Fire Cast to The Earth

5 The angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth (Rev. 8:5)

A. Other angels are involved in the altar ministry of prayer and the release of fire. The most powerful force in history is the prayers of the saints in unity with God to release fire on the earth.

18 And another angel came out from the altar, who had power over fire… (Rev. 14:18)

B. The end of the age conflict will be answered by fire. Elijah said that the God who answers by fire is the true God (1 Kg. 18:24). Even the False Prophet will call fire down from heaven. David wrote of God sending fire from His heavenly temple to kill his enemies in answer to his prayers (Ps. 18:6-14).

13 He (False Prophet) makes fire come down from heaven…in the sight of men. (Rev. 13:13)

C. Rev. 8:3-5 describes activity similar to what Ezekiel saw in Ezek. 10. He saw an angel take coals of fire from the same heavenly altar to scatter over Jerusalem. This occurred after an angel sealed the righteous in Jerusalem to protect them from judgment in Ezek. 9:6 just as in Rev. 7:1-4.

2 Then He spoke to the man (angel) clothed with linen, and said, "Fill your hands with coals of fire from among the cherubim, and scatter them over the city." (Ezek 10:2)

The Power of Intercession

3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. And he was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. (Rev. 8:3-4)

A. Another angel: An eighth angel is described as being given much incense. John sees the dramatic approach of an angel with a golden censer coming to the altar and standing there. Where did the angel come from and how long did he stand at the altar?

B. When incense is poured out on burning coals, it produces smoke that has a sweet odor. Incense was added to the burning sacrifice by the priest in the Old Testament.

12 He shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from the altar before the LORD, with his hands full of sweet incense…and bring it inside the veil. 13 And he shall put the incense on the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of incense may cover the mercy seat... (Lev. 16:12-13)

C. A coal from the heavenly altar was used by a seraph (angel) in the cleansing of Isaiah’s lips.

6 One of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken…from the altar…7 said: "This has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away…” (Isa. 6:6-7)
D. David spoke of his prayers as coming before God as incense.

2 Let my prayer be set before You as incense… (Ps. 141:2)

E. Given much incense: This angel cannot provide this incense, but it is given to him by God. Heavenly incense is connected with the prayers of saints in Rev. 5:8 showing us the importance of their “holy synergism”. The role of angels in prayer is unknown.

8 The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. (Rev. 5:8)

F. The angel’s hand: The smoke of the incense went up with the prayers from the hand of the angel to show them being formally presented to God by the angel. The angelic involvement in this process with the smoke of the fragrant incense ascending with the saint’s prayers signifies that God is pleased with these prayers.

G. The angel offering the collective prayers of all the saints in God’s court is the official recognition that God approves of the prayers stored up in the golden bowl (Rev. 5:8; 6:10).

H. John like Daniel saw God’s courtroom in His temple where judgment decrees are issued.

9 His throne was a fiery flame…10 ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened. (Dan. 7:9-10)

1 Gather yourselves together…2 before the decree is issued…before the LORD's fierce anger comes upon you…3 Seek the LORD, all you meek of the earth… (Zeph. 2:1-3)

Heavenly Help for End Time Prayer Movement

3 He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints… (Rev. 8:3)

A. An angel will be given “much” heavenly incense to offer with the prayers of the saints to provide a new measure of supernatural strengthening of the End-Time global prayer movement. The fifth seal focuses on the prayer of the martyrs and the seventh seal points to heavenly help we receive.

B. The prayers of the saints are imperfect in our human weakness. The only thing needed to be "added" to our prayers is the perfect intercessions (incense) of Jesus “given” to the angel by God.

34 Christ...at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. (Rom. 8:34)

C. The End-Time prayer movement releases God’s trumpet judgments on the Antichrist (8:6–9:21).

Christianity isn’t about escaping hell but reigning with Jesus our Bridegroom King in bringing His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven and driving evil entirely off the planet through prayer.

Seven Angels Commissioned with Trumpet Judgments

1 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets…6 The seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. (Rev. 8:1-2, 6)

A. Silence in heaven: When the seven angels are given trumpets there will be silence in heaven. There will be a dreadful, yet glorious silence in heaven coming from the awful anticipation of the release of God’s judgments due to seeing the seven angels. The certainty of the soon coming judgment causes all to be speechless. There is no adequate response for what will come.

B. As silence fills heaven, so it will cover the earth as Jesus begins to release His final judgments.

20 The LORD is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him. (Hab. 2:20)

13 Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for He is aroused from His holy habitation! (Zech. 2:13)

7 Be silent in the presence of the Lord GOD; for the day of the LORD is at hand… (Zeph. 1:7)

10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations… (Ps. 46:10)

C. Sound is associated with the seal judgments. The first four are released by a voice like thunder. The fifth seal describes the intercessory cry from beneath the altar. In the sixth seal, the kings cry out. Here, the terrifying silence of the seventh seal is in great contrast with the other six seals.

D. About half an hour: It took a priest about 30 minutes to offer incense in the temple (Lev. 16:13).

9 The custom of the priesthood…to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 The multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. (Lk 1:9-10)

The Seventh Seal

1 When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. 3 Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. And he was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the Throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake. 6 So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. (Rev. 8:1-6)

A. The seventh seal judgment on the Antichrist is the strengthening of the prayer movement by angels offering heavenly incense as directed by the Spirit (v. 3-4) that results in fire being cast to the earth (v. 5). It is followed by seven angels preparing to sound their trumpets (Rev. 8:6).

B. The five specific aspects of the seventh seal include: (1) Seven angels are given trumpets; (2) An angel is given heavenly incense to strengthen the prayers of the saints; (3) Fire is cast to the earth; (4) Cosmic disturbances occur in the sky; (5) An earthquake occurs on earth.

C. Premise: The power of our prayers ultimately come from the generosity of God’s heart in desiring to answer them, the work of Jesus on the cross that makes them acceptable, and the ministry of the Spirit on earth and in heaven throughout the entire process of our praying.

D. Our access in prayer to the Father is given to us by the cross and the name of Jesus and the ministry of the Holy Spirit who apparently uses angels. Saints have a superior status to angels.

E. Heavenly incense: I see the heavenly incense as consisting of the intercession of Jesus and the Spirit with “much” incense offered by the angel. Together they strengthen the prayer movement. The fifth seal focuses on the prayer movement being strengthened by the prayers of the martyrs.

F. The prayers of the saints are imperfect because of human weakness. Even so, what best helps our prayers are the intercessory prayers of Jesus and the Holy Spirit arising as heavenly incense.

Crying Out for Death and Barrenness

A. Jesus applied two aspects of Hosea’s prophecy (Hos. 9:14; 10:8: crying for death and barrenness) to the time of Jerusalem’s judgment in 70 AD (Lk. 23:29-31) and in the Tribulation (Mt. 24:19).

28 Jesus, turning to them, said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For indeed the days are coming in which they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, wombs that never bore, and breasts which never nursed!' 30 Then they will begin 'to say to the mountains, "Fall on us!" and to the hills, "Cover us!"' 31 For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?" (Lk. 23:28-31)

B. The destruction of Jerusalem is presented using two proverbial sayings concerning anguish in being childless and in facing such destruction that many would rather die than live through it. This prophecy was partially fulfilled in 70 AD. Its fullness occurs in the Tribulation.

C. In the sixth seal, some hide to be protected from death and others are overwhelmed with despair. Both the “death wish” of Hos. 10:8 and the desire to hide for safety of Isa. 2:10 will be present.

D. Jesus called the women to weep for their children and Jerusalem in light of the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans as He prophesied (Lk. 13:34-35; 19:41-44; 21:20-24). Their tears would not change God’s plan concerning Jesus’ death, but could change what happens in them.

E. Joel prescribed weeping in repentance and intercession as part of God’s way to change the course of events. God is willing to relent, or to cancel judgment if His people cry out.

12 Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." 13 So rend your heart…for He is gracious and merciful…and He relents from doing harm. (Joel 2:12-13)

F. Jesus applied this to the women of Jerusalem in the End Times. Children are God’s blessing. However, childlessness will be a blessing to those in Jerusalem in the final 3½ years.

19 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. (Mt. 24:15-20)

G. In v. 30, they will just begin to speak with despair at the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. This will reach a far more intense level during the Great Tribulation.

30 Then they will begin 'to say to the mountains, "Fall on us!" and to the hills, "Cover us!"' 31 For if they do these things in the green wood, what will be done in the dry?" (Lk. 23:30-31)

H. Jesus prophesied about the unprecedented judgment of Jerusalem by using a proverbial saying (v. 31). The obvious principle is that fire destroys trees, yet its destructiveness varies depending on the condition of the tree. When it is dry the fire is more destructive. When green, the fire is not as fierce. A dry tree is more quickly and easily set on fire. The proverb relates to fire burning with greater intensity at the later time when the conditions are worse.

I. The green and dry trees are parallel with Jerusalem being set on fire in different hours of history. This proverb is given to explain the exhortation to weep in intercession for Jerusalem because of the fire of destruction that will come on her in varying intensity. “They” refers to wicked men (Jews and Romans). Wicked men set a fire by betraying Jesus, then by worshiping the Antichrist.

