READ THE FIG LEAVES

Signs of the Times

INTRODUCTION— PREVIEW

Prologue

Most of the research for this study has been devoted to what I believe will literally happen on earth in the end-times, although symbolism and spiritual things that will help explain the literal have also been explored. In Revelation it is often hard to separate the literal from the spiritual or symbolic; for symbolism is often married to the literal.

Many people want to know what is literally going to happen in the end-time. That is the reason I have chosen to focus on the literal events of Revelation and other end-time prophecies. My purpose has been to isolate, at least, some of those literal events and to place them into a useful timeline.

Although there are several ways to present the literal events of the end-times, a timeline was chosen; for most want to know what is going to happen next and in order. Hopefully, this timeline reflects the order those literal events will happen on the earth and in the heavens in the end-times. I have diligently searched scripture to both define those literal events and to place them in their proper position. However, many events happen near or at the same time so there still remains many questions as to their exact order. To accomplish my stated purpose, I treaded only where there is support by two or three scripture witnesses for my postulations!

No end-time study would be complete without some of the prophecy written in the book of Daniel, in particular, the “abomination of desolation” that Jesus confirms in Matthew chapter twenty-four; and the prophecy that is the basis for a belief in a Revived Roman Empire in the end-time. I hope to present the physical, the literal, that will happen before and during the Tribulation in an intelligible way even through it may be controversial.  Since I am a futurist and a literalist, my focus has been through those two lenses!

This study recounts some events that have already happened and some that are happening now; and others that will take place in the near future. To have any understanding of future events requires that we first have some understanding of the past. Fulfillment of those prophetic events that have already happened is a support for the hope we have in fulfillment of future prophetic events. The march toward the end of times began with the creation of the earth.

Before the creation of the earth, God created Satan, an angel. He fell from heaven and took one-third of heaven’s angels with him. Evil began. Necessary to end evil on earth and in the heavens was the arrival of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Israel is still looking for Him but He has already come. The salvation of mankind is in Christ alone; for He was the sacrificial Lamb of God that took away the sin of the world. He died and was buried; but He has arisen and is seated at the right hand of God. Our redemption is through Him. He is coming again to bring justice to the earth, to destroy evil forever. He is master over all of these prophetic events mentioned in the Bible. Some of those are presented in this study!

A major event that was necessary for the beginning of the End-Times was the restoration of Israel to their homeland. That happened in 1945. Those who were dispersed throughout the world started returning home. Almost from the beginning there were those who tried to destroy them. God worked miracles for them in the Six Day War of 1967 when their enemies tried to destroy them; and again in the Yom Kippur War of 1973; but, still, they remain in almost constant conflict with those who wish to totally destroy them. A war in Gaza and a drone and missile attack by Iran are recent events. Israel will not have a lasting peace. After the Antichrist is revealed and his evil kingdom is destroyed—then there will be peace on earth.

There is a lot going on in our world today. We wrestle against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. This is a real war; but this cosmic war will move to earth and its atmosphere soon. Then evil will increase exponentially! We need to be able to learn the lesson of the fig tree—‘read the fig leaves;’ and we need to know  how to interpret the “signs of the end of time.” Although it is clear in scripture that no one knows that day and hour when Jesus will return, he does give us signs of His coming. If we are aware of the signs of the end of time that Jesus spoke about, then we can know when His coming is near.

When the seven years of Tribulation will start is also a mystery; but there are signs of the start of the Tribulation period that we must not overlook. Important to having some understanding of what is taught in the New Testament about many of the end-time events, it is necessary to be aware of the rise of the Antichrist and his role.

There are many “antichrists” in the world today. Anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ, is an  antichrist. In the end-time Satan will incarnate a man that will become the—capital A—Antichrist. John calls him a beast in Revelation. [The word—antichrist—is not mentioned in Revelation.] After the Church is caught away, and under the rule of the Antichrist, the world will be totally given to evil until Jesus’ second coming. At his appearance on the Mount of Olives, he will have an angel capture the Beast [the Antichrist] and the False prophet and throw them into the Lake of Fire. Satan will be bound and tossed into the bottomless pit. Everything evil will be removed from the earth and the heavens. It is then that the kingdom of the world will be become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ!

Thoughts About Revelation

Revelation is the revealing of Jesus Christ!  We know Him as Lord and Savior—and we know His grace—His steadfast love and mercy. Revelation is not only the unveiling of Him as ”… the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth,” REVELATION 1:5 [ESV] but also as the righteous judge of the earth. Even though His judgments and wrath are poured out on the earth and those who are on the earth, He is still righteous! Doctor Jack Hester says, “Judgment is not the other side of Jesus Christ, it is His completeness!” We will all meet the righteous judge!

Revelation is both a record of historical events, letters to the seven churches, and prophecy of end time events. The literary order of John’s visions and his narrative do not necessarily reflect the chronological order of literal events nor do they necessarily reflect a sequential order of spiritual events.

