Hope For A Hopeless Generation

Revelation 9:1-12 shows us worse thing yet to come for all humanity who squandered time to get right with God through Jesus Christ and were not rapture ready. For God reveals, when “the fifth angel sounded” his trumpet: a bottomless pit will be opened somewhere on earth. Certain “locusts” will be released to torment man for five months; led by a really super bad leader named Apollyon. And that’s just the basics of the first “woe!” In this study, it will be revealed why this event in the great tribulation is part of the escalating judgments of God to come upon all humanity.

What Are These Locust’s Really?

We’ll start with these “locusts” mentioned in our last study in Verse 3 first. What are these locusts really? Remember, John saw these series of events “in the spirit,” meaning; he was taken up into Heaven (Revelation 1:10/4:1-2). He was taken in the spirit to the throne room of God, and was shown these future events in the perspective of God. In the spirit realm perspective, not in a human perspective or by human understanding. And what is seen in the spirit realm is not necessarily how it is seen in the physical world.

If you have paid attention to our last study, I have already exposed what these “locusts” really are… They are demonic angels who are locked away in chains, in a physical, deep, dark subterranean Abyss, literally under our feet. And when they are released, they are commanded by God not to hurt vegetation nor to kill man either,

What Are These “Locusts” Commanded To Do?

Revelation 9:4-5 And it was commanded them (locust’s) that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

We see here in Scripture, in the days of the great tribulation period coming after the rapture of the church age, after the fifth angel sounds his trumpet; God gives these demons very limited authority to do what God commands them to do; not what they want to do. And for a specific amount of time they were instructed.

In fact, they are given very limited authority to do what they are instructed to do. For a very good reason. If God allowed them to do what they wanted to do, other than what is written. Then all humanity who did not have the “seal of God” on their forehead in those days, would be in a serious world of hurt, more so than what is written. This is the absolute display of God’s mercy in the first half of the great tribulation period, regardless of what we read and how we understand it.

And I’m sure a question is circling in your minds, ‘why would God command these events in the Book of Revelation to happen in the first place.’ I’ve already answered that question in past studies. And will reiterate in deeper details why, in studies to come. But in the meantime, we see in this passage of Scripture, “And to them (locusts) it was given that they should not kill them (man), but that they (man) should be tormented five months (a specific amount of time).” The focus here is, ‘What was given and by whom?’ It is God alone who is in control of all these events in the Book of Revelation, therefore, He gives these locusts authority or power…permission to do what He instructed them to do.

And also notice, as God commanded certain things they can and cannot do, he added, to only harm “those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.” This points back to the 144,000 Israeli’s; 12,000 from each tribe of Israel who will be sealed by God after the rapture of the church age, but before the great tribulation period begins (Revelation 7:2-8).

This means that God will give these unholy angels authority to torment man (humanity) that are not part of the 144,000 Israelis that will be sealed with a special mark of protection from God. At this point of time when this study was published, I speak to those in the near future when this event starts to happen; If you find yourself left behind when the rapture occurred, and you hear the 5th angel sound his trumpet, and you do not have a physical seal of God on your forehead, either Jew or Gentile, prepare to be tormented by these demonic angels.

And how will humanity without the seal of God be “tormented​?” It will be a physical pain that cannot be ignored, managed or dulled. As the Scripture describe it as, “their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.” The next question that should be in all of our minds when we read this is, ‘How does it feel to be stung by a scorpion?’

The answer is, “It feels like a sharp, intense burning or electric shock kind of pain. Often followed by numbness and a ‘pins and needles’ tingling sensation.” It can also lead to involuntary muscle twitching, strange eye movements, blurry vision and respiratory problems. And this sensation can last 1 to 2 hours. Or as a worst-case scenario 2 to 3 days, depending.

This may or may not sound too intense of an experience. But look closely at these passages of Scripture. It does not tell us that everyone on earth in those days, who does not have the “seal of God” will have the experience of being tormented one time throughout the entire duration of 5 months. Nor does it tell us that everyone will be continuously tormented by these demons as often as they like either. But as your read on in Verse 6, you discern that this torment is going to be a lot worse than it sounds. Because people will seek and desire to die, but will not die,

Revelation 9:6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and Death shall flee from them.

Why is this even mentioned? People today, for the smallest and dumbest reasons are hasty to commit suicide. Because they want to escape the sudden intense feeling of a physical, emotional, financial or spiritual pain or loss that they cannot control. And they think escaping this world is so much better than living through whatever they are going through. Without knowing the truth about eternity after this earthly life.

Same thing here. People “in those days shall seek death” however way they “desire to die.” Because of the sudden extreme pain people will be experiencing when these demonic angels torment man for five months. This means, this period of time will be really bad, more than we can imagine now somehow. But as the word of God says here, “death shall flee from them.”

Let’s put this in perspective: People will jump off of buildings, bridges, shoot themselves, poison themselves, or however millions of ways they seek death. They will not die! They will survive according to this passage of Scripture! Why? Because “death shall flee from them.” This is revealing to us, the horseman of Death, the angel of Death will flee and people will live.

This also means, people will be worse off physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and even financially through hospital expenses, than if they had gone through the physical pain for 5 months, and then be done with it. Because as the Apostle John has described this pain to be, “their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.” And knowing now how it’s like to be stung by a scorpion, the pain is temporary. It doesn’t last forever. Even though at the moment in an extreme amount of pain, 30 seconds will feel like an eternity.

Another reason why people will seek death while living in this tormenting period of time with great pain. We have to be reminded, most of these people have never read the Book of Revelation. They may have heard something about it. But since they didn’t believe it, therefore they won’t remember what they heard. And they won’t understand what’s happening or how long it will last at the moment when this will take place. So this is another reason why people in those days will seek and desire to die…

I would like to also expound on a peculiar detail. These locusts were given, by God, a specific task, “that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.”

If these are “demonic angels,” why would God instruct them not to hurt the grass, trees and any other vegetation of the earth? This silently reveals to us that they may appear by the human eye to be an insect infestation of locusts in our physical world. Because naturally locusts (insects) do not harm humans directly. As these locusts are commanded by God to do. But in the spirit they are not insects at all, but demonic angels. And the reason why I say that, is for the obvious reason:

Revelation 9:7-10 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions. And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.

As the saying goes, “there is more to it than meets the eye.” As crazy as locusts in our physical world look. None has ever looked like this. All because they are not an insect infestation, rather, they are a demonic manifestation. Lets ask ourselves an honest question? Since when have we ever seen “locust” to actually look like this on earth? As crazy as locusts can actually look in various parts of the world. There is none on earth that even closely resembles what is revealed to us in these passages of Scripture.

That’s because these are not a really bad infestation of earthly insects that will come out of a deep pit of the earth. These are a demonic manifestation of unholy angels. And John is merely describing what they really look like in a way we can imagine he was seeing in the spirit. Why am I pressing this point? This is not a prophesy of an insect infestation as some foolish ministers have handled this passage of Scripture to mean. This is not a full blown war of Armageddon in spiritual code speak either.

The First of Three Woes

This is God simply showing us worse things to come after the fourth angel sounds his trumpet. This is why God describes the last 3 trumpet blasts to be “woes.” And this is the first of three woes to come as it is revealed to us in, Revelation 9:12 One woe is past; and, Behold, there come two woes more hereafter.

Woe: (is defined as) ‘Great trouble, grief and sorrow’ It’s the Greek word Ouai. And it has a deep connotation to its use, to give us a clearer understanding of the significance behind this word and how it’s really used in the Holy Bible. It’s more emotional than it sounds. It’s calamity! It is deep sorrow over tragic outcomes that will shake the very core of the human soul. Seriously testing humanity’s will to live, have faith and find hope.

Who Is This Apollyon?

Revelation 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.

Many Bible Scholars, Christian book writers and self-proclaimed “social media influencers” over the decades assumes this “angel of the Bottomless Pit” to be satan. But how can satan be the angel of the Bottomless Pit if he’s never been into the bottomless yet? They’ll first tell you, ‘when Jesus Christ comes, and a holy angel will cast satan and bind him into the Bottomless Pit for a thousand years according to Revelation 20:1-4. This is how he’s the angel of the Bottomless Pit.’

But there are a couple things wrong with this interpretation. Revelation 9 happens during the first 3 ½ years of the great tribulation. When Jesus Christ steps foot on earth and establishes His physical kingdom on earth for a thousand years; this puts an end to the great tribulation period at the last half of 3 ½ years. So, the event where satan will be cast and bound into the Bottomless Pit, actually occurs after chapter 9 not before it. So how can satan be the angel of the Bottomless Pit, if he’s never been there before?

Another problematic interpretation using the excerpt, “they had a king over them.” Assuming, since satan is “technically” the leader of all unholy angels (Revelation 12:3-9), they claim this excerpt is referring to satan and no one else as ruler of the locusts.

But notice in the Scriptures, when the “Bottomless Pit” is opened, and these locusts come out of the pit, it also gives us this detail of Apollyon who appears with these locusts. Giving us a mental image that this leader is coming out of the pit with the rest of these demonic angels that were bound in chains in this dark, subterranean Abyss, as it reads, “they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit.”

Not only that, who is the real leader over all angels? Obviously it’s God Most High. He is the only One Who has authority over all activity of all angels, both holy and unholy. So to say that satan is the king over all demonic angels is actually a lie! And that kind of interpretation is dangerous, because it glorifies satan without realizing what we are doing! And God does not glorify satan or the kingdom of satan in any way, shape or form. And He will not share His glory to no man, angel or devil…EVER! As noted earlier, that rhetorical question still remains, ‘how can satan be the angel of the Bottomless Pit, if he’s never been there before?’

Another problematic interpretation is also introduced through various Bible Scholars and Christian book peddler, strictly assuming that the names “Abaddon or Apollyon” given to us in the Holy Bible points to satan. Abaddon in the Hebrew means: ‘destruction.’ And Apollyon in the Greek means: “destroyer.” So it seems to be an obvious reference to satan. Right… Wrong!

Abaddon, is not the name of an angel, believe it or not. It’s actually the name of a place. Abaddon is used several times in the Old Testament, specifically used as a place like Sheol. An abstract dark realm of the dead or a place of ruin. Abaddon is more deeply defined as a ‘ruler of the Abyss.’ Or ‘ruler from the Abyss.’ Hence the Biblical phrase of that word, “a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit.”

Whereas Apollyon means ‘The Destroyer.’ Now that is a name used as a person or agent who causes destruction. And they will further explain that satan is revealed in the Holy Bible as a “lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8).” In Christianity through the years, he is associated as one who comes “to kill, steal and to destroy (John 10:10).” So why wouldn’t he be the logical candidate to be this angel of the Bottomless Pit? All this seems to point to satan right?… Wrong again!

Again, Abaddon is referencing a place where this angel comes out of. And that place is the Abyss, better known as the “Bottomless Pit.” And Apollyon is the actual name of this super bad angel that was locked away into the Abyss since satan’s rebellion against God that happened long ago; as we have established in our last study. And that’s what this passage of Scripture is actually teaching us: Where this demonic angel is from and what his name is. And none of these interpretations points to satan as the only candidate to be this angel of the Bottomless Pit (Abyss).

Isaiah 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: He calleth them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth.

and

Psalm 147:4 He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.

Even though God has created all angels and has named them all. He has only made known a few names of angels throughout the Holy Spirit inspired Holy Bible. Both holy and unholy. Such as: Michael (the archangel) Gabriel (God’s direct messenger), Lucifer that God changed to satan, Death (Revelation 6:8) and now Apollyon (the destroyer). What am I saying here?

Even though, the Holy Bible reveals to us that satan has a couple of names (lucifer, devil, satan) doesn’t mean Apollyon is another name that God has given him. It’s most likely God has reserved this name and title for another angel that has fallen with satan long ago. And was bound and locked away all this time in the Abyss. Awaiting to be released and used by God for judgment. And satan is not that angel, because he has never been locked away into the Abyss yet.

And this ministry is not here to give satan accolades by giving him credit that doesn’t belong to him nor will God Most High. In fact this ministry will only expose that serpent of old, that originator of rebellion and a froward spirit. That originator of all lies and the father of all liars and accusers of the brethren! That enemy and adversary of what he really is and expose what he does through the Holy Bible, by the Holy Spirit of God’s perspective only. And not by assumptions, carnal opinions or popular vain philosophies of the day!

In those days, (the great tribulation), you think it couldn’t get any worse than:

Think again! Revelation 9:1-12 shows worse things yet to come. God reveals to us when “the fifth angel sounded” his trumpet: a bottomless pit will be opened somewhere on earth. Certain demons will be released to torment man for five months; led by a really super bad leader by the name of Abaddon (Hebrew) or Appolyon (Greek). And that’s just the first “woe!” But before we really get into the fullness of chapter 9, In this study, we will explore what the bottomless pit is, because there are some misunderstandings, opinions, ideas and speculative interpretations circulating the internet.

Revelation 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

A lot of people have tried to figure out who this fallen star is. I say “who,” because the Holy Bible gives us a gender of this star, “a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key.” We know according to the Scriptures, this “star” is not a ball of gas and light as astronomers teach all stars in the universe that we see every night, to be. The word “star” here is a metaphor, symbology or code for an “angel.” And not just any angel, but an unholy or demonic angel. And how we know this for certain is what this Scripture is telling us, “a star fall from heaven unto the earth.”

Stellar Bodies vs. Celestial Bodies

How do we know the word “star” here, is referring to an angel and not a star in the universe that’s part of the constellations? Besides a “star” having a gender, we see in the Scriptures also, that when God created the universe and the greater light (the sun) and the lesser light (the moon) and all the stars; and “set them in the firmament of the heaven” for light, to divide day and night, for signs (mentioned in Scriptures, not for divination), season, days and years (Genesis 1:14-19). He was only referring to everything we see in the night sky. But there are other Scriptures where stars are angels, better known as “celestial beings.”

 Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Notice, these stars are singing. How can a ball of gas and light sing? They don’t. So, these are none other than angelic celestial beings. That’s why angels are described in Revelation 1:16 as “stars” in the right hand of Jesus Christ. Which are the seven spirits mentioned in Revelation 1:4-20; Which is pointing to the angels of the seven churches (Revelation 2:1; 2:8; 2:12; 2:18; 3:1; 3:7; 3:14). Even the Apostle Paul differentiates between celestial bodies (angels), terrestrial bodies (human beings and animals) and stars in the universe (what we call Stellar bodies),

1 Corinthians 15:39-41 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies and bodies of terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one differeth from another star in glory.

Holy And Unholy Angels

There is a difference between the sun, moon, stars, and planets known as a Stellar body from angels known as a celestial body. So, this is how we know according to Scripture, what kind of “star” he saw. It’s not a stellar body which is a ball of gas and light. It’s a celestial being, an “angel.” And we also know according to Scriptures, there are holy and demonic angels.

Notice, in the beginning of this study, I mentioned this fallen star to be an unholy or demonic angel. How do we know this “star” (angel) is demonic or unholy? Revelation 9:1 tells us specifically, “a star fall from heaven unto the earth.” When holy angels of God appear, it never tells us, ‘a star fall, fell, or fallen.’ That description is only reserved for demonic angels who followed satan. Take for example:

Revelation 8:2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.

Revelation 10:1-3 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire: And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.

This passage of Scripture tells us specifically that an angel came down from Heaven to earth, Not fallen or cast out of Heaven. This reveals to us that this specific angel is holy and was sent by God. This angel obeyed God to give the Apostle John a little book. 

But we also see in the Book of Revelation, When God refers to demonic angels, He refers to them as fallen or cast out of Heaven, meaning thrown out of Heaven. And the effect of being thrown out of Heaven is “fall”, “fell”, or “fallen.” And where do we get this concept from in Scripture?

You may have heard over the years, a story about how Lucifer rebelled against God, and was cast out of Heaven with a 3rd of all holy angels that followed Lucifer in his rebellion; and ended up on earth. Where we get that from specifically, is no other place than,

Revelation 12:3-4 & 7-9 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.

