If I was a gamblin’ man (which I’m not), I would wonder why so many 7’s would keep rolling up on the dice. So many in fact, that I would begin to think the game was fixed (which it is!). In effect, the dice would be loaded to keep coming up 7’s. A quick flyby read through John’s Revelation of Jesus Christ will introduce the reader, who hopefully has a degree of discernment, that there are a number of sevens (7s) that become quickly evident and sort of jump-out at you. 7 churches, 7 trumpets, 7 vials, etc. These tend to be fairly well understood by most Christians who take the time to read the book of Revelation and perhaps have read a commentary (or two) that speak of these 7’s. However, most commentaries miss a number of other 7’s in Revelation, several that are somewhat hidden (by that, I mean can very easily be skipped over or missed). As a student of bible prophecy, a deeper and more detailed study of Revelation will reveal many more concepts that indicate they exist in a state of seven (7). So what?, the Bible is filled with varying numbers of events, images, concepts and verses that all contain a number of some sort. Why is seven (7) so special, specially in Revelation? My partial answer to this question is that God is being repetitive, among other things, to get mankind’s attention.  It is not enough just to provide a list of 7’s, but rather, it is an absolute necessity to provide context and insight so these words of God come alive and have more meaning than just a grocery list of numbers.

Seven (7) denote’s God’s divinely determined completeness to his plan or purpose.

1. Seven-fold Themes of the 7 Churches in Asia-Minor.
2. Seven-fold Reference to Golden Candlesticks and Stars.
3. Seven-fold Sins of the Asia-Minor Churches.
4. Seven-fold Exhortations from Christ for Christians to be Overcomers.
5. Seven-fold Reference of Rewards for Overcomers.
6. 7 Horns and 7 Eyes = 7 Lamps of Fire = 7 Spirits of God.
7. Seven-fold Description of Christ’s Countenance or Appearance.
8. Seven-fold Descriptions of Jesus to the Churches in Asia-Minor.
9. Seven-fold Book Seals Opened by Christ: (1^st of 3 “Wraths”).
10. Seven-fold Angels Blowing 7 Trumpets: (2^nd of 3 “Wraths”).
11. Seven-fold Angels Pouring 7 Golden Vials = 7 Last Plagues: (3^rd of 3 “Wraths”)
12. Seven-fold Reference to Angels Instructing Other Angels.
13. Seven-fold Reference of God’s Wrath on Earth.
14. Seven-fold Thunders.
15. 7,000 Thousand Killed by a Great Earthquake.
16. 7,000 years ending with the completion of the Millennium:
17. Seven-fold Symbolic Figures.
18. Sevenfold Works of the Holy Spirit: Prophecy.
19. Sevenfold Works of the Holy Spirit: Prophets Speak.
20. Sevenfold Works of the Holy Spirit: Visions.
21. Sevenfold Works of the Holy Spirit: Speaks word of God.
22. Sevenfold Works of the Holy Spirit: Sword of the Spirit.
23. Sevenfold Works of the Holy Spirit: Written Scriptures.
24. Sevenfold Works of the Holy Spirit: Witnesses of Christ.
25. Seven-fold Gifts of the Holy Spirit During the Tribulation Period.
26. Seven-fold Promised Blessings in Revelation.
27. 7 Years of the Combined Tribulation and Great Tribulation Period(s).
28. Seven-fold Colors of the Rainbow.
29. Seven-fold Creation Praise of the Lamb.
30. Seven-fold Universality of All People.
31. Seven-fold Reference of White Raiment/Robes/Linen to Righteousness.
32. Seven-fold Reference to the Book of Life.
33. Seven-fold Acknowledgement of the Tribulation Saints (Martyrs).
34. Seven-fold Description of the War of Armageddon.
35. Seven-fold Exhortation from Christ for The Church to “Listen”.
36. Seven-fold Worship of God by the Twenty-four (24) Elders.
37. Seven-fold Reference to Christ’s Reign on Earth.
38. Seven-fold Reference to Prophecy.
39. Seven-fold Reference to The Day of the Lord.
40. Seven-fold Titles of Jesus.
41. Sevenfold Descriptions of Jesus Christ Given to the Seven Churches (Asia-Minor).
42. Seven-fold Reference of Jesus Christ as Faithful and True.
43. Seven-fold Promises of the New Jerusalem.
44. Seven-fold Reference to Christian Patience.
45. Seven-fold Group Worship of God.
46. Seven-fold Reference to Earthquakes.
47. Seven-fold Reference to Lightning, Voices, Thunders.
48. Seven-fold Reference to Crowns.
49. Seven-fold Themes of Revelation.
50. Seven-fold Perspectives of Christ’s Work in Revelation.
51. Seven-fold References to the great city of Babylon.
52. Seven-fold Description of the Demonic Locusts from the Bottomless Pit.
53. Seven-fold Description of the Antichrist’s Army at Armageddon.
54. Seven-fold Men Hiding from Christ on the Great Day of the Lord.
55. Seven-fold Description of Evil Men.
56. Seven-fold Reference to Lake of Fire Judgement.
57. Seven-fold Evils of the False Prophet.
58. Seven-fold Reference to the Beast’s Mark/Name/Number.
59. Seven-fold Reference to the Bottomless Pit.
60. Seven-fold Evils of the Beast/antichrist.
61. Seven-fold Reference to Satan.
62. Seven-fold Sins of Man.
63. Seven-fold Description of Mystery Religion Babylon.
64. Seven-fold References to Deception of Evil Men.
65. Seven-fold Symbolic Descriptions of Evil.
66. Seven-fold Dooms on Babylon City.
67. Seven-fold Luxuries of Babylon City.

7 Churches in Asia-Minor:  Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatria, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea.

These churches are so named in Revelation (2:1–3:22) and are generally understood to symbolically represent the spiritual condition of the Church throughout the ages (past, present, future). The spiritual condition of each of these churches existed at the time John received the Revelation from Jesus. Interestingly, before the various prophecies of woe are revealed later in Revelation, Jesus first chose to reveal and address the spiritual condition of His churches, before he addressed the state of the world and the rest of mankind. Two churches could be considered good and faithful (Smyrna, Philadelphia), the other five (Ephesus, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Laodicea) had varying conditions of sin that resulted in Jesus admonishing them. Jesus choosing to start Revelation by evaluating his church follows a general pattern in scripture where Jesus starts with his ‘own house’ first before moving onto the rest of humanity.  Much of what the seven churches faced in their day, we also face today as Christians, whether it is the seductive pull of something secular in our culture or a strong opposition from our culture.

Seven-fold Themes of the 7 Churches in Asia-Minor:

1. Ephesus; (Rev. 2:1-7).
   1. Jesus Christ is powerful over and present with his people.
   2. Our deeds are important, including the hard work of contending for the truth of the faith.
   3. We should place high value on enduring faithfulness to Jesus in the midst of our pagan environment.
   4. Jesus stresses an absolute need to retain biblical love in our pursuit of truth.
   5. Jesus promises eternal life to those who overcome.

2. Smyrna; (Rev. 2:8-11).
   1. Jesus has conquered death.
   2. Those who are materially poor may actually be spiritually rich.
   3. Persecution takes many forms, including economic and physical persecution.
   4. Christians should not fear suffering for Christ.
   5. Jesus promises life to those who follow him with a willing-to-die devotion.

3. Pergamum; (Rev. 2:12-17).
   1. Some locations are more challenging for believers than others due to the power and proximity of evil.
   2. Faithfulness to Jesus requires a persevering witness and may result in persecution or even martyrdom.
   3. Jesus opposes false teaching that encourages compromise with pagan culture.
   4. Jesus judges by the sheer power of his word.
   5. Those who overcome are promised eternal fellowship with the Lord and his people.

4. Thyatira; (Rev. 2:18-29).
   1. Jesus stands above all other gods and possesses power and insight to judge.
   2. It pleases God when his children are growing in faith, love and hope.
   3. God will judge false teachers (and their followers) for leading God’s people astray.
   4. Those who are dabbling in false teaching have a limited amount of time in which to repent.
   5. God calls his people to persevere by holding on to the central truths of the faith.
   6. We can look forward to sharing in Christ’s authority in the messianic kingdom.

5. Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6).
   1. Human reputation means nothing compared to God’s assessment of our spiritual condition.
   2. A dying church must take decisive action to be restored to spiritual health.
   3. Jesus promises eternal recognition and security for the faithful minority.

6. Philadelphia (Rev. 3:7-13).
   1. Jesus has sovereign control over who gets into the Kingdom of God.
   2. Jesus’s acceptance of his people cannot be reversed by the world’s rejection of them.
   3. God’s true people will be publicly identified and vindicated in the end.
   4. Christ will protect his people from spiritual attack even though they may suffer physical persecution.
   5. The greatest eternal reward possible is a permanent place in the presence of God.

7. Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22).
   1. Jesus Christ is the faithful witness and authoritative source of life for all.
   2. Jesus sternly rebukes complacency and half-heartedness among his people.
   3. Prideful self-sufficiency and materialism blinds a person to their spiritual poverty.
   4. Jesus rebukes and disciplines his people precisely because he loves them.
   5. To experience renewed fellowship with Jesus, believers must be serious enough to change.
   6. Jesus longs for and stands ready for renewed fellowship with believers who repent of their self-reliance and open their lives to him.

Commentary: Jesus provides a complete assessment of the spiritual health of his Church, at the time of his Revelation to the Apostle John, and also throughout the ages (past, present and future). He also promises rewards to those Christians who overcome the obstacles and sins that plague his Church (corporately, and of believers, individually). Jesus, specifically and precisely, reveals these sins and obstacles. He also, specifically and precisely, reveals the rewards the the children of God will receive.

Seven-fold Reference to Golden Candlesticks and Stars:

… “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 … 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 … Unto the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.” (Rev. 1:12-13, 16, 20, 2:1). (emphasis added).

Commentary: The seven (7) golden candlesticks are the seven (7) churches (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea). The seven (7) stars are literally seven (7) angels that Christ has put in charge to oversee each church. Interestingly, Matthew 5:14 indicates that the Christian should be the light of the world and that their light cannot be hidden. Just as in the analogy of the Christian giving off light, the analogy of the church giving off light being as a candlestick also applies. Historically, some candlesticks could hold many lights or candles. These passages indicate that Christ literally holds sovereign control over the stars or angels of the seven (7) churches and that he walks in the midst of the seven (7) lampstands or churches. As divine Lord, Jesus Christ is powerful over and present with his people. He is omnipotent and omniprescent.

Seven-fold Sins of the Asia-Minor Churches:

1. Foresake first love / Christ … (Rev. 2:4).
2. Hold to teachings of Balaam/Balak/Nicolatians … (Rev. 2:14-15).
3. Ate food sacrificed to idols, sexual immorality … (Rev.2:14).
4. Tolerate Jezebel and her false, immoral teachings … (Rev. 2:20).
5. Spiritually dead … (Rev. 3:1).
6. Lukewarm – not hot or cold, spew thee out my mouth … (Rev. 3:15-16).
7. Say you are rich, but you are miserable, poor, naked … (Rev. 3:17).

Commentary: Jesus calls out five (5) churches for following other idols, false gods, false teachings (doctrines) and in the process, forsaking the church’s first love, Jesus Christ. He wants his Church to be spiritually alive and not dead or lukewarm. Jesus also sternly warns against letting materialism get in the way of a relationship with him. Jesus is very specific in his rebuking of these corporate, and individual sins.

*Seven-fold Exhortations from Christ for Christians to be Overcomers:

1. … “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God“. (Rev. 2:7). (Emphasis added).
2. … “He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death“. (Rev. 2:11). (Emphasis added).
3. … “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving that he receiveth it“. (Rev. 2:17). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And he that overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end will I give power over the nations:“. (Rev. 2:26). (Emphasis added).
5. … “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels“. (Rev. 3:5). (Emphasis added).
6. … “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God; and I will write upon him my new name“. (Rev. 3:12). (Emphasis added).
7. … “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne“. (Rev. 3:21). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: These exhortations by Christ are part of the seven (7) blessings offered by Christ to the Christians in his seven (7) Churches throughout the ages, and at the time John the Apostle received the Revelation from Jesus. The fact that Jesus purposely uses the term overcomers is unique. This term or name suggests a battle, or a fight against overwhelming odds. Someone who is an underdog but somehow overcomes the odds to be victorious. Satan is ruler of the earth and his minions do everything they can to defeat mankind from reaching knowledge of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Temptations, deceptions, lies, false teachers, false doctrines, distractions, meddling, trickery, excessive wealth, persecution…the list goes on and on. Jesus knows what we are up against, yet we can become overcomers by our acceptance of his offer of grace, through the forgiveness of our sins. He knows that we are human and what is is like to be human (since God became incarnate in flesh as Jesus). He also knows that we will stumble, falter and fail along the way. However, he urges us to keep up the fight with him, to fight the good fight and to overcome the traps and pitfalls that Satan puts before us. In the words of Christ, to become overcomers! The desire of Jesus for us to become overwhelmers is so strong that he provides a unique and special reward to each Christian, along with each one of his exhortations. Each blessing is unique and different!

*(Rev. 12:11) … “And they overcame him (beast/antichrist) by the blood of the lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto death.” (Emphasis added). Jesus didn’t forget his Tribulation Saints! They also receive the designation of overcomers because of their belief in Jesus Christ and his gospel. They witnessed of their belief at the cost of losing their lives (beheading) by the antichrist. Jesus’ designation of overcomers is universal for Christians, regardless of whether or not they came from the Church Age or the combined Tribulation Period.

Seven-fold Reference of Rewards for Overcomers:

1. To Ephesus … “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (Rev. 2:7). (Emphasis added). (citizenship in heaven, eternal life).
2. To Smyrna … ”Be though faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.” (Rev. 2:10-11). (Emphasis added). (crown of life, eternal life).
3. To Pergamum … “To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” (Rev. 2:17). (Emphasis added). (hidden reward, personal acknowledgment by Christ).
4. To Thyatria … “To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations, that one will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery, just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give that one the morning star. “ (Rev. 2:26-28). (Emphasis added). (shared rulership over nations).
5. To Sardis … “To the one who is victorious will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name befor my Father and his angels.” (Rev.3:5). (Emphasis added). (eternal salvation, righteousness, public acceptance by Christ).
6. To Philadelphia … “To the one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.” (Rev. 3:12). (Emphasis added). (citizenship in New Jerusalem, new identification in Christ).
7. To Laodicea … “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” (Rev. 3:21). (Emphasis added). (shared rulership).

Commentary: At the conclusion or end of each individual letter to each church, Jesus promises a unique blessing to each member of these churches who overcomes. Again, these promises were specific to the Christians at the time John wrote Revelation and are also considered blessings/promises to Christians throughout the ages who overcome. Since there were seven (7) unique letters, there are seven (7) unique blessings or promises. This is not meant to be all inclusive of His promises throughout all of scripture or Revelation. He promises eternal life (tree of life), living in paradise (heaven/New Jerusalem), a crown (life), not hurt by the lake of fire (2^nd death), hidden reward, white stone with new name (personal acknowledgement), authority over nations (co-reign), dressed in white (righteousness), name written in the book of life (eternal life, escape white throne judgement), acknowledgement by Christ to the Father, becoming a pillar in the temple of God (citizenship in the New Jerusalem), new name in Christ, the right to sit with Christ on his throne (co-rule). What an amazing list of holy blessings or rewards!

7 Horns and 7 Eyes = 7 Lamps of Fire = 7 Spirits of God:

… “and from the seven Spirits which are befor his throne…And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead…And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God … And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.” (Rev. 1:4, 3:1, 4:5, 5:6). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Horns represent power. Jesus is described as being omnipotent; all powerful. The fact that Jesus is described as having seven (7) horns and seven (7) eyes reflects God’s divinely determined completeness as to his purpose or status. God’s ominpotent power in Jesus is absolutely complete and without question. Eyes represent knowledge, wisdom, understanding and sight. Jesus is omnipresent, all-seeing, all-knowing, everywhere at once. Nothing is beyond him or his gaze. God’s omnipresence in Jesus is absolutely complete and without question.

Seven-fold Description of Christ’s Countenance or Appearance:

1. Long garment/robe girded with a golden belt. (Rev. 1:13)
2. Head/Hair – white as wool or snow. (Rev. 1:14)
3. Eyes as a flame of fire. (Rev. 1:14)
4. Feet like refined brass. (Rev. 1:15)
5. Voice like the sound of many waters that contained a sharp, two-edged sword. (Rev. 1:16)
6. Right hand holding seven stars. (Rev. 1:16)
7. Countenance as strong as the sun’s brilliance. (Rev. 1:16)

Commentary: Brilliant, glorious, righteous, blinding, booming, polished, royal, powerful, sovereign, divine. A heavenly, awe-inspiring description! The physical appearance of Christ is correctly, and gloriously represented by these divine attributes. These seven  (7) descriptions reflect God’s divinely determined completeness as to his purpose or status. Jesus’ divine appearance is absolutely complete and without question.

Seven-fold Descriptions of Jesus to the Churches in Asia-Minor:

These are the words of …

1. To Ephesus … “him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden candelsticks.” (Rev. 2:1). (omnipotence, power, authorship).
2. To Smyrna … “him who the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.” (Rev. 2:8). (eternal, power over life and death).
3. To Pergamum … “him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.” (Rev. 2:12). (truth, judgement, power in His Word).
4. To Thyatria … “the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.” (Rev. 2:18). (glory, magnificence, strength, divinity).
5. To Sardis … “him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.” (Rev. 3:1). (divinity, authority, ominipotence).
6. To Philadelphia … “him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” (Rev. 3:7). (all powerful, righteous).
7. To Laodicea … “the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.” (Rev: 3:14). (unquestioned universal dominion, rulership, authority)

Commentary: At the beginning of each individual letter to each individual church, Jesus identifies himself with a unique title, name or description. Since there were seven (7) unique letters, there are seven (7) unique names of Jesus. This is not meant to be all inclusive of His names or descriptions throughout all of scripture or Revelation. However, these are how he chose to identify himself in his Revelation to the churches. These descriptions communicate his divinity, omnipresence, omnipotence, power, might, glory, righteousness, rulership, dominion, magnificence, authority, authorship, truthfulness, holiness. In keeping with the seven descriptions of Christ physical appearance, the seven names of Jesus continue to describe his spiritual attributes, abilities and holiness. These seven  (7) names of Jesus reflect God’s divinely determined completeness as to his purpose or plan. Jesus’ divine names are absolutely correct and without question.

