EXPLANATION OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION.

REVELATION

Our Day Pre-Announced The Future Declared

The Messiah Promised A Blessing on All Who Read The Prophecy of The Book of Revelation

"The wicked shall do wickedly and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand."

Daniel 12:10.

AN OLIVET RESEARCH GROUP ACADEMIC  RESOURCE

BOX 1527-50100 KAKAMEGA, KENYA.

Daniel and Revelation

Daniel and Revelation are closely associated HOLY BOOKS under the care of two mighty angels, Gabriel and Michael. These are the angels assigned by the Father to the great work of pre-announcing in detail the events in their order to take place on the earth. They have charge of the heavenly records that deal especially with what is to take place on this planet. There are no other angels, who have this responsibility, or hold with them in these things, Daniel 10:21.

Daniel said: "While I was speaking in prayer even the man Gabriel whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me . . ." (Daniel 9:21).

He gave Daniel the pre-announcement of the coming Messiah and when he was to come. While Gabriel had great power, yet he failed to conquer the mind of the prince of Persia, who withstood him three weeks until Michael came to his assistance (Daniel 10:13).

In verse 21 Gabriel informed Daniel that he was going to show him what WAS WRITTEN in the scriptures of truth. This had never been written in our Bible, therefore it was in the scriptures the angels have in heaven. Gabriel said there was none that held with him in these things - (telling the future) - but Michael. Hence it is these angels who evidently have charge of this work in pre-announcing the important events to take place on our planet. They now give us the 11th and 12th chapters of Daniel beginning with chapter 11 verse 2, the events in their order down to and including verse one of chapter 12 to the time of worldwide trouble now growing worse and worse. Note verse 4 that "The Time of The End" would be known by the increase of knowledge and many running to and fro.

Note that this eleventh chapter was copied from the heavenly records which Gabriel and Michael had access to. It says: "I will shew thee that WHICH IS NOTED IN THE SCRIPTURES OF TRUTH." It was in this way transferred down here to us, but it was SEALED UP.

As the book of Revelation in almost its fulness concerns what will take place here in the latter days, these same two angels evidently have revealed it to us.

It is called "Revelation" and it says in verse one that it was sent and signified by an angel to his servant John who was also a Jew as Daniel was.

We are told that the book of Daniel was sealed until the "Time Of The End," as previously mentioned but when the book of Revelation was completed the angel said: "Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book" (Chapter 22:10). It was sealed however, and no man could be found to open it. John wept much because he wanted the information contained therein to be known (Chapter 5, Verse 4).

It says: "The Lion of the tribe of Judah" prevailed and opened the book. Notice how wonderfully this agrees with the first verse of chapter one, that it was an angel also that revealed and made known the book of Revelation, directed in the work of unsealing it, also pronounced a blessing on all who read it and kept the sayings within. Hence you who are now beginning this study of Revelation are sure to have a blessing that will be with you the rest of your days, and give you a place with the redeemed, in the everlasting kingdom, right here on his earth when this great King of kings reigns on Mt. Zion.

The writer of this last book in the Bible called "Revelation" was an outstanding Jew, one of our ancient prophets and sages. He has become renowned and most popular in our day because of these prophecies having come to pass in every detail and especially in regard to the world conditions and political events now taking place.

Although having lived nearly two thousand years in the past, it has been discovered that this author pre-announced the great changes of human government in this period ruled by Gentile kings. Students of history are becoming more than enthusiastic over the precision and accuracy by which history responds to its prophecies, and this book is rightly named "Revelation," because of its wonderful revealing of future events thousands of years before they took place. It is therefore on this basis that his writings have become popular, and the events of the future from our day are fully established according to these enthusiasts, in-as-much as not one prophecy of this prophet has failed. Therefore the future of our world is certain as thus pre-announced.

His prophecies pierce the gloom of present day world troubles, and open up the silver lining of the great beyond that instills hope and joy to those who read them.

Limited space forbids our going into lengthy detail with the explanation of each chapter and each verse, but for the introduction, we shall group together the first four chapters as they all pertain to the message to the seven congregations of the true believers. It is good, however, to note particularly verse three of chapter one, "Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of the prophecy of this book, and keeping the sayings that are written therein." This means that there is a blessing awaiting you as one of the many readers and hearers of the wonderful messages and pre-announcements of the future from that time which have come to pass with wonderful accuracy, and are now recorded by historians, or spread out before us in present world conditions, with only a very few awaiting the future to reveal. These are sure to come.

The angel said to this prophet: "Write the things which are and the things that shall come hereafter" (Chapter 1, verse 19).

Dedication

Notice that the message in this entire book is sent to just seven congregations, while there were many more of the same faith scattered throughout Palestine and Asia. None of the congregations in Palestine are mentioned. These seven (seven denoting completeness) begin with Ephesus and close with Laodicea, a miraculous truth noted in this divine arrangement. The word "Ephesus" means "Desirable" or lovely. It is the message to that period of the true faith which in its beginning was desirable and miraculously wonderful.

The next congregation at "Smyrna" represents the second period when Nero and Diocletain waged bloody persecutions on the faithful. This was the city where the chief industry was the raising of myrrh, aloes, and such things used to embalm and anoint the dead, and is suggestive of persecution and death. Read Chapter 2 verses 9 and 10, how exactly it fits this second period. The Diocletain persecutions lasted exactly 10 years as verse 10 says "10 days" and we are told to take a day for a year in Bible prophecy.

The next was "Pergamos" the third period. The word means "High and Exalted." It was entering into the days when the western Bishops flirting with the civil affairs coveted high positions in the Empire. It represents that period when "Church and State" were united. This was most wonderfully illustrated by giving the third message to the church at Pergamos. The message also fits it perfectly: "I know thy work, and where Satan's seat is... and thou hast not denied my name... in those days when "Antipas" was a faithful martyr, who was slain among you where Satan's seat is." That is those who were anti-Papists who were against the Pope and the exalted position he occupied.

The fourth period "Thyratira," the word meaning "a sacrifice of contritions," that which is nearest and dearest. The horrid persecutions from Rome. Reading the scriptures was forbidden, and thousands of Jews and Sabbath-keeping followers of the Messiah were slain. It was indeed a period well represented by giving this message to the congregation at "Thyatira."

Notice chapter 2:20 where a message is addressed to the faithful: "I have a few things against thee because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel which calleth herself a prophetess to teach and to seduce my servants." This period is further represented in Rev. chap. 17 where the Church at Rome is illustrated by a fallen woman or Jezebel.

Notice also that in every period the Spirit promised great spiritual blessings and reward to the overcomers, those who by the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives were able to separate from the world, overcome threats, persecution, and even death and stand firm, to be worthy and qualified to receive the crown of life eternal.

The next period is "Sardis," the word meaning, "That which is left." The instructions given by the angel for this period exactly fit the name Sardis: "Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die" Rev. 3:2. "I have a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white." Then the promise is given that their names will not be blotted out of the book of life. Verse 4.

Then comes the sixth period, the message to the sixth church or congregation of believers. -"Philadelphia." This word means "Brotherly Love." The one here speaking holds the key of David and is going to sit on his throne. Notice how appropriate is the message, and how it fits this sixth period. This was the time when in the U.S.A. the city of Philadelphia was established in the state of Pennsylvania by a man by the name of William Penn. It was established on this principle of "Brotherly Love," and the persecuted people in Europe were invited to this haven of Liberty, and Democracy. There had been set before them an open door that no man could shut. Note verses 7, 8. No man has ever shut this door of "Religious Liberty" to the world since that time, and never will do so. Both Catholicism and Communism are trying their best in a subtle way to do that very thing now, but it will never happen. Note verse 11 of chapter 3: "Behold I come quickly. Hold fast that no man take thy crown." This was an appropriate message, for the signs of the last days were beginning to come to pass, and the Messiah's coming was drawing near. There will always be an open door somewhere for freedom of religion. For the Future it will be Israel when closed other places.

Now we come to the seventh and last period of this age, the message to the seventh "Congregation of believers." Here it is: "Unto the angel of the church," or congregation, "of the Laodiceans write these things". . . Verse 14. The meaning of this word is: "Laos" - people, and "Dicea" - Judgment. The world is in this last period now, the period of the judgment. Notice how exactly it fits our time: "Know thy works that thou art neither cold nor hot. I will spue thee out of my mouth."

Here we have an exact picture of the professed religious world in our days: "Neither cold nor hot," rich and increased with goods, saying they have need of nothing, a world seeking after wealth and pleasure, and self righteous, thinking they have need of nothing. The messenger says they are poor and blind and naked.

The instructions are "buy of me [get the riches from above] gold tried in the fire that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment (purity), that thou mayest be clothed" . . . The Messiah stands at the door [the door of his mind, heart]." He says: "I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me." Chapter 3:14-20. This ends the seven church periods, taking us step by step over about 2000 years.

There is a knocking at the door of many hearts today, to turn away from the worldly sins and pleasures. All who hear His voice have the promise that He will come in unto them and sup with them, and they with Him. They will drink of the water of eternal life, escaping the terrible destruction soon to come upon this world. "As a snare shall it come upon the face of the whole earth." He says:

"Behold I stand at the door and knock." He is trying right now to call you into a deeper and more useful consecrated life to help in saving others, as well as to save yourself.

We are down in this seventh and last period of the world's history, when terrible things are just ahead for all who love the world more than the Creator, and are living in willful disobedience and sin. Now is the time to escape, while He still knocks at your door.

Explanation

History tells us that John, the author, was sentenced to death by being cast into a tank of boiling oil, that he arose with the hot oil running down his face and off of his clothes, and felt no harm. As he gave forth powerful words concerning his faith a sweet aroma perfumed the air around the place. His enemies were converted accepting his teaching and were added to the faith.

Note the last portion of chapter one verse 19, that the whole book concerns the things which John has seen, those which were then and what was to come to pass thereafter. History has recorded these things as they came to pass with astonishing accuracy from that time to the present thus establishing our faith that what is left for the future will not fail.

Special attention should be given to Chap. 2:7, 11, 17 and 26; the promise of eternal life with an entrance into the Kingdom is given only to the overcomer in each of these seven periods. That is, each one, in every period, must earnestly pray as David did for overcoming victory (Psalms 51), by the presence of the Holy Spirit, and seek help from heaven as David, asking that this divine power called the "Holy Spirit" will not be withdrawn from him. Only by its presence and power can we in our weak flesh and blood condition depart from wickedness, and observe all of the Ten Commandments, to be worthy to be delivered and enter into the Kingdom when our Messiah comes.

Summary of Chapters 4 and 5

Chapter four: These four and twenty elders are believed to be the 12 Patriarchs of the Old Testament, and the 12 apostles of the New Testament. This chapter deals with conditions here on earth, which will follow verse 21 of chapter 3, the Kingdom set up here on the earth. This is confirmed in verse 10 of chapter 5.

A beast in Bible prophecy set forth in both Daniel and Revelation symbolizes a nation or earthly Kingdom (Daniel 7:17, 23), therefore these four beasts of chapter 4 symbolize the four most powerful earthly kingdoms or nations which will exist here on earth immediately following the establishing of "The Kingdom of Elohim," for which we have all been praying for nearly two thousand years, "Thy kingdom come thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven" (Matt. 6:9 to 18). The tares from among these nations will be rapidly gathered out, however (Matt. 13:40, 41). That there will be nations left in the earth after the Messiah comes and is KING here at Jerusalem is further confirmed in Psalms 110, and in Rev. chapter 2:27, 28, compared with Psalms 2:6 to 9; Zechariah 14:16, 17.