Many of the events described in Revelation are symbolic—many happen on a cosmic level as part of a war with, and against spirits; but much of the symbolism is meant to describe literal events. We know these events will happen as God has predetermined. To begin to understand how they will unfold and when they will unfold requires intense study and scripture witness. Even then many of these events remain a mystery.

From the fall of Satan to his final destruction the spiritual war has always been against evil. Most of the battles against evil are in the supernatural realm now; but in the end-time those battles will be in the physical realm and on earth; for God will pour out His judgments and His wrath—naturally—physically—against the forces of evil on the earth and in the heaven. While the plagues, wars, pestilence and natural disasters are physical and will be on earth, God is a spirit and will remain in the spiritual realm; but He is omnipotent and omnipresent—His presence and strength will be on display! As rider on a white horse, Jesus Christ, will come to end all evil on earth.

Most agree that Tribulation will be grievous and intense. The Great Tribulation, the last three and one-half years of Tribulation, will be even more intense. MATTHEW 24:21 [ESV] Revelation does not mention a “rapture” or being caught away; but this is the number one end-time event that concerns most Christians. They want to know how much of Tribulation they will miss—all or some or none! The “rapture or caught away” will happen; but the church will go through some of the judgments of God that are meant to draw people closer to Him—draw them to repentance. The Church, Christians that are the Bride of Jesus Christ, will not go through the sounding of the seven trumpets nor the seven bowls of God’s great wrath—The Great Tribulation.

The Wrath of God is separation from God—a sentence; but we will be caught away at or near mid-tribulation; for God’s wrath will be poured out without measure in The Great Tribulation. God is able to protect His children from any plague, and from His wrath—just as He protected the children of Israel from the plagues that He used to afflict Egypt. But before He allows the Antichrist to have control of earth, He will remove the “restrainer,” the Spirit filled Church, from the earth. Then Evil will totally rule the world!

Precepts and Aspirations

…Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. DANIEL 2:20-22 [ESV]

This book is not an attempt to add any additional points of view to the many views on Revelation, or to the timeline of end-time events; nor is it an attempt at new interpretations of the symbolism; but rather it is an attempt to attain some understanding of these events—the literal events—what they are and when they will happen. I do not feel the views I hold are definitive; rather they are often fugitive. Further study rarely confirms a view beyond question. Sometimes it changes it! Tensions remain!

I have been reminded that trying to put an exact timeline on events in God’s control is a lot like trying to build the tower of Babel—an impossible task. God confused their languages at that event. Today, again, there seems to be a confusion of languages. They are so many differing interpretations of end-time events that the ‘languages’ of the end time have become very confusing. We failed to understand these events and each other because we have failed to understand that God’s ways are so far above our ways and so far above our intellect that we will only understand what it is His pleasure to reveal to us. We must first seek Him if we wish to know and understand truth. The Holy Spirit will guide us into all Truth; but we must pray for wisdom from God to have an understanding of His Word and then we must be able to come to a sound knowledge of His plans for this world and for us.

To seek understanding from books, blogs and commentaries, is to search in the wrong place and puts our trust in the wrong place! To seek hidden meanings in history, ancient documents, word construction, and word usage is also to search in the wrong places! Too often volumes are produced to give a constant meaning to a particular Biblical phrase or word. With such a plethora of views and so many volumes of others’ views, it is necessary to remain clothed with humility and to realize that most, if not all, views have some tension—scriptures that do not seem to fit that particular view!

We must carefully read scripture—read each word. Then read it again. Apostle Paul pointed out the differing meaning between the singular and plural of a word in scripture in the Old Testament. GALATIANS 3:16 [ESV] So it is important that we note every word; but before we can have understanding, again, we must first ask God for wisdom. The best proof that we have a sound knowledge of His Word, is to have two or three scripture witnesses. Every word of God is truth; but having two or three witnesses is a precept that God has chosen for proof—one that He acknowledges and respects Himself.

I respect the great Christian scholars whose diligent work on understanding End-Time events has been, and is, tireless. Some have worked for years on their postulations; and much of their work is, no doubt, Spirit inspired. I know my views have not consumed the time and diligence as did their views. It can be both useful and interesting to read the works of others; but those views that are most useful are those with great scripture witnesses.

Again, I have a deep respect for those who have labored for years seeking truth. I probably will always have some reservations about my end-time views and will change them if I find another view or revelation is more likely—a view with more scripture witness. I have always felt it is far more important to make sure that my salvation is grounded in His Holy Word than to understand end-time events. And I, perhaps, will never be as grounded in my End-Time beliefs as I am in those of my salvation.

