Visions, Seals, Trumpets, Thunders & Vials (Complete Study) ©2014 Pastor Joshua Lewis

[Pastor Josh]

Visions, Seals, Trumpets, Thunders & Vials

Introduction: This study covers what is probably one of the more complex lessons of Christian Bible study and the reason for this is the subject which is synonymous with the title of the lesson which deals directly with events that have yet to be; in other words, the future. The subject matter is dense and mysterious and yet it is inended to be revealed to those whom seek to learn it. Even though we will be covering most of the Book of Revelation this is not necessarily a verse by verse study of Revelation but more-rather a complete topical study on the subject of Visions, Seals, Trumpets, Thunders & Vials as it pertains to The Revelation of Jesus Christ; that is, YSHUA the Messiah and His glorious return. It may help you to understand that Revelation is presented to us in chronological order, there is no need for complicated mathmatics nor hidden symbolism for the purpose of the book is to reveal after all...

Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

The time is at hand meaning that those things that are written within this book are future and you should be ready as watchmen for the things that will be mentioned.

Revelation 4.1-5.14 The First Vision In Heaven.

Verses 1-8 concern The Throne, The Elders and The Zoa.

Rev 4:1 After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

This first voice tells John to come up to heaven in order to reveal future events to him so that he may place them down in this book of Revelation.

Rev 4:2 And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

Probably what John meant here is that By the power of the spirit he was in heaven and he witnessed a throne which was set and he saw one sitting on the throne.

Rev 4:3 And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.

Obviously the one who sat on this throne was very beautiful to the sight. The jasper is a translucent type of stone, the sardine stone is precious red stone from sardis. This rainbow that is described comes from the Greek word Iris meaning the real thing not just some reflection or cheap imitation like toxon this is the light of the Holy Spirit round about the throne.

Rev 4:4 And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

These were the 24 elders clothed in the white raiment that they acquired for their good works and faith for their time here on Earth. These are the set aside ones or saints if you will...The crowns of gold are a testament to the exalted state of these elders for only Christ wore a Crown of Gold as seen in Matt 14.14, the seats mentioned are thrones. These 24 are heavenly being represent a pattern which David arranges his 24 courses of the sons of Aaron I Chron 24.3-5.

Rev 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

The number 7 appears fifty-four times in the book of Revelation alone. These seven lamps burning before the throne are the seven Spirits of God.

Rev 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.

These four beasts are the zoa or zune which God had created as protectors of the throne. These zoa replaced the two Cherubim as protectors. We know that Satan was one of the two original Cherubs. The major differece between the Cherubim and the Zoa is the Cherubs had free will and the potential for eternal life whereas the Zoa have neither; however, they are happy to perform there duty because that is how God designed them.

Rev 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

These guardians of the throne had a likeness that represented the flags or standards that the four protective tribes had that immediately surrounded the throne here on earth. All 12 tribes surrounded the throne which was a military strategy or a buffer of protection. The four tribes that were closest to the throne or ark as it is called had the lion, calf, man and eagle as their standards. This can make an interesting study by itself if you choose to look into this further on your own time.

Rev 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Again they do not have free will therefore they offered a better means of protection then the cherabum as is evident with the fall of Satan.

Verses 8-11 The utterances of the Zoa and the 24 Elders concerning Creation.

Rev 4:8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

It is interesting to note that 6 is the number of man in Biblical Numerics and the only other time that 6 appears in Revelation 13:18 is concerning the Beast who's number is 666. The number six also symbolizes the weakness of man and the evil's of Satan as well as the manifestation of sin. These Zoa look like men but there role will be fulfilled after the Return of Christ which is yet to come. Again they do not have the opportunity that men do concerning eternal life. There are some similarities between the Zoa and the Wheels of Ezekiel concerning eyes and wings. This verse requires further study on your part to fully understand it.

Rev 4:9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,

Rev 4:10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

Here we are about to hear the utterances of the elders...

Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

All things were created for Jesus Christ. Some people would have you believe the Earth was created for man but it was not. It was created for Christ and Christ alone.

Chapter 5 Verses 1-7. The Throne and The Book: Concerning the Lion and The Lamb.

Rev 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.

It is Christ who is sitting on the Throne or Ark. In His right hand is a scroll and on the back of it hidden from view are the 7 seals which are discussed in more detail in Chapter 6. The number 7 is God's number and it symbolizes completeness and spiritual perfection.

Rev 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?

Rev 5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

Prior to this account that John is about to reveal the seals were sealed up and kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Rev 5:4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.

Rev 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

Only Christ is worth to open up the Scroll of seven seals because He is the only person to succeed at fulfilling the Mosaic law. Because of His perfect work on the cross we now can learn the seals from John's account of his vision if our eyes are open and we hunger to learn. Christ is the Lion of Judah and the Root of David.

Rev 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

Christ is the Lamb slain. Seven is the number of Spiritual perfection and completeness. The 7 eyes are the 7 spirits of God those who would open up the seals, or seven angels. Remember whenever God would appear it would be referred to as the Lords Angel Or Spirit or messenger. These 7 Spirits of God are 7 messengers set to reveal the seals.

Rev 5:7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

Verses 8-14 The new song of the Zoa and the Elders and other Heavenly utterances concerning: Redemption.

Rev 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

Here the prayers of the Saint's or Set aside ones are being set to muic and delivered before the Lord Jesus Christ.

Rev 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Every man, woman and child regardless of race, tribe or nationality now have the opportunity to be redeemed of their sin through the sacred blood of Jesus Christ. He took the stripes and we can accept the healing so long as we believe on Him, follow His footsteps and ask for forgiveness when we fall short. We must also be participators in good works if we are to follow Christ's lead. Remember only Christ is worthy to open the book and the seals thereof.

Rev 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

If you overcome the 1335 days spoken of in Daniel and you accept Christ and His gift of Salvation then we are as kings and priests who will have dominion over the earth. Those who overcome and endure the time of Tribulation will be worthy. Those who study God's word daily and love Him will be worthy as well to learn the seals that only Christ can open. Those that do not overcome will be spiritually dead during the millennium. You definitely want to take part in that first resurrection if possible.