J. Two applications of Jesus’ general principle: The time of the green wood is when sin has not yet ripened in the global and historical sense (as it will under the Antichrist). If God allowed the Romans to destroy Jerusalem, what will He allow when all nations worship the Antichrist?

K. Near fulfillment: The “green tree” represented that hour in which civil unrest was caused by Jesus’ good ministry. What did the “dry tree” season bring after the nation put Him to death? It brought fierce judgment on Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD.

L. Distant fulfillment: The “green tree” season of history may be represented by the oppression of Israel and other nations by Rome in the first century before the guilt of the nations had fully ripened. What will the “dry tree" season be like after all the nations worship the Antichrist?

The Wicked Cry Out for Death

A. Hosea prophesied of judgments so severe that Israel would cry for a quick death to end the anguish (Hos. 10:8) and for barrenness (Hos 9:12-14) so their children would be spared anguish.

13 So Ephraim will bring out his children to the murderer. 14 Give them, O LORD-- what will You give? Give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts! (Hos 9:13-14)

8 The sin of Israel shall be destroyed. The thorn and thistle shall grow on their altars; they shall say to the mountains, "Cover us!" and to the hills, "Fall on us!" (Hos. 10:8)

B. Thorn and thistles grew on Israel’s altars because they were used for idol worship. This speaks of Israel’s destruction when all the people were taken captive by the invading Assyrian in 722 BC.

Sixth Seal: Signs of Harvest

A. The shaking of the heavens in the sixth seal is related to the nations coming to Jesus.

6 Thus says the LORD of hosts… "I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; 7 and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire (Jesus) of all nations. (Hag. 2:6-7)

B. The sixth seal events were prophesied by Joel in context to the outpouring of the Spirit before Jesus returns. I honor, but do not agree with those who equate the sixth seal with Jesus’ Coming.

28 I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…31 The sun shall be turned into darkness…before the coming of the great…day of the Lord. (Joel 2:28-31)

29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days (first five seals) the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall…30 Then…they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven (seventh trumpet) with power and great glory. (Mt. 24:29-30)

C. Summary: The sixth seal describes God’s glory being released in context to martyrdom resulting in the shaking of the nations, the outpouring of the Spirit and the great Harvest.

The Response of Unbelievers at the Sixth Seal

15 The kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves…16 and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the Throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" (Rev. 6:15-17)

A. John describes those affected from seven categories of society. He emphasizes how leaders will respond. Kings (presidents); great men (world leaders); rich men (financial leaders); military commanders; mighty men (civil leaders); every slave and free man (common class majority).

B. Unbelievers will understand it is the Day of the Lord perceiving Jesus’ wrath in these signs. John does not tell how they conclude this. The forerunners will proclaim the details of the sixth seal.

C. Day of His wrath: For the great day of His wrath “has come” the issue is whether the Day of the Lord has just begun or is soon to follow. The Greek verb “has come” can look backwards indicating that the Day already arrived or it can look forward as something to occur soon. Robert Thomas explains that the verb elthen ("has come") is aorist indicative, referring to a previous arrival of God’s wrath. The verb tenses in the hymns are future tenses (Rev. 11:18; 19:7).

D. The narrow Day of the Lord is the 24-hour day Jesus enters Jerusalem. The broad Day of the Lord starts at the Tribulation and ends after the Millennium. It lasts for 1,000 years (2 Pet. 3:8).

Facets of Jesus Wrath in the Sixth Seal

Sun: Jesus supernaturally causes this short term darkness. It may also include natural events such as volcanic eruptions that leave particles in the air as ash, dust, debris, a nuclear fallout or even a full eclipse which occurs when something gets in between earth and the light of the sun.

Black: The sun will be black as sackcloth. Sackcloth is the clothing of mourning because of coming judgment (Isa. 33:9). The prophets wore black and sackcloth when in mourning over sin and calling for repentance (Mt. 11:21; Lk 10:13; Rev. 11:3). The sun will wear the black garments of mourning. This is a parallel to the black horse in the third seal (Rev. 6:5).

Moon: Blood red speaks of death. The moon will wear the garments of blood. This is a parallel to the red horse in the second seal (Rev. 6:4). This supernatural event may include natural events as gases or a lunar eclipse that change the color of the moon's light to look red. A lunar eclipse occurs during a full moon when the earth gets in the way of the light of the sun.

Earthquake: Is mentioned 7 times in Revelation (Rev. 6:12; 8:5; 11:13 [2x], 19; 16:18 [2x]). Four times they are prophesied with the qualifying word great (Rev. 6:12; 11:13; 16:18 [2x]).

Mountains moved: Every mountain and island will be moved out of its place does not imply that they are all destroyed. No one would be able to hide in the mountains if they were all destroyed.

1. The mountain and islands at this time are not annihilated, but moved. Some may move slightly and others may be destroyed. A mountain moving a foot brings much trouble. Some see this as focused on the Mediterranean area highlighted by Daniel (Dan. 7:2-3).

2. There are five earthquakes prophesied in Revelation: At the sixth seal (Rev. 6:12), at the release of the trumpets (Rev. 8:5), at the seventh trumpet (Rev. 11:15, 19), when the Two Witnesses ascend (Rev. 11:13) and at the seventh bowl (Rev. 16:17-21) which is referred to as the most severe earthquake in history (Zech. 14:4-5; Isa. 2:19; 29:6; Hag. 2:6, 7).

Hiding from the Terror of God and the Wrath of the Lamb

13 The stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs…14 Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up…15 The kings of the earth, the great men…and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and…mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! (Rev. 6:13-17)

A. Sky: The sky will recede (split, divide, move back) as a scroll. God will cause the sky to roll back, thus opening a window to see into heaven so that the worldwide leaders may witness it.

B. Face: They will cry out to be hidden from His face. We cry out to see His face. The martyrs cried, "Avenge us" and the wicked will cry, "Hide us".

C. Stars: Asteroids and meteor showers hitting the earth. The Greek word for stars used here is “aster” from which we get the word asteroid. An aster refers to any shining mass in the sky, including stars, comets, meteors, asteroids, or any flaming debris, etc.

D. The diameter of the earth is nearly 8,000 miles. Our sun is a small star which is over 800,000 miles in diameter (100 times larger than the earth). One star hitting the earth would destroy it, thus the kings would not flee to the mountains. Stars lost light in the fourth trumpet (Rev. 8:12).

E. Hide: Powerful world leaders are pictured as hiding both from God’s face as well as the asteroids coming on the earth as an expression of Jesus’ wrath. Isaiah prophesied of people hiding in the caves starting in the sixth seal (Isa. 2:10, 21, 19).

F. A meteoroid is much smaller than an asteroid ranging anywhere from a fraction of an inch to 10 yards across weighing a few grams (interplanetary dust) up to 50 tons (Hoba meteorite). Up to 50 meteorites hit the earth daily. However, 70% occur over the ocean with another 25% occurring over uninhabited lands leaving only 1-10 each day that have the potential to be seen.

G. An asteroid capable of global disaster would need to be over a quarter-mile wide. One that large would raise enough dust into the atmosphere to create a "nuclear winter".

H. Meteoroids will bombard the earth as a fig tree losing its figs when strong winds blow on it. John saw men hiding in caves to escape the debris falling from the sky as a part of the wrath of the Lamb. This intensifies later when 100 pound hailstones fall in the seventh bowl (Rev. 16:21).

I. Said to the mountains: Many of these kings and great men will be worshippers of the Antichrist. In my opinion their cry involves the occult (praying in the high places for protection not death).

J. As God guided David’s stone to hit Goliath, so He will guide these stones (meteoroids) to stone the infrastructure of the Antichrist who is the eschatological giant.

K. This is not the Second Coming. At the end of the Armageddon campaign they are emboldened to make war against Jesus instead of hiding from Him in the mountains (Rev. 19:17-21).

The Wicked Cry Out for Death

A. Hosea prophesied of judgments so severe that Israel would cry for a quick death to end the anguish (Hos. 10:8) and for barrenness (Hos 9:12-14) so their children would be spared anguish.

13 So Ephraim will bring out his children to the murderer. 14 Give them, O LORD-- what will You give? Give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts! (Hos 9:13-14)

8 The sin of Israel shall be destroyed. The thorn and thistle shall grow on their altars; they shall say to the mountains, "Cover us!" and to the hills, "Fall on us!" (Hos. 10:8)

B. Thorn and thistles grew on Israel’s altars because they were used for idol worship. This speaks of Israel’s destruction when all the people were taken captive by the invading Assyrian in 722 BC.

Sixth Seal: Signs in the Sky Speak of Harvest and Outpouring

A. The shaking of the heavens in the sixth seal is related to the nations coming to Jesus.

6 Thus says the LORD of hosts… "I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; 7 and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire (Jesus) of all nations. (Hag. 2:6-7)

B. The sixth seal events were prophesied by Joel in context to the outpouring of the Spirit before Jesus returns. I honor, but do not agree with those who equate the sixth seal with Jesus’ Coming.

28 I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy…31 The sun shall be turned into darkness…before the coming of the great…day of the Lord. (Joel 2:28-31)

29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days (first five seals) the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall…30 Then…they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven (seventh trumpet) with power and great glory. (Mt. 24:29-30)

C. Summary: The sixth seal describes God’s glory being released in context to martyrdom resulting in the shaking of the nations, the outpouring of the Spirit and the great Harvest.