I want what I postulate to be formed from scripture—without any bias confirmation—no interference by former beliefs. I have prayed that my reasoning and methodology will be correct. I have sought to refrain from suppositions, opinions, transference, and from using scripture ‘out of context.’ I have tried to refrain from spiritualizing what is meant to be literal only. And I hope that I have not made literal what is meant to be spiritual and symbolic only. Every scripture has great depth. Great sermons based on their spiritual meaning can be preached and great stories can be told from their literal meaning. I simply seek truth! Previously held beliefs that do not measure up to these guidelines have not been retained.

While most of the literal events written about in this study have much scripture witness, there are some events and things that do not. There is sometimes ‘tension’ in scripture—some call it discordance—that would be impossible to write about without simply stating my beliefs. In those instances I have preference my statement with the identifier—I believe!

PREVIEW

Prologue

In this Preview we will take a brief look at most of the major end-time events written about in these studies. We look at events in Revelation and we look at Jesus’ Olivet Discourse in Matthew chapter twenty-four. Many of the things Jesus says in his discourse are happening today. Others will take place during the Tribulation. A lot of things that are happening today are a prelude to the beginning of Tribulation.

God has ordained a time for this world to end. Many believe the beginning of the end will start with a Revived Roman Empire; and that this empire will become the End-Time Kingdom of the Antichrist. Before this evil kingdom begins, Israel will construct the Third Temple. The preaching of God’s Two Witnesses will start the Tribulation period.

After the start of Tribulation the Scroll with Seven Seals and their judgments will begin to take place. I believe some of the judgments of the first four seals are happening today! The harm that the opening of these first four seals will do, intensifies after the beginning of Tribulation. Some things surrounding the opening of The Fifth Seal—Martyrs affect later events.

In the Sixth Seal—Caught Away study is a verse by verse comparison of scripture in Matthew chapter Twenty-four and Revelation chapter six that may shake your belief in the timing of the “rapture.” We will listen to the Trumpets. My commentary on the events of the sixth trumpet, its characters and timing of the event, is certain to surprise some. Before the arrival of the End-Time Beasts it is important to identify them and the symbolism that is unique to each and those things common to them. They will rule a kingdom that is totally evil; for they will destroy the apostate church and everyone who does not take The Mark of The Beast.

In the our topic, The Fall of Babylon, there is a scriptural comparison that you may not have thought about. While this comparison lacks the scripture witness I require for my attestations, it is a very cogent comparison when compared to known world economic and social facts. The fall of Babylon will be a real blow to the evil kingdom of the Antichrist. The scripture on the fall of Babylon is in chapter eighteen of Revelation.

We will study the three end-time judgment seats of God. Two of these judgments are after all of the Bowls of God’s Wrath are poured out on the earth and its people without measure and after Jesus Comes for the second time! He will destroy the armies of the world gathered at Armageddon The Beast [the Antichrist] and the false prophet will be thrown into the lake of fire. He will have Satan bound and imprisoned.

The kingdom of the world will become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ for The Millennium. Before the Millennium starts there will be the Sheep and Goat Judgment. After the Millennium and the Great White Throne Judgment, He will create New Heavens and a New Earth. After the New Earth is created, the New Jerusalem will descend. It is the city that Saints have been looking for and the place He has prepared for the Church—His Bride! It will be Heaven!

Olivet Discourse—Now & Future

Jesus said in Matthew chapter twenty-four many would be lead astray by false Christs, antichrists, and that there would be wars and rumors of wars. Nation would rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famine and earthquakes. These, He said, are the beginning of sorrows. Then things will escalate.

As the end of time events start happening, there will be increased animosity against the church and “many” false prophets will arise. We can see many of these things happening today. They are talked about on our nightly newscasts and other media. And we see it for ourselves.

Further in Matthew chapter twenty-four Jesus recounts a lot of other things that will happen. These are the things that will happen before He appears to “catch away” His Church and things that will happen before the end will come. We will see something very interesting about Jesus’ statement that the Gospel would be preached to the whole world—then the end comes. All of these things Jesus prophesied in Matthew are things John saw in Revelation.

I believe God has always had a time to end all things on earth and to establish his never ending kingdom. After he has destroyed all evil and bound the devil, he will rule this earth for a thousand years. Then when the devil is finally destroyed, he will rule in the new heaven and the new earth for eternity. I believe we are nearing the end of the this age!

Revived Roman Empire—My Beliefs

Before the end of the age, and before Tribulation starts, I believe there will be a revival of the ‘Roman Empire.’ Although most of the world is oblivious to what is happening, the infrastructure for this Empire is being framed now. In its early stage it will be a confederation of independent nations—much like the European Union. It could possibly be the European Union. I believe it will be a ten nation or ten vote alliance.

At some point in the existence of this coalition an alliance will be made with the Catholic Church. The church will have great influence for a while. This influence could be the cause of some of the “wars and rumors of wars” between some of these nations; but an ambitious and charismatic leader will arise and promise peace.

