Armegeddon...When and What is It?

[(THE)]

So you are saying at the fifth trumpet the locust army is released yet it isn't their time? That is a new thought. Let me write this as I'm trying to figure it out....

It does say (during the fifth trump)

• 9:7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. (9) And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.

And then it says (during the sixth trump)

• 9:16-17 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.

What is the difference in the army of the horsemen, the horses, and those that ride the horses. And there appears to be a difference in the horses from the 5th and 6th trump.

Those of the 6th trump, sitting on the horses had breastplates of fire, jacinth, brimstone. They are the horsemen (not the army of) but those that ride the horses.

The horses of the 6th trump issued from their mouth....fire, smoke, brimstone.

So, the horses and their riders, both at the 6th trump, show a difference in what they do.

The horses from the 5th trump also had breastplates but they are of iron...not fire, jacinth and brimstone.

John "heard" the number of the army but "saw" the horses and those that sat on them. I wonder what that means? Could "the sound of their wings" be the "number of the army" John heard?" Do wings represent their army?

The locust of the 5th trump were like war horses with faces of men with gold-like crowns where
the heads of the horses of the 6th trump were as the heads of lions.

Veteran...these appear to be two different events we're talking about. I don't think the horses of the 6th trump are the locust army of the 5th trump.

You're right, they're not both exactly the same. So how does that show a difference with the beast working before Satan and his angels are cast to the earth, vs. after they are cast down to the earth? Some believe the ones arrayed for battle on the 6th trumpet represent Satan's angels when they come to earth with him (per Rev.12:7-9). How does that reveal a difference between the working of the first beast and the second beast of Rev.13? Note on the 6th trumpet their power is in their mouth, and in their tails, which were tails like SERPENTS.

Now thats a thought. Perhaps the difference in the horses from the 5th to the 6th are the different stages of the locust. Maybe that is why the differ in appearance.

Yes, just like you mentioned a difference between the first beast of Rev.13:1 as a world system over the earth, and the second beast as a religious beast working, one that requires Satan to come heal the first beast. The whole is about the locust analogy God gave in the Book of Joel. The purpose of both the 5th and 6th trumpets is to work deception upon the earth, the difference being the 6th trumpet and 2nd woe represents when Satan and his angels are loosed upon the earth. Do you remember the time when Michael will stand up in Daniel 12, and Paul's teaching about what withholdeth untll his time? That's about the day, hour, month, year the four angels at Euphrates are prepared for. It's an expression for a 'specific' time of that symbolic border of Euphrates being opened up.

Yes, I agree it is a five month period.

Me too. Especially since I've realized the 150 days timeframe which Noah's ark was upon the waters of the flood; and the flood of Rev.12:15-16 representing the "mighty waters of overflowing" of Isaiah 28:2. All a symbolic reference for Satan's flood of lies and the power in the locust army's mouths on the 6th trumpet 2nd woe period. That 2nd woe period continues into Rev.11, when God's "two witnesses" are sent to Jerusalem, where they will be killed by the beast that ascends up out of the bottomless pit. Rev.10 is a parenthetical chapter, but it still enforces the idea that all these events aren't over until the seventh trumpet.


It is a smear campaign...a rather silly one in my book but...very effective.

You've given me a great deal to think about tonight. I need a clearer head and presently I'm babysitting with grandchildren :crazy so I don't foresee a clear head until I'm at work tomorrow.

I pray this has been a help to you, but I think you've already got it; just maybe you haven't realized those on the 6th trumpet represent the locust army too, but their working along side Satan and his angels when he's cast to the earth per Rev.12:7-9 to start the religous beast, and actual wonders and miracle working on the earth.[/quote]

I pray this has been a help to you, but I think you've already got it; just maybe you haven't realized those on the 6th trumpet represent the locust army too, but their working along side Satan and his angels when he's cast to the earth per Rev.12:7-9 to start the religous beast, and actual wonders and miracle working on the earth.

The locusts are the tares spoken of in Matthew 13....I think a trip to Joel might clear things up......

I will hit this up later and go into detail...........