Response of Unbelievers to Seals

15 The kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the Throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! 17 For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" (Rev. 6:15-17)
A. John describes those affected from seven categories of society. He emphasizes how leaders will respond. Kings (presidents); (world leaders); great menrich men (financial leaders); military commanders; mighty men (civil leaders); every slave and free man (common class majority).

B. Powerful world leaders are pictured as running for their lives in panic without regard for their dignity as they run to the mountains claiming to hide from a God they said did not exist. Later in the seventh bowl, they decide to fight against Jesus (Rev. 19:17-21).

C. Some asteroids can be detected years ahead of time so that nations will know they are coming.

D. Unbelievers will perceive God’s wrath in these signs as they cry to the mountains, "Fall on us and hide us from the wrath of the Lamb!” They run in panic understanding the cosmic disturbances as God’s judgment.

E. We are not told how they conclude this is God’s wrath. The forerunners have been proclaiming it since the opening of the first seal. This is not the Second Coming because at that time, the world leaders will fight Jesus instead of running to hide from Him in the mountains (Rev. 19:17-21).

F. The unbelievers will understand and even announce the coming of the Day of the Lord.

G. Jesus, Peter and Paul taught that the Day of the Lord would come as a thief surprising many (Mt. 24:37-44; 1 Thes. 5:2-4; 2 Pet. 3:10; Rev. 3:3; 16:15).

H. Isaiah prophesied of people hiding in the caves (Isa. 2:10, 21, 19; Hos. 10:8; Lk. 23:30).

10 Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, from the terror of the LORD and the glory of His majesty…11 The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day…19 They shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, from the terror of the Lord…when He arises to shake the earth mightily. (Isa. 2:10-19)

I. The saints will see and understand in this hour in which Nahum’s prophecy is fulfilled.

Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances and Fear

Earthquake: Is mentioned 7 times in Revelation (Rev. 6:12; 8:5; 11:13 [2x], 19; 16:18 [2x]). Four times they are prophesied with the qualifying word great (Rev. 6:12; 11:13; 16:18 [2x]).

Sun: The darkening of the sun cannot be for a long period or the earth would freeze. What causes this darkening? This will be Jesus’ supernatural work. Yet, it could also include natural events such as volcanic eruptions that leave particles in the air as ash, dust, debris, a nuclear fallout or even a full eclipse which occurs when something gets in between earth and the light of the sun.

The sun will be black as sackcloth. Sackcloth is the clothing of mourning and judgment (Isa. 33:9). The prophets wore black and sackcloth when calling for repentance (Mt. 11:21; Lk 10:13; Rev. 11:3). The sun will one day wear the garments of death and mourning.

Moon: This will be Jesus’ supernatural work. Yet, it could also include natural events as gases or a lunar eclipse that change the color of the moon's light to look red. A lunar eclipse occurs during a full moon when the earth gets in the way of the light of the sun. Blood red speaks of death.

Stars: Asteroids and meteor showers hitting the earth. The Greek word for stars used here is “aster” from which we get the word asteroid. An aster refers to any shining mass in the sky, including stars, comets, meteors, asteroids, or any flaming debris, etc.

The diameter of the earth is nearly 8,000 miles. Our sun is a small star which is over 800,000 miles in diameter (100 times larger than the earth). One star hitting the earth would destroy it, thus the kings would not need to flee to the mountains. Stars will still be in the sky in the fourth trumpet (Rev. 8:12). Isaiah prophesied of stars losing their light rather than falling (Isa. 13:10).

As God guided David’s stone to hit Goliath, so He will guide these stones (asteroids) to destroy the Antichrist’s infrastructure. Meteorites will bombard the earth as compared to a fig tree losing its figs when strong winds blow on it.

Sky: The sky will recede (split, divide, move back) as a scroll. God will cause the sky to roll back, thus opening a window to see into heaven so that worldwide leaders may witness it.

Mountains moved: Every mountain and island will be moved out of its place does not imply that they are all destroyed. No one would be able to hide in the mountains if they were all destroyed. There are five specific earthquakes prophesied in Revelation: At the sixth seal (Rev. 6:12), at the release of the trumpets (Rev. 8:5), at the seventh trumpet (Rev. 11:15, 19), when the Two Witnesses ascend to heaven (Rev. 11:13) and at the seventh bowl (Rev. 16:17-21) which is referred to as the most severe earthquake in history (Zech. 14:4-5; Isa. 2:19; 29:6; Hag. 2:6, 7).

Fifth Seal: Prayer Movement and Martyrs

9 When He (Jesus) opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God...10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11 Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and brethren, who would be killed…was completed. (Rev. 6:9-11)

A. Jesus will release the fifth seal judgment against the Antichrist in context to a significant increase of intercession. The prayer movement in heaven and on earth (Lk. 18:8) will increase at the fifth seal. The fifth seal judgment is against the Antichrist not against the martyred saints.

B. Jesus prophesied about the end-time prayer movement on earth crying out for vengeance against the great injustice of the Antichrist’s reign of terror. This occurs at the time of the fifth seal.

C. The fifth seal judgment is more severe than the four preceding it. The judgments increase in intensity as the seals unfold. The fourth seal resulted in the death of one fourth of the earth. The first four seals were the wicked acting against each other as God removed His restraining hand.

D. The blood of the martyrs crying out for justice in the fifth seal is powerful. It will release a new order of supernatural judgments seen in the sixth seal followed by the trumpets and bowls. There is a dramatic acceleration of judgment after the fifth seal. It is the turning point in Revelation.

E. The mistreatment of the righteous in the first four seals (Rev. 6:1-8) resulted in increased prayer by the saints (Rev. 6:10). The murdering of the saints will stir Jesus’ heart of vengeance.

F. Martyrdom sets into motion a domino affect in the spirit realm which intensifies prayer. Murder backfires on the Antichrist. The shedding of the saint’s blood fuels the prayer movement, purifies the church and releases the harvest. It will result in fearless dedication to Jesus and zeal in the prayer movement which releases judgment.

G. The Antichrist will be the greatest oppressor in history. God is raising up a justice movement to confront him. The end-time prayer movement is the ultimate justice movement. Jesus will confront oppressors and completely overpower them.

H. The wicked do not fear the prayer movement because they do not understand that the blood of martyrs fuels the prayer movement. Murder fills up the guilt of a nation.

I. The Spirit who inspires intercession in heaven in the fifth seal will inspire intercession in the Church on earth as Jesus prophesied in Lk. 18:7-8. The prayer ministry in heaven gives us great insight into the prayer ministry on earth. They will mirror each other.

J. Jesus will confront oppression to the degree that pray ascends. The end-time prayer movement is the greatest justice movement in history. The prayers of the saints (Lk. 18:7-8; Isa. 42:10-16; Rev. 5:8; 22:17), join with the prayers of the martyrs in heaven (Rev. 6:10) and with the prayers of the remnant of Israel (Zech. 12:10; Isa. 64:1-12; 30:18-33; Ps. 94:1-23; 98:1-9; 99:1-9, etc.).

K. Scripture prophesies the end-time prayer movement at the time of the fifth seal in heaven.

L. The prayer ministry is the governmental center of the universe. The end-time prayer movement affects the decrees in God’s court by releasing favor on the saints and judgment on the wicked.

The Magnitude of Great Tribulation Death Toll

It has been projected that by 2025 AD there will be 8 billion people alive. One-fourth of 8 billion dying means 2 billion will die in the fourth seal judgment, leaving 6 billion people still alive.

The sixth trumpet points to another one-third of this 6 billion dying. This means another 2 billion will die leaving 4 billion alive. The death toll of these two judgments would equal 4 billion or 50% of the original number of over 8 billion living on earth before the Great Tribulation.

The death toll of World War II (1939-45) was nearly 50 million people. The death toll of the two judgments (fourth seal and sixth trumpet) will be nearly 100 times the total of World War II. If 4 billion people die in the last 3½ years (1260 days), then about 3 million will die on average each day. Thus, every month it will surpass the death toll of WWII. This will continue for 42 months.

21 There will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world…nor ever shall be. 22 Unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved. (Mt. 24:21-22)

Fourth Seal: Death of 1/4 of People of Earth

8 Behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. (Rev. 6:8)

Pale horse: is literally pale green or ashen which speaks of the color of death and decay (corpse). The faces of the peoples of the earth will show the terror they experience. One-fourth of the earth will be given over to Death. In other words, they will die unnatural deaths.

A fourth of the earth: The resistance to the mark will cause a series of events with a military backlash that will result in one-fourth of the earth being killed by war, famine and disease.

The name of him was Death: the spirit of death is pictured as being in hot pursuit of the unsuspecting victims on the earth. Death is what happens to the physical body which goes to the grave. Hades is place that the departed spirit of an unbeliever goes after they die physically.

Hades (Hell) followed with him: the ranks or hordes from Hades will run behind Death. The demonic ranks of Hades will run hard behind the spirit of Death to imprison every unbeliever who dies. They will be eager to accost them. The spirit of Death will run fast on his horse, yet the hordes of Hades will keep pace. Hades will chase Death. No one ever escapes.

Hades is a Greek term that is used only in the NT. It is the place of the dead that inflicts temporal imprisonment for some disobedient angels (demons) and for unredeemed human spirits.

