The Movie “2012 – We Were Warned” has been seen by millions – The Producer Roland Emmerich, said he hoped to present a realistic picture of the end of the world and the predictions that it will take place in the year 2012. It was billed as a sort of Science Fiction Apocalyptic Thriller based on the supposed prophecy of the Mayan Calendar. The special effects are no doubt spectacular – and the concept is gripping to say the least!
In one of the movie trailers the question is asked, “How would the governments of our planet prepare 6 billion people for the end of the world?” The answer comes back, “They wouldn’t.”
One of the characters caught up in the increasingly impossible chaos sums up the spirit of the film well when he wistfully says, “I thought we’d have more time.”
YouTube has registered about 9 million hits on this trailer – No doubt because millions of people have developed a special interested in the end times and prophecy.
The concepts actually come from a few sources
In 2007 – Science Journalist Lawrence E. Joseph wrote, “Apocalypse 2012: A Scientific Investigation into Civilization’s End” – where he detailed many common arguments for believing the world would end in 2012. His book and others have spawned a movement of people committed to getting the word out about the coming of the end of the world.
And then of course, there is the Mayan Calendar which many believe provides a proposed prophecy of a date for the end of the world.
In December 2012, at the winter solstice when the sun and the earth precisely align with the galactic equator, the Mayan Long Count Calendar will come to an end.
The calendar points back to a time five centuries before the pyramids – and now 2000 years after Christ the calendar continues – But, supposedly according to the calendar, the end of this world is in sight.
Underground shelters have been built – Panic has come to some – Depression, fear, anxiety, and a sense of dread and futility afflict the lives of quite a large mass of people as they are trying desperately to do what they can to prepare for the chaos and destruction they believe is sure to come.
Now the Mayans were an extraordinary brilliant people. – Mathematical geniuses, no doubt, as they were the first to discover and use the digit zero.
This might make their predictions difficult to ignore – And for all our differences from the Maya, we moderns share a fascination with the future and a desire to control events which shape our destiny - Or at least to foresee them.
Needless to say, there are many theories that are out there in connection with this forecasted 2012 date of destiny. I’m not going to spend time on these.
Our focus here at Revelation Reveals is to look closely at the biblical perspective. I believe that it is an authentic and accurate, inspirational and life-changing perspective that God Himself has given to those who are willing to take the time to search its timeless principles and prophecies.
So - In the midst of all this – other thinking individuals are wondering – Is it possible to objectively consider the evidence for such a worldwide disaster in 2012 or at a future date? They are wondering, "What on earth will happen next?" They’re asking, "Where is this world heading?" I believe that the answer is yes, there is a way.
No Question – People everywhere are fascinated with the future and end-times. Some are curious about the uncertainty of world events now unfolding. Many are desperately looking for answers to life’s dilemmas.
The reality is that for the last 35 years, in fact, interest in the future has been dramatically growing.
In the 1970s the bestselling book of the decade was Hal Lindsey's, “The Late Great Planet Earth”, with 28 million copies sold by 1990.
More recently, a series of novels titled, “Left Behind”, by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins, have sold millions of copies.
These use the proposed prophetic scenarios of Revelation as their base
According to a recent Newsweek magazine poll, 40% of all Americans (that's over 120 million people in the United States alone) believe the world will end in a dramatic, cataclysmic battle called Armageddon, between Jesus and the Antichrist.
This is, of course, a biblically based scenario from the Bible’s last great Book of Revelation.
Every major war has spawned volumes of materials depicting various end-time scenarios of Armageddon. People began to speculate and wonder “Is Armageddon Upon Us?”
Ever since the term was coined by a lonely exile on the Isle of Patmos in the Aegean Sea, men have pondered its significance and application.
With every titanic struggle that has rocked civilization, people have thought about the ominous verses of Scripture in Revelation 16
With every war - people cry “Armageddon!”
