Twenty-four (24) is a ‘doubling’ of twelve (12). This represents a mathematical doubling of His divine organization.

1. Twenty-four References to the Apostle John being Spoken To.
2. Twenty-four Attributes of the new Jerusalem:
3. Twenty-four Heavenly Elders.
4. Twenty-four References to the Lamb.
5. Twenty-four Roles of Holy Angels.
6. Twenty-Four References to the Beast’s Mystery Religious System.
7. Twenty-four References to the Beast.
8. Twenty-four Attributes of the Beast’s Evil “Babylonian System”.

Twenty-four References to the Apostle John being Spoken To:

1. … “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet Saying, I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are In Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and Piladelphia, and unto Laodicea.” (Rev. 1:10-11). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:” (Rev. 1:17). (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 must be hereafter.” (Rev. 4:1). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” (Rev. 5:5). (Emphasis added).
5. … “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).
6. … “And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say Come and see.” (Rev. 6:3). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see…”( 6:5). (Emphasis added).
8. … “And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth bewast say, Come and see.” (Rev. 6:7). (Emphasis added).
9. … “And when the seven thunderss 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).
10. … “And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.” (Rev. 10:8). (Emphasis added).
11. … “And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.” (Rev. 10:9). (Emphasis added).
12. …”And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” ( 10:11). (Emphasis added).
13. … “And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.” (Rev. 11:1). (Emphasis added).
14. … “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. 14:13). (Emphasis added).
15. … “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.” (Rev. 17:1). (Emphasis added).
16. … “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 hath the seven heads and ten horns.” (Rev. 17:7). (Emphasis added).
17. … “And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” (Rev. 17:15). (Emphasis added).
18. … “And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” (Rev. 19:9). (Emphasis added).
19. … “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 testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10). (Emphasis added).
20. … “And he said unto me, It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is a thirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” (Rev. 21:6). (Emphasis added).
21. … “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 myust shortly be done.” (Rev. 22:6). (Emphasis added).
22. … “And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew the the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” (Rev. 21:9). (Emphasis added).
23. … “Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am they fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.” (Rev. 22:9). (Emphasis added).
24. … “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).

Commentary: The Apostle John was a busy guy with everything he was being told to do, write, hear and see. Interestingly, he heard from everyone … God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit,  the elders, the beasts and angels. It is not a coicidence that John was spoken to twenty-four (24) times! God was making it abundantly clear of what was being communicated to John, and of the context and content of the communications. In his divine plan, purpose and wisdom, God elected to have all heavenly entities speak directly to John the Apostle. Why would God do this? Everyone speaking represents God and his authority and rulership. Everyone plays a part in the administration of God’s creation. Everyone attests to God’s glory. Everyone is executing God’s will and authority. God chooses different entities to execute different aspects of his will. Twenty-four (24), represents God’s abundant organizational arrangement. This fact couldn’t be any clearer when considering the number of times John was spoken to, who was doing the speaking, and what was being said.

Twenty-four Attributes of the new Jerusalem: Twelve Measurements + Twelve Descriptions

1. 12 Angels. (Rev. 21:12)
2. 12 Tribes of Israel’s names. (Rev. 21:12)
3. 12 Apostles names. (Rev. 21:14)
4. 12 Foundations. (Rev. 21:14)
5. 12 Gates. (Rev. 21:12, 21)
6. 12 Pearls.(Rev. 21:21)
7. 12 precious stones. (Rev. 21:19-20)
8. 12,000 Furlongs length. (Rev. 21:15-16)
9. 12,000 Furlongs breadth. (Rev. 21:15-16)
10. 12,000 Furlongs height. (Rev.21:15-16)
11. 12 manner of fruit. Leaves used for healing of people on earth. (Rev. 22:2)
12. 12 months of fruit. (Rev. 22:2)
13. City is pure gold, as clear glass. (Rev. 21:18)
14. City street is pure gold, as transparent glass. (Rev. 21:21)
15. Pure crystal clear river, water of life. (Rev. 22:1)
16. No need for sun or moon to shine in the city. (Rev. 21:23)
17. God’s glory and the Lamb’s light shine in the city. (Rev. 21:23, 22:5)
18. No night and no need for a candle (artificial light). (Rev. 21:25, 22:5)
19. No need for a temple in the city. (Rev. 21:22)
20. God’s/Jesus’s thrones are in it, they are the temple of the city. (Rev. 21:22, 22:3)
21. City gates are never shut. (Rev. 21:25)
22. Only those men from the Lamb’s book of life are allowed to enter through the city gates. (Rev. 21:27)
23. Kings of the saved nations on earth are allowed to bring their honour and glory into the city. (Rev. 21:24, 21:26)
24. No man who is unwise, who defiles, works abominations or makes lies is allowed into the city. (Rev. 21:27)