Rev 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands is a Hebraism meaning countless numbers.

Rev 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Because of Christ we can also participate in eternal life.

Rev 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

All of God's creation will bow before Christ in the Lord's Day.

Rev 5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

The song which is made of the prayers of the saints was now completed. Eternal life is now possible through Christ.

Revelation Chapter 6.1-7.8 The Six Seals.

Ch.6.1-8. The Sealing of the 144,000. The First Vision On Earth.

Ch. 6.1, 2. The First Seal (The False Christ Making War With The Saints)

Note: that there are Seven Seals total here we will only be discussing the first six for the 7^th seal is separated from the first 6. In the first 8 verses we see the sealing of the 144,000. What John saw in the First Vision in Heaven was to take place in Heaven and despite the fact that this First Vision On Earth was seen in Heaven the results of this vision will actually be taking place on Earth. Christ purchased our inheritance in the Kingdom of God with the shedding of His blood on the cross. Whether Satan realizes it or not Christ had the victory at that very moment. Here in the seals, trumpets and vials we see Christ's perfect work in taking the inheritance from Satan's hands in the form of judgements and wondrous works. The end of all this being the 2^nd coming of Jesus Christ.

Rev 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

Here we see Jesus Christ opening the first seal. When it was opened there was the sound of thunder wich was the voice of one of the four Zoa instructing John to come and see or more accurately read what the seal had to reveal.

Rev 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Here we see a white horse; however, this is not to be confused with the white horse and rider of Rev 19:11. This we see is the beginning of a series of terrible judgments. This rider had a bow or rainbow if you will; if you go back to the original Greek the word is toxon which is a cheap imitation or fake, not the glorious bow round about Christ's throne. The word crown here is symbolic of power. Where this rider gets this power is not yet mentioned, however the power in which he is givin is to make war with the saints and to overpower them. He also is given the power over all nations of the world. The rider on the white horse is none other than Satan pretending to be Christ but he is antichrist. Lets go to the first Gospel which is Matthew as a second witness to this testimony.

Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

In other words don't let your self be fooled...

Mat 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Many will come claiming to be prophets or even Christ himself so beware of these false ones.

Rev Ch. 6.3-8 The Second, Third & Fourth Seals. Judgments on antichrist and his followers.

Rev 6:3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.

The word had is not in the original manuscripts. Here we see the second Zoa or beast opening up the second seal and asking John to read.

Rev 6:4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

And now we see another horse going out which is the color red. The rider of this horse was givin the power to take away the peace and cause great strife among the nations. This rider takes away the peace and prosperity that the false Christ temporarily brings. This horse and rider brings war among the nations.

Rev 6:5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.

When the Third Zoa opened the seal he instructed John to read it. This seal reveals a black horse which signifies famine or shortage of food and he that rode the horse had a balance in his hand representing a judgement.

Rev 6:6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

I believe that this voice in the midst of the four Zoa is Jesus Christ's voice. A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny represent the scarcity of food. You may notice that wheat is more valuable then barley for barley was mostly used to feed livestock and to make what is known as poor man's bread. This rider was instructed not to hurt the oil or the wine referring symbolically to God's elect. It appears that the power that is given to the riders is by Christ himself who in the midst of the four beasts or Zoa.

Rev 6:7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.

Here we see the fourth Zoa instructing John to read the fourth seal.

Rev 6:8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

Now we see a pale or horse or more accurately a discolored horse as in the discoloring of a corpse after death symbolizing a gang green-like hue. The word Hell comes from the Greek word hades wich is similar to the Hebrew word shoal meaning earthly grave or death in this instance. This rider represents the death as a result of pestilence which is death brought on by unclean vermin or insects infestations. Famine always follows pestilence. Note that in this verse we see death and the grave personified by the pale horse and rider. Note at the end of this verse the animal kingdom will also turn against humanity and many will be killed as a result.

Mat 24:6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

Wars and rumors of wars are just the beginning...

Mat 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

There's a war between antichrist and the saints. Becasue the majority of the world will worship Satan beliveing that he is Jesus Christ or the Mahdi or the messiah that Zionists are expecting; there will be great wars between the nations specifically those who know that he is antichrist and those that believe he is the savior of the world. There is going to be pestilence, famine and earthquakes which will also have people going to war with each other as a result of scarcity and massive death on a global scale.

Ch 6:9-11 The Fifth Seal. The results of the war between antichrist, his followers and the Saint's or God's Elect. Specifically concerning their martyrdom.

Rev 6:9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

Many people will die including God's Elect for testifying before the synagogue of Satan that he is a false messiah and that he is actually the enemy and the main reason for all the scarcity, confusion and unrest among the people of Earth.

Rev 6:10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

This is a question addressed to God by the saints and martyrs begging for the judgements of the evil ones on Earth. Asking to avenge their blood.

Rev 6:11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow-servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

Here again we see the white raiment of exaltation for the set aside one's or Saints as some like to call them. They received this special raiment as a reward for their testimony here on earth against Satan and his locust army of fallen angels and wicked people. You may notice that the Saints will be protected from the famine and pestilence but not the warfare. This protection will allow them to go about teaching the truth and warning others that Satan is not Jesus he is in fact antichrist. This may be due to the result of being good watchmen, looking for the signs and prophecies coming to pass as well as preparations made for the impending doom.

We should all be good watchmen and prepare provisions along with a game plan to protect our families. It never hurts to be prepared for there will be many disasters now and in the future prior to the coming of antichrist. It is just common sense really.

Mat 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

As I said before even though these things might seem terrible this is just the beginning. It is gonna get a lot worse before it gets better especially for us Christians.

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

Many will be delivered up before antichrist. You will be hated by all nations and possibly murdered for keeping the testimony of Jesus Christ. Are you prepared for this? Are you willing to die for your faith and love for Jesus Christ you really should be prepared with that Gospel armor for things are gonna get ruff for you. I know in the past I said that we will not have a hair harmed on our head but that was only in the spiritual sense not in the physical sense. Many of us will be martyrs and sufferers of great persecution. I know I did not make that clear in the past and for that I apologize, but I am only a man who makes mistake I am not even close to being perfect and like most of us I am a terrible sinner like the rest. You should always test what I or any other preacher, teacher, pastor or priest tells you by proving it with Biblical truth. The only thing that is 100% true and perfect is God's word. Never put your trust or faith in man. I apologize and have repented for my mistakes now its time to go on and learn the truth together and prepare for troubled times ahead.