Seven-fold Book Seals Opened by Christ: (1^st of 3 “Wraths”)

1. White horse (of the apocalypse) representing the Antichrist and his promise of false peace. (Rev. 6:2)
2. Red horse (of the apocalypse) representing War. (Rev. 6:4)
3. Black horse (of the apocalypse) representing Pestilence & Famine. (Rev. 6:5)
4. Pale horse (of the apocalypse) called Death and Hell. (Rev. 6:8)
5. Tribulation Saints, souls representing those who were martyred for their testimony of the Word of God. (Rev. 6:9-11)
6. Great earthquake, sun/black, moon/red, stars of heaven (fallen angels) fall to earth, heaven departing as a scroll, every mountain and island moved out their place (great earthquake). (Rev. 6:12-14)
7. Silence in Heaven for about half an hour, 7 angels given 7 trumpets for the next wraths, prayers of saints ascending to the throne of God, censer filled with fire from the alter cast to earth, voices, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake. (Rev. 8:1-6)

Commentary: First series of the three (3) wraths characterized as strong wrath. God is starting to dole out his wrath on the earth and sinful mankind. It starts with the appearance of the antichrist who promises false peace to those who follow him. God allows mankind’s sinfulness to run its course via wars, the famine and pestilence that always follows war, and ultimatley death that follows. The Seven (7) book seals are unique because God is allowing man to war against man as a means of God’s wrath. The other wraths that follow in Revelation are predominately aimed at the earth and mankind directly by God via supernatural means. In the seven (7) books seals, God does introduce supernatural wonders in the heavens and the earth. The last seal judgement (7^th) is somewhat of an enigma as to what it represents. I will suggest relatively simple interpretations. This seal indicats a brief interlude between what just happened on earth resulting from the book seal judgements to the next series (7 trumpets) of wrath. It is almost as if the heavely host were given a chance to catch their breath from what they just witnessed in anticipation of what is to come next. The heavenly host know that forthcoming judgement will be much worse than what was just witnessed and being experienced on earth. This brief interlude also provides emphasis that God is now giving seven angels special trumpets that when blown, will unless the next catastrophes.  The passage that talks about the prayers of the saints ascending to the throne of God, has a very simple and practical application. As a result of the redemptive process throughout Revelation, God takes this specifically mentioned time to listen to his saints being perscuted and crying out for judgement against the beast and his system during the Tribulation. These prayers are specifically offered up to the throne of God.

Seven-fold Angels Blowing 7 Trumpets: (2^nd of 3 “Wraths”)

1. Hail/Fire mingled with blood. 1/3 of the trees and grass burned up on the earth. (Rev. 8:7)
2. Great mountain burning with fire (meteor/asteroid?) cast into the sea. 1/3 of the sea becomes as blood. (Rev. 8:8-9)
3. Great star(s) falling from heaven (meteors), named “Wormwood”, burning as a lamp, causing 1/3 part of the fresh water on earth (rivers, fountins of water) to become bitter causing the deaths of many men who drink of this water. (Rev. 10-11)
4. 1/3 of the sun, moon and stars smitten (darkened), the sun, moon and stars darkened for 1/3 of the day/night. (Rev. 8-12)
5. Star (angel) falls from heaven to earth who is given the key to the bottomless pit which he opens. Smoke arises out of the pit darkening the sun and air, demonic locusts (demon hordes) are given power by Abbadon/Apollyon (king of the bottomless pit) like scorpions to sting/tormet men for five months. (Rev. 9:1-11)
6. Loosening of the four fallen angels that are bound in the great river Euphrates, at the exact hour for which they are prepared to kill 1/3 of men. (Rev. 9:14-21)
7. 7 thunders, sealing up those things just heard, great angel declaring there will be no more delay (time no longer) in God’s wrath, little book of bitter prophesies. (Rev. 10:1-11)

Commentary: Second series of the three (3) wraths are characterized as stronger wrath, increased in intensity and scope compared to the 1^st  series of book seals wrath. There are several themes contained in these verses. The first theme suggests that the intensity and scope of these judgements is more severe than the first book seals judgements. The second theme suggests that God is now starting to pour out more of his supernatural wrath against the earth and man’s environment which has sustained mankind for almost 6,000 years. All of these judements are supernatural and initiated by God, and not man. The third theme suggests that the trumpet wraths are limited to affecting just 1/3 of the heavens and earth in the areas prophesized. An easily overlooked point is that God could easily decimate all of mankind with these supernatural series of judements. The fourth theme suggest that in His inifinite mercy, God still chooses to exercise some restraint to allow for mankind to repent and accept Christ as their Savior and for the forgiveness of their sins. In the midst of unbelievable environmental disaster and afflication, God is still giving evil mankind an opportunity to participate in and benefit from the redemptive process from sin which He offers through Jesus Christ.

A fifth theme suggests there exists a point of debate as to whether or not some of these trumpet wraths are a result of nuclear war (wormwood, bitterness, airborne dust and smoke that blot out the heavenlies). These are exactly the description of what would occur during a worldwide series of nuclear strikes! However, the descriptions also accurately depict the devastation that would be caused by a catastrophic asteriod hit and/or a series of meteors (shower) hammering the earth with radioactive materials. Extreme, violent volcanism could also be responsible for this destruction on earth. As I am fond of doing, I like to use blockbuster movies to bring to mind, as close as possible, some of the symbolism and descriptions contained in prophecy. These may be a bit of a cliché, but they still serve the purpose.

It has been a few years now since Bruce Willis starred in a summer sci-fi blockbuster called Armageddon. Some of you may recall that this movie graphically depicted the devastation caused by meteor shower strikes on the earth and a looming, planet destroying asteroid that is on a bullseye track to hit earth. The resulting collision would bring about nuclear winter (the blotting out of the sun and the resulting planetary wide destruction of the environment). Ironically, this movie may have been a shadow of things to come when God pours out his supernatural wrath during the seven trumpet judgements. The last comment I will suggest on this topic is scientific in nature. Picture in your mind, for a minute, the green-blue earth spinning on its axis with land masses, oceans and freshwater rivers/lakes existing on all sides of our home.  In order for 1/3 of the environment to be destroyed, a devastating meteor shower would have to strafe the earth, over a period of time as the earth rotates. A terrifying visual indeed! As a result, my interpretation is that the trumpet judgements are not the result of man-made nuclear war, but rather, the outpouring of God’s supernatural wrath using the materials in the heavens that are at his disposal and command. This interpretation stays within the supernatural context of these combined verses.

A sixth theme occurs when God utilizes demonic hordes to exercise his wrath against the sinful world. Although this is supernatural in context with the other judgements, it is different in the sense that the demonic is now given the ability to inflict scorpion like pain on those who do not have the seal of God in their foreheads. So as to not be repetitive, see my comments below concerning these demonic hordes in the seven descriptions of the demonic locusts. The demonic theme continues as referenced by the four fallen angels, who have been supernaturally imprisoned in the Euphrates river.  Whereas the demonic hordes/locust like creatures are given authority to inflict excrutiating pain, the demonic fallen angles are given authority to kill 1/3 of mankind. That would be close to 2.5 to 3.0 billion people by today’s population estimates.

Lastly, a seventh theme is suggested. In addition to the actual wraths described that are poured out onto the earth and evil mankind, the last trumpet suggests some mystery and prophecy that is yet to unfold. Some eschatologists believe that this verse alludes to earlier versus and prophecies in the bible that suggest additional woes of sort, during the Tribulation. Some believe that this verse refers to the final seven (7) vial plagues. Yet, others believe that “sealing up that was just heard” and the “bitter little book of prophesy”, is something additional that is mysteriously hidden from men’s knowledge today, but will be revealed in proper time during the Tribulation and/or Great Tribulation periods.

Seven-fold Angels Pouring 7 Golden Vials = 7 Last Plagues: (3^rd of 3 “Wraths”)

1. Noisome and grievous sores upon the men which had the mark of the beast and worshipped his image. (Rev.16:2)
2. Sea becomes as the blood of a dead man and every living soul dies in the sea. ( Rev. 16:3)
3. Rivers and fountains of waters became blood. (Rev. 16:4)
4. The sun is given the power to scorch men with fire. (Rev. 16:8-9)
5. The kingdom of the beast is put into total (full) darkness. (Rev. 16:10-11)
6. Great river Euphrares is dried up. (Rev. 16:12)
7. Great voice from heaven saying “It is done”, voices, lightnings, thunders and a great earthquake, such as has never been on the earth, “so mighty and so great”. City of Babylon split into three parts. Islands and mountains disappear. Great hail falling from heaven, each hail stone having the weight of about a talent. (Rev. 16:17-21)

Commentary: Third series of the three (3) wraths, characterized as the strongest wrath with the most intensity compared to the Seal and Trumpet wraths. These are considered the last plagues or wrath poured out on the earth and mankind. Notice that almost all these plagues directly affect the earth (which sustains man’s ability to live and exist). What started out as partial affects on the earth, sun, moon, stars, rivers, foliage, etc., in the seal and trumpet wraths has now become a total affect. Interestingly, the very last vial plague states, “It is done.” God’s wrath has been totally poured out on the earth and mankind. Babylon is annihilated in one hour by an catacylsmic earthquake. Hidden in all three (3) wrath phases is God’s mercy. How can that be? God, in his infinite mercy, chooses not to pour out total wrath or destruction all at once. He chooses to do it incrementally and give evil man a chance to repent and accept Christ’s offer of salvation after each series of wraths. God metaphorically ‘turns up the heat’ in each successive series of wraths in order to shake up the most hardened of hearts. He wants men to repent of their sins throughout the entire Tribulation and Great Tribulation period. However, the Bible is clear that many (most) men “repent not”, and instead curse God.

Seven-fold Reference to Angels Instructing Other Angels:

1. … “And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, two whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea.” (Rev. 7:2). (Emphasis added).
2. … “Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” (Rev. 7:3). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And the sixth angel sounded sounded, and I heard a voice from the four altar horns of he golden altar which is before God,” (Rev. 9:13). (Emphasis added).
4. … “Saying to the sixth angel which had th trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.” (Rev. 9:14). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thurst in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” (Rev. 14:15). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.” (Rev. 14:18). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.” (Rev. 16:1). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Angels instruct or command other angels to execute God’s will. Those angels closest to ‘central-command’ (God’s throne room) issue commands and instructions as desired by God. Lesser angels in turn execute God’s judgements and wraths in God’s administration of heaven and of earth. It is a simple chain of command structure as used in the military. Everyone (angels) have certain or specific roles and tasks to accomplish once they are authorized to do so. Plain and simple. An angel’s role in instructing or commanding another angel is one of the twenty-four (24) angelic roles identified in the book of Revelation. See a detailed commentary on angelic roles in the last chapter (twenty-four’s) of this book.

Seven-fold Reference of God’s Wrath on Earth:

1. Great Earthquake, sun becomes black, moon becamse as blood. (Rev. 6:12-14). Jesus Christ / 6^th seal from book.
2. Third part (1/3^rd) part of trees and grass burned up by fire, blood and hail. (Rev. 8:7). 1^st angel / 1^st trumpet wrath.
3. Third part (1/3^rd) part of sea becomes as blood from a mountain buring with fire that was cast into the sea. Third part (1/3^rd) part of sea creatures are killed and ships are destroyed. (Rev. 8:8). 2^nd angel / 2^nd trumpet wrath. Sea becomes totally dead as the blood of a dead man, everything living dies in the sea. (Rev. 16:3). 2^nd angel / 2^nd vial plague.
4. Third part (1/3^rd) part of rivers, fountains and waters are made bitter by a star named Wormwood. (Rev. 8:10-11). 3^rd angel / 3^rd trumpet wrath. Rivers, fountains and waters become total blood. (Rev. 16:4-6). 3^rd angel / 3^rd vial plague.
5. Third part (1/3^rd) of the sun, moon and stars are smitten with darkness resulting in sunlight for only 2/3^rd of the day, and moon and star light for only 2/3^rd of the night. (Rev. 8:12). 4^th angel / 4^th trumpet wrath.
6. Total darkness of the beast’s kingdom and his “seat” (capital), men repent not. (Rev. 16:10-11). 5^th angel / 5^th vial plague.
7. Great river Euphrates is dried up. (Rev. 16:12). 6^th angel / 6^th vial plague.

Commentary: God’s wrath is poured out on both the earth and man. The verses referenced above indicate the seven wraths poured out on nature, directly. These incrementally increasing wraths affect all of a nature. The sun, moon, stars, seas, freshwater systems, rivers,  and the earth’s structural integrity. Everything that supports life for man on earth is affected. By affecting nature, God is affecting evil mankind’s ability to maintain life. Most of the wraths poured out in the trumpet and vial judgements affect nature directly. The seven-fold wrath’s of judgement poured out on the earth are complete, total and part of God’s divine purpose or plan. EVERYTHING on earth and in the immediate heavens (not heaven) are affected. Whereas Christ begins God’s wrath by opening the book seal judgements, angels are the entities responsible for administering God’s trumpet wraths and vial plagues upon the earth.

Seven-fold Thunders:

… “And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.” (Rev. 10:3-4). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: These two verses have to be taken into context with surrounding verses to be fully understood. The scene starts with John seeing a mighty and glorious angel who has a mysterious little book in his hand that contains bitter prophecies. John then hears the seven thunders commanding him NOT to write what he just heard. The mighty angel then acknowledges, by the divine authority of God, that there will be no more delay (time no longer) in witholding God’s judgements and increased wrath. Why would God command John not to prophesy about what he was just told by the seven thunders? God is letting us know, through this commandment to John, that this particular set of prophesies were not meant to be known. They are to be mysterious and will be revealed during the Tribulation when appropriate. Revelation 10:7 indicates that this mystery of God will be finished when the voice of the seventh angel is sounded. God is excercising his will as what to make known and what not to be made known.  The best we can do is speculate, but I will not go down that path. The only hint that God gives us is through the proclamation from the great angel who indicates that the little book of prophesies contains bitter events or judgements (Rev. 10:9-10).

7,000 Thousand Killed by a Great Earthquake:

… “And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and even gave glory to the God of heaven.” (Rev. 11:13). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: This verse, taken in context, is the last verse in Revelation 11 that describes the Tribulational ministry of the two supernatural witnesses (generally believed to be either/or/and, Moses and Elijha). After the antichrist mortally slays these two witnesses, they lay out in the open – unburied for 3 ½ days. After which, a great voice from heaven calls them up from heaven saying… “Come up hither.” Verse 13 then says that at the very same hour in which they are called into heaven, there is a great earthquake killing seven thousand men. The remnant of men that were not killed by the earthquake became extremely fightened by what just happened and end up giving glory to God.  Unfortunately, I don’t have statistics readily handy at my fingertips, but I am not aware of any modern era earthquake causing anywhere near 7,000 fatalities. This is a tremendous number of people to be killed. This great earthquake almost represents an exclamation point (or period) at the very end of the two wintnesses supernatural ministry. Very interestingly, this follows another biblical pattern as to the day/afternoon of when Christ was crucified, there was also an earthquake. … ‘Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truely this was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27:54). (Emphasis added). On September 19, 2017, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook Mexico City, killing at least 200 people.

7,000 years ending with the completion of the Millennium:

… “And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.” (Rev 20:2). (Emphasis added).

… “And cast him into th bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must loosed a little season.” (Rev 20:3). (Emphasis added).

… “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” (Rev 20:4). (Emphasis added).

… “But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first ressurection.” (Rev 20:5). (Emphasis added).

… “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the scond death hath no power, but they sall be priests of God and Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (Rev 20:6). (Emphasis added).

… “And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out his prison.” (Rev 20:7). (Emphasis added).

… “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (2 Peter 3:8). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: The term ‘millennium’ is not found in the bible, however, it is commonly interpreted as a 1,000 year period. There is a popular interpretation suggesting the earth is young (approximately 6,000 years old). This includes a 4,000 year period from the creation in Genesis to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. From His death and resurrection to now (the age of grace and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit) is the next 2,000 year period in history. The final 1,000 year period is in the future and will conclude a 7,000 year period in the continuation of eternity. The book of Genesis indicates that God created the earth in six days and rested on the seventh day (Gen 1:1-31, 2:3). There is an interesting correlation between the seventh day in which God rested and the last one thousand years in which the earth and mankind rest from wars and the affects that result from war. During this time, the earth will have been renewed to the Eden-like state that existed at creation. War will be a distant thing of the past. There are many verses and passages that refer to the millennium period as the point in time when Jesus Christ and His Saints will physically co-rule over the nations on earth with a “rod of iron” from the earthly city of Jerusalem. The end of the 1,000 year period also marks the time when God resurrects the evil dead, from throughout the prior 7,000 years, and proceeds to judge them at the white throne judgement for inclusion in the second death known as the lake of fire and brimstone. Satan will also be thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone at the end of the millennium and after his one last final rebellion against God and Christ – “let loosed for a little season.”

Seven-fold Symbolic Figures:

1. … “a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.” (Rev. 12:1-2). (Mother – Israel).
2. … “and behold a great dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.” (Rev. 12:3-4). (Satan-Devil).
3. “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon the horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth and the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and his great authority.” (Rev.13:1-2). (Antichrist, his political/military kingdom, and the location of his capital – Babylon City).
4. …”So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blashphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. (Rev. 17:3). (Mystery Religion Babylon and the ten nation political/military confederacy which supports the mystery religious system).
5. … “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 first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” (Rev. 13:11-12). (False Prophet).
6. … “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” (Rev 12:5). (Rapture/harpazo of the Chruch – Bride of Christ).
7. … “And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all of the tribes of the children of Israel.” “And I looked, and lo, a Lamb stood on the mout Zion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.” “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb withersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.” “And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” (Rev. 7:4, 14:1, 14:4, 14:5). (Jews who accepted Christ as their Savior, and are among the first men in the Tribulation to do so).

Commentary: Historically, Babylon has been used interchangeably to mean the actual, physical city where the antichrist has his capital, and to also mean the false religious system, and also to represent his evil political-military kingdom. Verse 17:9 clears up the mystery of what the seven heads with seven crowns mean …”The seven heads are seven mountains (not hills), on which the woman sitteth.” The geological description clearly suggests that where the city and false religion reside is nestled within mountains or mountain ranges. A crown was also historically used to describe a tall or large mountain. Seven Heads – Seven Crowns – Seven Mountains all mean the same thing and are used interchangeably. The ten (10) horns represent 10 kings or political rulers that make up the backbone of the antichrist’s political/military engine. They provide him with the political and military backing he needs to enforce his rulership. These 10 kings and nations support the false religion initially sold to the deceived masses of the world. It is likely that they will enforce the new mystery religion, along with beast worship, as the official religion of their nations/states/kingdoms. Their decision to endorse the false, mystery religion (Mystery Religion Babylon), acts as a form of politcal endorsement of the antichrist’s official religion.

Once Satan demonically possess’ the antichrist at the midpoint of the Tribulation and enacts his Abomination of Desolation in the rebuilt Jewish Temple, he demands total and complete world wide worship of him as God. The mystery religion of Babylon served its purpose to buy him time to get his system up and running, and also served as an effective ‘bait-n-switch’ strategy. Satan and the antichrist no longer need the services of their mystery religion and hence forth outlaw it and destroy it. The 10 kings follow this policy in lock-step fashion and proceed to abolish the mystery religion from their nations/states/kingdoms. The official religion of Satan/Antichrist/False Prophet is now the exclusive worship of the antichrist (indwelt by Satan himself). This is the only way that Satan can get mankind, nations and peoples of the world to worship him directly (is through his indwelling of the antichrist). The Dragon is clearly Satan, and he is literally kicked out of heaven with one-third  1/3^rd  of the angels (his fallen angelic co-horts and conspirators). He is thrust down to earth, with these evil co-horts, and immediately begins setting up his evil kingdom to be ruled by the antichrist. Satan commences to give the beast/antichrist his power, seat and authority.  Once he is on earth, Satan also wants to devour (destroy) the woman (Israel) and the child (Church), as the Church is in the process of being born (by being raptured).

