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Armageddon & Messiah’s Return … An Amazing Sequence of Events

03 Saturday Feb 2018

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Final Battle of the Ages

Armageddon!

At face value, quite an ordinary term composed of two Hebrew nouns; one a thing, and the other a place. It is nothing more than a hill (Hebrew word Har) in a valley of Israel—Megiddo. Har Magedon … Armageddon.

Yet, such a powerful word picture that has captured the attention of people from every nation, race, and language … believers and unbelievers alike. So much so that many think of it exclusively as an event, with little thought to Armageddon as a place (in Israel). Or realize that more people on earth will have already died—from the man-made carnage of war and murder, and by God’s wrath poured out in the 6th & 7th seal, the seven trumpet, and seven bowl judgments– before Armageddon takes place!

What comes to mind when you think, hear, read, or say Armageddon?

Total Destruction? End of the Age? Apocalypse? World War III? Judgment Day?

Or: Final Battle of Good vs. Evil; God vs. Satan; Christ vs. Antichrist.

Books and articles have been written about Armageddon. Movies made of it. Sermons preached on it. Songs composed around it. Many people have used the term in normal conversation, particularly during World War I and even more so during World War II. And later during the perilous Cold War between the United States and Soviet Union, which on several occasions could have erupted in global conflict. Both World Wars were compared to or even considered to be Armageddon in the making. Especially WWII … exponentially more horrific than WWI (the War to End All Wars) with over four times the loss of life. Yet the death and destruction during the Great Tribulation will make WWII look like a skirmish with only a few casualties.

(See Eye of Prophecy article, Shocking Statistics of the Great Tribulation, posted 6-6-15).

Many people equate Armageddon to the entire Tribulation period. In this week’s article, you’ll see that it actually occurs in a 30-day period as and after the full seven years of the Tribulation ends. It is not the war (or wars) fought between nations that are depicted primarily in the first four Seal judgments, commonly called the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Rather, it is the final battle between Messiah and the (surviving) nations and kings on earth, led by Antichrist.

Just before Armageddon, the ten-nation confederation of Antichrist Nero will be opposed by the Kings of the East (China and most likely Japan, North Korea, Indonesia). Over 500 hundred years before the book of Revelation was written, the prophet Daniel was the first to mention this imposing threat to Antichrist.

Antichrist—who is Nero, as extensively documented in my book Out of the Abyss and several Eye of Prophecy articles in the category of Antichrist—will be powerful, but not a world dictator. He will be opposed by several nations and leaders on earth who have not yielded to him.

As depicted in Scripture, they are the:

King of the South & Kings of the East

“Then at the time of the end, the king of the south will attack the king of the north (Antichrist). The king of the north will storm out with chariots, charioteers, and a vast navy. He will invade various lands and sweep through them like a flood. He will enter the glorious land of Israel, and many nations will fall, but Moab, Edom, and the best part of Ammon will escape. He will conquer many countries, and even Egypt will not escape. He will gain control over the gold, silver, and treasures of Egypt, and the Libyans and Ethiopians will be his servants.

“But then news from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in great anger to destroy and obliterate many. He will stop between the glorious holy mountain and the sea (valley of Megiddo) and will pitch his royal tents. But while he is there, his time will suddenly run out, and no one will help him” (Daniel 11:40-45, parenthesis mine).

Because the North African nations of Egypt, Libya, and Ethiopia are specifically named in this passage, it’s evident that they (and other African and Mid-east nations) will combine their forces to attack Antichrist and his coalition. The gist of this passage also conveys the idea that this “king of the south” will attack just a portion of Antichrist’s armies stationed in the area of the Mediterranean Sea. With the hope that the kings of the East (who undoubtedly have already threatened the ten-nation confederation of Antichrist) will join them.

But their attack is premature. The Asian kings (nations) don’t come to the aid of this southern alliance in time. Antichrist (king of the north) will respond by mobilizing his entire military including a “vast navy” and will crush the king of the south. During this campaign, Antichrist will prepare to launch an assault on Israel … “enter the glorious land”. Although the African nations will be defeated, Antichrist will not be completely victorious over Moab, Edom, and Ammon—parts of modern-day Jordan, Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.

Just as Antichrist is celebrating this triumph over the audacious king of the south, news from the north and east will enrage him. How dare the kings of the east (Revelation 16) march on him?

This military opposition combined with the last three trumpet judgments (the trilogy of terrors) and the first five bowl judgments (directly exclusively at Antichrist and those who have taken his mark) will both alarm and infuriate Satan, Antichrist, and the False Prophet. To the extent that Satan’s demonic powers will be unleashed to form an alliance with the powerful nations of the East for the express purpose of making war on Messiah Jesus himself.

This massive military in the valley of Megiddo will undoubtedly be the largest ever assembled in all of history.

(A Portion of the Valley of Megiddo, Which is Part of the Jezreel Plain of Israel. I’ve Been There! Using Conservative Figures of Just the Main Expanse of Megiddo, It Is Some 280 Square Miles … Enough to Accommodate Millions of Soldiers Plus Armaments)

In fact: with the sixth bowl judgment God supernaturally drains the great Euphrates River to accommodate these eastern armies’ march against Nero and his ten-nation confederation. This is similar to the Gog/Magog attack on Israel early in the Tribulation period (primarily by Russia, Iran, and Turkey … see Ezekiel 38 & 39). God himself entices Gog/Magog to do what they had wanted to do for a long time—invade Israel. In order for God to display his mighty sovereign power over Israel’s enemies. “…Then all the nations will know that I am the Lord” (Ezekiel 38:16).

*Note: Although Ethiopia and Libya will be part of the Magog confederacy, it will be their armies which are supernaturally (with Israel not needing to fight at all) crushed by God. The civilians and soldiers left behind to guard their countries will be overrun by Antichrist later in the Tribulation (Daniel 11). He will gain complete control of their governments and economy (gold and silver).

The sixth bowl:

“Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great Euphrates River, and it dried up so that the kings from the east could march their armies toward the west without hindrance. And I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs leap from the mouths of the dragon (Satan), the beast (Antichrist Nero), and the false prophet. They are demonic spirits who work miracles and go out to all the rulers of the world to gather them for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty…

“And the demonic spirits gathered all the rulers and their armies to a place with the Hebrew name Armageddon” (Revelation 16:10-14 & 16, parenthesis mine, italics in the text which is the English transliteration for Harmagedon).