Hades includes the chamber of torment for the unredeemed. Tartarus is a chamber to imprison certain demons (2 Peter 2:4).

God speaks directly to Jewish leaders in Jerusalem during the Tribulation telling them that their covenant with the Antichrist was a covenant with death and Sheol (translated Hades in the NT).

In the fourth seal, the Antichrist’s true nature is seen under the name Death with Hades. He will seek to kill all who oppose him. Yet, all who agree with him will be killed (Rev. 19:19-21).

Power was given to them over a fourth of the earth: the word “them” speaks of all four seal judgments combined together. The first three seal judgments weaken the nations. Then the fourth horseman will bring the deathblow to multitudes of fragile people in the nations.

These are the same four judgments God called, “My four severe judgments”. However, all four afflictions will occur simultaneously during the seal judgments.

1. Sword: death by human violence will reach unprecedented levels.

2. Famine: will increase from the time of the third seal until Jesus returns.

3. Death: is literally “pestilence” or “disease”. It will increase beyond any time in history.

4. Wild beasts: when men die wild beasts multiply rapidly and roam freely ( Num. 21:6; Deut. 32:24; Josh. 24:12; 2 Kings 2:24; 17:25; Isa. 30:6; Jer. 5:6; Ezek. 14:21; 33:27). In New Orleans, alligators attacked people waiting for days on their roof tops and rats bit people hiding under bridges. Many diseases are spread by wild animals. Wild beasts will be demonized at an unprecedented rate because of so many demons on earth (Rev. 12:9).

Third Seal: Famine and Economic Crisis

5 When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come and see." So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine." (Rev. 6:5-6)

Black horse: speaks of sorrow, sadness and mourning. Famine and economic crisis follow war.

Pair of scales in his hand: speaks of economics. This passage prophesies the greatest economic crisis with the most severe famine in history. This is the hour in which the Church will multiply food like when Jesus fed the 5,000. Moses witnessed a supernatural food and water supply.

Quart of wheat for a denarius: a denarius was equivalent to wages for one day of work. The message was that a day of work will earn enough money to buy food for one person for one day. A quart of wheat is the amount for one person to eat for one day (very minimal diet).

Three quarts of barley for a denarius: Wheat and barley were the common foods in John’s day. Wheat is superior in taste and nutrition to barley. One could purchase three times the amount of barley (inferior grain) for the same price. Barley is cheaper, but less nutritious and tasty.

The economic crisis will result in one’s earning power being reduced to working all day to afford food for one day. This represents about ten times less buying power than in the world today.

Do not harm the oil and the wine: the famine will not touch the ruling class. Luxuries will be enjoyed by a very few who will prosper in this famine. Only those in the Antichrist’s hierarchy will be the wealthy elite.

1. The kings of the earth and the great merchants will continue to have abundance and luxury (Rev. 18). The Antichrist will buy their cooperation with luxuries.

2. The vast majority of the people on earth will lack the necessities life while few greatly prosper. The social inequity between the rich and poor will result in civil strife in his kingdom. Most revolutions begin because of food shortages.

A voice in the midst of the four living creatures: Jesus is in control of all. This voice declares the nature of the famine. Jesus is releasing this famine.

1. He is working for the eternal good of the people and the earth itself. He sees this extreme measure as absolutely necessary.

2. God’s voice is speaking so we are clear that God is in control and God is carefully monitoring what is coming. God will be attentive. He will be distant and uninvolved.

The Antichrist will control many of the world economies (Rev. 6:5-6). The Antichrist will persecute all who resist his global economic policies especially those who refuse his mark.

This will set up the emergency mode that allows the mark of the Beast to be received much faster. He will “solve” the economic crisis by using the mark of the Beast.

The famine may be imposed by governmental policies, as Stalin’s famine in the 1930s that starved nearly 10 million people. However, it did not affect the ruling class.

Second Seal: Bloodshed and the Final World War

3 When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come and see." 4 Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. (Rev. 6:3-4)

Fiery red: speaks of worldwide bloodshed. The first seal occurs when the nations were at peace (1 Thes. 5:3). The second seal suddenly ends the brief time of world peace.

Great sword: speaks of violence both civil and military. The sword is great by killing great numbers with great severity and devastation using technology that has great strength. This sword that strikes the earth is the counterfeit of when Jesus strikes the earth with a sword (Rev. 19:15).

Jeremiah prophesied of the end-time sword on the nations in context to the second seal.

Take peace from the earth: people will kill one another first in civil unrest, then in oppression by the government (Rev. 13:15), then in international conflict leading to the greatest world war. The nations rejected God’s Lamb but at the age-to-come they will chose to follow the Beast.

Jesus will allow peace to be taken from the earth. This is contrary to what many believe about Him. Jesus will allow the sword to go forth in the second seal. When Jesus spoke Mt. 10:34, He knew He would one day release the second seal to remove the hindrance to true world peace.

Jesus the Lamb is the Prince of Peace who opens the second seal to remove peace from earth. This will cause confusion to believers who do not understand the Scripture concerning God’s end-time purposes. Jesus will use the sword of evil men to bring their hidden evil to the surface and also to remove evil. This will ultimately result in true and lasting peace coming to the earth.

In this hostile environment, all will choose how they will live before God. The Church will be tested and unbelievers will re-evaluate their belief systems and come to Jesus by the millions. Those who love darkness will go into deeper connection with demons.

The Antichrist shall honor the god of military power with gold and silver. His god will be war or military conquest. The god of fortresses is the combination of military and demonic power.

1. He will honor the god of military strength (god of fortresses) by spending unprecedented amounts of money on developing his military.

2. He shall advance the glory of a foreign god who is Satan by promoting leaders who have zeal for Satan. Satan t will help him overcome the strongest fortresses (opposing armies).

The Antichrist will overwhelm many nations (v. 40), overthrow them (v. 41), stretch out his hand against them (v. 42) and annihilate them (v. 42). He will attack Egypt (v. 42).

The Antichrist will have an army of unprecedented strength in terms of people and finances.

Granted: God sovereignly grants the release of this sword and then oversees the entire process.

Come and see: a voice called John to come near to God to see clearly (Rev. 6:1, 3, 5, 7). We receive the same 2-fold call to come near to see more clearly the events that are prophesied. The Church is to receive this command to go deep in our understanding that we may pray and make known its truths. It was a call to exert effort to understand the significance of these events.

Events Coinciding With First Seal

God’s judgment on the Harlot Babylon religious network will happen at time of the first seal.

Paul prophesied of peace immediately before the time of sudden destruction (Great Tribulation). This is a temporary time of world peace that will suddenly end when the Great Tribulation starts. The world will assume their problems are solved by the Antichrist’s skillful leadership. Worldwide peace starts the final 7 years and continues for 3½ years (1 Thes. 5:2-3; Dan. 9:27).

3 When they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them. (1 Thes. 5:3)

The Two Witnesses are prophets anointed with great power for the final 3½ years (Rev. 11:3-6).

Satan will be cast to the earth, then will give his throne to the Antichrist. Hell will be in many places on earth during the final 3½ years (Rev. 12:9; 13:2; 6:8).

9 The great dragon (Satan) was cast out…who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels (demons) were cast out with him…12 Woe to the inhabitants of the earth…! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath… (Rev. 12:9, 12)

The Antichrist’s head wound and apparent healing will be the great catalytic event that thrusts him into worldwide prominence at the first seal (Rev. 13:3, 12, 14).

The Abomination of Desolation will occur when the Antichrist declares himself to be God by setting up his image or idol (which is the abomination) in the Jerusalem Temple (Dan. 8:13; 9:26, 27; 11:31; 12:11; Mt. 24:15; Mk. 13:14; 2 Thes. 2:3-4; Rev. 13:12-18).

The image of the Beast (Antichrist) will be a statue that is demonically empowered so that it will seem to think, talk, breathe, and make laws (Rev. 13:14-16).
The mark of the Beast (Antichrist) will be a public mark on people’s right hand or forehead and will be used to identify the people that worship the Antichrist (Rev. 13:16-17).

God will cause all the nations to gather against Jerusalem (Zech. 12:1-3; 14:2).

2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem… (Zech. 14:2)

What the Scriptures Say About Antichrist

The Antichrist is the final world leader in this age. He will wage war against God. He will have the greatest political authority, the most powerful army, the most money and the largest religious network confirmed by demonic miracles of any man in history (Rev. 13). The three main passages on the Antichrist in Scripture are Dan. 11; 2 Thes. 2; Rev. 13.

The Antichrist will be the most cruel man that ever lived. It will be impossible to negotiate with him for mercy because he will think like a beast. He is called the “Beast” 36 times in Revelation.

The Antichrist will have authority and worshipers in every nation (Rev. 13:8). However, he will not totally dominate each nation. He will be at war with some nations (Dan. 11:40-45).

The False Prophet will help him to conquer (Rev. 13:11-18) along with a 10-nation confederation that will provide him with the greatest power base in history (Rev. 17:12).

The Antichrist will magnify himself above the Harlot Babylon religion (Dan. 11:36). He will have a total anti-God policy because he will require all to worship him at the cost of their lives.

A king shall arise in the last days when transgression or sin reaches its greatest heights through the Harlot Babylon. At the first seal, the Antichrist will destroy the Harlot Babylon (v. 25).

