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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 15, 2021 0:15:35 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 16:18 Friday, 14 May 2021
And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. Revelation 16:18
As a note concerning manuscripts, the order of the three events is different depending on which manuscript is used –
And there were flashes of lightning and sounds and peals of thunder; (NASB)
And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; (NKJV)
Whichever is correct, the idea remains the same in both regardless of the order. With that understood, John begins with, “And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings.”
Following the pattern of previous instances (Revelation 4:5 & 11:19), these accompany the spoken words of the previous voice which said, “It is done.” There is a difference, however, in that mentioning these events in Revelation 4 and 11 formed the close of the judgments. In this case, mentioning them serves to introduce the result of the last bowl judgment. That result begins with “and there was a great earthquake.”
This is a form of judgment all by itself, especially as it is noted within the prophecy. Earthquakes are a part of the normal events of the earth and cannot always be considered as some form of judgment. But this one, being prophesied in advance, and being connected with other events in the narrative, is to be taken as a direct judgment. Of this earthquake, John says it is “such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth.”
This earthquake is not to be spiritualized into something like “turmoil within the church,” or some other such analysis. Rather, the description of it, and the effects resulting from it, are spoken of as literal events. It is a cataclysm that will shake the entire earth. The effects of it will be seen in the next verses.
Life application: In Revelation 6:12, during the opening of the 6th seal, there was an earthquake. Again, in Revelation 8:5, after the opening of the 7th seal and prior to the sounding of the 7 trumpets, there were “noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake.” Next in Revelation 11:13 during the 2nd woe and prior to the sounding of the 7th trumpet, “a tenth of the city fell [and] in the earthquake seven thousand people were killed.” This was at the time of the resurrection of the two witnesses. Then a little later, after the sounding of the 7th trumpet (which would precede the 7 bowl judgments), it said –
“Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail.” Revelation 11:19
The time of tribulation will be a time of great upheaval on the earth and there will be much destruction from these events. However, the magnitude of the earthquake described in verse 16:18 will be far more immense.
News flash: For those who believe Revelation is concerning events that were fulfilled in the past, these cataclysms have never occurred before, and in particular this great earthquake cannot be identified as a fulfilled event. Therefore, again as has been pointed out many times, the book of Revelation is speaking about future events, most especially surrounding the unrepentant of the world and Israel, not the church.
Verses such as this one cannot be “spiritualized” without destroying the entire context of what is being relayed. The world is (future) coming under God’s judgment and when these events occur, they will be without precedent in their size and scope.
The very shape of the earth and its rotational speed and axis will likely be affected in an enormous way from the earthquake which is predicted in this verse. If this is so, it may explain other events that will come about during the millennium concerning the nature of the world, the longer lifespan of people at that time, and so on.
However, before that time of marvel and beauty arrives, the world must go through terrible times. The tribulation is not a time any sane person would voluntarily want to enter. And so, if the warning of the book of Revelation is understood, the reader should opt to avoid that time by calling out today for God’s provision in the giving of His Son. God will keep those who come to Him out of this time to come. So, call on Him today. Call out to JESUS!
Lord, we know that Your judgments are just and that in righteousness they are executed. Thank You that we have the complete assurance that nothing is done in an arbitrary manner, but Your judgments are a result of our own failures in Your presence. And so, thank You for the mercy You have provided through the giving of Your Son. Because of this, we stand and praise You forever. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 16, 2021 1:44:32 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 16:19 Saturday, 15 May 2021
Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. Revelation 16:19
The previous verse referred to a great earthquake, one greater than has occurred in all of human history. The result of this is stated now, saying, “Now the great city was divided into three parts.” In the coming clause, it will speak of “great Babylon.” For this reason, many scholars conclude that this is the city being referred to in this clause as well. Further, the next two chapters will deal with Babylon. However, this is not completely certain.
It could be that this is first a reference to Jerusalem, and only after that is the fall of Babylon described. Jerusalem is called “the great city” in verse 11:8, and so it could be a reference to the cataclysm that is coming as described by Zechariah –
“Then the Lord will go forth
And fight against those nations,
As He fights in the day of battle.
4 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives,
Which faces Jerusalem on the east.
And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two,
From east to west,
Making a very large valley;
Half of the mountain shall move toward the north
And half of it toward the south.
5 Then you shall flee through My mountain valley,
For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal.
Yes, you shall flee
As you fled from the earthquake
In the days of Uzziah king of Judah.
Thus the Lord my God will come,
And all the saints with You.” Zechariah 14:3-5
For the entire Mount of Olives, which is in the location of Jerusalem, to split in two would indicate a massive earthquake. Further, the same earthquake could also divide Jerusalem elsewhere, thus causing it to divide into three sections. Therefore, this could be speaking of Jerusalem.
However, it could also be referring to Babylon in advance of naming it. Babylon is called “the great city” in verses 14:8, 17:18, 18:18, 18:19, and 18:21. Therefore, this is a likely candidate as well. Either way, Babylon will see its entire destruction, something not necessarily implied in this clause now. John next says, “and the cities of the nations fell.”
It is another clue that the first clause is speaking of Jerusalem. The cities of the nations are distinguished from Jerusalem in this clause, and then they will be distinguished from Babylon in the next clause. Or it could be referring to the headship of Babylon. Just as Babylon fell, so will the cities that were under the authority of Babylon. This would then make the earthquake symbolic rather than literal, something not likely from the description of the earthquake.
Either way, whether literal or symbolic, and whether Jerusalem or Babylon, the events are future and so it is better to consider both options, knowing that the events will be known as fulfilled when they occur. With this in mind, John next says, “And great Babylon was remembered before God.”
This seems to put “the great city” in opposition to Jerusalem. Otherwise, it would not appear necessary to say the same thing again. However, it could be a literary device where the second thought names and further describes the first thought, placing the two in apposition. Either way, the final clause of the verse is directed to Babylon, regardless as to which city the first clause was referring to. God will remember great Babylon in order “to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.”
The cup has already been used as a descriptor of judgment and punishment in Revelation. In Chapter 14, it said –
“Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. 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
Those who worship the beast and his image, and who receive his mark, will drink of the cup of God’s wrath. Likewise, great Babylon will also drink of such a cup. For her, a complete end will come. When God is done with Babylon, it shall never rise again.
Life application: As the events of Revelation are future, and because symbols are used to represent other things at times, it’s hard to be dogmatic about whom “great Babylon” is.
There are various thoughts that have been pondered over the years. One is that it is actually Babylon of the past, and which is resurrected in modern times. It was destroyed long ago, and today it will be rebuilt into a center of power. This idea has especially developed in recent history when Saddam Hussein began rebuilding it during his time. The area has been the focus of much change in recent years. It could be that because of Islamic growth on the world stage, it will again be a center for rebellion of the world against the true God.
Another option is that this is speaking of Jerusalem. Revelation is highly focused on the Jewish people as they are readied for the return of the Messiah. In Zechariah 13:9, we read the purpose of the affliction of the trials coming upon Israel –
“I will bring the one–third through the fire,
Will refine them as silver is refined,
And test them as gold is tested.
They will call on My name,
And I will answer them.
I will say, ‘This is My people’;
And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”
As noted in the main commentary, in the next chapter of Zechariah, the Mount of Olives is said to split in two when the Lord returns. This would certainly be caused by a cataclysmic event. Therefore, Jerusalem is a possibility. However, what seems most likely is that “Babylon” is a code word for Rome.
The description of Babylon will continue through the next two chapters, and there we will see terminology which certainly seems to point to Rome. Further, Daniel 9 shows that the antichrist will be a Roman. As an additional justification for this being Rome, we can look to the words of Peter in his first epistle –
“She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son.” 1 Peter 5:13
Peter, writing from Rome, identifies that city as “Babylon.” He was writing to the “pilgrims of the dispersion,” meaning Jewish people. The placement of the book of Peter within the Bible and the addressees in his epistle certainly point to a prophetic note that “Babylon” of the future is centered in Rome. Also, the descriptions to come seem to point to the workings of Rome throughout the church age, specifically in its treatment of the saints of God.
Wherever it ultimately proves to be, God will “remember” her. This doesn’t mean He ever forgot the deeds of this city, but that He is calling it to account for its harlotry and idolatry; it will now be judged, receiving its cup of judgment.
It is important to remember that Christ also took the cup of God’s wrath upon Himself. It was delivered to the Lord on the night of His crucifixion –
“And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’” Luke 22:41, 42
The wrath that each person rightly deserves was given to the Lord to drink, and He willingly accepted it. God’s wrath for our sins was poured out on Him during the torture before the cross and during His actual death upon the cross. Because our sin was judged in Him, it can never be judged again. We are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb.
However, for those who have not accepted His offer of peace, there is only one choice left – to face God’s wrath apart from Christ Jesus. The cup which will be poured out on the world will be without mercy, and it will be exhaustive in its purging of evil from the world. Be wise and call out to God now. Receive the pardon that Christ purchased for you through the giving of Himself. Call today on JESUS.
Lord Jesus, You took the punishment that we rightly deserve upon Yourself. All of the Father’s wrath for the sins we have committed were judged in You. We accept the payment rendered and the pardon which is offered. We give to You our allegiance, our hearts, our souls, and our love. May You alone be praised for the restored relationship between God and each one of us! Thank You, Lord! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 17, 2021 1:51:46 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 16:20 Sunday, 16 May 2021
Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. Revelation 16:20
The previous verses referred to the mightiest earthquake that ever occurred since men were on earth, and that the great city (Jerusalem or Babylon) was divided in three parts. Further, the cities of the nations fell, and Babylon was remembered before God as being ripe for judgment. It is possible that what is referred to is symbolic. However, it is (as previously noted) more likely to be taken literally.
It must be remembered that at the time of the flood of Noah, a real event in human history, there would have been immense cataclysms and upheavals of the land. And yet, what was stated in those previous two verses is said to be greater than even that. The importance of this will be analyzed now in this verse. In it, John begins with, “Then every island fled away.” The thought here has already been seen in verse 6:14 –
“Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.”
Various suggestions were proposed as to whether what was said there was literal, symbolic, and so on. The same may be applied to this verse, or it could be that one is symbolic, and one is literal. These events are future and what occurs will be understood at that time to be the fulfillment of the event.
If the events now are literal, it does not mean that there will be no more islands after the event. It probably means that the islands are actually rocked on their very foundations and probably inundated with giant waves that would accompany such an earthquake. The islands of the world would appear to be swimming in the movement of the oceans, seas, and lakes.
John next says, “and the mountains were not found.” Mountains arise through geologic movement, and mountains will be leveled by them as well. These things are, of course, assuming that the events are to be taken literally. Rereading the commentary on verse 6:14 will explain both possibilities as a reminder.
However, as this is at the end of the tribulation period, the direct question is more relevant than before, “Is this literal or symbolic?” Based on the fact that it occurs in conjunction with “a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth,” it probably should be taken as literal. The entire topography of the earth will be changed.
What would be the importance of this then? It is because the earth was in a different state before the flood than after it. People lived longer, meat was not given to them for food yet, and so on. These things were surely because of the physical makeup of the earth at that time. What is likely is that the size of the earth and the timing of the earth’s rotation will also be affected by this earthquake.
The Bible is consistently based on a 360-day year, regardless of how our calendars line up with events. This 360-day year is known as the “prophetic calendar” and was more than probably the way the world’s rotation was originally designed. It is likely that at the time of the flood, this was changed, but the Bible continues to use this pattern for its dating – even through the book of Revelation. Recent earthquakes have moderately affected the earth’s rotation (by milliseconds), but this one will be so large, it may return things to what was originally intended.
Of course, this is all speculation, but the restoration of that which has been lost is a major theme of the Bible and so this may be true with the planet’s timing as well. Along with this is the prospect of mountains being leveled and islands being removed. This is hard to imagine, but so was flying to the moon just a few short decades ago. Just because we can’t mentally grasp what is depicted doesn’t mean that it can’t happen.
There will certainly be an entirely different ecosystem on the earth when this occurs. The changes will be so pronounced that Isaiah says –
“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb,
The leopard shall lie down with the young goat,
The calf and the young lion and the fatling together;
And a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze;
Their young ones shall lie down together;
And the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole,
And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den.
9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,
For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord
As the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:6-9
Further, the age of man will again be able to attain hundreds of years –
“No more shall an infant from there live but a few days,
Nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days;
For the child shall die one hundred years old,
But the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed.
21 They shall build houses and inhabit them;
They shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22 They shall not build and another inhabit;
They shall not plant and another eat;
For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people,
And My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.”
Certainly, big changes are coming in the time ahead. What will bring about these changes so that what was lost will be restored during the millennium? It appears that just as a great set of cataclysmic events took place before the flood and brought the world out of the original design, it may be that another set of cataclysmic events will bring it back into a harmonious design that will positively affect the very nature of life on earth.
Life application: Whatever is coming in the future, it will be glorious. A time of great peace on earth will occur, and the people of the world will receive the wonder and marvel that is prophesied for that time to come. However, before that occurs, there will be such great destruction on the planet that the vast majority of humanity will be annihilated.