This is a startling shift in the strategy of Satan, Antichrist, and the False Prophet; born out of increasing concern (bordering on fear) for two reasons: (1) the mounting challenge by primarily the kings of the east to Antichrist’s power base. (2) The increasingly severe and intolerable supernatural plagues of God’s bowl judgments directed specifically at Antichrist and his followers. By this time Nero will know beyond all doubt that Messiah Jesus would be soon returning, as the other end-time’s prophecies recorded in Scripture were being fulfilled before his very eyes.

Here is the fifth bowl judgment immediately preceding the drying up of the mighty Euphrates River which brings Satan, Nero, and their false prophet to the point where they’ve (almost) had enough; but not enough for their followers to repent, which is the main purpose for God’s Tribulation judgments.

Drastic action is required. Thus, this unholy trinity summons all the demonic powers of Satan and the underworld needed to turn the tide—beguiling the massive armies of the kings of the east to join forces with them. As we shall soon see, the kings of the east oblige Satan and Nero but not until Messiah actually returns to the earth.

The Progression of Events Leading to Armageddon … Beginning Half-Way Through the Tribulation

We’re going to examine that I believe is a Biblically sound scenario including passages quoted above, to show the startling sequence of events preceding Armageddon. To even demonstrate that the battle of Armageddon itself will take place AFTER the 42 month period of power and authority (1,260 days) given to Antichrist, which is the additional 30 days mentioned in the following passage:

“From the time the daily sacrifice is stopped and the sacrilegious object that causes desecration is set up to be worshipped, there will be 1,290 days” (Daniel 12:11).

Another way to read this verse: There will be 1,290 days between the time the daily sacrifice is stopped and the sacrilegious object is set up.

Which is contrary to the prevailing view that the object is erected when the treaty is broken … at the half way point of the seven-year Tribulation. Instead, Nero will profane the Temple just a very short time before he is defeated by Christ at Armageddon.

Right after Satan’s (and his demons) unearthly merging of Antichrist’s coalition with the mighty armies of the Asian countries, the 7th bowl is poured out by God’s angel. In terms of global destruction, it is the most powerful of all of God’s judgments. Later in today’s article we’ll look at the full scope of that enormous event. For now and for purpose of demonstrating that the actual seven years of the Great Tribulation will end (prior to the 30 day-period of time in which Christ will route Antichrist and his expanded confederacy in the valley of Megiddo), only the first verse of that final judgment will be quoted:

“Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. And a mighty shout came from the throne in the Temple, saying, ‘It is finished!’” (Revelation 16:17).

What is finished? Answer: God’s specific judgments on “those who belong to this world” (Revelation 17:8). The only thing left is Armageddon itself.

(Jesus First Spoke These Words As He Was Dying on the Cross as The Lamb of God To Take Away the Sins of the World. The Second Time is When He Returns as the Lion from the Tribe of Judah!)

Now let’s look at the amazing events preceding and including Armageddon. One of which will result in a surprising premise that Messiah’s Second Coming (physical touch down on earth) will actually be in two phases, separated by no more than a few weeks (probably days) in duration.

In order of occurrence:

(1) Antichrist Nero breaks the seven-year treaty with Israel

“The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings…” (Daniel 9:27). We’ve already discussed some of the features of this event.

(2) The broken treaty will precipitate Satanic vengeance against the Jews and intensify persecution of tribulation saints (Jewish and Gentile Christians)

“When the dragon realized that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman (Israel) who had given birth to the male child (Messiah Jesus). But she (Israel) was given two wings like those of great eagle (most likely aircraft) so she could fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness (perhaps Petra). There she would be cared for and protected from the dragon for a time, times, and half a time (3 ½ years or forty-two months or 1,260 days).

“…And the dragon was angry at the woman and declared war against the rest of her children—all who keep God’s commandments and maintain their testimony for Jesus” (Revelation 12:13-15 & 17, parenthesis mine).

(3) God’s Protection

As we just read, those Jews in Israel and other parts of the world who agree to flee their homes will be safe throughout the Tribulation in the place (wilderness) that God has prepared for them. But many Jews will remain in Israel or wherever they reside on earth with the misguided notion that their allegiance to Antichrist, voluntary or forced, will protect them. At first, it will, because Antichrist will let loose his evil agenda primarily on the Tribulation Saints. He will also enhance the consolidation of his power during the last half of the Tribulation. To include economic control of (buying and selling goods) people from many nations and languages willing to take his mark in their forehead or right hand.

This, however, will NOT be a One-World Government; rather it will be a corrupt counterpart to and counterfeit of the true Messiah Jesus; whose followers were from every nation, race, and language but without a centralized global government … until Jesus sets up the Kingdom of God during the Millennium. Governments of many nations will oppose Antichrist. If just one nation (as a whole) does not submit, then there can’t be a One-World Government. In fact, Antichrist’s coalition may not even be as formidable as the kings of the East.

For example: China has already risen to the status of a world-power (behind only the United States) ahead even of Russia and European powers like France, Germany and Great Britain—none of which currently possesses a powerful military that they formerly had. And China will not be the only nation that comprise the “Kings of the East.” (See Eye of Prophecy article, A Sleeping Giant, posted 2-14-15).

(China’s Standing Army–3.7 million; Reserves–1.5 million; Available Manpower-750 million!)

(4) The King of the South will march on Antichrist

This will most likely begin in the last few months of the Tribulation. With the rationale that it leads directly (in an implied fairly short period of time) to the kings of the East marching against Nero with their realization that he has global ambitions and could soon control the entire Middle East.

(5) Antichrist’s Coalition routs the Southern Alliance

While Antichrist is in the vicinity, he will “enter the glorious land of Israel.”

We’ve also covered that in Daniel Chapter 11.

(6) Invasion of the Kings of the East

From the Far East, across a dry Euphrates River, all the way to Israel … probably in the last 4-6 weeks of the final 1,260 days of the Tribulation. This is where Zechariah Chapters 12 & 14 come into the picture. Which is:

(7) Messiah Jesus will return to the earth!

The immediate catalyst for Messiah’s return will be the Antichrist’s attack on Jerusalem, which will most likely begin in the final 3-4 weeks of the Great Tribulation.