Mat 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

Your own family may hate you and deliver you before Satan because they think you are wrong and that you are blaspheming against Christ not realizing that it is Satan that they are delivering you up to. Remeber Satan is coming before Jesus to try to take on the role of God but he is not he is a false one, a play actor and imposter whom will decieve many and be able to perform miracles in the sight of man. Satan is a supernatural being and he is going to be the most beautiful being anyone has ever seen and he will come in peacefully and prosperously. But the peace and prosperity he brings is temporary. Remember you want to endure those 1335 days spoken of in the book of Daniel. I am referring to that time of Jacob's trouble.You may want to review our in depth study on the seventy weeks of Daniel to adjust your timelines and sharpen up your foundation to get a better understanding of this particular study.

Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

Even today we have false prophets and false Christ. Study the word so that you do not get duped by apostasy and false teaching. You want to be an over comer you do not want to be one of the spiritually dead on the Lord's Day.

Mat 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

People will transgress the law and turn to evil not aware that they are in bed with Satan who is that serpant that slithering, glistening one that tree of knowledge of good and evil that is pleasant to the touch. Do not let yourself be seduced by the serpent; his words go down like honey but lead you into death. Will turn brother against brother and mother against son. This is no time to be unlearned in God's word.

Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Only those who endure and do not give into worshiping Satan will overcome and be saved. The rest are in a sad state to be in.

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

These end times will not come until the word of God is preached in all nations. Because of the invention of Television, shortwave radio and the printing press the Gospel is already preached around the world so you should prepare yourself for what is to come. Again watch for the signs and do not let yourself become complacent.

Mat 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

This is referring to the desolator who will be standing on Mt. Zion pretending to be Jesus Christ. Again you may want to sharpen up by studying our lesson on the Seventy Weeks of Daniel in order to understand when these things will approximately happen as well as the event that unfold leading up to and after the desolator is set in place; that is, Satan.

Mat 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

Honestly you do not want to be in Jerusalem during this time unless the Holy Spirit Moves you to do so. This verse is a warning to run from this false one because he will persecute you and kill you for your faith and love for Jesus. He will try to get you to worship him so that you can receive the financial benefits of his one world political and religious system.

Mat 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:

This is warning to prepare, baton down the hatches and stay clear of Jerusalem during this time.

Mat 24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.

This is a war against Christianity and the Saints if you are in a safe place stay there do not return to your homes unless you want to be delivered before the synagogue of Satan.

Mat 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

This is not literally speaking of being pregnant with a child but is a symbolic warning referring to those who are decived and find themselves in bed with satan meaning those whom believe that he is the True Christ. Remember he is antichrist. What happens when you lie in bed with someone the result is usually a pregnacy. You do not want to be pregnant with Satan's false doctrine. You want to hold true to the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Mat 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:

Satan's message is that you are all going to be raptured out of here; that is, to fly away. If you have studied with us in the past then you probably know that there is not going to be a rapture but rather we are to endure, prepare and stay in God's word which says nothing about flying away or being raptured out of here. There is great tribulation coming for the son's of Jacob (Christians) and we are to endure rather then escape. If your flight is in the winter you have been decieved by Satan. The time of the locust is may through September Christ comes when the harvest is complete. The parable of the Fig tree reveals much about waiting until the harvest. If you do not understand the parable of the fig tree the entire bible will not make any sense to you and I personally feel this parable is the cornerstone of Christ's teaching. It is imperative that you gain understanding of the parable of the Fig tree. You may want to refer to our study on this subject. You do not want to be a green fig that is harvested too early. Green figs are of use to no one because you cannot eat them.

Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Indeed this will be a terrible time especially for those who hold to the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

This time of Jacob's Trouble is shortened from 7 years to 5 months for the elect's sake otherwise even they would be deceived Satan's glamor, power and manipulation. You do not want any vices or addictions during this time for Satan knows your weaknesses and he will try to tempt you into worshiping him for a fix, some food or drink. Keep yourself drug free and vice free. Your only addiction should be for the truth of God's word.

Mat 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.

Christ does not return until the the 7^th trump do not believe anyone that would try to tell you otherwise. Satan is coming first as a false messiah. Just take the next verse for example where it is explained beautifully.

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

Again an allusion to the shortening of the duration of the time of tribulation for the elect's sake.

Mat 24:25 Behold, I have told you before.

Not only did Christ warn us of the coming false one previously in this book of Matthew but also in many places in the old testament especially the book of Daniel 12:11

Mat 24:26 Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.

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

Just as the sun rises in the east and sets west so shall the coming of the Son of man be. We are talking about the second coming of Jesus Christ here. He will come in the natural order of things there should be no confusion as to the nature of His coming if you study His Word.

Mat 24:28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

Another allusion to the natural order of things and events. God does things exactly how He says that He will. There is no wavering or confusion when in comes to God's Word. Do you have eyes to see and ears to hear?

Ch 6:12-17 The Sixth Seal. Judgements on Antichrist and His Followers.

Rev 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

This is the opening of the sixth seal. Here we see great signs in heaven as a result of Christ's Return to the earth after the time of tribulation. The entire earth will shake tremendously the sun will not give it's light. Sackcloth is always used of or symbolic of mourning and the moon becoming as blood could be the result of ash filling up the sky making the moon appear red in color.

Rev 6:13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

The stars of heaven meaning the fallen angels will drop dead at the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. You may want to note that Untimely figs or G3653

ὄλυνθος

olunthos

ol'-oon-thos

Of uncertain derivative; an unripe (because out of season) fig: - untimely fig.

Take a lot more wind and shaking to fall to the ground; however with great force they can be knocked out of the fig tree. It will be with great force that these fallen angels down. When a green fig falls it no longer grows or has the ability to live because that life source provided by the fig tree is cut off. Much like Christ our Fig Tree will cut them off for their transgressions and their wickedness. All those that worshiped Satan will be swept away as well. The will be spiritually dead during the Lord's Day.