Notice first of all, “wonder in Heaven,” which is, “a great red dragon.” This dragon is none other than Lucifer, who was once a holy angel until iniquity was found in his heart (Ezekiel 28:13-17/Isaiah 14:12-15 the very descriptions about the devil; satan). All this originated from Heaven (the dwelling place of God) first.

“And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth:” The Holy Bible reveals in this passage of Scripture many revelations. But what we will be focusing on briefly is, “his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven” and “cast them to the earth:”

The number of fallen angels is a 3rd of all holy angels. We do not know the exact entire number of all holy angels that were created by God. Also notice the red dragon’s tail “drew the third part of the stars of heaven.” This word “drew” is specific. And there are a lot of meanings behind the word “draw,” depending on its usage.

“Drew” is obviously the past tense word for “draw.” Meaning God has revealed to us that this has already taken place in the past. One of the definitions of the word, Drew: ‘to allure; to entice; to persuade; or cause to follow.’ This gives us a picture, that Lucifer somehow caused the third of the holy angels to follow behind him. Most likely enticed them, allured them to follow him through lies and deception. Why? Because he is a liar and the father of all lies and liars as it is written,

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

This is how he “drew the third part of the stars of heaven.” he lured, enticed them with deception to follow him. Continuing with that thought, we also see in Revelation 12, the revealing of a war in Heaven and the dragon and a third of the stars were cast to the earth as it says, “And there was war in Heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in Heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil, and satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

So, this is how the devil’s kingdom started? All angels were created by God Most High and Jesus Christ (John 1:1-3/Colossians 1:13-18); and they were all holy. Until the 3rd were cast out of Heaven because they followed satan long ago. And at that moment on, God changed the devils name from Lucifer (which means in Hebrew: ‘Angel of Light’) to satan (which means in Hebrew: ‘Enemy; Adversary.’). And ever since then, God has referred to demonic angels that have followed satan as “fallen!” This is how we know that this “star” in Revelation 9:1 is a demonic angel.

And he will be given the key to open the “Bottomless Pit”. Now of course, we do not know who this fallen angel is exactly. The Holy Bible does not give any clues pointing to satan as being this “fallen angel.” The reason why I bring this up, “fallen angel” can be any demonic angel of satan’s kingdom and not necessarily pointing to satan directly. Besides that, the identity of this particular unholy angel is not really important. What God is pointing out here, is not the cause, but rather the effect of the opening of the “Bottomless Pit.”

God Given Authority

Who gives this unholy angel the key to the Bottomless Pit? We know for sure through the Scriptures, that God has authority over all events mentioned in the Book of Revelation. God Most High; the Father of Jesus Christ, not only authorized the opening of the seal judgments (Revelation 5). He also authorizes in their appointed times, each trumpet blasts of each holy angel that was given a trumpet. So it is He alone that gives a fallen angel the key to the Bottomless Pit.

And this key is not a physical key per se. The word key symbolizes authority in the Scriptures. So God gave an unholy angel limited authority to open the “Bottomless Pit” and to do nothing else. This also shows us that God is not only in control of certain events and the timing of certain events all throughout human history, including the Book of Revelation. He is also in control of satan’s kingdom, including satan himself, the antichrist spirit and all demonic activity. He has them all on a leash.

And gives them certain restrictive liberty to do certain things and also has authority to stop them, according to God’s perfect will. It is also curious that He uses an unholy angel to open the Bottomless Pit. While He uses a holy angel to seal it with satan in it (Revelation 20:1-3). This is not the first time we see in Scriptures where God uses demon spirits to bring forth His judgments (Revelation 6:1-8, it is pointing to the horsemen of deception, war, inflation and Death).

What Is The Bottomless Pit?

What is the Bottomless Pit exactly? Some people have ignorantly claimed over the years, the Bottomless Pit is Hell. And even claimed to capture an audio recording of the screams and agony of tormented souls deep in a cave somewhere. But the “Bottomless Pit” is not Hell. Meaning the place of fire and torment, “where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched”  that Jesus Christ has taught (Mark 9:43-48).

Hell, the Lord has taught is Gehenna or Gehinnom. And the Bottomless Pit is not that place. In fact, satan and all unholy angels that God allowed to roam the earth (Job 1-2/Revelation 12:4 & 12) has never been to Gehenna, and never will. Because we see in Scripture, that when the devil and all his angels are judged, they will be thrown into the Lake of Fire not Hell (Gehenna). And like wise, people who are not found written in the Lambs Book of Life will also be thrown in the Lake of Fire after them (Revelation 20:11-15). The Lake of Fire is “Agam Ha’Eish” in Hebrew. And in the Greek, Limne-tou-pyros. And both translations mean the same thing, “a lake or pool of fire, burning with sulfur.

And we never see in Scripture that the devil and his angels are cast into Hell (Gehenna). But we have seen an eye witness account through Jesus Christ, the teachings of Hell (Gehenna), where the souls of the rebellious against God and His teachings, evil doers, hypocrites and sinners will go before they are cast into the Lake of Fire. Including those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord when they die will be also cast into Hell (Gehenna or Gehinnom) as well.

This is why the Lake of Fire is called the “second death.” Because the first death is Hell (Gehenna). And when death (the grave) and Hell (Gehenna) gives up the dead that were in them. They will face the final eternal judgment with God Most High, and be cast into the Lake of Fire for all eternity (Revelation 20:13-14).” Scriptures where Jesus Christ teaches about Hell (Gehenna) being the place of fire and torment:

Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell.

Mark 9:43-47 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into Hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

But the “Bottomless Pit” are not those places meaning Hell (Gehenna) or the Lake of Fire (Agam Ha’Eish) either. It’s not even Sheol or Hades (abode of the dead, referring to the grave) where the souls of both sinners and the righteous who died went in the Old Testament days. It’s not a place where souls of the rebellious against God and against His teachings go. Nor is it a place for sinners, evil doers or hypocrites, including those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord, after death. It’s not a place where demons are tormented either. So what is the Abyss exactly? Why did God create such a place for really super bad demonic angels?

Remember what the Holy Spirit revealed through the Apostle Peter briefly about certain angels being locked away in chains and in darkness by God, reserved for judgment?

2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to Hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

That word for “Hell” in this passage of Scripture is the Greek word “Tartarus.” And that word was only used one time throughout the entire Holy Bible. And the specific use of this word is only reserved as a, “subterranean prison.” This word is not applied to human souls at all, like Gehenna (Hell) or Agam Ha’Eish (Lake of Fire) is. This word was not used as a metaphor or a physical description for Sheol or Hades either. It’s only reserved for the use of these certain angels who have sinned and became demonic angels… Bound in a dark, subterranean prison. And that’s what the Bottomless Pit is.

And oftentimes, people misunderstand and misinterpret this passage of Scripture to mean, ‘that God reserved these angels who have sinned, bound in chains, awaiting the judgment of God.’ But that interpretation is only half the story. They are not waiting for God to cast them into the Lake of Fire when all is said, done and fulfilled according to the Scriptures. And needed a temporary place to put them in the meantime.

They are actually waiting for God to release them, to be used for God’s judgment here on earth. And that’s what the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Peter is revealing to us. And that’s what Revelation 9:1-12 is really showing us. The releasing of these really super bad demonic angels who are bound in chains, in this dark, subterranean, solitary confined prison.

And then, when everything is said, done and fulfilled according to all the Scriptures; in the final judgment, eventually, they will be cast into the Lake of Fire with the antichrist, the false prophet, satan, the rest of 3rd of all unholy angels who have sinned, along with the souls of all sinners whose names are not found in the Book of Life with the angel of Death.

And one last thing about the abyss, is there an entrance to it? According to Revelation 9:1-3, there is a physical entrance that will open the Bottomless Pit, “a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.”

There has never been an entrance to this “Bottomless Pit” found on earth anywhere. Scientists in Russia claim to have drilled deep into the earth but that’s not an entrance. The abyss is not some “transcendent spiritual dimension,” a sudden appearing “wormhole” or some science fiction “cosmic portal” that will open “magically” out of thin air by a demonic angel and out comes these locusts. It’s an actual real place, but there is no  “locked entrance” to it; as if a deep cave or well that is locked with a padlock as some speculative interpreters have written this entrance to be.

Instead, God gives this unholy angel authority, power to open the earth, like God had opened the earth in the days of Korah (Numbers 16:31-33). That’s why you cannot find a physical entrance to the abyss. And that is also why God has not revealed the exact location where this will take place. Because there isn’t one now, until the day where God will authorize the opening of the earth to access the abyss. And the abyss will open, when the fifth angel sounds his trumpet. And on that specific day that God only knows, is when He will give that unholy angel the authority to open it.

Revelation 8:5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

When the “Seventh Seal” is opened in that specific day and hour, in which God Most High only knows; it will be a fearful period of time for those who continually reject to hear and respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ and of His cross. Because it is the beginning of worse times to come, known as “the great tribulation period.” This also tells us the specific reaction of humanity that will be left behind after the rapture, when they see and hear the beginning of these things coming upon the earth from heaven at that moment:

When a holy angel of God takes the “golden censer” and filled it with fire from the altar of God “and cast it into the earth” (it doesn’t say, ‘upon the earth’), but, “into the earth” where voices are heard, which are the screams of scared people on earth mixed with the thought of the minds and hearts of humanity who are left behind. “And thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.” Notice, “an earthquake,” not earthquakes in various places. But one earthquake that will shake the whole earth at one time.

If you think this kind of earthquake is impossible, think again, it has happened before in the near past as recorded by seismologists. In fact, seismology has started to track earthquakes accurately with very sensitive equipment since the 1880’s. So the first “global” earthquake ever recorded was the “Great Chilean Earthquake” in 1960. It was a 9.5 magnitude earthquake that caused the whole earth to ring like a bell for several days. Or how about the Greenland Mega Tsunami in 2023. Where a massive mountain collapsed, triggering a standing wave that rang the whole earth continuously for 9 days.

And so, this global earthquake is not as far-fetched as you think, where the whole earth will shake at once. Since this has happened before, it will happen in the great tribulation period several times more throughout. For the past 60 years are just a type and shadow of things to come.

Revelation 8:6 And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

When the great tribulation period begins, this is what will await you if you continually reject God’s invitation to salvation! Continued to reject Jesus Christ as Lord and the Holy Spirit’s truth and miss the rapture:

V:7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

V:8-9 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

Notice, “the third part of the sea became blood.” A lot of people have claimed over the years that the sea will not turn to blood, but will grow red algae causing the sea to look like a blood color. Killing a third of the sea creatures. But that’s not what’s going on here. If that were the case, then explain to me how red algae destroys ships.

Others have also interpreted this passage of Scripture, that a certain number of ships will be sunk and a third of the sea creatures killed because of this certain object the Apostle John describes, “as it were a great mountain burning” to be an atomic bomb or some vague chemical reaction of some sort. That’s not what’s going on here either. There is a real danger for assumption or adding ideas of interpretation to the Scriptures about what we think might occur or what we think John is trying to convey to us what he saw.

The Dangers On Speculative Interpretations

Even Christian commentaries are seriously guilty of speculation of how these events will unfold. But the problem with speculative interpretations, it inserts personal opinions and one’s own understanding rather than the Holy Spirit inspired perspective. And it rejects what John literally saw as a literal event that will happen. There’s nowhere in the entire Holy Bible, where holy, sanctified men, chosen by God, inspired by the Holy Spirit gave them room to insert their own understanding or opinions to further explain what they were shown as an eye witness. This is why the Holy Bible is not a Holy Book of explanations.

And so, we are to take Revelation 8 as is… As a literal fact of events that will occur in the great tribulation period. We should never try to attempt to explain how we think these events will happen. And besides that, chapter 8 is so straight forward it actually does not need to be explained or interpreted. Just taken in as is. Because when we attempt to try to explain it, most likely we will end up being totally wrong. And the event being so simple, not complicated. So we just take in the Scriptures as is without adding our own theories, unproven ideas or personal opinions. Remember the warnings God revealed to us at the end of the Book of Revelation:

Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this Book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this Book:

What Plagues? This in itself is a long and exhaustive study. And I don’t believe this word of warning is only referring to the Book of Revelation only. It includes all the plaques written in all of the Holy Bible. This is why this warning is mentioned nearly at the end of the entire Holy Bible. So read this on your own personal study of all the plagues in the Book of Revelation chapters 6;8;9;10;16. Which means, anyone who adds words to the entire Holy Bible, will be living through the great tribulation period, with all the plagues that came upon Egypt in the Book of Exodus chapters 7-10. Even all the curses in the Book of Deuteronomy 28:15-68, just to name a few.

And if any man shall take away from the words of the Book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this Book.

Anyone who takes away any words from the Book of Revelation, and from the entire Holy Bible; including those who preached a lie, those who deliberately mislead people astray, using the Holy Bible to do so. Anyone who is fearful and holds back ministering the truth by the unction and power of the Holy Spirit. Anyone who does not believe and receives the entire Holy Bible as the infallible, completely inerrant, Holy Spirit inspired word of God. Rewriting or Perverting its meaning or preaches another Gospel, other than what is contained in the Holy Bible, will be accursed:

Salvation will be taken away from you. This is why it is written, “God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life,” In order to make Heaven your eternal home, your name must be written in the Book of Life,

Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

This curse doesn’t stop there, your place in Heaven will also be taken away from you in all eternity, This is why again, it is written “and out of the holy city” and “from the things which are written in this Book.” What is written in the Holy Bible? What is written in the Book of Revelation? The invitation to eternal life! The blessing of salvation through Jesus Christ! And if people, both saint or sinner takes away from the words of the Book of this prophecy, God will take away salvation from you, will blot you out of the Book of Life as this warning reads “God shall take away his part out of the Book of Life”

So then, where will those who have taken the words out of the Holy Bible, (those who preach a lie, those who deliberately mislead people astray using the Holy Bible to do so, or rewritten it perverting the truth. Those who are fearful and hold back ministering the truth of God’s Holy Word’s. Those who perverts the meaning or preaches another Gospel, or adds words or ideas other than what is contained in the Holy Bible) go, if not heaven?

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire.

All the blessings written in the Holy Bible will be taken away from you, and God will not remember anything you did that was good, holy or righteous according to His standards, written in the Holy Bible to those who add or take away any words of the Holy Bible. This is why again it is written, “and from the things written in this Book.”

This is the reason why we don’t add our own understanding or opinions to try to explain the Scriptures. And many who have written books or produced movies about the Book of Revelation are guilty of this. The Holy Spirit of God has not given me exclusive insight about what the Apostle John saw in Revelation 8.

Therefore, I just minister what He reveals to me. And many would do well if they did the same. Knowledge will increase in the last days as the Lord promised, especially after this ministry has completed its part of the Lord’s work. And may be, when these things happen, and people see the things that John saw come to pass, will hopefully understand what they are seeing and realize that they need to turn to Jesus Christ, repent from sinning and be saved as it was written (Revelation 7:9-14) But until then, we just need to heed the warnings of God and just read and understand this chapter as is.

V:10-11 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

An interesting note about Wormwood and why this star is called by that specific name. Wormwood is a poisonous plant. Some people use it in herbology as a medicinal plant cautiously. Absinthe is produced by it, which is used in alcoholic beverages. I say some people use wormwood cautiously for a reason. It is highly bitter and is considered poisonous. It contains a neurotoxic compound that can cause seizures, brain, kidney and liver damage. Miscarriages in pregnant women and death.

This passage of Scripture is really pointing out a third of the world’s rivers and fountains of water, including streams, ponds, lakes and even private wells. Meaning a third of the earth’s drinking water supply will be poisoned by this star from Heaven somehow. Because that’s what the Biblical word “bitter” actually means, “poisoned.” And why people will die as it tells us specifically, “and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter”

V:12 And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.