The four beasts represent the four leading and most powerful nations left here after the Messiah comes. It will be noticed, however, that their nature has been considerably changed from the ravenous carnivorous to the humble intelligent and harmless creatures except the one mentioned as the lion. It will be observed that four nations are now outstanding, and the "Big Four" quite often mentioned. This was also true during World War I, and World War II. There were four frequently mentioned in the world news. Now we still hear of the big four referring to the four strong nations. There are also to be four at the beginning of the Kingdom.

Yahshua is to rule with a rod of iron, and the Kingdom will be composed of 144,000 having the "Father's name written in their forehead" and all the redeemed and adopted Gentiles from every nation, who have become Israel, or Abraham's seed.

Note the weakness of the other three beasts as compared to the Lion, the Calf, - the one having the face of a man (intelligent), and the other like an Eagle. The "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Rev. 5:5) is to rule with a rod of iron, plainly stated in the following scriptures, Psalms 2:6-12, Revelation 2:27, Psalms 110.

Psalm Two

The Present and The Future

"1. Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

2. The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against His anointed, saying:

3. Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

4. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

5. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

6. Yet have I set My King upon My Holy Hill of Zion.

7. I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, thou art my Son; this day have I be-gotten thee.

8. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

9. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

10. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings; be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

11. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him."

Here is Psalm 110:

"1. The Lord said unto my Lord, "Sit thou at My right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."

2. The Lord shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies."

3. Thy people shall be willing in the day of power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

4. The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent. Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

5. The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.

6. He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies: he shall wound the heads over many countries.

7. He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head."

Yahshua told the apostles that all things written in the Psalms concerning Him must be fulfilled (Luke 24:44).

Revelation 2:26, 27

"To him that overcometh, and keepeth my works to the end to him will I give power over the nations. And he shall rule them with a rod of iron. As the vessels of the potter shall they be broken to shivers, even as I received of the Father."

Note also that the man child (the Messiah) born of "the daughter of Zion" (Israel), chapter 12:5 was to "rule all nations with a rod of iron." This also agrees with the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6 and 7.

Notice how wonderfully all of these scriptures agree, and that a powerful nation illustrated by a lion is going to rule this world in the near future. What remains of the Gentile nations after the pending atomic war pre-announced by Isaiah in chapter 24 are illustrated by the Eagle, the Calf, and one with the face of a man. They are all submissive and weak compared to the Lion.

This period was mentioned by Yahshua (Jesus) as follows, "Verily I say unto you, that ye which have followed Me in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matt. 19:28).

The other 12 thrones during this time will evidently be occupied by the twelve patriarchs of the Old Testament, making the 24 elders mentioned in Rev. 4:4.

He is now our High Priest at the right hand of the Father's throne in heaven, but is soon to have his enemies as His footstool, verses one and two of Psalms 110.

The beginning of chapter 4 speaks of a door being opened in heaven, and John was invited to come up there. He did so in a vision and was shown things to take place thereafter. Here we have the unsealing of the "Book of Revelation," the last writing by man when directly connected with heaven, and this Book closes the Bible with the statement that nothing more was to be added (Chapter 22:18).

The unsealing of this book was by "The Lion of the tribe of Judah," and it was Yahshua our Messiah who opened it up. Verse 2 of chapter 4 just after John was invited to come up to be shown what MUST TAKE PLACE HEREAFTER, says: "Immediately I was in the Spirit, and a throne was set in heaven." There were four and twenty elders and four beasts seen in heaven, but these were concerning things that were to take place on earth. Verse 10, chapter 5. In chapter 12 the woman and the dragon were both seen in heaven, but the chapter concerns things that took place on the earth; the same as all of the book of Revelation.

Opening the Seals The Four Horsemen

Chapter 6

John saw the finished work of this age would be experienced by seven different periods down through Gentile times. In other words he saw the future of the gospel age in retrospect.

How merciful and loving is the Heavenly Father Who seals us with the Holy Spirit and has also disclosed to us what we would experience. It covers this Gentile period. (Isaiah 62:1, 2, and Luke 21:24), beginning with the "white Horse" (Rev. 6:2).

White denoting purity and righteousness (Rev. 19:8; also chapter 3:5), the beginning of this Gentile period when mighty works were being wrought by the Jewish people, filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2nd chapter etc. This was the launching of the message of salvation to the Gentiles foretold by Isaiah 62:1, 2, and it says the rider went forth conquering and to conquer. This is exactly what happened and the idolatrous heathen world was largely conquered. The Bible in millions of copies and over 700 languages and dialects has gone forth to every nation.

Second Seal Opened

The second horse is red (verse 4) and it says peace was taken from the earth. This period corresponds with the "Smyrna" Church, which we have considered, the second church period. In this period it says they should kill one another. History speaks of the Diocletian and bloody Nero persecutions of the Jews and "The Righteous Congregations of the true faith." The red horse was a warning of danger.

In Rev. 2:10 it says of this 2nd period they would suffer tribulation ten days. And the bloody persecution lasted ten years.

The entire period covers the time from about 90 C.E. to the 4th century.

The Third Seal Opened

The third horse was black and it says he that sat on him has a pair of balances in his hand. This is the "Pergamos" period, the time when the apostate Christians became exalted and church and state were united. All histories tell us of this condition of a balancing of power between church and state. History refers to this period and calls it "The Dark Ages." Here it was pre-announced and represented by the black horse.

It covered the period from about 476 to 1450 C. E., or A. D.

Verse 6 speaks of a "Measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny." It was at this very time according to history, that owing to threatened famine, grains were rationed, and expensive. Famine brought gloom and dispair to many quarters of Europe.

The Fourth Seal Opened

This seal began with what is known in history as: "The Inquisition," brought on by the law passed at Rome through the direction of the Catholic Church for the suppression of heresy, the searching for a punishment of heretics, or those who would not submit to the teaching of the church. It reached to about 1798 when Berthere, under Napoleon, captured Rome and banished the pope on an Island in the Mediterranean Sea.

The 4th horse (verse 8) was the pale horse. It says, "the name that sat on him was death, and hell (Greek hades the grave) followed with him. Power was given him over a fourth part of the earth to kill with the sword, and with hunger and with death, and with the, beasts of the earth." This further describes the period when Rome ruled the world, and the Catholic church jointly with her put to death, as history tells us from fifty to one hundred million Jews and others with them who would not yield to her doctrine, especially that of keeping Sunday for the Sabbath. See Foxe's Book of Martyrs, Buck's Theological Dictionary, the Old Family Bible, or the very old edition of Britannica Encyclopaedia.

The Fifth Seal Opened

The opening of the fifth seal verses 9 and 10 covers a very short period marked by the end of Papal persecution of so called heretics with the capture of Rome in 1798, and also the drafting of the Constitution by the United States, representing freedom of religion, 1789. It says of this period: "I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held, and they cried with a loud voice saying, How long O Lord Holy and true doest thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell upon the earth, and white robes were given every one of them ... and it was said that they should rest yet a little season, until their fellow servants and their brethren that should be killed as they were should be fulfilled."

This does not teach us that these souls were alive and conscious and crying for vengeance upon the evil murderers who had killed them through this entire period of the "dark ages, which prophetically was over 1200 years, illustrated by the red, black, and pale horse periods. According to modern theology these wicked ones would already be a long time suffering the pangs of Hell fire and vengeance would already be upon them. We are told that the stones cried out of the wall and the beam cried out of the timber (Habakkuk 2:11). This is a figure of speech often used. These souls did not actually cry out any more than did these stones. But the horrible deeds of murdering these innocent people would not be forgotten, and remained against their murderers. "Vengeance is mine," saith the Creator. "I will repay." We are told that Abel's blood cried out from the ground.

Why were those souls told to rest until others would be slain as they were?

Since peace left this earth in 1914, the beginning of the First World War, millions have been slain in like manner. For instance, the horrible holocaust in Germany under Hitler, also thousands have died in Russia for their faith and in other places and there will be still more, but the Deliverer is now soon to come.

The Sixth Seal Opened

When the sixth seal is opened we enter the sixth period, and it says there was a great earthquake, the stars fell, and the sun was darkened, etc. Verses 12, and 13. It is believed by many that the great Lisbon earthquake and the falling of the stars, and the sun being darkened the year 1789 to 1833 fulflled this prophecy and it was this time that the 6th seal was opened. These phenomenon were never before witnessed on such a large scale; also the sun being darkened the following day. See "Dark Day" in Webster's Large Dictionary, also "McKenstries History."

Each of these seals cover a lengthy period of time, some shorter and some longer. This one covers around two hundred years depending on the years yet in the future for the closing events of the seal, when "The heavens depart as a scroll when it is rolled together, and every mountain and island move out of their place. And the kings of the earth, and the great men and the rich men, and the chief captains and the mighty men hide themselves in the dens of the rocks and mountains. They say 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 HAS COME. AND WHO WILL BE ABLE TO STAND'?" (verses 14 to 17).

This brings us to the time of the pouring out of the "Seven Last Plagues," for it says they are the "Wrath of God." See the first verses of chapter 15 and 16.

Let My People Go

Before the 12 plagues were poured out on the Egyptians, the cry was heard and repeated, "LET MY PEOPLE GO." This same cry is now being heard by the voice of Radio and Television all over the world and is to be followed by the wrath of heaven on the offenders in the same way as it was in Egypt.

Notice that the kings of the earth, the chief captains and the mighty men shake and hide from His presence. In Ezekiel 38:18 to 20 when "Gog" the word taken from the root word "Rosh" or Russia comes against Israel. "Every man on the face of the earth shakes at His presence."

These events are the same for they take place at the close of this Gentile age. The last events of the sixth seal may be very near at hand.

When this 7th and last seal is opened seven angels come forth with seven trumpets. By comparing the events of these seven trumpets with the seven last plagues of chapter 16 you will note their similarity all the way through. The trumpets explain more in detail the horrors of the seven last plagues, and what will take place during the time of their being poured out.

The plagues that fell in Egypt before the deliverance of the Israelites required one year, and we have evidence that these last plagues will also cover one year, as a day stands for a year in Bible prophecy. In Revelation 18:8 we are told that these plagues come upon Babylon The Great in one day. Therefore it will require only one year for the seven trumpets to sound and the seven plagues to fall.

The Seventh Seal Opened

Now we come to the first verse of the next chapter, namely chapter 8. This verse reads, "And when he had opened the seventh seal there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour, and I saw the seven angels which stood before God, and to them were given seven trumpets."

Verse 6 reads, "And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound." Notice that all seven trumpets sound under the seventh seal; seven all through the Holy Scriptures represents fulness. It is the end of a cycle of events. It completes the series. Seven days in the week: seven years of plenty in Egypt, then seven years of famine: Joshua with Israel marching around the city of Jericho seven times then the walls fell, Joshua 6:1-20. It is the same all through the book of Revelation. There are seven series of seven, each one of which ends with the returning of the Messiah, the end of the Gentile age, and the judgment.

Notice here that we are now considering the seventh and last one of the "Seven Seals." Verse 1 chapter 8. This seventh period brings the completion of the series. The last event of the sixth seal was "The heavens rolling back as a scroll, and the Messiah sitting on the throne. The kings of the earth, the chief captains and earth's mighty men crying for the rocks and mountains to fall on them." For it says, "the great day of His wrath has come," last verse of chapter 6. This happens under the sixth seal, but the end comes under the seventh seal and when the seventh trumpet of the seven angels sounds. Chapter 10, verse 7 (and chapter 11, verse 15). Therefore when the Messiah appears in heaven, and all the great men cry for the rocks and mountains to fall on them, is just the beginning of "The Wrath of God" to be poured out upon this wicked Gentile world.