Here’s what will happen:

“Watch, for the day of the Lord is coming when your possessions will be plundered right in front of you! I will gather all the nations to fight against Jerusalem. The city will be taken, the houses looted, and the woman raped. Half the population will be taken into captivity, and the rest will be left among the ruins of the city” (Zechariah 14:1-2). *Note: These are the remaining Israelis; the others have escaped to the wilderness out of harm’s way at the mid-point of the Tribulation.

Continuing with Zechariah 14: “Then the Lord will go out to fight against those nations, as he has fought in times past. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem. And the Mount of Olives will split apart, making a wide valley running from east to west … You will flee through this valley…” (Zechariah 14:3-5).

Based on Zechariah 14, nearly all Bible scholars and students (including me), even non-Messianic Jews, correctly believe that Messiah will arrive on earth by first stepping foot on the Mount of Olives. With, of course, believers in Christ proclaiming this to be the return of Messiah (Second Coming) and non-Messianic Jews believing this will be Messiah’s initial arrival.

At this juncture, I’m going to propose something I haven’t mentioned in any Eye of Prophecy article until now. Why? Because it was only during this week’s article that the Lord gave me this insight! This premise leads to a more complete, clarified, and sequentially accurate scenario. In bold print for emphasis it is:

Christ’s Second Coming to earth will happen twice … on two separate occasions!

First, he will arrive on the Mount of Olives as we just read in Zechariah. Then (a few days later) he will descend again from heaven on a white horse, but this time with the host of heaven (Raptured believers) as we will soon read in Revelation Chapter 19.

(8) Messiah’s first phase (of his Second Coming) on the Mount of Olives

That’s when the Jews will mourn for him, in solemn remorse that they hadn’t recognized nor accepted him as their Messiah. Then to rejoice that he has come to rescue them.

With evidence in that same chapter of Zechariah that Messiah will require his people to fight furiously for their very survival. At that time he will help them, but only up to a point. They must first relive the experience that their ancestors had in Joshua’s time and in King David’s time—the necessity to fight for the precious Promised Land of Israel.

God fought for and with them during those series of victories over the Canaanites, then Philistines and other enemies. But the Israelites still suffered casualties—the price necessary for national sovereignty and freedom to worship the Lord. It was a lesson to completely rely on (trust and obey) the Lord their God for victory, while doing their part to courageously fight in order to fully acquire and appreciate what God had prepared for them. There were only a handful of occasions throughout Israel’s history where God supernaturally intervened unilaterally for his chosen people, without Israel lifting a finger. (See Eye of Prophecy article: Stand Still & Watch God Fight For Israel! Posted 7-30-16).

Which is why Zachariah states: “Then the Lord will go out to fight against those nations, as he has fought in times past.”

First, he will stand beside them after stepping foot on the Mount of Olives. Yet his people must also fight, just like they did in Old Testament times. At that point, I believe that Christ will be with his people mostly for motivation and inspiration. Just to know that he’s there, will give the Jewish soldiers and civilians extraordinary strength, skill, and courage in battle. However, when Nero joins forces with the kings of the East, Jesus will return a second time with the host of heaven. This time he will rescue the Jews from potential annihilation by himself.

When Jesus descends to the Mount of Olives we read: “On that day the Lord will defend the people of Jerusalem; the weakest among them will be as mighty as King David! And the royal descendants will be like God, like the angel of the Lord who goes before them!” (Zechariah 12:8).

Do you see what’s happening? The Lord will “defend” his people, but the Jews must fight alongside of him. And, oh will they fight. Even the weakest among them will be valiant warriors like King David! But that victory won’t be won the instant that Christ steps foot on the Mount of Olives.

To further confirm that complete conquest will not yet be achieved immediately after Christ arrives on the Mount of Olives, let’s read the very next verse: “For on that day I will begin to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem” (Zechariah 12:9, italics for emphasis). The text is as plain as it can be: This is only the beginning. However, it is the beginning of the end.

Now let’s return to Zechariah Chapter 14 to further validate the premise that Christ’s Second Coming will begin on the Mount of Olives, but there will be another arrival soon afterward—in the final 30 days of the 1,290 days (Daniel 12).

We’ve examined the verses that tell us Messiah will (first) step-foot on the Mount of Olives to defend his people, and begin to destroy their enemies. After that we read: “…Then the Lord my God will come, and all his holy ones with him” (Zechariah 14:5b, italics for emphasis). I’m sure you caught the significance of the word, then. It means just what it says: later … in this case not much later. But this time (then) the Lord will come with all “his holy ones.”

Exactly when (what event) is then? Before we get to then, we need to look at the next major occurrence in this sequence of events leading to the final battle of the ages … Armageddon.

(9) China and other Far-East nations will align with Antichrist Nero

Jesus temporarily leaves the (his) defense of Jerusalem in order to prepare for the FINAL victory over this colossal military coalition, now united together at Har Magedon (Armageddon).

Soon after Antichrist joins forces with the kings of the East, the final bowl judgment strikes. It is unfathomably catastrophic in scope. In fact, immediately after we read that the “demonic spirits gathered all the rulers and their armies to … Armageddon” (Revelation 16:16), this final judgment is described in verses 17-21. Here, I will defer to Eye of Prophecy article, Shocking Statistics of the Great Tribulation for both the passage itself and commentary on it (in italics):

Although all of the apocalyptic events allowed or caused by God are exceptional, none more so than the final earth-shattering demonstration of God’s power. Every time I read it, I shake my head in disbelief. I repeat the words, but they still do not compute. My imagination lags far behind the stunning reality of it all. A comparative image comes to mind; however, I realize that it is a fully inadequate analogy. I’ll mention it anyway—in order to gain a partial perspective and picture of how the final bowl judgment of God will surpass of all the catastrophes preceding it. The imagery that comes to mind is that of a lengthy fire-works display that culminates in the greatest, most magnificent grand finale ever seen. But the resemblance is similar only in form, certainly not in substance. Here is God’s final Tribulation judgment:

“Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. And a mighty shout came from the throne in the Temple saying, ‘It is finished!’ Then the thunder crashed and rolled, and lightning flashed. And a great earthquake struck—the worst since people were placed on the earth. The great city of Babylon (Rome) split into three sections, and the cities of many nations fell into heaps of rubble … And every island disappeared, and all the mountains were leveled. There was a terrible hailstorm, and hailstones weighing seventy-five pounds fell from the sky onto the people below. They cursed God because of the terrible plague of the hailstorm” (Revelation 16:17-21).