The third of the sun will be smitten, meaning, the sun will not fully shine. According to the Scriptures, sunlight will be reduced by a third (33%), “and the third part of the sun was smitten (Revelation 8:12).” This means seasons, weather and climate will be affected by the smiting of the sun. Also impacting subsistence agriculture. Meaning, whatever you plant, it will grow slowly, because photosynthesis will be affected. Seriously impacting global agriculture and the global economy. Natural vegetation will also be affected as well. Wild animals may starve and decrease in population, which affects foragers because of the lack of natural food sources.

The Effects of God’s Judgments

You see, so much will be impacted by these first four angels that sound their trumpets by the direction of God Most High. This chapter is revealing to us that when each angel sound their trumpets, a third of the trees and all the green grass was burnt up. Meaning a third of the world’s vegetation was burnt up. And third of the sea became blood; where a third of the sea creatures died and the third of the ships were destroyed.

The third of the rivers and fountains (meaning, fresh water sources) was poisoned. And many men (humanity) died. And a third of the sun, moon and stars was smitten, causing only 2/3 of light to shine in the day and night.

Notice, the first 4 angels are assigned by God to judge the things contained in the earth. And the effects of God’s judgment upon the earth affects global food supplies. Where a third of vegetation and trees will be destroyed by fire, “hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up (Revelation 8:7).”

The sea food industry, commercial fishing, aquaculture and the transportation of global merchandise and trade goods will also be directly affected, as it is written, “a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed (Revelation 8:8-9).”

A third of the earth’s fresh water sources, including drinking water will be poisoned, while a third of the sun moon and star will lose its light, greatly impacting globally, agriculture and foraging as it is revealed to us, “there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter. the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise (Revelation 8:10-12).”

Wait a minute brother, it appears you are adding your own personal opinions and theories to the word of God. Actually I’m not. I speak by the Holy Spirit and by the word of God. For the Holy Bible has already shown us the effect of God’s judgments in the great tribulation period. Found in,

Revelation 7:14-16 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Reading about what’s going to happen, and pondering on the effects of God’s judgments upon the earth, have you stopped and wondered what God’s message is to humanity who are left behind, by bringing judgment to the third of the sea’s, tree’s and vegetation. Drinking water along with the sun, moon and stars?

Could He be challenging “new-agers” and those who worship the earth, worshiping creation rather than the Creator, by saying through His actions in judgments, ‘Who and what are you going to rely on to save yourselves now?’ Speaking to those who relied on the earth for healing. Manipulating the sun for self sufficiency, consulting mediums who worship the moon and stars in astrology and all sorts of divination’s, and worshiping angels. Who has said in their heart, “There is no God!”

Challenging humanity to consider that no one is in control of anything, but God alone. And it is futile to save the planet, save the tree’s, animals and the climate when it is too easy for God to seriously affect it all without any real might and power. Disrupting the natural ebb and flow of life as we know it now, in just one little moment.

Through His actions, God the Creator has made a fool of your invented gods! On your self sovereignty! Of your denial of Jesus Christ and of the truth! And He is pleading through His judgments to reconsider His only begotten Son; Jesus the Christ. Turn to Him! Repent from all your sins and rejection of Christ and be saved!

You see, the focal point of Revelation chapter 8 is not how these things will happen, but rather what happens in the first half of great tribulation. For this is just the beginning of what’s in store for those who will be left behind from the rapture of the church age, and will go through the great tribulation period as another holy angel points out,

V:13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

So, after the first four angels have sounded their trumpets, an angel flying in the midst of Heaven will preach to the inhabiters of the earth, warning about the next three woe’s that will happen, when the last three angels sound their trumpets according to Revelation 9. The angel flying in the midst of Heaven is the same angel that will preach the everlasting gospel in all the world (Revelation 14:6-7). This is when that holy angel will start to preach the everlasting gospel, after these first four angels have sounded their trumpets in those days.

In that specific time, when the fifth angel sounds His trumpet, it will mark the first of three woes to come. Where God will authorize the opening of the bottomless pit and release demons to torment all humanity for 5 months. You see, there’s still the worst things yet to come still in the great tribulation.

So the eternal question still remains, why would you reject Jesus Christ and the cross? Reject God’s invitation to salvation through His only begotten Son who has made a way of escape from Hell and the Lake of Fire and from the things that are coming to the earth in the great tribulation period, since worse things are yet to come? 

What are you waiting for? Things will not get better; it will only get worse. Turn to Jesus Christ now and be saved and delivered from Hell, the Lake of Fire and from the great tribulation period before that day comes. For He is pleading to you now out of His love for you and mercy upon you. 

Since it has been already established in our past studies when the great tribulation period begins in the Scriptures. The next question now is, “What is the great tribulation period?” This question deserves a thorough answer. The quick and shallow answer is, it’s a period of time where God will unleash His corrective and wrathful judgments upon the whole world.

In the Book of Revelation 8-18, it describes in fine tuned detail the great tribulation period and all that will happen in those days in the near future. Confirming what has already been prophesied by the Old Testament prophets. And together they reveal to us everything humanity needs to know.

And during this time, God Most High will also give up the world over to satan for a short moment of time as well; as part of His judgments. Since humanity has been rejecting Jesus Christ and His salvation invitation, therefore God will give this world over to the desires of mans hearts as it has been forewarned 2000 + years ago in,

2 Thessalonians 2:2-12 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as god sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is god. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Furthermore, the great tribulation period will be a time of, “great distress” such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” As described by the Lord (Luke 21:23/Matthew 24:21). And He also has ministered the difference between “tribulation” and “great tribulation.”

The Difference Between Tribulation and Great Tribulation

There’s a few times where the Lord Jesus used the word tribulation, in the context of all Christians will be going through trials and testing in life such as, John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

He also ministers the concept of tribulational times meaning, “the narrow way” is going to be difficult, not easy, Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

And again in, Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

But specifically He uses the word “tribulation” in the context when describing times of abnormal global distress as signs pointing to the rapture, Matthew 24:29-31 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

And only 3 times was the phrase “great tribulation” ever used throughout the New Testament. It was only used in reference to a time after the rapture, during the escalation of global judgments of God that is revealed in Revelation chapters 8-18. Twice by Jesus Christ, and one time by one of the twenty four elders in the throne room of God. And that’s a Biblical Fact!

The first time it was used is found in, Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Here, He is describing an event that differs dramatically from the times of “tribulation.” And He describes what will happen in the events of the “great tribulation” that is found in Matthew 24:14-28:

Another time He specifically uses the phrase “great tribulation,” is in warning to the corrupt, apostate churches that will be left behind to go through the “great tribulation period,” which is after the rapture, if they don’t repent and overcome their apostate sinful naughtiness and ill-repute fornication’s now in,

Revelation 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.

And here again in describing the multitudes of people all around the world, who got saved and right with God through Jesus Christ; whom after they died in Christ in the great tribulation period. Will stand before the throne of God and of the Lamb worshipping,

Revelation 7:13-14 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

You see, the difference between tribulation and great tribulation according to the Scriptures is that in Matthew 24:3-13/Revelation 6:1-11 is what Jesus Christ calls “the beginning of sorrows” which is a time of, “tribulation,” in which we are living in right now. A time of abnormal distress. This is why people are finding all sorts of different ways to medicate themselves with drugs and alcohol and through all sorts of entertainment and partying, to escape the reality of abnormal distresses of today. But this is just the beginning. 

Because there’s going to be a time after the rapture of the church age, that will get much worse which Jesus Christ calls, “great tribulation.” And that will be a time of great distresses that has never been before in human history and will never be again as described in Matthew 24:14-28/Revelation 8-19. And that’s the difference between “tribulation” and “great tribulation” according to the Holy Bible. And the “great tribulation” points to the second advent (return) of Jesus Christ.

Which brings us to the next point in answering the question in a more thorough light. What’s another difference between “tribulation” and “great tribulation?” The answer is, events differ between the two. In the days of tribulation there are certain events that led up to the rapture of the church age, such as:

Matthew 24:3-13 And as He sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto Him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of Thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for My name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

These are times of tribulation, events that are all pointing to the rapture! Looking closely at details in the Scriptures, the Lord Jesus literally ministering the final sign to look for as the rapture of the church age is about to take place

Matthew 24:29-31 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in Heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

In the event of what we call the “rapture” is when Jesus Christ will appear in the clouds and send His holy angels to gather His faithful followers, delivering them from the Great Tribulation period. In the events of “great tribulation” is when two more sets of judgments of God will be unleashed (Revelation 8-16) and the rise of the antichrist, the son of perdition will occur to deceive the nations according to Revelation 13. Which are specific events that points to the second advent or return of Jesus Christ as is described by the Lord Himself,

Matthew 24:15-28 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

These are the specific signs pointing to the second advent (return) of Jesus Christ. When the Lord warned in verse 23, “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ! or, ‘There!’ do not believe it.’ Jesus is referring to the antichrist, the son of perdition mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2 in which also is ministered by the Apostle Paul through the Holy Spirit the concurring revelation that the rapture and the second coming of Jesus Christ are two separate events as is ministered by the Holy Spirit of God through the Apostle Paul (2 Thessalonians 2:1).

2 Thessalonians 2:2-5 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as god sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is god.  Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?

In those days of the great tribulation period, many things will occur which we will not cover in this study for time sake, but the antichrist will claim to be God and will deceive many.

The authority of the antichrist will be from God Most High given to the devil. And from the devil to the antichrist, as is shown us in, verses 9; 11 & 12 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion should believe a lie: that they might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Otherwise the antichrist will have no power to deceive unless it came from God of Heaven and earth. The antichrist will not act alone, For satan will empower the antichrist literally as he already proclaimed long ago,

Isaiah 14:12-15 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

So ultimately it is God who gives authority to satan to deceive nations in the great tribulation period in Revelation 13. And after his time is up, Jesus will come in His second Advent. We also see in the Scriptures in Revelation 19, He will literally come back to earth with all His saints and His Heavenly hosts and will literally step foot on earth to put an end to Armageddon (that was mentioned in Revelation 16:15). First on Mount Sion (Revelation 14:1) and then the Mount of Olives in Zechariah 14/Acts 1:10-12). Which concurs in,

Revelation 19:11-21 And I saw Heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself. And He was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God.

And the armies which were in Heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords.

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him that sat on the horse, and against His army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a Lake of Fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of Him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of His mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

Notice in the Scriptures, Jesus Christ Himself appears in the clouds and every eye will see Him, at the time of the rapture, He does not step foot on earth yet. This is truly THE key that separates the rapture from the second advent or return of Jesus Christ. Because in His second advent, He will step foot literally on earth, standing at Mount Zion (Revelation 14:1) And the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14) and will also be “treading” the winepress (Revelation 19:15). And that’s the detailed difference between a time of tribulation before the rapture of the church age and the great tribulation period pointing to the second advent of Jesus Christ.

In short, the difference between “Tribulation” and “Great Tribulation” is what each event is pointing to. In times of tribulation according to Matthew 24:3-13 and Revelation 6:1-11 is specifically pointing to the rapture of the church age according to Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:29-31 and Revelation 6:12-17, which we are living in right now. Where in the times of “great tribulation,” according to Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:14-26 and Revelation 8-18 is specifically point to the second return of Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:27-28 and Revelation 19:11-21.

The Judgments of God

Here’s a perfect point to fine tune our understanding about the judgments of God. In our past studies, I have ministered that God’s judgments are His way of trying to correct humanity’s course of an eternal destination from Hell to Heaven. But that’s only one half of the truth.

In the Holy Bible, the judgments of God are referring to either correction and/or the “wrath of God.” And we see both on display in the Book of Revelation. And so, we will start with the merciful side of God. The reason why He uses judgment to bring people to repentance, is:

Hebrews 12:5-6 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.

Now, this is specifically illustrating how He is with His children (Christians). In this illustration however, we can’t help but notice His patience and His mercy. And we also can’t help but notice in this passage of Scripture the degrees of corrections that God uses, which is the point here, such as:

Now compare that to the judgments of God in the Book of Revelation:

In past studies, I have ministered that God’s judgments are actually His way to try to correct the course of humanity from Hell to Heaven through His salvation plan in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son. Trying to show all humanity there is only one way to salvation and that is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Trying to shake people awake spiritually and draw as many as “whosoever believes” unto repentance and salvation, because of His patient and merciful, loving character He possesses. And that He gives everyone time to repent, as His word shows us within the promises of judgment and perdition of ungodly men,

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

But there’s another side of God’s judgments which are known as the “wrath of God.” And He can be both merciful and wrathful at the same time. He can be joyful, angry and loving. As well as merciful and just all at the same time. He doesn’t need to compartmentalize His emotions like humanity does. Because He is absolutely and perfectly self-controlled in a real deep sense in holiness and righteousness. And so, the wrath of God is mentioned a few times:

Revelation 15:7 And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.

Revelation 14:10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

Revelation 14:19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

Revelation 16:19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.

Notice, in these series of Scriptures, according to the Book of Revelation, the wrath of God only occurs in the events of the Vial Judgments towards the end of the great tribulation period, before the second advent of Jesus Christ. And not during the tribulational times of the “Seal” and “Trumpet of Judgments” (Revelation chapters 6-11:15). In the second advent of Christ, we see the Lord Jesus judging the “sons of disobedience” in the wrath of Almighty God.

Revelation 19:15 And out of His mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

Which was forewarned and often repeated in the first century by the Spirit of God through the Apostle Paul in a number of Epistles such as, Ephesians 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

And then we finally see, after the Millennial Reign of Christ has ended, when satan is released from the bottomless pit; the display of the final wrath of God. When He destroys Heaven, the universe and the earth by fire. And all humanity is judged and put into their final eternal destinations.

Revelation 20:10-15 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the Heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the Book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the Book of life was cast into the Lake of Fire.

He is Holy! He is Just! Yes, He is merciful and loving! But never forget, He is also the Judge! And only Jesus Christ can justify you, if you just give all your heart unto the Lord. I’m not sure what you’re waiting for or what you’re holding out for. Things are going to get much worse after the rapture of the church age. And Revelation 8 is just the beginning of worse things to come. But you can escape all that now by receiving God’s invitation to salvation extended to you through Jesus Christ. Because there is no other way to eternal life, other than through Jesus Christ.

How Can You Be Saved?

You must acknowledge in your heart and confess out of your mouth:

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God

Romans 10:8-13 The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Confess & Repent Repentance is acknowledging and confession of all your sins to God sincerely from the heart, while turning away from the life of sinning. It’s not feeling sorry and asking God for forgiveness. It’s a full surrendering of your heart, soul, mind and body to Jesus Christ, wherever you are right now. Don’t put it off, remember, life is not guaranteed the next hour.

Repentance is a vital key to salvation. Because apart from repentance, there is no salvation. So, the first thing Jesus Christ preached, after coming out of the 40-day wilderness is “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:17).” That’s how important repentance really is in salvation! Jesus Christ came to save that which is lost. He didn’t come to give us salvation in sin. He came to deliver His people from their sins (Matthew 1:18-23). Not to keep people bound in the slavery of sin.Tthe first step toward salvation is to repent, meaning to stop sinning.

Believe Believing is active faith. Faith is knowing without doubting, when you ask God to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all sins and unrighteousness, He will.

Call Calling upon the name of the Lord is crying out and asking Jesus Christ to save you. Ask the Father and His only begotten Son from this day forward, for forgiveness of all your sins. Ask them to come into your heart and be Lord of your life. Ask God to write your name in the Lambs Book of Life. And ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit

Luke 11:9-13 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; Seek, and ye shall find; Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?

And that’s how you receive eternal life in Jesus Christ. What do we do after this? We read the Holy Bible, we pray, seeking God’s will, while having fellowship with God. And let Him lead you to a church of His choice. We do these things to commune with God and to grow and mature spiritually in Jesus Christ, while being strengthened in these confusing days. You’ll be blessed when you do.

God bless you

As of right now, the moment this message was published, many people think we are living in the great tribulation period. And they’ll take certain events from Revelation 13 claiming the mark of the beast is a cashless system and it’s already happening, without the revealing of the antichrist. Or other events claiming one bay area of the sea turned blood red for a week and that’s the specific fulfillment of Revelation 16:3. Or the Euphrates river is drying up and that’s another specific fulfillment of Revelation 16:12, without the battle of Armageddon. And makes these claims as “evidence” that we are living in the great tribulation period right now.

