The Revelation in Plain

by

Jarno Noordermeer

Copyright

Copyright © 2021 Jarno Noordermeer

All Rights Reserved

Quote

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

- Acts 2:17-21 (KJV)

Table of Contents

Introduction

Decoding the Revelation

Revelation 1

Revelation 2

Revelation 3

Revelation 4

Revelation 5

Revelation 6

Revelation 7

Revelation 8

Revelation 9

Revelation 10

Revelation 11

Revelation 12

Revelation 13

Revelation 14

Revelation 15

Revelation 16

Revelation 17

Revelation 18

Revelation 19

Revelation 20

Revelation 21

Revelation 22

Resources

About

Introduction

The book of revelation is a like a jigsaw puzzle filled with symbols waiting to be deciphered. The complete picture will only emerge shortly before it becomes relevant, e.g. a last big warning about the end times for example. That time is now, and the book of revelation can now be read.

In prophecy "one day equals one year".

After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.
- Numbers 14:34 (KJV)

With that in mind all the major prophesies (Daniel, Revelation, etc) make perfect sense.

When deciphering the symbols in prophesy, it is the Bible that interprets the Bible.

For example:

The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
- Revelation 1:20 (KJV)

The seven stars = the angels of the seven churches
The seven candlesticks = the seven churches

In this study I have focused mainly on current and future events. For more in-depth studies on the historical aspects of the book of Revelation, please see the Resources page.

What follows is my interpretation. Do not rely on my interpretation. You must study this for yourself.

I have not added or removed anything from the book of Revelation itself. I've only added my comments for teaching purposes.

All text is from the King James Bible (unless otherwise indicated).

Remember that no matter what happens, God is in control.

Index

Story flow chapters below are in bold, and inset chapters are in italic.

Chapter 1

Introduction
The Son of Man

Chapter 2

The Seven Churches
Letter to the Church in Ephesus
Letter to the Church in Smyrna
Letter to the Church in Pergamum
Letter to the Church in Thyatira

Chapter 3

Letter to the Church in Sardis
Letter to the Church in Philadelphia
Letter to the Church in Laodicea

Chapter 4

The Throne in Heaven

Chapter 5

The Sealed Book

Chapter 6

The Seven Seals
The Seals

Chapter 7

The 144,000
The Great Multitude
The 144,000 (Continued)

Chapter 8

The Seventh Seal
The Seven Trumpets
The Trumpets

Chapter 9

The Trumpets (Continued)

Chapter 10

The Little Book

Chapter 11

The Two Witnesses (inset)
The Seventh Trumpet

Chapter 12

The Woman and the Dragon

Chapter 13

The Sea Beast
The Earth Beast

Chapter 14

The 144,000 (Zion)
The Three Angels' Messages
The Harvest

Chapter 15

The Seven Angels and the Seven Last Plagues

Chapter 16

The Seven Vials
The Vials

Chapter 17

The Woman on the Beast

Chapter 18

The Fall of Babylon

Chapter 19

Babylon Has Fallen
The Rider on the White Horse

Chapter 20

The Thousand Years
Gog and Magog
Judgment

Chapter 21

A New Heaven and a New Earth
New Jerusalem

Chapter 22

The Tree of Life
Jesus is Coming Quickly

Decoding the Revelation

Most of the book of Revelation is symbolic.

For example, take the verse below about the antichrist.

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.
- Revelation 17:3 (KJV)

Now this of course is not literal. It's symbolic.

Many of the symbols in the book of revelation have been studied for a long time, but they are sometimes hard to understand.

So, here's a short study on the symbols "woman", "scarlet", and "beast", so you get the idea.

Let's start with something simple, and work our way up.

Scarlet = sins

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
- Isaiah 1:18 (KJV)

This verse is drawing a parallel between scarlet and sins.

Scarlet = sins

Beast = kingdom

Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
- Daniel 7:23 (KJV)

This verse is drawing a parallel between beast and kingdom.

Beast = kingdom

Woman = church

I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman.
- Jeremiah 6:2 (KJV)

So we now know that the "daughter of Zion" means "woman", but what does Zion mean?

And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.
- Isaiah 51:16 (KJV)

So now we know that "Zion" means "God's people". But who are God's people?

It's the church! (As in people, not the building)

The English word "church" comes from the Greek word kyriakos (Strong's 1577) which means "belonging to the Lord".

A "daughter of Zion" means "church". A gathering of God's people if you will.

The comparison between a woman (virgin, bride, wife) and the church isn't new.

For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
- Ephesians 5:23 (KJV)

In the verses below, Paul compares the church in Corinth with a chaste virgin (pure woman).

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia.
- 2 Corinthians 1:1 (KJV)

For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 11:2 (KJV)

We're the wife making herself ready.

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.
- Revelation 19:7 (KJV)

The house of Israel is also another way of saying "my people".

Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord God.
- Ezekiel 34:30 (KJV)

And here the house of Israel is compared to a wife.

Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the Lord.
- Jeremiah 3:20 (KJV)

From all of this we can learn the following things:

Woman = church

Virgin = pure church with sound doctrine

Bride/Wife = the true church of Christ

Whore/Prostitute/Harlet = corrupt church with false teachings

Putting it All Together

So, let's look at our verse about the antichrist again.

3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman (church) sit upon a scarlet (sins) coloured beast (kingdom), full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.

So we can now see that "the woman on the scarlet coloured beast" refers to "a church which rules over a sinful kingdom".

That combination is unique. It's normally the other way around.

There's in fact only one such country in the world for which that is true, but more on that in Revelation 17.

So, now that we know the basics, let's delve right in, and see what else we can decode.

Revelation 1

Introduction

1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:

God will reveal His plans to His servants first.

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
- Amos 3:7 (KJV)

The word "signified" means something like "to encode in symbols". The sole reason for this symbolism is that the prophecies can then only be understood just before they are about to happen, e.g. it's a way of controlling the timing of it all.

Symbols are sometimes also necessary to describe things that are not in place at the time of writing. For example, when John wrote the book of Revelation, there was no USA, so instead it was referred to as a "beast coming up out of the earth".

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.
- Revelation 13:11 (KJV)

Thanks to Daniel we know that a beast is actually a kingdom.

Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
- Daniel 7:23 (KJV)

Etc, etc...

Not everything in the book of Revelation is symbolic, so we do need to be careful.

To understand the book of Revelation, we must also understand the sanctuary and it's furniture.

Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?
- Psalm 77:13 (KJV)

2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ (the spirit of prophecy), and of all things that he saw.
3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

This is the only book in the Bible where there is a blessing for the one who reads it.

4 John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits (messages to the churches) which are before his throne;

These are the seven Spirits:

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.
- Isaiah 11:2 (KJV)

1. The spirit of the LORD
2. The spirit of wisdom
3. The spirit of understanding
4. The spirit of counsel
5. The spirit of might
6. The spirit of knowledge
7. The spirit of the fear of the LORD

5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds (relatives) of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

There will be much deception in the last days.

If there is one thing we should know it is that Jesus will not set foot on the earth.

Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
- Matthew 24:26-27 (KJV)

We will meet with Jesus in the air.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (KJV)
- Photo : Thomas Bresson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

The Son of Man

A Son of Man is Jesus.

9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ (the spirit of prophecy).
10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day (Sabbath), and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet (loud),

The Lord's day is the Sabbath.

If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words.
- Isaiah 58:13 (KJV)

Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
- Mark 2:28 (KJV)

The Sabbath is from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.

But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God.
- Exodus 20:10 (KJV)

The Sabbath is one of the Ten Commandments.

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
- Exodus 20:8 (KJV)

11 Saying, I am 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 unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
- Initial version by Jonadab / Wikimedia Commons

12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks (the seven churches);
13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks (the seven churches) one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt (wore) about the paps (chest) with a golden girdle (righteousness, faithfulness, truth).
14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
15 And his feet like unto fine brass (strength), as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters (like thunder).
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars (angels of the seven churches): and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword (Word of God): and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:
18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys (authority to open/close doors) of hell and of death.
19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
20 The mystery of the seven stars (angels of the seven churches) which thou sawest in my right hand (filled with righteousness), and the seven golden candlesticks (the seven churches). The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Here we see how the Bible interprets the Bible, e.g.:

the seven stars = the angels of the seven churches

So now we see that verse 20 explains the "seven stars" from verse 16.

The book of Revelation is difficult, and requires much study.

A surprising amount of these symbols are from the Old Testament.

Revelation 2

The Seven Churches

The churches are the religious history of the church.

City

Meaning

Ephesus

The desired one

Smyrna

Myrrh (sweet smelling); Death

Pergamum

Mixed marriage (with the world)

Thyatira

Continual sacrifice (dark ages)

Sardis

Remnant

Philadelphia

Brotherly love

Laodicea

Judgment

There are three interpretations of the seven churches.

Historic

Actual churches (2,000 years ago)

Prophetic

The progression of the church over the last 2,000 years

Universal

The state of any given church

Both the Philadelphia church (the remnant), and the Laodicea church (lukewarm) exist together till the end.

The remnant keeps the Ten Commandments (including the Sabbath).

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.
- Revelation 12:17 (KJV)

The Philadelphia church started in 1844, closely followed by the Laodicea church around maybe 1850.

Ellen White says this.

The Seventh-day Adventist church has been in the Laodicean state from its very inception. As early as 1856 we recognized that the Laodicean message applied to us. During the fourteen months from November, 1856, through the year 1857, 348 items appear in the Review on the Laodicean message. James White and other editorial writers accounted for sixteen. Seventy came from ministers, and the other 262 from lay members. All, without exception, applied the Laodicean message to the Sabbathkeeping Adventists. (See Felix Lorenz, The Only Hope, p. 38.)
- Ellen White, God's True Church Today, p. 1

Letter to the Church in Ephesus (inset)

1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars (angels of the seven churches) in his right hand (filled with righteousness), who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks (the seven churches);
2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick (church) out of his place, except thou repent.
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

This church is in the past.

Forsaken their first love.

For further study, please see the Resources page.

Letter to the Church in Smyrna (inset)

8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

This verse is very similar to the verse below.

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
- Revelation 3:9 (KJV)

Those that belong to satan are liars (and that apparently includes "jews", or "christians" if you will).

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
- John 8:44 (KJV)

10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

This church is in the past.

Tribulation.

For further study, please see the Resources page.

Letter to the Church in Pergamum (inset)

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges (Word of God);
13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth (Word of God).
17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna (Jesus), and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

This church is in the past.

False teachings, and idols.

For further study, please see the Resources page.

Letter to the Church in Thyatira (inset)

18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass (strength);
19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins (inward parts) and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron (rule strictly); as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28 And I will give him the morning star (Jesus).
29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

This church is in the past.

False prophetess.

For further study, please see the Resources page.

Revelation 3

Letter to the Church in Sardis (inset)

1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God (messages to the seven churches), and the seven stars (angels of the seven churches); I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.
5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

This church is in the past.

Wake up, and strengthen what remains.

For further study, please see the Resources page.

Letter to the Church in Philadelphia (inset)

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David (authority to open/close doors), he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

Jesus holds the key of David.

The key of David is only mentioned twice in the Bible, and it's not a literal thing.

And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.
- Isaiah 22:21-22 (KJV)

The key of David refers to government and authority (to open and close doors).

Jesus holds the "key of David" to God's kingdom.

Please consider also this somewhat related verse.

And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
- Matthew 16:19 (KJV)

Here's how Ellen White interprets that.

"The keys of the kingdom of heaven" are the words of Christ. All the words of Holy Scripture are His, and are here included. These words have power to open and to shut heaven. They declare the conditions upon which men are received or rejected. Thus the work of those who preach God's word is a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. Theirs is a mission weighted with eternal results.
- Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, p. 413/414

8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

I saw that Jesus had shut the door of the holy place, and no man can open it; and that He had opened the door into the most holy, and no man can shut it (Revelation 3:7,8); and that since Jesus has opened the door into the most holy place, which contains the ark, the commandments have been shining out to God's people, and they are being tested on the Sabbath question.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 42

This would have happened in 1844 when Jesus moved from The Holy Place into the The Most Holy Place.

The close of probation can also be seen as a "shut door" (of The Most Holy Place).

Jesus is sometimes also referred to as a door.

Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
- John 10:7 (KJV)

Ellen White adds this:

Those who shall be overcomers are to be highly exalted before God and before His angels. Christ has promised that He will confess their names before His Father and before the holy angels of heaven. He has given us abundant promises to encourage us to be overcomers. The True Witness has given us the assurance that He has set before us an open door, which no man can shut. Those who are seeking to be faithful to God may be denied many of the privileges of the world; their way may be hedged up and their work hindered by the enemies of truth; but there is no power that can close the door of communication between God and their souls. The Christian himself may close this door by indulgence in sin, or by rejection of Heaven's light. He may turn away his ears from hearing the message of truth, and in this way sever the connection between God and his soul.
- Ellen White, Review and Herald, March 26, 1889

The only person that can shut this door is you.

9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

This verse is interesting, because it hasn't been fulfilled yet. It's a direct reference to the end times. Some have suggested that this is a reference to the 144,000.

The NKJV translates the phrase "the word of my patience" as "my commmand to persevere".

Similar to this verse:

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
- Revelation 14:12 (KJV)

Patience, endurance, perseverance are all very similar.

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar (part of) in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

Even though this church doesn't have much strength in the beginning, God will make them strong in the end.

Here is how Ellen White talks about this:

The family is named after the Father. Those who enter the heavenly mansions will have the name of the Father and the name of the city of God written in their foreheads. They will bear the divine superscription and be partakers of the divine nature.
- Ellen White, That I May Know Him, chapter 97

13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Patient.

For further study, please see the Resources page.

Letter to the Church in Laodicea (inset)

14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

To be lukewarm is an insult to God. He wants all of us.

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
- Mark 12:30 (KJV)

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

The message "to be zealous and repent" is known as the straight testimony. This message is first delivered to the church.

The shaking is followed shortly after that.

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

The throne is like a judgment seat. God will say "This is how I judged. Do you agree?", and you get to see for yourself why your family and friends aren't in heaven.

This will take place during the 1,000 years.

22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Lukewarm, about to be rebuked.

The state of the church represented by the foolish virgins is also spoken of as the Laodicean state.
- Ellen White, Review and Herald, August, 1890

For further study, please see the Resources page.

Revelation 4

The Throne in Heaven

This takes place shortly after the ascension of Jesus.

When Christ passed within the heavenly gates, He was enthroned amidst the adoration of the angels. As soon as this ceremony was completed, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in rich currents, and Christ was indeed glorified, even with the glory which He had with the Father from all eternity. The Pentecostal outpouring was Heaven's communication that the Redeemer's inauguration was accomplished. According to His promise He had sent the Holy Spirit from heaven to His followers, as a token that He had, as Priest and King, received all authority in heaven and on earth, and was the Anointed One over His people.
- Ellen White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 38

1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door (invitation) was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet (loud) talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

This door probably refers to the door of the heavenly tabernacle.

If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord.
- Levitucus 1:3 (KJV)

John wrote the book of Revelation around AD 96, so the phrase "things which much be hereafter" must mean that the seals, trumpets, and vials have not yet occurred. It does not not refer to the destruction of Jerusalem in other words.

2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.
3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow (symbol of God's promise) round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald).

All the stones mentioned here, were also part of "the breastplate of judgment".
- Distant Shores Media/Sweet Publishing / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it; of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen, shalt thou make it. Foursquare it shall be being doubled; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof. And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be set in gold in their inclosings. And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.
- Exodus 28:15-21 (KJV)

4 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 (heavenly clothing); and they had on their heads crowns of gold (reward).

The elders mentioned here are most likely men.

The number 24 can be broken up as "12 + 12", where 12 stands for government.

In the book of Hebrews (chapter 11) the word "elders" seems to refer to the ones who have faith, and have obtained a good report.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.
- Hebrews 11:1-2 (KJV)

Hebrews 11 then continues to list the elders as Noah, Moses, David, etc. Could they be part of the 24 elders?

The idea that the elders were redeemed from the Earth can also be found in the verses below.

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. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
- Revelation 5:8-10 (KJV)

I don't think the elders are angels, because the angels are described as "about the elders".

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.
- Revelation 7:11-12 (KJV)

If the elders are redeemed from men, then where did they come from?

Well, perhaps they were resurrected at the same time as Jesus.

And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.
- Matthew 27:52-53 (KJV)

Ellen White refers to them as co-laborers with God, and also as redeemed.

As Christ arose, He brought from the grave a multitude of captives. The earthquake at His death had rent open their graves, and when He arose, they came forth with Him. They were those who had been co-laborers with God, and who at the cost of their lives had borne testimony to the truth. Now they were to be witnesses for Him who had raised them from the dead.
During His ministry, Jesus had raised the dead to life. He had raised the son of the widow of Nain, and the ruler's daughter and Lazarus. But these were not clothed with immortality. After they were raised, they were still subject to death. But those who came forth from the grave at Christ's resurrection were raised to everlasting life. They ascended with Him as trophies of His victory over death and the grave. These, said Christ, are no longer the captives of Satan; I have redeemed them. I have brought them from the grave as the first fruits of My power, to be with Me where I am, nevermore to see death or experience sorrow.
- Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, p. 786

Some have suggested that the 24 elders are involved in judgment, because they surround the throne.