This "Wrath of God" is the seven last plagues. Read verse one of chapters 15 and 16. Hence, as the sixth seal ends, "Heaven Opens" and the Wrath from above comes down. This Wrath is the Seven Trumpets, which is also the Seven Last Plagues.

Chapter 7

Verse one, "I saw four angels standing on the four parts 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."

Wind is a symbol of war. When this Gentile age began, mentioned in Daniel 7:2, Daniel saw in vision these same four winds of heaven striving upon the great sea, and four great beasts arose, one following the other. These beasts represent the four periods of Gentile rule over the earth after the Kingdom of Judah was taken over by the king of Babylon, represented by this first beast as it plainly says here. Notice that the four winds strove on the great sea.

The sea in both Daniel and Revelation is used as a symbol of people, nations and tongues. "The waters which thou sawest... are peoples, nations and tongues" (Rev. 17:15).

Hence the winds that were turned loose then are now being held in check by the "United Nations." There are four angels that brought about these conditions by causing the formation of the U.N. for the very purpose of holding back war. Had it not been for this organization the third and last world war would have been on us before now.

The purpose in holding back this last stroke to destroy the Gentile nations, is for the sealing of the 144,000. Notice that there are twelve thousand sealed out of each of the 12 tribes of Israel. The tribe of Judah is mentioned first. The seal of God is being placed in the forehead of those who are to be saved and form the nuclei of His Kingdom here.

The prophet Isaiah said of this time, "Seal up the law among my disciples," or place the seal back into the law (Isaiah 8:16).

The Catholic and Protestant churches all over the world have the Ten Commandments exhibited with the seal removed, which is found only in the 4th commandment. They print this commandment: "Remember to keep holy the Sabbath Day," and omit all of the balance of the commandment.

We will give you here the comparison of the seal of the United States Government, and the seal of God.

The Seal of the United States

The seal of the United States, as in the fore going diagram, gives the name of the first President, his office, and the territory over which he presides.

The Seal of Elohim

Elohim - Creator - Heaven and earth. The seal of God, is the same. It gives the one in authority, His office and also the territory over which He presides. This seal is found in the law of God. A seal is inseparable from law. You remove the fourth commandment from the ten, and there is no authority left in the code of law.

The heathen man worshipping his idol can claim that his god was the author of this Ten Commandment law, and that he had no other god before his god. He can justify himself in his worship. But when you place the seal back into the law, then the heathen man is forced to surrender because it says, "In six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and the sea and all that in them is."

Hence the seal by which the 144,000 are being sealed is the Ten Commandment law, written in their hearts by the HOLY SPIRIT. The seal of that law is the Sabbath, now being placed back, which was removed by ROME, and at this time of the increase of knowledge (Daniel 12: 4), was to be, and had been replaced. The descendants of the ten tribes scattered all over the world, many of whom have lost their tribal connection, love Jerusalem, and are accepting the Sabbath all over the world. Thus they are among this 144,000 being sealed, as they walk in the unfolding light of this enlightened time.

The third and last world war is being held back for a purpose. It says an angel comes from the EAST HAVING THE SEAL OF THE LIVING GOD, saying hurt not the earth or the sea till we have sealed the servants of God in their forehead. Coming from the east signifies "light coming forth for this time."

This terrible destruction by the whirlwind of war is mentioned also in Jeremiah 25:32, 33 when the slain will be from one end of the earth to the other, and not lamented or buried.

The Seal of God in the Forehead

As the saved ones are being sealed with the seal of God in their foreheads, those traveling the broad way of the world are receiving the mark of the beast in their foreheads. This angel saying with a "LOUD VOICE," having the seal of God, is spoken of also as the - "Loud Voice Angel" - in Revelation 14:9, the third angel, who also gives the warning against beast worship, and receiving his mark in their foreheads and their hands to drink of the wine of the wrath of God, the seven last plagues (Rev. 15:1, and 16:1).

The Holy Spirit is the power that does the sealing, by placing the "Seal of God" in the foreheads of the pure in heart. The Holy Spirit is not the seal, but it is the power by which the sealing is done. Just as the seal of state or nation is placed on a document to make it legal by the one who transacts the business, so is "The Seal of God" placed in the forehead, or in the mind of the person, by the Holy Spirit. The seal of state is placed on the document by a machine operated by the man. The seal is not the machine or the man and so is also the seal of God something different from the Holy Spirit that does the work of sealing.

The REMNANT of Judah and Israel today, especially those here in Israel, are undergoing the change of heart pre-announced by Ezekiel in chapter 36:24 to 27. Their hearts are being circumcised by the Holy Spirit and the "Commandments of God" written there, Romans 2:29.

Then 1 Corinthians 7:19 tells us that circumcision of the heart is keeping the commandments of God. Hence the seal (the Sabbath commandment) is being also placed there.

Chapters 8 and 9

Please read the seven plagues, and compare each one with the seven trumpets, and you will see that they are the same. Chapter 16 just gives us a brief summary of these seven last plagues, while the 8th and 9th chapters tells us more in detail about this short period.

The prophet Daniel speaks of this time in the following language: "There shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time, and at that time THY PEOPLE [Daniel's people, the Jews] shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book," Daniel 12:11. This includes all gentiles adopted into the family of Abraham, according to Galatians 3:27, 28, 29.

This book is the "Lamb's book of life" in heaven, Rev. 20:15. Notice also that in the very next verse (verse 2 of Daniel 12), it says many who sleep in the dust of the earth shall come forth. Hence we see that this is the same "Time of Trouble" as mentioned in the Plagues and Trumpets, for they wind up with the Judgment and the end of this age.

We shall not spend time or space in a detailed description of each of these trumpets and plagues for the student can read them for himself and compare them.

The second trumpet and second plague both turn the sea into blood water, just like that which happened along the Pacific coast of the U.S. a few years ago, and along the coast of Florida, U.S.A., when the state appealed to the national government to help them bury the dead fish piled in heaps all along the shore. Everyone in America remembers this unusual strange phenomena. The third plague and third trumpet affect the rivers and fountains of water, while the 4th plague and the 4th trumpet the heat of the sun. The fifth plague is poured out upon the seat of the Beast, which is Rome, and the fifth trumpet (chapter 9, verse 4), strikes only the people who do not have the seal of God in their forehead.

Hence it also attacks the beast and his worshippers who have his mark instead of the seal of God in their foreheads. Notice as previously stated these Trumpets and plagues come just after the sealing time, while the winds of war are being held in check (Chapter 7, verses 1-3).

Note as previously given where the seal of God (Elohim) is explained as being similar to the seal of the United States. It is either the seal of God or mark of the beast. The seal of God embraces the Father's Name as you will clearly see. Now notice Revelation chapter 14: verse 1 where it speaks of the 144,000 having the "Father's Name written in their foreheads." Those who are destroyed by these terrible judgments are those who have the mark of the beast in their foreheads (Chapter 14:9) while those delivered have the seal of God. (Chapter 9:4). In Psalms 91 when speaking of deliverance, it says: "A thousand shall fall at thy side and ten thousand at thy right hand, but it shall not come nigh unto thee, for He will give His angels charge over thee,'' etc. verses 7 to 14. In verse 14 it says: "I will set him on high because lie hath known My Name." Here it is again, the seal of God in the forehead, which is the mind, the thinking part of the person. They know the Father's Name. They have His Name in their forehead.

Notice that the sixth plague is poured out upon the River Euphrates and the waters are dried up that the ways of the kings of the east are prepared (Chapter 16:12). These kings include the hordes of China over 700,000,000 million, and India with her millions, etc.

Now notice chapter 9, verses 13, 14 that this 6th trumpet also concerns especially the river Euphrates and that "two hundred thousand thousand" are in the battle. This is two hundred million soldiers. Again we find them to be parallel one with the other, and also descriptive of the very last events of the age as it pertains to man's punishment and destruction. This terrible time of trouble such as was not since there was a nation, has come to its end (Daniel 12:1), and we are at the resurrection of the dead (Verse 2).

The 7th plague: "And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air, and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven saying it is done, and there were voices and thunderings and lightening," etc. (Chapter 16:17, 18).

Notice the similarity of the plagues here and the trumpets, - "And the seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven saying the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever." This brings us into the Kingdom, and the four and twenty elders are again brought to view (Verse 16).

The fifth trumpet (chapter 9), opens, what it called, the bottomless pit, and great swarms of locusts come forth to punish those who have not "The Seal of God" in their forehead (Verse 4). One of the plagues in Egypt before Israel was delivered is described as millions of frogs, created by the Almighty to punish the Egyptians. They were raked up in heaps and made the land stink. Exodus 8:14. These locusts, however are not like anything known to us now, but are far more terrible.

The fifth plague we notice is poured out on the seat of the beast, and his kingdom is full of darkness. This is the beast that comes out of the "Bottomless Pit" (Rev. 17:8) just before his kingdom ends. This trumpet, and plague each speak of the bottomless pit.

The Sixth trumpet opens by loosing "The four angels bound in the river Euphrates" and "The number of the army was two hundred thousand thousand" (200 million, verse 16).

The seventh plague also deals with the river Euphrates (Chapter 16:12 to 14) when the armies of the whole world are gathered for battle, as previously mentioned. As a result of the events covered by the sixth trumpet, and the 6th plague, the third part of men are slain, verse 18. They cover this, "time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation," spoken of also by Daniel which just precedes the resurrection and deliverance of all who are written in the book of life (Daniel 12:1 to 4).

It has been previously explained that a day in the Bible prophecy stands for one year, and also how wonderfully this has been fulfilled by passing events, to which history most accurately has responded. Therefore it seems proper to dwell a moment on the time period here in chapter 9:15, - "An hour and a day and a month and a year," or 391 days, which terminate with the loosing of angels bound in the River Euphrates (In the middle East) that we are hearing so much about in these turbulent times. It is impossible to pinpoint this time period, because this last war has not yet commenced. Dating backward from our day, however, 391 years, we reach the period of fifteen to sixteen hundred C.E. known as A.D. This is the time of the beginning of the Reformation, or when what is known in history as, "The Holy Roman Empire," commenced to break up.

The great reformers Martin Luther, Calvin, Knox and the Wesleys, repudiating the authority of Rome, started the movement of Democracy and Religious Liberty by which the Roman beast was finally bound, but now the deadly wound has been healed. Rome is exercising her universal authority again which leads to the final drama recorded in these chapters, Armageddon, the slaying of the third part of men.

Chapter 10

Explanation

This chapter concerns the "Seven Thunders," which were sealed and John was not permitted to write their contents. The little book, however, was given to John to eat.

John evidently was weary from writing, and the last events given to him in vision seemed to have brought his writings almost to an end. Therefore he was shown by the little book that he had more to write.

A voice from heaven told him to go and take the little book open in the hands of the angel. He took the book and ate it. It was to his mouth sweet as honey, but became bitter.

Then the voice said to him, "Thou must prophesy again before many people, nations, tongues and kings." This little book was evidently the "Book of Daniel." The first part was sweet to him. The first six chapters reveal great miracles from heaven in deliverance. Daniel delivered from the den of lions: the three Hebrew men delivered in the fiery furnace and Daniel exalted and given a high place in the kingdom. But chapter seven was bitter. It revealed four beasts representing four earthly kingdoms, and then the papal power to wear out the saints of the Most High for a very long period of time 1260 years. This was bitter to him.

The voice from heaven, in conjunction with the contents of the little book, let John know that there was more for him to write, "Thou must prophesy again," it said, and as we proceed in further chapters of Revelation we will find the contents of the Book of Daniel repeated. This adds further evidence that the little book given to John was the book of Daniel.