Commentary: Numbers within numbers and truth within truth. New Jerusalem is described with a double of twelve. There are 12 (twelve) distinct numerical or measurement references that describe the physical, structural nature of new Jerusalem. There are also 12 (twelve) descriptive references regarding the holy and righteous nature of the city. Combining both groups of 12 (twelve) references nets a total of 24 references or descriptions. 24 (twenty-four) denotes God’s abundant or doubled organizational arrangement.

WOW! What a city! The New Jerusalem is described in a manner in which it could not be built with materials from Home Depot, Lowes or any other local store that sells building products. It is built with the rarest and most precious of materials in the universe that could only come from heaven and God in order to properly represent his glory. Shining precious stones, a type of luminous, transparent gold utilized entirely throughout the internal structure of the city. The New Jerusalem is described as being 12,000 furlongs on each side which is aproximately equal to 1,500 miles. Thus, the city is 1,500 miles wide – 1,500 miles long – 1,500 miles high. Its length, breadth and height are equal. The description suggests two possible geometric shapes, that of being either a cube or pyramid that could house several billion redeemed souls or glorified bodies! Each one of the twelve foundations of the city are named after one of Christ’s Apostles and the twelve gates are named after one of the Tribes of Israel. (Revelation 21:12, 14). The wall is measured as 144 cubits high, which translates into 240 feet high. (144 cubits x 20”per cubit = 2,880” / 12” per foot = 240 feet). Even the height of the wall of the new Jerusalem is a divine multiple of twelve (12) or twenty-four (24).

The New Jerusalem is the capital city of heaven and the center of God’s universe. Jesus prepared the New Jerusalem to become the home of the saints. Jesus promised (John 14:2): “in My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” In Revelation 2:7, Jesus described the heavenly home of the Church as follows: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”  This tree of life will be present in the midst of New Jerusalem forever, and it is there to remind us that our life is dependent upon the gifts of God. In Revelation 22:2 the Bible tells us that “in the middle of its street, and on either sie of rhe river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”

This heavenly city is called the New Jerusalem to indicate its special place in the heart of God, similar to His love for the earthly city Jerusalem in Israel. Because God will actually  dwell with His saints in New Jerusalem, John calls the New Jerusalem “the tabernacle of God”. Revelation 21:3 promises: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.” God calls it “the heavenly Jerusalem” to distinguish it from the earthly  Jerusalem which will continue to exist forever as the blessed throne of Jesus Christ. Currently, the New Jerusalem exists in heaven. At the end of 1,000 year millenium, the New Jerusalem will descend down to the earth as it “comes down out of heaven”. In Revelation 3:12, John described “the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God.”  The New Jerusalem will be constantly illuminated by the supernatural light of God’s presence. The supernatural light will infuse the holy city eliminating the need for light from the sun. “And there shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light”. (Revelation 22:5). The need for no natural sunlight only applies to the New Jerusalem. Other passages reveal that night and day will still continue on the earth forever suggesting that the sun will continue to exist for earth’s inhabitants and the earthly city of Jerusalem. Length (1,500 miles), Width (1,500 miles), Height (1,500 miles). Twleve-thousand furlongs = 1,500 miles.

Earth’s Surface Area

The total surface area of Earth is about 197 million square miles and currently housing an estimated 7.5 billion people which are crammed on only 29% (57.1 million square miles) of the earth’s surface. This equates to approximately 131.3 people per every square mile of inhabitable surface area. This is a pure, theoretical calculation, assuming that every square mile of land on earth, is habitable. This, of course, is not realistic because of vast unpopulated areas due to mountain ranges, deserts, climate and other natural barriers. The real number of people, per square mile will be significantly higher, if we subtract for or discount the total theoretical amount of land available by the amount of land that is actually not available. Unfortunately, I do not have this statistic. However, it is accurate to state the number calculated above (131.3 people for every square mile) is on the very low end of any calculation that takes into account even less available land mass for habitation. This will not affect a reasonable comparison between measuring the number of earth inhabitants against the possible number of New Jerusalem inhabitants (given the dimensions, length, width and height) provided in the Bible (Rev. 21:16). Twelve-thousand Furlongs are equal to 1,500 miles.

