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Revelation. Vision 3: Christ the Mediator of the Covenant.

Christ the Minister of the Sanctuary.

We are now shown the third vision of the Lord in His High office as Mediator of the Covenant. A mediator not only brings reconciliation between two parties but also applies retribution on the guilty.

This is a solemn time and this is shown by the `silence in heaven.` The Judgment scroll has been opened and revealed what is to come and thus there is a silence before the actual judgments take place.

`When He (Christ) opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.` (Rev. 8: 1)

Angels are now prepared to sound the trumpet judgments to come, however they have to wait for the Lord to give them the authority to begin.

`And I saw the seven angels, who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets.`(Rev. 8: 2)

God`s Mediator is now revealed as the High Priest of the heavenly sanctuary. He is shown in angelic form before the golden altar. This indicates the ceremony of the Day of Atonement for Israel.

`And another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. And he was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which is before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel`s hand.` (Rev. 8: 3 & 4)

The High Priest would take the blood from the outside altar and bring it to the golden altar, mix it with incense and fire. Then he would take it into the Holy of Holies and sprinkle the blood and fire before the Ark of the Covenant.

This is a pictorial drama of what the Lord has already done and about to do. He has shed His blood as the sacrifice for the sins of the nation of Israel; He has offered His pure life as a fragrant offering, (incense); and now is about to cast the `blood and fire` to the ground in judgment upon the rebellious.

`And the angel took the incense, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thundering, lightnings, and an earthquake.` (Rev. 8: 5)
 
The 7 Trumpets: God`s Call to Repentance & Judgment.

`Then the angel took the censer; filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to earth. And there were noises, thundering, lightnings and an earthquake. So the 7 angels who had the 7 trumpets prepared themselves to sound.`(Rev. 8: 5 & 6)


The time for the purification of Israel and judgment upon the Nations has come. Note the blowing of the trumpets was a priestly activity and thus we see Christ the High Priest controlling this from the heavenly sanctuary. It was only when Christ as the angel threw the fire to the earth that the 7 angels prepared to sound.

The first four trumpet calls are during the early part of the tribulation and affects a third of the earth, the sea, the water and the stars. This would bring about great hardship of famine, lack of fresh water, and great fear. Now we can see why the great multitude from the tribulation, died of hunger, thirst and heat. However we see that they heard `the trumpet call,` and repented before God. (Rev. 7: 16)

The Beginning of the Tribulation.

The 1st Trumpet sounded - (great heat and famine)

`The first angel sounded: and hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth; and a third of the earth, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up.` (Rev.8: 7)



The 2nd Trumpet sounded - (Tsunami and sickness)

`Then the second angel sounded: and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea became blood, and a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.`
(Rev. 8: 8 & 9)



The 3rd Trumpet sounded - (poison and thirst)

`Then the third angel sounded: and a great star fell from heaven, burning like a torch, it fell on a third of the rivers and on the springs of waters; and the name of the star is Wormwood, and a third of the waters became wormwood; and many men died from the water, because it was made bitter, ` (Rev. 8: 10 & 11)



The 4th Trumpet sounded - (darkness and cold)

`The fourth angel sounded; and a third of the sun was struck, a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them were darkened; and a third of the day did not shine, and likewise the night.` (Rev. 8: 12)
 
The Middle of the Tribulation.

The next three trumpets take place from the middle of the tribulation to the end. They are the 5th, 6th and 7th trumpets. These are so terrible that they are referred to as `woes.`

`And I looked and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe, to those who dwell on the earth because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three angels..`(Rev. 8: 13)

In the middle of the Tribulation Satan and His angels are cast out of the universal heavens, to the earth. Their power is becoming more and more confined. On earth the people have acclaimed a World leader to rule over them. Although he appears to be a great Mediator, he is in fact a ruthless dictator, possessed by Satan. (Rev. 12: 9 & 13: 5)

The effect of Satan and his demonic angels infesting the earth brings great terror upon the world. Not only is there more physical darkness as the luminaries wane, but now there is a great spiritual darkness overcoming mankind.


The 5th trumpet signals this first `woe,`

`Then the fifth angel sounded and I saw a star that had fallen from heaven to earth. And to him was given the key to the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. So the sun & the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth.`
(Rev. 9: 2 & 3)


These `locusts,` are actually the demons that have been loosed from the pit and then swarm as locusts over the earth tormenting those who are not sealed of God. They paralyse people with a sting like a scorpion, and the pain is so great, people would rather die but they are unable to, as they cannot move or call out. It is a taste of hell but still they do not repent.