 

[whirlwind]

I guess the question, pertaining to this thread and the point you have raised, is....is the locust army the same as the three frogs? We are shown when the locust army is released, fifth/sixth trump, but are we shown the timing of the three frogs/spirits? The three frogs/spirits "come out of the mouth of the dragon, beast and false prophet" so the "spirits of devils" that go forth gathering folks to the battle of that great day...are words, deception, false doctrine, twisted scripture. Those speaking lies are the beast, who has been here for a long time, the dragon, who has been here for a long time and the false prophet. All have been deceiving souls and that essentially is..."gathering them to the battle of that great day." Although that was written after the sixth angel poured his vial it doesn't mean the frogs/spirits weren't gathering long ago.

Look at the Rev.16:14 verse again, about their working "miracles". When are they to do that and what timing does that represent? And just which "kings of the earth" would that timing mean? The ten kings of Rev.13:1 and 17:12? Those are still yet coming as they represent the final controlling seats of the beast system over the whole earth. Per Rev.13:11 forward, the religous beast is to work great wonders and miracles in the sight of men, meaning on earth. That points to tribulation timing, which is not yet today. But we can see the religous beast as a structure forming up today (inter-faith movement). It will require the false messiah's presence to jel that together, which will be the strongest time of deception upon the world.

Where it is written, "kings of the earth," the text reads unto the kings of the whole world so "of the earth" has been added. (not sure that has anything to do with this but thought I would insert it ) The ten kings of Rev. 13:1, the kings of the worldly system....are operating now I believe. That system was "set up" long ago and is the iniquity now at work [11 Thess.2:7]. It isn't yet openly "one-world" but they are still operating and controlling the world. It could be that the deadly wound to one of the heads, nations, is our present financial situation. It's healing may well be the catalyst to...one worldism.

Are you seeing the second beast, the religious beast, not as the false prophet but as another system. The two beasts are political and religious? I have always seen the second beast as the antichrist, not antichrists, but lately...I am seeing the beast as many of his workers...the many antichrists. I'm still working on it though.

[quote:2ywjj7vv]It is my understanding that the vials are all poured at once. If that is correct then there would be no time to gather folks against Jesus after the sixth vial is poured. Therefore, I believe it is an ongoing process.[/b]

Did you notice plagues being mentioned at the end of Rev.9 on the 6th trumpet timing? The vials are linked symbolically with the plagues upon Egypt in Moses' day. Some of them are of the same type. Using that as a Biblical "ensample", what does it reveal about the timing of the vials? Where were God's people during those plagues upon Egypt?[/quote:2ywjj7vv]

But that is what I am saying Veteran. The vials are poured out once on those that didn't follow Christ. So, the gathering of Armageddon is accomplished before the vials are poured. The sixth trumpet is Satan's great tribulation and it will be fierce deception but the deception, the gathering, is already at work. Just before the vials are poured it is the very last day of...Armageddon.

Note how the events of the 6th seal (Rev.6:12-13 only), the 6th trumpet, and 6th vial are related. Then note the same thing for the 7th trumpet, 7th vial, and 7th seal (Rev.6:14-17). (I know the 7th seal isn't mentioned until Rev.8:1, but the events of Rev.6:14-17 are events linked with the time of Christ's coming on the 7th trumpet, when the high ones on earth will want to hide from the presence of The Lamb).

I agree the 666 is Satan and 777 is Christ.

I realize it's common to keep the flow of events in the order they are given in Revelation, including the seven vials. I'm well aware some teach those saints of Rev.15:1-4 have been raptured to Heaven prior to the pouring out of the seven vials. Seems those have a hard time remembering how God has preserved His elect through all sorts of tribulations, especially with the time of Moses and the plagues upon Egypt.

:D

But look at Rev.15 closely. We're first given a view of Christ's elect in Heaven with harps, which had gotten the victory over the beast, his image, his name, and the number of his name, and they sang the "song of Moses" from Deut.31:30 through Deut.32. That group is also mentioned in Rev.14 about the 144,000 that are sealed by God. What timing is that? When are the rewards handed out to God's servants; when is death swallowed up in victory per what Paul taught in 1 Cor.15? On the "last trump", the 7th, which is when Christ's coming happens per Rev.11:15. So as long as the beast system, false prophet, etc., are still existing on earth when the vials are poured out, it means the 7th trumpet has not yet sounded, nor the gathering of Christ's elect that go through the tribulation by the beasts. It means Rev.15:1-4 is a future look forward, even after the seven vials.