The Antichrist will initially prosper by deceptive diplomacy that gains him peaceful conquests at the first seal. He will also use demonic signs to win influence over the nations.

Hitler gives us a picture from history of what “peaceful conquest” might look like. The Nazis took over the Rhineland (March 1936), annexed Austria (March 1938), occupied the Sudetenland or German-speaking part of Czechoslovakia (Sept. 1938), then all Czechoslovakia (March 1939).

First Seal: The Antichrist

The Antichrist riding a white horse is a counterfeit of Jesus riding a white horse (Rev. 19:11).

2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. (Rev. 6:2)

White Horse: the horse speaks of speed and strength and white symbolizes righteousness. The Antichrist’s reign will initially appear righteous and helpful to the nations.

Crown: a symbol of authority over the nations. He will rise suddenly to a place of international authority. Satan and the Antichrist are both described as having crowns (Rev. 12:2; 13:1-2, 7).

Arrowless bow: the Antichrist’s authority will initially increase without any bloodshed. The arrow is an ancient symbol of war that speaks of striking ones enemies from a distance. This rider is pictured as ready to go to war with a bow in hand on a horse. However, since the bow does not have arrows it is understood as a ‘threat of war without war actually breaking out’.

Initially his conquests will be peaceful by using deceptive diplomacy without bloodshed. He will privately threaten international leaders with war while being seen publicly to accomplish his agenda by peaceful means. He uses a sword which strikes up close and causes bloodshed.

Conquering: the Antichrist will have a series of successful conquests unprecedented in history. He will initially conquer only in the political and economical arenas. It will escalate to military aggression that will result in a world war (second seal) leading to a devastating economic crisis and then worldwide famine (third seal). For 3½ years he will seem to be invincible (Rev. 13:4).

Given: his power is given to him. The Antichrist receives his authority first from God, then from Satan (Rev. 13:2) as well as kings who will voluntarily give their authority to him (Rev. 17:17). The phrase “is given” is used 22 times in Revelation. The Two Witnesses, the Antichrist, angels and demons are given authority from God (Rev. 6:11; 7:2; 8:2; 9:1, 3, 5; 11:2-3; 12:14; 13:1-18).

5 And he (Antichrist) was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months…7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation…15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast... (Rev. 13:5, 7, 15)

The Antichrist does not take God by surprise. He is part of the Father’s plan. It is by God’s decree that the Antichrist will be given a specific sphere to operate in for 3½ years to show himself to Israel as their Messiah as Jesus did. Jesus has all authority over all the nations. The Antichrist is God’s tool of judgment on apostate Israel and on wicked nations (Zech. 11:16-17).
18 Jesus spoke saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Mt. 28:18)

1 There is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. (Rom. 13:1)

Seven Bowls of God's Wrath

The seven bowls of wrath are the third and final numbered series of judgments (Rev. 16).

First bowl (sores): painful sores on those who worship the Antichrist (Rev. 16:1-2)
Second bowl (food supply): destroying the sea with blood and killing all in it (Rev. 16:3)
Third bowl (water supply): poisoning the earth’s fresh water with blood (Rev. 16:4-7)
Fourth bowl (torment): scorching heat and fire from the sun (Rev. 16:8-9)
Fifth bowl (destruction): darkness on the Antichrist's global empire (Rev. 16:10-11)
Sixth bowl (global guilt): deceiving the nations to come to Armageddon (Rev. 16:12-16)
Seventh bowl (annihilation): shaking by earthquakes and hail stones (Rev. 16:17-21)

They will destroy social infrastructures in the Antichrist’s empire.

I (Father) will give You (Jesus) the nations for Your inheritance…You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel. (Ps. 2:8–9)
D.
Jesus will release the seven bowls in a way that parallels Moses releasing the ten plagues of Egypt against Pharaoh (Ex. 12). He will come as the “Greater Moses”. The seven bowls are intentionally similar to the plagues of Egypt. The miracles seen in Egypt will occur in the End-Times (Mic. 7:15; Isa. 10:22-25; 11:12-16; 30:30; Jer. 16:14-15; 23:7-8; Ezek. 38:22; Joel 2:30).

All the bowls will be poured out over a thirty-day period as Jesus marches up through Edom (modern day Jordan) to fight the final battle of the Armageddon campaign in Jerusalem, and to rescue the unsaved remnant of Israel (Zech. 12:1-9; 14:1-5; Isa. 63:1-6; Hab. 3:3-16).

Jesus will march through the city of Bozrah in Edom (Jordan) and Teman killing His enemies on His way to Jerusalem. Their blood will be sprinkled on His robes.

The Seven Trumpets

The seven trumpet judgments are supernatural acts not merely natural or historical acts portrayed in symbolic language. They destroy the Antichrist’s resources and people. The trumpet judgments display the Antichrist’s power as inferior to Jesus’ power. They are supernatural acts of God through nature (the first four) and demons (fifth and sixth ones).

First trumpet (food supply): burning 1/3 of the earth's vegetation (Rev. 8:7)
Second trumpet (food supply): destroying 1/3 of the sea (Rev. 8:8-9)
Third trumpet (water supply): poisoning 1/3 of the earth's fresh water (Rev. 8:10-11)
Fourth trumpet (light, energy): darkening 1/3 of the earth’s light (Rev. 8:12)
Fifth trumpet (torment): releasing demonic locusts that torment for 5 months (Rev. 9:1-12)
Sixth trumpet (death): releasing demonic horsemen that kill 1/3 of the earth (Rev. 9:13-21)
Seventh trumpet (defeat): beginning of Jesus’ Second Coming procession (Rev. 11:15-19).

The first 4 trumpets will release God’s judgment on nature to destroy the natural resources of the Antichrist’s empire (Rev. 8:7-12). Each trumpet destroys a different area, i.e., food (vegetation, meat, fish), sea trade, water supply and the environment: light and heat (sun, moon, stars). The last 2 trumpets release demons on the Antichrist’s kingdom to torment and kill his followers.

The trumpet judgments have a 3-fold purpose (Num. 10): judgment on the Antichrist’s empire, to warn the lost to receive salvation and to signal the certain victory that is soon to come for God’s people (like the trumpets did for Joshua).

The limitation of the trumpets to a partial (1/3) judgment gives opportunity for repentance (1/3 is used 14 times in Rev. 8:2–9:21 (Rev. 8:7[2x], 9[3x], 10, 11, 12[5x]; 9:15, 18).

The Seal Judgments

The seven seals are released by Jesus, the Lamb of God (Rev. 5:5; 6:1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12; 8:1).

1 I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals... (Rev. 6:1)

First seal (white horse): Antichrist's political aggression (Rev. 6:1-2)
Second seal (red horse): bloodshed and world war (Rev. 6:3-4)
Third seal (black horse): famine and economic crisis (Rev. 6:5-6)
Fourth seal (pale horse): disease leading to the death of one-fourth of the earth (Rev. 6:7-8)
Fifth seal (prayer movement): prayer movement strengthened by the martyrs (Rev. 6:9-11)
Sixth seal (cosmic disturbances): cosmic crisis (Rev. 6:12-17)
Seventh seal (anointed prayer): prayer movement strengthened to release judgments of Rev. 8-9

There is a recognizable relationship of the first four seals to each other. The points of similarity between them are a horse with a distinct color (white, red, black, pale) with a rider released by a prophetic decree of one of the living creatures. The four horses here are parallel in color to the horses (red, black, white, dappled) seen by Zechariah (Zech. 1:8-11; 6:1-8).

The seal judgments target the kingdom of darkness (Harlot Babylon, etc.). The events include the Antichrist conquering the evil nations that aligned themselves with the Harlot Babylon (Rev. 17:16-17) resulting in a world war, economic crisis, famine and disease, etc. The Antichrist acts against the Harlot with the devastation also affecting the resources in his growing empire.

The first four seals release God’s judgments in an indirect way because God lifts His restraining hand off evil men so they attack and destroy one another’s resources. The restraints on man’s sin are lifted so that the truth of their lawlessness is seen. These judgments involve earthly actions. The fifth, sixth and seventh seals involve heavenly activity (Rev. 6:9-17; 8:1-6).

Responses of the Church to God's End-Time Judgments

Offense (fear, confusion, anger) will be the first reaction of believers with an unrenewed mind. These judgment events are offensive to the natural mind without the light of the Spirit. God will use the least severe means to reach the greatest number of people at the deepest level of love without violating anyone’s free will. God’s judgments remove all that hinders love.

6 And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me. (Mt. 11:6)

Understanding will be given by the Holy Spirit to the end-time Church.

20 The anger of the LORD will not turn back until He has executed and performed the thoughts of His heart. In the latter days you will understand it perfectly. (Jer. 23:20)

Partnering with Jesus in intercession to release His judgments (Rev. 8:3-5).

Forerunners are messengers who proclaim “now” what the Holy Spirit is soon to emphasize in a universal way. They are one short step ahead of what the Spirit is about to openly release. By gaining understanding of these judgments, we can function as forerunners who prepare many.

The Significance of Understanding Judgment Events

God gave us four chapters of strategic information in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 6; 8-9; 16) about the most severe crisis in history. This information concerns the personal welfare of our families, friends, and cities. In other words, this information is an issue of life or death.