It is generally understood (although some may suggest otherwise) that the current Church Age was conceived at Pentecost, by the indwelling of the Holy Spirity. Conversely, after nearly 2,000 years of gestation, the child (Church) will be born at some point in the near future as suggested by Rev. 12:1-5. Interestingly, Satan appears to know when this birth will occur and is waiting to destroy the child as it is being born. Miraculously, the child (Church) is caught up unto God immediatley as it is born. The child (Church) does not ascend up to heaven in glory as Christ did 2,000 years ago, instead, it is literally caught (just as a baby is caught immediately as it leaves the birth canal) and taken directly to the Grandfather (God and his throne). The man is Jesus Christ, he does not ascend, nor is he caught up unto heaven, nothing in these verses suggest anything like this. Notice, Satan is NOT sitting and waiting to devour the man (Jesus Christ), he is only waiting to devour the child. It is relatively easy to explain, why this is the case. Jesus Christ has never been threatened by Satan, in the past, present or future. There is no reason for God to catch up the man in verse 12:5. Jesus has already risen and sits at the right hand of God. To suggest that this verse refers to Christs ascension is not logical. The reference to Christ as the man occurs only once in the entire context of the surrounding verses 12:1-6. The word of God mentions the man in order to reference Christ’s ruling authority, with a rod of iron over the nations. Man (Christ) is co-mentioned with the child (Church) because the raptured Church is promised to co-reign with Christ, with a rod of iron over the nations. The concept of the Church co-reigning with Christ is repeated often throughout Revelation and is not a mystery or topic of great debate or discussion. Most Christians, who study the bible, know this promise and reward from Christ. The reference to both Christ and the Church co-ruling together is valid and unmistakeable as referenced in Rev. 12:5. The woman (Israel) is the mother who gave birth to Jesus Christ (man), through the line of Jacob and also birthed the Church,  Christianity (child).

Another reason that Satan won’t attempt to attack Christ is because Satan knows he is incapable of confronting and defeating Jesus Christ. Christ has already defeated Satan and Satan knows it is absolutely futile to attempt to confront Jesus Christ. A tactic used throughout history by two uneven adversaries, is for the lesser of the two adversaries to attack the loved ones / family / wife of the greater adversary. This is exactly the case here, Satan knows it is impossible to win against Christ, so he thinks of doing  the next best thing … going  after the loved ones of Christ, the Church, the Bride of Christ. God literally rescues Christ’s loved ones / Church / family / Bride and catches or snatches them before Satan can cause any harm. Grandpa (God) to the rescue! At this point, Satan is really ticked-off because he knows he can’t fight Christ, he knows the opportunity to destroy Christ’s family of loved ones was quickly grabbed away from him. So, he does the only thing left for him to do … he attempts to go after and destroy Israel, with a flood (Rev. 12:13-17). Notice his priority is to go after everything related to Jesus…first! He wants to attack Christ, but knows he can’t. He wants to go after the child (Church) and can’t. He goes after Israel with flood, but the earth opens up and diverts the flood waters away from the fleeing Israelites. They are then provided supernatual protection and sustenance for 3 ½ years. Yet, once again, Satan’s attempt through his antichrist fails miserably. Next in the pecking order of potential victims, Satan/antichrist goes after a remnant of Jews (the 144,000 virgins, from the tribes of Israel,  supernaturally sealed with God’s protection because of their faith in the Lamb). God shows us, repeatedly in these passages, that he loves and protects those who are his. They are spared his wrath which is intended for evil and evil mankind.

A final thought regarding all of these symbolic and mysterious references is that it helps to understand that Satan has ALWAYS tried to (unsuccessfully) duplicate what God has already done. Satan’s five (5) “I WILL” (Isaiah 14:13-14) indicates he desires to be and act like God. The only thing he can do is to falsely attempt duplicating whatever God has done. God offer salvation through his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Satan offers eternal damnation through the beast/antichrist (his false version of Jesus Christ). Jesus had John the Baptist and other saints proclaim and witness to his arrival. The beast/antichrist use a false prophet to sell the masses on a series of lies and false worship, that people desperately want to hear and swallow ‘hook-line-and-sinker’, to their eternal doom. Christ was crucified, died and buried, and on the following third day, he rose again. As such, there appears to be a either a political-military coup or a direct attempt at killing the beast/antchrist and he appears to be mortally wounded. However, he is Satanically healed, lives again to the wonderment of the world. Once again they are deceived by this extremely evil, false and blasphemous facsimle of Christ’s death and resurrection. Another relevant analogy of Satan attempting to duplicate God’s glory is through the establishmnt of the antichrist’s capital of Bablylon. It is an oppulent city of immense wealth, luxury, glitter and ‘bling’. Materialism and wealth worship unleashed. This is Satan’s idea of glory, give the people what they want, not what they need. This is obviously in sharp contrast to the city of New Jersusalem. Although New Jersusalem is an extremely beautiful city made of precious materials, the glory that powers this city is not wealth or the worship of wealth, but rather, it is filled with the glory of and powered by God and Jesus Christ. Jesus is the wealth of the city, not lucre. It is driven by true worship of Jesus, and not by the worship of money and/or luxury. Satan takes something holy and beautiful, created by God, and turns it completely inside-out and upside-down, into something evil, horrible and immensely ugly. Always has, always will.

Sevenfold Works of the Holy Spirit:

Prophecy comes from the Holy Spirit.

1. … “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” (Rev. 1:3). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And he said unto me, Thou must prophecy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues and kings.” (Rev. 10:11). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10). (Emphasis added).
4. … “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” (Rev. 22:7). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.” (Rev. 22:10). (Emphasis added).
6. … “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.” (Rev. 22:18). (Emphasis added).
7. “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Rev. 22:19). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: There are some who think that once the restrainer (Holy Spirit) is removed from the earth and evil flourishes, that the work of the Holy Spirit is done on earth. This thinking is short sighted because the work of the Holy Spirit includes more than just having restrained evil. The Holy Spirit was active in providing prophecy for Revelation over 2,000 years ago and in providing prophecy of Tribulation events throughout the Tribulation period. The Holy Spirit is alive and active during the Tribilation, just not in the manner of restraining evil. Providing prophecy for and during the Tribulation/Great Tribulation is one of the sevenfold works of the Holy Spirit. Notice that there are seven (7) references concering prophecy coming from the Holy Spirit (denoting God’s divine purpose or plan).

The prophets speak through the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. … “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first befotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priest unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” (Rev. 1:4-6). (Emphasis added).
2. … “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 1:9). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And I will give power unto my two witnesses (two prophets), and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.” (Rev. 11:3). (Emphasis added). The two witnesses are also refered to as “two prophets. (Rev. 11:10).

Commentary: The Holy Spirit empowers both John (the Apostle) and the two witnesses to prophesize. The entire book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ is a prophecy. The special two witnesses, who have the power to plague men for the first 3 ½ years of the Tribulation are empowered by the Holy Spirit to warn men, to provide men with the gospel of salvation and to prophecy regarding what will happen to men over the remaining period of time during the Tribulation. Notice that there are three (3) references regarding prophets speaking through the power of the Holy Spirit (denoting God’s intensity and emphasis).

Visions are received through the Holy Spirit.

1. … “And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.” (Rev. 4:2). (Emphasis added).
2. … “So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blaphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.” (Rev. 17:3). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,” (Rev. 21:10). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And I saw/was shewed, beheld/behold).” (49X). (Rev. 1:1, 1:2, 1:12, 1:17, 4:1, 5:1, 5:2, 5:6, 5:11, 6:1, 6:2, 6:8, 6:9, 6:12, 7:1, 7:2, 7:9, 8:2, 8:3, 9:1, 10:1, 13:1, 10:2, 10:3, 13:11, 14:14, 14:6, 15:1, 15:2, 15:15, 16:13, 17:1, 17:6, 17:12, 17:15, 17:18, 18:1, 19:11, 19:17, 19:19, 20:1, 20:4, 20:11, 20:12, 21:1, 21:2, 21:10, 21:22, 22:1). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Many of the events John the Apostle references are received from or through supernatural visions by the Holy Spirit. He references the event(s) as saw/was shewed, or beheld/behold. These are terms for seeing. John also specifically indicates that he was in the spirit (Holy Spirit). God uses his Holy Spirit to communicate with men, by visions and also by transporting men (presumably through space and time) to witness future events. No where else in the Bible is this more apparent than in the book of Revelation. Notice that there are four (4) references regarding visions coming from the Holy Spirit (denoting God’s foursquarness of balance or symmetry or a doubling confirmation).

The Holy Spirit speaks the words of God.

1. … “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” (7X). (Rev. 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:29, 3:6, 3:13, 3:22). (Emphasis added).
2. … “I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it nto the seven churches which are Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.” (Rev. 1:10-11). (Emphasis added).
3. … “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which mnust be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit; and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the the throne.” (Rev. 4:1-2). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And I hear another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” (Rev. 18:4-24). (Emphasis added).
5. … “If any man have an ear, let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the seord must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.” (Rev.13:9-10 ). (Emphasis added).
6. … “Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” (Rev. 14:13 ). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And the Spirit and the bride say, And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Not only does the Holy Spirit provide men with prophecy, empowers them to preach, provides them with visions, He also speaks the words of God. The word of God is powerful and causes effects, in and of itself.  All of the references indicate something being said and the recipient hearing. In several verses, the reference is clear that the Holy Spirit is speaking. Notice that there are seven (7) references regarding something being said by the Holy Spirit in the book of Revelation (denoting God’s divine purpose and plan).

The Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God.

1. … “And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.” (Rev. 1:16). (Emphasis added).
2. … “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with sword of the my mouth.” (Rev. 2:16). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the wine-press of the fierceness and wrath of Almight God.” (Rev. 19:15). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the folws were filled with their flesh.” (Rev. 19:21). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: A sword references something long, sharp, cutting, piercing, refined to a laser-like sharpness and strength by fire, handled with skill, accuracy and determination, used in fighting and for judgement, for killing. A sword can also represent pagentry, royalty, status, kingship, authority, power. The word of God, that Christ’s speaks at his second coming have every single one of these attributes. The word of God does it all. His word will rightfully judge and execute Christ’s enemies on the Day of the Lord. There is so much power and truth in God’s spoken word, that Christ does not need mechanized weapons to destroy his enemies. All he needs to do is literally speak the word of God, and his enemies will cease to exist. He will have the army of heaven accompanying him (angels and redeemed men). I believe our role in the army is more symbolic in that we will add to the glory of his appearing at his second coming. There is no fighting or effort on our part that would aid Christ in defeating his enemies. The word of God is strong enough, that is doesn’t need redeemed mans’ help in any way shape or form. Just as Christ defeated death and sin on our behalf, he will defeat evil enemies also on our behalf, for his glory. Christ will command and control (a military term) the word of God, just like a skilled swordman does with his sword. The word of God is a powerful sword that speaks literal truth and will literally kill Christ’s enemies. All four references indicated that this power comes directly out of the mouth of Christ, as he literally speaks the words of God. There is omnipotence in the word of God and Christ!

The Scriptures are Written through the Holy Spirit.

1. … “Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all the things he saw.” (Rev. 1:2). (Emphasis added).
2. … “Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.” (Rev. 1:19) (Emphasis added).
3. … “And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.” (Rev. 10:4). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” (Rev. 14:13). (Emphasis added).
5. … ”And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are call unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” (Rev. 19:9). (Emphasis added).
6. … “Unto the angel of the church (each of the seven churces in Asia-Minor), write;” (7X). (Rev. 2:1, 8, 12, 18, 3:1, 7, 14). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Ane he said unto me, It is done. Iam Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athrist of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Rev. 21:5-7). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Yet another attribute or work of the Holy Spirit is enable men to write (written communication) concerning the things of God. There are seven (7) distinct references in Revelation where the Holy Spirit command John “to write.” There is no mistake or confusion about the Holy Spirit specifically telling John told write. The seven (7) references to writing denote Gods divine plan and purpose.

The Holy Spirit Witnesses of Christ.

1. … “Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.” (Rev. 1:2). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,” (Rev. 1:5). (Emphasis added).
3. …”I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 1:9). (Emphasis added).
4. …”And when they (two witnesses) shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.” (Rev. 11:7). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10). (Emphasis added).
6. … “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book.” (Rev. 22:18). (Emphasis added).
7. … “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Rev. 22:20). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ testifies who is he is and his offer of salvation for mankind, through the forgiveness of their sins, the shedding of his blood and his resurrection. The the Holy Spirit, Jesus communicates (witnesses) the who, what, where, when, why and how of mankind’s salvation. This is know as the gospel of Jesus Christ. Once again, seven (7) references regarding the Holy Spirit witnessing to Christ denotes God’s divine purpose and plan.

Seven-fold Gifts of the Holy Spirit During the Tribulation Period:

1. Wisdom (to value the things of God).
2. Understanding (to grasp faith’s mysteries).
3. Counsel/Right Judgement (to make wise decisions).
4. Fortitude/Courage (to strengthen your will).
5. Knowledge (to enlighten your mind).
6. Piety/Reverence (to love and serve God).
7. Fear/Wonder and Awe of the Lord (to respect God’s majesty)

Commentary: This is a little bit of a mystery. How can the Holy Spirit work on the earth during the Tribution if He has been removed (as the restrainer of evil) along with the Church (Rapture/Harpazo)? Good question! Glad you asked. The Holy Spirit has done, is doing, and will do many mysterious works of God on earth. Yes, the Holy Spirit worked as a restrainer of Satan and evil, prior to the seven (7) year Tribulation period. The Tribulation Saints (those who are martryed for denying the Beast, the Beast’s world system and who do not take his mark) undoubetdly must have received the Holy Spirit in order to be able to withstand the Beast and to be saved by their belief in Christ along with their beheading (martrydom). Many of these gifts and/or attributes of the Holy Spirit will have to be present for the unbelieving/unrepenetant sinners during this period, in order for them to come to the conclusion that they need to be saved by Christ. It is my belief that the role of the Holy Spirit, during this period, will focus on helping with the conversion of souls since He no longer has the role of restraining Satan, the Antichrist, False Prophet or demonic hordes. Only the Holy Spirit can provide the saved person with enough fortitude/courage/ strength of will to not withdraw from the beheading that is staring them in the face. Think about this if it were you. It would take great courage to stare death in the face. How many people will renounce Christ in order to literally save their necks (and losing eternal life and salvation in the process)? The Holy Spirit truly knows who repented. Seven-fold gifts of the Holy denotes God’s divine plan and purpose.

Seven-fold Promised Blessings in Revelation:

1. … “Blessed in the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” (Rev. 1:3). (Emphasis added).
2. … “Then I heard a voice from heaven, say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.” (Rev. 14:13). (Emphasis added).
3. … “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.” (Rev. 16:15). (Emphasis added).
4. … “Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding super of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.” (Rev. 19:9). (Emphasis added).
5. … “Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” (Rev. 20:6). (Emphasis added).
6. … “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.” (Rev. 22:7). (Emphasis added).
7. … “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.” (Rev. 22:14). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: These seven blessings or beatitudes, are much like the promises Christ made to the church overcomers/victors in Revelation, chapters 2-3. These summarize the challenges and rewards for being victorious overcomers. These blessings are not all-inclusive of blessings and rewards mentioned throughout the Bible, but are just those specifically reveled by Jesus Christ to John, the Apostle. These blessings can be summed up as representing the spiritual status of each believer, as found by Christ, after Rapture/Harpazo. As such, these blessings, and our status, will remain intact for the rest of eternity. Christ will consider each overcomer to be righteous, a citizen of heaven, invited to the wedding feast, to have rest from their earthly labors, struggles and pain. Jesus also notes that he will take into account, and reward, each believer’s works/deeds done on earth for the benefit of his kingdom. Last, but not least, Jesus also reinforces his promise that Christians will co-reign with him on earth, in many other passages in Revelation.

7 Years of the Combined Tribulation and Great Tribulation Period(s):

• First 3 ½ years Tribulation … (First Half of the Seven Year Period):
  • … “And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therin. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months (3.5 years).” (Rev. 11:1-2). (Emphasis added).
  • … “And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days (3.5 years), clothed in sackloth.” (Rev. 11:3). (Emphasis added).
  • … “ And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to contine forty and two months (3.5 years).” (Rev. 13:5). (Emphasis added).
  • Breaking of the seven book seals by Christ, four (4) horsemen of the Apocalypse. (Rev. 6:1-8).

Midpoint:  Abomination of Desolation. (Mathew 44:22), (Mark 13:14). Satan indwells the beast/antichrist, defiles the rebuilt Jewish Temple by declaring he is God and to be worshipped as God. He also stops the Jewish practice of animal sacrifices for the atonment of sins and demands that the Jews worship him as God. Realizing that they (Jews) placed their faith in the wrong “messiah”, they give flight into the wilderness to avoid Satan’s persecution of them. It is also commonly believed that at this point, the Jews will mourn/woe/lament “for him who they pierced (Christ),” as Jews realize their historical mistake in antiquity and truly accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Midpoint: Mystery (Religion) Babylon is destroyed by 10 kings. (Rev. 17:16-17). Satan/beast destroy Mystery Religion Babylon, to make way for only the worship of Satan. Satan pulls of the greatest religious worship “bait-n-switch” in mankind’s history.

• Last 3 ½ years Great Tribulation … (Second Half of the Seven Year Period):
  • … “And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.”  (3.5 years). (Rev. 12:6-7). (Emphasis added).
  • … “And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time (3.5 years), from the face of the serpent.” (Rev. 12:14). (Emphasis added).
  • Administration of the Seven (7) trumpet wraths. (Rev. 8:1-13, 9:1-21, 11:15).
  • Administration of Seven (7) final vial plagues. God declares from his throne, “It is done.” (Rev. 16:17).
  • Battle of Armageddon. Christ’s second coming, “ Great Day of the Lord.” (Rev. 19:11-21).
  • Babylon “the great city” is destroyed in one hour at Christ’s Second Coming (Great Day of the Lord). (Rev. 18:8, 10, 17, 19).

Commentary: This particlar commentary is not meant to provide a very distinct, monthly or yearly timeline. It provides a general timeline of the events occuring during the Tribulation. There are events that occur distinctly at the beginning, middle and end of the seven (7) year period. Certain events occur logically before other events. With each successive wave of wrath”, the outpouring of God’s anger increases. The first three and half years of the Tribulation are characterized by the establishment of the worldwide beast system, Babylon City, Mystery Religion Babylon, wars – famines – pestilence – death of men, by men. Jews are given a false sense of peace and security. Satan, through the beast/antichrist,  allows the Jews rebuild their temple, just so he can cause the Abomination of Desolation in the temple, at the Tribulation mid-point. Also during the first  and half years, God provides the earth with his two supernatural witnesses or prophets to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is also at the midpoint of the Tribulation where the beast/antichrist is enabled to kill God’s two special witnesses.

Notice I did NOT provide a specific  day, week, month or a given year. Midpoint of the Tribulation period could theoretically be calculated once the Tribulation officially begins. However, no one knows the day, nor the hour of the rapture/harpazo of the Church, let alone, the timing or onset of the Tribulation. My personal belief is that anyone who will accept Christ and die in martyrdom, will have do so during the first three and half years of the Tribulation while the two witnesses proclaim the gospel. The final three and half years (Great Tribulation) is the period where God pours out his strongest and most comprehensive wrath upon the earth and heavens (not heaven) and to what is left of evil mankind. Trumpet and Vial judgements/wraths are administered during the final three and half year period. The end of the Great Tribulation and total seven (7) year period witnesses the Great Day of The Lord, the battle of Armageddon and the total destruction of the great city Babylon. These three major Biblical events take place on one day! The Bible is even clear that the destruction of Babylon takes place in just one hour, due to a cataclysmic earthquake. During the final three and half years, what is left of the Jews who fled into the wilderness are supernaturally protected by God and cared for. Most eschatalogists and students of Bible prophey believe the supernatural protection of the remaining Jews will be in the rock city of Petra.