In Revelation 15 the vials haven't yet been poured for "in them is filled up the wrath of God." All of God's children are gathered before the vials are poured. They go through the tribulation of Satan but not the wrath of God. Or, they are there yet the wrath doesn't touch them because they are "changed." But, either way the seventh trump has sounded or...is sounding, for a consideration we must make in this is that seventh trumpet doesn't sound at one time....

Revelation 10:7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as He hath declared to His servants the prophets.

Like the plagues that were poured out upon Egypt, God's people were under His covering of protection through all that. Per the New Covenant, Christ Jesus now is our Passover Lamb (1 Cor.5:7) for the time of those 7 vials being poured out upon the wicked. And the seventh vial is poured out into the air, which is symbolic of the end of this world, the event of 2 Peter 3:10. That's also linked with the 7th trumpet and 7th seal events.

It means the order of many Revelation events given John through vision does not always flow chronologically the way they were written down. Only the last three trumpet events can we be certain of their order, since they were given along with three woe periods. Christ cemented that order for us, and understanding those three woe periods first will help understand the order of the seals and vials.

[/quote]

Veteran....my brain is exploding :crazy If anyone else read this that wasn't a believer they would be laughing their heads off at this discussion. Those crazy Christians! Aren't you glad we're on this side of that belief?

 

[whirlwind]

So you are saying at the fifth trumpet the locust army is released yet it isn't their time? That is a new thought. Let me write this as I'm trying to figure it out....

It does say (during the fifth trump)

• 9:7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. (9) And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.

And then it says (during the sixth trump)

• 9:16-17 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them. And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.

What is the difference in the army of the horsemen, the horses, and those that ride the horses. And there appears to be a difference in the horses from the 5th and 6th trump.

Those of the 6th trump, sitting on the horses had breastplates of fire, jacinth, brimstone. They are the horsemen (not the army of) but those that ride the horses.

The horses of the 6th trump issued from their mouth....fire, smoke, brimstone.

So, the horses and their riders, both at the 6th trump, show a difference in what they do.

The horses from the 5th trump also had breastplates but they are of iron...not fire, jacinth and brimstone.

John "heard" the number of the army but "saw" the horses and those that sat on them. I wonder what that means? Could "the sound of their wings" be the "number of the army" John heard?" Do wings represent their army?

The locust of the 5th trump were like war horses with faces of men with gold-like crowns where
the heads of the horses of the 6th trump were as the heads of lions.

Veteran...these appear to be two different events we're talking about. I don't think the horses of the 6th trump are the locust army of the 5th trump.

You're right, they're not both exactly the same. So how does that show a difference with the beast working before Satan and his angels are cast to the earth, vs. after they are cast down to the earth? Some believe the ones arrayed for battle on the 6th trumpet represent Satan's angels when they come to earth with him (per Rev.12:7-9). How does that reveal a difference between the working of the first beast and the second beast of Rev.13? Note on the 6th trumpet their power is in their mouth, and in their tails, which were tails like SERPENTS.

To add another fly in the ointment, but still on the serpent, scorpion theme...

• Luke 10:18-19 And He said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

When did Jesus behold (past tense) that falling? Was it the previous age and He is speaking of Satan's fall at his rebellion or did He see Him already fall to earth in this age, before His crucifixion? Is that when Michael kicked him out? Or, as he fell "as lightning," does that mean something else entirely. Does it mean his spirit fell and inhabits some now. I think the latter is what is meant as when we are as "lightning" we are in our spirit bodies.

But, to answer your question about how does it show a difference....I don't know yet. I'll have to have some quiet time to really study.

[quote:1lksj6do]
Now thats a thought. Perhaps the difference in the horses from the 5th to the 6th are the different stages of the locust. Maybe that is why the differ in appearance.

Yes, just like you mentioned a difference between the first beast of Rev.13:1 as a world system over the earth, and the second beast as a religious beast working, one that requires Satan to come heal the first beast. The whole is about the locust analogy God gave in the Book of Joel. The purpose of both the 5th and 6th trumpets is to work deception upon the earth, the difference being the 6th trumpet and 2nd woe represents when Satan and his angels are loosed upon the earth. Do you remember the time when Michael will stand up in Daniel 12, and Paul's teaching about what withholdeth untll his time? That's about the day, hour, month, year the four angels at Euphrates are prepared for. It's an expression for a 'specific' time of that symbolic border of Euphrates being opened up.