When Archduke Francis Ferdinand - assassinated - nations plunged into the fearful carnage of W.W.I. The newspapers were ripe with the headlines touting Armageddon
The newspapers were ripe with the headlines touting Armageddon.
Again during WW II - as HITLER and ALLIED FORCES marched their armies over vast regions of Europe... World’s speculative fires burst anew concerning battle ARMAGEDDON!
The word or term “Armageddon” has come to symbolize cataclysmic destruction and the end of the world.
One of the Books in the “Left Behind Series” is entitled “Armageddon”.
These biblical concepts of the last days have become popular entertainment as well.
Movie producers have jumped on board this prophetic end-time train producing a host of films.
The Biblically-based Movie, “Left Behind” is surely a result of the phenomenal interest in the Bible’s prophetic scenarios.
And then there was the NBC movie in the spring of 2005 entitled Revelations – “The End is Here”
And of course there are dramatic events and serious political scenarios transpiring around our world today…
There is the current reality and increasing threat of nuclear attack on Israel by Iran that has many astute commentators concerned - A fragile Mid-East and a desperately vulnerable nation of Israel in a very hostile environment to say the least.
I could reference many examples – Fox News – “The O’Reiley Factor” had FOX News Analyst, LT. Col Ralph Peters, who discussed the fears expressed in his new book “The War After Armageddon.”
He believes Iran and Muslim Extremists are going to use a nuclear bomb on Israel and then there will be retaliation creating the Biblical scene of Armageddon.
Before we are done you will understand the biblical prophetic reality concerning Israel and Armageddon.
A few years back Newsweek had an interesting issue – The November 1, 1999 edition of Newsweek magazine's front cover shouted the words, "Prophecy-What the Bible says about the end of the world."
Let me use this to launch more fully into the concepts I want to present tonight. First of all – I don’t think Newsweek came close to revealing what the Bible actually teaches. I don’t think it is possible for most news journalist to even have the slightest clue – And I hope you don’t either. But I also do believe that we can’t have answers – there is correct information worth our knowing!
It is in this Book called the Bible!
I believe that People want to know and certainly need to know what the Bible actually says.
And no doubt – much or MOST of what Hollywood and others may be producing could be leading people to wrong conclusions.
In our world of marketing and hype we can distort reality and become easily disillusioned. What we need is a clear, objective and definitive revelation from this book – the Bible – God’s Word – for ourselves.
Not with Hollywood hype and distortions to boast ratings and boost their bottom line.
Now of course – in our Internet connected world there are hundreds of web sites multiplying end-time scenarios. Many claiming to give the Bible answers to the myriad of questions people are genuinely asking
Could I encourage you to again USE CAUTION? Many think it must be true if it is on the Internet – Oh Boy! Now, we need to realize that it is not only Christians who are concerned about end-time events from a biblical perspective.
The Jews believe that the final sequence of last day events will ultimately liberate Israel. In their version of the end-times the Messiah comes in glory to defeat all their foes and establish the Kingdom of God with Jerusalem at the center of this new kingdom. Not so different from many Christian perspectives with Israel at the center of focus.
The Moslems also are looking for an apocalyptic end of the world. They believe the Battle of Armageddon will soon take place followed by the last conflict. In one of their views, Jesus and Imin, one of Mohammed's descendants, will fight against the Antichrist and establish the rule of Allah over a triumphant Muslim world. Of course, this is why there are many Muslim’s who wish to provoke or provide an Apocalyptical Armageddon.
Here I should remind you – that false views can lead to dangerous thinking and actions.
Commenting on the all-time interest in prophecy and end-time events scholars such as Bernard McGinn – Specialist, University of Chicago Divinity School have commented – “Over the past 30 years more scholarship has been devoted to apocalypticism (last day events) than in the last 300,”
So again there’s no doubt interest in the future and such topics as Armageddon and Antichrist are at an all-time high. Many people are desperate for answers related to Biblical realities as well as current social realities. They are anxious for some word about the future. Unfortunately, most are searching in all the wrong places.
