Signs in the Heavens: What does this sign mean? Let’s ‘Connect-the-dots’ as it where… Twelve (12). THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO THE STORY. Final ‘Full Cold Moon’ of the decade will reach its peak on 12/12 at 12:12am EST (that would be today!).

To this point in my ministry, I have been quiet about the divine significance of the number twelve (12). Perhaps this is a sign that at sign needs to be ‘unwrapped’ now. 12 is at the ‘bedrock’ of many of the major things that God does regarding His divine governance of the nations and affairs of men on earth AND angels in Heaven.

NASA: The moon will reach its peak in the Eastern United States at exactly (12) December 12, 12:12am EST (12/12/12/12). That would be today.

2019. 2+1+9 = 12

1+2+1+2+1+2+1+2 = 12

Twelve symbolizes ‘getting affairs together or organized’ and government, how things are arranged. It also refers to God’s divine government and organization of both Heaven and Earth. It reflects His will and effort at ‘managing and governing’ the affairs of men and angels. It is not ironic that the number twelve (12) is ‘overloaded’ in representation at the end of John’s Revelation of Jesus Christ. So much so, that I wrote an entire chapter on it. I will include this in my analysis after I comment on the following. This is NOT a mystery. All you have to do is ‘count.’ This is simple enough that a 12 year-old can do it. It is also simple enough that someone from the first grade (1) through twelve (12) can do it. Revelation 13:18 tells us that for understanding and wisdom, we should ‘count.’ God tells us that in our effort to understand, we should ‘count.’ (Mathematics, literal counting … in a Godly way). They didn’t tell you that in Algebra, Calculus or Quantum Physics (ever learning, but never coming to a knowledge of the truth). Let’s begin.

The ONE (1) thing in common (besides the number twelve (12)) in ALL of the following scriptural verses, is that they deal with, in one way or another, God’s divine governance of Israel (Jews) and Gentiles (Arabs, and the rest of the world’s peoples, nations, tribes, tongues). For the following, a ‘tip of the hat’ to another watchman (Geoffrey Grider, ‘The End Begins Now’) who was a ‘workman’ in compiling these verses. Thanks Mr. Grider.

* ISHMAEL HAD 12 SONS: We all know about the 12 tribes of Israel, but did you also know that the  founder of Israel’s arch enemy, the Muslims, also had 12 sons by which he begat a kingdom? “And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve ‘princes’ shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.” Genesis 17:20 (KJV).

Many Arab nations. MENA (Middle East / North African countries). These are the ‘many’ Arabic/Islamic nations that receive or are given acknowledgment or confirmation of the false covenant of ‘peace and safety’ between the 6,000 (6) year arch-enemies Israel and Ishmael (modern day Saudi Arabia). Note, IRAN is a satanic decoy, distraction, deception that draws geo-political attention away from the ‘real’ battle or war. Everyone ‘thinks’ that Iran is the real enemy of Israel, but it is not. The real enemy is Satan, through his genetic lineage of Ishmael via MbS (Man by Satan, Mohammed bin Salman, a current beast, future antichrist). We KNOW that this is a false, satanic covenant of ‘peace and security’ because God tells us at the midpoint, or halfway through the seven (year) tribulation, ISHMAEL’s current evil ‘prince’ enters Jerusalem and tramples and destroys it AND performs the ‘abomination of desolation,’ (blasphemes God, declares himself to be god, and demands the entire world to worship him as such. Including Muslims. He is their ‘mujaddid.’)

We ALSO know that the current Beast and future Antichrist is a Muslim (‘those who worship the dragon.) We also know that Islam is the religion of ‘those who worship the dragon AND the beast/mujaddid’ (mujaddid added for emphasis, this is the false, satanic prophet believed in Islam to be sent by Allah/Satan to ‘revive’ Islam in the last days.) This false, satanic, Islamic prophet is to Allah inversely compared to what Christ is to the true God. Christ is ‘true’ and sent by the ‘true’ God. MbS (mujaddid) is a false, demonic prophet sent by the false Allah/Satan. MbS/Beast does NOT officially become the Antichrist UNTIL the ‘abomination of desolation’ AND he begins beheading Christians (Tribulation Saints) for not worshiping him or his image. We know that the current beast (and future Antichrist) comes from the House of Saud (today’s Arab descendants of Ismael). Since its founding as a modern day country and government, Saudi Arabia has been an ‘iron fisted’ monarchy and ‘kingdom.’ The lineage, line or genetics of these kings ALL are from the same family member (SAUD) who founded their kingdom. Currently, there are seven (7) kings during this modern day period. The seventh (7^th) king began his throne/rule in 2015 (five (5) years ago). Mohammed bin Salman ‘Crown Price’ (whom also ‘came on the scene 5 years ago) is the Prince of the Bottomless Pit of Evil (House of Saud). He will become the eighth (8^th) king, and is connected genetically, culturally, financially, governmentally and religiously to the ISHMAEL/Arabic/Saud line of reign.

Imagine That! See, there is always ‘more’ to the story that needs to be ‘unwrapped’ and ‘unfolded.’ Just before Christmas and before the ‘end’ of the season. Christ came from the 12 tribes of Israel, from the line/lineage of David. MbS/Beast/Future Antichrist came from the 12 sons of Ishmael, from the line/lineage of Saud. Christ’s ministry was marked by peace and salvation. MbS’/Beast’s rule and ministry is clearly marked by repression, death, beheadings, deceptions and lies (and money, lots of it). Christ came from the line of people (Jews) that worshiped the True and Faithful God (but rejected Christ for their salvation). The current beast and future antichrist comes from a line of people (Arabs) that worship the false, satanic god/Allah (Islam). Without using seven’s (7), five’s (5), six’s (6) and twelve’s (12), the message contained in these versus would be much more difficult to understand. But, you would be up to the task, right?

Saudi Arabia / Mohammed bin Salman (aka, current ‘beast’) is to host the G20 2020 Summit (world governance).

2+2+2 = 6 (the number of the beast). Six (6) is also the number of a physical man, the false prophet (yes, this is the current ‘Pope’ Francis, sorry to disappoint some of you.) Six (6) is also the number of collective, ‘evil’ men or mankind on earth. Together, represented sequentially and in a ‘line’ they are represented thusly, 666. The combined number of the beast, the false prophet and all the evil men on earth. Together, they represent the MOST amount of evil that has been, or will be, on earth. Yes, even more evil than Hitler (gasp!)  So, there you have it. Truth be told. Do you want to bet against me? Satan will be glad to take your bet for eternity.

Revelation 13:18 tells us that for understanding, we should ‘count.’ Go ahead, look it up. Count for yourself. Does this make sense to you? What is your mind and wit telling you? Are you ‘freaking-out’? (Maybe you should be). What does all ‘this counting’ mean for you, personally, on a real world and on a ‘spiritual level.’ Are your ‘affairs in order?’ How have you been either ‘governing’ your life or your household, for that matter? Christ has been ‘intensely and emphatically’ knocking at our collective door for the PAST THREE (3) YEARS. Have you accepted Christ as your Savior? LAST CALL (those who frequent the bar often know of what I mean, ‘been there – done that’). Last, but certainly ‘not least,’ we are told … ‘as you see these things come to pass, KNOW that YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWS NIGH. Do you know what the ‘process’ of redemption is? Do you think you might qualify as ‘redeemed.’ What does it mean to be ‘redeemed’? Is there someone qualified to be the Redeemer? I’m not talking about a 50% (5) off discount coupon redemption for Walmart or Amazon or Alibaba. It is imminent, it is ‘close at hand,’ we are ‘in the season’ and at the ‘end’ of the season, we are at the ‘end’ of the year, at the end of the last month of the last year. We are in the last seconds of the last seconds of the ‘space between’ one epoch or government of mankind and on the literal doorstep of another (seven (7) year tribulation). Folks, I can’t be any more honest, emphatic or urgent about this.