It's not conclusive though. For example, Stephen Bohr thinks they are angels.

5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire (seven spirits of God) burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God (messages to the seven churches).
6 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 (all-seeing) before and behind.
7 And the first beast was like a lion (strong), and the second beast like a calf (tender and good), and the third beast had a face as a man (human), and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle (swift).

Each of these beasts is at the head of their kind, e.g. beasts, cattle, man, and birds.

The four beasts have also been linked to the four gospels.

Beast

Gospel

Jesus as

Lion

Matthew

King

Calf

Mark

Servant

Man

Luke

Son of Man

Eagle

John

Son of God

The beasts here are not kingdoms.

8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes (all-seeing) within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, LORD God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,
10 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 (rule) before the throne, saying,
11 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.

Revelation 5

The Sealed 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.
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?
- By Roger Griffith / Wikimedia Commons

3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

Ellen White says that the book with the seven seals contains the history of the world.

There in His open hand lay the book, the roll of the history of God's providences, the prophetic history of nations and the church. Herein was contained the divine utterances, His authority, His commandments, His laws, the whole symbolic counsel of the Eternal, and the history of all ruling powers in the nations. In symbolic language was contained in that roll the influence of every nation, tongue, and people from the beginning of earth's history to its close.
- Ellen White, Manuscript releases, vol. 9, p. 7

It's like a book of remembrance.

Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
- Malachi 3:16 (KJV)

4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
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.
6 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 (Salvation) and seven eyes (all-seeing), which are the seven Spirits of God (messages to the churches) sent forth into all the earth.
7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
8 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 (the prayers of saints), which are the prayers of saints.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred (relatives), and tongue (language), and people, and nation;
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
11 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 ("millions");

In Greek the largest number was ten thousand. So, this means something like "millions", etc.

12 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.
13 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.
14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

The first seal would have been opened at Pentecost (the white horse).

Revelation 6

The Seven Seals
- By Roger Griffith / Wikimedia Commons

The seals are the social history of the church.

1.

White horse

2.

Red horse

3.

Black horse

4.

Pale horse

5.

Martyrs

6.

Heavenly signs

7.

Silence in heaven

The first four seals are also depicted as horses, and their riders.
- Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse by Viktor Mikhailovich Vasnetsov / Wikimedia Commons

This is not the first time that colored horses were used in the Bible.

And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass. In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses.
- Zechariah 6:1-3 (KJV)

The seals are all about the history of the church (transition points), e.g. the church starts out pure (white), then undergoes persecution (red), then famine (black), and death (pale), etc.

The summary of the seven seals below is from the book An Enduring Vision by Austin Cooke.

Seal 1

- White horse

- A war of righteousness against Satan's kingdom by the church of Christ

- Apostolic church

- Pure, zealous, persecuted

- Faithful and united, proclaim truth

- Bow = Word of God.
Crown = Christ as king.
Conquering = triumph of gospel in apostles' day

- AD 31

- Warnings of apostasy

- True church victorious

Seal 2

- Red horse

- A war against the doctrines and standards of the church of Christ

- Church after persecution

- Sinful, heretical, political

- Faithful, resists apostasy

- No peace = literal and spiritual peace that vanishes from the church
Kill = Intolerance and hatred in the church
Sword = Authoritarianism, love of power.
Division and separation.

- AD 100

- Apostate church emerges

- True church under attack

Seal 3

- Black horse

- A war against the character and leadership of the church of Christ

- Church united with state

- Corrupt, idolatrous, pagan

- Faithful separate from apostasy

- Balances =
1. Judgment - Apostate church rejected
2. Commerce - Gospel commercialized
3. Corrupt dealing - trade in relics, indulgences etc.
Spiritual Famine = Bible kept from the people
Oil and Wine = Holy Spirit and true doctrine

- AD 320

- Apostate church complete

- True church eclipsed

Seal 4

- Pale horse

- A war against the people of the church of Christ

- Church dominating the state

- Deadly and repulsive

- Faithful in flight from apostates

- Death and grave ride = Spiritual death to supporters, literal death to dissenters.
Millions martyred, papal supremacy

- AD 538

- Apostate church supreme

- True church in wilderness

Seal 5

- Cry of the martyrs

- Vindication of the martyrs of the church of Christ

- The Protestant Reformation

- Recovery of the gospel. Antichrist identified

- Faithful gain recognition

- White robes given = Previously martyrs were clothed in black.
The Reformation clothed the martyrs in white. Martyrs to await future martyrdoms in the final conflict.

- AD 1500

- Apostate church exposed

- True church revived

Seal 6

- Signs in earth and sky

- Time of preparation of the church of Christ

- The time of the end

- Warnings of the second advent

- Faithful proclaim Christ's return

- Lisbon quake - 1755
Sun darkened - 1780
Moon red - 1780
Stars fall - 1799, 1833, 1866
Last days commence - 1798
Atmosphere departs - Christ seen in distant heavens
Flight of supporters of worldwide apostate church.

- AD 1755

- Apostate church falls

- True church vindicated

Seal 7

- Silence in heaven

- The deliverance of the church of Christ

- The second advent

- Enemies of church slain

- Faithful taken to kingdom

- Silence = God's grief at the destruction of the millions of unsaved
Half hour = 7.5 literal days
Christ and angels are absent from the Father
Half day = Christ's coming, resurrection, translation, destruction of wicked
7 Days = Return journey to kingdom

- Second advent

- Apostate church destroyed

- True church rewarded

The seven seals are almost parallel to the seven churches, e.g. they share similar dates.

Here is another list with dates from another study. As you can see they are very close to the dates above.

Seal

Start Date

1

AD 31 (Pentecost)

2

AD 100

3

AD 313

4

AD 538

5

AD 1517

6

AD 1755

7

Unknown

The dates may not be exactly the same, but they certainly are very close together.

The Seals

Please read the overview above first.

1 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.

This is a continuation from chapter 4 and 5 (the scroll with the seven seals), and is another clue that the seals were opened shortly after Jesus had ascended to heaven.

2 And I saw, and behold a white (pure) horse (God's people): and he that sat on him had a bow (weapon); and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

This seal has already been opened.

The spread of the gospel (as described in the Book of Acts).

In His parting conversation with His disciples on the night before the crucifixion the Saviour made no reference to the suffering that He had endured and must yet endure. He did not speak of the humiliation that was before Him, but sought to bring to their minds that which would strengthen their faith, leading them to look forward to the joys that await the overcomer. He rejoiced in the consciousness that He could and would do more for His followers than He had promised; that from Him would flow forth love and compassion, cleansing the soul temple, and making men like Him in character; that His truth, armed with the power of the Spirit, would go forth conquering and to conquer.
- Ellen White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 23

This would have happened in the first century, maybe even at Pentecost.

Arrows aren't mentioned, but I suppose it's implied when you have a bow and you go out conquering.

For further study, please see the Resources page.

3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
4 And there went out another horse (God's people) that was red (bloodshed): and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword (army).

This seal has already been opened.

Persecution.

Perhaps a consequence of the gospel spreading?

For further study, please see the Resources page.

5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black (death) horse (God's people); and he that sat on him had a pair of balances (judgment) in his hand.
6 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; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

This seal has already been opened.

Balances:

TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
- Daniel 5:27 (KJV)

Famine, rations, etc.

A day's wage for a loaf of bread.

Could also mean a famine of the Word.

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.
- Amos 8:11-12 (KJV)

For further study, please see the Resources page.

7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
8 And I looked, and behold a pale (sickly) horse (God's people): and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword (army), and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

This seal has already been opened.

Death and destruction.

Note that it says "the fourth part of the earth". This is a reference to the earth, and not to men.

If God wanted to say that the fourth part of men were to be killed, He would have worded it like in the sixth trumpet.

And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.
- Revelation 9:15 (KJV)

Ellen White talks about the wild beasts.

No sooner were these words spoken than a rush was made for Christ. Like wild beasts, the crowd darted upon their prey. Jesus was dragged this way and that, Herod joining the mob in seeking to humiliate the Son of God. Had not the Roman soldiers interposed, and forced back the maddened throng, the Savior would have been torn in pieces.
- Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, p. 731

For further study, please see the Resources page.

9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
10 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?
11 And white robes (the righteousness of the saints) were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season (short period of time), until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

This seal has already been opened.

This is a call for justice from those killed during the Dark Ages.

That is very similar to this verse.

And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.
- Genesis 4:10 (KJV)

It doesn't necessarily mean that the martyrs were alive at that point.

For further study, please see the Resources page.

12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

This is the seal we are currently in.

This entire verse has been fulfilled.

The great earthquake is the Great Lisbon earthquake in 1755.

These signs were witnessed before the opening of the nineteenth century. In fulfillment of this prophecy there occurred, in the year 1755, the most terrible earthquake that has ever been recorded. Though commonly known as the earthquake of Lisbon, it extended to the greater part of Europe, Africa, and America. It was felt in Greenland, in the West Indies, in the island of Madeira, in Norway and Sweden, Great Britain and Ireland. It pervaded an extent of not less than four million square miles. In Africa the shock was almost as severe as in Europe. A great part of Algiers was destroyed; and a short distance from Morocco, a village containing eight or ten thousand inhabitants was swallowed up. A vast wave swept over the coast of Spain and Africa engulfing cities and causing great destruction.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 304

It has been estimated that ninety thousand persons lost their lives on that fatal day.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 305
- By USGS / Wikimedia Commons

The next event comes after the tribulation (persecution).

At the close of the great papal persecution, Christ declared, the sun should be darkened, and the moon should not give her light. Next, the stars should fall from heaven. And He says, "Learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: so likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that He is near, even at the doors" (Matthew 24:32, 33, margin). Christ has given signs of His coming. He declares that we may know when He is near, even at the doors. He says of those who see these signs, "This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." These signs have appeared. [See The Great Controversy, 306-308, 333, 334.] Now we know of a surety that the Lord's coming is at hand.
- Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, p. 632

The darkness happened during the Dark Day in 1780.

Twenty-five years later appeared the next sign mentioned in the prophecy--the darkening of the sun and moon. What rendered this more striking was the fact that the time of its fulfillment had been definitely pointed out. In the Saviour's conversation with His disciples upon Olivet, after describing the long period of trial for the church,--the 1260 years of papal persecution, concerning which He had promised that the tribulation should be shortened,--He thus mentioned certain events to precede His coming, and fixed the time when the first of these should be witnessed: "In those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light." Mark 13:24. The 1260 days, or years, terminated in 1798. A quarter of a century earlier, persecution had almost wholly ceased. Following this persecution, according to the words of Christ, the sun was to be darkened. On the 19th of May, 1780, this prophecy was fulfilled.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 306

I have no idea what Dark Day would have looked like, but perhaps it was a bit like a solar eclipse (the sun darkened).

Blood moons are very common these days.

This verse says that the moon "became as blood", but Matthew 24 says that the moon "shall not give her light".

Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.
- Matthew 24:29 (KJV)

It is my understanding that these two events go together, e.g. the sun and moon were initially darkened, but then after midnight the moon became as blood.

The intense darkness of the day was succeeded, an hour or two before evening, by a partially clear sky, and the sun appeared, though it was still obscured by the black, heavy mist. "After sundown, the clouds came again overhead, and it grew dark very fast." "Nor was the darkness of the night less uncommon and terrifying than that of the day; notwithstanding there was almost a full moon, no object was discernible but by the help of some artificial light, which, when seen from the neighboring houses and other places at a distance, appeared through a kind of Egyptian darkness which seemed almost impervious to the rays." -- Isaiah Thomas, Massachusetts Spy; or, American Oracle of Liberty, vol. 10, No. 472 (May 25, 1780). Said an eyewitness of the scene: "I could not help conceiving at the time, that if every luminous body in the universe had been shrouded in impenetrable shades, or struck out of existence, the darkness could not have been more complete." -- Letter by Dr. Samuel Tenney, of Exeter, New Hampshire, December, 1785 (in Massachusetts Historical Society Collections, 1792, 1st series, vol. 1, p. 97). Though at nine o'clock that night the moon rose to the full, "it had not the least effect to dispel the deathlike shadows." After midnight the darkness disappeared, and the moon, when first visible, had the appearance of blood.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 307

It's the same event in other words.

The stars then fell in 1833 (Leonids, meteor shows). A bit like shooting stars.

In 1833, two years after Miller began to present in public the evidences of Christ's soon coming, the last of the signs appeared which were promised by the Saviour as tokens of His second advent. Said Jesus: "The stars shall fall from heaven." Matthew 24:29. And John in the Revelation declared, as he beheld in vision the scenes that should herald the day of God: "The stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind." Revelation 6:13. This prophecy received a striking and impressive fulfillment in the great meteoric shower of November 13, 1833. That was the most extensive and wonderful display of falling stars which has ever been recorded.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 333
- By Adolf Vollmy / Wikimedia Commons

The prophecies in this verse are mirrored throughout the Bible. They are pretty much what happens towards the end.

But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.
- Mark 13:24-25 (KJV)

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord come.
- Joel 2:31 (KJV)

538 = Emperor Justinian's decree
1755 = Great Earthquake
1780 = Dark Day
1798 = Pope Pius VI "deadly wound"
1833 = Stars

14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

This hasn't happened yet.

Ellen White never said that this had already happened.

Thus was displayed the last of those signs of His coming, concerning which Jesus bade His disciples: "When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors." Matthew 24:33. After these signs, John beheld, as the great event next impending, the heavens departing as a scroll, while the earth quaked, mountains and islands removed out of their places, and the wicked in terror sought to flee from the presence of the Son of man. Revelation 6:12-17.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 334

This to me seems like it might be one event, right at the very end.

The part about the mountains and islands is also found in Revelation 16:20.

15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
16 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:
17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

The question of "who shall be able to stand" is answered in the next chapter, and it's the 144,000. Only the 144,000 will be able to stand on that day.

The 144,000 will prepare the way for the Lord, and they will come in the spirit and power of Elijah.

Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.
- Malachi 3:1-3 (KJV)

The great day of His wrath is sometimes also known as the Day of the Lord, or the Day of Christ. It doesn't mean that God's wrath is only one day. It just refers to the Second Coming of Jesus in general (mostly the seven last plagues though).

The Lord's day is the Sabbath, but that's a different thing altogether.

For further study, please see the Resources page.

Revelation 7

The 144,000

1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth (north, east, south, west, e.g. worldwide), holding the four winds (strife) of the earth, that the wind (strife) should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

Similar words are used in the verses below.

Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might. And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come. For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them, even my fierce anger, saith the Lord; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them.
- Jeremiah 49:35-37 (KJV)

At first glance the phrase "not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree" seems to refer to the first two trumpets.

The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up. And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.
- Revelation 8:7-9 (KJV)

However, the trumpets are in the past, and only affect the "third part" of the Earth anyway, whereas we're looking for a worldwide judgment (four corners of the earth) such as with the seven plagues.

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.
- Revelation 16:1 (KJV)

Ellen White confirms that "the four winds", Jesus' work in the sanctuary, and the seven last plagues are in fact very closely related.

I saw that the four angels would hold the four winds until Jesus' work was done in the sanctuary, and then will come the seven last plagues.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 36

Here is some more from Ellen White.

I saw four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and were on their way to accomplish it. Jesus was clothed with priestly garments. He gazed in pity on the remnant, then raised His hands, and with a voice of deep pity cried, "My blood, Father, My blood, My blood, My blood!" Then I saw an exceeding bright light come from God, who sat upon the great white throne, and was shed all about Jesus. Then I saw an angel with a commission from Jesus, swiftly flying to the four angels who had a work to do on the earth, and waving something up and down in his hand, and crying with a loud voice, "Hold! Hold! Hold! Hold! until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads." I asked my accompanying angel the meaning of what I heard, and what the four angels were about to do. He said to me that it was God that restrained the powers, and that He gave His angels charge over things on the earth; that the four angels had power from God to hold the four winds, and that they were about to let them go; but while their hands were loosening, and the four winds were about to blow, the merciful eye of Jesus gazed on the remnant that were not sealed, and He raised His hands to the Father and pleaded with Him that He had spilled His blood for them. Then another angel was commissioned to fly swiftly to the four angels and bid them hold, until the servants of God were sealed with the seal of the living God in their foreheads.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 38

The four winds are sometimes also referred to as an "angry horse".

Angels are holding the four winds, which are represented as an angry horse seeking to break loose and rush over the face of the whole earth, bearing destruction and death in its path.
- Ellen White, My Life Today, Page 313

John sees the elements of nature - earthquake, tempest, and political strife - represented as being held by four angels.
- Ellen White, Testimony to Ministers, p. 444

Winds are a symbol of strife. The four winds of heaven striving upon the great sea represent the terrible scenes of conquest and revolution by which kingdoms have attained to power.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 439

It reminds me of this verse.

And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
- Genesis 6:3 (KJV)

2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east (from God), having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

The court in the tabernacle was also pointing eastward.

And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits.
- Exodus 27:13 (KJV)

I suspect that the phrase "hurt the earth" is more like a saying (or metaphor), and not just referring to the one event.

The sealing angel is most likely Gabriel (the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkforn by his side).