Yes, I agree it is a five month period.

Me too. Especially since I've realized the 150 days timeframe which Noah's ark was upon the waters of the flood; and the flood of Rev.12:15-16 representing the "mighty waters of overflowing" of Isaiah 28:2. All a symbolic reference for Satan's flood of lies and the power in the locust army's mouths on the 6th trumpet 2nd woe period. That 2nd woe period continues into Rev.11, when God's "two witnesses" are sent to Jerusalem, where they will be killed by the beast that ascends up out of the bottomless pit. Rev.10 is a parenthetical chapter, but it still enforces the idea that all these events aren't over until the seventh trumpet.


It is a smear campaign...a rather silly one in my book but...very effective.

You've given me a great deal to think about tonight. I need a clearer head and presently I'm babysitting with grandchildren :crazy so I don't foresee a clear head until I'm at work tomorrow.

I pray this has been a help to you, but I think you've already got it; just maybe you haven't realized those on the 6th trumpet represent the locust army too, but their working along side Satan and his angels when he's cast to the earth per Rev.12:7-9 to start the religous beast, and actual wonders and miracle working on the earth.[/quote:1lksj6do][/quote]


Veteran...I still see Armageddon as a spiritual battle and as such it doesn't happen at one time. The gathering is going on as the antichrists stand at the pulpits giving their sermons...teaching we're going to be raptured away. Or standing there teaching it's fine to elect a practicing homosexual as their highest official. Or, or, or....

We have a great deal going on already in this thread but I want to add two thoughts. The "two witnesses" are not two literal people. They are two groups of people and we are among them. They are spiritual Jerusalem, God's holy city, but they are not going to be sent to the literal Jerusalem for Jerusalem is not where our Savior was crucified. I know that belongs in another thread but did want to bring it to your attention.

 

[veteran]

Sorry whirlwind, but you and I will just have to agree to disagree on some points...

Like the time of vials, they occur within the timing of the trumpets and seals. That's why the sixth vial is pointing to Euphrates being dried up, representing it as a symbolic border between God's people and Satan being taken down, and links with the 6th trumpet events. It also links with the Rev.12:7-9 event, which is still future. If you'll notice the 7th vial doesn't happen until the 7th trumpet timing.

I see Armageddon as a one-time event, at the very end on the 7th trumpet, 7th vial, 7th seal, an event that ends this world age and ushers us into Christ's Milennium reign. In Rev.16, it is given in conjunction with the 7th vial, for it's that 7th vial they are gathered to battle for. That's also the time of judgment upon the "great whore" of Rev.17.

When our Lord Jesus said He saw Satan fall from heaven, it was about the time of old when Satan first rebelled against God. The Rev.12:7-9 event is still future, and one of the many clues is in the verse prior of 6 about the 1260 days, a tribulation timing. The war in Heaven between Michael and Satan per Rev.12:7-9 leads to the 6th trumpet event.

The "kings of the earth" reference is from Rev.16:14. That's what I was referring to also.

The working of Satan's servants on earth today is what Paul called the "mystery of iniquity". It's been at work since the start of this world.

 

[MMarc]

Here is a point of view WW3

http://www.gods-kingdom-ministries.org/ ... LogID=1765

Get ready, all hell will break out on earth.

 

[veteran]

Mark 13:7
7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.
(KJV)

What's the opposite of "wars and rumours of wars"?


1Thes 5:2-4
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
(KJV)

 

[whirlwind]

Thank you Mark and yes...it will be a time of peace.

Veteran, your teaching on the fifth trump in this thread has helped me tremendously. Previously I mentioned the verse...

• Luke 10:18-19 And He said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

The meaning became clearer and I posted the thread, Biblical Lightning and Fire. Understanding the fifth trump helped. Thank you.

 

[ozell]

Armageddon is the battle between God and man for control of this earth. It is the battle between God whose army includes the resurrected saints and the holy angels.

they or should I say we shall meet

the kings of the earth whic are the kings of the west (european union led by the false prophet and its military leader), the kings of the east led by Gog and Magog.

they the kings of the earth and there armies turn attention from each other to the threat coming from the sky.