WE ARE SEEING SO MANY SIGNS ‘CONVERGING.’ God doesn’t want us to miss the signs of anything that is coming. He gives us ‘signs’ in the heavens, on earth, in nature, in mathematics, in logic, from people like me and others. He even gives us signs in the late night comedy hour from a couple of ‘comedians’. But little do they know. No… I don’t know the ‘hour or the day.’  Nor’ do I want to. Even if I knew, I wouldn’t tell you. I wouldn’t want the burden of carrying such a thing, if it were known to me. Thanks be to God, that ‘the day and hour’ is hidden from us. God wants to give us time to get our personal and household ‘governance’ under control, in order and ‘right’. He doesn’t want us to dilly-dally about and wait until the last nano-second to stop partying and then decide to get ‘things right.’ Work on it now. Get it done ‘right now.’ Don’t wait, don’t procrastinate. If you wait too long, your redemption period or coupon on your ‘deal of the century’ WILL and DOES expire. There is an ‘end’ to one period in order for the next period, epoch or season to begin. A short, but wrathful seven (7) year period of great distress that never has been, nor ever will be again. You just don’t know when the ‘expiration period’ is up, none of us do. Why wait? Why take the chance that it ‘might’ be next year (Really, are you blind? Physically and Spiritually?). If you are a ‘bettor,’ I would ‘redeem’ those chips NOW and focus on spiritual redemption and ‘savings’ before the end of the year. Yes, I’m serious. I can’t say it any more literal, plainly, matter-of-factly or caringly.

* JACOB HAD 12 SONS: Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, had 12 sons who became the 12 tribes of the nation of Israel. “And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine: and Israel heard it. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:” Genesis 35:22 (KJV)

* MOSES FIRST WROTE THE WORDS OF THE LORD: Exodus records that when Moses first began to speak the words of the Lord, and write them down, that he did it in accordance with an altar containing 12 pillars and the 12 tribes of Israel. Connect this with Galatians 2:9 and you will see immediately where this 12 takes you. “And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do. And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.” Exodus 24:3,4 (KJV)

* JOSHUA HAD 12 STONES: Joshua commanded the children of Israel to set up 12 stones to commemorate the place there the ark of the covenant stood. Read the whole chapter and see the amazing and prophetical things happening around these 12 stones. “And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the LORD spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.” Joshua 4:8,9 (KJV)

* JESUS PICKS 12 DISCIPLES: When Jesus started His earthly ministry He picked 12 disciples, one of whom was a devil (Judas), that leaves 11. Jesus handpicks Paul after His resurrection and that makes 12 again. (see 1 Corinthians 15:8). Matthias from Acts 1:23 doesn’t count because Jesus didn’t pick him, the apostles did. Jesus picked Paul. “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.” Matthew 10:1 (KJV)

God really likes the number 12, in fact, I think it is safe to say that He loves the number 12. As you can see, the number 12 is at the ‘bedrock’ of many of the major things that God does.

Final ‘Full Cold Moon’ of the decade will reach its peak on 12/12 at 12:12am EST

By RYAN MORRISON FOR MAILONLINE

PUBLISHED: 07:20 EST, 11 December 2019 | UPDATED: 09:53 EST, 11 December 2019

The final full moon of the decade will reach its peak in the night sky as the clock strikes 12:12am on 12/12 in the Eastern United States.

While only the Eastern United States will have such a notable time and date for the lunar peak, the full moon will be ‘bright and visible’ around the world.

This is a good time of year to watch and possibly photograph the full moon, according to NASA, because it is opposite a low sun.

‘The moon takes a high trajectory across the sky and as it is opposite to the low sun, it will be above the horizon longer than at other times’, NASA said in a blog

The moon appears ‘full’ on Earth due to the relative positions of the Moon and the Sun.

When you look up at the final full moon of the decade (5+5) on Thursday, the light you see is reflected from other objects – small amounts from Earth but mostly from the Sun.

We get a full Moon when it is on the opposite side of the Earth to the full Sun – causing the near side of the Moon to be fully lit up.  

The December full moon is known as the ‘Cold Moon’ because December is usually when temperatures ‘start to drop’. It is also known as the ‘Long Night Moon’ as it occurs near the winter solstice which is the ‘longest night of the year.’

The 2019 Winter Solstice is just over a week from the full moon, on Sunday 22 December. (Just before Christmas, Just before the end of the year, Just before the start of 2020.)

The first full moon of the 2020s will be a Wolf Moon on January 10. (A ‘Wolf’ comes to destroy, steal, like a ‘thief in the night,’ boldly, quickly, suddenly, unexpectedly).

The Moon (Lunar Events) portend events for Israel. The Sun (Solar Events) portend events for Gentile nations. Israel had a ‘very rare total black moon’ on August 31, 2019. A ‘BlackStone,’ ‘BlackRock’ or ‘BlackMoon’ portend DISASTROUS events for Israel (regarding ‘black’, there are those among you who know of what I speak). The first, August ‘black’ moon indicated that ‘something’ bad was going to happen. The second, early January ‘wolf’ moon indicates something suddenly, ravenous that is meant to destroy and devour’ is arriving. Again, this is for ISRAEL. Could this be, just be, when the 1. false, 2. deceptive, 3. evil, 4. devouring, 5. satanically inspired ‘covenant of peace and safety’ is 1. released, 2. announced, 3. confirmed, 4. strengthened, 5. implemented? Literally, the plan thus far has already called for a five (5) year ‘roll-out’ for various ‘investments’ and ‘infrastructure upgrades’ for the parties involved. Also, the time span between two moons (black moon in August 2019, wolf moon in January 2020) is five (5) months. A coincidence? NO. It is possible that the covenant will be ‘released’ towards the latter part of December (22^nd), 2019 and then ‘confirmed/strengthened’ a short (18 (6+6+6)) days later. This gives the Beast time to gauge political acceptance, exert his satanically empowered influence to ‘coerce’ others into accepting it, to suggest an ‘enhancement’ of increasing the investment for the parties from five (5) to seven (7) years (either to make the deal ‘easier’ to swallow or to ‘force or push the football’ over the goal line by dangling a temptingly great incentive to come to terms with the main focus of the deal.) I don’t know. I see through the veil dimly. Released on December 22, 2019 and confirmed on January 10^th 2020. Perhaps. Perhaps not.