And the reason why people think that, is because they are interpreting the “Seal” judgments of Revelation 6 to be the start of the great tribulation period. But it’s simply not. They absolutely misunderstand the Scriptures and leading people astray. And had not kept into account Revelation 6 parallels with what Jesus Christ teaches us about the “beginning of sorrows” of Matthew 24:3-14, which is not the great tribulation period. It’s clearly a tribulational period time pointing to the rapture that we are living in right now.

And when the rapture happens (Revelation 6:12-17/Matthew 24:29-31), After that, then, the great tribulation period begins in Revelation 8:1 at the breaking of the 7th Seal; which is after the 144,000 Israelis are sealed (Revelation 7:1-8).

And in the great tribulation, the Holy Bible is very specific about the events that will take place, it’s actually in a consecutive order. Take for Example: The Global judgment of trumpets happens after the seals are broken and the scrolls read by Jesus Christ (Revelation 6), but before the Vial Judgments occur (Revelation 16). Not because I say so. Not because it was written in the Book of Revelation in a chronological fashion of chapters. But because what the Scriptures say, “It is done” (Revelation 16:17).

God Most High is telling us here, all His judgments are complete WHEN the seventh angel pour’s out the last vial. He doesn’t say that in the “Seal Judgments” (Revelation 6). He doesn’t say that in the “Trumpet set of Judgments” (Revelation 8-11). He only says that in His last global judgment upon all humanity.

And all these judgments have a chronology to them. Because The Almighty God is order. And there is no confusion or chaos in Him. And everything He does is orderly. And to further this revelation, when you look closely at each set of Judgments, from the “seals” to the “vials,” they are escalating and each judgment of God are in a chronological order such as:

And so, God doesn’t pick and choose what He’ll do outside of this order. God has an order! And it is revealed that His judgments mentioned in the Book of Revelation are in a consecutive, chronological order of events. And they will happen in their appointed times by the authority of God Most High; The Supreme Ruler of all creation which is The Father of Jesus The Christ!

In order for the great tribulation period to begin, the seventh seal (Revelation 8:1) has to be broken by Jesus Christ and read. Because that’s setting up another set of global judgments of God. But before that occurs, He has to first break all seven seals and read the scrolls. Just as the same way for the vial judgments to occur, all seven angels have to sound their trumpets before the vial judgments begin, as it is written.

So, the point is, we must ask ourselves this question, “Have we physically heard, seen holy angels and measured in sound waves their trumpet blasts through the universe to earth before each judgment of God happens as it is written yet? The Answer is No! If that hasn’t occurred, then, we are not living in the great tribulation period yet. This is how we know if we are truly living in those times or not. The Holy Bible is that logical.

God has told us everything we need to know. The Holy Spirit of God has not left anything out, or keeps us wondering. And speaking of Chronology, The 1st to the 5th seals have already been opened coupled with “observable evidence” that we have already seen fulfilled. When the 6th seal is opened, the rapture of the church age will occur. Then after that major event, the 144,000 Israelis will be sealed with a special mark on their foreheads (Revelation 7:1-8). After that…THEN the “Great Tribulation” period begins at the opening of the 7th Seal,

Revelation 8:1 And when He had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.

Let’s rightfully divide the word of truth to better understand what the Holy Bible is telling us… After the rapture, and after the 144,000 Israelis are sealed, THEN, Jesus Christ will open the seventh seal. This seal is the beginning of the “Great Tribulation” period. This will be a period of time, roughly about 7 years of great distress, trials and testings for all humanity at one time; that has never been seen before, nor will ever be again.

A time where God raises the degree of judgment by one notch worse than His “Seal Judgments.” And the reason why He’s doing this, is not to cleanse the church from all sins as some have falsely ministered in the past. Because by this point, the church has already been raptured before the seventh seal is opened. He’s not doing this out of revenge on everyone who has hated His only Begotten Son; Jesus The Christ, or persecuted Christians, or living in deliberate, rebellious and unrestrained sinning against God and thumbing their noses at God while ignoring the gospel message of salvation.

He’s doing this because of His mercy, shaking people spiritually awake and drawing those who are left behind to another opportunity of repentance unto salvation. This is why He will send a great holy angel and the two “witnesses” to preach the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. Giving everyone another opportunity to hear it and to respond to Him during the “Great Tribulation” period. As it is illustrated in,

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

And,

Romans 11:25-27 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is My covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

Which all points to the conclusion, that sinners in the great tribulation period, both Israelis and Gentiles will repent and give their hearts to Jesus Christ when they hear the gospel message of salvation preached in all the world; They will stay right with God to the end of their lives and stand before the throne of God worshiping Him and the Lamb Jesus The Christ as it has been shown to us in,

Revelation 7:9-17 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

The reason why He uses judgment to bring people to repentance, is:

Hebrews 12:5-6 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.

Now, this is specifically illustrating how He is with His children (Christians). In this illustration, we can’t help but notice His love, patience and mercy. And we also can’t help but notice in this passage of Scripture, the degrees of corrections that God uses, which is the point here, such as:

Rebuke: To scold in a sharp way (by words), to reprimand.

Chastisement: To punish; Afflict.

Scourging: To physically beat or whip, causing serious pain. To punish or to afflict severely.

Now compare that to the judgments of God:

Do you see now, how escalating His judgments are in this particular order? This is how we know His judgments are in this order of events as it is written. In past studies I have ministered that God’s judgments are actually His way to try to correct the course of humanity from Hell to Heaven through His salvation plan in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son. Trying to show all humanity there is only one way to salvation and that is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Trying to shake people awake spiritually and draw as many as “whosoever believes” unto repentance and salvation, because of His loving, patient and merciful character He possesses.

And in His mercy, He gives everyone time to repent as He did to Israel in the Old Testament before He delivered His people to judgment. As is also written about Jezebel in the church of Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29). As He will also do to the whole world. But let it be warned now, we see in Scripture that “Mercy endureth forever.” “His love is everlasting” But nowhere in the Holy Bible has it ever been said or written, “His patience is eternal,” because it’s not. You can exhaust His grace and His patience in a life-time in every generation, by rejecting Him at every turn of event!

And as soon as the seventh seal is opened, it is written, “there was silence in Heaven about the space of half an hour.” What an unsettling thought that Heaven is silenced when the seventh seal is opened. An absolute change in the spiritual atmosphere of Heaven itself. Going from hearing the sounds of the glories, the praises and the worshiping of The Most High God and of Jesus The Christ… to dead silence…

What a fearful, unsettling feeling. Discerning in a moment the Awe and Majesty of God to judgment mode when all suddenly became silent, where the heavenly host is anticipating what’s to come next.

Before this event, we were told of the sounds of Heaven. The voice of Jesus Christ speaking to John (Revelation 1-3) Thundering and voices proceeding out of the throne of God Most High. Lamps of fire burning. The four beasts worshiping God and the Lamb without ceasing with the voices of many angels and the twenty four elders (Revelation 4;5 & 7).

A strong angel proclaiming, John weeping, and the four beasts singing. Voices of Heaven, and of earth and those under the earth praising, blessing and worshiping God and of the Lamb (Revelation 5). And while all this is going on in the background, we see Jesus Christ open each seal. And when each seal was opened, there were noises, including the sound of the breaking of each seal with thundering (Revelation 6). They heard all these sounds that were written for us to imagine as we read, until the “Seventh Seal” was opened. And then, Silence… After about a half an hour, then

Spirit-Led Prayers Offered To God For The Great Tribulation Period

Revelation 8:2-4 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.

The beginning of the great tribulation period starts at the breaking of the seventh seal. And we see, when that happens after the period of silence had ended; seven angels standing before God as they were given seven trumpets. And before God gives them permission to sound each trumpet at the perfect timing of God according to His perfect will. Another angel, having a golden censer, stood at the fiery altar with much incense and prayers of the saints. The smoke of the incense with the prayers ascended up to God.

This shows us another revelation how vitally important it is not only to pray in faith for one another, the local church body and for our lost relatives and friends on this side of the rapture now. But also to pray in the Holy Spirit of God. Which means not only to pray in the heavenly language that God only knows. But also, being sensitive to pray in our earthly language by the direction of the Holy Spirit is what we ought to pray for, instead of giving Him a laundry list of wishes that carnal Christians call prayer.

And if you are sensitive in the flow of the Holy Spirit, not just in our actions, but also in our prayer life; I don’t know about you, but there are times He will direct me to pray for saints and sinners in the great tribulation period specifically in my earthly language and in my understanding. And who knows, maybe perhaps also in the tongues of angels as well.

Either way, when we pray in the Holy Spirit of God now, the Book of Revelation is revealing to us, we are praying God’s perfect will and plan, known and unknowingly for saints and sinners in the great tribulation period. Because God is not only concerned for us in the nasty now and now. But also for those in the great tribulation period to make it into the sweet by and by.

And yes, it may also be possible, of those we are praying for God to save, such as our family and friends, or even acquaintances. They may put off God’s invitation to salvation for now, but may answer the call in the great tribulation period! And they will need our prayers now… for then. This is why it is vitally important to pray in the Holy Spirit regardless. Because have you ever thought to pray for the sinners naturally, who will be left behind after the rapture occurs and will have to go through the great tribulation?

The answer is most likely an emphatic No! Unless the Holy Spirit of God puts it into your mind to pray for them, otherwise you wouldn’t. And how can the Holy Spirit have free reign in your prayer life in Christ, if you’re not baptized in the Holy Spirit? This is one of many reasons why it is vitally important for all Christians to be baptized in the Holy Spirit of God today!

Addressing A Fallible Belief

In order to pray in the Holy Spirit of God, you must be baptized in the Holy Spirit. There are many Christians who assume to be, because we’ve been misled to believe the Holy Spirit automatically indwells in all believers of Christ the moment they get saved. And that’s not true! All because they:

And it’s no wonder for the confusion. According to the PEW Foundation, they have polled years ago that there are a very low number of Christians in America who know to be born again for sure in the Holy Spirit of God. While there are a higher percentage of Christians in America who claim to be born-again, but don’t know for sure.

It all begins with self-proclaimed lay ministers and some Pastors miss-leading people to assume the immediate, automatic baptism of the Holy Spirit is Scriptural, when in fact it’s not. And they’ll quote: Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9; and 1 Corinthians 12:13 as their absolute bases for their claims. But when you look at these Scriptures closely. It doesn’t support their claims at all.

Ephesian 1:13-14 In Whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in Whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory.

At first glance upon this Scripture, it seems to support an immediate and automatic baptism of the Holy Spirit. But notice closely, the phrase “After that ye believed” It doesn’t say, “immediately when ye believe,” but, “after” and “believed.” These words has a past tense meaning attached to it, not a pre or present tense. As if it were telling us an immediate and automatic baptism of the Holy Spirit is guaranteed to happen the moment ye believe Jesus Christ as Lord.

This is very important to understand because you must ask yourselves the question, “if the baptism of the Holy Spirit of God is immediate as soon as a sinner believes in Jesus Christ, then why was the apostle Paul not baptized in the Holy Spirit on the road to Damascus when he saw and heard Jesus Christ physically which caused His blindness?”

You may assume, ‘It’s because he didn’t believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah at that moment.’ “Au contraire!” The Apostle Paul called Jesus Christ “Lord” (Acts 9:5-6). And if he didn’t believe in that moment Jesus Christ is Lord and Messiah, he definitely would not have done what he was instructed to do (Acts 9:6-9). He would have ignored Jesus Christ completely and He would’ve turned back to where he from; as so many today do when they hear the gospel message of salvation through an anointed preacher of Holy Ghost.

Or how about brother Apollos whom Aquila and Priscilla met, who had believed in Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord and Messiah so much so, that he was preaching the basic gospel of Jesus Christ, only having the baptism of John and not of Holy Spirit (Acts 18:24-19:7). If so be, we receive the Holy Spirit “immediately” when one believes in Jesus Christ. By the sound of the narrative, he believed in Jesus Christ for quite some time, sold out completely to Jesus Christ, But had not the Holy Spirit?

Or take another example: Cornelius’s household not having the Holy Spirit, even though they believed in Jesus Christ, were God fearing and devout. And notice, when the Apostle Peter showed up, he did not preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to them because they already believed in Jesus Christ as Lord, Savior and Messiah. The Apostle Peter did not preach on the baptism of the Holy Spirit either. Because when he opened his mouth to say something, they all were being baptized in the Holy Spirit at that moment and not a moment sooner than they initially believed. So he ends up only ministering briefly about water baptism (Acts 10).

Just in case you doubt whether Cornelius and his household really believed in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; The Scriptures teach, you must know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior in order to receive the Holy Spirit. It also testifies that Cornelius was a just man (Acts 10:22). How can a person be justified apart from Jesus Christ? The answer is, ‘you wouldn’t be.’ But here in the Holy Scripture that cannot lie, it testifies to us that Cornelius was right with God, and only can be through Jesus Christ and no other way. And thirdly, as Cornelius was praying, the Scriptures also testifies that God heard his prayers (Acts 10:4 & 31). If he was in sin, and didn’t know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, guaranteed, his prayers would not have been heard by God according to Isaiah 59:1-2.

Notice, in all these accounts, they believed in Jesus Christ for 3 days or for some time, not having the Spirit of God, (which is the Holy Spirit). How do you explain that? Simple… we receive the Holy Spirit “after that ye believed,” not as soon as ye believe. Which is to understand, sometime after ye believed in Jesus Christ; will all sincere, penitent Christians; sold out to God, receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit according to God’s promise (John 14:15-17). And not immediately when we believe, as a lot of self proclaimed ministers and some pastors are teaching as definitive doctrine today.

There are a few instances where sinners gave their hearts completely to Christ with all sincerity and determination to sin not from that day forward, and received not only the Spirit of Christ, but also the baptism of the Holy Spirit in that very moment as well. But not all Christians have experienced that. If all Christians experienced the immediate and automatic baptism of the Holy Spirit at the moment of belief, then explain to me the Pew Foundations poll? Few have the Spirit of God and many do not?

All Christians are supposed to receive the Holy Spirit. Charles Finney has preached in his book “On the Holy Spirit” that it’s a sin not to receive the Holy Ghost after He has been promised to all followers and disciples of Christ! So why are people not receiving the promise?

You Must Be Born Again By The Spirit of God

There are many reasons. But the Lord desires me to preach on a couple serious problems. You may have been taught that the Holy Spirit is no longer needed. But that’s an absolute lie! For Jesus Christ taught that you cannot see or enter Heaven nor be part of the “new Heaven” and the “new earth” which is all part of the “Kingdom of God without being born again (John 3:3-8).

John 3:3-8 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Which concurs with Ephesian 1:13 Ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. Your soul must be sealed with the “Holy Spirit of promise.” This is not a suggestion! The next most common problem among “Christians,” why they don’t receive the Holy Spirit is: lack of repentance from all sinning! Our physical bodies were created for only one purpose, and that is to be the temple of the Holy Spirit as it is written:

1 Corinthians 6:15-20 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith He, shall be one flesh.

This is not just talking about fornication out of wedlock or adultery. This is also referring to all sins in general. Treat every sin as a harlot. When we sin we become a slave to sin (John 8:34-36). Become one flesh with sin!

But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Be not deceived! Sinning against the Lord does not glorify God in our bodies. And God our Heavenly Father will not give His Spirit (soul), nor the Holy Spirit Himself fill a dirty, sinful, unholy, compromising, corrupt and nominal temple. Only those that are cleansed with the Blood of Christ and living life in Christ in repentance will He fill. This is why He preached on Christian living (Matthew 5-7), so we can receive the Holy Spirit of promise! These are just a couple of reasons out of many why a lot of Christians have not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Christians Confuse The Spirit of Christ For The Holy Spirit

Another Scripture they claim the Holy Bible teaches the immediate, automatic baptism of the Holy Spirit is found in, Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.