Rev 6:14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

There's gonna be a whole lot of shaking going on. Christ will purify the Earth and remove all the rudiments or evil elements from it. The heavens will be rolled up like a scroll. Can you imagine that? There are over 100 billion stars in the universe so many you cannot count and yet with the waving of His hand all will be rolled up and done away with. WOW! Our Father is certainly the almighty and most powerful. He is eternal and He is kind enough to provide a means for us to participate in eternity.

Rev 6:15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

Rev 6:16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

All those whom were deceived into worshiping Satan will pray for the mountains to fall on them for the shame of their trangressions. It would be very sad to be one of them. Many of us here on earth never had a chance to learn the truth and those that never reached the age of accountability will have another opportunity during the millenium or Lord's Day to learn the truth; however, Satan will be loosed once again after the millennium to test you and to see if you paid attention when God's elect taught you the entire truth for a thousand years. Those who make it during this time are participators in the second resurrection those whom overcame the time of Jacob's trouble are participators in the First.

Rev 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

We are talking about the wrath of God which will do away with all the evil elements.

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

Mat 24:30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Rev 7:1-8 The Sealing of the 144,000 enabling them to stand in judgement.

Rev 7:1 And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.

These four winds represent the four corners of the earth and are also what give us our jetstream and is essentially what creates the various climates that we have on earth today. The climate of the entire earth will be perfect. After all heaven will be here on earth. Remeber Heaven is whereever God's throne sets. During the millenium only the Saint's or Over comers and participators in the First Ressurection will be able to approach the millenial santuary. The spiritually dead will be able to see the temple but will not be able to enter therein. You want to be able to approach the throne you want to be an over comer. The millennium is a time of teaching and a time of correction.

Rev 7:2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

The four angels that were in charge of the four winds have the capability to destroy the earth and sea in order to purify it but the time is not yet let us see what they are instructed the next verse.

Rev 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

This sealing is a type of protection for all those with the seal of God in their forehead. Those that endured the tribulation and followed God's instruction until the very end. Those that did not fall to worshiping Satan.

Rev 7:4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

144,000 made it. This is approximately 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel. These 4 Angels are to gather up all of God's elect before destroying the land and sea.

Rev 7:5 Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand.

Rev 7:6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.

Rev 7:7 Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand.

Rev 7:8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

The tribe of Joseph is actually made up of three tribes; that is, Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim. If Manasseh represents those Israelite that migrate and settled in the USA and Ephraim are those that settled in the British commonwealth of nations then this appears to allude to a lot of our people not making it. I believe that this is suggesting that only 12,000 being a round number of course make it to this sealing. This may be wrong; however, it is believable with the current state of Apostasy that is abundant in these nations today. Again you should study the word and decide for yourself because this is merely my opinion. But it does sure seem like a lot of americans and brightons will not be making it during this first resurrection. This should be alarming if it is true. Our people need to wake up and learn to accept God's word rather than the traditions of man. If you are confused as to what I am talking about then perhaps our study called is The USA mentioned in the Bible will help. Or a study on your own of the migrations of the 12 tribes of Israel as well.

Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

The Elect are to be gathered before the four angels can hurt the earth and sea.

Revelation 7:9-8:6 The Second Vision In Heaven.

Ch.7:9-12 The heavenly voices and utterances.

We now are about to see the second Vision "in Heaven." It contains the answer to the question: "Who shall be able to stand" in the judgment or tribulation? The second pair of Visions:show, the opening of the seventh Seal "in heaven," and the consequent sounding of the six Trumpets "on earth".

Rev 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

Here we see John's Second Vision In Heaven. Verse 9 suggests a great number of people from all nations, families and languages will stand before the throne and before Christ clothed in white robes of exaltation. These robes suggest that many people will overcome and be partakers in that first Resurrection. This is not exclusionary to some race or particular people for over comers will come from all walks of life. The word palms comes from the Greek word phoinix. It only appears here and in John 12:13. this is much like the "great hosanna" of the Jews on the last day of "Tabernacles".

Rev 7:10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

They cry with a loud voice: Salvation to our God who is on the throne and unto Jesus Christ.

Rev 7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

The Elders, The Zoa, The Angles and The Over comers all fell in worship of the LORD.

Rev 7:12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

This is a very happy time for God and His people.

Ch 7:13,14 The Great multitude of over comers. From What Place did they come from?

Rev 7:13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?

In other words who are these people standing before the throne? When and where did they come from or why are they here? The next verse gives you the answer to the question which is raised...

Rev 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Like I said before this large group of people standing before the throne in white robes are those who overcame and endured the great tribulation of antichrist. Those whom withstood the judgements of God's wrath and those who had faith in Jesus and accepted God's sacrifice as their salvation. These are them who partook in the first resurrection. Those that accepted the inheritance purchased with the Lamb's Blood.

Ch.7:15-17 The Great Multitude where they are.

Now where are these over comers? Here is your answer.

Rev 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.

These are God's people those who love Him and those whom he Love's dearly. They serve Him day and night and therefore have there place in His kingdom.They will be able to dwell in the presence of the Lord during the Millennium. They already have gained an eternal life for their faith and their works.

Rev 7:16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

They have already been judged and therefore already have eternal life. They are no longer physical beings but spiritual beings or angels who no longer will experience pain or suffering of any kind. These special ones have already made it.

Rev 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Christ will provide them with all that they need for the eternity. They will suffer no more pain or tribulation. They will not hunger of thirst. These are the zedok or righteous ones; that is, those who endured the Great Tribulation of Antichrist. The 144,000 a.k.a. The elect remnant of Israel as well as all those who bare the seal of God in their foreheads. The following verses in the O.T. Speak clearly of these things as well:

Psa 67:1 God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah.

Psa 98:3 He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Isa 49:6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

Isa 52:9 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.

Isa 52:10 The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

Ch. 8:1-6 The Heavenly Silence. The Opening Of The Seventh Seal.

