Chapter 14 – Revelation’s Perspective Continues – the next 6:1 ratio
Chapters eight through fourteen are considered in this chapter and reflect the next 6:1 framing section. Chapters 8 and 9 reveal the first six trumpets sounding, with the 7th not mentioned until chapter 11:15.
This is a similar intentional literary technique that we see used by John concerning the seals. The seven seals (Rev.5-6) are divided by chapter 7 of Revelation, the first six are listed as sounding in chapter 6, the last one, number 7, is not presented until Rev. 8:1. This division seems intentional, as the last seal takes place either during or after the millennial period. This distinction places the 7 seals as well in the category of a 6:1 ratio.
A similar situation seems to be going on with the Trumpets, with all of chapter 10 and 2/3 of chapter 11, occurring before the last trumpet is sounded. Once again the sounding of the 7th trumpet initiates a response in heaven, “And the seventh trumpet sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying…” (Rev. 11:15)
The impact of the first 6 trumpets are felt on earth with the seventh evoking a response in heaven.
From the very introduction of the 7 angels receiving their trumpets (Rev. 8:2) we realize this occurs just before probationary time ends. This is pictured in the next three verses with the final casting down of the censer in verse 5. The censer was used in the Tabernacle, offering incense, which represented the prayers of the saints. This is an indication that intercession has ended and probationary time is about to close.
John then proceeds to reveal the details concerning these soundings or warning blasts of the trumpets. The first four warning blasts picture natural disasters or man-made calamities such as; volcanic eruptions of unprecedented magnitude, huge asteroid impacts, or even nuclear attach. (Rev. 8:7-12)
The last 3 trumpets are also called “woes”, which set them apart from the first 4, (Rev. 8:13). The most obvious difference seems to be how they are initiated, with the 1st four being presented and tied to natural or man-made disasters, while the last three to super-natural or demonic intervention.
This would be a working of darkness that God must allow to take place, as Satan would if he could, even now destroy as many as possible, the enemy is held in check until this time of the woes (chapters 9-13).
A Hebrew concept of “present and enlarge” is another principle of exegesis and is at play here in these chapters. This reveals in greater detail the working of the enemy of souls, exposing his plot to take the entire world captive before human probation ends. The dragon is enraged with those who have developed the character of Christ and is intent on their destruction, as he knows his time is running out. (Rev. 12:17)
The ultimate fulfillment of the 1st woe or the 5th trumpet, if correctly understood, can only be the personation of the devil and his efforts to bring the entire world, not only under his control, but into conflict and war. Notice the time frame is established in verse 4 of chapter 9, as his army cannot hurt those who have the seal of God in their foreheads. “They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads” (Rev. 9:4). This places the ultimate time of the 5th trumpet just before the close of human probation, not hundreds or thousands of years earlier as some suggest. Those who promote these views are highlighting perhaps legitimate applications, but not the ultimate fulfillment.
This chapter has other historical applications of past conflicts that culminate in the ultimate warfare against God’s people, with the devil himself as an angel of light. Just as Jesus had His 3 ½ years of personal ministry on earth, Satan will undoubtedly claim the same, it is the time when he believes he will possess the greatest advantage. He has rallied the world into a one-world system intent on the destruction of the righteous. They are motivated to take action against any they believe to be causing earths deterioration and destruction.
Revelation chapter 9 introduces this period of time, all other applications we could make, point us to this moment. This army has a king over them; John is making the fulfillment clear as crystal by recording it in the two popular languages of his day; in Hebrew, this king is Abaddon, in Greek, Apollyon, interpreted as “the destroyer”. The ultimate destroyer is Satan, not some person or kingdom from the 1st century, though we can make many appropriate applications of such. This is that hour of temptation that would come upon the whole world that John speaks of; “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth”. (Revelation 3:10)
As the second appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ draws near, satanic agencies are moved from beneath. Satan will not only appear as a human being, but he will personate Jesus Christ; and the world who has rejected the truth will receive him as the lord of lords and king of kings. The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short and his work of deceit and destruction will reach its culmination in the time of trouble…a little time of trouble just before human probation closes and great time of trouble immediately after.