Because these things are certain, it is important that people wake up to the truth of God in Christ now. Without Him, there is only anticipated death and separation from God. But through faith in Him, there is life and restoration. Let us put our hope and confidence in God’s provision today. Let us set our hearts, minds, and affections on God’s Messiah, our Lord JESUS!
Lord, we look forward to the time when the world shall be full of the knowledge of who You are and the great deeds You have accomplished. Until then, let us work diligently to bring many to a saving knowledge of You, so that they too can share in the wondrous day ahead when You rule and reign on Your glorious throne. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 18, 2021 0:42:08 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 16:21 Monday, 17 May 2021
And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great. Revelation 16:21
The previous verses referred to the great earthquake and its associated terrors. This final verse of Chapter 16 continues with that theme, saying, “And great hail from heaven fell upon men.” Hail was one of the plagues of Egypt as is described in Exodus 9:22-32. That account was hail that was mingled with fire that was “so very heavy that there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation” (Exodus 9:24).
In this account, it is not so much the volume as in Egypt, but it is rather the weight of the hail. As John says, “each hailstone about the weight of a talent.” A talent is approximately 75 pounds. Because of this, the effect will be devastating.
If this is to be taken literally, one possibility to explain such great hail is that the great earthquake mentioned in the preceding verses will cause such great atmospheric changes that massive hailstones will result. Or it could be that along with the earthquake, other events occurred which caused great amounts of debris to be cast into the air, and which then falls back to earth as if hailstones.
A third possibility is that a major meteor hits the earth which would cause:
1) a change in the earth’s rotation
2) a massive earthquake
3) breakaway meteorite chunks flying everywhere (hail)
4) Lots of debris once it hits
Whatever the cause of them, in the Bible they are considered their own form of judgment. This is seen elsewhere besides the exodus account, such as –
“The Lord will cause His glorious voice to be heard,
And show the descent of His arm,
With the indignation of His anger
And the flame of a devouring fire,
With scattering, tempest, and hailstones.” Isaiah 30:30
Hail as judgment is also seen in the Psalms, other passages in Isaiah, in Ezekiel, and in Haggai –
“I struck you with blight and mildew and hail in all the labors of your hands; yet you did not turn to Me,’ says the Lord.” Haggai 2:17
An event of hailstones falling on Israel’s enemies during battle is seen in Joshua 10:11 as well. The terror of hail is that there is no way to know where or when it will land. Like being in an artillery barrage, there is no certainty of life from moment to moment. Because of such terror, John says, “Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail.”
It is the same reaction as that of the pouring out of the fourth bowl. Instead of appealing to God, the people will blaspheme Him. The minds of the people will be so twisted and corrupt that they curse the Creator, as if it could have any effect on Him. The hail was prophesied in advance, showing that even if it is a result of the earthquake or some other natural event, it was known to – and allowed by – God to occur. And yet they still blaspheme Him “since that plague was exceedingly great.”
The judgment of hail is great because the sin of the people is great. The judgment is just and right. It is not unlike that which will occur during the battle of Gog and Magog as is recorded in Ezekiel 38 –
“And I will bring him to judgment with pestilence and bloodshed; I will rain down on him, on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, flooding rain, great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. 23 Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. Then they shall know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 38:22, 23
Life application: These occurrences have come about ,and will come about, because of the sins of the people and a rejection of God.
This is the state of depravity in the human heart. We ignore God, claim He doesn’t exist, and we fight against Him. But when tragedy strikes, we blame Him and curse His name. Our words and actions toward God are usually contradictory. Instead of acknowledging His sovereign greatness, we exalt ourselves above Him by judging His actions.
But humanity is a part of creation, and God has every right to dispense with His creatures in whatever way He deems is appropriate. The amazing thing isn’t that God doesn’t keep us from harm. The amazing thing is that He lets us live at all. We have sinned, we have failed to recognize His glory, we find other avenues to pursue from day to day without having Him as our greatest joy.
Despite these things, He took the initiative in order to reconcile us to Himself. He accomplished the work, He sent His Son, and He allowed us to crucify Him. All that is needed to bring us back to Himself was accomplished by Him. And all He asks for is that we will just believe. Let us turn to Him through this marvelous message of reconciliation. Let us praise Him forevermore for the giving of His Son, JESUS.
It is hard to imagine how unclear our thoughts are toward You, O God. We try to hide from You and we speak ill of You – as if You couldn’t hear. We even curse You when we receive Your stern hand of discipline and correction. Were it not for Jesus, we certainly would be utterly swept away. Thank You for Jesus! Thank You for peace and hope through Him. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 19, 2021 0:03:36 GMT -5
Daily Scripture Verse, Revelation 17:1 Tuesday, 18 May 2021
Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, Revelation 17:1
With the pouring out of the seven bowls of God’s wrath complete, the first verse of Chapter 17 now begins two chapters concerning the destruction of Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots. The fall of Babylon has already been mentioned twice already. The first time was in chapter 14 when the three angels made their proclamations. The second time was in the preceding chapter at the time of the great earthquake.
The big question regarding these references to Babylon for scholars of Revelation – almost as big as what the number of the beast signifies – is, “Who is this great harlot.” There are several views, and the debate is both heated and often bitter. One view is that it is a worldwide system of all the false religions on earth. Some who hold to this view include politics as a part of the system – a political/religious system that is in opposition to God.
A second view is that this is a religious system centered specifically in Rome. A subview of this is that it is the Roman Catholic Church, both in past history and leading up to and through the tribulation period. A third view is that the location is actually Babylon in Iraq which has been rebuilt and from which spiritual leadership is exercised. And a fourth suggestion is that it is a system centered in Jerusalem rather than Rome or physical Babylon.
Of course, there are many other views – it is America, it is the EU, it is this or that… It is hard to be dogmatic about much of what is presented, but each verse will be analyzed, and the most probable location and concept will be identified as we progress.
For now, it should be noted that it is one of the seven angels with the seven bowls who speaks to John. As this opening verse says, “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me.”
Which of the seven angels this is remains unstated. Therefore, the angel’s identity in regard to the pouring out of the seven bowls is irrelevant to the narrative. In other words, it could be the sixth saying to John, “Here comes the seventh bowl. Watch what happens to Babylon with this!” Or, it could be the seventh, saying, “Watch what I will now do to Babylon!” This is intentionally left out, and so the speculation that many devolve into over the identity of the angel is pointless. What matters is what this angel presents to John. He says, “Come.”
The Greek word is deuro. It does not necessarily signify motion, although it could. Jesus used it when calling forth Lazarus from the tomb. But Paul uses it in the sense of “the present time” when he said in Roman 1:13, “but was hindered until now.” Being an adverb, the thought now might be, “Presently, I will show…”
With this call, the angel then says, “I will show you.” It indicates that everything to be presented is a description of what will occur during the bowl judgment. What is seen then explains more fully what was said in Chapter 16 with the words, “And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath.”
This is the same in idea as that of the sixth day of Genesis 1 being explained more fully in Genesis 2. The Bible introduces a subject, and then details are later filled in. The book of Ruth is an insert into the time of the Judges, which is the book that precedes Ruth. John saw the bowl poured out, and now he will see that presented in a more detailed manner. The angel next says it is “the judgment.”
In other words, what follows is a careful explanation of the wrath of God being poured out upon the object of what the contents of the bowl are directed to, which is the judgment “of the great harlot.”
The symbolism here is taken from elsewhere in Scripture. A city is identified by its conduct. In this case, the conduct of the city is that of harlotry. This was stated of Jerusalem –
“How the faithful city has become a harlot!
It was full of justice;
Righteousness lodged in it,
But now murderers.” Isaiah 1:21
As a city is a representation of its people, the same thought is extended to the people of the city directly at times –
“Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit harlotry, and led Judah astray.” 2 Chronicles 21:11
Such terminology is not limited to Jerusalem, but is used to refer to Samaria as well in Ezekiel 23. It is further used when referring to Tyre in Isaiah 23. The idea is that of spiritual harlotry against the Lord. Of this harlot in Revelation 17, the angel identifies her as one “who sits on many waters.”
This is an Old Testament reference to Babylon –
“O you who dwell by many waters,
Abundant in treasures,
Your end has come,
The measure of your covetousness.” Jeremiah 51:13
However, what was presented of Babylon was only a physical location anticipating a spiritual Babylon. Ancient Babylon was by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and was surrounded by the various lakes and wetlands adjoined to them. This reference to “many waters” now in Revelation is explicitly defined in verse 17:15 –
“Then he said to me, ‘The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.’”
What ancient Babylon was in a physical sense was only a type of what the Babylon of Revelation is in a spiritual sense.
With this description now provided, it should be noted and compared with the introduction of another female figure coming later in Revelation –
“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, ‘Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters.’” Revelation 17:1
“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, ‘Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.’” Revelation 21:9
By noting the different introductions of these two, one can see that they are being set in opposition to one another. The theme is being developed for the reader to show the contrast between the two.
Life application: Throughout the Bible, a harlot is used to refer to religion that is defiled, or outright false religion. There is One Maker, and He deserves pure and undefiled religion. When worship of Him is mixed with falsities, or when it is rejected entirely, that worshiper, congregation, or people group is in a state of prostitution, and the mode of worship is considered harlotry.
The Lord expects His people to honor Him. Being called as His people, and then allowing false religion into their lives, brought great trouble and destruction upon the people of Israel. The seven letters to the seven churches show that those who identify with Him are not immune to this. Our worship of the Lord is to be pure and untainted. We follow a great God and a glorious Savior. We follow JESUS!
Lord God, You have shown us what pure and undefiled religion consists of. You have sent Your Son to cleanse us from our past religious failures and to lead us into true worship. And You have given us Your Holy Spirit to convict us of sin and lead us into all righteousness. Help us to properly worship You and never mix error into our fellowship with You. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 20, 2021 0:55:03 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 17:2 Wednesday, 19 May 2021
"with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.” Revelation 17:2
The words of this verse should be combined with verse 17:1 to get a full view of what is conveyed –
“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, ‘Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.’”
Having the context, John begins verse 17:2 saying, “with whom the kings of the earth.” The kings of the earth speak of the world system of government. The nations have their own governmental structures, and they are not united with the Lord in any particular manner, even if some of their citizens are. They are simply the governments that exist and by which the people of the earth engage in their affairs.
Of these kings of the earth, John says that this great harlot has “committed fornication.” Of this thought, Vincent’s Word Studies notes –
“The figure of a harlot committing fornication with kings and peoples occurs frequently in the prophets, representing the defection of God’s Church and its attachment to others. See Isaiah 1:21; Jeremiah 2:20; Jeremiah 3:1, Jeremiah 3:6, Jeremiah 3:8; Ezekiel 16:15, Ezekiel 16:16, Ezekiel 16:28, Ezekiel 16:31, Ezekiel 16:35, Ezekiel 16:41; Ezekiel 23:5, Ezekiel 23:19, Ezekiel 23:44; Hosea 2:5; Hosea 3:3; Hosea 4:14. The word is applied to heathen cities in three places only: to Tyre, Isaiah 23:15, Isaiah 23:16, Isaiah 23:17; to Nineveh, Nahum 3:4; and here.”
Due to the nature of this concept, that of fornication referring to “God’s Church” an overwhelming number of times, this is an immediate indication that it is referring to a body claiming to be aligned with the Lord, but which has defected from what is right, sound, and proper.
But more directly, these instances cited by Vincent’s speak of people groups (such as Israel) and cities (such as Jerusalem, Tyre, and Nineveh). There is the merging of what is profane into what occurs in them – idolatry, turning from the Lord, and so on.
As will be seen, the final verse of the chapter identifies this harlot, Mystery Babylon, as “that great city which rules over the kings of the earth.” This is explicit, and there is no reason to assume that the word “city” means anything other than an actual city. Of this city, John next says, “and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk.”
The inhabitants of the earth include, but are not limited to, the kings of the earth. This city, which is a great harlot, has influence around the world and among people within many governments. These people have participated in her adulteries, being led not to the Lord, but astray from the Lord. This, even though the city claims to be aligned with the Lord. This is evidenced in the words, “were made drunk.”
The idea of drunkenness is that of spiritual waywardness, pursuing idolatry, and the like, all of which is leading to punishment. The theme is seen especially in the prophets. A notable example is seen when speaking of Judah in Ezekiel –
“For thus says the Lord God: ‘Surely I will deliver you into the hand of those you hate, into the hand of those from whom you alienated yourself. 29 They will deal hatefully with you, take away all you have worked for, and leave you naked and bare. The nakedness of your harlotry shall be uncovered, both your lewdness and your harlotry. 30 I will do these things to you because you have gone as a harlot after the Gentiles, because you have become defiled by their idols. 31 You have walked in the way of your sister; therefore I will put her cup in your hand.’
32 “Thus says the Lord God:
‘You shall drink of your sister’s cup,
The deep and wide one;
You shall be laughed to scorn
And held in derision;
It contains much.
33 You will be filled with drunkenness and sorrow,
The cup of horror and desolation,
The cup of your sister Samaria.
34 You shall drink and drain it,
You shall break its shards,
And tear at your own breasts;
For I have spoken,’
Says the Lord God.” Ezekiel 23:28-34
This is what is now being portrayed by John. And so, he finishes with, “with the wine of her fornication. This city is responsible for leading the inhabitants of the earth astray from the Lord through her actions of idolatry and spiritual prostitution. Wine represents a cultural expression where the mingling of things occurs. In this case, there is the mingling of what is supposed to be true religion with that which is idolatrous. In giving this wine to the inhabitants of the world, they become drunk with the idolatry of the harlot.