Chapter 11

Explanation

This chapter from verse 1 to 13 deals almost exclusively with the "Two Witnesses," which we shall take up first. It will be seen from verse 3 that these two witnesses were to prophesy a thousand two hundred and three score days clothed in sackcloth. Sackcloth represents humility and prayer, entire dependence on heaven for survival, and suggestive of a period of danger, during which time they were to prophesy. This is a period of 1260 years as one day stands for a year in both Daniel and the Revelation.

Notice also in verse 2 that the court without the temple was given to the Gentiles, and the Holy City was to be trodden down for this same period of 42 months, 1260 days or years. The Bible month anciently was 30 days, as previously proven, in dealing with the Book of Daniel. In Genesis we are told that the flood lasted 150 days, while in another scripture it says the flood lasted five months, showing us that the Bible month was a 30 day month.

This 1,260 year period is also set forth in Daniel, and repeatedly in following chapters of Revelation, representing the period when the Beast power ruled, and when the church was driven into the wilderness, as given in the next chapter.

"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" (Rev. 11:3-4).

We will now deal with the two witnesses.

Many people believe that these two witnesses are Moses and Elijah, because Moses by the power of heaven turned the water to blood, while through Elijah's prayer the heavens retained the rain. Others claim it will be Enoch and John, etc.

Brother Clyde Wilson of Brookhaven, Miss. U.S.A. writes as follows regarding these two witnesses: Vice Bishop Corbett of the Pentecostal church of Zion was talking with me at Frenchlick, Indiana during a conference there. He said, "Brother Wilson I have heard seven men teach about the 'Two Witnesses' and each one of them taught it a different way. But something is wrong, for the Holy Spirit through the Word does not teach the same subject seven different ways."

As Brother Clyde Wilson takes the Bible only for his decisions on sacred matters, his explanation of these witnesses agrees perfectly with the writer. Therefore we are going to give you what he recently wrote us on the subject.

He writes as follows, "Does the Bible give us the answer? Yes. Let us notice the fourth verse, These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth" (Rev. 11:4).

Now John tells us these two witnesses are the two olive trees and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

Well, at last, we have a starting place. Now if we can find out who or what the two olive trees and the two candlesticks represent, we have the answer. The book of Revelation is written in symbols and the Bible interprets it's own symbols. Now, let us find the answer, who or what are the two candlesticks?

"And I turned to see the voice that spake with me, and being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks."

"And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle" (Rev. 1:12-13).

In the following, we find the interpretation of the candlesticks.

"The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches; and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches" (Rev. 1:20).

Now we positively have it half made. John tells us that the candlesticks are churches (Rev. 11:4). We have two candlesticks which are two churches; the old church originating through Abraham, known as Israel, and the New Testament church, originating through the Messiah mentioned 12 times as the "Church of Elohim"; the only two churches that have ever been in the world.

Now let us see what else we can find out about the candlesticks.

"And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep.

And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof.

And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof" (Zech. 4:1-3).

Now we have one candlestick and the two olive trees standing by it, one on the right side thereof and one on the left side thereof.

We have learned a candlestick represents a church. We have the old covenant church here, the only church there was at that time, and the two olive trees standing by the one church.

"So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, what are these, my Lord. Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my Lord" (Zech. 4:5).

Zechariah was very curious to know what the candlesticks and the two olive trees were.

"Then answered I, and said unto him, what are these two olive trees upon the right side of the candlestick and upon the left side thereof?

And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?

And he answered me and said, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my Lord.

Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth." Zech. 4:11-14" (By Clyde Wilson).

The church of the Old Testament, the Jews and Israel scattered all over the world have been witnessing during this 1,260 year period clothed in sackcloth, and the "Church of God" 7th day, composed of Jews and natural born Israelites of the ten tribes, together with many adopted Gentiles, have also been witnessing under persecution, in sackcloth, during this same period.

Now we come to the point as to how these two witnesses can be killed, and for three days and a half lay in the streets of the city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt where our Lord was crucified, not permitted to be buried, and then ascend up to heaven in a cloud. Their enemies beholding them are struck with great fear.

Note the place where these witnesses are slain, is spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, where our Lord was crucified. Verse 8. We know He was not crucified in Egypt, but in the portion of Jerusalem held by Egypt and her allies, which it says is, - "Spiritually called Sodom and Egypt." In speaking of this portion of Jerusalem today in a spiritual way, it is surely like Sodom, filled with prostitutes, etc. Business of all kinds wide open on the Sabbath, and a stream of busses, trucks, and cars, pouring in and out on all sides, desecrating the day blessed of the Almighty. It is also this East portion of Jerusalem that will be taken in the final battle of this age, Zechariah 14: 1 to 4.

Both of these two great churches are represented today all over the world, and also here at Jerusalem. We understand how every nation on earth is represented by their Ambassador. What that representative or Ambassador says concerning his country, it is that country speaking, and spoken of, and published as such. There will evidently appear two miraculous powerful men here at Jerusalem in the near future, whether it is Moses, and Elijah, Enoch or John, or someone whom the Creator will raise up to fulfill this prophecy, no one can be absolutely certain, but when they come, and begin their work, all who have read this book of Revelation, will recognize them, and understand. This will be a blessing to you (Rev. 1:3).

Verse 5 says, "If any man will hurt them fire proceeds out of their mouth and devours their enemies." They have power to turn water to blood, and to smite the earth with plagues, as often as they will, Verse 6. "The wicked will do wickedly, and none of the wicked will understand, but the wise shall understand" (Daniel 12:10).

In verse 6 it says, "They have power to smite the earth with plagues as often as they will." Moses was given power from heaven to smite with plagues before Pharaoh let Israel go. It is probable these two witnesses will be here during the period of the seven last plagues, and that through the power given to them, as it was given to Moses, they will smite the Earth with these last plagues.

These events bring us to the end of the second woe. Verse 14, or the sixth trumpet, and to the kingdom for when the seventh trumpet sounds great voices, perhaps in every language on earth, are heard saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever," verse 15. This ushers in the "Kingdom of God." The dead are resurrected, and judged. We note also in verse 18 how the nations are angry, just before the dead are resurrected, as we see them to-day.

The end of this period of seven, brings us to the end of this Gentile age, and the establishment of the Kingdom from heaven. Seven denoting completion, and at the end of each period of seven in this book, we are brought to the climax, the end of the age. We must read the Revelation thoughtfully, from one climax to the other. These chapters were arranged by men, and not by inspiration. Therefore, the events of one chapter do not always continue right on into the next chapter.

Chapter 12

Explanation

We have the description of two women in the book of Revelation. One is clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She is about to be delivered of a man child, Rev. 12th chapter. The attire of this woman is heavenly, symbolizing Israel about to bring forth her Messiah (Isa. 9:6, 7, and 14:7).

The other woman is clothed with worldly attire. It says, "The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand, full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornications" (Rev. 17:4). She has a name written on her forehead "MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS, and abominations of the earth," verse 5. This woman represents ancient Babylon, the enemy of Israel, and the churches opposing Israel today. These two women are also described in the Old Testament.

"I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman" (Jeremiah 6:2).

"Sing, O daughter of Zion. Shout, O Israel. Be glad and rejoice with all thy heart, O daughter of Jerusalem" (Zephaniah 3:14).

"Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion for lo I come and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord" (Zechariah 2:10).

"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion. Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: Behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass" (Zech. 9:9).

"For I have heard a voice as of a woman in travail, and the anguish as of her that bringeth forth her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion, that bewaileth herself, that spreadeth her hands, saying, Woe is me howl for my soul is wearied because of murderers" (Jer. 4:31).

This vision given to Jeremiah, concerns the travail of the daughter of Zion (Israel), in bringing forth the Messiah child, and of the murderer, Herod the king, in his effort to destroy the child (Matt. 2:3, and 16).

"Deliver thyself, O Zion that dwelleth with the daughter of Babylon" (Zech. 2:7).

"For thus saith the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, the daughter of Babylon is like a threshingfloor. It is time to thresh her. Yet a little while and the time of her harvest shall come" (Jeremiah 51:33).

"O daughter of Babylon who art to be destroyed" (Psalm 137:8).

From the foregoing scripture it is clearly evident that these two women described in the last book of the Bible, represent two associations of people, or we might call them two religious sects or denominations. One is with heavenly garments, clothed with the sun and having a crown of 12 stars, rejoicing with gladness, and singing the praises of heaven, while the other clothed with worldly apparel, and costly array but bound for destruction.

This woman of Revelation 12th chapter represents Israel who was to bring forth the Messiah. The twelve stars of her crown represent the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus first chapter, etc.). Clothed with the sun represents power light, warmth and glory. The moon represents the ruler of darkness subdued and under her feet. It says she brought forth a man child who was to rule all nations with a rod of Iron, and he was caught up to God and to His throne. This of course represents the birth of the child prophesied by Isaiah 7:14, and 9: 6, 7, also 11:1, and chapter 53.

This woman also represents the same Israel church or congregation of people called twelve times in the New Testament, 'The Church of God," with the crown of the twelve apostles, etc.

Speaking of the true church, the chosen family of the righteous we read: "I am jealous over you with a godly jealously for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ" (2 Cor. 11:2).

Here is another scripture comparing the "Chosen people" to a woman: "Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him for the marriage of the Lamb has come and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints" (Rev. 19:7, 8).

The other woman is clearly identified with the name, "Babylon the Great," written on her forehead. She is the enemy of Israel in the New Testament just as in the Old Testament. Babylon finally destroyed Jerusalem, carrying away the golden vessels from the temple, destroying the House of God, and carrying Israel and Judah into captivity (2 Chronicles 36th chapter and 2 Kings 17 and 18 chapters).

The red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, in Rev. 12:3, 4, it says, "Stood before the woman ready to devour the child as soon as it was born."

A beast represents a kingdom, while a horn stands for a king. Daniel 7:23, 24. This red dragon represents Pagan Rome, as it was in the days of these events, and it was Herod the king over this division of the Roman Empire that tried to destroy this Messiah Child as soon as be was born. Read Matthew 2:1 to 16 where you will find this event described. It says, "Herod was exceedingly wroth, and sent forth and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem and all the coasts thereof from two years old and under." It also says here that this fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah 31:15 of Rachel weeping for her children, and "would not be comforted because they were not."

Coming back to Revelation 12th chapter verse 5, it says of this woman representing Israel, "She brought forth a man child who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron, and the child was caught up to God and to His throne." Note Psalms 110 where He was to sit at the right hand of the throne of God till his enemies were at his footstool. This time is now near at hand for He is about to come again. Notice that at his ascension He sat down at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19, Acts 7:55) "But He, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God." Also verse 56.

When Jesus (Yahshua) called the disciples to follow Him, He sent them to preach the Gospel Message to all the world. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever He commanded them (Matt. 28:19, 10). The Church of God, as we know it today, was born of those who keep the Commandments of God and have the Testimony of Jesus (Yahshua). (Rev. 12:17)

It says in Rev. 12:7, there was war in heaven. Satan had access into heaven. We read in Job 1:6, 7 and His power was so great that Michael the Archangel could not overcome him (Jude 9), but when the Saviour died on the cross, they overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb and by the Word of their testimony. (Rev. 12:11). So Michael and His angels overcame the Devil and His angels and Satan and His angels were cast into the earth and no longer had access into heaven. (Rev. 12:7-12, first part of verse 4).

When the Devil was cast unto the earth, He persecuted the Church of God which had been formed by the prophets, apostles and the Saviour (Yahshua) (Eph. 2:20-22; Rev. 12:17). Verse 14 says the woman was given two wings of a great eagle that she might fly into the wilderness where she is nourished there for a time, times and a half time. This is the same period mentioned in the same way, time, times and the dividing of time that the little horn of the Roman Beast of Dan. 7:25 was to make war on the church. One time, one year, 360 days, times two years, 720 days, half a time, half a year or 180 days, making a total of exactly one thousand two hundred sixty days as given above in verse 6, or 1260 years. How wonderfully this agrees with all the time periods allotted to the beast to have ruling power before he was overcome and cast down from his high position occupied during this 1260 years.