With the ‘scornful, fighting, political’ men that rule Jerusalem’ being unable to get their act ‘government’ together, perhaps the Beast will ‘rise up’ and ‘will confirm the agreement for them’ since no one is currently at the helm of the country running it. Time to move on, get the ‘show’ on the road, get the tribulation underway. He has a date to do an ‘abomination of desolation’ in 3 ½ years. This would be EXACTLY seven (7) years (June 2024) from when ‘he’ became Crown Prince in June, 2017. Count, 2024-2017 = 7. An ‘unprecedented’ or ‘historic’ inability to form a government. Three (3) emphatic efforts to form a government. At this particular time. A coincidence? No.  Those ‘scornful who rule Jerusalem’ will probably collectively agree with the Beast’s confirmation because it has the added benefit of allowing them to start their 3^rd Temple. Will they ‘agree to anything’ to get their 3^rd Temple started and completed? Time will tell, as this plays out according to God’s divine time and time line. A sign gives a ‘storyline’ or a briefly ‘sketched plot.’ The details and a lengthy narrative are not intended. Just a general idea of what is happing or ‘coming down’. If people agree (those who are physically and spiritually awake) THEN they have gained an understanding, THEN they can be convinced that ‘it’ (whatever ‘it’ is about) has some personal importance to them. THEN they can decide, what of anything they should do. THEN they can decide whether to go back to sleep and push the ‘snooze’ button or ‘deactivate the alarm app’ on their dumb phone. OR, THEN they can decide that time is of the essence and that time is now, and time is running out, and that they have ‘no time, no time at all’ to get their ‘spiritual house’ in order so they can be ready to be Redeemed. Bible says, as you see these things come to pass, know that your REDEMPTION DRAWS NIGH. We don’t know the day or the hour. We do know the season, because the signs tell us so. How else is God supposed to waken up men, use a crusty, dilapidated old man who is a ‘nobody that nobody knows’?

Quickly, like the secular narrative says. The following is about Satan. His ‘sudden destruction’ will come boldly, quickly, like a bright, white flash. It is ‘just over the horizon’ (we sense it, but we can’t see it) ready to be noticed and rising. It is a ‘highlight’ in his attempt to deceive men in the final days. We know this is Satan’s attempt to deceive men with brilliance and awe because of the fifty (5) and his five (5) ‘I Wills’ in Isaiah. I am NOT dogmatic about this, but this could be a sign or reference to the ‘Great or Strong Delusion’ that will be sent to deceive ALL men during the tribulation. This is NOT a solar or lunar event, hence, it is intended for everyone. There are those among you who know of what I speak. I have written extensively about this type of sign in the heavens (meteors, shooting stars and the ‘great delusion’)

The full moon (shining brilliance and deception of Satan) will still be ‘over the horizon’ (which we can’t see yet or right now) as the Geminid (far away) meteor shower approaches its peak (his deception has been building up, behind the scenes). The Geminids are regarded as one of the ‘highlights’ (brilliant effort of deception) of the meteor shower calendar as they appear ‘bold, white and quick’ (suddenly, a spectacle to be noticed and deceptively appearing to be good) ‘as they enter the Earth’s atmosphere.’ “They” come from a rock comet called 3200 Phaethon and produce up to 50 (5) meteors (black stones, or black saucers) per hour in the general direction of the Gemini constellation.

 ‘They’ come from a constellation (of ‘whom’ are we deceived into believing come from galaxies and faraway places) … a ‘great or strong delusion’ that comes from a place ‘just over the horizon’ that we can’t see. When will this occur? I don’t know. Fallen angels, not aliens. A ‘Great or Strong’ delusion sent to deceive men who love not the truth. They would rather believe a lie (aliens) than the truth of those fallen angels who will be kicked out heaven, along with Satan, to earth. They come, with Satan, to earth. Satan is extreme in wrath, because he knows his time is short, just a short, but intense seven (7) years left or remaining to deceive as many men as he can until he is chained and locked up for a 1,000 years during Christ’s Millennial Reign on earth. I don’t know how to make this any simpler for you to understand.

Coming full-circle, I promised you my narrative regarding twelve (12) and twenty-four (24) by extension and multiplication regarding God’s divine management and governance of men, angels, earth and heaven. This ALSO includes the ‘New Jerusalem.’ This is the ‘final’ 1,000 years out of 7,000 years that God has ordained for the governance of man during this epoch. What comes after that? (that is another blog and story for another day).

God’s Divinely Constituted Organization

Either in Heaven or on Earth (12)

God’s plan includes divine or perfect organization of things. These ‘things’ can be either on the earth or in heaven. They generally apply to measurements, things of government, things of heavenly or earthly administration.

Twelve-Fold References to the Tribes of Israel Being Sealed:

1. … “12,000 of the tribe of Juda were sealed.” (Rev. 7:5). (Emphasis added).
2. … “12,000 of the tribe of Reuben were sealed.” (Rev. 7:5). (Emphasis added).
3. … “12,000 of the tribe of Gad were sealed.” (Rev. 7:5). (Emphasis added).
4. … “12,000 of the tribe of Aser were sealed. “ (Rev. 7:6). (Emphasis added).
5. … “12,000 of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed.” (Rev. 7:6). (Emphasis added).
6. … “12,000 of the tribe of Manases were sealed.” (Rev. 7:6). (Emphasis added).
7. … “12,000 of the tribe of Simeon were sealed.” (Rev. 7:7). (Emphasis added).
8. … “12,000 of the tribe of Levi were sealed.” (Rev. 7:7). (Emphasis added).
9. … “12,000 of the tribe of Issachar were sealed.” (Rev. 7:7). (Emphasis added).
10. … “12,000 of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed.” (Rev. 7:8). (Emphasis added).
11. … “12,000 of the tribe of Joseph were sealed.” (Rev. 7:8). (Emphasis added).
12. … “12,000 of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed.” (Rev. 7:8). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: 12 (twelve) tribes x 12,000 Jewish men being sealed = 144,000 Jewish men being sealed. Twelve (12) denotes God’s divinely constituted organization either in heaven or on earth. The 144,000 Jewish men represent a doubling or a “double of a double” (12×12) since 12,000 is a multiple of 12. What does it mean to “seal” or to be “sealed.”? The Bible gives us several strong clues for the answer to this question.

… “Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.” (Rev. 7:3-4). (Emphasis added).

… “And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.” (Rev. 9:4). (Emphasis added).

… “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).

… “And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.” (Rev. 14:3). (Emphasis added).

… “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. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” (Rev. 14:4-5).

These 144,000 men are described as:

1. Being Jewish, of the tribes of Israel.
2. Servants of God.
3. Being given and receiving the seal of God in their foreheads.
4. They stand with the Lamb on mount Sion.
5. They only know the words of a new song being sung before God’s throne.
6. They are not defiled with women. Interpreted, these men have not fallen into or for the spiritual deceit of the woman, the whore, the Mother of Harlots, otherwise known as Mystery Religion Babylon. They have not fallen for the spiritual deceit that is running rampant throughout the world during the Tribulation.
7. They are virgins. Interpreted, these men are spiritually pure and have not consumed or partaken of anything spiritually wicked that the world is so temptingly offering mankind.
8. They follow the Lamb where ever he goes. Interpreted, these Jewish men faithfully follow the gospel of Jesus Christ.
9. They were redeemed from among men. Interpreted, these Jewish men converted their faith and accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Messiah. These Jewish men recognize and accept Christ for who he is, and for what he did for them over 2,000 years ago. Although the Jewish faith long ago rejected Jesus Christ as their Savior and Messiah, these 144,000 Jewish men do accept the offer of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins by Christ and through the shedding of his blood and resurrection. These Jewish men realize that God no longer accepts the sacrificial atonement of their sins through animal sacrifices, and require their belief and acceptance of the Lamb’s eternal atonement for their sins.
10. They are the firstfruits for God and the Lamb. Interpreted, during the Tribulation, these 144,000 Jewish men are among the very first converts of redeemed men from throughout mankind. Traditionally, the firstfruits picked from a fall harvest were specifically set aside as a special offering to God, as a way to thank him and to also acknowledge who brought forth a bountiful harvest. Spiritual firstfruits are a select group of men who during a specific time period in history, accepted the saving grace of Jesus Christ, believed in him and accepted him for who he is … Lord of Lords and King of Kings. There were firstfruits of men from the Old Testament (Saints), men from the time of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, men from the Church Age or Age of Grace, and men from the Tribulation Period (the 144,000 Jewish virgins and Christian beheaded martyrs). Each of these groups of men represent the firstfruits” of their generation or unique epochal time period.
11. “In their mouth was found not guile.” Guile (def.); cunning, craftiness, craft, artfulness, artifice, wiliness, slyness, deviousness, deceitfulness, cunning. Interpreted, the 144,000 Jewish men did not twist or devise deceitful ways of expressing God’s word or their faith. They stay true to the meaning of God’s word and don’t craft deceptive interpretations from or of it.
12. Found without fault before the throne of God. Interpreted, because they have accepted the forgiveness of their sin through Jesus Christ, through the shedding of his blood and his resurrection, God finds the 144,000 Jewish men “without fault” or sinless in front of his throne.

