Armageddon

Before you begin your Bible study, as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, be sure you have named your sins privately to God the Father. 

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [Known, Unknown and Forgotten sins] (1Jn 1:9)

You will then be in fellowship with God, Filled with God the Holy Spirit and ready to learn Truth from the Word of God.

God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and Truth. (Joh 4:24)

                               ARMAGEDDON

The strategic importance of Palestine

     Any serious student of the Word of God is interested in that small area of the world which today is called Israel. Since Palestine is a piece of real estate that God has Promised to the Jews, (Gen 15:18) we know there is a time in the future when they will possess this Land. Since A.D. 70, when the legions of Titus destroyed Jerusalem, the Jews have been scattered all over the earth and will continue to be dispersed until after the Second Advent when Jesus Christ Himself re-gathers them nationally as believers in the Land. The present dispersion is the result of their persistent negative volition to Truth and their failure to spread the Gospel. (Hos 4:6; Mat 23:3) Although the Jewish people throughout the world are conscious of their national home in Palestine, they are entering the Land as unbelievers and, therefore, modern Israel does not constitute the Prophesied millennial nation under God.

     Down through the centuries, armies of all nations have pushed across this strategically vital territory. Today waves of Zionistic immigration have caused uneasiness in the Arab world. The Arab states, which have been engaged in a bid for power and political solidarity, must keep face, (Esprit de corps) in the Near East by seeking to seize this strip of land from the Jews.

     It has been said that the nation which controls the Bosporus and the Suez Canal commands three continents — Europe, Asia and Africa. The Bosporus technically is the twenty-mile strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara; but the strategic area actually includes the entire body of water from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea and forms part of the boundary between Europe and Asia. It becomes more apparent with the advance of time that Palestine, located between the Bosporus and the Suez Canal, is a focal point for military and economic strategy throughout the world.

     For hundreds of years, different views concerning Israel’s future, as defined in the last book of Scripture, have produced a multitude of opinions and theories of interpretation. Attempts to associate Biblical passages with contemporary events always lead to confusion when the dispensational aspect of God’s Plan is ignored. Since “God is not the author of confusion,” (1Co 14:33) He has given us a timetable which the Bible calls “administration — dispensation,” (Eph 1:10) this is the key to understanding Prophecy, as it establishes chronologically certain events pertinent to Israel.

     Note that the Age of the Jews is interrupted by Christ; leading them out of Judaism, (Joh 10:3) into the New Covenant Age; of every believer existing as a Theocracy. (Col 1:27; Col 3:15) It is not until the personal reign of Christ in the Millennium — the last thousand years of history; that Israel will once again be a Theocracy. (When the Lord will be King!) But during the seven years prior to that period, which is the completion of “Jacob's distress,” God will unleash upon the world, a series of judgments unequaled in human history. (Rev 16:1-21)

The Time of the Tribulation

     For then there will be a Great Tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. (Mat 24:21-22)

     The Tribulation period will be a little less than 7 yrs, instead of the 70 yrs that it should be. (Dan 8:14) Divine judgment in Babylon was for 70 yrs. (Jer 25:11-12; Dan 9:2) From Nehemiah to the beginning of the Millennium; Dan 9:24-27) the Jews did not let the land rest; so they owe 70 yrs of Divine discipline for the very same reason.

     Speaking to His disciples, Jesus Christ Prophesied concerning the Tribulation in His Olivet Discourse. The information should not have come as a shock to the disciples, as the Old Testament contains many references to this fact.

     (Jer 30:4-7) speaks of “the time of Jacob’s distress” and compares it to the “birth-pangs” of a woman.

     (Eze 20:34-38) refers to a time when Israel shall “pass under the rod.” (Discipline) The Tribulation is also represented as God's “melting pot,” where Israel will be refined as gold and the impurities removed. (Eze 22:19-22; Zec 13:9; Mal 3:1-3) This time of trouble is known as “the indignation” in, (Isa 10:5; Isa 13:5; Isa 26:20; Dan 8:19).

     Perhaps the most familiar term of all is Daniel’s “Seventieth Week,” recorded in, (Dan 9:20-27). In his Vision, the Prophet Daniel was told of a seventy-week period.

     Seventy weeks have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, [End the fifth cycle of discipline] to make an end of sin, [Judgment on negative volition, evil: Satan's thinking, moral and immoral degeneracy, religion, and anti-Semitism, etc.] to make atonement for iniquity, [The Baptism of Fire; to cleanse the earth] to bring in everlasting righteousness, [Start the Millennial rein of Christ] to seal up Vision and Prophecy [To fulfill the Old Testament Scriptures and Covenants to Israel] and to anoint the most holy place. [The inauguration of the new Temple] (Dan 9:24)

     These were Prophetic weeks (Seventy sevens) in which each week stood for seven literal years. This 490-year period was calculated from the, “going forth of the Commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem” the decree of Artaxerxes I (Artaxerxes Longimanus) of Persia in 445 B.C. (cf. Neh 2:1-6).

     It was exactly 483 years (Sixty-nine “weeks”) from that time that Jesus Christ rode into Jerusalem and was hailed by some as the Promised Son of David, (Mat 21:8-9; Luk 19:44) but ridiculed by others. This is known in Christendom today as “Palm Sunday.”

     The crucifixion of Christ was the beginning of the interruption of the Prophecy and left one remaining “week” (Seven years) to be fulfilled. Added between the sixty-ninth and seventieth “week” of Daniel is the present New Covenant Church Age; (When EVERY believer is a Theocracy) during which political and racial Israel is temporarily set aside as a Theocracy and missionary agency. (Gal 3:26-28) This same Passage in, (Dan 9:26) demonstrates the silence of the Old Testament prophets with regard to the “Doctrine of the mystery” (Eph 3:3) or the Spiritual Thinking of the New Covenant Church Age believer. (1Co 2:13-16) When any Prophecy dealt with events chronologically, the Age of the Church was omitted, and information concerning the Tribulation or Millennium or the eternal future; followed sequentially.

     Although Daniel received Communication regarding the Tribulation, he understood only that it referred to a time of great trouble for his people. What were unknown and unrelated facts to Daniel were clearly revealed to John later on, on the Island of Patmos, where he was Commanded to record all the details in the Book of Revelation!