Do the math! Divide 84 months over the entire course of the Tribulation/Great Tribulation by twenty-one (21) plagues or wraths (7 seal judgements, 7 trumpet judgements, 7 vial judgements = 21 judgements) = an average of one (1) wrath or judgement every four (4) months! Logic would suggest that due to the shear volume and number of wraths poured out over the Tribulation/Great Tribulation that there is an extremely high probability that many of these judgements will/could overlap one another. Don’t get lost in the forest trying to pin down when or how long each wrath of judgement occurs. The timing of these judgements over seven (7) is not what is particularly important as compared to what the wrath is and to what (earth or mankind) it is aimed at. Don’t loose sight of the big picture of what God is doing, according to his plan and purpose. He accomplishes his plan in due time, regardless of our perception of time.

The end of the Tribulation and Great Tribulation period(s) ushers in the 1,000 year Millennial Reign of Christ on earth and the New Jerusalem. The next Millennial period also ushers in the physical regeneration of the earth to an ‘Eden-like’ state and the physical regeneration of man, on earth. Earth has been so devasted by wars and God’s wrath, that He restores the creation of his earth. Likewise, the physical population of earth has been so decimated by wars and God’s wrath, that God uses the remnant of humanity to genetically restore the population of men. God repopulates earth in a manner similar to his repopulation of the animal kingdom and humans, after the flood of Noah.

Seven-fold Colors of the Rainbow:

1. The Apostle John describes colors of the rainbow around the throne of God. (Rev. 4:3).
2. The twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem are garnished with 12 precious stones. The last 7 stones mentioned (sardius, chrysolyte, beryl, topaz, chrysoprasus, jacinth, amethyst) have the colors of the rainbow. (Rev. 21:19-20).

Commentary: The seven (7) colors of the rainbow are a symbol from God that we are remembered, and also represent his Glory, Power as well as His covenant with man. It is apparent and appropriate that the foundation of the New Jerusalem would be garnished with these stones to reflect God’s glory, power and his completed/fulfilled covenants with Israel, the Church and Tribulation Saints. The seven rainbow colored stones are used in the actual foundations of the physically real New Jerusalem described throughout Revelation chapter 21. The beauty of the New Jerusalem will be unimaginable! The rainbow is described as a sign of God’s Mercy as well as the pact/covenant He made with Noah that the earth would not be destroyed again by a flood. (Gen. 9:8-17). Colors of the throne rainbow and their brightness are compared to the glory of God. (Ezek.1:26-28). Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet and the colors that make up the rainbow. Interestingly, all rainbow colors blended together combine to form the “white” glory of Righteousness.

Seven-fold Creation Praise of the Lamb:

… “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and praise.” (Rev. 5:12). (Emphasis added).

1. Power
2. Wealth
3. Wisdom
4. Strength
5. Honor
6. Glory
7. Praise

Commentary: The prior and following verses (Rev.5:11,13) describe an inmeasurable number of angels, four living creatures, the twenty-four (24) elders, every type of creature and creation forming a circle of worship around the throne. The first four descriptions are qualities that the Lamb posseses and the last three describe the response of the worshipers. The Lamb demonstrates his power and strength by conquering evil through his sacrificial death. The Lamb’s wealth indicates He is the giver of life. The Lamb’s wisdom illustrates his cooperation with God’s plan to offer salvation to the world through the cross and resurrection. The worshipers respond to the Lamb by giving him honor and glory and praise, and worship that is normally reserved for God is now offered to the Lamb (Rev. 4:11, 5:13, 7:12). As just referenced in these verses, the series of praise and worship is offered to the Lamb/Christ three times! The number three indicates emphasis and intensity!

Seven-fold Universality of All People:

1. Kindred, Tongue, People, Nation. (Rev. 5:9). People from this group are purchased for God by Christ.
2. Nations, Kindreds, People, Tongues. (Rev. 7:9). Great multitude in heaven is drawn from this group.
3. Peoples, Nations, Tongues, Kings. (Rev. 10:11). John is to prophesy about (or against?) this group.
4. People, Kindreds, Tongues, Nations. (Rev. 11:9). These unbelievers refuse to bury the two witnesses.
5. People, Kindreds, Tongues, Nations. (Rev. 13:7). The beast is given authority over these unbelievers.
6. Nation, Kindred, Tongue, People. (Rev. 14:6). The gospel is proclaimed to everyone who lives on the earth.
7. Peoples, Multitudes, Nations, Tongues. (Rev. 17:15). The prostitute sits on many waters, defined as this group.

Commentary: Kindreds = Tribes, Tongues = Languages. Although the order of the four descriptions in each verse differ slightly, the meaning is the same. These descriptions, which are repeated seven (7) times, are intended to describe the Universality of mankind in the context of the subject being written about by the Apostle John. In the overall context of salvation, God has provided salvation through Christ for ALL people. He desires a kingdom of multicultural people from all tribes, languages and nations.

Seven-fold Reference of White Raiment/Robes/Linen to Righteousness:

1. … “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (Rev. 3:4-5). (Emphasis added).
2. … “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” (Rev. 3:18). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.” (Rev. 4:4) (Emphasis added).
4. …: ”And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, that sould be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” (Rev. 6:11). (Emphasis added).
5. …” After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; … And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? And whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Rev. 7:9, 13, 14). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.” (Rev. 15:6). (Emphasis added).
7. … “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is 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 saints.” (Rev. 19:7-8). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: In John’s Revelation of Jesus Christ, white rainment, linens or robes are used as metaphors for having, and describing the righteousness of Christ. Who are these people that are described as having white raiment, linens or robes? Rev. 3:4-5 indicates that they are overcomers (those who remain faithful to Christ until the end of their lives). Rev. 4:4 indicates that they are the 24 crowned elders around the throne of God. These crowned elders represent a select group of redeemed saints from throughout the ages (they are not angels) and are part of God’s divine council of government. The number twelve (12) denotes a divinely constituted organization either in heaven or on earth. The number twenty-four (24) denontes God’s abundant (doubled) organizational arrangement (12×2). Many eschatalogists believe that twelve (12) elders are from the Old Testament and twelve (12) are from the New Testament. However, I believe the Bible is silent on this. The verses surrounding Rev. 6:11 indicate that these people who received white robes and were told to wait a little longer are the “Tribulation Saints martryed/beheaded for their belief and witness to Christ.” (Rev. 15:6) indicates these are the “righteous seven angels who pour out God’s wrath in the seven last vial plagues.” (Rev. 19:7-8) clearly indicates this group of people is the “Bride (church) of the Lamb”, which his redeemed people from the past, present and near future (until the Tribulation). As the Bible indicates in the above verses, white raiment indicates righteousness of both saints and angels as given to them by Christ.

Seven-fold Reference to the Book of Life:

1. … “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out him name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (Rev. 3:5). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Rev. 13:8). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And the beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” (Rev. 17:8). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things were written in the books, according to their works.” (Rev. 20:12). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And whosover was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Rev. 20:15). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsover worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Rev. 21:27). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Rev. 22:19). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Somehow, God has a way or a system, that accounts for the actions of men, their behaviors, their works and whether or not they accepted Jesus Christ’s offer of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins by the shedding of his blood and his resurrection. These things are kept or accounted for in what appears to be a book of ledgers (using an accounting term). Verse 21:27 is very explicit in stating that this book belongs to the Lamb (Jesus Christ). He is able to account for his own people, whose names are in his book. Conversely, if someone’s name is not in the book, he doesn’t know them (or, they never accepted his offer of salvation). If a person’s name is found in the book, then Jesus confirms to the Father “confess his name before my Father” that this person belongs to him. Those not found recorded in the book of life are lost and thus cast into the lake of fire. Just as a ship has a log or an accounting of every passenger who has paid, and is allowed on the ship, anyone found that is not on the log is cast away. In regards to Jesus Christ, he has already paid for us to be in his book of life and we accepted his ticket.

Seven-fold Acknowledgement of the Tribulation Saints (Martyrs):

1. … “And when he had opened the fifth seal, 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, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.“ (Rev. 6:9-11). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto death.“ (Rev. 12:11). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.” (Rev. 13:15). (Emphasis added).
4. … “ Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” (Rev. 14:12-13). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, having the harps of God.“ (Rev. 15:2). (Emphasis added).
6. … “For true and righteous are his judgements: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.“ (Rev. 19:2). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them: and I saw souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.“ (Rev. 20:4). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: The Bible makes it abundantly clear that the Tribulation Saints are those people that become Christians during the period of the Antichrist’s reign on earth, over the seven (7) year period. How do they become Saints in the eyes of Christ? They believe in and accept Christ as their Savior and for the forgiveness of their sins. They do NOT take the mark of the beast or the antichrist. They do NOT worship the beast/antichrist. They do NOT worship his image. They DO witness to the word of God and Jesus. They ARE martryed by beheading for believing in Jesus and witnessing for Him. They DO share in many of blessings and rewards that are also awarded to Christians from the Church Age (at the Rapture/Harpazo and Bema Seat Judgement). There is a very clear distinction between Christians redeemed by Christ prior to the Tribulation period, and those Christians redeemed during the Tribulation period. It is clear that they have to come to a saving grace knowledge of Jesus Christ, withstood the best efforts of Satan/Antichrist/False Prophet to thwart their salvation, and are beheaded for their belief and witnessing in Jesus Christ.

Seven-fold Description of the War of Armeggedon:

1. … “And the number of the army of horsemen were two hundred thousand, thousand: and I heard the number of them.” (Rev. (9:16-19). (Emphasis added).
2. … ”And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.” (Rev. 14:20). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.” (Rev. 16:12). (Emphasis added).
4. … “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.” (Rev. 16:14). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armadeddon.” (Rev. 16:16). (Emphasis added).
6. … “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (Rev. 17:14). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev. 19:11-21). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: This is the big one. The war to end all wars. The epic conflict between good and evil, in all of history. This battle will make other battles in history seem like minor skirmishes. The raw numbers of the combatants is mind boggling. The bloodshed is so great that its liquid volume is up to the height of horse bridles. Soldiers will be literally swimming and fighting in blood. It is an understatement to be able to imagine the horror, the smell, the flies, the imagery, the anguish, the pain. Birds, from far and wide, will sense the slaughter and flock to Armeggedon to literally peck, feast and gorge on human carcasses …  to the point that they can’t eat anymore. The arrogance and evil of Satan and mankind is so great to think that they can defeat the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS with common military equipment (no matter how modernized). This self deluded sense of power suggests insanity.  A military analogy would be that of a ‘pee-shooter’ going up a against a multi-headed nuclear weapon. A supernatural, one-sided, overwhelming victory is never questioned. The result is a foregone conclusion. The enemy should have surrendered before they even got into battle. Better yet, they should have never showed up in the first place. Instead, they should have spiritually surrendered to Christ for the forgiveness of their sins before they were physically annihilated. The analogies and metaphors could continue for pages. The Holy Spirit and word of God makes sure to describe Jesus Christ in a way that defines who he is, his status, his power, his righteousness to judge and defeat evil, where he comes from, who he commands and who supports him (not that he needs it). There is no question that Jesus Christ and the armies of heaven represent another form of Almighty God’s wrath. This battle is a bolded, underlined exclamation point (!), by God, at the end of the seven (7) combined years of the Tribulation period, or the Week of Jacob’s trouble.

Seven-fold Sescription of Christ on The Day of the Lord (Battle of Armageddon):

1. … “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” (Rev. 19:11). (Emphasis added).
2. … “His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself .” (Rev. 19:12). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.” (Rev. 19:13). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And the armies of which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.” (Rev. 19:14). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” (Rev. 19:15). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev. 19:16). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And the remnant were were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.” (Rev. 19:21). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Twenty-one (21) ‘And’s’  = 3 x 7! HOLD on to yours chairs! Count the number of ‘and’s’ in the seven (7) descriptions of Jesus Christ when he returns to earth on The Day of the Lord, (I have them underlined). There are 21 (twenty one), hidden in plain sight within the seven general descriptions of Christ. The Holy Spirit keeps prompting John the Apostle to use the word ‘and’ because they are so many descriptions of Christ to be made in these seven (7) verses. You may remember reading in one my other commentaries in this analysis that the number three (3) denotes emphasis and intensity, the number seven (7) denotes divingly determined completeness as to God’s purpose or plan. It is God’s purpose that the description of Jesus, on The Day of Lord, includes 21 attributes, descriptions and effects of his Son. There are so many indicated, that they literally have to be placed in seven (7) verses in order to be understood and differentiated from one another. Only God has the omnipotence to be able to hide mathematical accuracy, precision and truth in His word. God’s will is infinitely specific, down to a word that is used, where it is used, and how often it used, and in the context that it used. In the sevenfold description of Christ, God’s word is miraculous, on so many levels, not just mathematically. Many of us have read these passages countless times and have come away with an understanding that they do describe Jesus Christ accurately and precisely. There is no question as to who is being described. Just when we think we know what he have read, God comes along and opens and stretches our minds a little bit more and gives us a little more insight and wisdom from his word. The word of God is truly living and not static!

Seven-fold Exhortation from Christ for The Church to “Listen”:

… “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches”. (7X). (Rev. 2:7, 2:11, 2:17, 2:29, 3:6, 3:13, 3:22). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Jesus repeats this phrase seven (7) times, once to each of the seven churches (regardless of their spritual condition). Contrast these seven exhortations to almost the same exhortation in Rev. 13:9, “If any man have an ear, let him hear”. This verse occurs in between a series of passages that introduce us to the symbolic figures of the antichrist and false prophet in Revelation chapter 13. This passage ominously omits ‘unto the churches’. This fact puts another checkmark on the list for a pre-tribulation Rapture of the Church since the Bride (church) of the Lamb does not exist on earth during this period when the antichrist and false prophet enter the scene. The Church is not on earth to hear what is being inferred to by Rev. 13:9, since they are not the intended recipient of this message/exhortation. Once again, put another check-mark on the logical list of reasons for a pre-tribulation Rapture/Harpazo of the Church.

Seven-fold Worship of God by the Twenty-four (24) Elders:

1. … “And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.” (Rev. 4:4). (Emphasis added).
2. … “The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Though art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev. 4:10-11). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders felldown before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.” (Rev. 5:8) (Emphasis added).
4. … “And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. (Rev. 5:14). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God.” (Rev. 7:11-13). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God.” (Rev. 11:16). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.” (Rev. 19:4). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: The number twelve (12) denotes a divinely constituted organization either in heaven or on earth. The number twenty-four  (24) denontes God’s abundant (doubled) organizational arrangement (12 x 2). Many eschatalogists believe that 12 elders are from the Old Testament and 12 are from the New Testament. However, I believe the Bible is silent on this. The 7 passages of worship describe what the 24 elders look like, where they are, what they are doing and why they are doing it. They are clothed in white raiment and have golden crowns on their heads. This suggests that they are a very special, select group of redeemed people from throughout the ages who received their righteousness through Christ and were each awarded  any number of five (5) crowns that were promised to all believers (Crown of Righteousness – 2 Tim.4:8, Crown of Rejoicing – 1 Thessalonians 2:19, Imperishable Crown – 1 Cor. 9:24-25, Crown of Glory – 1 Peter 5:4, Crown of Life – Rev. 2:10). Rev. 4:4 also states that these crowns were gold. These gold crowns are promised to men/women, and not angels. Using an analogy from the sports world that most of us are familiar with, I liken these twenty-four (24) elders to Christ’s ‘MVPs’ (most valuable players) on his team throughout the ages. This doesn’t mean that he loves these people more than you or me. He loves everyone equally, both sinner and saint. MVPs in sports are rewarded and acknowledged for their exemplary accomplishments for the benefit of the team. Rather, I believe the descriptions of the twenty-four (24) elders suggests that at some point in history, they played a very special role and had a very special outcome for the benefit of Christ’s Kingdom. All the verses surrounding the Bema Seat judgement indicate that every Christian believer will receive awards (or have some of their potential rewards witheld), based on what they did (good works, fruit of the spirit) during their brief time on earth for the benefit of Christ.

The acts of worhip then continue indicating that these elders fall down and worhsip God/Christ. Prostrating oneself before God is showing divine worship by physically acknowledging God’s rule on his throne. They acknowledge and testify to the entire heavenly host (angels and saints) that God and Christ are worthy to be worshipped because He lives forever. These twenty-four (24) elders also publicly recognize and acknowledge God’s glory, honour and power (holy attributes). Next, they cast their crowns before Him. No, they are not given their crowns back to Christ or casting them aside. They remove their crowns to publicly acknowledge and admit that they were nothing, without Christ. They only have these crowns because of what Christ did for them and what the Holy Spirit did through them. I believe there is a two-fold intent for the casting of crowns at God’s throne. First, this is a heavenly public display and reminder that everyone, who has been saved, is in heaven because of God’s gift of mercy and salvation through Jesus Christ. Regardless of whether or not all of us receive one crown or another (or none), we are only in heaven because of what Christ did for all of us. Even these greatest, ‘MVP’ saints of Christ humbly acknowledge their redeemed status by casting their crowns at the throne of God, acknowledging from where these crowns originated.  Secondly, the act of physically removing crowns and placing them around the throne of God serves as a unique form of worship to God and Christ. A golden crown(s) would be briliant and shimmering greatly in heaven’s light, giving off blinding glory. The act of placing golden, shimmering crowns around the throne of God has the affect of figuratively and literally giving Him glory!

Next in the series of worship, the twenty-four (24) elders are descried as having harps (musical instruments) and vials full of the prayers of saints. This suggests that now, the elders are presenting and giving to God two things that are very pleasing to Him. First, music is a form of worship that pleases God. Secondly, the prayers of saints please God because they are evidence that his children are communicating with him and acknowledging who HE is (our Father). We don’t know if the vials are literal or symbolic. However, the point is that these elders somehow possess supernaturally the prayers of Christians and then present these to God as worship. Obviously, God/Jesus already know who pray to him. However, the public display of presenting these prayers to God, also acknowledges his glory and worthiness to receive the prayers. Prayers are a form of worship and should only be directed at God and Christ. The last several verses that describe the twenty-four (24) elders worshipping God/Christ indicate that they fell on their faces. This is one of the common themes or acts of worship in the sevenfold throne room acts worship of God. “I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” (Isaiah 45:23). (emphasis added). Now, the twenty-four (24) elders appear to be worshipping God/Christ at a higher, more intense level by actually falling onto their faces. Knees bowing and faces falling are physical acts of worship.

Last, but not least, tucked away in these verses are strange references to four beasts (or creatures). Other verses attempt to describe what these beasts look like. Their role, like those of the twenty-four (24) elders, appears to be that of worshipping God. These creatures are clearly not redeemed saints or angels, but a unique creation of God, which live in heaven. In the sevenfold worship of God/Christ, these beasts serve a specific role and place in worshipping. They were created to have the ability to worship God since he created them as well as us (and they perhaps have the ability for other forms of heavenly service, as well). Why would heavenly beasts be included in the sevenfold worship of God? Not only is it right for men to worship God, but the rest of his creation will acknowledge and worship him, both heavenly and earthly created beings.

