Revelation A to Z - Part M - First warning
The hour of judgment has come

As in school we have learned simple things first and gradually were progressing to more difficult, so it is with spiritual things, particularly with understanding God’s end time plans and purposes. For your own benefit, it is imperative that all “From A to Z - Revelation Made Plain” topics or posts would be read and studied in their chronological order, starting with “Part A” and progressing in alphabetical order. This way, your understanding of Revelation prophecies will progress from simple to more complex. Every week new part will be posted till complete understanding of Revelation is obtained.
This presentation is not affiliated with any church denomination or any Ministries.


Part M:
The explanation of the whole book of Revelation is far from complete. So far we have investigated and obtained understanding of how the end will begin. All previous posts of Revelation A to Z and this one including, deal predominantly with only the first angel’s warning:
Rev. 14:6-7: Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth--to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."
After the initial partial destruction of the earth, crucial events and unpleasant times await the remaining inhabitants of the earth. These events will be the subjects for our next half of studies.

But for now, in this post let us briefly review, what we have learned so far:
Chapter one introduces us to Revelation and to the main character - Jesus Christ, who has power and control over all, what is written in this book. Also the great symbol of the whole Bible - the temple of God, is introduced right on the beginning of Revelation. The temple of God plays important role in the book, and the understanding of it’s symbolic meaning permits us to orient ourselves in God appointed times for various end-time events to transpire.
John is meeting Jesus in heavenly sanctuary, in the Holy place, where he is instructed to write to seven churches. Chapters 2 and 3 cover the whole period of the time of the Gentiles and the progression of various conditions of Christian churches starting from their beginnings in the first century, through the dark ages all way to our day. By the time 1994 A.D. arrived, the vast majority of Christian churches slipped into the sorrowful condition of the seventh church - Laodicea. When we have comprehended the symbolic significance of measuring the temple, we have realized, that in 1994 expired the time appointed by God to the Gentiles.

In the beginning of the 4th chapter John is invited in his vision to leave the Holy place and to step in the Most Holy. John is invited to look at the events transpiring in the new time period, symbolized by the Most Holy Place - the thousand years reign of Jesus Christ. Immediately he is shown heavenly court (tribunal) siting in judgment. In chapters 4 & 5, in heavenly court proceedings, Jesus acts as our defense attorney and is inaugurated as the rightful King over this earth and receives book sealed with seven seals.
Seals in the 6th chapter overview all major events that will transpire during the transition period all way to Jesus’ coming. Even so Revelation portray seven seals, there are only four major events to transpire till Jesus’ return. Do not forget, in God’s point of view, the symbol “seven” represents completeness or fulness, not necessarily only the amount. In this case, seven seals portray fulness of 4 events (there will be no more) which must come to pass, till Jesus’ return.

1. Releasing four winds. (Seal 1,2,3,4)
2. Persecution of the true believers (Seal 5)
3. Wrath (anger) of God. (Seal 6)
4. The actual return of Jesus. (Seal 7) (Heaven is silent and empty; Angels are with Jesus)

Details of all these four major events are shown in the remaining chapters of Revelation.

Short insert: All posts of Revelation A to Z so far, (Part A to Part M) are dealing only with the first major event portrayed in the Seals - The releasing of the four winds and what they will cause. (Seals 1 - 4)
The remaining half of the studies will be dealing with the second major event - Persecution of the true believers shown in seal 5 and expressed in a condensed form in the second angel’s warning in:
Rev 14:8: A second angel followed and said, "Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great, which made all the nations drink the maddening wine of her adulteries."

Events portrayed in chapter seven are inserted between the sixth and the seventh seal, because one of the most important questions was raised at that point, which demanded immediate answer.
Rev.6:17: For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"
Chapter seven portrays them. There is great misconception on the subject of 144,000 God’s servants. We will examine it soon in some future post.