 

[veteran]

Armageddon is the battle between God and man for control of this earth. It is the battle between God whose army includes the resurrected saints and the holy angels.

they or should I say we shall meet

the kings of the earth whic are the kings of the west (european union led by the false prophet and its military leader), the kings of the east led by Gog and Magog.

they the kings of the earth and there armies turn attention from each other to the threat coming from the sky.

Might be something to that, because I believe the EU is part of the Soviet long-range strategy for taking over the West (see Golitsyn's book New Lies For Old). The EU startup has a connection with world socialists allied with world Communism (per Georgetown histor professor Carrol Quigley's work Tragedy And Hope). Western socialists seek a peaceful takeover using legislation little by little (changing the laws), whereas Communism believes in using force as necessary (Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Cuba, etc.). Both groups have worked together for one world globalization.

 

[nadab]

Revelation 16:16 says: "And they (the demons) gathered them ( the kings of the entire inhabited earth) together to the place that is called in Hebrew Har–Ma·ged´on." The name Har-magedon is directly associated with “the war of the great day of God the Almighty.†The term applies specifically to the condition, or situation, to which “the kings of the entire inhabited earth†are gathered in opposition to God and his Kingdom by Jesus Christ. In a number of versions it is rendered “Armageddon.†(Re 16:14, 16, AT; KJ; JB; RS; TEV) The name Har–Magedon, taken from Hebrew, means simply “Mountain of Megiddo.â€

There does not appear to have been a literal place called “Mountain of Megiddo,†either inside or outside the Promised Land, before or during the days of the apostle John, who recorded the vision. Hence, Har–Magedon evidently draws its significance from the events associated with the ancient city of Megiddo.

Megiddo was situated a few miles SE of Mount Carmel, overlooking and dominating the Plain of Esdraelon (Jezreel) and controlling major N-S and E-W trade and military routes. Joshua first conquered this Canaanite city. (Jos 12:7, 8, 21) Near this site Jabin’s army under command of Sisera was later destroyed. God there employed natural forces to assist the Israelite army under Barak. The account reads: “Barak went descending from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men behind him. And Jehovah began to throw Sisera and all his war chariots and all the camp into confusion by the edge of the sword before Barak. Finally Sisera got down off the chariot and took to flight on foot. And Barak chased after the war chariots and the camp as far as Harosheth of the nations, so that all the camp of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword. Not as much as one remained.â€(Judges 4:14-16)

The Revelation account depicts the combined forces of the kings of the earth as being gathered “to the place [Greek, form of to´pos] that is called in Hebrew Har–Magedon.†(Rev 16:16) In the Bible to´pos may refer to a literal location, as at Matthew 14:13, 15, and 35; to one’s opportunity, or “chanceâ€, as at Acts 25:16; or to a figurative realm, condition, or situation, as at Revelation 12:6, 14. In view of the context, it is to a “place†in the last-mentioned sense that earth’s combined military powers are marching, to a world situation.

“The war of the great day of God the Almighty†at Har–Magedon was not some past event but is depicted in Revelation as future from the time of John’s vision. The gathering of the kings to Har–Magedon is described as being a result of the pouring out of the sixth of the seven bowls containing the “last†plagues that will bring to a finish the anger of God. (Rev 15:1; 16:1, 12) Also, indicating that the war at Har–Magedon is closely associated with Christ’s presence (Matt 24:3, 27, 37; Greek pa·rou·si?as meaning "presence", not "coming"), is the warning of his coming as a thief that Jesus spoke of at Matthew 24:43, 44, and which is placed between verses 14 and 16 of Revelation chapter 16.