Ezekiel saw the sealing.

This sealing of the servants of God is the same that was shown to Ezekiel.
- Ellen White, Testimonials p. 445

And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
- Ezekiel 9:3-4 (KJV)

There are different types of seals, but here are the main ones.

Seal of God

The Sabbath commandment is essentially a royal seal of God's Law (the Ten Commandments). This has everything to do with authority.

Every seal contains the name, title, and domain.

The Sabbath commandment contains all three elements:

Name

The Lord thy God

Title

Creator

Domain

Heaven and earth

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
- Exodus 20:8-11 (KJV)

The Seal of God is linked to the Sabbath (seventh day).

Satan has a similar "seal" like this, except it's called a mark, and it is linked to Sunday (first day).

Seal and mark are synonymous, and both mean "sign".

Both the seal and the mark, are a sign of who you worship.

If you keep the Sabbath you worship God, but if you keep the Sunday you worship the beast (satan really).

Being sealed by the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit seals us with with the character of God, so we become more like Jesus. This is a slow process.

As wax takes the impression of the seal, so the soul is to take the impression of the Spirit of God and retain the image of Christ.
- Ellen White, Signs of the Times, December 26, 1892

When we first become Christians, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Note that the Holy Spirit can be poured out in different measures:

- As a deposit when we first become Christians

- With some measure, e.g. like with the apostles at Pentecost, or the Latter Rain, etc

- Without measure

So for example: deposit (10%), outpouring of the Holy Spirit (33%), without measure (100%).

The idea that the Holy Spirit is given by different measures can be seen in the vere below.

For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
- John 3:34 (KJV)

Jesus was clearly given the Holy Spirit without measure.

Seal of God (Judgment)

The final phase in the sealing process. This is normally linked to judgment (ownership and approval).

Decisions are made in the forehead. That's why the seal and the mark are placed on the forehead.

When you are sealed or marked in the forehead it means "voluntarily", but when you are marked in the right hand it means "coercion".

God only seals in the forehead. Satan doesn't care, as long as you do what he says.

In addition to the above, the 144,000 are also given a protective mark that only the angels can see.

And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.
- Ezekiel 9:4 (KJV)

Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.
- Ezekiel 9:6 (KJV)

So, the sequence of events for the 144,000 is probably something like this:

- The 144,000 are called (determining the costs, etc)

- God's protection is given (Psalms 91)

- Settling into the truth (training, maybe several years)

- Latter Rain (outpouring of the Holy Spirit with some unknown measure)

- The 144,000 are sealed (last thing Jesus does before He leaves the sanctuary)

- Outpouring of the Holy Spirit without measure

- Stand without a mediator

I suspect that when the servants receive the seal of the living God, they will also receive the Holy Spirit without measure soon after (or maybe even at the same time).

The Father gave his Spirit without measure to his Son, and we also may partake of its fulness.
- Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, November 5, 1908

Why are the servants sealed last?

This might be because the 144,000 are being trained to stand during the seven plagues without a mediator. A more severe test in other words. Perhaps it just takes longer for them to be sealed.

3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads (where the decisions are made).

There is clearly some kind of delay here.

I asked my accompanying angel the meaning of what I heard, and what the four angels were about to do. He said to me that it was God that restrained the powers, and that He gave His angels charge over things on the earth; that the four angels had power from God to hold the four winds, and that they were about to let them go; but while their hands were loosening, and the four winds were about to blow, the merciful eye of Jesus gazed on the remnant that were not sealed, and He raised His hands to the Father and pleaded with Him that He had spilled His blood for them. Then another angel was commissioned to fly swiftly to the four angels and bid them hold, until the servants of God were sealed with the seal of the living God in their foreheads.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 38

4 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.

Note that John hears the number, but doesn't see them. This is probably because they are spread out all over the Earth.

Also note that the 144,000 is a literal number, and not a symbolic number.

5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.
6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nephthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.
7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.
8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

Every tribe mentioned above also has a Hebrew meaning.

Tribe

Meaning

Judah

I will praise the Lord

Ruben

He has looked on me

Gad

Given good fortune

Asher

Happy am I

Naphtali

My wrestling

Manasseh

Making me to forget

Simeon

God hears me

Levi

Joined to me

Issachar

Purchased me

Zebulun

Dwelling

Joseph

Will add to me

Benjamin

Son of the right hand

Interestingly enough, when you string all the meanings together you get:

I will praise the Lord [for] He has looked on me [and] given good fortune. Happy am I [because] my wrestling, [God is] making me to forget. God hears me [and is] joined to me. [He Has] purchased me [a] dwelling [and] will add to me, [the] son of the right hand.

There are different versions of this, and I don't know who came up with it first. I first saw it in an article by Doug Batchelor (Amazing Facts).

The Great Multitude

9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes (righteousness of the saints), and palms (victory) in their hands;

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
- Revelation 19:8 (KJV)

10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
11 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,
12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

The 144,000 (Continued)

The following verses refer to the 144,000 again. Note the break, and the references to "serve him day and night in his temple" (servants), and "neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat" (fourth plague). All traits of the 144,000.

13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

This is a reference to the fourth plague.

And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.
- Revelation 16:8 (KJV)

Also:

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
- Matthew 5:6 (KJV)

17 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.

Revelation 8

The Seventh Seal

1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.

Heaven is silent for 30 minutes, and this could be very similar to war memorials where everyone is silent for some time.

Another example of when there was silence in heaven is at Gethsemane.

But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin.
- Ellen White, The Desire of Ages, p. 693

Some have suggested that heaven is silent because all the angels have gone with Jesus (to Earth).

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.
- Matthew 25:31 (KJV)

Either way, silence in heaven is for big events.

This verse concludes the section on seals. Trumpets are next.

For further study, please see the Resources page.

The Seven Trumpets

The trumpets are the military history of the church (like with Jericho).

1.

Vegetation

2.

Seas

3.

Waters

4.

Heavens

5.

Locusts

6.

Horsemen

7.

Judgment / Seven plagues

Whenever there is some kind of persecution, God responds with His judgments (the seven trumpets in this case).

For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
- 1 Corinthians 14:8 (KJV)

The seven trumpets are not in the seventh seal, but they run in parallel to the seals.

The churches and the seals are on the same timeline (same dates, etc), but the trumpets have their own timeline.

The seven plagues are all contained in the seventh trumpet.

Here is a list with dates. They are not exact dates, but good enough to get an idea of how it works.

Trumpet

Start Date

Judgment

Versus

1

AD 395

Alaric and the Visigoths

Western/Pagan Rome

2

AD 419

Genseric and the Vandals

Western/Pagan Rome

3

AD 456

Attila and the Huns

Western/Pagan Rome

4

AD 476

Theodoric and the Ostrogoths

Western/Pagan Rome

5

AD 606

Saracens and Islam

Eastern/Papal Rome

6

AD 1449

Turks and Islam

Eastern/Papal Rome

7

AD 1844

Judgment / Seven Plagues

"Rome" and those that have its mark

Note that there is no start date for the seven plagues.

In 1838 Josiah Smith predicted the fall of the Ottoman empire using the "1 day = 1 year" rule, e.g. 1299 (fifth trumpet) + 150 years = 1449 (sixth trumpet) + 391 years 15 days = 11 August 1840 (end of sixth trumpet).

Ellen White confirms this prophecy.

In the year 1840, another remarkable fulfillment of prophecy excited widespread interest. Two years before, Josiah Litch, one of the leading ministers preaching the second advent, published an exposition of Revelation 9, predicting the fall of the Ottoman empire, and specifying not only the year but the very day on which this would take place. According to this exposition, which was purely a matter of calculation on the prophetic periods of Scripture, the Turkish government would surrender its independence on the eleventh day of August, 1840. The prediction was widely published, and thousands watched the course of events with eager interest. At the very time specified, Turkey, through her ambassadors, accepted the protection of the allied powers of Europe, and thus placed herself under the control of Christian nations. The event exactly fulfilled the prediction. When it became known, multitudes were convinced of the correctness of the principles of prophetic interpretation adopted by Miller and his associates, and a wonderful impetus was given to the Advent movement. Men of learning and position united with Miller, both in preaching and publishing his views, and from 1840 to 1844 the work rapidly extended.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 334/335 (1888)

Ellen White has also shown that the numbers on the SDA prophetic chart were directed by God.

I have seen that the 1843 chart was directed by the hand of the Lord, and that it should not be altered; that the figures were as He wanted them; that His hand was over and hid a mistake in some of the figures, so that none could see it, until His hand was removed.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 74

This again confirms that the prophetic periods in the fifth trumpet (1299, 150 years) and the sixth trumpet (1449, 391 years 15 days) were correct.

To see the 1843/1850 charts for yourself, please click here.

Here is yet another confirmation of the prophetic dates on the 1843 chart.

As early as 1842, the Spirit of God had moved upon Charles Fitch to devise the prophetic chart, which was generally regarded by Adventists as a fulfillment of the command given by the prophet Habakkuk, "to write the vision and make it plain upon tables."
- Ellen White, 4SP 24.1

Some say nothing happened on 11 August, 1840, but I don't think that's true. I think 11 August, 1840 was an event that was the death-blow to the Ottoman empire, and like a disconnected branch would eventually die off (hence "the fall" of the Ottoman empire on that day). The beginning of the end kind of thing.

Ellen White never backed down on what she had written.

The Millerite interpretation of the dates of the fifth and sixth trumpets was adopted by the Seventhday Adventist Church soon after the great disappointment. It was confirmed at the General Conference session of 1883, and reaffirmed the next year at a new session. E. G. White endorsed that interpretation in her first edition of the book The Great Controversy (1888). Despite being advised to remove that view from the next edition in 1911, she was still more definite to declare that the prophecy was fulfilled in the year 1840. It is true that she was not an authority regarding history, and she requested not to be presented to the world as such. The task to prove what she wrote from history belongs to others, and for that, she recommended the support of recognized historians. Some historical details and references could require refinement and verification for accuracy. But the historical facts she brought for consideration are not to be changed. We don't have to mix sacred things with common or secondary matters. Concerning the prophetic dates, she never accepted correction.
- Dr. Alberto R. Treiyer

What trumpet are we in today?

Consider this verse taken from the seventh trumpet (Revelation 11).

And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
- Revelation 11:19 (KJV)

Ellen White clearly links that event to 1844.

The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament." Revelation 11:19. The ark of God's testament is in the holy of holies, the second apartment of the sanctuary. In the ministration of the earthly tabernacle, which served "unto the example and shadow of heavenly things," this apartment was opened only upon the great Day of Atonement for the cleansing of the sanctuary. Therefore the announcement that the temple of God was opened in heaven and the ark of His testament was seen points to the opening of the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary in 1844 as Christ entered there to perform the closing work of the atonement. Those who by faith followed their great High Priest as He entered upon His ministry in the most holy place, beheld the ark of His testament. As they had studied the subject of the sanctuary they had come to understand the Saviour's change of ministration, and they saw that He was now officiating before the ark of God, pleading His blood in behalf of sinners.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 433

Therefore we must be in the seventh trumpet.

That is also what James White says.

We think the seventh angel, or third woe-trumpet, began to sound in 1844. According to the position taken on the sixth trumpet, that ceased to sound Aug. 11, 1840, at the downfall of the Turkish Empire.
- James White, An Exposition of the Seven Trumpets

Here is a bit of an overview of how the last three trumpets work together.

Note the 4 year gap between the sixth and the seventh trumpet.

The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
- Revelation 11:14 (KJV)

In the days of the seventh trumpet the mystery of God (the gospel) will end, and probation will close.

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

Which is very similar to this.

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
- Matthew 24:14 (KJV)

The fulfillment of these prophecies was spectacular proof of the "1 day = 1 year" rule. Right down to the very day.

Ellen White has given us a wonderful anchor point, and we now know where we are.

The Trumpets

Please read the overview above first.

2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets (military campaign).
3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer (vessel with burning coals); and there was given unto him much incense (prayer of the saints), that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar (inside the Holy Place) which was before the throne (inside the Most Holy Place).
4 And the smoke of the incense (prayer of the saints), which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.
5 And the angel took the censer (vessel with burning coals), and filled it with fire (judgment) of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.
6 And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

The furniture described here is from the Holy Place in the heavenly temple, making this a pre-1844 event.

In fact, the first six trumpets are all pre-1844, and the seventh trumpet is in 1844 when Jesus moved from the The Holy Place to The Most Holy Place (investigative judgment).

I think the idea here is that persecution brings on God's judgments.

Note that the phrase "third part" in the verses below is used 12 times in all of the trumpets.

The fact that thirds are used, shows that the trumpets are warnings, mixed with mercy.

The seven plagues however will be poured out without mercy.

The use of "third part" is also present in Ezekiel.

Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, and smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them.
- Ezekiel 5:2 (KJV)

And again.

A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.
- Ezekiel 5:12 (KJV)

By the way, it does not mean that the third of Rome was destroyed every time, but only specific parts, e.g. a third of the people, a third of the ships, etc.

All the angels are pictured here together even though their work is many years apart. A friend recently described this as being a bit like "a relay".

7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

This trumpet has already sounded.

Visigoths: War and bloodshed on people.

"Hail and fire mingled with blood!" were cast upon the earth. The terrible effects of this Gothic invasion are represented as "hail," from the northern origin of the invaders; "fire," from the destruction by flame of both city and country; and "blood," from the terrible slaughter of the citizens of the empire by the bold and intrepid warriors.
- Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 189

To learn more about the Visigoths on Wikipedia, please click here.

If this trumpet were literal, then the entire world would be in complete and utter ruins, e.g. no further trumpets/plagues would be necessary. Everything destroyed. That doesn't make sense, so therefore this trumpet must be symbolic.

For further study, please see the Resources page.

8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;
9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

This trumpet has already sounded.

Vandals: Violent invasion of civilized and populated area.

The Roman Empire, after Constantine the Great, was divided into three parts. Hence the frequent remark, "a third part of men," is an allusion to the third part of the empire which was under the scourge.
- Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 190

The sounding of the second trumpet evidently relates to the invasion and conquest of Africa, and afterward of Italy, by Gaiseric (Genseric), king of the Vandals. His conquests were for the most part naval, and his triumphs were "as it were a great mountain burning with fire, cast into the sea."
- Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 190

To learn more about the Vandals on Wikipedia, please click here.

Here is similar terminology for "a great mountain burning with fire".

And I will render unto Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, saith the Lord. Behold, I am against thee, O destroying mountain, saith the Lord, which destroyest all the earth: and I will stretch out mine hand upon thee, and roll thee down from the rocks, and will make thee a burnt mountain.
- Jeremiah 51:24-25 (KJV)

For further study, please see the Resources page.

10 And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star (leader) from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;
11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood (bitter): and the third part of the waters became wormwood (bitter); and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

This trumpet has already sounded.

Huns: Great leader brings bitterness.

It is here premised that this trumpet has allusion to the desolating wars and furious invasions of Attila, king of the Huns, against the Roman power. Speaking of this warrior, particularly of his personal appearance, Barnes says: "In the manner of his appearance, he strongly resembled a brilliant meteor in the sky. He came from the East gathering his Huns, and poured them down, as we shall see, with the rapidity of a flashing meteor, suddenly on the empire. He regarded himself also as devoted to Mars, the god of war, and was accustomed to array himself in a peculiarly brilliant manner, so that his appearance, in the language of his flatterers, was such as to dazzle the eyes of beholders."
- Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 191/192

The Name of the Star Is Called Wormwood. The word "wormwood" denotes bitter consequences.
- Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 192

To learn more about the Huns on Wikipedia, please click here.

For further study, please see the Resources page.

12 And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.
13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

This trumpet has already sounded.

Ostrogoths: Removal of many leaders.

We understand that this trumpet symbolizes the career of Odoacer, the first barbarian ruler of Italy, who was so intimately connected with the downfall of Western Rome.
- Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 192

The symbols sun, moon, and stars for they are undoubtedly here used as symbols evidently denote the great luminaries of the Roman government, its emperors, senators, and consuls.
- Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 192

To learn more about the Ostrogoths on Wikipedia, please click here.

For further study, please see the Resources page.

Revelation 9

The Trumpets (Continued)

Woes:
1. Fifth trumpet
2. Sixth trumpet
3. Seventh trumpet

Trumpets 5, 6, and 7 are considered to be woes.

1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star (leader) fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key (authority to open/close doors) of the bottomless pit (grave).

The star here (or leader rather) is Mohammed.

This is reflected on the 1843 chart which has the start of the fifth trumpet as AD 606 (the birthdate of Islam perhaps).

The Bottomless Pit. The meaning of this term may be learned from the Greek, abyssos, which is defined "deep, bottomless, profound," and may refer to any waste, desolate, and uncultivated place. It is applied to the earth in its original state of chaos. (Genesis 1: 2.) In this instance it may appropriately refer to the unknown wastes of the Arabian desert, from the borders of which issued the hordes of Saracens, like swarms of locusts. The fall of Chosroes II the Persian king may well be represented as the opening of the bottomless pit, inasmuch as it prepared the way for the followers of Mohammed to issue from their obscure country and propagate their delusive doctrines with fire and sword until they had spread their darkness over all the Eastern Empire.
- Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 197

2 And he opened the bottomless pit (earth in disarray); and there arose a smoke (anger and jealousy) out of the pit (earth in disarray), as the smoke (anger and jealousy) of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke (anger and jealousy) of the pit (earth in disarray).

