parallel. Elizabeth was carrying a man through her five months of hiding. Likewise, we have a man of promise hidden in us. At the coming of Christ this hidden man will be revealed to all. All of creation now cries for the manifestation of the sons of God. Luke 1:24 "And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying..." Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 2 Corinthians 4:7 "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. Isaiah 54:1 "Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, ... more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD." The Interpretation We are the once barren race of Adam but God tells us to sing for Joy! We now hold in our being the mighty Christ, a hidden treasure, that will be revealed at the conclusion of this present Age of Grace. Elizabeth carried a hidden man for a time. Likewise, we have Christ hidden in us and when he comes, we shall spring forth as the manifested sons of God. Therefore, five months represent the age of grace when the treasure of God is hidden from open view. While the sinner suffers the sting of sin, the people of God enjoy the hidden Christ. Suddenly, when Jesus comes the hidden Christ will appear as we are changed. Jesus will next bind Satan and cast him and his locusts back into the bottomless pit. Sadly the sting of sin will continue for those humans who are awaiting the final judgment. Death will flee as a bird. I can understand how some find this non-literal interpretation disturbing. However, sin is literal and so is this cloud of fiends over the earth. Their influence and damage in the past 2000 years far exceed anything a "non-lethal bug" might accomplish in five months. Satan loves for us to discuss "bugs", rather than rebuke devils. This material world is a vapor while the unseen spiritual realm is eternal and real! (James 4:14, Heb. 8:2, Heb. 9:24) Redefining demons as bugs, in the unknown future, is a typical Satanic ploy. Remember, the tribulation is marked by millions of deaths. Will self destruction cease to function in that day? Shall bugs from Hell impart a brief immortality to their victims? Will their sting be greater in pain, than the pain of Hell that waits beyond the veil? No, this text is speaking of the internal suffering of humanity and eternal suffering of the soul. The sting of a locust will not reverse the curse of sin and death. Only the Cross can accomplish that miracle. When Hell's Scorpions Arrive! Because Revelation describes these locusts in literal terms, many will not be able to set aside a physical application of this prophecy. Therefore, for a moment assume that there shall be a tangible materialization of these creatures. Their day of power will be short and their sting will only be effective against those with the mark of Satan. True Christians already have the seal of God! Whatever form these may take shall be paled by the continuing holocaust of sin. The bodily coming of these beings can only symbolically depict the larger truth of this prophecy. Sin renders a sting of eternal suffering and separation from God. Apart from the seal of God's Spirit no remedy will ever become available! Nothing could be worse.
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Therefore, antichrist retains control of governments and churches via the heart throne of humanity. He thus establishes his global kingdom of darkness.
Every generation experiences antichrist, and naturally there will be a particularly bad one at the coming of Jesus. Presently, our antichrist must be confronted and defeated. In Christ the victory is ours!
Hislop's explanation joined both my view and the Reformers view so that the False Prophet was fulfilled in the past and yet lives the present. John Wesley also saw the False Prophet as a coming evil and said, "He has not yet come, though he cannot be far off; for he is to appear at the end of the forty-two months of the first Beast."