Staying divinely consistant with his divine mathematics, the Holy Spirit provides exactly 12 (twelve) descriptions of the 12,000 Jewish men from the 12 (twelve) tribes of Isael. Even the 12 (twelve) descriptions represent or denotes God’s divinely constituted organization either in heaven or on earth. Numbers within numbers, meanings within meanings, truth within truth.

All of the preceding information about the 144,000 Jewish men should provide a meaningful background that will help answer the question of what it is to seal or to be sealed. God uses a supernatural seal to protect those men who belong to him. Being supernatural, the seal resides in the forehead of the recipient of the seal. The seal serves to protect the recipient from evil (demonic locusts can’t harm him, he is off limits in terms of being tormented). The seal serves to acknowledge the recipient as being of God or belonging to God. The seal indicates that the recipient is under the protection or benevolence of God and is part of God’s kingdom. The seal also serves notice that the recipient is a redeemed man through the grace of Jesus Christ. All of these attributes of receiving the supernatural seal of God indicate the special status of these redeemed men. Because they are physically alive and on earth during the Tribulation period, they require supernatural protection from God, in order to survive the satanic onslaught of the Devil. In no uncertain terms, they are off limits to the demonic locusts in terms of being tormented.

These 144,000 redeemed Jewish men can’t be harmed, hurt, deceived, or manipulated. Satan want’s to make war with this remnant of Israel, but is unable to to do so because of God’s supernatural protection. Conversely, as God’s seal provides protection for men, Satan’s “mark, name or number” of his antichrist provides death and eternal damnation. Conversely, as God’s seal is IN these men’s foreheads, Satan has his beast’s mark, name or number placed either ON the forehead or ON right hand. There is a subtle, yet profound difference on where the Godly seal and the satanic mark are found. God’s seal is perfect and found inside (spiritually) the recipient (IN their forehead). Conversely, the beast’s mark is found ON the recipient’s forehead or ON their righthand. This a physically visual marking or branding (think cattle branding) that is ON a person. Just as God’s seal in a man identifies that man as belonging to God, Satan’s mark of the beast identifies that man as belonging to Satan. Neither mark can be removed or tampered with. One is spiritually inside a man, the other is physically visible on the outside of a man. Once a man receives either the seal of God, or the mark of the beast, his fate is determined for ever. Nothing can touch, damage, destroy or kill the man who receives God’s seal. As such, the man who receives the beast’s mark will forever be damned and will be thrown in the lake of fire and brimestone (second death). Both the seal and the mark reflect a man’s eternal destiny that can’t be changed or altered.

In addition to God’s seal protecting the 144,000 Jewish men described as virgins or firstfruits from satanic harm, the sealing they receive from God means so much more.

Twelve-fold References to the 24 Heavenly Elders who Worship God:

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, 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. 4:10-11). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the 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).
4. … “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).
5. … “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).
6. …”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.” (Rev. 5:11). (Emphasis added).
7. … “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).
8. … “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).
9. … “And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? And whence came they?” (Rev. 7:13). (Emphasis added).
10. … “And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God. Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.” (Rev. 11:16-17). (Emphasis added).
11. … “And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.” (Rev. 14:3). (Emphasis added).
12. … “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: Numbers within numbers, meanings within meanings. There are 12 (twelve) references to 24 (twenty-four) “elders”.

These 24 (twenty-four) elders are described as:

1. Each being around the throne. They are in the presence of God, in his throne room and can visibly see his throne.
2. Each elder having a special “seat”, thus there are 24 (twenty-four) seats around the throne for the elders to sit on. These are defined as “seats” and not as “thrones.” The 24 elders do not sit on thrones.
3. Each being clothed in “white” raiment. Raiment is form of clothing. White is analogous to righteousness, holy, redeemed.
4. Each having a crown(s) of “gold.” A physical, gold crown identifies status, position, reward, righteousness, and authority.
5. Each falls down and worships God.
6. Each cast their crown(s) before the throne. This is a symbolic act of worship and acknowledges him who gave them their crown(s).
7. Each gives glory and honour to him who sits on the throne.
8. One elder identifies who Christ is and that he is worthy to open the seals of the book (of wrath).
9. Each has a harp (musical instrument) that is played in the presence of God for his enjoyment.
10. Each has a vial full of odour (something pleasing to God) which are the prayers of his saints.
11. One elder identifies and describes the Tribulation Saints who were beheaded and martyred during the Tribulation.
12. Each falls on their face and gives thanks to God for being God (reigning).

Twelve (12) descriptions contained in twelve (12) references or verses that come from throughout the book of Revelation. The twenty-four (24) elders are part of God’s divine government and serve as a sort of divine council of righteous representatives. They serve several main functions for God. They worship him. They represent his righteousness. They identify him, who he is, what he does, what he has done. They identify and acknowledge other righteous entities (Jesus Christ, Tribulation Martrys, Prayers of Saints). They do things that are pleasing to God, such as playing harps and giving him vials of the prayers of saints. Thus, they serve the Lord God. The Bible is somewhat silent on exactly who these twenty-four (24) elders are. However, it is commonly believed (rightly or wrongly) that twelve (12) are Old Testament Saints and twelve (12) are the New Testament Apostles. In any case, collectively, they represent the MVP’s  (most valuable players) on Jesus Christ’s team. They are not loved any more or less than any other redeemed man, God and Jesus Christ love everyone equally. However, these ‘MVP’s’ did something extraordinary or extremely unique or beneficial for the kingdom of God and Jesus Christ when they walked the earth. What these things might be, we don’t know. Only Christ and God know. In any case, whatever they did was extremely beneficial and pleasing to God which earned them the special status of being an ‘MVP’ and on the ‘dream team’ (using a sports term). They were also awarded special crowns to reflect whatever the did or endured, while on earth. They truly have an extremely unique role in the kingdom of God and are so noted since they receive twelve (12) references by the Holy Spirit. Of the billions of people that have or will walk the earth, only twenty-four (24) people have earned the reward, right and status of being one of the elders around God’s throne.