About 71 percent of the earth is covered by water and 29 percent by land. Thus, only 57.1 million square miles are available for habitation (197 million square miles x .29 = 57.1 million square miles). 139.9 million square miles of the earth is uninhabitable because of the scope of the oceans (197 million square miles x .71 = 139.9 million square miles of ocean area).

New Jerusalem Cube:

Cubic Volume = 1,500 miles x 1,500 miles  x 1,500 miles = 3,375,000,000 cubic miles (3.38 billion cubic miles).

Surface Area =  6 x 1500²  =  13,500,000 square miles (13.5 million square miles)

In terms of surface area, new Jerusalem (as a city) equals almost 25% (13.5 million square miles) of the earth’s entire liveable surface area (57.1 million square miles)!

If the twelve (12) gates of the city are placed equi-distant from each other, and from the corners of the perimeter of city, the gates will be spaced 300 furlongs (375 miles) apart from one another.

Twenty-four Heavenly 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.” (Rev. 4:4). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: See commentary regarding twelve-fold references to the 24 heavenly elders who worship God. Twenty-four (24) denotes God’s abundant or doubled organizational arrangement.

Twenty-four References to the Lamb:

1. … “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. 5:6). (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, which are the prayers of saints.” (Rev. 5:8). (Emphasis added).
3. … “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 blessing.” (Rev. 5:12). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” (Rev. 5:13). (Emphasis added).
5. … “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).
6. … “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:” (Rev. 6:16). (Emphasis added).
7. … “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 in white robes, and palms in their hands;” (Rev. 7:9). (Emphasis added).
8. … “And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.” (Rev. 7:10). (Emphasis added).
9. … “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” (Rev. 7:17). (Emphasis added).
10. … “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Rev. 12:11). (Emphasis added).
11. … “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).
12. … “And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.” (Rev. 14:1). (Emphasis added).
13. … “These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.” (Rev. 14:4). (Emphasis added).
14. … “The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.” (Rev. 14:10). (Emphasis added).
15. … “And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.” (Rev. 15:3). (Emphasis added).
16. … “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).
17. … “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.” (Rev. 19:7). (Emphasis added).
18. … “And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” (Rev. 19:9). (Emphasis added).
19. … “And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” (Rev. 21:14). (Emphasis added).
20. … “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” (Rev. 21:22). (Emphasis added).
21. … “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” (Rev. 21:22). (Emphasis added).
22. … “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Rev. 21:27). (Emphasis added).
23. … “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” (Rev. 22:1). (Emphasis added).
24. … “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him.” (Rev. 22:3). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Lamb is capitalized and therefore another name or title of Jesus Christ. The fact that the Lamb is referenced twenty-four (24) times indicate that he is the foundation in God’s abundant or doubled organizational arrangement. He is literally the corner stone in the foundation of God’s divine organization of things. For there to be an organization of anything, on earth or heaven, there has to be a rock-steady foundation supporting a purpose or plan. There has to be foundational element of strength and truth. If the foundation of the organization of a house is poor, weak and not built correctly, the house will fall. The foundation has to be built firm so it does not change or shift under the organizational structure of the house. The Lamb (Jesus Christ) represents the rock-steady, true and solild foundation of God’s divine organization and the foundation of man’s redemption. God’s organization is built on and around the Lamb. The title and name Lamb is unique because it is also denotes a descriptive term. It describes Jesus Christ as not only who he is, but what he is! Lamb therefore serves a threefold purposed; it is a title or a name, describes who he is, and describes what he is.

Twenty-four is the greatest finite number in the mathematics of God. It is the largest representation of anything in God’s abundant or doubled organization. The shear number of repetitive references implies extreme significance, importance and purpose. The Holy Spirit uses the term Lamb over and over and over, to proclaim that Jesus Christ died, like a lamb (bloody and slaughtered), on a cross and then rose again, for the forgiveness of mankind’s sins. The Jews had a practice of slaughtering clean, genetically perfect animals to temporarily atone for their sins. Their sins were cast onto these animals, who then were destroyed by burning. Jesus Christ was the perfect man, clean and sinless. He was the perfect human Lamb. His death and burial was for the eternal (not temporary) forgiveness of all of men’s sins. All of our sins were cast upon the Lamb, while God was sacrificing his son on the cross through the shedding of his blood, instead of the shedding of our blood. We deserve to die for our sins, Jesus (the Lamb) did not deserve to die since he was sinless. However, in God’s infinite grace and mercy, he allowed his son to take on our sins and carry them from the cross to the grave, for eternity. Through our acceptance of God’s offer of forgiveness through his son Jesus Christ (the Lamb), our sins are forgiven; past, present and future.