Such is a suitable symbol of the religion of Mahomet, of itself, or as compared with the pure light of the gospel of Jesus. It was not, like the latter, a light from heaven, but a smoke out of the bottomless pit.
- Alexander Keith, Signs of the Times, vol. 1, p. 299

3 And there came out of the smoke (anger and jealousy) locusts (grievous/devour) upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions (chastise) of the earth have power.

A false religion was set up, which, although the scourge of transgressions and idolatry, filled the world with darkness and delusion; and swarms of Saracens, like locusts, overspread the earth, and speedily extended their ravages over the Roman Empire from east to west. The hail descended from the frozen shores of the Baltic; the burning mountain fell upon the sea from Africa; and the locusts (the fit symbol of the Arabs) issued from Arabia, their native region. They came as destroyers, propagating a new doctrine, and stirred up to rapine and violence by motives of interest and religion.
- Alexander Keith, Signs of the Times, vol. 1, p. 301

4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass (deeply affected) of the earth, neither any green (trust in the mercy of God) thing, neither any tree (righteousness); but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

God will protect His own.

Interesting also that the Seal of God (Sabbath commandment of God's Law, the Ten Commandments) was understood way back then also.

History is not silent upon the fact that there have been observers of the true seventh-day Sabbath all through the gospel age.
- Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 198

5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion (grievous/devour), when he striketh a man.

Their charge was to torment, and then to hurt, but not to kill, or utterly destroy.
- Alexander Keith, Signs of the Times, vol. 1, p. 308/309

1 day = 1 year

1 month = 30 days

five months = 5 * 30 = 150 years

See also verse 10.

6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.

Despair. Left for dead, etc.

7 And the shapes of the locusts (grievous/devour) were like unto horses (strength) prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns (rule) like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men (reaffirming they are indeed men).

The Arabian horse takes the lead throughout the world; and skill in horsemanship is the art and science of Arabia. And the barbed Arabs, swift as locusts and armed like scorpions, ready to dart away in a moment, were ever prepared unto battle.
- Alexander Keith, Signs of the Times, vol. 1, p. 311, 312

8 And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.

Long hair is esteemed an ornament by women. The Arabs, unlike to other men, had their hair as the hair of women, or uncut, as their practice is recorded by Pliny and others. But there was nothing effeminate in their character; for, as denoting their ferocity and strength to devour, their teeth were as the teeth of lions.
- Alexander Keith, Signs of the Times, vol. 1, p. 312

9 And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.

The cuirass (or breastplate) was in use among the Arabs in the days of Mahomet.
- Alexander Keith, Signs of the Times, vol. 1, p. 312

The sound of their wings was as the sound of many horses running to battle.
- Alexander Keith, Signs of the Times, vol. 1, p. 313

10 And they had tails like unto scorpions (chastise), and there were stings (death) in their tails (lies): and their power was to hurt men five months.
11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit (earth in disarray), whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.

This is the same 150 years as in verse 5.

"They had a king over them." From the death of Mohammed until near the close of the thirteenth century, the Mohammedans were divided into various factions under several leaders, with no general civil government extending over them all. Near the close of the thirteenth century, Othman founded a government which has since been known as the Ottoman government, or empire, which grew until it extended over all the principal Mohammedan tribes, consolidating them into one grand monarchy.
Their king is called "the angel of the bottomless pit." An angel signifies a messenger, a minister, either good or bad, and not always a spiritual being. "The angel of the bottomless pit" would be the chief minister of the religion which came from thence when it was opened. That religion is Mohammedanism, and the sultan was its chief minister.
His name in the Hebrew tongue is "Abaddon," the destroyer; in Greek, "Apollyon," one that exterminates, or destroys. Having two different names in two languages, it is evident that the character rather than the name of the power is intended to be represented. If so, as expressed in both languages, he is a destroyer. Such has always been the character of the Ottoman government.
But when did Othman make his first assault on the Greek empire? According to Gibbon "it was on the twenty-seventh of July, in the year twelve hundred and ninety-nine of the Christian Era, that Othman first invaded the territory of Nicomaedia; and the singular accuracy of the date seems to disclose some foresight of the rapid and destructive growth of the monster."
- Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 199/200

The 150 years start at 1299, all the way to 1449.

During that whole period the Turks were engaged in an almost perpetual war with the Greek Empire, but yet without conquering it.
- Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 200

12 One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.

This trumpet has already sounded.

Saracens: The rise and progress of Islam.

To learn more about the Saracens on Wikipedia, please click here.

To learn more about Islam on Wikipedia, please click here.

For further study, please see the Resources page.

13 And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar (in the Holy Place) which is before God,

The golden altar is a piece of furniture in The Holy Place (first apartment) of the heavenly temple.

14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.
15 And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.

The Four Angels. These are the four principal sultanies of which the Ottoman Empire was composed, located in the country watered by the Euphrates. These sultanies were situated at Aleppo, Iconium, Damacus, and Bagdad. Previously they had been restrained; but God commanded, and they were loosed.
- Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 201

1 day = 1 year

1 hour = 1/24 day

1 month = 30 days

1 year = 360 days

an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year = 1/24 + 1 + 30 + 360 = 391 years 15 days

This period, during which Ottoman supremacy was to exist, amounts to three hundred ninety-one years and fifteen days.
- Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 201

16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand (a very large number): and I heard the number of them.

There is still some debate about this number. It could be referring to a very large number (symbolic), or perhaps it's the total number of warriors that were killed over the entire 391 years 15 days.

17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire (red), and of jacinth (blue), and brimstone (yellow): and the heads of the horses (strength) were as the heads of lions (fierce); and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone (firearms).

The first part of this description may have reference to the appearance of these horsemen. Fire, representing a color, stands for red, "as red as fire" being a frequent term of expression; jacinth, or hyacinth, for blue; and brimstone, for yellow. These colors greatly predominated in the dress of these warriors; so that the description, according to this view, would be accurately met in the Turkish uniform, which was composed largely of red, or scarlet, blue, and yellow. The heads of the horses were in appearance as the heads of lions, to denote their strength, courage, and fierceness; while the last part of the verse undoubtedly has reference to the use of gunpowder and firearms for purposes of war, which were then but recently introduced. As the Turks discharged their firearms on horseback, it would appear to the distant beholder that the fire, smoke, and brimstone issued out of the horses' mouths.
- Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 202

Fire arms first used on horseback by the Turks.

Cannons as well.

18 By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths (firearms)
19 For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt (deadly weapons).

These verses express the deadly effect of the new mode of warfare introduced. It was by means of these agents gunpowder, firearms, and cannon that Constantinople was finally overcome, and given into the hands of the Turks. In addition to the fire, smoke, and brimstone, which apparently issued out of their mouths, it is said that their power was also in their tails. The meaning of the expression appears to be that horses' tails were the symbol, or emblem, of their authority. It is a remarkable fact that the horse's tail is a well- known Turkish standard, a symbol of office and authority. The image before the mind of John would seem to have been that he saw the horses belching out fire and smoke, and, what was equally strange, he saw that their power of spreading desolation was connected with the tails of the horses. Anyone looking on a body of cavalry with such banners, or ensigns, would be struck with this unusual or remarkable appearance, and would speak of their banners as concentrating and directing their power.
- Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 203

The 391 years 15 days ended on 11 August 1840. This date was made known by Josiah Litch in 1838.

It was then that the sultan of the Ottoman empire surrendered to the Christian powers.

On August 11, 1840, the period of three hundred ninety-one years and fifteen days, allotted to the continuance of the Ottoman power, ended; and where was the sultan's independence? GONE! Who had the supremacy of the Ottoman empire in their hands? The four great powers; and that empire has existed ever since only by the sufferance of these Christian powers. Thus was the prophecy fulfilled to the very letter.
- Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 205

I believe the four powers are England, Russia, Austria, and Prussia.

20 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:
21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

The hordes of Saracens and Turks were let loose as a scourge and punishment upon apostate Christendom. Men suffered the punishment, but learned no lesson from it.
- Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, p. 205

This trumpet has already sounded.

Turks: The four sultans of the Ottoman Empire.

To learn more about the Turks on Wikipedia, please click here.

To learn more about Islam on Wikipedia, please click here.

For further study, please see the Resources page.

Revelation 10

The Little Book

The events in this chapter took place around 1844.

1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud (cover): and a rainbow (symbol of God's promise) was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
2 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,
3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders (God's voice) uttered their voices.

The word "angel" means "messenger". Could be anyone.

Jesus is not an angel, but He is a messenger, and in that role He is sometimes referred to as "The angel of the Lord".

Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
- Exodus 3:1-6 (KJV)

Some messages are so important that God delivers them Himself.

The mighty Angel [of Revelation 10] who instructed John was no less a personage than Jesus Christ. Setting His right foot on the sea, and His left upon the dry land, shows the part which He is acting in the closing scenes of the great controversy with Satan. This position denotes His supreme power and authority over the whole earth. The controversy has waxed stronger and more determined from age to age, and will continue to do so, to the concluding scenes when the masterly working of the powers of darkness shall reach their height. Satan, united with evil men, will deceive the whole world and the churches who receive not the love of the truth. But the mighty Angel demands attention. He cries with a loud voice. He is to show the power and authority of His voice to those who have united with Satan to oppose the truth.
- Ellen White, The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 7:971

The phrase "he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth" refers to ownership.

Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be.
- Deuteronomy 11:24 (KJV)

There is only One that owns the heaven and the sea.

Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.
- Revelation 14:7 (KJV)

Ellen White explains it like this.

The angel's position, with one foot on the sea, the other on the land, signifies the wide extent of the proclamation of the message. It will cross the broad waters and be proclaimed in other countries, even to all the world.
- Ellen White, Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 971

When a book is open, it can be read and understood.

When God speaks it is sometimes also referred to as thunder.

The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters.
- Psalms 29:3 (KJV)

Ellen White confirms this.

Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus' coming. The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 15

The seven thunders took place between 1798 and 1844 (although mostly in the 1840s). They were sealed (concealed) to the people that lived during that time, because they were being tested on what 1844 meant. A test, or some kind of "shaking" if you will.

The special light given to John which was expressed in the seven thunders was a delineation of events which would transpire under the first and second angels' messages. It was not best for the people to know these things, for their faith must necessarily be tested.
- Ellen White, Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 971

After these seven thunders uttered their voices, the instruction comes to John as to Daniel in regard to the little book: "Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered." These relate to future events which will be disclosed in their order. Daniel shall stand in his lot at the end of the days. John sees the little book unsealed. Then Daniel's prophecies have their proper place in the first, second, and third angels' messages to be given to the world. The unsealing of the little book was the message in relation to time.
- Ellen White, Manuscript Releases, p. 320.1

For reference, here is a description of what the voice of God is like (seven times).

Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars; yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon. He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn. The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness; the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory. The Lord sitteth upon the flood; yea, the Lord sitteth King for ever. The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.
- Psalms 29 (KJV)

4 And when the seven thunders (God's voice) 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 (God's voice) uttered, and write them not.
5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,
6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

The phrase "time no longer" is a reference to the end of prophetic time (date specific prophecies).

This time, which the angel declares with a solemn oath, is not the end of this worlds history, neither of probationary time, but of prophetic time, which should precede the advent of our Lord. That is, the people will not have another message upon definite time. After this period of time, reaching from 1842 to 1844, there can be no definite tracing of the prophetic time. The longest reckoning reaches to the autumn of 1844.
- Ellen White, Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 971

7 But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God (the Gospel) should be finished, as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

This could be the time that probation closes. The gospel has gone out into the world. All cases decided.

It sounds very similar to Matthew 24.

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
- Matthew 24:14 (KJV)

8 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.
9 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.
10 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.

The little book is the book of Daniel.

And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
- Daniel 8:24 (KJV)

When students of prophecy had learned that one day is one year (Ezekiel 4:4-6), Daniel's 2300 days prophecy became as new. By adding 2300 years to the start of the prophecy, 457 BC, the end of the prophecy was calculated to be 1844 AD.

This created lots of excitement as people thought that Jesus would be coming back in 1844!! (Sweet in the mouth)

When nothing happened in 1844 it turned into what is now known as "The Great Disappointment". (Bitter in the belly)

After "The Great Disappointment" people studied the Bible again, and again, and ultimately concluded that 1844 was merely the start of Judgment (probation).

We have been living in the end times for the last 175 years (ish).

457 BC = Decree to rebuild Jerusalem (Ezra 7:1-27)
1844 = Start of Judgment (Daniel 8:14)

The idea of "eating" a book can also be found in the book of Jeremiah.

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.
- Jeremiah 15:16 (KJV)

11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues (languages), and kings.

A global mission, for a global church.

A calling which is very similar to the verse below.

Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.
- Ezekiel 3:1-4 (KJV)

The mission of the Seventh-Day Adventist church is to proclaim the Three Angels Messages to the world.

For more information on the mark of the beast, please see Revelation 13:16.

Revelation 11

The Two Witnesses (inset)

1 And there was given me a reed (rod) like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.
2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months (1260 years).
3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses (Old and New testament), and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days (1260 years), clothed in sackcloth (mourning).
4 These are the two olive trees (two witnesses), and the two candlesticks (two witnesses) standing before the God of the earth.
5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.
6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.
7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit (earth in disarray) shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

The beast here is France (during the time of the French Revolution).

8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom (sexual immorality) and Egypt (atheism), where also our Lord was crucified.
9 And they of the people and kindreds (relatives) and tongues (languages) and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half (3.5 years), and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.
10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.
11 And after three days and an half (3.5 years) the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

Some people think the two witnesses are Moses (representing the law) and Elijah (representing the prophets), however this can't be the case. First of all, God would never leave the dead bodies of Moses and Elijah lying on the streets for 3.5 years. Second of all, it is stated that they prophesy for 1260 years which means we would have already seen them. Thirdly, both Moses and Elijah have spiritual bodies on which death no longer has an effect, so they can't even die.

The two witnesses are actually the Old and the New Testament. Also keep in mind that it's always God's Word that is actually performing the miracles (not His servants).

It is the scriptures that bear witness of God.

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
- John 5:39 (KJV)

The word "testify" means "witness".

The reference to Moses (the law), and Elijah (the prophets) is sometimes better known as "the law and the prophets" which also refers to scripture.

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
- John 1:45 (KJV)

The clearest example (for me) is actually by understanding that the two candlesticks (lampstands) are designed to give light.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
- Psalms 119:105 (KJV)

So again, it means scripture.

Note that the oil for the candlesticks comes from the olive trees.

And here's another example of scripture being a witness.

Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.
- Deuteronomy 31:26 (KJV)

And another.

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
- Matthew 24:14 (KJV)

Ellen White also confirms that the two witnesses are the Old and the New Testament.

The two witnesses represent the Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament. Both are important testimonies to the origin and perpetuity of the law of God. Both are witnesses also to the plan of salvation. The types, sacrifices, and prophecies of the Old Testament point forward to a Saviour to come. The Gospels and Epistles of the New Testament tell of a Saviour who has come in the exact manner foretold by type and prophecy.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 267.1

In all cases, the two witnesses refer to scripture.

The scriptures record all types of sins, and are witnesses in that respect.

Most people will say that the two witnesses are referring to a future event, but is this true, or has it already happened?

As it turns out in November 1773, the Bible was voted out by the French government ("death"), and after 3.5 years on June 1797, was voted back in ("resurrection") by the same French government. This all happened during the French Revolution (1789 - 1799) when they declared God "dead".

France stands apart in the world's history as the single state which, by the decree of her Legislative Assembly, pronounced there was no God, and of which the entire population of the capital, and a vast majority elsewhere, women as well as men, danced and sang with joy in accepting the announcement.
- Blackwood's Magazine, November, 1870

The French Revolution was one of the momentous events in the history, not only of France, but of Europe and even the whole world."
- L.E. Froom, Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, Vol. 2, pg. 633.

538 = Emperor Justinian's Decree
1793 (November) = Bible voted out
1797 (June) = Bible voted back in
1798 = Pope Pius VI "deadly wound"

Why two witnesses?

One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.
- Deuteronomy 19:15 (KJV)

This is also why Jesus sent out his disciples "two by two".

12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

This is the same way Jesus ascended into heaven. Also on a cloud.

Shortly after this, the Bible made a powerful comeback. Especially when it was printed in large numbers by the British and Foreign Bible Society (1804), and the American Bible Society (1816).

Don't mess with the Bible.

13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake (great political shaking), and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake (great political shaking) were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Not a literal earthquake, but more a political shaking.

France was shaken as if by an earthquake.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 286.1

So, I don't think the 7,000 men were slain literally.

The Seventh Trumpet

A call to judgment.

The seventh trumpet was sounded in 1844, and goes all the way to the end.

The fifth trumpet (first woe) and sixth trumpet (second woe) had to do with the rise and progress of Islam. It is highly likely that this will continue in the seventh trumpet (third woe).

Probation closes at the onset of the seven plagues.

14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.
15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Ellen White says this.