The Character of the Tribulation

     Through the study of the Word of God, we are brought to the realization that from the beginning, Satan has attempted to prevent God’s Plan for man. As the result of the devil’s cunning and man’s subsequent negative volition, both physical and Spiritual death became the heritage of Adam and Eve and their progeny.

     (Gen 2:17; Gen 3:4; Rom 5:12) (Gen 3:15) not only promised a personal Redeemer who would overcome Satan, but also implied a perpetual warfare between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of the devil. Underlying this conflict is Satan’s constant attempt to challenge the Divine nature of God. Since God has given four unconditional Covenants to “believing” Israel and guaranteed their fulfillment, Satan has sponsored antagonism toward the Jews throughout history. During the Tribulation, in an effort to prevent the Jews from occupying the Land, he will foster a period of unparalleled anti-Semitism and launch a concentrated attack against Israel aimed at the destruction of all Jews. If no Jews survive, Christ cannot fulfill His Promises to them! (So some will survive!)

     RELIGION — Satan’s ace trump will be free as never before to delude, deceive and destroy.

     The Tribulation will be divided into two periods of approximately three and one half years each. The first three and one half years will be characterized by power politics in which four major spheres of influence will struggle for world domination. Lawlessness and anti-Semitism will drastically increase, and the end of the Tribulation will culminate in a satanic attempt to annihilate the Jews by the gathering of the armies of the world against Palestine. So intense is the severity of the second half that it is known as the “Great Tribulation.” (Mat 24:21-22)

(Dan 9:27; Dan 12:11)

     At that time the Beast dictator will violate it and betray those with whom he had entered into an agreement. Following his betrayal of the covenant, he will turn against Israel with implacable fury and hatred. The age will close with the total collapse and defeat of Satan’s forces at the Battle of Armageddon. God will demonstrate before angels, demons and men that the Lord Jesus Christ can, single-handedly, overcome the combined forces of Satan’s entire kingdom of darkness and evil. He will need the help of no man, and His victory over the powers of evil will be unquestionably decisive.

Grace before judgment

     Before every Divine judgment throughout Scripture, God has given man a period of grace in which to be saved. Prior to the Flood, God granted the human race one hundred and twenty years. (Gen 6:3) That civilization had the object lesson of the building of an ark, as well as the faithful declaration of the Gospel by Noah. (2Pe 2:5) Throughout the Tribulation period, the Gospel will be proclaimed as never before in history; (Mat 24:14) so that all  people will again be without excuse! (Rom 1:18-20) The world will be evangelized four times: by the 144,000 Jewish evangelists. (Rev 7:4) By the Testimony of the Tribulational saints and martyrs. (Rev 6:9; Rev 7:9; Rev 20:4) By the two witnesses, Moses and Elijah; (Rev 11:3) and by angels. (Rev 14:6-7)

     In, (Rev 16:1) we are introduced to the seven vials or bowls, literally seven cataclysmic pressures which represent a final great Evangelistic thrust designed to bring people to a realization of their need for Christ. Although He freely offers grace, God never forces human volition. But instead of repenting, (Changing their minds about Christ) these unbelievers and carnal believers “blasphemed the name of God.” (Rev 16:9) This chapter demonstrates that those who are blinded by religion will not change their mental attitude toward Christ; under the most tender and gracious approach; nor under maximum disaster.

     The first bowl of God’s wrath will be loss of health; (Rev 16:2) the second and third are food and water crises; (Rev 16:3-7) the fourth; a heat wave; (Rev 16:8-9) the fifth; an epidemic. (Rev 16:10-11) The sixth bowl, which provides the background for Armageddon, is military disaster; (Rev 16:12-16) and the seventh; disasters of nature. (Rev 16:17-21) Although all these judgments result in great pain and impoverishment, they are not designed to annihilate the population only to bring people to a saving knowledge of Christ before the Second Advent and the Baptism of Fire. (Mat 3:11)

     We must remember today, as believers will need too in the Tribulation, that no matter how dark and grim the situation, God is ever on His throne directing the affairs of men and working out His Plan in the lives of His own. (Psa 33:1-22) NOTHING can remove believers from the earth as long as the Lord wants them here. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you are a member of the Royal Family, and God has a purpose for your life. God’s Word gives strength in the face of hopeless disasters and tragedies. He can deliver a believer through or from any difficult situation regardless of the dispensation in which he lives! But understanding this comforting Principle depends on the Bible: the Word of Truth in the soul. Truth makes all the difference!

What is Armageddon?

     (Rev 16:12-16) is the only passage in which the word “Armageddon” is mentioned. The context of these Verses specifies certain events, personalities, nations and geographical localities which are identified with “the battle [POLEMOS] of the great day of God Almighty.” The presence of POLEMOS in (Rev 16:14) instead of MACHE, which usually denotes “battle” or “individual combat,” indicates that the events described are a part of a war or campaign. A campaign involves a military invasion into unfriendly territory in an effort to locate enemy forces and peoples for the purpose of annihilation, subjugation or enslavement; therefore, a campaign is composed of a series of battles in a specific geographical location, fought in chronological succession or simultaneously. Inasmuch as this titanic struggle occurs in one country, Palestine, the translation of POLEMOS as “campaign” is preferred to “war” or “battle.”

     The tenor of Scripture describing the location of the campaign leads to the conclusion that the campaign of the Great Day of God Almighty is fought in at least four specific geographical areas: (1) Jerusalem; (Zec 12:1-11; Zec 14:2-3) (2) Armageddon; (Rev 16:16) (3) Jehoshaphat Valley, east of Jerusalem; (Joe 3:2; Joe 3:12) and (4) Edom. (Isa 34:1-8)

     The Greek word ARMAGEDDON is derived from the Hebrew HAR MEGIDDO, meaning the hill or city of Megiddo, which occupied a prominent position on the southern rim of the Plain of Esdraelon. It was famous for two great victories: of Barak and Deborah over the Canaanites (Jdg 4:15) and of Gideon over the Midianites. (Jdg 7:1) Here, too, occurred the death of Saul in the battle of Gilboa against the Philistines, (1Sa 31:8) and that of Josiah at the hands of Pharaoh Necho’s Egyptian army. (2Ki 23:29-30; 2Ch 35:22)

     So vast is this plain that Napolean Bonaparte, upon reviewing it, remarked that all the armies in the world could maneuver in such a place! While (Rev 16:14-16) lacks details of the campaign, it verifies the fact that a mighty conflict involving all the nations in the world will take place in Palestine. These will be satanically inspired forces assembled in defiance against God; for the purpose of destroying His people, Israel. However, those elements and personalities under the domination of Satan and in opposition to God will themselves be destroyed at the climax of this final warfare, the Second Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ! Armageddon is not just the decisive defeat of vast military forces representing mighty international empires, but is an integral part of both the closing campaign of the Tribulation and the predicted Plan of God!