21 There will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world…22 Unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved... (Mt. 24:21–22)

The weather service provides information of a soon coming tsunami or hurricane so that the people can prepare for it. Military leaders are held responsible for a crisis that results from ignoring military information. In a similar way, prophetic leaders will be responsible to act on prophetic information. This information must not be ignored as unimportant.

6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman's hand. (Ezek. 33:6)

Forerunners prepare the way for the Lord, by preparing people to respond rightly to Him. They make known His plans, so that the people can understand and agree with Him as it happens. The highway God walks on is the voluntary agreement of His people as they partner with Him.

3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God…5 The glory of the LORD shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together (at Jesus’ Second Coming)… (Isa. 40:3-5)

Purpose of Judgment Series

Judging the Antichrist: destroying the Antichrist’s resources and discrediting his leadership by showing his inadequacy to solve the crisis. God’s judgments will cleanse the earth (Zech. 13:2).

Winning the harvest: some will be moved to cry out for salvation as they observe believers accurately prophesying the crisis events. The judgments will remove the false props that they lean on and warn the lost as they face the reality of eternity in witnessing the death of so many.

Directing prayer: provides prophetic insight to direct the prayer movement (Rev. 8:3-5)

Vindicating the saints: who stood faithful in their love for Jesus and the truth (2 Thes. 1:7-10)

Preparing the Church: in understanding so they have confidence by knowing what is coming next and why. The judgments signal the certain victory that is soon to come for God’s people. Unbelievers will be filled with fear and confusion.

Understanding God's Numbered Judgments

The 3 judgment series are literal events that must not be explained away symbolically or historically. Our method of interpretation is the plain, literal, common sense approach. All the events and numbers in the Book of Revelation are to be understood in their plain meaning unless they are specifically indicated as symbolic as in Rev. 1:20; 5:6; 11:8; 12:1, 3, 9; 17:7, 9.

The 3 judgment series are future. They have not yet occurred in history. The Preterists view wrongly sees much of Revelation as having been fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem and the fall of Rome (in the first three centuries after Jesus’ death). The Historicists view wrongly interprets Revelation as a progressive unfolding of Church history in seeing many of these prophecies as being already fulfilled in history. The Idealists view does not see a unique end-time application of the Book of Revelation, but wrongly interprets it merely as a symbolic picture of the spiritual conflict between good and evil that has occurred throughout history.

The 3 judgment series are numbered according to the chronological order in which they occur. For example, the first seal is followed by the second seal, which in turns leads to the third and so on. Because God’s judgments occur according to a numbered sequence, the Church will become greatly unified. Momentum will build as the Church sees them released according to their order.

The 3 judgment series are redemptive. They will create a global crisis that results in many crying out for salvation, while hindering the Antichrist’s persecution of the saints and destroying all the evil governments on earth. Revelation is not a doomsday prophecy about the world coming to an end. It is about God’s new beginning for the world. The birth of a baby is the end of a pregnancy, but it is mostly about the beginning of a new life. We are coming to the end of the dark night of Satan’s oppression of human history, to the dawning of a new day.

The 3 judgment series are progressive in that they increase in intensity as each series is released. The 7 seal judgments are surpassed in severity by the 7 trumpet judgments which are surpassed by the 7 bowl judgments. For example, 1/4 of the human race dies in the fourth seal (Rev. 6:8), yet at a later time this increases to 1/3 dying in the sixth trumpet (Rev. 9:15).

1. The seals alert us of something important to come. They are preparatory in being analogous to the wrapping on a gift that conceals the contents inside the package. The wrapping anticipates that which is mysterious. The nature of a seal is to keep private something that is anticipated. The contents inside of a scroll are always much more important than the seals that secure its privacy. The 7 seals around the scroll must be broken to open the scroll to release the mysterious contents inside (Jesus’ battle plan).

2. The trumpets warn us of something more severe to follow. They speak of impending disaster that requires extreme, desperate, emergency actions.

3. The bowls pour out in fullness without any delay or hindrance.

Three Numbered Judgment Series

The 3 numbered judgment series are the 3 sets of God’s judgments that are numbered in the Book of Revelation i.e., 7 seals (Rev. 6), 7 trumpets (Rev. 8-9), 7 bowls of wrath (Rev. 15-16). They describe 21 judgments to be released against the Antichrist’s empire in the Tribulation.

The book of Revelation is called the revelation of Jesus because it reveals His heart, power and leadership in preparing the nations for God’s glory. The Father’s purpose in giving us this book is to reveal the majesty of Jesus. It is secondarily a book about events in the End Times. If we read Revelation with the right perspective, it causes us to adore Jesus and to trust His leadership.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants--things which must shortly take place… (Rev. 1:1)

The events prophesied in Revelation are so significant. They include Jesus returning to earth to establish His Kingdom as He releases His judgments, and casts Satan into prison.

We must teach and meditate on these themes regularly so that the “fog of unbelief” lifts off of our mind concerning these unprecedented historic events. We do not see these events with clarity until we get familiar with what Scripture says about them.

The primary theme of the Book of Revelation is Jesus coming back to earth in context to judging the Antichrist’s empire in the Great Tribulation for 3½ years. The secondary theme is tribulation against the saints from the Antichrist (Rev. 12:12; 13:4, 8).

Revelation is the end-time Book of Acts. It is the acts of the Spirit through the end-time Church. As Moses released God’s plagues on Egypt through prayer, and as the apostles released His power in the Book of Acts through prayer, so the Tribulation will be released by the praying Church. The miracles of Exodus and Acts will be combined and multiplied on a global level.

The Book of Revelation is a canonized prayer manual that equips the Church to partner with Jesus in confronting Satan’s authority. Nothing like this has ever happened in history where hundreds of millions are unified with an infallible prayer guide revealing Jesus’ battle plan.

The end-time prayer movement under Jesus’ leadership will release His judgments through prayer (Rev. 5:8; 6:9–11; 8:3–5; 9:13; 10:6; 14:18; 16:7; 19:2). We need not fear the Great Tribulation as powerless victims. We stand boldly as Jesus’ Bride who releases it by prayer.

First Five Bowls of Wrath

First Bowl (Sores): Painful sores on those who worship the Antichrist (Rev. 16:2)

1. These sores will be foul with a terrible odor as foul meat is rotten or putrid. They will be loathsome in being so painful that men will loath them.

2. Only during the seals and trumpets does John mention believers having a divine seal of protection (Rev. 7:3; 9:4). The saints were raptured at the 7th Trumpet.

3. The sixth plague of Egypt was sores or boils (Ex. 9:8-11). Moses warned that rebellion toward God would bring God’s judgment of severe boils (Deut. 28:35).

Second Bowl (Food Supply): Destroying the sea with blood killing all sea life (Rev. 16:3). In my opinion, this is focused on the Mediterranean Sea from Dan. 7. The sea will become like the congealed blood of a dead man with unimaginable stench. There will be complete destruction of marine life not just 1/3 destruction as in the second trumpet.

Third Bowl (Water Supply): Poisoning the earth’s fresh water with blood (Rev. 16:4-7). The third trumpet (Rev. 8:10) is similar to the third bowl in defiling the drinking water. The first plague of Egypt struck the Nile with a similar impact as this (Ex. 7:19-21).

Fourth Bowl (Torment): Scorching heat and fire from the sun (Rev. 16:8-9) is a supernatural act, not merely a natural one. Men blaspheme God (v. 11, 21). This bowl will intensify the heat of the sun. The fourth trumpet affected the sun in the opposite way by making it less intense.

Fifth Bowl (Destruction): Darkness on the Antichrist's global empire (Rev. 16:10-11)

Coming into Agreement with Jesus on End Times

Shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night… Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith (agreement) on the earth? (Lk. 18:7-8)

Be a Berean by having a receptive heart and a searching mind. Be eager but cautious. Boldly challenge and refuse all ideas that you do not clearly see in Scripture for yourself.

They (Bereans) received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. (Acts 17:11)

Eschatological (pertaining to the End Times): teachings or activities related to the unique events that will occur on earth in the End Times that will shift human history to the age-to-come. The coming eschatological revolution will be the most comprehensive revolution in human history. This revolution ends when Jesus comes back to earth to replace all the evil leadership on earth.

The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord… (Rev. 11:15)

The governments of all nations will be replaced in a short period of time. Try to envision what secular news agencies would say and how you would describe these events to a friend.

The kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered to make war against Him (Jesus)… The Beast was captured, and with him the False Prophet…these two were cast alive into the lake of fire…21 The rest were killed with the sword…I saw thrones, and they (the saints) sat on them…Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus…and they lived and reigned with Christ for 1000 years… (Rev. 19:19-20:1-4)

Trends That Will Happen in The Same Generation

Watch for: the stage to be set that leads up to the Armageddon Campaign. All the nations of the earth will be gathered in Israel to war against God.

Watch for: emergence of a European Superstate (Europe/Middle East) in the area of the ancient Roman Empire that leads to a worldwide governmental authority with a 10-nation confederation.

Watch for: for one man to rise up from obscurity (as a regional political leader) with unusual diplomacy who initially works with a 3-nation coalition then will lead a ten-nation confederation (Superstate) and will confirm a peace treaty with Israel and the Middle East bringing peace.