So, the question to be put forth before continuing on in this chapter is, “Can you think of a spiritual body, supposedly aligned with the Lord, based in a single city, which is filled with idolatry, and which conducts its affairs on a global scale, including making alliances with the leaders of nations? If so, you can then see if the pattern in the verses ahead continues to describe that religious city that you have in mind.
Life application: There is one God and one way to approach Him. It is the Bible that reveals this one way. Therefore, any other religious system on earth, no matter whether it contains snippets of truth or not, is false. And, it is certain, even some religions which stem from the Bible are false because they manipulate it in ways that twist the truth it contains. Mormonism and the Jehovah’s Witnesses are two of the many cults which have sprung from the Bible, but which bear no resemblance to the truth contained in it.
Because the Bible is God’s revelation of Himself to the world, it is the source of how to have a loving and close relationship with Him. In it, we find that God desires this type of intimate relationship. However, this beautiful relationship is violated when we participate in religious or philosophical systems which pull us away from what He has ordained. And so, the metaphor of harlotry is used.
Just as a harlot seduces us and draws us away from our marriage partner, false religion pulls us away from our God. This type of spiritual fornication is unacceptable to God. Today we see that the world heading towards a worldwide system of false religion. Indeed, the whole world is moving towards this system.
Add in a charismatic world leader, the antichrist, and there will be almost universal idolatry of him and the following of whatever religious system he espouses or aligns with. Add in the false prophet who will lend credence to this thought, and you can see how easily the world will be duped into its plunge into perdition. What is coming will be so far from the truth of the Bible that there will be no remedy. Instead, God will judge this great harlot and destruction will come upon her.
The way to avoid this is to have one’s mind aligned properly with God as He has revealed Himself. And the way to do that is to read and know the Bible – His inspired and breathed out word to us. What it says is coming is already in the works, and countless masses will be led astray – all because they failed to check the word. It is all there, and it is a message that tells us to fix our eyes on JESUS.
O God, You have held out Your hands to the people of the world and beckoned us to come and fellowship with You. You’ve given us everything we need to do so, and You alone have paved a spacious highway for us to follow. But we, like straying sheep, look for any other avenue other than the right one. Lead us, O great Shepherd, and keep us from straying. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 21, 2021 0:58:02 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 17:3 Thursday, 20 May 2021
So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. Revelation 17:3
John is now given a new direction in his vision which explains who is the “great harlot” that verses 1 and 2 referred to. In this, it says, “So he (meaning the angel of verse 1) carried me away in the Spirit.” This is thus an explanatory vision. It is what occurred with Ezekiel several times. One such time was –
“And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I sat in my house with the elders of Judah sitting before me, that the hand of the Lord God fell upon me there. 2 Then I looked, and there was a likeness, like the appearance of fire—from the appearance of His waist and downward, fire; and from His waist and upward, like the appearance of brightness, like the color of amber. 3 He stretched out the form of a hand, and took me by a lock of my hair; and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven, and brought me in visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the north gate of the inner court, where the seat of the image of jealousy was, which provokes to jealousy. 4 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, like the vision that I saw in the plain.” Ezekiel 8:1-4
As can be seen, Ezekiel was among others. His physical body remained, but he was taken in a vision to see events selected by the Lord for him to then relay. This is the same now with John. In his vision, John is taken “into the wilderness.”
The wilderness in Scripture is a place of trial and testing. It can also be a place of closeness to God or separation from God, depending on the subject. For example, Charles Ellicott notes –
“The woman clothed with the sun (Revelation 12:1), persecuted by the dragon, finds a home in the wilderness into which she is driven. She is persecuted, but not forsaken; she can joy in tribulation. The scarlet-clad woman, amid all her dazzling surroundings, is still in a wilderness.”
What John next sees is a rather remarkable thing. He says, “And I saw a woman.” The angel has already called this woman “the great harlot who sits on many waters.” He also has said of her that it is she “with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication” (17:2).
At the end of the chapter, the angel will explicitly say that this woman, “is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth” (17:18). Of this woman, it says she is “sitting on a scarlet beast.” Due to the description that follows, it can be inferred that this is the same as the “beast out of the sea” of Chapter 13.
Taking the symbolism from the Old Testament, scarlet, or red, in the Bible pictures and symbolizes war, blood, and/or judgment. Thus, it can be inferred that this beast is an entity that is warring, bloody, subject to judgment, or delivering judgment (see vv. 13:4 & 13:7). Further, this beast is “full of names of blasphemy.”
This corresponds to verse 13:1, which described the beast as having, “seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name.” The names of blasphemy are recorded there, but so also are the continued parts of the description now being given, which says, “having seven heads.”
Later in this chapter, the seven heads are said to be “seven mountains” (17:9) and also seven kings (17:10). The word for “mountains” can simply mean “hills.” Either is an acceptable translation. The word can also be taken literally, or it can be taken as a metaphor for a government entity. Finally, the verse ends with, “and ten horns.”
The ten horns are specifically said to be ten kings in verse 7:12. The description is now given, and it will be built upon in the verses to come.
Life application: The things John is seeing in his vision are identifiable as to what the things mean – scarlet, a beast, horns, and so on. The meaning is generally clear from such things already found in Scripture. However, the actual identification of them is not explicitly stated. Further, whether some are literal or are metaphors (such as the mountains) is unknown. Therefore, what is presented can be turned into countless points of conjecture.
Being dogmatic about a single interpretation is not the wise path to follow. And yet, an analysis must be made with one’s best interpretive guesses. In the end, time will meet up with the prophetic utterances, and the two will come together, revealing the truth of all of the symbolism. When it happens, the truth of Scripture will be seen.
For now, let us consider the words of Revelation as God’s inspired word. It is showing us, in advance, that He already knows what is coming and how it will all pan out. Because of this, we can be absolutely confident that what it says about the victory ahead is certain. In the end, there is victory, because at the end there is JESUS.
Heavenly Father, You have revealed future events to us in Your word because You want us to study them and stretch our minds as we think them through. Help us to see clearly into what You intend for us to see and help us to not fight over the things which are yet hidden from our view. May our studies of Your word be edifying to us and bring glory to You. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 22, 2021 12:45:36 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 17:4 Friday, 21 May 2021
The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. Revelation 17:4
The great harlot named in verse 17:1, meaning the city being described in the vision, is described further in this verse. Of her, John says, “The woman.” This is repeated from the previous verse where he said, “And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast.” As noted then, this term is used to describe a city. That will be stated explicitly in verse 17:18 –
“And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.”
Therefore, the imagery given here is metaphor and needs to be evaluated from that perspective. Of this woman, John says she “was arrayed in purple and scarlet.” The two words have a close enough appearance that both are used to describe the robe placed upon Christ. First is porphurous, or purple. That is seen only in John’s gospel (twice) and here in Revelation (twice). One instance from John says –
“And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe.” John 19:2
The other word, kokkinos, or purple, is found in Matthew when referring to the robe placed upon the Lord –
“And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’” Matthew 27:28, 29
Whether this is the same robe in both accounts, as some assume, or whether it is a different robe placed upon Jesus (one by Herod as is seen in Luke 23:11, and the other by the soldiers of Pilate), the point of using both words in Revelation is probably to show that this woman identifies with Christ. Both the scarlet color (war, blood, and judgment) and the purple (nobility/royalty) were used to describe that which was placed upon Him. This woman is an entity that appears to be emulating Him by being arrayed in both colors.
John next continues with, “and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls.” The word translated as “adorned” signifies to be gilded with. Gold speaks of purity, holiness, royalty, and divinity. Next, the Greek says, “stone precious.” The singular stands for the plural. The same idea was presented by Paul in 1 Corinthians 3 –
“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.” 1 Corinthians 3:11-13
Obviously, Paul is using the term to refer to works worthy of reward. The margarités, or “pearl,” is used in parables by Jesus to refer to the precious teachings (spiritual truths) of the gospel. That is seen, for example, in Matthew 7:6 and 13:45 –
“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (7:6)
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (13:45, 46)
One can see that this city is supposedly identified with Christ. It is adorned with robes as He was, it is a city basing its splendor on works and upon the wisdom found in the gospel. However, it is a harlot – meaning it has prostituted itself – betraying its calling and scorning the One she is identified with. Only in pretense is she aligned with the things of God. However, in reality (as John continues), she is “having in her hand a golden cup.”
This takes the reader back to the description of Babylon from Jeremiah 51 –
“Flee from the midst of Babylon,
And every one save his life!
Do not be cut off in her iniquity,
For this is the time of the Lord’s vengeance;
He shall recompense her.
7 Babylon was a golden cup in the Lord’s hand,
That made all the earth drunk.
The nations drank her wine;
Therefore the nations are deranged.
8 Babylon has suddenly fallen and been destroyed.
Wail for her!
Take balm for her pain;
Perhaps she may be healed.
9 We would have healed Babylon,
But she is not healed.
Forsake her, and let us go everyone to his own country;
For her judgment reaches to heaven and is lifted up to the skies.” Jeremiah 51:6-9
The harlot of Revelation is not unlike Babylon of old. She has a golden cup in her hand, signifying wrath and judgment, and this will be brought down up her as well. Of this cup, John says it is “full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication.”
The Greek word bdelugma, translated as “abomination,” signifies an accursed thing. It is that which emits a foul odor. Thus, figuratively, it is a moral horror. It is something that is a stench to God. It reflects those who refuse to listen to and obey His voice.
The word translated as “filthiness” signifies something that is not pure because it is mixed. Morally, it is that which is tainted by sin.
Finally, the word “fornication” means sexual impurity and that which is idolatrous. There is a selling off, or surrendering, of purity.
The question to consider concerning this woman is, “Is there a city that fits the description of this harlot in the world today? One that identifies with Christ, bases itself on good works and the pomp and majesty of the Christian faith, and yet which is filled with abominations and idolatry?”
Life application: This great harlot bears little resemblance to the woman depicted in verse 12:1, 2 – “Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. 2 Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.”
Whereas the woman in chapter 12 is clothed with the sun – something created by God and without change by man – the great harlot is arrayed in purple and scarlet. These are materials that require forming and shaping by man’s hands, and then they have dyes applied to them. Rather than bearing the radiance and glory of the Creator, they reflect the things that are lusted after by the world.
These garments and their colors indicate wealth, status, and royalty. The great harlot is also “adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls.” The adornment of the woman in chapter 12 is “a garland of 12 stars.” Again, the stars are created by God; the adornments of the harlot are materials that are cut, melted, set, and/or shaped by the hands of men. They are external refinements that hide the true state of who she is.
Remember, this harlot is symbolic of something else and not actually a person. This entity has all the appearance of finery, status, and majesty; and yet it is an abomination to God. The idea of fornication is used throughout the Bible when speaking of the intermingling of false religion with the truth, or false religion completely substituting the truth in God’s people. This harlot is a religious entity that has completely compromised itself to filth, abominable practices, and apostasy. It has taken the truth of the gospel and changed it. This is something Paul calls “anathema” in Galatians chapter 1.
What city is there today that fits this description? Be advised that the gospel is not based on works, but on faith in Jesus Christ. Acceptable works are derived from faith in Christ. Let us remember that God alone has done all that is necessary for man to be saved. It is only faith in what He has done that this comes about. The gospel is about God’s provision as is found in the giving of JESUS.
Lord, here we are – given the beauty of Your truth in the pages of Your word. And yet, we change it and pervert it. We mix in falsity with it and then pass that on to others instead of simply trusting that what You have given us is right, proper, and sufficient. Turn our hearts to Your word alone and let us rest in that. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 22, 2021 12:49:47 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 17:5
Saturday, 22 May 2021
And on her forehead a name was written:
MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT,
THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS
AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS
OF THE EARTH. Revelation 17:5
This is referring to the great harlot John has been describing. Of her, he says, “And on her forehead a name was written.”
Scholars of the past have noted that prostitutes of the past actually had their names tied in a circlet which was then displayed on their foreheads as a label. This would be similar to how people at a store will wear a name badge today. The forehead is the most prominent and visual place where anyone can see the identification plainly and immediately.
In other words, nothing is hidden about this. It is obvious and clearly exposed. The forehead is also the place of acknowledgment, such as in vows.
The High Priest of Israel wore a turban as he performed his duties and the passage from Exodus 28 notes the adornment of it –
“You shall also make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet:
HOLINESS TO THE LORD.
37 And you shall put it on a blue cord, that it may be on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban. 38 So it shall be on Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.” Exodus 28:36-38
There is a marked difference between the forehead of the high priest and that of the great harlot. Holiness and true worship are replaced with what is abominable and false. Where the High Priest (a picture of Jesus as our Mediator) bears the sins of God’s people, the great whore bears her own sins and leads others into her abominations.