Four Spheres of influence

     During this Biblical “week,” Palestine will emerge in economic importance. For such a small area, it contains tremendous natural resources: the Dead Sea is the site of some of the most valuable chemical deposits known today. In addition, Palestine’s strategic location will be even more crucial than ever before. Four great spheres of influence will engage in a power grab for the wealth and control of the Tribulational world. They are designated in Scripture as the “King of the West,” the “King of the North,” the “King of the South” and the “Kings of the East” Their identities are derived from their directional relation to Palestine. Each entity is a group of nationalities united by a common purpose designed either for survival or for the control of the earth’s surface. In identifying the spheres geographically, we can only relate them to conditions at the present time; even a few years from now the picture could be entirely different.

     Among the kings gathered for battle in the Great Day of God Almighty; is the one whom Daniel variously called the “King of the north” in, (Dan 11:40) and the “king insolent and skilled in intrigue” in, (Dan 8:23) Isaiah refers to this same person as the “Assyrian” (Isa 10:24) and “overflowing scourge.” (Isa 28:15-18) This king is not to be confused with “Gog and Magog” of (Rev 20:8) which is an inclusive term for all the adherents of Satan after his release, at the close of the Millennium and subsequent rebellion against God.

     Since Russia has recognized the enormous value of the resources in the Middle East, the Communists have contributed greatly to the consolidation of Egypt and the Arabic nations — the pan-Arabic bloc — Islamic Caliphate — the King of the South.

     The Kings of the East (Dan 11:44) and the “kings of the sun-rising” (Literal rendition from, Rev 16:12) are considered synonymous. These Oriental hordes will cross the Euphrates and invade Palestine in the second half of the Tribulation. Today this confederation of Oriental powers would be analogous to the Chinese Communists. Before World War II, many would have said it was the Japanese Empire; but in the future all major Asiatic powers may be linked as a pan-Oriental bloc.

    The King of the West always refers to the Dictator of the Revived Roman Empire — the future confederation of the United Nations. (G20) In the rise of nationalism during the last century, the balance of power resided in European nations, as seen in the various alliances of World Wars I and II. These are no longer significant, since the pan-Oriental bloc has upset this balance. Although the aims of the Russian and Chinese Communists are divergent, together they form a fantastic Communist bloc that comprises over a third of the world’s population. Therefore, Western Europe must merge into a strong union in order to meet the threat of domination. NATO, Winston Churchill’s United States of Western Europe, and other similar international concepts seem to point to a consolidated of the G20.

     The only nation preventing the balance of power from land-sliding into Communist hands at present is the United States of America, which is still reckoned a major force in the world. In reality, however, we are no longer a giant except in industrial power and even that is being destroyed by governmental interference. As far as we can apply Prophecy to the United States at the present time, it would appear that we will be one of the nations of the “King of the West.” (The beast ruler)

     It is obvious that many Americans are already mentally prepared for surrender: our educational systems, fashions, lifestyles and many philosophical concepts are influenced by European culture. We have weakened our own economy by sending money, arms, food and industrial know-how to foreign nations. It is a bitter fact that a part of every dollar which the American worker earns is sent to other nations. Politically, we have already taken a gigantic step in that direction: we now have an ambassador to the Vatican!

The Unholy Trinity

     And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. (Rev 16:13)

     There are many passages which describe the maneuvers of the various kings of the Tribulation; this passage explains the evil force that motivates them. The three unclean spirits are ruling demons, (KOSMOKRATORAS) to whom Satan delegated the responsibility of influencing world rulers, and their advisers in order to execute his will. (Dan 10:13) 

The Dragon

     The first member of this villainous trio is the dragon, or Satan himself. Satan is a genius, and as in the Garden of Eden, so in the Tribulation he will direct worship away from God. His secret obsession has ever been to be “like the Most High.” (Isa 14:14) While God has permitted Satan to become the ruler of this world, (2Co 4:4; Eph 2:2) this has never satisfied his insatiable power lust. When the devil took Christ (Whom he knew to be God) into a high mountain and showed Him the kingdoms of the world, he said, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” (Mat 4:9) The culmination of Satan’s attempts to be worshipped as God; is revealed by the power he gives the “man of lawlessness.” It is Written that the King of the West, as Satan’s man, “takes his seat in [Or on; the Dome of the Rock; on the Temple Mount] the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.” (2Th 2:4)

     And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war, and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. (Rev 12:7-9)

     The seed of rebellion planted in the Garden will bear bitter fruit; in the Tribulation both Satan and “the beast” will be worshiped. (Rev 13:4-18) From the first subtle innuendo of the Garden until this very hour Satan has denied the fact that a just and righteous God has pronounced a penalty on sin. (Gen 2:17; Rom 6:23) In this deception the devil has greatly succeeded; “in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who IS the image of God.” (2Co 4:4) The simplicity of “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved,” (Act 16:31) has been obscured by the endless systems of works through which man seeks to be saved.