The global aspect of the war is emphasized in the context. There the opponents of God are identified as “the kings of the entire inhabited earth,†who are mobilized by “expressions inspired by demons.â€(Rev 16:14) Farther on, John says: “And I saw the wild beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage the war with the one seated on the horse and with his army.†(Rev 19:19)

This chapter identifies the leader of the heavenly armies, seated on a white horse, as one who is called “Faithful and True†and “The Word of God.†(Rev 19:11-13) Therefore, it is Jesus Christ, The Word, who acts as the commander of God’s heavenly armies. (John 1:1; Rev 3:14) Further showing that Christ leads the heavenly forces is the statement that the earthly forces “battle with the Lamb [who is Jesus Christ (John 1:29)], but, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer them. Also, those called and chosen and faithful with him will do so.â€(Rev 17:13, 14)

Since the vision in Revelation chapter 19 reveals only armies in heaven as participating in the warfare as supporters of Jesus Christ, The Word of God, it indicates that none of God's servants on earth will participate in the fighting. This is in harmony with the words of Jesus Christ at Matthew 26:52 that his disciples not resort to weapons of physical warfare. (Compare Ex 14:13, 14; 2Chron 20:15, 17, 22, 23; Ps 2:4-9.) The birds that fly in midheaven will dispose of the bodies of those slaughtered.(Rev 19:11-21)

Har–Magedon is thus seen to be a fight, not merely among men, but one in which God’s invisible armies take part. Its comingis certain and it will take place at the time set by God, who “is doing according to his own will among the army of the heavens and the inhabitants of the earth.â€(Dan 4:35)

 

[whirlwind]

Thank you for that post Nadab. There have been literal battles fought but they were examples for us. Armageddon is spiritual. For instance, take one of the verses you suggested....

• Exodus 14:13-14 And Moses said unto the People, "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace."

That isn't telling us we shouldn't fight literal battles but rather that time is when the elect will be delivered for a testimony. If it is indeed us being delivered, we are not to speak our words but "hold your peace," and allow the Spirit to speak through us. [Mark 13:9-11] We are to stand still and not speak and allow Him to fight for us.

As far as fighting literal battles....

• Ecclesiastes 3:3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up.
  
  3:8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

 

[nadab]

The battle of Armageddon will be a literal battle that will involve "the kings of the entire earth†(Rev 16:14), gathering them to the “war of the great day of God the Almighty.†At Jeremiah 25, after speaking of the land of Judah becoming desolate, “a devastated placeâ€, God then extends this devastation to the ends of the earth, saying that “there is a sword that I am calling against all the inhabitants of the earth.â€(Jer 25:29)

He further says: “Look ! A calamity is going forth from nation to nation, and a great tempest itself will be roused up from the remotest parts of the earth. And the slain of Jehovah shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the face of the ground.â€(Jer 25:32, 33, American Standard Version)

At Jeremiah 25:30, Jehovah God is likened to a lion, saying: “From on high Jehovah himself will roar,†and further says that “a noise will certainly come clear to the farthest part of the earth, for there is a controversy that Jehovah has with all the nations. He must personally put himself in judgment with all flesh. As regards the wicked ones, he must give them to the sword.â€(Jer 25:31)

This “controversy that Jehovah has with all the nations†is moving quickly upon all mankind, in which God will ‘judge all flesh.’ This “controversy†is called Armageddon, in order to ‘ give the wicked ones to the sword.’ Jesus spoke of this “controversyâ€, saying: “But pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare. For it will come in upon all those dwelling upon the face of all the earth.â€(Luke 21:34, 35)

Jesus then brings it home, saying to “keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man.â€(Luke 21:36)

At Revelation 16:15, this directive is repeated by Jesus: “Look! I am coming as a thief. Happy is the one that stays awake and keeps his outer garments, that he may not walk naked and people look upon his shamefulness.†Thus, there is the vital importance of a Christian ‘ staying awake’ spiritually and keeping “his outer garmentsâ€, his clean Christian identity at all times, being “no part of the world†(John 15:19), in which the “world†embraces the political system of all the nations, greedy commercialism, and the false religious empire called Babylon the Great.(Rev 16:19)

Hence, being a true Christian, and not a counterfeit one (called “weeds†at Matthew 13:25), is what will save them from God’s “burning anger†when Armageddon arrives.(Zeph 2:2)

The battle of Armageddon is fast approaching, and at that time, Jehovah God says that he will “cause distress to mankind, and they will certainly walk like blind men; because it is against Jehovah that they have sinned.â€(Zeph 1:17) Will money be able to preserve them during this “controversy†that God has with the “nations†? Zephaniah 1:18 says that “neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of Jehovah’s fury; but by the fire of his zeal the whole earth will be devoured, because he will make an extermination, indeed a terrible one, of all the inhabitants of the earth.â€