Seven-fold Reference to Christ’s Reign on Earth:

1. … “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works until the end, to him will I give power over the nations.” (Rev. 2:26). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And he shall rule them with a rod of iron: as the vesels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.” (Rev. 2:27). (Emphasis added).
3. … “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 of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” (Rev. 11:15). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” (Rev. 12:5). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And out his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the wine-press of the fierceness and wrath of Almight God.” (Rev. 19:15). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” (Rev. 20:4). (Emphasis added).
7. … “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (Rev. 20:6). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: These verses are clear and straightforward, in my mind there isn’t any difficult symbolism to interpret or any sort of mystery as to what they say. Obviously, and clearly, they indicate that God’s plan includes his only begotten son, Jesus Christ, ruling all the nations on earth, during the millenium (1,000 year period), with a “rod of iron”. So as to not be overly redundant, there are many verses in John’s Revelation of Jesus Christ, which are referenced throughout this article, that clearly communicate Jesus’ promise to overcomers and his Church, that they will co-reign with him on earth over the nations during the millennium. Interestingly, Jesus also clearly indicated that in addition to his overcomers and his Church, the Tribulation Saints will share in his co-ruling authority on earth (Rev. 20:4).

Unless you were living in a cave with a large stone covering the opening, you had to be aware of all the debate, discussion and excitement concerning the Revelation 12 “Great Sign in Heaven” in 2017. I will not attempt to go into all that in this article, however, Scottie Clarke (and others) researched this unique heavenly phenomenon ad-nauseum and a great many details and points can be watched on Mr. Clarke’s videos. My personal belief is that Mr. Clarke is correct in his understanding of this great sign as representing the Rapture/Harpazo. You may choose to disagree with me, or Mr. Clark, that is your freedom to do so. Like most everyone else, I was extremely excited and in hopeful anticpation of the Lord’s return for his Bride during that week in September, 2017. Personally, I believe this Great Sign was a wake-up call from God, a proverbial two-by-four (piece of wood) to the side-of-the-head of eschatalogical watchers, to wake up. Think of a celestial ‘alarm clock’, if you will. Time to wake up you sleepy heads! In addition, a cold bucket of water was thrown on our collective heads since the Rapture did not occur, in order for us to keep watching, to stay awake,  to stay excited and to tell those “who have ears to hear” that we are in the final season.

For the most part, the world is still fast asleep, has no alarm clock or intention of getting one. If they have one, its in the attic or basement broken and getting rusty. For many in today’s churches, they keep hitting the snooze button on all things prophecy related or think it’s a bad dream and they will wake up none-the-wiser. Its going to take a very violent shaking of the bed to wake them up, just like what we have to do sometimes with our over-sleeping teenagers. O.K., the “Great Sign” did in fact occur in the heavens in September 2017. O.K. this sign was/is a wake-up call for sleepy heads in the church and in the watcher community, O.K. this sign could be interpreted as the much anticipated ‘exit coming soon sign for the Rapture of Christ’s Bride. But, Who is the ‘man’? Who is the ‘child’ Are they one? Which one or both will “rule the nations” with a “rod of iron”? Who gets caught up unto  God’s thone? These questions have been hotly debated currently and in past centuries. However, I believe the answer is right under our noses.

Our first clue is that BOTH the man and the child are to rule the nations with a “rod of iron” (Rev. 12:5). Taken individually, or collectively, it is obvious that they will co-rule together (hence the reference to man child which is a collective description). This verse clearly indicates that both will rule nations. The sevenfold verses of Christ’s rule on earth clearly indicate that He, in fact, will rule the nations of the earth. The only entity in the Bible being described as having a “sharp sword or two-edged sword” is Christ. This is because of the power and might of his word and authority over the nations. His earthly reign should be obvious, and logical, given these and other verses in the Bible that attest to this fact. O.K., what about the ‘child’, who is that? Taking these seven verses together, it should be obvious that the ‘child’ is the redeemed saints/Church/Bride of Christ. The Holy Spirit is revealing these facts, through John’s visions, seven (7) times so there is no mistaking who the ‘man’ and the ‘child’ are. By logical default, the ‘man’ can be no other than Jesus Christ and the ‘child’ can be no other than God’s children or Christ’s redeemed saints (one in the same). This should hopefully clear things up a bit. Now the sticky-part. Who is “caught up unto God, and to his throne”? (Rev. 12:5) It can’t be Christ. Why? Christ has never been in danger from or threatened by the Devil/Satan which is set to devour the woman’s child (Rev. 12:4). Christ has already won the victory over evil and death, has ascended to heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. Additionally, Ascending does not equate to being ‘caught up’ or ‘snatched up’. Christ ascending is a glorious, majestic rising in victory as a result of His crucifixion and resurrection. Christ did not need to be ‘caught up’, ‘snatched up’ or otherwise grabbed up and rescued. Notice, Satan thinks he can devour/destroy the child (Church of Christ). This verse clearly indicates that he not waiting to devour/destroy the ‘man’. Satan knows he can’t confront Christ’s power directly and also knows that he has already been defeated by Christ, instead, he is aiming to destroy God’s children. This has been a tactic since antiquity, the lesser of two opponents will attack the greater opponents family or loved ones.

It is believed that Christ’s Church was conceived during the indwelling of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Rev. 12:2,4, indicates that the woman “being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.” This suggest that the woman (Israel) is in pain because the child (Christ’s Church / Bride / God’s Children / Overcomers / Those redeemed by the Blood of Christ) is ready to be born. Taken in total context, Christ’s Church was conceived on Pentecost and will be born at the Rapture/Harpazo. At some point in the extremely near future, it will have taken Christ’s church or the ‘child’ over 2,000 years to mature enough to the point of being able and healthy enough to be born, according to God’s plan and perfect time table. Symbolically, the Children of God will not be stillborn or left in the womb to die. The child has to be born! The Devil knows this and is at the ready to destroy the children of God or the child as it is ready to be born. The last clue, and I think this is the clincher, that the Church / Bride of Christ (child) is the one ‘caught up’ is in the very last sentence in Rev. 12:5…”and her CHILD was caught up unto God, and to his throne.” (Emphasis added). The child is caught up to God’s throne and not the man (Jesus). I don’t know how the Holy Spirit could have prompted John to use any simpler language than what was used in this verse.  Jesus is already in heaven on his throne at the right hand of God, the Father.

Seven-fold Reference to Prophecy:

1. … “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” (Rev. 1:3). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And he said unto me, Thou must prophecy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues and kings.” (Rev. 10:11). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10). (Emphasis added).
4. … “Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” (Rev. 22:7). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.” (Rev. 22:10). (Emphasis added).
6. … “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.” (Rev. 22:18). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” (Rev. 22:19). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Blessings and warnings are issued in conjunction with prophetic writing or proclamations. Blessed is he who reads, hears, understands and takes to heart what is proclaimed by the prophecy (the entire book of Revelation). Conversely, another prophecy states that God will pass judgement on anyone who detracts from, or adds to his word that has already been provided. Don’t mess with, or distort what God has proclaimed. The end is near, time is at hand. Don’t hide or ignore the prophecy of Revelation. Don’t seal it up and stick it away in a drawer, filing cabinet, entertainment center, nightstand or box in the basement or attic. It is meant to be opened,  read, understood and acted upon NOW! The Revelation of Jesus Christ to the Apostle John is the answer to the question of “why study bible prophecy?” It can’t be stated any clearer than that.

Seven-fold Reference to The Day of the Lord:

1. … “And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Rev. 5:16-17). (Emphasis added).
2. … “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.” (Rev. 16:14). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” (Rev. 16:16). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.” (Rev. 14:19-20). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings on hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chose and faithful.” (Rev. 17:12-14). (Emphasis added).
6. … ”And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse: and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness hedoth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the wine-press of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Rev. 19:11-16). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.” (Rev. 19:21). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: References to “The Day of the Lord” have been thrown around enough to be interpreted as pertaining to events occuring throughout the seven (7) year combined Tribulation period, or to be directly related to the very last day when Christ comes to earth (his second coming) with the armies of heaven. Using the seven references listed above as a guide to God’s word, it is clear that an understanding to “The Day of the Lord” is to mean the triumphant return of Christ and his victory over his enemies at Armegeddon. Each verse is very clear in describing Christ and what happens during this day. Although not directly described in these verses, other verses indicate that Babylon (city) is destroyed in just one hour, during Christ’s second coming. Christ returns like a lion, roaring, full of glory, strength, judgement, righteousness, wrath and a sharp two sided sword that is the word of God. He is able to destroy his enemies with just a word from his mouth, no multitipped nuclear missiles are needed. Christians who propose and subscribe to a ‘pre-trib’ rapture/harpazo (as do I), will quickly and accurately note that Christ returns with a unique army from heaven. He is followd by people riding white horses clothed in white linen (righteousness). These are the redeemed in Christ who have been given righteousness through their belief in Christ’s salvation from the forgiveness of their sins. Only the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS can give this righteousness to a person who has been raptured, glorified, partakes of the Bride’s supper and Bema seat judgement. The ‘blessed hope’ of these events occur seven years prior to, and well in advance of the Day of the Lord’s second return to earth to conquer his enemies. Artists for countless centuries have tried, with varying degrees of success, to capture the immense glory and power of Christ during his second coming on the Day of the Lord. Man is woefully inadequate in his skill to capture and portray this event in its glory, intensity and scope.

Seven-fold Title of Jesus:

1. (1X). (Rev. 11:15)
2. (3X). (Rev. 17:6, 19:10, 22:16)
3. (1X). (Rev. 11;15, 12:10)
4. Lord Jesus. (1X). (Rev. 22:20)
5. Jesus Christ. (4X) (Rev. 1:2, 1:5, 1:9, 22:16)
6. Lord Jesus Christ. (1X). (Rev. 22:21)
7. (24X). (Rev. 5:6, 5:8, 5:12, 5:13, 6:1, 6:16, 7:10, 7:14, 7:17, 12:11, 13:8, 14:4, 14:10, 15:3, 17:14, 19:7, 19:9, 21:9, 21:14, 21:22, 21:23, 21:27, 22:1, 22:3)

 Commentary: These are capitalized titles and names, and are not descriptive elements.

X = the number of time a Title was referenced.

Jesus Christ (4X) + Jesus (3X) = 7 Title References = Completeness of God’s divine plan or purpose.

Jesus Christ (4X) + Christ (2X) + Lord (1X) = 7 Title References = Completeness of God’s divine plan or purpose.

Jesus Christ (4X) + Christ (2X) + Lord Jesus (1X) = 7 Title References = Completeness of God’s divine plan or purpose

Jesus Christ (4X) + Christ (2X) + Lord Jesus Christ (1X) = 7 Title References = Completeness of God’s divine plan or purpose.

Lamb (24X) = 24 Title References = God’s abundant / doubled organizational arrangement.

The mystery of God’s omnipotence of truth in the titles of his only begotton son, Jesus Christ. Numbers within numbers, still equal God’s truth, no matter how you calculate them! Layers upon layers. Truth upon truth. Mystery upon mystery. Meaning upon meaning. Changing the sequence in the combinations of His titles does not change the value or meaning associated with his title(s)! No matter the order, they still come up 7X (seven combined title references). Only God could have designed the combinations of Jesus’ titles in such a way that all the combinations still equal or reflect the completeness of God’s divine plan or purpose in his Son, Jesus Christ.

2 times the referene of something = Solid Confirmation.

3 times the reference of something = Emphasis and Intensity.

4 times the reference of something = Foursquareness, solidness and balance of symmetry, intelligence of purpose or design.

7 times the reference of something = Divinely determined completeness as to God’s purpose or plan.

12 times the reference of something = Divinely constitued organization either in heaven or earth.

24 times the reference of something = God’s abundant (doubled / 2 x 12) organizational arrangement.

The title of ‘Lamb’ is extremely significant or important. Through this name or title of Jesus, God is reminding us twenty-four (24) times  that Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sins, he was slaughtered as a lamb so that we could be saved. This fact is so important to God, of what Christ did for us on the cross, that it keeps getting repeated and repeated and repeated above all the other titles or names of Jesus. The number twenty-four (24) also indicates that Jesus will be the ruler (King of Kings and Lord of Lords) over his kingdom/government on earth. Yes, the bible has many verses attesting to Jesus’ government on earth, in Jerusalem, during the millennium. Also, indicated throughout the the book of Revelation (and referenced in this analysis), redeemed Christians are promised a role in the participation and co-reign of Jesus’ government on earth. The bible is silent on the extent of these roles, or how they will be administered. Nonetheless, we will participate with Jesus in administering his government for the one thousand year period known at the millennium. Last, but not least, notice that there are no (none, zero, nada) references of five (5) or six (6) names or titles to Jesus. The number five (5) is reserved for Satan, and the number six (6) is resereved for evil man (mankind, beast, false-prophet – 666). God, through the Holy Spirit is so accurate in his naming of Jesus, that he specifically leaves out five (5) or six (6) number of references since these numbers refer to evil. Mind boggling accuracy and truth within truth, numbers within numbers and meaning within meaning.

Sevenfold Descriptions of Jesus Christ Given to the Seven Churches (Asia-Minor):

1. faithful witness. (Rev. 1:5, 3:14)
2. first begotten of the dead, liveth – died – and lives forever more. (Rev. 1:5, 1:18, 2:8)
3. prince of kings of the earth. (Rev. 1:5)
4. him that loved us. (Rev. 1:5)
5. washed us from our sins in his blood. (Rev. 1:5)
6. made us kings and priest to God. (Rev. 1:6)
7. key of David, has the keys of hell and death. (Rev. 1:18, 3:7)

Commentary: These are descriptive attributes, and not names or titles. Items 1-3 indicate who he is. Items 4-6 indicate what he did for us. Item 7 indicates what he has, or holds. Each of these attributes follow one another, in perfect sequence, through Revelation chapters 1 through 3. Interestingly, these descriptive attributes are only mentioned at the beginning of the Bible in the verses to the seven (7) churches in Asia-Minor. They are not found anywhere else later in Revelation.

Seven-fold Reference of Jesus Christ as Faithful and True:

1. … “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” (Rev. 1:5). (Emphasis added).
2. … “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.” (Rev. 3:14). (emphasis added).
3. … “And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are they ways, thou King of saints.” (Rev. 15:3). (Emphasis added).
4. … “For true and righteous are his judgements; for he hath judged the great whore, which did did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.” (Rev. 19:2). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” (Rev. 19:11). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” (Rev. 21:5). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.” (Rev. 22:6). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Definitions of True; Being in accordance with the actual state of affairs. Conformable to an essential reality. Fully realized or fulfilled. Ideal, Essential, Consistant. Being that which is the case rather that what is manifest or assumed. Steadfast, Loyal, Honest, Just, Legitimate, Truthful, Rightful, Accurate. That which is fitted or formed or that functions accurately. Conformable to a standard or pattern. Logical, Necessary, Narrow, Strict. Trueness, Truthfulness. Definitions of Faithful; Steadfast in affection or allegiance. Firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty. Given with strong assurance. True to the facts, to a standard, or to an original. Loyal, Conscientious, Binding. Faith, Faithfully, Faithfulness. Jesus Christ is True and Faithful, in his word, actions, attributes, judgements, works, name and status (seven qualities!!!!!!!). When capitalized in the Bible, the word is meant to be read as a title or actual name, when the term is not capitalized, it is meant to be read as a descriptive element. F(f)aithful and T(t)rue thus has the duality of being both a name and description of Jesus Christ.

Seven-fold Promises of the New Jerusalem:

1. God will dwell with men, (tabernacle). (3X). (Rev. 21:3, 21:22, 22:3)
2. Communion with God/Jesus, (water of life). (3X). (Rev. 21:6, 22:1, 22:17)
3. Eternal Life, (tree of life). (3X). (Rev. 2:7, 22:2, 22:14)
4. Heavenly Citizenship, (made a pillar in the temple). (3X). (Rev. 3:12, 21:3, 22:14)
5. No sickness, disease, death, tears, pain (these have passed away). (3X). (Rev. 7:16, 7:17, 21:4)
6. All things made new. (3X). (Rev. 21:1, 21:2 and 21:5)
7. No need for sun or moon, (glory of God and the Lamb light the city). (3X). (Rev. 21:23, 21:25, 22:5)

Commentary: It is easy to forget what Christ promised to those who overcome evil and love him. It seems that most of the book of Revelation focuses on the gloom and doom that awaits evil mankind. And to a certain degree this is true. Almost the entire book of Revelation focuses on the refinement and redemption of Israel,  the wrath poured out on the earth and evil men and the subsequent establishment of the Millennial Reign of Christ on earth. Nonetheless, tucked away in the verses referenced above are Christ’s promises to those who love him and abide by his word. He is very specific in these promises, that require faith (that they will occur) on the part of a Christian. Carefully notice where these verses are placed, they all almost completely occur in the first couple of chapters of Revelation (to the seven churches in Asia-Minor) or in the last couple of chapters of Revelation concerning life in the New Jerusalem. These promises have to do with our own physical/spiritual well-being, with our relationship to God and Christ and with our surroundings. Notice that each promise received exactly three (3) references! Three denoties God’s emphasis and intensity!!! It is not a coincidence that the Holy Spirit references these promises exactly three (3) times. Each promise is of equal weight, importance or benefit to a Christian. One promise is not more significant or of greater value than another promise. Each promise should be considered of equal value or importance. Keep in mind that these promises ALL become manifest IN the New Jerusalem (which itself is a mind boggling blessing and reward for the Bride of Christ).

Seven-fold Reference to Christian Patience:

1. … “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 1:9). (Emphasis added).
2. … “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and they are not, and has found them liars:” (Rev. 2:2). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast labored, and hast not fainted.” (Rev. 2:3). (Emphasis added).
4. … “I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.” (Rev. 2:19). (Emphasis added).
5. … “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” (Rev. 3:10). (Emphasis added).
6. … “He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and faith of the saints.” (Rev. 13:10). (Emphasis added).
7. … “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” (Rev. 14:12). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: When Christ is using the term patience, he is referring to the patience Christians have with one another. He is referring to the patience he has for us.  He is acknowledging our patience in waiting for him and our effort to seek his will and word. It takes time, and patience to effectively study the word of God, and to wait and wait, and wait on God to answer a faithful prayer. Something that is almost gone in our culture today. Christ ranks patience, up there with faith works, charity, service and faith. It is that important, and overlooked by many Christians. It is because of this, Christ repeats himself seven times to signify its importance. As an American, I’m just as guilty of this as most of us in our culture. Time is too short, things don’t go fast enough. I stress out when I’m stuck in a two hour commute on the freeway, just to get downtown. We want things now, not later. Eternity? What’s that? I’m trying to make it through the day and get the kids to soccer practice by 6:00pm (or earlier).

As I said, patience and time are a lost commodity today, and Christ knows this. Just as an olympic athlete (as of the time I write this) has had to train hard and for a long time; they know they will have to be patient for their performance to improve, for their times to come down or for their speed or for strength or accuracy to improve. Results and improvements do not happen overnight. It takes patience, dedication and discipline. The same skills Christ wants us to acquire in this life for his eternal kingdom. Physical training for the olympics and spiritual Christian discipleship both take great patience to overcome the stumbling blocks and setbacks that eventually befall all of us. We have to pick ourselves up, to have the patience to keep moving forward and to not give in to the temptations and idols of this world. Christ knows how hard it is to acquire the skill of patience and values this attribute greatly.