Millions are turning to so-called psychics to discover answers to their questions regarding the future.
You have heard of Nostradamus, who many believe was the world's greatest seer. He made hundreds of predictions, listen to just one: “Clashes among racial, ethnic, and nationalistic groups in eastern Europe climax with the use of nuclear weapons. He goes on to say: Millions are not only feared dead – they are dead. What used to be considered European civilization is an increasingly distant memory.” – Nostradamus
Here is a prophecy from Edgar Cayce, called "the sleeping prophet," who died in 1945: "There will be a major financial crash in January of 2000. Vicious ice and electrical storms will rake the United States and Western Europe killing a million or more senior citizens and other innocent people who lost their homes or incomes in the January crash."
Here's a predication from another reputed futurist, Janice Seymour: "Terrorists will attack New York City with Sarin, the deadliest nerve gas known to man. So many citizens are already dead (by April, 2000) from violence and disease that a death toll is never established."
“The earth’s magnetic polls show signs of becoming unstable suggesting the beginning or a polar shift that will literally knock the planet on its ear, turning north to south and east to west in a matter of days.”
“Great Pyramid Prophecy” - Another failed predication.
Let’s read one more so-called prophecy: “The hole in the earth’s ozone layer quadruples in size exposing virtually the entire southern hemisphere to lethal levels of ultraviolet radiation and sparking the mass migration north of more than a billion people.”
An Ancient Mayan Prophecy
Are you starting to get the picture? Yeah – In case you haven’t guessed it – I’m trying to make a point! All of these prophecies were supposedly to occur early in the year 2000.
So what do you suppose might happen in 2012?
By the way – Is the Mayan Calendar an actual prophecy – or simply a calendar that ends in 2012? I threw away my last year’s calendar – the calendar ended – not the World.
Could this 2012 thing in reality be more of a distraction rather than Doomsday? I found this to be quite informative. At last the mystery of the Mayan Calendar revealed – “How come it ends in 2012 – I ran out of space on the rock.” – That is as good of an explanation as I have heard.
Did you notice – All these so-called prophecies have a common thread: Destruction is on the way – Disaster is just around the corner – Death and destruction will occur on every hand.
WHAT REALLY LIES AHEAD? Who can tell us the meaning of these times? Is there any hope for tomorrow? How can we face the future with greater confidence and hope instead of fear and trepidation? Is the outlook for the future that pessimistic? Where is there some reliable source of information? Not any man – Certainly not Robert Wagley
Absolutely nothing in fact but this book - BIBLE is the only genuinely reliable source of accurate information and facts. It’s absolutely imperative to know truth about Bible prophecy and the real issues involved with such events and crises as Armageddon and the Antichrist.
We must not settle for mere speculation. Much of what is presented today may make for good reading or entertainment but you must know what the Bible actually teaches.
The Bible has proven reliable throughout the centuries. Its prophecies have gradually unfolded down through the ages as you will see in coming presentations.
Unlike the failed predications of the psychics and sensationalists, the prophecies of the Bible have been fulfilled with uncanny accuracy for the last 3,500 years. You’ll see bold and convincing evidence of this in the next few nights. One of the clearest evidences of the Bible's inspiration is the ability to foretell future events.
Fulfilled Bible prophecy verifies the truthfulness of God's word. God does not guess. He knows! Isaiah 46:9 NKJV - Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,
Isaiah 46:10 NKJV - Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done.
The prophet Amos adds these incredible words in Amos 3:7 - “Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.” The word "surely" means certainly, definitely, without a doubt.
Here is something we can rely upon. When we look into the future we are not staring in the dark. The apostle Peter echoes His assurance in these words: 2 Peter 1:19 - “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”
Of all the books of the Bible, which shed light on the last days, the Bible's last book, Revelation, is the most complete.