As noted earlier, the forehead is also the spot where the mental assertion of something is made. For this reason, Moses gave this instruction to the people of Israel concerning the laws they had received –
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-8
Rather than mentally asserting that God is the Creator and worthy of holy reverence, the only mental assertion in the mind of this whore is fornication, idolatry, lust, and abominable practices. She identifies with the name next to be stated and acknowledges its position openly. And that name is:
MYSTERY – This is either a part of the name, or it is a way of saying, “This is a harlot, but it is unknown except to whom it is revealed,” or it means that the name is to be understood in a spiritual sense. One (or both) of the latter two options seems more likely. In other words, this is a city and a body that is a harlot, but those who have not had the mystery revealed to them do not know it is so. Further, this is not a literal female woman who is a harlot, but she is being used as a metaphor to describe the city. This harlot has been working out her practices in a way that people don’t even realize that they are following the wrong path. What they think is right is not, and yet it is hidden from them.
BABYLON THE GREAT – The name itself signifies complete confusion. Babylon comes from the Hebrew babel, meaning confusion. The deception of the whore is complete. What she proclaims as truth is actually a confused and twisted substitute. Following the word babel back to its origin, one scholar notes that its plural form means “gate of the gods.” The term was therefore used to denote all supposed avenues which led to the gods – sorcery, astrology, occult practices, humanism, idolatry, etc.
Babylon was later an empire composed of a government, a religious identification, and that warred against Israel (the people of God) through both spiritual (Ezekiel 23:11-21) and actual (innumerable references) means. This harlot will emulate ancient Babylon and will be considered a superlative example of it, the last and greatest example of the ideal of it.
THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS – Of all of the harlotry that occurs, this harlot is the preeminent one. Her name signifies that from her stems all false religion which is opposed to the truth of God. It is the one that is the beginning, or source of the others, and one which rears up all the others to act in her manner. She sets the examples for all the others in her doings. Remembering that harlotry in this sense is a turning away from God and to false religion, idolatry, and so on, this entity counterfeits right faith, but then turns its congregants away through subtlety, guiding them into apostasy.
AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH – Matthew Poole says of this title, “And abominations of the earth; a place in which not only idolatry reigneth, but all abominable things committed in the world; carnal whoredom tolerated by them, and sodomy, &c.” It is a place where there is vile wickedness of the heart, perversion, lusts for power, control, and (as Poole notes) sodomy. These “abominations” are unclean, perverse, filled with wickedness, and the doctrines of demons. The practices she promotes cover all “of the earth,” and people from every shore are involved in her wickedness.
Looking at the description above, one can clearly identify a place that exists on earth, right now, that fits this description. It may or may not be all that is inclusive of what MYSTERY BABYLON is comprised during the tribulation, but this place, this city, is the head of it. Look at the world around you and the identification of her should be clear.
Life application: In the Bible, we are told to think on Jesus and to look to Him. Anything that takes our attention off of Him, or which falsely portrays His gospel message, is to be completely rejected.
We can ask ourselves, “Is there such an entity on earth that resembles Christianity and yet has departed from the truth of the gospel?” “Has this entity taken people’s eyes off Jesus and directed them towards other things?” “Are practices of this entity filled with idolatry, demonology, sorcery, and occult practices?” “Has such an entity arisen which fulfills a role unintended by the Lord when He established this church?”
If one reasonably and in an unbiased manner evaluates these questions, the answer is “Yes.” And as the days progress, Mystery Babylon will be seen for what she truly is – apostasy and wickedness.
It is our obligation as believers to turn from anything that is not focused on Jesus Christ. He alone is to be our hope and our highest joy. God has appointed Him to be our one and only path to salvation. Let us rejoice in Him. Yes! Let us rejoice in JESUS!
Lord Jesus, You alone are due my reverence and my worship. No other being is worthy of any praise or prayer directed to them. Help me to be a light to others who may be caught up in the untruth of the lies of the great whore who steals men’s souls away from coming to a saving knowledge of Your glorious majesty. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 23, 2021 23:39:27 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 17:6 Sunday, 23 May 2021
I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement. Revelation 17:6
The previous verse found John revealing the name written on the forehead of the great harlot. Now, he will continue to describe her. However, the description goes from physical things like purple and scarlet and gold and precious stones to her conduct. In this, John says, “I saw the woman.”
As stated before, this is a city (17:18) being compared to a woman. This is found in the Old Testament as well, as was previously noted. Of this woman, John next says she is “drunk with the blood of the saints.”
The terminology speaks of great slaughter, as if the blood were wine, and the amount is so great that those who spill it become intoxicated with it. This is seen, for example, in the sword of the Lord being drunk in this manner in Jeremiah 46 –
“For this is the day of the Lord God of hosts,
A day of vengeance,
That He may avenge Himself on His adversaries.
The sword shall devour;
It shall be satiated and made drunk with their blood;
For the Lord God of hosts has a sacrifice
In the north country by the River Euphrates.” Jeremiah 46:10
Remembering that this is a city, the location is what is first being highlighted. Rome, the center of the Roman Empire, killed innumerable saints of the early church. It doesn’t matter that this was conducted prior to its conversion to Christianity. It is the city that is being described.
The city of Rome (aka the Vatican) claiming Christianity is no more significant at this point than it is that Jerusalem followed the Lord at times and completely fell away from the Lord at others. It is the city that is described (meaning the people within it) throughout the Old Testament. Understanding this, John continues. She is not just only drunk with the blood of the saints, but also “with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.”
The word translated as “martyrs” signifies “a witness.” It is someone who testifies to something. The word eventually became synonymous with one who dies for his witness because this has been the lot of Christian witnesses throughout the church age.
The “witness” is what becomes the reason for their death. The cause of it, however, is that the witness is not accepted by the great whore who rejects the simplicity and truth of the witness. It is true that Christians have been martyred throughout the world and by countless other cultures and religions, but that is neither a mystery, nor is it unexpected.
However, what is revealed in the mystery of Rome is that it not only martyred the saints prior to its claim to Christianity, but it continued to do so throughout most of its history. Anyone who determined to follow the word of God, apart from the heretical doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church, has been considered anathema by them. And in their declarations, they have killed countless faithful Christians in the process.
Albert Barnes says, “How applicable this is to the papacy, let the blood shed in the valleys of Piedmont; the blood shed in the Low Countries by the Duke of Alva; the blood shed on Bartholomew’s day; and the blood shed in the Inquisition, testify.”
Along with them are the accounts of both martyrdom and persecution of many of those of the Reformation. As a single example of those countless witnesses for Christ at this time who were persecuted and martyred for their faith, take time to read up on John Hus. The city of Rome (eventually the seat of the Roman Catholic Church) has a long history of being drunk with the blood of the saints and of the martyrs of Jesus. But who would think! John couldn’t imagine, and he says, “And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement.”
Here the verb, thaumazó, and its cognate noun, thauma, are both used. In essence, it says, “I was astonished with great astonishment.” It is the same verb that was used in the Greek translation of Daniel 8:27 after he beheld a vision that completely overwhelmed him –
“And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and went about the king’s business. I was astonished by the vision, but no one understood it.” Daniel 8:27
The appearance of this harlot stunned John. The finery, the extent of her reach (many waters), the names of blasphemy, and the filthiness of her fornication – all of these, along with her drunken state because of the volumes of blood of those who confess Jesus Christ was literally shocking to his eyes.
She is a great contrast to the woman of Revelation 12 who fled from persecution, whereas this harlot actively persecutes. And those saints of the end times will be in the sights of this vile whore.
Life application: This harlot – a spiritual entity who has mixed idolatrous worship with the truth of Jesus Christ – has also been instrumental in killing those who have held to His word and His testimony alone.
One can look back through the church age to see what organization it is that has been the leading proponent of killing those who disagree with their theological position. The Inquisition is just one evidence of the brutality exercised against the saints of God. The reason for these martyrdoms is seen in those who reject hierarchal levels of authority or anti-biblical teachings in order to faithfully follow the true Leader of the church – Jesus, and the one source of church doctrine – the Bible.
Anytime a body stemming from the Christian faith mixes in extra-biblical rites of worship which are contrary to the Bible, they commit spiritual harlotry. An example of this is the practice of praying to Mary or the saints. There is no biblical justification for this, and, in fact, it is anti-biblical in practice.
Increasing the guilt occurs when statues are given reverence and petition – a practice known as idol-dulia – the veneration of an idol. This is supposedly acceptable to those who promote the practice because they say it is in contrast to latria – meaning “worship” which is granted only to God. In fact, however, there is no distinction between the two. Both words are translated in the same manner from the Latin – to serve. The same is true with the translation of the Hebrew word avad (to worship) which is translated as both dulia and latria. In other words, there is no actual distinction between the two.
Why is this important? Because certain groups and individuals proclaim that grace can be obtained from practicing idol-dulia – thus it is a practice of harlotry. Any worship, service, or veneration provided to any being or image other than God is spiritual prostitution. Any worship, service, or veneration offered to the wrong god is also. There is one God, and He has revealed Himself in the Person and work of Jesus Christ. This is the reason why Hebrews 3:1 states we are to “fix our thoughts on Jesus” (NIV) and Hebrews 12:2 asks us to “fix our eyes on Jesus” (NIV). Any other spiritual attention that is granted is spiritual harlotry.
Throughout the church age, those who have held fast to the message of Jesus have suffered for their refusal to bow the knee to any lesser god – many becoming martyrs. Countless others have been led astray by these false modes of worship and their fates have been determined because of their actions.
No wonder John marveled at the great harlot in amazement. He saw the absolute perversion of the beauty and glory of the message of his Lord in the wicked dealings of men who were given charge over helpless sheep. He must have been overwhelmed at the thought of what had come about within the very church he was writing to.
Let us hold fast to our faith in Christ, and let us also be sure to reject any form of worship that is not sanctioned in Scripture. Let us hold fast to the truth of God as revealed in our precious Lord JESUS!
Heavenly Father, forgive us for any past offenses against You where we have wrongly petitioned anyone or anything other than You. We know now that we cannot pray to Mary, to the saints, or to any other person or object, except for Jesus. We understand that Jesus alone is the Mediator between us. Therefore, we will pray to You through Him alone. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 25, 2021 0:35:25 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 17:7
Monday, 24 May 2021
But the angel said to me, “Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns. Revelation 17:7
In the last verse, after seeing the woman (the great harlot) “drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus,” he then said, “I marveled with great amazement.” John was astonished at what he had seen, and his mind could not grasp it. With that, this verse now begins with, “But the angel said to me.”
This is the angel mentioned in verse 17:1 and who has been with John since then, while he has beheld the vision. Obviously, he saw John standing in awe and therefore asked, “Why did you marvel?” It is the same verb used in the previous verse, thaumazó. As was noted, this was the same state as Daniel was found in when he beheld his own overwhelming vision, as is recorded in the Greek translation of that verse.
The Hebrew word used in Daniel is shamem. It signifies astonishment or amazement as if one is utterly stupefied. This is the state that John was in. The angel realized this and called to him to direct his attention back to reality with the question. Then, to allay his overwhelmed state, he next says, “I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.”
At times, this also happened to Daniel. He was presented with visions from others, and he had his own visions at times as well. He would be affected by them because he would have to explain the meaning of them to those who had the visions, or he would need to have them explained to him by an angel. At times, parts of the interpretation of the visions he was given were withheld from him. For John, now, the identity of the woman and the beast will be made known.
The main details will include 1) the woman, 2) the beast, 3) the seven heads, and 4) the ten horns. The rest of the details should then be understandable based on knowing what these four refer to.
Life application: Visions in the Bible are used to convey symbolism that refers to real things which have or which will come about. Every portion of the symbol has meaning, no matter how insignificant. To see a vision like this then means that an entire sweep of history may be summed up in a single display. Trying to mentally grasp what is portrayed is something that surely causes sensory overload.
The angel’s question to John was a reassuring way of letting him know that the meaning can be known and what is depicted is not beyond comprehension. Further, the knowledge will be imparted to him. In essence, “John, don’t be overloaded. Keep your attention on the big picture and the details will be understood.”
This is what we should do with the Bible as well. There are big picture themes, and there are also minute details. Together they form a whole for us to understand what God is conveying to us. The big picture themes revolve around what God will do, and has done, in the sending of the Messiah. Everything else must be taken in relation to that. God has promised, God has sent, and God will complete all things through Him.
As long as we look for Him and to Him, everything else will find its place. Therefore, let us look to JESUS.
Heavenly Father, even two thousand years after John was given the details of the book of Revelation, we still argue over its final meaning and interpretation. Help us to carefully contemplate the symbolism, but not to lose sight of the overarching theme of Revelation. You are in complete control of all things, and You know the future before it occurs. Thank you for this assurance. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 25, 2021 23:58:43 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 17:8 Tuesday, 25 May 2021
The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. Revelation 17:8
John was just told by the angel presenting the vision to him that the mystery of it would also be told to him. That now immediately begins to take place with the words, “The beast that you saw was, and is not.”
Is this past, present, and future description from the time John was alive? If so, it would mean the entity existed prior to John’s time, was not there during John’s time, and it would again come in the end times.
It could also be a description of another time such as “prior to the tribulation, at the beginning of the tribulation, and then during the tribulation?” As such, it could speak of the Roman Empire that once was. Eventually, it faded and does not exist at that future time (to John). However, based on a futurist interpretation of Daniel 9, it will exist again.