Seven-fold Group Worship of God:

1. … “And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever. The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev. 4:8-11). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours (incense), which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals therof: for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation: And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on earth.” (Rev. 5:8-10). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beast said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.” (Rev. 5:11-14). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.” (Rev. 7:11-12). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: For true and righteous are his judgements: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.” ( 19:1). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.” (Rev. 19:4). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” (Rev. 19:6). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Immemdiately after Jesus finishes his directives to the seven churches in Asia-Minor (first three chapters of Revelation), the focus of Revelation changes drastically to a miraculous scene in Heaven. Starting with verse 4:1, John is carried by the Holy Spirit to the throne of God where he begins to describe what he sees … someone glorious sitting on a throne and various entities surrounding the throne who commence to worship the one sitting on the throne. The seven references to group worship include; 101,000,000 angels, great multitudes of redeemed souls, four (4) beasts or heavenly creatures, and twenty-four (24) elders. Their worship takes many forms; singing, music, thankfulness, giving honor and glory, praising, acknowledging, witnessing, prostating (falling on faces). We know that “much, many, multitudes” of people in heaven are the redeemed souls from the Age of Grace (Church Age) and also from the Tribulation Saints because these people specifically acknowledge their salvation from Jesus/God. They praise God by saying he was correct in judging Bablyon (great whore) because she deceived and led people of the earth astray. The Tribulation Saints ask God how long it will be until their bloodshed, caused by the beast/antichrist, will be avenged. God utimately destroys Babylon, in his perfectd timing. They acknowledge (past tense) God was just in destroying Babylon and in avenging their martydom/beheading caused by the evil Babylonian kingdom, at the hands of the beast (antichrist).

Here’s the math on the number of angels; ten thousand (10,000) times (x) ten thousand (10,000) = one hundred million (100,000,000) plus (+) thousands (1,000) times thousands (1,000). 1,000 x 1,000 = 1 million (1,000,000). Thus, we arrive at 101,000,000 (100,000,000 + 1,000,000). The description of this number by John, indicates that he “beheld and heard” this. Rev. 7:11 indicates that this number is “all of the angels”, not some … not a few … not a group of special angels or some subset of the angelic realm, but … ALL angels. I interpret this literally means 101,000,000 million angels surrounding the throne. The throne room of God is big enough to accommodate this many angels, heavenly creatures and the immeasurable multitudes of redeemed souls. The scene John describes is the largest spiritual gathering of God’s creation in history, either side of heaven.

An interesting side note of mathematics, for contemplation or consideration. Rev. 12:4 indicates that a third (1/3 or 33% or .33) of the angels of heaven rebelled against God and were thrown out of heaven, along with the ringleader or instigator of their coup … Satan. If we know 101,000,000 ‘good or holy’ angels are still in heaven worshipping God, then they must (mathematically speaking) be roughly equivalent to two thirds (2/3 or 66% or .66) of the total number of angels created by God. So, what is the original number of angels created by God, before the rebellion? Answer: 151,000,000.

151,000,000 x .6666666 (decimal equivalent to the number of holy angels)  = 100,666,656 or 101,000,000  holy angels (rounded).

151,000,000 x .3333333 (decimal equivalent to the number of fallen angels) = 49,999,995 or 50,000,000 fallen (rounded).

For the mathematically inclined, please notice that I calculated these total numbers using seven digit spaces to the right of the decimal point. We know that, mathematically speaking, the number seven (7) indicates divinely determined completeness as to God’s purpose or plan. Using a multiplier seven digits to the right of the decimal point, gets as close as we can to being able to understand the completeness of God’s decision to create the number of ‘good, holy’ angels stated in Rev. 5:11. All of my calculations are based upon my very literal interpretation of the number of angels indicated in Rev. 5:11.

For mathematical nit-pickers, numbers these large are usually rounded the nearest million. Even if the original number of total angels was much greater or significantly higher… say 100 billion, or 100 trillion, the percentages (%) of holy and fallen angels stay the same. In any case, the number of ‘good guys’ outnumber the ‘bad guys’ by an easily to understand ratio of 2:1! Two good, holy angels for every one bad, fallen angel. Isn’t math fun! Why would God only create 151 million angels, or more? Everything in creation is finite (no matter how it is measured). This is true, no matter how big the number of something seems to be to us. Our view of size or greatness of number, is a matter of perspective. We are finite creatures and have a finite perspective. The only thing infinite is God.

God does not create anything that is more infinite than him, in terms of size, number, scope or of any other kind of measurement. Although men (souls/spirits) and angels are everlasting and eternal, they are still finite creations and limited in number, no matter how big the actual number of them be. We also know that angels do not procreate nor will we procreate once we are in heaven and have glorified bodies. Because angels’ spiritual bodies are eternal and our glorified bodies will be enternal (no death of body, nor need of physical body in heaven), there is no need for procreation. Procreation is required on earth, not in heaven, in order to continue the physical regeneration of mankind after each of his generations pass away. As such, we should have a jaw-dropping, awe-inspired, sense of wonder, mystery and thankfulness, that each one of us (a very small finite speck) will fit into the kingdom of Jesus Christ and God. Although we are finitely small, Jesus loves us infinitely great. This is mind boggling and difficult to comprehend, if you consider it mathematically, logically and spiritually. But, you don’t have to go through all of this. God tells us to have childlike faith and believe that Christ died for our sins by shedding his blood and being resurrected again to that we too, can have eternal life. What a concept, taking the complex and simplifying it to the point of just asking us to have childlike faith. Why is that so hard for so many people?

Seven-fold Reference to Earthquakes:

1. … “And I beheld when he had opened the sixt seal, and lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood.” (Rev. 6:12). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.” (Rev. 6:14). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.” (Rev. 8:5). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.” (Rev. 11:13). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” (Rev. 11:19). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And there were voices and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of wine of the fierceness of his wrath.” (Rev. 16:18-19). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.” (Rev. 16:20). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Even before the week of Jacob’s trouble or the Tribulation period, Christ warned mankind that the nearness of his return would be accompanied by the increasing frequency, intensity, scope and destruction of earthquakes. The references to earthquakes during the Tribulation take the destruction experienced from pre-tribulation earthquakes to a whole new, global level. Large portions of cities, and entire cities are quickly destroyed around the world. Babylon, capital of the evil empire and home to the Mystery Religion, is split into three parts and destoyed within one hour. Imagine New York City, San Francisco, London, Paris, Tokyo, Rome, Hongkong or Moscow suddenly being split into three sections and totally destroyed within one hour. Yes, within one hour! The devastation would be complete and unimagineable! The cataclysmic effect of the ‘great, such-as-was-not-since-men-were-upon-the-earth-earthquake’ is to literally level mountains, destroy/submerge islands and level entire cities. I am not physical (geological) scientist, but this almost appears to represent an entire global, axis shift and/or shifting of continents. The shifting of the earth on its axis or of its continental shelves, would cause tremendous inter-continental stress on the earth’s crust. Rev.16:18-19 clearly indicates that cities in nations, around the world, fall due to this gobal, cataclysmic earthquake. There is no hiding in hills, bunkers, mountains, remote islands, high rises or any other natural or manmade shelter. Everything is flattened. Around the world. The itensity of this earthquake will most likely be off the Richter Scale (a numerical scale for expressing the magnitude of an earthquake on the basis of seismograph oscillations). The more destructive earthquakes typically have magnitudes between about 5.5 and 8.9; the scale is logarithmic and a difference of one represents an approximate thirtyfold difference in magnitude.

My hypothesis, in keeping with Biblical, mathematical accuracy and truth, is that the ‘great earthquake’ that man has never, nor will ever again experience, will probably be at the level of 10.0 (which is off of the Richter Scale shown). Why do I say 10.0? Ten (10) Biblically denotes allness or completeness in a physical way, as to things on earth. Going from 7.0 to 8.0 is a thirty-fold increase in magnitude or strength, going from 8.0 to 9.0 is yet another increase in magnitude or strength of thirtyfold, lastly, going from 9.0 to 10.0 is yet another thirtyfold increase in magnitude or strength. Therefore, going from 7.0 to 10.0 on the scale is logarithmically a 30 x 30 x 30 (27,000%) increase in magnitude or strength. This is unimaginable, unless you think of it mathematically, Biblically. Keep in mind, Seismologists (scientists who study earthquakes and what causes them) consider an earthquake between 7.0 and 8.0 to be major or severe, and capable of causing great devastation and fatalities. Someone who is an expert in the geological sciences could probably calculate what magnitude of earthquake would be required to occur to cause such cataclysmic destruction as described from the ‘greatest earthquake in mankind’s history’. If you continue to extrapolate the logarithmic slope line shown below from 8.9 to a hypothetical 10.0 on the scale, the slope line would be almost completely vertical as you near 10.0 (off the charts). An earthquake with a magnitude of destruction of 10.0 would indeed affect the whole world, not just one city on one continent. Note, Seismologists rate an earthquake just below 9.0 as ‘GREAT’, what would an earthquake of 10.0 be? Cataclysmic? Scary. I am probably not using the right or appropriate term to describe the devastating effects of a 10.0 earthquake. This is a hypothesis based on mathematics, Richter scale benchmarks and Biblical truth in the representation of numbers. I am not a Geologist or Seismologist, nor do I have any scientific training in this area. I challenge someone more skilled than myself in this discipline, to calculate the destructive power of a 10.0 earthquake (or greater, if possible). I apologize in advance if my calculation or hypothesis is wrong. My attempt is an honest attempt, once again, at trying to understand and explain something that has only been described Biblically, in a general way. Mankind did not have a Richter scale, or scientific benchmark system to measure earthquakes, back in the days of John, the Apostle. They only knew how bad an earthquake was by the amount of devastation it caused, and how much money they would have to beg from Rome, in order to rebuild.

Seven-fold Reference to Lightning, Voices, Thunders:

1. … “And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God.” (Rev. 4:5). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.” (Rev. 6:1). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.” (Rev. 8:5). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” (Rev. 11:19). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty and earthquake, and so great.” (Rev. 16:18). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” (Rev. 19:6). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” (Rev. 19:6). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Lightnings, Voices and Thunders from/in heaven have the following effects on man. They can cause fear, trembling, questions, and hiding. They can also inspire awe, mystery and wonder. They can be terrifying, or immensely beautiful, depending on your perspective (and spiritual health). They get our attention, one way or another. Depending on the context in the surrounding verses, these can either be a wake-up call, or signaling judgement. They also represent an intensity or exclamation point regarding the subject at hand. During the next spring, summer or fall thunder/lightning storm, look at it from the different perspectives just identified. Although lightning and thunders occur now, think of how much more intense they will be during the Tribulation period. Whereas distant thunder can be kind of soothing and comforting during a gentle spring shower, this will not be the case during the week of Jacob’s trouble. God will be shouting and yelling and shaking things to get mans’ attention to seek salvation through Jesus Christ. In other words, think of a celestial light and sound show, on steroids. For most of the past 2,000 years, Jesus has quietly knocked at our spirtual doors to see who would open them to invite him into our house. During the tribulation, he will be shaking our house, street, neighborhood and country to get our attention via voices, thunderings and lightenings. He is not going to let a door get in his way. The Lion of Judah will roar!

Seven-fold Reference to Crowns:

1. Righteous- the Redeemed / Overcomers … “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Rev. 2:10). (Emphasis added).
2. Righteous – the Church Elders … “And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.” “The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying…” (Rev. 4:4, 4:10). (Emphasis added).
3. Righteous – Twelve Tribes of Israel … “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.” (Rev. 12:1). (Emphasis added).
4. Righteous – Christ … “His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.” (Rev. 19:12). (Emphasis added).
5. Evil – the Beast / Antichrist … “And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” (Rev. 6:2). (Emphasis added).
6. *Evil – Beast Kingdom Kings … “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.” (Rev. 12:3). (Emphasis added).
7. **Evil – Beast Kingdom Kings … “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy .” (Rev. 13:1). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: A crown represents, rulership and authority (in heaven and on earth). In the case of the redeemed, a crown also means victory, righteousness, reward, acknowledgement and glory received from Jesus Christ. A crown signifies that we will co-reign with Christ on earth, during the Millenium, as kings and priests. A crown signifies that we have overcome the best attempts by Satan to thwart our redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ. A crown signifies the victories we have achieved through Christ, over our sin, weaknesses, trials, tribulations, pesecutions, struggles, afflications, addictions, pains, illnesses, diseases, and death. A crown signifies what we have accomplished for Christ’s kingdom. Thus it reminds us of not only what we escaped or lost, but also of what we gained. A crown represents participation in Christ’s fully divine and complete government. A crown reminds us of who we are in Christ. We only have a crown because of and by him. No one else can accomplish this in us. The five (5) crowns that are uniquely available to all of us are; The crown of righteousness, crown of life, crown of glory, crown of rejoicing, crown of incorruptibility. I believe crowns are both symbolic and physical in Christ’s kingdom, in heaven and on earth. Crowns will shine with the glory of Christ forever, and will never tarnish or need polishing.

*seven crowns refers to seven mountains. These seven mountains represent the physical geography surrounding evil throne city (capital) of Babylon. The antichrist will rule and reign from this city for seven years. The reference of crowns is still valid, since they represents the antichrist’s rule and reign. The descriptive use the term crowns is symbolic, but very applicable.

**ten crowns refer to ten (10) kings or political leaders (rulers) that many believe will be from the ten countries or region of a revived Roman Empire from throughout the European region. During the tribulation, there will be many new political and military realignments and alliances, that result from the forming of the antichrist’s political and military regime. Many kings or leaders, throughout the world, will compromise their policies in favor of saving their necks, in keeping their false sense of political authority and in keeping allegiance to the antichrist’s ruling authority. They will trade truth for lies, to keep from losing their heads.

Seven-fold Themes of Revelation:

1. The Church, its spiritual condition, the Rapture/Harpazo, wedding feast, co-heirs and co-rulers with Christ.
2. Redemption of Israel and fulfillment of convenants making Jerusalem the center of the world and Christ’s Kingdom on earth.
3. Wrath of God on a sinful world through wars, famines, plagues, pestilence, great natural disasters, demonic persecution and supernatural destruction. God allows man’s sin to run its course, God allows evil to run rampant, God allows supernatural calamities to affect both unrepentant man and the world’s environment, which sustains man.
4. Destruction of Jesus’ enemies (Babylon, False World Religion, Satan, Antichrist, False Prophet, Demonic Hordes, Fallen Angels, Unrepentant Man, Ressurected Evil Dead), Day of the Lord, White Throne Judgement, Lake of Fire.
5. Contiued proclamation of the Gospel and offer of salvation from two supernatual prophets/witnesses, one mighty angel proclaiming the gospel, 144,000 jewish witnesses, and witness/testimony from the tribulation saints/marytrs.
6. Judgements of Christians, the non-saved and nations (Bema Seat, White Throne, Sheep vs. Goat). Resurrections of the dead in Christ (rapture, good works in faith rewarded at Bema Seat) and the evil dead who are ressurected at the end of millenium to be judged at the White Throne judgement and sent to the lake of fire. The evil dead are not found in the book of life. Conversely, those redeemed by Christ are found in the book of life.
7. Establishment of Christ’s Kingdom and rule on earth, transformation/renewal of the earth, the heavenly New Jerusalem and the Millenium, continuation of eternity.

Commentary: These seven (7) themes sum up what Revelation is all about and God’s divine plan and purpose for both evil man, redeemed man and Israel (Jews). These themes tend to be interwoven together throughout the book of Revelation. However, when discernment is utilized and applied to the book as a whole, these themes become apparent. These seven (7) themes are Revelation ‘in a nutshell’. Kind of a ‘cliff-notes’ of sorts regarding the scope to the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Every single theme is prophecy related. Virtually every theme occurs AFTER the rapture/harpazo of the Church (Bride of Christ). As of the day I write this, everything is future (but imminent).

Seven-fold Perspectives of Christ’s Work in Revelation:  

1. Seven (7) Churches; (Rev. 2:1-3:22). Jesus is building his church, shepharding to its strengths/weaknesses, promising blessings to the faithfull overcomers. Jesus reigns over his kingdom on earth along with his redeemed overcomers, during the millenium.
2. Seven (7) Seals; (Rev. 4:1-8:1). Jesus is the only one worthy in heaven to administer God’s judgement because he is the Lamb who was slain.
3. Seven (7) Trumpets; (Rev. 11:3-12, 14:6-7). Jesus continues to offer salvation to mankind via his two supernatural witnesses (candlesticks of the gospel) and a mighty angel having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them on earth. Jesus continues His redemptive process to those who do NOT take the mark of the beast (anti-christ), nor worship the beast and his image.
4. Seven (7) Vials; (Rev. 15:1-16:21). Jesus brings God’s final judgements upon unrepenting mankind and the physical earth.
5. Seven (7) Symbolic Figures; (Rev. 12:1-14:20) Jesus has victory over his enemies. Satan, the antichrist, the false prophet, Babylon City, Mystery Religion Babylon, kings’ armys at Armeggedon, evil nations and evil mankind. Jesus also has victory over sin and death through his death and resurrection.
6. Seven (7) Wonders of New Jerusalem; (Rev. 21:1-22:7). Jesus creates a heavenly city, New Jerusalem to tabernacle with his saints for eternity.
7. New heaven and new earth; (21:1). The old, fomer things are past away. (Rev. 21:4). Jesus transforms our bodies, earth and heaven into something new, glorious and miraculous.

Commentary: As glorious and unfathomable is Jesus’ work of salvation for us, he does more than save us. I have bolded comments after each applicable verse in Revelation that highlight his continued work in creation, on behalf of God the Father. He wins victory over evil and his enemies. He conquers death. He provides eternal life. He makes all things new. He rules earth during the Millennium. He builds a new heavely city (New Jerusalem), he tranforms our bodies, he completes and manifests many other promises made to those who love him. Most of the New Testament focuses on the salvation provided by Jesus Christ, through the forgiveness of sins, shedding of his blood and his resurrection (as it should). The book of Revelation thus provides a picture of the additional things that Christ does on earth and in heaven. These activities give insight to his divinity, his power, his love, his rulership and his status. God’s redemption of man and renewal of creation is made manifest through the work of his only begotten son, Jesus Christ.

Seven-fold References to the great city of Babylon:

1. … “And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” (Rev. 14:8). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” (Rev. 17:18). (Emphasis added).
3. … “Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour is thy judgement come.” (Rev. 18:10). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls.” (Rev. 18:16). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!” (Rev. 18:18). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! For in one hour is she made desolate.” (Rev. 18:19). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.” (Rev. 18:21). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: “great city” is a descriptive reference for the physical city of Babylon. This is not a descriptive reference to Mystery Religion Babylon. Babylon City is described as “great” (not in a positive sense, but in a negative sense) because of what the city does throughout the earth during the Tribulation. It serves as a home-base for the Mystery Religion of Babylon. It serves as the capital for the Babylon kingdom. The city is decked out in massive, earthly wealth and material splendor. The glory of Jesus Christ or God is not found anywhere in Babylon City.  Worship of Jesus Christ and God is not found anywhere in the city. The city is home to all sorts of foul, evil/unclean spirits and likewise men. As far as the values of evil men, the great city of Babylon has it all. Everything evil can be found in Babylon City, the “great city.” Nonetheless, Babylon City is crushed within one hour during the Day of the Lord’s return. A massive, worldwide eqrthquake splits this city into three parts. The destruction so great and consuming, that smoke of her burning can be seen many miles away at sea. Businessmen and merchants don’t want to go anywhere near the “great city” because they are afraid that they might receive the same fate due to association. They lament, because their best customer just got hammered and their gravy train has ended. Thus, their profits and gain have so ended. So much for the “great city.” It was quickly thrown away and destroyed just like a giant mill-stone thrown into the sea. Never to be found again.