He is not a prince of peace. He is everything that is evil; but to gain power he first appears as a man of peace with all the answers to the world’s many problems. After he brokers temporary peace among the nations and Israel, he will address world hunger and world economic problems. He will bring the world to true globalism. At some point in his rise to power, he will take absolute control of three nations—with their leaders remaining as subservient governors or kings. It could be that most of these governments will be awkward democracies instead of monarchies; but as the Antichrist’s power increases, that will change!

Near the mid-point of Tribulation, the ten leaders of the ten nations will “rule for one hour with the Antichrist.” This hour is symbolic; but regardless of the time this hour represents, this rule will be for a short time. During their “sovereign” rule, they, along with the Antichrist, will destroy the apostate church—the rider on the scarlet beast! Then those ten nations or kings, from fear of the Antichrist, will hand over all of their power to him after the great harlot is destroyed. The  Antichrist then seats himself in the Temple at Jerusalem and claims that he is God. After this, he tries to destroy every entity or person who acknowledges the name of Jesus. The Antichrist, the devil incarnate, will rule a demonic world empire until he is defeated at Armageddon. The Antichrist is taken captive there and thrown alive into the lake of fire along with the false prophet.

Third Temple

The Temple Institute is an organization in Israel that is focusing on building the Third Temple on the Temple Mount and with reinstating animal sacrifices. They are already developing ritual objects, such as garments and they have building plans suitable for immediate use when conditions permit Temple construction. There will be a third temple, Ezekiel prophesied about it—John saw it and  is told to measure it! REVELATION 11:1-2 [ESV]

The Two Witnesses

The Bible makes it clear that one of the two witnesses is Elijah; but there are two competing views about the second witness. Some believe it is Enoch. Others believe it is Moses. I believe the most compelling view is that it will be Moses. When these two witnesses start preaching in Israel—Tribulation starts!

Scroll with Seven Seals

I do not believe the Scroll with the seven seals is the title deed to earth. Rather, I believe it is an indictment against evil and the seals are judgments against evil. I believe the first four seals are happening today and that they will intensify after the start of Tribulation when all of the seals are opened. The four horsemen of the Apocalypse are riding now and will ride until the end.

The Fifth Seal—Martyrs

The Bible tells us these martyrs were “… slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne.” REVELATION 6:9 [ESV]The souls of these martyrs are “under the altar,” a place of rest; for they were told, “rest a little longer.” REVELATION 6:11 [ESV]They await those who will be martyred later. Although the spirits of these martyrs cry out to God for vengeance, they will rest until the sheep and goat judgment.

There is much debate about what happens to those who believe in God in the Old Testament, those who died “in Christ,” and those who are martyred in the Tribulation. Those who died in the Old Testament believed they went to Abraham’s bosom—a paradise for Old Testament believers. The thief on the cross was told by Jesus “… today you will be with me in paradise.” LUKE 23:43 [ESV] It seems only martyrs are “under the altar.” “Paradise” and “under the altar” could be differing places; but all await for their earthly bodies—to be reunited with their spirits and their souls, then for change into immortality.

Some believe this resting place is in the existing heaven—not the place that Jesus is preparing for us. The place He has gone to prepare for us is not yet ready for a glorified body, soul and spirit! When it is ready, He will return for us.

Sixth Seal—Caught Away!

In Jesus’ Olivet Discourse in Matthew chapter twenty-four and in Revelation chapter six and verses about the sixth seal, there is an interesting parallel of events. Jesus describes what will happen in the heavens as a prelude to the appearing “…in heaven the sign of the Son of Man…” MATTHEW 24:30 [ESV] These same events are described in Revelation as a prelude to the appearance of “…the face of him who is seated on the throne…” REVELATION 6:16 [ESV] These scriptures in Matthew and Revelation with other scripture witness affirm my belief the “catching away” of the Bride of Christ will occur at or near the opening of the sixth seal!

Additional study confirms my belief this sixth seal is opened at or near the mid-point of Tribulation.

Trumpets

The first four trumpets cause devastation to the heavens, earth and seas. Mankind is hurt by all these trumpets. The fifth trumpet causes pain and suffering for the people on the earth—but not death. Those people who have the seal of God on their foreheads are protected from these locusts from the bottomless pit.

When the sixth trumpet sounds four fallen angels who are bound at the Euphrates River are released to lead a two hundred million man army [calvary] which will kill one-third of all mankind. Contrary to the belief of many, I do not believe this is an army from China nor do I believe this army will be at Armageddon. My study of scripture shows that the event of the sixth trumpet will happen before the assembling of the armies of the world at Armageddon. I believe this is a demonic army that could be from the bottomless pit as the locusts were.

The seventh trumpet sounds. It is Over! Evil has been defeated. The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ! REVELATION 11:15 [ESV]

End-Time Beasts

Four end-time beasts are unique to Revelation. Daniel prophesied about four beasts also; but only the symbolism of his fourth beast seems to have end-time implications. All of these beasts are the devil. We will look at all of these beasts—Daniel’s fourth beast and these beasts in Revelation: the great red dragon, the beast rising out of the sea, the beast rising out of the earth, and the scarlet beast in the desert.