The Beast

     And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore. [Satan thrown down to earth] Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, [The great sea of God's omniscience] (Dan 7:2-3) having ten horns and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names. [Names of Christ and false gods] And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority. I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him? There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him. (Rev 13:1-7) Restated from. (Dan 7:1-8)

     The man of lawlessness, (2Th 2:3-4) is the “beast out of the sea.” (The Abyss) Other passages refer to him as the “feet of the image,” (Dan 2:31-45) the “little horn,” (Dan 7:8) the “prince that shall come,” (Dan 9:26-27) honoring the “god of fortresses,” (Dan 11:38) and “the scarlet beast.” (Rev 17:3) As the Dictator of the Revived Roman Empire, — United Nations G20 (The King of the West) he is said to have “ten horns,” signifying a ten-king / then eight-king confederacy which he will rule. (Dan 7:7-8; Dan 7:23-24) He is depicted as rising out of the Abyss. (Rev 11:7)

     Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit [Demon] or a message [False teaching] or a letter as if from us, [Not written in one of the books of the Bible] to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he “takes his seat in [Or on; the Dome of the Rock; on the Temple Mount] the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.” (Dan 11:37; Rev 13:16-17) Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now, [The Abyss] (Rev 9:1-11) so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; [Living apart from fellowship with God: Spiritual death and carnality] only He [God] who now restrains will do so until he [Satan] is taken out of the way.  (Luk 10:18; Rev 9:1; Rev 12:7-13) Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; [The Second Advent] that is, the one [The beast](Rev 13:14-15) whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness [Satan's false thinking] for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the Truth [God's Thinking] so as to be saved. [Delivered form judgment] For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the Truth, [God's Word] but took pleasure in wickedness. [Satanic and human thinking] (2Th 2:1-12)

     The beast that you saw was, [A demon ruler in the past] and is not, [He is in prison] (2Th 2:6; Rev 9:1; Rev 9:11) and is about to come up out of the abyss and go to destruction. And those who dwell on the earth, whose name has not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will wonder when they see the beast; that he was and is not and will come. Here is the mind which has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits, [Seven continents: the whole world!] and they are seven kings; [Demon rulers under Satan] five have fallen, one is, the other has not yet come; and when he comes, he must remain a little while. [Satan himself, the dragon] (Rev 12:12) The beast which was and is not, is himself also an eighth [“Demon and human ruler”] and is one of the seven, [Past demon ruler making a 2nd appearance ] and he goes to destruction. The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but they receive authority as kings with the beast for one hour. These have one purpose, and they give their power and authority to the beast. These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called [Thirty] and chosen [Sixty] and faithful. [Believers with Maximum Spiritual maturity] And he said to me, The waters which you saw where the harlot sits, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues. And the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and will burn her up with fire. [Destroy religion, kill all the members, and proclaim that he is “god”] For God has put it in their hearts to execute His purpose by having a common purpose, and by giving their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God will be fulfilled. The woman whom you saw is the great city, (http://dictionaryofdoctrine.com/Two-Rulers.html) which reigns over the kings of the earth. (Rev 17:8-18)

     “Horns” in Scripture denote power, which is given to him by the dragon, (Satan) and reveals that this dominating personality of the Tribulation is the agent of Satan. Until the middle of the Tribulation; when he announces that he is “god!” (Dan 12:11) Since Satan is a spirit, he needs earthly agents to accomplish his will; he therefore operates through the minds and activities of men to affect the affairs of the world.

         

     His empire is discussed in more detail in. (Rev 17:2-12) The “seven heads” or mountains in, (Rev 17:9) of this passage are seven continents. The seventh demon king is Satan. The beast or little horn of, (Dan 7:8; Dan 7:24) will subdue three horns of the ten-horn alliance and thereby assumes control. He will be given power to persecute the saints and to overcome them. (Rev 13:7) Then, according to, (Rev 17:14) the confederation of kings under the beast will make war with the Lamb Jesus Christ; who in turn overpowers them! His victory is the culmination of the Campaign of the Great Day of God Almighty.

The False Prophet

     Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb and he spoke as a dragon. (Rev 13:11)

     The third member of the infamous unholy trinity, the “false prophet.” (Rev 19:20; Rev 20:10) While the first beast of, (Rev 11:7) comes out of the Abyss — the second comes up out of the Land — Palestine; a man who is a Jew. (Rev 13:11) The fierceness of the false teacher is hidden under the disguise of a lamb, which dupes people into believing he is the Messiah that leads them to “god.”

     Although this prophet has no great army or military force, his influence is enormous. He is empowered by Satan and exercises all the might of the first beast.

     He exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence. And he makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed. He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the presence of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth because of the signs which it was given him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life. And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed. And he causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, and he provides that no one will be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his number is six hundred and sixty-six. (Rev 13:12-18)

     By producing these great signs and or miracles, he is able to sustain the claims of deity made by the first beast (The King of the West) and direct worship toward him. For this reason, the second beast is called the “false prophet.” Thus these rulers, together with unprecedented demon activity, wars, cataclysms and pestilences, will precipitate the greatest suffering the world has ever known. It is no wonder that this period is referred to in Scripture as “the Great Tribulation!”

The Frog Demons

     And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon [Satan; a demon] and out of the mouth of the beast [Half demon half man] and out of the mouth of the false prophet, [A man] three unclean spirits like frogs; for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. (Rev 16:13-14)

 

     This shows the Satanic appeal trial, the human race and, (Gen 6:1-4) are all a part of God's plan of grace; and to show; that free will is truly free; and that rejection of God's plan has eternal consequences no matter who or what we are!

     For centuries, demons have operated “under cover;” in the Tribulation, they will assume major roles and come out into the open. These demons are said to be “like frogs.” The croaking noise of the frog is often used as an analogy to the boisterous promises of politicians. The talks which precede the alliance between the beast and the false prophet are actually the mouthing of the demons. Hence, while demon possession and or influence are involved, the “noises” will emanate from the mouths of the politicians. Demon possession has been the basis for the activities of many rulers in history, such as Adolf Hitler. In the Tribulation demons will be visible and provide the power for the dictators to perform miracles, which are designed to impress the people. (Rev 9:7) The less people think, the more they are deluded by the supernatural! So we see Satan utilizing every means possible, to assemble the entire inhabited earth to do battle against God!

The Abomination of Desolation

         

     For a time the covenant between the nations will provide a sense of security. But in the middle of the “week,” the beast — Abaddon — Apollyon, (Rev 9:11; Rev 11:7) will change his treaty and eliminate false “Christian” forms of religious worship, (Dan 9:27; Dan 12:11) and demand that he be worshipped as “god.” At this point, the “abomination of desolation,” a statue of the King of the West will be set up in holy places of worship. All who fail to worship the image will be put to death. (Rev 13:15)

     When the believers who know the Word of God, see the establishing of the abomination of desolation will flee to the mountains, where they are to remain for the next three and one half years.

     Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place. (Let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. (Mat 24:15-16)

     But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. (Rev 12:14)

     There will be many attempts to lure these believing Jews from their mountain hideouts in order to kill them. False propaganda will be disseminated to give them the impression that Christ has returned. (Mat 24:23-26) The question then, as now, is — will they believe the word of man; or the Word of God? When the false reports of the return of Christ fail to induce the believers to come out of hiding, Satan will promote great “signs and lying wonders,” (2Th 2:9) in an attempt to deceive. The ones who succumb to these will be martyred; but those who know Truth will survive and be delivered by Jesus Christ at the appointed time.