The demon`s leader, Satan, is called Apollyon, meaning – destroyer, and his intent to destroy much of mankind and set himself as Ruler, King of the world.

`they had a king over them the angel of the bottomless pit whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon.`(Rev. 9: 11)

The symbolic description of the demon, `locusts,` show their war-like intent, deceptive character and horrendous torment.

`The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle: (war - like) and on their heads, as it were, crowns like gold, (false authority)

..faces ...like... men, (evil intent) hair like women`s... (deceptive)

teeth like lion`s... (devouring) breastplates of iron, (seemingly invincible)

and the sound of their wings ... like ..many horses running into battle. (fearful)

and there were stings (like scorpions) in their tails.` (paralysing pain & torment)

(Rev. 9: 7 – 10)
 
` One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things.` (Rev. 9: 12)

The 6th trumpet also signals great destruction and woe upon mankind.

`The 6th angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the horns of the golden altar which is before God,....`(Rev. 9: 13)


The voice is the Lord who is officiating at the `golden altar.` The `horns of the golden altar` represent where people would flee to when persecuted. These are the martyrs that are killed by the anti-Christ and his great army.

`saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the 4 angels who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind.” (Rev. 9: 14 & 15)

These demonic angels are situated in the Middle East at the river Euphrates. This is where the anti-Christ sets up his global government at Babylon on the river Euphrates.

`Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million, and I heard the number of them.` (Rev. 9: 16)


The angels are released to go forth throughout the four corners of the earth and gather a great army, numbering 200 million. They tread down, crush and annihilate one third of mankind. Here is a description of this great army.

`And thus I saw horse in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates the colour of fiery red, hyacinth blue and sulphur yellow: and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; (domination) and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. (chemical warfare)

By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads: and with them they do harm.` (Rev. 9: 17 – 19)

Even amid such horror, pain and torment the rest of mankind did not repent of their wickedness and worship of demons.

`But the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as to not worship demons...and they did not repent of their murders, or their sorceries, or their sexual immorality, or their thefts.``
(Rev. 9: 20 & 21)

 
CHRIST THE MEDIATOR (Rev. 10)

Christ`s Mediatorship is now revealed to us in more detail. To accomplish His great work He needs to be free of all prejudice and partiality. His character must be perfect.

Then He needs to be accessible to everyone everywhere at all times. (Omnipresence) This function cannot be discharged without a full knowledge of all languages and tongues of every race and tribe. (Omniscience) Finally to be in a position to undertake the needs of mankind universally, Omnipotence is essential.

`I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet were pillars of fire. (Rev. 10: 1)


What a truly awesome picture of the Lord. God gives us great detail and picturesque language so we can understand spiritual things. The `rainbow on his head,` clearly shows that this is Christ the one on the throne with the rainbow overhead, to fulfill the Covenant.

His `face, like the sun,` shows that Christ reflects the glory of God in doing this wonderful work of Mediation. Then His feet were ` as pillars of fire,` representing the refining and judging work Christ is about to do in relation to the Covenant.


Christ`s Omnipresence. (everywhere)

This is revealed to us as the Lord, represented as this mighty angel, astride the sea and land. It gives perspective to Christ`s great universal authority in relation to the earth.

`And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land,`(Rev. 10: 2)



Christ`s Omnipotence. (all Power)

Then we hear Him cry with a loud voice, and `seven thunders` respond. This is the complete (7) judgment of God (thunders). They were to be sealed up until the appointed time for its release when Christ returns in power and great glory at the end of the tribulation.

`and he cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars. When he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices Now when the seven thunders uttered their voices, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven saying to me,
“Seal up the things which the seven thunders uttered, do not write them.` (Rev. 10: 3 & 4)
 
Christ`s Omniscience. (all knowing)

Then the Lord, as the mighty angel, shows that it is He who is the Mediator between God and man. Only He who is God could raise His hand and swear by Himself.

`The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land raised His hand to heaven and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should be delay no longer.` (Rev. 10: 5 & 6)

Then God told Daniel the exact length of time till the final judgments would be completed; `time, times and half a time.` (3 ½ years) (Dan. 12: 7)

`in the days of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared it to His servants the prophets.` (Rev. 10: 7)

Thus we read that when the seventh angel is about to sound then the full revelation of what God declared to the prophets would be finished – that the kingdoms of the world would become the Lord`s.