This interpretation seems reasonable, and it would be in accord with Revelation 4:1 where John was told, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” He was told he would see things after his current age. Thus, it would refer to after the church age, during the tribulation.
No matter what, the “when” is important in the analysis, and we simply cannot know for sure. The matter is future, and speculation is needed because of this. With this understood, the angel next says, “and will ascend out of the bottomless pit.” The bottomless pit is that which was previously described in Revelation 9.
The probable meaning here is that the beast, or at least its power, is derived from the underworld. It was, but then it was dead – it is not. And yet, it is revived during the tribulation period to its former power and glory. This makes the assumption that Daniel’s description of the Roman Empire is a suitable and likely candidate. NATO failed, the EU is failing, and yet Europe still exists and is in need of suitable leadership. A description of the Roman Empire is given in Daniel 2 –
‘But after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to yours; then another, a third kingdom of bronze, which shall rule over all the earth. 40 And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others. 41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. 43 As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay.” Daniel 2:39-43
As a side note for those verses, verse 2:43 says, “they will mingle with the seed of men.” This has led to some rather ridiculous interpretations, such as angels or aliens intermingling with humans and resulting in giant hybrids. We could call them Nephilim Ned and Rephaim Rhoda. This is irresponsible theology. Several translations give a much more likely reading, such as, “so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united” (NIV).
Other references to the Roman Empire are found in Daniel, and which have no past fulfillment, meaning they are pointing to a date yet future to us now –
“After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. 8 I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.” Daniel 7:7, 8
Daniel 9:27, taken in proper context, also shows that the antichrist will come from the same people who destroyed the temple in AD70 – Rome. With this a possible, and even likely, scenario, we next read “and go to perdition.”
The word translated as “perdition” means “destruction.” It is used by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 when speaking of the antichrist, saying, “and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.” This then would correspond to Daniel 7:11 –
“I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame.”
As these points all fit, it will be the only option given for this analysis. However, there are innumerable other evaluations of what the angel is describing to John. For now, he next says, “And those who dwell on the earth will marvel.”
This is a general reference that the beast will be remarkable enough to cause those who see it to be amazed at it. If Hitler’s Germany suddenly arose again, one could see the amazement of it in many people’s eyes. The same is true with Stalin’s Russia. Likewise, a revised Roman Empire would be considered a fantastically marvelous event. Those who will marvel at this are those “whose names are not written in the Book of Life.”
The Greek reads epi, upon. Thus, it says, “upon the Book,” or “upon the scroll.” This does not mean that there is a literal scroll with names written on it. What it means is that every name is known, and the details of that person are wholly known to God.
This involves the doctrine of predestination, but it does not negate the doctrine of free will. Just because God knows what will happen, it does not mean that He actively directs those things. Understanding this, the names are written in the Book of Life “from the foundation of the world.”
The Book of Life is a way of stating that there are those who are saved, and there are those who are not saved. Those who are saved have been recorded upon this Book of Life.
God is all-knowing. The outcome of all things, every event, and even every decision we make is known to Him. Thus, even at creation, what would occur within creation – from that time on and forever – is recorded in His mind. The term “from the foundation of the world” reflects this. This was also seen in verse 13:8.
In this, God knows that those people who are not recorded in the Book of Life are those that will marvel “when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.” The revival of this great beast will be a source of amazement to those who behold it, and they will willingly want to be a part of it. It gives a good explanation of why they would be so willing to take the mark of this beast. This would then explain why they are not in the Book of Life. Each point logically fits, one after the other.
Life application: There are several verses in the Bible that are extremely hard to interpret. This is one of them. Is this beast the antichrist or is it a government system? It is hard to be dogmatic. The term is used in both ways, and which one is being referred to depends on how one interprets the other passages in conjunction with it. One may simply represent the other.
No matter what, this beast will become a source of idolatry to the people of the world – “Who is like the beast?” They will follow after it just as Germany followed after Hitler. They will put their allegiance behind it lock, stock, and barrel, and they will reject any sense of following God.
When they contemplate the beast, they will think that it is their destiny to follow it because it was, and then it wasn’t, and then it appeared again. If it is the revived Roman Empire, or another such state – Islamic perhaps – the people will think that it is the fulfillment of the original intent of that state and their allegiance to it will be complete.
How much better to put your trust in the One who has been all along. Empires come and go. Nations rise and fall. But Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Put your trust in God! Be saved through His glorious provision. Today is the day to come to JESUS!
Lord, let us not trade our allegiance to You for that which is both temporary and barren. There is no hope in man, nor in anything which man can do. There is only hope in calling out to You and walking in uprightness and holiness as we wait on the good things You alone have promised, and that which You alone can fulfill. Help us to focus on You and not on that which is temporary and will fade away. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 27, 2021 0:04:36 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 17:9
Wednesday, 26 May 2021
“Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. Revelation 17:9
This verse continues the explanation of “the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns” as noted in verse17:7. The angel has given some detail but proceeds with more. This will continue through the end of the chapter. For now, he says, “Here is the mind which has wisdom.”
What this means is that something will be stated that requires thought in order to grasp, but it can be grasped. Further, it has to be looked at from a Christ-centered perspective. As it says in the proverb –
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
Those who are not pursuing a knowledge of the Lord will not even know that what is presented here is a clue to the end times events that are being symbolized. But for those who fear the Lord, pick up His word and study it, those things that are not known to most will be discernible.
In these words, the pattern of the Hebrew aleph-bet matching the corresponding chapter of Revelation continues. The 17th letter of the aleph-bet is pe. It is represented by a mouth. Hebrew4Christians says, “Pey follows the letter Ayin, suggesting the priority of the eyes (i.e., understanding, awareness) before verbal expression (negatively, reversing this order results in “blind consumption” or mindless chatter). The chokhmah (wise one) is swift to observe and then to offer an opinion about something.” In this, the letter/chapter connection is seen – an expression of wisdom – “Here is the mind which has wisdom” (v.9).
For now, the angel begins with an explanation of what the mind which has wisdom will be able to discern, saying, “The seven heads are seven mountains.”
This is the first enigmatic statement. The seven heads were referred to in verse 17:3 –
“And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.”
The seven heads only symbolize something else, seven mountains. But this is possibly more complicated than it appears. The reason for this is that mountains in Scripture can refer to governments. This is the case, for example, in Isaiah 2:2 and Jeremiah 51:25 (among many other references). Therefore, this could be seven governments.
However, the mountains could be literal as well. The Greek word translated as “mountain” is oros. It signifies either a mountain or a hill. Some translations say, “seven hills.” Later in this chapter, it will say, “And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth” (17:18).
Because of this, it may be a literal city that rests on seven hills. Throughout the years, people have attempted to fit Jerusalem into this by choosing seven “hills” and saying that this is the city on seven hills. This is fanciful, but the hills chosen to accommodate this view do not realistically fit. Rather, they are a forced attempt at making the place fit the scenario. Further, this Mystery Babylon is set to be destroyed, once and for all, in the pages ahead. On the other hand, Jerusalem will continue on as the Bible clearly indicates.
On the other hand, Rome has been known as the “city on seven hills” well into antiquity. Rome, or as known by its original name Romulus, was built upon Palatine Hill. The other identifying hills are the Capitoline, Quirinal, Viminal, Esquiline, Caelian, and Aventine. Therefore, this could be referring to Rome.
Another option is that it is referring to both Rome and to seven governments that will join together with a main capitol being Rome. As these things are future, only speculation is possible. Even if the speculation is correct, it can’t be certain that it is.
If the mountains are governments or empires, another possibility also arises. There are five major powers that have afflicted or had control of God’s people in the past, prior to John’s writing of Revelation – Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. Rome was in that position when John did his writing and then Rome faded away. However, Rome will again come to be a great power that will afflict Israel (see Daniel 9). And so, it could be both the sixth and seventh empire to wield control over the people and the land.
This would have to assume that Israel is somehow placed under the authority of this entity. If so, this then could answer the previous verse about the beast – it was, and is not, and yet is. It does appear that Rome in particular is the center of the prophecy and because this is speaking of a harlot, there is a religious element to what is being relayed. It is a spiritual prostitution that will find its ultimate fulfillment in a complete rejection of the truth of the gospel.
Life application: In verse 13:18 it said, “Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.” Again, in this verse, we are shown that it is possible to discern the things that are presented, but that it takes wisdom. Unfortunately, we don’t know if this wisdom will only come about during the Tribulation period or if we are thinking right thoughts about these things now.
In other words, there are patterns which exist right now which could fill the requirements of this verse – some very insightful. However, if the final fulfillment of them is to be found in the Tribulation, then only at that time will the correct interpretation be known. Regardless, the fulfillment can be known and, when it is, there will be no excuse for those during the Tribulation to reject the truth of prophecy.
God has laid out these things in a form of mystery so that those who truly seek Him out, through Jesus Christ, will be able to discern what is going on during the Tribulation. This is true even now. God has revealed the mystery of the gospel through the New Testament epistles. Therefore, the world is without excuse if it does not simply pick up the book and read it. There, we find an explanation of what God has explicitly revealed. There, we find His provision for salvation through the gospel. There, we find JESUS.
Help us, O Lord, to focus our attention on You and not to get too sidetracked by the things which we may not fully understand. In the end, You know what will occur and who will respond to the truths in Your word at just the right moment in their lives. Help us to be a part of that by sharing the truth of the gospel now before the time of trial comes on the world. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 28, 2021 0:48:54 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 17:10
Thursday, 27 May 2021 There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time. Revelation 17:10 The angel speaking to John just explicitly told him that the seven heads of the beast are seven mountains. Whether those are literal mountains, or whether they are representative of governments was examined. The angel now says, “There are also seven kings.” As such, this leaves several possibilities once again. For now, the angel next says, “Five have fallen.” The Greek literally reads, “fell.” Vincent’s Word Studies notes, “Constantly used in the Septuagint of the violent fall or overthrow of kings or kingdoms. See Ezekiel 29:5; Ezekiel 30:6; Isaiah 21:9; Jeremiah 50:15; Jeremiah 51:8.” This would align with the idea of empires as noted in the previous verse. As noted then, there are five of note that have afflicted or had control over Israel in the past, prior to John’s writing of Revelation – Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. From there, the angel says, “one is.” Rome was in that position when John received Revelation, thus making it a sixth empire. Eventually, it faded away. If this is correct, then the five who had fallen are Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. The “one that is” would be Rome (the sixth). At John’s time, Rome held authority over Israel. Even the leaders of Israel understood this when they called out – “But they cried out, ‘Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but Caesar!’” John 19:15 Disregarding the ultimate authority of the Lord, the leaders of Israel noted that the control over their nation was securely in the hands of Rome. From there, the angel next says to John, “and the other has not yet come.” This coming empire would be the revived Roman Empire. A problem with this is that it would appear to set a different standard of what reference point John is using for verse 17:8 and this verse now – meaning the beginning of the tribulation period (17:8) as opposed to John’s present time (17:10). However, it is not an irreconcilable difference because the same empire is being referred to in both cases. This does fit the scenario quite well, and it appears to match the other confusing verses in this chapter. However, there was more than one king who ruled each of these powers during the time they afflicted Israel. This confuses the scenario a bit, but if only the empire is noted and not the individual kings who ruled them, then it isn’t a problem. If this is the correct analysis, the final words are almost self-explanatory. The angel says, “And when he comes, he must continue a short time. This final empire with a ruler over it, and which will hold some sort of control over Israel, will exist for only a short period. Based on the timing of the tribulation period, this aligns with that notion. A second option is that if the previous verse refers to “seven hills” rather than “seven mountains,” then it is only speaking of Rome and powers which rule from there. This makes the interpretation more difficult to understand at this time, but it will be cleared up as the world moves into the tribulation period. The mind with wisdom will be able to understand who and what is being spoken of. Life application: It must be remembered that the great harlot rides on this beast. Therefore, there is a religious connection to the beast, even if the beast means world powers or a Roman power. There is spiritual harlotry between the two and both will be judged for their actions. It is hard to be dogmatic about a particular interpretation at this time, but in the end, the mystery of these symbols will become clear. For now, the main thing to consider is that the events will occur. As this is so, it means that God already knows the end from the beginning. Therefore, we know that the other things that God has said in His word are also true and reliable. He has promised eternal life to those who come to Him through faith in what He has done. As this is so, let us accept the gospel message. Christ died for our sins, Christ was buried, and Christ rose on the third day. When we believe this message and receive what He did, we are saved – once and for all time. Let us use wisdom. Here is a fuller explanation of what Christ did for you at this link: superiorword.org/salvation/Let us receive God’s precious offer of peace and reconciliation. Let us come to JESUS. Lord God Almighty, regardless of how the smaller details of future prophecy turn out, we have something far better to focus on! Give us the wisdom to read and understand Your word. Help us to never get distracted from the overall message of the Bible which is that You are God, and You are in complete control of all things. We love and praise You! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 29, 2021 1:04:06 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 17:11
Friday, 28 May 2021
The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition. Revelation 17:11
The angel has been describing the seven heads on which the woman sits. In this, he noted that they are seven mountains, but also seven kings. After noting this, he said, “There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time” (17:10). Now, words that – at first – seem most confusing come forth. He says, “The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth.”