Preparation For Battle

     Just as in the past God has used invading armies to punish disobedient Israel; so will the King of the North appear during the Tribulation to ravage the Land and destroy its people. This time, however, his coming will assure his own destruction!

      

     At the end time the king of the South will collide with him, and the king of the North will storm against him with chariots, with horsemen and with many ships; and he will enter countries, overflow them and pass through. (Dan 11:40)

     The pan-Arabic bloc, (King of the South) probably headed by the United Arabs; will also invade Palestine in another of its many attempts to seize that country. About the same time, the King of the North advances toward Palestine. There is only one land bridge between Russia and Africa, and that is the Middle East. Therefore, to make a strategic penetration of Africa by land, which is his main objective, the King of the North must move his army through Israel.

     By interpreting the Bible in the context of the time in which it was written, “chariots” would be highly mechanized armored forces; “horsemen,” mobility of troops; “many ships” — a mammoth navy. This verse indicates a strategic double envelopment. One arm of the envelopment is the army; the other, the navy — by land and by sea — with Palestine caught in the middle. The Russian fleet sails out of the Black Sea through the Bosporus and into the Mediterranean. The land forces cross the western end of either Iran or Turkey and continue on into Lebanon, Syria, Israel, the Negev (The V-section between Egypt and Jordan) and Sinai toward Egypt. The area from Syria down through the Sinai Peninsula is called the “Slot,” and from the standpoint of logistics, it becomes vitally important The King of the North makes a swift conquest of these countries as he passes through.

     “Overflow” is the rapid attack of armored forces designed to control the main arteries of travel and “to pass through.” The King of the North does not take the time to consolidate his gains but merely establishes control of the key points in order to set up his logistical system. His conquests follow the concept of lightning or blitzkrieg warfare, first developed by General Heinz Guderian. This sudden overwhelming attack consists of armored forces moving with great rapidity on the main arteries of travel. Motorized infantry then secures and holds the checkpoints a crossing or a town. These are followed by a mop-up army equipped to wipe out any remaining pockets of resistance, and, if necessary, to move inland in order to remove any possible threat to the line of logistics.

     He [The King of the North] shall also enter [Invade] into the Beautiful land [Palestine] and many countries [The many Jews] shall be overthrown: but these [Believers] will be rescued out of his hand: Edom, and Moab, and the foremost of the sons of Ammon. (Dan 11:41)

     Since the-first objective of the King of the North is the invasion of Egypt, he does not seek to control the entire Land of Palestine. Therefore, the regenerate Jews who have been hiding in the hills, (Mat 24:16) will continue to remain there in safety.

     Then he will stretch out his hand against other countries, and the land of Egypt will not escape. (Dan 11:42)

     The penetration of North Africa by land forces is next on the agenda of the King of the North. Even today, the Russians have constructed roads between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. They are also developing other areas with a view to moving into the Middle East. It just means that a comparable situation exists today that makes this passage very easy for us to visualize.

     Once the King of the North invades Egypt, he will be joined by his fleet so that he now has both water and land bases in which to organize his conquest of Africa. His plan of attack is twofold: one, a strategic penetration toward Ethiopia, the heart of Africa; the other, a strategic envelopment along the Mediterranean coast of Africa.

     But he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold and silver and over all the precious things of Egypt; and Libyans [Western advance] and Ethiopians [Southern advance] will follow at his heels. (Dan 11:43)

     He will gain possession of the valuable treasure of Egypt; this, along with supplies from conquered countries along the way, will form the basis for his further conquest of the continent of Africa. Just as he is about to launch his massive drive into Africa, an unforeseen event takes place:

     The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east. (Rev 16:12)

     How the angel dries up the river has been a source of speculation; but it is clear that the way is now prepared for the Kings of the East to invade the Land. Isn’t it interesting that these Asiastics suddenly move in this direction? They have not shown any interest in Palestine since the days of Genghis Khan. In maneuvering his chosen men into position to destroy the Jews, Satan has overlooked one major pawn the Kings of the East. God checkmates or counters Satan’s move, and the situation intensifies for the Jews. At this point, the King of the North receives disturbing military reports:

     But rumors from the East and from the North will disturb him, and he will go forth with great wrath to destroy and annihilate many. [Many Jews] (Dan 11:44)

     The armies of the pan-Oriental bloc will have crossed the Euphrates River and penetrated as far as Edom, forcing the Arabs back, as the Kings of the East advance toward Jerusalem. To the north, in the great Valley of Esdraelon, the army of the King of the West is concentrated. This would indicate a double envelopment, which cuts off the Communist land supply route from the east.

     The predicament of the King of the North is further complicated by news of the decisive defeat of his navy in the Mediterranean by the King of the West, which separates him from his base of supply by sea. Napolean found himself in a similar plight in Egypt when Nelson defeated the French navy at the Battle of Aboukir Bay in 1798.

     The logistical problems for a large army are astronomical, even when the supply lanes are open. With his navy wiped out and his arteries of supplies severed, the King of the North is understandably agitated. Desperate to reopen his supply lines, he can only return by land; so he turns his army back “with great fury” and heads for Jerusalem. His rage is against the King of the West, whose move had dealt him such a devastating blow. In his frustration, his first objective is to take vengeance on the Jews in Jerusalem. Apart from a few pockets of resistance, he meets with little opposition.

     He will pitch the tents of his royal pavilion between the seas and the beautiful Holy Mountain; yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him. (Dan 11:45)

     The headquarters of the King of the North are described as “his royal pavilion,” a command post which befits the commander of a great army. The navigational fix of his headquarters is established “between the seas” — the eastern Mediterranean, the Dead Sea and Mount Zion, the western escarpment of Jerusalem. If you draw a line between these three points, you will see that the headquarters are located just outside Jerusalem. However, Jerusalem becomes his “Waterloo.” (Ezekiel 38-39)

     Visible demon armies in the Tribulation period.