To this time the Revelator looks forward when he says, "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever." Revelation 11:15. The context clearly shows when this will take place: "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." verse 18. It is at the time of the final judgment, the reward of the righteous, and the punishment of the wicked that the kingdom of Christ will be set up. When all who oppose the sovereignty of Christ have been destroyed, the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ.
- Ellen White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 762

And again.

When John the Baptist (and subsequently, Jesus Himself) proclaimed that "the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; 10:7), reference was primarily being made to what theologians have called "the Kingdom of grace," instituted at the Fall of man in Eden and confirmed or established at Calvary. "The kingdom of glory," on the other hand, will be ushered in at the second coming of Jesus. At that time "the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever" (Revelation 11:15). "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations" (Matthew 25:31, 32).
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 122

This verse from the book of Daniel is also closely related.

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
- Daniel 7:13-14 (KJV)

By the way, the phrase "the Ancient of days" is a reference to God the Father. The phrase "Son of man" is a reference to Jesus.

16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17 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.
18 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.

Ellen White says this.

I saw that the anger of the nations, the wrath of God, and the time to judge the dead were separate and distinct, one following the other, also that Michael had not stood up, and that the time of trouble, such as never was, had not yet commenced. The nations are now getting angry, but when our High Priest has finished His work in the sanctuary, He will stand up, put on the garments of vengeance, and then the seven last plagues will be poured out.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 36

Note that this is slightly different from being hated by all nations.

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
- Matthew 24:9 (KJV)

The work of judgment began in 1844 (investigative judgment), and continues until the close of probation.

The work of judgment which began in 1844, must continue until the cases of all are decided, both of the living and the dead.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 435

The dead are being judged now, and the living will be judged after the Sunday law.

After the first resurrection, God will say "This is how I judged. Do you agree?".

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
- 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 (KJV)

No one will disagree.

And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
- Revelation 16:7 (KJV)

Note also the distinction between servants the prophets, and saints. Servants are saints, but not all saints are servants of God.

19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.

The ark of the covenant (or testimony) is a piece of furniture in The Most Holy Place (the second apartment) of the heavenly temple.

Ellen White clearly links that event to 1844.

The temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament." Revelation 11:19. The ark of God's testament is in the holy of holies, the second apartment of the sanctuary. In the ministration of the earthly tabernacle, which served "unto the example and shadow of heavenly things," this apartment was opened only upon the great Day of Atonement for the cleansing of the sanctuary. Therefore the announcement that the temple of God was opened in heaven and the ark of His testament was seen points to the opening of the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary in 1844 as Christ entered there to perform the closing work of the atonement. Those who by faith followed their great High Priest as He entered upon His ministry in the most holy place, beheld the ark of His testament. As they had studied the subject of the sanctuary they had come to understand the Saviour's change of ministration, and they saw that He was now officiating before the ark of God, pleading His blood in behalf of sinners.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 433

The second half of this verse is essentially the seventh plague.

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. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.
- Revelation 16:17-21 (KJV)

Probation closes at the start of the seven plagues. At that point Jesus will leave the temple.

This means that there is no mediator during the seven plagues.

When God speaks it is sometimes also understood as being thunder.

Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.
- John 12:28-9 (KJV)

Soon we heard the voice of God like many waters, which gave us the day and hour of Jesus' coming. The living saints, 144,000 in number, knew and understood the voice, while the wicked thought it was thunder and an earthquake. When God spoke the time, He poured upon us the Holy Ghost, and our faces began to light up and shine with the glory of God, as Moses' did when he came down from Mount Sinai.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 15

The seventh trumpet continues in Revelation 15:5.

For further study, please see the Resources page.

Revelation 12

The Woman and the Dragon (inset)

The history of the church, the man child, and the dragon, etc.

Not necessarily in chronological order.

1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman (church) clothed with the sun (glory), and the moon (Mosaic dispensation) under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars (the twelve apostles):

It is interesting that this combination of sun, moon, and the stars has been used before in Joseph's dream, where it was a reference to Israel.

And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?
- Genesis 37:9-10 (KJV)

Note that Jacob (Joseph's father) immediately makes the distinction that he is the sun, that his wife is the moon, and that Joseph's brethren are the eleven stars. With Joseph included, that brings the total number of stars to twelve. The twelve original tribes of Israel.

Recently people have suggested that the above happens as a literal sign in the heavens, and have made all sorts of date predictions, e.g. 2015, 2017, etc.
- By Szczureq / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

However, this entire chapter is about the history of the church (woman), and is highly symbolic.

Just as a reminder:

But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
- Matthew 24:36 (KJV)

No one knows, so why even guess at all?

2 And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.
3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon (Roman empire), having seven heads (king) and ten horns (power), and seven crowns (for the seven kings) upon his heads (kings).

The red dragon was the banner for the Roman empire (pagan Rome that is, not papal Rome).

The red dragon here is not referring to satan (see verse 9 for that).

The red dragon of Wales dates back to Roman times. Roman cavalry units carried a standard known as the 'draco', or dragon. This took the form of a metal dragon's head with an open mouth, through which the wind would blow.
- History Extra
- Codrin.B / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-3.0, 2.5, 2.0, 1.0 & GFDL

The red dragon was then later passed on to Wales where it is displayed on the national flag.

The red dragon also shows up in the coat of arms of Prince Charles (Prince of Wales).

4 And his tail (sting) drew the third part of the stars of heaven (angels), 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.

Satan managed to deceive a third of all the angels.

King Herod tried to kill Jesus when He was born.

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.
- Matthew 2:16 (KJV)

5 And she brought forth a man child (Jesus), who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron (rule strictly): and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
6 And the woman fled into the wilderness (hiding place), where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days (1260 years).

This is a reference to the persecution during the Dark Ages (538-1798 = 1260 years).

This period is mentioned seven times in the Bible, e.g. twice in Daniel, and five times in Revelation.

Daniel 7:25

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
- Daniel 7:25 (KJV)

time = 360 days
times = 720 days
dividing of time = 180 days
total = 360 + 720 + 180 = 1260 days

One day = One year

1260 years

Daniel 12:7

And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
- Daniel 12:7 (KJV)

time = 360 days
times = 720 days
half = 180 days
total = 360 + 720 + 180 = 1260 days

One day = One year

1260 years

Revelation 11:2

But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.
- Revelation 11:2 (KJV)

month = 30 days
total = 42 * 30 = 1260 days

One day = One year

1260 years

Revelation 11:3

And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
- Revelation 11:3 (KJV)

score = 20
threescore = 60
total = 1000 + 200 + 60 = 1260 days

One day = One year

1260 years

Revelation 12:6

And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
- Revelation 12:6 (KJV)

score = 20
threescore = 60
total = 1000 + 200 + 60 = 1260 days

One day = One year

1260 years

Revelation 12:14

And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
- Revelation 12:14 (KJV)

time = 360 days
times = 720 days
half = 180 days
total = 360 + 720 + 180 = 1260 days

One day = One year

1260 years

Revelation 13:5

And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
- Revelation 13:5 (KJV)

month = 30 days
total = 42 * 30 = 1260 days

One day = One year

1260 years

-

The Roman Catholic Church killed more than 50 million Christians during the Dark Ages.

For professing faith contrary to the teachings of the Church of Rome, history records the martyrdom of more than one hundred million people. A million Waldenses and Albigenses [Swiss and French Protestants] perished during a crusade proclaimed by Pope Innocent III in 1208. Beginning from the establishment of the Jesuits in 1540 to 1580, nine hundred thousand were destroyed. One hundred and fifty thousand perished by the Inquisition in thirty years. Within the space of thirty-eight years after the edict of Charles V against the Protestants, fifty thousand persons were hanged, beheaded, or burned alive for heresy. Eighteen thousand more perished during the administration of the Duke of Alva in five and a half years.
- Brief Bible Readings, p. 16

It's hard to believe sometimes. So many lives lost.

7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 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.

Satan and his angels were cast out of heaven at some point before the creation of the world.

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
- Luke 10:18 (KJV)
- Paradise Lost (John Milton) by Gustave Doré / Wikimedia Commons

Satan fell in stages, e.g. cast out of heaven, cast to earth, and ultimately death.

How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
- Isaiah 14:12-15 (KJV)

10 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.
11 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.

This is important enough to repeat.

The Christians overcame satan by:

- The power of the blood

- The word of their testimony

So record your testimony (or write it down), and share it with others.

The last message of mercy to be given to the world is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them.
- Ellen White, Last Day Events, p. 200

Just like Stephen you may very well end up dying for your beliefs/testimony.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
- Mark 8:35 (KJV)

God will be with you of course when that happens.

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
- Acts 7:59-60 (KJV)

12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child (Jesus).
14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle (swift), that she might fly into the wilderness (hiding place), into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time (1260 years), from the face of the serpent (satan).

Again, the 1260 years are referring to the Dark Ages (see verse 6).

15 And the serpent (satan) cast out of his mouth water as a flood (destroy all flesh) after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood (destroy all flesh).
16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood (destroy all flesh) which the dragon (satan) cast out of his mouth.

The earth helped the woman by providing hiding places, e.g. caves, mountains, etc.

17 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 (the spirit of prophecy).

Today there are only a handful of churches that keep all the commandments of God (in particular the Sabbath commandment).

The Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church keeps the Sabbath, and also has the spirit of prophecy (Ellen White).

We need the spirit of prophecy to see clearly.

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
- Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

Revelation 13

The Sea Beast (inset)
- By Martin Simpson

For a detailed breakdown of the beast out of the sea, please see Revelation 17.

1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast (kingdom) rise up out of the sea (peoples/multitudes/nations/tongues), having seven heads (kings) and ten horns (powers), and upon his horns (powers) ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
2 And the beast (kingdom) which I saw was like unto a leopard (watch over), and his feet were as the feet of a bear (tear them), and his mouth as the mouth of a lion (strong): and the dragon (satan) gave him his power, and his seat (place to rule from), and great authority.

The lion-bear-leopard beast (from the book of Daniel) has been widely recognized as Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. Note that the order in the book of Revelation has been reversed, e.g. in Daniel it is lion-bear-leopard, but in Revelation it is leopard-bear-lion.

The lion is symbolic for arrogance and blasphemy.
- By Aurelio Arias / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

The bear is symbolic for persecuting power.
- By Arturo de Frias Marques / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

The leopard is symbolic for dominion.
- By Keven Law / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0

Those are all characteristics of the Roman Catholic Church. (A composite of previous kingdoms)

Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.
- Daniel 7:23 (KJV)

The Roman Catholic Church is the New World Order, and the power described here is that of persecution (as in the Dark Ages).

3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast (kingdom).

The "deadly wound" refers to the papacy being abolished in 1798 (by Napoleon's army). The "deadly wound" was healed again when the papacy was restored in 1929 (Lateral Treaty). For more information see Revelation 13:10.

There are many, many quotes of world leaders "wondering" after the beast. Here are some from when pope Francis was elected in 2013.

On behalf of the American people, Michelle and I offer our warm wishes to His Holiness Pope Francis as he ascends to the chair of St Peter and begins his papacy.
- Barack Obama, the US president

We share many common goals - from the promotion of peace, social justice and human rights, to the eradication of poverty and hunger - all core elements of sustainable development.
- Ban Ki-moon, UN secretary-general

I am confident that the constructive partnership between Russia and the Vatican will continue, and will further develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us. Your Holiness, I wish you good health, well-being and productive work in strengthening peace and in furthering dialogue between civilizations and religions.
- Vladimir Putin, president of Russia

4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast (kingdom): and they worshipped the beast (kingdom), saying, Who is like unto the beast (kingdom)? who is able to make war with him?

Satan uses the beast (the papacy) to get you to worship him.

That's what you are doing when you rest and worship on Sunday (commandments of man), instead of on the Sabbath (commandments of God).

The Sabbath is on the seventh day of the week (Friday sunset - Saturday sunset). Sunday is the first day of the week.

The pressure to rest and worship on Sunday will be enormous, e.g. who can make war with the beast?

Whose commandments do you obey?

5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months (1260 years).
6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds (relatives), and tongues (languages), and nations.
8 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.
9 If any man have an ear, let him hear.
10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword (military) must be killed with the sword (military). Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

The papacy was allowed to persecute the saints from 538 (power over the Churches given to the papacy by Emperor Justinian) for 1260 years (538 - 1798).

According to prophecy the papacy was indeed given a "deadly wound" in 1798 (the papacy was abolished), and the then current pope Pius VI was taken captive by the sword (Napoleon's army, General Berthier). Pope Pius VI was then moved from prison to prison, and died soon after (whilst in prison).

Half Europe thought ... that with the Pope the Papacy was dead.
- Joseph Rickaby, The Modern Papacy, p. 1, in Lectures on the History of Religion, vol. 3 [lecture 24]

It wasn't until 1929 until the papacy's "deadly wound" was healed by the Lateral Treaty.

538 = Emperor Justinian's decree
1798 = Pope Pius VI "deadly wound"
1929 = Lateran Treaty "deadly wound healed"

Daniel had also confirmed the 1260 years with his "time, times, and half a time" (time = 360 days, times = 720 days, and half a time = 180 days, total = 1260 days).

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
- Daniel 7:25 (KJV)

The papacy's "deadly wound" in 1798 coincided with the time the USA came up from the earth (see below).

The Earth Beast (inset)
- By Jack Dykinga / Wikimedia Commons

11 And I beheld another beast (kingdom) coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns (powers) like a lamb (like a Christian), and he spake as a dragon (satan).

This is describing a transition from being a Christian country, to becoming satan's country.

After John saw the "deadly wound" of the Beast of the Sea (pope Pius VI when he went into captivity, and then died), a new lamb-like beast came up out of the earth. Lamb-like means "new, young, Christlike, etc", and to "come out of the earth" means "new territory, not formerly occupied". This new world power, which had their mind set against God (as it changed), can only be the USA.

The USA came up from the earth around the time of the "deadly wound" (1798), and it is the only relevant superpower in the world for that to be true. In 1776 the "Declaration of Independence" was signed, and in 1798 the USA was recognized as a new, separate country by other countries in the world.

The USA started out as a lamb-like country, e.g. innocent, young, Christian, but as time passed by the beast started speaking (lies) like a dragon (satan). When the book of Revelation says "legislate", this could easily be the mark of the beast (the Sunday law). In fact this is already happening. The USA are really the muscles of the New World Order. They have the military power to enforce the Sunday law (just look at the Patriot Act, and Martial Law, etc), and force everyone to worship the beast out of the sea.

The earth beast does not have any crowns (kingship), but it does have two horns (which can also be seen as "government"). The two horns are generally likened to two "governing principles", e.g. civil liberty (republicanism, a government without a king) and religious liberty (protestantism, a church without a pope).

The two horns can also be described as "church and state". In the USA these were initially separate, but they are now starting to blend together. A good example of where church and state are mixed is the Vatican where the pope (head of the church) is also the king (head of the state).

In the USA, church and state are slowly starting to mix, creating an image (likeness) of the sea beast (the Vatican).

12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast (kingdom) before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast (kingdom), whose deadly wound was healed.

The USA (and its military) will force all of the earth to worship the beast out of the sea. The true power of the USA military is actually more like 30-50 (?) years ahead of anything we've seen so far.

Note that the phrase "causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast" means that the USA will force you to sign up with the New World Order as created by the Roman Catholic Church.

The "deadly wound" refers to the papacy being abolished in 1798 (by Napoleon's army). The "deadly wound" was healed again when the papacy was restored in 1929 (Lateral Treaty). For more information see Revelation 13:10.

13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,

Many false signs and wonders will come from the USA.

14 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 (kingdom); saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast (kingdom), which had the wound by a sword (army), and did live.

The "deadly wound" refers to the papacy being abolished in 1798 (by Napoleon's army). The "deadly wound" was healed again when the papacy was restored in 1929 (Lateral Treaty). For more information see Revelation 13:10.

15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast (kingdom), that the image of the beast (kingdom) should both speak (make law), and cause (enforce) that as many as would not worship the image of the beast (kingdom) should be killed.

The image of the beast will be a conglomeration of state and church (just like the beast of the sea).

So, for example, when the protestant churches go to the state, and get it to enforce the Sunday law (a religious doctrine), that's when it is becomes an image of the sea beast (the Vatican). A church (or churches) telling the state what to do.

The "image to the beast" represents that form of apostate Protestantism which will be developed when the Protestant churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the enforcement of their dogmas.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 445

This union of church and state will lead to ruin.

When the Protestant churches shall unite with the secular power to sustain a false religion, for opposing which their ancestors endured the fiercest persecution; when the state shall use its power to enforce the decrees and sustain the institutions of the church-then will Protestant America have formed an image to the papacy, and there will be a national apostasy which will end only in national ruin.
- Ellen White, Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 976

Something to keep an eye on is the 501c3 contract between state and church in the USA. Under this contract a church will receive certain tax benefits, but at the same time the church will now have to comply with the rules and regulations of the government. This may include things like speaking out on homosexuality, etc.

Once under the 501c3, it can be real hard to leave, because of penalties, etc.

The 501c3 contract was recently changed (2 December 2017), and now the church has some power over the state (lobbying, etc). Life was given to the image of the beast if you will.