Section of the book of Revelation dealing with the subject of seven Trumpets (ch. 8, 9, 10 & 11) spans again the entire transition period all way to Jesus’ coming. The seven trumpets go over the same time span as the events portrayed in seven seals. The seven Trumpets show only more details and offer a view from a different perspective. Seven trumpets portray the end-time wars.
First four trumpets are showing us partial destruction of man’s environment. Fifth trumpet describes preparation for this destruction and shows how it will be accomplished. By great advances in science and technology, mankind will develop weapons of mass destruction and eventually will use them. The sixth trumpet is showing us the actual partial destruction of mankind and the earth’s environment. (second woe).
The first six trumpets are portraying in much more detail, only the first major event described in seals - releasing four winds and what they will cause.
Chapters 10 and 11 are showing in more details some events after the partial destruction, before and during the persecution of believers. It covers a protracted period of time between the two great wars, one on the beginning of the end and the other on the actual end.
The seventh trumpet is describing the later one - the wrath of God (third woe - 7 last plagues).
Same as it was with the seals, the number “seven” in seven trumpets denotes completeness or fullness of the end time conflicts (wars), not necessarily seven of them. Bible calls them woes and there are only three. We can see that the book of Revelation in chapters 8, 9, 10 & 11 is going over the same period of the end time events as did the seals, but brings more details to light and from different viewpoint.
All these events (except the last trumpet) will transpire in the early stages of the transition period, after unknown time period of delay.

Do not be persuaded by the teaching, that the entire end time period will last only seven years. Those who teach that, don’t know God’s plans. We have already 14 years behind us and are still waiting for the partial destruction to start.
After the partial destruction suddenly hits, the coalition of four powers (leopard beast) will be established and stays in power for a number of years before the beast power (one world government) comes to existence. Therefore, the persecution of believers will not happen immediately after the partial destruction but rather little later, when the world government begins to exercise its influence over the world’s affairs. Few years will expire before the beast power with the ten horns and seven heads comes to power. Only then the events portrayed in Rev. ch. 13 will be played out and these will last an additional several years before the wrath of God (seven last plagues) are poured out.
This was the main reason, why first half of Revelation A to Z were explaining in details releasing four winds. These events are right before us. The remaining events are still some years distant and will become pertinent in their proper time.
Those who teach Revelation backwards, concentrating on the seven years of end-time events, on the battle of Armageddon, the beast power and on the mark of the beast, for most part don’t know what they are talking about. If they have no idea of the events transpiring on the beginning and don’t know how it will all start, how can they teach you the truth about the end?

Revelation is filled with subjects pertaining to our time of the end, in which we are presently living. Your correct understanding of them and of God’s plans for this time of the end will depend on three major things:

1) It will depend on how much you will want to know the truth (if it will become your focus in life).
Jer.29:13: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Our God knows what we cherish in our hearts as most important and what are our priorities in life. For some it may be their family, for others their jobs or careers. Monetary wealth, power or fame are often the most important things in many peoples lives. When God and knowing Him and Jesus Christ will become your most important goal in your life, then God will impart you with His Spirit and will lead you to get to know Him well.

2) It will depend on what you will do with the truth (if intentions of your heart are noble - not selfish).
2Cor.2:17: Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God.
Many individual pastors, most of ministries (mainly TV ministries), and almost all denominations are running their churches as some business and expecting to make profit out of religion. The Spirit of God which guides us to the truth will not parley with anyone peddling God’s word for a profit. Consequently then, without the presence and guidance of the Spirit their understanding of God’s word and the prophecies is deceptive.

3) It will depend on what you, in your own mind will admit and accept as the truth.
Jn.8:31-32: To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Jn.17:17: Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
You will know the truth, if you will accept only God’s word (the Bible) as the deciding factor of what should be admitted as the truth. No other writings, written by whom ever and however popular, will qualify.
Anything what you accept as truth, must be verified by the Bible and must be in harmony with all the Scriptures, not just with one verse taken out of context, as many who teach God’s word have habit to do.

These are the three main reasons why only God’s servants and His people will be able to learn in the time of the end the true meaning of the Prophecies in the book of Revelation.
The spirit of man and the Spirit of God must be in harmony with each other. Where there is harmony, there will be also a unity of purpose and understanding.

Remember these facts:
A) Understanding of the book of Revelation is intended initially for God’s servants only (Rev.1:1). They in turn will instruct and teach this understanding of it to great masses. Some will except it and many won’t.