We notice how the earth helped the woman, verse 16. The 1260 years begin A.D. 538 and end 1798 A.D., right at the time when the United States of America was rising and religious liberty proclaimed, inviting the persecuted ones to her shores. The constitution was drafted and signed in 1789. Thus the earth helped the woman, but the Dragon is still wroth. He is raising His ugly head, supported by the beast whose wounded head is healed.

The last verse of this chapter announces the future. It says, "'The dragon is wroth with the woman and goes to make war with the remnant of her seed which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimonies of Jesus Christ" (Verse 17).

A remnant is a small part. The remnant of a bolt of cloth well illustrates this verse. It is just like the original and the last piece left after the merchant has sold all the cloth on the bolt. Those whom the beast and the dragon make war on in the future, will have the faith of the original church and be made up of many Jews, but be few in number compared to the false apostles the followers of the beast. "Fear not little flock, for it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32).

Chapter 13

Remarks

"We notice in the first three verses of the first chapter that this book was given to show unto the righteous people the things that were to come upon the earth. The 3rd verse reads, "Blessed are they that read and they that hear the words of the prophecy of this book, and keep the things that are written therein."

This is the only book of the entire Bible in which there is a promised blessing upon those who read it. As you make a study of this particular chapter and the one to follow you will understand fully why this promise was made, especially now in these troublesome days and perilous times with threatened war and destruction on every hand.

After John had eaten the little book (chapter ten), a voice from heaven said he was to prophesy again before nations tongues and kings, and you will see that this chapter is where he introduces the book of Daniel, and prophesies again.

Verse 1, "I stood upon the sands of the sea and I saw a Beast come up out of the sea having seven heads and ten horns, and upon the horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the names of blasphemy. And the Beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion, and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death, and the deadly wound was healed and ALL THE WORLD wondered after the Beast. And they worshipped the dragon that gave power to the Beast and they worshipped the Beast saying, 'Who is able to make war with him?' and all the people whose names WERE NOT WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WORSHIPPED HIM."

Surely it is of great importance that we understand who and what this is. That is one reason why we were informed of the blessing in store for all who read and hear the prophecy of this Book (Rev. 1:3).

This Beast represents Rome before and during the period of the little horn of Daniel 7, verses 8 and 24. Their work is the same, the time of their power is the same. The little horn made war on the Saints for 1260 days or rather years. NOTE this Beast makes war on them for 42 months which is exactly the same length of time with the 30 day month as was proven to you in the previous articles. It says in Daniel 7, verses 8 and 20, that it had a "mouth speaking great things" (Rev. 13:5). NOTE with care that one of the heads on this Beast was wounded by the sword, but the deadly wound was healed, and then the whole world wondered after this Beast. It was the papal head with the little horn that was wounded, and then comes back again, and makes war on the Saints at the very closing period of this Gentile age. No man can buy or sell unless he has the "Mark" of this Beast, verse 17. This is in the future, but soon to take place.

Notice that the Beast with the LITTLE horn of Daniel the 7th chapter, makes war with the Saints and prevails against them: "UNTIL THE ANCIENT OF DAYS COMES," and the time for the Saints to possess the Kingdom" (Verses 21 and 22). This Beast was wounded when, what history calls: "The Holy Roman Empire," was broken up, and the Pope was made prisoner in the year 1798, under the work of Napoleon. Now Rome has come back, and the influence her power is being felt more and more, especially through the ecclesiastical system. The European nations and other nations are uniting with Catholicism, including the World Federation of Churches, because they have one common enemy, Communism. This is why they are being drawn together, a worldly set up, against Israel, and those of the Gentiles who love Israel, and are observing the Bible Sabbath, the same as Israel. They are being classed together with the Jews, by the "World Federation of Churches," to be cast out with them as evil.

The NATO, "North Atlantic Treaty Organization," now operating in Europe, is a reviving of the "Holy Roman Empire," and it has been said and published that the Pope is the director of this organization, hence it represents the "Revival of Rome," of the healing of the "Wounded head."

The Common Market is also heading this way. Remember that this same beast is one of the three divisions of the world, that takes part in ARMAGEDDON, with the "Dragon" and the 'False Prophet" (Rev. 16:13, 14).

The Messiah comes however, to deliver, (Joel 3 and Zechariah 14). We are today in this very period, and further studying will furnish proof of the times in which we now live, and what is in store for the near future.

Millions of spiritually blinded people are joining together in a great world counsel and begin-fling to worship this beast. Notice that one of his heads was wounded, and the deadly wound was healed and ALL THE WORLD followed it.

The writer is not going to attempt to tell you what this beast represents, but we will give you its identity clearly just what the Bible says it is. We shall also prove conclusively that it pertains to our day, and is upon the stage of action now. Consequently this subject is of vital interest, and major importance to every man and woman on earth.

Who and What Is This Beast

Notice carefully this description, "Mouth of the lion, feet of the bear, color of the leopard, seven heads, and ten horns." Where in the Bible do we find such similarity? Of what is this beast an amalgamation? Going back to the seventh chapter of the book of Daniel we find it is an exact incarnation of all of the four beasts seen by this prophet in vision.

An angel informed Daniel just what these four beasts meant. In verse 16, he says, "I came near to one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made me know the interpretation of the things." Therefore the interpretation of this prophecy is not of human, but divine wisdom, which fact is also proven in the most wonderful response found in history.

The beast that we are considering in this book of the Bible is the incarnation of all of these four beasts of Daniel into one beast. It has the same number of heads, and horns as of these four beasts. Note the lion one head: the bear one, the leopard four, and the 4th beast one, making seven. There are no horns on the first three but ten on the fourth. Hence the seven heads and ten horns. This beast partakes of the characteristics of all of these four, mouth of the lion, feet of the bear, color of the leopard. It makes war against the saints for 42 months. This at 30 days for the month, as they had during this period, adds up just 1260 days, which agrees exactly with the length of time the little horn of Daniel 7th chapter. Note it was to wear out the saints also for "a time, times, and the dividing of time," or 1260 days. This is further established by examining the period of time the "Daughter of Jerusalem," was to be persecuted by the beast in the wilderness. Notice Rev. 12: verses 6, and 14.

All whose names are not written in the book of life, are to follow this beast after its wounded head is healed, and it has been healed now in our day. About all nations send their Ambassadors to Rome again, acknowledging the Pope as a king. His influence is also being exerted through the U.N., the "World Council of Churches," and throughout the world.

The Two Homed Beast

We will now consider the beast with two horns. It is introduced in verse 11, which reads as follows: "And I beheld another beast coming up out of the EARTH and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon." And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, (the one with seven heads and ten horns), and be causeth the EARTH and those that dwell therein to worship the first Beast WHOSE DEADLY WOUND WAS HEALED."

As a beast represents a king or a nation, and as this beast is one of the triune powers that gather the nations of the world to Armageddon (Rev. 16:13, 14), let us search carefully for the nation or nations symbolized by this beast.

Notice that it comes up and does its work jointly with the beast that was before it, in this same chapter, viz. this Roman beast after the deadly wound is healed. (verse 12).

He comes up out of the earth. (verse 11).

He has two horns like a lamb, innocent, lamb-like.

He speaks as a dragon. (verse 11).

He causes the people of the earth to worship the first beast.

He makes fire come down from Heaven. (verse 13).

He does great wonders. (verse 13).

He creates an image (likeness) to this first Beast.

He deceives those that dwell on the earth through great miracles (verse 14).

He has power to give life to the image of the Beast.

He has power to cause all who would not worship this image to be killed. (verse 15).

He causes all people to receive a mark in the forehead or in his hand. (verse 16).

He prevents all who will not worship the beast or receive his mark from buying or selling. (verse 17).

The Beast that he demands all people to worship has a number, which is the same number of "A MAN," and that number is 666 (verse 18).

Notice that all of the other Beasts introduced in prophecy come up out of the sea, or from among the peoples nations and tongues (Rev. 17:15). But this Beast comes up out of the earth. Quite a contrast indeed.

Now notice in the previous chapter of Rev. and last verse. (Rev. 12:16), that the EARTH helped the woman, after the period of 1260 years persecution by the Beast and the dragon. It has been previously shown that this was the discovery of the new continent of North America, and the establishment there of a nation of freedom of worship, the U.S.A.

Here we find this Beast rising up out of the earth, not from among the people and nations, but in different place and manner. This Beast with two horns like a lamb and having more power than any other nation on earth represents the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, or the NORTH AMERICAN CONTINENT.

The two horns evidently represent the two political parties, in the U.S., viz. the Democrat, and Republican. This nation almost two hundred years old, has had just these two parties. There must be a reason.

Israel only a very few years old has many political parties, but the United States, has but two. Its principles are lamb like, standing for liberty and justice.

The United States brought fire down from heaven. It was Benjamin Franklin, who made the experiment while flying a kite in a thunderstorm, with a steel key fastened to the kite. which became magnetized. This was the first experiment followed by the discovery and use of electric lights in the year 1874. The bringing of fire down is thought by some to have been fulfilled in the Atomic fire brought down upon the cities of Japan at the end of world war two.

It says "He doeth great wonders." Most all of the scientific inventions have originated in the U.S.; over six hundred thousand patents have been issued by the patent office in Washington D.C. during the past fifty years.

He makes an image to the beast that had the deadly wound after the wound was healed. An image is a likeness. The beast being a federation of the nations together under one head, the image is the federation of all the churches in the U.S. under one head. This has already been formed. The Pope exercised power over all European thrones.

The Emperor of Germany, Frederick Hohenstaufer, being excommunicated by Pope Alexander in 1160, lost his prestige with the people of Germany, and was no longer recognized as king. After several years, he was reinstated. But not until he spent three days barefoot before the Pope in humility, begging for mercy. This illustrates the power of the Pope during this 1260-year period as pre-announced in Bible prophecy.

The Two Horned Beast makes an image to the Roman beast. An image is a likeness. This likeness is the "Federation of Churches." It is the "Image to the Beast," and it has come into being in the U.S.A. All joining together with one common head. The two horned beast "Gives life to the image of the beast," verse 5, and as many as would not worship the image of the beast were to be killed. No one will be able to buy or sell without having the number or the mark of the beast. These conditions are now beginning in the U.S.A. as will be further explained.

"Here is wisdom, let him that hath understanding count the number of the BEAST for it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred three score and six," verse 18.

In the ancient Chaldean name of Italy was Saturnia, Rome was called "SATURIA" which gives us the number 666. See Chambers Encyclopaedia, page 171.

King ROMULUS built Rome over 2600 years ago, and his name in Hebrew is Romuth, gives us the same number 666. Rome was the fourth universal Gentile kingdom to rule the world, and the prophet said the 4th beast was the fourth kingdom (Daniel 7:23). This beast is the one appearing in Revelation 13th chapter with the incarnation of all four beasts together. It has the appearance of the leopard, the feet of the bear, the mouth of the lion, and the same number of heads and horns of all of these beasts together (seven heads and ten horns), an amalgamation of all the beasts, representing a merging of all of the territory under one power. It was to rule the whole world and break it into pieces (Daniel 7:19). By this fourth beast, the world has been broken into fragments and kingdoms just as it says of this beast.