In Revelation, God unfolds amazing last-day events, which will dramatically affect you and me. Revelation's incredible predications guide us through the maze of false ideas and prophecies so common in our world.
The Bible Prophecies of Daniel and Revelation unfold the plans of God and unmasks the plans of Satan. And of course of all the books of the Bible, none has stimulated more discussion and fired the imagination more than the book of Revelation.
No doubt, some biblical scholars are mystified in trying to unravel the meaning of Revelations mystic symbols such as: The four horsemen of the apocalypse – The harlot woman riding on a scarlet-colored beast – The magnificently beautiful woman in white standing on the moon with a crown of 12 stars on her head… The deceitful Antichrist – the Mark of the Beast and the mysterious number 666 – The seven last plagues and the Battle of Armageddon.
But my friends, as you will clearly see – the Bible deciphers the prophetic code. You can understand the Bible prophecies and be prepared for the future as never before. As we open the book of Revelation together, a new confidence and certainty will be yours.
Revelation’s mysterious prophecies will be solved. The pieces will fit together like a puzzle and you will see yourself in the awesome picture of the wonderful future God has planned and promised.
God has provided us with a Source of Reliable Information! Last book of the Bible – the book of Revelation was written with declared purpose of telling us what lies ahead!
Let's begin with the first verse of Revelation: Revelation 1:1
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants — things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John,
First – Notice it is a Revelation of Jesus Christ – This is one of the dynamic keys to understanding its true meaning and application.
Titled – Revelation = Apocalypses
The title of the book means "a revealing," or "unfolding."
Some people believe the book of Revelation is closed. That it is not meant to be understood. Others believe it is too complicated to understand. However, the very title of the book indicates something is to be revealed, not something to be kept hidden.
In the last chapter of this last book of the Bible, the angel tells the author of the book, John the apostle: "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand". Revelation 22:10
Revelation's prophecies are not sealed. They are not closed. The angel expressly said, "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book.”
His revelation comes with the signature of God's approval: it is the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Let's go back to our first verse again: Revelation 1:1 - The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants — things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John,
Where did Jesus get it from? – From GOD! Who did Jesus give it to? - His ANGEL? What did the angel do with it? - Brought it to JOHN. Why was it given to John? The book of Revelation is to show us God’s view of the future. It is not some personal opinion or some psychic's view of the future.
Its prophecies come directly from God. It has the signature of heaven. God himself offers a triple blessing for those who study His book:
Revelation 1:3 NKJV - Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it;
Those who READ, HEAR, KEEP the WORDS OF THIS PROPHECY and the things which are written. The prophecies of Revelation are life-changing. Your life will be changed for the good forever as you study Revelation. That's God promise.
Now – Every book has a central theme – Here is Revelation's key theme: Revelation 1:4,5 NKJV - Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come,… from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth.
This Book is about Jesus – the Faithful Witness. Jesus "was"- He existed with the Father from eternity. He is the eternal Christ. Jesus was - He came to earth as our Redeemer, our Savior, and our Lord. Jesus "is" - He is alive, resurrected from the dead. He is our friend – He understands. He cares. Jesus is. Jesus is "to come" - He is coming to take us home.
All of creation is anxiously awaiting the coming of the King. That's a major theme of the book of Revelation.
John adds in Revelation 1:7 "Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him".
Russel Baker, a popular newspaper columnist, failed to grasp this end-time hope. His view of the future was foggy.
Without Revelation's hope of this Jesus who is to come, Baker wrote these words:
“I am sitting ninety-three million miles from the sun on a rounded rock which is spinning at the rate of a thousand miles an hour, and roaring through space to no one knows where. To keep a rendezvous with nobody knows what, for nobody knows why. And all around me whole continents are drifting aimlessly over the planet and I am being swept along in the whole galaxy’s insane dash toward the far wall of the universe. And as I sit here, ninety-three millions miles from the sun (alone), I am feeling absolutely miserable.” Russell Baker
I want to feel sorry for this man – If he only knew what the Bible had to say. If he could only know about the ONE that the prophetic book of Revelation was all about, if he could have only understood the reality of its prophecies. The problem is most Christians don’t either!