Who are God’s servants in the time of the end? Are they all Christian churches? Most of the churches are in Laodicean condition and are ready to be spit out of Jesus’ mouth. In the beginning phases of the end time events there will be only a small number of God’s servants. (Compared to the size of all Christianity) They must be sealed (into the truth) before the end time events start to transpire. (Rev.7:3)

One very dangerous teaching and opinion of many is, that during the existence of the beast power, people of the world will be, from necessity to survive, openly serving the devil. That is far from the truth! The whole world will be totally deceived! They will be persuaded, that they are serving their so called “loving God and Jesus Christ” - only it will be the Wrong One! During the time of the beast power there will be no anarchy in the streets. Strict dictatorial regime will be in place. The whole world will try desperately to turn the deteriorating living conditions around, so they can build the thousand years of peace and prosperity. Most likely there will be all over the world ration systems in place and enforced. By enforcing the mark of the beast, (special identification system) a scarce commodity (food and water) will be possible to equally distribute among the citizens. (As during the World War II a coupon system was in place).
Those who will refuse to conform to their rules and religion and side with the majority, will become the escape goat for their failures. The situation of the true believers at that time could be compared to that of Jews during the second world war in Europe. But all this is a topic for a future posts.

Another important thing:
Everyone knows, that before Jesus Christ returns, the great battle of Armageddon must transpire. For Antichrist’s arrival to be successful and for the world to accept him as genuine, false battle of Armageddon must sometime before take place, otherwise the whole world would see his arrival as obvious deception!

Present Christian teaching that the end-time events will last seven years and the claim that the next great war will be the battle of Armageddon have already prepared many believers to embrace Antichrist as their lord and savior.

When the partial destruction of our planet comes to pass the whole world and many of the religious denominations also, will label it as the great battle of Armageddon. They will be expecting arrival of their Savior, and Satan will not disappoint them. The truth of God and the deceptions of Satan run very close and parallel to each other. Our only defense will be the Bible - knowing God and His truth.

The book of Revelation gives to God’s people in total seven blessings.
1st) Rev.1:3 Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
2nd) Rev.14:12-13: This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."
3rd) Rev.16:15 "Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed."
4th) Rev.19:9 Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'" And he added, "These are the true words of God."
5th) Rev.20:6 Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
6th) Rev.22:7 "Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book."
7th) Rev.22:14 "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.
As “seven” in God’s language means fullness or completeness, the content of Revelation is giving to all believers in the time of the end fullness or completeness of God’s blessing.

There isn’t any need for more to be given!

What does it mean?
If some believers claim that they have received sometime in the past or at the present from God additional blessing in the form of another prophecies, or some extra revelation not shown in the Bible and connected to the time of the end, you may be certain that it did not originate with God. They may have truly received some extra prophecies or revelations, I am only maintaining that it wasn’t God, who gave it to them. The only two additional prophets of God will be the two witnesses portrayed in Revelation chapter 11. And even these two will mainly testify to the Bible.

In the time of the end, the following believers will be the true God’s people:
Rev.14:12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.
Rev.6:9: I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.; ....
Rev.12:17 Then the dragon.. .. went off to make war against.. .those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.; ....
What is the testimony of Jesus?
Rev.1:1-2: The revelation of Jesus Christ,... He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw--that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Rev.19:10 For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
And the prophecy which Jesus gave us is this book of Revelation:
Rev.22:16 "I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches.

The true God’s people in the time of the end will:
1) have the testimony of Jesus (they will believe, know and correctly understand the book of Revelation).
2) stand behind God’s word (Deciding factor of their beliefs and doctrines will be only the Bible).
3) obey God’s commandments (follow and obey His commandments)

Very few people realize that U.S., while claiming to be a Christian nation knowing God, have sold the true God already many years ago for god of mammon and material possessions. It is no surprise that the logo printed on U.S. currency “In God we trust” can be viewed today as affirmation in which god Americans trust - the mighty dollar. Daniel prophesied in chapter 7 and 8, that this great nation symbolized by eagles wings on the lion beast, or goat’s great horn will in the beginning of the time of trouble come to an end. I believe that we are in early stages of eventual U.S. collapse as a dominant power in the world. The economic crisis today is nothing in comparison to what is coming later.