Putting this into a little different pespective, but one that should hit home and resonate with you on a personal level. As a parent, you absolutely love your child (son or daughter), of course you do! There is no question about that, for any normal, emotionally healthy parent. Hypothetically speaking, how would you feel if an ISIS terrorist group kidnapped your son or daughter, severely tortured them with whips, nailed them to a tree in public, spit on them, cursed them and mocked them? Blood running down your son or daughter’s legs from the wounds in their hands, head, back and torso. How would you feel, as a parent, knowing that they are slowly dying a painful, horrible, slow death.  Hypothetically, speakihg of course, how would you feel as a parent if the ISIS terrorist group told you that your son or daughter (either of whom is totally innocent) is being slaughtered for some perceived hatred or action of another guilty party.  How would you feel knowing that your son or daughter was the scapegoat for an evil payback by the terrorist group as a lesson for those who don’t follow their idealogy? By now, you should have an extremely painful visual image in your head. Now, hypothetically speaking again, imagine how God felt seeing his son, Jesus Christ, in the same excruciatingly painful, deadly predicament as your family member. If he is a living, loving entity (which he is), how do you think he felt having to give up his Holy Son to the Roman authorities, for slaughtering. His son was totally innocent, but was used as a scapegoat or as a Lamb for our sins and transgressions. Jesus Christ (the Lamb), didn’t deserve to be tortured and die. There was no logical, rational reason for him to bear all of mankind’s sins for eternity. But, he did so, willingly. As a parent, would you willingly let your son or daughter be literally slaughtered as a result of someone else’s evil actions? God’s love for us transcended the pain he felt from his son’s bloody crucifiction.

The work of the Lamb is the foundational cornerstone of God’s divine organization for the redemption of man. The twenty-four repititions of ‘Lamb’ attest to this divine mathematical fact.

Twenty-four Roles of Holy Angels:

1. Warn man.
2. Administer wrath.
3. Instruct other angels.
4. Blow trumpets.
5. Pour vials.
6. Worship God/Jesus.
7. Witness/testimony to Christ.
8. Signify prophecy.
9. Refuse to be worshipped.
10. Battle Satan and fallen angels.
11. Loosen fallen angels from imprisonment.
12. Chain Satan in bottomless pit.
13. Throw Antichrist, False Prophet into lake of fire.
14. Prophecy.
15. Command nature, birds, fire, water, weather, winds.
16. Give offerings to God (prayers of saints).
17. Given a key to open the bottomless pit.
18. Fellow servant.
19. Proclaim/Declare/Announce.
20. Rejoice.
21. Command John.
22. Proclaim the Gospel.
23. Measure.
24. Command demonic creatures.

Commentary: In most cases, it is clear that an appointed angel is making the statement or proclamation. This is one of the roles or duties (among many) of selected angels throughout the Bible. Why would angels be making statements or proclamations? They are instructed and authorized to do so. They proclaim Christ’s rulership and reign on earth. They proclaim blessings on those martyred during the combined Tribulation period. They identify attributes of the Lord God Almighty. They proclaim the righteousness of his judgements. They issue a command and warning to people in Babylon. They instruct all men to praise God. They proclaim that God loves his people and wants to be with them and dwell with them. In the most simplest of words, they communicate directly with mankind, on behalf of the Triune God. Interestingly, some Holy angels seem to have a role of interceding with fallen angels, to fulfill the will of God. Michael and his angels war against Satan and his angels. A Holy angel grabs and chains Satan in the bottomless pit. An angel lets loose the four fallen angels at the Euphrates River. Christ gives one of his angels the key to the bottomless pit in order to let loose the demonic locusts. Holy angels throw the antichrist and false prophet into the lake of fire.