The apostle Paul, in quoting from Joel 2:32, said that ‘ all those who call upon the name of Jehovah will be saved ‘ during Armageddon.(Rom 10:13; Rev 16:16)

 

[whirlwind]

The battle of Armageddon will be a literal battle that will involve "the kings of the entire earth†(Rev 16:14), gathering them to the “war of the great day of God the Almighty.†At Jeremiah 25, after speaking of the land of Judah becoming desolate, “a devastated placeâ€, God then extends this devastation to the ends of the earth, saying that “there is a sword that I am calling against all the inhabitants of the earth.â€(Jer 25:29)

We're literally involved in the battle of Armageddon now...as we speak, as we teach, as we combat false teaching. Consider....

• Revelation 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
  
  13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
  
  5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests, and we (they) shall reign on the earth."

Satan and his men are given power to fight against the saints. The saints are the kings and priests to God. They are the kings being gathered to the battle. Good against evil. God against Devil. It is an ongoing spiritual battle with two swords. The sword of truth and the sword of deception.

He further says: “Look ! A calamity is going forth from nation to nation, and a great tempest itself will be roused up from the remotest parts of the earth. And the slain of Jehovah shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the face of the ground.â€(Jer 25:32, 33, American Standard Version)

For me to understand [32,33] I have to first read [31].

• Jeremiah 25:31 A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; for the LORD hath a controversy with the nations, He will plead with all flesh; He will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the LORD.'

Those that are still flesh...meaning they haven't yet changed their carnal natures, haven't died to self so His Spirit lives in them, will still be pleaded with. He still wants them to come to repentance. But, those that are wicked are given to the sword. The sword of Satan....lies, deception, spiritual death. They will not be lamented!

At Jeremiah 25:30, Jehovah God is likened to a lion, saying: “From on high Jehovah himself will roar,†and further says that “a noise will certainly come clear to the farthest part of the earth, for there is a controversy that Jehovah has with all the nations. He must personally put himself in judgment with all flesh. As regards the wicked ones, he must give them to the sword.â€(Jer 25:31)

This “controversy that Jehovah has with all the nations†is moving quickly upon all mankind, in which God will ‘judge all flesh.’ This “controversy†is called Armageddon, in order to ‘ give the wicked ones to the sword.’ Jesus spoke of this “controversyâ€, saying: “But pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare. For it will come in upon all those dwelling upon the face of all the earth.â€(Luke 21:34, 35)

Jesus then brings it home, saying to “keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man.â€(Luke 21:36)

At Revelation 16:15, this directive is repeated by Jesus: “Look! I am coming as a thief. Happy is the one that stays awake and keeps his outer garments, that he may not walk naked and people look upon his shamefulness.†Thus, there is the vital importance of a Christian ‘ staying awake’ spiritually and keeping “his outer garmentsâ€, his clean Christian identity at all times, being “no part of the world†(John 15:19), in which the “world†embraces the political system of all the nations, greedy commercialism, and the false religious empire called Babylon the Great.(Rev 16:19)

Hence, being a true Christian, and not a counterfeit one (called “weeds†at Matthew 13:25), is what will save them from God’s “burning anger†when Armageddon arrives.(Zeph 2:2)

The battle of Armageddon is fast approaching, and at that time, Jehovah God says that he will “cause distress to mankind, and they will certainly walk like blind men; because it is against Jehovah that they have sinned.â€(Zeph 1:17) Will money be able to preserve them during this “controversy†that God has with the “nations†? Zephaniah 1:18 says that “neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of Jehovah’s fury; but by the fire of his zeal the whole earth will be devoured, because he will make an extermination, indeed a terrible one, of all the inhabitants of the earth.â€

The apostle Paul, in quoting from Joel 2:32, said that ‘ all those who call upon the name of Jehovah will be saved ‘ during Armageddon.(Rom 10:13; Rev 16:16)

Those that call on our Father are saved. Those that follow the fake are "dung upon the earth." The battle of Armageddon is the gathering of both sides. It is spiritual.

 

[nadab]

We're literally involved in the battle of Armageddon now...as we speak, as we teach, as we combat false teaching. Consider....