Why would the end time events start with U.S., why don’t they begin with Israel?
1 Pet 4:17: For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
It is the U.S. and not Israel who claim to obey the gospel of God and accept Jesus Christ as their savior. Therefore the judgment starts with this God professing nation first. Presently all of us can notice clear signs of approaching doom. U.S. is embroiled in the Middle East war and will get entangled eventually even more. Financial and economic crisis are on the horizon if not already here. Increase in tornadoes, hurricanes and floods are indicators that God is using the nature to wake up this nation. Earthquakes will begin soon as well.
Some who claim to understand the last book confuse many believers by claiming that Revelation prophecies carry spiritual application. That claim is false.
Rev 1:1: The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.
The Bible is clear. The Revelation is showing us events which must soon take place. However, these events are shrouded in symbolic language. The last twelve posts of Revelation A to Z revealed the meaning of these symbols and gave us a clear picture of how the end begins.

In what stages of fulfillment are presently (year 2008) prophecies of Revelation and Daniel? According to Revelation and Daniel chapter 7 and 8, these are the events we should look for in the early stages of already starting time of the end.

1) Events that have already been fulfilled and we were not able to see:

• 1) In 1994 time-period of the Gentiles ended
• 2) Heavenly court proceedings started
• 3) Inauguration of Jesus as the rightful ruler of this earth took place
• 4) Servants of God are being sealed

2) Events that have not been fulfilled yet and we won’t be able to see:

• 1) Heavenly court reaches verdict
• 2) Four angels are released from holding the four winds of strife

3) Events that have already been fulfilled or are now in the process of fulfillment and we were or are able to see:

• 1) Goat became angry (Dan.8:6)- On Sept.11 2001 western power with (United States in charge) became angry
• 2) Goat attacked the first horn of the ram - In 2003 U.S. together with Great Britain (Lion with eagles wings) attacked the first horn of the ram -Iraq (kings of Meads and Persia) (Dan.8:7) - That is assuming that the attack on Afghanistan in 2001 was not the attack on the first horn.
• 3) eagles wings are plucked up or goat’s prominent horn is broken. U.S. will either be somehow destroyed or its power (maybe economic) will be ruined. ( Most likely what we are experiencing presently and what is in these days happening with the United States economy and finances, are the first tremors of the eventual collapse of this superpower.) (Dan.8:8; Dan.7:4; Rev.9;14-15)

4) Events that have not been fulfilled yet and we will be able to see:

• 1) Goat attacks the second horn - when will western power with U.S. in charge attack the second horn - king of Persia - Will it be Iran? (Dan.8:7) - Assuming again that the attack on Afghanistan was not the attack on the first horn.
• 2) Beginning of world wide conflict - bear (Russia) is involved (III. World War) (Rev.9:15-16)

These are the initial events that will eventually result in partial destruction of our earth.

These are the beginning of the birth pains, or the beginning of the time of the end.

Rev.14:6-7: Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth--to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."

Purpose of Satan in this world is to turn all God’s plans, values and principles upside down, not to destroy them. That would be easily recognizable and many would turn to true God. However, if he just cleverly twists and misapply them, then only those who know the true God, will be able to recognize it. Today, many of God’s plans, values and principles are even in the churches for most part ignored or twisted.

The truth of God and the deceptions of His enemy run parallel and close together. Only those who know the true God will be able to perceive them and avoid them.

John 17:3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

What can we expect in the next few years? In the very near future, military action of the west power and their allies against a second country in the Middle East - most likely Iran, will be the final igniting spark that rapidly spreads and sets ablaze worldwide conflict of the end-time events portrayed in the Bible, and eventually resulting in the partial destruction of its population, environment, and ability to sustain life on this planet. Economic collapse will be inevitable. United States as the dominant power will come to an end. Famines and various diseases will quickly follow.
When the earth lays in partial ruin, the end-time events portrayed in Daniel and Revelation will not end, in fact, they will just barely begin. Yet, many Christian churches will label it as the last great battle of Armageddon and announce imminent return of Jesus Christ. The devil will not disappoint them. A dazzling being of great power and charisma will be acknowledged by the whole world as their God. The world scene will be set for the greatest deception perpetrated on mankind. This is a condensed story of the beginning of the Revelation and other end-time Bible prophecies.
Where are the Billy Grahams or Joel Osteens of the end, to warn believers what’s really coming, and to make them see? Is there no one who understands God’s plans for the end? Why are the church leaders pulling wool over their own believers eyes? Is it because they themselves are blind? It must be, for in the end, the Bible tells us that the whole world will worship the dragon.

Your friend in Jesus
HH