All of these beasts are symbolic and all are symbols of differing manifestations or events and incarnations. The devil gives his best performance in the last three and one-half years of Tribulation. He knows his time is running out. He is defeated, and he knows it, but he is rebellious until his final defeat.

The Antichrist’s End Time Kingdom

I believe a world kingdom is arising now. The elements are coalescing, world church, world economy and banking and world government. It will be a composition of a world church and a coalition of ten kings or nations or an alliance. Whatever you wish to call it—it will be a revived ‘Roman Empire’—It will be the last earthly empire of men and beasts—the devil. The potter’s clay, masses of people, and those ten kings are a part of the feet of Nebuchadnezzar’s statue and that revived empire that Daniels speaks about. Somewhere in this time frame—from now until well before the middle of Tribulation—a charismatic statesmen who is wise in military tactics will arise. He will present himself as a man of peace. This will appeal to all who are tired of the wars and rumors of wars. They want peace at any price.

The ten kings and this charismatic ruler will rule together for a short time. At some point, before the mid-point of the Tribulation, this charismatic leader will displace three of the kings of this revived empire. After the destruction of the apostate church and after a very short rule with him—all hand over their power and authority to him. The marriage between the potter’s clay and the iron will be over. The iron in the feet of Nebuchadnezzar’s statue has been united in one—the beast [Antichrist]. The incarnated Antichrist will be in full control now.

The beast rising out of the sea—masses of people—that was healed of a mortal wound—will blaspheme everything and everybody, including God and those connected to him. He will proclaim himself to be god and demand that all worship him; and he will rule with a fist of iron for forty-two months before a stone that is cut out by no human hand strikes this demonic kingdom and breaks it to pieces.

This will happen at Armageddon. After the seventh trumpet sounds, the kingdom of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ. He will rule all nations with rod of iron. Satan will be bound a thousand years; but the Antichrist and the false prophet will be destroyed.

The Mark of The Beast—Things to Consider Today

In the end-time the Antichrist will take over the monetary system. With the many different monetary systems now in existence, it is hard to see how these can be incorporated into a single system; but with the advent of crypto currency, a single monetary system may now be easily possible. Whatever the system may become, I believe this precursor to the mark of the beast will be so universally accepted and so closely resemble the Antichrist’s system that very little deception by the his false prophet will be needed for acceptance of his system; but to get to earth’s final monetary exchange has already been a long journey and it is not quite over yet.

First a recap—the first things to be used as items of exchange were things of value to the particular place or region.  These included all kinds of items. It was more a barter system than a legal exchange. To create a wider acceptance of exchange, coins were minted by regions or countries or rulers. Paper notes soon followed. These notes and coins were the first currencies. Other financial paper followed—checks, promissory notes and bonds.  As telephones were updated so that data could be transmitted, non-paper monetary transfers got their start! Then came digital! Digital financial transactions are now the most common. With the use of iPhones, those transactions have increased dramatically; but these transactions are still done within and across numerous monetary systems. Crypto currency is beginning to change that.

Bitcoin is one crypto currency. It is digital and is kept in a digital wallet. Crypto transactions are kept on a digital record called a block chain. Crypto currency has been with us for a while now; but day by day the use and acceptance of this “currency” is growing—as is the number of ways that it has an advantage over other currencies. That crypto advantage has brought us to initial acceptance of a world-wide monetary system! This system of financial transactions knows no national borders. A man living in American can now order and pay for a Ferrari in Italy with crypto currency with no exchange fees!

Transactions are transparent, and it has very little regulation. Its total acceptance will mark the end of traditional banking. Regardless, the end-time result will be that in traditional banking’s place will be the monetary exchange of the Antichrist.

We have conformed for decades to the conditions of use of credit cards, loan contracts and other financial instruments. The exchange of the Antichrist will use that conformity and his mark as the conditions for the use of his system; but imbedded in those terms, the fine print, will be acceptance of the Antichrist’s religion and his worship and an identifier—the mark of the beast!  I believe crypto currency is a major step toward setting up a universal exchange of currency and that this universal exchange is the beginning for the mark of the beast!

Recently, there has been a major drop in the value of Bitcoin and a major failure of a crypto trading company—FTX. This has resulted in class action lawsuits and calls for more government regulations. This could be a step back or it could simply be another step forward in the process to have a one world currency and exchange—I do not know!

Other pre-conditioning currently in use includes a replacement for credit cards. Some major companies have experimented with implanted chips—wave your hand at the scanner and you are indebted! The abundance of the advanced ways to make, use and spend money and the convenience of doing all of that, have made it easy for the beast to take control and to require his mark for all financial transactions. In recent times, 2020-2022, we have given up many of our rights without even a whimper, supposedly because of Covid. In retrospect, it seems most of us are easily lead down the primrose path! So a lot of deception by the false prophet may not be necessary for most!