It is the image of the beast (USA) that will legalize/enforce the Sunday Law (with death decree).

Far fetched? Then consider this.

They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
- John 16:2 (KJV)

If we believe religion is true, we should be reintroducing a criminal penalty for those who fail to attend church on Sunday.
- Daily Independent 4-11-98, Sara Maitland, "On the issues of belief"

These things can actually happen faster than you think.

The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.
- Ellen White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 11.2

These kind of worship laws (with death penalties) were also present in the time of Daniel.

Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image: And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
- Daniel 3:10-11 (KJV)

Are you ready to face the fiery furnace like Daniel's friends did?

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
- Daniel 3:17-18 (KJV)

16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark (sign) in their right hand (deeds), or in their foreheads (thoughts):

God requires us to keep His Law, the Ten Commandments.

If ye love me, keep my commandments.
- John 14:15 (KJV)

To be more precise:

1. No other gods

2. No idols

3. No blasphemy

4. Keep the Sabbath (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset)

5. Honour your father and mother

6. No murder

7. No adultery

8. No stealing

9. No lying

10. No coveting

The Ten Commandments are written by God, with His own finger, in stone, for all of eternity.

That includes the Sabbath Commandment.

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
- Exodus 20:8-11 (KJV)

The Sabbath then is a sign that you worship God.

Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
- Exodus 31:16-17 (KJV)

Sunday is a sign that you worship the beast (the Vatican kingdom led by satan).

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, 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:
- Revelation 14:9-10 (KJV)

The Roman Catholic Church (antichrist) has said so themselves.

Of course the Catholic Church claims that the change [from Sabbath to Sunday] was her act. And the act is the mark of her ecclesiastical power and authority in religious matters.
- Faith of Our Fathers, p. 14 C.F. Thomas, Chancellor of Cardinal Gibbons

As the sign of the authority of the Catholic Church, papist writers cite "the very act of changing the Sabbath into Sunday."... What then is the change of the Sabbath, but the sign, or mark, of the authority of the Roman Church-"the mark of the beast"?
- Ellen White, The Faith I Live By, p. 286

The change from Sabbath to Sunday is unlawful, and causes one to worship in vain.

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
- Mark 7:7 (KJV)

God is about to bring this world to an end, and sooner or later you will need to make a choice.

Either live with God in obedience, or die with satan in rebellion.

Does a day really matter? You better believe it. If you break God's Law in one point, then you are guilty of breaking it all.

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
- James 2:10 (KJV)

Sinning wilfully will lead to the unpardonable sin.

For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.
- Hebrews 10:26-27 (KJV)

And this then is the test that God will put before the world.

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
- Revelation 3:10 (KJV)

God will give you the opportunity to choose.

I hope you understand that this is a choice between life or death, and it may well cost you your life.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
- Mark 8:35 (KJV)

God will also command His people to leave the fallen churches (those that keep the Sunday), because they are associated with the papacy in Rome in one way or another. Money. Doctrines. You name it.

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.
- Revelation 18:4 (KJV)

This message will become stronger and stronger, and is also known as the three angels messages, or the Loud Cry.

The majority of Christians are already breaking the Sabbath Commandment on a weekly basis, but they may not fully understand it. It must be made clear first.

The mark of the beast = knowingly keeping Sunday instead of Sabbath.

Sundaykeeping becomes the mark of the beast when it's enforced by law.

Sundaykeeping is not yet the mark of the beast, and will not be until the decree goes forth causing men to worship this idol sabbath.
- Ellen White, The Faith I Live By, p. 286

The Bible is clear that the final test will be over your understanding of the Ten Commandments.

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.
- Revelation 12:17 (KJV)

The mark of the beast is definitely not a chip.

The mark has to do with your doing and thinking (decisions/worship), similar to the Ten Commandments.

And thou shalt bind them [The Commandments] for a sign upon thine hand [actions], and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes [thoughts].
- Deuteronomy 6:8 (KJV)

The "buy or sell" thing is more like a stick by which people are forced to keep the Sunday. As part of the Sunday laws, etc.

To sum it all up:

Worship

Commandments

Worship Day

Judgment

God

Ten Commandments

Sabbath

Seal of God

Beast

Commandments of men

Sunday

Mark of the beast

The Sabbath is about more than just going to church. It's also about worshipping, fellowshipping, resting, etc.

The Sabbath/Sunday test is such a simple one. All will be required, by human law, to keep the Sunday. Yet God requires that we observe the seventhday Sabbath and work on the other six days. We must rest and worship on the Bible Sabbath, and we can do missionary work on Sunday. But we are not to assemble in weekly worship gatherings on that day. The day we hallow will determine what we will receive: the seal or the mark.
- Vance Ferrell, The End of Time, p. 84

Will there be a Sabbath in heaven?

For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the Lord, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.
- Isaiah 66:22-23 (KJV)

The Sabbath really is a wonderful day together with our Creator. Try it yourself. Give it a go.

17 And that no man might buy or sell (worldwide financial system), save he that had the mark (worships on Sunday), or the name (character) of the beast (kingdom), or the number of his name (666).

There are several ways to make this happen. In its simplest form you can just "freeze" someone's bank account. This works really well within a cashless society, e.g. you won't be able to buy or sell with cash anymore. It can also be achieved within a one world economy. For example, in order to join the new world order (buy or sell) you must agree with their rules (keeping the Sunday, etc).

The mark of the beast is the compliance with Sunday Law. See Revelation 13:16 for more details.

A RFID chip may be part of all this, but it is not the mark of the beast itself. It's very important to make that distinction.

The banksters have already indicated that they would like everybody chipped, so they can just "shutdown" people that oppose them, but whether this will happen I don't know. It doesn't matter. The mark is not a chip.

It is highly likely that the one world currency will be something like Bitcoin, or a Digital Dollar, etc.
- By Web-dev-chris / Wikimedia Commons

This currency can be turned on/off easily, so when it becomes impossible to "buy or sell", you will need to rely solely on God for bread and water.

He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
- Isaiah 33:15-16 (KJV)

18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast (kingdom): for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six (666).

The current pope is head of the Roman Catholic Church. His job title is "Vicarius Filii Dei" (true for every pope) which means "Vicar of the Son of God" which means "Instead of the Son of God". That's blasphemy.

In Latin every letter in the alphabet has a numerical value also, and when you add them all up for "Vicarius Filii Dei", you get:

This is no coincidence, as there are many more job titles (Latin, Greek, Hebrew, etc) that all add up to 666 as well.

The Roman Catholic Church has done a good job of hiding this part of the prophecy in Revelation, but every now and then a reminder pops up.

An article in the April 18, 1915, issue of "Our Sunday Visitor" (a Catholic journal) had the following question and answer:
Q: What are the letters on the Pope's crown, and what do they signify, if anything?
A: The letters on the Pope's crown are these: Vicarius Filii Dei, which is a Latin for 'Vicar of the Son of God.'
- Wikipedia

Revelation 14

The 144,000 (Zion) (inset)

1 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 (character) written in their foreheads (minds).

All the servants from chapter 7 will make it through to mount Sion. God keeps His promises, and does not lie. It's hope in its purest form. None will fail.

Here is an example of how the Father's Name refers to His Character.

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
- Isaiah 57:15 (KJV)

God's character is Holy.

2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters (like thunder), and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:
3 And they sung as it were a new song (experience) before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song (experience) but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.
4 These are they which were not defiled with women (false churches); for they are virgins (pure). 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.

A virgin refers to a pure church.

Psalm 23 shows us what it means to "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth".

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
- Psalms 23 (KJV)

Redeemed from men (living) + God's protection = no death. The 144,000 will be translated.

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
- 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 (KJV)

5 And in their mouth was found no guile (deceit): for they are without fault before the throne of God.

The whole "without fault" (no sin), and "no guile" (no deceit) is very similar as to how Jesus walked.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.
- 1 Peter 2:21-22 (KJV)

It also ties in with this verse really well.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
- Romans 8:29-30 (KJV)

Here's what Ellen White says about the 144,000. Please note as to what verses she attributes to the 144,000.

Upon the crystal sea before the throne, that sea of glass as it were mingled with fire,--so resplendent is it with the glory of God,--are gathered the company that have "gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name." With the Lamb upon Mount Zion, "having the harps of God," they stand, the hundred and forty and four thousand that were redeemed from among men; and there is heard, as the sound of many waters, and as the sound of a great thunder, "the voice of harpers harping with their harps." And they sing "a new song" before the throne, a song which no man can learn save the hundred and forty and four thousand. It is the song of Moses and the Lamb--a song of deliverance. None but the hundred and forty-four thousand can learn that song; for it is the song of their experience--an experience such as no other company have ever had. "These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth." These, having been translated from the earth, from among the living, are counted as "the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb." Revelation 15:2, 3; 14:1-5. "These are they which came out of great tribulation;" they have passed through the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation; they have endured the anguish of the time of Jacob's trouble; they have stood without an intercessor through the final outpouring of God's judgments. But they have been delivered, for they have "washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." "In their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault" before God. "Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them." They have seen the earth wasted with famine and pestilence, the sun having power to scorch men with great heat, and they themselves have endured suffering, hunger, and thirst. But "they shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 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." Revelation 7:14-17.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, pp. 648, 649

The Three Angels' Messages (inset)
- By Martin Simpson

The three angels' messages are God's final messages to mankind.

Some of these messages are only partially fulfilled, but soon they will be fully fulfilled.

Here's what the three angels messages are about (in short):

1. Fear God, judgment has come (The commandments of God, Sabbath)

2. Babylon is fallen (False church, Sunday law)

3. Who do you worship? (Seal vs. mark)

In short: obedience vs. rebellion.

The three angels messages are sometimes also referred to as "the Elijah message".

Elijah's message also brings forth the question "Who do you worship?", and requires a decision.

And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.
- 1 Kings 18:21 (KJV)

6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred (relatives), and tongue (language), and people,
7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

The announcement, "The hour of his judgment is come," points to the closing work of Christ's ministration for the salvation of men. It heralds a truth which must be proclaimed until the Saviour's intercession shall cease, and He shall return to the earth to take His people to Himself.
- Ellen White, The Faith I Live By, p. 283

The phrase "fountains of waters" here could be a reference to the "fountains of the great deep" that broke up during the Flood.

In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
- Genesis 7:11 (KJV)

The Flood was of course one of God's most memorable judgments on man.

The phrase "worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters" is also very similar to the Sabbath commandment.

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
- Exodus 20:8-11 (KJV)

That's not a coincidence, as the last days have everything to do with on what day you worship (Sabbath or Sunday).

The mark of the beast is the compliance with Sunday Law. See Revelation 13:16 for more details.

Here's a definition of how to give glory to God.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV)

The first angel's message reminds me of this verse below.

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
- Ecclesiastes 12:13 (KJV)

To me, that's the exact definition of worship, e.g. reverence and love.

If ye love me, keep my commandments.
- John 14:15 (KJV)

8 And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city (Babylon), because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

This prophecy has not been fulfilled entirely yet.

"She made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication" (Revelation 14:6-8). How is this done? By forcing men to accept a spurious sabbath.
- Ellen White, Testimonies for the Church 8:94

Not yet, however, can it be said that ... "she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication." She has not yet made all nations do this.... Not until this condition shall be reached, and the union of the church with the world shall be fully accomplished throughout Christendom, will the fall of Babylon be complete. The change is a progressive one, and the perfect fulfillment of Revelation 14:8 is yet future.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 389/390

9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast (kingdom) and his image (copy), and receive his mark (through Sunday-keeping) in his forehead (where the decisions are made), or in his hand (through coercion),

To receive the mark is to "agree with it", or to "accept it".

As men then reject the institution which God has declared to be the sign of His authority, and honor in its stead that which Rome has chosen as the token of her supremacy, they will thereby accept the sign of allegiance to Rome-"the mark of the beast." And it is not until the issue is thus plainly set before the people, and they are brought to choose between the commandments of God and the commandments of men, that those who continue in transgression will receive "the mark of the beast."
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 449

This decision is made in the forehead (where all the decisions are made).

The sabbath (seal of God) is a sign that you worship God.

Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
- Exodus 31:16-17 (KJV)

The Sunday (mark of the beast) is a sign that you worship the beast (satan).

Of course the Catholic Church claims that the change [from Sabbath to Sunday] was her act. And the act is the mark of her ecclesiastical power and authority in religious matters.
- Faith of Our Fathers, p. 14 C.F. Thomas, Chancellor of Cardinal Gibbons

See Revelation 13:16 for more details.

10 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:
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 (kingdom) and his image (copy), and whosoever receiveth the mark (through Sunday-keeping) of his name (character).

The mark of the beast is the compliance with Sunday Law. See Revelation 13:16 for more details.

12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
13 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.

The three angels' messages started in 1844, and will continue to get stronger.

The Harvest (inset)

14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown (King of Kings), and in his hand a sharp sickle (harvesting tool).

15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle (harvesting tool), and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.
16 And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle (harvesting tool) on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle (harvesting tool).
18 And another angel came out from the altar (in the Holy Place), which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle (harvesting tool), saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle (harvesting tool), and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.
19 And the angel thrust in his sickle (harvesting tool) into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress (the wrath of God) of the wrath of God.
20 And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress (the wrath of God), even unto the horse bridles (height), by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs (maybe 321 km, 200 miles).

The order of the harvest is as follows:

1. The believers

2. The unbelievers

The harvesting is done by the angels (reapers), and the unbelievers will ultimately be destroyed by fire.

The harvest from the book of Revelation, is similar to the harvest from Matthew 13.

Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
- Matthew 13:30 (KJV)

Revelation 15

The Seven Angels and the Seven Last Plagues

The great tribulation (mark of the beast) is over, and only the 144,000 and the wicked are on the Earth at this point. The seven plagues are for the wicked. God's wrath. No more mercy. No more intercession.

1 And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.
2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass (before the throne) mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast (kingdom), and over his image (copy), and over his mark (sign), and over the number of his name (character), stand on the sea of glass (before the throne), having the harps of God.

Now the 144,000 are before the throne (that's where the sea of glass is).

Ellen White also refers to the sea of glass.

Here on the sea of glass the 144,000 stood in a perfect square.
- Ellen White, Christian Experience and Teaching, p. 59.2

Provided they don't sin, the wrath of God will not affect them.

The mark of the beast is the compliance with Sunday Law. See Revelation 13:16 for more details.

3 And they sing the song (experience) of Moses (deliverance) the servant of God, and the song (experience) of the Lamb (deliverance), saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
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 judgments are made manifest.

The song refers to a unique experience of deliverance that only the 144,000 have.

5 And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

This is where the seventh trumpet continues from Revelation 11:19.

6 And the seven angels came out of the temple, having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles.
7 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.
8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from his power; and no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.

No man was able to enter into the temple. That means there is no mediator between God and man at that point.

Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 425

There are similar events in the earthly tabernacle.

Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
- Exodus 40:34-35 (KJV)

And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord, So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord.
- 1 Kings 8:10-11 (KJV)

Revelation 16

The Seven Vials

1.

Sores

2.

Blood seas

3.

Blood rivers

4.

Sun scorches people with fire

5.

Darkness

6.

Armageddon

7.

"It is done", followed by lightning, rumblings, thunder, earthquake, and hail

No more mercy after this point. Probation has closed. Every case has been decided.

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
- Revelation 22:11-12 (KJV)

It is also at this point that the restraining Spirit of God is withdrawn from the Earth. Like oil from a car, so will love disappear. Now the ugly face of sin will be exposed for all to see.

There will be two classes.

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
- 1 John 3:10 (KJV)

The warfare against God's law, which was begun in heaven, will be continued until the end of time. Every man will be tested. Obedience or disobedience is the question to be decided by the whole world. All will be called to choose between the law of God and the laws of men. Here the dividing line will be drawn. There will be but two classes. Every character will be fully developed; and all will show whether they have chosen the side of loyalty or that of rebellion.
- Ellen White, Desire of Ages, p. 763

Some of the plagues have happened before, e.g. see Job (boils), Egypt (water turned into blood), etc.

There will be other prophesied events for this period as well (see below).

For example:

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.
- Amos 8:11-12 (KJV)

This is also where Ezekiel 9 will be fulfilled.

He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand. And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them was clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar. And the glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon he was, to the threshold of the house. And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer's inkhorn by his side; And the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city. And it came to pass, while they were slaying them, and I was left, that I fell upon my face, and cried, and said, Ah Lord God! wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel in thy pouring out of thy fury upon Jerusalem? Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The Lord hath forsaken the earth, and the Lord seeth not. And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head. And, behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the inkhorn by his side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me.
- Ezekiel 9 (KJV)

This will be literally fulfilled, e.g. the sealing of the 144,000 will be followed by the slaughter.

Study the 9th chapter of Ezekiel. These words will be literally fulfilled; yet the time is passing, and the people are asleep. They refuse to humble their souls and to be converted. Not a great while longer will the Lord bear with the people who have such great and important truths revealed to them, but who refuse to bring these truths into their individual experience. The time is short. God is calling; will you hear? Will you receive His message? Will you be converted before it is too late? Soon, very soon, every case will be decided for eternity.
- Ellen White, Manuscript Releases, vol. 1, p. 260

I think this slaughter is also mentioned in Revelation 19:21.