Before this wonderful climax to the ages takes place certain events need to happen. Israel needs to turn back to God and the nations need to come under judgment. Thus the Lord gives the Apostle John the words of the prophecies declaring what is to come. This is represented by John having to `eat,` the little book.

`Go take the little book .....Take it and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.` (Rev. 10: 8 – 9)

The words were sweet like honey bringing a good message that the Messiah was coming to set up His kingdom. However the words were `bitter in his stomach` for if people did not repent there would be `lamentations, mournings and woes.`

`Then I took the little book out of the angel`s hand & ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter.` (Rev. 10: 10)




As we study the book of Revelation further we will see the details of these prophecies that John received from Christ, the Angel of the Covenant. The prophecies will show how Christ draws His people Israel back to God and how He protects them from their enemies.

`You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues & kings.` (Rev. 10: 11)
 
THE 2 WITNESSES (Rev. 11: 1 - 14)

The Lord Jesus Christ tells the Apostle John to prophecy again, to speak forth what is about to happen.

`You must prophecy again about many peoples, nations, tongues & kings.` (Rev. 10: 11)

Israel.

In Ch. 11 we are shown the details of this prophecy to `many peoples, nations, tongues & kings.` The first people that Christ deals with are those in Israel who are looking for their Messiah to come. They are the ones who worship in the temple.

`The angel (Christ) stood saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, the altar and those who worship there.” (Rev. 11: 1)

Gentiles.

Then Christ allocates the Gentile nations of the world a specific time for them to rule over Jerusalem. They are given 42 months which is the last 3 ½ years of the tribulation before He comes and judges them as to how they have treated His people.

“ But leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the Gentiles. And they will tread the holy city underfoot for 42 months.” (Rev. 11: 2)


Moses and Elijah.

Then Christ declares that He will give power to 2 men who will witness of Him to Israel and to the world of His coming kingdom rule through Israel. Their time is 1260 days.

`I will give power to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. These are the 2 olive trees and the 2 lampstands standing before the God of the earth.` (Rev. 11: 3 & 4)


These 2 men, Christ`s Witnesses, are represented by olive trees and lampstands. (Zech. 4: 6) They are Moses and Elijah. They witnessed Christ`s transfiguration where He told them of His soon departure from the earth. They were also at the tomb and witnessed Christ`s resurrection, and later ascension into glory. (Luke 9: 30. 24: 4, Acts 1: 10)

Thus we see these same 2 men now appearing to Israel during the second half of the tribulation witnessing of Christ, not only as their soon coming King but also as their High Priest, the one who gave His life for them, and arose victorious over sin and death.
 
God gives the 2 men, God`s Witnesses, Moses and Elijah great power. This is the same power He gave them when they were on earth previously.

` If anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy, and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues.....`
(Rev. 11: 3 – 6)


Just before the 1260 days, (3 ½ years) the 2 witnesses are overcome by Satan and their dead bodies lie in Jerusalem for 3 ½ days.

`When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them,
overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.` (Rev. 11: 7 & 8)


People from all over the world will be able to see their dead bodies (through the use of technology). They will rejoice because the 2 prophets tormented them..

`Then those from the peoples, tribes, tongues & nations will see their dead bodies three and a half days, and not allow their dead bodies to be put into graves. And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.`(Rev. 11: 9 & 10)

However, after 3 ½ days the 2 Witnesses come alive and ascend into heaven, in the presence of their enemies.

`Now after the three and a half days the breath of life from God entered them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended to heaven in a cloud & their enemies saw them.` (Rev. 11: 11 & 12)

In that very hour God caused a great earthquake and a tenth of Jerusalem fell, killing seven thousand people. People were afraid and realised that they were under God`s judgment.

`In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. The second woe is past. Behold the third woe is coming quickly.`(Rev. 11: 13 & 14)

 
The 7th Trumpet.

The 7th trumpet sounds declaring that it is time for the kingdom of this world to become the kingdom of Christ.

`And the seventh angel sounded.....`The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord, and His Christ;
and He will reign forever and ever.` (Rev. 11: 15)



The 24 Elders give thanks to God because He has taken His great power and reigned.

`And the 24 Elders who sat before God on their thrones, fell on their faces and worshipped God, saying,
“We give thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned.” (Rev. 11: 16 & 17)


They declare that God`s wrath in the tribulation has come, and then enumerate the other judgments that will eventuate over time.

`the nations were angry and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, That you should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear your name, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth.` (Rev. 11: 18)


The `Ark of the Covenant` is then seen opened in heaven. This is a symbolic picture of Christ, the Voice of God, speaking forth the judgments and making war against His enemies.

`Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thundering, an earthquake and great hail.` (Rev. 11: 19)
 
Christ the Mighty Victor.

Man is vividly conscience that he is unable to meet the demands of a just God. Thus the need for the Mediator, an advocate with the Father, One who is a faithful friend and who fully knows our cause. He needs to be able to protect our highest interests, and deliver us from the enemy.

It is Christ who has secured the supreme victory over the greatest foe. He has decisively triumphed in the age-long battle of good and evil, truth and error, light and darkness, life and death.

Christ the Mighty Victor has never suffered defeat; at Golgotha He gained a mighty triumph, an unprecedented conquest, and an incomparable victory.

Christ`s Scriptural Identity.

`Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.`(Rev. 12: 1)

We are now shown from where the deliverer would come. In Genesis 3: 15 God foretold that the `seed,` of woman would crush the serpent, (Satan). The deliverer would come as a seed, not a tree, meaning not fully grown. He would also come through God`s special nation of Israel. This is shown by the symbols `sun, moon and stars,` representing Jacob, Rachael and their 12 sons, the tribes of Israel. (Gen. 37: 9)


Satan`s Scriptural Identity.

Next we see read of Satan`s origins. He came from the heavens to the area of the earth. He had aspired to be as God but was cast down and with him a third of the angelic hosts.

`And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a fiery red dragon having 7 heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his head. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth.` (Rev. 12: 3 & 4)


This description of Satan reveals him as one who masquerades as an angel of light and then shows his authority over the kingdoms of this world. Note the word `seven,` in Heb. means to be complete. He has complete control over the kingdoms of the world. (John 5: 16)

Red – fire like – flame coloured, fig. lightning. (2 Cor. 11: 14 Luke 10: 18)

Dragon – a fabulous kind of serpent , to fascinate. (2 Thess. 2: 9)

7 heads – Complete authority. (1 John 5: 19)

7 diadems – Complete rulership. (Matt. 4: 8 & 9)

10 horns - Lawlessness, power. (Eph. 2: 2. 2 Thess. 2: 8 & 9)
 
Jesus the Promised Child.

Jesus is the promised Son, the Child that Israel would bring forth to be the ruler of Israel and the kingdoms of the world.

`For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.....upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,.....from that time forward, even forever.` (Isaiah 9; 6 & 7)

Satan, through King Herod tried to kill Jesus when He was born. (Matt. 2: 16)

`Then being with child, she cried out in labour and in pain to give birth......And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.` (Rev. 12: 2 & 3))


Jesus was born of David`s line, in the nation of Israel. He is their Messiah but they did not receive Him. After His crucifixion and resurrection, He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father on His throne ready to `rule the nations with a rod of iron.` (Ps. 2: 9. Rev. 2: 27)

`She bore a male Child who was to rule the nations with a rod of iron. And her Child was caught up to God and His throne.` (Rev. 12: 5)


Israel, the Woman.

We now move in time from where Jesus was taken into heaven, to the time where He told Israel to `flee to the mountains.` (Matt. 24: 15 – 21)

`Then the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there 1260 days.` (Rev. 12: 6)


The archangel Michael, Israel`s `great Prince who stands guard` over them, is now brought into the battle to protect the nation from Satan and his evil angels. (Dan. 12: 1)

`And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon & his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.` (Rev. 12: 7 & 8)


`So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil & Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast out to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.` (Rev. 12: 9)

 
Declaration of Christ`s Kingdom Rule.

This voice would be a representative of the Body of Christ - `our God,` our brethren.`

`Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven,

“Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, For the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before God day and night, has been cast down. and they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them!” (Rev. 12: 10 – 12)


Then we see the outworking of this when Satan is cast to the earth and seeks to destroy Israel.

“ Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” (Rev. 12: 12)


Satan then sends forth spirits of demons who go out to the kings of the whole world to gather them together for war against Israel. (Rev. 16: 13 – 16)

`Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, He persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child.` (Rev. 12: 13)



The great `eagle,` is a symbolic picture of God who `bore them on eagle`s wings,` in times past. (Ex. 19: 4)

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


The symbolic picture of this great world army is as a flood that covers the land. After Christ has dealt with this great army the blood of the slain then soaks into the earth giving the picture of the earth `swallowing the flood.`


`So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth.`(Rev. 12: 15 & 16)


We are also shown that it is not only Israel that Satan is against but those who have received the message of Christ, Israel`s Messiah and His coming kingdom.