Today there is still a diverse number of systems; but a few years back, Europe decided to have a common currency across the European nations—the Euro. For the first three years it was an “invisible” currency, used for accounting purposes and electronic payments only. Now it includes bank notes and coins. While this may be a step toward a world monetary system, for now it seems it will only include Europe and perhaps those nearby; but some end-time scholars are excited because these countries are the same countries that may be included in a ‘Revived Roman Empire!’ Some were a part of the ancient Roman Empire.

While it seems that more than one idea for a common currency and a common exchange has been tried without global acceptance, a merging of these ideas, an evolution of other ideas or a completely new idea will eventually become the global currency and exchange of choice by the Antichrist! When the Antichrist takes control of the world’s monetary system, then a person must have the mark of the beast to buy or sell.

Fall of Babylon

The fall of Babylon is recounted in chapter eighteen of Revelation. It contains descriptions of her sins and of her value to others in the world. Some believe these references to Babylon are actually references to the apostate or Catholic Church. There is also scripture reference to a city—a place! While there is not the scripture witness that I like for my attestations, there are compelling parallels to a description of the United States.

Regardless of identity of the church or government or city or place hidden by symbolism in this scripture, it will be violently destroyed by God’s wrath and will not be fit for human habitation. “…She has become a dwelling place for demons, a haunt for every unclean spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable beast.” REVELATION 18:2 [ESV]

The Three Judgments

I believe there are three judgment seats of God: The judgment seat of Christ is the first judgment to occur. II CORINTHIANS 5:10 [ESV] Many believe this is a rewards judgment—the Bema. This judgment will occur in heaven after the “catching away” of the bride of the Lamb. The sheep and goat judgment MATTHEW 25:31-33 [ESV] will be a judgment at the end of time—before the millennium starts. After the millennium there will be a Great White Throne judgment for the dead. REVELATION 20:11-12 [ESV]

The bride of the Lamb will appear at the rewards judgment—the Bema after Jesus Christ’s first appearing. Those “in Christ” will be caught away at Jesus Christ’s appearing in the clouds. Only those whose names are in the Lamb’s book of life will answer the sound of that trumpet!

The sheep and goat judgment will happen at the end of time—the beginning of the millennium. Those left on earth after the seventh trumpet sounds will be judged and “sorted” as sheep and goats. Those judged to be sheep will “…inherit the kingdom prepared for [them] from the foundation of the world.” MATTHEW 25:33-34 [ESV]

The Great White Throne Judgment will occur after the millennium and after the final battle ever! Only the “dead” will appear at this judgment. REVELATION 20:11 [ESV] All whose names are in the Lamb’s Book of Life or the Book of Life have already been judged. The “dead” will all be resurrected to stand before this final judgment. All will be sentenced to the lake of fire!

The Millennium

“…The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.” REVELATION 11:15 [ESV] He will rule the nations with a rod of iron. The earth and heavens will be purged of all evil and renewed to a pristine state. It could well be like the Garden of Eden. Isaiah chapter sixty-five—verses seventeen through twenty-five describe what the heavens and the earth will be like in the millennium.

God has chosen some to be judges and others to be priests. They will do His bidding. All of the inhabitants of the renewed earth have been chosen. Now Jesus Christ will rule with righteousness; but just before the end of the millennium, the devil will be released from the bottomless pit.

He will “…deceive the nations that are at the four corner of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea.” REVELATION 20:8 [ESV] There will be one last rebellion—one last battle that is one-sided; for God will destroy those who are rebellious with fire from heaven. The devil will be cast into the lake of fire to be with the beast [Antichrist] and the false prophet.   

Then the heavens and earth will pass away and God will create a new heaven and a new earth.

A New Heaven & A New Earth

Matthew 24:35 [ESV]— Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Revelation 21:1-2 [ESV]— Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

II Peter 3:13 [ESV]— But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Isaiah 65:17 [ESV]— “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.

There will be a new heaven and a new earth. There is great scripture witness for this. It will be a place without description. “…former things shall not be remembered or come into mind.” ISAIAH 65:17 [ESV] The abundance of wonderful things will cause us to forget the old. Although all will be good in the new heaven and the new earth, some of those things that are missing will also be great. There will be no evil there and no pain or suffering—no tears. It will be “heaven” on earth. Then the new Jerusalem will descend—the dwelling place of the bride of the Lamb.

New Jerusalem

In Revelation chapter twenty-one we find that John saw a new heaven and a new earth for the first heaven and earth had passed away. Then he saw the holy city, new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven,      “… prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” Then, in verse nine, one of the seven angels that poured out the seven last plagues told him to “…come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” Then he again shows him the new Jerusalem. It almost seems the angel is saying—John you did not get it the first time—the inhabitants of this city are the Bride of the Lamb.