     Then the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from heaven which had fallen to the earth; [Satan; Rev 12:10) and the key of the bottomless pit was given to him. He opened the bottomless pit, and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke of the pit. Then out of the smoke came locusts upon the earth, and power was given them, as the scorpions of the earth have power. They were told not to hurt the grass of the earth, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but only the men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. And they were not permitted to kill anyone, but to torment for five months; and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it stings a man. And in those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, and death flees from them. The appearance of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle; and on their heads appeared to be crowns like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men. They had hair like the hair of women, and their teeth were like the teeth of lions. They had breastplates like breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots, of many horses rushing to battle. They have tails like scorpions, and stings; and in their tails is their power to hurt men for five months. They have as king over them, the angel of the abyss; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek he has the name Apollyon. [The beast; Rev 17:8) The first woe is past; behold, two woes are still coming after these things. Then the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, one saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates. And the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released, so that they would kill a third of mankind. The number of the armies of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them. And this is how I saw in the vision the horses and those who sat on them: the riders had breastplates the color of fire and of hyacinth and of brimstone; and the heads of the horses are like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths proceed fire and smoke and brimstone. A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues, by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which proceeded out of their mouths. For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents and have heads, and with them they do harm. The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as not to worship demons, [Living out of fellowship with God is to worship demons; 1Sa 15:23) and the idols of gold and of silver and of brass and of stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk; and they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries nor of their immorality nor of their thefts. (Rev 9:1-21) cf. (Joe 2:1-11)

     (Zec 12:1-11) discusses the human Siege of Jerusalem from the standpoint of the believers in Jerusalem. Here the frog demons of (Rev 16:14) have accomplished their task of gathering all nations in Palestine to make war against the saints and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Rev 19:19) Whatever their original purpose for being present in Palestine, Satan intends to use their forces for the annihilation of God's people. Truly this is the “time of Jacob’s trouble!” Never was the night as black for Israel as will be those closing moments of the Tribulation. Yet the mighty Gentile alliances which attack Judah in that day will besiege Jerusalem in vain, for Jesus Christ will make Jerusalem a “cup of reeling” to these national groups.

     Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah. (Zec 12:2)

     Jesus Christ, who is omnipotent in heaven, on earth and among men, (Zec 12:1) will bring to pass these events on the scene of time. Jerusalem is pictured as a cup filled with a strong intoxicant. The kings will drain its contents and will reel as drunken men. The intoxicant is Divine wrath poured out on the armies which are besieging Jerusalem in that day.

     It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; [The armies] all who lift it will be severely injured. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it. (Zec 12:3)

     Even at the present time, Jerusalem and Judah are a burdensome weight which the nations attempt to carry but cannot — a problem they cannot solve! Whether it is mistakenly conceived international declarations of the United Nations or individual nations attempting to lift the weight, Israel is the center of world conflict. Twice in recent years 1967 and 1973 the issue has flared up, threatening to engulf all nations in World War III! This burden will be intensified in the Tribulation, as Palestine will again become the focal point for world conflict. He who conquers Palestine rules the world! Three great confederations will attempt that conquest, but even their greatest efforts will be nullified by the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Israel itself shall be conquered when they “look upon Christ whom they have pierced,” (Zec 12:10) and the One who conquers them, Jesus Christ, will rule the world!

     Two other verses in Zechariah give a résumé of the Siege of Jerusalem, which will plunge the Land into a blood bath and a scramble for plunder.

     Behold, a day is coming for the LORD when the spoil taken from you will be divided among you. (Zec 14:1)

     The word “day” in the Bible has three connotations: (1) a twenty-four hour period. (Gen 1:5) (2) Less than twenty-four hours, such as the “day of Salvation,” (2Co 6:2) which refers to the instant of time when an individual believes in Jesus Christ. (3) More than twenty-four hour period, the most common instance being the “day of the LORD and or day of Christ” (Isa 13:6; Php 1:10) this period begins three and a half years after their agreement, (Dan 9:27) and covers the Tribulation, the Second Advent and the Millennial reign of Christ, a combined period of approximately 1007 years. Sometimes the “day of the LORD, day of Christ or sometimes the great day of God” refers to only one of these events, as in, (Zec 14:6-9) and (Rev 16:14) these will be fulfilled at the Second Advent.

     For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city will be captured, the houses plundered, the women ravished and half of the city exiled, but the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city. (Zec 14:2)

     This verse summarizes the events of (Dan 11:40-45) and (Rev 16:12-16) and presents the Divine explanation: God will PERMIT Israel’s enemies to gather against her. As the armies sweep through Jerusalem, two thirds of the city’s population capitulate. (Zec 13:8) This group of people will be lulled into false security by treaties and promises framed in smooth words and religious phrases — just as many are being duped today. People who are ignorant of the Word of God are easily led down the “primrose path.” When the Chinese Communists took over China, they instituted immediate reforms, and even many of our Christian missionaries were completely deceived. They discovered too late the ruthlessness hidden behind the whitewash of closing down houses of prostitution, opium dens and gambling establishments.

     Not only will the wealth of the people who surrender be plundered, but they will become the victims of violence and rape. It is better to die fighting for freedom then surrender to those who live by violence. Don't ever buy the concept, “It’s better to be Red than dead!” The alternative is not only better; it is BEST! Violence can only be stopped by greater violence. It is respect for the laws of Divine establishment which preserves all those who function under them. The born-again believers of the Tribulation are no exception; therefore, “the residue of the people [The believing remnant] shall not be cut off [Destroyed] from the city.” Believers are still resisting, (Zec 13:9) Why? For the answer we must go back to Zechariah 12.

     Then the clans [Governors] say in their hearts, A strong support for us are the inhabitants of Jerusalem through the LORD of hosts, their God.” (Zec 12:5)

     God always has men who are prepared to stand in the gap because they know Truth. “Governors” (ALUPH) is literally “general officers” and is so translated in the Septuagint. These generals make a decision to organize a defense and make a last stand. As we have seen, the unbelievers do not join them. They say in effect, “Why should we fight against our BROTHERS? We belong to the World Council of Churches; they treat us well!” So they go out and surrender and what happens? They are robbed, raped, tortured, taken into captivity or killed!

     Although the generals are aware of the lack of training of the remnant and their inferior weapons, they know these believers can be depended upon because they are motivated by the faith-rest technique which is undergirded by an understanding of the Doctrine of eschatology. (Joe 2:18-21) They have Divine Thoughts; from the Word of God in their frontal lobes, so they continue to resist.