Now the prophet said that the number of the beast was the number of a MAN. Strange as it is, but nevertheless true, that the most powerful man associated with the Roman Empire, and who christened this counterfeit day of the Sun, and endorsed it for his people also has this same number, 666, closely associated with him. The Latin inscription, "Vicarivs Fili Dei," which means in the place of the son of God, is said to be on the crown of the Pope. It is also displayed in Vatican City. The value of these letters in the Latin numerals is as follows:

VICARIVS - V = 5, I is one, C is 100, A and R have no value, I is one, V is 5, and S has no value. This word therefore equals 112.

FILII - F has no value, I is one, L is 50, and II is 2, making 53.

DEI - D is 500, E has no value, while I is one, making 501.

As we add these sums together from each of the three words it makes exactly 666, which further establishes the "Roman Empire" as the beast, and also of this man.

Now it is clearly evident from the book of Revelation as previously cited, that some power is to rise up in the very last days of this Gentile age, and enforce a mark upon the people under penalty of death.

The wise will understand, and we are commanded by our Saviour to "Watch and pray." Then we shall not be deceived by false prophets of these last days, and will not receive the seven last plagues (Rev. 16).

The Mark of the Beast

We shall here deal especially with the MARK of the beast, which is to be placed IN the forehead of all "Beast worshippers," or those who follow after, and obey this beast "Whose deadly wound is healed."

Your mind is located in your forehead, and with it you think right or wrong. With your mind you serve either God or the beast, and you perform work with your hands. Therefore the mark of the beast pertains to the labor performed by our hands which is directed by the mind. It is received in both the forehead and the hand.

In the scriptures we find that God has given His Sabbath for the MARK sign of His authority, for He gives the seventh day as the MEMORIAL of His creative POWER. He created the world in six days and then rested the seventh day. It says that, "God blessed the Seventh Day and sanctified it" (Genesis 2:3). He made it holy, and said, "In it thou shalt do no work" (Exo. 20: 10). It is a sign (Exo. 31:15-17).

Sunday, the first day of the week, is the counterfeit Sabbath, which had its origin from the heathen sun-worshippers of Babylon, and has no place in the New Testament, as a Sabbath in place of the seventh day. It was Constantine, the Roman emperor, who first brought it unto us as a day of rest, to take the place of God's Holy Sanctified Sabbath Day. In order to have a day different from the Jews, and also different from the Christians of the Eastern churches, the Western Bishops and Popes at Rome, set Sunday apart, and declared its sanctity. The "Book of the Popes" says, "The greatest Mark ever made was when Sunday was set up to gain majority." When the Roman emperor Constantine chose Sunday as a day of worship following his supposed conversion to Christianity, 321 A.D., it was a popular move, because millions of people then worshipped the Sun, on the first day of the week, hence it derives its name - "Sunday." Sunday keeping is a mark placed upon the world by the fourth beast, "The Roman Empire," as all histories affirm. Hence Sunday is the Mark of the beast.

The Mark Of The Man

This man, or the church associated with the Roman Empire, also has a mark, namely the cross, that they make ON the foreheads of their people in worship, and it is a sign of this church. Thousands of Jews and Christian Sabbath keepers have been killed in the past because they would not kiss the cross. With the cross in one hand and the sword in the other, hundreds of Jews were slain during the last war, as was reported in the Israel papers recently.

Chapter 14

Explanation

There are three definite worldwide messages set forth in the 14th chapter of the book of Revelation, that were to go over the whole world during this period of "Gentile Times" while Judah and Israel were removed from their promised possessions.

Yahshua (Jesus in the English) said of the Jews: "They shall fall by the edge of the sword and be led away captive into all nations, and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled" (Luke 21:24).

He also said: "This gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world as a witness unto all nations. THEN shall the end come" (Matt. 24:14).

Later on, in the book of Revelation, He divided this gospel message into three di-visions, as previously set forth in this series, known as the 1st and 2nd and 3rd Messages. Following this third message the Messiah (Yahshua) is seen coming down from heaven with a crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand, representing his second coming as King, and the judgment of the world. This agrees perfectly with the concluding messages pre-announced in both of the above mentioned chapters viz. Luke 21, and Matthew 24. In-as-much as every event and condition He pre-announced in these two chapters, as well as those set forth in the 1st and 2nd Messages of this 14th chapter have taken place with accuracy and precision, the final climax is sealed with certainty. The coming of our Messiah and Mighty King of the World is at the door.

The Beast and His Image

This final message is now going forth, unmasking the beast and his image, calling people to "Come out of Babylon, before it is too late." Previous articles in this series have thoroughly proven the identity of the beast, and his image against which this last message is directed.

The message is "Come out of her My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins. and that ye receive not of her plagues" (Revelation 18:4).

There are still many honest people deceived, and entangled in these worldly sectarian organizations, both Catholic and Protestant. It is to these people that this last message is directed. The Angels, under the direction of this one mighty leader are speaking to the hearts of many still known as "My people," these churches, saying in the still small voice, and speaking to them in dreams. "Come out of her My People" that ye partake not of her sins, and receive not of her plagues." These seven last plagues (chapter 16) are soon to fall upon, not just Egypt, this time, but upon the whole world. If you want to escape these plagues. you better take your stand now for the truth and come out of Babylon.

The Last Warning to the World

And the third angel followed them saying with a loud voice: "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation."

This message just precedes the seven last plagues, for it is a warning to the world, against worshipping this beast the penalty of which is the receiving of the "Wine of the wrath of God," the seven last plagues (Chapter 15:1, and 16:1, 2).

The next event to immediately follow this worldwide warning is the coming of the Messiah. It says, "I looked, and behold a white cloud, and one sat on the cloud, like unto the son of man.. having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle."

"And He that sat upon the cloud thrust in his sickle and the earth was reaped." This is the judgment, and harvest of the good people from the days of Adam, the destruction of the wicked, and the coming of the "Kingdom of God."

The division of chapters in the Bible is not inspiration, but is done by man, and the climax of the 13th chapter ends with verse 5 of this 14th chapter, and this new series of events has its beginning with verse 6, viz., The First Angel's Message, which was "The Everlasting gospel," having its beginning in the days of the apostles, but extended down through all of the other messages for it is "the Everlasting Gospel."

The next, "The Second Angel's Message," was the worldwide Protestant message of the reformers commenced by Martin Luther, a special message against "Babylon." This is Babylon the "Great," the Ecclesiastical system associated with the Roman Empire. It has been previously proven that this beast upon which this woman was riding is the fourth beast of the Gentile series, introduced in Daniel 7th chapter and therefore "Rome," as Rome was the fourth Gentile Empire to rule the world.

Now in verse 9 we have another angel flying through the midst of heaven and it says: "The Third Angel." Therefore we number these, three worldwide messages: 1st, 2nd and 3rd. This third one is the last. It closes this series of events having their beginning, with the commencement of the gospel age, and ending with the return of the Messiah.

Who is declaring this message today? How many of these popular evangelists are even mentioning the book of Revelation? How many of the hundreds of religious magazines even attempt to explain this only book of the Bible where a special blessing is promised to all who read it, hear it and keep the sayings therein (Chapter 1:1 to 3).

This condition was pre-announced by the prophet Isaiah as follows: "And the book is delivered to him that is learned, saying, 'read this I pray thee,' and he saith, 'I cannot for it is sealed.' And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, read this I pray thee, and he saith, 'I am not learned'." He says further, "This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me." He says, "Woe unto them" (Isaiah 29:13).

This is exactly as we find it today. One radio preacher in the U.S.A. with several years on the air recently changed over and said, "Anyone attempting to explain the prophecies of Revelation should be branded as a heretic, and punished."

So the curtain of darkness is swiftly falling over the world. More and more are taking their stand with Rome instead of Jerusalem, and with the "World Federation of Churches" instead of Israel. Jerusalem is the one that will stand and deliverance is just ahead for the faithful (Daniel 12:1).

Over half of the Protestant church has gone atheistic and a large part of the other half is rapidly going pagan.

We need to stand upon our watchtower, ever alert for approaching dangers, and then oppose error as one of the dangers - humbly lovingly, and yet unfalteringly, by every means in our power.

And if this leads to separation from some who are near and dear to us, let us endure this sorrow for His sake.

"Fear not little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom" (Luke 12:32).

God has never destroyed a city or a nation without first sending His messenger there to warn the people, thus giving them a chance to escape. He warned the world before the flood came; and Jesus tells us (Matt. 24:27-40) that it will be the same when He comes again as it was in the days of Noah. God warned the people of Sodom and Gomorrah before He rained fire from heaven and destroyed them, and Jesus says it will be the same when He comes (Luke 17:27-30). The Lord warned Babylon before destruction came. He sent His messengers to warn Nineveh, Tyre and Sidon. Before Yahshua comes again there is to be a definite warning message go to the whole world. It is called the Third Angel's Message.

This prophecy is most remarkably fulfilled today and we find it just this way everywhere, among the big Sunday keeping churches.

The Heavenly Father, however, has a few scattered people, the real "Daughter of Jerusalem" and "Daughters of Israel," whom He has connected up with Jerusalem, calling them out of Babylon. The Third Angel's Message is a direct warning against the beast and his image, This great "World Federation of Churches," none of the leaders of which know, or want to know anything about the book of Revelation. This last warning message to the world says, "COME OUT OF HER [Babylon], My people that you partake not of her sins, and receive not of her plagues" (Revelation 18:4).

The religious denominations not giving out this warning message, will surely receive of these plagues, and be counted as beast worship.

The apostle Paul says, "The one to whom you yield yourself a servant to obey, his servant you are whom you obey" (Romans 6:15).

Beware, dear reader of BEAST WORSHIP. This is a message for these last days. Many of our forefathers did not know what is now coming to light, and they will be judged accordingly. Thousands of pure hearted loving persons have observed Sunday believing it was the Sabbath of the Commandment, and they will not be lost. They did not live in the days of the "Closing Message." They will not be condemned for what they did not, and could not know, but it is quite a different matter with us who have been permitted to live in this age when "knowledge has been increased" in the time of the end (Daniel 12:4-10).

Those whom the Father has ordained to be saved, He has given this message, and He will help them by the presence of His Holy Spirit to walk in the light, and also be a light to others.

The Armageddon beast, is this same beast under the little horn career, and after its "Deadly wound has been healed" (Revelation 13:3), which was inflicted upon the Roman Empire when she was dismembered, and church and state separated, under the wars of Napoleon. We are living in the time when the wound has been healed, and the power of Rome is again witnessed and felt.

The prophet Daniel predicted that this power would presume to tamper with God's immutable law - the Ten Commandments.

We quote from "The Convert's Catechism of Catholic Doctrine," by Rev. Peter Giermann, p. 50, second edition, which work received the "apostolic blessing" of Pope Pius X, January 25, 1910:

Q. - Which is the Sabbath day?

A. - Saturday is the Sabbath day.

Q. - Why do we observe Sunday instead of Saturday?

A. - We observe Sunday instead of Saturday because the Catholic church, in the Council of Laodicea (A.D. 364), transferred the solemnity from Saturday to Sunday.

We quote from another Catholic source:

Q. - Have you any other way of proving the Catholic Church has the power to institute festivals of precept?

A. - Had she not such power she could not have done that in which all modern religionists agree with her - she could not have substituted the observance of Sunday, the first day of the week, for the observance of Saturday, the seventh day, a change for which there is no Scriptural authority." - "A Doctrinal Catechism," by Rev. Stephen Keenan, approved by the Most Rev. John Hughes, D.D.

We will cite one more testimony from a Roman Catholic source, namely, a letter from Cardinal Gibbons, to Mr. John A. Ashley, of Rock Hatt, Md.:

"John R. Ashley, Esq.