Twelve-fold References to the Four Beasts who Worship God:

1. … “And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face of a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. 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 honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,” (Rev. 4:6-9). (Emphasis added).
2. … “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).
3. … “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).
4. … “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, Worth is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” (Rev. 5:11-12). (Emphasis added).
5. … “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).
6. … “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the four 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).
7. … “And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.” (Rev. 6:6). (Emphasis added).
8. … “And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.” (Rev. 6:7). (Emphasis added).
9. … “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 honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.” (Rev. 7:11-12). (Emphasis added).
10. … “And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.” (Rev. 14:3). (Emphasis added).
11. … “And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.” (Rev. 15:7). (Emphasis added).
12. … “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 fact that there are four (4) special beasts or creatures suggests God’s divine foursquareness of balance and symmetry, of equal weight and measure. No one beast/creature is more important than the other, they are created slightly differently, with different physical features or appearances, but collectively, they serve God in the same way. Their differences stay consistent with the fact that God creates all of his creatures to be uniquely different and special. Just as with angels and men, these creatures have identifying similarities within their own created order, however, within their created order, they are each unique. They all complement one another in divine balance of purpose. What is that purpose? They exist before God’s throne, they worship God day and night, they have access to God, and they are given and take God’s vials of wrath and thus authorize seven angels to pour the vials of wrath upon evil mankind. They give God, glory and honour and thanks. They publicly proclaim God as the one who sits on the throne. The four beasts instruct John, the Apostle, to “Come and see.” The four beasts also publicly announce and describe God and his attributes. They are a perpetual heavenly group of four (4) witnesses. Some Bible students believe these four beasts are angelic beings, of one sort or another. However, these four beasts or creatures are not described in a manner consistent with those of angels.

When verses describe the entire heavenly hosts worshipping God, there are specific separate mentions of angels and the four beasts. They are two separately designated groups of created beings or entities. Thus, we can conclude that the four beasts are not angels, but rather, an extremely unique, heavenly group of beings that are not angelic or human. They are extremely unique and so special, there are only four of them in the universe and heaven. They are one of the very few entities who are allowed in close proximity to God, his power and glory. The references to the beasts having many wings and eyes suggests that God has given them very special, unique abilities to see throughout his creation and to move or travel in some kind of divine manner. Inherently implied is that these four creatures are also eternal. The fact that they are described in physical ways suggests that are in fact, a very physical creature but having very divine abilities created within them.

I like to think of them as God’s special-operations team. They are assigned very divine jobs by God, in the orchestration of his creation. Most (all?) angels do not appear to have anywhere near the roles or responsibilities of these unique creatures, nor does any created man. Taken into context with the twenty-four (24) elders, these four beasts play a complementary role with the elders. Both these two special groups of designated entities continuously praise and worship God. They continuously acknowledge who he is to the heavenly hosts. They are constantly reminding the heavenly hosts, who sits on the throne and is worthy of worship, honour, glory, praise and power. Both, the four (4) beasts and twenty-four (24) elders have a divinely assigned mathematical number, by God, that references their roles in his divinely constituted order or things in heaven. They are part of his government, both statistically speaking and of course, through their actual roles and responsibilities. While the various classifications and groups of created angels have their own specially assigned roles and responsibilities throughout heaven and earth, the four (4) beasts and twenty-four (24) elders are uniquely situated to continually stay in front of God’s throne and to execute his direct commandments. We are given no indication, whatsoever, that the beasts or elders transcend heaven and travel to earth to do God’s will. Only angels appear to have the role of interacting directly with mankind as fellow-servants, on God’s behalf. Using God’s divine mathematics helps in understanding the important distinctions within God’s created order in heaven and on earth

Twelve-fold References to Judge / Judging / Judgement:

1. … “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.” (Rev. 6:10). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.” (Rev. 11:18). (Emphasis added).
3. … ”Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgement is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” (Rev. 14:7). (Emphasis added).
4. … “Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy are made manifest.” (Rev. 15:4). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And I heard the angel of the water say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.” (Rev. 16:5). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.” (Rev. 16:7). (Emphasis added).
7. … “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).
8. … “Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.” (Rev. 18:8). (Emphasis added).
9. … “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).
10. … “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).
11. …”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 which were written in the books, according to their works.” (Rev. 20:12). (Emphasis added).
12. … “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.” (Rev. 20:13). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Judging or Judgement is described as;

1. God is the judge and provides judgments or decisions based on the actions, behaviors and deeds of men and angels.
2. Judgement is a decision requested to be made on behalf of someone (Tribulation Saints) who were wrongfully hurt (beheaded).
3. Someone (nations) are caught bloody red handed and are angry knowing that they will be judged for their actions, behavior and evil deeds. They are angry because they didn’t get away with it and were caught. They know they are going to have pay a price which they can’t afford.
4. Judgement is request that someone be righted a wrong done to them.
5. Judgement is request for a reward promised based on a stated outcome.
6. Judgement is based on timing. An evil act is done, its results are noted and accounted for. Time comes for the evil act to be judged and the resulting judgement exercised or made manifest.
7. Judgement, or the decision of what should be done has to be acted upon or made to occur (sent to prison). This is known as making a judgement manifest or physically exercised. This is the doing of what should be done.
8. Witnesses in the public gallery indicate that God’s judgments are “true and righteous.” This means that the public gallery can attest to the fact that God did take everything into account, all the details, actions, deeds, events, behaviors, statements, intents and came to the correct and truthful conclusion regarding the matter. Nothing was left out. Everything was taken into consideration as evidence, properly evaluated and applied against the benchmark, standard and/or law that was being applied. God’s administration of justice and his resulting judgments are found to be accurate, spot on, truthful, correct, no question about it. In Biblical words, “true and righteous.”
9. God is described as judging the “great whore” A.K.A. Babylon City (the great worldly capital of the beast’s/antichrist’s kingdom).
10. God is strong, meaning he can’t be swayed or weak in the sense that he lets some evil slide a bit in terms of not being judged or of receiving judgement. He is firm in his judgments and not weak-kneed. He does not fold under public pressure. He can’t be influenced, bribed, manipulated or pushed by a particular special interest group, lobby or entrenched political idealogy or group. He is strong, firm, steadfast, unwavering in the application of his administration of justice. The wrath of his resulting judgments are not watered down or filtered out or held back. He gives the criminal, evil-person no slack and gives them the fullest extent of prison term possible (eternity). They are not sent to a plush prison serving three square meals a day with a basketball court, but to a lake of fire and brimstone. God does not ‘molly-coddle’ the evil, he gives them exactly what they deserve. He does not withhold his judgments, he pours out his wrath in full strength (at just the right time).
11. God’s judgement comes very swiftly, within “one hour.” There is no long drawn out period of rebuttals, challenges, reviews, counter-suits, passing on to a higher court, etc. A decision is made and done. The action of the decision is made manifest, very quickly. There is no delay in the manifestation of the decision. Babylon City is destroyed within one hour, split into three parts by a very great earthquake, consumed by fire and hammered by 75lb. hailstones (weight of a talent). Period. There is no punishment meted out in stages, over a long period of time. There is no slap on the wrist that comes with an admonition to don’t do it again. The celestial sledgehammer is dropped quickly and decisively, no force is held back.
12. God’s judgement includes not only the living but also the dead. Jesus Christ opens his book of life, to see if a dead man’s name is in it. The book of life is not unlike an accounting ledger that records all the debits and credits amassed over a period of time. These debits and credits are referred to as “according to their works.” If a man’s name is found in his book of life, Jesus acknowledges as much to the Father and “confesses the man’s name even to the angels.” Through Jesus Christ and his book of life, God is able to righteously judge dead men. Jesus’ book of life accounts for everyone, past, present and future.