TIME Magazine had an interesting article a few years ago – Just before the Y2K debacle - The cover read “The End of the World”
Most religious versions of Armageddon (the biblical episode) seem as unreal as Armageddon (the sci-fi film). Even most devout Christians don’t expect that any time soon they will see the seven-headed beast from the Revelation of St. John, the New Testaments vision of the last things.
But in these final days of the 20th century, religious millennialism has once again found a real world problem on which to hang its visions of doom - the Y2K (that’s the year 2000) computer bug. TIME January 18, 1999
The fact is many people are doing the same with 2012 – Even Christians don’t know how to understand many of the events and the chaos and uncertainty transpiring around us. While so many are sucked into the sensationalism of the 2012 doomsday prophecies other are clueless as to what to believe. We don’t have to be in the dark or in a state of uncertainty or despair. God has not left us without answers!
Revelation 1:3 NKJV
Now – Remember we read - “Blessed is he that reads... for the time is near (at hand. KJV).” - Blessed actually means “Happy” – “Contented”
The passage stated “The time is near or at hand” – What time is the inspired writer calling our attention to in the Introduction to this great prophetic book?
Let’s Go to Revelation 22:10, 7 - And he said to me, "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. What TIME is at hand – What is being referred to here? Go to verse 7 – makes it plain. - Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”
The book of Revelation begins and climaxes with the greatest event in the history of the ages – the coming of Jesus. There is hope beyond Armageddon and the Antichrist of Revelation. We find a Soon Coming Savior who will deliver us from the fear of terrorism, global destruction and from the tribulation of Armageddon.
We are not cosmic orphans. Our planet is not destined for self-destruction. We will not be reduced to some spinning globe of nuclear-holocaust, ash. World-wide calamity and holocaust the final word on a planet struggling for survival - Natural disasters will not dash our hopes. Hurricanes, Earthquakes, tornadoes, fires and floods will not dash our hopes and destroy our joy of an eternal tomorrow. – Heart disease and cancer will no longer claim their victims.-Tears; disappointments and heartache will come to an end.
God’s Prophetic Word in Revelation gives us HOPE and Courage! In chapter 5, John describes a mysterious scroll and an awesome judgment scene, but the prophecy ends with the redeemed praising God, singing: 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, I heard saying: "Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
Beyond all of earth's end-time heartaches, the saved are singing songs of deliverance. They have been redeemed!
In Revelation, chapters 6 and 7, seven cryptic seals are opened one after another.
A time of great tribulation bursts upon the world, but look how the scene ends: Go to Revelation 7:14, 15 "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, …Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him … And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.
Revelation 7:16, 17 NKJV - They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
Notice: The tribulation does not destroy them. They come through unscathed with their faith stronger, praising God. In Revelation 8 and 9, seven trumpets of tragedy blow. One disaster follows another in rapid succession throughout history. The judgments of God fall upon the earth. Disaster follows disaster.
But the seventh angel sounds in: Revelation 11: 15 - There were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
Revelation’s prophecy’s all end in the same place. A glorious eternal future for those who are with God -The book of Revelation is a Revelation of Hope.
Beyond the natural disasters, beyond conflict between nations – Beyond ethnic conflicts and escalating worldwide political tension – beyond an uncertain economy, there is hope. Yes – beyond rising gas prices – and everything else – there is HOPE! The message of Revelation is – There is HOPE
1. Hope in a new kingdom. 2. Hope in a new world. 3. Hope in a new leader. 4. And Most of all – There is Hope in the coming of the Lord
It should go without saying that there is no more important study for last day Christians or anyone else than the study of the biblical books of Revelation and Daniel. These two apocalyptic books of Bible prophecy pin point our place in history and the extreme nearness of Jesus’ coming. In fact Daniel and Revelation clarify for us the kind of people who will be spiritually prepared for the coming of our Lord.