This is serious stuff for both the righteous and the wicked.

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
- 1 Peter 4:17 (KJV)

All unite in heaping their bitterest condemnation upon the ministers. Unfaithful pastors have prophesied smooth things; they have led their hearers to make void the law of God and to persecute those who would keep it holy. Now, in their despair, these teachers confess before the world their work of deception. The multitudes are filled with fury. "We are lost!" they cry, "and you are the cause of our ruin"; and they turn upon the false shepherds. The very ones that once admired them most, will pronounce the most dreadful curses upon them. The very hands that once crowned them with laurels, will be raised for their destruction. The swords which were to slay God's people, are now employed to destroy their enemies.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 655/656

Why are the vials so severe?

These plagues are not universal, or the inhabitants of the earth would be wholly cut off. Yet they will be the most awful scourges that have ever been known to mortals. All the judgments upon men, prior to the close of probation, have been mingled with mercy. The pleading blood of Christ has shielded the sinner from receiving the full measure of his guilt; but in the final judgment, wrath is poured out unmixed with mercy.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 628/629

Just remember that this group of people has rejected the offer of grace. They chose satan.

I believe that God is about to teach the wicked a lesson in fearing God. This will prepare them for judgment.

Keep in mind that the wicked have not accepted the offer of grace, and that they have chosen to worship satan. They may also have blood on their hands.

God is clearly offended at this point, hence His wrath.

It doesn't have to be this way though.

Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?
- Ezekiel 18:23 (KJV)

But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.
- Psalms 78:38 (KJV)

The choice is simple: live with God in obedience (Sabbath), or die with satan in rebellion (Sunday).

The seven last plagues are part of "great tribulation".

They have other names as well:

- God's Wrath

- The Day of the Lord

- Time of Trouble

- Jacob's Trouble (from death decree to deliverance)

The Vials

Please read the overview above first.

1 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.
2 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 (knowingly keeping Sunday instead of the Sabbath), and upon them which worshipped his image (copy).

The mark of the beast is the compliance with Sunday Law. See Revelation 13:16 for more details.

Here are the boils from the ten plagues in Egypt.

And the Lord said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh. And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt. And they took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward heaven; and it became a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast.
- Exodus 9:8-10 (KJV)

3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.

For an idea, check out this sea filled with algae. It's not actual blood, but it shows what God can do.

4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.

Here is the blood river from the ten plagues in Egypt.

Thus saith the Lord, In this thou shalt know that I am the Lord: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood. And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river. And the Lord spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood; and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone. And Moses and Aaron did so, as the Lord commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.
- Exodus 7:17-21 (KJV)

5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou hast judged thus.
6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy.
7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

Clearly the wicked have done abominable things which is why the angel says "for they are worthy".

8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.
9 And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.

It now becomes clear that the wicked cannot repent. God won't let them live a life in sin, and for that they hate Him.

It is ironic that the sun, that many worship, now strikes back.

10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat (location) of the beast (kingdom); and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,
11 And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.

Here we learn that some of the plagues are cumulative, e.g. they still have the sores from the first plague.

The seat of the beast is probably just the Vatican.

Here is the darkness from the ten plagues of Egypt.

And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt. And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days: They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
- Exodus 10:21-23 (KJV)

12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east (God the Father, and Jesus) might be prepared.

Heavenly beings often come from the east.

For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
- Matthew 24:27 (KJV)

The river Euphrates refers to the "waters" (many people of Babylon). The "water has dried up" refers to the love (or support) of the wicked being dried up (hardened hearts). They no longer support Babylon, and they will probably turn on them.

Similar to the event below.

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
- Matthew 24:12 (KJV)

13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs (false teachings) come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast (kingdom), and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

Frogs are unclean animals.

False teachings (or doctrines of devils) are very dangerous.

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.
- 1 Timothy 4:1-2 (KJV)

The dragon, the beast, and the false prophet can also be seen as satan's unholy trinity.

Dragon

Satan

Beast

Roman Catholic Church

False Prophet

Apostate Protestant Churches

The protestant churches have been infiltrated, and have been changed from the inside out. They are now under control of the Roman Catholic Church.

Luther's protest is over. ... If there is no more protest how can there be a Protestant church?
- Tony Palmer on behalf of pope Francis at the Charismatic Evangelical Leadership Conference in 2014

14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

Miracles are no longer a sign of God alone in the last days.

For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
- Matthew 24:24 (KJV)

We must look carefully at what people teach, e.g. is it according to the Bible, etc.

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:10 (KJV)

15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

The nations are eager for conflict, and the great battle of Armageddon (the last great battle between good and evil), has finally arrived.

Four mighty angels hold back the powers of this earth till the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. The nations of the world are eager for conflict, but they are held in check by the angels. When this restraining power is removed there will come a time of trouble and anguish. Deadly instruments of warfare will be invented. Vessels with their living cargo will be entombed in the great deep. All who have not the spirit of truth will unite under the leadership of Satanic agencies, but they are to be kept under control till the time shall come for the great battle of Armageddon.
- Ellen White, Last Day Events, p. 238

The word Armageddon occurs only once in the Bible.

The Hebrew word for Armageddon is harmegiddon which contains the word "Megiddo".

Megiddo is a place where the two kings Ahaziah and Josiah died.

But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him also in the chariot. And they did so at the going up to Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo, and died there.
- 2 Kings 9:27 (KJV)

And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead.
- 2 Kings 23:30 (KJV)

Symbolically speaking, Armageddon then is "a place of gathering where kings die".

The location of this final battle is unknown (not necessarily Israel/Megiddo in other words).

Remember that Jesus will not set foot on the Earth.

Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
- Matthew 24:26-27 (KJV)

We will meet with Jesus in the air.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (KJV)
- Photo : Thomas Bresson / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

When Jesus comes back satan will undoubtedly try to kill him with every weapon available. So, the kings of the earth are gathered for this final battle.

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.
- Revelation 19:19 (KJV)

Why does satan even bother trying to kill Jesus, the Son of God?

Well, either satan still doesn't believe that Jesus is the Son of God, or otherwise it's probably just pure hate.

Whatever it is, the outcome is certain, and rebellion will be overcome.

And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. 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. 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.
- Revelation 17:12-14 (KJV)

Armageddon is very much a real battle between heaven and earth. Good and evil.

Two great opposing powers are revealed in the last great battle. On one side stands the Creator of heaven and earth. All on His side bear His signet. They are obedient to His commands. On the other side stands the prince of darkness, with those who have chosen apostasy and rebellion.
- Ellen White, Last Day Events, p. 249

God's Law, the Ten Commandments are important, and there will be no compromise.

Soon all the inhabitants of the earth will have taken sides, either for or against the government of heaven.
- Ellen White, Last Day Events, p. 251

Make sure you're on the right side.

17 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.
18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.

The saints are delivered by the voice of God.

It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the deliverance of His people.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 399

The resurrection takes place right at the very end.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (KJV)

The living during this time (the 144,000) will be translated, and will see no death.

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
- 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 (KJV)

Note that the trump of God (the last trump) is not the same as the seventh trumpet. The seventh trumpet is sounded by an angel (as a warning), whereas the trump of God is sounded by Jesus Himself (to gather His children).

Ellen White explains this really well in her first vision.

Soon our eyes were drawn to the east, for a small black cloud had appeared, about half as large as a man's hand, which we all knew was the sign of the Son of man. We all in solemn silence gazed on the cloud as it drew nearer and became lighter, glorious, and still more glorious, till it was a great white cloud. The bottom appeared like fire; a rainbow was over the cloud, while around it were ten thousand angels, singing a most lovely song; and upon it sat the Son of man. His hair was white and curly and lay on His shoulders; and upon His head were many crowns. His feet had the appearance of fire; in His right hand was a sharp sickle; in His left, a silver trumpet. His eyes were as a flame of fire, which searched His children through and through. Then all faces gathered paleness, and those that God had rejected gathered blackness. Then we all cried out, "Who shall be able to stand? Is my robe spotless?" Then the angels ceased to sing, and there was some time of awful silence, when Jesus spoke: "Those who have clean hands and pure hearts shall be able to stand; My grace is sufficient for you." At this our faces lighted up, and joy filled every heart. And the angels struck a note higher and sang again, while the cloud drew still nearer the earth. Then Jesus' silver trumpet sounded, as He descended on the cloud, wrapped in flames of fire. He gazed on the graves of the sleeping saints, then raised His eyes and hands to heaven, and cried, "Awake! awake! awake! ye that sleep in the dust, and arise." Then there was a mighty earthquake. The graves opened, and the dead came up clothed with immortality. The 144,000 shouted, "Alleluia!" as they recognized their friends who had been torn from them by death, and in the same moment we were changed and caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 15/16

The book of Numbers confirms the use of silver trumpets for this purpose.

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps.
- Numbers 10:1-2 (KJV)

It is the voice of Jesus that raises the dead. He alone can do this.

As I wrote this it also suddenly dawned on me why Jesus was coming back a second time. Jesus is coming back for us (to gather His children).

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
- John 6:40 (KJV)

Here is the hail from the ten plagues of Egypt.

Behold, to morrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath not been in Egypt since the foundation thereof even until now. Send therefore now, and gather thy cattle, and all that thou hast in the field; for upon every man and beast which shall be found in the field, and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come down upon them, and they shall die.
- Exodus 9:18-19 (KJV)

19 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.

The phrase "divided into three parts" probably means complete destruction, just as in the book of Ezekiel.

Thou shalt burn with fire a third part in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled: and thou shalt take a third part, and smite about it with a knife: and a third part thou shalt scatter in the wind; and I will draw out a sword after them.
- Ezekiel 5:2 (KJV)

And again.

A third part of thee shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of thee: and a third part shall fall by the sword round about thee; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them.
- Ezekiel 5:12 (KJV)

Another way to look at the great city (in three parts) is this:

City

Purpose

Vatican City

Religion

City of London

Finances

District of Columbia
(Washington DC)

Military

Countries within countries.

It is interesting to see how similar their monuments (obelisks) are.

Vatican City:
- By Rolf Süssbrich / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.5

City of London:
- By Adrian Pingstone / Wikimedia Commons

District of Columbia:
- By Alvesgaspar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

This part can also be found in the Revelation 6:14.

21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent (maybe 58.9 kg / 129 pounds)): and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

Or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail, which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?
- Job 38:22-23 (KJV)

At this point all the wicked are dead.

Revelation 17

The Woman on the Beast (inset)

1 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 judgment of the great whore (church with false teachings) that sitteth upon many waters (peoples/multitudes/nations/tongues):
2 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.

The word "wine" here can sometimes also refer to "false teachings". (It depends on the context)

3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness (hiding place): and I saw a woman (church) sit upon a scarlet (sins) coloured beast (kingdom), full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads (kings) and ten horns (powers).

In prophecy woman means "church", scarlet means "sins", and beast means "kingdom (or nation)", so we're looking for a country that has a church in charge of a sinful nation. That combination is unique, and there is only one country in the world that matches that.

It's the Vatican. The smallest country in the world.
- By Alex Proimos / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Don't make the mistake of thinking they're innocent. The Roman Catholic Church has killed more than 50 million Christians during the Dark Ages. They are without doubt the antichrist of the Bible.

The color scarlet is unusual, but nonetheless very popular with the Roman Catholic Church (see image below).

4 And the woman (church) was arrayed in purple and scarlet (sins) 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:

Purple and scarlet are unique colors worn by the Vatican. These colors are very expensive to make.

In the picture below, you can clearly see purple, scarlett, black, and white.
- By blues_brother / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0

We can also find purple and scarlet in the tabernacle. The blue linen seems to be unique to the tabernacle though.

And they shall take gold, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen.
- Exodus 28:5 (KJV)

The color blue is a reminder of the commandments of God.

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the Lord, and do them ; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.
- Numbers 15:37-40 (KJV)

You will never see the color blue worn by the Vatican. They don't like God's Law, and simply don't keep it. In fact, they have changed God's Law to suit their own needs, e.g. idol worshipping, Sunday instead of the Sabbath, etc.

All this was prophesied of course.

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
- Daniel 7:25 (KJV)

5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

The penetration of the religion of Babylon became so general and well known that Rome was called the New Babylon.
- Faith of our fathers 1917 ed. Cardinal Gibbons, p. 106

It is interesting that Alberto Rivera, not too long ago, pointed out that it was the Roman Catholic Church that had created Islam. Alberto paid with his life for revealing this information, e.g. poisoned, according to his wife.

But who knows what other "harlots" the Roman Catholic Church has created?

There are plenty of churches that have joined forced with the Roman Catholic Church. They just don't know it, because it's all very subtle.

If you think it's not a problem, then you should study the errors in your doctrines. Starting with the Sabbath/Sunday issue.

6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.
7 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 (kings) and ten horns (powers).
8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit (earth in disarray), and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

538 = Emperor Justinian's decree
1798 = Pope Pius VI "deadly wound"
1929 = Lateran Treaty "deadly wound healed"

You can find the Lateran Treaty on Wikipedia.

9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains (hills), on which the woman (church) sitteth.

It is well known that Rome sits on seven hills:
- By Renata3 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.

When John wrote the book of Revelation, the king that "is" is the Roman Empire, so that should be number six. The rest flows from there. The five fallen kings are the worldly powers that were against God. The king that is "not yet come" has to be the Roman Catholic Church, e.g. the antichrist. Their worldly power (or fully functional New World Order) will only be there for a "short space".

The seven kings:

1.

Egypt

fallen

2.

Assyria

fallen

3.

Babylon

fallen

4.

Medo-Persia

fallen

5.

Greece

fallen

6.

Roman Empire (caesars)

"is"

7.

Roman Catholic Church

"not yet come"

Please note that Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome were also part of Daniel's prophecy. Egypt and Assyria were in the past (for Daniel), so they are not in that list of kingdoms.

11 And the beast (kingdom) that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition (complete and utter ruin).

Note that the eighth king does not have a beast-head of its own (seven heads, eight kings), but rather is "(made up) of the seven". I don't know who that king will be, but in general terms it will be another satan-possessed person with some power and authority. (Or maybe even satan himself)

12 And the ten horns (powers) which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast (kingdom).

The ten kingdoms of the New World Order, as determined by the Club of Rome (Source).

1. North America

2. Western Europe

3. Japan

4. Australia and South Africa

5. Eastern Europe

6. Latin America

7. North Africa and the Middle East

8. Main Africa

9. South and Southeast Asia

10. Centrally Planned Asia

The "one hour with the beast" takes place during Armageddon (sixth plague).

Some say that the phrase "one hour with the beast" literally means "15 days" (according to the "1 day = 1 year" principle). Others say that it refers to a relatively short period of time.

Either way, it won't be long.

The verse below uses the same word (Strong's 5610 = "a time or period, an hour"), but is here translated as "the last time".

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
- 1 John 2:18 (KJV)

Some have suggested that the "one hour with the beast" is the same as "the hour of temptation".

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
- Revelation 3:10 (KJV)

But I think they refer to different time periods altogether.

13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast (kingdom).

The phrase "one mind" is a clear reference to the soon coming New World Order.

To what extent it will happen remains to be seen.
- Distant Shores Media/Sweet Publishing / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Some have also linked the word "one" to the word "united" (as in the United Nations, etc).

14 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.
15 And he saith unto me, The waters (peoples/multitudes/nations/tongues) which thou sawest, where the whore (church with false teachings) sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.
16 And the ten horns (powers) which thou sawest upon the beast (kingdom), these shall hate the whore (church with false teachings), and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.

They will turn on each other.

17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast (kingdom), until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
18 And the woman (church) which thou sawest is that great city (Babylon), which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

This is another clear reference to the soon coming New World Order, e.g. a church that reigns over the kings of the earth.
- By USCapitol / Wikimedia Commons

The sea beast, and the beast of the earth are in this together.

Pope Francis got a standing ovation.

What's he even doing there?

Revelation 18

The Fall of Babylon (inset)

1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

This fourth angel will give power to the three angels' messages (better known as the Loud Cry).

Sabbath versus Sunday. Seal versus Mark. Your choice.

2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

The phrase "every unclean and hateful bird" is like a metaphor.

For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the Lord: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?
- Jeremiah 5:26-29 (KJV)

Basically there are wicked men among God's people who set traps for them.

3 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.

Important to note that for this to come true, all nations must have done this.

4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her (Babylon churches), my people (Christians), that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

The Babylon churches are those that worship on Sunday.

The voice comes from Jesus:

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
- John 10:16 (KJV)

The phrase "Come out of her, my people" clearly points to God's people (Christians).

God will destroy Babylon (the Roman Catholic Church), and all that have its mark of rebellion (Sunday-keeping).

If you're in a Sunday church, then you need to "Come out of her". You are in rebellion against God's Law, the Ten Commandments (Sabbath).

Please understand that God requires 100% obedience to His Law.

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
- James 2:10 (KJV)

I think the voice will be real, but whether people will discern it as the voice of Jesus, I don't know.

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
- 1 Kings 19:11-12 (KJV)

The true sheep will hear.