Seven-fold Description of the Demonic Locusts from the Bottomless Pit:

1. Shapes like horses prepared for battle. (Rev. 9:7)
2. Appearance like gold crowns on their head. (Rev. 9:7)
3. Faces like mens’ faces. (Rev. 9:7)
4. Hair like the hair of women, teeth like lions. (Rev. 9:8)
5. Wings that sounded like chariots with many horses, rushing to battle. (Rev. 9:9)
6. Tails like scorpions, power to hurt men five months. (Rev. 9:10)
7. Had a king named Abaddon or Apollyon. (Rev. 9:12)

Commentary: John did his best to describe things that he saw that were indescribable to him during his day. He had to use terms that would be familiar to both him and readers throughout the ages. I would have had just as much difficulty describing whatever John saw. These are demonic locusts (or some type of creature) from the bottomless pit. Most moviegoers are somewhat familiar with the Alien and Predator horror/science fiction movies starring Sigourney Weaver (Alien) and Arnold Swarzennegger (Predator). If you were John, sitting in a cave in Patmos, how would you describe the ‘Alien’ or ‘Predator’ creature if you were given a vision of such a demonic creature? My interpretation suggests that of a demonic creature. It was commanded of them that they should not hurt the grass, trees or anything green and only those men who do not have the seal of god in their foreheads. Modern weaponry is indiscriminate in what it destroys on the earth and would be unable to differentiate who is spritually sealed by God. The demons who Christ cast out of people during his ministry on earth knew who Christ was and were very fearful of his authority. So to will these demon’s know who is ‘fair game to torment’ and who is not to be tormented. This has a supernatural element to it that modern weaponary does not meet. Lastly, these verses are very specific where these creatures come from … the bottomless pit. For the sake of brevity, the Bible is clear that the bottomloss pit was reserved for the worst and most demonic of fallen angels and creatures. Kind of like a ‘maximum security” prison.’

Seven-fold Description of the Antichrist’s Army at Armageddon:

1. 200,000,000 million men on horses. (Rev. 19:16)
2. breastplates of fire. (Rev. 19:17)
3. breastplates of jacinth. (Rev. 19:17)
4. breastplates of brimestone. (Rev. 19:17)
5. heads of the horses were like lions heads. (Rev. 19:17)
6. mouths issuing fire, smoke and brimestone. (Rev. 19:18)
7. power in their tails that were like serpents’ stings. (Rev. 19:19)

Commentary: This imagery has the same challenges of describing the demonic locusts/creatures. Again, the Apostle John did his best to describe what he saw in terms that people throughout the ages might generally understand. The number of the army (200 M.) is straightforward and has not been debated. John specifically says he “heard the number of them”. The rest of the descriptons very much sound like modern day weaponized instruments. Breastplates are described as armour or tactical gear worn by today’s soldiers or military. “Lions heads’ suggest that these horses/machines have a “booming roar” or sound of a lion, which provides a sound image of tanks, artillery, mounted munitions fired from helicopters, planes and drones. “Mouths issuing fire, smoke, brimestone”, provides the imagery of artillery shells, rockets, high calliber ammo, tank shells being fired. Watch any video on YouTube of any recent, actual modern warfare, and notice the fire and smoke that is emmited from the cannon which issued the ordinance (I’m trying to use military speak). Sorry, military folks, if I’m not using the right vernacular. The atmospheric trail of the ordinance, while airborne, is one of smoke. Brimestone provides imagery of a flaming hot spear, hurtling through the skies, giving off fire and smoke. Mobile mounted rocket launchers and other cannons are generally mounted towards the rear of the vehicle transporting them and could be described as having “the sting of serpents in their tails”. The horses described by John the Apostle are our modern day weapons of war.

Seven-fold Men Hiding from Christ on the Great Day of the Lord:

1. Kings of the earth.
2. Great Men.
3. Rich Men.
4. Chief Captains.
5. Mighty Men.
6. Bondmen.
7. Freemen.

Commentary: (Rev. 6:15-17) … “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Emphasis added). Like scared mice, men hide under and behind rocks because of the glory and wrath of Jesus Christ on the day of his return or second coming. Today, milionaires and billionaires (and political elite) are building bunkers and enclaves in mountains and islands,  with the thought they they will be able to withstand a nuclear holocaust. It is the wrong solution to the wrong problem. They won’t be able to hide themselves when Jesus returns.

Notice the sequence (or ranking of men). It is from greatest to least, wealthiest to poorest, the political elite to those who have no power. These men quickly realize they are in trouble and have literally no place to run or to hide. They are so terrified, that they would rather die than face the judgement and wrath of the Lamb. This is in light of the fact that they all had earlier opportunities, throughout their life, to accept the forgiveness of their sins, through the Lamb, but chose not to do so. Now, it is too late, and wrath has come. Thus, they are reaping the consequence of their decision(s). Their $17.5 million, steel reinforced, triple-concreted walls, and luxury stocked food pantries in bunkers, will fold and crush like an empty aluminum soda can. Ironically, men want rocks to fall on them to hide them (or save them) from the wrath of the Lamb. Men are so deceived and weak-minded that they now think that rocks can save them, instead of the blood of the Lamb. When a person is thoroughly and completely ashamed or embarrased over something incredibly wrong that they did, most people with a conscience wish that they ‘could just crawl under a rock and die’ instead of facing public scrutiny or ridicule. This won’t be too far from the truth at the end the Tribulation.

Seven-fold Description of Evil Men:

1. … “And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they would worship devils, and idols of gold, silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk.” (Rev. 19:20). (Emphasis added).
2. … “Neither repented they of their murders, not of their sorceries, or of their fornication, nor of their thefts.” (Rev. 9:21). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory. And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their grievous sores, and repented not of their deeds. And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of hail; for the plague thereof was exceedingly great.” (Rev. 16:9, 16:11, 16:21). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of mountains. And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Rev. 6:15-17). (Emphasis added).
5. … “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolators, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimestone: which is the second death.” (Rev. 21:8). (Emphasis added.
6. … “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the book of life.” (Rev. 21:27). (Emphasis added).
7. … “For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolators, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” (Rev. 22:15). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Three great, natural plagues (scorching sun, grievous sores, hail stones) are sent upon men which cause them to blaspheme God and his name (blasphemers). They are also described as worshipping devils/false idols which they made with their hands. They are murderers, liers, love other things than God, worship other things than God, practice paganism/witchcraft/drug use, chase after anything that is not of God, righteous or holy. When God sends his wrath upon them, they fear him and do not repent. They also don’t believe in the saving grace and forgiveness of sins by Jesus Christ. These men come from every strata of life, from kings to bondman and freemen. From captains and owners of commerce and industry, to their employed workers. The rich elite and politically powerful. And, those who are struggling to get by. They all have the mark of the beast so they can participate (buying/selling) in the global economy, and to also participate in the political kingdom of the antichrist. Collectively, they would describe Babylon as being ‘Fabulous Dahhh’ling!’

God says and thinks otherwise. Not surprisingly, God provides us with another example of numbers within numbers, meanings within meanings, and truth within truth. Yes, there are seven (7) verses referenced.  Within three (3) of these verses, there are seven (7) items mentioned pertaining to the descriptions of men. Verse 16:15-17 includes the following seven (7) types of men; kings, great men, rich men, chief captains, mighty men, bondmen, freeman. Verse 22:15 includes the following seven (7) descriptions of men; dogs, sorcerers, whoremongers, murderers, idolators, those who love a lie, those who maketh a lie. Verse 19:20 describes six (6) (the number of evil man) idols worshipped made by man’s hands: devils, gold, silver, brass, stone and wood. These verses indicate the types of evil men, describe the evil men, and describe what the evil men do.

Seven-fold Reference to Lake of Fire Judgement:

1. … “He that hath an ear, let hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death (lake of fire).” (Rev. 2:11). (Emphasis added).
2. … “The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimestone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever; and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosover receiveth the mark of his name.” (Rev. 14:10-11). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” (Rev. 19:20). (Emphasis added).
4. … ”And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimestone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” (Rev. 20:10). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” (Rev. 20:14). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And whosover was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Rev. 20:15). (Emphasis added).
7. … “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Rev. 21:8). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: The lake of fire is also known as the ‘second death’. This is the final place of burning, everlasting torment for Satan, the antichrist, the false prophet and those un-saved, un-believing souls from throughout the ages found NOT to be in the book of life, at the white throne judgement, at the end of the Millennium. The lake of fire and second death are also reserved for those deceived during the Tribulation who took the mark of the beast and and worshipped him and his image. The evil dead are resurrected to be judged by Christ for their evil works and for their rejection of Him who offered himself for their salvation and forgiveness of their sins. As a result of their sins and judgment, they are cast into the lake of fire that represents a second death (the first death being physical body death and souls/spirits being in Hell). The evil dead are resurrected into bodies and cast into the lake of fire to be severely tormented, having no rest day or night, and are absent from a loving God and their Savior who offered himself for them.

The great irony is that these people received exactly what they wanted. They refused Christ and wanted nothing to do with him, they wanted to exist in eternity without communion with God and Christ, on their own terms. They literally received what they asked for. The stench of their physical and emotional torment rises up in smoke, for eternity. God made both man and angels as eternal beings, hence they will exist forever in one state or another. Which state will any of us choose to exist in? The choice is up to us, and God grants us the freedom to make that choice for ourselves. For better or worse, we have no one to blame (certainly not God) except ourselves for whatever choices we make an earth.

Seven-fold Evils of the False Prophet:

… “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 first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men.”  (Rev. 13:11-13). (Emphasis added).

… “And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.”  (Rev. 13:14-15). (Emphasis added).

…. “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom, Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of man; and his number is Six hundred three-score and six.”  (Rev. 13:16-18). (Emphasis added).

1. Exercises all the demonic power of the antichrist. (Rev. 13:12)
2. Causes people on the earth to worship the beast/antichrist. (Rev. 13:12)
3. Deceives those on earth by false miracles or wonders, but is only able to do these when the antichrist is present. (Rev. 13:13-14)
4. Requires people on earth to build an image of the beast/antichrist. (Rev. 13:14)
5. Gives false life to the man-made image enabling it to speak. (Rev. 13:15)
6. Forces all people to receive the antichrist’s mark of ownership in their forehead or right hand, forces buying and selling to be contingent upon having this mark. Causes the martyrdom of those not willing to worship the beast or his image. (Rev. 13:15-17)
7. Causes people on earth to worship the beast’s image. (Rev. 13:15)

Commentary: The False Prophet is the Antichrist’s ‘right hand’ man, propaganda minister, and #1 religious cheerleader, in an all-in-one package. A ‘yes’ man of the most evil sort. Adolf Hitler had very similar people operating in this capacity during his evil attempt to enslave the world. The false prophet will be demonically or satanically inspired to perform the deceit and false miracles that lead the weak-minded and spiritually dead to falsely worship the beast/antichrist. Interestingly, the False Prophet can only conduct these false miracles when he is in sight/proximity to the beast. This indicates that Satan’s power is not omnipresent, but can only be conveyed to a willing participant within close proximity to Satan. Whereas God’s power is unlimited by time and space, Satan’s power is not and is strictly limited. Just as Hitler forced the Jews to take a tattoo or mark of the Star of David, for identification, so too will the beast/antichrist force citizens to take his mark for identification. Additionally, Hitler forced Jews to have a number tattooed on them in concentration camps, for more detailed recognition and identification. Scripture continues to tell us that the Antichrist/Beast will also force the number of his name to be forced onto people. Impossible you say? See my detailed analysis of the sevenfold markings by the beast/antichrist. The false prophet is also the ringleader to get men to make a false image(s) of the beast and to have men worship it. Impossible you think? Read my detailed analysis on the sevenfold image of the beast. The false prophet is the enabler of spiritual fornication on a global, worldwide scale all with the endorsement, approval, sanctioning and blessing from the Beast. Satan gives the false prophet just enough power, through the beast/antichrist, to ensure this satanic abomination is accomplished.

Seven-fold Reference to the Beast’s Mark/Name/Number:

1. … “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads.” (Rev. 13:16). (Emphasis added).
2. … ”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.” (Rev. 14:9). (Emphasis added)
3. … “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name”. (Rev. 14:11). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.” (Rev. 15:2). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.” (Rev. 16:2). (Emphasis added).
6. … “ And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimestone.” (Rev. 19:20). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And I saw the thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them: and I saw souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hand; and they live and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” (Rev. 20:4). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: The beast/antichrist uses a mark to identify those who belong to his evil kingdom. The mark of the beast is physically apparent on the forehead or right hand of his citizens. What this mark will look like is a matter of debate and conjecture. It could be a stamp using non-removable die, a tattoo, or even a physical blemish that results from genetic manipulation. Cattle are often marked or branded by their ranchers or owners for identification. The process of cattle branding uses extremly hot fire to heat up a metal die or stamp (at the end of a long metal pole). The metal stamp is heated until the point of being red hot (glowing), or hot enough to burn a mark, initials or emblem into the leathery, thick skin of the cattle. This leaves a mark deep enough, that the cattle cannot outgrow the rancher’s mark of ownership. They permanently belong to him, until they are sold and slaughtered. By the beast/antichrist using a mark to identify his ownership of unredeemed souls, he views them as cattle…ready for the slaughterhouse of hell. The marking of unredeemed souls compares very differently to the seals or sealing used by God on those redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. (Rev. 3:12, 7:3-4, 7:5-8, 14:1).

Historically, a seal was placed by a king on a document to authenticate the document’s origin and ownership. In many cases, wax would be heated to the point of melting and dripped onto the document’s edges. As the wax was drying, the king would use a signet ring or royal stamp to put his initials, mark, or royal crest (emblem) into the wax. As long as the seal was not broken, the person receiving the official document, sealed and in tact, immediately knew who sent the document and that it was not tampered with. The recipient could then be assured of the document’s authenticity and accuracy. God applies his seal of ownership to redeemed souls, through Jesus Christ. We have a royal seal of the spirit as opposed to the  physical marking characterized by the antichrist. We have been spared a bloody slaughtering, as Christ was already bloodily slaughered on the cross for our behalf. By contrast, the cattle owned by the antichrist/beast will experience a bloody slaughtering at Armegeddon. (Rev. 14:20 “blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hudred furlongs”). The mark of the antichrist/beast indicates the corrupted physical and spiritual image of those he owns. Whereas, the seal of God, through Jesus Christ, indicates our imager status as belonging to God and of being citizens of heaven and the New Jersusalem. I would rather have the loving, royal seal of God, given to us by Christ, in my heart and head…than to have an ugly, stamp forced or burned onto my forehead or hand.

Once again, in his Revelation to John, the Apostle, Jesus mentions seven (7) times that the mark of the beast will lead to eternal damnation. He cares enough about all of us, to keep repeating himself and reminding us, over and over. Unfortunately, there will be millions (or billions) who ignore or don’t care about his warnings and offer of salvation. The beast/antichrist forces his mark on souls, whereas Jesus, gives us his mark. He doesn’t force himself on anyone who doesn’t want to be idenfied with him or his kingdom. Just as Jesus indicates what happens to “those who take the mark of the beast” (white throne judgement, lake of fire), He also indicates what happens to “those who do not take the mark of the beast”.  We are victorious, live and reign with Christ for one thousand years, have harps of God, stand on a sea of glass, sit on thrones. What a contrast in eternal existence!

Seven-fold Reference to the Bottomless Pit:

1. … “And the fifth angels sounded and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.” (Rev. 9:1). (Emphasis added).
2. And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of a pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke and the pit.” (Rev. 9:2). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.” (Rev. 9:11). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And when thet have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.” (Rev. 11:7). (Emphasid added).
5. … ”The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” (Rev. 17:8). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.” (Rev. 20:1).
7. … “And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.” (Rev. 20:3). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: The antichrist comes out of the pit, the demonic locusts/creatures come out of the pit, a king over the locusts named Apollyon comes out of the pit. Satan is bound and thrown into the pit.  The bottomless pit is a maximum security prison for the severest of evil entities, angels and creatures.

Seven-fold Evils of the beast/antichrist:

1. Rides on a white horse, promising peace, but instead delivering wars, pestilence, famine and death. (4X). (Rev. 6:2, 4, 5, 8)
2. Rules his evil Babylonian kingdom and mystery religion from the city known as Babylon. (6X). (Rev. 13:1-2, 16:10, 17:3, 17:7, 17:18)
3. Abomination of Desolation: the antichrist, literally possessed by Satan, sets himself up to be worshipped as God in the rebuilt Jewish temple. He stops the Jewish practice of sacrificial death of animals for their atonement of sins. (4X). (Rev. 13:6, Mathew 24:15, Mark 13:14, Daniel 9:27)
4. Forces people to worship him, his image and to take the mark of his kingdom. (10X). (Rev. 13:4, 13:8, 13:12, 13:15-17, 14:9, 14:11, 16:2, 19:20)
5. Beheads/Martyrs the Tribulation Saints. (10X). (Rev. 6:9-11, 12:11, 13:7, 13:15, 14:13, 15:2, 19:2, 20:4)
6. Murders the two supernatural witnesses God sends to earth to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (1X). (Rev. 11:7)
7. Acts in defiance of God and Jesus Christ at the apocalyptic battle of Armegeddon. He attempts to take as many non-saved souls, as possible, to hell and the lake of fire. (7X). (Rev. 16:13-14, 16:16, 17:12-14, 19:19)

Commentary: The “Abomination of Desolation” (or desolating sacrilege) is a term which means literally ‘an abomination that desolates’ or ‘an abomination that appalls’. These are abhorring evil acts of sacrilege against God. Abhor: to regard with extreme repugnance or aversion; detest utterly; loath; abominate. It is anything and everything that is utterly against the glory, holiness and will of God and Christ. It is anything that is totally evil and satanic. The English language does a poor job of having the appropriate terms and words to describe something so horribly ugly and evil, to do this analysis justice. The Bible sums up this idea as the “Abomination of Desolation”. Utter and total defiance of God and anything Godly or having to do with Jesus Christ. These seven (7) abominations have the following at their evil roots; deceptions, lies, death, defiance, self-glorification, rebellion, false/counterfeit worship, persecution, false/empty promises, hatred, satanic rule, goal to destroy God’s creation of humankind and thwart the rightful rule of Christ on earth, false/mystery religion doctrine, materialistic greed. Everyone reading this who is a Christian could probably come up with some additional terms or descriptions. I don’t want to dwell on these seven (7) abominations because they are well versed throughout the book of Revelation, and elsewhere in the Bible. An entire article (or book) could probably be written on these seven abhorring evil acts towards God and Jesus Christ.

Seven-fold Reference to Satan:

1. … “I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.” (Rev. 2:09). (Emphasis added).
2. … “I know thy works, and shere thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.” (Rev. 2:13). (Emphasis added).
3. … “But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.” (Rev. 2:24). (Emphasis added).
4. … “Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before they feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” (Rev. 3:09). (Emphasis added).
5. …”And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Rev. 12:9). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.” (Rev. 20.2). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison:” (Rev. 20:7). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Notice the name of Lucifer, is no longer used as his orginal name. The iniquity God found in him, changed his character from holy to evil, his status before God, and also his name. Notice his name is capitalized in these verses.