Watch for: growing globalization or a deliberate movement towards a one-world governmental cooperation. The United Nations calling for the political identity of a new World Order will push to minimize national boundaries and establish one currency, military, political process, etc.

Watch for: a counterfeit peace and safety that will be easily noticed as the world wrongly assumes that their problems are being solved by unusual, skillful leadership.

Watch for: anti-Semitism to grow rapidly on a worldwide scale.

Watch for: trends that will lead to an international siege against Jerusalem.

Watch for: significant increased Arab hostility towards Israel (Ezek. 35:1-15).

Watch for: the emergence of oil rich Islamic nations in alliance with a global leader (Antichrist).

Watch for: the emergence of worldwide religious network with great economic power that legalizes killing Christians who resist it.

Watch for: the emergence of a worldwide economic system.

Watch for: the rebuilding of the city of Babylon located on the Euphrates River in Iraq.

Watch for: the rise of the kings of the East (Asian confederacy) that will initially resist the Antichrist, but then will eventually join him in attacking Israel.

Watch for: a series of battles around the world after the worldwide peace and safety.

Political Signs Involving Other Nations

World peace and safety: the Antichrist will offer his solutions to the turmoil in the nations that is seen in the beginning of birth-pangs (Mt. 24:4-8). The last 7 years begins when the Antichrist confirms a covenant with many nations bringing world peace that lasts 3½ years (1 Thes. 5:3; Dan. 9:27). The Antichrist is first revealed as a man of peace who brings world peace.

Global government: emergence of a global coalition based in a Middle East-European superstate (revived Roman Empire) with a 10-nation confederation under the Antichrist’s authority (Dan. 2:41-42; 7:7, 20, 24; 9:26-27; Rev. 12:3; 13:1; 17:3, 7, 12, 16). This one-world governmental coalition will lead the world into the Armageddon Campaign. This will be the largest political, military, economic, religious power in history (Dan. 2; 7; Ezek. 38; Rev. 13; 17). There is a growing globalization quickly moving towards a one-world governmental cooperation.

A worldwide cooperation in policies and economics will be necessary for the legislation seen in Rev. 13:14-17. These systems must be refined before the Antichrist unveils his true evil self. A one-world coalition of nations, with the majority of the nations operating with deep cooperation with the Antichrist in their policies, concerns economics, technology, security and military.

End Time Political Signs Regarding Israel

In Scripture, Israel is the reference point in discerning God’s prophetic timetable for the End-Time drama. Israel has always been the primary timing indicator for God’s prophetic calendar. The entire End-Time drama in Scripture is given in context to events related to Israel. Dan. 9:24-27 is the most significant prophecy about nations in the End-Times. It speaks of Israel being in the land, with an army and a rebuilt Temple with sacrifices according to the law of Moses.

The re-establishing of the state of Israel and capturing of the city of Jerusalem fulfills numerous prophecies. Israel began as a nation on May 15, 1948. Scripture describes Jerusalem inhabited by citizens of the state of Israel as the center of world controversy in the End-Times (Zech. 12:1-3; 14:1-3; Luke 21:20-24). The Abomination of desolation requires Israel to be in the Land with a rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem (Dan. 9:27; Matt. 25:15; 2 Thes. 2:4; Rev. 13:5, 15-18).

Several prophecies related to Israel are closely linked to each other. They include the return to the land, gaining control of Jerusalem, rebuilding the Temple, re-establishing the Hebrew language and the Sabbath (in their civil law; Mt. 24:15-20), becoming the center of world politics and controversy (Zech. 12:1-3; 14:1-3; Joel 3:2, 12; Zeph. 3:8; Lk. 21:20-24).

The re-establishment of the Hebrew language was prophesied by Zephaniah. For Israel to speak Hebrew after being out of their homeland for 2,000 years is unprecedented in history.

Over 2,500 years ago, Daniel and Zechariah prophesied what seemed impossible; that a weak and broken Israel would be the primary focus of the whole earth (Zech. 12:3; 14:2). Jerusalem is quickly becoming the center focus of world attention. The stage will be set that leads to the Armageddon Campaign in which all nations will be gathered against Jerusalem for 3½ years. Anti-Semitism will increase worldwide. Jesus requires that the Church stand with Israel.

Significant activities related to the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple signal the coming of the End-Times. The Abomination of Desolation cannot occur unless Israel rebuilds the Temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. This Temple does not currently exist, but it must be rebuilt (Mt. 24:15; Mk. 13:14; 2 Thes. 2:4; Rev. 11:1-2; 13:12-18; Dan. 9:26, 27; 11:31; 12:11). Even now plans to rebuild the Temple are being pursued aggressively in Israel.

Technology Trends Indicating the End Times

Globalization: an alarming and observable trend is globalization and the manner in which finances, commerce, communication, religion, and geopolitics will converge from a nation-based context to a more globally unified expression (Rev 17-18). There will be one-world technology, economics, political cooperation, travel and info. Nations and religions will pool resources.

Knowledge and travel (Dan. 12:4): Daniel prophesied of a remarkable increase of knowledge (communication) and travel (transportation) as many “run to and fro” to obtain it.

Internet: has allowed knowledge to increase in the earth in an unprecedented way. Science and scientific advancements are currently fueling immorality (gender change, abortion) and murder (stem cell research, cloning) as clarity decreases in the ethical debate (Rev. 9:21).

Instant communication: satellite transmission with robotics, laser technology, instant global communication with microchip technology to facilitate a cashless society, etc. (Rev. 13:13-18).

Negative Trends Showing Generation Jesus Returns

The Harlot Babylon worldwide religion (Rev. 17:2-6): the Harlot Babylon will be a counterfeit “justice” movement and religion that will masquerade as an answer to injustice as it deceives the earth by feeding the poor, meeting humanitarian needs, loving peace, and championing the dignity of humanity with no moral absolutes. The Harlot religion serves as a “forerunner” to prepare the nations to worship the Antichrist.

Persecution against believers: will be unique in the generation in which the Lord returns

Falling away from the faith

The increase of lawlessness -- fullness of sin on earth

Murder: as the primary sin on earth (Rev. 6:9-11; 7:13-14; 9:21; 13:7, 10; 16:6; 17:6)

Sorceries: occult and demon worship will fill the earth (Rev. 13:3-4, 8, 12-15; 14:11)

Immorality: demon energized perversion (Rev. 9:20-21; 16:13; 17:2; 18:3; 19:2)

Theft: legislation and persecution motivated by theft

Positive Trends Indicating Jesus' Return

Gospel preached to all nations: Jesus connected the timing of His return to the preaching of the gospel to all nations. Mission organizations project from statistical data that the gospel will be heard by every people group and language on the earth for the first time by 2025.

Salvation of Israel

Bridal identity

Global prayer movement

Global prophetic worship movement

End Times outpouring of the Spirit

Unparalleled understanding of End-Time prophecy

Global youth focus in the Kingdom of God

Three Prophetic Time Frames

Scripture describes three prophetic time frames related to the last 7 years of this age (Daniel 9:27). The last 7 years is made up of 2 distinct periods each lasting 3½ years.
First time frame: beginning of birth pangs with turmoil in the nations (Mt. 24:4-8).
Second time frame: increased labor pangs with counterfeit world peace (first 3½ year period).
Third time frame is the hard labor pangs with the Great Tribulation (final 3½ year period).

Four Prophetic Signs of Generation of LORD'S Return

Sign Events – signs predicted in Scripture will alert the Church to the timing of His return.
Sign Trends – in society and creation will escalate and thus signal the final generation.
Cosmic Signs – highly unusual phenomena in the sky, this even includes weather
Personal Signs – subjective prophetic experiences (are secondary because they are fallible).

Common Lies Against Knowing the Signs of The Times

Lie #1: we cannot understand End-Time Scriptures or the signs of the times because no one can.
Refute: The Bible was written for all peoples to understand
Lie #2: some think that understanding the End-Times will minimize the work of the Kingdom.
Refute: It helps us to hasten the day
Lie #3: since we are not able to know the day or hour, we should not try to know the generation.
Refute: Jesus commanded us to know the signs of the times
Lie #4: that every generation believed they were the last one.
Refute: there were probably some in every generation that believed it - but universally that has not happened until recently
Lie #5: it will all pan out in the end.
Refute: The question is how well will it pan out for you?

Jesus Commands Us to Know the Signs of The Times

Jesus gave 12 trends as signs of the generation in which He will return (Mt. 24:4-8; Mk. 13:5-8, Lk. 21:7-18). They are false christs, war, ethnic conflict, economic warfare, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, troubles, commotions, fearful sights, great signs from heaven, and persecution.
5 Many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars…for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation…and there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes…8 All these are the beginning of sorrows (birth pangs). (Mt. 24:5-8)

11 There will be…famines, pestilences…fearful sights and great signs from heaven. (Lk. 21:11)

Jesus commanded us to know the generation that the Lord returns.

32 Learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near--at the doors! 34 Assuredly…this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place… (Mt. 24:32-34)

In Mt. 24:33, Jesus said that when we see ALL the prophetic sign events of Mt. 24 occur at the same time that we should know that summer is near (change of season in God’s calendar). There is only one generation in which all these things happen simultaneously on a global basis.