This Scripture is not in any way, shape or form supporting the immediate and automatic baptism of the Holy Spirit. The reason why they use this Scripture is only because the “Spirit of God” (which is the Holy Spirit) is mentioned first before the “Spirit of Christ.” But they don’t keep in consideration on another Scripture, teaching that Jesus Christ is the baptizer of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11).

Therefore, you must have Jesus Christ in your heart first before you are baptized in the Holy Ghost, which also concurs in, 1 Corinthians 1:13, In Whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in Whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.

And notice the word “if.” in the phrase, “if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you” according to Romans 8:9. All of the Apostle Paul’s preaching is by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Especially this verse, and did not assume that all Christians are filled with the Holy Spirit of God. Why? Because the Scriptures never taught that the baptism of the Holy Spirit is immediate and automatic and without condition. And there are reasons why some Christians are filled with the Spirit of God and not all. And in another Scripture, they claim the baptism of the Holy spirit to be immediate and automatic using,

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

This Scripture again does not support the baptism of the Holy Spirit as being immediate and automatic without condition. It is teaching that all Christians are promised the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17) and by the Holy Spirit we are baptized into one body of Christ; meaning unified (John 17), of both Jew and Gentile, of all class of people who are Christ’s children, the sheep of Jesus Christ’s flock, “if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.”

The fatal error in this particular verse of Scripture and doctrine is “assumption.” Ministers who use this Scripture to support the claim of the baptism of the Holy Spirit as being immediate and automatic assumes that all Christians are filled. And that’s why they use this verse to support their erroneous claims.

What saith the Scriptures concerning this? Everything I have ministered concurs with Jesus Christ’s teaching on this subject. So, here’s the real truth of the matter, when you sincerely give your soul to Jesus Christ, and repent from sinning. The moment you asked Him (Jesus Christ not the Holy Ghost) to come into your heart and be Lord of your life, Jesus Christ will not only be with you, but also be in you as you abide in Him as He taught, starting in,

John 14:20-21 At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in Me, and I in you. He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him. 

The Lord Jesus didn’t say, the Father will manifest Himself, meaning the baptism of the Holy Spirit is not automatic, but that Jesus Christ will manifest Himself first to those that love Him. Which again concurs in Romans 8:9 which teaches us that if we do not have the “Spirit of Christ” we are none of His. And that simple truth is revealing that we are given the “Spirit of Christ” first in order to be His at the moment when we give our heart completely and sincerely to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This is why the Lord Jesus has referred to Himself as “thy first love” (Revelation 2:1-5).

And this is where the confusion lies. People have confused the Spirit of Christ for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. And so, the “Spirit of Christ” is not the Holy Spirit; For Jesus Christ is not the Holy Spirit as much as the Holy Spirit is not Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the soul of the Father (The Spirit of God)! Hence His name (Ruach Ha’Kodesh) which translates from the Hebrew as: The holy breath, wind, and Spirit (soul) of God; The Father of Jesus Christ.

Ask The Father For the Holy Spirit of God

And as Jesus Christ also taught, The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not automatic! You must desire, seek and ask God the Father for the baptism of Holy Spirit; just as He say’s in, Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?

It is then that Jesus Christ will baptize you with the Holy Spirit, after you have asked God The Father, seek and knock with all your heart for Him, after that ye believed and living a penitent life in Jesus Christ as Lord.

Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. But He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

When you sincerely give all your soul and life to Jesus Christ, love Him with all your heart, and desire, asking, seeking and knocking unto the Father for the baptism of His Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ baptizes you in God His Fathers Spirit…then Jesus Christ concludes His teachings on the matter,

John 14:23 If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him.

Which also points back to the beginning of, Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

The Importance of The Baptism of The Holy Spirit

In order to walk in the Spirit, meaning to allow the Holy Ghost to lead you. Having free reign in your walk with Christ daily. Learning how to flow with the Holy Ghost, He must dwell in you. You see, there’s a difference between the “Spirit of God” and the “Spirit of Christ!” The Spirit of Christ is not the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of Christ is the soul of Jesus. The Spirit of God is The Holy Spirit (The Soul of God The Father). And both are a must have! That’s not negotiable! Just as the Lord pointed out specifically, a person is not Christ’s property without His Spirit according to Romans 8:9. He also teaches that you must be baptized in the Holy Spirit to be Born-again (John 3:3-8).

So, you must have both, the “Spirit of Christ,” and the “Spirit of God” just as the Lord Jesus had pointed out in John 14:23, We will come unto him, and make Our abode with him.

Therefore, without the Holy Spirit, a Christian cannot walk in the Spirit (Ephesians 5:16-17). Neither have the power to witness the gospel of Jesus Christ correctly in the Spirit (Acts 1:8). Nor pray in the Spirit (Roman 8:26-27)… Just as a car is powerless without an engine, so is a Christian powerless without the Holy Spirit of God!

This is most likely the reason why it does not enter into the minds of believers of Christ, naturally, to pray for people in the great tribulation period! Because ye have not the Holy Ghost! In our natural selves, we have an infirmity, and that infirmity is, ‘we don’t know what we ought to pray for’ as the Holy Bible reveals. This is why we must have the Holy Ghost to help us to pray as we ought according to the perfect will of God always in all prayers and supplication for all saints (Ephesians 6:18), as it is written,

Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

In absolute fact, speaking in tongues is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:10). And without the Spirit of God you cannot operate in any of His gifts or help you to pray as you ought. Speaking in divers tongues is not limited to ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ in any foreign, earthly language through a born-again minister that knows not the language (Acts 2:1-11). Because what they don’t keep in account is that there are tongues of men AND of angels (1 Corinthians 13:1). So there is an earthly prayer language, AND also a Heavenly prayer language that God only knows according to the Holy Bible!

And in that Heavenly prayer language, we may be praying for future sinners’ salvation, and future saints’ baptism of the Holy Ghost. Praying also for their boldness to stand against the wiles and the schemes of the devil, and against the antichrist system of Government without fear, no matter the consequence! Praying for God to empower them to overcome the world and the flesh. And staring death right into his face without cowering to deny Jesus Christ. Only God knows!

But rest assured, as the incense will rise with the prayers of the saints, as a sweet smelling aroma, He will hear all those prayers offered to Him that was prayed in the Holy Spirit; in that day of the beginning of the great tribulation period, as this passage of Scripture reveals to us: “And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.”

We’re going to change gears for a moment. We are going back to Revelation 7:5-8, because this needs to be revealed pertaining to the complete list of the twelve tribes of Israel in this chapter. Here’s another interesting mystery revealed from the Holy Bible. When you compare the tribes of Israel in the Old Testament (Genesis 49) with the list provided by the Lord in Revelation 7. You will see that Dan is no longer mentioned as an Israeli tribe. Why?

This is not an error of any type. It’s something mentioned deliberately as a warning from God to all His children (both Israelis and Gentiles, Jews and Christians). It’s the same kind of warning of the “golden candlesticks” we saw in the throne room of God, which concurs with Romans 1:18-32/Revelation 3:5.

And the Lord’s warning to all His children: “If we do not continue to abide in Christ (or in the case of the Old Testament standards) abide in God Most High, which means to love Him with all our circumcised heart. To hearken unto His voice and obey His commandments (which by the way is still New Testament living according to Jesus Christ in John 14:15); He will eventually reject those who continually rebel and sin against Him. And that’s exactly what happened to the tribe of Dan.

To understand this, we must examine what they did. Because obviously through the comparison of Old and New Testament Scriptures today, the same standards then still apply today. And that is, God will reject those who are continually rebellious against Him. Because He is holy and doesn’t allow sinners to abide in Him. And the sinful and rebellious are those who hate God.

You see, the same message of the gospel which was preached in the Old Testament is the same as in the New. The message never changed (Hebrews 3:7-4:6). Jesus Christ was not preaching anything new. He was preaching and teaching the Old Testament, because the New Testament did not exist yet until decades after Jesus Christ death, resurrection and ascension. He simply clarified the same ol’ message from God His Father from the beginning.

What did the tribe of Dan do to eventually be rejected by God? The quick simplified answer is, “They never entered God’s rest! They never stopped sinning against the LORD! And they never repented from their backsliding!” We know through Jesus Christ that all Scriptures (The Holy Bible) are eternal (Matthew 24:35). Meaning they can never be erased or eradicated. All the words of God are eternal. And since the Holy Scriptures are eternal, they are written for our admonition today (1 Corinthians 10:1-12).

We need to learn what not to do, going all the way back to the Old Testament. And be reminded of an important promise of God many look over or don’t believe today. For the Scriptures teach, God changes not (Malachi 3:6) If He rejected certain people and individuals (such as Cain, Esau or King Saul) yesterday, that means He still does today in the New Testament which also concurs in (Roman 11). His standards never changed. His character and the way He judges never changed. What He did unto Dan, He still does unto all His children today,

Genesis 6:3 And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

The Lost Tribe of Israel

When you compare Genesis 49 with Revelation 7:5-8, You see that God replaced the tribe of Dan with the tribe of Manasseh. In fact this was prophesied in the last visions of Ezekiel,

Ezekiel 47:13 Thus saith the Lord God; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions.

This shows us that God already had in mind to reject Dan because of their continued sinning against Him when He showed Ezekiel this vision about the far future of Israel. Because why else would God give Joseph a double portion of land, when the tribe of Dan was mentioned in Ezekiel 48? Manasseh is the son of Joseph and according to the Scriptures, Joseph is one of the tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:8).

When you do the math in Ezekiel 48, it already added another portion of land to Manasseh. And according to the Scriptures, there are thirteen portions of land when you count them. Where the Tribes of Dan and Manasseh are included. But when you read Revelation 7, there’s only twelves tribes. Dan is excluded. And according to the law, the twelve tribes only get a portion of land in Israel. Here’s the historical facts about the tribe of Dan according to the Holy Bible. Going all the way back to the Book of Judges chapters 17-18.

Before the land inheritance of Israel was divided up by lots and given to each tribe (Joshua 14-19), but after God had given His law to the Hebrews. There was a man by the name Micah who was idolatrous, and had a house of idols on Mount Ephraim. And according to the Holy Bible, there is a specific law that forbids this practice of worshiping idols in (Exodus 20:4-6).

And Micah appointed his own son to be his personal priest, which is also forbidden to do according to the law of God. God Most High was the only One who can appoint and anoint a Levitical priest for Himself (Numbers 16). Not just any Levite was appointed by God. Only certain ones of God’s choosing, and not man’s.

Yet Micah appointed a traveler to replace his son from being his personal priest, who just so happens to be a Levite. Who showed up at his house one day and became Micah’s personal “father” (Matthew 23:9) and priest. All these sins against God are just the beginning of the end for the tribe of Dan. You may be asking yourself, ‘how does this connect to the tribe of Dan?’

In those days, the Danites had no land to inherit yet, because it wasn’t settled at this time. And the Danites sent out spies to search out land for themselves according to the promise of God. They came to Mount Ephraim where Micah lived and saw the priest and stole the idols. And given the priest a choice to stay or leave to go with them. And the appointed priest chose to go with the Danites, where they eventually settled in the central region of Canaan/future Israel between Judah, Benjamin and Ephraim. The end of their story is spelled out for us in,

Judges 18:30-31 And the children of Dan set up the graven image: and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to the tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. And they set them up Micah’s graven image, which he made, all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh.

Now notice, the tribe of Dan and Manasseh sinned against God in idolatry together as long the Tabernacle was in Shiloh. So then, you may be asking yourself these questions, ‘What’s the difference between Dan and Manasseh? They both were in sin against God. Why did God reject Dan and not Manasseh also? For they both were guilty of the same sins against God.’

The big difference between the two is, one repented and the other did not. Manasseh repented from sinning against God. Never continued in sin and never went back to that same sin again. And that’s what true repentance is. Just like king David, he had sinned a couple of times in his lifetime against God as is recorded in the Holy Scriptures… And when he realized he had done wrong, he turned away from sinning, and never went back to that same ol’ sin again.

The tribe of Dan on the other hand, were an idolatrous tribe that never repented from their sins against God. And was eventually conquered by the Assyrians. Here’s how that history unfolded: Dan were driven out of the land of their inheritance, where they settled in the Northern region of Israel (above the land of Naphtali) in the year of 1 Kings 12, where Jeroboam set up two idols (1 Kings 13:32-33). He set up one Idol in Bethel and the other in Dan, which further damned the tribe of Dan. For they never rejected the idol. They continued to worship it.

Then Ben Hadad I, the King of Assyria came and conquered them (1 Kings 15:16-24) around the 10th Century BC. And the Assyrians again conquered them in 722 BC. Which caused the tribe of Dan to exile out of Israel. And dispersed throughout Assyria which was the land of Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey today.

All this took place before Ezekiel’s last vision. Because the 70 year captivity to Babylon did not occur until 605 BC. Ezekiel was appointed by God to prophesy the Judgment of God to Judah, which was the last group of the Israelites to Exile into Babylon around 597 BC. And he prophesied while He was in captivity in Babylon (Ezekiel 1:1-3).

Ethiopian Jews today claim to be the “Lost tribe of Dan.” Also some Historians claim the Danes or Denmark are descendants from the tribe of Dan. If that is true, then they continued to sin against God with mixed marriages in which God forbade (Deuteronomy 7/Ezra 7-9). And God’s reason behind this, ‘Lest these nations lead you away from God to sin.’ These principles are still taught in the New Testament. The Holy Spirit of God ministered this through the Apostle Paul in,

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

And because they never repented from their sins and backsliding; after they….knowing the truth, continued to rebel against God. Therefore God eventually rejected the tribe of Dan as His own people. God gave them over to the lust of their hearts! The lust of their flesh and minds; and became a reprobate, where there is no longer a time of repentance just as it is written for us today (Romans 1:18-32).

This is why they are dubbed the “lost tribe of Israel!” Not just because they vanished from human history, but also because they are eternally lost… rejected according to the Scriptures. Blotted out from God Most High’s remembrance (Psalm 34:16) as reprobate sinners who continually blasphemed God, the Holy Ghost, and would not turn back unto repentance. Filled with all sorts of abominable unrighteousness.

This is the path they chose to the point of no return (Hebrews 10:26-30). Them not being mentioned in Revelation 7 is the collateral damage of the eternal rejection for all the tribe of Dan as we see in the Book of Revelation. The principle of this teaching for all of us, using the Tribe of Dan as God’s example is: ‘Because they first rejected God and all His holy ways and standard of living; God rejected them!

Restoration of Israel Continues To The End

And lastly, you can’t help to view Revelation 7:4-8 as a prophetic utterance, about the future of Israel. As of right now…today, The Nation of Israel is not divided up among the twelve tribes of Israel. Yet, according to Ezekiel’s last vision (Ezekiel 40-47) coupled with (Revelation 7), it shows that there will be twelve tribes of Israel once again in the “last days.”

This is not a prophecy about life in the “new heaven” and the “new earth.” This is just one facet of the promise of God concerning the restoration of His people and the Nation of Israel, physically, geographically and spiritually.

The Old Testament speaks much about many other facets of restoration of Israel that will occur in the latter times; which means, the “last days.” In fact, the Prophet Daniel was sent to Babylon, by God, to encourage the Israelites that all is not lost. The Nation of Israel will thrive again under the blessings of God in the future. Showing them that there is still a future and hope for His people back then. And His prophetic utterance, inspired by God’s Holy Spirit, reveals a slow restoration process through the ages to Jesus Christ’s second advent. And this is all summed up in,

Daniel 9:24-26 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

This verse marks the judgment of God unto the children of Israel known as “70 years of captivity” to Babylon and Persia. It also reveals God’s intention for His judgment upon His people, “to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness.”