"Cardinal's Residence

Dear Sir, In answer to your first question, directed by the cardinal to reply to your letter, I will say:

Q. - Who changed the Sabbath?

A. - The holy Catholic Church.

Q. - Are Protestants following the Bible or the holy Catholic Church in keeping Sunday?

A. - The Protestants are following the custom introduced by the holy Catholic Church. The Protestants do contradict themselves by keeping Sunday and at the same time profess to be guided by the Bible only.

"I am Faithfully yours,

C. F. Thomas, Chancellor."

To sum up our investigation: The inspired prophet foretold many centuries in advance that a religious power would attempt to change the Decalogue. We found that such an attempt was made by the Papacy. We also learned that the Catholic Church confesses that she has instituted this change and that this substitution is contrary to the Scriptures, both of the Old and New Testaments. Thus, by the combined testimony of the Scriptures, of history, and of the Catholics themselves, we have ascertained that it was the papacy who presumed to make a breach in the immutable law of God. How could the prophet Daniel so accurately describe this power centuries before its actual rise, unless he received divine illumination?

The keeping of Sunday in place of the ancient Sabbath day blessed and set apart by the Creator, is beast worship, pure and simple, against which, "The Third Angel's Message" is a solemn warning (Rev. 4:9).

Chapter 15

Explanation

We have here the introduction of the "Wrath of God" spoken of as "The Seven Last Plagues." Seven angels are seen having charge of terrible judgments that are soon to come upon this whole earth. Before Israel was delivered from Egypt, there were ten plagues came upon that land, because Egypt would not "Let My People Go." (Exodus Chapters 4 to 12).

We note from verse two of this chapter that all who have gotten the victory over the mark of the beast and the image, are delivered and gathered in safety before these horrible judgments are poured out upon the world. They are seen, "As it were on a sea of glass mingled with fire." Note it does not say they were caught up to heaven, but are seen somewhere in a place of safety, resembling a sea of glass. We note that the children of Israel were gathered into a place of safety before the plagues were poured out upon Egypt (Exodus 9:26; Genesis 45:10, 46:28, 29).

There were no plagues visited upon them. It is also to be the same when these seven last plagues come upon the world. Some believe that all who refuse to worship the beast, or join in with the image, will be gathered here in Israel. It is true that there is a portion in the southern part of Israel formerly called "Goshen."

The Bible Concordance says: "A district in southern Canaan between Gaza and Gibeon, a part of the maritime plain of Judah" (Joshua 10:41, and 11:16).

If this is true, and they are to be gathered here, we will all definitely know it, and the Almighty will prepare the way at the right time.

Note verse 8 of this chapter: "The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power and no man was able to enter the temple till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled."

This shows us that it will be too late to repent and have our sins forgiven after the plagues begin to fall. Jesus (Yahshua in Hebrew), is now our High Priest, in the Holy Place of the heavenly temple or sanctuary, and we enter the presence of God through Him, in His Name (Heb. 9:24; 21:22, etc.).

Now is the time to repent and have our sins forgiven, by faith in his shed blood (Isaiah 54th chapter), for he gave his soul an offering for sin.

See also Isaiah 9:6, 7, and chapter 7:14, etc.

Chapter 16

Remarks

These "Seven Last Plagues" were mentioned in connection with the seven trumpets, and comparison was made, showing that they were the same; only the trumpets gave a more detailed explanation of what was to take place during the pouring out of these plagues.

We notice how this chapter agrees with the previous chapter that these plagues will not fall upon those who refused to worship the beast and his image.

Verse 19 says the great city was divided into three parts. This is true now. There is what is known as Christians worshipping on Sunday; Mohammedans worshipping on Friday, and the Jews, and adopted Israelites into the family of Abraham (Gal. 3:27 to 29), worshipping on the Sabbath, the seventh day known as Saturday.

Verses 12 to 16 concern the gathering of the nations of the whole world to the last great battle known as Armageddon. This is about fifty miles north west of Jerusalem, where there is today a little village called Megeddo. It is the same place where the army of Gideon, with only 300 men defeated and put to flight tens of thousands (Judges 7th chapter). The word Armageddon is derived from the phrase "Armies of Gideon."

We note that the Dragon, the Beast and the False Prophet, compose the triune of sin, through which these nations are gathered against Israel, and Jerusalem. (Note Joel 3rd chapter, also Zechariah 14 in connection with this last battle).

The Dragon represents China and Russia, or we might identify it as Communism. China uses the dragon now in her temples of worship, and once a year parades it through the streets. The beast has already been identified as the returning of the power of Rome and the Vatican in world affairs. The false prophet is the U.S.A., represented by the two-horned beast, previously introduced. You will observe that the same description applied to the False Prophet chapter 19:20, as applied to the Two Horned beast in chapter 13:11 to 14.

Note that this Armageddon battle is won by the intervention of heaven in the affairs of men, when great hail stones, each one the weight of a talent, or around 114 lbs., are rained down from heaven (Verse 21).

In this way the enemies against Israel and Jerusalem are defeated, and our Messiah comes in power and glory. Verse 15: "Behold I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth."

Chapter 17

Explanation

Verse 1: The angel said to John, "Come hither. I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters." Verse 15 says: "The waters represent peoples and nations and tongues." Notice particularly that the angel called John over to him for one purpose, to show him the JUDGMENT of this woman rider. It has been previously proven that a woman is used in the Scriptures to represent a church.

Chapter 12: "The woman is clothed with heavenly apparel, while this woman is just the opposite. There has been only one church that has ever ruled the world, and that was the church at Rome.

In previous chapters great emphasis was placed on the importance of the "Third Angels Message," chapter 14:9, to "Come out of Babylon," and escape the wrath of God which is the seven last plagues (Rev. 15:1, and 16:1, 2). These plagues will soon fall.

Babylon is identified clearly in chapter 17 as an ecclesiastical power riding and controlling the beast, the Roman empire, with seven heads and ten horns which it says is full of blasphemy. This language is used in the 13th chapter concerning the same beast, the incarnation of all the four beasts of Daniel 7th chapter, having the same number of heads and horns as all of these four, the mouth of the lion, feet of the bear, etc. (Rev. 13:2).

Also a blasphemous character (Rev. 13:1, 6, compared to chapter 17:3); its change to scarlet color is due to the red dragon of chapter 12:3, giving over its power and authority to this beast. Hence its color is changed to scarlet.

This beast therefore is a symbol of the Roman Empire following the apostolic days, and down through this period to the end, when the beast and the rider go into perdition (Verses 8 and 16).

Notice particularly that this woman rider upon the revived Roman empire now coming to life in Europe, is a mother, and has many daughters, in the fallen condition of whoredom (Verse 5). There are church organizations all over the world known as Protestant. They are Babylon of this chapter. having been made drunk as it says with "The wine of Babylon" (Rev. 17:2).

Truth in the holy scriptures is spoken of as "The sincere milk of the word," while error and worldly practices to conform to the world and false doctrine not found in the Scripture is compared to the "Wine of Babylon," with which it says the "Inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk."

There are two outstanding doctrines positively not upheld in the holy Scriptures: counterfeit baptism by sprinkling and the counterfeit Sabbath, having its conception and birth at ancient Babylon from sun worshippers. These daughter churches are dressing people up with Babylonian garments of sprinkling and Sunday keeping through a mad covetous desire for the "Golden" wedges to be hidden in the earth, as that covetous Achan, and are doomed for the same fate. There was a time of ignorance that God winked at, but now He commands "ALL MEN EVERYWHERE TO REPENT" (Acts 17:30, 31).

Many of our fathers and mothers, lived in this period and knew nothing about the prophecies of the sealed book of Daniel, the key that unlocks the Revelation. They did not live when this beast power was unmasked, as you live dear reader, and they will not be judged as you will. In the time of the end knowledge was to be increased (Daniel 12:4, also verses 9, 10). "This time of this ignorance, God winked at, but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent."

Achan coveted 200 shekels of gold (a little over 8 pounds), and took it and hid it in the earth, and brought the Babylonian garments to Israel which they took, and which brought great calamity upon them (Joshua 6th and seventh chapters).

Now millions of people are drunk on the wine of Babylon, are wearing these Babylonian garments, as a gift from many false prophets everywhere because of their covetous desire for gold to hide it in the earth as Achan. The command is to "Come out of Babylon," "Come out of her, My people." The Creator has people in all of these Babylonian bundles being gathered together to be burned in the fire of His judgment. This last message is to "Come out of Babylon," and it is going forth to every nation.

Sprinkling for Baptism

Not one text can be found in the Bible for this counterfeit baptism. The Babylonians even sprinkled sand upon people and called it baptism., because it was easier and more convenient. When the Messiah was baptized He came up out of the water (Matt. 3:16).

Also read Acts 8:26 to 38 and Romans 6:3 to 6, where baptism is a burial in the water and a insurrection from the water, compared to the burial and resurrection of Christ (Yahshua).

Verse 7. - Here the prophet pre-announces the persecutions which history affirms took place during this long period of darkness when Europe and the known world was ruled by what history calls, "The Holy Roman Empire." During this time there were millions put to death. Some historians place the number to a hundred million, while others only fifty. You can find in public libraries, Buck's Theological Dictionary, "History of the Reformation," the Old Family Bible, Encyclopaedia Britannica, and other works which tell of these terrible massacres of Jews and Gentiles who kept the Sabbath and were called Judaizers.

Verse 8. - Here the beast, upon which the harlot woman, having the name "Babylon" on her forehead, was riding. "WAS, and WAS NOT, and YET IS." This is the beast that was wounded by the sword, and was not. The deadly wound was healed (chapter 13), and it comes back. This is where we are at the present time. It has come back, and the voice of Rome is again being heard and felt.

Verses 10 and 11. - These seven heads carried the woman rider during seven definite periods, clearly recorded in history, but time and space forbids going into further detail concerning them here. It will be noted that the eighth is of the seven. The seven were Roman heads, so the eighth will be and is today headed in Rome. It is to continue only a short space and then go into perdition (destruction) in the lake of fire (Rev. 19:20).

This is also made clear in verse 14 chapter 17, when the ten horns, now being formed in Europe in connection with the "Common Market," make war on the "Chosen people at Jerusalem," and all adopted Gentiles into the "Family of Israel" (Galatians 3:27-29), scattered all over the world. The "Lamb" here represents the Messiah, spoken of in a number of places as "The Lamb of God" that taketh away the sins of the world (John 1:29, 30; Acts 8:32, I Peter 1:19, etc.).

When they make war on the righteous people all over the world, and especially come against Israel, this is their end (Zech. 14th chapter, Joel 3 and Rev. 16:13).

Verse 14 brings us to the climax of this series. Then the following verses explain more In detail. Note in verse 15 we are told what the waters represent. Verses 16 and 17 explain what happens before the ten horns, representing the ten kings, are destroyed, in the climax verses above verse 14. It says the ten horns or ten kings will agree, and give their strength to the whore in order to fulfill the word of God. Then they hate her, make her desolate and naked, and burn her with fire. Note that these ten kings have to do this work before they are destroyed. Hence verses 16, 17 are explanatory, and will be fulfilled before the end of these ten kings. Verses 14 above, which is also Armageddon, is set forth in the previous chapter. It is very probable that these ten kings now being formed in. Europe, will, in due time, become strongly communistic, and make war on the Vatican, before they are gathered against Jerusalem and Israel, and destroyed.

How wonderfully the Creator has revealed these things to us, and what a great blessing we find in a clear understanding of the book of Revelation: "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of the prophecy of this book" (Chapter 1:3).

Chapter 18

Explanation

This chapter introduces the period preceding the end of this age, when as the angel told Daniel that "knowledge would be increased and many will run to and fro," at the time of the end (Daniel 12:4). It says here the world is lightened with the glory of this angel. This represents the great period of enlightenment, scientific inventions, and this great time of learning, radio, television, space ships, etc., etc.