Once again, absolutely incredible! Not just cities all over the earth crumbling into rubble, or every single island—think of the Hawaiian Islands—completely disappearing (giant tsunamis that not only inundate but sink the islands), and all of the earth’s mountains flattened into level plains. No, that isn’t what causes the unrepentant who are left on the earth to curse God once again. It was the giant hailstones that obviously were even more devastating than the other colossal calamities. The disaster depicted in the recently released movie, San Andreas, is nothing more than a tiny dot on a Seismograph compared to this unbelievably powerful world-wide earthquake, its aftermath, and the hailstorm to follow in this final and most fearsome judgment of all.

Notice that the passage says “cities of many nations.” But not all nations. Thus, not all major cities will be destroyed. Rome (encoded as Babylon in the above verses) will be devastated, as graphically portrayed in the entire 18th chapter of Revelation.

However, Jerusalem will be spared. In fact, Jerusalem will have already experienced an earthquake earlier in the Tribulation as described in Revelation Chapter 11. Please see Eye of Prophecy article, Major Earthquake in Israel … When & Where It Will Strike, published 11-25-17.

(10) The Grand Finale

Zechariah 14:5 tells us that: “…Then (later, sometime after Jesus steps foot on the Mount of Olives) the Lord my God will come, and all his holy ones with him.”

This matches perfectly with what we’re about to read in Revelation 19, which clearly shows that the holy ones are the “armies of heaven” on white horses who will accompany Messiah in his final victory over Antichrist. Whereas, Zechariah Chapter 12 explains that it is the Israelis who will be fighting alongside Messiah.

With the clear implication and deduction that the “holy ones” (believers taken in the Rapture, seven years earlier) with Jesus were not with him when he first returns to Israel on the Mount of Olives.

That and the stated fact in Zechariah 12:9: “For on that day I will begin to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.” The final victory isn’t won during Messiah’s initial (first phase) return to the Mount of Olives. Plus, there’s no indication in Zechariah that Messiah arrives on the Mount of Olives on a white horse. For that matter (as a reminder) Scripture tells us exactly how Jesus will return to the Mount of Olives from whence he departed after his amazing resurrection.

The angels said to the disciples: “Men of Galilee … Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” (Acts 1:11).

Did Jesus leave the Mount of Olives on a white horse? Easy answer: No, he did not. If he is to return in the same manner (and he will) to the Mount of Olives, then it must be on foot. “On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives east of Jerusalem…” (Zechariah 14:4).

For me, this revised understanding of Christ’s return to earth in two phases is a much better fit of all of the passages and the sequence of events leading to Armageddon.

First: to the Mount of Olives to, alongside the Jews, begin the fight against Antichrist in Israel and Jerusalem. Second: a subsequent return to completely vanquish Satan, Antichrist, the False Prophet, and their massive military in the valley of Megiddo (Armageddon).

With a literary drum roll, here is the awesome grand finale:

“Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on his head were many crowns. A name was written on him that no one understood except himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations … On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

“…Then I saw the beast and the kings of the world and their armies gathered together to fight against the one sitting on the horse and his army. And the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who did mighty miracles on behalf of the beast—miracles that deceived all who had accepted the mark of the beast and worshipped his statue. Both the beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. Their entire army was killed by the sharp sword that came from the mouth of the one riding the white horse. And the vultures all gorged themselves on the dead bodies” (Revelation 19:11-16 & 19-21).

Wow!

Summary

Such a swift, anticlimactic end of the battle for Jerusalem that we read about in Zechariah and as alluded to in Daniel 11. The Antichrist and the False Prophet are (simply) captured. But it’s evident that their armies decided they could still defeat Messiah because they continued the battle.

Big mistake!

We know that because it was necessary for Christ to kill this “entire army.” And he does so by the power of his Word—merely speaking the judgment!

Back to Zachariah for more graphic details of what will happen at Armageddon:

“And the Lord will send a plague on all the nations that fought against Jerusalem. Their people will become like walking corpses, their flesh rotting away. Their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths. On that day they will be terrified, stricken by the Lord with great panic … Judah, too, will be fighting at Jerusalem…” (Zechariah 14:12-14).

*Note: The battle for Jerusalem will continue (on a smaller scale) during Armageddon as Antichrist will undoubtedly leave part of his armies to continue the fight there. If you’ve reached the conclusion that the description of how these armies will die matches that of nuclear explosions, then I believe you are correct. The Lord will unleash the power of the atom, by merely commanding it to happen. And he won’t need enriched uranium or plutonium. There will be no radioactive fallout!

In Revelation Chapter 14 (one of the parenthetical portions in the book—an interlude between the chronological unfolding of events—we read another passage that vividly depicts what will take place during Armageddon with an analogy to the pressing of grapes:

“The grapes were trampled in the winepress outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress in a stream about 180 miles long and as high as a horse’s bridle” (Revelation 14:20).

Astonishing!

Things to Ponder

God’s predictions through his prophets always come to pass. What he says will happen always happens. Not to say that we know beyond doubt in what sequence ALL end-times prophecies will unfold. Many we know, such as the chronological progression of the seven seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments. However, by comparing and correlating the Tribulation prophecies (Daniel 7, 9, 11, 12; Matthew 24; II Thessalonians 2; Zechariah 12 & 14; Revelation 4-19), we can be confident of the sequence identified in the ten points listed earlier. And concerning Messiah’s physical return to earth, I’m now convinced that it will take place in two phases.

The FACT that all of these things will take place is ultimately the most important thing to grasp. Although the sequence of events leading to Armageddon should be understood as accurately as possible, it’s not absolutely imperative that we know precisely in what order they will unfold. Nonetheless, the more (accurately) we comprehend, the more we can marvel at the astounding features of Bible prophecies that have shaped and will determine mankind’s destiny.

This includes Messiah Jesus’s physical return to earth. However, his physical return is not the Rapture, which is the event that triggers the reappearance of Antichrist Nero and the seven-year Tribulation. See Eye of Prophecy article, Messiah’s Return & The Rapture (Same or Different Events?) Posted 12-3-16.

As indicated, the prevalent view (including mine until now) is that Messiah returns to earth as conveyed in Revelation 19—on a white horse with the host of heaven, which incorporates stepping foot on the Mount of Olives. That of somehow combining the two into one. But as examined in today’s article, Revelation 19 doesn’t fit with Zechariah 12 & 14 by merging the two together.