• Revelation 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
  
  13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
  
  5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests, and we (they) shall reign on the earth."

Satan and his men are given power to fight against the saints. The saints are the kings and priests to God. They are the kings being gathered to the battle. Good against evil. God against Devil. It is an ongoing spiritual battle with two swords. The sword of truth and the sword of deception.

The battle of Armageddon is literal and still yet future, for before it's arrival, the world empire of false religion, Babylon the Great, must be "completely burned with fire", being wiped off the face of the earth, to never exist again.(Rev 18:8) Armageddon is a battle that God has with the "kings of the entire inhabited earth", human governments that are now existing, not "saints". Armageddon is not a battle of Satan against the "saints", but rather of God against all human governments.

Revelation 13:7 speaks of the "wild beast" as waging "war with the holy ones and conquer them." This ' waging war with the holy ones ' has been occurring since the beginning of the "Lord's day"(Rev 1:10), almost 100 years ago. The "wild beast" here pictures all human governments existing on the earth today and is the same as the "kings of the entire inhabited earth" that wage war war with God at Revelation 16:14, who are under the control of Satan, as the "dragon", and according to Revelation 13:2, gave to the "wild beast" or "kings of the entire inhabited earth", its "power and throne and great authority."

Thus, from the most powerful government, such as the Anglo-American world power, to the least influential nation on the earth, are the combined "kings of the entire inhabited earth" that are seen fighting against God at the battle of Armageddon.

The "kings of the entire inhabited earth" are not the "holy ones" who loyally support God's kingship, spoken of at Revelation 5:10. Rather, the "kings of the entire inhabited earth" are opposed to God's rulership. These are the ones that Psalms 2 says that will be broken "with an iron scepter, as though a potter's vessel you (Jesus as the king of God's kingdom) will dash them to pieces."(Ps 2:9)

Satan has been manipulating all earthly governments without their knowledge, using "unclean inspired expressions that looked like frogs...expressions inspired by demons".(Rev 16:13, 14) Satan has thus controlled all earthly governments, since their inception after the Noachian Flood, with the exception of those who loyally ruled on "Jehovah's throne".(1 Chron 29:23) He gathers all the "kings of the entire inhabited earth" "to the place that is called in Hebrew Har-Ma ged' on."(Rev 16:16) These "kings" and their cohorts are collectively portrayed as a proud and monstrous "wild beast".

The battle of Armageddon will be the greatest of all wars, for Jesus said that "then there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again. In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved; but on account of the chosen ones those days will be cut short."(Matt 24:21, 22)

Daniel 2:44 says that "in the days of those kings (all human governments now existing) the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite."

Hence, all human governments, in which the military is an intrinsic part, will be completely removed from the earth at the battle of Armageddon, by means of God's kingdom in the near future, defeated as God's enemy. Revelation 19 speaks of "an angel standing in the sun" calling forth for the birds of prey to be "gathered together to the great evening meal of God, that you may eat the fleshy parts of kings and the fleshy parts of military commanders and the fleshy parts of strong men and the fleshy parts of horses and of those seated upon them, and the fleshy parts of all, of freeman as well as of slaves and of small ones and great."(Rev 19:17, 18)

Then Revelation 19:19 says that John "saw the wild beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war with the one seated on the horse and with his army." With what outcome ? Verse 20 says that "the wild beast (all human governments under the control of Satan) was caught, and along with it the false prophet (Anglo-American world power)...while still alive, they both were hurled into the fiery lake that burns with sulphur."

 

[whirlwind]

Perhaps this best explains what is meant by the gathering, by the battle of Armageddon.....

Luke 21:20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation therof is nigh.

When you see...(when you understand) Jerusalem....(God's holy city which is us, His children), compassed with armies, (hords of misled, unbelievers, atheists, liberals, wicked, evil people of the adversary) then know that the desolation (Satan, the abomination in the holy place) thereof is nigh (he is almost here!!!) .

• Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand
  
  Proverbs 3:25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.
  
  Isaiah 47:11 Therefore shall evil come upon thee; thou shalt not know from whence it riseth: and mischief shall fall upon thee; thou shalt not be able to put it off: and desolation shall come upon thee suddenly, which thou shalt not know.
  
  Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.