The Order of Key End Time Events

First time frame: Beginning of Birth Pangs (1948-?): Wars and rumors of wars (Mt. 24:4-8)

1. This is the time in which there is escalating turmoil in the nations.

2. Jesus gave twelve major trends that are to be discerned and received as prophetic signs to help the Church prepare for the coming years (Mt. 24:4-8; Mk. 13:5-8, Lk. 21:7-18). Matthew gives 7 major tends, Mark adds “trouble” and Luke describes four more which are “commotions, fearful sights, great signs from heaven and persecution.”

Second time frame: Increased Labor Pangs (First 3½ years): counterfeit world peace. This evil will occur during the first 3½ years of the seven years that leads up to Jesus’ Coming.

1. The Antichrist is first revealed as a man of peace (2 Thes. 2:3) who brings world peace by confirming a covenant with many nations (1 Thes. 5:3; Dan. 9:27).

2. The Harlot Babylon worldwide religion prospers and persecutes the saints (Rev. 17:1-6; Mt. 24:9-14) leading to the falling away of believers (2 Thes. 2:3; 1 Tim. 4:1).

Third time frame: Hard Labor Pangs (Final 3½ years): Great Tribulation (Rev. 6-19)

1. Chronological section #1 of the Book of Revelation in which the seal judgments are released (Rev. 6). At the first seal, the Antichrist is unveiled as a man of sin who begins to conquer (Rev. 6:1-2). It is the first fall of the Harlot Babylon religion as a voluntary worldwide religion of toleration (Rev. 17:16). Antichrist religion replaces the Babylon religion as a mandatory worldwide religion without toleration. All are forced by the threats of death to worship the Antichrist who sets his imagine in the Jerusalem Temple to begin the Abomination of Desolation (Rev. 13:4-18; 2 Thes. 2:4; Mt. 24:15).

2. Chronological section #2 of the Book of Revelation in which the trumpet judgments are released (Rev. 8-9)

3. Chronological section #3 of the Book of Revelation in which Jesus’ Second Coming Procession begins with the Rapture (Rev. 11:15; 1 Cor 15:52)

4. Chronological section #4 of the Book of Revelation in which the bowl judgments are released (Rev. 15-16) including the final fall of Babylon (an economic network Rev. 18)

5. Chronological section #5 of the Book of Revelation in which Jesus makes His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Rev. 19:11-20:10). The Antichrist will be defeated at the Battle of Jerusalem to end the Armageddon campaign.
a. The salvation of all Israel is after the leaders of Israel receive Jesus (Rom. 11:26).

The Millennium follows immediately after Jesus is received in Jerusalem (Rev. 20:1-10). The New Heaven and New Earth follow after the Millennium (Rev. 21-22).

Counterfeit World Peace

The second prophetic time frame occurs in the first 3½ year period. Its main three activities are the counterfeit world peace (1 Thes. 5:3), the Harlot Babylon worldwide religion that persecutes the Church (Rev. 17:2-6) and the falling away from the faith (1 Tim. 4:1).

The final 7 years begins when the Antichrist establishes a covenant with many nations bringing world peace that lasts 3½ years. When he breaks this covenant the Great Tribulation starts.

3 When they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains (Great Tribulation) upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. (1 Thes. 5:2-3)

27 He (Antichrist) shall confirm a covenant with many (nations) for one week (7 years); but in the middle of the week he shall bring an end to sacrifice (in the Jerusalem Temple). On the wing (edge/extreme) of abominations shall be one (Antichrist) who makes desolate, even until the consummation (God’s judgments), which is determined, is poured out on the desolate. (Dan. 9:27)

There are two stages in Satan’s End-Time plan to be worshipped by all nations and to rule them.

8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him (Antichrist)... (Rev. 13:8)

First, he will establish the Harlot Babylon worldwide religion as a means to deceive the nations and cause Christians to fall away from the faith. Next, he will establish the Antichrist religion.

Prophetic Time Frames

SEEING THE BIG PICTURE

Scripture describes three prophetic time frames related to the last 7-years of this age (Dan. 9:27). The last 7 years is made up of 2 distinct periods each lasting 3½ years.

The first time frame is the beginning of birth pangs with wars and rumors of wars (Mt. 24:4-8).

The second time frame is the increased labor pangs in the first 3½ year period (of the last 7 years) which is characterized by counterfeit world peace (1 Thes. 5:3; Dan. 9:27).

The third time frame is the hard labor pangs in the final 3½ year period of the Great Tribulation.

Common Lies About Knowing Signs of Times

Lie #1: we cannot understand End-Time Scriptures or the signs of the times. Scripture was written to be understood by all. The majority of people throughout history have been uneducated.

Lie #2: some think that understanding the End-Times will minimize the work of the Kingdom.

Lie #3: since we are not able to know the day or hour of Jesus’ return, we should not try to know the times and seasons or the signs of the generation in which Jesus returns. The truth is that the Scripture requires those in the generation the Lord returns to know it and prepare accordingly. Jesus and Paul emphasized the know-ability of the prophetic signs of the End-Times (Mt. 24:32-34; Lk. 21:25-29; 1 Thes. 5:1-6; 2 Thes. 2:1-11).


Lie #4: every generation believed they were the last one. It is probably true that a very small number (less than 1%) in each generation believed this. In only one generation has the majority of God’s people believed in a sustained way (for decades) that we will see Jesus’ return. Some in history spoke of the End-Times when a great crisis occurred (but the emphasis was temporary). There was Millennial fervor for a short time just before 1,000 AD but it was not sustained.


Lie #5: it will all pan out in the end. The question is how well will it pan out for you?

Prophetic Signs

FOUR TYPES OF PROPHETIC SIGNS

A. Sign Events – signs predicted in Scripture will alert the Church to the timing of His return.

B. Sign Trends – in society and creation will escalate and thus signal the final generation.

C. Cosmic Signs – highly unusual phenomena in the sky, this even includes weather

D. Personal Signs – subjective prophetic experiences that alert believers to the End-Times. We do not put undue focus on them because they are subjective and not infallible.

Knowing the Signs of the Times

THE COMMAND TO KNOW THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES


A. We are now living in the beginning stages of the generation the Lord will return.

B. Many Scriptures emphasize the importance of prophetic signs at the end-of-the-age. Jesus taught more than any one on our need to discern the times. He gave severe rebukes to those who did not pay attention to the prophetic signs that pointed to His first coming.

C. Paul taught that the Church should know the times and seasons related to the Lord’s coming. He said that we are not in darkness that the Day of the Lord should overtake us as a thief.

1 Concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night (the unprepared suffer unnecessary loss)…4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief...6 Therefore…let us watch and be sober. (1 Thes. 5:1-6)

Quick Recap of Book of Revelation

The 7 main symbols

1) Dragon: Satan

2) First Beast: Antichrist

3) Another Beast: False Prophet

4) Seven Heads: 7 empires from history that persecuted Israel
(Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, revived Roman Empire)

5) Ten Horns: represents a 10-nation confederation that serves the Antichrist

6) Harlot Babylon: worldwide demonically religious and economic system

7) Woman with the Male-child (Jesus): faithful remnant of Israel throughout history

STRUCTURE OF REVELATION: 4 PARTS

Rev. 1 Pt. 1 John’s CALLING to prophesy about the End-Times
Rev. 2-3 Pt. 2 Jesus gave 7 LETTERS
Rev. 4-5 Pt. 3 Jesus takes the SCROLL
Rev. 6-22 Pt. 4 Jesus’ BATTLE PLAN

5 Chronological Sections: what happens to Antichrist’s followers(seals; trumpets; bowls)

5 Angelic Explanations: what happens to God’s people (Jesus helps; Antichrist persecutes)

Rev. 6 Chronological section #1: SEAL JUDGMENTS
Rev. 7 Angelic Explanation #1: PROTECTION from judgments and falling away
Rev. 8-9 Chronological section #2: TRUMPET JUDGMENTS against Antichrist
Rev. 10-11 Angelic Explanation #2: DIRECTION by increase of prophetic ministry
Rev. 11:15-19 Chronological section #3: SECOND COMING PROCESSION
Rev. 12-14 Angelic Explanation #3: CONFRONTATION against saints by Antichrist
Rev. 15-16 Chronological section #4: BOWL JUDGMENTS destroy infrastructures Rev. 17-18 Angelic Explanation #4: SEDUCTION of Babylon’s evil religion
Rev. 19-20 Chronological section #5: TRIUMPHAL ENTRY (Rev. 19:11-21:8)
Rev. 21-22 Angelic Explanation #5: RESTORATION of all things (Rev. 21:9-22:5)

Restoration of All Things

The New Jerusalem is the place where resurrected saints will live. However, we will reign on the Millennial earth with governmental responsibilities. The saints will easily travel from the New Jerusalem to the Millennial earth as angels now travel from heaven to earth. We will come much more frequently than angels now appear because the veil between the two realms will be lifted.

The centerpiece of God’s eternal purpose is for Jesus to come back to establish His Kingdom rule over all the earth as He joins the heavenly and earthly realms together. Heaven speaks of the supernatural realm where God’s presence is openly manifest. Earth speaks of the physical realm as the place where natural process, human emotion and physical sensation reach full expression.

Jesus will rule the earth with the natural processes not suspended, yet enhanced by the Spirit’s supernatural dimension like when Jesus appeared after His resurrection (Jn. 20-21; Acts 1).

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