Numbers within numbers, meanings within meanings. 12 (twelve) descriptions of judging or judgement and 12 (twelve) references or verses from throughout the book of Revelation. Judging / Judgement. (Def.); to form a conclusion about a subject or outcome, to decide as in a case of court, to give a verdict about someone or something in court as truthful, applying the administration of justice and truthfulness. Only God and Jesus Christ are the judges. Period. Only God and Jesus Christ do the judging. Period. Only God and Jesus Christ reward, withhold or punish. Period. Only God and Jesus Christ are judge, jury, and jailer. God has his wrath. Jesus Christ has the keys to heaven and hell. Having judgement and exercising judgement is derived from authority and rule. One can only be a judge if they have the authority to judge and the right to judge. One has to be competent to judge, to be able to discern right from wrong, truth from lies, good from evil, just from unjust, righteousness from unrighteousness, clarity from deception, godly from ungodliness, saved from unsaved. To be able to judge, one has to know all the facts, all the outcomes, all the intents, all the behaviors and apply these against a benchmark, a standard, a law that determines whether the data observed meet the benchmark, standard or law. Since God is omnipotent and knows everything occurring past, present and future, he is supremely just in knowing everything to take into account in performing judgement. He is the only one capable of exercising correct, truthful and righteous judgement because he can and does take everything into consideration when exercising his administration of justice. Jesus Christ is the benchmark, the standard and/or the law. Jesus Christ paid our court fees, he paid the bail, and also paid a very expensive price so we wouldn’t have to go to jail, to the dungeon, to the hangman or to the lake of fire. God’s law of righteousness and truthfulness is;

1. Admit/Acknowledge/Accept that you are sinner. Ask God’s forgiveness and repent of your sins.

…For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

…As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. (Romans 3:10)

…If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)

1. Believe Jesus is Lord. Believe that Jesus Christ is who He claimed to be; that He was both fully God and fully man and that we are saved through His death, burial, and resurrection. Put your trust in Him as your only hope of salvation. Become a son or daughter of God by receiving Christ.

…That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:15-17). For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13)

1. Call upon His name, Confess with your heart and with your lips that Jesus is your Lord and Savior.

…That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)

This is the benchmark, standard and/or law by which God judges men. If Jesus Christ finds a man who meets this benchmark, standard and/or law, he acknowledges and confesses the man’s name before God as belonging to him and having met the requirements. Jesus Christ acts as our lawyer, on our behalf, in the administration of God’s justice. Jesus saves us in God’s court of law and in the administration of God’s justice.

Twelve-fold References to Wrath of God:

1. … “And said the 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).
2. … “For the great day of his wrath has come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Rev. 6:17). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto they servants and prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear they name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.” (Rev. 11:18). (Emphasis added).
4. … “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).
5. … “The same shall drink of the wine 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).
6. … “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.” (Rev. 14:19). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.” (Rev. 15:1). (Emphasis added).
8. … “And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who liveth for ever and ever.” (Rev. 15:7). (Emphasis added).
9. … “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).
10. … “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 the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.” (Rev. 16:19). (Emphasis added).
11. … “for all the 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).
12. … “And out of this 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).

Commentary: Twelve wraths of God are doled out to the nations, Babylon City and evil mankind. No wrath is meted out on the beast/antichrist, no wrath is meted out on the false prophet, and there is no wrath is meted out on the Bride of Christ / Church / Child (Rev. 12:5). Wrath of the nations is referred to three (3) times, Wrath of Babylon is referred to twice (2), and lastly, wrath of mankind is referred to seven (7) times.  There is no wrath for the Bride of Christ, since she is not on earth during the Tribulation and has already been found righteous through the forgiveness of our sins, and shedding of blood by Jesus Christ.

Wrath is described as;

1. Wrath comes from the Lamb (Jesus Christ) on the Day of the Lord at Armageddon.
2. Time has come for Jesus Christ to render his wrath upon evil mankind and the nations.
3. Nations are angry for receiving Christ’s wrath. They thought they could get away with it, and not be caught.
4. Babylon City, the great whore who provided spiritual fornication to the world, receives God’s wrath.
5. The wrath of God is witnessed by angels and Jesus Christ.
6. The wrath of God is described as a ‘winepress.’ A winepress is used to squeeze grapes until they burst and release their juice.
7. The wrath of God is completed with the final seven golden vial plagues.
8. The final seven golden vial wraths are given directly by God to one of the four beasts who in turn gives them to the seven angels.
9. The seven angels are commanded or instructed in turn to pour out the God’s golden vials of wrath on mankind.
10. God’s wrath causes the cities of nations to fall, and the destruction of Babylon City all by physical destruction.
11. The kings of the nations, and great men ‘merchants’ who committed spiritual fornication with Babylon, receive God’s wrath.
12. Jesus Christ uses the ‘sharp sword’ of word of God as wrath on his second coming, during the Day of the Lord, at Armageddon. He ‘treadeth’ or operates God’s winepress of wrath on evil men on the day of his return.

Numbers within numbers. Meanings within meanings. Twelve (12) descriptions of wrath, twelve (12) references or verses throughout the book of Revelation. God and Jesus Christ’s wraths are the physical manifestations of God’s judgements. God’s judgements are made manifest. God’s wrath is directed at the evil city of Babylon (the beast’s/antichrist’s capital of the Babylonian system) and at evil mankind throughout the world. God’s administration of justice and wrath involves one of the four beasts who surround his throne, angels and Jesus Christ. Specific wraths are aimed at the natural world that supports men (seas, waters, fountains, rivers, light), other wraths specifically target man directly (grievous/painful sores, scorching/searing/burning heat, 75lb. hailstones, an epically destructive worldwide earthquake). One ultimate result of God’s wrath is that all the cities of the world fall or are leveled. This is the result of his wrath of a worldwide earthquake that is unlike any earthquake that has occurred since man walked the earth. Elsewhere in this analysis, I hypothesize that this type of earthquake could be a magnitude 10.0 earthquake (or greater) resulting from a massive shift in the earth’s rotation, a shift in its poles or from a massive shifting in the continental plates under the earth’s crust. In any case, cities fall, mountains and islands are found no more. Such is God’s wrath on Babylon, evil mankind and the cities, nations and kings of the earth.

Twelve-fold References to the dragon:

1. … “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.” (Rev. 12:3). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the 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. 12:4). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, .” (Rev. 12:7). (Emphasis added).
4. … “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).
5. … “And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child .” (Rev. 12:13). (Emphasis added).
6. … “And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out his mouth.” (Rev. 12:16). (Emphasis added).
7. … “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 12:17). (Emphasis added).
8. … “And the beast I saw was like a leopard, and his feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.” (Rev. 13:2). (Emphasis added).
9. … “And they worship 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).
10. … “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).
11. … “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.” (Rev. 16:13). (Emphasis added).
12. … “ 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).