As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ. The church has long professed to look to the Saviour’s advent as the consummation of her hopes. Now the great deceiver will make it appear that Christ has come. In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a majestic being of dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the Son of God given by John in the Revelation. (Revelation 1:13-15)
The glory that surrounds him is unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have yet beheld. That same description of Christ in Revelation one comes to mind. The shout of triumph rings out upon the air: “Christ has come! Christ has come!” The people prostrate themselves in adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands and pronounces a blessing upon them, as Christ blessed His disciples when He was upon the earth. His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle, compassionate tones he presents some of the same gracious, heavenly truths which the Saviour uttered; he heals the diseases of the people, and then, in his assumed character of Christ, he claims to have changed the Sabbath to Sunday (a claim that altars the original 6:1 ratio and God’s established blueprint), and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed. He declares that those who persist in keeping holy the seventh day (God’s original blueprint design) are blaspheming his name by refusing to listen to his angels sent to them with light and truth. This is the strong, almost overmastering delusion (since the 6:1 ratio design has been kept in tack). This is like keeping the total square foot dimensions of a building as planned, while at the same time changing the layout design affecting the total size.
“Like the Samaritans who were deceived by Simon Magus, the multitudes, from the least to the greatest, give heed to these sorceries, saying: This is “the great power of God.” Acts 8:10. But the people of God will not be misled. The teachings of this false Christ are not in accordance with the Scriptures,” (devotional – Maranatha 276).
The 2nd woe or 6th trumpet is sounded in the second half of chapter 9, a most ominous time is here presented, the four angels that hold the winds of strife, (from chapter 7:1), now are instructed to release them. All hell breaks loose on the planet, a 200-million-man army is amassed, the recorded result; 1/3 of the inhabitants of mankind are killed. This has never taken place before in recorded human history, though an historical application can be made to the Ottoman Empire.
Some see the hour, day, month, and year, as a cumulative prophetic period prompting a beginning and ending of a certain time period, however it could also be designating a specific focal point in time; that of a certain year, month, day, and even hour, when a certain event is to occur, an event of unprecedented magnitude.
From John’s perspective it seems to be the initiation of the killing of 1/3 of humanity, this today would represent billions of lives. Could this be the overwhelming event that takes the world by surprise recorded in Joel 1:15, “Alas for the day! For the day of the lord is at hand, It shall come as destruction from the Almighty.”
Not the Scriptures alone sound the alarm of impending doom, there have been numerous commentaries that have commented on these verses drawing attention to issues occurring near probations close.
“We are standing on the threshold of the crisis of the ages. In quick succession the judgments of God will follow one another, —fire, and flood, and earthquake, with war and bloodshed. We are not to be surprised at this time by events both great and decisive; for the angel of mercy cannot remain much longer to shelter the impenitent.”—Prophets and Kings, 278.
“The crisis is stealing gradually upon us. The sun shines in the heavens, passing over its usual round, and the heavens still declare the glory of God. Men are still eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying and giving in marriage. Merchants are still buying and selling. Men are jostling one against another, contending for the highest place. Pleasure lovers are still crowding to theaters, horse races, gambling halls. The highest excitement prevails, yet probation’s hour is fast closing, and every case is about to be eternally decided. Satan sees that his time is short. He has set all his agencies at work that men may be deceived, deluded, occupied, and entranced until the day of probation shall be ended, and the door of mercy forever shut.”— (The Southern Watchman, October 3, 1905)
“Transgression has almost reached its limit. Confusion fills the world, and a great terror is soon to come upon human beings. The end is very near. We who know the truth should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise.”— (Testimonies for the Church 8:28).
In this time of prevailing iniquity, we may know that the last great crisis is at hand. When the defiance of God’s law is almost universal, when His people are oppressed and afflicted by their fellow men, the Lord will interpose.”— (Christ’s Object Lessons – 178)
“We are standing upon the threshold of great and solemn events. Prophecies are fulfilling. Strange, eventful history is being recorded in the books of heaven. Everything in our world is in agitation. There are wars, and rumors of wars. The nations are angry, and the time of the dead has come, that they should be judged. Events are changing. to bring about the day of God which hasteth greatly. Only a moment of time, as it were, yet remains. But while already nation is rising against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, there is not now a general engagement. As yet the four winds are held until the servants of God shall be sealed in their foreheads. Then the powers of earth will marshal their forces for the last great battle.”— (Testimonies for the Church 6:14)
With the world pictured in chaos, with death and destruction paramount, the focus of Chapters 10-11 turn to God’s people who still must whether the storm and accomplish their mission, despite the adversary and circumstances. As an angel came to strengthen Christ in Gethsemane, so one is pictured in chapter 10 of revelation, “And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven…” The message is clear, no matter what our senses are indicating, Christ is still in control, the angel is about to reveal the day of His coming, but this is not yet to be revealed, God’s people must continue their work of exalting the genuine Christ, revealing His character to a darkened and deceived world. There yet may be another to come to Christ and salvation, before the door of probation closes.