The first six seals cover the entire duration of the tribulation as well as bring us up to the very day of God's wrath which aligns with the Seventh Trumpet of Rev 11:17 & 18 as well as the Final Judgement of Rev 20.

However the seventh Trumpet expands into the seven Vials - which are givin to us consecutive – and yet the sixth Seal is followed by silence in heaven, breaking off all continuity, and to show us that we have to go back and learn how the details of the judgments of the Seals are to be filled in.

Rev 8:1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.

A half hour of silence proceeded the opening of the Seventh Seal. Note that there is a pause in time breaking off the continuity of the judgements of the first 6 seals.

Rev 8:2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.

The Seventh Angel is he who opened up the seal however all seven angels where standing before God and they were given 7 Trumpets.

Rev 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

Before the golden alter which was in front of the Throne appeared another angel who had a censer filled with the incense made up of the prayers of the saints that were offered up during the Great Tribulation. You see here that no prayer goes forgotten, God keeps records of everything including your prayers.

Rev 8:4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.

Rev 8:5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.

Here we see voices, thundering's and lightnings as well as an earth quake immediately following the angel throwing the censer to the earth which was now filled with the fire of the alter. The prayers of the saints had already ascended up in verse 4 out of the angles hand. The 7 trumps are about to sound. And when he opened the seventh seal, there followed a silence in heaven about half an hour. At the sounding of the seventh Trumpet there are "great voices in heaven" (11:5). And at the pouring out of the seventh Vial, a great voice came out of the throne (16:17). And yet this "silence" means more than that. It marks the pause between the prayer and the answer, which shall turn the prayer into praise. On earth, the cry of the saints has been continuous. They "cry day and night." In heaven the cry is now about to be answered, and there is a pause - the silence of expectation and anticipation.

Psa 65:1 Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.

In The R.V. Margin Praise waiteth for thee reads: There shall be silence before thee

Psa 65:2 O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.

The prayers are offered on earth during this period of silence, presented before God, and the answer announced in the preparation of the seven angels to sound their Trumpets and declare war against Satan and his followers. This is what is seen by John in the vision. Now lets go back to Revelation Chapter 8 and verse 6 reads:

Rev 8:6 And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

The Seals were opened in secret; the Trumpets openly proclaim war for all the Earth to hear. These trumpets notify all that the great and terrible day of the Lord is at hand. Things are about to happen so pay attention. A great earthquake or convulsion as the manuscripts read that is going to be a sign for us to look for. We know that once the great earthquake or convulsion shakes the earth that the first Trumpet is about to sound. So be sure to be a good watchmen and look for the signs.

Ch. 8:7 – 11:14 The Second Vision On Earth. THE FIRST SIX TRUMPETS.

The seventh Seal goes back in time and commences a new series of judgments initiated by the seven Trumpets and is followed by the seven Vials. So that the entire rest of the Apocalypse occurs under the seventh Seal. Whereas the seventh Trumpet issues in the seven Vials. The First Six Trumpets consist of the Earth and the seventh has to do with the third vision in Heaven. Then these Trumps are further divided with the first 4 in (Rev 8:7 - 12) and also with the last three grouped together as the three "woe" Trumpets in (Rev 8:13 – 11:14). earth.

The first four Trumps affect the Earth, the fourth affects the heavens, and the second and third affect the waters of the Earth. The first four are to be judgments similar to the plagues that were cast on Egypt; however, they are to be much more severe and on a grander scale than anything seen previously on Earth. These plagues are to be literal just as the plagues in Egypt most so-called scholars go to great lengths to take out the supernatural phenomenon from Revelation completely disregarding history and the fact that our Father is supernatural or more than natural and He can literally do anything that He chooses. To try to chalk up what is literal to symbolism is to call our Father a liar and then you are treading on dangerous ground from there. We are told by God in

Joe 2:30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

Joe 2:31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come.

Knowing that our Father is not or never is the author of confusion should help us with our understanding for if we call these supernatural things symbolism causes much confusion. The bible is not open to interpretation so therefore we show take seriously the words from our Father's Lips. Wouldn't you agree? These things that we are reading about in Revelation have all happened before and therefore they can most certainly happen again.

I think Bullinger said it best, "To all this we have one simple remark to make — We prefer to believe God's own special interpretation of His own judgments, in the plain literal sense of the words." - Bullinger, E.W.. The Apocalypse

Rev 8:7 The first angel sounded,

Verse 7 The earth smitted with hail and fire. Litereally.

and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth:

In Egypt the seventh plague was "hail, and fire mingled with the hail" (Ex 9:22 - 28), and plants of the earth were smitten in (verses 31, 32). My friends it is definitely going to happen again but much worse then what we saw in Egypt. Again watch for the signs.

Verse 7 The third part of the trees destroyed.

and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

Ch. 8:8 The Second Trumpet

Rev 8:8 And the second angel sounded,

Verse 8 The Sea Smitted by a burning mountain.

and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea:

This burning mountain which is cast into the sea is not necessarily an actual mountain but it is as it were meaning that it is like a mountain. Could this possibly be a meteor, or a super volcanic eruption? Probably not for God would have told us that it was as such directly. It is a firey mass like a mountain meaning a huge firey object cast into the sea and turning it to blood. In Exo 8:20 this very same thing happened just open your Bibles and read it for yourself...

Exo 8:20 And the LORD said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.

In Ps. 105:29 it is written, "He turned their waters into blood"; also in Psa 78:44 And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink. So what is the problem here? Perhaps these higher critics have let there educations get the best of them or maybe God just has the blinders on these poor souls for their own protection, either way the interpreters are wrong as they almost always are. Stick with God's interpretation and you will be O.K.!

From this verse we do not know for sure what this giant firey object that will turn the sea into blood will be but what we can be sure of is a third part of the sea will be destroyed including all living or dwelling in or on it. We also do not know if this is rerferring to a smaller sea like the Mediterranean sea or a reference to the entire earth's oceans. Regardless we are to watch for the signs.