Commentary:  The term dragon (lowercase) is used as a descriptive reference. dragon is one of the two descriptive references (along with serpent). dragon and old serpent are twice used in conjuciton with one another (verses 12:9 and 20:2). Two (2) or twice denotes God’s solid confimation of a matter. The last verse referring to the dragon is significant because it contains all four refernces or names of the evil one. dragon, serprent, Devil and Satan. The Holy Spirit uses the two descriptions and two names of the evil one so that there is absolutely no mistake or error or confusion surrounding what happens to the evil one after the battle of Armageddon. Regardless of the description or name used, the evil one is bound for 1,000 years. If you carefully notice the content of each verse you will quickly realize that combined, these verses describe in a nutshell the role and activities of the one described as a dragon over the course of the Tribulation and beyond. The dragon is cast to earth after loosing a battle in heaven. The dragon persecutes Israel. The dragon goes to war against Israel’s remnant. The dragon gives the beast his power, seat and authority (evil kingdom). The dragon is worshipped in the evil kingdom. The dragon uses unclean spirits to gather together kings and their armies for Armageddon. The dragon is bound and chained for 1,000 years.

Twelve-fold References to a heavenly book:

1. … “And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.” (Rev. 5:1). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” (Rev. 5:2). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.” (Rev. 5:3). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.” (Rev. 5:4). (Emphasis added).
5. … “And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the 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).
6. … “And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.” (Rev. 5:7). (Emphasis added).
7. … “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 or odours, which are the prayers of saints.” (Rev. 5:8). (Emphasis added).
8. … “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou are worth to take the book, and open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and has redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation:” (Rev. 5:9). (Emphasis added).
9. … “And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth.” (Rev. 10:2). (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 I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.” (Rev. 10:10). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Rev. 5:1-5, 7-9, reference the book of wrath that has the seven seals which Christ is the only one worthy enough to open. Rev. 10:2, 8-10, references a little book of prophecy that “tastes sweet, but when eaten, becomes bitter in the belly”. Both books are prophetic in nature. The book which Christ opens is obviously a series of prophecies that indicate the judgements Christ administers to start the Tribulation. The second book of prophecies handed by a mighty, glorious angel to John is a bit of an enigma. The book could contain prophecies regarding other events in the Tribulation period that we don’t know about, or events that we do know about as stated in the book of Revelation. As the book of Revelation is generally considered the largest book in the Bible concerning prophecy, the two heavenly books described above (Christ’s book of seals, the mighty angels little book of bitterness) are two prophecy books contained within the prophecy of Revelation. Prophecies within prophecy. Interestingly, Revelation is chock-full of references to books being used in the administration of God’s order of things. There is of course the two books I have just referenced in this commentary. There is also a book of life referenced many places throughout Revelation. Extremely important things in God’s administration are “written down in books” (or ledgers, if you want to use an accounting term). Ultimately, every Christian’s name is written down in the book of life. John the Apostle was instructed by the Holy Spirit to ‘write’ down what he saw and/or heard.

Twelve-fold Descriptions of the Two Supernatural Witnesses:

1. Are given power to prophecy the first 3 ½ years of the Tribulation. (Rev. 11:3)
2. Dressed in sackcloth. (Rev. 11:3)
3. Called two witnesses, two olive trees, two candlesticks, two prophets. (Rev. 11:3, 11:4, 11:10)
4. Supernatural ability to defend themselves against anyone who tries to kill them. (Rev.11:5)
5. Supernatural ability to cause plagues, no rain, turn waters to blood. (Rev. 11:6)
6. The beast/antichrist kills them at the end of their prophecy ministry. (Rev. 11:7)
7. Their dead bodies will lie in a street of a great city for 3 ½ days. (Rev. 11:8, 11:9)
8. People through out the world will see their dead bodies and make no effort to bury them in graves. (Rev. 11:9)
9. People through out the world will celebrate and buy each other gifts because the two prophets were killed. (Rev. 11:10)
10. God resurrects the two prophets 3 ½ days after they were killed. People watching are afraid. (Rev. 11:11)
11. They are commanded by a voice in heave to “come up hither” and there enemies watch them ascend to heaven. (Rev. 11:12)
12. The same hour that they ascend into heaven, 7,000 men are killed by a great earthquake and the remnant give are afraid and give glory to God. (Rev. 11:13)

Commentary: Twelve (12) denotes God’s divinely constituted organization either in heaven or on earth. There are several interesting takeaways (or more) contained within these twelve references or verses. The two supernatural men are given four (4) names, which are descriptive in nature since they are not capitalized, (witnesses, olive trees, candlesticks, prophets). Each of these descriptive names has a unique meaning behind it. Witnesses bear testimony of Jesus Christ and the gospel. They testify to the saving grace of Jesus Christ through the forgiveness of sins from the shedding of his blood, and his resurrection. They are olive trees in sense that they bear fruit for the kingdom of Christ by speaking of God’s word and work, and by providing oil for the lamp of Christ in a dark world. They are candlesticks in the sense that they shine forth the light of Christ in dark, evil times. Lastly, they are prophets because they prophesy what is coming to evil men, if they don’t repent of their sin and evil ways. They will be telling people, in no uncertain terms, what awaits them if they don’t accept the salvation offered by Jesus Christ. Yet, these men are tormented by the two supernatural teachers. They are reminded over and over and over again, for the 3 ½ years, regarding their sin and spiritual status. They don’t want to hear it, they want nothing to do with it, they try to ignore it, they try to kill them (and are killed in return), they want nothing to do with Jesus Christ or his gospel. They are tormented because of the droughts and plagues that these two supernatural men from God provoke them with. These evil men just wish that the two prophets would just go away and die and leave us alone.

Another intersting fact is that verse 11:11 indicates that these two men will lay dead in the street, rotting for 3 ½ days. The time that they lay dead, 3 ½ days mirrors the 3 ½ years that they witness and prophesy. This is not a coincidence. Just as Christ died, was buried and rose again after 3 days, it seems that God’s pattern repeats itself, once again with the subsequent resurrection of these two men after the world gloats over them for 3 ½ days. Shortly after Christ’s death on the cross, their was a long lasting eclipse and earthquake. With the two prophets, there is also an earthquake (within the same hour of their resurrection) where 7,000 men are killed. The remnant of men who are not killed by the earthquake, become afraid for their own lives, not only because of the earthquarke but also because they literally see the ascendance of the two supernatural witness to heaven.  At this point in time, they realize that these two men spoke the truth and were truely messengers from God. As such, in fear, these men give glory to God. Hidden, underneath this whole series of events is the fact that these two supernatural men, and their witness, prophesy, death and resurrection are all televised and witnessed by the whole world. The beast/antichrist makes sure that his victory over and killing of these two men is broadcast as far and wide as possible, throughout the world, so he can gloat and boast. People worldwide are given to celebration and buying each other gifts, sort of an international boxing (presents) day. This of course, all happens before the two prophets are supernaturally resurrected by God and ascend into heaving. Now, their joy and celebration (over 3 ½ days) turns quickly to shock and fear. The tables are suddently turned on them. Historically, both the righteous and evil who died were afforded the minimum of a grave burial, of one type or another. However, these two men are so despised by the world that the authorities and common men make no attempt (to suffer) to put their bodies in a grave. They choose to leave them out in the open, under extreme heat, rotting with flies buzzing around so there dead bodies can be televised to the world. They know that they can’t televise two bodies, buried in graves. What fun is that?