The 1st part of chapter 11 again makes reference to this 3 ½ year period of satanic presence; however, God now pulls out His ace, He plays His last card to convince maybe just one more for salvation; His final act of love to touch maybe one more heart. As the people of God have been going through a difficult time of trouble, witnessing in His behalf, empowered by the Spirit, Christ now reveals His own two witnesses. These are symbolized by the two olive trees, the two lampstands before His Father’s throne in heaven. The two inseparable contributions from His Sons hand and side are His Own Law and His Own blood. In these two are all the sum of the Old and New Testaments; the reality components of the Covenant (Contractual) Promise.
The effect of God’s word is pictured as dead in a world of darkness, yet it is revived and the world stands in fear of its power. This was the very condition during Noah’s day when the Ark was completed and the last pleas of mercy were yet being sounded. The vast multitude deceived by the status quo opinion, ignored and jeered at what they suspected was Noah’s folly, yet how quickly fear enveloped the unrepentant once it stated to rain.
The 3rd woe or 7th trumpet begins to sound in verse 15 of chapter 11. It is a declaration and a praise from the 24 elders, which are around the throne in heaven. They proclaim, not only is probation about to be closed, but that God has done all within His power to save whosoever will come unto Him. At this moment He has every right to close the door to Salvation, He has done all He could to save humanity.
The opening of the temple, exposing the Ark, is a designation that probationary time is over, “and there was lightening, noises, thunderings, an earthquake, and great hail”.
With all humanity now judged, sin having run its course and claimed its victims, probation’s door closes. Chapter 12 presents a summary of how humanity had come to this place; with the origin of sin, and the birth of Christ presented, the main players in this drama of the ages. Chapter 12 no doubt has application to various periods of time throughout history, when God’s people were under attack, and a place of refuge was necessary, such as America in the 16th century; however, the ultimate fulfillment must be at the end of the indignation, a time just before the closing of human probation. This chapter sets the stage for chapter 13, as more of the detail concerning the assault on God’s people “at the end” is highlighted. Once again the 3 ½ years comes into focus near the end of chapter 12, as God’s people are fleeing to the wilderness from the civil unrest and targeted attacks from the dragon, (Satan).
Chapter 13 identifies two beast powers, separated by time and distance; one comes from the sea the other later from the earth. This distinction is relevant and again has been witnessed from the pages of history, highlighted in what has been called “the dark ages”, a period of 1,260 years. (see the day/year premise – in appendix C)
The greatest of all terrorist organizations by far could be said to have been the papacy of Rome during the Dark Ages, with admittedly martyring nearly 100 million people from 538 AD to 1798 AD (1,260 years). However, history will be repeated and once again the devil will use not only the Roman church, but the new world order (together they become the one world system). For the corrupt woman (church), is pictured as riding the beast power. The church positions herself covertly to be able to use the power of the new world order. They will morph into what will become the one world order or system of world dominance; this is why John pictures the entire world wondering after the beast system (Rev. 13:3).
Both the papacy and the new world order have demonstrated their desire to be in total control of humanity, both possess similar philosophy in preserving the world for future generations. A reduction in human population is necessary they say in order to accomplish this. The globalists want to maintain 500 million, which means an elimination of nearly 7 billion people. With such a reduction in humanity the few would be much easier to control.
Nothing has changed in satanic ideology, but now we have come around again to our own Kadesh Bornean, on the verge of the Promised Land. (This 2nd time we enter in just like Israel of old.)
What is being displayed with the one-world system here is a simple coming back to Babylon (the tower of Babel), Satan understands human nature and it is in his best interest to control humanity from a single vantage point. This is why God in His foreknowledge separated mankind at the original building of the tower of Babel in southern Turkey over 4,000 years ago.
Satan cannot allow for one faithful witness of God to remain. All must be unified under his control if he were to have any chance of survival. It is because of the 6:1 ratio that he knows his time is running out. He pulls out all the stops mounting a global force to hunt down if necessary all those standing on the word of God and reflecting the character of Christ. Before probation closes many saints have already been martyred by this time.
Eventually, a death decree is initiated to eliminate the final remnant (Rev.13:15), a strategy that has been utilized and proved effective throughout history; an attempt to purge the light that exposes the darkness. The first 5 verses from chapter 14 again remind the reader of the winners in this cosmic conflict. It is important to note that character maturity is again highlighted with the 144,000 in this chapter.
What John has revealed is six chapters of trumpet sounding warnings, contrasted with the seventh, is the closing of human probation with certain individuals who receive the seal of God. The remaining part of chapter 14 documents that even through this time of difficulty, the sounding of the final warning has been accomplished by the faithful, and now the world will witness the full wrath of God unmixed with mercy and Christ’s soon return thereafter. Also, they will witness the full measure of His grace, as a small group stand unmoved through it all. The Scriptures confirm, here are those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus, (Rev. 14:12).