     How applicable this is to us today in every area of life! It is great to see high school young people who know exactly what they are doing because they understand Truth: they know better than to date just anyone in order to have a social life or to enter into the activities that others succumb to for kicks; or to swallow the distortions of the satanically inspired human realities they are being taught. They are willing to “buck the tiger” and stick to their standards on the basis of the Word of God. It is refreshing to find college young people who neither depend on friends, fraternities or athletics for sustenance, nor need alcohol, drugs or sex to make them happy. They have the courage to be “Daniels” to be different and to resist the pull of their peers.

          Even in the face of ridicule, many young men in the barracks refuse to join in the traditional weekend drunken brawls or the “pot” parties; they refuse to conform or to lick the boots of someone above them in order to be promoted, and they too stand on the basis of Truth rather than compromise their Principles. There are courageous men in the business world who apply Truth and depend on God’s grace rather than on shady business practices to make a profit! No one has ever lost or will ever lose by taking a stand; believing and Thinking with Truth! (1Co 2:16)

     In that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot among pieces of wood and a flaming torch among sheaves, so they will consume on the right hand and on the left all the surrounding peoples, while the inhabitants of Jerusalem again dwell on their own sites in Jerusalem. (Zec 12:6)

     The generals have such a tremendous mental attitude they are like torches setting dry grass aflame! Their stalwart zeal ignites the people with inspired courage. They barricade what is left of the City, and with valiant determination, they are prepared to shoot to kill. (“Consume”) These who resist are alive when Christ returns and will live on in their physical bodies. They as well as other surviving believers will be the basis for the repopulation of the earth during the Millennium, as they reside permanently in Jerusalem in perfect blessing. (Isa 66:18-24; Zec 2:4-5) Yet much has to transpire before that glorious era!

Darkness precedes the light

     Meanwhile, the King of the North has established his command post between Mount Zion and the Mediterranean Sea, from which he has besieged Jerusalem. The King of the West — the ten-nation confederation of the Revived Roman Empire is operating out of the Valley of Megiddo in the Plain of Esdraelon. The Kings of the East — the pan-Oriental bloc are moving up into Jehoshaphat’s Valley; and although the Bible does not specifically state were the Arabs are, they are undoubtedly still very much in the picture.

          With the greatest concentration of armies in the history of the world encompassing one small section of the City of Jerusalem, the situation is bleak and hopeless for the Jews. Yet these hostile armies will suffer the most decisive and devastating defeat ever known in military history. Before the complete annihilation of the enemy by the intervention of Jesus Christ; there is a supernatural darkness on both sides of the world simultaneously.

     But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (Mat 24:29)

     For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people... (Isa 60:2)

     This is not the darkness of night, which contains light, but a total blackout on the earth. No artificial light can penetrate this utter blackness. It will be exactly like that total darkness which shrouded Jesus Christ while He was bearing our sins on the Cross. (Mat 27:45) No one was permitted to see God’s judgment of sin!

     In that day, declares the LORD, I will strike every horse with bewilderment and his rider with madness. But I will watch over the house of Judah, while I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. (Zec 12:4)

     Although horses can be so frightened that they become hysterical and scream, these are not literal “horses” but refer to the enemy military organization. Traditionally, the Jews have never employed cavalry as part of their military system but instead have maintained a fantastic reputation as foot soldiers. Therefore, any battle description where horses are mentioned always indicates enemy forces opposing Jewish infantry. The darkness will immobilize the enemy and cause such disorientation and terror that the men will lose all formation in the attack, and in their confusion, they will even kill each other. It is impossible to maneuver armored divisions, men and material in total darkness. As a result of the confusion, the warfare comes to a standstill. Isaiah describes the personal fear of those involved:

     Wail, for the day of the LORD is near! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. Therefore all hands will fall limp, And every man's heart will melt. They will be terrified, Pains and anguish will take hold of them; They will writhe like a woman in labor, (1Th 5:3) They will look at one another in astonishment, Their faces aflame. Behold, the day of the LORD is coming, Cruel, with fury and burning anger, To make the land a desolation; And He will exterminate its sinners from it. (Isa 13:6-9; cf. Luk 21:25-26)

     Another purpose of the dense darkness is to protect and preserve those believers still alive, just as the darkness of the Cross was designed to save believers for all eternity.

The deliverance of the saints

     In that day there will be no light; the luminaries will dwindle. For it will be a unique day which is known to the LORD, neither day nor night, but it will come about that at evening time there will be light. (Zec 14:6-7)

     Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. Fire goes before Him And burns up His adversaries round about. His lightnings lit up the world; The earth saw and trembled. The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples have seen His glory.  (Psa 97:2-6)

     BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. (Rev 1:7)

     Everyone will be able to see Jesus Christ as He comes out of heaven, for His Divine essence is the Light of the world the only Light which can penetrate the abysmal darkness; even as He is the only Light who can penetrate the darkness of the human soul lost in sin. (Act 26:18)

     Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, I Am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life. (Joh 8:12)

     Then the LORD will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle. (Zec 14:3)

     The Lord shall FIGHT! The cul-de-sac at the Red Sea is the pattern of deliverance. (Exodus 14:10-14) The Jews of the Exodus generation were also hopelessly trapped, with the Red Sea in front of them, the mountains to the side and the Egyptian army in rapid pursuit. The Israelites were on the “panic button,” when Moses shouted, But Moses said to the people. ...Do not fear! Stand by and see the Salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today... The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent. (Exodus 14:13-14) As they quieted down, they beheld the miracle of the sea opening up before them to let them pass through dry-shod; then they watched the waters return and drown the Egyptians, The Principle behind the deliverance then; and in the future is grace; it depends entirely on Who and What the Lord IS! As supernatural intervention won the day for the Jews in the past, so it will win the day in that future siege.

     In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south.  You will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him! (Zec 14:4-5) cf. (1Th 3:13)

     As the Lord Jesus Christ returns to the earth in glory, the first place His feet will touch is the very hill which has been designated as a target by the artillery of the armies of the King of the North! The Mount of Olives has always been an obstacle for people fleeing from Jerusalem, as in the case of David. (2Sa 15:30) The personal presence of the Lord on the Mount of Olives will convert this obstacle into a portal of refuge. He will split the mount and through the valley will move the believing remnant of Israel to safety, while the Lord destroys their enemies. As the children of Israel passed through the Red Sea to safety, so the future generation will pass through the valley made by the Savior.