Instead, we now have a more feasible (better) scenario to consider: Jesus returns by first arriving on the Mount of Olives, to begin the defense of Jerusalem. Then returns again from heaven to win the final victory, alongside of Raptured believers—Jew and Gentile alike.

(Photo Taken From Mount of Olives, Overlooking the Eastern Gate, Temple Mount, and Much of Jerusalem. I’ve Been There, Too!)

Another reason for this two-part return, beginning on the Mount of Olives: When the Lord touches the Mount of Olives it splits in half, with some Jews escaping (through a valley created) the onslaught of Antichrist in Jerusalem. As opposed to Messiah’s triumphant descent on a white horse (Rev. 19) where there will be no need for the Israelis to escape in that manner. At that point, Antichrist and his hordes will give their undivided attention to Messiah and it will be from the valley of Megiddo (Armageddon), not from Jerusalem.

Messiah’s triumphant descent from heaven on a white horse obviously results in the FINAL VICTORY over Satan, Antichrist, the False Prophet, and their armies; AFTER he begins to defend Israel in Jerusalem.

And believers will have the awesome privilege to ride to final victory with our Lord when he defeats evil, and makes all things right in this wicked wrongful world we live in.

We love you Lord because you first loved us!

Come quickly Messiah Jesus, and put an end to the ugliness of sin and evil.

Establish your Kingdom of righteousness, justice, and peace.

All praise to the Living Word of God, The Lion of Judah!

Soon Comes the Antichrist … Straight From the Abyss (Part I)

20 Saturday Aug 2016

Posted by in The Antichrist

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Business as Usual … But For How Long?

Try as we might to live normal lives, to conduct business as usual, and to be as secure on this planet as we possibly can, the ominous global events unfolding with alarming regularity are a constant cause of trepidation, turmoil, and terror. Although some folks apathetically disregard or even contemptuously scorn those whom they consider to be “prophets of gloom and doom,” it doesn’t change the fact that the sheer number and severity of 20th & 21st century experiences (not the least of which were two World Wars) demonstrate that we are perilously close to plunging into an apocalyptic abyss.

Lest anyone think that we, who are proclaiming, confirming, and defending the truth of God’s prophetic warnings (such as can be found in Eye of Prophecy articles—although there’s much more including the wonderful promises of God for Israel and for those who have been saved by God’s grace), are preaching our own ideas; then read with me just one of many Biblical pronouncements that noticeably apply to our generation:

“That terrible day of the Lord is near. Swiftly it comes—a day of bitter tears, a day when even strong men will cry out. It will be a day when the Lord’s anger is poured out—a day of terrible distress and anguish, a day of ruin and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, a day of trumpet calls and battle cries. Down go the walled cities and the strongest battlements!” (Zephaniah 1:14-16).

*Note: Please refer to Eye of Prophecy articles, Look Up Redemption Is Near, Part I & II, (posted 7-11-15 & 7-18-15) for a list of twelve monumental mileposts of the 20th and 21st centuries that have taken place or are unfolding precisely has predicted in the Bible.

We are on the brink of what the One Person who can and will deliver those who to turn to him when “…that great and terrible day of the Lord arrives” (Joel 2:31), forbiddingly forewarns as:

“For there will be greater anguish in those days than at any time since God created the world. And it will never be so great again. In fact, unless the Lord shortens that time of calamity, not a single person will survive. But for the sake of his chosen ones he has shortened those days” (Mark 13:19-20).

From other passages in Scripture, we know who the chosen ones are: They are chosen because they choose Jesus, the true Messiah, over the false Antichrist messiah during the Great Tribulation. They are not, however, those born-again believers who are alive before this terrible turmoil begins; as we will be spared by the Rapture from the coming devastation and death.

Thus, there is still great hope, because: “…everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2:32).

Scripture tells us that this final time of terrible travail among peoples of all nations will last (be shortened to) seven years, with the final 3 ½ years the worst of all. Messiah Jesus will return to earth to abruptly end the catastrophic carnage caused primarily by Antichrist in the last part of the Tribulation. Before that, God will destroy the massive Gog/Magog campaign against Israel in the first half of the Tribulation. Messiah’s glorious return will also complete God’s just but severe judgment of the ungodly, of all evil in this wicked world we live in.

“…Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, your judgments are true and just” (Revelation 16:7).

The Sure and Stunning Return of Messiah

Read with me the astounding account of what the entire world (those who haven’t already perished at the hands of Antichrist or from the judgments of Almighty God) will see and experience just before the awesome days of the Millennium begin:

“Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war … He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven … followed him on white horses. From his mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords” (Revelation 19:11-16).

Christ-returns-white-horses-Rev19-bylined

Then later in this spectacular chapter, John gives a brief, almost anti-climactic, report of the final Armageddon confrontation between Christ and Antichrist:

“Then I saw the beast and the kings of the world and their armies gathered together to fight against the one sitting on the horse and his army. And the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who did mighty miracles on behalf of the beast—miracles that deceived all who had accepted the mark of the beast and who worshipped his statue. Both the beast and his false prophet were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. Their entire army was killed by the sharp sword that came from the mouth of the one riding the white horse. And the vultures all gorged themselves on the dead bodies” (Revelation 19:19-21).

Many in today’s world are thinking, acting, and saying exactly what the Apostle Peter predicted they would say in the last days:

“They will say, ‘What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.’ They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.” (II Peter 3:4-7).

Peter wasn’t told how long it would be until God judged the earth again or when Jesus would return; however, the Lord reminded him and Peter reminded all believers in Christ:

“But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends. A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about this promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment” (II Peter 3:8-10).

So, to all those out there who scoff at Scriptural truth in general and prophecy in particular, please understand that hundreds of Bible prophecies have come to pass, including the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Messiah Jesus. If they persist in claiming that Jesus isn’t coming again and/or don’t care; that the intensified evil in this world has nothing to do with demonic influence because Satan knows his time is short; or that they are not required by their Creator, the true and living God, to make a decision whether to accept Jesus as Savior or face him as their judge, then the Lord will let them have their way. Which is the worst thing that any person could ever do … go their own way instead of God’s way, as clearly mapped out in Scripture.

Listen to the Lord’s indictment (through the Apostle Paul) of all those who disbelieve, defame, and deny their Creator and the eternal truth of His Word:

“Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools … So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen” (Romans 1:21-25).