The gender of the terms is unusual. The words, “and the beast,” are neuter. The words, “that was is not, is himself also the eighth,” are masculine. The masculine shows that the “eighth” refers to the kings noted in verse 10. Further, there is no article before the word “eighth.” Therefore, this is not “an eighth” as if in a series of one after another in relation to the seven kings previously noted. It reads, “he also is eighth.”
This probably means that the beast is formed by, and consists of, what has been spoken about concerning the seven kings. To understand, Charles Ellicott goes to one of the parables of Jesus –
“As an illustration, we may recall her whom the seven brothers had as wife; last of all the woman, the eighth, which was of the seven, died also.”
The succeeding kings all fell, but there is one left from the beast itself. As it says, “and is of the seven, and is going to perdition.” The Greek uses the word ek, out of. The beast is “out of the seven.” Young’s translates the verse more appropriately –
“and the beast that was, and is not, he also is eighth, and out of the seven he is, and to destruction he doth go away.” YLT
This eighth, out of the seven, is the antichrist or “the son of perdition” noted in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. The same word of him used by Paul there is used here, translated as “destruction.” Regardless of the identification of the first seven kings, this “eighth” is certainly referring to him. As was previously seen, one possible explanation of the beast is the progression of empires that have afflicted Israel – Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. Because Rome faded off the scene but will come back in the future as we know from Daniel 9, this is a total of seven empires. The eighth beast is out of the same entity and specifically the antichrist who rules the final world power.
Life application: The term “perdition” is used of Judas who betrayed Jesus. As noted above, it also is used of the coming antichrist in 2 Thessalonians. The antichrist will be a partner to the false prophet. It is he who is set for destruction because of how he has conducted his life affairs. Like Judas, both led their lives in opposition to the will of God in Christ.
Although the spirit of the antichrist has been active in the world throughout the church age (1 John 2:18), the position will finally be realized in this person who is filled with the power of Satan. He will lead the world into chaos and ruin during the tribulation period, but his end is foretold in Chapter 19. Until that time, the mystery of lawlessness and rebellion against God will only increase as the world turns away from the truth of the message of Jesus Christ in preparation for the arrival of this person.
The times are progressing towards their fulfillment, and as they march on, faithful believers need to stand fast on the gospel message and not waiver in their moral convictions. But more, if you are a faithful believer, you should also be a faithful proclaimer. Those around you are already condemned (John 3:18). What they need is for you to speak. They need to hear about JESUS.
Lord Jesus, You have shown us what is right and good. Help each of us to pass on this wonderful message of peace and reconciliation with God. A day is coming for each of us when we can no longer work, and so before that time arrives, help us to be about Your business. To Your honor and glory, we pray. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 29, 2021 23:26:52 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 17:12 Saturday, 29 May 2021
“The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. Revelation 17:12
The mystery of the beast which has seven heads and ten horns continues in this verse. The angel now explicitly states the symbolism of the horns, saying, “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings.” There is no need to go further than this as far as “what” they are, except to say that kings can represent kingdoms. Thus, ten powers led by ten rulers can be implied. Along with this, more can be determined concerning them. The first thing of note is that they are ten kings “who have received no kingdom as yet.”
The ten kings receiving authority will rule together at the same time, not in sequence. Further, at the time of John, they had not received a kingdom. They also are not rightly explained as identifiable kings since the time of John. In other words, this is a future revelation and not something that happened in the past as the preterist belief holds.
The ten kings will arise and will “receive authority.” The source of the authority isn’t stated, but it could be as simple as the alignment of nations, such as the EU today, where a controlling government is formed out of individual nations. This set of ten kings is more than likely a vision complementing that of what Daniel saw –
“After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. 8 I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.” Daniel 7:7, 8
This little horn that rises up and replaces three horns is believed to be the antichrist. As this final kingdom will have ten kings, John is told that they receive their authority “for one hour.’
One hour is a metaphor for a short time. This goes right back to the words of Jesus in Revelation 3:10 – “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.”
Various calculations have been made based on the term “one hour.” By taking the time of seven years and determining what one hour is in relation to this, guesses have been made about exactly how long these kings will rule. Such calculations are then turned into speculation about the exact time of the rapture or the exact time of the return of Christ, and so on. This is not responsible theology. The term (as just noted above) simply means “for a short time.” These kings will have a very short rule before their authority ends. And it will be a sad end for them because they rule “as kings with the beast.”
The fate of the beast will not be a happy one, and the fate of those kings who rule will surely not be pleasant.
Life application: There is a period of trial coming upon the whole world, but the faithful believers at the end of the Christian Era will be saved from it at the rapture. Here are a couple S/W videos on the rapture –
After the rapture, the world will face these things, including the rise of this beast which is headed by the antichrist and to which these ten leaders are aligned.
It cannot be determined who these kings are because they haven’t yet received their power. They could be a part of the revived Roman Empire, a separate entity within Europe who joins them, an Islamic coalition that joins them, etc. Whoever they are, they will receive authority, but as Jesus says – “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:16).
All the power and prestige that these kings think they have will fade into destruction and hell. Their temporary rule will result in eternal punishment… not a very good deal for them after all. As believers will be taken out at the rapture, thus avoiding the terrors that are coming, wouldn’t you be wise to be a part of that glorious departure? It can happen if you will simply accept God’s offer of peace and reconciliation. Accept the good news today! Call out to JESUS.
Heavenly Father, too often we look at wealth, power, and prestige as if it should be our ultimate goal, and we forget that all these worldly things are passing away. Help us to make right choices that will result in eternal rewards. May we not focus on the short-term worldly gain that has no true importance. Give us right reasoning in these things, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 31, 2021 0:42:52 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 17:13 Sunday, May 30, 2021
These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. Revelation 17:13
The word “these” refers to the ten horns of the previous verse. It is those ten horns who will receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. Of these ten kings, it says, they “are of one mind.” The Greek word translated as “mind” signifies intent or purpose. They will have the same goal and will be united in attaining it. Because of this, it next says, “and they will give their power and authority.”
The word translated as “power” signifies “ability to perform.” As these are kings (leaders of kingdoms, probably meaning modern nations), they will put all of their resources behind meeting their intended goal.
This will include their military, industry, manpower, and so on. One can think of how the allies in WWII united in these aspects to defeat the axis. There was a joining together of the military, industry, and so on, in order to meet their set goal.
The word translated as “authority” signifies “conferred power.” It is what gives a nation the right to conduct its affairs which then leads the government to run its various operations. One could think of the constitution which establishes the nation’s governmental structure, and then mandates how that governmental structure should operate. This is its authority.
In other words, these ten kings (kingdoms, nations, or whatever) will, for all intents and purposes, align everything that makes them what they are into cooperation with “the beast.” One can think of the EU as a precursor to this.
The nations of the EU yielded most of their power and authority to its establishment. That has turned out to be a clumsy, failing system. Without unity of purpose in all ways, it has labored along, breathing heavily but not truly uniting. This will not be the case in the end times. This beast will receive full power and authority from them.
This “beast,” as noted here, will probably be led by the antichrist. He will be “the prince who is to come” noted in Daniel 9:26, and he will be of the people who destroyed the city and the sanctuary of Jerusalem in AD70, meaning Rome. Thus, this beast will most probably be a replacement for the failed EU. Without being dogmatic about this, it is the most likely explanation of what lies ahead.
Life application: As seen in the previous verse commentary, this beast is surely the same as the fourth beast in Daniel 7. In Daniel 7:8, it says, “I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots.”
The horns in Revelation are “of one mind.” However, three will be uprooted. At that time, they will probably be replaced with the antichrist’s own cronies. A solidifying of leadership will take place, and these kings will be united in their wickedness and their intent to usurp God’s rule and authority from the earth. However, the antichrist will meet his end in due time.
Until then though, this empire will have the complete support of the leaders and thus of the people. All of its resources, money, and influence will be at the command and use of the leader, and it will be the epitome of what is ungodly and humanistic.
Like so many empires that have been on the earth, this one will probably start out unassuming and beneficent, but it will hide true wickedness and evil intent until it is too late to change course. This is the agenda that Hitler had. He appeared to be the savior of Germany, but he instead brought it to ruin. This is the same tactic being deployed in the United States today. Unless we are watchful and carefully consider our elected officials, we will fall over the precipice which so many nations have gone over.
The times are leading to their fulfillment, and the great empire of wickedness is coming. Thank God that the rapture is anticipated before it arrives. Thank God for our sure hope in deliverance and our gathering together to be with JESUS!
Lord, we as Christians have the hope of a pre-tribulation rapture where we will be in Your wondrous presence instead of left in a world heading towards certain doom. We do pray now that You will continue to turn many hearts to You before the door is closed and it is too late. Thank You for helping us as we spread Your wonderful gospel. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 31, 2021 17:30:30 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 17:14 Monday, 31 May 2021
These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14
The beast has been given the power and authority of the ten horns, as noted in the previous verse. With this united power, it now says, “These will make war with the Lamb.” This thought takes the reader back to the Lamb first mentioned in Revelation 5. There, this Lamb “as though it had been slain,” was given the scroll to open. In opening the seals of the scroll judgments came forth. This Lamb (Jesus) is also mentioned several other times as well, usually in relation to matters of the salvation of His people.
This occurs again now. When it says, “These will make war with the Lamb,” it is a reference to those coming against faithful believers, and probably more especially those who call out to Him from Israel. The beast is reflective of those who belong to Satan. As such, the Lamb is reflective of those who belong to the Lord – with the Lord as their Head. As such, it next says, “and the Lamb will overcome them.”
Though by the world’s reckoning, there could be only defeat for the enemies of the beast, with the Lord as the Head of His people, the victory is assured. The beast, comprised of its various horns and heads, will be defeated.
While considering this, it must be remembered that the beast is not just this empire of nations all by itself. The woman is sitting on the beast as is recorded in verse 17:3. Therefore, this war includes a spiritual element as well.
This great harlot is certainly a part of the impetus for their actions – as if they believe they have God on their side because of her. But, in fact, they are working against Him. This beast may have kings that have given it power and authority, but the One they have actually come against is the Lord, and they will be defeated, “for He is Lord of lords and King of kings.
The war now noted in Chapter 17 will be more fully described in Chapter 19 – highlighted by this same title being ascribed to the Lord as He returns on a white horse to execute judgment against this beast who has come against His people who are almost at their breaking point. With no hope left, they will call out, and He will return to save them. But he will not be alone. As we are next told, “and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” These words are explained in Revelation 19:14 –
“And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.”
There is no reason to assume that these verses are speaking of anything other than an actual war. The beast has been described, it has kings that have given their power and authority to it. There is the woman in the wilderness already described. There is the land of Israel and the coming battle of Armageddon. The various things that have been described, that are being described, and that are yet to be described will all be brought together into a completed narrative as the verses of Revelation continue to unfold.
Life application: In an exciting preview of the events ahead, this verse lets us know that the victory is already assured. War is coming, but it is already noted that the Lamb will overcome.
This world power, led by the antichrist will probably conduct its war in several ways. The first is against anyone who refuses the mark of the beast. They will be cut off from buying and selling, and will surely be hunted down and martyred as well. An attack against the body of believers is an attack against the Lord as we learn in Acts 9:4. Saul was persecuting the church, but Jesus notes that it was actually He who was attacked – “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
The second way war is being waged against the Lamb is literal. He is returning as we will see in the chapters and verses ahead. When he does, the beast will stupidly think that fighting against the Creator is somehow an option… but it’s not. Jesus, the Lamb, will overcome them.
It should be noted now that a lamb is a docile animal, not a fighter. The symbolism is clear. Jesus is the Prince of Peace and a loving Lord, but He is also One who cannot tolerate sin and rebellion. For the Lamb to wage war means that God’s patience has ended and that there is no remedy at all for those who have come against Him. He is not only the Lamb, but He is also the Lord of lords and King of kings. There is none greater than Him, and He is the ultimate ruler of all that is.
When He returns, it will be to bring peace to the world. But before that happens, there will be a great slaughter. Only then will the world be ready for the peace that has long eluded it. In that coming battle, the saints of the Lord will be participants. This will include all who have died in Christ throughout the ages, along with those who were alive and who were glorified at the rapture.
This will come about after the seven years of tribulation. The beast, which has such great power and authority at his disposal, along with all the power of Satan backing him up, won’t stand a chance against the King of Glory. Be on the winning team and be a participant in the greatest battle ever waged.
The Lord is great and greatly to be praised. The book is written, and it reveals what lies ahead. Nothing will change that. And so, call out today. Be reconciled to God. Call out to JESUS!
Lord Jesus, the world is getting increasingly wicked as the days go by. Some wonderful day You will come back for Your saints to take us out of here. At that time, our chance to tell others about you will be over. Help us to have a heart for the lost and to turn many to righteousness before that day happens. Thank You for being patient and giving us the time to bring many to You. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 1, 2021 22:53:22 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 17:15
Tuesday, 1 June 2021
Then he said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. Revelation 17:15
The angel who has been speaking to John has been describing the beast in verses 17:7-14. He will now refer to something already described by John, but not yet explained, saying, “The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits.” Mentioning these waters now takes the reader back to verse 17:1 –
“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great harlot who sits on many waters.”
The great harlot is the woman sitting on the beast that was described by John in verses 17:3-6. This woman, the harlot, is a city (as will be noted in verse 17:18). In the vision, she sits on many waters, and those waters – according to the angel – “are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.”