Some Holy angels have a role of interceding in nature, on behalf of God. They have some degree of control over the weather, water, fire winds, animal kingdom, sun, moon and earth. With the exception of Christ opening the first seven (7) book seals, Holy angels are directly involved in administering God’s will through the seven (7) trumpet and seven (7) vial plagues wich affect the earth and nature. For the diligent Bible students among you, notice that the Holy angels most prominent role is to declare/pronounce or to proclaim, in addition to providing prophecy. These two angelic functions are mentioned more times throughout the book of Revelation, than any other angelic function. This is not to say that these functions are more important than other functions. Most (if not all) Holy angels seem to have one (or several) role or job functions in the administration of God’s creation. However, in the context of the book of Revelation being mostly prophetic, it makes logical sense that most angelic involvement would be communicative and prophetic in nature. It is believed that a class of holy angels have a specific role of being messengers or communicators with mankind, when it is the will the God for them to do so. Discerning students will also notice that angels also share in the worship of Christ (The Lamb) and of God. Holy angels are very busy creations functioning on earth and in heaven, and most people think that angels just sit on clouds playing harps.

Lastly, it is interesting to note that John, the Apostle, one of Christ’s key Apostle’s was twice inclined to worship a Holy angel who was communicating with him. The Holy angel sternly told John not to worship him, but to instead worship God. If one of the holiest, most obedient of Christ’s servants was inclined to worship a Holy angel, what would this suggest about evil men (who have no restraint) living during the Tribulation period worshipping evil, fallen angels who are satanically motivated deceive them? Could these fallen angels have a part to play in the “Great Deception” that God allows to occur on earth during the Tribulation and Great Tribulation?

Twenty-Four References to the Beast’s Mystery Religious System: (Mystery Religion Babylon).

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 should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk.” (Rev. 9:20). (Emphasis added).
2. … “Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.” (Rev. 9:21). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?” (Rev. 13:4). (Emphasis added).
4. … “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).
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.” (Rev. 13:11). (Emphasis added). (False Prophet).
6. … “And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” (Rev. 13:12). (Emphasis added).
7. … “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).
8. … “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).
9. … “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).
10. … “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).
11. … “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. 14:11). (Emphasis added).
12. … “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).
13. … “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:” (Rev. 17:1). (Emphasis added).
14. … ”With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornicatio” (Rev. 17:2). (Emphasis added).
15. … “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).
16. … “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).
17. … “And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” (Rev. 17:15). (Emphasis added).
18. … “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.” (Rev. 17:16). (Emphasis added).
19. … “For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.” (Rev. 18:3). (Emphasis added).
20. … “And I heard 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). (Emphasis added).
21. … “For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” (Rev. 18:5). (Emphasis added).
22. … “And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning.” (Rev. 18:9). (Emphasis added).
23. … “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).
24. … “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 ta lake of fire burning with brimstone. (Rev. 19:20). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: The fornication referenced to is obviously not sexual in nature, but spiritual. However, the analogy and symbolism is accurate. True worship belongs to Jesus Christ and God. During the Tribulation, all sorts of man-made religious doctrines, practices and worship take place, other than to the true worship of God, and Jesus Christ. The beast and false prophet also require worship of the beast AND his image.  All of this false, evil worshipping is an abomination to God. As a result of all of the false worship taking place on earth, the Holy Spirit refers to it as fornication. Fornication is pursuing a false religious experience at the expense of foregoing a true and rightful worship of Jesus Christ and the Father. Mystery Religion Babylon is an evil smelling, cornucopia of religious lies and deceptions of everything imaginable from throughout the entire world. Babylon City (the capital of the beast’s kingdom) is also the seat where all the world’s mystery (false) religions are given acceptance and accommodated. Kings from around the world buy into these false religions to keep their constituents back home happy. “I don’t care what you worship, as long as I keep my throne and the beast does not attack our country,” say the kings. At the core of reigning, kings want to maintain their authority and sovereignty at all costs. Allowing and endorsing false worship of all sorts of devils and idols is a very easy price for them to pay to keep their throne seat (and most likely their necks as well). The beast and beast image worship is also part of the world’s intoxicating, evil soup of spiritual fornication.

During Roman times, the official worship of the land was reserved for the Caesars’s. However, in many cases, local religious or historical worshipping practices were allowed or tolerated. Thus, many places practiced a mix of both Caesar and idol worship, side by side. It will be no different during the first 3 ½ years of the Tribulation. The beast/antichrist/man of sin and false prophet utilize this strategy of allowing mystery religion to coexist with beast/image worship for the first 3 ½ years, in order to gain easy buy-in or acceptance by the world’s population. Evil men throughout the world, want to do what they do … and to continue doing it without any threats or consequences. The Beast lets them … until the midpoint of the Tribulation. At that point, Satan indwells the beast/antichrist/man of sin, causes the “Abomination of Desolation” (defiles the holiest section of the rebuilt Jewish Temple) and declares himself to be God and to be worshipped as such. Satan, through his beast puppet, pulls off the greatest religious ‘bait-n-switch’ in the history of mankind. Men are no longer allowed to continue worshipping their false mystery religions and idols. Satan/beast declares and demands that everyone in the world must worship him as God under the threat of death (beheading). His ten (10) nation confederacy (who first supported and endorsed mystery religion worship), now is being instructed by Satan/beast to destroy any and all mystery religion worship. Satan demands exclusive worship of him as God, through his indwelling/possession of the beast/antichrist/man of sin.