It is not possible to be qualified for heaven without the relationship with Christ depicted by Revelation.
The 13th chapter of Revelation foretells the rise of the powerful Antichrist power. It unfolds a time when no man can buy or sell unless he follows the dreaded Antichrist and receives the mark of the beast and the mysterious number 666.
But in Revelation 14, at the end of this sequence, the apostle shouts with joy:
Let’s go to: Revelation 14:14 - Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle.
Revelation 14:15, 16 NKJV - And another angel came… crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe." So He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.
John turns us away from the beast – He doesn’t focus his attention on an economic boycott when no man can buy or sell. He is not seized with terror as the result of an international death decree. He looks and sees Jesus returning in glory. The aged apostle and prophetic writer is secure in this blessed hope.
In The book of Revelation each of its great prophetic scenarios ends with the coming of our Lord!
In Revelation 19, "He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.“ Revelation's ending is dramatic, awesome, and glorious:
By the way, as I mentioned earlier – Many are concerned about such things as the Battle of Armageddon and the Last Days Tribulation involving the Antichrist. People are afraid today. I think it is because so few really understand what Revelation says.
Can’t cover all of this in first night, but going to cover - But, for just a few moments tonight – Want you to see the real focus of the Battle of Armageddon.
You have got to realize and remember that – Revelation continually points to the Coming of Christ as the climax of its prophecies and shows us that this great event is also acutely related to the real Battle of Armageddon as you will see in a moment.
It is this great prophetic book of Revelation that introduces term “ARMAGEDDON” to us. And that gives us a description of the real struggle represented by the expression. In fact, did you know this word occurs but once in the entire Bible – and as we said, in an Apocalyptic passage.
Let’s look at a few passages: Revelation 16:13, 14, 16 - And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.
Now – Since the term Armageddon occurs but once in the Bible – then we should find our primary information concerning the meaning and usage of term in its IMMEDIATE CONTEXT.
Does that make sense to you? This is a principle we will use throughout our series – We must and we will INTERPRET Scripture with Scripture.
And we will also look at things in their Biblical context. Thankful don’t have to depend on news commentators, the TV and Film Industry – or anyone else. If let Bible interpret itself – we can be SURE OF THE PROPHECY – And there will Be NO CONFUSION! And we won’t get caught in trap of saying or believing – “This is Armageddon” every time war breaks out different parts of world.
We will also see Armageddon is actually a wonderful promise of DELIVERANCE from sin-filled world. Fortunately, we are not left in the dark about this war. Revelation has a lot to say about it.
Let’s take a quick look at the Battle of Armageddon in its immediate context. Revelation 16:1 NKJV - Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth."
Now let’s also read Revelation15:1 - Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is complete.
This verse identifies these vials as the 7 last plagues... In which “is filled the wrath of God.” Let’s take a look at these plagues – Now I will warn you – it is not real pretty.
The Seven Last Plagues
1. Painful sores
2. Sea turns to blood
3. Waters turn to blood
4. Sun scorches men
5. Darkness descends
6. Battle of Armageddon
7. Second Coming
They fall upon those who succumb to the seductive propaganda of these evil powers – and pay homage to those powers represented by these symbols. This is a war between the powers represented by Revelation’s graphic symbols of beasts and dragons who fight against God and His people.
Going to reveal what these powers are in our Revelation of Hope series. The Bible tells us the whole world is involved and many will be deceived. – The fact is it is not a pretty scene.
Let’s take a look at passages related to this situation. Revelation 13:3, 8, 11-15, 17
Verse 3 - And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast
Revelation 13:8 NKJV - All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Revelation 13:11, 12 NKJV - Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
Revelation 13:15 NKJV - He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.