`And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, Who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.` (Rev. 12: 17)
 
THE GLOBAL GOVERNMENT (Rev. 13 )

God is a just God who rules righteously. He gives time for the final Gentile Global Government to come to a head. It is shown for its `beastly` character and control over the people of the world. Satan is revealed as the power behind the world system and desiring the worship of the world. People will have a choice: to worship God or Satan.


These are the details of this Final Gentile Global Government, ruled over by Satan. The Apostle John saw it in a vision, as a `beast` coming up out of the sea. This symbolises the `wicked` who are like the `restless sea.` (Isa. 57: 20)

`Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having 7 heads and 10 horns, and on his horns 10 crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.` (Rev. 13: 1)



7 Rulers -
7 progressive rulership over the Global Government. (Rev. 17: 9 – 11)

Kingdom of 10 - Confederacy of the final ruling of 10 nations (of Islam) with the 7th leader. (Rev. 17: 16 & 17)

The `Beast.- The composite `beast` is made up of the `lion, the leopard and the bear,` powers. These reveal its beastly character and represent the different confederacies that come together to form the Global Government under the 10 king Federation and 7th leader.

`Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. ` (Rev. 13: 2)


Daniel Ch. 7 reveals the origin of these power blocs. They formed one at a time and came up from the peoples of the world. In the book of Revelation Ch. 13 we see that they have come together to form a Global Government. Each have their part which is operating in the world today. These are the 4 pre-dominant powers represented by the 4 horsemen in the judgment scroll. Christ will judge the nations as to how they ruled. (Vision 4)

The Mouth – The British Commonwealth and America.

The Body – The European Union with its free trade philosophy.

The Feet – The Russian Federation treading down all opposition..
 
The Anti – Christ.

We are now shown details of the leader of this `beastly` Gentile Global Government. He is called the Anti-Christ and is the 7th king, leader that becomes ruled over by Satan.

He comes from the Middle East, from the region of Iraq. He is called the Assyrian and later the King of the city of Babylon in Iraq. (Isa. 31: 4 – 8 14: 4) He is the Islamic Confederation`s long awaited leader.


He arises to power by making a peace treaty with Israel after the Russian War. (Dan.9: 27 & Ez. 39: 9) His charismatic personality together with his amazing ability to bring wisdom to the world`s problems, amazes the everyone. However in the midst of this he seemingly is `killed,` by a sword. The whole world mourns but then he `miraculously` comes to life.

` And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marvelled and followed the beast.` (Rev. 13: 3)


People marvel and then honour Satan as the one who empowers this man. With the Anti-Christ as their leader they believe at last nothing can stop mankind in its pursuit of total control of their destiny.

`So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?”` (Rev. 13: 3 & 4)


Then Satan, with prideful arrogance through the Anti-Christ boasts of his supremacy, his greatness and speaks evil of God, blaspheming God`s authority and power.

`And he was given a mouth speaking great things & blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for 42 months. Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, & those who dwell in heaven.` (Rev. 13: 5 & 6)

Thus begins a 42 month (3 ½ yrs) reign of terror over all tribes, nations and tongues. Those who do not worship Satan and the Anti-Christ are hunted down & many are killed.

`It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, & nation. All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. If anyone has an ear, let him hear. He who leads into captivity shall go into captivity; he who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience & faith of the saints.`
(Rev. 13: 7 – 10)
 
The False Prophet.

This man arises in power from `the earth,` symbolising the vain philosophies of the religions of man. He seems benevolent, `lamb like,` but he speaks `as a dragon,` - words from Satan.

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


This false prophet holds the executive office in the Global Government. He exercises the authority of the Anti-Christ and carries out his will.

`And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth & those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.` (Rev. 13: 12)

He also performs great signs and wonders, deceiving people into believing that God has sent and empowered him.

`He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast,` (Rev. 13: 13 & 14)

So great is this man`s authority that the world is deceived into worshipping an image of the Anti-Christ that seems to come alive. This is worship of Satan himself and those who do not bow will be sought out and killed.

He tells ` those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived.
He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.` (Rev. 13: 14 & 15)



The Anti-Christ and the false prophet`s control over the world is so powerful that people will have to have their authority, their credentials before they can buy or sell. The only way to escape is to not take the mark and to hide away, living off the land or stored up supplies.

`He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.` (Rev. 13: 16 & 17)

`Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man; His number is 666.` (Rev. 13: 15 - 18)
 
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