Verse 8 A Third Part of the sea became blood.

and the third part of the sea became blood;

This is not some oil spill or event that has happened in our past. Like all the trumps they have yet to occur. Some preachers including myself in the past would have you believe that we are living in the 5^th trump and all the previous trumps have already occurred. This is false doctrine. I am telling you and as you can see clearly from the word that not one of these trumps have occurred. I apologize for misleading you in the past I never meant to deceive you but I was just unlearned concerning this subject and guilty of interpretation when all along God explains what He means beautifully and better then anyone else could. Many teachers like to make it more complicated that it really is, they think that it makes them important that they've aquired some secret knowledge even though they have not and in the process have completely missed the truth that is staring them in the face. The fact of the matter is these visions, seals trumps and vials all occur in sequential and chronological order. If you can count to seven you are capable of figuring them out. Remember to always prove what I or any preacher may tell you with the Word that is your Holy Bible. The Bible is the Only Authority on these things it proves itself every time so use it and learn. This is why it is so important that everyone read there bibles regularly. Make it part of your daily regiment. So pay attention these trumps which are in the future all happen chronologically in order. It's a no-brainer even a young child could figure it out.

Verse 8 Death of the Living Creatures On and In The Sea.

Rev 8:9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

A third part of all living creatures will be destroyed whether it be people on boats or the fish, mammals and life within the sea itself. Pray that you are not on the ocean during the 2^nd trump.

Verse 10 The Third Trumpet.

Rev 8:10 And the third angel sounded,

Verse 10, 11- The waters smitten by a Star Falling.

and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters;

The word lamp is actually a torch and not a lamp. Whatever this star is it is great and lit on one end much like a torch. The Greek word is Lampas or torch rather than Luchnos which means lamp. In Jer 9:13-15 it says, "Behold I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink." also in Jer. 23:15, Lam3:15, Jer. 8:14 & 9:15 as well. The plagues of Egypt caused that "the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river". Ex. 7:18 – 24 which is literal and did happen; therefore, this will be literal as well.

We know from Rev 6;13 that stars are prophesied to fall from Heaven. Rev 6:13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. This star although great it will be considerably smaller than the firey mountain-like object and it will only be burning on one end rather then all over like the mountain.

What it is exactly we cannot be sure; however, it will be enormous it will damage the rivers and the waters. It is possible that the rivers meaning the Euphrates and surrounding rivers, however, it could also be all the rivers of the earth as well. We are to pay attention and to look for the signs rather than interpret scripture.

Rev 8:11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood:

Wormwood means bitter and comes from the Greek word: apsinthos or absinthe

Verse 11 A Third part of the waters made bitter.

and the third part of the waters became wormwood;

Wormwood meaning bitter or undrinkable. Ash resulting from a large impact could very well be the reason for the destruction of the waters. Many like to align the tronoble melt down as being this particular trump however that cannot be for the other trumps have yet to sound. Again if we keep it simple and know that each trump follow another we can avoid being deceived by the vain imaginings of man. I can assure you that this event will be a much more significant of a catastrophe than anything that we have seen here on earth thus far.

Verse 11 Death Of Men Because of This Star

and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

This is literal just like in Exodus. The water will be undrinkable. This will be a terrible time indeed.

Ch. 8:12 The Fourth Trumpet.

Rev 8:12 And the fourth angel sounded,

and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.

We are to look for signs of His coming in the Sun, Moon and Stars.

Luk 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;

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

Mar 13:24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,

The Old Testament even foretold us of these things:

Isa 5:30 And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.

Ch. 8:13 – 9:12 THE FIFTH TRUMPET & First Woe.

Rev 8:13 And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!

Notice that there are 3 Woes; one from each of the 3 Angles that are about to sound.

Here we are about to see the sounding of the 5^th trumpet which is also the first woe trump which means that the next trumps will be much worse than the previous 4.

In the RV The Word Angel is translated differently it says The Eagle. The Eagle and its cry separates the first four trumps from the last three. This Eagle speaks much like Balaam's ass spoke. God can make anything happen therefore I think it is best to take this as literal in that this eagle will be giving the warning from mid-heaven. Again watch for the signs for they will be great.

The Falling Star, The Pit of The Abyss (Abussos) and The Locusts:

Rev 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

This star that will fall from heaven is none other than Satan or Lucifer who's name when translated means the bright and morning star. This is the time that Michael the Archangel will kick Lucifer out of heaven; that is, releasing him from his binds and allowing him to once again dwell on the Earth. Satan is given the key to the bottomless pit in which is a type of subterranean prison in which his fallen angles have been chained to in darkness.This key that Lucifer is given has the ability to open up the pit.

The entire great judgment period, covered by the Trumpets and Vials, is given in two pairs of Visions of these events 1. "in Heaven" and 2. "on Earth." The 2nd Vision "in Heaven" (8:1 - 6) involves the opening of the seventh Seal while The 2nd Vision "on Earth" (8:7 – 11:14) contains the effects of the opening; that is, the first six Trumpets. The 3rd Vision "in Heaven" (6:15 - 19 -) shows us the Sounding of the Seventh Trump. The 3rd Vision "on Earth" (6:19) explains the effects of its sounding. Then (in CH. 7) we are taken back to a time before (chap. 4); while the sequence of the Trumpet and Vial judgments is given in order to show the parenthesis of their breaking up. The Trumpets & Vials are continuous once they start. It is only the details of them (not the order of them) which is explained, in order to allow of the important information needed showing there necessity. The digression begins at chap. 12:1 and is continues on to 15:8. Then after that the description of the Vials is again taken up giving the results "on Earth" of the sounding of the seventh Trump. These Vial Judgments are continuous from 16:1 – 18:24, which concludes their purpose, and issues in the Revelation of Jesus Christ from Heaven in all His glory (CH. 19). Now let's look at the Second Vision "on Earth," which runs from 8. 7 - 11. 14.

Here we have the first six Trumps. The six refer to the earth; the seventh has to do with the Third Vision "in heaven." Also with the Seals: six refers to the earth, and the seventh was opened "in heaven." It is the same with the Seven Trumpets; six Trumpets refer to the earth, the seventh refers to heaven. They are divided into four and three: the four (8:7 - 12) being linked together, and the last three (8:13 – 11:14) being the three "Woe" Trumps.