I believe the new Jerusalem is being created by Jesus Christ in the third heaven—when it is ready, Jesus will catch his Bride away—the Lamb and the bride will inhabit the New Jerusalem. The marriage supper of the Lamb will be there. REVELATION 19:6-10 [ESV] The new Jerusalem is in the third heaven during the Millennium reign of Jesus Christ—the Great White throne judgment and the creation of a new earth!  New Jerusalem is the new Heaven. It will not descend until the old earth has passed away and there is a new earth!

Heaven

“…What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” I CORINTHIANS 2:9 & ISAIAH 64:4 [ESV] Although we may try to imagine, the height, width and depth of its beauty, it has not yet even been imagined; for we can only imagine what has entered our hearts!

A great Christian song is entitled “I Can Only Imagine.” The song asks pertinent questions about heaven and then answers those questions with other questions—thus reinforcing the idea that we really do not know what heaven will be like. The Bible gives some descriptions of the new Jerusalem. While we may picture in our mind what those scenes and structures may be like, again, we still do not know nor can we imagine the depth of their beauty. I love the song “I Can Only Imagine,” but I believe perhaps a better statement might be “I Cannot Even Imagine!”

Current Events and Applications

The subjects that we have previewed in the above discourse are events I believe will happen in the end-time. However, current events are both things being fulfilled that were prophesied about long ago and a preview for things that are yet to come. In our commentary on the mark of the beast I covered some of the things that are currently happening with our economies, businesses, and banking systems that are a prelude to a one world government; but many other prophesies are now being fulfilled as well. Wars and rumors of wars are prevalent today in some of the countries that may well be a part of other end-time wars.

Russia, in particular, is and will be an end-time enemy of Israel in war and in the ride of the antichrist. I believe the rider on the white horse—the first seal opened in Revelation chapter six, is the antichrist. He has been riding since the time of Jesus Christ and is still riding now. The second seal opened—the rider on a bright red horse has been taking peace from the earth for a long time and is still busy today destroying peace on earth. The rider on a black horse from the third seal that was opened has caused famine in varying places in the world for a long time now. And finally the rider on a pale horse from the fourth seal  has been killing with the sword and with famine and with pestilence for thousands of years.  All of this destruction by these four horsemen of the apocalypse will intensify after Tribulation starts. From scripture we learn that the destruction of life by the fourth rider will be over a fourth of the inhabitants of the earth! Terrible times are here and ahead!

Recently the world was racked by the pestilence Covid. Things in all of our lives changed. Covid affected nearly every aspect of our lives. Most churches, schools, and businesses were shut down for a time. Government was limited except for their actions to fight Covid; but the medical industry exploded. Hospitals were filled to over flowing. Not only did Covid kill millions of people, it caused other deaths through anxiety and depression and addictions. Deaths from these increased greatly.

But perhaps the most frightening thing was that Covid and its consequences seems to have been a “dress rehearsal” of the mark of the beast; for when businesses reopened you could not buy or sell unless you complied with government enforced rules—get you Covid shots, wear masks, and keep a safe distance and quarantine. Today there is debate as to whether some of those things were actually effective in preventing Covid; yet we complied without even a whimper. The mark of the beast will probably be concealed in a cloak of government regulations that will be sold to us as being for our benefit and the benefit of others.

The Bubonic Plague was the worst pestilence of all time—to date. Estimates of deaths seem to be all over the place; but as many as one-half of the population of those countries affected may have died. Even though there was little knowledge of what caused the plague then, some places did issue policies of quarantine and social distancing. While the devil can only cause pestilences as he is allowed, I believe many of these bad things are his works. In the Tribulation these things will increase in intensity for God will be bringing His judgments and pouring out His wrath on the earth. We need to be vigilant and we need to watch for the signs of the times—read the fig leaves.

PART 1 ALREADY HAPPENED—HAPPENING NOW

Prologue

To properly address any prophecy subject it is necessary to first explore the backstory. The prophecy of John, the writer of Revelations, is not excepted. So, first, we must establish the existence of each character, and the roles that they have played to this point in time. Then we can explore the end of times and its Tribulation.

We already know the two main participants—one is Creator and the other is a created being. No Christian doubts the existence of our Creator. He has no beginning nor ending—either is time or space! Our being is evidence of His creation and the heavens and the earth perpetually display His handiwork. So there is no need to look for further proof of His majesty and existence.

In His wisdom He sent His Son to save the world; and He will at the end of time judge and destroy all evil. While God has no equal, and therefore no worthy opponent, He does have an adversary. He is a created angel who “fell” from heaven; and has contentiously opposed God since his fall and will continue to oppose Him until he is destroyed. We already know this story will end with Satan’s destruction and with only the righteous left to celebrate in new heavens, a new earth and a new Jerusalem. It must be noted that angels ‘handle’ the contentions with the devil.

The mystery is not necessarily what will happen, but when! Revelation gives us many descriptions; but before we  can see how end-time events unfold, we must start at the beginning, introduce the characters, and set the stage. 