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

This prophecy reveals the beginning of God’s restoration plan after the 70 year captivity, a rebuilding of the temple, the wall and its streets in Jerusalem for the sole purpose of the first advent of the Messiah (Jesus the Christ; God Most High’s Prince; Son of God). And this was fulfilled through Ezra and Nehemiah just as this Prophecy said it would happen. And who are they that would rebuild…The children of Israel when they returned. And according to Nehemiah’s account, they did rebuild in troubled times. Whereas they rebuilt with one hand and fought with swords in the other hand.

And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for Himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

This Prophesies’, when the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) comes in His first advent, He will be the sacrifice for the sins of many, “Messiah be cut off, but not for Himself:” And this was revealed in the Book of Hebrews. In fact, there is an interesting parallel in identical chapter and verses, when you compare the two Scriptures together like it’s a continuing thought:

Hebrews 9:26-28 For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

But the prophecy doesn’t stop there at the purpose for the first advent of Christ. Remember in a past study, the Holy Spirit of God ministered that there is an expanse of time between the first advent of Christ and the antichrist where no major events was prophesied throughout the Old testament; known as, “The dispensation of Grace?” That fact is found here in this very verse. Because it jumps from the death of the Messiah to the destruction of the city of Jerusalem and the sanctuary under the rule of the antichrist.

There are some ministers in the past who have mistakenly interpreted this passage of Scripture to prophesy the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem by the Roman empire in 70 AD. And at first glance it appears to be so. But when you rightly divide the word of truth by the Holy Spirit and understand this passage of Scripture in the perspective of the Holy Spirit of God, He gives you a greater understanding of this passage.

There is a key phrase and key words that point to Revelation 17-18 dealing with the destruction of Jerusalem and a sanctuary (which is known in the Book of Revelation as the “temple of God.” And the key phrase is, “people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.”

To understand, we must first ask the questions, who are the “people of the prince?” And, who is the “prince?” It’s not Rome! Notice: “people of the prince that shall come.” Rome was already there occupying Israel namely “Jerusalem” before Jesus Christ’s first advent. But here in this passage of Scripture reveals whoever the “people” are, hasn’t arrived yet. So this alone excludes Rome from being the “people of the prince.” But there will be 10 Kings who will give their allegiance to the antichrist for a very short time, and will hate the woman (Jerusalem) and destroy the city (Revelation 17:16-18).

Next, the Book of Revelation reveals that when the antichrist rules the world from Jerusalem, he will gather the armies of the world to Israel known as Armageddon by the authority (permission of God Most High). This will happen before the second advent of Jesus Christ. In fact, Armageddon is the very reason why Jesus Christ returns, to put an end to Armageddon, and establish His Reign for a thousand years, and restore Israel completely, lest He tarry any further where no flesh could be saved (Matthew 24:22).

And that’s what Daniel is prophesying by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God, not the war of Rome, but Armageddon. Even though the war of the Roman empire in 70 AD. caused a desolation to occur in Israel, Daniel is not prophesying that. There is another desolation that will occur in the great tribulation period (Matthew 24:15-28) which hasn’t happened yet, because the Gospel was not preached in all the world in the days of the first desolation (Matthew 24:15).

But when another desolation occurs in the great tribulation period in Jerusalem, the Gospel of Jesus Christ will already be preached in all the world (Revelation 14:6 & Revelation 11:3-9) And the times and season for all this to occur is determined by God, as is prophesied again through Daniel, “and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.”

And who is the “prince?” It’s not Jesus Christ! Because the word “prince” is not capitalized. It’s not Rome either. So, this passage is only pointing to the antichrist who was prophesied much about in the Book Daniel. And this verse also reveals there will be a sanctuary, “temple of God” in Jerusalem in the great tribulation period, where the antichrist will rule the world from which causes the desolation to occur.

In the process of all that, Jerusalem and a sanctuary will be destroyed again (Revelation 17-18). All because they were defiled and corrupted by satan who inhabited the physical body of the antichrist. And God cannot put His holy name nor enter into a place that has been defiled, corrupted or touched by anything unholy. So these things must be destroyed and purified by fire in order for Jesus Christ to completely restore (Malachi 3:2-3).

After Jerusalem and the sanctuary are destroyed and Jesus Christ comes. The antichrist and the false prophet, and all the people that received the mark of the beast be thrown into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 14:9-11/Revelation 19:11-21). And satan is bound for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1-4). Then a new temple be built (Ezekiel 40-47), and Jesus Christ takes away the sins of His people Israel (Romans 11:25-27, which is rooted in Isaiah 27:9 & Isaiah 59:20-21) and rule the world from Jerusalem in His “Millennial Temple” for a thousand years. Thus ends God Most Highs’ promise of the complete restoration of Israel. And the completion of that restoration will be done when Jesus Christ … The world’s real Messiah, returns in His second advent.

And why will this all occur? Hadn’t God rejected Israel since they rejected Jesus Christ as Lord and Messiah. No! Anyone who preaches that is a liar. The truth is not in them and they are not speaking by the Holy Spirit of God, but by a lying spirit of satan. Ignorant and devoid of the truth!

You see, all through the ages, God Most High, The Father of Jesus Christ, through His mercy, has always sent His prophets to remind His people of the future. Because human nature shows that we all can get a little near sighted in times of trouble and great distress. Causing them to wonder if they are in His perfect will, plan and purpose of God. And all His prophets answered that doubt with a resounding YES…! There is still a future and hope for Israel to the end of the world! From the Prophets of the Old Testament, through the Apostles in the New Testament and also in the Book of Revelation.

The quick answer is yes. This is why people in the great tribulation period will still find salvation in Jesus Christ. You may be asking yourselves the questions, ‘How is that possible, if the church is raptured? Who is going to preach the Gospel? Left behind backslidden sinners who called themselves Christians in the days before the rapture?’

The Events of The Beginning of Sorrows

Remember what Jesus Christ says in Matthew 24:11-14, Where He ministered about the signs in the “beginning of sorrows” pointing to the rapture. That time is now, where False prophets shall arise and deceive many. Sins will wax worse and the love of many shall wax cold? And then He says, “he who endures to the end, the same shall be saved.” The end of what? He’s referring to the end of your life. The end of the church age, and the end of the world! We know we are living the “beginning of sorrows” now that Jesus Christ warned us about 2000+ years ago in Matthew 24:3-13/Revelation 6:1-11. Based on the Holy Bible coupled with observable evidence that we see happening all around us now.

The Events of The Great Tribulation Period

And Jesus Christ concludes His prophetic utterance with this profound, yet power statement that so many assume He was prophesying now before the rapture, Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Here in this specific verse, He was only referring to the end of the world not the end of the church age. We know through a quick glance, according to the Scriptures, Jesus Christ taught about false prophets will continue on through the great tribulation period (Matthew 24:21-25). The Book of Revelation reveals sins will wax worse (Revelation 9:20-21) with the love of many shall further wax cold (Revelation 11:7-10). And we also know, according to the Scriptures, that after the rapture, there is still a period of time known as the “great tribulation” (Matthew 24:21) where God will judge the world (Revelation 8-16).

And while all that’s going on, the antichrist will rise and deceive nations and rule the world with lying signs and wonders (Matthew 24:23-26/Revelation 13), while the 144,000 flee into the wilderness (Matthew 24:15/Revelation 12:13-16). Armageddon will occur (Revelation 16:16). Then the antichrists’ rule will be overthrown (Revelation 14:8-11/Revelation 17-18), when he and the false prophet will be thrown into the Lake of Fire for eternity (Revelation 19:20). This will all occur for about seven years.

Then, satan will be thrown into the bottomless pit for a thousand years (Revelation 20:1-3). Jesus Christ will come and step foot on earth in His Second Advent (Matthew 24:27-28/Revelation 14:1/Revelation 19:11-21) and establish His Government known as the “Millennial Reign of Christ” (Isaiah 9:6-7/Revelation 19:11-20:4). After that, satan will be released from the bottomless pit and deceive nations one last short time (Revelation 20:7-9). AND THEN SHALL THE END COME (Revelation 20:10)!

So in the meantime of all that’s going to happen in the great tribulation period, before the end of the world, Jesus Christ specifically says, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations and then shall the end come.”

Who Will Preach The Gospel In The Great Tribulation Period?

So, before the end of the world cometh, according to Jesus Christ, His gospel will be preached in the great tribulation and all the world will hear it. But who will preach the Gospel? According to the Book of Revelation, there are 3 witnesses who will preach the “everlasting gospel.” And those witnesses are:

An Angel Will Preach The Gospel In The Great Tribulation Period

As unbelievable as that really sounds, the Book of Revelation reveals an angel will preach the “everlasting gospel” found in, Revelation 14:6-7 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Never mind who this angel is. I hate to presume or speculate. And Christian books always speculate without any hard evidence who this “angel” is. So we will not play those kinds of games and waste time. Because the identity of this angel is really pointless… Not important at all. Because God Most High forbids anyone to nerd out and worship angels. So we really don’t need to know.

Rather, the point of the mentioning of this to begin with, is just merely background information to answer these kinds of questions of who will preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the great tribulation period? And that should really be the focal point of any of these conversations.

So, we see in this passage of Scripture, this angel will preach the “everlasting gospel” “unto them that dwell on the earth.” Just in case you don’t understand that, when you read on, it specifies who will hear the gospel of Jesus Christ: “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” That literally means everyone who is left behind from the rapture, going through the great tribulation period; both Israelis and Gentiles will hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. (according to the words used here in the Greek and the Hebrew). And it will be trustworthy because a holy angel of God will preach it!

How do we know this angel will preach the gospel in the great tribulation period? The Scriptures actually say so when you read on. His proclamation gives address of when, “Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come:” When does the judgments of God begin in the great tribulation period? At the breaking of the 7th seal in Revelation 8. That’s when he will preach this “everlasting gospel” at the first half of the great tribulation period.

The Two Witnesses Will Preach The Gospel In The Great Tribulation Period

And then you have the “two witnesses.” This is why they are called “witnesses.” Witnessing what? The word “witness” is an old Christian term that was originally coined by Jesus Christ; for preachers of His gospel (Acts 1:8). So these two witnesses will preach the gospel of Jesus Christ according to the Law and the Prophets in Jerusalem sometime towards the end of the first 3 ½ years of the great tribulation going into the last half of the great tribulation period according to,

Revelation 11:3-6 And I will give power unto My two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

Where do we begin to understand this, because there’s a lot of information here when you rightfully divide the word of truth to understand it in the mind and Spirit of God. How do we know these two witnesses are preaching the Gospel? This passage says, “they shall prophesy.” Prophesy what? Prophets in the Old Testament were not limited to proclaiming what will happen in the future, like a seer would only. They all actually were preachers, ministers if you will, who preached directly from God to man the gospel of repentance coupled with the warnings of things to come if people refused the way of God. Just like the gospel Jesus Christ preached. And these two witnesses are no different.

And they will preach the gospel of Jesus Christ according the Law and the Prophets when you read on, “These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.”

First of all, before we go any further. We need to address a correction about this particular Scripture. When people read this, they will make the mistake of identifying who these two witnesses are by what they are doing. And further make the mistake to proclaim that these two witnesses are non-other-than Elijah and Moses. These two witnesses are not Moses and Elijah for a few reasons. For one, Moses and Elijah both died.

According to the Holy Bible, when God called Moses to see the promised land from a distance, he died there in the land of Moab and was buried by God somewhere (Deuteronomy 34). And as impossible as this may sound, Elijah also died as well. You maybe asking yourself, “Where in the Holy Bible does it teach that?” Remember, Jesus Christ told His disciples something very startling and profound that should cause everyone to stop and ponder, when His disciples had asked Him,

Matthew 17:10-13 And His disciples asked Him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood that He spake unto them of John the Baptist.

The Lord Jesus also said many things about John the Baptist prior to this conversation He had with His disciples found in, Matthew 11:7-14 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send My messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

The Lord is not teaching here that John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord in the Holy Spirit and power of Elijah. He’s actually telling us that John the Baptist is Elijah! John the Baptist prepared the way of the Lord in the “spirit” (soul) of Elijah!

And the two are comparable in Scriptures. Elijah was filled with the Holy Spirit of God when He was taken up in the flesh by the chariots of fire. The very reason why John the Baptist was already filled with the Holy Spirit in his mother’s womb before his birth, because he is Elijah! That’s why, when you compare John the Baptist with Elijah, they look like identical twins literally (Mark 1:6/2 kings 1:8). And John the Baptist was preaching repentance, preparing the way of the Lord and baptizing around the same area where Elijah hid at the brook that was fed by the Jordan River for a couple of years (Mark 1:5/1 Kings 17:2-4. They are too comparable to deny. As the Word of God also testifies in,

Hebrew 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

This means Moses and Elijah had already died once, and they will never be appointed to die again. This is why these two witnesses are not Moses and Elijah that so many foolishly presume and are in error when they proclaim it. Because, according to the Holy Bible, Moses and Elijah have already died. And yet these two witnesses will die after the 3 ½ years have ended in the streets of Jerusalem as it is written,

Revelation 11:7-8 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

If you are still not convinced, don’t you think the Apostle John would have recognized the two witnesses to be Moses and Elijah, since he was one who actually saw Moses and Elijah speak to Jesus Christ at the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-9). And there is no such thing as coincidence. Everything happens for a reason and purpose. Because notice, before John saw Elijah with Moses in their glorified heavenly bodies with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, John the Baptist was beheaded well before that moment of time occurred according to the Scriptures (Matthew 14-17).

And don’t you think the Apostle John would have recognized them and written them down to be Moses and Elijah in Revelation 11? For sure he would. But he didn’t recognize them here as the two witnesses, therefore he didn’t present them to us in the Scriptures to be Moses and Elijah because the two witnesses are not Moses and Elijah as so many people assume!

Here’s another Biblical fact, the mentioning of the two witnesses in detail is not to identify them. Because again, who they are is not the focal point. Rather what they are doing is the point. So what are they doing?

First of all, “they shall prophesy” and “Shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy (This is Elijah “like,” according to 1 kings 17:1). And what was Elijah? A Prophet; a minister of God, appointed by God to perform miracles and showed the love and mercy of God as well as the judgments of God to Israel. (It is also written of them) “Have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues.” (This is Moses “like,” according to Exodus 7-13). And what was Moses? A Prophet; a minister of God (Deuteronomy 34:10) appointed by God to be a deliverer and Law giver of God’s people; the Hebrews (Exodus 19-20). And the Law of the Old Testament points to Jesus Christ!

So, these two witnesses are God’s appointed, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ according to the Law and the Prophets during the great tribulation period, in Jerusalem to Israelis specifically (Revelation 11:8). And that’s the real point of the detailed mentioning, of what they are doing rather than who they are. Because both the Law and Prophets preached the everlasting gospel!

And both the Law and the Prophets of the Old Testament point to Jesus Christ as the sacrificial Lamb of God; High Priest, the fulfillment of the ceremonial and cleansing Laws. Messiah; Lord, Savior and King. As the Scripture also points out, that the same message we hear through Jesus Christ today is the same gospel message of salvation the Jews heard in the Old Testament!

Hebrews 3:14-4:11 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses. But with whom was He grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness? And to whom sware He that they should not enter into His rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. For we which have believed do enter into rest, as He said, As I have sworn in My wrath, if they shall enter into My rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. For He spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all His works.

And in this place again, If they shall enter into My rest. Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: Again, He limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts. For if Jesus had given them rest, then would He not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

The message never changed! That’s why it’s called in the Book of Revelation, “the everlasting gospel.” This same gospel message of salvation in the Old Testament is what Jesus Christ still preached in the New Testament, as Jeremiah has prophesied about (Jeremiah 31-31-40). And the “rest” that God Most High promised, is salvation that can only be found in His only begotten Son; Jesus The Christ; The Son of God, as He Himself proclaimed,

Matthew 11:28-29 Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

And, how do we know for sure “the two witnesses” will preach the everlasting gospel in the “great tribulation period?” The Scriptures gives us the clue when they will preach, Revelation 11:1-2 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.