Isaiah_42_5, Ladd_Marsh, Mt_Emily, Union_County, praise_worship, Gods_creation_picture, Gods_word_picture

It’s little wonder then that entire governments, including the United States of America, are listening to those who want nothing to do with the written Word of God—the Bible—or with the Living Word of God, Messiah Jesus. Instead of concern about the true cause and effect of what’s happening the world over (especially in Israel) and what really matters, our Executive Staff and the Supreme Court have surrendered to the agendas of the “ungodly” (II Peter 3:7).

They have divisively diverted our attention to such things as: transgender bathrooms, same-sex marriage, pro-choice (abortion), global warming, and absurd extremes for environmental protection (plants and animals are far more important than people); or any number of “politically correct” issues. No matter that the world is teetering on the edge of an apocalyptic abyss, we must (they say) promote plurality, diversity, tolerance, and love—all based on self-serving, distorted, and deceptive secular humanistic definitions covered with the cloak of political correctness.

Scripture tells it like it is. Neither God nor His Word is politically correct.

Read the Bible and see for yourself. See what the Sovereign Lord says about sin and the human heart. Find out about God’s amazing grace, unconditional love, and magnificent plan of salvation for the human race. Discover that all you need to do is believe that Christ Jesus died for you and then receive him as your personal Savior, for your sins to be forgiven and the penalty of those sins pardoned. Nothing else is required. I repeat with a Biblical emphasis: Nothing whatsoever!

Eternal life in heaven is a gift, not something we earn through good deeds or religious rituals.

“We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty of our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood…” (Romans 3:22-25).

“He (Christ) was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God” (Romans 4:25).

Well, this may be the longest introduction to the main topic of any Eye of Prophecy written to date! But that’s okay, because there are two parts (articles) to the subject at hand. Also, I sometimes get carried away when focusing on who and what Eye of Prophecy is ultimately all about: Messiah Jesus and his Gospel (Good News) of salvation.

Continuing Where We Left Off in Revelation … Focusing on the Abyss

After Messiah Jesus triumphantly defeats Antichrist and the False Prophet and throws them into the Lake of Fire (forever) then annihilates their armies, the scene switches immediately to:

“…an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the bottomless pit and a heavy chain in his hand. He seized the dragon—that old serpent, who is the devil, Satan—and bound him in chains for a thousand years. The angel threw him into the bottomless pit, which he then shut and locked so Satan could not deceive the nations anymore until the thousand years were finished. Afterward he must be released for a little while” (Revelation 20:1-3).

*Note: The New Living Translation from which I quote in Eye of Prophecy articles, unless otherwise noted (other Bible translations), uses the term bottomless pit instead of the designation most translations use: Abyss. They are interchangeably, one and the same.

In November, 2008, while I was reading from the book of Revelation, the Lord shook me with the equivalent of what I call in my second book “a 9.0 spiritual earthquake” (Out of the Abyss, page 114). This dramatic disclosure led directly to a substantial study of all Biblical passages about the Antichrist along with considerable research of both church and secular history, especially the 1st century. From that journey came my book, Out of the Abyss … can the number of the beast be solved? 666 (published February, 2011). After the fashion of a mystery novel building suspense (only fact not fiction), the actual identity of the Antichrist is revealed.

Then in July, 2013, I began the Eye of Prophecy website with all articles placed in one of four categories: Current Events, Prophecy in General, The Rapture, and The Antichrist. Many articles in the latter category provide amplified evidence that the Antichrist is none other than the Roman Emperor Nero.

It all began with proper understanding and accurate application of Revelation 17:7-8. Revelation Chapter 17 opens with John’s second vision of the Antichrist beast, this time with a woman sitting on the beast. John’s first observation of the beast is found in Revelation 13, which includes the infamous number of the beast, six hundred sixty-six—one of several keys to his identity. Revelation 17 then provides a more detailed biography of the beast.

Woman-Rides-the-Beast

The angel explains the stunning meaning of the amazing scene John had just witnessed:

“Why are you so amazed? the angel asked. I will tell you the mystery of this woman and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns on which she sits. The beast you saw was once alive but isn’t now. And yet he will soon come up out of the bottomless pit and go to eternal destruction. And the people who belong to this world, whose names were not written in the Book of Life before the world was made, will be amazed at the reappearance of this beast who had died” (Revelation 17:7-8, italics for emphasis).

The focus of today’s and next week’s Eye of Prophecy article is on the Abyss; thus only a brief commentary will be made on the other startling things found in this passage.

Beginning with the italicized portion: The beast you saw was once alive but isn’t now. These ten words sent an electrifying current through me that turned on a huge beacon light, and subsequently guided my journey to and through all of the other passages on the Antichrist. After a mountain of Biblical and historical evidence, the resulting conclusion was (for me and I believe for anyone who carefully examines the evidence with an open mind and heart) irrefutable.

First fact: John saw this beast (man … the Antichrist) in real time—present tense while he was on the isle of Patmos.

Second fact: The astounding (refitting of the prophetic puzzle) statement by the angel who unveiled the mystery of the woman and the beast on which she sat: This man had already lived and died before John saw the bestial representation of the man (was once alive but isn’t now)!

Third fact: However, the Antichrist beast would soon (suddenly) return from the bottomless pit (Abyss).

Fourth fact: Unbelievers (those who belong to the world) “will be amazed at the reappearance of this beast who had died.”

The staggering implication through correct comprehension and accurate application of this passage is as follows:

The Antichrist will NOT be a modern-day born man. How could he be when the angel plainly tells John that this man had already lived and died? Read the verse again. How else can it be understood? This same man who had already lived and died, before John saw the beastly image of the man, will return and the vast majority of those left behind at the Rapture will be utterly amazed at his reappearance. Why will they be so amazed? This answer is amplified in Revelation Chapter 13 which talks about the fatal wound (Nero was killed with a sword by his servant after Nero tried unsuccessfully to commit suicide).

“I saw that one of the heads of the beast seemed wounded beyond recovery—but the fatal wound was healed! The whole world marveled at this miracle and gave allegiance to the beast. They worshiped the dragon for giving the beast such power, and they also worshiped the beast…” (Revelation 13:3-4).