So in this part one I will give a very brief backstory of things that have already happened. Many were prophesied to happen long before they happened. We will review some scripture witness that foretold that those same things would happen. Again, these topics will be brief for they are subjects that most are familiar with and are not necessarily controversial subjects for Christians.

TOPIC 1—IN THE BEGINNING

God Created Satan

In the beginning God created all things! GENESIS 1 [ESV] “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” COLOSSIANS 1:16 [ESV]  Before Satan caused man to fall and before war arose in heaven God created Satan. This is what God says about him:

…You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle; and crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings. On the day that you were created they were prepared. You were an anointed guardian cherub. I placed you; you were on the holy mountain of God; in the midst of the stones of fire you walked. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you. EZEKIEL 28:12-15 [ESV]

After unrighteousness was found in Satan, he “fell” from the third heaven. Jesus “…saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” LUKE 10:18 [ESV] Near the mid-point of Tribulation the tail of the great red dragon swept down a third of the stars of heaven and cast them down to earth. REVELATION 12:3-4 [ESV] Then in verse seven they are called angels. Apparently, these were his angels from his initial 'fall.'

Satan’s Falls from Heaven with His Angels

In the abundance of your trade you were filled with violence in your midst, and you sinned; so I cast you as a profane thing from the mountain of God, and I destroyed you, O guardian cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground; I exposed you before kings, to feast their eyes on you. EZEKIEL 28:16-17 [ESV]

Satan fell after angels were created, angels are not mention in the creation narrative of Genesis chapter one, and before the temptation of Eve and Adam. Some believe that he “fell” before the foundation of the world and that he brought one-third of the angels with him then. Regardless, demons, fallen angels, are mention numerous times in the Bible. And a third of the angels will be cast down to the earth from the second heaven in the end-times. It was, and is, an innumerable number; for there is still an innumerable number of angels left in heaven.

There are some scriptures that help us to see the futility of trying to number the angels of God. Encircling the throne are “many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands.” REVELATION 5:11  [ESV] Every child has an angel.   "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” MATTHEW 18:10 [ESV] In Hebrews it mentions “…innumerable angels in festal gathering.” HEBREWS 12:22 [ESV]  Jesus said that if he appealed to his Father that he would at once send him more than twelve legions of angels. MATTHEW 26:53 [ESV]  There is an innumerable number of angels. So the one-third of the angels that belong to Satan is also an innumerable number.

Satan and his angels lost access to the throne of God after the “fall.” They are now relegated to the second heaven where they are the accusers of the brethren. This is where the spiritual war is being fought; “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” EPHESIANS 6:12 [ESV]

In the end-time the devil is again expelled from heaven—the second heaven. This time he will not ‘fall.’ He will be forcefully thrown down from heaven to the earth by the arch angel Michael. REVELATION 12:7-9 [ESV] One-third of the angels will be swept down with him. They will soon meet their fateful end. Isaiah describes what Satan faces when he is thrown down from heaven and how he will be seen by those who meet him.

Sheol beneath is stirred up to meet you when you come; it rouses the shades to greet you, all who were leaders of the earth; it raises from their thrones all who were kings of the nations. All of them will answer and say to you: ‘You too have become as weak as we! You have become like us!’ Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, the sound of your harps; maggots are laid as a bed beneath you, and worms are your covers. How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’ But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit. Those who see you will stare at you and ponder over you: ‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble, who shook kingdoms, who made the world like a desert and overthrew its cities, who did not let his prisoners go home?’ All the kings of the nations lie in glory, each in his own tomb; but you are cast out, away from your grave, like a loathed branch, clothed with the slain, those pierced by the sword, who go down to the stones of the pit, like a dead body trampled underfoot. You will not be joined with them in burial, because you have destroyed your land, you have slain your people. May the offspring of evildoers nevermore be named! ISAIAH 14:9-20 [ESV]

When Satan is cast down from heaven by the Arch Angel Michael, Sheol will be stirred up to meet him; but he will not be greeted as a hero by those in Sheol; for an ending that is far from being victorious awaits him. After his final end, the devil, the evildoers and their offspring will nevermore be named again!

The Fall of Man

Genesis gives this description of the fall of Adam:

So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. GENESIS 3:6 [ESV]

And to Adam he said, “‘Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.’” GENESIS 3:17-19 [ESV]

Eve was deceived by the serpent. Then “…she gave me [Adam] fruit of the tree, and I [he] ate.” GENESIS 3:12 [ESV] Because of disobedience to God’s command not to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the midst of the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve sinned.

So “…sin came into the world through one man…” ROMANS 5:12 [ESV] Now “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” ROMANS 3:23 [ESV] But we have redemption that is in Christ Jesus!

Written by Mallard E. Guy Jr.

Over a Period of Two + Years

Finished October 28, 2023

Edited November 3, 2023

Last Edit May 31, 2024