Here we see a “temple of God” is mentioned during the time that the two witnesses appear. As of right now, according to a few eye witnesses that I know personally, that’s been to Jerusalem and Israel. And according to their eyewitness accounts, there is no temple being built as of right now, regardless of what false prophets of today have told you, or what the internet has told you. No doubt there will be a temple built in Jerusalem some time in the great tribulation period, because as you read on in this very chapter of Revelation 11, we see:

Revelation 11:8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

You see, “the great city” is Jerusalem and nowhere else! Jerusalem will be so backslidden, carnal and secular away from God in those days, that He calls Jerusalem “spiritually” “Sodom and Egypt.” And Jesus Christ was crucified outside of Jerusalem during the Passover and nowhere else!

In the distant past, God has sanctified Jerusalem to be His capital, where every first-born male Jew was commanded by God to bring their sacrifices during the 3 sacred feasts once a year (Deuteronomy 16:15-16). The very place where King Solomon built the house of the LORD (2 Chronicles 3). The very temple that King Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed, and the Prophet Ezra and returning Hebrews from the 70 years of captivity rebuilt (The Book of Ezra).

Which is the very temple that King Herod remodeled, which is the same temple Jesus Christ prophesied will be destroyed (Matthew 24:1-2). And that temple of God was destroyed decades later in 70 AD. by the Roman empire. And there hasn’t been a “temple of God” in Jerusalem since… Until we read here in Revelation 11, pointing to the great tribulation period.

The Gospel of Salvation Preached In Those Days

The Gospel of salvation these witnesses will preach in the great tribulation period will not be a contrary gospel, another gospel, or a false gospel that promotes a fake and powerless Jesus. It will be the same gospel of Jesus Christ, anointed by the power of the will of God and of the Holy Spirit preached as it is written,

Romans 10:8-13 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

He has extended His salvation to both Israelis and Gentiles (Jews and Greeks). This is why He will send out these three witnesses during a certain period of time in the great tribulation period preaching the “everlasting gospel” to both audiences and everyone will hear it then! For God Most Highs’ holy love, mercy and perfect will is for all, both Israelis and Gentiles to come to salvation through His only begotten Son; Jesus the Christ (Yeshua Ha’Meshiach), as it is written,

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Which is the same gospel message preached to Israel long ago in, Ezekiel 33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

This is why He continues to give us all borrowed time to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, with an outstretched arm to a stiff-necked obstinate people. Because His mercy endureth forever. Even to the end of the world (Matthew 28:20)… Whosoever believes

There’s a lot of misinformation about salvation in the “Great Tribulation Period.” Some ministers the concept, “Only Israel will be saved in those days. While Gentiles had their chance to be saved before the rapture, squandered their time and left behind, have no hope for salvation.” And they will quote Scriptures such as Hebrews 2:3-4.

Or worse, “None will be saved because the Holy Spirit will be removed from the earth. God rejected Israel and the church will be raptured. So there will be no one to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Nor will there be the Holy Spirit of God to convict and illuminate the truth unto men’s hearts and draw sinners to repentance.” These concepts are far from reality and truth. In this study, we will uncover the truth from the Holy Bible, what God had revealed about salvation after the rapture of the church age, during the “Great Tribulation Period.”

Revelation 7:9-14 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

This passage of Scripture is specifically showing, multitudes from all nations, all kindred and all people and all tongues stood before the throne of God Most High and of Jesus Christ, worshiping, extolling God and the Lamb with palms in their hands. While the holy angels of God, the twenty four elders and the four beasts join in their worship. This passage of Scripture is showing us that those who stand before the throne of God and of the Lamb are not just Messianic Israelis only, but also Gentiles from all over the world, who gave their hearts to Jesus Christ, lived and died for Him in the Great Tribulation period. This is how we know:

Furthermore, this is passage of Scripture is also showing a couple of revealed mysteries:

Tribulation Vs. Great Tribulation

One time in Matthew 24:21, another time in Revelation 2:22 and here in Revelation 7:14. (as a side note: Why do I say Jesus Christ shows John these mysteries? Because Jesus Christ says to John in, Revelation 4:1 “Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” And who was the first voice John heard? None other than Jesus Christ according to Revelation 1:8-20).

Since the Apostle John isn’t seeing this vision in real time, that means that God Most High is Omnipresent and Omniscient. He doesn’t just live in the present moment. He isn’t bound by time as we are. He literally is in and out of time. He’s already been into the future before the future is and saw all the details therein and revealed it all to John what will be. So he can write it in a holy letter to the seven churches then, and for us today called the Book of Revelation.

As of right now on the day this message from the Lord is published, we are living in the times of pre-great tribulation of Revelation 2-3 and the 5 seals of chapter 6 right now as we speak. What John is shown from the 6th seal of Revelation 6:12 on through the rest of the Book of Revelation is still in the future events from us today. The reason why I minister this is because there’s a lot of people on Facebook and various self appointed ministries all over the internet that think they are seeing great tribulation events unfolding right now in bits and pieces. Such as:

In fact, the times we are living right now are not actually mentioned as a prophetic utterance of the Old Testament. That’s why you will never find any mentioning or spiritual code speaking by the Prophets about America, Russia, China, Iran, or any current events of today in the Holy Bible at all.

For example: The Holy Bible speaks much of the warnings of God to Israel about the 70 year captivity because of impenitent sinning and continual rebellion against God. God’s warning to many nations concerning how they treated Israel. A detailed history lesson from the fall of King Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon, to the rise and fall of the Book of Revelations Babylon. The first advent of Christ, The antichrist, Armageddon and the complete restoration of Israel.

But notice, Prophets like Daniel, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Joel, they’ve all ministered alike by the Holy Spirit of God. And there is a huge gap of time between the first advent of Jesus Christ and the rise of the antichrist, where no details of events are mentioned. This huge gap of time is known as the dispensation of Grace.

And all we need to know about today has been ministered in bits and pieces all through the gospel message that Jesus Christ preached. As well as the epistles of Paul, Peter, James, John and Jude concerning our holy and righteous living in our salvation with Christ, and being rapture ready for the appearance of the Lord in the clouds in the New Testament. So, what people think they are seeing today is not the fulfillment of anything mentioned in the Old Testament Prophets nor in Revelation (chapters) 8-18. Because we are not living in the great tribulation period yet. If anything, these are just merely types and shadows of things to come.

Who Are The Saints?

I say all that to set up this next point in the Spirit of God Most High. Within a few chapters of Revelation concerning the great tribulation period is the mentioning of “saints.” And that throws a lot of people off to believe the saints are the church body of Christ going through the great tribulation period. But they’re not. There’s a difference between “church” and “saints.”

A Church: is a body of believers and followers of Christ. Saints: are individual believers and followers of Christ. You see the difference? Saints are not a special religious person or a group of people whom the catholic church has elevated to saint status because they did something special. That’s not what the Book of Revelation is describing. Saints are individual believers and followers of Christ in the great tribulation period. Who are absolutely sold out to live a sanctified life in Jesus Christ as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable based on the instruction from the Holy Bible and the power of the Holy Spirit of God!

Meaning, sinners from all over the world, who came to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior in the great tribulation period. Who repented (Revelation 22:14) as it is revealed, “a great multitude,” “have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” “of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues,” “which came out of great tribulation.” And that’s who we are seeing standing in the throne room of God in Heaven; worshiping the Lamb in Revelation 7:9-17.

It’s not the church body of Christ who is going to be martyred to death in the great tribulation period. Because when this occurs, the rapture will already have happened. And the glorious church body of Christ who is right with God and rapture ready (Ephesians 5:26-27), will already be gone from this earth by the time we are seeing the martyred “saints” mentioned in Revelation 7:9-17!” Which is specifically pointing to the time of the great tribulation period.

Death of Saints In The Great Tribulation Period

Revelation 7:15-16 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

At first glance, V:16 seems to be an ordinary statement, “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.” As if it’s meaning to say, ‘because they are in glory with Christ, they no longer have to toil in the troubles of life on earth. But it’s more than that. It’s revealing something powerful here. The Lord is showing John how these Christians martyrs will die during the great tribulation period. This is why they’ll receive this great reward of honor in V:15. Their death is not pretty or glorious.

This is really showing us in great detail the horrific ways they will die in just a few words, in a time where it will be really difficult to stay saved. Because in the great tribulation period there will be so many opportunities to save your own life, but forfeit your soul as Jesus Christ has warned in,

To paint this picture accurately according to what the Holy Bible is revealing to us, about what the saints will be going through. If you think we are living in perilous times now (2 Timothy 3). In the great tribulation period, it will be much worse! For example: If you think you can live off the fat of the land in the great tribulation period, think again.

When the antichrist appears and makes the world’s currency as we know it today obsolete. And institutes his global currency system through what is known in the Holy Bible as the “mark of the beast” (Revelation 13). As it is written, “No man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”

That means, all classes of people globally will be forced to receive this mark if you want to save your life. Because if you don’t, you will starve to death, Because you can’t buy food without the mark. Or thirst to death because you cannot buy water, pay your water bill or buy anything that can purify water, from a spring, pond, river, or private wells. And if you think you can out-live this time, by living off of your own private well or living off the grid somehow. Think again. Because in order to maintain your water pump on your private well during these years, you’ll need parts. And you can’t buy parts without the mark.

And besides this, keep in consideration that a third of all waters on earth will be poisoned, at the first half of the great tribulation period (Revelation 8:10-11) and at the last half, the waters of the rivers and fountains (wells) of the earth will be turned to blood (Revelation 16:5-7).

Or if you think you can live off the fat of the land and hunt. Think again. You still need ammunition or arrows to hunt. And everything you need to maintain your hunting gear and meat, you still have to buy. And if you think you can farm your own produce, you need seed and you cannot buy that without the mark of the beast. And you also need a consistent water source to grow food.

Keep in consideration again, in the great tribulation period, a third of vegetation and trees will be destroyed by hail and burned up (Revelation 8:7). Not to mention in the last half of the great tribulation period, the third of the sun will be smitten. Meaning, the sun will not fully shine (Revelation 8:12). Seasons will be affected by the smiting of the sun. Meaning, whatever you plant, it will grow slowly. And you may not get a full harvest to be sustained through the winter. So natural vegetation will be affected. That means, animals may starve and decrease in population, which decreases our meat consumption because of the lack of natural food sources.

And in the last half of the great tribulation period, judgment will be poured out upon the sun again, where extreme heat will scorch men (Revelation 16:7-8). This will heat stroke people to death. Even though it’s not mentioned here, people would not be the only ones affected by this extreme heat. Crops would also be scorched and dry out because you can’t keep up on the demand to water crops.

And if you are trying to pay off a home, or your renting a house or an apartment a store in those days, you still need the mark of the beast to pay off your house or rent. Same thing with those who own businesses. You cannot sell your goods without the mark. You cannot receive payment without the mark. If your storefront is on a rental lease, you cannot pay rent without the mark of the beast. As the Word of God also says, “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark.”

So saints are not exempt of this temptation to save your own life or your family from starvation or thirsting to death or being homeless. But If you choose to save it, you will forfeit your soul to Hell and the Lake of Fire (Revelation 14:9-11) when you receive the mark of the beast!. That’s a fact! As a saint or sinner, once you receive the mark of the beast, there is no repentance. And those saints that are mentioned here in (V:15-17) will be those who reject the antichrist and his mark and lose their lives for the sake of Jesus Christ and His salvation, will save their soul in eternity in Heaven.

Jesus Christ Is Our Only Hope

Here is the Good News. You also see in these verses that salvation continues throughout the great tribulation period of both Israelis’ and Gentiles (Romans 11:25-27) through Jesus Christ… “Whosoever wills.” In short, Jesus Christ is really the better way out than any way you can think of doing, to save your own life… If not the easy way out into eternity with Jesus Christ. Because it doesn’t take long to die of thirst.

And if you find yourselves in those days of the “great tribulation period without Jesus Christ and His salvation, DON’T LOSE HEART. NEITHER LET YOUR HEART BE AFRAID. PUT YOUR TRUST IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! Give your heart to Jesus Christ completely and sincerely in those days, and He may save you (Romans 10:8-13), and He might take away that sting of death (1 Corinthians 15:55-58). As He did to so many of His martyrs in times past (according to the Foxes Book of Martyrs’) And like these martyred saints in the great tribulation period as we read on when they make it home to Heaven

Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Revelation 7 is an interesting backdrop of information for the “Great Tribulation” period of time. It reveals to us the mysteries of the 144,000 Israelis and even the salvation of Gentiles. We will do a deep dive into this chapter in three studies and continue to refer back to this study when the Book of Revelation mentions the 144,000.

There are many misconceptions people have about this chapter in particular. Including different cults throughout the decades. One popular misconception among Christians churches is that this chapter only addresses the salvation plan of God to Jews/Israelis only, and does not mention salvation for Gentiles. Thus, you have heard on the pulpits of America, ‘that after the rapture, it will be too late for Gentiles to be saved because there will be no church body to preach the Gospel message of salvation of Jesus Christ from.’ This misconception is a lie!

Revelation chapter 7 actually addresses salvation to both Israelis and Gentile during the “Great Tribulation” period. In fact, according to the Holy Bible, without the continued salvation of the Gentiles, Israelis cannot be saved. Here’s the reason why. The Holy Spirit of God revealed a powerful mystery through the Apostle Paul concerning the salvation of Israel in the Second Advent of Christ,

Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in

When will the fullness of salvation for Gentiles come in? Remember in Revelation 6:9-11, when the persecuted from the church age and in the Great tribulation period had asked the question, “How long O Lord, holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” And God answered them,“Rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” The Book of Revelation answers that question in Revelation 19:2. Which points to the destruction of Babylon in Revelation 17-18 at the Second advent of Jesus Christ. And so, all Israel shall be saved: as it is written,

Romans 11:26-27 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, Therefore shall come out of Sion the Deliverer (that is: Jesus Christ), and shall turn away ungodliness from JacobTherefore shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. For this is My covenant unto them, when I take away their sins.

And this Prophecy of Jesus Christ’s points to the second advent of Christ to save Israel. This furthers our understanding why Jesus Christ taught about the lost sheep of Israel, being saved last, while the Gentile are saved first through Himself. This truth absolutely resonates throughout the Holy Bible, especially through the Book of Revelation.

And so, anyone who preaches the false gospel that, ‘Gentiles can no longer be saved after the rapture because they were rejected by God forever. And The Holy Spirit of God has been removed from the earth.’ May the blood of every Gentile be on the hands of all Pastors, Teachers, Evangelist, Prophets and lay-ministers that preach such lies and nonsense. Because again, in this chapter, it does reveal that salvation will continue to happen among Gentiles as well as the Israelis throughout the “Great Tribulation” period.

A Quick Highlight of Chapter 7

According to the visions of God shown to the Apostle John, this chapter mentions the 144,000 Jews/Hebrews/Israeli’s. That’s 12,000 from each tribe of Israel. And they receive a special mark of God on their foreheads. And all this happens after the rapture, but before Jesus Christ breaks the 7th seal in order for the Great Tribulation period to begin.

But it doesn’t stop there. As you read on, you also see in the visions of God as John saw it, revealing Gentiles standing before God in His throne room in Heaven. Clothed in the garments of salvation, with palms in their hands, worshiping God and the Lamb (Jesus Christ). Which answers the question that these are multitudes of Messianic Jews and Christian Gentiles from every nation that came out of Great Tribulation.

And that’s the complete context of Revelation 7, setting up the chapters in the Book of Revelation pertaining to the Great Tribulation period. This is important to know because it answers another question people are confused about, and that is, “who are the saints?” So in the next three studies, we will dive deep into Revelation (chapter) 7. Because it reveals 2 groups of believers and followers of Jesus Christ throughout the rest of the Book of Revelation.

Global Salvation Revival?

You may have heard on the internet, and/or behind pulpits across America… if not the whole world preaching, “One of the signs pointing to the rapture of the church age is a global salvation revival.” And uses Scriptures such as Joel 2 and Romans 11.