The destruction of the enemy

     The Second Advent of Jesus Christ our Lord the Ancient of Days, David’s Greater Son, the Stone cut out without hands turns the tide of the campaign, saves the Jewish remnant from annihilation and causes a devastation of the Gentile forces unparalleled in all the bloody wars and campaigns of history.

     And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Rev 19:11-16)

     The white horse is the symbol of conquest. Although Christ has all the essence of Deity. He is called here “Faithful and True.” He is faithful to deliver His own, especially the believing Jews who are bottled up in Jerusalem. He is true to His Word, and at His return He will accomplish two things warfare and judgment. In both of these activities the Lord is absolutely fair and righteous, even though violence and death are involved.

     In a recent speech, the Attorney General of this government said that there should be no capital punishment and that no one should be killed everyone has a right to live. Yet throughout Scripture we discover that Divine Viewpoint designates that certain people have forfeited the right to live. God is omniscient and sees inside every soul; that is why He instituted capital punishment. (Gen 9:6) MURDERERS must be permanently removed from society in order to preserve society. Nations also occasionally need purging in order to preserve other nations. When a group of people become totally degenerate, they must be eliminated even as rabid dogs must be destroyed. The Canaanites were in this category, and God had them removed.

     The recipients of His wrath in that future day are unbelievers who will have had every possible opportunity to be saved but have persisted in their rejection of the only Savior. (Act 4:12) Therefore, His judgments are just and righteous!

     While the blood of Christ speaks of His Spiritual death on the Cross — the bearing of our sins in His own body. (1Pe 2:24) It also indicates here that He alone will fight and kill. The armies in heaven include the angelic army, Spiritually mature Old Testament saints, along with martyred Tribulational saints, and Spiritually mature believers of the Church Age. (Jude 1:14; Rev 17:14) The Lord is the Commanding General, and this will be the only army in history where the Commander in Chief does all the fighting while the troops stand by and watch!

     The “sharp sword” of, (Rev 19:15) is the greatest weapon of all time. Our Lord slays the armies of Armageddon with the Words of His mouth! The “great supper of God” is the massive slaughter which terminates the Armageddon Campaign. (Rev 19:17-21) Notice that Christ Himself demonstrates how to win a war: slaughter the enemy!

      Jesus Christ does not come back to sit around a peace table and negotiate a settlement. He returns to annihilate the enemy. There will be no more warfare for a thousand years because the enemy is DEAD! It is no wonder our Savior bears the rank and title of KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS!”

     Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds which fly in midheaven, Come, assemble for the great supper of God, so that you may eat the flesh of kings and the flesh of commanders and the flesh of mighty men and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them and the flesh of all men, both free men and slaves, and small and great. And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies assembled to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. (Rev 19:18-19)

     The armies are spread throughout the Land, from Megiddo to Edom, (Isa 34:2-10) cf. (Rev 19:1-3) and their destruction is complete from the lowest buck private to the leaders and instigators!

     And the beast was seized, and with him the false prophet who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns with brimstone. And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh. (Rev 19:20-21) cf. (Eze 39:17-22)

         

Summary of the campaign

     The Campaign of the Great Day of God Almighty occurs in the closing days of the Tribulation prior to the premillennial return of our Lord Jesus Christ to the earth to establish His kingdom; in fulfillment of the Promises of the Abrahamic Palestinian and Davidic Covenants. (Rev 16:14)

     The geographical location for the final conflict is Palestine, with specific reference to such sections as Armageddon (Valley of Megiddo), Jehosphaphat Valley, Edom (ldumea) and Jerusalem.

     At the instigation of Satan, the Land is invaded by four separate forces, representing all the nations of the world: Western Union, (Revived Roman Empire) King of the North, the King of the South and Kings of the East. The campaign will begin sometime during the latter half of Daniel’s seventieth week, known as the “time of Jacob’s trouble” or the “Great Tribulation.” It will terminate with the Second Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ, who destroys the personnel of the invading armies together with their leaders, casts the two beasts into the Lake of Fire, binds Satan, the instigator, for one thousand years, judges the believing Jews and Gentiles to determine whether they will enter the kingdom and eternal life or depart into endless darkness. (Mat 7:21-27; Mat 8:11-12; Mat 22:2-14; Mat 25:1-30; Luk 13:24-30;) Upon the incarceration of Satan and the judgment of the believing Jews and Gentiles, peace is restored and the Lord Jesus reigns supreme on the earth for one thousand years!

What is the answer today?

     How close is the Tribulation? According to the Scripture, there is no more Prophecy yet to be fulfilled before the Tribulation can take place.

     Are we on the verge of Armageddon today? Some occasions and conflicts can become so desperate that they could erupt into World War III. This is the age of wars and rumors of wars, (Mat 24:6) hot wars and cold wars! Many of these conflicts can be as nationally or personally disastrous to some of you as the siege of Jerusalem will be to the Jews of the future.

      Is there a solution? First of all, nations must be prepared by a strong military establishment. A nation cannot be strong industrially without military protection. This was demonstrated in the past by the rise of the Assyrian Empire. When the Assyrians gained the iron monopoly at the beginning of the Iron Age, they developed the greatest military organization in the world at that time in order to protect their tremendous industry. For two hundred years they never lost a war!

     Secondly, for the individual, preparation begins with Salvation:

     He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. (Joh 3:36)

     The wrath of God will be as certain and as swift on the unbeliever who rejects Jesus Christ today as in that future day!

     For the one who has received Jesus Christ as Savior; Truth has an answer for every emergency of life. If you know Truth, as will the Jewish generals of the future, you will not faint in the day of adversity. (Pro 24:10) No matter what happens, the Lord has a Plan and a purpose for your life. Your first responsibility is to take in Truth through the function of the “grace apparatus for perception;” Operation Z, and to move on to the mature Christian life! As a Spiritually mature believer, God will use you in prosperity as well as in disaster. You will do credit to your Lord and Savior; your life will have meaning and purpose and definition; you will possess life and happiness exceeding abundantly above all you could ask or think! (Eph 3:20) There is no catastrophe, no disaster, and no pressure too great for the Word of God and the Plan of God! And you, believer, are an integral part of that Plan!

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