The message of this angel is that Babylon the Great, as introduced in the previous chapter, with the inscription on the forehead of the harlot beast rider, "IS FALLEN, IS FALLEN, and become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and the cage of every unclean and hateful bird." In the previous chapter we are told that this church riding the Beast, is "A Mother," and has harlot daughters, when she goes to her judgment. The angel calling over to him (Chapter 17:1) said he was going to show him the "Judgment of this Harlot."

The word "Babylon the Great" therefore includes the mother and all of her daughters. This is the Protestant churches daughters, grand-daughters, etc., that came out and pulled away from the Roman church, since the great Reformation commenced by Martin Luther, in 1483 when he broke away from the Roman Catholic church. He was followed by Calvin, Knox, Wesley, and many others, until today it is claimed there are more than one thousand religious sects. A harlot is a woman that at one time was a virtuous woman, but who fell away into sin and became a harlot.

This is exactly what most of these daughters of the mother have done. They have fallen from their purity. The Holy Spirit has been withdrawn from them, and they are void of he power from heaven, cages of unclean and hateful birds, habitation of devils, and the place of every foul spirit, as it says here in verse 2. This is just what we find in spiritually fallen churches of today, in this Sodom and Gornorrah age, as it was in the days before the flood, when violence filled the earth (Genesis 6:11; Luke 17:26 to 29).

Verse 4. - A voice from heaven said: "Come out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins and receive not of her plagues." There are still some righteous people in this "Babylon the Great," in her fallen condition of harlotry, to whom heaven is speaking, "COME OUT OF HER, MY PEOPLE." The purpose is that ye partake not of her Sins, and receive not of her plagues, for the plagues are soon to fall.

The balance of this chapter announces how the merchants of the earth are all bound up together in vast corporations, and monopolies of business and how they will weep and lament when the pending destruction comes, and with violence shall this great city of Babylon fall, never to rise again (Verse 21 to 24).

We have now what is known as "The Common Market," reported as having been originated at Rome. There are six members nations, and four more making application to join. This is another sign of the approaching end of this Babylon of commercialism, when all the merchants of Europe will be bound together in this "Common Market" to control prices, and compel smaller merchants and minority groups to join under the penalty of not being able to buy or sell. This is brought out in our remarks on the closing verses of chapter 13.

Chapter 19

Explanation

This chapter begins with worship and praise to the Almighty for His just judgment and punishment upon the "Great Whore" which it says in verse two corrupted the earth with her fornications, etc. These are mentioned in chapters 17 and 18.

This chapter sets forth events after the kingdom is set up for it says the great whore has been judged. In verse four we find the 24 Elders, with the four beasts worshipping the Almighty. These are events that take place soon after the kingdom is established, with the four most powerful nations left as described in chapter four, previously introduced in this book.

Then in verse 6 it plainly says that the "Lord God omnipotent reigneth." Then verses 7 and 8 tells us that the marriage of the Lamb (our Messiah) has come and the bride had already made herself ready, etc. The marriage supper of the Lamb, takes place, and the work of destroying wickedness in the world begins, with the "rod of iron" (Psalms 2:2, 8, 9; Rev. 2:26, 27. Also 12:5; Psalms 110:2 to 6).

Note that here it says, "he shall fill the waste places with dead bodies, and wound the heads over many countries."

Verse 15. - It says that: "Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword and with it he shall smite the nations, and rule them with a rod of iron."

Verse 16. - "He hath on his vesture a name written: 'King of kings and Lord of lords'." This also agrees with chapter 11:15. "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever."

The following verses speak of the "Supper of the Great God," where the flesh of kings, captains, and mighty men is given to the fowls of the air, etc. Then in verse 20 we are told how the beast and false prophet that had deceived them, that had received the mark of the beast and worshipped his image were cast into the lake of fire, and brimstone, and the remnant of beast worshippers were killed, and fed to the fowls of heaven.

This carries us to the end of the Millennium, when it says: "He must reign till he puts all enemies under his feet, and the last enemy he destroys is death" (I Cor. 15:24 to 28. Also Isaiah 11:4; Psalms 110; Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3, etc.).

Chapter 20

Explanation

We note that in this chapter, the mark of the beast is again repeated the same as in these and closing judgment chapters. This emphasizes and magnifies the important place it occupies and should have in the gospel warning message of today. How strange to find it sadly lacking everywhere today in the pulpit.

The Devil is bound for one thousand years, and is shut up with a seal placed upon him that he would not deceive the nations for this long period. During the thousand years, the resurrected righteous are reigning as Kings and priests here on the earth (Rev. 5:10), under the whole heaven (Dan. 7:27). The overcomers are to be given power over the nations (Rev. 2:26, 27). Verse 20:4 mentions a great company of martyrs beheaded for their witness concerning the Messiah, (Yahshua), and those who had not worshipped the beast or his image. All reign through this great one thousand year period as Kings and Priests, while the Devil is bound. The prophet, Isaiah, gives us a wonderful description of this time. Read all of chapter 24, where cities are destroyed and confusion and desolation reigns, but it says there will be people left like the gleaning of the grapes when the vintage is done. They will lift up their voices and sing for the majesty of the Lord, and will glorify the Lord in the fires, even the Name of the God of Israel (verses 14-15). There will also be people left on the islands of the sea, (verses 13-16), also 1/6 of the army depicted in Ezekiel 39. This chapter concludes with "The Lord of hosts shall reign in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before His ancients gloriously" (Isaiah 24:23). After the one thousand years, expires, Satan is loosed out of his prison (Rev. 20:7). He again goes out to deceive the nations, to gather them to battle. With the same evil motive, they try again to destroy the Holy City. Fire comes down from God out of heaven and devours them. Then the Devil is cast into the lake of fire (verse 10). After this, the wicked are resurrected and judged. The sea gives up the dead that are in it and death and hell delivered up the dead that was in them. They will be judged by their works.

The question is often asked, "why are these people in Hell punished all these years before they were judged?" It would be like putting a man in jail and keeping him there for many years and then taking him out and having his trial. These people in Hell, if considered a place of punishment, should have been judged before they were punished. The answer to this question is that the word "Hell" in this case is translated from the Greek word "Hades" which means only the grave. They are taken out of their graves and judged. So death and the grave are destroyed in (Rev. 20:14). This brings us to (1st Cor. 15:24-26). "Then cometh the end when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father, when He shall have put down all rule, and all authority and power. For He must reign until He shall have put all enemies under His feet."

Chapters in the Bible are arranged by man. It is evident that chapter twenty should have ended with verse one of chapter 21, for it concludes the one thousand year reign of Christ with a new heaven and a new earth.

Then a new series begins, for the Holy City does not come down from heaven at the end of the one thousand years after the earth has been cleansed and all wicked people destroyed because "there are without the city, sorcerers, whoremongers, murderers, idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie" (chapter 22:15).

Chapter 21

Explanation

It was mentioned in the previous explanations of chapter twenty that the Holy City could not come down at the end of the millennium, after the earth had been made new, with all sin and wickedness removed, with the last enemy death destroyed, because on the outside of the city are murderers, sorcerers, liars, etc. (Chapter 22:15). Therefore it descends from heaven to this earth, at, or toward the beginning of the one thousand years. Therefore verse one of this chapter belongs to the end of chapter 20. Chapters were divided by common men, when the different parts of this book were gathered together, after they had been written by John on the Isle of Patmos, about seventy five miles out in the Mediterranean Sea off the West coast of Turkey.

Verse two of this chapter is the beginning of a new series of events, and this Holy City will be the home of the resurrected ones from Adam down to the present time during the one thousand years. Where would they live, when resurrected at the return of our Messiah, and the great destruction taken place all over the earth, as the Holy Scriptures tell us will precede, and accompany his coming?

All of the righteous are to be resurrected at the coming of the Messiah (1 Corinthians 15:21 to 23, also 1 Thessalonians 4:16 to 18). Notice that the righteous living are caught up to meet the Messiah. We do not return with him to heaven, at least we are not told that we do. When we go to meet someone coming to see us, we return with them. It does not say that he is coming to meet us, but we go to meet Him.

In Matthew 24:30 to 31 it says that the angels will be sent forth to gather the elect together from one end of the heavens to the other. As the earth turns around, the sleeping dead, and resurrected righteous will be caught up all around the earth to meet Him. The angels gather them together, uniting loved ones with their loved ones, over whom they have been assigned as keepers, down through family chains from one generation to the other.

When the Messiah comes, He is to descend upon the Mount of Olives, the same place from which He ascended. When all nations gather against Jerusalem to battle and to take the city it says: "His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives which is before Jerusalem on the east" (Zechariah 14:1-4).

The half of the city that is taken is the old City, which lies along the valley of Jehoshephat, for it is into this valley that these nations are to be gathered (Joel 3:1, 2).

It is this portion of Jerusalem now occupied almost entirely by people other than the Jews, and where they are wide open on the Sabbath, carrying their burdens in and out, trucks and busses running all day (See Jeremiah 17:21-28).

Notice that the angel measured this city twelve thousands furlongs (Verses 15, 16.) The ancient system measuring cities is the distance around the city. Thus this city will be twelve thousand furlongs around or three thousand on each side. The length of the furlong is one tenth of a mile, according to English measurement, hence this city is 300 miles square, and of the same height, a skyscraper indeed it is. These are the mansions mentioned in St. John 14:1 to 3 that our beloved Messiah went to prepare for the faithful, and this city very likely will come down soon after he returns, and begins the cleansing work of this old earth. He is to rule with a rod of iron, as set forth previously in this book, and proven by many scriptures.

This will be the abiding place of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and all of the saved ones since Adam, and they will have a place to stay during this marvelous millennium age, when the faithful will rule as kings and priests.

Chapter 22

Remarks

We notice here in verse two that a pure river of the water of life flows out from the throne of God, which many scriptures tell us is located here at Jerusalem, on Mt. Zion. We find more about this river in Zechariah 14:8. It says half of it goes toward the former sea, and half toward the hinder sea. In other words it flows eastward to the Dead Sea, and westward toward the Mediterranean Sea. This will be a little over fifty miles, with the tree of life growing on either side of the river, and yielding twelve kinds of fruit, and giving forth fruit every month.

Verse 14 says: "Blessed are they that do His commandments that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."'

Many children who died in their infancy, will be resurrected, and grow up as calves in the stall (Malachi 4:2).

We have the assurance that such children will "come again from the land of the enemy" (Jeremiah 31:15-17).

These were the children slain by Herod in his effort to destroy the Messiah child born to be King (Matthew 2:14-17).

As the Creator is no respecter of persons, this applies to all children who died in childbirth.

They will grow up, and be united to their fathers and mothers by the guardian angel who had charge over this family. When they have followed in the pathway of righteousness and proven themselves worthy they will pass through one of the 12 gates into the Holy City, eat of the tree of life and be changed to immortality, and live forever.

The Creator placed a flaming sword at the gate of the Garden of Eden, for fear, after Adam and Eve had sinned, they would eat of the tree of life and live forever. This is the virtue of the Tree of Life which is on either side of the river that flows out from Jerusalem (Verse 2. See Genesis 3:22-24).

This Tree will be here during the millennium and as heathen also who have never heard the gospel, of whom there are millions, turn to the Lord, repent of their sins, they will be admitted into the Holy City to eat of the Tree of Life, and in this way are changed into immortal beings. There would be no need of this kind of work after the millennium is past. Therefore these conditions are here during the 1,000 years, and the city is also here.

Original printing by "The Mount Zion Reporter"

P.O.B. 568, Jerusalem, Israel

A. N. Dugger, Editor.