Joel 2:29 is pointing out “In those days,” meaning the far future from the days of Joel, which the Holy Spirit spoken through the Apostle Peter (Acts 2:17) saying, “In the last days,” the Spirit of God will be poured out upon all flesh. That’s not prophesying a global revival, That’s actually prophesying the day of Pentecost as Jesus Christ promised in John 14:12-23 and Matthew 3:11, which was fulfilled in the Book of Acts 2 & 4.

And from then on, the Holy Spirit of God will continually be poured out upon all flesh throughout the “last days.” And this is only promised to them that loves, believes, repents from sinning and follows Jesus Christ as Lord.

And what marks the beginning of the “last-days?” Pentecost! After Jesus Christ’s death on the cross, His resurrection from the dead and His ascension in bodily flesh came Pentecost which means “50th day.” Referring to 50 days after His resurrection. Because 50 days after His resurrection, which is 10 days after His ascension (Acts 1), came the fulfillment of the day of Pentecost (Acts 2 & 4), Thus it is written, “In the last days…” The “Last days” are from the day of Pentecost to the end of the world!

Thus, in Revelation 7 is not revealing to us in any way, shape or form a “global revival” will occur. Either before the rapture or in the “great tribulation” period as part of a biblical sign of either event. The Holy Bible is simply showing us that Jews/Hebrews/Israeli’s, as well as Gentiles will find salvation in Jesus Christ to the end of the world. BECAUSE THAT’S THE MERCIES OF GOD! Because we see throughout the Book of Revelation alone that His hand is out stretched still, to stiff-neck, obstinate sinners to the end of the world. As is witnessed, as a continual theme in,

Psalm 106; 107; & 136 His mercy endureth forever.

If that were not true, the Holy Bible would never have taught the mercies of God 46 times throughout the entire Holy Bible. And if this were not true, No one could have a chance to be saved in the “last days!” But what sayeth the Holy Scriptures? The only group of people that are damnable to the Lake of Fire in all eternity, according to the Holy Bible, are those who:

Otherwise, people from every nation, kindred (tribe), and tongues (Revelation 7:9;13-15) shall find eternal life through Jesus Christ, if they so choose to… “whosoever wills,” (John 3:16/Romans 10:8-21). Even in the great tribulation period. And Revelation chapter 7 is the first Scripture to reveal this mystery. But first, who are the 144,000?

The 144,000?

There are so many false claims all over the internet and in certain religious groups that have brought a lot of confusion about the 144,000 over a long period of time. Some claim they are a specific literal number of faithful Christians from Pentecost up to the present day, who will be resurrected to Heaven (the saved) to spend eternity with God. The Skoptsy Russians believe that the Messiah will come when there are 144,000 Skoptsy believers

Yet others teaches that the 144,000 is a symbolic number of the redeemed from all peoples, and not meaning Jews only. And its Biblical reference is found in Revelation 14:3??? But what saith the Holy Bible about this?

Revelation 7:1-2 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

The four angels holding the four winds of the earth are the first four angels mentioned in Revelation 8 & 16. Whom God will grant permission unto these angels to sound the trumpets and pour out the vials. These holy angels of God are specifically assigned to the task of bringing the judgments of God to the earth, tree’s, vegetation. The waters and the sea; the sun, moon and the stars.

And they are standing on the four corners of the earth, meaning all directions of the earth, holding back the wind from blowing. As it is written, “holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor the tree’s.” Imagine that…. A moment when the earth’s air is still. That would be an unsettling feeling. Where there is no barometric or atmospheric pressure. Where the whole earth is at the exact same temperature. Almost as if the earth stood still for a moment.

Is that what this passage of Scripture is trying to reveal to us literally? Or is this a symbolic phrase that means, these holy angels are commanded to hold back the judgments of God, until God has the mark or seal on the four-heads of the 144,000? Or could it be both a literal and symbolic interpretation?

Nonetheless, These holy angels of God are holding the winds, and notice, “while another angel ascending from the east.” Not descending from Heaven to the east. But ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God, commanding the four angels, “to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,”

Revelation 7:3-4 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

This is why Versus 1-3 is written as it is, because when Jesus Christ breaks the 7th seal in Revelation 8:1, And the 7 holy angels with trumpets are released to sound their trumpets one by one. It is then that God will harm the tree’s, the waters, the earth. Sun, moon and the stars, while He judges humanity in the Trumpet of Judgments, which is the second round of global Judgments that begins in the great tribulation period.

The marking of the 144,000 of all the tribes of Israel will happen in the moment after the rapture, but before God sends out His next set of Judgments. The 144,000 will be marked with a special mark or seal of protection upon 12,000 Israelis from all 12 twelve tribes of Israel on their foreheads in Jerusalem literally, as it was spoken of by the Prophet Ezekiel long ago,

Ezekiel 9:1-4 He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer’s inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar.

And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side; And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

According to the rest of Ezekiel’s vision from God, the 144,000 will be found in Jerusalem and be given a mark on the forehead. For this is a special mark; a seal of protection if you will. While He sends out other men to smite them without the mark, who defiled the house of God and Jerusalem with their abominations. This connects with the prophetic utterances of Zechariah 14 with Revelation 17-18, protecting the 144,000 before the second Advent of Christ occurs.

And why do we call this mark “a seal of protection?” As you read in a couple of Scriptures in the Book of Revelation, it reveals to us that the 144,000 will be here on earth. God’s redeemed will not be touched, corrupted nor harmed by any of the judgments of God. But all those without God’s mark will be smote as God revealed to Ezekiel 9:5-9 and in Revelation 9:4-5; because of unrepented sins against God.

Similar to the days of Moses during the exodus out of Egypt. None of the plagues that happened in Egypt, caused harm to the Israelites then. So God will do to His hand picked few among all Israel in the near future.

Revelation 7:4-8 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand.

Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

So far, we know the 144,000 are Israelis. Handpicked by God in Jerusalem, 12,000 from all 12 tribes of Israel. They are not the total number of faithful people who are saved in all the world (according to the Jehovah Witnesses). They are not the Skoptsy Russians. Nor are they the “symbolic” number of saints or faithful followers of Christ that makes up the “End-times Universal Church” of “spiritual Israel” (according to the 7th day Adventists).

They are literally Messianic Jews! Hebrews! Full blooded Israeli’s, who descended from the 12 tribes of Israel named in this very chapter who actually live in the land of Israel. The Redeemed who loves the Lord Jesus Christ and lives according to His teachings. And Spiritually follows Him wherever He is, according to,

Revelation 14:3-4 The hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

What else do we know about them according to the Scriptures? Have you ever wondered about whom Jesus Christ was referring to when He instructed (Matthew 24:15-28) to flee into the mountains and hide, when they see the abomination of desolation in Jerusalem occur that Daniel prophesied about?

He wasn’t instructing His original disciples. In fact, historically speaking the “abomination of desolation” hasn’t been fulfilled yet as in the day I published this message. They had come close with Caligula, the Emperor of Rome in the first century. And He wasn’t instructing all Israeli’s or the world when this occurs in the great tribulation period. He was instructing specifically, the 144,000 when they see the abomination in Jerusalem. Jesus Christ’s instructions concur with Revelation 12. They were mentioned as the woman with wings to fly into the wilderness for 3/12 years, due to the great persecution of the devil (the abomination)…protected by God

Revelation 12:6;13-17

Verse 6: And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

Verses 13-17: And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Again, this concurs with Jesus Christ’s instruction to the 144,000 in Matthew 24:15-28, when you compare scripture with scripture. And after the 3 1/2 years are ended, they will await Jesus Christ’s second advent on Mount Zion as it is written,

Revelation 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with Him an hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father’s name written in their foreheads.

And together they will take back the Mount of Olives, before Jesus Christ establishes His Millennial Reign according to, Zechariah 14:1-4 Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when He fought in the day of battle. And His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

Interesting Note: Mount Sion and the Mount of Olives face each other across the Kidron Valley (east & west). And as the Scriptures say, when Jesus Christ descends from Heaven to Mount Sion, which is on the Israeli side. He will step foot onto the Mount of Olives also (Zechariah 14:4), which is the Palestinian side today. That’s when the Kidron Valley splits open and creates a “very great valley.”

And Jesus Christ; the world’s real Messiah, when He puts an end to Armageddon (Revelation 19:11-21/Revelation 16:12-16), He will be King of all the earth (Zechariah 14:9). Which is the Millennial Reign of Christ (Revelation 20:1-4). And in the complete days of His rule, He will fully restore Israel as prophesied by all the Old Testament Prophets of God (and also in Zechariah 14:11). God Most High is pleading with you both Gentiles and Israel! Hearken unto His voice and harden not your hearts!

Deuteronomy 4:30-40 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days (last days), if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto His voice; (For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which He sware unto them.

For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it? Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live? Or hath God assayed to go and take Him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?

Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the Lord He is God; there is none else beside him. Out of heaven He made thee to hear His voice, that He might instruct thee: and upon earth He shewed thee His great fire; and thou heardest His words out of the midst of the fire. And because He loved thy fathers, therefore He chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in His sight with His mighty power out of Egypt; To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day.

Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord He is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. Thou shalt keep therefore His statutes, and His commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, for ever.

There’s something more that needs to be addressed here. When we read Revelation 6:12-17, it seems like it’s a snap shot of the end of the world at a quick glance. We see here in Scripture, the sun be darkened, a great earthquake occurs, the sky is removed, mountains and islands moved out of their places. Those left behind in the rapture, are suddenly fearful. Even the rich and the mightiest of men hid in caves and in the rocks of the mountains from the wrath of God; seeking to die mercifully (meaning quickly).

But this is not the end at this point yet! And the reason why the end is not yet is because the “Seal Judgments” are what the Lord calls, “The Beginning of Sorrows.” They are only the beginning of God’s judgments. All because Revelation 6 concur with what Jesus Christ already ministered in Matthew 24:4-13 & 29-31. And what did He specifically say when we see these things come to pass? He absolutely assures us today in,

Matthew 24:4-8 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.

Again, He is reassuring us right now that Revelation 6 are just the last signs of the rapture of the church age, and the beginning of God’s global judgments. And He calls these day right now, “The beginning of sorrows, until the seventh seal is opened. It only the beginning of worse things to come for those who will be left behind.

And the reason why the Lord calls these days, ‘The beginning of sorrows,’ is simply because, ‘what once was, can never be again. For things are progressively getting worse.’ The peace, joy, security and happiness that once was can never be again! The days when life made sense. When families were close and stuck together. When their was a future to plan for. And retirement was the plan. Those days are gone, and many mourn and sorrow over the fact of the “good ’ol days’ will never be again.

These days forward are full of insecurity and fear of the unknown and all will be affected. Even certain Christians who missed the rapture which did not abide in the Lord, as well as the sinning rich and poor. The slave and the free. Kings and mighty men of valor, when they see these things come to pass and every eye shall see the Lord Jesus Christ.

Judgments To Come

And when we read on to V:13, This sums up all the Six Seals of Revelation 6. The Seal Judgments are the first set of the judgments of God that happens globally. From here… there are still 2 more sets of judgments or “woes” to come upon the whole world after this, starting with the opening of the Seventh Seal in Revelation 8:1.

And the Seventh Seal is the beginning of the Great Tribulation Period which will occur for about 7 years. And on that day, you have the judgments of God announced by the sounding of trumpets. And then the last set of global judgments are the Vial Judgments. And these sets of Judgment total are in chronological order:

How do we know these judgments of God are in this specific order of events? Besides each judgment being “coincidentally” in chronological order by chapters? If you only read the Scriptures pertaining to these three sets of judgments, you can see clearly that from the opening of the Seals, Trumpets to the Vial judgments are an escalation of events that gets worse and worse as you read on from chapters 6-16.

Also, at the end of the last vial poured out into the air, God who sits on the throne in the temple of Heaven speaks these most powerful words, “It is done!” And the judgment proceeds after, of a great physically disastrous earthquake that falls cities of all nations, destroys islands and flattens mountains.

He doesn’t say that after the seal judgments are complete!He doesn’t say, “It is done!” after the seventh trumpet blast! But He does declare the completion of His judgments at the seventh vial poured out, meaning He will put no further global judgments upon all the earth for they are complete according to Revelation 16:17.

And as we read Revelation 6 and compare to all that is going on all around us today, God has given us observable evidence that we are living in the Seal Judgments now; waiting for the Sixth Seal to occur. We have not heard trumpet blasts coming from Heaven that would’ve resounded throughout all the universe and the earth yet!

We have not seen any observable evidence of the vial judgments come to pass yet either. For much of the Vial Judgments of God has to do with the antichrist, people who received the mark of the beast and the kingdom of satan.

The antichrist has not yet been revealed!No one’s been forced to receive the mark of the beast yet! The sea’s has not been miraculously turned into blood where every sea creature dies all at one time yet. No one is drinking blood out of rivers and wells, nor is there any observable evidence that Armageddon is about to happen any time soon. This is how we know these judgments are written in this specific chronological order!

And still after all that, the end is not yet! For after the Great Tribulation Period ends when Babylon is destroyed (Revelation 17-18); The Second Advent of Christ has to happen next where the antichrist (the beast) and the false prophet thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 19). satan is thrown into a bottomless pit for a thousand years. And then the Millennial reign of Christ occurs (Revelation 20:1-4).

At the end of the thousand reign of Jesus Christ, satan is released from the bottomless pit and will deceive people one last short time and gather nations to battle against Jesus Christ. And right before anything else begins to happen, Fire comes out of God and destroys Heaven itself, all the universe and all the earth (Revelation 20:7-10). And that is how the end of the world will come!

So therefore, Revelation 6:12-17 are not describing the end of the world. Rather, it is revealing the end of the church age, before the Great Tribulation Period begins. And the end of the church age begins with a great earthquake,

A Great Shaking

Revelation 6:12-14 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

A great earthquake is the next sign, and it shakes all the earth at one time as the rapture is about to happen. After this, there will be several shakings not only the earth but the heavens also, that will occur throughout the Great Tribulation. Do not mistaken these shakings to be earthquakes Jesus Christ mentions in Matthew 24:7. For these kinds of quakes mentioned here are a completely different kind.

Normally when an earthquake occur they happen in various places when plate tectonics shifts and moves causing friction and stress. And when the stored energy is released, it travels through the earth’s crust sending the effects of a shaking from the affected area in various magnitudes.

But the great earthquake mentioned here at the opening of the Sixth Seal shakes the whole entire earth itself at one time, literally on a global scale, and with that the sun be darkened and the moon will not give her light and the heavens (universe) also shakes, as Jesus Christ describes in,

Matthew 24:29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:

When the heavens shake it will cause the stars to fall unto the earth as is written, “And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.” So as the heavens and the earth are shaking it will cause the sky (the firmament which is according Genesis 1:6-8 makes up the form or shape of the globe of earth) to roll up like a scroll and every mountain and Island moved out of their places.

That’s some serious shaking, which no one can ignore and all will be awaken to…That’s observable evidence… And nowhere in recorded history has this ever occurred on earth on a global scale as we know of yet. (Except for a time that was mentioned in Revelation 16:18, eluding to a violent shaking that occurred before recorded history).

And the rapture is the start of these great shakings on throughout the Great Tribulation period. Because according to the Holy Bible, there will be several shakings that will happen in the last days of both heaven and earth after this:

Revelation 6:15-17 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

Revelation 6 is just the beginning of things to come. The rapture is the mark of the end of the church age. And things from then on will get progressively worse for those who (missed the rapture), rejected Jesus Christ as Lord. Rejects to draw close to God now. Rebelled against the Holy Spirit.The work of the cross, the hearing of the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

But all is not lost yet! After the rapture of the church age, there still is hope of salvation. For God promises, His love is everlasting, His mercy endureth forever and no matter what happens, His arms is still extended to a stiff-necked, obstinate people! Not just for the Hebrews only, but for Gentiles as well. The Holy Spirit of God will still be poured out upon all flesh up to second advent of Christ (Joel 2:28-32/Acts 2:17-21). And the rest of the Book of Revelation shows that very fact and will be proven by observable evidence in those days! FOR THE END IS NOT YET!