Continuing on, in linear fashion with the twenty-four (24) verses, we see that at the end of the total seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation, that Babylon City is utterly destroyed. We also see that the beast and false prophet are cast alive into the lake of fire and brimstone. Taken in literal order, we are told about the spread and the onset of mystery religion worship and beast/image worship at the beginning of the Tribulation, through to its eventual destruction as a result of Satan demanding worship of him as God. And with the ending of the beast and false prophet meeting their doom.

Twenty-four References to the Beast:

1. … “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 horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of the blasphemy.” (Rev. 13:1). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave h;im his power, and his seat, and great authority.” (Rev. 13:2). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make ware with him?” (Rev. 13:4). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast whose deadly wound was healed .” (Rev. 13:12). (Emphasis added).
5. … “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 dwll on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the would by a sword, and did live.” (Rev. 13:14). (Emphasis added).
6. … “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).
7. … “And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” (Rev. 13:17). (Emphasis added).
8. … “Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” (Rev. 13:18). (Emphasis added).
9. … “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. 14:11). (Emphasis added).
10. … “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 numbere of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.” (Rev. 15:2). (Emphasis added).
11. … “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).
12. … “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.” (Rev. 16:13). (Emphasis added).
13. … “So he carred 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.” ( 17:3). (Emphasis added).
14. … “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 hath the seven heads and ten horns.” (Rev. 17:7). (Emphasis added).
15. … “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 whall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundations of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” (Rev. 17:8). (Emphasis added).
16. … ”And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.” (Rev. 17:11). (Emphasis added).
17. … “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.” (Rev. 17:12). (Emphasis added).
18. … “These have one mind, and sahll give their power and strength unto the beast.” (Rev. 17:13). (Emphasis added).
19. …”And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make here desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.” (Rev. 17:16). (Emphasis added).
20. … “For God has put in their hearst to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.” ( 17:17). (Emphasis added).
21. … “And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.” ( 19:19). (Emphasis added).
22. … “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).
23. … “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, neigher his image, neither had received his mark upon their forehads, or in their hands; and they live and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” (Rev. 20:4). (Emphasis added).
24. … “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” (Rev. 20:10). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Taken in a literal, sequencial manner, we see the onset and arrival of the beast/antichrist/man of sin onto the stage of the world, then all the way to when he is cast into the lake of fire and brimestone. However, God is ultimately in control. He is in control of all events, entities and outcomes. He is in control of Satan and the kingdom he sets up on earth, including the beast puppet. As such, these twenty-four (24) attributes attest to God’s divinely organized and abundant organizationl arrangement as pertaining to Satan’s beast/antichrist/man of sin.

Twenty-four Attributes of the Beast’s Evil Babylonian System:

1. Feet
2. Body
3. Mouth
4. Power
5. Seat
6. Authority
7. 10 Kings
8. 7 Mountains
9. Babylon City
10. Mystery Religion Babylon
11. Beast
12. Beast Worship
13. Beast Image Worship
14. False Prophet
15. False Prophet Miracles
16. Mark
17. Name
18. Number
19. Blaspheme God
20. Repent Not
21. Wars
22. Deceive Men
23. Persecute Israel
24. Fight Christ.

Commentary: These twenty-four (24) attributes make up the majority of what constitutes the beast’s/antichrist’s evil Babylonian kingdom on earth for seven (7) years. There is not one positive, holy or righteous item on the list. This could be considered a “list of sin” and abominations. All these attributes are woven together to deceive men and drag them to eternal damnation in the lake of fire. They are woven to together, by Satan, to keep men from ever knowing, understanding or accepting the gospel of salvation and forgiveness offered by Jesus Christ, through the shedding of his blood and resurrection. This is Satan’s largest attempt, in the history of mankind, to keep men from coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Satan uses his puppets, the beast/antichrist/man of sin and false prophet to keep men in the dark so they never see the light.