What this means is that the scope and influence of this religious body (see commentary on verses 17:4-6) which is found in a city reaches out in many directions. The waters are peoples, but there are many, many of them. They also are found in many nations and speaking many tongues.
So, the question is, “Is there such a religious city that has adherents that span the globe?” There might be adherents of it in Guatemala and in China. There might be adherents in Australia and in Canada. It may have adherents in Hawaii and in Malta. It is a harlot (a religion based on works and filled with idolatry) that reaches out in such a manner.
As this woman sits on the beast, and as this is probably a beast that has been around in one form or another for eons (see comments on 17:10), then it means that this woman’s religious expression derives its customs, idols, and traditions from various empires going back to antiquity. The comments in 17:10 noted that one explanation for the beast is that it comprises Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.
In other words, if this harlot (this city) rides on a beast where one head symbolizes Egypt, one would expect Egyptian influence or idolatry to be seen in it, perhaps an obelisk. Likewise, religious icons, traditions, or idols from the other beasts would be found in her. Is there such a city on earth today? The answer, of course, is “Yes.”
Life application: The harlot is sitting on the beast, and the harlot “sits” on many waters. The harlot is the false religious system that is supported by the beast. It is a system of ungodly government which has great rule and authority. The harlot however is dependent upon something else – people. It is the description that shows the extent of them – “peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.”
This concept goes all the way back to the Tower of Babel in chapter 11 of Genesis. At that time, the whole world had one language and one speech, and they attempted to establish themselves as a united power in contradiction to the ordinances of God. At that time, God confused their languages and dispersed them around the world. This has been the state of the world ever since, but now it is getting smaller once again.
There are universal translators on our mobile devices and there is a uniting of the world’s religions through institutions like the UN. The inane bumper sticker that is found on the cars of religious pluralists everywhere reads COEXIST – as if all religions are equal in merit, meaning, purpose, and intent. However, the God of the Bible has made exclusive claims which take away the possibility of this being true. Its claims are absolute and unchangeable.
God has revealed Himself in one unique way – through the Person and work of Jesus Christ. This concept however is rejected by the beast and the harlot, and they have the support and adulation of the masses. Confusion of thought and morality is again the ruler of the human mind, just as it was at the time of Babel. The words of the Bible ring true –
“That which has been is what will be,
That which is done is what will be done,
And there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9.
The repetitious cycle of improper conduct of religious leaders, government officials, and the peoples of the earth will only be brought to an end when Christ sets up His eternal kingdom. It is a kingdom that will bring God all the everlasting glory He is due. It is a kingdom that is founded on what God has done through the giving of His Son, JESUS.
Lord, since the very beginning You have shown us what is right and the proper path to follow. And yet, time and time again, we have strayed from Your precepts to improper avenues of our own perverse thinking. Help us to think clearly, worship properly, and act responsibly as people. Without Your guidance, we will surely take the wrong path every time. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 2, 2021 22:59:46 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 17:16
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021
And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. Revelation 17:16
The chapter has been speaking of the great harlot, the beast, and the relationship between the two. It seems that there is great harmony and agreement between them. And yet, out of the blue, this verse suddenly reads like part of a tale of intrigue, beginning with, “And the ten horns.”
This is the “ten kings” of verse 17:12. It says they will give their power and authority to the beast in verse 17:13. As the woman is sitting on the beast, it seems as if these ten horns (kings) are in agreement with the woman as well as the beast. But it next says, “these will hate the harlot.”
Remembering that the harlot is a spiritual entity that prostitutes itself in various ways, and one of those ways is through interaction with the governments around it – just as Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem prostituted themselves – one can see that there is an underlying hatred of the religious body by the secular body. And this is so, even if the religious body is a complete apostate.
An example of this type of enmity (one of several) from the Old Testament is found in Jeremiah 4 –
“And when you are plundered,
What will you do?
Though you clothe yourself with crimson,
Though you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold,
Though you enlarge your eyes with paint,
In vain you will make yourself fair;
Your lovers will despise you;
They will seek your life.” Jeremiah 4:40
Ezekiel 23 details another such judgment, a lengthy one, against Jerusalem. Just because they engage in harlotry with this woman, it does not mean they like her at all. In fact, they despise her. Remembering that the harlot is a city that is committing fornication with them in order to meet a specific agenda, we can look to the world and see a particular city that has done this for eons.
She is in bed with governments around the world, she flaunts herself openly. The nations participate in a bed of idolatry with her, and yet they hate her. Only she has deluded herself that her harlotries mean she is loved. In fact, she is only a whore who is despised because of her actions. Because of her conduct, it next says, “make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire.”
In the end, this lavishly adorned harlot will be destroyed by the same nations that she engaged with in her whoredom. It is similar to Jerusalem of the past. The seat of the Lord’s religion had so prostituted herself that she was despised, even while she intermingled with her paramours. Such will be the case with this great city as well. Her end will not be pretty.
Life application: An amazing turn of events will take place at some point during the tribulation period. The ten kings of the final world empire will turn on the harlot. The antichrist will come to power and eventually he will become the only source of idol worship left. The false religious system of the harlot will become more and more despised until they decide it is time for her to be destroyed.
This pluralistic system of world religion, which will surely include a supposed “Christian” element, will no longer be tolerated. She has been made wealthy over the centuries and is robed in splendid attire, possessing great wealth. However, she will have failed to stem the tide of destruction upon the world – the very thing which religions are supposed to do.
They are supposed to be the mediators between the people and whatever “god” they serve. But the world will continue to grow more and more unstable despite the kumbaya attitude of complete religious equality. The system will be seen for the failure it is and will finally be marked for destruction.
After taking away her wealth – finery, property, tax-free status, etc. – these kings will completely consume her so that nothing is left of her. The world’s false religions will be utterly removed from protection and banned from practice. They couldn’t save, and now they won’t be saved.
Ironically, by removing the world’s religions, there will only be one religion left – the most dubious of all – secular humanism. The world will throw all of its allegiance and idol worship behind the antichrist. “Our gods couldn’t save us; we will save ourselves.” But this is the path that has been tried and which has failed throughout history. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Such will be the case once again in this final government before the return of Jesus Christ.
A world without true Christianity is a world doomed to failure and destruction. And true Christianity comes through faith, and through faith alone, in what God has done through the giving of His Son. He has done the work, and we are to accept that it is sufficient to carry us through to the good end that is promised by Him. Let us accept the good news and receive God’s offer of peace – JESUS.
Heavenly Father, here we are facing every possible challenge to the truth of Your full and complete revelation of Yourself to man – the pages of the Bible that tell us of Jesus. Help each one of us to properly evaluate Your word and then to be able to explain it to religiously confused people – turning them to a saving knowledge of Your truth. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 3, 2021 21:31:55 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 17:17
Thursday, June 3rd, 2021
For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. Revelation 17:17
The Greek has different words in it that are not noticed in this translation. For example, it says “fulfilled” twice, but two different Greek words are used. The first signifies “to accomplish,” as if working towards a goal. The second means to “fulfill,” as if in having met an end purpose.
Further, the words translated as “purpose” and “mind” are the same. The LSV translates it as “for God gave into their hearts to do His purpose, and to make one purpose, and to give their kingdom to the beast until the sayings of God may be fulfilled,”
Having noted this, the verse begins with, “For God has put it into their hearts.” This is a similar thought to that of the strong delusion of 2 Thessalonians 2 –
“And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12
In such cases, the action is passive. Things are arranged in such a way that the intents and purposes of God are met as people pursue the logical path of that arranged course. One can think of coming to a new land and finding it immensely suitable for farming. We might say, “God put it into their hearts to farm.” In this, He didn’t actively do it, but things were set in such a way so that they followed the logical path that led to their farming the land.
With this understood, the verse next says, “to fulfill His purpose.” God arranges things so that an exacting outcome will result. There is nothing deceptive or wrong about this. He controls the flow of lava from volcanoes, and He directs the winds in their courses. Meteors come from the sky according to His will. Everything is set in order to bring about an end purpose, thus meeting His will.
On the way, things will be set in place, and the people will have it in their hearts to fulfill His purpose. Even though this sounds directive in nature, the same truth applies to each and every person. Paul writes of being predestined in the book of Romans. God has predestined all things. And yet, he has done it in such a way that we still must exercise our free will in the process.
In the case of these ten kings, it is God’s purpose for them “to be of one mind.” Their one mind (17:13), a united effort of these kings (and thus their individual kingdoms drawn together as one), will make war on the Lamb (17:14). They will also “hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire.”
These things were God’s intent in order to arrange the world for Christ’s second coming and for the ensuing millennial reign of Christ. Therefore, all is in a specified order so that they will “give their kingdom to the beast.” Joining in this way, God’s plan will, in fact, come to pass. The all-knowing and infinitely wise Creator is bringing everything to a point that has been predestined by Him, even from the very beginning. And these things will continue on “until the words of God are fulfilled.”
His word is written, and it will come to pass. And yet, during the entire process, the free will of those involved is highlighted. God simply knows the choices that will be made as time and history unfold.
Life application: This verse shows us the omniscience of God in all things, including the wicked choices and actions of man. This in no way implies God actively causes these things. He has given man freewill, and we exercise it to our own benefit or loss. Though He knows our choices before they occur, this in no way negates freewill. We can choose to do evil, we can choose to do right, and we can choose to accept or reject Jesus.
Freewill in man is a principal tenet in the Bible. In the case of this verse, the words indicate that their actions have come about by their willful rejection of Him, not His will being forced upon them. Their hearts suppress the knowledge of God, and – by default – they move in an expected way because of this rejection. It is a way that came about by free will and yet it was a part of how God has designed them and their circumstances.
Paul gives a general description of this type of action in Romans 1:18-27. In their rejection of God and their consolidation of world power, they have united in their aims and conferred their power upon the beast which is led by the antichrist. And the path they are headed down will lead them to the final point that God knew before He created anything. There is only one possible avenue and one possible termination point, which is the fulfillment of God’s word.
It is an amazing thing to ponder, but the important thing to understand is that when these things have come to pass, those who have rejected Him will have no one to blame but themselves. The destruction of the beast is assured; the book is written; and yet it still needs to happen.
Passages such as the one today show us the immense wisdom and foreknowledge of God. And the highest expression of that is in the giving of His Son. Even from the very foundation of the earth, He promised to correct the wrongs that came about through the fall. It is the plan of redemption, and it is this plan that shines forth in the coming of JESUS.
Great are Your workings, O God! How amazing it is to ponder that You know all things before they occur, and yet they still have to come about by our free will choices. It is hard for us to understand, and yet it is an indication of Your great love for us – allowing us to choose Jesus, but knowing the choice we will make. What a great and awesome God You are. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 4, 2021 23:59:56 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 17:17
Thursday, June 3rd, 2021
For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. Revelation 17:17
The Greek has different words in it that are not noticed in this translation. For example, it says “fulfilled” twice, but two different Greek words are used. The first signifies “to accomplish,” as if working towards a goal. The second means to “fulfill,” as if in having met an end purpose.
Further, the words translated as “purpose” and “mind” are the same. The LSV translates it as “for God gave into their hearts to do His purpose, and to make one purpose, and to give their kingdom to the beast until the sayings of God may be fulfilled,”
Having noted this, the verse begins with, “For God has put it into their hearts.” This is a similar thought to that of the strong delusion of 2 Thessalonians 2 –
“And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12
In such cases, the action is passive. Things are arranged in such a way that the intents and purposes of God are met as people pursue the logical path of that arranged course. One can think of coming to a new land and finding it immensely suitable for farming. We might say, “God put it into their hearts to farm.” In this, He didn’t actively do it, but things were set in such a way so that they followed the logical path that led to their farming the land.
With this understood, the verse next says, “to fulfill His purpose.” God arranges things so that an exacting outcome will result. There is nothing deceptive or wrong about this. He controls the flow of lava from volcanoes, and He directs the winds in their courses. Meteors come from the sky according to His will. Everything is set in order to bring about an end purpose, thus meeting His will.
On the way, things will be set in place, and the people will have it in their hearts to fulfill His purpose. Even though this sounds directive in nature, the same truth applies to each and every person. Paul writes of being predestined in the book of Romans. God has predestined all things. And yet, he has done it in such a way that we still must exercise our free will in the process.
In the case of these ten kings, it is God’s purpose for them “to be of one mind.” Their one mind (17:13), a united effort of these kings (and thus their individual kingdoms drawn together as one), will make war on the Lamb (17:14). They will also “hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire.”
These things were God’s intent in order to arrange the world for Christ’s second coming and for the ensuing millennial reign of Christ. Therefore, all is in a specified order so that they will “give their kingdom to the beast.” Joining in this way, God’s plan will, in fact, come to pass. The all-knowing and infinitely wise Creator is bringing everything to a point that has been predestined by Him, even from the very beginning. And these things will continue on “until the words of God are fulfilled.”
His word is written, and it will come to pass. And yet, during the entire process, the free will of those involved is highlighted. God simply knows the choices that will be made as time and history unfold.