The first four Trumpets and their results are recorded briefly; while the last three are set forth in great detail. The four occupy only seven verses; the last three some fifty verses. The first of the four affects the earth; the fourth affects the heavens; while the second and third affect the waters of the earth. Therefore all is recorded clear as day and the events in each should be taken literally and not as symbolism.

Rev 9:2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

The bottomless pit is not referring to Hell, Hades, Sheol, Gehenna or Even Tarshish but it is actually made up of two Greek words: ἄβυσσος

abussos

ab'-us-sos

From G1 which is alpha the first letter of the alphabet (as a negative particle) and a variation of G1037 Buthos; depthless, that is, (specifically), (infernal) “abyss”: - deep, (bottomless) pit.

And also the word pit which comes from: φρέαρ

phrear

freh'-ar

Of uncertain derivation; a hole in the ground (dug for obtaining or holding water or other purposes), that is, a cistern or well; figuratively an abyss (as a prison): - well, pit.

So what we are talking about is is a deep, fiery and bottomless abyss or pit with an allusion to it be subterranean or underneath the Earth. The book of Enoch actually goes into further detail about this sub-terrestrial prison but we will not glean from the Apocrypha for the purposes of this study we will stick with actual scripture.

What John envisions here in Revelation concerns the Earth in general and not some particular location. These judgments corresponds with the eighth and ninth plagues of Egypt in the Book of Exodus Ch. 5 Verse. 5, where Moses threatened that the locusts should "cover the face of the earth, that one cannot be able to see the earth."

Rev 9:3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

These locusts are extraordinary. The locusts that came in the plagues of Egypt were also unusual, for scripture states that "before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such" - Ex. 10:14. Regular locusts have "no king" according to Prov. 30:27; However, these locusts do have a king and his name is given in verse 11. From their description, they appear to be some kind of Infernal Cherubim. The horse, the man, the lion, and the scorpion are combined in them. They are locusts, they are supernatural and they cannot be killed. Any other attempt at describing them would leave us at the mercy of Man's interpretation.

Rev 9:4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

Vegetation is normally the object of the consumption and destruction that is brought on by locusts; however, in this particular instance these locust are designed to harm people who do not have the seal of God in their forehead.

Rev 9:5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man.

These locusts cannot kill man but they can harm them or more specifically torment them for a 5 mos. Period. The torment that they are able to inflict is comparable to that of the scorpions sting. You see a scorpion rarely kills a man when they sting them however when they do hunt there pray they sting them and while doing so they inject their digestive juices into their victim virtually turning their preys body into there stomach digesting them from the inside out. Once the juices have done there work they then can suck the juices from their victims body. Now when the scorpion stings a human being it causes great harm; stomach cramps, rashes, throbbing pain, infection and necrosis of the flesh. Most people do not die from the sting of a scorpion but the torment of their sting makes one wish that they we're dead due to the duration of their symptoms and suffering.

Rev 9:6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.

Rev 9:7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.

Apparently these Locust powerful and well equipped for battle like war horses. They have the faces of men which means they look like men.

Rev 9:8 And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.

Having the had hair as the hair of women could possibly mean that they are attractive and having the teeth of lions probably means that they are dangerous or even deadly. This could mean that we are talking about the Fallen angels but I would not count out the possibility that these are actually a unique and terrible type of locust. However the word "Torment" applies in a special manner to demons according to Matt. 8:29; Rev. 14:10, 11; 20:10. The duration of this plague is fixed. It is to last "five months." which is the duration of the time of the locust which is from May to September. A similar fixed date is given in Num. 11:19, 20: "a whole month." In 2 Sam. 24:13, we also have "seven years," "three months," and "three days," as the fixed limit of particular judgments. Thesedurations or periods of time are all taken literally so should this time of these particular locusts. Joel Chapter 2 describes similar locust.

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

This verse describes the sound of their wings being so many of them that they sound like a legion of horses and chariots running to battle.

Rev 9:10 And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.

These locusts are from the bottomless pit and here we have confirmation that they will have the power to torment people without the seal of God in their foreheads for 5 mos. We also have a further description of them that was alluded to in verse 5.

Rev 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.

These infernal locusts that come up from the bottomless pit are unique in that they actually have a king and here the king is named and His name is Satan. We are given this kings name in two different languages.

Rev 9:12 One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.

This verse is pretty much self explanatory the first woe is over and two more are coming.

Rev 9:13 And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,

Rev 9:14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.

Here we have the 2^nd woe trump as well as we can see the Four angles being loosed from there chains of eternal darkness and set forth on the great river Euphrates at the sixth Trumpet. God has His own army and Satan has his own as well and in these last three woe trumps we are seeing the final events in the battle between these two forces. Even though Satan is the king of this locust army Satan does have chief luetienents or officers perhaps abbadon is one of those Satan uses rather than having Abbadon or Appolyon being just another title for Satan. These four angles are fallen ones that have been in imprisoned in chains of eternal darkness like we see in

Jud 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

And also in...

2Pe 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

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

In verse 15 we are given a frame of time as well as the purpose of these four angels. This is the judgement in which these four angels were reserved unto chains of darkness for. They were not only reserved to be judged but they are also reserved to execute God's judgements. There are other "in-prison spirits" such as spoken of in 1 Pet. 3:19, to whom Christ's triumph was proclaimed at the resurrection, not for their comfort or blessing, but for the proclamation that the price of Redemption had been paid by His work on the cross which should hereafter be celebrated in Rev. 5 when the worthiness of the Lamb that was slain shall be proclaimed, not only to Tartarus, but to all of God's Creation.

Rev 9:16 And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.

We talking about legions of spiritual beings and not human riders on horseback. This is the description of these supernatural beings. They come from below and we know of nothing like them.

Rev 9:17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.

Rev 9:18 By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.

Rev 9:19 For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.

Here we have horses that are spirit, and not flesh just like Jer. 8:17, YHVH says "Behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which will not be charmed, and they shall bite you, saith the Lord"

Rev 9:20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:

We do not know who these men are by this verse however, we can assume that they were guilty of some form of idolatry which is what works of their hands generally refers to in scripture. This form of idolatry is of the worse kind and that is the worship of demons. So you can bet we are not talking about the church here.