Seven-fold Sins of Man:

1. Took the Mark/Name/Number (Identification) of the Beast. (7X). (Rev. 13:16, 13:17, 14:9, 14:11, 16:2, 19:20, 20:4)
2. Worshipped the Beast. (6X). (Rev. 13:4, 13:8, 13:12, 14:9, 14:11, 20:4)
3. Worshipped the Beast’s Image. (6X). (Rev. 13:15, 14:9, 14:11, 16:2, 19:20, 20:4)
4. Fought Christ. (5X). (Rev. 16:14, 17:14, 19:11, 19 and 21)
5. Did not repent. (4X). (Rev. 9:20-21, 16:9 and 11)
6. Blasphemed God. (3X). (Rev. 16:9, 11, and 21)
7. Worshipped Idols and devils; thefts, murders, sorceries, fornication (2X). (Rev. 9:20-21)

Commentary: An entire book could probably be written about the seven-fold sins of evil men during the Tribulation and Great Tribulation period. These sins are a direct affront to God. These sins are not all inclusive, they do not even include the sins of men against other men. In this commentary, there are numbers hidden within numbers, meanings within meanings and truth within truth. Layers upon layers. Notice the number of Biblical verses/references to each sin, starting with the most references (#1) to the least number of references (#7). The word of God, through the Holy Spirit, indicates that “taking the mark, name or number of the beast”, is the vilest of sins in God’s eyes. Reference to this particular sin is mentioned seven (7) times! Taking the mark represents a complete, total spiritual and physical rejection of anything to do with God or Christ. This is the ultimate rejection of God and acceptance of Satan (through the antichrist/beast). There is nothing worse that evil men can do other than taking the mark of the beast/antichrist. Following close behind is the second worse sins of worshipping the beast and his image. Notice each one is represented by six (6) references. Six (6) denotes God’s description and naming of evil men (mankind, beast, false prophet – 666). Rounding out the top three (3) sins at #3 is fighting Christ which is Biblically reference five (5) times in the book of Revelation. Five (5) suggests that Satan’s influence is behind evil men’s attempt to fight or oppose Christ. The fifth sin of men not repenting is referenced four (4) times (denoting foursquareness or a doubling confirmation). The sixth (6) sin of men blaspheming God is referenced three (3) times (denoting intensity and emphasis). Lastly, men worshipping idols and devils received two (2) references (denoting solid confirmation of a matter).

All these sins are so apparent that they all receive more than one verse or reference in Revelation. It is no coincidence that the most vial sins received as many as five (5), six (6) or seven (7) references. Digging into this concept further reveals that only the first three sins (taking the mark, worshipping the beast and/or his image) are the only sins that specifically receive dire angelic warnings – not to do these things or else men will find themselves in the lake of fire and brimstone (2^nd death). (Rev. 14:9-11). God is so adamant that men should not do these things that he specifically addresses this behavior as such and sends an angelic messenger to warn men. None of the other sins receive such a dire warning or prophecy not to do them. The angelic message is intense, direct and to the point. There can be no mistaking the intent of the angelic message.

Seven-fold Description of Mystery Religion Babylon:

1. … “And ther came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, sayin unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thess the judgement of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:“ (Rev. 17:1). (Emphasis added).
2. … “Wih whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.“ (Rev. 17:2). (Emphasis added).
3. … “So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.“ (Rev. 17:3). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication.” (Rev. 17:4). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” (Rev. 17:5). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.“ (Rev. 17:6). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee a mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.“ (Rev. 17:7). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: This will be a long commentary, so hang-on and be patient while reading this. Before I start my commentary, it would be helpful to provide a few definitions and explanations regarding the terms used in these analogies and metaphors, and elsewhere in my analysis. Definition of a whore (most everyone will know immediately that this is a sexual reference, however, the term has more meaning than that); someone who is disparaging and offensive, a person who sacrifices personal principles or uses someone or something in a base or unworthy manner. To pursue a faithless, unworthy or idolatrous desire. The origins of old European languages suggest additional definitions; prostitute, harlot, one who desires, adulterers, fornicators, physical filth, slime, moral corruption, sin, bitch – of uncertain origin. These are obviously not kind or enduring words to describe someone (male or female). Bringing this back into context with the above verses in Revelation, just replace “faithful, true, just, holy worship of God and Jesus Christ” with the obiminations, lies, deceit, uncleaness, immorality of false and baseless Mystery Religion Worship in Babylon. The Mystery Religion of Babylon is founded on complete and total evil and deceit.

There is not an ounce of holy worship of God or Christ, whatsoever. It is a rancid porridge or jumbalaya of falsehoods, spiritual deception and idolotry all stirred together into something that is unidentifiable and has a horrible, stenchly smell, in other words, a sickening ‘mystery’.  What could it be? A blending of wordwide religions into one stinking, religious cauldron of evil worship; Buddhism, Toasim, Catholicism, Hinduism, False Christianity, Islam, Satanism, Idol (Baal, Sports, Celebrity) Worship, Luxury/Materialism Worship, Worship of Homosexuality, Gaism (earth, environment worship), paganism/witchcraft, ancestry worship, transhumanistic worship, aritificial intelligence worship, cannabis worship, drug worship, where does his end? It’s a ‘mystery.’ An extremely infamous santanist (who I will not name) perhaps summed it up by saying, “Do as thou wilst”.  No rules, no moral compass or limits, no self control or love for someone else (love yourself above all else), establish your own definition of truth and reality, ignore anything that threatens your ego or that can knock you off of your self-centered throne. Worship whatever makes you happy and allows you to coexist with your neighbors who are also worshipping strange things. There is no right or wrong, morality or immorality, holy or unholy worship. Relativism run amok. Hey, whatever makes your boat float (using an old figure of speech). You can see where I am going with this…

Therefore, Mystery Religion Babylon is a systematic, fully beast endorsed, satanically inspired, form of religion that allows mankind to worship anything and everyting, EXCEPT God and Jesus Christ. The false prophet makes sure of this, and this is one of his seven (7) forms of abominations. Not only is Mystery Religion Bablyon an unholy trainwreck mess, the false prophet also requires (forcibly), worship of the image of the beast/antichrist. This is virtually identical to the days when Christ had his ministry on earth. The Ceasars in Rome, demanded to be worshipped as God and had statues of themselves placed in many/most of the major cities throughout the Roman empire. Depending on the locality and local customs of an area, Rome also permitted idol and pagan worship, in one form or another. Thus there was an official, government sanctioned form of worship (Ceasar) and allowed forms of worship. In a number of cases, even the Jewish religion was allowed to coexist along with Ceasar worship, paganism, etc. This will undoubtedly be the case during the first 3 ½ years of the Tribulation. The antichrist does allow traditional Jewish rituals for sin atonement in their rebuilt temple, until the midpoint of the Tribulation.

At the mid-point of the Tribulation, the satanically possessed antichrist will cause the “Abomination of Desolution” to occur in the rebuilt Jewish temple. He forces the end of the jewish practice of animal sacrifices for the atonement of their sins and forcibly demands, that they (and the entire worldwide poplulation) worship him and his image exclusively. It becomes obvious that Satan’s plan allowed for the rebuilding of the Jewish temple, so he could put himself in it and demand to be worshipped as God. It is also at this time, that the antichrist literally destroys the woman, or Mystery Religion of Babylon, because she/it served his plan and purposes for the past 3 ½ years. Now, Satan, wants absolutely nothing competing with the world’s worship of him and his image. Since everyone already has his mark, and his mystery religion is dissolved, your worship now exclusively belongs to him. There is no escaping. He baited and switched you, you took the ‘bait, hook, link and sinker.’  He used the false, mystery religious system for his own purposes and gains,  and now it is time to discard the old religious system and force complete and total worship directly upon himself. (Rev. 17:16); “And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore (mystery religion babylon), and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire”. (emphasis added).

The “great whore”, Mystery Religion Babylon exists all over the earth, on the “sea” of peoples, tongues, nations, kindreds and tribes.” The “kings of the earth” have fallen in love with this false religious system and fully endorse it (perhaps because they maintain their political power and status from the beast/antichrist for endorsing this system of religious worship in their countries). What king is going to say no to the worship of the antichrist’s image in his kingdom? It will come to the point that kings could care less what their citizens worship, as long as the kings maintain their status quo and power from the antichrist. The inhabitants of the earth are ‘drunk’ because of this system. Everyone in this religious system is enjoying the form of their individal worship to excess. As a result, the poison or ‘intoxication’ from excessive false worship makes them stumble and not able to walk straight or on stable ground or truth, spiritually speaking.

“The woman sits on the beast” is clearly understood that the beast’s/antichrist’s ten (10) nation confederacy and political/military empire allows the false system of worship to be carried and spread throughout the worldwide empire. The mystery religion of babylon does not exist, without the support and endorsement by the antichrist AND the false prophet. Remember, the antichrist forces everyone to take his mark, and the false prophet forces worldwide inhabitants to worship the antichrist, and to worship his image. Just as Caeser could not be in every city at evey moment to be worshipped, the antichrist will also have images of himself created and placed throughout the world, so those who have his mark can worship him.  “Seven heads, Ten horns”. Eschatalogists have speculated that the seven heads are seven mountains, or a geographically specific area, where the Mystery Religion and physical city of Babylon will exist and be headquartered. The ten horns are believed to be the heads of state, presidents from the countries of the reinvigorated Roman Empire of the European region. They are in political and military alliance with the antichrist and form his base of power.

“Arrayed in purple and scarlet and decked in gold, precious stones and pearls.” Today, we would use the term ‘blinged-out’ to describe someone physically in this manner. The description is symbolic and a metaphor for something religious or spiritual. “Purple and scarlet” are colors of blood, temptation, wine and authority. “Gold, precious stones and pearls”, are metaphors for earthly things of value, luxury or wealth, as opposed to heavenly spritual values and spritual wealth from God and Jesus Christ. “Golden cup of abominations and filthiness of her fornications”, the cup symbolizes holding those things that the world values and is greedily drinking. As long as it tastes good, they will drink it, even if it is utter poison. This compares to the offer of Christ who says to anyone thirsty (spiritually), to drink from the water of life, freely. Christ povides healthy, refreshing water from the river of life! “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17).

Seven-fold References to Deception of Evil Men:

1. … “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” (Rev. 12:9). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” (Rev. 13:14). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee; for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.” (Rev. 18:23). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimestone.” (Rev. 19:20). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.” (Rev. 20:3). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.” (Rev. 20:8). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimestone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever .” (Rev. 20:10). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Four references are to deception by the Devil. Two references are to deception by the false prophet. One reference is to deception by Babylon City. Deceive (def.); to mislead by a false appearance or statement; to mislead or falsely persuade others; practice deceit. The Devil/Satan deceives the whole world and the nations of the world. The False Prophet deceives men that dwell on the earth. The False Prophet deceives men by the ‘means’ or manner, methods or technology in which he conducts his false miracles. Babylon City also deceives kings and nations. The Devil/Satan, beast and false prophet are cast into the lake of fire and brimstone. Babylon City is destroyed by earthquake and fire at Christ’s second coming (Day of the Lord). Mystery Religion Babylon is destroyed earlier by the beast’s ten (10) kings from his political/military kingdom, to make way for exclusive worship of Satan/beast at the “Abomination of Desolation” half way through the Tribulation. Even after spending 1,000 years chained in the bottomless pit, Satan is still able to deceive nations after being “loosed for a short season” at the end of the millennial period.

Seven-fold Symbolic Descriptions of Evil:

… “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.” (Revelation 12:3). (Emphasis added).

… “and behold a great dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.”  (Rev. 12:3-4). “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon the horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth and the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and his great authority.”  (Rev.13:1-2). (Emphasis added).

… “And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgement of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters. With whom the kings of earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.” (Rev. 17:1-3). (Emphasis added).

… “And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornications. And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which the seven heads and ten horns. The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” (Rev. 17:4-8). (Emphasis added).

… “And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet: but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.” (Rev. 17:9-13). (Emphasis added).

… “ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is the Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with are called, and chosen, and faithful. And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations and tongues. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” (Rev. 17:14-18). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: These descriptions are probably the most difficult and troublesome images to understand and interpret. People have wrestled with them for ages, trying to decipher what they mean and represent. The symbolism and imagery in the book of Revelation can be daunting. All terms and images are spirtually oriented and have to be understood in this context. In a proverbial nutshell, these are spiritually and prophetically based descriptions of Satan, the antichrist, the false prophet, great city of Babylon, Mystery Religion Babylon, nations supporting the antichrist’s empire and the sea of people from all nations drinking the spiritual KoolAid poison that the evil system offers.

1. The ‘Dragon’ is Satan.
2. The ‘Beast’ is the antichrist.
3. The ‘beast with two horns’ is the false prophet.
4. The ‘seven mountains or heads’ is the geography, physical location of Babylon City.
5. The ‘Great Whore/Mother of Harlots’ is Mystery Religion Bablyon (false, evil spiritual religion).
6. The ‘Ten horns/crowns’ are the ten kings or heads of state’ forming the beast’s political/military backbone.
7. The ‘Waters/Sea’ are the nations, peoples, tongues, kindreds, tribes and multitudes from throughout the earth.

Seven-fold Dooms on Babylon City:

1. All plagues come in one day, one hour, death, mourning, famine, burning with fire. (Rev. 18:8, 10)
2. The great city is divided into three parts by the great earthquake on the Day of the Lord. (Rev. 16:19)
3. No music will be heard. (Rev. 18:22)
4. No craftsman (industry) will be found. (Rev. 18:22)
5. No millstone (delicious dining, restaurants) will be found. (Rev. 18:22)
6. No light (artificial or natural) will shine. (Rev. 18:23)
7. Voice of the bridegroom and bride (marriages) will not be heard. (Rev. 18:23)

Commentary: These verses describe what happens to the capital city of an evil empire, when God brings his ‘celestial hammer of wrath’. The city gets hammered and pounded into oblivion. (Rev. 18:21) … “And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.” The basic things of city living disappear within an hour. An earthquake splits the city into three parts. The burning and smoke from the city can be seen for many miles offshore by sailors, and captains of vessels who transported wealth to Babylon’s docks. (Rev. 17:17). Also, kings of the world and merchants plying their merchandise with Babylon can see the smoke from her destruction and are severely pained because they know their best customer has been destroyed along with their livelihood. They are also afraid for themselves and keep their distance, in case they might receive the same wrath as Babylon. (Rev. 17:11, 17:15, 17-19).

 Seven-fold Luxuries of Babylon City:

1. Luxury metals and stones (fine gold, silver, precious stones, pearls). (Rev. 18:12)
2. Luxury clothing (fine linens, silks, color dyes). (Rev. 18:12)
3. Luxury building materials (precious woods, ivory, brass, iron, marble). (Rev. 18:12)
4. Luxury produce (exquisite herbs, fragrances, ointments, wine, oil, flour, wheat). (Rev. 18:13)
5. Luxury meat products / animals (beasts, sheep, horses). (Rev. 18:13 )
6. Luxury cars and transportation (chariots). (Rev. 18:13)
7. Human slave trade and sex-trafficking (slaves and souls of men). (Rev. 18:13)

Commentary: This looks like today’s shopping list of the rich and famous, and of the political and financial elite of the world. I believe this covers everything materialistic that is generally valued around the world today (and in the future). There is nothing mundane, routine or common among these delicacies. Babylon is built on luxurious living and is the center of worldwide trade of these items and merchandise. These things are literally brought into Babylon by the ship loads (Rev. 18:17-19), “For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off.” (Empahsis added). These items are considered luxurious because they are extremely expensive! (Rev. 18:19, “the great city was made rich by all the ships of the sea by reason of her costliness.”) (Emphasis added). The people in Bablyon are extremely materialistic and glorify themselves through their wealth, but are spiritually evil and bankrupt. Demand for luxury items is so great that merchants of the earth have become wealthy themselves by providing these luxuries (Rev. 18:3, “and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.”) (Emphasis added). Both supply (merchants) and demand (people in Babylon) worship the created things and not God, the Creator. The worship of and reliance on luxury items plays right into the hands of the Mystery Religion of Babylon. Keep in mind that all these players (merchants and Babylon citizens), all have the mark of the beast and his system. They are allowed to sell and buy through the complicity and authority of the antichrist’s economic machinations via having the mark. Hypothetically speaking, I wouldn’t be surprised if the wealthy in Babylon view the antichrist’s ‘mark’ as a luxury brand symbol or something equivalent. Sad, very sad (understatement).

Interestingly, there is a parallel condemnation of wealth and materialism regarding the church of Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22). During the time when John received the Revelation of Jesus Christ, Laodicea was a leading banking center, and known for manufacturing garments made from a soft, black wool. Additionally, Laodicea was also home to a famous medical school that specialized in the treatment of eye diseases. The city had a lot going for it economically. The Laodicea church also benefited financially from the surrounding strong economy. The city was so strong financially, that in AD 60 when it was destroyed by an earthquake, Laodicea paid for its own reconstruction instead of asking Rome for rebuilding funds. As a result of the Laodecian church’s self-sufficiency and affluence, they received a strong rebuke from Jesus. The church considered itself wealthy and self-sufficient, instead, Jesus viewed this church very differently. He saw this church as “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked”, using metaphors from the local economy that surrounded the church. “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing: and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” (Rev. 3:17) (emphasis added). While the church thought it had everthing, it had nothing. They confused material prosperity and comfort with spiritual health and security. The Bible teaches that the rich (and very rich, by today’s standards) are often tempted to rely upon themselves, while the poor often turn to the Lord for help. Jesus challenges his people to trust in him rather than in material possessions, and to use things to meet the needs of others (Deut. 8:10-14; Prov. 30:8-9; Matt. 6:19-24; Luke 12:13-21; 1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17-19). Physical wealth and comfort can foster spiritual complacency and self-reliance. Affluence tempts us to forget God. The message to the church of Laodicea illustrates the power of forgetting God, do to materialistic affluence.

From an economic point of view, the parallel between Babylon and Laodicea is staggering. The rebuke that Jesus gave the church of Laodicea is generally considered to be one of the stronger (est) rebukes given to the five churches who were in need of correction. Keep in mind that Jesus’ rebuke was to those members in his own house (church). Babylon has the same evil symptons, but on steroids! Citizens of Babylon and worshippers of Mystery Religion Babylon are swimming in luxury, wealth, materialism and self-suffiency. Greed is rampant.  They are not members of Jesus’ church and they do not acknowledge or worship the Creator who made the material wealth they worship and enjoy. Revelation 18:7 indicates, “How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously. ” (Emphasis added). God is not remotely on their spending or spiritual radar. They are utterly deceived by their materialism and love of luxury and ‘delicious living’. Since Jesus strongly rebuked the Loadicean church members, how much more so will God pour out His wrath on Babylon, who openly rejects him for the love of wealth? The Loadicean church received rebuke from Jesus, Babylon will receive total destruction by God. This should be a message to today’s churches who preach the prosperity gospel. God is not against a person being prosperous, however, he is against the amount of prosperity that fosters complacency and self-sufficiency. He is also against the level of wealth that fosters wealth worship (greed) at the expense of forgetting one’s relationship with God and Jesus Christ.