Life application: This verse shows us the omniscience of God in all things, including the wicked choices and actions of man. This in no way implies God actively causes these things. He has given man freewill, and we exercise it to our own benefit or loss. Though He knows our choices before they occur, this in no way negates freewill. We can choose to do evil, we can choose to do right, and we can choose to accept or reject Jesus.
Freewill in man is a principal tenet in the Bible. In the case of this verse, the words indicate that their actions have come about by their willful rejection of Him, not His will being forced upon them. Their hearts suppress the knowledge of God, and – by default – they move in an expected way because of this rejection. It is a way that came about by free will and yet it was a part of how God has designed them and their circumstances.
Paul gives a general description of this type of action in Romans 1:18-27. In their rejection of God and their consolidation of world power, they have united in their aims and conferred their power upon the beast which is led by the antichrist. And the path they are headed down will lead them to the final point that God knew before He created anything. There is only one possible avenue and one possible termination point, which is the fulfillment of God’s word.
It is an amazing thing to ponder, but the important thing to understand is that when these things have come to pass, those who have rejected Him will have no one to blame but themselves. The destruction of the beast is assured; the book is written; and yet it still needs to happen.
Passages such as the one today show us the immense wisdom and foreknowledge of God. And the highest expression of that is in the giving of His Son. Even from the very foundation of the earth, He promised to correct the wrongs that came about through the fall. It is the plan of redemption, and it is this plan that shines forth in the coming of JESUS.
Great are Your workings, O God! How amazing it is to ponder that You know all things before they occur, and yet they still have to come about by our free will choices. It is hard for us to understand, and yet it is an indication of Your great love for us – allowing us to choose Jesus, but knowing the choice we will make. What a great and awesome God You are. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 5, 2021 23:23:51 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:1
Saturday, June 5th, 2021
After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. Revelation 18:1
Chapter 17 detailed and explained the vision of the woman sitting on the beast – MYSTERY BABYLON. With the turn of the page, a new vision comes into John’s view, saying, “After these things.”
Each time one vision ends, another immediately comes into focus as the panorama of history quickly unfolds before his eyes. With the change in scene, John says, “I saw another angel coming down from heaven.”
This would be in regard to what was said in Revelation 10:1 –
“I saw still another mighty angel coming down from heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire.”
That was clearly a vision of the Lord. The Old Testament symbolism from Ezekiel of the Lord, Yehovah, was being brought forth to reveal the glory of the Lord, Jesus. This vision now will be no different. Of him, John next says, “having great authority.”
This signifies the moral authority to judge Babylon and to call for its destruction. It is the Lord Jesus who has earned the right to judge the great harlot and to bring it to ruin. Of Him, it then says, “and the earth was illuminated with his glory.” This is a reference to the Lord, Yehovah, as was described by the prophet Ezekiel –
“Afterward he brought me to the gate, the gate that faces toward the east. 2 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east. His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory.” Ezekiel 43:1, 2
So glorious is this presentation of the Lord that the radiance emitting from Him literally causes everything around Him to be illuminated.
Life application: John’s point of reference has changed numerous times during the past 17 chapters of Revelation. He is on earth and then in heaven, then back on earth and then back in heaven. Things pass in front of his eyes and then new things quickly come into view.
In this new vision, it seems his vantage point is from back on earth because he sees this glorious being coming down from heaven. Scholars argue over whether this is actually Jesus or not. Those that argue against it claim that the vision doesn’t match that of other such visions.
That makes no sense. Each vision of Christ is given to reveal another aspect of Him. The vision of the Lamb, by necessity, does not match the vision of the Lion. The thought of Him being the Door will not be the same as when thinking of Him as the Shepherd. We are seeing the glory of God in Christ being revealed according to the aspect of what is being conveyed at any given time. It is no different in this new vision of Chapter 18.
In this presentation of Him, there is a radiance shining forth from His very being. As Daniel says –
“He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him.” Daniel 2:22
And again –
“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5
The glory and radiance of God fills the earth when it is revealed. And it is that Light which came and dwelt among the people of the world to bring them from darkness into this marvelous light once again. In their rejection of Him, only judgment and condemnation can result.
Let us look to God by looking unto the One whom He has appointed to reveal Himself to us. Let us look unto JESUS.
O God, how magnificent You are and how awesome and splendid is the unfolding of Your word. To read of the splendor and power displayed in it is glorious. And to think that someday we will be in Your presence – all because of the work of Jesus! Thank You for this wonderful promise and the hope of glory. Hallelujah and Amen!
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 7, 2021 1:14:21 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:2
Sunday, June 6th, 2021
And he cried mightily with a loud voice, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become a dwelling place of demons, a prison for every foul spirit, and a cage for every unclean and hated bird! Revelation 18:2
Chapter 18 opened with the note of the Angel (certainly a revelation of Jesus Christ) coming down from heaven having great authority and illuminating the earth with His glory. Of Him, it now says, “And he cried mightily with a loud voice.”
This is reminiscent of the cry of the Angel in Revelation 10 –
“He had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, 3 and cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars. When he cried out, seven thunders uttered their voices.” Revelation 10:2, 3
It is a distinct and assertive cry, “saying, ‘Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen.’”
In the Greek, the double repetition is in the emphatic position and reads, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great.” These words now are the fulfilling of the words that anticipated this event in Chapter 14 –
“And another angel followed, saying, ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.’” Revelation 14:8
Both accounts record substantially the same words, and it is certain that they are referring to the same event. Chapter 14 was spoken in anticipation of what is now recorded here in Chapter 18. This great Babylon is coming to its end, something that was typologically pictured by the fall of ancient Babylon. That was recorded in Isaiah 21 –
“And look, here comes a chariot of men with a pair of horsemen!
Then he answered and said,
‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen!
And all the carved images of her gods
He has broken to the ground.’” Isaiah 21:9
Of Babylon the great, the Angel continues with His words, saying, “and has become a dwelling place of demons.”
This is a statement anticipating its final condition. In its falling, there is nothing left to allow human habitation. Thus, the thought is that of a desolate city, forsaken by humans, that has then been overtaken by haunting spirits. The Lord speaks of such a place in Matthew 12:43 –
“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none.”
Not only is Babylon to be a dwelling place for demons, but it will also be “a prison for every foul spirit.”
The word translated as “prison” is phulaké. It signifies “a guarding.” Thus, this could either be a prison for the foul spirits, or it could be a place guarded by foul spirits. As it has become a dwelling place of demons, it appears that the latter is the intent here, unless the demons are guarding the foul spirits. However, one would think of them as being united in purpose. Finally, the Angel says, “and a cage for every unclean and hated bird!”
The same word just translated as “prison” is again used here and is now translated as “cage.” Rather than a prison and a cage, it seems that these should be translated as a “watch,” such as in Luke 12:38. In this, it would signify a place devoid of humans and left to only that which is foul and loathsome. That would then conform to the symbolism here which comes from Isaiah 13 –
“And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms,
The beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride,
Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.
20 It will never be inhabited,
Nor will it be settled from generation to generation;
Nor will the Arabian pitch tents there,
Nor will the shepherds make their sheepfolds there.
21 But wild beasts of the desert will lie there,
And their houses will be full of owls;
Ostriches will dwell there,
And wild goats will caper there.
22 The hyenas will howl in their citadels,
And jackals in their pleasant palaces.
Her time is near to come,
And her days will not be prolonged.” Isaiah 13:19-22
In this 18th Chapter of Revelation, a connection to the 18th letter of the Hebrew aleph-bet is seen. The letter tsadde pictures a trail and has the meanings of trail, journey, chase, and hunt. The letter, however, speaks of righteousness, such as when God is known as tsaddik v’yashar, or Righteous and Upright, in Deuteronomy 32:4. The Lord is the righteous Judge, and He will bring an end to Babylon in due time. The word is written, and it shall come to pass.
Life application: The concept of Babylon being a place of spiritual opposition to God goes back to the earliest chapters of the Bible. Throughout the Bible, the two prominent cities of note are Jerusalem – the city which reflects right religion and fellowship with God, and Babylon – the city which reflects defiled religion, uncleanness, and enmity with God.
These two cities aren’t just physical locations, but are also spoken of as concepts of these things. Whereas Jerusalem will endure forever, as we will see in the coming chapter, Babylon will come to an end. This end will be with great destruction and carnage. Because these two cities are used both literally and symbolically, it is unknown what the destruction coming upon Babylon fully entails.
Will it be a worldwide destruction of all false religions simultaneously, or is it an actual location which, in the end times, is the symbol for all false religion? If the latter, several options have been suggested throughout the years. The first is that it is actually a political, social, and religious center in the location of Babylon in the Mideast – a rebuilt Babylon in the end times.
The second is that the location is Rome where the antichrist, false prophet, and one-world government are centered. And then of course there are those who have suggested New York, Jerusalem, or some other great city as well. What is certain is that Babylon is fallen – even though this is future to us. It is as certain as the ground under our feet. Babylon will be judged.
She is an abomination in the sight of God, and she must be completely removed before the pure and holy religion of the true God can come in its fullness. An end to all false religion will be replaced with worship that is pure and undefiled. In that day, the world will come before the King, God’s Messiah, and they will acknowledge that He rules. He is great. He is glorious. He is JESUS!
Lord, You have shown us what is right, what is pure, what is undefiled, and what is good. Help us to think on these things, talk about these things, and hold fast to them. Help us to fix our eyes on Jesus so that nothing impure or defiled enters our sight. Keep us safe from the wickedness of worldly things and from the doctrines of demons. Thank You for watching over us. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 8, 2021 0:40:41 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, Revelation 18:3
Monday, June 7th, 2021
For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.” Revelation 18:3
John just heard the word of the Angel from heaven, saying, “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen.” The Angel then gave a description of what it had become like, meaning a place of great desolation. Now the reason for this is given, saying, “For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”
The word translated “For” signifies “because.” Also, the first use of “of” is the Greek word ek, meaning “out of.” Essentially, it says, “Because all the nations have drunk out of the wine.” This is now the third time this sentiment is seen in Revelation. The first was in verse 14:8 –
“And another angel followed, saying, ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.’”
Again in 17:2 we read a similar note. We are reminded that “all the nations have drunk” from her cup and thus all nations are guilty of religious harlotry. The cup she holds includes idol worship, the worship of many gods, incorrect and twisted worship of the true God, etc.
Here, the reason why Babylon has become a desolate ruin is given. She had a cup of fornication, and she shared it with the nations. But, as Vincent’s Word Studies notes, “The wine of fornication has turned to wrath against herself.” Because of her own practices, she is destined to receive wrath for her actions, but what she shared with them will also affect them. In her actions, she does not bring them closer to God, but drives them away from Him.
As has been noted before, “fornication” is used in a spiritual sense here. Just as a person commits fornication with other people outside of a covenant marriage relationship, so people, institutions, and nations commit fornication with a religious expression not in line with the covenant between God and man. He is the Creator and, therefore, we are obligated to seek Him out and honor Him with true worship, adoration, and humility.
The Angel states that these nations had drunk the wine of the wrath of her fornication, but He then specifically says, “the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her.” It isn’t just that the nations, in general, had been influenced by this harlot, but that the kings of the nations have as well.
She, this harlot, is the one who has been instrumental in seducing them and leading them away from God. And more, the Angel next says, “and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury.”
The word translated as “abundance” signifies power. The word translated as “luxury” is found only here in the Bible. It signifies self-indulgent luxury or wantonness. As the entire thought so far perfectly matches the condition of Rome, and specifically the Vatican, it should be considered that the words “become rich” may be taken literally to some extent because the reach of the Roman Catholic Church has enriched innumerable people throughout the years.
However, there is certainly a spiritual element to this as well. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown seems to have rightly stated, “The reference is not to earthly merchandise, but to spiritual wares, indulgences, idolatries, superstitions, worldly compromises, wherewith the harlot, that is, the apostate Church, has made merchandise of men.”
Obviously, this is not limited to the Roman Catholic Church, but it is a defining condition of it. The wantonness, in both physical and spiritual corruption, is on prominent display to anyone who will simply open their eyes and simply look.
Life application: It is true that as society prospers, then those who minister to the society will also prosper. Unfortunately, this prospering leads to indulgence instead of service; it leads to coveting instead of sharing; it leads to idolatry instead of thanks. This is the normal state of religion as it prospers.
In turn, the people see the accumulated wealth and power of these institutions, and they then turn and align themselves with them politically, through business, or even through sexual or physical exploitation of others. This in turn leads to status, position, and luxury for those who enjoin themselves to these apostatizing institutions. Eventually, nothing of true religious expression is left, but only a hunger and a lust for greater and greater increase.
It is a trap in any form, but when connected to religion, it is a corrupting influence even on those who would seek the truth. Precious souls are stolen away from the right mark. Such is the case throughout the religious world of the past and of our present day. In the future, it will lead to God’s final judgment and destruction.
Take heed not to fall into this trap. Instead, look unto the One who is pure and undefiled. Pursue Him and constantly realign your heart and thoughts on Him. Never cease looking unto JESUS.
Heavenly Father, how easy it is for us to be enticed by riches and ease. But you have called us to be servants and to carry our cross – not to lay idle, eating grapes and polishing gold. Help us to act out our faith in right religion and to bring the exalted name of Jesus the honor and glory that He is due. Surely in this You will be glorified. Amen.
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