Rev 9:21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.

The sorceries spoken of in this verse are the dealings of men with spirits, following and being mislead by the teaching of the fallen angels, demons as well as deceiving spirits 1 Tim. 4:1. The word occurs only here, 18:23, and Gal. 5:20, where it is called "witchcraft." It is also used of Egyptian sorceries. Exod. 7:22 and also of the Babylonian Is. 47:9, 12.

Rev 10:1 And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:

Rev 10:2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,

Here we are still under the consequences of the sixth Trumpet. It is not until Rev. 11:14, that we have the announcement of the "second woe" trump as being "past." If CH. 7 is directly related to the sixth Seal, then CH. 10 - 14 are in direct relation to the sixth Trump. Continuing in the same prophecy of judgment, yet it introduces new details previously unmentioned that are connected with that particular judgment; as well as new subjects and phases related to it. This Trumpet is not from the angels but a much more powerful one; in particular, Christ. He comes from the heavens above descending on a cloud to bring judgements to the antichrist whom rose from the pit who was clouded in smoke. Christ is coming to claim His victory.

The Book that is opened takes us back to Ch. 5 demonstrating now that the only thing left is the blowing of the seventh Trump; that is, the final trump.

Rev 10:3 And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices.

Rev 10:4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.

Here we see a shout of Power proclaiming the coming judgement. The prophet Jeremiah foretold of this Cry or shout from the Lord:

Jer 25:29 For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts.

Jer 25:30 Therefore prophesy thou against them all these words, and say unto them, The LORD shall roar from on high, and utter his voice from his holy habitation; he shall mightily roar upon his habitation; he shall give a shout, as they that tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.

Jer 25:31 A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; for the LORD hath a controversy with the nations, he will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the LORD.

Nobody will be unpunished the wicked need to beware! A voice from Heaven answers immediately to keep secret those things which are revealed by the seven Thunders therefore John new and understood what was revealed by them.

Rev 10:5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,

Rev 10:6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer:

Here we see the prayers and cries of the saints and martyrs avenged without any delay. The trumpets and the vial judgements are the answer to those cries for vengeance.

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

The seventh angel is Jesus Christ. And with this sounding of the seventh Trump we have the commencement of the seven Vials which will be poured out consecutively.These are the final judgements that God had kept secret until this time.

Rev 10:8 And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again, and said, Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.

Rev 10:9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.

Rev 10:10 And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up; and it was in my mouth sweet as honey: and as soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bitter.

Rev 10:11 And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

The eating of the book has is similar to Ezek. 2:9 and 3:3 where Ezekiel ate the roll of the book given to him, and it was in his mouth as honey for sweetness. The bitterness described in verse 14, states, "I went in bitterness and in the heat of my spirit." "Eating" which is a Hebrew idiom for receiving knowledge. Ezekiel ate that he might speak of God's words Ezek. 3:4. In John 6, the eating and drinking of Christ is described as believing on Him.

In the last sentence it says... "They say unto me," that is to say, the Angel and the other voices which spoke previously claim that , "thou must prophesy again against peoples,"

In the following chapters CH. 11 - 28 these prophecies are made clear. The contrast between "kings" and "nations" and "peoples" show us that we can't take these kings as systems religious or political but should take them literally as what they say they are.

Chapter 11 1-14 The Two Witnesses

Here in Verse 1 and 2 we see the measuring of the Temple.

Here we are seeing the 2^nd Vision in Heaven which includes the 6 Trumps which are divided into 3 parts:

The Immediate judgments or plagues which follow the sounding of their trumpets as in CH. 9:13-21. Then we see "another mighty Angel;" Their oath and the little book CH. 10:1-11 & The Two Witnesses of CH. 11:1-14.

These three connect continuously and come to a close. It is the same Angel who commands John in every instance: To Rise and Measure, to Seal up and to Take and eat the little book.Chapter 11 is the final command Though Shalt Prophesy.

The witnesses are a confirmation of the faith of God's people who are at that time on the earth, as well as the "dwellers on the earth" letting them know that the end is near, and the interval of delay will last "no longer."

The angel takes possession with the planting of his feet on the sea and on the earth, John takes possession by measuring out part of the territory occupied; and The Two Witnesses take possession by prophesying with divine power.

The sixth trump just like the sixth seal shows that God's people will be protected from the eternal destruction. CH. 11:1-14 show the completion of the sixth trump and the second woe. The seventh trump follows and expands itself into the pouring out of the 7 vials of God's wrath.

Rev 11:1 And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

This reed is a measuring rod given to John to measure a portion of the temple of God that will sit in Jeruselem. The antichrist will set himself up as god and sit on it's throne.

2Th 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

The Abomination of Desolation is to be set up there:

Mat 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Although the temple will be defiled by Satan it will be cleansed and rebuilt. You may want to note that Satan will be sitting in this temple for what appears to be a period of seven years. What seems to be the final seven years of a period of approximately 40 years.

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

The Court of the Temple is distinguished from the actual temple itself. The former is owned by God; the latter is rejected and given over to the gentiles. The differences are cleared up in Luke 1:22.

Luk 1:22 And when he came out, he could not speak unto them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple: for he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless.

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

Here we see the two witnesses their endowment and testimony.

Rev 11:4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

Rev 11:5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

Rev 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

In verses 5 & 6 we see the two witnesses Judgments on their enemies and the elements

Rev 11:7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.

Rev 11:8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

Rev 11:9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.

Rev 11:10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

In verses 7-10 we see the two witnesses sufferings

Rev 11:11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.

Rev 11:12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.

Verses 11 & 12 show the two witnesses reward for their faith and good works in performing the judgments on the evil people.

Rev 11:13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

Here in verse 13 we see their avengement for their deaths in the street.

Rev 11:14 The second woe is past; and, behold, the third woe cometh quickly.

Now comes the third and final woe without any delay.

Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Rev 11:16 And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,

Rev 11:17 Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.

Rev 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.

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

©2014 Pastor Joshua Lewis