The last interesting fact to comment on regards the 7,000 men killed by the earthquake that occurs during the same hour as the two witnesses’ resurrection and ascendancy to heaven. Seven (7) denotes God’s divinely determined completeness to his plan or purpose. 7,000 is obviously a multiple of seven (7×1,000=7,000). The number of men killed by the earthquake is very exact and specific, no more – no less. These two special, divine, supernatural men of God represent his last attempt at using men to witness, to prophecy, to exhort, to testify of God, Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. For over 2,000 years, God has used men to spread the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ to other men. This is it, this is his last attempt. Enough is enough, men will still not listen to the good news of salvation. They still are evil, hard hearted and reject anything and everything of Christ. God’s patience has finally run out from over the millennia and the centuries. Next up, he unleashes his supernatural wrath through the seven (7) trumpet and seven (7) vial wraths, not only against man, but also against man’s physical environment and those natural resources which allow man to sustain life on earth.

Twelve-fold References to Great Voice(s) from Heaven:

1. … “I was in the spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.” (Rev. 1:10). (Emphasis added).
2. … “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).
3. … ”And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,” (Rev. 9:13). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. Andy they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.” (Rev. 11:12). (Emphasis added).
5. … ”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 forever and ever.” (Rev. 11:15). (Emphasis added).
6. … ”And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” (Rev.12:10). Emphasis added).
7. … “And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their hands.” (Rev. 14:2). (Emphasis added).
8. … ”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).
9. … “And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.” (Rev. 16:17). (Emphasis added).
10. … “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).
11. … ”And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.” (Rev. 19:5). (Emphasis added).
12. … “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” (Rev. 21:3). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: Great voice(s) come out of heaven, the heavenly temple and the throne of God. The Bible is silent on these references as to whether the voice(s) are from an angel(s), the Holy Spirit, Saints, 24 elders, 4 beasts or from some other entities. The voices provide commandments, announcements, music, instruct angels, warnings and praise God. The great voice(s) act as a heavenly PA (public announcement) system, letting the heavenly host know that a particular will of God has been made known or made manifest. Just as with thunderings and lightnings, great voices get and command attention throughout heaven and earth. They attest to the power and glory of God and act as exclamation points when he speaks or his will is made manifest.

Twelve-fold Titles/Descriptions of God:

1. Lord. (7X) (Rev. 1:8, 1:10, 4:11, 6:10, 11:15, 14:13, 15:4)
2. God. (70X) (Rev. 1:1, 1:2, 1:6, 1:9, 2:7, 3:2, 3:12, 3:14, 5:9, 5:10, 6:9, 7:2, 7:3, 7:10, 7:11, 7:12, 7:15, 8:2, 8:4, 9:4, 9:13, 10:7, 11:1, 11:4, 11:11, 11:13, 11:16, 11:19, 12:5, 12:6, 12:10, 12:17, 13:6, 14:4, 14:5, 14:7, 14:10, 14:12, 14:19, 15:1, 15:2, 15:3, 15:7, 15:8, 16:1, 16:9, 16:11, 16:19, 16:21, 17:17, 18:5, 18:20, 19:5, 19:9, 19:10, 19:17, 20:4, 20:6, 20:9, 20:12, 21:2, 21:3, 21:4, 21:7, 21:11, 21:23, 22:3, 22:9, 22:18, 22:19)
3. Almighty. (1X). (Rev. 1:8)
4. Lord God. (5X). (Rev. 18:8, 19:1, 19:6, 22:5, 22:6)
5. Lord Almighty. (1X). (Rev. 1:8)
6. God Almighty. (2X). (Rev. 16:14, 19:15)
7. Lord God Almighty. (5X). (Rev. 4:8, 11:17, 15:3, 16:7, 21:22)
8. Alpha / Omega. (4X). (Rev. 1:8, 1:11, 21:6, 22:13)
9. Father. (5X). (Rev. 1:6, 2:27, 3:5, 3:21, 14:1)
10. beginning / ending. (3X). (Rev. 1:18, 21:6, 22:13)
11. which is, was, is to come. (3X). (Rev. 1:4, 1:8, 4:8)
12. first and last (4X). (Rev. 1:11, 1:17, 2:8, 22:13)

Commentary: Names and Titles are Capitalized, descriptions are not. Three individual names of God and be joined to form four (4) combinations of names, all properly representing the power, majesty and glory of God. God refers to himself as Lord, seven (7) times. Seven (7) represents God’s divinely determined completeness to his plan or purpose. Lord suggests supreme rulership and authority. His name of God, is repeated seventy (70) times. (7×10=70). Ten (10) represents God’s allness or completeness. This name of God, is the ONLY subject, in all of Revelation, to have seventy (70) references. The combinations of God’s names result in fewer references, but they are all derivatives his three (3) basic names, Lord – God – Almighty. By using these three basis names, God is intensly emphasizing who he is. By arranging them into additional combinations, adds another measure of importance and description as to who He is. The name of Jesus Christ, also shares the same naming characteristics as the Father’s names.

Twelve-fold Reference to the Beast’s Evil Political System or Kingdom:

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 heads the name of blasphemy.” (Rev. 13:1). (Emphasis added).
2. … “And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet of a bear, and his mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.” (Rev. 13:2). (Emphasis added).
3. … “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.” (Rev. 13:7). (Emphasis added).
4. … “And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,” (Rev. 16:10). (Emphasis added).
5. … “For they are the spirits of devils working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” (Rev. 16:14). (Emphasis added).
6. … “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).
7. … “And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns.” (Rev. 17:7). (Emphasis added).
8. … “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).
9. … “These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.” (Rev. 17:13). (Emphasis added).
10. … “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 here with fire.” (Rev. 17:16). (Emphasis added).
11. … “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.” (Rev. 17:17). (Emphasis added).
12. … “And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.” (Rev. 17:18). (Emphasis added).

Commentary: What denotes a political rule or system? References to a kingdom, power, seat, authority, kings, power over nations, etc. Considered and understood in totality, these verses describe the formation of the beast’s Babylonian system and kingdom. They describe where the beast/antichrist/man of sin gets his evil power, seat and authority (Satan gives this to him directly). Satan has the power to do exactly this, in Matthew 4:8-9, Satan tempts Jesus with; “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things I will give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” (Emphasis added). Power is given to the beast/antichrist/man of sin over all kindreds, tongues and nations. The ten horns are ten political leaders, who in exchange for giving up their geographical political sovereignty, receive the designation as kings from the beast, while he remains in power (four an hour). God puts it into their minds to collectively give control of their national sovereignty over to the beast. As such, the beast gains a formidable political and military support system to carry out his rule. Politically, it appears that Babylon City is the beast’s capital city and supports the man made religious heartbeat of the evil mystery religion (Babylon Mystery Religion – Whore). At the midpoint in the Tribulation, the ten (10) kings destroy Mystery Religion Babylon to make way for the sole worship of Satan through his indwelt possession of the beast/antichrist/man of sin. In Rev. verse 17:14, scripture also indicates that these ten (10) kings will also participate at the battle of Armageddon against Christ.

God’s Abundant or Doubled Organizational Arrangement (24)

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

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…”(Rev. 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.” (Rev. 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 30%  (57.1 million square miles) of the earth’s surface. This equates to approximately 130 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 (130 (6×5) 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 fornication.” (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.” (Rev. 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.” (Rev. 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.” (Rev. 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 considerd a “list of sin” and abominations. All these attributs 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 evern knowing, understanding or accepting the gospel of salvation and forgiveness offered by Jesus Christ, throught 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.

This is what a ‘sign in the heaven’ is supposed to do. It is supposed to get men to think. And, you are up to the challenge.