There is one, and only one reason why so many will (voluntarily, as some will capitulate out of fear) yield their body, soul, and spirit to this evil man (Nero): Because of—what will appear to them—a miraculous return to the earth … some 2,000 years after his death.

However, as we will see, Nero doesn’t actually return from the grave. Instead, he reappears from the Abyss as clearly stated in Revelation 17:8.

Thus, we’re going to take an up close and personal look at the Abyss. What is it? Where is it? And why Antichrist Nero was placed (banished to) in the Abyss as opposed to what would have been his certain destiny—Hades (hell).

In the course of this fantastic voyage this week and next, we’re also going to see those “beings” that have been banished to the Abyss all have bodies, including Nero. They are not merely spirits. This also applies to Satan, because the passage we read earlier states that he will be bound by chains (you don’t need chains to bind a spirit) and cast into the Abyss as “the dragon.” The passage then proceeds to make sure we understand who the dragon is, i.e. the devil, Satan.

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(Artist Rendition of the Bottomless Pit)

Actually, all angels have (spiritual) bodies that are in a different (unseen) dimension from ours; however, the Bible is clear that both evil and good angels from time to time have taken on human form.

What Is The Abyss? (Who Inhabits It?)

Beginning with a logical premise: In order for the Antichrist beast to “reappear” from the Abyss, he must first need to have been placed there. Along with another foundational fact: The Abyss is a literal place, but not the same place as Hell. The Hebrew word for hell is Sheol—place of the dead—in the Old Testament. In the New Testament the Greek word for hell is Hades.

Both Sheol and Hades are used numerous times in the Old Testament and New Testament, respectively. However, the Greek word abyssos, translated Abyss or bottomless pit, is only used nine times in the New Testament, seven of which are in the book of Revelation. In the Old Testament Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew) abyssos is the translated word from primarily the Hebrew word Tehom; which represents the deep waters of the earth (as in oceans) as opposed to the land. It never relates to the place of the dead; that is reserved for the word Sheol.

During the four hundred silent years of transition between the Old and New Testament, the concept contained in the Greek word abyssos was expanded to include the sinister underworld that was the realm of (some) demons. While still (partially) retaining the Hebrew tehom … the idea of deep waters in terms of where the Abyss is actually located.

In fact, John’s first vision of the Antichrist begins with these words: “Then I saw a beast rising up out of the sea” (Revelation 13:1). Next week’s article will provide convincing evidence to show that the sea in this verse is literal, not symbolic!

Let’s read about an extraordinary incident involving Jesus, his disciples, and a man possessed by several thousand (“legion”) demons.

It took place immediately after Jesus and his disciples had crossed the Sea of Galilee from the Jewish side (west bank) to the Gentile side (east bank). During this journey, Jesus performed another remarkable miracle—that of commanding the wind and waves generated by a huge storm to be silent … literally to “shut up.”

Do you remember the reaction of his disciples?

“…The disciples were terrified and amazed. ‘Who is this man?’ they asked each other. ‘When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!’” (Luke 8:25).

Let’s pick it up with the very next verse:

“So they arrived in the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee. As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him … As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down in front of him. Then he screamed, ‘Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, I beg you, don’t torture me!’ For Jesus had already commanded the evil spirit to come out of him…

“Jesus demanded, ‘What is your name?’

‘Legion,’ he replied, for he was filled with many demons. The demons kept begging Jesus not to send them into the bottomless pit” (Luke 8:26-31, italics for emphasis).

Do you recall what happened next?

The Lord allowed these hideous demons to enter into a herd of nearby pigs, with the pigs so overcome that they ran headlong into the sea and drowned!

Here is an excerpt (in italics) from my book, Out of the Abyss:

Can you imagine that? These sons of Satan, as it were, would do anything just to stay on the earth, even if it meant possessing a pig or two. Note, that I said they would do anything to remain on the earth. As we’ve already seen, the earth and some heavenly places are the current dwelling place for Satan and the fallen angels. Not hell, although they may have access to hell. The bottom line is that they are free to roam the earth and certain parts of the heavenly places.

What made them so terrified? The passage answers that question. “The demons kept begging Jesus not to send them into the bottomless pit” (Luke 8:31). Ouch … anything but the bottomless pit. Give us a break. Have mercy. Give us these pigs to live in, but don’t deport us to the Abyss. Please….

We see two very distinct features in this passage: (1) fallen angels absolutely dread the thought of banishment to the Abyss. (2) Whereas, many demons roam and wreak havoc on the earth; some are restricted to the Abyss. (Pages 228-229).

Now let’s examine one of the most intriguing passages in all of Scripture that dovetails with our inspection of the Abyss.

“And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment” (Jude verse 6, italics for emphasis).

In the New American Standard Bible, the above italicized words (taken from the New Living Translation) reads, “eternal bonds under darkness.” The King James Version states: “everlasting chains under darkness.”

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The Apostle Peter also writes about these fallen angels:

“For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell, in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment” (II Peter 2:4).

In that verse, the Greek word translated into English as hell is not the normally used word, Hades. Rather, it is the Greek word, Tartarus.

By combining Jude 6 with II Peter Chapter 2—from both the definition (meaning and concept) of the Greek words abyssos and Tartarus, and from the next passage in Revelation that we’ll examine (actual physical evidence)—it’s quite evident that they are the same place. With the Abyss pertaining primarily to a deep underworld pit reserved for extremely wicked angels, and Tartarus relating mainly to the imprisonment of these beings.

Another excerpt in italics from Out of the Abyss to amplify and clarify this:

Most Bible scholars link this special group of angels to the Genesis Chapter 6 account in which some of the fallen angels cohabited with women; thereby, producing the Nephilim … the clear gist of II Peter and Jude is that some angels continue to roam the earth and the heavenly places; whereas, other angels were confined and chained in a pit of darkness called Tartarus, which is the same as the bottomless pit or the Abyss.

That’s why the demons (the ones begging Jesus not to banish them to the Abyss) wanted no part of the bottomless pit. I believe the combination of these passages plainly indicate that the Abyss is a special place currently reserved for extremely wicked angels who, at Satan’s behest, attempted to dilute and pervert the whole human race. In short, Satan used some of the fallen angels to corrupt the racial line of the prophesied Messiah. In fact, the Bible tells us that God sent the Great Flood primarily because of the wickedness perpetrated by the offspring of this unholy union between angels and woman (pages 229-230).