Revelation 13:16,17 NKJV - He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
Well, there you have it – Perhaps some of the most dreaded passages in all of Revelation and the Bible. Who is this Beast? What on earth is this Beast power? For one thing – It is very powerful no doubt as people all over the world will follow it. And the Bible says they will ask, “Who can make war against him?” Revelation 13:4.
So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" This Beast represents the Antichrist. He seems invincible! Nobody can attack him and win, except Jesus Christ, as we shall see.
Bible says whole world will be deceived. This is undoubtedly referring to those who do not know Revelation’s message.
As I mentioned earlier we don’t have time to cover all of this tonight. We are just introducing the concepts. You really do need be here to get all of this. It’s the most exciting and powerful thing you will ever learn!
Now I do not want to terrify you, but I hope you will get serious enough about Armageddon and the Antichrist that you will want to know all that we need to understand about it. Where and when it will happen? Who will be the main participants? What will be the issues?
Before we leave tonight we need to look at some other vivid descriptions from Revelation. Let’s see what else we can learn about earth’s final war.
First of all this battle is part of a war that actually began in heaven thousands of years ago when Satan or the Devil rebelled against God. Revelation 12: 7,9 - And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, … So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Because of their rebellion, the Devil and his followers were expelled from heaven and cast into the earth.
And this conflict against God has continued on our planet ever since. Armageddon will simply be the final battle in that war when Satan and all who unite with him will realize the consequences of rebelling against God by receiving the 7 last plagues.
Actually the events of Armageddon constitute the 6th and 7th of these 7 plagues which God uses to end the diabolical deception of antichrist and put an end to his work forever.
Let’s read this graphic description more completely in: Revelation 16:12-14 - Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
Now before we speak any more on these passages, we need to remember that the book of Revelation is a book of symbols. We’ll be learning how to interpret these symbols in a few nights. Here see the prophet describing swiftly changing scenes with beasts, dragons, and frog-like unclean spirits. What do all these things mean? What do they have to do with the Earth’s last battle and the end-time events affecting all of us? I can assure you that we need to know and will know as we continue to study God’s prophetic Word together.
No doubt these symbols used to represent certain things; they are not to be taken literally. I also want you to take NOTE that – Actually this battle which we call Armageddon is called “The Battle of the great day of God Almighty”. Armageddon is spoken of simply as the place where the nations are gathered.
Notice also - THE NATIONS OF THE WHOLE WORLD are involved in this end-time conflict.
Folks right here we want to ask question: Is Armageddon simply a battle on the desert plains of a literal place in the Middle East called Megiddo – a triangular shaped area approx. 18-20 miles on each side (which makes it somewhat smaller than Chicago)… With the armies of Russia and China – Iran or perhaps others fighting against the nation of Israel – which some have interpreted Armageddon to mean.
Oh yes, this valley did serve for some pretty important battles long ago. The fact is there has been a lot of bloodshed in the Middle East. Certainly as much as any other place on earth. But, it is rather obvious that it doesn’t offer much room for the modern armies of “The Kings of the whole world!”
No one seriously supposes that the 2,000,000 Chinese soldiers could be effectively deployed there.
Again notice – the agencies gathering the nations are miracle working demons. Revelation 16:13 - Reveals 3 powerful forces – Satan’s 3 generals – the BEAST, the DRAGON, and FALSE PROPHET. These are utilized by Satan in preparing the way for Armageddon.
Another thing – no actual fighting is mentioned as occurring under the 6th plague.... Only the gathering of the nations... The clash comes during the 7th plague.
John the Revelator describes this climatic event as you continue reading in Revelation 16: 17-21
Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!” And there were noises and thundering and lightning; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth.
Revelation 16:20, 21 NKJV - Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent… that plague was exceedingly great. This very same scene is described in many places throughout Revelation.
The great hour strikes. Human history closes – God’s wrath is poured out upon those who have arrayed themselves with anti-Christ powers against God.