When the storm of persecution really breaks upon us, the true sheep will hear the true Shepherd's voice. Self-denying efforts will be put forth to save the lost, and many who have strayed from the fold will come back to follow the great Shepherd.
- Ellen White, Evangelism, p. 693

This is the last message that will be given to the world.

Revelation 18 points to the time when, as the result of rejecting the threefold warning of Revelation 14:6-12, the church will have fully reached the condition foretold by the second angel, and the people of God still in Babylon will be called upon to separate from her communion. This message is the last that will ever be given to the world; and it will accomplish its work. When those that "believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness" (2 Thessalonians 2:12), shall be left to receive strong delusion and to believe a lie, then the light of truth will shine upon all whose hearts are open to receive it, and all the children of the Lord that remain in Babylon will heed the call: "Come out of her, My people" (Revelation 18:4).
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 390

This type of warning has been given before to God's people in Babylon.

My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD.
- Jeremiah 51:45 (KJV)

The right people, in the wrong place.

5 For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

When do her sins reach unto heaven [Revelation 18:2-5]? When the law of God is finally made void by legislation.
- Ellen White, The Signs of the Times, June 12, 1893

6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
7 How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

This is clearly boasting from the Roman Catholic Church, e.g. instead of being a queen, she is actually a widow.

8 Therefore shall her plagues come in one day (short period of time), death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

The book of Revelation uses a number of different ways to talk about time.

In the verse above it doesn't make any sense for the plagues to take a day (literal) or a year (1 day = 1 year). Too short, and too long respectively.

It must therefore be a figure of speech. I believe this also applies to the phrase "in one hour".

Here are some other time phrases:

Phrase

Meaning

The hour of something

The beginning of something

In the same hour

Shortly after

In one hour / one hour with

A short period of time

In one day

A relatively short period of time

Applying the "1 day = 1 year" rule to an hour means you would end up with 15 days.

A day can be seen as from "one point" (normally morning) to "another" (normally evening). For example, the Day of the Lord, the Day of Atonement, or the Acceptable Year of the Lord, etc.

We must look closely at the context to see what is implied here. For example, the NIV sometimes translates "an hour" as "a moment", etc.

Here's an example of how Ellen White uses the phrase "one hour".

It was an hour of fearful, terrible agony to the saints. Day and night they cried unto God for deliverance.
- Ellen White, Early Writings, p. 283

That clearly shows that the phrase "one hour" is not always literal. I also strongly suspect that this is true for the phrase "one day".

9 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,
10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour (short period of time) is thy judgment come.
11 And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
12 The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
13 And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
14 And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.
15 The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,
16 And saying, Alas, alas that great city (Babylon), that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!
17 For in one hour (short period of time) so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,
18 And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city (Babylon)!
19 And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city (Babylon), wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour (short period of time) is she made desolate.
20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.
21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.
22 And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone (grinding stone) shall be heard no more at all in thee;
23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

The word "sorceries" comes from the Greek word "pharmakeia" (pharmacy) meaning "the use of medicine, drugs or spells".

24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.

Revelation 19

Babylon Has Fallen

1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore (church with false teachings), which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.
3 And again they said, Alleluia And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.
4 And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
5 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.
6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters (like thunder), and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
9 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.
10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Those who have the spirit of prophecy are called prophets.

And yes, Ellen White was such a prophet.

The Rider on the White Horse

11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse (strength); and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True (Jesus), and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.
13 And he was clothed with a vesture (clothing) dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

Is Jesus' secret name given here as "The Word of God"?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
- John 1:1-5 (KJV)

It's also a reminder of what Jesus said when He was tempted by satan.

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
- Matthew 4:4 (KJV)

Jesus is The Word of God.

14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses (strength), clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword (Word of God), that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron (rule strictly): and he treadeth the winepress (the wrath of God) of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
16 And he hath on his vesture (clothing) and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls (birds) that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;
18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

Note that this verse is spoken to the birds (see verse 17), and not to us. Clearly we're not cannibals.

19 And I saw the beast (kingdom), and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse (strength), and against his army.
20 And the beast (kingdom) 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 (kingdom), and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

The mark of the beast is the compliance with Sunday Law. See Revelation 13:16 for more details.

21 And the remnant were slain with the sword (Word of God) of him that sat upon the horse (strength), which sword (Word of God) proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls (birds) were filled with their flesh.

This I believe might be the slaughter from Ezekiel 9.

Revelation 20

The Thousand Years

1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key (authority to open/close doors) of the bottomless pit (earth in disarray) and a great chain (to bind up) in his hand.
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3 And cast him into the bottomless pit (earth in disarray), and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season (short period of time).

Imagine that day when the angel with the chain taps on satan's shoulder, and says "your time is up!!".

Satan and his angels will be on earth for 1,000 years.

And then they will be "loosed" for a little season, e.g. during the final judgment.

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

The mark of the beast is the compliance with Sunday Law. See Revelation 13:16 for more details.

Beheading is part of Obamacare's "E978 Legal execution" section. It's described as "beheading, decapitation (by guillotine)".

Don't be afraid. God will be with you every step of the way.

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
- Matthew 28:20 (KJV)

5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

Those that are part of the first resurrection shall reign/judge with God. This means that God will open the books of life to us, and explain to you why your loved ones aren't in heaven. This process will take 1,000 years.

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
- 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 (KJV)

No one, having seen the efforts of God to try and reach your loved ones, will disagree with God who is just and true.

6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

So there are two resurrections. The first resurrection is for the righteous (eternal life), and the second resurrection is for the wicked (they will receive the second death).

Note that the wicked will not burn in hell forever.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
- Romans 6:23 (KJV)

Once their punishment is complete, they will die.

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
- Revelation 20:14 (KJV)

No one comes back from the second death. That's it.

Gog and Magog

7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters (all compass directions) of the earth, Gog, and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

The literal fulfillment of "Gog from Magog" was in Ezekiel 38-39. Gog there was a person (chief prince), and Magog was the country Gog was from. Gog went up against Israel, but was completely destroyed.

The spiritual fulfillment of "Gog and Magog" refers to Gog (satan) and Magog (his followers from all over the earth - the four quarters) against spiritual Israel (God's children).

God is merely showing that the wicked (satan, his demons, and his followers) will never change their ways.

God Himself will destroy satan and his followers.

9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
10 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.

The greek word used for "forever" is aeon, which means "age", and can be translated as:
1) "forever", or
2) "a period of time"

Depending on the context.

The Bible clearly states that "the wages of sin are death", and that the lake of fire means second death.

So in this case the greek word aeon should be translated as "a period of time", or in other words "shall be tormented day and night until they die".

Satan, his fallen angels, and the wicked will die.
- Halemaumau, Lake of Fire by D. Howard Hitchcock / Wikimedia Commons

Here are some more verses to back that up:

- But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Genesis 2:17)

- The soul that sinneth, it shall die (Ezekiel 18:20)

- For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be (Psalms 37:10)

- Burn as an oven / All that do wickedly, shall be stubble / Shall be ashes (Malachi 4:1-3)

- Fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28)

- That whosoever believeth in him should not perish (John 3:16)

- The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23)

- Devoured them (Revelation 20:9)

- And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death (Revelation 20:14)

Judgment

This is the judgment of the wicked.

11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
12 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.
13 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.

Even satan, his angels, and the wicked will acknowledge that God is just and true.

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
- Philippians 2:10-11 (KJV)

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

The emphasis is on "second death", and not on "everlastig punishment in hell". God is not cruel.

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
- Romans 6:23 (KJV)

Hell is thrown into the lake of fire, which is the second death. Then there will be no more death.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Punishment will be fair, and according to what people have done.

Vengeance is best left to God.

Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
- Romans 12:19 (KJV)

Some people say that hell is forever, but that is not the case.

The root (satan) and the branches (his followers) will be turned to ashes.

For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the LORD of hosts.
- Malachi 4:1-3 (KJV)

Revelation 21

A New Heaven and a New Earth

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

The Earth will be renewed with fire.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
- 2 Peter 3:10-13 (KJV)

Looks like there will be no more sea on the new earth.

The sea divides friends. It is a barrier between us and those whom we love. Our associations are broken up by the broad, fathomless ocean. In the new earth there will be no more sea, and there shall pass there "no galley with oars." In the past many who have loved and served God have been bound by chains to their seats in galleys, compelled to serve the purpose of cruel, hardhearted men. The Lord has looked upon their suffering in sympathy and compassion. Thank God, in the earth made new there will be no fierce torrents, no engulfing ocean, no restless, murmuring waves.
- Ellen White, Manuscript, p. 33

Plenty of lakes though I would say.

I don't think seas are necessarily bad, e.g. God approved of them at Creation.

And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
- Genesis 1:10 (KJV)

But God clearly has other plans for new earth.

Note: before the Flood, there was only one land mass as well, e.g. Pangaea (or Pangea).

Here is a bit of a glimpse of what the new earth will be like.

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord.
- Isaiah 65:17-25 (KJV)

But no one knows for sure what it's going to look like of course.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
- 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)

2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Jesus is obviously not marrying a building, nor is He marrying any created beings (that would be weird).

So maybe New Jerusalem is a bit like a "wedding gown" for the people inside of the city. A symbolic wedding in other words.

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.
- 2 Corinthians 5:1-3 (KJV)

Here is how Ellen White says it.

In the summer and autumn of 1844 the proclamation, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh," was given. The two classes represented by the wise and foolish virgins were then developed--one class who looked with joy to the Lord's appearing, and who had been diligently preparing to meet Him; another class that, influenced by fear and acting from impulse, had been satisfied with a theory of the truth, but were destitute of the grace of God. In the parable, when the bridegroom came, "they that were ready went in with him to the marriage." The coming of the bridegroom, here brought to view, takes place before the marriage. The marriage represents the reception by Christ of His kingdom. The Holy City, the New Jerusalem, which is the capital and representative of the kingdom, is called "the bride, the Lamb's wife." Said the angel to John: "Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife." "He carried me away in the spirit," says the prophet, "and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God." Revelation 21:9, 10. Clearly, then, the bride represents the Holy City, and the virgins that go out to meet the bridegroom are a symbol of the church. In the Revelation the people of God are said to be the guests at the marriage supper. Revelation 19:9. If guests, they cannot be represented also as the bride. Christ, as stated by the prophet Daniel, will receive from the Ancient of Days in heaven, "dominion, and glory, and a kingdom;" He will receive the New Jerusalem, the capital of His kingdom, "prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." Daniel 7:14; Revelation 21:2. Having received the kingdom, He will come in His glory, as King of kings and Lord of lords, for the redemption of His people, who are to "sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob," at His table in His kingdom (Matthew 8:11; Luke 22:30), to partake of the marriage supper of the Lamb.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 426/427

So to sum it all up.

Bridegroom

Jesus

Bride

New Jerusalem

Guests

Church

3 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.
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Note that this list includes liars. That's how much God hates it.

New Jerusalem

9 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 thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

New Jerusalem comes from heaven. It doesn't exist on earth.

11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;
12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

Even in heaven there will still be twelve tribes.

The tribes here might very well be the same as in chapter 7, e.g.:

- Judah

- Ruben

- Gad

- Asher

- Naphtali

- Manasseh

- Simeon

- Levi

- Issachar

- Zebulun

- Joseph

- Benjamin

13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

And God will not forget those that have laboured with Him.

15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.
16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

1 furlong = 201.1680 m (660 feet)

12,000 furlongs = 2,414 km (1,500 miles)

That's a big city.

Is New Jerusalem a cube? No, I don't think so. They are just the dimensions in which the city fits.

It will probably have multiple storeys, etc.

17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.
19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald;
20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

People can talk directly to God, and the Lamb (who are in the city).

The people of God are privileged to hold open communion with the Father and the Son.
- Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 676

There still is a temple (just not in the city).

Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
- Revelation 7:15 (KJV)

Only the 144,000 go there.

Mount Zion was just before us, and on the mount was a glorious temple, and about it were seven other mountains, on which grew roses and lilies. And I saw the little ones climb, or, if they chose, use their little wings and fly to the top of the mountains, and pluck the never-fading flowers. There were all kinds of trees around the temple to beautify the place; the box, the pine, the fir, the oil, the myrtle, the pomegranate, and the fig-tree bowed down with the weight of its timely figs,-these made the place all over glorious. And as we were about to enter the holy temple, Jesus raised His lovely voice and said, "Only the 144,000 enter this place", and we shouted, "Alleluia".
- Ellen White, Christian Experience and Teaching, p. 63.2

23 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.
- A Gorge in the Mountains (Kauterskill Clove) by Sanford Robinson Gifford / Wikimedia Commons / CC0 1.0

24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.
26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.
27 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.

Revelation 22

The Tree of Life

1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

Once again there is a tree of life.
- By Steven Miller / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

This is the same tree as from the beginning.

And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
- Genesis 2:9 (KJV)

3 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:

The throne is now no longer in heaven, but in the city.

I believe that there is but one throne, and that Jesus sits on the right hand of that.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
- Colossians 3:1 (KJV)

All the servants are now also in the city, and not just in the temple anymore.

4 And they shall see his face; and his name (character) shall be in their foreheads (minds).

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
- 1 Corinthians 13:12 (KJV)

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
- Matthew 5:8 (KJV)

God's character in this case refers to God's righteousness (as reflected in the Ten Commandments), e.g. we will no longer be able to sin.

5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

This is a repeat from the prologue, and comes from the book of Amos.

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
- Amos 3:7 (KJV)

Jesus is Coming Quickly

7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Of course, with God "quickly" might take a while.

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

But Jesus will come as a thief, and we should remain watchful.

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.
- Mark 13:33-37 (KJV)

8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.
11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

Probation closed. Jesus will leave the heavenly temple. Every case has been decided.

When Christ shall cease His work as mediator in man's behalf, then this time of trouble will begin. Then the case of every soul will have been decided, and there will be no atoning blood to cleanse from sin. When Jesus leaves His position as man's intercessor before God, the solemn announcement is made, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." Revelation 22:11. Then the restraining Spirit of God is withdrawn from the earth. As Jacob was threatened with death by his angry brother, so the people of God will be in peril from the wicked who are seeking to destroy them. And as the patriarch wrestled all night for deliverance from the hand of Esau, so the righteous will cry to God day and night for deliverance from the enemies that surround them.
- Ellen White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 201

12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

And this is where it becomes important as to what Bible we should use.

For example, the KJV uses the phrase "do his commandments", whereas the NIV uses the phrase "wash their robes".

Sure, we wash our robes by keeping the commandments, but it is absolutely vital that we keep the commandments.

And therefore, the emphasis should be on the commandments.

15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star (Jesus).
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Jesus is waiting for His bride to get ready.

The phrase "let him take the water of life" is a reminder of the story of the Samirian woman at the well.

Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
- John 4:13-14 (KJV)

18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Ironically, the book of Revelation is the most changed book in the New Testament.

When studying prophecy I highly recommend the King James Bible.

20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Resources

Here are several resources you can use to study the book of Revelation (both the historical aspects, and the things yet to come).

I do not endorse any of these studies, but I do hope that they will improve your general understanding of the book of Revelation.

That said, Ellen White highly recommends Daniel and the Revelation by Uriah Smith.

And no, I don't get royalties from that. The books mentioned here are just good books. That's all.

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About

My name is Jarno, and this is my testimony.

A whole bunch of bad stuff happened in 2013, and two years later, I felt so guilty about it (no hope) that I started thinking about taking my own life.

At some level I knew it was wrong, so I settled on buying a high-risk motorcycle thinking that I would maybe find some joy, or "whatever". So I bought a motorcycle off Trade Me (Suzuki DRZ 400 SM), and it arrived about 2-3 weeks later.

On my very first ride I got myself into a situation that should have led to my death. I mis-shifted, I was distracted because of it, and when I looked up, all I could see was the hood of a car. I was going straight towards it. Then the next instant I see myself in a very sharp turn to the left which saved my life. I should have been dead.

When I came home, I collapsed on the floor overwhelmed by tears, and it was then that I felt God's presence, and He said "Not so fast. I have a plan for you".

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
- Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV)

I wasn't doing so well still, so I checked myself into hospital (mental health). No one really knew I was there, so I was surprised when a nurse told me that I had a visitor. I had never heard the name she gave me before. My nurse brought me to a person I had never seen before.

My visitor then introduced herself, and I realized that she was a friend of a friend kind of thing. We spoke for an hour, and she came back the next day saying "I have a present for you". She gave me a Life Application Study Bible which had a ton of footnotes, charts, etc. Then I asked her "Where did you get it from?", and she said that someone had dropped it in her mailbox 20 years ago!! It had just been gathering dust waiting for me. Like wow!

I read the entire New Testament while I was in hospital.

When I came out of hospital I had a burning desire to get baptized, so I found a suitable church, and I ended up getting baptized in the sea. It was just the three of us, but it was an amazing day.
- Me, and Pastor Ben Reynolds

It was also at that point that I first considered myself to be a real Christian.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

God has forgiven me for what happened in 2013.

I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.
- Isaiah 43:25 (KJV)

God gave me something to look forward to.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
- 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)

In some ways my testimony is very similar to that of Paul.

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
- 1 Timothy 1:12-17 (KJV)

In other words, if God can save me, He can certainly save you.

Talk to God. He won't let you down.

If you get stuck with something, you can find me here.