Continuing with: What is the Abyss? (More Evidence of Who/What Resides There)

The following passage is the first mention of the Abyss in the book of Revelation:

“Then the fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen to earth from the sky, and he was given the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit. When he opened it, smoke poured out as though from a huge furnace, and the sunlight and air turned dark from the smoke. Then locusts came from the smoke and descended on the earth, and they were given power to sting like scorpions. They were told not to harm the grass or plants or trees, but only the people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were told not to kill them but to torture them for five months with pain like the pain of a scorpion sting” (Revelation 9:1-5).

Subsequently, verses 7-11 provide a chilling description of these hideous creatures and who leads them.

Another excerpt from Out of the Abyss, again in italics:

…Several scholars believe the locusts are merely symbolic of who knows what. A strong hint: only real creatures can do what these locusts are released to do …

Also, we can once again draw on the significance of personal pronouns. In this chapter, the locusts are repeatedly referred to as, “they” … The text leaves no doubt that the locusts are real beings with real bodies. “They” is distinctly a personal pronoun. Moreover, these locusts originate from a specific place, the Abyss, not some figurative location that represents something else. I don’t see helicopters or tanks or drones or any other symbolic representation for locusts coming from the Abyss. We don’t use personal pronouns in place of objects or things.

I personally concur with Bible scholars who contend that these locusts are the fallen angels described in Genesis, II Peter, and Jude. Scripture unmistakably shows that God’s good angels sometimes take on human form; there are several examples of that in the Bible. With respect to fallen angels, they had their one chance to take on human form, and they blew it. They used this privilege to (unsuccessfully) eliminate the purity of the chosen seed of Messiah, through Adam’s son, Seth and his descendants. To Satan’s irony, these demonic beings will torture only the unbelievers during the tribulation … I’m not sure even Nero will have an explanation for this, except he might blame it on God for releasing them from the Abyss.

These locusts, as John describes them, are actual beings and have a body. It’s not too hard to imagine that the sheer evil of these angels coupled with thousands of years in the bottomless pit, would result in a twisted and repulsive appearance. The fact is, however, they come from the Abyss … not hell.

Hell is not under lock and key; in fact, the souls of all who die without Christ go directly to hell. No permission is needed to get in. Of course they can’t escape because Jesus tells us there is a great chasm separating hell from Abraham’s bosom, the place that believers went before Christ arose from the dead. Now, when the believer’s body dies, his or her spirit is instantly with the Lord!

Notice the difference: hell has a great gulf. The Abyss has a shaft and is essentially bottomless. Unbelievers go to hell; warped angels are confined to the Abyss. At the final judgment, however, all of the unsaved will be thrown into the Lake of Fire along with Satan and his demons, to join the Antichrist and False Prophet, who get a one-way ticket to the Lake of Fire one thousand years before the others (pages 230-231).

Summary

The next page or so in Out of the Abyss contains compelling evidence to affirm what I alluded to earlier in today’s article: Satan will be incarcerated in the Abyss under lock and key as an embodied being during the Millennium.

Satan is specifically and uniquely referred to as “the dragon” in Revelation Chapter 20; he will be chained during his time in the Abyss. I believe that Satan’s depiction as the dragon is not a symbolic description. For one thing, the text says that Satan is “the dragon.” Not, “a dragon,” which would then convey a metaphorical image. It’s clear in Scripture that Satan can personify himself in other forms, i.e. a serpent in the Garden of Eden. The image of a dragon is strikingly similar to that of a serpent.

In keeping with their symbolic interpretation, many scholars also say the chain that binds Satan (Revelation 20) is symbolic.

My response: If the chain is metaphorical, then why is the chain referred to as heavy. If the chain is symbolic, there’s absolutely no literary or linguistic need to describe the chain as “heavy.”

Moreover, it’s not at all unusual to imagine that a dragon-like creature could be the ultimate incarnation of pure evil. In fact, literature from all cultures for thousands of years has employed the image of a dragon as man’s nightmarish enemy. On the other hand, it’s probably best not to equate Satan’s bodily appearance with the kind of fire-breathing dragons we’ve all seen in movies. Likely as not, Lucifer has retained some of the beauty and splendor that God created him with. (See Ezekiel 28:11-17). In that context, he disguises himself as an “angel of light.” (II Corinthians 11:14).

5-wills

(The Arrogant “I Wills” of Lucifer … Isaiah Chapter 14)

Things to Ponder

Just as there is a difference between a main street and Main Street (in a city) so is there a distinction between an/any abyss (chasm, gulf, deep pit) and The Abyss—of which there is only one.

Don’t miss next week’s article. I’ll answer the question: Where is the Abyss? As well as the intriguing question: Why was Nero sent to the Abyss?

Please keep in mind as we continue: There are two significant reasons why it’s important to realize that Scripture enables us to know the identity of Antichrist (Nero) and from where he will reappear. In fact, Revelation 13:18 and 17:9 challenges the reader to solve the mystery of the Antichrist … his identity.

(1) The need to accurately ascertain (correctly refit the prophetic puzzle) all things disclosed by Scripture and found in the history books pertaining to the past, present, and future of the tyrant who would dare boast that he is God and Messiah. A man who will deceive millions upon millions of people because they will believe that he arose from the dead. That, because of the 2,000 year time-lapse, they will consider Nero’s revival greater even than that of the true Messiah’s resurrection. They won’t know or even care that he actually comes from the Abyss, who put him there in the first place, and who allowed him to be released (the Lord).

(2) Knowing who the Antichrist is and that he comes from the Abyss instead of the grave (realm of the dead) is a vital distinction to be made, both now and after the Rapture. Otherwise, many will continue their efforts to identify a contemporary (modern-day born) man who fits whatever people think they know about the Antichrist. Even more importantly for those left behind at the Rapture: Knowing the actual identity of the Antichrist and from where (how) he arrives on the scene will greatly reduce, if not eliminate, their amazement at his (re)appearance. Which, in turn, will encourage them to choose the true Messiah (Jesus) instead of the false messiah … Nero.

Yet, it’s far better to choose Messiah Jesus now. If you die without Christ, it’s too late. If you’re alive after the Rapture, it will be agonizingly difficult to choose Jesus over Nero; because it will mean extreme hardship and almost certain death to refuse Nero’s demands on you.

Say, “Yes” to Jesus now and be assured that one day you will be with the host of heaven shouting and singing:

“Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever” (Revelation 5:13).