It is described again in Revelation 11:18 - The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged …And should destroy those who destroy the earth.
The same dramatic, climatic contrast is presented over and over again. Everywhere we look the book of Revelation focuses our attention to this dramatic scene.
Let’s look at a few of the other references. The next reference to Armageddon is: Revelation 17:12-14 - The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast.
Revelation 17:14 NKJV - These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful."
Notice – “make war with the Lamb.” The Lamb is the Most Important Symbol in the book of Revelation. The Dragon hates this Lamb and those who dare to follow Him become the object of his intense anger. But the Lamb is a Dragon Slayer. The fact is – Revelation is all about those who will be victorious over the Dragon and the Beast in the last days.
This is the most exciting drama of the ages. Hollywood has never created such an awesome scenario. Again in the scenes presented in chap. 19 we see Christ seated upon a white horse....Leading forth the armies of heaven –Revelation 19:11-15 - Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.
Ever wonder if there was such a thing as a “righteous war”? Well here it is. - Revelation 19:14 NKJV - And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Notice - “He makes war” – talk about a battle – this is serious business – the world has never experienced a battle like this.
Verse 14 - “Armies were in heave followed him.” Verse 15 - “Treads the winepress of wrath of Almighty God.” This is heavy stuff!
Revelation 19:19 NKJV - And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.
Revelation 19:21 NKJV - And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse.
All the latest weapons – deadliest nuclear warheads would be powerless to halt the approach of Kings of kings as He rides forth a mighty conqueror.
So as we have seen the book of Revelation shows us by various symbols and in vivid imagery - “The Battle of the Great Day of God Almighty” as Revelation 16:14 puts it.
Before we leave tonight – Let’s go back to the very heart of the passages concerning our subject tonight.
Revelation 16:15 - Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame. “Keeps garments” – What does proper dress have to do with this battle? You will learn the important answer to this question.
Many people today are really into fashion – Concerned about how they dress. They want to make sure they are dressed appropriately and in style. Well, we need to be dressed spiritually for the last days. We will find out how to be in style prophetically.
“Behold I COME as a thief.” Now every student of the Bible knows what this is referring to - Absolutely nothing other than the Good News of the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ. Many places in Bible speak in this fashion.
Listen to the exciting words in the closing chapters of this great prophetic book recorded in: Revelation 21:4, 5 - God has promised to put an end to all the results of this rebellion and war.
Revelation 21:4 NKJV - And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:5 NKJV - Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
Jesus is the faithful and true witness – We can trust Him with what He says to us in this book. We can trust Him to deal with everything that is wrong in our world – in your world. Even in your heart.
God will create a new world, and He can "make all things new in your life." This powerful, almighty God, who gives us hope as we face the future longs to fill our heart with hope. He longs to make all things new in your life. He can place within your heart-
God can place within your HEART
- A new sense of JOY
- A new sense of PURPOSE
- A new sense of SPIRITUAL POWER
- A new sense of FORGIVENESS
- A new sense of HAPPINESS
I wonder - Would you like to say with me in your heart tonight: "Oh, God – the God who will defeat the forces of evil and create a new heaven and earth help me to understand the message that you have to us in order to know of your plan in these eventful times.
Friends listen to me tonight – You can understand this book. You must understand the book of Revelation and the companion book of Daniel along with the other pertinent prophetic material in the Bible for our lives today.
This Seminar is designed to help people like you and me to know what God is trying to say to all on our planet in this important and dramatic hour of history. You will discover an exciting plan and purpose for life beyond the ordinary grind and struggle of mediocrity.
God has something better for us and our families. And it comes through an understanding of His plan and purpose revealed in the exciting truths of Scripture and Bible Prophecy. Daniel and Revelation contain a glorious revelation for life today and for a wonderful eternity beginning right now.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to begin a journey of understanding and significance!
You will discover an exciting plan and purpose for life beyond the ordinary grind and struggle of mediocrity.